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?

All the Winters After by Seré Prince Halverson: Such a beautiful book! My review is here.

Up To This Pointe by Jennifer Longo: Terrific YA fiction with a fresh and unusual setting. Check out my review, here.

Don’t you just love those two icy covers? I went from the far north to about as far south as you can get — and loved them both!

Family reading:

Alert the media! My son liked a book!

My kiddo, who will only read when forced to do so, finished The Giver (for school) this week, and admitted that it was really good AND that he’d be willing to read other books if they’re as good as The Giver! I’m trying not to get overexcited (don’t want to scare him off with my crazy enthusiasm!), but my brain is now going a mile a minute trying to figure out what other books to push his way.

Also, my husband is close to finishing Pride and Prejudice, his very first Jane Austen novel! We had the most adorable conversation in the car the other day about Mr. Darcy and entails and fortunes and reputations and all sorts of other great little pieces of P&P. Oh, the perks of being married to someone who enjoys a good book!

Fresh Catch:

I love my public library! Because my hold request for this book just arrived:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee: Just getting started — I’ve heard really good things!

Now playing via audiobook:

I completely enjoyed my re-listen to Night Broken, book #8 in the amazing Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of these books and characters.

And now, I’m resuming my audiobook adventures with the Kate Shugak series by Dana Stabenow. Over the weekend, I started book #5, Play with Fire, and based on what I’ve listened to so far, this should be another great installment.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

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.

In real life:

I’m very happy it’s Presidents Day! Who doesn’t love a day off?

What did I read last week?

All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders: A witch and a mad scientist and the end of the world? Just as awesome as it sounds. My review is here.

The Chocolate Thief by Laura Florand: Not my usual cup of tea, but I didn’t hate this romance that I read for my book group. Check out my thoughts on this book, here.

It’s All Your Fault by Paul Rudnick: A funny, quick YA book about celebrity life, family, and doing the unexpected. My review is here.

Elsewhere on the blog:

I wrote a post with follow-up news, information, and links related to two books I recently reviewed, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot and The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult. Check it out, here.

Pop culture goodness:

My son and I have been slowly working our way through my Buffy boxed set, and this week we finished season 4, with the awesomely weird “Restless” episode. So many priceless moments, including:

… and this treasure:

“Try not to bleed on my couch…”

Fresh Catch:

One new book thanks to Book Depository:

Three new YA releases all arrived at the library at once:

And a friend just back from Israel brought me this:

That’s Pride and Prejudice, in Hebrew. No, I’m not going to attempt it any time soon, but my husband was just about to give up on it in English, so the timing is perfect.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

All the Winters After by Seré Prince Halverson: I’ve really been looking forward to this one — so glad to finally be starting it!

Now playing via audiobook:

I listened to about 15% of Liar Temptress Soldier Spy by Karen Abbott, and then quit. It seemed like an interesting topic, but the audiobook just didn’t hold my attention well enough. So…

I’m now very happily listening (again!) to the audiobook of Night Broken, book #8 in the amazing Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. I love these books so much! And I’ll be soooo ready for #9 when it comes out in a few weeks.

Ongoing reads:

And we’re off! My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

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.

In real life:

Happy Anniversary to us! 18 years ago today, my hubby and I spent the day skiing, then got married at a little wedding chapel in Reno, Nevada. Thank you to my honey for all these wonderful years!

What did I read last week?

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally. Such fun. My review is here.

So then… I got on a roll with Miranda Keanneally’s books, borrowed from the library the two remaining Hundred Oaks books that I hadn’t read, and now I’ve read them all! I love this series of books. Not the usual teen fare — the characters here are strong, thoughtful, and always end up learning something about being true to themselves and supporting the people in their lives… without being dull or preachy.

In audiobooks, I finished The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Check out my thoughts, here.

Fresh Catch:

No new books! Wow, I’ve really got this book craziness under control… for now.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders: I started this book last week, and I love what I’ve read so far. I got lured away by all those YA books, but now I’m back on track!

Now playing via audiobook:

I decided to go with another non-fiction selection for my next audiobook: Liar Temptress Soldier Spy by Karen Abbott, which profiles four women spies during the Civil War. Should be fascinating!

Ongoing reads:

And we’re off! My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

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.

In real life:

Wow, where did January go? I guess I need to stop thinking of 2016 as just getting started. Now it’s really and truly underway!

What did I read last week?

The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult: I lost a lot of sleep over this moving, powerful book. See my thoughts, here.

After spending most of the week on such a heavy book, I needed something lighter and sunnier for the weekend, so I picked up Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally. This author’s books always make me happy. I should be done with this one in the next day or two.

