My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

What did I read last week?

Quite an interesting mix of books this past week:

The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey:  My review is here.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: I’ve been talking about re-reading this book for years. I read it during high school (just like everyone else, probably)… and had only the vaguest memory of what it was actually about. Two-word review: Loved it! I’m so glad I finally picked it up off my shelf and gave myself the time and space to enjoy it. Incredibly moving story, beautiful writing… To Kill a Mockingbird is a modern classic for a reason. Not only am I thrilled to have read it again finally, but I’m also now super-charged by the idea of revisiting bunches of “required reading” books. I’ll be making a list shortly, and I’m sure I’ll be sharing it here on the blog once I do.

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black: My review is here.

And in graphic novels:

The War at Ellsmere by Faith Erin Hicks: Terrific. Faith Erin Hicks is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors. I’ve read and loved two other of her books (Friends With Boys and The Adventures of Superhero Girl)… and I’m so excited that her next project, due out later in 2015, is a collaboration with Rainbow Rowell!

Off-line:

Ouch! I did something to my back this week… which totally put me off my game in terms of reading and reviewing. My concentration was completely shot, and I ended up sitting out my book group’s discussion because I couldn’t focus enough to contribute anything beyond “good book!”. But I’m feeling better now (thanks for asking!) and should be back to my bookish routines shortly.

Fresh Catch:

Two new books arrived this week:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

After reading a ton of YA fiction so far this month, I’m switching gears a bit and hoping to catch up with a few adult contemporary novels, starting with Silver Bay by Jojo Moyes.

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m actually in between audiobooks at the moment. I listened to an Outlander-related novella earlier in the week, started To Kill a Mockingbird on audio but got impatient with the pace and had to switch to print, and right now I’m waiting for one of my hold audiobooks to come in at the library. Normally, I’d be incredibly frustrated by having nothing to listen to, but since my exercise routine was disrupted this week because of my stupid back, I haven’t missed having an audiobook quite as much.

Reading with my kiddo:

The Expeditioners and the Secret of King Triton’s Lair by S. S. Taylor: Good book! We’re at about the halfway point now. I really recommend picking up the first book The Expeditioners and the Treasure of Drowned Man’s Cavern, if you think you might enjoy a great adventure story with a Jules Verne-esque feel to it.

Book club reading:

Classic read: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy. (One chapter per week)

A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon: Reading and discussing two chapters per week, from now through the end of 2015!

OBC Book of the Month: Henna House by Nomi Eve. The discussion is up and running, and anyone can join in! Plus, author Nomi Eve will be answering questions for us this week.

Want to join any of the group reads? Let me know and I’ll provide the links!

So many book, so little time…