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.
Three day weekend! It’s so nice to get an extra day to relax, chill, and read, especially when the sun is shining!
What did I read during the last week?
Westside by W. M. Akers: Boy, did I not enjoy this book. The initial premise is interesting, but by the time I reached the halfway mark, the story felt like more and more of a slog. Rather than DNF at that point, I skimmed the rest — reading enough to see how it ended and what the point of it all was. I’m glad I didn’t spend any more time on this book!
A River of Stars by Vanessa Hua: An engaging look at the Chinese immigrant community in San Francisco. My review is here.
The Paris Diversion by Chris Pavone: A suspenseful, fast-paced spy thriller — a terrific read! My review is here.
Pop culture:
My son and I saw the new Aladdin! I didn’t expect much going in, but it was actually surprisingly enjoyable.
Fresh Catch:
Two new books this week — one book new to paperback that I’ve been wanting for a while now, and one book that I heard of via another blogger’s TTT list last week!
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Spies of Shilling Lane by Jennifer Ryan: I loved this author’s previous novel, The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir, so I’m excited to be starting this one!
Now playing via audiobook:
From Twinkle, With Love by Sandhya Menon: I’ve read this author’s other two YA books recently, so thought I should give this one a try as well. Really close to the end by now…
Ongoing reads:
Two ongoing book group reads at the moment:
- A Fugitive Green by Diana Gabaldon, from the Seven Stones To Stand or Fall collection.
- The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens — our current classic selection.
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
I have no plans to see Aladdin, but mostly because I don’t watch a ton of movies. I think I wouldn’t expect much either, but most of the live action ones seem fine. To be honest, a lot of the cartoon Disney movies I loved as a kid are a little more lackluster to me now that I’m adult (they often seem kind of short and missing on logic). So I can imagine the live action movies doing very well with a kid audience, regardless of what I, as an adult, might think.
The movie was fun (the opening chase scene was particularly crazy, in a good way!), but I can’t see these live action movies being watched over and over again the way the animated versions are. I liked that this version of Aladdin gave Jasmine much more agency (and didn’t have her running around in skimpy clothes all the time.)
I really enjoyed Westside, but I totally get why you didn’t like it. Now I’m curious to read your review (if you write one)😊
Nah, I’m not planning to review it. I didn’t read the last 1/3 or so closely enough to be fair — I just know it didn’t really work for me and made me want to be done!
Enjoy your reading! I might pick up from twinkle with love on audio as well!
I hope to see Aladdin soon as well:)
(Www.evelynreads.com)
The Sandhya Menon books are really good on audio! It’s a fun way to get to know the characters and their families. Happy reading!
Oh I saw Foundryside on a list somewhere, and forget to add it to my wishlist. Done that now, I hope it’s good.
Have a great reading week
I hope so too! Happy reading!
ooh hope you like secret countess!! I adore that book!
Maybe you’re the person I heard about it from? I’m constantly finding out about books to check out from bloggers, but then I don’t keep track of who to thank for the recommendation! Really looking forward to reading it this summer.