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.

My daughter is home for the week, and you won’t find a happier mama! I’m thrilled that she’ll be here for Thanksgiving and the first night of Hanukkah, and even though I have to work a couple of days this week, I’m so excited to have time to spend together.

What did I read during the last week?

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Pop culture & TV:

I ventured out to the movie theater to see Belfast, and I’m so happy I did. It’s a beautiful movie, and can I help it that I especially loved seeing Caitriona Balfe (star of Outlander) in it? I really hope the cast and the movie get some Oscar love.

Fresh Catch:

At the risk of proving once and for all how obsessed I am… the only new book on my mind right now is this one, coming Tuesday:

And yeah, I did also pre-order the Kindle edition so I can dive in right at midnight on Monday!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell: I’ve been intending to read this sci-fi book since it came out earlier this year. I’m glad I’m finally starting it! I’ve read about 25% so far, and I’m really liking it… but I’m going to have to pause in the middle once my copy of BEES arrives.

Now playing via audiobook:

That Summer by Jennifer Weinter: I’ve listened to about 50% so far, and while I have guesses about where the story is going, there’s a hidden agenda here that has me really intrigued. The narrator is Sutton Foster, and she’s wonderful.

Ongoing reads:

Doctor Zhivago is our group classic read, two chapters per week. I’m about two reading segments behind the group, but we have a couple of weeks off over the holidays, so I’ll catch up then, if not sooner. This book is way more complicated than I expected, but I’m finding it worth the effort when I have time to focus.

So many books, so little time…