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 November! I hope everyone had a good Halloween. I didn’t actually do much to celebrate, other than enjoying seeing all the elaborate lights and decorations around the neighborhood.

On Sunday, the San Francisco Philharmonic gave a sunset performance by the beach, and it was glorious. There were so many people that I couldn’t get close enough to get a great photo… but this gives you a general idea:

Beautiful location, beautiful music! What a great way to wrap up the weekend.

What did I read during the last week?

Life Out of Order by Audrey Niffenegger: Sadly, this was one of my most disappointing books of the year. I had such high expectations for the long-awaited sequel to The Time Traveler’s Wife. What a letdown. My review is here.

My Salty Mary (The Marys, #3) by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows: On the other hand, this book was just so much fun! Just as silly and entertaining as the rest of the Mary and Jane books. My review is here.

Fallow by Sarah Anderson: Strange, entertaining, and impossible to put down. This debut novel about in-house corporate surrogacy is unlike anything else I’ve read this year. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I just finished the 4th season of The Diplomat last night. Wow, what a powerhouse of a season! Season 5 can’t come soon enough.

And of course, we need a Dancing with the Stars check-in! Last week had a double elimination, but my favorites are all still safe (although I think one and possibly two may not last much longer).

Fresh Catch:

I wandered into a bookstore while waiting for a friend I was meeting for dinner… and of course, did not walk out empty-handed. I hadn’t heard about this book before, and just had to have it!

(Also, three cheers for the local bookstore, which had a display encouraging people to buy a book to donate to a nearby public school. Such a simple and affordable way to encourage young readers! I couldn’t resist… bought a paperback of Angelina Ballerina to add to their collection box.)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Shift (Silo, #2) by Hugh Howey: I’d like to finish this trilogy before the end of the year, and considering how long each book is, I figured it was time to pick up #2. I’m not that far into the book yet, but I’m hooked already.

Now playing via audiobook:

Eight Ways to Say I Love You by Amanda Elliot: I loved this author’s Hanukkah romance from last year (Love You a Latke), and I’m happy to be starting her newest!

Ongoing reads:

My book group has a two-week breather before we start our next big, long-term classic read — so, I thought I’d take advantage of this short break to spend time with a story collection I bought recently:

Ladies in Waiting: Jane Austen’s Unsung Characters by assorted authors: I’m slowly making my way through this collection of Austen-inspired short stories. I’ve read 4 so far, 4 more to go!

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…