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.

Another week at home! What is there to say? I feel fortunate to still have a job, so I can’t complain.

We had a scare about my father this week, but fortunately, it looks like he just had a day of not feeling well and not something worse. Fingers crossed. Meanwhile, three cheers for the brave and hardworking health care workers in all of our lives!

What did I read during the last week?

The Book of Koli by M. R. Carey: Loved it! My review is here.

Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey: Awesome novella. My review is here.

Fantastic Hope edited by Laurell K. Hamilton and William McCaskey: The whole reason I requested this anthology from NetGalley was to get my hands on the new Patricia Briggs story — and I was not disappointed in the slightest! Asil and the Not Date is a fun, exciting adventure for the dangerous old werewolf, and I always love getting to see him in action. A must for fans of the Mercy Thompson and Alpha & Omega series! I’ll pick my way through the rest of the stories in this collection, but the Briggs story was what motivated me, and I loved it.

Pop culture — Outlander, season 5:

After a week off, Outlander is back! Here’s my reaction to the newest episode:

Outlander, episode 508, “Famous Last Words” — here.

Other TV watching:

Hey, I posted a thing about why I love Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist so much — check it out!

And…

I watched Little Women! I have… thoughts about it. I loved it, but also kind of didn’t — not that that makes any sense. The sequencing of the story really changes some of the impact of the plot elements, and I just couldn’t get over the portrayal of Amy or the ending of the movie. But I’m glad I saw it!

Also, I finished Derry Girls! Which, if you haven’t watched it yet, is a two-season series about girls growing up in Northern Ireland in the 90s, and it’s hilarious. Now streaming on Netflix…

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week… but I decided to order a few books through my favorite local bookstore, now that they’ve reopened for mail order business, because I love them and want them to thrive. See, I get to buy books and feel good about it! Can’t wait for my orders to arrive.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth: I put in a request for this e-book at the library earlier this week, and the confirmation message said it would take about 20 weeks for my hold to come in. And then two days later, it was available! I have no idea how that worked out, but I’m glad it did. Really enjoying the book so far!

Now playing via audiobook:

Beartown by Fredrik Backman: I’m so close to being done! I have to resist the urge to finish up via my paper copy to see how it all turns out. I’m really enjoying the audiobook.

Ongoing reads:

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes: I don’t know why I’m still including this book as if I’m actually reading it. It’s my book group’s ongoing read, and I’m at least three weeks behind. Will I ever catch up? It remains to be seen… but I’m not feeling especially motivated at the moment.

So many books, so little time…