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.
We’re halfway through Hanukkah, and despite COVID restrictions, so far it’s been a good one! We’ve had delicious latkes, played dreydel, and have done some creative family Zooming so we could light candles with our loved ones around the country.
Looking forward to being able to celebrate in person together next year!
What did I read during the last week?
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones: Powerful, unique horror. My review is here.
The Wicked King by Holly Black: Finished book #2 in the Folk of the Air trilogy (an audiobook re-read). Just as great the second time around!
West End Girls by Jenny Colgan: Fun, light contemporary fiction. My review is here.
Pop culture & TV:
I binge-watched all of season 1 and most of season 2 of The Spanish Princess this week, and got completely hooked. For the most part, I’m loving it — despite the ridiculous maternity armor. And also, isn’t maternity armor kind of awesome?
Puzzle of the week:
I didn’t actually work on any puzzles this week, but a terrific family member who apparently really gets me gave me a puzzle and a puzzle mat for Hanukkah!
Fresh Catch:
A couple of weeks ago, I attended an online event featuring Rachel Bloom and Yael Grobglas, and this week, the book that came with the ticket arrived:
I’m so excited! Can’t wait to start reading this!
(And PS – it was an awesome event! Here’s a screenshot, which doesn’t nearly capture how much fun it was to hear these two actors in conversation):
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig: I bought a copy a few weeks ago, and I’m just finally getting started. And what do you know — it’s the 2020 Goodreads Choice Award winner for fiction!
Now playing via audiobook:
The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black: Book 3! Such an amazing trilogy.
Ongoing reads:
Outlander Book Club is re-reading Outlander! We’re reading and discussing one chapter per week. This week: Chapter 27, “The Last Reason”.
Our current classic read is part 2 of Don Quixote. My book group is reading and discussing three chapters per week. Plugging along…
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
I’ve heard wonderful things about The Midnight Library, so I’m eagerly awaiting your review!
Somehow the weekend got away from me and I didn’t end up with much reading time… but I’m looking forward to settling down with The Midnight Library again tonight!
West End Girls sounds fun. Midnight Library hit my Kindle [library book] last night–I can’t wait to start. I’ll be very interested in your take on it!
I’m enjoying it so far, although I’ve only had random little reading minutes here and there, and really want to just dive in for an hour or so to feel like I’m getting into it. Hope you like it too!
I enjoyed the first season of spanish princess- definitely want to watch the second series too (despite the pregnancy armour 😉 )
It’s actually really good! I liked the production a lot — my main complaint is that when they try to age up Henry by the end, he ends up looking like a high school drama actor with glued-on facial hair.