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 clock is ticking… it’s almost 2026! I have no plans for New Years, other than enjoying a day off from work and doing whatever I end up feeling like.

It’s been a good week, with family time and a few fun get-togethers with different groups of people. I’ve enjoyed the relaxed vibe of this end-of-year time — just wish it could last longer!

Blog posts:

I shared some thoughts on audiobooks, and what I think could make them better. Check it out here — I’d love to hear what you think! Also new this week: the first of my traditional year-in-review posts, this one about my series reading in 2025.

What did I read during the last week?

Through Gates of Garnet and Gold (Wayward Children, #11) by Seanan McGuire: Another terrific addition to a great series. My review is here.

A Damsel in Distress by P .G. Wodehouse: A delightfully silly story. My review is here.

3 Days 9 Months 27 Years by John Scalzi: An excellent short story with a twisty approach to time travel.

The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis: My book group pick for December — finished just under the wire! I couldn’t put it down. Review to follow later in the week.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished season 2 of The Morning Show! Geez, that series is all over the place. Some characters are just so messy… and the pandemic is still recent enough that watching it on TV isn’t exactly entertainment. Still, I’m interested enough to keep going and see what happens next.

Meanwhile, I’ve watched 5 episodes of Pluribus. It’s so weird, and so hard not to binge straight through!

Fresh Catch:

Three new books this week:

I treated myself to copies of an Austen-related book and the Judi Dench book that’s my current audio listen, and received an early copy of the new Wayward Children book from the publisher.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher: This book was recommended by an author whose books I love, and it feels like the right time of year to give it a try! I’ve only just started, but hope to have quite a bit of reading time this week to sit and enjoy it.

Now playing via audiobook:

Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench: I’ve had limited listening time this past week, but that’s okay — I’m really savoring this audiobook. It’s Judi Dench in conversation about the various Shakespeare roles she’s played throughout her career. Wonderful.

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: 29%. Taking a break this week — we’ll pick up our group read again next week.
• 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…