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 was my husband’s birthday over the weekend, and we had two birthday dinners to celebrate! First, I took him out to one of our favorite little French restaurants for a fancy-ish romantic dinner, and then two nights later, we did a group outing with our local adult kids and a few friends at a yummy Burmese restaurant, where we basically ate everything in sight. We finished off with an amazing cake that I somehow managed to sneak in without my husband noticing. All in all, lots of fun (and great food) celebrating a fantastic human!

In pop culture / entertainment news, it was a sad week for Buffy fans. First, Hulu pulled the plug on the eagerly anticipated Buffy reboot. Second, and more heartbreaking, actor Nicholas Brendon, who played Xander throughout the seven seasons of Buffy, passed away over the weekend at age 54. I never knew this before, but a quick Google search reveals that Nicholas Brendon appeared in 143 of the 144 Buffy episodes (only absent from one episode in season 7, ” Conversations with Dead People”).

On a happier note, Nathan Fillion announced the return of Firefly as an animated series featuring the original cast, which is exciting… although it’s not a done deal yet. Fingers crossed that it really happens!

What did I read during the last week?

One & Only by Maureen Goo: An entertaining audiobook with some terrific family elements, even if I didn’t love the love triangle. My review is here.

Mania by Lionel Shriver: One of the oddest books I’ve ever read! Great material for a book group discussion, even though I can’t say I actually loved this book. My review is here.

Once and Again by Rebecca Serle: This author’s books can be hit-or-miss for me; this one falls in the hit category! My review is here.

Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman: This sweet audiobook was a lovely listen. Review to follow.

Pop culture & TV:

Project Hail Mary! I went to an early screening at the beginning of the week, and really enjoyed it. It was interesting seeing it with my son, who hasn’t read the book and only knew what to expect from the movie trailers. He really liked it too, and we both thought it was very well done.

Outlander‘s final season continues to be solid and strong. And I love this season’s version of theme song as sung by Annie Lennox!

I’m slowly making my way through the newest season of Virgin River — I just haven’t had time for an outright binge. I have two episodes left in what’s been an okay season so far.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week… but I did get a nice little surprise in the mail. A while back, I entered a giveaway through Lisa See’s website, and while I didn’t win the grand prize, apparently I was one of 100 runner-up winners! Here’s what I got:

Can’t wait for her new book, Daughters of the Sun and Moon, to be released in June!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Nobody’s Baby (Dorothy Gentleman, #2) by Olivia Waite: My library hold for this novella came in really quickly! Just started last night. I liked the first novella in this series a lot, and this follow-up is off to a good start.

Now playing via audiobook:

And Then There Was You by Sophie Cousens: I just finished a different audiobook by this author a few weeks ago, and when I saw this one available at the library, I couldn’t resist. Just getting started.

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. Four chapters left!

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…