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 short answer is — practically nothing. I had a crazy, stressful, hectic week, and barely made it through a single chapter some days before falling asleep. I was not a happy camper.

That being said, here are the books that I did spend time with:

The Hurricane Sisters by Dorothea Benton Frank: My blog tour post went up this past week. Check out my review here.

A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley: Finally finished! My review is here.

Elsewhere on the blog:

I did a little venting about Outlander on TV, fan reactions, and the meaning of the word “adaptation”. I’d love to hear what you think — come share your thoughts here.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week! How unusual.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I need to get cracking with The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson, since I’m scheduled for a blog tour post next week. I’m hoping to also have time for The Secrets We Keep by Trisha Leaver and Rook by Sharon Cameron… although if this past week is any indication, I’ll be lucky to make it through one book, let alone three.

Now playing via audiobook:

Quite sadly, my audio re-read of the Mercy Thompson series is now done! I finished #8, Night Broken. Eventually, I’d like to listen to the audio version of the story collection Shifting Shadows, but as of now my library doesn’t have it and I don’t want to buy it, since I already own the hardcover edition.

Meanwhile, I’m getting in the mood for an upcoming trip to Alaska and thought A Cold Day for Murder by Dana Stabenow would be a great choice! I should finish up the audiobook in the next few days.

Ongoing reads:

I’ll be reading these two for months to come — one with my kiddo and one with Outlander Book Club:

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?

Prudence by Gail Carriger: Done! My review is here.

The Hurricane Sisters by Dorothea Benton Frank: Done! Watch for my blog tour post this Wednesday.

Elsewhere on the blog:

I celebrated my 1,000th post! It really snuck up on me… wow! I’m doing a little giveaway to mark the occasion, and it’s not too late to enter. Check out the details here.

Pop culture goodness:

I guess I’m not the only one excited for the return of Game of Thrones:

Fresh Catch:

Two new books this week — one purchased, one from the library.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley: A new book from one of my favorite authors is always a reason to smile.

And then, I really need to find time to start The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton, the OBC discussion book for April.

Now playing via audiobook:

Continuing on with my audio re-read of the Mercy Thompson series: I finished #7, Frost Burned, and I’m partway through #8, Night Broken. And then I’ll be done! I really don’t want to leave this world, but sadly, I’ll be finished with all the Mercy audiobooks and will have to move on to something else.

Ongoing reads:

Eragon by Christopher Paolini: I finally picked Eragon back up this week. Very slow progress, since I’m reading along with my kid, and his interest comes and goes.

A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon: Reading and discussing two chapters per week with Outlander Book Club, from now until whenever!

Outlander Book Club’s Book-of-the-Month read for April is The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. Discussion starts April 22nd. All are welcome!

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?

Inside the O’Briens by Lisa Genova: Moving and powerful. My review is here.

The Truth About Us by Janet Gurtler: Thought-provoking YA fiction. My review is here.

Prudence by Gail Carriger: If I can find a few minutes to read today, I’ll be done. Stay tuned for my reaction later this week .

Pop culture goodness:

It’s the return of Outlander! I was absolutely thrilled by our first new episode after a six-month break. Check out my Outlandish obsession post, here.

Fresh Catch:

I went to the public library’s spring sale this past week — all hardcovers $3, all paperbacks $2. I showed remarkable restraint, compared to my past book sale adventures. Here’s what I brought home:

The other exciting new book to come my way this week is — naturally — connected to the world of Outlander. I was more than a wee bit excited when the newly revised edition of The Outlandish Companion, volume I arrived!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m so excited to be reading Susanna Kearsley’s newest book, A Desperate Fortune! She’s one of my favorite authors, and I’ve never yet been disappointed.

Next up will be The Hurricane Sisters by Dorothea Benton Frank. Watch for my blog tour post next week!

Hmm, interesting to see the covers of these two, side by side — women seen only from the back, faces hidden, gazing at the sea. I love both covers!

Now playing via audiobook:

Continuing on with my audio re-read of the Mercy Thompson series: I finished #6, River Marked, and I’m very close to finishing up #7, Frost Burned, as well… which means only one more Mercy book to go. What will I do when I’ve finished the whole series?

