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.
With my daughter home this past week, my reading time was pretty limited — and I’m fine with that! We had a wonderful visit (until I threw my back out — ugh), and I can’t wait for the next visit already.
What did I read during the last week?
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Talk about an author who never disappoints! I loved this book. My review is here.
I started and abandoned two books this week:
The blurb for The Chosen and the Beautiful caught my interest, but it definitely did not specify that it’s a Great Gatsby retelling — which doesn’t appeal to me at all. For the Wolf looks promising as well, but I DNFd at 20% once I realized that I had no strong picture of what was going on and didn’t care all that much about figuring it out.
If you’ve read either of these and think I should give them another shot, let me know!
Pop culture & TV:
As of this writing, the series finale of Pose is just a few hours away. I’m so sad it’s coming to an end! (I probably won’t stay up to watch it tonight… 10 pm is too late to start a 2-hour episode!)
Puzzle of the Week:
Once again, none. It’s been a busy week!
Fresh Catch:
Three new books this week:
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Ninth Metal by Benjamin Percy: The first book in a new sci-fi trilogy — I’ve only read 40% so far, but it’s pretty frikkin’ cool.
Now playing via audiobook:
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison: As with all my other reading, I just didn’t have much time this week to listen to The Goblin Emperor, but I’m loving what I’ve heard of the audiobook so far.
Ongoing reads:
Outlander Book Club is doing a speed-re-read of Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, #8 in the Outlander series. We’re reading and discussing 5 chapters per week. Let me know if you want to join in — the more, the merrier! This week: Chapters 26 – 30.
My book group’s new classic read, Castle Rackrent by Maria Edgeworth, started this past week. I haven’t started yet, and I’m still on the fence about whether I want to put in the effort or not. I’m leaving this book here for now, mostly just to prompt me to make a decision!
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
I went back and read the blurb for The Chosen and the Beautiful and it really doesn’t tell you much, lol. It’s very odd and slow, but I’m going to finish it since it’s so short. I’ll let you know!
Odd and slow? Doesn’t sound like I’m really missing out!
I’ve heard nothing but great things about Dial A for Aunties. Enjoy💜
Thank you! I’m looking forward to taking it on vacation with me this summer!
Enjoy your reading! I really want to read Malibu Rising! Also For the Wolf, so sad to see you didn´t like it!
Thank you! Malibu Rising was amazing. I think maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for For the Wolf — not ruling out going back to it at some point!
Oh no. I hope you’ll feel better but that’s wonderful that you had a great time with your daughter.
I’ve been curious about For the Wolf. Not sure yet if I’ll pick it up.
Thank you! I’m starting to feel more normal, although working all day at a computer didn’t help much today. 🙂
This is a hefty TBR list – Good luck! I am stoked I found your blog because I’m a science fiction junkie and I have enjoyed reading your book reviews too. I just heard about “The Chosen and the Beautiful” and was told that I have to read “The Empress of Salt and Fortune” first– I love Gatsby and I love fantasy/sci-fi so I am very excited to check this out. Thank you. Thank you! was recently recommended a book called “Shimmers” by author J.P. Strecker. I think it is the perfect time of year for this type of summer/small town horror-thriller! I love any stories that stick with me after I finish and this one is HAUNTING. The main character James is on a search over the years for his twin after he disappears into a mysterious force unleashed by haphazard scientists. His “connection” with this force causes him to see “Shimmers” (which can be pretty scary!). The book follows his search to bring his brother home. It’s a really gripping modern day ghost story. Definitely add this one to your summer reading list: https://jonathanstrecker.com/
I would love to hear what you think (in a future review?)
Thanks for the recommendation!