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.
Awesome dancing over the weekend, which made me so happy!
Beyond that… locally, voters passed a proposition last fall to transform a roadway along the ocean into a park, and as of this past Friday, the road officially closed to cars. It was great to see crews out on Saturday removing traffic lights, and fantastic to see so many people enjoying the open space. Can’t wait to see how it all turns out!
What did I read during the last week?
The Love Lyric (Greene Sisters, #3) by Kristina Forest: Terrific conclusion to a heart-warming trilogy. My review is here.
The Jackal’s Mistress by Chris Bohjalian: Excellent, powerful historical fiction. My review is here.
The Tomb of Dragons (The Cemeteries of Amalo #3) by Katherine Addison: Complicated and detailed, this book is an excellent addition to the world of The Goblin Emperor, but is definitely not a good place to start. My review is here.
Pop culture & TV:
I’m still watching the new season of 1923, but it’s rough going. All creator Taylor Sheridan seems to want to do is torment his characters. It’s not fun… and feel like a waste of potential.
On the other hands, Dark Winds is back for its 3rd season, and it’s just as fantastic as the previous seasons. Seriously, if you haven’t tried this show yet, you’re missing out! Start with season 1, obviously.
Fresh Catch:
Although I already had the ARC for this book, I had to get a hardcover too! It’ll go nicely on my shelves with the other books from this series.
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Third Rule of Time Travel by Philip Fracassi: Started late Sunday! So far, so good.
Now playing via audiobook:
Dracula by Bram Stoker: This unabridged, full-cast audiobook is amazing! It’s on the long side, but I think I’ll finish this week. I’m reading Dracula for my Classics Club spin, and I’m so happy this is the book that came up this time around. I’m also following along with my gorgeous hardcover edition. All in all, it’s a great experience!
Ongoing reads:
My book group’s classic read is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 57%. Up next: Chapters 28 and 29.
What will you be reading this week?
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
That’s amazing that your city is creating that pedestrian walkway. There’s a similar one in my old town that is very cool, every city should have something like that. I’ll be curious to see what you think of Time Travel!
I’m really excited for the new park, although there are a lot of people who are angry about it (and someone already vandalized a new mural there, which is terrible) — but still, it was so nice to walk there over the weekend and know it’s now permanent! I’m excited to be starting Time Travel… and just hope I can squeeze in some good chunks of reading time in the next few days!
I’ve tried to read Dracula several times via audiobook & just can’t get through it lol. To be fair, I generally don’t enjoy reading classics, so I’m not even sure a full cast audio would help me. 😂
I read Dracula many, many years and have been wanting to read it again for a while now. The audiobook is excellent! But, you’re right, if classics don’t generally appeal to you, then a great audiobook edition might now make a difference. 🙂
I hope they are installing street lights to replace the traffic ones because lord knows, that area gets dark at night.
The street lights are staying, but they could certainly use more if it’s going to be usable after dark.
Tim Curry! I love him! Have a great week!