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.

Life.

It was not a good week last week…

I guess you could call it the domino effect of COVID. My husband returned from an overseas trip and was experiencing his usual jetlag… until we realized it wasn’t just jetlag. We had an emergency room visit due to COVID complications, but he’s now on the mend, thank goodness. Two days later, my son tested positive, and then over the weekend, it was my turn.

Amazingly, neither my son nor I had had COVID before — but admittedly, we were pretty lax about wearing masks and keeping our distance around the house.

In any case, after a miserable few days, we’re all bouncing back. On the plus side, my head has cleared enough for me to be able to start reading again!

What did I read during the last week?

The Serpent in Heaven (Gunnie Rose, #4) by Charlaine Harris: Such a great series! My review is here.

Queen Charlotte by Julia Quinn & Shonda Rhimes: A lovely read. My review is here.

The Fire Never Goes Out by Noelle Stevenson: A memoir in graphic novel format, by the author of Nimona. I enjoyed it.

Half a Soul (Regency Faerie Tales, #1) by Olivia Atwater: Really enjoyable tale with unusual characters. My review is here.

One Summer in Savannah by Terah Shelton Harris: Review to follow.

And… one DNF:

Camp Zero by Michelle Min Sterling: I quite at 20%. Grim and confusing — and when I realized I just didn’t care enough to keep going, I felt relieved to put it down.

Pop culture & TV:

Due to the craziness of this week, I did very little streaming of any sort — but prior to all that, I finally got around to watching Downton Abbey: A New Era. Meh. It was basically a family reunion in search of a plot. Nice to see all the familiar faces again, but that’s about it.

Fresh Catch:

No new physical books this week, but I did pick up a few books from my wishlist thanks to Kindle deals:

Puzzle of the week:

This one was a lot trickier than I expected… although I worked on it while I had COVID, so that’s maybe a factor…

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon: I really needed something upbeat this week, and this seems to be a great choice.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley: I got through about 75% of this audiobook before I got sick, and haven’t gotten back to it yet. I’ve been loving it so far! Looking forward to finishing up in the next few days.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

Until our next group classic read starts, I’m down to just one ongoing book at the moment:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. Coming up this week: Chapters 132 and 133 (of 155).

So many books, 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.

Life.

After two weeks of solitude, people are back at my house! It’s nice to hear other people bustling around once again. (Of course, I did do quite a bit of reading and TV watching while I had the house to myself, but I still prefer it when my family is home.)

What did I read during the last week?

The Woman Beyond the Sea by Sarit Yishai-Levi: A novel about family secrets and trauma that carry down through three generations. My review is here.

The Russian Cage (Gunnie Rose, #3) by Charlaine Harris: I’m loving this series! My review is here.

Citizen of the Galaxy by Robert A. Heinlein: My books group’s pick for May. I really enjoyed this classic sci-fi adventure! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I went out to another movie! This time, I saw Guardians of the Galaxy, vol. 3 — and found myself pretty unengaged most of the time. The novelty has worn off, I guess, and the movie seemed to drag on forever. Maybe I’m just done with Marvel at this point?

For streaming this week, I watching XO Kitty on Netflix, which was quick, light, and cute. It’s the story of the little sister from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, now a high school junior who impetuously decides to study abroad in Korea for the year (mainly so she can be with her long-distance boyfriend). It was very entertaining, and it actually went in some directions that I didn’t anticipate!

Also this week, I watched the Survivor (season 44) finale, and definitely had thoughts. You can check out my reaction, here.

Fresh Catch:

I bought used copies of my book group’s next two classic reads:

We’ll be starting Cold Comfort Farm in June, and will likely start Daniel Deronda sometime in early fall.

Puzzle of the week:

I’m back on a roll with doing puzzles! This was a fun, bright 1,000-piece puzzle from Eeboo — and I jammed through it about a day.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Queen Charlotte by Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes: I’m so excited to start this book!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Serpent in Heaven (Gunnie Rose, #4) by Charlaine Harris: How could I resist? After this book, I’ll be caught up with the series until the new book comes out in the fall.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

Until our next group classic read starts, I’m down to just one ongoing book at the moment:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. Coming up this week: Chapters 130 and 131 (of 155).

