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.

How did it get to be December already? Time is just whoooshing past. It’s been a busy workweek, and I spent the weekend trying to catch up on everything else in my life.

On the sweet side, I wasn’t able to actually go to the Bahamas for a family destination wedding, but I was able to watch the livestream! It was lovely — even from my chilly living room, I enjoyed seeing the beach, the sun, and of course, the gorgeous brides.

What did I read during the last week?

I just wasn’t really in the mood to try to write many reviews this week (only managed to do one), but here’s a quick recap of what I read:

Husband Material by Alexis Hall: A sweet, silly follow-up to Boyfriend Material, structured a la Four Weddings and a Funeral. I mostly enjoyed it, but with a few quibbles. My one review for the week, here.

The Diaries of Adam & Eve by Mark Twain: After reading a Mark Twain book for my most recent Classics Club Spin selection, I borrowed this short book from the library on a whim. Lots of fun.

Paper Girls: The Complete Story by Brian K. Vaughan: This all-in-one edition of the graphic novel series is pretty amazing, especially when read all together. The concept and execution are excellent!

Pop culture & TV:

I started Wednesday on Netflix — liking it so far, but I don’t feel compelled to rush through it. I still need to keep going with 1899 too.

I actually saw a movie in a movie theater! I went to see Wakanda Forever, and loved it. Although the theater itself was a surprise — I didn’t realize it when I bought the tickets, but the showing was in ScreenX, which has parts of the movie projected up the side walls as well as on the main screen. Kind of weird and disconcerting — I really didn’t expect it.

Fresh Catch:

Once again, no new physical books… although I do keep adding to my out-of-control Kindle library.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston: I’m only a few chapters in, but I like it so far. From what I can tell, the premise includes ghosts and a romance ghostwriter. Sounds like fun!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers: I’m at 80%, and loving it! I’d hoped to finish by the end of the weekend, but a rainy couple of days meant no walks, and that drastically cut into my audiobook time…

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. We’re past the halfway point!
• Persuasion by Jane Austen: My book group’s current classic read. I’ve read this several times already, but I’m always up for another go! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, and will finish by mid-December.
• Scattered Showers by Rainbow Rowell: I never do well with reading story collections, so I figured I’d keep this one on my nightstand and read stories here and there until I finish. Progress so far: 6 out of 9 stories read.
• Romeo and/or Juliet by Ryan North: Ha, this is so silly. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure approach to Shakespeare. I’ve been picking it up at random and following the different paths. Just a bit of light-weight entertainment to keep on hand.

So many books, so little time…