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.

Some weekend plans fell through… but that’s okay! We had gorgeous weather, and a lack of plans gave me time to enjoy the blue skies, nice breezes by the beach, and warm sunshine on my back porch.

What did I read during the last week?

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page: Such a beautiful story! My review is here.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith: My Classics Club Spin book! I’m so glad to have gotten a push to finally read this delightful book. My review is here.

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser: A spur-of-the-moment library borrow that ended up being a terrific choice! This Cinderella retelling is a powerful look at a mother’s love and sacrifices for her daughters. My review is here.

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen: My book group’s classic read! I ended our leisurely read through this Jane Austen novel so much. Always a pleasure to share a good book with such a great bunch of readers!

Words of the Week:

I noticed this week how many new-to-me words I came across in the various books I was reading, and thought I’d share a few fun ones here:

• rhodomontade: vain, empty, and boastful speech or bluster
• myrmidon: a follower or subordinate of a powerful person, typically one who is unscrupulous or carries out orders unquestioningly.
• jongleur: a medieval itinerant entertainer proficient in juggling, acrobatics, music, and storytelling
• fontange: a tall head-dress worn in the 17th and 18th centuries
• austringer: a person who keeps, trains, and flies short-winged hawks for hunting
• marmoreal: made of or likened to marble

Pop culture & TV:

I’m enjoying the new (and final) season of Outlander… it’s terrific to be back at Fraser’s Ridge with all these beloved characters!

I’m also loving Shrinking (no big surprise!), and have started the new season of Virgin River, but haven’t had enough viewing time to make it past the first few episodes.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Mania by Lionel Shriver: My book group book for March. Such a strange beginning! I’m only at about 10%… withholding judgment for now.

Now playing via audiobook:

One & Only by Maureen Goo: I ran out of listening time — I’d hoped to finish over the weekend! I’m really enjoying this audiobook, and have about an hour or so to go.

Ongoing reads:

As of this moment, I’m down to just one long-term reading commitment:

• The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien: My book group’s journey through the LOTR books continues, and the end is in sight. Five chapters left!

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…