Fresh Catch:

Just one new book came my way this week… and it’s right below, because that’s what I’ll be reading next!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders: I’m really excited to be starting this brand-new, just-released sci fi book!

Now playing via audiobook:

I’ve listened to about 80% of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, and hope to finish within the next few days. I’m enjoying it, but with a few reservations.

Ongoing reads:

And we’re off! My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

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 Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth: Beautiful, moving story. My review is here.

Lock In by John Scalzi: Outstanding science fiction with a crime thriller twist. See my review here.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie: My very first Christie experience! Loved it. My thoughts are here.

Also…

I gave in to curiosity and read Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined. Know what? It was kind of fun. I wrote all about it here.

In audiobooks:

I finished listening to The Outlandish Companion, Volume I. Check out my reading and listening guide, here.

And finally, my book group’s January pick:

Archivist Wasp by Nicole Kornher-Stace: I actually read this one during the previous week, but finally wrote up my thoughts — and for a bit more depth, included some opposing viewpoints from my book club friends as well, here.

Fresh Catch:

Just a couple new books this week:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult: I’ve only read about 10% so far, but I’m already hooked. My husband just started this one too — and I don’t think we’ve ever read the same book at the same time before. How cute is that?

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m just about to start The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, a book that has been on my to-read list for far too long. I tend to make non-fiction books my last priority, no matter how interesting the topic might be. I think audiobooks might be the key to overcoming my resistance!

Ongoing reads:

And we’re off! My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

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?

Archivist Wasp by Nicole Kornher-Stace: I finished this one early in the week and began a review — but because I had mixed feelings, I’m going to see how my book group discussion goes later this week before finishing up. Maybe my book group friends will open my eyes to something I missed (I know already that some of them loved this book) — but even if not, I’ll try to share some of their points of view in my review as well.

Lumberjanes: A fun graphic novel, and a perfectly entertaining way to spend a half hour or so, but I didn’t love it enough to want to continue with the next volume.

Woundabout by Lev Rosen and Ellis Rosen: Such a cute and touching middle grade novel! My review is here.

In audiobooks:

I finished listening to this audiobook last week, and just posted a detailed reading and listening guide for The Outlandish Companion, Volume II over the weekend. I think it’s the longest post I’ve ever written, but if you want to know about what’s in the book and what’s great about the audiobook — and why people who haven’t read the Outlander series can still find inspiration in this book — you might find my piece useful! Check it out here.

Pop Culture Goodness:

My binge-watch for the week was Mozart in the Jungle, which — to be perfectly honest — I assumed was about an orchestra in the rainforest or something, until it caught my attention by winning a Golden Globe award last week. FYI, no rainforest! It’s an Amazon original series about the lives of professional musicians in New York, which maybe makes it sound stuffy or boring… and it’s not, not at all. Two seasons are available to stream, each with 10 30-minute episodes. Great cast, great fun!

Fresh Catch:

Okay, so my restraint has definitely slipped when it comes to buying books. First of all, I decided I finally deserved a nice gift and treated myself to the illustrated Harry Potter — so pretty!

Besides that, I picked up a few more books I’ve been wanting:

There goes my vow to read books I already own instead of buying new ones!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth: I just finished this emotional story, and will post my thoughts in the next few days.

Lock In by John Scalzi: It’s about time that I finally start this sci-fi book, which has been sitting on my shelf for about a year now.

Now playing via audiobook:

Now that I’ve listened to the OCII, I’m working my way backward! This past week, I started listening to the Outlandish Companion, Volume I audiobook, which — thankfully! — is a much shorter 13 hours and 48 minutes in length.

Ongoing reads:

And we’re off! My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

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.

Family:

First and foremost, happy birthday wishes (actually, a day after the big event) to my amazing, talented, smart, funny, beautiful daughter!

In real life:

I attended a terrific appearance by Chris Bohjalian, one of my favorite authors! He talked about his newest book, The Guest Room (my review is here), as well as The Sandcastle Girls. The talk was amazing, he was gracious and warm, and I got my books signed!

Elsewhere on the blog:

I talked about the spring TV shows I’m most excited about (lots of video clips!), and I also posted some thoughts on my New Year’s resolution about reading series.

What did I read last week?

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald: A five-star read! My review is here.

Fresh Catch:

I didn’t actually buy any books this week (yay, me!), but I did borrow two more graphic novels from the library… and I’m not sorry!

Wait, did I say I didn’t buy ANY books this week? Make that — I didn’t buy MANY books this week. I couldn’t resist buying copies of The Sandcastle Girls and The Guest Room (which I already have as e-books) — and getting them signed by the author!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Archivist Wasp by Nicole Kornher-Stace: This is my book group’s pick for January. I probably wouldn’t have come across this one on my own, but I’ve read the first few chapters and I’m finding it pretty good so far!

