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 Thanksgiving week! I am especially thankful to have my daughter in town for the week. Beyond that, I’m looking forward to a few days off, time with family, and time to chill.

Last week was busy (as always), but the weekend was pretty peaceful, and the sun returned! I got to dance outdoors and go for a nice long walk at the beach, and I needed both.

What did I read during the last week?

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters: My book group’s pick for November. Powerful and absorbing. My review is here.

The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer: A 3-star read. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I rewatched the first Wicked movie… so now I’m ready to go check out Wicked: For Good this week!

The Dancing with the Stars finale is this week! The couple I absolutely did not want to see win got eliminated last week (whew!), and I do really enjoy everyone who’s left. This is who I’m rooting for:

Although I’m really fond of this pair too:

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week:

My daughter was recently in Japan, and brought me back this amazing edition of John Scalzi’s The Kaiju Preservation Society! Isn’t this a great gift?

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman: Finally! After hearing so many raves about this series, I decide it was time to try the books for myself. I’ve read about 60% so far, and I’m really liking it!

Now playing via audiobook:

Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green: I’ve just barely started, but this book is already fascinating.

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): 59%. (Note — we’ll be finished with The Two Towers next week, and then will take a break for the month of December before starting The Return of the King in January).
• Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen: My book group’s newest classic! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 5%. Coming up this week: Chapter 3.
• My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin: My current 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…