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 an insanely busy week at work, and at home, I’ve been busy getting my kiddo ready for three weeks of sleepaway camp. Laundry, ironing on name tags, packing… it’s the annual ritual, lots of fun, but always with last-minute frenzy, no matter how well prepared we are. Still, as of yesterday, the kid is on his way, and pretty soon, I’ll be leaving on a trip of my own.
He and I did manage to finish our big huge Buffy watch this week (a re-watch for me, first time for him), and it was amazing! I’ll never get tired of Buffy, and it was so much fun to introduce another of my kids to one of my favorite geeky pleasures.
Meanwhile, back to the books…
What did I read last week?
A Night Too Dark by Dana Stabenow: Kate Shugak, #17. Yes, I’m obsessed.
Though Not Dead by Dana Stabenow: The 18th Kate Shugak book was amazing! I’m always impressed when an author can keep a series going for so long and still present fresh and exciting storylines and great character development. Man, do I love this series.
Rainwater by Sandra Brown: I’ve never read a Sandra Brown book before — I associate her with the romance genre, which I usually avoid. Rainwater was a book group pick and I felt compelled to read it… and ended up enjoying it! I’ll write up my thoughts to share in the next few days.
And a DNF — I started a book that I’d featured as a Shelf Control pick recently (Alison Wonderland), and realized that it just did not appeal to me at all. I gave it 20 pages, then added it to the book swap shelf at work. Maybe someone else will enjoy it…
Outlander update!
Excuse me while I wipe away the tears still running down my face…
Season 2 came to an end this weekend with a powerful season finale episode. Unfortunately, what with all of my real life craziness, I wasn’t able to watch the finale until late Sunday… so no reaction post just yet. But wow – what a great wrap-up to an amazing, heartbreaking season.
Fresh Catch:
Well, yes, I did get some new books this week. So much good stuff!
Two older Stephen Kings books, one new-in-paperback novel that looks great…
… and two graphic novels that I’m really excited about:
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
I’m about to leave on vacation, and have been working hard on whittling down my stack of vacation reading! Here’s what I’m pretty sure I’m going to start with… and yes, about 4 more books plus my Kindle are all coming along with me on my travels.
Now playing via audiobook:
This audiobook is awesome! It’s narrated by Wil Wheaton, and it’s making me laugh pretty much nonstop, which I really needed this week! Unfortunately, I think I’ll have to leave it on pause for a couple of weeks while I’m traveling, but I’ll be looking forward to picking it back up ASAP.
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…
Bookshelf Fantasies 