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.

This week zipped by without quite enough time to read all the books I meant to read! Meanwhile, we had some nice weather over the weekend, so I was able to squeeze in some good outdoorsy fun, and even managed to go dancing one night.

(I also got my Covid and flu vaccines this week, which hit me about 24 hours afterward. Not as bad as some previous rounds, but I did feel pretty knocked out for a day.)

What did I read during the last week?

Cue the Sun! The Invention of Reality TV by Emily Nussbaum: Fascinating non-fiction about the origins and evolution of reality TV. My review is here.

Life’s Too Short by Abby Jimenez: The 3rd book in the Friend Zone trilogy. I enjoyed it, although not quite as much as the previous two. My review is here.

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman: Sweet, dual-timeline novel with a lovely story about second chance love. Review to follow later in the week.

Pop culture & TV:

I tried a new reality competition show, The Summit, and after three episodes, I’m dropping it. Want to know why? Check out my thoughts, here.

We’re a month away from the return of Outlander! Season 7, part 2, begins November 22nd, and Starz just released the trailer. Can’t wait!

Fresh Catch:

My Goodreads giveaway book arrived!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Return to Valetto by Dominic Smith: My book group’s October read. I’m a little behind schedule, but hope to finish in time for our chat with the author next weekend.

Now playing via audiobook:

Lil’s Bus Trip by Judy Leigh: This author’s books are always a treat!

Coming soon:

An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott: My newest Classics Club Spin book! The spin results were just announced on Sunday, and I have to say, I’m pretty pleased with this one! I used to love Louisa May Alcott’s book as a kid, but this is one that I seem to have missed. We have until December 18th to finish our books for this round, so I’m probably not going to start right away… but I’m looking forward to it, whenever I do get started.

Ongoing reads:

My 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: 90%. Coming up this week — the last chapter! Chapter 25, “The End of an Old Sang”
• Right Ho, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse: My book group’s classic read! Hilarious. Progress: 65%. Coming up this week: Chapters 17 and 18.
• A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: My annual October tradition. The book has a chapter per day for each day of the month. Progress: 39%

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…