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.

I’m in the middle of a huge project at work with big deadlines looming… so while everyone else seems to be winding down into holiday mode, I’m getting more and more stressed — which is probably why I haven’t had much reading time or focus this past week. Sigh… should see an improvement in 2 – 3 weeks (fingers crossed!).

What did I read during the last week?

Clanlands in New Zealand by Sam Heughan & Graham McTavish: A really fun road trip/buddy adventure — lots of adrenaline, banter, and a smidge of history too. My audiobook review is here.

The Honeymoon Crashers by Christina Lauren: A fun, fluffy audiobook original. If you enjoyed The Unhoneymooners, check this one out — it’s a follow-up, with some new and some familiar characters.

In Every Generation by Kendare Blake: Book 1 in a Buffyverse trilogy! I’ll post a review later this week.

Pop culture & TV:

Virgin River dropped its two Christmas episodes this past week, wrapping up season 5. They’re exactly what you’d expect from Christmas episodes — they mostly feel like something you’d see on Hallmark, with not much at all of substance happening except in the final few minutes of the second episode (where some drama is introduced to set up the next season). Oh, and for those keeping score, Charmaine finally has her babies! The pregnancy lasted more than four seasons on the show — no wonder they have her comment that she feels like she’s been pregnant for years!

In other viewing news, my daughter introduced me to Fisk, which is a terrific Australian comedy that just dropped its second season. I’ve only watched the first season so far — six 30-minute episodes, so much fun.

Fresh Catch:

I had some trade-in credits at my favorite bookstore, and came home with these two books:

I read Doll Bones years ago, but didn’t have my own copy, and I’m excited to read it again. Hag-Seed is a retelling of The Tempest, and now that I’ve both seen a production of and read The Tempest, I’m looking forward to seeing what Margaret Atwood does with the story.

I thought I’d had my fill of spending money on books (ha!), and then I found out about the new anniversary edition of Fangirl… how could I resist? My copy arrived this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros: I bought this book right when it came out last month, and feel like this is a good week to get started. Just about to dive in…

Now playing via audiobook:

The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (The Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins: After seeing the new movie a couple of weeks ago, I’ve decided to revisit the book.

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 20 and 21 (of 49). Progress: 36%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 24%.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…