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.
I had another busy week, but I’m taking a day off today to get through a few projects, including taking bags and boxes of books to donate at our library’s donation center (which is by appointment only since COVID started). I did a big purge of books I don’t feel like I need to hold onto, and it feels good to see some space on my shelves again! Although, I have a feeling that extra space won’t last long.
Over the weekend, my book group zoomed with William Kent Krueger, the author of Ordinary Grace (our discussion book for January). He was charming and gracious and insightful — such a lovely experience (and a wonderful book).
What did I read during the last week?
Stormsong and Soulstar by C. L. Polk: Books 2 and 3 in the Kingston Cycle trilogy. I read both mainly because getting through this trilogy was a reading goal of mine — but sadly, I was underwhelmed.
In a Book Club Far Away by Tif Marcelo: I really enjoyed this contemporary novel about women’s friendship over the years. My review is here.
The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden: A beautiful book to give or receive as a gift! My write-up is here.
Pop culture & TV:
Well… I ended up watching all six episodes of White Lotus this week… and even though it was hard to look away, by the end I wished I could unsee parts of it. Super cringey. I doubt I’ll watch season 2.
To cleanse my brain a bit, I’ve been watching episodes of Ghosts (BBC), and it’s very charming. I’m only on season 1 so far. It’s sweet!
Puzzle of the Week:
My current puzzle is in progress — another pretty one from Eeboo!
Fresh Catch:
Some beautiful new books this week! Two from Subterranean Press:
Plus, I treated myself to a book that Kim at Traveling in Books mentioned:
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo: I’m loving this LGBTQ+ YA novel set in San Francisco in the 1950s.
Now playing via audiobook:
We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix: I’ve been meaning to get to this book ever since it came out — the only one of this author’s books that I haven’t read yet. I’m just getting started, but I’m liking it so far.
Ongoing reads:
My slow but steady, spread-out-over-time reading:
Shit Cassandra Saw by Gwen E. Kirby: I rarely read short stories, but I’m making an exception for this bizarre and totally awesome collection! I’m trying to read one or two stories per day, which seems to be a pace that works for me.
I bought copies of the MinaLima editions of the first two Harry Potter books, but haven’t actually looked through them at all yet… and that needs to change! So, I’ve taken this pretty edition off my shelf, and my plan for now is to read one chapter per day, taking my time to enjoy all the pretty artwork and design elements. And hey, it’s never a bad time for a re-read of HP!
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
Enjoy your reading!
Thanks! Hope you have a great week!
I’ve never heard of Ghosts but I want to watch it! It’s reminding me a little of Beetlejuice😁 And I loved We Sold Our Souls but that’s pretty hardcore horror! Hope you enjoy it😁
There’s an American version of Ghosts that started airing this past fall, and I thought it sounded really dumb — but then my daughter told me about the original BBC version. It’s such fun! I’m really liking We Sold Our Souls so far, although I realize that I don’t usually do horror via audio… we’ll see how it goes!
Ghosts is fun.
How cool to have William Kent Krueger join your book club.
Wishing you a great reading week
Thank you, same to you! Ghosts really is cute — I’m glad I still have a lot of episodes to watch. 🙂
Harry Potter turns 25 this year so a perfect time for a reread.
Good point! I hadn’t even been thinking of that, but it makes it even more special! This edition is so pretty and nicely put together. I’ve only gotten two chapters into it so far, but it’s lovely (and I never mind a re-read of HP).
Diary of an Edwardian Lady is an all-time favorite of mine, I’m glad you liked it. In a Book Club is a “maybe” for me. We’ll see after more reviews are available.
So nice to know someone else who appreciates Diary of an Edwardian Lady! I’m so happy to have found it.
There was a BBC/PBS version of it in the 80s (I think it was the 80s) it shows up on YouTube sometimes. 🙂
I found out about that while I was writing up my post about the book! I really had no idea the book even existed until I did jigsaw puzzles based on it.
Those MinaLima editions are wonderful and so interactive. I love them and had fun re-experiencing the story that way.
I’m enjoying it so much! I’m taking my time and limiting myself to one chapter per day, and so far, it’s just a sweet experience.