The Monday Check-In ~ 12/12/2016

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?

I went a little crazy with Gail Carriger’s short fiction this week. I’d intended just to read her newest novella, Poison or Protect (which was terrific), but couldn’t stop myself, and ended up reading all of her short stories and novellas. I wrote a wrap-up post, here.

05-the-black-moon

The Black Moon by Winston Graham: Book #5 in the Poldark series. This was a longer one (500+ pages), and parts dragged a bit, especially in the middle. Still, it ended on an intense note, and I’m dying to know what happens next (although I think I’m going to wait a bit before moving on with #6 — so much else to read, you know.)

Pop culture goodness:

Between staying home with a sick kid for a couple of days and then a rainy weekend, there was plenty of time to appreciate some pop culture-ish moments.

First, have you ever cried happy tears over a comic strip? Or am I the only soppy marshmallow-hearted softie? If this week’s Luann wedding doesn’t give you at least a hint of a tear, then your heart must be made of stone.

Beyond that, I watched season three of Transparent on Amazon… and thought it was just meh. There didn’t seem to be much of a story or character arc this season, just scattered moments that didn’t really hang together. Still, I’ll keep watching, and hope for better when season 4 roles around (assuming there will be a season 4).

My son and I watched Keanu, which was maybe a little inappopriate for him — but still, it was just the perfect mix of silly and dumb for a grey, wet day. And listen, if you’re a Key & Peele fan, this is a must-watch.

mozarts3

I’m really excited for the 3rd season of Mozart in the Jungle, which is now streaming on Amazon. I loved seasons 1 & 2, and season 3 is getting stellar reviews!

And speaking of Amazon originals, The Man in the High Castle returns at the end of this week! Season 1 was terrific — can’t wait!

Elsewhere on the blog:

OL 102_3

I realized that I hadn’t written an Outlander post in quite a while… so an update was in order! Check out my post about the latest in the world of Outlander books and TV.

Fresh Catch:

I won a Goodreads giveaway! There’s nothing like waking up to a “you won” email to start the day off right. Thank you, Goodreads!

perilous-undertaking

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 princess-diarist

The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher: Just starting!

Now playing via audiobook:

howls-moving-castle

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones: One of those books that falls into the “I can’t believe I still haven’t read this” category. I’ve listened to about half so far, and it’s really clever and fun.

Ongoing reads:

MOBYFarewell to Arms 2

My ongoing reads with my book group (2 chapters per week of each):

  • Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon
  • A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway

So many books, so little time…

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The Monday Check-In ~ 12/5/2016

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 am one proud mama! I attended my amazing daughter’s grad school graduation this weekend. She’s a smart, dedicated, loving, funny, quirky, intelligent woman, and I couldn’t be more impressed and proud of her accomplishments!

What did I read last week?

man-called-oveforever-interrupted

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman: What a delight! My review is here.

Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Beautiful and heartbreaking. My review is here.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week… although I did indulge in Cyber Week sales by picking up several marked-down Kindle and Audible titles!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 05-the-black-moon

The Black Moon by Winston Graham: Continuing with my Poldark obsession — this is book #5 in the series.

Now playing via audiobook:

question-mark-1751308_1280

No idea! I finished my last audiobook while I was away, and haven’t had a chance to start a new one. I’ve added bunches to my Audible library recently, so maybe I’ll just choose at random!

Ongoing reads:

MOBYFarewell to Arms 2

My ongoing reads with my book group (2 chapters per week of each):

  • Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon
  • A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway

So many books, so little time…

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The Monday Check-In ~ 11/28/2016

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?

04-warleggansun-is-also-a-starfantastic-beasts

I read some great books — but just haven’t been in the mood to sit down and write reviews for all of them. But here’s a quick look at my past week:

Warleggan by Winston Graham: Book #4 of the fabulous Poldark series, which I read just in time for the season finale of the PBS show. I’d planned to only read enough of the series to keep up with the show… but now I’m dying to know what happens next.

The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon: This YA novel is sweet, fast-paced, and deeply emotional, as we spend one fateful day with two 17-year-olds who meet, fall in love, and then are forced to part. Definitely recommended. My review is here.