Ongoing reads:

Eragon by Christopher Paolini: Reading with my kiddo. We didn’t make any progress this week, since kiddo has been on spring break and hasn’t wanted to touch a book while he’s on vacation. Are we sure we’re actually related?

A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon: Reading and discussing two chapters per week with Outlander Book Club, from now until whenever!

Outlander Book Club’s Book-of-the-Month read for April is The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. Discussion starts April 22nd. All are welcome!

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 Witch of Painted Sorrows by M. J. Rose: Terrific, atmospheric historical fiction with an overlay of supernatural menace. Check out my blog tour post here.

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett: My write-up of this amazing book includes a guest review by my friend Heidi. You can you see the post here.

Around the web:

This was my favorite fandom find of the week — a little thank you from Jesse L. Martin and friends to Joss Whedon for funding their Kickstarter:

Seriously, if you’re a Firefly fan… this is a must-watch… and watch… and watch.

Fresh Catch:

No new books! None bought, none borrowed… How unusual!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’ve just started Inside the O’Briens by Lisa Genova, and I can’t put it down.

Now playing via audiobook:

Continuing on with my audio re-read of the Mercy Thompson series, I’m about one long walk away from finishing #6, River Marked.

Ongoing reads:

Eragon by Christopher Paolini: Reading with my kiddo. Still.

A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon: Reading and discussing two chapters per week with Outlander Book Club, from now until whenever!

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?

Black Dove, White Raven by Elizabeth Wein. I suppose it’s a sign of the fact that I didn’t much enjoy this book that it took me ALL WEEK to get through it. My friends got sick of hearing me whine, I’m sure. I wrote a quickie review, here.

The Witch of Painted Sorrows by M. J. Rose: Not done yet, but making progress! Watch for my blog tour post coming up later this week.

Off-line:

Travel planning ate up a lot of my (practically non-existent) free time this past week. My daughter and I are planning a trip to Alaska for May, and we’re busily researching and plotting our ideas for how to spend our time there. So exciting!

Fresh Catch:

I picked up a couple of books at the library. Because it’s not like I already have any books in my house to read.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I need to finish The Witch of Painted Sorrows by M. J. Rose, and hope to get a lot more reading time this week than I had last week!

After that, I can either read about a shade of magic or the color of magic! I’m not sure which I’ll read first, but I’m hoping to spend quality time with with books by V. E. Schwab and Terry Pratchett.

Now playing via audiobook:

Continuing on with my audio re-read of the Mercy Thompson series, I finished #5, Silver Borne and started #6, River Marked. Love, love, love these books.

Ongoing reads:

Eragon by Christopher Paolini: Reading with my kiddo. Still.

A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon: Reading and discussing two chapters per week with Outlander Book Club, from now until whenever!

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?

Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs: LOVED IT. A new book in a favorite series is always a treat. Check out my review here.

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy: This was a book group pick, and reading it in our tiny increments (one chapter per week) was not the ideal way to enjoy it. I’m glad to finally be done… although I’m also glad in the end to have read it. My review is here.

In Falling Snow by Mary-Rose MacColl: Done. My book club will be discussing this book during the coming week, so I buckled down and plowed through the last 50% over the weekend. My review is here.

Off-line:

Fangirl heaven! I went to a talk by Neil Gaiman (in conversation with Michael Chabon) this week, and it was amazing. Plus, I got to meet Neil Gaiman at the reception before the event, and he was nice and charming and wonderful. Sadly, he didn’t do a book signing, but I was able to buy a pre-signed copy of his newest book. All in all, a fantastic evening. Wish you’d been there? Here’s the video from the event:

Fresh Catch:

My copy of Neil Gaiman’s Trigger Warnings was my only new book this past week. And it’s signed!

I don’t usually read short stories, but in this case, I’m happy to make an exception.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m about 50 pages into Elizabeth Wein’s newest, Black Dove, White Raven. Really excited to finally be reading it!

