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.

My “baby” turns 21 today! Where have the years gone? I’m taking the day off today so we can hang out a bit, and we’ll be doing a family dinner at a favorite restaurant tonight.

Bookish pursuits:

Did you know that Audible no longer provides refunds on audiobooks purchased with money rather than credits? I had no idea. Apparently, they changed their return policy last October, but this is the first time I encountered it. I bought a Kindle title and added the audio to go with it, and didn’t like it at all. In the past, anything bought within the past year was eligible for a refund, but now it’s only purchases via credits. I’m outraged! (OK, I’m not really outraged, just irked).

I contacted customer service and they made a “one-time” exception in this case… but now I know to be more cautious and try a sample of anything I’m thinking of buying when I’m not using credits.

Very annoying… at least with Kindle purchases, there’s a week to return for a refund. Ugh.

What did I read during the last week?

California Golden by Melanie Benjamin: Historical fiction about a trio of women caught up in the surf culture of 1960s California. My review is here.

The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman: Gorgeous writing, even though the plot didn’t entirely work for me. My review is here.

Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center: Really fun contemporary romance. My review is here.

Lore Olympus, volume 4 by Rachel Smythe: I think I’m done with this graphic novel series. In fact, I probably could have stopped a couple of books ago.

One DNF:

I listened to about 10% of this audiobook, and just couldn’t stand it. I don’t get it — I’ve seen people saying really good things about this book! I didn’t like the characters or the set-up, and then I came across a line that was a total deal-breaker for me:

“His mouth plundered hers. Over and over.”

Ick. I hereby declare that the word “plunder” should only be allowed in pirate fiction.

Pop culture & TV:

Awww, a new season of Heartstopper. So good! My only complaint is that eight 30-minute episodes go by way too quickly!

This week, Outlander aired its mid-season finale. It was wonderful… but now the long way for new episodes begins.

At least there’s Men in Kilts, a very, very silly travel/adventure series with a flavor of Outlander. The 2nd season is just four episodes (episode 1 dropped this week) — it’s like candy for the soul.

Fresh Catch:

Two new books this week:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Cotillion by Georgette Heyer: My book group book for August! It’s been a while since I’ve read any Georgett Heyer, but her books are always such fun.

Now playing via audiobook:

Mika in Real Life by Emiko Jean: Just getting started, but I like it so far!

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 152 and 153 (of 155). Second to last week!
• 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: 72%

So many books, so little time…