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.

A nice relaxing weekend after an intense workweek!

This will probably sound silly, but one of the little things I started doing for myself recently is getting my nails all prettified! I hadn’t had a manicure in over 10 years, but last month indulged prior to going to a wedding, and I realized that I really liked it… so I went again yesterday and ended up pink and sparkly.

Kind of fun doing something just for the sake of feeling upbeat — and the process itself felt relaxing and pampering, so a big win all the way around!

What did I read during the last week?

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate: The real history behind the story is interesting, but the novel itself feels muddled and unengaging. If this hadn’t been for my book group, I’m not sure I would have finished. My review is here.

Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey: Creepy and surprising. My review is here.

The No-Show by Beth O’Leary: Excellent! So much more depth and emotion than you might guess from looking at the cover. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished watching Stranger Things! Season 4 was a bit oddly constructed, with super long episodes (that season finale was almost 2.5 hours!!) — but overall, I thought it was SO good, and loved how it ties together so much going all the way back to season 1.

I started my Stranger Things binge with season 3, since I’d already seen 1 & 2 when they first dropped… but now I’m thinking I should go back and re-watch season 1 at the very least.

Meanwhile, the new season of Virgin River dropped on Netflix this week. I’ve only had time to watch about half of the episodes. It’s comfort watching — nothing you wouldn’t expect, same gorgeous scenery, same small town quirkiness… all taking place within the same year as seasons 1, 2, and 3! Man, this show moves slowly.

Fresh Catch:

Ooh, some awesome new books arrived this week!

(Yes, I’ve already read Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow — I just loved it so much that I needed to own a hardcover edition of my own!)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Heat Wave by TJ Klune: It’s the 3rd and final book in the Extraordinaries trilogy! I love these characters SO much. I have a feeling I’m going to want to listen to the audiobook as soon as I finish the print version — I did audio re-reads of books 1 & 2 recently, and the narrator is amazing.

And sometime in the coming week, I need to start:

Cannery Row by John Steinbeck: This is my Classics Club Spin book, and the due date is fast approaching! I haven’t felt really in the mood to pick this up so far, but I think I’m going to need to push myself a bit and just make it happen.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Comeback by Lily Chu (narrated by Phillipa Soo): I really liked my last audiobook by this author and narrator (The Stand-In), and this one is off to a great start!

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 current classic read. We’re reading one scene per week — almost done with Act IV.
• Tales From Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb: No progress… but since I’m still planning to get to it, in little bits and pieces, I’m leaving it here a bit longer.

So many books, so little time…