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 finished the book I’d started on the plane ride home from vacation last week, The Expats, and read a YA ARC and a graphic novel as well:

My review of The Expats is here. A really enjoyable thriller!

5 to 1 by Holly Bodger: The best things I can say about this YA dystopian novel is a) it’s short and b) it has a really pretty cover. The writing annoyed me, told half in verse and half in prose, and the whole set-up was pretty boring and predictable. Just… nope. I didn’t bother writing a review.

I also read the newest Fables volume (#21 – Happily Ever After). I love this graphic novel series so, so much — and I’m so sad it’s coming to an end! Happily Ever After is an odd title for this volume, as many characters are most decidedly not happy at all, and it’s also not the last. There’s one more volume to come, and I’d dying to read it while also scared to death that I’ll be upset with the fate of certain characters. I especially want an HEA ending for my favorite couple, but all signs point to NO. Sigh… According to Amazon, we’ll have all our answers at the end of July. Meanwhile, I suppose I should catch up on the Fables spin-off series, Fairest.

Also this past week, I posted reviews of some of the books I read while on vacation the prior week. Here are the links:

• The Dead Lands by Benjamin Percy
• All I Love and Know by Judith Frank

Elsewhere on the blog:

Prompted in part by my underwhelming experience with 5 to 1, I wrote a blog post about book plots and genres that I am just so over.

On a much more positive note — wanna see where I was the week before last? Check out my Alaska post!

Fresh Catch:

I did a bunch of random book ordering from my favorite online used book sources prior to my vacation, and all of my new pretties arrived while I was away! This was definitely fun to come home to:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m a bit behind, but I’m trying to finish up this month’s Book of the Month discussion book so I can join the conversation over at Outlander Book Club.

Now playing via audiobook:

I can’t help it! I seem to be hooked on the audiobooks for Patricia Briggs’s marvelous books! This is the last one, and then I’ll have to move on.

Ongoing reads:

The Outlander Book Club’s new classic read is North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. All are welcome! Contact me if you’d like to join in.

Still reading, with kiddo and with book groups:

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?

I’m back! I just returned from my week in  Alaska late last night, and I have a ton of unpacking (and laundry) still to do. Plus, I absolutely will do a post later this week about my trip, to include some favorite photos (including a particularly cute/weird porcupine). Here’s what I read while I was away:

• The Dead Lands by Benjamin Percy
• All I Love and Know by Judith Frank
• The Expats by Chris Pavone — not quite done, but after a lot of reading on the plane, it’s close!

I hope to find time this week to put together reviews for all of these. I took lots of notes — we’ll see if I can figure out what they all mean!

Elsewhere on the blog:

I’m running a giveaway for a copy of the new historical novel by Sarah McCoy, The Mapmaker’s Children:

There’s still time to enter! I’ll be picking a winner on May 20th — enter to win here.

Offline:

TRAVEL! Sigh. I love vacations. I love vacation reading. I need more VACATION now please thank you.

Fresh Catch:

Traveling with my daughter means at least one visit to a bookstore, if not more. We ended up in a really funky, odd bookstore in Homer, Alaska called Observance of Hermits, featuring one of my favorite bookstore signs ever:

We also stopped at Title Wave Books in Anchorage (great name, right?), which is a huge store selling used and new books. And naturally, I couldn’t quite resist temptation. Here’s what I bought:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Just a bit more to go! And then I truly have a dilemma — I have no idea what I’ll read next!

Now playing via audiobook:

My daughter — also a Patricia Briggs fan — didn’t have to work too hard to convince me that this story collection would be a perfect choice for listening to on the road! Now that I’m back, I need a new audio read, and I’m leaning toward Mansfield Park by Jane Austen, narrated by the fabulous Juliet Stevenson, whose narration I loved so much in Emma.

Ongoing reads:

A new classic read! The Outlander Book Club is starting its group read of North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. All are welcome! Contact me if you’d like to join in.

Still reading, with kiddo and with book groups:

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 Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson: My blog tour post and review is here. (Loved the book!)

Rook by Sharon Cameron. DNFd at 38%. Such a letdown. I wanted to love this book. Click here if you want to see what I said about Rook on Goodreads:

Offline:

In my “real” life, things are busy as always. I did manage to sneak in two fun outings this past week — dinner with a good friend after months of our schedules never matching up, and then The Book of Mormon with my husband just last night. (It rocked.)

Fresh Catch:

A Groupon for a local used book store was burning a hole in my pocket (it was about to expire), so here’s what I picked up:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m trying to get a jump start on my review commitments for May. I’m reading The Mapmaker’s Children by Sarah McCoy so I’ll have my blog tour post ready in advance. Planning ahead? How unusual!

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m so close to the end of the Emma audiobook! Juliet Stevenson is an amazing narrator, and I’ve really loved every minute. I’ll be traveling next week and probably won’t start another audiobook until I get back — but when I do, it’ll be tempting to listen to more Austen à la Stevenson!

Ongoing reads:

I’ve been reading these forever, it seems…

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 Secrets We Keep by Trisha Leaver: Done! My review is here.

A Cold Day for Murder by Dana Stabenow: Finished the audiobook! My review is here.

Elsewhere on the blog:

I just haven’t had time for much of anything — including, it would seem, thinking ahead. Looks like I won’t be doing a TTT post this week. I looked at the topic and drew a tremendous blank… and I just don’t have any brain cells to spare at the moment. But I’ll dive back in next week, I’m sure!

Fresh Catch:

Two new books arrived this week:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m participating in the blog tour for The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson this week, so finishing the book is priority #1! After that, I plan to read Rook by Sharon Cameron.

Now playing via audiobook:

I finished my most recent mystery via audiobook — see above for the link to my review of A Cold Day for Murder by Dana Stabenow.

I’ve just started listening to Emma by Jane Austen (narrated by Juliet Stevenson) — and it is a total hoot! I’ve read the book before, but listening to it, especially all of the dialogue, is a blast.

Ongoing reads:

I’ll be reading the first two here for months to come — one with my kiddo and one with Outlander Book Club. Also in Outlander world, I’m more or less reading along with the TV show, trying to read the chapters that I think will be covered in each week’s new episode — which is definitely time- consuming on top of all of my other reading! (I read about 100 pages for the most recent episode…)

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 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…