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.
The sun came back out this week, and it’s been glorious. Doing my best to walk every day!
What did I read during the last week?
The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow: Beautiful and powerful. My review is here.
Murder by Other Means by John Scalzi: A really enjoyable Audible Original. My review is here.
Over the Woodward Wall by A. Deborah Baker: This book is by Seanan McGuire, using a pen name that’s also the name of a character in her novel Middlegame — a character who wrote a book called Over the Woodward Wall, a bestselling children’s book that also secretly a guide to alchemy. Confused yet? I can’t believe I’m saying this about a Seanan McGuire book, but I didn’t particularly enjoy reading this. There are some clever bits, but mostly it feels like a journey to Wonderland, with lots of nonsensical elements and magical moments. It just never really came together for me, sad to say.
Pop culture & TV:
I finally got around to watching season 3 of The Crown, and ended up enjoying it much more than I thought I would. It was a little jarring adjusting to the cast changes for this season, but they’re all so talented that it ended up being a great watch. Educational too — I find myself Googling details during every episode to find out more about the people and events. Can’t wait for season 4 to drop next month!
And in my lighter moments when I just need a quick and easy piece of entertainment, I’ve been watching The Legend of Korra. I didn’t care much for it at first, but it’s growing on me!
Puzzle of the week:
For a city dweller, I sure seem to be drawn to country settings. Here’s this week’s puzzle. Cows! Quilts! What more could I want?
Fresh Catch:
I’ve been splurging. So excited for my new books! Now I need time to read them.
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Beloved by Toni Morrison: My book group’s book for October. I read this book when it was first released, and still have my old hardcover edition! It’s been a long time, and I’m enjoying experiencing the beautiful writing all over again.
Now playing via audiobook:
Valour and Vanity (The Glamourist Histories, #4) by Mary Robinette Kowal: Onward with the series! These books are so good.
Ongoing reads:
Outlander Book Club is re-reading Outlander! We’re reading and discussing one chapter per week. This week: Chapter 19, “The Waterhorse”.
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
You got so much done! I didn’t even finish a book this last week, and to be honest, it doesn’t feel like I got much done at all lol
Oh, my weeks are so up and down! There are plenty where I feel like I’ve done nothing. 🙂
October in general feels like a whole month of doing nothing for me! Blogtober takes a lot out of you lol
I enjoyed Over the Woodward Wall but I thought there would be more Easter eggs for Middlegame, so that was disappointing. Have a good week, Lisa!
Thanks, Tammy, you too! Interesting about Middlegame Easter eggs — I was wondering if I’d see references that stood out, but it’s been a while since I read Middlegame, so I’m not sure that I would have recognized Easter eggs if they were there. I suppose Over the Woodward Wall would be good to keep handy if I ever decide to reread Middlegame.
Enjoy your reading!
(www.evelynreads.com)
Thanks! You too!
Lol! That was my reaction too when I watched Korra. I’ve yet to rewatch it although I wanted to do so in September.
It’s definitely gotten better. I finally finished season 1 (which had a good ending), and am slowly working my way through season 2. I do like her as a character, just not sure I love the world of the show and how it’s changed from Avatar.