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 a busy week, and I have another hectic week coming up… but after that, a week off! I won’t be posting a Monday Check-in post next Monday — my husband and I will be heading out of town for a mini-vacation, and I can’t wait to relax, refresh, and (of course) do lots of reading.

Meanwhile, for today’s dose of cuteness:

I came into the living room yesterday and found the kitty cat like this. Apparently, he made himself a blanket fort! Awwwwww.

Online amusement:

Terrific article in the New York Times by Joe Hill about experiencing Salem’s Lot (by his dad) at much too young an age: So You Think Stephen King Has Scared You? Try Being His Son.

On a different note… I’m sure this has circulated plenty among book lovers, but I stumbled across this for the first time, and felt so seen:

What did I read during the last week?

Road Trip With a Vampire by Jenna Levine: Super silly wrap-up to an entertaining vampire romance trilogy. My review is here.

My Theodosia by Anya Seton: Historical fiction, published in 1941, about Aaron Burr’s daughter. If not for the fact that this was a book group selection, I probably would not have stuck with it. My review is here.

First-Time Caller by B. K. Borison: This contemporary romance was fine, but not particularly special. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’m all caught up on Severance. What a weird, amazing show! Can’t wait for season 3, whenever that might be.

Fresh Catch:

One new book:

The Poisoned King (Impossible Creatures, #2) by Katherine Rundell: The first book of this middle grade series was terrific, and I’m looking forward to starting the 2nd!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Silver and Lead (October Daye, #19) by Seanan McGuire: The newest book in one of my all-time favorite fantasy series!

Now playing via audiobook:

Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding: I needed a new audiobook to start today, and this one was available from the library right away. I’m always up for a Jane Austen retelling! It looks pretty charming… we shall see.

Ongoing reads:

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

• Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 62%. Up next: Chapters 27 and 28.
• 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): 41%.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…