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 Hanukkah! We have a few nights more to go, and my family is having oodles of fun with candle-lighting, latkes, and all-around goofiness.
We did our gift exchange on the first night, and even our kitty got in on the action:
On the other hand, work is intense and stressful right now, and I’ve barely had time to read. In fact, I haven’t finished a single book this week! That’s partially because both my ebook and audiobook reads are very long, but also, I just haven’t had time (or the concentration) to make much progress.
What did I read during the last week?
I’m still on the same book I started last weekend, but I did manage to post one review since then:
In Every Generation by Kendare Blake: Book 1 in a Buffyverse trilogy — here’s my review.
Pop culture & TV:
If you haven’t checked out Fisk on Netflix, now is the time to do it! It’s a quicky Australian comedy, two seasons available — lots of fun.
Somehow I got sucked into watching Dancing with the Stars this season (despite its cheesiness), and I was happy to see my favorite couple win! Here’s a peek at one of their great performances:
Fresh Catch:
A few new books arrived this week:
They all look amazing… where to start???
And — oops! I went to the library to pick up a hold request that had just come in — for ONE book — and somehow managed to come home with a whole stack!
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros: I’ve been reading this book for a week now, and I’ve finally gotten to 75%. This is taking FOREVER.
Now playing via audiobook:
The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (The Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins: Another longer book (15+ hours via audio) — it’s enjoyable and well-done, but it feels like I’ll never be done.
Ongoing reads:
My current longer-term reads:
- Outlander Book Club is doing a group re-read of Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2), reading and discussing two chapters per week. Coming up this week: Chapters 22 and 23 (of 49). Progress: 41%.
- Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 27%.
What will you be reading this week?
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
We were rooting for Val and his partner all the way! A fun season! So glad to have better hosts!
To be honest, I fast forward past the hosts and their chatter — but I do love the judges (RIP Len), and I was a fan of three of the five finalists, which is better than some seasons. I end up skipping the people I’ve never heard of and/or don’t care about, so I can zip through an episode pretty quickly. 🙂 Val is amazing, and I loved watching the two of them dance!
Nice 👌
Happy Hanukkah! I’m reading a long book too but in between other books, so I don’t mind if it takes the rest of the month to read. I’m a little worried about Iron Flame now, I hope you’re enjoying it despite the length!
Well… can’t say I’m really enjoying it, but I’ve gotten far enough that I’m determined to finish it. Unless something happens to change my mind at the end, I can’t see reading any further in this series.
I hope that you’re enjoying Iron Flame despite its length. I loved it although didn’t think it was quite as good as Fourth Wing. There’s nothing wrong with cheesy TV. We’ve just had the semi final of Strictly Come Dancing and I’m really looking forward to the final on Saturday.
I do love a good dancing show!! I’m not actually enjoying Iron Flame, but at this point, I’ve gotten far enough that I’m determined to finish it. Can’t wait to move on to something else, to be honest.
That’s a shame. Definitely get the part about being determined to finish it though.
I do that sometimes with the library too. 😂🤦♀️. Sometimes it’s hard not to, even when you know you’re unlikely to get through them. … But at least it lets the library know people are interested in reading those books! Otherwise they might wind up withdrawing them from their collection to make space for those that are in higher demand! (Which isn’t necessarily so bad if I manage to catch them when they’re selling them for fundraising, but otherwise…)
I do love a good library sale! 🙂
Happy Hanukkah! Benji in his bag is too cute!
Aww, thanks. Benji is just awfully cute, and he went straight for the bag as soon as it hit the floor! We haven’t had the heart to put it away yet.
Hanukkah always goes too quickly, except when I’m passing a tray of Sufganiyot! OY! But I’ve avoided eating any so far this year.
Wow, such restraint! 🙂
To be honest, while a fresh one is amazing and practically impossible to resist, after they’ve been sitting around a while, they can really be kind of gross. When I was still working, and my office would bring in trays on the first day, and they were still hot… O.M.G. And since I refuse to deep fry anything, I won’t make my own. (But there is ONE bakery chain – Roladin – which makes such an amazing variety of them, they’re dangerous, and I avoid them like the plague during the holiday.)
I did the same on a recent library visit: went in for 1 book, came out with a bunch and placed one on hold.
So hard to resist, isn’t it?