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.
I ended up under the weather on Saturday, but at least I got to read and watch TV! Unfortunately, I missed out on spending the day at a park, but I guess it can wait until next weekend.
What did I read during the last week?
Incense and Sensibility by Sonali Dev: A terrific Sense and Sensibility retelling that works on its own as well. My review is here.
While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory: The 6th book in the loosely-connected The Wedding Date series is fun and romantic. My review is here.
Beth & Amy by Virginia Kantra: A really enjoyable follow-up to Meg & Jo. Definitely recommended for Little Women fans! My review is here.
Pop culture & TV:
What impact did the pandemic have on my pop culture life? For one thing, I’d never seen a Fast & Furious movie before, and now I’ve seen them all! This past week, I ventured out to a movie theater to see the newest, F9, and it was just as dumb and just as much fun as I’d expected.
I mean, what are the laws of physics when you’ve got family?
Puzzle of the Week:
I actually wrote a whole post about why I love this Shakespeare puzzle so much! See it here.
Fresh Catch:
I continue to indulge… new books this week include a travel guide I’m excited to put into action and an illustrated version of a favorite:
The new Simon Snow book came out this week, and I couldn’t resist getting a copy of the 1st book in the series to match #2 (that I already owned) and #3 (that arrived this week). Look how awesome!
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Flash Fire by TJ Klune: This is the sequel to last year’s The Extraordinaries, and it’s off to a great start. (I had intended to start the Simon Snow book next, but I’m trying really hard to not fall behind on my ARCs…)
Now playing via audiobook:
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger: My book group’s pick for July. I have two weeks to get it done!
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 51 – 55.
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
I love those Rainbow Rowell books! I only have Carry On and I haven’t read it yet, but I think I need the whole set😁
I really loved 1 & 2, and can’t wait to start 3! The silly thing is, I already had a copy of the first book, but it’s a different cover that doesn’t go with the rest, so I decided to treat myself to a matching edition.
Oh that puzzle looks like it was a challenge, but well worth it! Heading over now to read your post.
It really was fun! I hated to take it apart, but after a week of looking at it and appreciating it, I finally put it back in its box so I could start a new puzzle. 🙂
I LOVED This Tender Land–it was one of my favorite books of last year! No pressure to click, but it you’d like to read it here is my review: https://hopewellslibraryoflife.wordpress.com/2020/02/10/review-this-tender-land-a-novel-by-william-kent-krueger/ (If you are like me and read reviews AFTER you read a book that’s fine, too).
I’m loving it so far! I’m listening to the audiobook, so I can’t just sit and devour it the way I would a print book… but I’m making good progress! Thanks for sharing your link — I’m going to wait until I finish to read it, but I’m looking forward to reading what you though!
Have you started watching the new season of Discovery of Witches?
Yes! I’ve seen 3 episodes so far, I think. You watched it all already, right? I like it — but it’s making me feel like I should re-read the books. I never did get around to #4.