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.

Happy April! It’s really starting to feel like spring. This has been another busy workweek, but I’ve managed to fit in some outdoor time, and even started thinking about doing a bit of traveling this summer.

I also got new glasses for the first time in six years! My vision hasn’t changed all that much, but I was tired of wearing the same frames for so long… now I just need to adjust to my new look.

What did I read during the last week?

Even though I ended up not writing episode recaps this season, I’m going to leave Outlander here in my weekly check-in posts because I love it so much! This past weekend was episode #5. Awesome season.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished Bridgerton season 2! It was terrific. I wrote up my thoughts, here.

Since then, I’ve been bouncing between a few different shows, not quite up for a full-on binge just yet — so I’ve sampled episodes of Our Flag Means Death, Abbott Elementary, and Shining Vale.

Puzzle of the Week:

I just started a new puzzle over the weekend, and since it’s 2000 pieces, it’ll take me a while. Here’s a shot of the work in progress:

… and what it’ll look like when I’m all done:

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Leviathan Falls by James S. A. Corey: This is the 9th and final book in the Expanse series, and I’m both super excited to be reading it and full of dread over reaching the end. I’m at about 30% right now.

Now playing via audiobook:

Ramón and Julieta by Alana Quintana Albertson: A contemporary retelling of Romeo and Juliet, set amidst a gentrification battle in San Diego. Hopefully without the Shakespearean ending…

Ongoing reads:

These books will be on my plate for months to come:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ve started our group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
• Hamlet by William Shakespeare: My book group’s newest classic read. We’ll be going at a pace of one scene per week, and this week is our kick-off.

So many books, so little time…