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 took one day off last week to run some errands, catch up on minor projects, and just get a little more time to kick back — it was great! Sometimes, one extra day can make a big difference.

What did I read during the last week?

Be the Serpent (October Daye, #16) by Seanan McGuire: I did an audiobook re-read of the most recent book in the October Daye series, and was blown away by it all over again. (My review from last year is here.)

The Tempest by William Shakespeare: After seeing this play on stage at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival last summer, I decided to finally read it too. I liked having the “No Fear” edition to refer to, and took the approach of reading the original language for each scene, then reading the plain English version for comparison. A fun little reading project!

The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon: A satisfying conclusion to this romance trilogy. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Another fantastic Outlander episode this week!

And — big surprise — I’m still watching Manifest, with just a few more episodes to go. This final season is really good! I can’t wait to see if the show sticks the landing.

Fresh Catch:

I ventured out to a brick-and-mortar bookstore to use some of my store credits, and came home with these two books — total spur-of-the-moment impulse buys:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Sleep No More (October Daye, #17) by Seanan McGuire: I am *this close* to finishing this book!! I wish I didn’t need sleep… I’d power through to the end!

Next up:

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray: My book group’s pick for July. I’m a little behind schedule, and I haven’t really been in the mood for historical fiction, but I’ll do my best!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Summer Skies by Jenny Colgan: I’m so happy to have a new Jenny Colgan book to listen to! This one is lovely so far, and the narrator’s absolutely delicious accent is a huge plus.

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 144 and 145 (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. Progress: 39%

So many books, so little time…