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.
It was a pretty calm week chez moi. Work, family time… really and truly, nothing out of the ordinary. And yet, somehow it felt jam-packed and like I barely had time to relax.
Still, I must have squeezed in some reading time, since this happened at the end of the week:
What did I read during the last week?
A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw: This story of an idealistic, isolated community is full of twists and chills — a terrific read! My review is here.
Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia: This book had been sitting in my unread pile for far too long, and I finally got to it! Listening to the audio version made it even more enjoyable. My review is here.
If the Fates Allow by Rainbow Rowell: A sweet, Christmas-y treat! This short story will please fans of Fangirl, who might have wondered what ever happened to Reagan in the years since college.
Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult: For me, it feels too soon to have COVID as a fiction subject, as you can tell by my review, here.
Pop culture & TV:
Man, do I love Yellowstone! Yes, it’s got its flaws, but I just can’t look away from this tale of power and family loyalty in Montana. I finished my binge and now I’m all caught up… which means waiting for new episodes to air each week. Sigh. (I posted about my Yellowstone binge here.)
In other TV news, my son and I are enjoying Hawkeye, and I’m thrilled that the new (and final) season of The Expanse is airing!
Fresh Catch:
Even more new books this week, although somehow I managed to keep my purchases to a respectable minimum:
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Vanished Days by Susanna Kearsley: I bought this book right when it was released in October (I even sprang for a signed copy!), but haven’t settled down to read it until now. I’m excited! I’ve loved everything I’ve read by this author, and I have no doubt that this will be another great read.
Now playing via audiobook:
Gwendy’s Magic Feather by Richard Chizmar: This is the 2nd Gwendy book (the first was co-authored by Chizmar and Stephen King), and since the 3rd is being released in 2022, I thought I should catch up! Gwendy’s Magic Feather is narrated by Sons of Anarchy star Maggie Siff, and she’s wonderful. (My review of the first book, Gwendy’s Button Box, is here.)
Ongoing reads:
Doctor Zhivago is our group classic read, two chapters per week. I am several weeks behind, but since our reading schedule has a two-week break built in for the end of December, I’m trying hard to find time (and motivation) to catch up.
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
Congrats on reaching your GR goal! Mine is much more modest but I’m trying to hit 5 over it. Not sure it’s going to happen though, since December has been a bust for finding reading time so far, lol.
Thanks! I’m hoping to get through a few more books before the end of the year… and thank goodness for audiobooks, because I’d never reach my goal otherwise.
Congrats on reaching your goodreads goal. Some interesting reads on yout list this week including A History of Wild Places and Wish You Were Here
Thank you! Yes, it was a pretty good reading week!
Congrats on meeting your goodreads goal!
Thanks so much! I wasn’t entirely sure I’d make it this year…