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.

I had a bit of a whirlwind trip to the East Coast and back to celebrate Passover in Boston with family. It was lots of fun, but I never did quite adjust to the time zone differences! The weather was pretty cold while we were there, so we bundled up to spend time wandering around and exploring. We just happened to come across the Make Way For Ducklings statues! (My daughter and I were delighted — but apparently the rest of our group missed out on the picture book as kids and didn’t get what the fuss was about).

What did I read during the last week?

Butterfly Effects (Incryptids, #15 by Seanan McGuire: I finished this one right before leaving on our trip. My review is here.

Alanna: Song of the Lioness, Book 1 (graphic novel) by Vita Ayala & Sam Beck: This adaptation of the Tamora Pierce YA fantasy is a good one! Obviously, it can’t get quite as detailed or provide as much depth as the original novel, but I enjoyed the artwork and the storytelling, and hope they’ll be continuing with the rest of the Alanna books.

The Last Devil to Die (Thursday Murder Club, #4) by Richard Osman: Just as entertaining as I’d expected! My review is here.

The Gathering by C. J. Tudor: A vampire/murder mystery set in a small Alaska town in the dead of winter. Terrific plot and premise — I enjoyed every moment. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’m happy to be starting the newest season of XO Kitty on Netflix — pure popcorn entertainment, and lots of fun. On the plane, I decided to give Loot on AppleTV a try. I liked the first two episodes enough to feel like I’ll continue, although I don’t feel any burning need to binge it.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

A Deadly Inheritance by Kelley Armstrong: I love this author, but haven’t read any of her YA fiction until now. I started this book over the weekend, and can’t put it down!

Now playing via audiobook:

Just Kiss Already by Lily Chu: I always enjoy this author’s audiobooks, and this one is off to a great start!

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: This will be the final week of my book group’s journey through the LOTR books!

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…