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.
It was not a good week last week…
I guess you could call it the domino effect of COVID. My husband returned from an overseas trip and was experiencing his usual jetlag… until we realized it wasn’t just jetlag. We had an emergency room visit due to COVID complications, but he’s now on the mend, thank goodness. Two days later, my son tested positive, and then over the weekend, it was my turn.
Amazingly, neither my son nor I had had COVID before — but admittedly, we were pretty lax about wearing masks and keeping our distance around the house.
In any case, after a miserable few days, we’re all bouncing back. On the plus side, my head has cleared enough for me to be able to start reading again!
What did I read during the last week?
The Serpent in Heaven (Gunnie Rose, #4) by Charlaine Harris: Such a great series! My review is here.
Queen Charlotte by Julia Quinn & Shonda Rhimes: A lovely read. My review is here.
The Fire Never Goes Out by Noelle Stevenson: A memoir in graphic novel format, by the author of Nimona. I enjoyed it.
Half a Soul (Regency Faerie Tales, #1) by Olivia Atwater: Really enjoyable tale with unusual characters. My review is here.
One Summer in Savannah by Terah Shelton Harris: Review to follow.
And… one DNF:
Camp Zero by Michelle Min Sterling: I quit at 20%. Grim and confusing — and when I realized I just didn’t care enough to keep going, I felt relieved to put it down.
Pop culture & TV:
Due to the craziness of this week, I did very little streaming of any sort — but prior to all that, I finally got around to watching Downton Abbey: A New Era. Meh. It was basically a family reunion in search of a plot. Nice to see all the familiar faces again, but that’s about it.
Fresh Catch:
No new physical books this week, but I did pick up a few books from my wishlist thanks to Kindle deals:
Puzzle of the week:
This one was a lot trickier than I expected… although I worked on it while I had COVID, so that’s maybe a factor…
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon: I really needed something upbeat this week, and this seems to be a great choice.
Now playing via audiobook:
The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley: I got through about 75% of this audiobook before I got sick, and haven’t gotten back to it yet. I’ve been loving it so far! Looking forward to finishing up in the next few days.
Ongoing reads:
My longer-term reading commitments:
Until our next group classic read starts, I’m down to just one ongoing book at the moment:
- 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 132 and 133 (of 155).
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
glad to hear everyone is on the mend!
Thank you!
Oh no Lisa – I’m sorry you all got sick – glad to hear you’re all feeling better now. I haven’t gotten Covid yet – my husband got it last year but none of our kids. It would be hard not to be able to at least read – I’m glad you’re back in reading form now. Also, I love that puzzle – Ravensburger puzzles are such good quality! I remember the kids’ Ravensburger puzzles that were in a frame had “behind the scenes” pictures under each puzzle piece. So clever!
Thanks, Barbara! Fortunately, everyone is getting better, bit by bit. Ravensburger puzzles are so good! I got really hooked on puzzles during the pandemic, and the Ravensburger ones ended up being the best.
Missed you but I’m glad Y is doing much better and you and E are mending.
Aww, thanks. It was a very intense week. Ugh.
Sorry about the Covid 🦠 😷
Thanks! Can’t believe it took 3 years for it to catch up with me. 🙂
So far I’m Covid free! 🤞🤞🤞
I hope you stay that way!!
Oh no, what a bummer! At this point I’m trying ignore everything to do with Covid, I mean aren’t we all over it? I guess it’s not done with us though. But I’m glad you’re all ok😁
Thanks! Funny, I’ve had a few friends say basically “what? people still get COVID?” I guess it had to catch up to us sooner or later…
My mom likes the Outlander series. It not really my thing but I’m sure eventfully I will pick up the first book again.
Have a great June reading month.
Thank you – hope you have a great reading month too!
I’m so sorry your whole family got hit with Covid…but I’m glad you’re all feeling better now. Fingers crossed that continues! And The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise is such a fun book. I loved that one. 😀
I’m really loving Tanner & Louise! I just haven’t been able to listen to audiobooks since I got sick, but I’m enjoying the narrator so much that I don’t want to switch to print. Hoping to get back to it soon. Have a good week!
Oh no, it seems like it’s doing the rounds again. Hope you’re all feeling much better now 😊
Thank you! We’re all on the mend, but it’s taking a while to feel back to normal.
Glad that you are all doing OK. Covid is so horrible. I had it last year and the cough took forever to go away. Hope none of you have any lasting symptoms.
Thank you so much! We’re all starting to feel better, although I’m still achy and having a hard time with screens, lights, etc.