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 hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving! And just like that… it’s December! I made it through the long weekend without indulging in TOO much online shopping. Couldn’t resist a new tunnel for our kitty, though…

We had a small family gathering for Thanksgiving — just six of us — and it was really nice, then saw friends over the weekend, and had time to relax and unwind a bit too.

And now, back to the grind… and a busy upcoming week at work.

What did I read during the last week?

84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff: Just as charming as everyone says! My review is here.

Coming Home by Brittney Griner: Powerful, must-read memoir. My review is here.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi: Sweet and heart-warming. My review is here.

A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston: Fun romance involving an avid reader who stumbles into her favorite fictional town. My review is here.

The Return by Rachel Harrison: SO creepy. Review to follow, later this week.

Pop culture & TV:

Another new episode of Outlander! These once-per-week shows just kill me… This season is very good so far, but I wish I could binge it all at once. As for the newest episode — man, this show is covering a lot of ground! So much happens in this 2nd episode. I’m so curious to see how far through the books they’ll be by the end of the season.

In other TV viewing, I finished A Body That Works on Netflix, an Israeli series about surrogacy. Lots of soapy drama, but some really strong episodes too.

And as cheesy as it can be, Dancing with the Stars was actually a lot of fun this season. I was happy with the top two finishers, and overall, really enjoyed following the show week after week.

Fresh Catch:

I gave in to temptation and ordered a few books on sale for Black Friday… but have to wait a week for them to arrive!

Little Free Library updates:

One new book showed up this week — The Color of Water by James McBride — plus I added a few more old paperbacks from my shelves.

Some of the books currently in my LFL have been there for weeks now. I’m always curious to see which books gets taken and which just stay and stay.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right by Suzanne Allain: This author’s Regency romances are such fun! I’m happy to be starting her newest, due for release next week.

After that, I’ll be back to working my way through the stack of books that I meant to read earlier in the year. Top priority at the moment:

Now playing via audiobook:

The Comeback Summer by Ali Brady: I’m really close to the end! Enjoying it a lot — this author was new to me this year, and now I’m caught up!

Ongoing reads:

Starting this week! My book group’s newest classic read is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. Beginning today, we’ll be reading and discussing two chapters per week. I’m happy for the chance to reread this classic!

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…