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 first week back at work after being away was just about as frenzied as you’d expect. Thank goodness weekends exist! I’ve spent the past two days enjoying the great weather, catching up around the house, and trying to squeeze in time for reading and for exercise.
What did I read during the last week?
Unfortunately, none of the three books I finished this week truly grabbed me…
Studies at the School by the Sea by Jenny Colgan: The 4th and final book in the School by the Sea series. It was nice to see the characters again, but overall, I didn’t love this book. My review is here.
The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper: The 2nd book in the Dark Is Rising Sequence will be the last for me (even there are three more books in the series). Maybe I’d have appreciated this book more if I had childhood memories of it — or if one of my own kids was still at an age to enjoy it. My thoughts are here.
The Garden by Clare Beams: I had to force myself to write a review of this one… just really couldn’t bring myself to care. There were some glimmers of an interesting plotline in this book about pregnancy and motherhood, but the overstuffed writing and the murkiness of the supposedly eerie elements left me feeling unengaged. My review is here.
Pop culture & TV:
I started a list of series and movies that I want to watch… and then instead of diving in to something new, I ended up starting a re-watch of Bridgerton season 2. And I’m not sorry!
Fresh Catch:
I had some Amazon credits plus a gift card… so naturally I had to spend them. Here’s what I treated myself to:
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Evolution of Annabel Craig by Lisa Grunwald: Started late Sunday and haven’t made much progress. I really enjoyed this author’s previous novel (Time After Time), and this one looks very interesting.
Now playing via audiobook:
Let’s hear it for great audiobooks! After my reading letdowns this week, I thought maybe I was entering a slump… but this book has snapped me out of it.
Just For the Summer by Abby Jimenez: I am loving this terrific audiobook! And what’s especially great is that I had no idea beforehand that this new book is connected to the author’s previous two (Part of Your World and Yours Truly), both of which I loved. This audiobook is making me so happy.
Ongoing reads:
Only one long-term reading commitment at the moment:
- Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 76%.
What will you be reading this week?
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
Sorry all your reads were disappointing this time; that Heartstoppers set is lovely though 🙂
It really is, and it makes me so happy to have my own copies, after borrowing them all from the library originally. I’ll probably do a reread before the final volume comes out. 🙂
I recently rewatched both seasons of Bridgerton, I mean you have to get ready for Season 3 right?😉 Love all the Heartstopper books!
That’s right, must be ready for season 3! 🙂 I may even rewatch Queen Charlotte…
I’ve been having difficulty finding a good book lately – or at least one that fits my mood, and is engaging and endorphin producing. But in the last couple of days I decided to take another crack at an ebook I started a while ago and really liked, and then (typically) stopped reading as soon as I bought the whole thing from Kindle (after reading the free sample). I’m really glad I did because it’s really working for me! It’s called “Childers” by Richard F. Weyand. The main character is Jan Childers. She’s a homeless orphaned mathematics genius who earns her way off a slumland Earth to the Commonwealth of human colonies in space by taking the test of citizenship and acing it at 14. (Most people who bother to take it fail. Most don’t even try as they’re numbing themselves with virtual reality in their apartments) She joins the Commonwealth military, and well, let’s just say, revolutionalizes much of it. All while still a minor. Right now I’m at the part where she’s 24, so there is a definite progression there, and she’s about to turn everything on it’s head again, from the sounds of things. And there’s at least one sequel!
It’s kind of a cross between Ender’s Game and Honor Harrington. Not the same caliber as either, but definitely appealing.
I’m glad you found something that grabs you!
I need to try Abby Jiminez books- they sound so fun! And I totally relate to doing a rewatch of Bridgerton season 2- my sister and I both rewatched it recently… I mean the 3rd season is on the horizon- so no regrets! 😉
The Abby Jimenez books are great! This is my 3rd audiobook – the narrators are terrific too.
My 1st day back today after a week off and spent all day tackling my emails!
Ugh, that’s what I went through too! It’s so nice to have time away… but returning is hard!
I love Heartstopper! Gorgeous collection!
I’m so excited to have the Heartstopper books! I’d borrowed them all from the library, but this feels like a collection I’ll keep returning to.
Yes! I borrowed them from a friend, but I want to buy them for the same reason!
I just finished reading Abby Jimenez’s Yours Truly and really enjoyed it. I look forward to reading Just For the Summer as soon as it comes in to my library. Wishing you a good week! 😀
I hope you get to read Just for the Summer soon! Have a great week!
A whole month until part 1 comes out!!! Booo! But the trailer is dropping tomorrow 🙂
Oooh, can’t wait! I finished season 2… and I suppose I have no choice but to start a Queen Charlotte rewatch now.
Ah, if only vacations could last longer. I have Just for the Summer on hold at the library. Can’t wait! Have a great week.
I agree 100% about vacations! They’re great while they’re happening… and so hard to return from. I hope your library hold comes quickly!