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J. K. Rowling: I read this after seeing the movie, and now I need to see the movie again!

Pop culture goodness:

There’s nothing like Thanksgiving week for seeing movies — my kids and I saw two:

fantastic-beasts

… and …

moana

We loved them both!

Fresh Catch:

All sorts of goodies!

I caved and bought myself the next two books in the Poldark series:

05-the-black-moon 06-the-four-swans

The Outlander novella Virgins was released in the UK as a slim hardcover (available in the US as an e-book or part of an anthology only). Naturally, I decided I deserved a present — from me to me.

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To top it all off, the library’s used bookstore had a Thanksgiving week sale for members, and I just couldn’t stay away.

img_4031

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 forever-interrupted

Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid: I’ve only read the first couple of chapters, which are HEART-BREAKING. I hope the whole thing won’t be this sad. I don’t think I can stand to have puffy eyes all week!

Now playing via audiobook:

man-called-ove

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman: I started this one last week, and should be finished by the end of this week. Enjoyable, although somehow it feels very familiar.

Ongoing reads:

MOBYFarewell to Arms 2

My ongoing reads with my book group (2 chapters per week of each):

  • Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon
  • A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway

So many books, so little time…

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The Monday Check-In ~ 11/21/2016

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?

good-morning-midnightfuzzy-nation03-jeremy-poldark

Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton: Done! My review is here.

Fuzzy Nation by John Scalzi: I finished the audiobook, and loved it. My review is here.

Jeremy Poldark by Winston Graham: Continuing onward with the terrific Poldark series. This is book #3, which corresponds to the first half of season 2 of the TV series. Speaking of which…

Pop culture goodness:

Last week’s Poldark episode (season 2, episode 7) was very upsetting to fans… and yet this closing moment gave me a reason to cheer:

slap

Fresh Catch:

As usual, all four library hold books arrived at once. I guess I know what’ll be on the top of my TBR pile for the next few weeks.

img_4013

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 04-warleggan

Warleggan by Winston Graham: Continuing my Poldark obsession with book #4 in the series. I’m almost caught up with the TV show, and then I’ll probably take a bit of a break before going any further.

Now playing via audiobook:

man-called-ovegrand-sophyone-sweet-moment

What’s next? I’ve just finished Fuzzy Nation, which means I’ll need to start a new audiobook during my Monday morning commute. Top contenders for this week’s listen are:

  • A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
  • The Grand Sophie by Georgette Heyer
  • One Sweet Moment by Maggie Craig

Any recommendations?

Ongoing reads:

To be honest, I’m teetering on the verge of quitting one of these. A Farewell To Arms just isn’t cutting it for me — although maybe it’s because I’m reading only two chapters per week. Still, it’s becoming a drag, and I’m not sure I want to continue.

MOBYFarewell to Arms 2

Anway, as of now, my ongoing reads with my book group (2 chapters per week of each):

  • Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon
  • A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway

And even though I know I’m overdoing things, I’m considering starting a new classic via Serial Reader as well. Right now, I’m leaning toward Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy, but I think I’ll wait until after Thanksgiving before committing.

So many books, so little time…

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The Monday Check-In ~ 11/14/2016

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

What is there to say? I didn’t post much last week. Couldn’t. It was hard to read, hard to concentrate, hard to move beyond shock and dismay. Still haven’t, for that matter. But I do need the reassuring normalcy of spending time with books and keeping up my blog, so onward I go.

What did I read last week?

faithfula-love-like-blood-2flight

Faithful by Alice Hoffman: Done! I enjoyed Faithful while I was reading it, but really didn’t find it much more than just an okay read. The storyline doesn’t hold up to much scrutiny, and I never felt emotionally engaged. Granted, given the events of last week, I probably just wasn’t in the right mindset for character-driven storytelling.

A Love Like Blood by Marcus Sedgwick: Done! My review is here.

Flight by Sherman Alexie: Done! This was my audiobook listen for the week, and it was stunning. See my review, here.

I finished my Goodreads challenge!

gr-challenge-2016I managed to reach one milestone this week — I completed my Goodreads challenge for 2016! As of mid-week, I hit my target of reading 150 books in 2016. Woo hoo!

I guess I can stop reading now until January. Ha. As if.

