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 very nice Mother’s Day! Phone calls and flowers from the adult kids who don’t live nearby, a bit of outdoor dancing in the afternoon, and then dinner at a great restaurant with my husband and son in the evening. I hope all the moms out there enjoyed their days!

Bookish odds and ends:

I came across two exciting books announcement and cover reveals, both for books scheduled for release in January 2027:

A Song of Sugar Sparrows (Wayward Children, #12) by Seanan McGuire: Some books in this series are better than others, but overall, I love this fantasy series and its cast of characters. This upcoming release focuses on one of the fantasy worlds I’m less interested in… but I’ll still be reading it!

The Stars Look Like Home by TJ Klune: I don’t even need to know what this book is about to know that it’ll be a must-read for me! How cute is that cover?

What did I read during the last week?

The Body by Stephen King: Brilliant coming of age tale, in a new audiobook version. My review is here.

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones: I felt frustrated that this book — which has so many rave reviews — just didn’t work for me. My quick take is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Outlander (the TV version) is about to end! The series finale airs this coming Friday. I’ve mainly loved the show, although this most recent season has been uneven, with a few wildly weird storytelling and plot choices. The show has had to wrap up a story based on a book series that isn’t done yet. (Yes, the books are better, obviously!) Overall, though, I’m grateful that we’ve had eight seasons with these marvelous characters, and I’m sad to see it all coming to a close.

Beyond that, I’ve been sticking with Margo’s Got Money Troubles on AppleTV. I’m enjoying it, but I question some of the choices that diverge from the overall tone and content of the book.

I’ve also started watching Widow’s Bay. It hasn’t entirely sucked me in quite yet, but it’s clever and has a great cast, so I’ll keep going.

Fresh Catch:

This ARC arrived by mail this week! I’ve read one book by this author previously (A History of Wild Places), and I’m really looking forward to starting this upcoming new release.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

An Ordinary Sort of Evil (A Rip Through Time, #5) by Kelley Armstrong: This is such a great series, and I’m really enjoying this new installment. I should finish today or tomorrow.

Now playing via audiobook:

Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune: I’d so happy to be listening to this new book by a favorite author!

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: 15%. Coming up this week: Chapters 9 and 10.

The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare: I’ll be seeing this play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival this summer, and decided to read it before I see it! I’m taking it in small pieces, just a scene or two every few days. Progress so far: About to start Act IV.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…