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.
It’s so nice to have a long weekend!
Blogging.
I feel like I manage to come up with a new WordPress complaint each week. Here’s my latest: I found a bunch of comments sitting in spam that are from real people who’ve actually interacted with my blog before! Why, WordPress, why? I never would have thought to check, but now that I have, I’ll keep an eye on my spam folder going forward.
(And if you happen to have left a comment at some point in the past that went unanswered, I apologize.. and also, that could be why!)
Other bookish thoughts.
I’ve started two different versions of a post about Neil Gaiman… and both times, I found the subject too depressing to finish. There’s already a ton written about him out there on the internet, and I don’t think I have anything particularly different to add.
What really started me thinking about the subject, though, was seeing his books on my shelves and realizing I don’t want to see them there any longer… and there really are quite a few. For now, I’m listing a bunch on my Pango seller page, putting a couple of the rattier editions in my Little Free Library (in fact, one got snatched up within an hour of my leaving it there), and may just stick the rest (I can’t quite bring myself to part with Stardust… ) in a closet for now.
Anyone else struggling with what to do with their Neil Gaiman books?
What did I read during the last week?
Annie Bot by Sierra Greer: Fascinating, fast read — and finished in time for my book group chat later this week. My review is here.
Equal Rites (Discworld, #3) by Terry Prachett: Really enjoyable audiobook! I’d read this book previously a few years ago; my original review is here.
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan: This was such a fun read. My review is here.
Pop culture & TV:
I don’t always keep up with Oscar-nominated movies, but I’ve been curious about certain movies getting a lot of buzz. This week, I checked out Anora — and I’ve gotta say, I was impressed! So far, of the best picture nominees, I’ve seen Anora, Wicked, and The Substance. I’m still planning to watch Dune: Part 2 — but beyond that, none are especially calling to me right now. Any recommendations?
Fresh Catch:
One new book this week, and I’m already enjoying it!
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales (Emily Wilde, #3) by Heather Fawcett: I’m about halfway through, and after a bit of a slow start, it’s really good!
Next up:
I’m trying to stay on top of all of my pending ARCs for upcoming new releases. My next read will probably be one of these:
Now playing via audiobook:
Wyrd Sisters (Discworld, #6) by Terry Pratchett: I’m continuing with the audiobooks for the Witches books within the Discworld series. It’s a blast! Great narration, lots of fun.
Ongoing reads:
My book group’s classic read is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 38%. Up next: Chapters 20 and 21.
What will you be reading this week?
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
Yes, I have also found legit comments in spam. I try to check once a month when I do other blog maintenance tasks.
Checking once a month sounds like a good approach. Now that I’m aware of the problem, I’ll try to remember to check!
I generally check my spam every couple of weeks and often find a stray ‘real’ comment.
That’s a lovely edition of the Emily Wilde. Hope you enjoy all your reading this week
Thank you! I already had hardcover editions of the first two Emily Wilde books — it’s nice to have a complete set now!
I have been getting a ton of spam for months, and yes, real comments are going there too. If I wait too long to check it’s a pain to weed through them to see if any went there by mistake. Such a hassle!
I honestly hadn’t thought about getting rid of my Neil Gaiman books until now. Sort of like I never considered getting rid of my Harry Potter books. I am not a big fan of cancel culture, although I totally get the reasoning behind it. Sigh. What to do? I’ve met Neil Gaiman several times and have signed books.
I have some signed Neil Gaiman books too, but I don’t particularly want them any more. I’m really not a fan of cancel culture either, especially as related to authors saying stupid things on social media, etc. Somehow, this one feels different, maybe because it’s about actions toward specific people rather than words (even ill-advised or cruel words) thrown out into the world. I wouldn’t consider getting rid of my Harry Potter books, but I also haven’t bought anything new by JKR in quite a while and would rather not going forward.
Blogger sends legitimate comments into spam all the time…even my own comments on my own blog! It’s frustrating. I now check my spam folder practically every day. And my hold of the new Emily Wilde book just shipped which means I should be able to pick it up from the library this week. 😀 I’m excited, because I really loved the first two books. Happy Presidents Day! I hope you have the day off. 😀
Thank you! Yes, I have today off, and I’m so happy to have a free day for reading and getting outside as much as possible! I hope you enjoy the new Emily Wilde book — I’m pretty close to the end, and hope to finish today. The spam thing is so frustrating! Now I have to wonder how many legit comments I’ve missed.
I think I was one of the people who randomly went into your spam folder, but honestly, no worries! I don’t think we’ll ever be able to decipher the mysteries of the email spam folder!
And that is a very pretty hardback of Emily Wilde 3 – I like the slightly different format! 🙂
I have the similar editions of Emily Wilde books 1 and 2, and they all look so pretty together! 🙂
Ive also found real comments in spam and it gets right on my wick! I try and remember to check it periodically but sometimes my memory fails me!!
Haha, there’s just too much to keep up with! But I’ll have to try to remember to check on a regular basis from now on.
Thankfully, I wasn’t the biggest Gaiman fan to start with, so my reading hasn’t really been altered. Also, what’s your Pango shop called? I’d love to follow you. I just finished The Kings of the Wyld and I’m hoping to start The Reformatory tonight.
I’ve heard good things about both! My Pango shop is https://pangobooks.com/bookstore/lisa252194. Let me know yours, so I can follow you too!
Just followed! Here’s mine https://pangobooks.com/bookstore/wildwoodreads