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.

In real life:

It’s been a crazy week! My husband had a medical procedure (he’s fine, thanks!) and I took a few days off work so I could be home for things like fetching ice packs and plumping up pillows. He’s a reader too, so besides hanging out with hubby, there was lots of book time!

What did I read last week?

Son by Lois Lowry: The final book in The Giver Quartet — and I’m so glad I finally revisited this series! I’d read The Giver ages ago, but re-read it this year when my kiddo had to read it for school. I really enjoyed all four books, and thought the final one, Son, was particularly strong, except for a particular plot element that felt more fairy-tale-ish than the rest of the story. Still, a great wrap-up with some memorable characters and events. If you haven’t finished the series, I really recommend it!

The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem by Sarit Yishai-Levi: Done! My review is here.

Wink Poppy Midnight by April Genevieve Tucholke: Done! My review is here.

My book group’s discussion of A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler is coming up this week, and I managed to read the book over the weekend (surprised by how quickly it went). What a terrific read! My review is here.

In audiobooks, I finished listening to Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children — a totally fun way to revisit the book before continuing the series. The audiobook narration was quite good, but I’m glad I had a hard copy available as well for looking at all the pictures as the story moved along.

Outlander update!

Season 2 rocks! Here’s my reaction post for the 2nd episode, “Not In Scotland Anymore”:

Insta-Reaction: Outlander, Season 2, Episode 2

Elsewhere on the blog:

I wrote a TV Time post about binge-watching the new Starz series, The Girlfriend Experience. It was quite an… um… experience.

Fresh Catch:

I received a review copy of a book I can’t wait to read!

Seriously, it looks amazing!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Next up, I have an ARC of The Midnight Watch by David Dyer. I’m a sucker for anything to do with the Titanic, and the first few pages have already sucked me in.

Now playing via audiobook:

I love Harry Potter to bits and pieces (who doesn’t?) — and decided that it’s about time that I finally listen to the audiobooks! I’m about 6 chapters into book 1, and the audio is delightful. Of course.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…