The Monday Check-In ~ 10/9/2017

cooltext1850356879 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.

What did I read last week?

Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King and Owen King: At some point, I became convinced that I was stuck in some sort of weird time loop in which I was forever reading Sleeping Beauties… but finally, after 8 days and 700 pages, I’m done! I’ll write up some thoughts to share in the next few days.

Outlander !!

My reaction post for the 4th episode is here. Stay tuned for more — my reaction post for episode 5 will be up in a day or two.

Here’s a peek at episode 5:

 

Fresh Catch:

I went on an EBay spree and ordered a bunch of Georgette Heyer books. Here’s what’s arrived so far:

And 3 or 4 more are on the way!

Also, a wonderful coworker (and friend) gave me an Amazon gift card a couple of weeks ago for a birthday present, and here’s what I ended up treating myself to:

I can see hours and hours of blissful nerding out in my future.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 

LaRose by Louise Erdrich: Just starting! I’ve really been looking forward to this one.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman: Book three of the His Dark Materials trilogy — should be done later this week. The full-cast recording is really remarkably good.

Ongoing reads:

Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott: My book group’s classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week.

Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon: Outlander Book Club is doing a Lord John readalong — we’ll be reading all of the Lord John novels and stories in story chronology. Let me know if you’d like to participate! All are welcome.

So many books, so little time…

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The Monday Check-In ~ 10/2/2017

cooltext1850356879 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 baby shower over the weekend. No matter how old I get, I never get tired of teeny-tiny little baby outfits! SO cute.

What did I read last week?

Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies by Michael Ausiello: A beautiful, sad, and even humorous memoir, as the author shares the heartbreaking story of losing the love of his life to cancer. My review is here.

Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak: Contemporary fiction about a family forced to spend the holidays together in quarantine from the rest of the world. My review is here.

Thornhill by Pam Smy: A haunting ghost story, told in prose and pictures. My review is here.

In audiobooks:

I finished listening to The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman. I’m not usually a fan of full-cast recordings for audiobooks, but this series is very well done. Great voices for Lyra and Will!

Outlander !!

My reaction post for the 3rd episode is here. Stay tuned for more — my reaction post for episode 4 will be up in a day or two.

Here’s a peek at episode 4:

 

Fresh Catch:

Ooh, two new books came this week, and they made me very happy:

Yes, that’s a brand new illustrated edition of Neverwhere, and it looks amazing!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 

Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King and Owen King: I just started this over the weekend, and since it’s about 700 pages long, I’ll probably be reading it all week.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman: Book three of the His Dark Materials trilogy! I’ve been listening to the audiobooks to get myself back into the world of these stories before The Book of Dust comes out later this month.

Ongoing reads:

Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott: My book group’s classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week.

Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon: Outlander Book Club is doing a Lord John readalong — we’ll be reading all of the Lord John novels and stories in story chronology. Let me know if you’d like to participate! All are welcome.

So many books, so little time…

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The Monday Check-In ~ 9/25/2017

cooltext1850356879 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.

Happy New Year!

Life.

I’ve been away for the past four days, taking advantage of a long weekend to go visit family on the East Coast. Great fun, but arriving home at 11:30 pm on a Sunday leaves me exhausted for a Monday morning at work.

What did I read last week?


The Power by Naomi Alderman: My review is here.

Venetia by Georgette Heyer: My audiobook review is here.

Lord John and the Hellfire Club by Diana Gabaldon: The Outlander Book Club’s Lord John readalong is underway! We finished the first novella this past week.

End of Watch by Stephen King: The 3rd book in the Bill Hodges trilogy — I loved it! I finished it while traveling this past weekend, and may write up some thoughts when I get a few moments to breathe.

Outlander !!

My reaction post for the 2nd episode is here. Stay tuned for more — my reaction post for episode 3 will likely be a bit delayed since I’ve been away for a few days. Hoping to get it done in the next day or two.

