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 Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick: See my review, here.

Pop culture goodness:

I binge-watched season 1 of Transparent over the weekend… and yes, it’s just as good as everyone says it is! The episodes are only 30 minutes, which makes it really easy to move quickly through the season. I may take a bit of a breather before continuing on with season 2, which has just been released. Anyone else watching Transparent?

Awesome web resource of the week:

Bonnie of For the Love of Words did me a huge favor by pointing me in the directions of the Recaptains website! I was frustrated practically to tears when I started reading Winter by Marissa Meyer — it had been too long since I’d read the earlier books, and I was having a hard time remembering the details and getting back into the story. Thanks to Bonnie’s suggestion, I was able to read super detailed recaps of each of the earlier books, which totally got me back on track for Winter (and saved me hours and days of re-reading).

I’m bookmarking Recaptains for sure. Check it out if you’re reading a series and need a refresher! The site features really detailed (and spoiler-filled) synopses — I think I’ll be revisiting this site many, many times.

Fresh Catch:

I loved Uprooted by Naomi Novik so, so much… so I had to get myself a copy of the first book of her Temeraire series. This looks like something fun to get involved with in the new year!

In addition, a true treat came my way! The very talented Scottish writer Maggie Craig was kind enough to send me a new paperback edition of her wonderful book, Gathering Storm — which includes a blurb from yours truly on the inside! I love this book, and could be more thrilled to be a tiny part of it! (You can read more about Maggie Craig and Gathering Storm here.)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Winter by Marissa Meyer: I started this book earlier in the week, and have had so little time to actually sit and read. Argh. I’m about 2/3 done, and hope to finish soon!

Now playing via audiobook:

I thought I’d finish A Cold-Blooded Business by Dana Stabenow over the weekend, but heavy rain and gusty winds kept me from my weekend walks… which meant much less time for audiobook listening. I’m really enjoying the story so far — the Kate Shugak series is consistently great!

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?

The Aeronaut’s Windlass by Jim Butcher: Awesome start to a new series! My review is here.

In audiobooks, I finished listening to the magical, magnificent Uprooted by Naomi Novik, and absolutely loved it. Check out my review, here.

In graphic novels, I read volume 3 of the outstanding Alex + Ada trilogy by Sarah Vaughn and Jonathan Luna. My post about the series is here.

I also enjoyed The Wolf Among Us, a new prequel to the Fables series (which I love). Fables fans will want to check this one out!

Fresh Catch:

I’ve had an ARC of this book on my Kindle since earlier this year, but when I came across a nice used hard copy, I had to treat myself:

And… finally!!!… my library request for Winter arrived! As soon as I finish my current book, I’m diving in!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick: After watching (and loving) the Amazon series, I decided I should read the book!

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m continuing on with the terrific Kate Shugak series by Dana Stabenow, just starting #4, A Cold-Blooded Business.

Ongoing reads:

We’re done! Our 15-month, 127 chapter odyssey has come to its finish. Thank you to Outlander Book Club for another outstanding read-along!

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?

Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith: I posted my review of this terrific mystery this past week.

Emma by Alexander McCall Smith: Another Jane Austen retelling, done! My review is here.

Fresh Catch:

Well, after the previous week, when I acquired exactly ZERO new books, I went in the opposite direction this past week. First, I received an ARC for a book that I’m really excited about and then treated myself to John Cleese’s memoir:

And then… I found myself with time to spare in the neighborhood of my favorite used book store, and just by coincidence, had a big old store credit in my hand that was crying to be used! I treated myself to a few books I’ve been wanting to read plus copies of a few that I’d read as library books:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Aeronaut’s Windlass by Jim Butcher: I finally decided to sit down with this massive, 600+ page book, and I’m loving it so far!

Now playing via audiobook:

Wow, is this good! I’m at about the 55% mark, and I’m thoroughly hooked… plus, I got over my initial annoyance at the narrator’s accent and now I feel like it’s part of the story.

Ongoing reads:

A big shout-out and hurray for my book group! After reading and discussing two chapters per week for the past year and a half, we’re down to the final week, with discussions of the book’s two epilogues! What a long and marvelous trip it’s been.

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?

Stand-Off by Andrew Smith: The sequel to the amazing Winger. Check out my review, here.

Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith: Just finished! By about the mid-point, it was impossible to put down. I’ll post a review in the next day or so.

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown: I finished the audiobook over the weekend. This is a must-read/must-listen book! My review is here.

Pop culture goodness:

Anyone else watching The Man in the High Castle? I’ve seen the first two episodes so far — check out this post for more info.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week! I’m kind of proud of myself.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Since I just finished a book last night, I haven’t quite started a new one yet. My next read will either be:

• The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness — or…
• Emma by Alexander McCall Smith

Now playing via audiobook:

My new audiobook is Uprooted by Naomi Novik. I’m a little irritated by the narrator, but I’m liking the story so far.

Ongoing reads:

Last two weeks of our group read!

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?

Depth by Lev AC Rosen: Loved it! My review of this sci-fi/noir detective story is here.

The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay: My review is here.

Destiny’s Plan by Victoria Saccenti: My review is here.

The Cure for Dreaming by Cat Winters: My review is here.

In graphic novels, I read Intro to Alien Invasion by Owen King, which is a pretty amusing story of a college campus being taken over by icky alien beings — and the students who fight to save the world from annihilation.

