Shaking things up here at Bookshelf Fantasies! Don’t worry, I’m not getting too crazy — but I am reintroducing my regular Monday feature with a new name and slightly different focus. When I started blogging, I created a weekly Monday feature with a “back to the workweek” theme, and cutely (or not) called it The Monday Agenda. You know, setting out the agenda for my reading week… identifying the 3 or 4 books I planned to read each week, and then giving an update the following Monday on how far I’d come with my previous week’s agenda.

Lately, though, I’ve been trying to move away from over-planning, and want to continue working on not getting ahead of myself when it comes to deciding what to read. So,with my shiny new title, The Monday Check-In, I’m resetting my course. And – ta da! – here’s my new weekly feature, with thanks to all who offered me their opinions on what to call the darn thing.

The Monday Check-in:  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?

Jinn and Juice by Nicole Peeler: So much fun. My review is here.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer: And now I’m hooked. My review is here.

Pop culture goodness:

I saw The Hobbit with the fam this weekend. Um, it was long? The super-special high-def made me feel like I was watching my son play video games, and I was amused by how long the battle was, when it gets only five pages in the book. Oh well. New Zealand did look spectacular, didn’t it? I did love the Billy Boyd song at the end, and overall, having seen all three Hobbit movies makes me yearn even more for a LOTR movie marathon.

Fresh Catch:

New this week:

One hard copy of a book I’ve wanted for a few months now… plus, did you see all the Kindle price-drop madness over on Amazon this past week? I went a little bit crazy, snatching up copies of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, two Patrick Rothfuss books, the Mistborn trilogy, and a whole bunch more.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Continuing onward with The Lunar Chronicles — I’m about halfway through Scarlet, and have a copy of Cress ready to go.

Meanwhile, I was about 35 pages into Glory O’Brien’s History of the Future when I got sucked into the Lunar world… and I hope to get back to it this week, because I really liked what I’d read so far!

Now playing via audiobook:

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey: I loved this book when I read it last year. I bought a copy of the sequel, The Infinite Sea, but I’ve been holding off on starting it until I could squeeze in a re-read. A refresher via audio seems like the way to go!

Reading with my kiddo:

Talking to Dragons (Enchanted Forest Chronicles #4) by Patricia C. Wrede: Still slogging our way through this one. What with all the holiday excitement and general busy-ness, we’ve barely made any progress this past week. Still pressing forward!

Book club reading:

Fields & Fantasies Book Club pick for December: Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh. We’ll have discussion posts up at the very end of the month, and you’re welcome to join in! Post your own piece about the book, or just come share your thoughts here. The more, the merrier!

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!

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 everything else I’m hoping to squeeze in among the nooks and crannies.*

*I’m thinking of changing the theme/title of these Monday posts. Please take my poll — see below!

How did I do with last week’s reading agenda?

The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion: Done! My review is here.

The Perfect Mother by Nina Darnton: I’d have to classify this one as an “it was fine” book. I read it; I wanted to see it through to the end; I finished it. But I never got particularly involved with the characters, I found the writing style inconsistent, and I didn’t feel any sense of suspense while reading it. And when I sat down to write a review, I just couldn’t find enough of interest to actually say. So, yeah: Fine.

Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson:  Loved it! I’m by no means an expert on the Marvel universe, but this is one comic series that I’ll want to stick with.

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand: One word response? Magnificent. You can read my reaction here.

Fresh Catch:

New this week:

What’s on my reading agenda for the coming week?

I’m changing my approach for this section of my Monday Agenda posts. Up to now, I’ve been listing the 2 – 4 books that I’ve been intending to read next. The problem is, it often feels like unwanted pressure to keep on track. One of my new goals is to read according to my mood, not according to a list or schedule. With that in mind, I’m going to start focusing on one book at a time — so my reading agenda for the week will show what’s current, but not what’s on tap for later in the week. Here we go…

Currently in my hands:

I’ve just started Jinn and Juice, the first book in a new urban fantasy series by Nicole Peeler.

Now playing via audiobook:

Cinder by Marissa Meyer: After hearing so much about this series (from so many fans!), I decided to finally give it a try.