Here’s a peek at episode 3:

 

Fresh Catch:

Our library’s Big Book Sale was this past week, and I SCORED. Here’s a little glimpse of what I brought home:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 

Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies by Michael Ausiello: I just started this on the plane ride home last night. I can tell already that this will be a great read.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman: I’m revisiting the world of His Dark Materials via audiobook in preparation for the release of The Book of Dust next month.

Ongoing reads:

Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott: My book group’s classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week.

Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon: Outlander Book Club is doing a Lord John readalong — we’ll be reading all of the Lord John novels and stories in story chronology. This week, we’re starting the first full LJ novel. Anyone who’s interested is welcome to participate, so let me know if you’d like more information on how to join in.

So many books, so little time…

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The Monday Check-In ~ 9/18/2017

cooltext1850356879 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.

What did I read last week?

The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray: I finished the 3rd book in the Gemma Doyle trilogy. My wrap-up post is here.

I also read and reviewed two amazing novellas by Sarah Gailey, which are impossible to describe except as “Westerns with hippos”. Check out my post, here.

Outlander returns!

Was episode 1 great or what? My reaction post for the season premiere is here. Stay tuned for more — my reaction posts for each episode will most likely go up on Monday or Tuesday each week.

Here’s a peek at episode 2:

 

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week — can’t wait to get started!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 

The Power by Naomi Alderman: I’ve read about half, and it’s pretty amazing.

End of Watch by Stephen King: I have a flight coming up later in the week, and for some reason I always enjoy reading Stephen King while I’m traveling. I’m saving the 3rd book of the Bill Hodges trilogy to keep me company on the plane.

Now playing via audiobook:

Venetia by Georgette Heyer: Almost done! Perfection — Georgette Heyer is always a treat, and Phyllida Nash does a superb job with the narration.

Ongoing reads:

Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott: My book group’s classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week.

Lord John and the Hell-Fire Club by Diana Gabaldon: Outlander Book Club is doing a Lord John readalong — we’ll be reading all of the Lord John novels and stories in story chronology. This week, we’ll be finishing up the first Lord John novella, Lord John and the Hellfire Club. Next up: Lord John and the Private Matter. Anyone who’s interested is welcome to participate, so let me know if you’d like more information on how to join in.

So many books, so little time…

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The Monday Check-In ~ 9/11/2017

cooltext1850356879 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.

What did I read last week?

South Pole Station by Ashley Shelby: I started this one a couple of months ago as an ARC, but the formatting was so bad that I couldn’t enjoy it. I’m so glad I found it at the library and decided to give it another shot! A terrific read — my review is here.

In audiobooks, I finished listening to Rebel Angels by Libba Bray. I have very conflicted feelings about this series, but now that there’s just 1 book left, I think I need to finish.

Outlander returns!

Outlander is back! Season 3 premiered last night, and the first episode was wonderful, of course. I’ll be doing reaction posts for each episode, as I did last season. Stay turned for my episode 1 post, coming today or tomorrow.

Fresh Catch:

Two new books this week, both via Book Depository.

I’m so excited for both of these!

Elsewhere on the blog:

Make sure you check out this terrific guest post by Sarah Zama of The Old Shelter blog, all about fantasy writers and the worlds they create.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 

The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray: Book #3 of the Gemma Doyle trilogy, and it’s HUGE. I have to admit that the size (800+ pages) is a turn-off — I’m not that committed to the story to want to spend quite so much time on this book. But, I did decide to read this trilogy this year, so I might as well finish.

Now playing via audiobook:

Venetia by Georgette Heyer: Is there ever a bad time for Georgette Heyer? Her works are candy delights. I’ve just started this audiobook, and it’s already lifting my spirits.

Ongoing reads:

Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott: My book group’s classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week.

Lord John and the Hell-Fire Club by Diana Gabaldon: Outlander Book Club is doing a Lord John readalong — we’ll be reading all of the Lord John novels and stories in story chronology. Our current read is the first Lord John novella, Lord John and the Hellfire Club. Anyone who’s interested is welcome to participate, so let me know if you’d like more information on how to join in.

