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.

Welp, that’s another Hanukkah come and gone! It’s always a bit weird when Hanukkah finishes before Christmas. We’re done with our holiday, and everyone else is still building up the excitement for theirs! In any case… wishing all who celebrate a very merry Christmas!

This past week was pretty fun, with a few Hanukkah get-togethers with family and friends, plus a work lunch with my team that was great.

I haven’t done a jigsaw puzzle in many months — but one of my Hanukkah presents was a puzzle of a photo from my daughter’s wedding, and I decided to start it over the weekend.

It’s kind of hilarious to put people’s faces together. So far, there are just two issues: 1) There are a LOT of trees and a TON of grass in the picture, and 2) our cat really likes hanging out on the puzzle table and trying to swipe pieces when my back is turned. He’s giving me an annoyed face right now because I took back the bits he was playing with. So… wish me luck!

What did I read during the last week?

Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher: Really enjoyable folk/fantasy tale with an amazing desert setting. My review is here.

Next Time Will Be Our Turn by Jesse Q. Sutanto: Absolutely gorgeous story. My review is here.

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans: Lovely epistolary novel. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Very underwhelmed by the Survivor finale, and by season 49 as a whole. Why do I keep watching? I do think I’ll stick with it for season 50, coming in February, which will be bringing back a bunch of fan favorite players — but unless they really do something to change up the format, I may be done after that.

And now, it’s back to The Morning Show! I’ve started season 2, which so far is set during early 2020 with the pandemic unfolding in the background. I’ll be interested to see where the story arc goes this season.

Besides that, I have my eye on a few other series on Netflix and AppleTV… and still need to make time for the 2nd Lord of the Rings movie!

Fresh Catch:

One new book!

I stumbled across this book while looking up something else Austen-related, and I couldn’t resist! There’s an entry for every day — I’m looking forward to making this book a daily habit in 2026.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Through Gates of Garnet and Gold (Wayward Children, #11) by Seanan McGuire: It’s great to return to the world of the Wayward Children series! I’m almost done — can’t wait to see how it turns out.

Now playing via audiobook:

Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench: I haven’t gotten very far, but this audiobook is delightful! It’s basically Judi Dench in conversation about the various Shakespeare roles she’s played throughout her career. It’s entertaining and also teaching me so much!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 24%. Coming up this week: Chapter 10 (and then we’re taking a small break until after the new year).
• The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien: Coming soon! My book group will be continuing our LOTR reading journey starting early January.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…