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.

We had some gorgeous sunny days this week… and of course I was indoors working for most of them. So despite the fog over the weekend, I got out for long walks anyway. Grey skies won’t stop me!

What did I read during the last week?

Mika in Real Life by Emiko Jean: I loved this audiobook! My review is here.

Don’t Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino: I picked this book up on a whim, knowing nothing about it, and ended up really enjoying it. My review is here.

Sprig Muslin by Georgette Heyer: After finishing Cotillion the previous week, I couldn’t resist starting another GH book. This one was sweet and silly, and so much fun. My review is here.

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo: Amazing audiobook! Review coming soon… and I can’t wait to read more by this talented author.

Whalefall by Daniel Krause: You’ve definitely never read anything like this! Review to follow later this week.

And the truly big accomplishment:

After 18 months of discussing two chapters per week, my book group has reached the end of our re-read of Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon, the 9th book in the Outlander series. With 155 chapters and over 900 pages, this felt like a huge undertaking when we first started — hard to believe we’re finally done! My group is amazing and I loved all our discussions. We’ll be starting our next big ongoing read in late September…

Pop culture & TV:

I’ve been enjoying the weekly new episodes of Men in Kilts and What We Do in the Shadows, but haven’t felt like starting any new binges. Still looking for inspiration, I guess.

Meanwhile, my husband and I actually left our house and went to a movie theater! I’ve been going to movies here and there, but I don’t think he’s been to one since 2020. We saw Golda, and thought it was very well done.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

A Scatter of Light by Malinda Lo: Just getting started… but since this is a companion to an earlier book (Last Night at the Telegraph Club) — which I loved — I have really high hopes!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Bookstore Sisters by Alice Hoffman: I started this audio short story (approx. 1 hour of listening time) on Sunday afternoon, knowing I had a day to fill before a preorder arrives on Tuesday.

The book I’m waiting for is:

The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner: I’ve listened to the audio version of Jennifer Weiner’s last few books and really enjoyed them, so even though I had an e-ARC of The Breakaway via NetGalley, I decided to wait for the release date so I could listen to the audiobook. I’ll be starting it as soon as it downloads to my Audible library on Tuesday!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

Only one at the moment, and the end is in sight!

• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons: My book group’s classic read — we’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 85%

So many books, so little time…