 

 

Fresh Catch:

A thoughtful friend sent me an Amazon giftcard a couple of months ago, and I finally used it to treat myself to this lovely book:

making-of-ol

Plus, I picked up two other books I’ve had my eye on:

bookshop-on-the-cornerstarlit-wood

If you haven’t come across The Starlit Wood yet, I encourage you to check it out! It’s a collection of new fairy tales, with stories by an amazing list of writers including Seanan McGuire, Catherynne Valente, Naomi Novik, and many more.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 good-morning-midnight

Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton: Just getting started, but so far, so good!

Now playing via audiobook:

fuzzy-nation

Fuzzy Nation by John Scalzi (read by Wil Wheaton): Given the state of the world, I couldn’t handle anything serious or upsetting, so a Scalzi/Wheaton audiobook sounded just about perfect to me. I’ve only listened to a little bit so far, but the expected silliness got me out of my own head for a little while.

Ongoing reads:

MOBYFarewell to Arms 2

With my book group (2 chapters per week of each):

  • Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon
  • A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway

So many books, so little time…

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The Monday Check-In ~ 11/7/2016

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?

harmonybook-of-the-unnamed-midwifeparis-for-one

Harmony by Carolyn Parkhurst: Done! My review is here.

The Book of the Unnamed Midwife by Meg Elison: Done! My review is here.

Paris For One & Other Stories by Jojo Moyes: A sweet, light selection of short stories, with a focus on romance and relationships. The title story is the lengthiest and most enjoyable, focusing on a cautious young woman who takes a big risk on a weekend in Paris and learns to reinvent herself and her life. The other stories are a mixed bag — some kind of sweet, some with more of a tart commentary on mid-life marriages, disappointments, and adjustments of expectations. A nice little light diversion for fans of the author.

In audiobooks:

hp5

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: I just finished my audiobook re-read of HP5, and loved it. I’m writing up some thoughts, and will post a bit later this week.

Pop culture goodness:

cleese-idle

I went to see John Cleese and Eric Idle, and had a brilliant time. They’re both in their 70s at this point, but neither has lost a bit of the charm and silliness that we all know and love.

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week:

a-love-like-blood-2

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 faithful

Faithful by Alice Hoffman: This feels like “classic” Hoffman, and one chapter in, I’m really enjoying it.

Now playing via audiobook:

flight

Flight by Sherman Alexie: Just getting started!

Ongoing reads:

MOBYFarewell to Arms 2

With my book group (2 chapters per week of each):

  • Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon
  • A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway

So many books, so little time…

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The Monday Check-In ~ 10/31/2016

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.

Boo!

halloween-997307_1920

Wishing all a frightfully good time!

What did I read last week?

secret-chordtraveling-bag

The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks: Done! My review is here.

The Travelling Bag by Susan Hill: A small book, containing four ghost stories. I really enjoyed two of them, and the other two left me a bit puzzled. Overall, though, a very fun read, especially right before Halloween.

And my super big accomplishment…

Moby Dick

I finished Moby Dick! Check out my thoughts on the book and the reading experience via app, here.

Pop culture goodness:

Season two of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is underway! I love that show. Anyone else watching? Here’s my favorite musical number of the season so far (although Paula’s Disney-esque number this week is a very close 2nd):

 

Fresh Catch:

It’s hard to tell without holding it in your hand, but The Travelling Bag (above) is a terrific physical book. It’s a mini-hardcover, and just looking at it is such fun. It arrived at the beginning of this past week:

img_3990

A few library hold requests came in yesterday — three at once, of course.

fullsizerender

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 harmony

Harmony by Carolyn Parkhurst: I’m just getting started. I loved The Dogs of Babel by this author, so I’m excited to be reading her newest.

Now playing via audiobook:

hp5

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling: Getting closer to the end. These audiobooks are so much fun!

Ongoing reads:

MOBYFarewell to Arms 2

With my book group (2 chapters per week of each):

  • Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon
  • A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway

So many books, so little time…

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The Monday Check-In ~ 10/24/2016

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?

orphan-trainsmall great things

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline: Done! This was a book group book, and I’m so glad I actually read our book this month with time to spare. Check out my review, here.