So many books, so little time…

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The Monday Check-In ~ 9/4/2017

cooltext1850356879 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.

What did I read last week?

Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford: Gorgeous book. My review is here.

The Dark Net by Benjamin Percy: Techno-horror — my review is here.

Fresh Catch:

Have I mentioned yet this week that I love my book club? Well, I do. We do several secret exchanges during this year, and this week I received my summer book swap package in the mail from a lovely member of the group. So many goodies for me to enjoy!

And here’s a close-up of that awesome bookmark:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 

I’m trying to decide which of two library books I feel like starting right now:

  • South Pole Station by Ashley Shelby: I started this one a couple of months ago as an ARC, but the formatting was so bad that I couldn’t enjoy it. Figure I’d give it another shot in hard copy form.
  • The Waking Land by Callie Bates: Isn’t that a gorgeous cover?
Now playing via audiobook:

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray: Book #2 in the Gemma Doyle trilogy — getting close to the end. This book seemed to drag a lot more than the previous one. I may skip the audio for #3 and just zip through it in paper format instead — not sure that I want to devote another 20 hours of listening time to this series.

Ongoing reads:

Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott: My book group’s classic read! We’re doing two chapters per week. Really enjoying it so far.

Lord John and the Hell-Fire Club by Diana Gabaldon: The wonderful and lovely Outlander Book Club is starting its Lord John readalong, in which we’ll be reading all of the Lord John novels and stories in story chronology. We’re kicking things off this week with Hellfire! Anyone who’s interested is welcome to participate, so let me know if you’d like more information on how to join in.

So many books, so little time…

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The Monday Check-In ~ 8/28/2017

cooltext1850356879 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.

What did I read last week?

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles: My book group’s pick for August. My review is here.

Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann: Fascinating and disturbing non-fiction. My review is here.

Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin: The highlight of my week! My review is here.

And in audiobooks:

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray: I finished the audiobook over the weekend, and really enjoyed it. I’ll wait until I finish the trilogy before I write up some thoughts.

Elsewhere on the blog:

Want to save money on e-books? I put together a blog post about how to find e-book price drops. Check it out, here.

Pop culture goodness:

I’ve been absolutely drooling over the newest issue of Entertainment Weekly. Why? Well, here’s a wee clue:

From Entertainment Weekly: Outlander
Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan photographed on the Outlander set in Cape Town, South Africa on March 8, 2017 by Ruven Afanador

Click here to see the full gallery of photos on the EW website, or here to see what I posted yesterday.

The end of Droughtlander is nigh! Outlander season 3 starts in LESS THAN 2 WEEKS.

Apologies in advance… my Outlander obsession seems to be kicking back into high gear, so expect plenty of Outlander-related posts for the next several weeks.

Fresh Catch:

Two new graphic novels this week:

Plus an ARC and one more little book that I think looks amazing:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 

The Refrigerator Monologues by Catherynne M. Valente: Just getting started.

Now playing via audiobook:

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray: Book #2 in the Gemma Doyle trilogy — continuing on with the series after finishing A Great and Terrible Beauty.

Ongoing reads:

Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott: My book group’s classic read! We’re doing two chapters per week. Really enjoying it so far.

So many books, so little time…

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The Monday Check-In ~ 8/21/2017

cooltext1850356879 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.

Aaaaaaand… another school year gets underway. Today is the first day of 10th grade for my kiddo. Where did the summer go? I’m not sure who’s dreading the homework routine more, me or him.

What did I read last week?

Lagoon by Nnedi Okorafor: Very unusual science fiction. My review is here.

The Arrangement by Sarah Dunn: Contemporary fiction that’s not quite as funny as it tries to be. My review is here.

