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 workweek was even crazier than usual (ugh), and even in my non-work hours, I felt like there weren’t enough hours in the day for everything I needed to get done. Maybe as a result, I barely read some days, or didn’t find time to pick up a book until bedtime, and ended up with over-tired reading — which meant that by the next morning, I didn’t remember what I’d read anyway.

(Also… two of my ongoing reads — see the bottom of this post — have VERY long chapters, and those got in the way of having time for other books. Sigh… being a reader is HARD.)

Blogging.

A programming note… I’m heading out of town for a family gathering at the end of the week, and will be away most of the following week as well. I don’t expect to be posting at all while I’m gone — but we’ll see.

What did I read during the last week?

The Wake-Up Call by Beth O’Leary: Sweet, light grumpy/sunshine romance. My review is here.

The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch by Melinda Taub: So much fun! I’ll never think of Lydia quite the same way again. My review is here.

Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan: Finished late Sunday. Bookish love + holiday joy = such a feel-good read! Review to follow in the next few days.

Pop culture & TV:

Little bits of everything this week: Survivor, The Amazing Race, and Sex Education. I finished Sex Education just last night, and while the season was very uneven, it got stronger by the end and had a pretty satisfying wrap-up, all in all.

Puzzle of the week:

After about a month without puzzles, I’m back! This one was gorgeous:

Fresh Catch:

With a couple of special offers, how could I resist treating myself to two beautiful new books?

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Bell in the Fog by Lev AC Rosen: The follow-up to last year’s excellent Lavender House. Just getting started!

Now playing via audiobook:

Starter Villain by John Scalzi: I love Scalzi’s books, and with Wil Wheaton as narrator, the audiobooks are always a treat. This book is so much fun — loving it so far!

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• 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 4 and 5 (of 49).
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 2%.
• A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: An annual tradition! There’s a chapter for each day of the month. Even on my 3rd time through, it’s so much fun. Progress: 12%.

So many books, so little time…