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…

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?

Girl Runner by Carrie Snyder: My blog tour/review post is here.

War of the Wives by Tamar Cohen: My review is here.

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel: Finished! What an incredible book. Watch for a Fields & Fantasies post later this week!

Off-line:

Happy anniversary to us! My sweetie and I celebrated 17 years of wedded bliss this past weekend. ♥♥♥♥♥

Elsewhere on the blog:

Biz-speak clichés and jargon drove me crazy last week. My post about it is here — I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Fresh Catch:

A few new (used) books this week:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

It’s about time that I finally read Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. And I won’t even bother trying to hide the fact that I’m at least partially inspired by watching Black Sails on TV. (Not to mention my son’s habit of singing “What Shall We Do With the Drunken Sailor”, courtesy of Assassin’s Creed on his PlayStation).

I also plan to start The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian, the February Book of the Month for Outlander Book Club.

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m almost done with my re-read of the 1st Mercy Thompson book via audiobook (Moon Called by Patricia Briggs). I really do love this series! I might do a bit of series hopping — when I’m done with this Mercy book, I’m going to switch over to Furies of Calderon, the 1st Codex Alera book by Jim Butcher. I definitely do better with audiobooks when I’ve read them before!

Reading with my kiddo:

The Expeditioners and the Secret of King Triton’s Lair by S. S. Taylor: We’re moving slowly, but still enjoying this one.

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…

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?

Silver Bay by Jojo Moyes:  My review is here.

Girl Runner by Carrie Snyder: I’m participating in the blog tour for this new release — my post will be up tomorrow!

Marly’s Ghost by David Levithan: My review is here.

And in graphic novels:

Zombies Calling by Faith Erin Hicks: This is the second week in a row that I’ve read a graphic novel by Faith Erin Hicks. Guys, she’s amazing. Go read her stuff!

Off-line:

I’m still dealing with back issues, and after trips to my doctor, a chiropractor, and an acupuncturist, I’m not sure that I see any real improvement. Sigh. It just takes time, but I’m not a very patient patient.

And in book-related news, I was really shocked and saddened to hear that one of my favorite independent bookstores will be closing at the end of next month. Such a loss for the city! You can read about it here, if you’re interested.

Elsewhere on the blog:

I wrote a post about following other blogs and how to keep up with them all. You can read it here. I’m really loving all the insightful comments on the topic!

Fresh Catch:

Didn’t buy any books, didn’t borrow any books. How unusual!:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I have two very different books demanding my attention this week, War of the Wives by Tamar Cohen and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. I love going from one type of read to something completely different.

Now playing via audiobook:

I decided to do a Mercy Thompson reread via audiobook, and have just gotten started with Moon Called, the first book in the series by Patricia Briggs.

Reading with my kiddo:

The Expeditioners and the Secret of King Triton’s Lair by S. S. Taylor: My son and I are really enjoying the story, the illustrations, and the crazy clues in this steam-punk adventure story.

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…

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?

Quite an interesting mix of books this past week:

The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey:  My review is here.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: I’ve been talking about re-reading this book for years. I read it during high school (just like everyone else, probably)… and had only the vaguest memory of what it was actually about. Two-word review: Loved it! I’m so glad I finally picked it up off my shelf and gave myself the time and space to enjoy it. Incredibly moving story, beautiful writing… To Kill a Mockingbird is a modern classic for a reason. Not only am I thrilled to have read it again finally, but I’m also now super-charged by the idea of revisiting bunches of “required reading” books. I’ll be making a list shortly, and I’m sure I’ll be sharing it here on the blog once I do.

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black: My review is here.

And in graphic novels:

The War at Ellsmere by Faith Erin Hicks: Terrific. Faith Erin Hicks is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors. I’ve read and loved two other of her books (Friends With Boys and The Adventures of Superhero Girl)… and I’m so excited that her next project, due out later in 2015, is a collaboration with Rainbow Rowell!

Off-line:

Ouch! I did something to my back this week… which totally put me off my game in terms of reading and reviewing. My concentration was completely shot, and I ended up sitting out my book group’s discussion because I couldn’t focus enough to contribute anything beyond “good book!”. But I’m feeling better now (thanks for asking!) and should be back to my bookish routines shortly.

Fresh Catch:

Two new books arrived this week:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

After reading a ton of YA fiction so far this month, I’m switching gears a bit and hoping to catch up with a few adult contemporary novels, starting with Silver Bay by Jojo Moyes.

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m actually in between audiobooks at the moment. I listened to an Outlander-related novella earlier in the week, started To Kill a Mockingbird on audio but got impatient with the pace and had to switch to print, and right now I’m waiting for one of my hold audiobooks to come in at the library. Normally, I’d be incredibly frustrated by having nothing to listen to, but since my exercise routine was disrupted this week because of my stupid back, I haven’t missed having an audiobook quite as much.

Reading with my kiddo:

The Expeditioners and the Secret of King Triton’s Lair by S. S. Taylor: Good book! We’re at about the halfway point now. I really recommend picking up the first book The Expeditioners and the Treasure of Drowned Man’s Cavern, if you think you might enjoy a great adventure story with a Jules Verne-esque feel to it.

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: Henna House by Nomi Eve. The discussion is up and running, and anyone can join in! Plus, author Nomi Eve will be answering questions for us this week.

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

So many book, so little time…