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 tough to go back to work after a week away… but on the bright side, I work with an amazing team, and they decorated my office while I was away. Balloons everywhere! It was super cute and made my first day really special.
What did I read during the last week?
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano: Beautiful and emotional. My review is here.
The Beginning of Everything by Jackie Fraser: Pleasant, quick read. My review is here.
The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle: Considered a modern classic fantasy tale, and I’m so glad to have finally read it!
Pop culture & TV:
Survivor is back! I still love this show, even when the people are ridiculous and awful. Season 45 (!!) started this past week — so much fun.
Also, for the very first time, my family decided to give The Amazing Race a try… and we really like it!
I’m slowly starting season 4 of Sex Education… and is it just me, or is this season even cringier than previous seasons? Maybe I’ve just forgotten how truly uncomfortable (yet funny) this show can be.
Fresh Catch:
Oooh, got an ARC in the mail! The publication date isn’t until January, but I don’t think I’ll be able to hold off until then.
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch by Melinda Taub: This witchy retelling of Pride and Prejudice is oodles of fun! I’m at about 60%, hope to finish in the next day or so.
Now playing via audiobook:
The Wake-Up Call by Beth O’Leary: I had a bit of a rocky start due to not getting along with the narrators for a while, but now I’ve gotten more used to them and I’m starting to really enjoy the story.
Ongoing reads:
Oh dear, I may be in over my head! Here are the longer-term reads I have going on at the moment:
- Outlander Book Club is doing a group re-read of Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2). We’ll be reading and discussing two chapters per week. Anyone who’s interested is welcome to join in — message me for info! We just started last week. Coming up this week: Chapters 2 and 3 (of 49).
- Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s new classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, starting today! New participants are welcome — let me know if you’re interested.
- A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: An annual tradition! This will be my 3rd time through — there’s a chapter for each day of the month, and it’s a delight.
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
What great coworkers you have! I may grab a copy of A Night in the Lonesome October so I can read it too. I probably said that last year too, lol.
They’re an awesome bunch! 🙂 I hope you check out Night in the Lonesome — this is my 3rd time (I think), and it’s just so much fun.
Hope you had a great birthday 🎂
Thank you!
That’s so cute that your co-workers decorated your office! Though I’m sure you’d much rather still be on vacation. ;D
Ha, yes… but if I had to come back, this was a nice way to do it!
Happy Birthday! That’s so fun that your coworkers decorated your space at work! 😊
I have to say, the first couple epiosdes of season 4 of Sex Education I wasn’t into. I think it was more getting used to the new school and the new characters. To me, I found it exhausting because these people were always on and in your face (like I love Eric but wow was he ever loud to start) and then the one group he befriends (I’m not sure how far you are) were so ‘positive’ to the point they were actually negative, like all their comments came off as condescending. I’m up to episode 5 now and I think it’s starting to mellow out, but yeah the first few epiosdes were a lot!
I’ve only watched two episodes, but yeah, I’m not that into the new school, and I’m really not loving the competing sex therapists storyline or the baby. I hope it gets better!
I agree with you, the competing sex therapists is not my fave, and it kinda just keeps going on… I think it’s going to go throughout the season. The baby is kinda whatever for me. What I realized when watching it yesterday was the fact that I don’t care about Otis and Maeve at all! They are just annoying me at this point. I’m curious how it will end though!
Your office looked great. That must’ve been a lovely surprise. Hope you have a good week/weekend.
Thank you! It really made coming back from vacation much less painful 🙂 Have a great week!