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 August! My summer travels are already over, but I’m trying to still squeeze in some outdoor time and appreciate the (slightly) slower pace at work while so many other people are taking time off. The fall rush is not far away!
A cuteness update: The kitty found a favorite new hang-out. We think he just likes to be able to look down on all of us puny humans.
What did I read during the last week?
The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill: A fast-paced thriller that doesn’t quite deliver, but still makes for a fast, engaging read. Review to follow.
Totally and Completely Fine by Elissa Sussman: Loved this audiobook! Which wasn’t a surprise — I also really enjoyed the previous two by this author. My review is here.
Sisters of Fortune by Esther Chehebar: I had high hopes for this book about a trio of Syrian Jewish sisters in a tight-knit Brooklyn community… but sadly, it didn’t quite live up to expectations. My review is here.
This Fallen Prey (Rockton, #3) by Kelley Armstrong: This series continue to be excellent! It’s going to be hard to make myself take breaks and read other books, rather than continuing straight through. My review is here.
The Last Wizards’ Ball (Gunnie Rose, #6) by Charlaine Harris: Finished during my Sunday walk — review to follow later this week.
Pop culture & TV:
Still exploring (and bingeing) with my free trial of AppleTV+! I’ve now finished season 2 of Ted Lasso — still loving it! I’m going to catch up on a few other things*, then dive straight into season 3.
*… such as The Summer I Turned Pretty, season 3 (on Prime Video) — although based on watching one episode so far, I’m not sure I actually care enough to finish the series.
Since my book group recently finished Fellowship of the Ring, I took time this past week to watch the movie… probably my 4th or 5th time, but it’s always glorious.
Fresh Catch:
No new physical books this week… but there were a few great price drops on Kindle that I couldn’t resist, including Fredrik Backman’s newest. (Still available for $1.99, I believe, so go grab it if you’re interested!)
Retail therapy — (non-bookish) product placement time!
Over the weekend, I posted photos (and purchase links) for cute UV hoodies and other outdoor protective wear. I’m loving my new butterflies-and-flowers top!
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher: This twisted/alternate version of the Snow White story is off to a great start!
Now playing via audiobook:
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer: Don’t mock me! After driving through the town of Forks on my recent road trip, I was reminded of how all-absorbing this series was way back when, and thought it might be fun to revisit it. We’ll see… I’m just starting it today.
Ongoing reads:
My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):
- Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 31%. Up next: Chapters 15 and 16.
- 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, starting up in two weeks.
What will you be reading this week?
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
I love that you’re jumping back into Twilight. I was so addicted to these books (and movies), going as far as to be at the midnight release…lol
Oh, I definitely made it to a midnight release party too! I don’t know if I’ll do more than the first book, but it does feel fun to go back to something that I loved so much way back when 🙂
Ah, that Aragorn image… *sigh* My one true fictional love, forever ad always! ❤
My king <3. He’s just spectacular.
I love that you’re rereading Twilight! I first read it back when it was released and there was no hype surrounding it, and I loved it. And the cat photo is so cute, but I’m imagining all your spices falling on the shelf if he decides to get down on that side😂
The cat is pretty hilarious. He’s lived here for about 2 years now, yet only discovered this new hideaway this past week, and seems to love it. He has to get to it via a counter top and then the fridge, and seems to manage to find a path every time.
I randomly discovered Twilight (so long ago!) while on a family trip overseas where I came across a small mention in a magazine about book 3 and figured, why not read a vampire book right now! I managed to devour it before coming home and realizing what a huge phenomenon it was!
Happy Monday! I can’t believe there’s a 6th Gunnie Rose book. I’m so far behind in that series. And your kitty’s high perch is great. He looks so cute up there. 😀
I was so reluctant to start the Gunnie Rose series, and just didn’t think it would be for me… and I couldn’t stop once I started! The kitty is so entertaining, even though he’d rather stare down at us all than come close enough to interact 🙂
LOTR never ages or goes out of style!
Never! I got to see Fellowship last year when there were some big screen showings, and it was amazing! I wish I could see the other two in theaters again.
Check what I just saw online!
https://www.flashbackcinema.net/new-blog/lordoftheringsreturnoftheking?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwL-N9dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHr4wej67e6Y6l5eGEWIxm7LN_ZzAeQeSbiJKVxTJm-BFK4lOg_CPoh8xwdFg_aem_pnm26_YE1fgVvfH7umpaNA
I love black cats! I’ve had a couple of wonderful ones!
Us too! This one is such a character, definitely keeps us entertained 🙂
Lol! That’s exactly why the kitty cat is up there.
He is clearly a superior being 🙂
I’m very curious how your reread of Twilight is going to go!
It’s really fun so far! I’ve listened to about 25%. Some elements definitely do not hold up well — but it’s feel kind of charming and nostalgic to revisit the story.
I get that, when I reread the books back in 2019, it was nostalgia that got me, even though the books weren’t that great.
Your kitty is the cutest! ❤ I had a similar experience with another of Sulari Gentill’s books recently.
That’s too bad about the Sulari Gentill book! I’d been thinking I should try a different book of hers to see if I like it better…
hahaha I love the cat pics!! And I just read My Friends- soooo good!!!! my favourite of his I’ve read- and that’s saying something! Hope you enjoy it!
Awesome to hear about My Friends! I put myself on the library waitlist for the audiobook, so I may hold off until that’s available… but I am looking forward to it!