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’s been a busy few days chez moi! The sun actually came out over the weekend, so I enjoyed lots of glorious outdoor time. I also fit in an evening out with friends (which I haven’t done in a long time), and went to a local theater production with family. All in all, an unusual amount of activity, all really fun!

What did I read during the last week?

Ravensong (Green Creek, #2) by TJ Klune: Plain and simple, I’m in love with this series. My review is here.

Passing by Nella Larsen: I listened to the audiobook of this 20th century classic, with narration by Tessa Thompson, and thought it was so well done. Looking forward to watching the Netflix adaptation soon too.

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston: A terrific time-slip novel with great romance and a wonderful premise. My review is here.

Thief Liar Lady by D. L. Soria: An interesting (but not entirely successful) take on the Cinderalla story. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I seem to be repeating myself week after week, but it’s true: Season 7 of Outlander continues to be terrific! The 4th episode keeps the action moving forward, and overall, this season really delivers.

Still deeply immersed in Manifest over on Netflix. I’m now in the final season, which is where the show moved from network television to Netflix, and I feel like the production quality and storytelling have both picked up. I have about 10 episodes left — can’t wait to see how it wraps up!

Fresh Catch:

Earlier in the week, I asked for help in identifying a dimly-remembered book from my college days… and with my sister’s input, got the answer I needed! The book, The Wanderground by Sally Miller Gearheart, was available through my library, so I snagged a copy right away. I do have other books to read first, but I’m eager to see how it compares to my memories.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Hookup Plan (The Boyfriend Project, #3) by Farrah Rochon: This wasn’t exactly what I was in the mood to read this week, but since it’s due back at the library soon and I want to finish the trilogy, I went ahead and started it. It’s light enough that I should wrap it up quickly!

Now playing via audiobook:

Be the Serpent (October Daye, #16) by Seanan McGuire: I’m doing an audio re-read of the most recent October Daye book, getting ready for the release of TWO more books in the series this fall. Be the Serpent is so good and so engrossing that even thought I know what’s going to happen, I still feel like I’m on the edge of my seat the entire time I’m listening. (Here’s my review from when I originally read this book last year.)

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 142 and 143 (of 155).
• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons: My book group’s classic read — we’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, ending late summer.
• The Tempest by William Shakespeare (No Fear Shakespeare edition): I’m reading the “No Fear” edition of this play — reading the original text, then the “plain English” version on each page. I finished Act III this week.

So many books, so little time…