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.

No work this week! It’s absolutely glorious to have a week with nothing planned… especially since my entire workplace is closed, so I won’t have a ton of catching up to do when I go back next week.

What did I read during the last week?

Outlawed by Anna North: An intriguing feminist western. My review is here.

How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black: Gorgeous illustrated edition that fits into the world of the Folk of the Air trilogy. My review is here.

Princess Floralinda and the Forty-Flight Tower by Tamsyn Muir: Such fun! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

My son and I watched Wonder Woman 1984 on Christmas Day. Plot quibbles aside, we enjoyed it!

On Netflix, I started watching Bridgerton! I’ve seen about half so far, and I’m loving it.

Puzzle of the week:

This Outlander puzzle (a gift from my daughter) was WAY hard than I expected, but I did it!

Fresh Catch:

Have you seen the Seasons Editions line from Thomas Nelson Publishing? Absolutely gorgeous hardcover classics with laser-cut covers. I couldn’t resist — I had to get a copy of Persuasion (the only Jane Austen released so far, although more are coming in 2021).

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Relentless Moon by Mary Robinette Kowal: The 3rd book in the Lady Astronaut series — it’s over 500 pages, but it’s going by fast. I love this series!

Now playing via audiobook:

Us Against You by Fredrik Backman: Close to the end. Man, this story is dark.

Ongoing reads:

Outlander Book Club is re-reading Outlander! We’re reading and discussing one chapter per week. This week: Chapter 29, “More Honesty”.

Our current classic read is part 2 of Don Quixote. My book group is reading and discussing three chapters per week. I’m sticking with it, but barely.

So many books, so little time…