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:
Yesterday, my baby turned 14, and today he starts high school. I may have a tear or two in my eyes, but he’s totally ready to get on with it (and tells me to stop being such a dork about it all).
What did I read last week?
I was away again for a week, so I had lot of time to curl up with good books! I haven’t written a book review in ages, but here’s what I’ve read recently:
Bad Blood by Dana Stabenow: The 20th book in the Kate Shugak series is also the last one published… and now I’m done! Bad Blood ends with a major cliffhanger — so unfair! So now we readers have to just sit and wait until whenever #21 is published, which leaves me feeling like:
Also read:
Bag of Bones by Stephen King: Loved it. It’s a longer book, and was perfect beach reading. Creepy, spooky, touching, scary — lots of trademark King, and call me crazy, but his books always seem to work perfectly for me as vacation reading.
The Accident by Chris Pavone: A super engrossing and entertaining spy thriller, with lots of twists and surprises. This is the third book I’ve read by this author, and they’ve all been terrific!
Last but not least, I read Before the Fall by Noah Hawley, which maybe wasn’t the best choice right before getting on a plane… but was a damned good book about a plane crash and its aftermath. Review to follow, once I catch my breath.
Pop Culture Goodness:
I stayed up until midnight and waited through online queues to buy tickets to…
Much jumping for joy!!! I don’t have the travel details at all worked out yet, but my daughter and I will be heading to London next June to see Harry Potter!
Fresh Catch:
All sorts of new books this week. First, my book group did a book/gift exchange, and here’s what I received (lucky me!)
Plus, a whole bunch of library holds came in at once:
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Memory Wall by Lev AC Rosen: The upcoming new release from a can’t-miss author! Stay tuned for a blog feature about The Memory Wall!
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain: I won this in a Goodreads giveaway this spring, and I’m finally settling down to read it. I’ve heard such good things!
Now playing via audiobook:
I still have quite a ways to go, but I’m whole-heartedly enjoying the Goblet of Fire audiobook.
Ongoing reads:
My book group is reading and discussing two chapters per week of Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!
And… our new classic read is A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway! We start today with chapter one, and I’m so excited!
So many books, so little time…
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Bookshelf Fantasies 
You have some great books listed. Fun post. Happy Reading!
Thank you! I hope you have a great reading week too!
I’m reading The Goblet of Fire on Kindle right now, and really enjoying it.
That little girl is too adorable, too. I’m going to feel that way when I’m done with the HP books. 🙂
Is this your first time reading the HP books? Enjoy!!!
Ahhh, highschool! That’s very emotional for a mama, I’m sure. I can’t even fathom kindergarten at this point LOL
Ha, kindergarten doesn’t seem like all that long ago to me… but he wouldn’t even pose for the traditional 1st day of school photo this morning!
Hi Lisa, I’m reading Beryl Markham’s book, West with the Night, right now (Circling the Sun is next on my list). The writing is effortless and beautiful, what a book! I don’t have the vocabulary to recommend it strongly enough. On the back of the book, is an excerpt from a letter by Hemingway in which he praises the writing, Saying “she can write rings around those of us who consider ourselves writers.” Here’s a recent review (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102496707). My recommendation is to read it before Circling the Sun.
How funny — I read West with the Night so many years ago, and remember loving it, though I don’t remember many details. I was just wondering whether I should revisit that one before diving into Circling the Sun. I think you’ve confirmed for me that I should! Thanks. 🙂
It will go well with your Hemmingway!