I’m behind on my review books, and need to get cracking in time for the blog tour for The Witch of Painted Sorrows by M. J. Rose.

Now playing via audiobook:

Continuing on with my audio re-read of the Mercy Thompson series, I finished #4, Bone Crossed, this past week, and I’ve started #5, Silver Borne. Yup, still loving the heck out of this series.

Ongoing reads:

Eragon by Christopher Paolini: Reading with my kiddo. Still.

A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon: Reading and discussing two chapters per week with Outlander Book Club, from now until whenever!

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?

Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park: Very enjoyable! My review is here.

Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs: I’ve barely had time to read this week, which is SO INCREDIBLY FRUSTRATING, especially since I finally have Patricia Briggs’s new Alpha & Omega book in my hands. I’m trying to savor every moment, even though my reading is all happening in teeny, tiny snippets.

Off-line:

An insanely busy week at work plus a hectic home schedule has kept me hopping (and not reading). But on the plus side, my wonderful daughter came home for a few days and we’re having fun family time.

Fresh Catch:

Two books I’ve been dying for arrived on their release day — Dead Heat (see above), plus the newest from Mary Doria Russell, who is just brilliant no matter what she writes about:

And look what else came in the box along with Epitaph! Okay, it’s not a book, but I was still thrilled when it arrived (and hey, it’s based on a book!):

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

First up, I need to finish Dead Heat! (Although, to be honest, I kind of hate the idea of finishing and then just having to wait for another installment in the series.)

After that, I need to start tackling a book club book (In Falling Snow) and a review book for an upcoming blog tour (The Witch of Painted Sorrows).

Now playing via audiobook:

It’s a Patricia Briggs era chez moi, for sure. Continuing on with my audio re-read of the Mercy Thompson series, I’m about halfway through with book  #4, Bone Crossed. I’m loving every moment.

Reading with my kiddo:

Eragon by Christopher Paolini: Week 3 of our Eragon read. Sloooooooow going. But we’re hanging in there.

Book club reading:

Classic read: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy. One chapter per week… we’ll be done next week!

A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon: Reading and discussing two chapters per week, from now through the end of 2015.

OBC Book of the Month for March: In Falling Snow by Mary-Rose MacColl. I’m really looking forward to this one! Discussion opens March 18th.

Want to join any of the group reads? Let me know and I’ll provide the links!

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?

Lost & Found by Brooke Davis: I DNF’d this one after about 50 pages. The quirkiness just didn’t gel into a compelling storyline for me.

Fairest: Levana’s Story by Marissa Meyer: Finished. My mini-review is here.

Beastkeeper by Cat Hellisen: I finished it, but just barely. I was under the impression that Beastkeeper would be a YA fairy-tale retelling, and thought it sounded quite fun from the synopses I’d seen. But… well, the protagonist is 12 years old, yet the writing seemed a bit older than middle grade, and the story itself was oddly complicated in some ways without actually ever making a whole lot of sense. The best I can say about this book is thank goodness it was a quick read! Otherwise, I might have just walked away.

Off-line:

My son and are I working our way through my Firefly blu-ray set, and we’re having a blast! We’ve managed to watch seven episodes so far, and seeing him get into it is so good for my devoted old Browncoat heart.

Fresh Catch:

Two new books arrived this week, thanks to the speedy (and free) delivery elves at Book Depository:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’ve just started Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park — but need to finish up pretty fast because this is going to be a big week for new releases, and I have books arriving Tuesday that I absolutely want to start the second I open up my Amazon box!

Now playing via audiobook:

I finished Iron Kissed, book #3 in the Mercy Thompson series, and moved immediately onward with #4, Bone Crossed. Despite having read Iron Kissed before, it still made me cry. Iron Kissed is probably the most upsetting of the Mercy books, but it’s also incredibly powerful and moving. I love this series!

Reading with my kiddo:

Eragon by Christopher Paolini: Week 2 of our Eragon read. It’s holding our interest, but left to my own devices, I’m not sure that I’d want to stick with Eragon. It feels a bit too much like a LOTR wannabe, in my humble opinion.

Book club reading:

Classic read: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy. One chapter per week… and the end is finally in sight!