So many books, 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.

Life.

Another quiet week chez moi, while some family members are away. I’ve been reading, watching TV, and doing puzzles to my heart’s content — but it’s still weird to have so much QUIET in my house.

What did I read during the last week?

The Poisoner’s Ring (A Rip through Time, #2) by Kelley Armstrong: Such a great read! There’s so much to love in this series about a detective misplaced in time. My review is here.

A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: This was my book group’s classic read, which we read in small increments per week over the past several months. I suppose I’m glad to have read it, but can’t say that I loved the story or the characters.

Happy Place by Emily Henry: This book, on the other hand! Loved it. I listened to the audiobook, and it was wonderful. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished season 2 of Sweet Tooth (Netflix) — I had my doubts early on about whether to stick with it, but ultimately, it had a satisfying season wrap-up. One more final season to go… but not until 2024.

I finally watched M3GAN, which was creepy and ridiculous — if you like horror, it’s not a terrible way to pass a couple of hours!

And then over this past weekend, I actually ventured out to a movie theater to see Fast X. If you’ve watched the Fast & Furious movies up to this point, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect… and you won’t want to miss it.

Book & author event:

Julia Quinn! Queen Charlotte!

A local bookstore hosted author Julia Quinn for a Q&A and book signing, and it was so much fun! The talk was really interesting, there were yummy samples of Bridgerton/Queen Charlotte-themed teas, and I got my book signed!

Fresh Catch:

Besides my shiny new copy of Queen Charlotte?

No new physical books, but a whole bunch of e-ARCs came my way this week:

Puzzle of the week:

Puzzles are back! I haven’t started a puzzle in almost two months… but this week, I finally opened up a new one, then got obsessed and finished it in two days. This is yet another wonderful literary-themed puzzle from Laurence King Puzzles. It was hard and challenging, and I loved it!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Woman Beyond the Sea by Sarit Yishai-Levi: The new novel by the author of The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem. As of writing this post, I’m at about 80%, so I hope to wrap up today or tomorrow.

Next up: My book group’s pick for May — a throwback science fiction book, which is definitely a departure for us, and I’m really looking forward to it!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Russian Cage (Gunnie Rose, #3) by Charlaine Harris: Back to the Gunnie Rose series! These books are so much fun.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

Since our group classic week just ended, I’m down to just one ongoing read at the moment! (My book group’s next classic read will be starting sometime in June… but it’s nice to have a bit of a break right now.)

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. Coming up this week: Chapters 128 and 129 (of 155).

So many books, 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.

Life.

I hope all the moms out there had a special Mother’s Day! Mine was great — my son and I spent the afternoon playing mini-golf. Very silly, very fun.

Other than that…

Things are very quiet chez moi this week, since some family members are away briefly — leaving me with much more time on my own than I usually have. What to do with all this solitude? I mean, the answer is obvious, right?

Books, books, books, gimme more books…

What did I read during the last week?

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli: Sweet, positive YA. My review is here.

Advika and the Hollywood Wives by Kirthana Ramisetti: Let’s just say I had issues with this book. My review is here.

A Longer Fall (Gunnie Rose, #2) by Charlaine Harris: I’m enjoying this series way more than I expected to! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Queen Charlotte stole my heart! I loved it. Such a beautiful story, and such a great cast. I think this one will need a rewatch at some point, maybe while waiting for season 3 of Bridgerton.

On a dark note: For anyone watching Yellowjackets (which is so disturbing!), did you catch that the phone number for the wellness retreat was shown? If you want to hear something unsettling, you can call the number (607.478.1033) and see what happens.

Fresh Catch:

A few more new ebooks this week — an ARC and some Kindle price drops:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Poisoner’s Ring (A Rip through Time, #2) by Kelley Armstrong: I’m loving this time-traveling detective series! The first book, A Rip Through Time, was loads of fun, and #2 is a great follow-up. Hoping to finish in the next day or two.

