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.
After a week and a half away, I got home last Monday and picked back up with regular life right away. This weekend, I finally got a chance to breathe a little, spend time outdoors, go for walks, and just relax. I needed that downtime for sure.
What did I read during the last week?
Cackle by Rachel Harrison: Witchy goodness! My review is here.
Horseman by Christina Henry: An eerie riff on the legend of Sleepy Hollow. (Loved it!) My review is here.
Any Sign of Life by Rae Carson: A YA tale of a post-pandemic apocalypse. My review is here.
The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley: This audiobook was a re-read for me, and I loved it all over again. My original review is here.
An Embarrassment of Witches by Sophie Goldstein and Jenn Jordan: A fun graphic novel that focuses on friendship, post-college soul-searching, and finding your way… in a world where magic and witchcraft are everyday parts of life.
Pop culture & TV:
I’ve mostly just been catching up on shows where I’d fallen a few episodes behind — Queen Sugar, Survivor, What We Do in the Shadows. Also, somehow I’ve managed to get sucked into the current season of Dancing With the Stars, which I do not usually watch. But hey, Sporty Spice!
Fresh Catch:
Two lovely new books were waiting for me when I got home:
The Vanished Days is even signed by the author!
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis: I’ve only just started, but this book is sweet so far!
Now playing via audiobook:
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry: After listening to a couple of longer, heavier historical novels, a lighter listen seemed like a great choice. I’m about halfway through, and enjoying it.
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 121 – 125.
- Doctor Zhivago is our group classic read, two chapters per week. It’s complicated! Nerdy me started a spreadsheet to help me keep track of the characters. Don’t scoff — it works!
- 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. So far, the chapters per day are short, so it hasn’t been a problem keeping up — but I know they get longer later in the month, so I hope I can keep up my motivation (and find the time) to see it through.
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
Happy Monday, Lisa! I’m thinking about reading or listening to People We Meet on Vacation. I know it was a hot book this summer. Glad you are enjoying the audiobook. Hope you have a good week 🙂
Thanks! The audiobook felt like a good way to go for me — I actually picked up the Kindle edition over the summer, but hadn’t quite gotten to it yet, and when the library had the audio available, I decided to give it a try. The banter between the main characters is very cute to listen to!
So glad your big deadline is over! Hope work is more relaxed this week. My husband just shot an event this past weekend and Jojo from Dancing with the Stars was recognized. He got a cool photo of her😁
Oh, how fun! I’d never heard of Jojo before, but I’m enjoying watching her dance!
That’s so great you read An Embarrassment of Witches. It is a fun read. I’d love to read another set in that world.
I couldn’t remember whose blog I first saw it on — it was probably yours! In which case, thanks for the recommendation!!! I’d love a follow-up in that world too.
It probably was my blog — I haven’t seen any others that mention the book. Either way, I’m glad you found out about it and had fun reading it 😊
YAY! Thank you!