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.
What did I read last week?
Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King and Owen King: At some point, I became convinced that I was stuck in some sort of weird time loop in which I was forever reading Sleeping Beauties… but finally, after 8 days and 700 pages, I’m done! I’ll write up some thoughts to share in the next few days.
Outlander !!
My reaction post for the 4th episode is here. Stay tuned for more — my reaction post for episode 5 will be up in a day or two.
Here’s a peek at episode 5:
Fresh Catch:
I went on an EBay spree and ordered a bunch of Georgette Heyer books. Here’s what’s arrived so far:
And 3 or 4 more are on the way!
Also, a wonderful coworker (and friend) gave me an Amazon gift card a couple of weeks ago for a birthday present, and here’s what I ended up treating myself to:
I can see hours and hours of blissful nerding out in my future.
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
LaRose by Louise Erdrich: Just starting! I’ve really been looking forward to this one.
Now playing via audiobook:
The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman: Book three of the His Dark Materials trilogy — should be done later this week. The full-cast recording is really remarkably good.
Ongoing reads:
Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott: My book group’s classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week.
Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon: Outlander Book Club is doing a Lord John readalong — we’ll be reading all of the Lord John novels and stories in story chronology. Let me know if you’d like to participate! All are welcome.
So many books, so little time…
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Bookshelf Fantasies 
Awaiting the review of ‘Sleeping Beauties’.
Still trying to wrap my head around it — stay tuned!
I have also been reading the same book for what seems like forever, and I have finally finished it. Thank goodness!
I’ve only read Ivanhoe once, but I thought it was really interesting!
What was your “forever” book?
Hild by Nicola Griffith. It’s really long and not much happens. The protagonist spends a lot of time not talking to anyone and sitting around pondering things like birds and trees….
Oh boy. I’ve seen good reviews, but it sounds like one I can skip.
Yeah, I was looking at Goodreads, and the reviews are pretty divided. I noticed a lot of people did like it, but I thought the author focused too much on showcasing her research and building an atmosphere. Hild also didn’t believe anything she ever said to anyone; it was all for her own political gain. And that seemed an odd character interpretation for someone who was well-respected and later became a nun…
Talk about your forever books. This summer I read the 5 books of the GOT series back to back–cluelessly thinking that was the complete series.
Ha! I read the five books of the GOT series all in a row as well — but it’s been so long by now that when the 6th book finally comes out, I may have to start from scratch (or at the very least re-read #5).
😂 When 6 comes out I think I’ll have to rent the disks instead!