Now playing via audiobook:

Happy Place by Emily Henry: I still have a lot to go, but I really like this!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. Coming up this week: Chapters 126 and 127 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s current classic read, also two chapters per week. We’re down to the last three chapters! I’m glad to be wrapping things up.

So many books, 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.

Life.

Not much new! Lots of running around, a couple of sunny days with time to get outdoors, and a nice family dinner. Nothing to complain about!

What did I read during the last week?

Off the Map by Trish Doller: A sweet, adventurous romance that made me yearn for a good long road trip! My review is here.

Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan: Interesting, pleasant, not overly exciting novel about family members all getting fresh starts. My review is here.

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli: I haven’t been reading much YA recently, but when this ARC came up, I had to give it a try. Really sweet, and I’m so glad I read it! I finished late Sunday, so I’ll share a review later in the coming week.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished The Diplomat on Netflix — and overall, I loved it! Lots of plot twists, an amazing cast… I’m so glad season 2 has already been announced.

I also started Jewish Matchmaking (Netflix) this week. It’s from the same producers as Indian Matchmaking, which is such a fun guilty pleasure. I was very hesitant about Jewish Matchmaking, afraid it would play into Jewish stereotypes and make me cringe, but after watching a few episodes, I really like it! Overall, there’s a respectful tone toward Jewish traditions and practices, and while some of the matchmaker’s clients are kind of awful, the show itself is really enjoyable to watch. (And I’m totally laughing at myself, because other than these shows, I have never ever watched a dating reality show.)

Next up: Queen Charlotte!

Fresh Catch:

I bought a travel book to plan a summer vacation (for some reason, I really prefer physical copies of travel guides over ebooks). I also grabbed a free book via Prime Reading and a book from my wish list that had a Kindle price drop this week:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Advika and the Hollywood Wives by Kirthana Ramisetti: I loved this author’s first novel (Dava Shastri’s Last Day), so I jumped at the chance to read her new book. I’m just getting started — high hopes that I’ll love this one too!

Now playing via audiobook:

A Longer Fall (Gunnie Rose, #2) by Charlaine Harris: The library happened to have this audiobook available for an instant borrow right when I was ready for something new to start. I really liked the first book in the series (An Easy Death), so I’m happy to jump back in and continue the series.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. Coming up this week: Chapters 124 and 125 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s current classic read, also two chapters per week. We’re down to the last five chapters! I’ve been enjoying it… but I’m also ready to be done.

So many books, 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.

Life.

How did it get to be May already? 2023 feels like it’s happening at double-speed.

It’s been a busy workweek, but we did find time to relax and enjoy over the weekend, including a great dinner with friends we hadn’t seen in a while. Plus, the usual array of running errands, odds & ends around the house, a good long walk, and even a dash to the library.

What did I read during the last week?

The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel: Such gorgeous writing. My review is here.

A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher: Magical fun… plus cookies! My review is here.

In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune: A Pinocchio retelling that didn’t quite deliver for me. My review is here.

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe: Honest, funny memoir told in graphic novel form — I picked this up for a reading challenge, and I’m so glad I did!

Pop culture & TV:

I started The Diplomat on Netflix — has anyone else watched this? So far, I’ve only seen 2 of the 8 episodes, and I think I like it, although the overall plot seems pretty muddled at times. Here’s the trailer:

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarjan: Just getting started, but I have a good feeling about this one!

Now playing via audiobook:

Off the Map by Trish Doller: I was having a hard time deciding what to listen to next, then remembered I still had the 3rd book in this series to read. So far, it seems like a flirty, romantic adventure. And I always appreciate a good travel story!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. Coming up this week: Chapters 122 and 123 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s current classic read, also two chapters per week. Just a few more weeks to go!

So many books, 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.

Life.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record (and do “kids today” even know what that phrase means??), it’s been another busy, stressful workweek, followed by a weekend where I scrambled to catch up with emails, errands, and random odds and ends around the house.

