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’s been a busy workweek, with not much else to distract me — but we’ve had another week of beautiful weather, so at least I got in my share of beach walks and outdoor reading sessions!
What did I read during the last week?
The Phantom Twin by Lisa Brown: Terrific YA graphic novel.
Babylon’s Ashes by James S. A. Corey: Book #6 in the Expanse series — loved it! My review is here.
Strange Dogs by James S. A. Corey: A novella in the world of the Expanse — takes place around the same time as the events of Babylon’s Ashes.
A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss: Sweet, light romance. My review is here.
Cherish Farrah by Bethany C. Morrow: This dark story did not work for me, despite an interesting twist toward the end. It was just exhausting to spend time inside the main character’s mind.
This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal el-Mohtar and Max Gladstone: This book has been on my TBR since it came out. I finally read it, all in one day, and while I enjoyed the experience, I think many elements went over my head. An interesting concept, but it didn’t form a cohesive whole — at least, not for me.
Pop culture & TV:
I’ve been watching bits and pieces of all sorts of things! I finished season three of BBC’s Ghosts — I hope there will be more! I’ve gotten pretty attached to the characters. Since I liked it so much, I thought I’d give the American version a try too. I’ve only seen two episodes so far… meh. The plot is pretty much identical, but a different gang of ghosts. I’ll see if I warm up to them if/when I watch more.
I also started The Gilded Age and Raised by Wolves. So far, so good!
Puzzle of the Week:
This one practically broke me. Remind me not to do puzzles with MILLIONS of leaves ever again.
Fresh Catch:
One new book this week:
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
One Night on the Island by Josie Silver: I’m making a concerted effort to stay on top of my ARC reading schedule! This book releases next week, so I’m right on track. Just getting started, but it seems like it’ll be a fun read.
Now playing via audiobook:
The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery: This has been on my to-read (or to-listen) list for years! I just started it over the weekend.
Ongoing reads:
My slow but steady, spread-out-over-time reading:
Still going strong, reading one chapter per day (although I missed a couple of days this week). This is such a gorgeous edition! I think I’ll finish up sometime this coming week.
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
This is How You Lose the Time War didn’t work for me either. I was just bored, for some reason. Oh well! Hope you have a good week😁
At least it’s short!! I liked the concepts, but wished the writing was more straight-forward.
Hope you enjoy Blue Castle–i love it though some things do seem a bit over the top at the end.
The jigsaw is lovely; but I get you on the leaves. I did one with lots of foliage (not too big either 250 pieces) and it took me forever to get those bits right
I’ve only listened to about an hour of The Blue Castle so far, and I’m enjoying it! I’ve just started another puzzle that I think is going to be a lot more fun — no excess foliage!
Waiting to hear your opinion of Summer Water and Blue Castle–both on my TBR. Blue Castle is a friend’s “very, very favorite” but while i read and enjoyed all but the first Anne book, I haven’t gotten to this one yet.
I only read Anne for the first time a few years ago, but since then read all the Anne books, and then last year read the Emily trilogy (which I loved). I’m glad I remembered Blue Castle when I was ready to start a new audiobook! It’s off to a sweet and kind of funny start.
Wow you had a great week!
Yes, it was a good one! My reading this week so far has been sloooooooow… silly work obligations getting in the way of my time with books!