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 been an intense week of catching up, following being away for two weeks. As my husband likes to remind me, is it really a vacation if all the work from the time away is still waiting for you when you get back? Sigh…

Meanwhile, we had some decent weather over the weekend, and I’m trying to get back into my routine of long weekend walks and reading outdoors!

Little Free Library updates:

When I got back from vacation, my LFL was kind of overflowing, with lots of books shoved in any which way — including some interesting looking fiction and non-fiction, but also ESL textbooks, random picture books, and a few how-to guides that looked really obsolete. I started neatening up, but didn’t get very far… and then a few days ago, I discovered that sometime overnight someone came by, removed a lot of extraneous, battered books, and left the rest looking neat and tidy!

On the other hand… I have a cute little bookmark holder that I keep stocked with free bookmarks that I’ve picked up at bookstores and other places. I added a whole bunch earlier in the week… and Friday morning when I went to straighten up the LFL, I saw that ALL of the bookmarks (about 20, I think) had disappeared overnight. I have mixed feelings: They’re there to take, so that’s fine — but still, why would someone take them all at once? That doesn’t feel particularly neighborly or in the spirit of things. Makes me feel less inclined to offer bookmarks if people are going to grab them all and not leave any for other folks.

What did I read during the last week?

The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison: A surprise treat! I didn’t know what to expect from this Sliding Doors-esque novel, but ended really enjoying it. My review is here.

What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown: Finished late Sunday. Terrific thriller! Review to follow later this week.

Pop culture & TV:

Apart from a few random YouTube clips and short videos, I really haven’t watched anything this week. For whatever reason, I’ve been more in the mood to sit and read at night rather than turning on the TV or seeing what’s streaming.

I did enjoy the Hamilton 10th anniversary performance at the Tonys:

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Never Been Shipped by Alicia Thompson: After an intense thriller, something light seems like the right choice for my next read! I’ll be starting this one later today — I have a good feeling about it, since I’ve enjoyed the author’s previous books.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits by Jennnifer Weiner: This audiobook is on the longer side (15+ hours), and I’m approaching the 75% mark. Totally loving this listen!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s newest reading journey, two chapters per week. Progress: 43%. Up next: Chapters 11 and 12. (So happy that we finally got to Aragorn’s introduction this past week!)
• Villette by Charlotte Brontë: New book group classic read, starting this week!
• My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell: My new Classics Club spin book! I’m putting it here as a reminder to myself to make time for it this summer.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…