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.
Just another busy week! But thank heavens for long weekends — I can feel my energy levels resetting already.
My daughter sent me this picture, taken from a plane as her flight passed over San Francisco, and I thought it was too amazing not to share:
We don’t usually get to see our city from the air! I can see exactly where I was out walking when she was flying by.
What did I read during the last week?
An Impossible Impostor by Deanna Raybourn: The 7th book in the Veronica Speedwell series is just as much fun as I’d hoped (and expected). My review is here.
Beach Read by Emily Henry: My book group’s book for February, a re-read for me — and I enjoyed it all over again! My review from my first read is here.
Sandcastle by Pierre Oscar Levy: The graphic novel that inspired M. Night Shyamalan’s movie Old. Short version of a review: Don’t bother. See the movie instead.
Pop culture & TV:
Like millions of others, I watched The Tinder Swindler this past week:
I’m not usually much of a true crime fan, but this movie was so hard to look away from — really like a slow-motion trainwreck. Fascinating and awful.
You may have seen me mention my Yellowstone obsession previously — well, now I’m watch its prequel show, 1883, and I’m loving it too! It’s very different, but really good, with a great cast and (so far) one cameo that totally took me by surprise.
Puzzle of the Week:
A fun puzzle showing a dream setting for me. Give me a cozy cabin, a fireplace, good books, and warm socks any day!
Fresh Catch:
I treated myself to a copy of the final Expanse novel (even though I still have two books left in the series before I can start it).
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Spelunking Through Hell by Seanan McGuire: The 11th book in the Incryptid series. I love this series, and this installment is fun, but I’m not quite as invested as in other books, maybe because I don’t care as much about the central characters in this book versus the leads in some of the others. Still, all Incryptid books are great! [Late Sunday update: Just finished! Review to follow]
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle: This is what I’ll be starting Monday morning! I’m looking forward to it — I’ve really liked all three of the books I’ve read by this author. And it opens with a quote from Gilmore Girls, so that’s a very good sign!
Now playing via audiobook:
Gwendy’s Final Task by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar: The last book in the Gwendy trilogy. It’s good so far! The plot is pretty far-fetched, but I’m really liking the story anyway.
Ongoing reads:
None at the moment, but I have a big book group long-term read starting next week, so I’m taking deep breaths this week and getting myself ready!
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
I’ve never heard of The Tinder Swindler, lol. I might check it out! And I’m planning on buying the box set of the Gwendy books, I’m really curious to read them. Enjoy your day off!
A friend told me about the show, and I didn’t think it would interest me… but it was just impossible to look away from! There’s a box set of Gwendy books??? Must go look it up right now! I don’t have hard copies of any of them… I know what my next treat is going to be! Have a great week!
I hope you have a great week!
Thank you — same to you!