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult: Done! My review is here.

Pop culture goodness:

hedwig

I actually went out! Once in a while, I do something other than read or work. My husband and I went to the theater to see the touring production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and had a great time. Darren Criss was terrific in the lead role.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week. Shocking, right?

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 secret-chord

The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks: I won this in a Goodreads giveaway almost a year ago. I’ve loved almost everything I’ve read by Geraldine Brooks, but it’s taken me a while to feel like I wanted to sit down with this one and give it a shot. However, I’m trying to finish up a book group reading challenge for the year, and my last remaining category is a novel set earlier than 1500 AD. Something Biblical should count, right? In any case, I’m just getting started with this novel about King David. I’ll let you all know how it goes!

Now playing via audiobook:

hp5

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling: There’s not much better than listening to Harry Potter while driving around or out for a walk. Even though I choke up a bit every time there’s a scene with Sirius…

Ongoing reads:

MOBYFarewell to Arms 2Moby Dick

With my book group (2 chapters per week of each):

  • Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon
  • A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway

Via the Serial Reader app (read about it here):

  • Moby Dick by Herman Melville:  — 94% done! I’m so close to the end — should be finished this week!

So many books, so little time…

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The Monday Check-In ~ 10/17/2016

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?

Wrath & the DawnRose & DaggerKaren Memory

The Wrath & the Dawn and The Rose & the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh: Done! My thoughts on these two books are here.

Karen Memory by Elizabeth Bear: Done! My review is here.

glittering-world

The Glittering World by Robert Levy: I read this, but didn’t review it. This is one odd book. It seems like a changeling story at the beginning, but gets weirder and weirder as it goes along. Don’t get me wrong — I’m a big fan of weird, but this book didn’t make a whole lot of sense. An interesting premise to start with, but by the end I just couldn’t wait to be done so I could move on to something I’d actually enjoy.

In audiobooks:

dispatcher

The Dispatcher by John Scalzi, narrated by Zachary Quinto: Loved it! My review is here.

Fresh Catch:

The new illustrated Harry Potter arrived!

harry-potter-illustrated-book-2

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 orphan-train

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline: I’ve been meaning to read this one for a while now. Three cheers for my book group discussion this coming week, finally motivating me to get it done!

Now playing via audiobook:

hp5

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling: I started this audiobook a while ago, then took a break to listen to a few other books. It’s always nice to get back to Harry.

Ongoing reads:

MOBYFarewell to Arms 2Moby Dick

With my book group (2 chapters per week of each):

  • Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon
  • A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway

Via the Serial Reader app (read about it here):

  • Moby Dick by Herman Melville:  — Making progress. I’m now at 82%. Man, I’m ready to be done.

So many books, so little time…

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The Monday Check-In ~ 10/10/2016

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?

crosstalkWrath & the Dawn

Crosstalk by Connie Willis: A fun read, but I’m not 100% sold on it. My review is here; I’d give it a solid 3.5 stars.

The Wrath & the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh: Done! I’ll post some thought after I finish book #2.

In audiobooks:

girl-waits-with-gun

Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart: Just finished, and I loved it! The story itself is terrific, and the audiobook narration was pretty much perfect. My review is here.

Fresh Catch:

I’m so excited about my one new book from this past week! I have a flight coming up next weekend, and I’m saving this one to enjoy on the plane.

yesternight

Pop culture goodness:

Check out my post about my favorite new TV shows this fall, here.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:
 Rose & Dagger

The Rose & the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh: I’m getting close to the end of the 2nd book in this duology. Not sure yet what I’ll read next… so many options!

Now playing via audiobook:

dispatcher

The Dispatcher  by John Scalzi: Just starting. This was a free download from Audible, and since I’m a Scalzi fan and really like Zachary Quinto, it definitely seems worth a try. At just over 2 hours, this should be a quick listen.

Ongoing reads:

MOBYFarewell to Arms 2Moby Dick

With my book group (2 chapters per week of each):

  • Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon
  • A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway

Via the Serial Reader app (read about it here):

  • Moby Dick by Herman Melville:  — Making progress. I’m now at 70%, so the end is finally within sight!

So many books, so little time…

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