Reading with my kiddo:

Talking to Dragons (Enchanted Forest Chronicles #4) by Patricia C. Wrede: My son and I are enjoying the final installment in this series, although I’m not crazy yet about the new main character and wish we’d spend more time with characters from the previous installments. But we’ve only read about a quarter of the book so far, so there’s still hope!

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!

Landline by Rainbow Rowell: Outlander Book Club’s book-of-the-month for December.

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

POLL: Share your thoughts!

I’m not sure that I love the “agenda” concept any more, since I want to shift my focus a bit. As I mentioned above, I’m trying to do more of my reading to suit my mood, book by book, rather than planning the next several books in advance. I think these posts will become more of an update/review, rather than setting a course for the coming week. With that in mind, what do you think of my title options?

So many book, so little time…

That’s my agenda. What’s yours? Add your comments to share your bookish agenda for the week.

Happy reading!

Not a lofty, ambitious to-be-read list consisting of 100+ book titles. Just a simple plan for the upcoming week — what I’m reading now, what I plan to read next, and what I’m hoping to squeeze in among the nooks and crannies.

How did I do with last week’s agenda?

The Last Letter From Your Lover by Jojo Moyes: Done! My review is here.

The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion: I’ve read about 25% so far. It’s great to hang out with Don and Rosie again!

The Boy Who Drew Monsters by Keith Donohue: DNF – for now. My ARC was so badly formatted that I had to put it down. I’d still like to read this, but I’ll wait for my library to get a copy.

Fresh Catch:

Two of my library requests just came in!

What’s on my reading agenda for the coming week?

I should be done with The Rosie Effect in the next couple of days. After that, I’m looking forward to:

First Impressions by Charlie Lovett

The Perfect Mother by Nina Darnton

(This is assuming that I can resist my library books… which is highly doubtful.)

Ongoing reads:

Shared with the kiddo:

Calling on Dragons (Enchanted Forest Chronicles #3) by Patricia C. Wrede: Finished! After a shaky start (involving way too many talking animals), Calling on Dragons turned into a good magical quest filled with a great mixture of adventure and humor. My son and I both enjoyed it, and he insists on starting #4 immediately – so onward we go, starting Talking to Dragons!

Now playing via audiobook:

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand is just taking my breath away, it’s so good. I have about three hours to go… and I keep looking for excuses to go for long walks or drives so I have time to listen! Such an incredibly powerful book.

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!

Landline by Rainbow Rowell: Outlander Book Club’s book-of-the-month for December.

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

So many book, so little time…

That’s my agenda. What’s yours? Add your comments to share your bookish agenda for the week.

Happy reading!

Not a lofty, ambitious to-be-read list consisting of 100+ book titles. Just a simple plan for the upcoming week — what I’m reading now, what I plan to read next, and what I’m hoping to squeeze in among the nooks and crannies.

How did I do with last week’s agenda?

Hello From the Gillespies by Monica McInerney: Done! My review is here.

Serenity: Leaves on the Wind by Zack Whedon: Done! Simply a must for Browncoats. Check out my thoughts, here.

Revival by Stephen King: Done! My review is here.

Fresh Catch:

I bought a bunch of books as gifts, but sssssh… I’m not telling yet.

What’s on my reading agenda for the coming week?

I’m looking forward to reading:

The Last Letter From Your Lover by Jojo Moyes

The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion

And as a maybe… The Boy Who Drew Monsters by Keith Donohue: I started this book over the past weekend, but my eARC has so many formatting issues that I’m giving up. I’m hoping to either get a better ARC or find it at my library, but if not, this one goes back on the pending pile for now.

Elsewhere on the blog:

I wrote a round-up post on All the Books I Meant To Read, covering books published September – November that I just haven’t gotten around to yet.

General cuteness:

We can all relate, right?

Pop culture goodness:

I took advantage of the long weekend to see two movies, The Theory of Everything and Mockingjay. Very different movies! I enjoyed both, but only one has left me obsessed with a song:

Ongoing reads:

Shared with the kiddo:

Calling on Dragons (Enchanted Forest Chronicles #3) by Patricia C. Wrede: We didn’t do much reading over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, so there’s still a lot to go. So far, so good!

