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.

The rain has returned to Northern California! How’s that for drama? I know, we definitely need rain… but does it have to come on the weekend, just when I have time to get outside?

It’s been an okay week, busy with work and other commitments — but I did squeeze in some good reading and family time over the weekend, so all is well.

What did I read during the last week?

Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky: Excellent! Such a fascinating premise. I can’t wait to read more of this series. My review is here.

Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman: An okay, not great early book from an author whose books I usually love. My review is here.

Goblins & Greatcoats by Travis Baldree: A short story set in the world of this author’s fantasy books. It was pretty entertaining, and from what I’ve heard, a character introduced here is featured in the new release Brigands & Breadknives, which I hope to start soon.

A Stranger in Town (Rockton, #6) by Kelley Armstrong: I’ve been loving this series, and the 6th books is just as good as I’d expected! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’ll stop my weekly rants and raves about Dancing with the Stars… other than to share this video of my favorite dance from the past week.

My son and I finally managed to catch up on The Amazing Race, and I’ve made a teeny bit of progress with The Morning Show. My TV time has been pretty limited this week, and when I do have time, it’s always a dilemma of choosing between watching screens and reading a book.

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week:

A very nice hardcover edition of Constituent Service by John Scalzi, originally released as an Audible Original (which I enjoyed very much). I’m delighted to get this hard copy, just released from Subterranean Press.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters: My book group book for November… and I’m actually starting more than a week before the deadline!

Now playing via audiobook:

The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer: Really entertaining so far!

Ongoing reads:

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

• The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: Another book group read, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 57%.
• Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen: Although I only recently treated myself to an audio reread of this book, I’m about to start it yet again! This time, I’ll be reading Northanger Abbey with my book group as our newest classic read. We’ll be reading and discussing two chapters per week, starting today. Coming up this week: Chapters 1 and 2.
• My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin: My newest Classics Club Spin book! I’m leaving it here as a reminder to myself. The goal is to complete our spin books by December 21st, so I still have time… but I’d better get moving!

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…