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 May already? 2023 feels like it’s happening at double-speed.

It’s been a busy workweek, but we did find time to relax and enjoy over the weekend, including a great dinner with friends we hadn’t seen in a while. Plus, the usual array of running errands, odds & ends around the house, a good long walk, and even a dash to the library.

What did I read during the last week?

The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel: Such gorgeous writing. My review is here.

A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher: Magical fun… plus cookies! My review is here.

In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune: A Pinocchio retelling that didn’t quite deliver for me. My review is here.

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe: Honest, funny memoir told in graphic novel form — I picked this up for a reading challenge, and I’m so glad I did!

Pop culture & TV:

I started The Diplomat on Netflix — has anyone else watched this? So far, I’ve only seen 2 of the 8 episodes, and I think I like it, although the overall plot seems pretty muddled at times. Here’s the trailer:

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarjan: Just getting started, but I have a good feeling about this one!

Now playing via audiobook:

Off the Map by Trish Doller: I was having a hard time deciding what to listen to next, then remembered I still had the 3rd book in this series to read. So far, it seems like a flirty, romantic adventure. And I always appreciate a good travel story!

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 122 and 123 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s current classic read, also two chapters per week. Just a few more weeks to go!

So many books, so little time…