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.

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving! It feels like the holiday has stretched to include the entire week in recent years. I’m still working this week, but it feels like a lot of people have already checked out. I’m looking forward to days off at the end of the week, and spending the holiday with family!

We had major rainstorms this past week, so my usual outdoor activities were mostly cancelled. I made up for it with family chill time, plus lots of reading.

What did I read during the last week?

The Answer Is No by Fredrik Backman: A quirky, funny short story. My review is here.

An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott: My Classics Club Spin book — loved it! My review is here.

Weyward by Emilia Hart: A 5-star read! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Outlander is back! After a Droughtlander of more than a year, the 2nd half of season 7 has started. The first of the new episodes dropped on Friday, and I loved it.

I started a new (to me) Israeli series on Netflix, A Body That Works. I’m about halfway through, and I’m enjoying it… although my overall impression is going to depend on how they resolve certain elements. As of the midpoint, I’d say it’s worth checking out.

Fresh Catch:

I didn’t buy any books this week!

Little Free Library updates:

This week in my Little Free Library:

One ratty old instruction manual was added… but the four or five terrific paperbacks someone dropped off last week all seem to have found new homes! (I’m getting a kick out of seeing what comes and goes each week… and which books seem to stay and stay and stay)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff: This book keeps coming up as a should-really-read book for me, and I decided to finally make it happen. (It helps that my library branch had a copy on the shelf when I stopped by over the weekend).

Once I finish, I’ll be starting one of these — all of which have been high on my reading pile for a while now:

I’m not quite sure which one I’ll start first, but I’m excited to finally have time for any or all of them!

Now playing via audiobook:

Coming Home by Brittney Griner: I’m so close to the end! I think I need another half-hour or so of listening time to wrap this up. I’ll share my thoughts later in the week — very powerful and moving memoir.

Next, I plan to go for a lighter listen, most likely this one:

I recently finished the audio version of this author duo’s first novel and really liked it, so I’m up for more.

Ongoing reads:

Coming soon! My book group’s newest classic read will be Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. We’re starting in early December, and will be reading and discussing two chapters per week. This will be a reread for me, and I’m looking forward to it.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…