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 went to a great book event last week, featuring Matt Haig in conversation with Margaret Sexton Wilkerson (author of On the Rooftop). He was interesting, vulnerable, and funny, and very generous with his willingness to answer audience questions and spend time chatting to each person on the signing line. Yes, I got a book! I’m so glad I was able to attend.

Random bookish stuff:

Libro.fm is offering a BOGO sale, now through June 22. If you’re considering an audiobook membership, Libro is a great option, especially since purchases support the bookstore of your choice. And if you use their SWITCH promo, you’ll get six audiobooks instead of the standard three for a new subscription!

What did I read during the last week?

The Last Lady B by Eloisa James: A fun, sassy historical romance. I liked the light tone and the sense of humor — such a nice break from heavier reading. My review is here.

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher: What a glorious fantasy! I’ve owned a copy for a year now, and I’m so glad I finally read it. My review is here.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare: Although I’ve seen several productions in the past, I’d never actually read the play. And now I’m super excited for my upcoming trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival next month — this is one of the plays I’ll be seeing.

Sadly, I had one DNF this week:

I hated doing it, but after reading about 25% of The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden, I had to face the fact that I wasn’t engaged or enjoying the reading experience. I’ve seen quite a few glowing reviews that mention struggling at the start of the book, so I was prepared to push through… and finally, after several days of making little progress, I decided to give myself permission to put the book aside. The setting and storytelling approach just didn’t pull me in. Very disappointing — I’ve loved so many of this author’s books. Still, this was the right decision for me this week, because slogging through this book was really dragging me down! Maybe I’ll pick it up again at some point — never say never!! — but for right now, I’m pretty sure this was a case of the wrong book at the wrong time.

Pop culture & TV:

Onward with For All Mankind! I’m almost finished with season 4, and then, just one more season to go (and then I’ll probably start the new spin-off, Star City). I hate to say it, but season 4, while good, isn’t thrilling me the way previous seasons did. Several contributing factors — the time jumps between seasons mean that by season 4, many of the characters I’d come to care about are no longer on the show. Also, this season is heavily focused on politics and labor issues, and lacks the more exciting space exploration elements of earlier seasons. Still, it’s never dull, and I may revise my opinion once I get through the last two episodes of the season — which, if previous season finales are anything to go by, should absolutely ratchet up the adrenaline levels.

I also actually went out to a movie! Something I rarely do these days, when everything is available to stream sooner or later and my couch is just so comfy. My husband and I went to see Disclosure Day over the weekend. It’s good! I intentionally didn’t watch trailers or read reviews ahead of time, so other than knowing the bare minimum (basically, something to do with aliens), I went in cold — and recommend doing the same, if you can. I enjoyed being surprised by the plot, and even some of the cast, and found it a really interesting and entertaining film.

Fresh Catch:

Here’s the new book I got at the book signing:

I’m looking forward to reading it! (Although I may end up saving it for vacation this summer…)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali: My book group book for June. I’m getting close to the end, and I’m loving it. A beautiful, powerful story. I’ll share a review later this week.

Now playing via audiobook:

Time Loops & Meet Cutes by Jackie Lau: I just listened to the first couple of chapters yesterday, and this seems like it’ll be a really cute story. I’ve enjoyed other books by this author — fingers crossed this one will be lots of fun!

Ongoing reads:

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe: My book group’s classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 36%. Coming up this week: Volume 2, chapters 6 and 7.

Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words by John McWhorter: I picked up this book last year, because it really appeals to my inner grammar nerd. I’m planning to read it in small installments over the next few weeks. Just about to start.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…