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 rainy weekend. Why, weather gods, why? Don’t you know that weekends are my only time to get out and walk (and listen to audiobooks)??

Besides complaining about forces of nature…

It’s been a decent week, lots of intensity at work, but some quiet relaxing times at home. We had friends over for dinner on Friday, and it was loads of fun to kick back and catch up.

What did I read during the last week?

Clover Hendry’s Day Off by Beth Morrey: Entertaining, but not amazing. A solid 3-star read. My review is here.

One Girl in All the World (In Every Generation, #2) by Kendare Blake: Book 2 in a new Buffy-verse trilogy. My review is here.

The Guncle by Steven Rowley: Beautiful, funny, and sad too. Review to follow later this week.

I also read two graphic novels:

The Princess & the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz: Cute, but I didn’t find it all that memorable.

Heartstopper, volume 5 by Alice Oseman: Sigh. I love this series so much. 5 stars for volume 5!

And finally, my first DNF of the year:

For the Love of the Bard by Jessica Martin: I read about 15%, and it wasn’t bad… but it also didn’t particularly grab me, so I decided to move on.

Pop culture & TV:

I’m finally watching season 2 of Dark Winds, and it is so good! I highly recommend the series (start with season 1, of course). I didn’t quite have time to finish the 2nd season, but hope to watch the last episode tonight.

Fresh Catch:

I treated myself to hardcover editions of the two Emily Wilde books:

Sadly, they arrived just a tiny bit dented on the upper edge… I’m deciding whether to pursue perfection and return them. (My family thinks I’m ridiculous… the dents really are tiny.)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys: My book group is discussing this book later in the week (it’s our January pick), but I got a late start. Fingers crossed that I’ll have time to finish before the deadline!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears: Patience pays off! My library hold finally came in. Just starting this audiobook today.

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 34 and 35 (of 49). Progress: 60%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. I’m enjoying the book, although reading at this pace makes it feel like it’ll take forever to finish. Progress: 39%.
• A Night to Remember by Walter Lord: My new Classics Club Spin book! I haven’t started it yet — I’m listing it here as a placeholder for now. The target date for this spin is March 3rd, so there’s still plenty of time.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…