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.
Life.
Aaaaaaand… another school year gets underway. Today is the first day of 10th grade for my kiddo. Where did the summer go? I’m not sure who’s dreading the homework routine more, me or him.
What did I read last week?
Lagoon by Nnedi Okorafor: Very unusual science fiction. My review is here.
The Arrangement by Sarah Dunn: Contemporary fiction that’s not quite as funny as it tries to be. My review is here.
In audiobooks:
I finished listening to The Butterfly Effect by Jon Ronson. It’s an interesting look at today’s porn industry — specifically, the easy availability of free porn and its “butterfly effect” — all the various (and sometimes surprising) ways in which lives and industries have been changed in the years since porn became so readily available on the internet. There are some sad and disturbing bits, but also some moments that are unexpectedly funny or touching. Jon Ronson makes for an engaging narrator. Worth a listen (and currently available as a free download via Audible).
Fresh Catch:
I already had a free Kindle edition of Ivanhoe… but then someone in my book group mentioned seeing an edition with an introduction by Diana Gabaldon… and, well, you can guess what happened next.
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
I’m flipping back and forth between two books right now:
- Rules of Civility by Amor Towles — my book group’s pick for August, and I’m loving it. About 50 pages still to go.
- Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann — still working my way through this non-fiction book, slowly. I have one more week until it’s due back at the library. Better get cracking… or throw in the towel.
Now playing via audiobook:
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray: I read this book years ago — and to be honest, didn’t love it. But, I’ve heard good things about the trilogy as a whole, and thought I should give it another try. So far, I’m enjoying the narrator, and the story is pretty good. I can’t remember yet why I didn’t like it too much the first time around!
Ongoing reads:
Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott: My book group’s new classic read! We’re doing two chapters per week, and we’re off to a great start.
So many books, so little time…
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Bookshelf Fantasies 
Ivanhoe and I parted company after 3 years of a failure-to-commit relationship. The break-up was mutual. He wasn’t that into me, either. Although there are wonderful memories, there are others too close to the heart to share. In short: Good luck!
Ha, thanks! Sounds like some of my previous bookish relationships — but I have high hopes that this one might be a keeper! 🙂
I hope so. Generations have loved it.