Now playing via audiobook:

Just finished: Book #3 in the Alpha & Omega series by Patricia Briggs, Fair Game. I’d read it before, but enjoyed the story all over again via audiobook.

Just starting: A book I’ve been wanting to get to for quite some time, Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. I’ve listened to about five chapters so far, and it’s fantastic.

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!

Landline by Rainbow Rowell: Outlander Book Club’s book-of-the-month for December.

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

So many book, so little time…

That’s my agenda. What’s yours? Add your comments to share your bookish agenda for the week.

Happy reading!

Not a lofty, ambitious to-be-read list consisting of 100+ book titles. Just a simple plan for the upcoming week — what I’m reading now, what I plan to read next, and what I’m hoping to squeeze in among the nooks and crannies.

How did I do with last week’s agenda?

The Martian by Andy Weir: Done! My review is here.

Hello From the Gillespies by Monica McInerney: Done! Stay tuned for the Fields & Fantasies Book Club discussion post, coming up on 11/30.

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson: Done! Amazing audiobook listen! I really, really recommend giving it a try.

Fresh Catch:

A couple of books came my way… and they’re on my reading agenda, coming right up!

What’s on my reading agenda for the coming week?

My two new book arrivals!

I’m so excited to read the newest Serenity graphic novel! Plus, I’m planning to settle in with some Stephen King reading over Thanksgiving weekend. Let’s give thanks for an amazing and prolific writer!

Elsewhere on the blog:

I wrote a post about my Adventures in Audio. Yes, I’m finally a believer in the glory of audiobooks!

Ongoing reads:

Shared with the kiddo:

Calling on Dragons (Enchanted Forest Chronicles #3) by Patricia C. Wrede: It’s getting better, but still not as much fun as the previous two books in the series.

Now playing via audiobook:

Just starting: Book #3 in the Alpha & Omega series by Patricia Briggs, Fair Game. Last Charles and Anna story until the new book (Dead Heat) comes out in the spring.

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!

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes: Outlander Book Club’s book-of-the-month for November.

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

So many book, so little time…

That’s my agenda. What’s yours? Add your comments to share your bookish agenda for the week.

Happy reading!

Not a lofty, ambitious to-be-read list consisting of 100+ book titles. Just a simple plan for the upcoming week — what I’m reading now, what I plan to read next, and what I’m hoping to squeeze in among the nooks and crannies.

How did I do with last week’s agenda?

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

The Martian by Andy Weir: Just getting started.

Earlier last week, I spent a good chunk of time binge-reading The Unwritten series by Mike Carey and Peter Gross. Wanna know my post-binge thoughts? Check ’em out here.

Fresh Catch:

I came across someone just GIVING AWAY books (don’t you love that?), and here’s what I got:

The Jason Segel book is brand new and signed, and that makes me really happy. Can’t wait to read it!

What’s on my reading agenda for the coming week?

I plan to start the week with Hello From the Gillespies by Monica McInerney (the November book for Fields & Fantasies!).

And… I’m expecting my copy of Stephen King’s Revival any day now – and as soon as it arrives, I’m jumping in.

I’m also really tempted to go straight to more Jojo Moyes, but I’m forcing myself to read other things… for now.

Ongoing reads:

Shared with the kiddo:

Calling on Dragons (Enchanted Forest Chronicles #3) by Patricia C. Wrede: It’s getting better, but still not as much fun as the previous two books in the series.

Now playing via audiobook:

Just finished: I’ve decided to re-read (re-listen?) to the Alpha & Omega series by Patricia Briggs. I just finished up book #2, Hunting Ground, and loved it even more the 2nd time around. Can’t get enough of Charles and Anna!

Just starting: I’ve decided to give Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle a try, even though it breaks with my usual routine of only listening to the audio version of books I’ve read before. This is one that’s new to me… so we’ll see if I can keep my mind from wandering enough to actually absorb what’s going on.

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!

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes: Outlander Book Club’s book-of-the-month for November.

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

So many book, so little time…

That’s my agenda. What’s yours? Add your comments to share your bookish agenda for the week.

Happy reading!

