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.

What a fun week! I attended two special events. First, a book talk: John Scalzi in conversation with Kim Stanley Robinson — amazing! The conversation was funny and flew by too fast, and I got two books signed!

Second, I went to see the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: 10ish Year Reunion Concert.

Such a blast! Obviously, you’d need to be a fan of the TV series to enjoy this show… but I was, and I did! The cast sang some of their greatest hits, danced, told stories, and put on quite a spectacle. It was amazing! Here’s one of the songs they performed on stage:

Okay, maybe one more…

And now, back to books…

What did I read during the last week?

Drama by Raina Telgemeier: I read this graphic novel for a banned book reading challenge, and liked it a lot.

The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong: Sweet, light cozy fantasy. My review is here.

My Friends by Fredrik Backman: Five stars! My review is here.

Blind Date with a Werewolf by Patricia Briggs: Such a fun treat for fans of the Mercy Thompson and Alpha & Omega series! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Oh my gods… season 2 of Schmigadoon made me so happy! I finished it last night, and loved all the musical theater references, from Pippin to Hair to Jesus Christ Superstar and more. So much fun — I just wish there were more than two seasons.

Fresh Catch:

Exciting new books!

At the book event, I bought a copy of John Scalzi’s newest novel and got it signed:

I won a Goodreads giveaway a couple of weeks ago, and the book arrived this week:

Last but not least: A gorgeous new edition of a favorite book, The Wicked King (#2 in the Folk of the Air series). In case you can’t tell, the book has a velvety finish and is just so beautiful!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Cinder House by Freya Marske: I’m about halfway through this novella, and I’m really enjoying it so far.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan: This novel is a follow-up to last year’s novella, The Christmas Book Hunt. Jenny Colgan’s books are always a treat, and with a focus on rare books and a crumbling Scottish manor as the setting, this one promises to be lots of fun.

Ongoing reads:

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

• Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 86%. Up next: Chapters 37 and 38.
• The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: Another book group read, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 49%.
• My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin: My newest Classics Club Spin book! I’m leaving it here as a reminder to myself — I’ll likely start it in November. The goal is to complete our spin books by December 21st, so I do have plenty of time.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…