In audiobooks:

I finished listening to The Butterfly Effect by Jon Ronson. It’s an interesting look at today’s porn industry — specifically, the easy availability of free porn and its “butterfly effect” — all the various (and sometimes surprising) ways in which lives and industries have been changed in the years since porn became so readily available on the internet. There are some sad and disturbing bits, but also some moments that are unexpectedly funny or touching. Jon Ronson makes for an engaging narrator. Worth a listen (and currently available as a free download via Audible).

Fresh Catch:

I already had a free Kindle edition of Ivanhoe… but then someone in my book group mentioned seeing an edition with an introduction by Diana Gabaldon… and, well, you can guess what happened next.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 

I’m flipping back and forth between two books right now:

  • Rules of Civility by Amor Towles — my book group’s pick for August, and I’m loving it. About 50 pages still to go.
  • Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann — still working my way through this non-fiction book, slowly. I have one more week until it’s due back at the library. Better get cracking… or throw in the towel.
Now playing via audiobook:

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray: I read this book years ago — and to be honest, didn’t love it. But, I’ve heard good things about the trilogy as a whole, and thought I should give it another try. So far, I’m enjoying the narrator, and the story is pretty good. I can’t remember yet why I didn’t like it too much the first time around!

Ongoing reads:

Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott: My book group’s new classic read! We’re doing two chapters per week, and we’re off to a great start.

So many books, so little time…

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The Monday Check-In ~ 8/14/2017

cooltext1850356879 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.

My baby boy is 15 today! We’re heading out to do some family ziplining to celebrate – wheeeeeeee!

What did I read last week?

How to Stop Time by Matt Haig: Brilliant. My review is here.

Good Me Bad Me by Ali Land: Thank you, Goodreads — I won this in a giveaway! My review is here.

Fresh Catch:

Two new books this week:

I love witty grammar books (such a nerd), and the other book is an ARC with a time travel theme. Fun!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 

I’m flipping back and forth between two books right now — one sci-fi, one non-fiction:

  • Lagoon by Nnedi Okorafor
  • Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
Now playing via audiobook:

The Butterfly Effect by Jon Ronson: A free download from Audible focusing on the unintended consequences of the spread of free porn. It’s pretty interesting — if I can just find time to listen, I’ll be done in about an hour.

Ongoing reads:

Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott: My book group’s new classic read! We’re doing two chapters per week, starting today. I’m excited!

So many books, so little time…

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The Monday Check-In ~ 8/7/2017

cooltext1850356879 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.

August already? How did that happen?

What did I read last week?

Abaddon’s Gate by James S. A. Corey: Loved it! My review is here.

Bannerless by Carrie Vaughn: Fascinating. My review is here.

In audiobooks:

I finished listening to The Golden Compass, and loved it. I’d decided to re-read the trilogy prior to the release of The Book of Dust in October, and thought I’d give the audio version a try. Philip Pullman narrates, along with a full cast for the various characters, and it was quite a good production. I’m looking forward to listening to the rest of the series as soon as the next volume becomes available at the library.

Pop culture goodness:

I randomly started watching The Santa Clarita Diet on Netflix and ended up watching all ten episodes over the weekend. It’s hilarious. Is something wrong with me?

I also thought I’d check out a couple of episodes of Will on TNT. Meh. I can’t decide if I like it, but I don’t hate it either. Maybe I’ll give it a bit more time.

Fresh Catch:

I bought one new book this week:

Ever since reading Binti, I seem to be collecting books by Nnedi Okorafor. This one caught my eye after I heard the news that it will be adapted for HBO, with George R. R. Martin as executive producer!

And hey, I won a giveaway! Thank you, Goodreads! I’m really looking forward to reading this one.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 

How to Stop Time by Matt Haig: Absolutely loving it. I have about 50 pages left — can’t wait to get home from work today so I can finish!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Butterfly Effect by Jon Ronson: Probably a weird choice, right? It was a free download from Audible, and I’ve read some pieces by Jon Ronson before, so I thought it would be entertaining, at the very least. I’ve only just started — we shall see.

Ongoing reads:

My book group’s next classic read, Ivanhoe, starts next week!

So many books, so little time…

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