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.

Not much new! Lots of running around, a couple of sunny days with time to get outdoors, and a nice family dinner. Nothing to complain about!

What did I read during the last week?

Off the Map by Trish Doller: A sweet, adventurous romance that made me yearn for a good long road trip! My review is here.

Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan: Interesting, pleasant, not overly exciting novel about family members all getting fresh starts. My review is here.

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli: I haven’t been reading much YA recently, but when this ARC came up, I had to give it a try. Really sweet, and I’m so glad I read it! I finished late Sunday, so I’ll share a review later in the coming week.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished The Diplomat on Netflix — and overall, I loved it! Lots of plot twists, an amazing cast… I’m so glad season 2 has already been announced.

I also started Jewish Matchmaking (Netflix) this week. It’s from the same producers as Indian Matchmaking, which is such a fun guilty pleasure. I was very hesitant about Jewish Matchmaking, afraid it would play into Jewish stereotypes and make me cringe, but after watching a few episodes, I really like it! Overall, there’s a respectful tone toward Jewish traditions and practices, and while some of the matchmaker’s clients are kind of awful, the show itself is really enjoyable to watch. (And I’m totally laughing at myself, because other than these shows, I have never ever watched a dating reality show.)

Next up: Queen Charlotte!

Fresh Catch:

I bought a travel book to plan a summer vacation (for some reason, I really prefer physical copies of travel guides over ebooks). I also grabbed a free book via Prime Reading and a book from my wish list that had a Kindle price drop this week:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Advika and the Hollywood Wives by Kirthana Ramisetti: I loved this author’s first novel (Dava Shastri’s Last Day), so I jumped at the chance to read her new book. I’m just getting started — high hopes that I’ll love this one too!

Now playing via audiobook:

A Longer Fall (Gunnie Rose, #2) by Charlaine Harris: The library happened to have this audiobook available for an instant borrow right when I was ready for something new to start. I really liked the first book in the series (An Easy Death), so I’m happy to jump back in and continue the series.

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 124 and 125 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s current classic read, also two chapters per week. We’re down to the last five chapters! I’ve been enjoying it… but I’m also ready to be done.

So many books, so little time…