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.

Four day weekend! Due to a holiday this past Friday as well as Memorial Day today, I’ve had a nice long weekend to mainly just relax, read, and de-stress! Weekend plans included dinner with friends, a few errands and minor chores, and then all day Sunday on an outing with my husband for a walk through redwoods and then a visit to a cute seaside town.

Bookish odds and ends:

Another 2027 new release to get excited for!

Emily Wilde’s History of Dark Faerie by Heather Fawcett will be released in January 2027!

What did I read during the last week?

The Shippers by Katherine Center: A silly, light rom-com from a favorite author. My review is here.

A Town with Half the Lights On by Page Getz: Epistolary fiction with a quirky small town setting. Lots of fun. My review is here.

The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline: Fascinating historical fiction told from the perspective of a woman in one of the most famous marriages of the 19th century. My review is here.

My Contrary Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton & Jodi Meadows: A delightfully bonkers reimagining of the life and times of Mary, Queen of Scots. So much fun. My review is here.

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan: Loved it! Watch for my review later this week.

Pop culture & TV:

I was mostly satisfied with the outcome of Survivor 50. I can’t say that I cared all that much by the time we got to the end. My real favorites were all eliminated earlier, but of the finalists, I was happy for the winner.

I liked the season finale of Margo’s Got Money Troubles, and I’m glad the show will be back for a 2nd season. I’m enjoying being creeped out by Widow’s Bay, and I’m trying to find time for more episodes of For All Mankind — I have just one episode left from the first season, and I plan to keep going!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I finished my last read late Sunday, so I’m not entirely sure what I’ll be starting next, but I’m leaning toward…

Obstetrix by Naomi Kritzer: Sounds disturbing and so, so good!

Now playing via audiobook:

Take Me with You by Steven Rowley: Starting this audiobook today!

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: 21%. Coming up this week: Chapters 13 and 14.

Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne du Maurier: My new Classics Club Spin book! I’ll be leaving it here until I get started — I have until July 5th to read it, so there’s no particular rush.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare: This is the 2nd play I’ll be seeing this summer at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival — and while I’ve seen several different productions of it in the past, I’ve never actually read it on the page. I’m planning to take my time over the next month, probably reading a few scenes per week. Looking forward to getting started!

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…