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.

How did it get to be November already???

This has really been a challenging reading week for me! I finished an excellent book (5 stars!) and am in the middle of another that I’m really enjoying… but it just feels that every bit of reading time I have is squished in between other commitments. I’m just aching for hours of uninterrupted time to curl up with a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and my Kindle!

But other than that… it was a good week! My husband, son, and I went out for a yummy early dinner on Halloween, and then my husband and I wandered around a neighborhood with awesome Halloween decorations for a while, just enjoying the houses and the kids and the overall vibe.

And here’s a random item that made me laugh this week, which felt timely since I’m now just slightly past the mid-point of a group LOTR read:

What did I read during the last week?

The Six Deaths of the Saint by Alix E. Harrow: As I was about to start reading The Everlasting, I stumbled across a Reddit thread suggesting reading this short story first. According to an Instagram post by the author:

(if the copy sounds a little like THE SIX DEATHS OF THE SAINT, it’s bc i wrote that story after outlining this book, as a kind of road test. they don’t quite echo, but they rhyme).

I enjoyed the story, and I definitely saw the “echoes” in The Everlasting… but there’s enough of a difference to make each one its own special thing.

The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow: Absolutely loved this novel! I gave it 5 stars. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I just finished season 2 of Nobody Wants This. I liked it, but not as much as season 1. But, I think that’s often the case with second seasons. In any case, assuming there will actually be a season 3 (it hasn’t been confirmed yet, as far as I could tell), I’ll be watching!

Fresh Catch:

No new books… But, a vendor I deal with at work sent me an Amazon gift card as a thank you gift, and I’m trying to decide how to spend it! I don’t treat myself to hardcovers all that often any more, but I think now may be the time.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix: I’m really enjoying this book… and I’m frustrated that I haven’t gotten further along (or finished by now). Ugh, the agony of not having enough reading time!

Now playing via audiobook:

Elizabeth of East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding: Same situation as above… just not enough time to finish this audiobook this week! But, I think I only need one more day. This is a very fun Pride and Prejudice retelling!

Ongoing reads:

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

• Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 97%. Up next: Chapters 41 and 42. Final week!!
• The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: Another book group read, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 53%.
• 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…