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.
Wow, December really zipped by, didn’t it? Work has been pretty crazed lately, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel — I have a week off next week! Now, to figure out if we feel safe enough to travel, or if staying in our little bubble at home makes the most sense.
What did I read during the last week?
The Vanished Days by Susanna Kearsley: A new historical novel from a favorite author. My review is here.
Gwendy’s Magic Feather by Richard Chizmar: A novella follow-up to Gwendy’s Button Box (which was co-written by Chizmar and Stephen King). The 3rd and final novella in the trilogy is due out this coming spring — can’t wait!
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark: This 1961 novel is considered a modern classic. It’s my book club’s pick for December — I’m looking forward to the discussion this week.
I also ended up picking up a pile of LGBTQ+ – themed graphic novels from the library, and have been tearing my way through them! All are wonderful.
Pop culture & TV:
I went to a movie in a theater! That feels like a big moment — this is maybe the 3rd time I’ve done that in the past year. I saw West Side Story, and loved it. My thoughts are here.
On TV, there’s basically too much to even attempt to keep up with! I’m watching season 6 of The Expanse (always excellent), season 2 of The Great, the current (first) season of Yellowjackets, and season 4 of Yellowstone. Plus, the new (and final) season of Claws is just starting, and I’m so excited to see the ladies again!
I still need to get to the new season of The Witcher, and I’m going to start the Yellowstone prequel, 1883, as well.
Fresh Catch:
No new books for me this week! After some serious book-buying-binges, I think I have enough to last me a while.
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun: My library hold just came in. I’m just starting, but I’ve heard good things!
Now playing via audiobook:
The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer: Another library hold that just arrived! I’ve been looking forward to this one — will probably get started today.
Ongoing reads:
This is it — I may be saying good-bye to Doctor Zhivago. My book group has been reading it in small chunks for a few months now. I’ve fallen behind, and so far, I haven’t been able to find the motivation to get caught up. I’m giving myself one more week to decide…
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
You’re so lucky to have time off next week. I don’t, unfortunately 😥 But I’m hoping it will be quiet and I can read or blog😁 Heartstopper sounds so good. Hope your holiday is wonderful!
Thank you — same to you! Looking forward to a quiet, peaceful week. Maybe I’ll finally reorganize my bookshelves!
Good stuff! Miss Jean Brodie–I also liked the excellent tv version done in the 80s (90s?). I loved the Matzha Ball–so fun. I reviewed it last week. I remember barely sleeping when I was reading Zhivago all those years ago in 1982 or 83. It is fabulous. Enjoy your reading!
I was planning to watch the Maggie Smith version of Jean Brodie in the next week or so, but good to know about the TV version as well! Good to know your experience with Doctor Zhivago too. I wonder if the book group’s slow approach is what’s getting in my way. We’ve been reading two small sections (about 30 pages total) per week, and I haven’t been feeling any sense of urgency. Maybe I should just dive in on my own schedule and see if it grabs me more.
Hi Lisa and Happy Monday! I haven’t been to a movie theater in such a long time! I hope you have a good week off – a nice break from work! 🙂
Thanks so much! I’m looking forward to quiet time, long walks, and no agenda!
Wishing you a merry Christmas 🎄 & a happy new year 🥳
Thank you, same to you!