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.

A programming note:

Bookshelf Fantasies may be in semi-silent mode for the next week, as I have a big family event coming up. Lots of relatives coming to town, lots of logistics, lots of scurrying from point A to point B to point C. You probably won’t see me blogging much this week, but never fear! My regular features, Shelf Control and Thursday Quotables, will be happening on schedule, just like always. Anyway, please forgive me in advance if I’m slow at responding to comments or otherwise absent. I’ll catch you on the flip side!

What did I read last week?

Due to the craziness chez moi, I’ve barely read a thing all week, and I anticipate more of the same for the week to come. I did manage to finish one book:

Northanger Abbey by Val McDermid: Quite a fun reimagining of the Austen classic. Check out my review, here.

In addition to which, I made my way through a terrific audiobook:

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear: My review is here.

Fresh Catch:

This week’s new arrivals:

So excited for both of these!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Unfortunate Decisions of Dahlia Moss by Max Wirestone: I wanted light and fluffy since my concentration is shot this week — but as of the 50% mark, I’m feeling like this might be even lighter and fluffier than I can really take. We shall see.

Now playing via audiobook:

During my year of Austen, I listened to all of Jane Austen’s books via audio except Pride and Prejudice. Maybe because this is the Austen novel that I’ve already read the most times, I wasn’t feeling drawn to the audiobook — and the fact that this is the only one not narrated by Juliet Stevenson was a deterrent as well. Well, I guess I’m over it! Again, basing decisions on my lack of ability to fully concentrate this week, I figured that something I was already very familiar with would be the best bet for my next listen, and you know what? It’s a great choice! I’m enjoying the P&P audio quite a bit when I have time to listen, but don’t feel any pressure to give it more attention than I can easily spare. Win!

Ongoing reads:

Moving right along! Two chapters per week for each book, as part of discussions with the Outlander Book Club. We’ll wrap up both in December!

So many book, so little time…