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.

Another crazy workweek. I ended up having to cover for a colleague who needed to be out unexpectedly, while also staying on top of my own projects and deadlines. I need time off!

But on the bright side… my husband and I went out to a restaurant that we’d enjoyed a few years ago, and it was just as yummy as we remembered! Plus, I got to do some dancing this week, and ended up turning off the TV most evenings and just curling up with a cozy blanket and a good book — very sensifying.

Goodreads.

What is going on with Goodreads? I mean, I know about its many flaws and keep using it anyway, because it mostly does what I need… but what did they do to the Goodreads Choice Awards? I know lots of folks have written about this already, but I really can’t understand why they eliminated so many categories (graphic novels, everything for children, etc) and then added romantasy… why?

What did I read during the last week?

Brothersong by TJ Klune: The 4th and final book in the amazing Green Creek series, and yes, I loved it! It’s a long book, which is why it’s the only print book I managed to get through this week. And now that I’ve finished the series, I’m feeling totally wrecked and heartbroken that there’s no more! My review is here.

The Takedown by Lily Chu: Such a fun listen! My review is here.

101 Horror Books to Read Before You’re Murdered by Sadie Hartmann: A gem of a reference guide to essential modern horror reading, great for horror fans as well as horror newbies.

Shades of Milk and Honey (Glamourist Histories, #1) by Mary Robinette Kowal: An audiobook reread in preparation for my book group’s discussion later this month. Such a treat to revisit and enjoy all over again!

Pop culture & TV:

Nothing much, other than new weekly episodes of Survivor, The Amazing Race, and The Gilded Age. I’ll probably start the new episodes of The Crown this week, and since CBS is now airing the UK version of Ghosts, I may treat myself to rewatching it when I need some giggles.

Puzzle of the week:

Back to puzzling! This was a really fun one:

A couple of close-ups of the finished puzzle:

Fresh Catch:

No new physical books, but I did pick up a few free/price-break ebooks:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m having a serious book hangover after finishing Brothersong, and had to force myself to pick up a new book to read!

Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison: This is where I’ve settled for my next (non-Green Creek) read, and I have high hopes! Just getting started…

Now playing via audiobook:

Clanlands in New Zealand by Sam Heughan & Graham McTavish: Just starting today… but how could it not be oodles of fun?

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 16 and 17 (of 49). Progress: 29%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 18%.
• 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: 79%.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…