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.

Rain, rain, rain, and more rain! I think the sun may actually shine a few days later this week… Fingers crossed for good weather — I desperately miss spending time outdoors!

What did I read during the last week?

O Pioneers! by Willa Cather: My Classics Club spin book! Finished at the end of the previous week, but it took me a bit to get a review together — see it here.

Lost in the Moment and Found by Seanan McGuire: The 8th book in the Wayward Children series. Loved it! My review is here.

Record of a Spaceborn Few by Becky Chambers: I finished the audiobook (#3 in the Wayfarers series) over the weekend. With each book, the series as a whole seems more and more brilliant. My review is here.

The Holiday Trap by Roan Parrish: A 3-star read. Some cute moments, but also far too many scenes that left me rolling my eyes. My review is here.

Plus, one DNF:

An Immense World by Ed Yong: I got up to page 120 or thereabouts, and that felt like enough. There are some really interesting stories about animal senses, but ultimately reading such a detailed science book just wasn’t for me.

Pop culture & TV:

I ended up watching The Witcher: Blood Origin (Netflix) this past week. Meh. Lots of action, but not terribly compelling as a whole. Maybe they tried to cram too much into four episodes?

Puzzles of the week:

I just started a new puzzle over the weekend:

As you can see, not too much progress yet. So much tiny little detail!! I have a feeling this one will take me a while.

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week:

A few of us at work have been talking about possibly doing a group read of this book for Black History Month. Whether that actually happens or not, I do want to read it, so I bought myself a copy!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Episode Thirteen by Craig DiLouie: I’ve read about 25% so far, and I’m loving the set-up and early stages of the story.

Now playing via audiobook:

Miss Austen by Gill Hornby. My book group’s pick for January. I have a week to get it done before our discussion! The audiobook is narrated by the fabulous Juliet Stevenson, so I think this will be a fun one.

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 92 and 93 (of 155).
• Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year by Allie Esiri: Just what the title promises! Shakespeare selections for each day of the calendar. I fell behind this week, then read about five days’ worth over the weekend to catch up. Really enjoyable!
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: This will be my book group’s new classic read. Starting today, we’ll be reading and discussing two chapters per week. I’ve been wanting to read this one for years now, so I’m really excited that the group picked it.

So many books, so little time…