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’s been quite a week, lots of ups and downs… but hey, let’s focus on the good stuff! We had beautiful weather over the weekend (which meant lots of outdoor time), dinner with friends whom we hadn’t seen in several months, an evening out with my husband, and fun kitty play time!

This little guy spent about 10 minutes last night pouncing on wrinkles on a blanket and obsessively chasing his own tail. Cuteness galore.

What did I read during the last week?

Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan: Steamy, light romance set in a cursed Scottish castle — how fun is that? My review is here.

The Wild Silence by Raynor Winn: The follow-up to The Salt Path, which I loved. While beautifully written, The Wild Silence just didn’t hold my attention the way the first book did. Lots of lovely moments, but for me, it was a struggle to get through.

Heartsong by TJ Klune: Oh, it’s probably been a minute since I last mentioned how much I love this series! I read book #3 this week, and (of course) loved it. My thoughts are here.

Pop culture & TV:

I haven’t really gotten into anything new yet — still watching Survivor and The Amazing Race, and enjoying them both. Plus, the new season of The Gilded Age has started, although I get frustrated by shows that air one episode per week — too used to binge-watching at this point, I suppose.

Fresh Catch:

A few new books this week, including fancy editions of the Fourth Wing books:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Brothersong by TJ Klune: For about thirty seconds, I planned on waiting until January-ish to start the 4th (and final) book in the Green Creek series. But who was I kidding? I have no will power when it comes to these books.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Takedown by Lily Chu: Really enjoying this audiobook! I should be finished today or tomorrow.

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! Coming up this week: Chapters 14 and 15 (of 49). Progress: 26%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 15%.
• Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell: My Classics Club Spin book for fall! I’m reading this one via Serial Reader (which provides daily 10-15 minute reading installments). I’m on track to finish by the December deadline. Progress: 24%.
• 101 Horror Books to Read Before You’re Murdered by Sadie Hartmann: Shout-out to Tammy @ Books, Bones & Buffy, whose review alerted me to this awesome paperback guide to reading horror. I just got a copy from the library, and I’m enjoying picking it up here and there and reading little sections at a time.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…