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.

Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating today! As for me, I’m not — but I am enjoying the day off, and plan to have a low-key day which may (or may not) include a long walk, quiet reading time, and possibly even a movie outing.

Meanwhile (I feel like a broken record), it was a busy week and I barely had time to read. I’m still in the midst of a major work project which won’t be done for several more weeks… I need a vacation!

On the bright side, we have family in town through the end of this week, and that’s been fun — lots of dinners and silliness.

What did I read during the last week?

This Winter by Alice Oseman: A sweet novella set in the world of Heartstopper.

My Roommate Is A Vampire by Jenna Levine: A very silly romance, fun but flawed. My review is here.

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride: It’s a bit outside of my usual reading preferences, but I still appreciated the artistry of this novel. My thoughts are here.

Pop culture & TV:

Survivor wrapped up its 45th season, and it was… fine. Not especially memorable, but my son and I remained entertained throughout. Good enough.

I just started Crash Landing on You on Netflix, and honestly, it’s such a joy so far! I think I’m very late to the party on this one. Has anyone (everyone?) else watched it?

Fresh Catch:

I gave in to temptation and ordered a complete set of five signed hardcovers from Mary Robinette Kowal! I already own paperbacks of the series (The Glamourist Histories — so good!), but when I saw a post from the author mentioning that a limited number of the hardcovers were available, I couldn’t resist.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Emmett by L. C. Rosen: A gender-flipped LGBTQ+ retelling of Emma by a favorite author? Yes, please!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Vintage Village Bake Off by Judy Leigh: I can always count on a Judy Leigh book to brighten my day.

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 26 and 27 (of 49). Progress: 47%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 34%. (We’re taking a two-week break over the holidays, picking back up the week of January 8th.)

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…