A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon: Reading and discussing two chapters per week, from now through the end of 2015.

OBC Book of the Month for March: In Falling Snow by Mary-Rose MacColl. I’m really looking forward to this one! Discussion opens March 18th.

Want to join any of the group reads? Let me know and I’ll provide the links!

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 Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian: My review is here.

The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant: My review is here.

Also posted last week:

My Fields & Fantasies book club discussion on Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, here.

Off-line:

Adventures in pop culture! After watching last week’s episode of Big Bang Theory with my son, and having him make fun of me for my fangirlish squealing when Nathan Fillion appeared, I decided it was about time to introduce the kiddo to the amazing world of Firefly! We’ve watched just one episode together, but he’s up for continuing. Dare I say it? We may have a new Browncoat on our hands.

My husband randomly decided that we should go see the 50 Shades movie. Um, sure, honey. I’d read the books (yup, all three); he hadn’t. I thought he at least was familiar with the storyline, but it turns out he wasn’t. His comment afterward? “I was expecting something fun and sexy — but that guy was just a sadist!” I started explaining the books to him, but in the end, didn’t feel like making the effort. Anyway, my mini-review of the movie: Not nearly as bad as I thought it might be. How’s that for a ringing endorsement?

Fresh Catch:

Here’s what came home from the library with me this past week – a big ol’ stack of YA books:

You’ll never catch me complaining that I have nothing to read!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’ve just started Lost & Found by Brooke Davis.

Now playing via audiobook:

I finished Blood Bound and immediately started Iron Kissed. Listening to the Mercy Thompson books by Patricia Briggs makes me go for much longer walks — I just don’t want to stop!

Reading with my kiddo:

Eragon by Christopher Paolini: We considered a few different options for our new reading adventure, but for now, we’re giving Eragon a try. We’re still in the early chapters, but I like it so far. It’s interesting to note that the author wrote this in his teens. I’d say that the writing is quite skillful, although it does feel like he’s trying a bit too hard to use complicated vocabulary when simpler language might do.

Book club reading:

Classic read: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy. (One chapter per week)

A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon: Reading and discussing two chapters per week, from now through the end of 2015!

OBC Book of the Month for February: The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian. The discussion is now open (and quite enthusiastic).

Want to join any of the group reads? Let me know and I’ll provide the links!

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?

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson: Yo ho ho! My review is here.

The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian: I have about 50 pages left, and it’s so hard to stop!

Off-line:

All of my library holds arrived at once, and now I’m swamped. Isn’t that the way it always works? Meanwhile, I’m watching a lot of TV, which means I’m forced to choose each night between going to bed at a reasonable hour or staying up to read. Guess which choice wins?

Fresh Catch:

The books I bought or borrowed this week…

I’ve decided that this is the year when I’ll finally read Middlemarch. Wish me luck!

I also picked up a copy of The Bear by Claire Cameron, which I’ve had on my wish-list for a while now.

And yes, I brought home a big stack of library books, which I really need to read before I touch anything else.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The next two books I plan to read are The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant and Lost & Found by Brooke Davis.

Now playing via audiobook:

For my listening pleasure, I’ve decided that I’m going to stick with re-reading the Mercy Thompson series for the time being. I finished Moon Called early last week and moved straight into the 2nd book in the series, Blood Bound. Apart from one character being portrayed with an accent that was pretty jarring at first, the narration of these books is terrific — and I love the series so much that it’s a real treat to revisit it from the beginning all over again.

Reading with my kiddo:

The Expeditioners and the Secret of King Triton’s Lair by S. S. Taylor: My kiddo and I just finished the book over the weekend, and loved it! My review is here; I’ll see if I can get the boy to share some of his thoughts later on as well. We haven’t quite decided what’s next, but we have plenty of great options!

Book club reading:

Classic read: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy. (One chapter per week)

A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon: Reading and discussing two chapters per week, from now through the end of 2015!

OBC Book of the Month for February: The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian. The discussion opens February 18th.

Want to join any of the group reads? Let me know and I’ll provide the links!

So many book, so little time…