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.
It’s been another whirlwind week! After just a few days back home from my Oregon roadtrip, I headed out of town again to join a friend at a folkdance retreat in New Mexico. It was fantastic to have the time with my friend, plus the dancing was amazing (but exhausting, between the heat and the elevation of the location). I’m so glad I went. Now, back to “regular” life for a while.
What did I read during the last week?
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett: A long, compelling, terrific historical novel. My review is here.
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman: The first in a new series by the author of the Thursday Murder Club books. Such fun! I’ll share a review later this week.
Before leaving for my dance event, I squeezed in two short audio listens:
Julia at the Drive-In by Rainbow Rowell: A sweet YA short story.
The Safe Room by Lisa Unger: Really good crime thriller — I would have like it as a full-length novel! Check out Yvonne’s review for more info.
Pop culture & TV:
None! Between traveling and other hecticness, my screen time has been non-existent. I’m sure I’ll get back to my various streaming obsessions this coming week.
Fresh Catch:
No new books this week.
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Habits of the Sea by Shea Ernshaw: This book is so good! It has a bit of a Brigadoon vibe — it’s lovely and mysterious and very atmospheric. I thought I might manage to finish it on the plane yesterday, before my Kindle decided to give me trouble…
Now playing via audiobook:
Romantic Hero by Kirsty Greenwood: I’ll be starting this audiobook today. Really looking forward to it!
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: 55%. Coming up this week: Volume 3, chapters 4 and 5.
Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words by John McWhorter: I haven’t touched this book in over a week, but hope to get back to it (and perhaps even finish) this week. Progress: 56%.
What will you be reading this week?
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
I’m glad your retreat was fun! I can’t wait to read your review of Habits of the Sea. It’s one I didn’t request but I keep seeing positive reviews so I’m curious. Have a great week😁
I ended up staying up later than I should have last night and finished the book! I loved it — I just need to get caught up on the rest of my life and then I can work on my review! 🙂
I saw a really positive review of Habits of the Sea and I wish I could remember where! It sounded so atmospheric, as you’ve said here. I hope your kindle stops giving you trouble so you can finish it!
Thank you! I full re-charge and reset of my Kindle seemed to do the trick in the end, although now I’m worried that it’ll crash on me again when I least expect it. 😦 But, I did manage to finish the book, and loved it!
I’ve also been socialing and getting out and about too much. I’ll be glad to stay put for a while and try and catch up.
I love the sound of the Earnshaw book and particularly the ‘Brigadoon’ feel.
And, that really is the biggest drawback with Kindle – when it goes on the blink. I go into a slight panic if that ever happens but the reset is usually a great problem solver.
Lynn 😀
Kindle glitches can be terrifying! And mine is only about a year old — I went into a tailspin, before reading online advice to do a recharge, which fixed it. (Hopefully, forever, and not just for now!)