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.
Reading goals
Or should that be: #readinggoals (???)
Nah, I’m not really a fan of random hashtags. In any case, I kind of swore to myself that I’d request fewer ARCs and concentrate more on my existing stacks of books, plus focus on reading whatever the hell I feel like at all times… and yet, I already have 18 (yes, 18) ARCs lined up to read between now and the beginning of June. So, trying to meet my obligations as well as stick to my plan, my current plan of attack is to read one ARC per week, more or less in sync with the books’ release dates, and read according to my whims in between all those ARCs. Will this plan stick? We shall see.
What did I read during the last week?
I read two works by Josh Malerman — a novel (Bird Box) and a novella (A House at the Bottom of a Lake), and really liked them both. I’m probably the only person who hasn’t watched the Netflix version of Bird Box yet, but as soon as I do, I plan to write up some thoughts on the book and the movie.
I wrote one book review this week:
The Nowhere Child by Christian White: A contemporary thriller set in both Australia and Kentucky. My review is here.
I also finished In An Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire late Sunday, and loved it (just like the rest of the books in the Wayward Children series). I’ll write up my thoughts a bit later in the week.
Outlander, baby!
I’m writing reaction posts for each episode of season 4. Last week’s post went up a little later than usual – check it out:
Episode 410, “The Deep Heart’s Core” (aired 1/6/2019) – the post is here.
And here’s the newest:
Episode 411, “If Not For Hope” (aired 1/13/2019) – my reaction post is here.
Pop culture goodness:
More Game of Thrones! The kiddo and I are about halfway through season 4. He’s loving it, and I’m loving having a good excuse to rewatch the entire series.
Fresh Catch:
I picked up a couple more books for my Great American Read challenge:
… and treated myself to one more new release that I’ve been wanting:
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Roomies by Christina Lauren: I picked this up at the library on a whim, because there’s never a bad time for a Christina Lauren pick-me-up.
Now playing via audiobook:
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon: This is just so frickin’ adorable! I’m about halfway through – can’t wait to hear the rest.
Ongoing reads:
Two ongoing reads with my book group:
- A Plague of Zombies by Diana Gabaldon: Continuing our journey through all of the Lord John books and stories.
- Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston: Our next classic read starts the end of January. Can’t wait!
So many books, so little time…
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Bookshelf Fantasies 
i’m so behind on my NetGalley books, I’m worried they will ban me! I see Bird Box everywhere I look – I did not know it was a book too. Haven’t watched it yet. It’s always great to see what you’re up to, Lisa. BTW, just read a book that was set in San Francisco (Frog Music – Emma Donoghue) It was very gritty, though, not a light read. Happy Monday!
Thanks for your comment — I was just about to read your Frog Music review! I’ve had my eye on that book for years. Gotta love a San Francisco setting!
I’m dying to read The Gown! Not sure I can fit it in, since I have a LOT of ARCs as well, but I love anything to do with the royals😊
Something about the description of The Gown really drew me to it… now to find time to actually read it!
“because there’s never a bad time for a Christina Lauren pick-me-up” – that is absolutely true! I loved Roomies especially though because I’m a sucker for fake relationships turned real ❤
I’m only about 100 pages into Roomies, but the characters are really fun so far!