Not a lofty, ambitious to-be-read list consisting of 100+ book titles. Just a simple plan for the upcoming week — what I’m reading now, what I plan to read next, and what I’m hoping to squeeze in among the nooks and crannies.

How did I do with last week’s agenda?

Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay: Done! My review is here.

Us by David Nicholls: Done! Loved it. Watch for my blog tour post coming up on 11/21!

Searching for Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede: My son and I finished up the 2nd book in the Enchanted Forest series, and really enjoyed it. Here’s my Goodreads post with my initial reaction.

And also… I dove back into The Unwritten series, re-reading volumes 1 and 2 and then continuing on with 3 and 4. I feel an obsession coming on!

Fresh Catch:

I didn’t buy or borrow any new books this week, but I did receive this one — my first ever win via Goodreads First Reads!

Signed and everything! My kiddo and I loved the 1st book in this series, and we’re really excited to get a copy of #2 for our very own.

What’s on my reading agenda for the coming week?

A book club pick, and then we’ll see. I find myself not really feeling like doing a whole lot of planning this week. Maybe because I’ll end up just wanting to continue reading every volume of The Unwritten series until I’m all caught up!

But assuming I stick to my agenda, here are the books coming up next for me:

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

The Martian by Andy Weir

Hello From the Gillespies by Monica McInerney (the November book for Fields & Fantasies!)

Pop culture goodness:

Is anyone else watching Jane the Virgin? I’ve just inhaled the first four episodes, and I think it’s kinda hilarious.

Ongoing reads:

Shared with the kiddo:

Calling on Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede: We’ve just started the 3rd book in the Enchanted Forest series. My reaction after just one chapter? Too many talking cats, not enough dragons. In fact, no dragons. Sigh. I’ll need to keep reminding myself that it’s only the first chapter, and hope for a quick improvement.

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m working my way through a re-read (re-listen?) of the Alpha & Omega series by Patricia Briggs. I just finished up Cry Wolf over the weekend, and now I’m moving on to Hunting Ground. I adore the characters and the stories as a whole, and listening to the audiobooks is a treat.

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!

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes: Outlander Book Club’s book-of-the-month for November.

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

So many book, so little time…

That’s my agenda. What’s yours? Add your comments to share your bookish agenda for the week.

Happy reading!

Not a lofty, ambitious to-be-read list consisting of 100+ book titles. Just a simple plan for the upcoming week — what I’m reading now, what I plan to read next, and what I’m hoping to squeeze in among the nooks and crannies.

How did I do with last week’s agenda?

My spooky, creepy, icky Halloween reading included:

Rooms by Lauren Oliver: Done! My review is here.

Horns by Joe Hill: Check out my Fields & Fantasies Book Club post from last Friday, here.

Brood by Chase Novak: Done! My review is here.

Fresh Catch:

So many books arrived this week!

What’s on my reading agenda for the coming week?

After so many horror-ific Halloween picks, it’s time for a change of pace!

This week, I’m looking forward to:

Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay

Us by David Nicholls

Ongoing reads:

One with the kiddo:

Searching for Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede: Almost done! Should be wrapping up in the next few days — and then the big question will be, do we move onto book #3 in the Enchanted Forest series or start something completely new?

Now playing via audiobook:

I’ve developed a fondness for listening to audiobooks while I drive or exercise. (Sadly, I do a lot more of the former than the latter.) I’ve found, though, that my mind constantly wanders, no matter how many times I remind myself to focus on the story. My solution is to listen to books that I’ve read before, for a couple of reasons. One, if I get distracted by traffic or random seagulls (it happens), I won’t have missed essential information. Two, I find that if it’s a book I’ve enjoyed, revisiting it via audio only enhances the overall experience. I’ve been working my way through the Outlander audiobooks, but decided to take a bit of a break. My newest audiobook is Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs, part of the amazing Alpha & Omega series. There’s a new Alpha & Omega novel coming out in the spring, so I thought I’d get ready by giving a listen to the previous books and reacquainting myself with Charles and Anna.

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!

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes: Outlander Book Club’s book-of-the-month for November.

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

So many book, so little time…

That’s my agenda. What’s yours? Add your comments to share your bookish agenda for the week.

Happy reading!