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.
I’m away on a mini-road trip for most of this week, so my online presence will probably be pretty minimal. I’m off in search of sunnier scenery — I’ve had enough fog for one summer, thank you very much!
A programming note:
Since I’ll be away, there won’t be a Shelf Control post this week. Yes, I could set it up in advance. But hey, it’s a vacation week! So no, I’m not going to stress about it. Shelf Control will be back next week!
What did I read during the last week?
Finding Fraser by KC Dyer: A fun Outlander-flavored contemporary romance. My review is here.
Anne’s House of Dreams by L. M. Montgomery: I finished the audiobook of the 5th book in the Anne of Green Gables series. It’s quite a shift, seeing Anne as a contented wife, rather than as a young girl or a college student or a teacher. These books are consistently delightful, and the audiobook editions I’ve been listening to are so well done!
The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth: A really good, twisty mystery/family drama. My review is here.
Read but not reviewed:
In the Shadow of Spindrift House by Mira Grant: I always love her writing, but in this case, I just didn’t get it. Maybe because it riffs off of Lovecraftian themes, and I’ve never read Lovecraft — in any case, I feel like the point of this story went over my head. Still creepy, but not her best.
Book group update:
We finished our group read of A Fugitive Green, an Outlander-world novella available in the Seven Stones to Stand or Fall collection. A great story, finally giving Hal and Minnie’s backstory. A must-not-miss for Outlander fans!
Fresh Catch:
Once again, I had some credits to use on Amazon, so here’s what I got:
I’ve read Thunderhead already, but needed my own copy so I can do a re-read before book #3 comes out later this year. And even though I haven’t started Illuminae yet, I know I’ll want to read the whole trilogy in one big binge, so now I’m ready!
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev: Just starting!
Now playing via audiobook:
Anne of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery: Onward with book #6! I started this one as soon as I finished the previous, but I doubt I’ll make much progress while traveling this week. Loving this series!
Ongoing reads:
One ongoing book group read right now:
- The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens — our current classic selection. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, and we’re just about at the halfway mark!
So many books, so little time…
Have a wonderful road trip! I still need to catch up with Obsidio. I honestly can’t believe I haven’t read it yet😁
Really looking forward to starting the trilogy!
I hope you have a great trip and find lots of sunny weather ❤
Thanks! It was great — except for the part involving coming home to fog…
Enjoy your trip. You always amaze me with how much you read. You are very much quicker than I am.
It definitely depends on the book… and my ability to shut out the world and/or ignore my other responsibilities!
Hope you have a lovely trip! And I’ve been wanting to try Illuminae forever!
Maybe we’ll both read it soon??!!
Schusterman….Challenger Deep……😀
YES, yes yes!! 🙂 I definitely will — I actually have a copy now! I swear to read it by the end of the summer — how’s that for commitment?
😀 😀😀
Enjoy your trip and safe travels.
Thanks so much!
ooh the illuminae trilogy will be so fun to binge! And I hear you about rereading thunderhead before the finale (I should probably do the same, but I’m lazy 😉 )
I’m really excited to finally start Illuminae!
Hi Lisa, I love how well you are able to balance everything you read. I want to read The Mother-in-Law – just a matter of time! I’ve never read the Anne of Green Gable series – I’m glad there’s an audio book version – maybe I can listen while I walk! Have a good vacation 🙂
That’s exactly how I’ve gotten through most of the Anne books so far — listening on my walks (and while driving back and forth to work). They’re so enjoyable!