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.
Today is my husband’s birthday! We went out for dinner over the weekend. You read that right — we went OUT for dinner! It was our first restaurant dinner in over a year — we went to a pretty French restaurant with a lovely patio garden, had outdoor seating with a heater nearby, and enjoyed some terrific food and drinks. It felt like such a treat!
Other than that, it’s been a mostly quiet week, with too many rainy days that interfered with my daily walks. And now, we’re gearing up to get ready for Passover!
What did I read during the last week?
The Ladies of the Secret Circus by Constance Sayers: A dual-timeline narrative about a magical circus and family secrets. My review is here.
There There by Tommy Orange: My book group’s pick for March. Very powerful and sad — I think I need a little more time to digest it and get my thoughts together.
Christmas at Rosie Hopkins’ Sweetshop by Jenny Colgan: A terrific 2nd book in a terrific trilogy. My review is here.
Pop culture & TV:
It’s been a Disney+ week! After signing up last week, my son and I have been enjoying the Marvel universe, including WandaVision, the first episode of The Falcon & the Winter Soldier, and Iron Man 1 and 2. It looks like we’re going to do some sort of MCU watchathon over the coming weeks. Up next: Thor!
Also, I finally started watching What We Do In The Shadows, and I’m loving it. Almost done with season 1!
Fresh Catch:
One new book this week, and it looks amazing:
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Wild Sign by Patricia Briggs: The release of a new Patricia Briggs is reason to celebrate! I just started her newest, the 6th book in the fantastic Alpha & Omega series.
Now playing via audiobook:
The Christmas Surprise by Jenny Colgan: Well, of course I’m listening to the 3rd book in the Rosie series! How could I not?
Ongoing reads:
- Outlander Book Club is re-reading Outlander! We’re reading and discussing one chapter per week. This week — the final chapter!! Chapter 41, “From the Womb of the Earth”.
- Our group classic read is part 2 of Don Quixote. Continuing onward, 3 chapters per week. Current status: 79%.
- Wicked Plants by Amy Stewart: This is a fun little guide to all sorts of deadly and dangerous plants. I’m keeping this on my nightstand and reading it in small bites.
So many books, so little time…
I need to check out What We Do in the Shadows, it looks great! And I have a copy of Wicked Plants too. I can’t remember why I bought it but its such a pretty little book😁
I remember attending an exhibit at our Conservatory of Flowers years ago dedicated to Wicked Plants, and it was amazing, but I only bought the book recently, because it’s by Amy Stewart. I love her novels (the Kopp Sister books), so I figure her non-fiction would be really interesting too!
Aww happy birthday to your husband!! It sounds like you had a lovely time. Can’t go wrong with French patio dining 😊 I’m kind of disappointed about the Secret Circus – I thought the summary sounded really interesting but then I read reviews that were similar to yours.
Thank you! I have read some very enthusiastic reviews of Secret Circus, so it’s definitely not unanimous. 🙂
Enjoy your reading!
(www.evelynreads.com)
Thanks! Have a great week!
I haven’t read Outlander for so long! It’s one of my favourite books ever. I hope you’re enjoying your reread! The Ladies of the Secret Circus looks great too!
It was such a wonderful re-read! Doing it with a group gave us all a chance to stop and consider new elements. Loved it all over again!
I love What We Do In The Shadows! It’s so funny. I watch it every now and then when I can’t think of something else to watch.
It’s amazing. I think I have two episodes left!