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.

I went back to work last week after a week out sick, and was (mostly) happy to be jumping back in. I’m still getting my strength back, but feeling better day by day. I got outside and managed to fit in some walking and active time in general over the weekend, and that helped a lot too.

What did I read during the last week?

Writing Mr. Wrong by Kelley Armstrong: A fun, smart romance from a favorite author. My review is here.

There Is No Ethan: How Three Women Uncovered America’s Biggest Catfish by Anna Akbari: Fascinating, disturbing non-fiction. My review is here.

Pug & Kisses by Farrah Rochon: Adorable doggie-friendly romance set in New Orleans. My review is here.

The Shocking Experiments of Miss Mary Bennet by Melinda Taub: The Austen/Frankenstein mashup I never knew I needed! So much fun. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’m about halfway through the 2nd season of Severance. Overall, I’m really enjoying this show, even though the most recent episodes I watched seemed to drag a bit. (Or maybe that was just my mood at the time… ). In any case, I should be wrapping it up in the next few days.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Road Trip With a Vampire by Jenna Levine: I enjoyed this author’s previous two vampire books, and this one is off to a good start!

Now playing via audiobook:

First-Time Caller by B. K. Borison: I’d been on my library’s hold list for a while, and finally got a chance to borrow this audiobook. Just getting started!

Ongoing reads:

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

• Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 57%. Up next: Chapters 25 and 26.
• The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s newest reading journey, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 40%.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…