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.

I feel like all I talk about in this “life” section lately is the weather — but that subject really has dominated every discussion in our area for the past few weeks! Fortunately, we’ve started drying out and had two straight days of sunshine over the weekend, so I was able to get out and enjoy long walks — bliss!

What did I read during the last week?

Episode Thirteen by Craig DiLouie: Haunted house terror with plenty of twists, from an author who never disappoints. My review is here.

Miss Austen by Gill Hornby: My book group’s pick for January — so good! Review to follow.

Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander: Lovely, sad, and unexpected. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Ooooh, The Last of Us! I was hooked after just one episode! And then it got me thinking about how terrifying fungi can be, so I wrote a post about it.

I hadn’t realized that season two of Hunters had dropped (Prime Video), so I’ve been binge-watching over the past few days. Two episodes to go!

Puzzles of the week:

I finished this one mid-week — tons of tiny details made this one pretty tricky.

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week:

This is so exciting — I won a giveaway from Tammy at Books, Bones & Buffy! Many thanks to Tammy!! I can’t wait to start — I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by this author so far.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Ms. Demeanor by Elinor Lipman: A really fun read — I just started it Saturday night, and haven’t wanted to put it down! Hoping to finish later today.

Now playing via audiobook:

Spare by Prince Harry: After watching Harry & Meghan, not to mention season 5 of The Crown, there was no way I was going to miss out on this one! I’ve only just gotten started, but the initial chapters are surprisingly touching.

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 94 and 95 (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’m way behind already (which is kind of ridiculous, since we’re only 3 weeks into the new year), but I’ll try to do a little catching up this week.
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s new classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, and I’m so excited! I’ve never read this book before — once again, I’m so glad that I have my book group to motivate me.

So many books, so little time…