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.

My husband and I celebrated our anniversary last week! 26 years married, 31 years together… still going strong. Since the actual date of our anniversary was midweek, I took a day off from work, and we headed out for a beautiful walk along the bay, then had lunch at a new spot that just opened nearby. On Friday night, we did a fancier celebration (fancy for us — basically, an event where I wore something other than jeans and even put on a hint of mascara!) — we had dinner at a favorite restaurant downtown, and enjoyed every bite.

Besides that…

Everyone in my city was basically glued to their TVs yesterday for the Super Bowl… and since I don’t care about sports (although, yes, I wish the 49ers had won), I took advantage of my “me time” to go get a massage. Ahhhh… bliss.

What did I read during the last week?

The Frame-Up by Gwenda Bond: I powered through to the end, but can’t say I enjoyed it. My review is here.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry: It’s really sad to listen to this memoir so soon after Matthew Perry’s death, but I admire his courage in sharing so much of his story. My thoughts are here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’ve been busy catching up on some series and doing random bits of other watching. I posted a wrap-up, here.

Fresh Catch:

My local bookstore sent out this cute collection to sponsors:

Puzzle of the week:

I always love these literary-themed puzzles from Laurence King! The World of King Arthur was pretty tricky and lots of fun.

BUT — there’s a piece missing! Only a fellow puzzle-lover can truly understand the suffering caused by not being able to place the final piece.

Update: Right before hitting “publish” on this post… I found the missing piece! All is well with the world.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden: I’m close to the end, and I’m loving it! After a couple of less than stellar recent reads in the past few weeks, it’s wonderful reading something that’s so captivating and well-written.

Now playing via audiobook:

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez: I really enjoyed my first audiobook by this author, and I’m excited to be listening to another one! I’m at about 40%, and it’s great so far.

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 40 and 41 (of 49). Progress: 76%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 49%.
• 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…