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.
For the first time since my high school graduation, I made it to a reunion! I can’t even begin to describe how wonderful it was to reunite with old friends and reconnect with people I haven’t seen in way too many years. Since I live on the other side of the country from where I grew up, it’s never worked for me to attend a reunion until now… I’m so glad I did!
I’ll be here (Connecticut) for another week, working remotely, but also connecting with family and friends, and then celebrating my dad’s birthday next weekend. It’ll be busy — but it’s so great to be here!
What did I read during the last week?
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune: Loved it! My review is here.
The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley: An audiobook re-read, so lovely to listen to.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo: The first in a duology following up the Grisha trilogy, Six of Crows has excitement, danger, and great new characters. I really liked it!
Pop culture & TV:
I finished season 3 of Sex Education — terrific season! I started On the Verge on Netflix, which I’m still a bit half-hearted about. And I’m loving the new season of Survivor so far!
Fresh Catch:
No new books this week.
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Ack! I finished the book I was reading (Six of Crows) late last night, and I can’t quite decide which of these to start next!
Now playing via audiobook:
The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley: Another re-read — after finishing The Winter Sea, I just had to continue the story!
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 111 – 115.
- Doctor Zhivago is our group classic read. We’re discussing twice per week, and expect to have the group read go through early 2022. Slow and steady!
- It’s October, and that means it’s time for A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny! The book is organized into chapters corresponding to each day of the month. I know there are folks who re-read this book every October. I kept up with it through about half the month the last time I tried, but this time I want to see it through!
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
The last high school reunion I went to was my 20th, and I was pregnant with my daughter, which was sort of unusual at the time! So glad you had fun at yours! I’ve heard good things about Cackle, but all your books sound good😁
I ended up starting So Many Beginnings, but I think Cackle will be up next. Call me shallow, but I want to read it based on the cover alone! Now that I’ve finally been to a reunion, I really regret not going to any of the earlier ones… but life got in the way every time I wanted to. So much fun. By now, we’re all giving updates on our kids’ careers and marriages, and even have a few people with new grandbabies!
I loved “Under the Whispering Door” and “Six of Crows”. Glad you enjoyed them! Some good reads here! 🌼
Both were so good!
I can´t wait to read Under the Whispering Door!
I hope you have a great week!
Thanks so much! Same to youj!
Hey Lisa – how fun going to a high school reunion! I went to my 10th but haven’t been to any others. I’m glad you got to reconnect with old friends. I have probably asked you this, but how do you keep track of all the books you are reading at the same time? Do you have a notebook? I’m such a linear reader and listener. I can sometimes handle 2 at a time, but never more than that. Enjoy your week on the East Coast! 🙂
I don’t always do it (keep track of the reading) all that well! I can handle one print book and one audiobook at the same time — they feel really separate to me, since I only listen to audiobooks during specific activities (driving and going for walks), and all other reading time is devoted to the print book I’m enjoying. For my ongoing reads, the Outlander series re-read is pretty easy, because I’ve read it before, and it’s a very structured schedule. I must admit that I struggle to keep up with the story threads with the classic reads, depending on what it is, but since we discuss the books chapter by chapter, it helps me keep my bearings! Now I’m adding in the Zelazny book, and that might finally tip me into overload!
Oh Lisa you are so inspiring! I’m currently listening to Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell – so excellent! But I’m not reading anything – trying to catch up on my blog visits! There’s definitely not enough time in the day, but I try. 🙂
That’s really cool. Did the high school host it or was it informal? I was wondering if the school’s still did high school reunion. I’ve been hoping to go to one.
This was informal, organized by a committee of classmates who were willing to put in the work to create a great event. They really did an amazing job!