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.

This past week was focused on catching up — it was my first week back after two weeks away from work… and let’s just say, it was a lot!

Apart from that, it was good to be back home, get a little time each evening to chill (and read), and spend time with family. Unfortunately, we’re having a very typical San Francisco July — grey skies and drizzle every day! Nothing can keep me down, though. I’m still squeezing in as much outdoor time as I can, even if that means getting cold and damp.

What did I read during the last week?

A Darkness Absolute (Rockton, #2) by Kelley Armstrong: I finished this while away the previous week, but just posted my review, here. I love this series! Can’t wait to keep going.

The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst: This book is sweet and cozy, but light on actual plot. I didn’t love it as much as I’d hoped to. My review is here.

The Auctioneer by Joan Samson: A 1970s horror classic — no gore, but filled with terrible dread that builds and builds. My review is here.

The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien: Ta-da! My book group’s reading journey through Fellowship wrapped up last week! It was such a treat reading and discussing this book with the group. We’ll be starting The Two Towers in mid-August.

Pop culture & TV:

I’m loving my free trial of AppleTV+! I was skeptical about Ted Lasso — could it really be worth all that buzz? And why would I — someone who really has no interest in sports — even care? Well, I stand corrected. I care! I binged season 1 of Ted Lasso this past week and immediately started season 2.

My son and I also watched the first episode of Murderbot, and it was… okay. We’re very much on the fence about continuing. After Ted Lasso, I think I’ll try Severance next, and meanwhile have some non-Apple catching up to do, including The Summer I Turned Pretty and The Gilded Age.

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week:

A gently used copy of a super cute little book that’s a great gift for booklovers!

As for e-books… I simply couldn’t resist when I saw price drops for Georgette Heyer books, and added a whole bunch more to my Kindle library. Now to find time to read them…

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill: My book group book for July. And yes, I’m late! I made a lot of progress over the weekend, and hope to finish today or tomorrow.

Next up — I haven’t quite decided, but it’s between an ARC, the next in a series, or a recent Kindle addition:

Now playing via audiobook:

Totally and Completely Fine by Elissa Sussman: I just need one more hour-long walk — hopefuly today! — and I’ll be done! Watch for my review later this week.

Next up — the final book in a series that’s been terrific so far:

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

• Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 23%. Up next: Chapters 13 and 14.
• 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 — the target date to finish this spin challenge is August 24th. This week’s update: Still haven’t started this one! I need to get moving…
• The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s shared reading journey, coming up in August.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…