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.

Hanukkah has ended, but it’s not really over! We have family arriving in town over the next week, and have already promised to do a post-Hanukkah Hanukkah celebration while we’re all together. More candles! More latkes! Who could say no to that?

Work is still intense, and will continue to be through the end of my huge project, probably sometime in January. I’m hoping for a few days off before the end of the year, but on the other hand, I could really use the time to get ahead and wrap up a few things. We shall see.

What did I read during the last week?

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros: All I can say is — thank goodness I’m done. I slogged through this massive tome without much joy, and I’m relieved to have made it to the end. My review is here.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins: I read this book when it first came out (review), and after seeing the recently released movie, decided to revisit it via audiobook. The narration (by Santino Fontana) is terrific, and it was a totally enjoyable listen. Highly recommended!

Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley: A sweet holiday romance. My review is here.

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan: My book group’s pick for December. This is a beautifully written novella, which I was able to read in one sitting. Looking forward to my book group discussion later in the week!

Pop culture & TV:

Fantastic end to this season of The Amazing Race! I honestly would have been happy with any of the three final pairs winning. Such a fun show!

I’m watching the last batch of The Crown episodes — I’ve watched three of the final six so far, and really, they’re pretty dull so far. I’m hoping the last three manage to tie up the series well.

Fresh Catch:

Beautiful new anniversary special editions of books 2 and 3 in The Expanse series were just released, and naturally, I had to get them for myself! They’re really gorgeous editions, and the reverse of the dust jackets shows the cover illustrations from the original paperbacks. I hope they release the rest of the series to match!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

This Winter by Alice Oseman: A novella set in the world of Heartstopper! I just borrowed this from the library — totally on a whim — and I plan to read it over the next day or so.

After that, it’ll be time to dive back into a full-sized novel, and here’s what I’m leaning toward (although let’s see where my mood takes me once I’m ready to start):

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride: This book seems to be included on EVERY “best of” list for 2023 — I’m looking forward to seeing what all the praise it about.

Now playing via audiobook:

My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine: Cute and funny so far — just what I needed!

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 24 and 25 (of 49). Progress: 45%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 30%.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…