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.

This week really flew by! We had huge rainstorms pretty much all week, and even lost power one particularly blustery night. Luckily, today was a mostly sunny day — first day without rain all week! — so I was able to finally enjoy being outdoors. More rain on the way starting tomorrow and all the way through next weekend…

A blogging update:

As I shared last week, I’ve made the decision to step back from my weekly Shelf Control meme. After 7 years and 347 books, I reached the point where I felt like giving myself a break from ongoing commitments, including this one

BUT — Shelf Control is not going away! I’m happy to announce that Mallika at Literary Potpourri has graciously agreed to become the new host. Please join Mallika on Wednesdays to celebrate our unread books (and maybe even commit to reading them!).

What did I read during the last week?

Poster Girl by Veronica Roth: A look at what’s left after the overthrow of a dystopian society. Unique and absorbing — my review is here.

Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton: I loved this audiobook memoir by the actor who played Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies. My review is here.

O Pioneers! by Willa Cather: My Classics Club spin book! I just finished over the weekend; review to follow.

Pop culture & TV:

I binge-watched Kindred (Hulu) this week — it’s so good! I loved the Octavia Butler novel (in fact, I think it was the first Octavia Butler book I ever read). The TV series changes some key elements, but the overall storyline follows much of the book’s main themes and plot points. Definitely worth checking out!

I’m also really loving 1923 (Paramount+). I mean, Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren on my TV screen? In an earlier generation of the Yellowstone family? What’s not to love?

Puzzles of the week:

A gorgeous Eeboo puzzle!

This was a tough one! So many tiny details… so many cactus spines! I was totally impressed with myself by the time I finished. (Sorry — once again, I need to point out that this puzzle is much prettier in real life. My lighting and photo abilities are not great).

Fresh Catch:

Two new purchased books, plus one from the library:

I’m especially excited for The Stolen Heir, but I’m looking forward to reading all three.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Lost in the Moment and Found by Seanan McGuire: The 8th book in the excellent Wayward Children series. Loving it so far — I’ll probably finish later tonight.

Now playing via audiobook:

Record of a Spaceborn Few (Wayfarers, #3) by Becky Chambers. Back to the Wayfarers series! I probably should have started my next book group book this week… but my library request for this book just came in, and I couldn’t resist.

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. Coming up this week: Chapters 90 and 91 (of 155).
• An Immense World by Ed Yong: An interesting science book, but sometimes a little too heavy on the technical details. I’m trying to read this in steady little chunks, since I’m not very good at reading non-fiction straight through. I’m not sure I’ll make it all the way to the end, but for now, I’m sticking with it. Progress so far: page 115/464
• Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year by Allie Esiri: Just what the title promises! Shakespeare selections for each day, and my plan is to keep up, all year long!

So many books, so little time…