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.
I’m on a vacation countdown! My husband and I are taking a week away starting this coming Sunday, and I can’t wait. Just need to get through this workweek, pack my bags, and I’ll be ready to go! Once I decide which books to bring, of course.
What did I read during the last week?
Finding Mr. Write by Kelley Armstrong: This book made me so happy! My review is here.
My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan: On the other hand, this book brought on the waterworks. Very powerful and emotional. My review is here.
My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows: The 2nd book in a really fun series. Classic fiction + ghosts + heavy doses of silliness. My review is here.
Pop culture & TV:
I finished season 3 of The Bear this past week, and it was… okay? A few great episodes, but not a lot actually happened to move the overall story forward. Still, very artistic production throughout, and it’s great to see the characters again.
And now, I’m watching My Lady Jane! I’ve seen three episodes so far. It’s cute and really fun, but I’m not sure I love all the changes from the book… Let’s see how the rest of the episodes go!
Fresh Catch:
No new books this week.
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest: This is the follow-up to a book I read a few months ago (The Neighbor Favor) — it happened to be available for an immediate borrow as I was scrolling my library ebook site, so I grabbed it! I’m almost done — review to follow in the next day or so.
Now playing via audiobook:
The Way Home by Peter S. Beagle: This book is two novellas set in the world of The Last Unicorn, and it’s lovely so far.
Ongoing reads:
Two longer-term reading commitments:
- 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: 33%. Coming up this week: Chapter 10, “On the Other Hand”
- The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare: My book group is reading and discussing two scenes per week. Progress: 16%. Coming up this week: Act II, scenes 1 and 2
What will you be reading this week?
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
Vacation countdown is so fun! I’ll be on one myself in a couple of weeks😁 Have fun!
Thanks — hope you have a great vacation too!
Choosing the right books to take on vacation is the most important of the packing decisions! ;D Where are you going?
We’re going to Hawaii for a week! After considering a few different road trip options for this summer, we realized we just need something peaceful and relaxing. Saving the road trips for another time!
Hawaii is one of my most favorite vacation spots! I hope you have an amazing…and very relaxing time. 😀
Thank you! I’m getting excited!
Fantastic! What island? (My home state, Big Island)
And, agreed on The Bear. Mystified
Oahu — mainly Waikiki, but I’m hoping to rent a car for a day and do a bit more exploring around the island.
I’m also counting down the days until the end of school and our week at the beach! Have a great holiday!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy your beach week too!
Have a great vacation. Sometimes its hard to get through the workweek when counting down to a vacay, but I hope it goes by quickly for you.
Thank you! Just a few more days to go!
I hope you have a wonderful vacation. I don’t think I’ve heard of that Kelley Armstrong book before 🤔 I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’m curious about the Jane series although I have no idea if the silliness will work for me. I’m going to look into whether or not my library stocks it. Although if they don’t perhaps they will soon due to the adaptation. I’m sorry to hear that there are some frustrating changes from the book though.
Ooh I haven’t read the Unicorn series but it rings a bell so I’m going to look it up and see if it needs adding to my priority list 😅
I hope you enjoy the rest of your current reads and that you have a fantastic vacation.
Thank you so much! Just a few more days until my getaway… and so long as I can find time to pack before then, I’ll be ready! 🙂
I’m sure you’ll manage to get it all done.