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.
Welcome to May! A day late, but… May the 4th be with you!
I had… not the best week. My husband was sick early in the week, and by Thursday, I had it too. Cold, congestion, fever, headache… yuck. I was sick enough to have to cancel a few plans and not do much all weekend except lie around and read whenever I could keep my eyes open.
It still hasn’t entirely cleared yet, but I’m planning to try to work from home today and will see how it goes.
What did I read during the last week?
Vanishing World by Sayaka Murata: The weirdest book I’ve read in a long time… and not in a good way. My review is here.
The Love Haters by Katherine Center: Another enjoyable, light romance from a must-read author. My review is here.
Overgrowth by Mira Grant: Invasion of the alien plant people! This sci-fi/horror tale by the incomparable Mira Grant (aka Seanan McGuire) delivers complexity and chills. My review is here.
Elsewhere on the blog:
I shared my excitement about three upcoming new books in favorite series, here.
And if you’re looking for a tale of tragedy, loss, and renewed hope… here’s the sad story of my Kindle Oasis’s demise and the arrival of my new Kindle Paperwhite.
Pop culture & TV:
I finished watching Etoile (Prime Video), and loved it! Here’s hoping there’s more to come!
Sunday night was the premiere of Miss Austen, a new limited series on PBS (adapted from the terrific book by Gill Hornby). Check out the trailer:
Fresh Catch:
I bought the 2nd and 3rd books in this series last week while visiting a local bookstore… but since they didn’t have book 1 in stock, I had to place an order… and here it is! I’m excited to start this series. It looks adorable!
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle: I started this book via audio, but because I was sick and didn’t leave my house for a good part of the week, I also didn’t get much time to listen, and now the audiobook is due back at the library. So, I’m switching to print so I can finish.
Now playing via audiobook:
Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine: I’m a sucker for romance-in-the-wilderness stories, and with an Alaska setting? Even better. The library had this one available to borrow, and it sounds cute, so I’ll give it a go!
Ongoing reads:
My book group’s classic read is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 86%. Up next: Chapters 42 and 43.
What will you be reading this week?
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
Nice post 🎸🙏
Thanks!
I’m sorry you and your husband didn’t feel well! I hope you’re feeling way better now!! And I have yet to read something by Katherine Center but she is on my radar, and I have one of her books on my digital shelves (The Bodyguard) so I really hope to get to it, sooner or later!!
The Bodyguard is a good one! Thanks!
I hope you both feel better soon, ugh. Being sick enough that you can’t read is not fun. Love the Luke Dogwalker meme!
I couldn’t resist (despite being a day late!). Thanks!
Hope you and your husband feel better soon, Lisa! I was trying to post my Six Degrees yesterday, just to be able to write May the Fourth Be With You, but sadly ran out of time 🙂 Murata’s stories certainly are strange, pushing all sorts of boundaries which don’t always sit right with one.
I’m still curious about Murata’s Earthling book, which I’d heard good things about — but after this experience, I’m feeling doubtful about whether to even try it.
The strangest from its description for me was Life Ceremony. Though this sounds equally so. I think Convenience Story Woman is perhaps the one that’s the most ‘normal’.
I loved Miss Austen. Here in Europe we got to watch it earlier in the year. Enjoy!
That’s great to know! I’m so glad to hear that you loved it. I didn’t get a chance to watch the first episode yet, but I hope to do so tonight.
😊
I hope you and your husband feel better soon!
I can’t wait to read your thoughts on Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea!
Thanks for the good wishes! I’m looking forward to starting Can’t Spell Treason… although I may save it to read on a trip at the end of the month 🙂
Luke Dogwalker totally made me laugh! 😀 And I hope you’re feeling better.
Thanks so much!
Sorry to hear you and your husband were sick. Seems like it’s the time of year to get a cold (I’m still getting over mine). Hope you both feel better soon.
Thank you! This stupid cold seems to really be hanging on… I can’t quite seem to shake it! Hope you’re feeling better too.