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.
San Francisco weather enjoys playing games with us, I’m sure of it! This week, we had summer in November — gorgeous blue skies, temperatures in the 70s, absolutely lovely! And I’m not complaining in the slightest. I got to enjoy some terrific walks by the beach and had time here and there to sit out on my back porch, basking in the sun with a good book. Bliss!
What did I read during the last week?
All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman: Gripping, dark YA drama, set in a contemporary fantasy world in which teens battle to the death for control of high magick. So good! My review is here.
Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean: I just loved this audiobook about a Japanese American girl who discovers she’s actually the daughter of Japan’s Crown Prince. My review is here.
The Nobleman’s Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks by Mackenzi Li: This is the author’s 3rd book about the Montague siblings, here focusing on youngest brother Adrian. Strictly an okay read. I couldn’t be bothered to write a review.
I also read two great novellas:
One Day All This Will Be Yours by Adrian Tchaikovsky: Trippy time travel paradoxes! My review is here.
Rizzio by Denise Mina: Powerful historical fiction about a real-life murder during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots. My review is here.
Pop culture & TV:
I know I’m a few years behind on this one, but I just started watching season 1 of Yellowstone over the weekend… and based on just the first few episodes, I can say: This is good, y’all. I’m definitely going to keep watching!
Fresh Catch:
Well… I went a little crazy with the book buying this week. Curse you, Amazon’s 3-for-2 sale!! Here’s a look at what I bought (or see my post here for a look at all the book covers).
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Donut Fall In Love by Jackie Lau: I’m going to stick to light, upbeat reads this week. I’ve just started this one, but it’s suiting my mood — I mean, a rom-com with baked goods? How could this go wrong?
Now playing via audiobook:
The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser: I’m about 60% of the way through this charming, thoughtful audiobook about a 40-something year old woman starting over after her marriage falls apart. And really, what could be better than a story set in a Scottish bookshop?
Ongoing reads:
- Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, #8 in the Outlander series: THE FINAL WEEK. My book group has been reading five chapters per week since May, and we finish this Friday… just in time for the release of the new book next week!
- Doctor Zhivago is our group classic read, two chapters per week. Yikes, I’m on the verge of falling seriously behind. I have a couple of chapters I need to power through to catch back up to the group.
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
So Cal weather has been hot lately! Like 90s hot. I think tomorrow starts dipping down into the 70s. I know I’ll miss the heat when it’s gone😁
It’s been such a treat this weekend! Although the fog started rolling back in late afternoon.
Fuzz is on my wish list! Looking forward to your review 😀
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Mary Roach book (I think the last one I read was Packing for Mars) but I know I always enjoy her approach, and Fuzz sounds so good! Thanks!
Curses on those sales😀😀 Tokyo Ever After does sound interesting.
Yeah, I did go a little overboard… but these should keep me busy for a while!
Never mind; happens with me all the time as well. Especially in the post lockdown period, I’ve been buying tons of books–new and second-hand.
Enjoy your reaing!
Thanks! Have a great week!