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.
Hey, hey, it’s my birthday!
I don’t make much of a fuss about it, and my plans are pretty low-key. I’m working today, after all! But my husband and I did enjoy a nice pre-birthday dinner out this past Friday, at a favorite restaurant that has a really pretty outdoor seating set-up.
Other than that… 3 of the 4 of us on my work team have September birthdays, so we had a group lunch to celebrate last week.
And I’ve been told that we’ll do a family dinner out sometime this week, depending on everyone’s schedules.
Meanwhile, I feel blessed to have a wonderful family, all in good health!
Blogging update:
When it comes to blogging, I haven’t been feeling it, really, over the last couple of weeks — probably because I’ve been traveling and super busy. I just wrote my first review in about two weeks!
I’m still reading, but trying to balance reading the spur-of-the-moment books that I pick up with my ARC pile, so I don’t end up loaded down by obligation reading. It’s always a challenge!
All this to say — I’m still here, just pulled into too many directions right now to be very good about regular blogging or spending time keeping up with other people’s blogs the way I want to.
I’m sure things will settle down… eventually… and I’ll get back to (more or less) normal routines.
What did I read during the last week?
Rosemary and Rue (October Daye, #1) by Seanan McGuire: Super fun to go back to the beginning of this fabulous series via audiobook!
When Sorrows Come (October Daye, #15) by Seanan McGuire: In addition to listening to the first in the series, I read the brand-new release in the ongoing October Daye series. My review is here.
The Pick-Up by Miranda Kenneally: A fun, quick read by a terrific YA author. My review is here.
Pop culture & TV:
I watched the first 3 episodes of Y: The Last Man. Really liking it so far!
Fresh Catch:
I didn’t buy any new books this week, but I did treat myself to two new bookish shirts:
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
An Observant Wife by Naomi Ragen: This is a sequel to An Unorthodox Match, which I found so interesting. I’ve only just started this book — looking forward to getting further into it.
Now playing via audiobook:
Miss Kopp Investigates (Kopp Sisters, #7) by Amy Stewart: A new Kopp Sisters book is always a treat, and I just love the narration for these audiobooks!
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. This week: Chapters 101 – 105.
Haven’t started this one yet, but our next group classic read will be Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak. We’re starting next week!
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
Happy Birthday!
Thank you!
Happy birthday 🥳
Thank you!
Happy birthday 🎂🎈🎉
Thank you!
Happy birthday!
Thank you!
Happy birthday Lisa!! I’ve been feeling down about my blog too. And I’ve overloaded myself with review books and it’s just depressing that I can’t read them all. Maybe someday I’ll learn, lol.
I’m sorry you’re going through the same thing — I guess it hits all bloggers from time to time. I need to dig myself out from under all the review books, and/or just accept that there some I’m just not going to get to. I know I’m a lot happier when I read whatever I feel like without looking at a calendar or spreadsheet — just need to keep reminding myself!
Happy Birthday Lisa! I’ve been away from the internet myself for the past 3 weeks—nice break and highly recommended. If you’re not feeling it these days, we’ll still be here when you get back! 😀
Awww, thank you so much! It is really nice to take a break from time to time. I’m going to work on being a bit freer with my online commitments for sure.
Happy Birthday! 🎉 I hope you have a wonderful day!
I can’t wait to read the newest Kopp book. I recently finished the previous novella Dear Miss Kopp and I liked how that was strictly in letter form! Such a great series!
Thank you! The Kopp books really are terrific. I attended an online author event last week, and it was amazing!
You’re welcome!
Ah that sounds amazing! 😊
Happy Birthday!! 😀 Hope you had a wonderful day for it.
I was in a blogging slump recently, so I totally get your blogging blues. Take it easy until you get back into the groove of it. 🙂
Thank you! Yeah, I’m easing back in and trying not to push myself. I’m happier when I just enjoy my reading without thinking about posting and deadlines!
Hope you had a truly wonderful birthday!
Thank you! Chag sameach!
Happy birthday!
Thank you! Hope you have a great week!