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.
Getting back to normal… After a house full of guests the previous week, this past week has been relatively quiet, although work has been intense. It’s been lovely to have NO plans over the weekend! And especially lovely that the weather complied and gave me beautiful blue skies to enjoy.
What did I read during the last week?
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan: A weird thriller that kept my interest despite not making a ton of sense. My review is here.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig: This was a re-read for me (in preparation for my book group’s discussion), and I loved it just as much the second time around! (My review from my first read is here.)
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher: A wonderful fairy tale adventure. My review is here.
Outlander!!
Wow, this season has sped by! Another powerful episode this week… but sadly, only one more left in the season.
Pop culture & TV:
There are times when I’m a complete sucker for sappy, plucking-on-the-heartstrings entertainment… so what better to watch than a dance competition show where talented kids invite their non-dancer parents to be their partners? Come Dance With Me is a little cheesy, but I’ve gotta admit it — I teared up a few times.
Fresh Catch:
No new physical books this week, but I did treat myself to a bunch of Kindle books that had price drops this week:
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
True Biz by Sara Novic: This book is so good! I’m at about 75% — I had to force myself to put the book down and get some sleep last night, when what I really wanted to do was power through to the end.
Now playing via audiobook:
The Cafe by the Sea by Jenny Colgan: I read the print version of this book several years ago, but decided to revisit via audiobook, and plan to continue with the remaining books in the series, which I haven’t read before. It’s a sweet and refreshing story, and the narration is terrific.
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 — now underway.
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
It’s so nice to have a weekend with no plans😁 Our weather here was absolutely perfect as well!
Isn’t that a treat? It makes me extra happy to be outside on the weekends, even if it’s just to sit on my back porch and read a book. 🙂
Good stuff here. I’ve read Bittersweet and Honor.
Oh, awesome! Did you like them?
Bittersweet–meh. Honor –here’s my review https://hopewellslibraryoflife.wordpress.com/2022/01/26/review-honor-a-novel-by-thirty-umrigar/
Bummer about a “meh” for Bittersweet! I’d been wanting to get to more of Colleen McCullough’s books and jumped when I saw a price break.
You may like it! Her books are usually really good. Thorn Birds, the Rome series–all great, but that’s my opinion. 🙂
The Thorn Birds is an all-time favorite! I’ll still give it a try, thanks!
Love a no plans weekend! I really need to watch Outlander, have heard such great things!
It’s wonderful! Of course, as a book nerd, I recommend reading the books first 🙂 , but the show is really well done and worth checking out.
I’ll buy the books and watch 🤣
Awesome plan!!