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.
Some fun outings this week — dancing in the park on a sunny day, and a movie with my (adult) kiddo, plus a delicious Father’s Day dinner with the fam.
Book news.
By now, I’m sure everyone who cares is aware of this… but I’m pretty excited about the news that Suzanne Collins will be releasing a new Hunger Games prequel next year. Sunrise on the Reaping will be published in March 2025, and the movie adaptation is already scheduled for release in November 2026.
What did I read during the last week?
Hula by Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes: I finished this complicated historical novel with a week to spare before my book group discussion! My review is here.
Kilmeny of the Orchard by L. M. Montgomery: I’ve been working my way through this amazing author’s books. Sadly, this one is on the weaker side, but for the sake of completion, I’m glad I read it anyway. My review is here.
Middletide by Sarah Crouch: This small-town murder mystery seems to be getting a big promotional push (blurbs compare it to Where the Crawdads Sing), but I found it underbaked and unbelievable. My review is here.
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan: My 3rd book by this author, just as great as the previous two! My review is here.
BIG FINISH:
My book group finished its chapter-by-chapter read of Daniel Deronda by George Eliot — a 7-month reading odyssey! I’m so grateful that we read this book together. I’m not sure that I would have read it on my own, given its complexity and length, but it was a wonderful reading experience. There’s so much to digest and discuss, and for anyone who’s ever considered reading Daniel Deronda… I say YES!
Pop culture & TV:
I watched season 3, part 2 of Bridgerton over two nights, and overall, loved it. I do feel that breaking up the season into two four-episode halves doesn’t do it any favors — each time we feel the momentum really building, it’s over. But as a whole, it was well done and delicious… and yet, I walked away feeling a teensy bit dissatisfied. I think I would have liked a little more time with the characters after the big climactic moment of the final episode, but at least we know that HEAs abound for so many of the characters. And now, the long wait for season 4 begins… (I’m sure I’ll do a rewatch at some point, and may even reread the 4th Bridgerton book, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, which is the basis for this season’s central storyline.)
On Saturday, my son and I went to see the Fathom Events screening of Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. It was amazing to see it on the big screen once again! The 2nd and 3rd movies in the LOTR trilogy are playing next weekend, and while I haven’t bought tickets yet, I’m going to try my best to see them both.
In other pop culture / bookish news… have you seen the trailer for the My Lady Jane series coming up on Prime Video? I loved the My Lady Jane book (yet another book for my need-to-reread-list), and this looks delightful. (Bonus points for including a favorite actor from the A Discovery of Witches adaptation)
Fresh Catch:
No new books this week.
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler: This is my book group book for June, and I’m getting a late start. Oops. (The nice thing is that our discussion is via chat threads, so there’s no hard pressure to finish on time)
Now playing via audiobook:
Funny Story by Emily Henry: Emily Henry books are SO good on audio, especially with the fabulous Julie Whelan narrating. I’m about halfway through this book, and it’s just as much fun as I’d expected.
Ongoing reads:
Just one at the moment, now that we’ve finished Daniel Deronda:
- Damn Rebel Bitches: The Women of the ’45 by Maggie Craig: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of this non-fiction book, discussing one chapter each Friday. Progress: 24%. Coming up this week: Chapter 7, “Sealed with a Loving Kiss”
What will you be reading this week?
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
Fantastic to see LOTR on the big screen again. We have the DVDs but the big screen, if it comes near us (near enough) I’d go too. Have a super week and stay cool, literally.
Thank you! I’ve watched LOTR on my TV screen so many times, and it was still amazing to see it on the big screen — just bought my tickets for the next two!
I’m behind, I still need to watch Bridgerton part 2, but I have heard lots of complaining that it’s the weakest season story wise. I do know that if they split it up again I will not start watching until all the episodes are available. That was a terrible idea! And wow, Lady Jane looks great, I’ll have to watch it😁 Have a good week!
I didn’t think the Bridgerton season’s story was weak, although the focus was more spread out between siblings than in the previous seasons. Penelope is such a great character, and she really carries the season!
I thought Funny Story was cute. I liked the two main characters a lot. And I’m very curious about The Mountain in the Sea. Talk about a great cover! Enjoy your week. 😀
Thanks! Wishing you a great week too!
I haven’t read Lady Jane but am certainly intrigued by the Prime series. It would be brilliant to see LOTR on the big screen again but I’ll just have to satisfy myself with my rewatch which I’ve just completed.
My last LOTR rewatch was early in the pandemic, so I was very ready to see it all again anyway!
I enjoyed season 3 of Bridgerton too. I watched it all in one go (after rewatching the others) because I’d have been too annoyed by the break. Agree about spending more time with the characters. I feel like the other seasons were more focused on the main romantic relationships, compared to this one.
I ended up watching the 2nd half twice through! Overall, I liked it a lot, but certain elements annoyed me once I thought about them more. Still, a strong season — but now we have to wait until 2026 for more!
I’m curious what those annoying elements were. One for me was what became of Cressida. I like that there was a change in her character because of her friendship with Eloise, but not how things ended between them and for her.
I agree about Cressida — I would have preferred letting her have a real redemption arc and finding a way to break away from her parents and actually be a better person. I was annoyed by Penelope (even though I love her!!) — she was over the top apologetic about her Whistledown identity, and seemed inconsistent about owning it as a piece of herself.
I agree about that regarding Pen. There was a point in the show where I thought her speaking with Genevieve, the dressmaker, about being a woman owning a business she created would encourage Pen to be more proud about her creation.