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.

Happy 4/20 day to all who celebrate. LOL. Not me… but I’m sure the local parks will have plenty of people observing the holiday!

Anyway…

It’s been another busy week, but I did carve out a bit more time for reading, so all in all, I feel good about it! It was a gorgeous sunny weekend and I got outdoors a lot (always a plus), and had a lovely zoom with my book group friends too.

What did I read during the last week?

I made a lot of progress with my April ARCs. Even better, 3 out of 4 were 5-star reads!

The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer: Quirky, funny, and utterly delightful. My review is here.

Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell: This book’s synopsis was pretty misleading… and the actual story was just so great! My review is here.

The Name Game by Beth O’Leary: I’ve had mixed experiences with this author’s books — a few I’ve loved, and a few… not so much. This one started out in the “meh” category for me, but picked up a lot in the back half. My review is here.

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth: Finished late Sunday. Wow! Could not put this book down. Watch for my review later this week.

Pop culture & TV:

We’re down to just three episodes left of Outlander! This past week’s episode was a heartbreaker. Definitely a bit weird for book fans… and generating a lot of rants and controversy! It’s sad to see the show coming to an end, but thank goodness (and thank Diana) there’s still another book to come.

Other than that, I’ve had limited TV time, but I did finally start the most recent season of Dark Winds. I haven’t gotten very far, but it’s such an excellent show that I’m sure I’ll be hooked.

Fresh Catch:

New book!!

I treated myself to a signed hardcover edition of The Book Witch, ordered through the author’s local bookstore. Because it was a preorder with a special offer, it came with a bunch of goodies. I’m so glad I decided to splurge!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke: I won copies of this book in a Little Free Library giveaway thanks to the Good Morning America book club. Both copies that I added to my LFL were snapped up right away… but I was able to get a copy from the library for my own reading pleasure! I’ve just gotten started — and it has immediately grabbed my attention.

Now playing via audiobook:

Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe: This book has been on my TBR for a while now, and since I do want to watch the AppleTV adaptation, it’s about time to start the book.

Ongoing reads:

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe: My book group’s newest classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 4%. Coming up this week: Chapters 3 and 4.

The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare: I’ll be seeing this play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival this summer, and since I’ve never read it before, I decided now’s the time! I’m trying to read just one scene per day, taking my time with it since I have a few months yet. (I do believe I saw the Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton movie version way back in my high school days… I mainly just remember a close-up of her eyes!)

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…