Now playing via audiobook:

I finished listening to the 21+ hours-long audiobook version of The Outlandish Companion, volume II, which was utterly fascinating. I’ll be posting a guide to reading and listening to the OCII sometime later this week. While I’ve read the original edition of the first Outlandish Companion volume (originally published in 1999), I haven’t done more than randomly leaf through the revised edition (published March 2015). So, working my way backward, I’m now listening to the OCI audiobook, which — thankfully! — is a much shorter 13 hours and 48 minutes in length.

Ongoing reads:

Woo hoo! Our new group read-along begins this week! Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ll be doing a re-read (or “re-kilt”, as we like to call it — I know…) of Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, the 8th book in the Outlander series. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, from now through sometime in mid-2017. (It’s a big book!) Anyone who’s interested is welcome to join in, so either click on the link to head over to the OBC site, or just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

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.

First and foremost: Happy New Year! Here’s wishing all my dear book-world friends a year of laughter, health, and great reading!

What did I read last week?

The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness: Done! My review is here.

Extra fun fact about this book: The book cover glows in the dark! My photo doesn’t capture it very well, but it’s just so cool!

Named of the Dragon by Susanna Kearsley: Done! My review is here.

Fresh Catch:

I had a fun afternoon browsing at the used book store with my daughter… and of course, we didn’t come away empty-handed. Here’s what I bought:

And here’s what she picked out:

Yes, we both picked up copies of William Shakespeare’s Star Wars. Because Shakespeare. And Star Wars!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald: I’m  just getting started, but it seems quite sweet and quirky so far. Gotta love books about books!

Now playing via audiobook:

Still working my way through the audiobook of The Outlandish Companion, Volume II. Quite fun and interesting! I think I’ll finish during the coming week.

Ongoing reads:

Gearing up for my book club’s new group reads for 2016, starting next week!

So many book, so little time…

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?

Three five-star reads in one week!

The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian: Done! My review is here.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli: Done! My review is here.

Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke: Done! My review is here.

In graphic novels…

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson: I really loved this story of a sidekick who’s so much more than she appears, the villain she aligns with (who isn’t maybe all that villainous after all), and the superhero/golden boy who isn’t quite all that perfect. It’s fun seeing the comic book standards turned upside down. The characters are terrific, the dialogue is clever, and the illustrations are spot-on. Highly recommended!

Fresh Catch:

Yet another week with no new books! This must be some kind of record for me.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness: I bought this one several months ago, and I think it’s about time to get started!

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m plugging along with this massive, long audiobook version of Diana Gabaldon’s guide to the Outlander series. It’s quite a fun listen, with detailed plot synopses, character guides, and all sorts of fun tidbits narrated by Herself.

Ongoing reads:

None at the moment! My book club is in between group reads right now, with plans to start a new classic read and a Gabaldon read-along in January. Until then, it’s every reader for herself.

So many book, so little time…

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?

Winter by Marissa Meyer: Done! My review is here.

In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters: Done! My review is here.

A Cold-Blooded Business by Dana Stabenow: I finished this audiobook during the past week, and loved it. The Kate Shugak series is consistently strong and fascinating.

Elsewhere on the blog:

Speaking of audiobooks… I wrote a post asking whether listening to audiobooks “counts” as reading. In my opinion, the answer is a resounding YES, but I’m interested in hearing what others have to say on the subject. You can read my post and share your thoughts here.

Pop culture goodness:

I finished season 2 of Transparent, which is simply amazing, so hard to describe, and an absolute must-watch.

And of course the biggest pop culture event of the week (or the year)… like millions of others, I went to see the new Star Wars movie! Not on opening night, alas, but close enough…

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Next up, I plan to read one (or both) of two ARCs for books being released in early January:

• The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian
• The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald

Now playing via audiobook:

Just to change things up a bit… I picked up the newly released volume two of The Outlandish Companion back when it came out in the fall, but haven’t done more than just randomly leaf through up to now. For those not completely obsessed with all things Outlander — the OCII is a reference book (2nd volume), including plot synopses, character descriptions, maps and floor plans, and various essays related to the book series. I think it’s fascinating, naturally. Anyway, I decided to listen to the audiobook, which includes pieces read by Diana Gabaldon as well as by the narrators who do the novels of the series and related novellas. It’s quite fun so far — and I’ll be listening to this one for a few weeks, as it’s over 21 hours long!

Ongoing reads:

None at the moment! My book club is in between group reads right now, with plans to start a new classic read and a Gabaldon read-along in January. Until then, it’s every reader for herself.

So many book, so little time…