Elsewhere on the blog:

I wrote a wrap-up post on North and South — reading the book and watching the BBC mini-series. Check it out, here.

Fresh Catch:

Two library hold requests came in this week:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m a little torn, but I think I’ll start with:

• Stand-Off by Andrew Smith: This is a sequel to the amazing Winger (review) — and since there’s a waiting list at the library, I really should read it first and then pass it along.
• Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith (J. K. Rowling): I’m so excited to read the newest Cormoran Strike novel!

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m about 2/3 of the way through The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, and although I don’t usually go for non-fiction, I’m really enjoying this one.

Ongoing reads:

Getting close to the end of our book group read!

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?

Until We Meet Again by Renee Collins: Done! My review is here.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare: I listened to the audiobook this week. My review is here.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell: After six months of chapter discussions, my book group wrapped up North and South this past week. What a wonderful experience! I’ll share my thoughts on this classic in a post a bit later this week.

Pop Culture:

I finally saw The Martian! I absolutely loved the book (here’s proof!), and while no movie is ever going to be as detailed as the book it’s based on, I thought the movie did a great job of showing the main character’s personality, the big cast of characters, and the science/geeky aspects of the story. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s worth making the effort to go while it’s still in theaters. The big screen experience is lots of fun for this one, and the 3D makes a difference too.

Fresh Catch:

This week’s new arrivals:

It’s the new volume of The Outlandish Companion! This reference book covers books 5 – 8 in the Outlander series, plus lots of extras like maps and floor plans, and notes on the process of converting books to TV. Exciting!

Two more new (used) purchases this week:

A YA novel described as “Prep meets The Crucible“, and a Fables prequel!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m two-timing my reading right now, halfway through two different books:

• Depth by Lev AC Rosen
• The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay

Which will I finish first? I have no idea.

Now playing via audiobook:

I’ve just started the audiobook of The Boys in the Boat, which I hope to finish in time for my book group’s discussion later this month.

Ongoing reads:

Getting close to the end of our book group read!

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?

After You by Jojo Moyes: Done! My review is here.

The Call of the Wild by Jack London: I listened to the audiobook this week. My review is here.

A Murder of Magpies by Judith Flanders: Sigh. Another week, another DNF. I read about 120 pages, but quit once I realized that I just wasn’t at all invested in the story. It wasn’t bad — just didn’t work for me.

Fresh Catch:

This week’s new arrivals:

All sorts of goodies! I’m so excited for the new Robert Galbraith book, even though it may be a few weeks before I actually sit down to read it.

I also received this:

I guess it’s time for me to join the adult coloring book craze! Although I’m almost scared to touch it. What if I color outside the lines? Kidding…

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’ve just started Until We Meet Again by Renee Collins, an upcoming young adult book with a time-slip plot device. I’m really liking it so far!

Now playing via audiobook:

Revisiting my childhood! Growing up in Connecticut, The Witch of Blackbird Pond was a must-read. It’s been many years since I first read this story, and I’m having a good time listening to the audiobook.

Ongoing reads:

My book group has been reading and discussing two chapters of North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell per week since the early spring… and this week, we’ll be done. It’s been a wonderful read, thanks to the smart and insightful women I’ve had the pleasure of sharing it with. Stay tuned — I’ll be posting some wrap-up thoughts in the next week or so.

We’ve also been doing two chapters per week of A Breath of Snow and Ashes, and will be done in early December. Not too shabby, for a book that’s over 1,400 pages in length!

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?

The Hummingbird by Stephen P. Kiernan: I participated in the blog tour for this book during the past week. You can see my review here.

The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood: Done! My review is here.

You’re Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) by Felicia Day: Such a great read! My review is here.

Elsewhere on the blog:

I wrote an update post about my Book Count adventures, looking at how many unread books are in my house and on my Kindle, how many new books I added, and how many I either read or gave away. Teensy-tiny baby steps of progress! You can read the post here.

Pop culture awesomeness:

I am so over-the-moon excited about season 3 of Black Sails! Okay, yes, we have to wait until January, but still… new trailer!

Fresh Catch:

Look what arrived this week!

New Jim Butcher, new Buffy!

Granted, this is Buffy season 10, volume 3 — and I haven’t read any of season 9 yet. But still. New Buffy!

Also new this week:

Outlander – season 1, volume 2! I know it’s not a book, but it’s bookish… and hey, it’s OUTLANDER, and it makes me happy!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

From my fall TBR list! I’m reading Northanger Abbey by Val McDermid (part of The Austen Project), and so far, I really like how the gothic flavor of the original works in a retelling about a modern-day teenager obsessed with Twilight and all things vampire.

Now playing via audiobook:

I finished Dead in the Water, the 3rd book in Dana Stabenow’s terrific Kate Shugak series. This one was great, and I guess I might as well admit that I’m officially hooked! Can’t wait to listen to book #4!

But first, I’m now listening to Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear, and I’m really enjoying it so far. Audiobooks are turning out to be a good way for me to try genres, such as mysteries, that I don’t usually spend much time on.

Ongoing reads:

Moving right along! Two chapters per week for each book, as part of discussions with the Outlander Book Club. We’ll wrap up both in December!

So many book, so little time…