I feel like I barely had time to read…

Blogging:

I rarely pay attention to blog stats, but I was amused this week to see my stats explode! Why the big burst of views (over 3,000 in one day — and believe me, that NEVER happens, not even close!)?? I think we can thank the Outlander fandom for the surge — I posted a review of actor Sam Heughan’s memoir Waypoints last week, and it’s been getting anywhere from 500 up to thousands of views ever since (although it’s starting to die down a bit now.)

I’ve never seen numbers like this before on my humble little blog. Gotta admit, it gave me quite a chuckle.

What did I read during the last week?

Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay: My Classics Club Spin book! I held off on writing about this book after I finished reading it a week ago, because I wanted to wait and watch the movie and TV versions first. Now I have, and I shared a (probably too long) reaction post about all three! Check it out, here.

Said No One Ever by Stephanie Eding: A fun, upbeat romance that also has some lovely themes about connection and purpose, as well as a lovable, memorable, feisty 82-year-old woman who keeps everyone on their toes. My review is here.

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson: My book group’s pick for April. I really enjoyed it, found it powerful and moving, but haven’t had the time or focus to write up my thoughts just yet. Perhaps later in the week (although sometimes I find with book group books that once I’ve participated in our group discussion, I feel unmotivated to also write a review post…)

Pop culture & TV:

A night out! My husband and I, along with our son and his girlfriend, went to the theater this week to see Come From Away.

It’s a wonderful show — great music, very moving, and so well done! What a treat!

On a different (much sillier note), I was happy to discover that season 3 of Indian Matchmaking just dropped on Netflix. I really and truly do not watch reality TV shows, but something about this one makes it an exception for me! Perhaps it’s just the delight of counting how many times Sima Auntie (the matchmaker) tells her clients not to be so picky… but something about this show makes it a nice little treat.

Check out the trailer for season 3:

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel: I’ve gone out of order — I recently read Sea of Tranquility, the author’s most recent book, but felt like I’d missed out by not reading this one (which was published two years earlier) first. I’m at about 50% at this point, and I’m loving it (but feel like I should read Sea of Tranquility again once I’m done).

Now playing via audiobook:

A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher: I always love this author’s books, and the whimsical tone of this book really suited my mood this weekend.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. Coming up this week: Chapters 120 and 121 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s current classic read, also two chapters per week. We’ll be finished by the middle of May.

So many books, 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.

Life.

Back to normal… After having so many visitors the previous week, it was odd going back to a much quieter house! Although I will say, I appreciated the break from endless rounds of dishwashing and laundry.

Other than than, it’s been a mostly quiet week, the usual craziness at work, and (finally!) a weekend with sunshine and no obligations, so I could get outside and enjoy it all.

What did I read during the last week?

Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan: A perfect beach read! I read it the week before last, but just got around to posting a review.

Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay: My Classics Club Spin book! I finished it this past week, but I’m waiting to check out the TV mini-series adaptation before writing up a review.

Waypoints by Sam Heughan: I really enjoyed this audiobook! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Not much new or different — still trying to catch up on episodes of The Power!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week. And I even returned some library books after realizing that I just wasn’t going to get to them any time soon.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson: My book group book for April! I haven’t had time to make a ton of progress, but I’m liking what I’ve read so far.

Now playing via audiobook:

Said No One Ever by Stephanie Eding: A fun fish-out-of-water romance about a city girl taking a break on a Montana farm. It’s light, silly entertainment, which is just what I was in the mood for.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. Coming up this week: Chapters 118 and 119 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s current classic read, also two chapters per week. We’ll be finished by the middle of May.

So many books, 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.

Life.

We had a really fun Passover — but so much chaos! I’m not complaining. We had 13 people for our seder, 5 extra people staying at our house for the week, and non-stop rounds of doing dishes and cleaning up… but all worth it! We had a decidedly non-traditional celebration, lots of cocktails, singing and rowdiness — all in all, a great success!

Although now I could use a week or so to recover…

What did I read during the last week?

To Swoon and To Spar by Martha Waters: Another fun installment in the Regency Vows series. My review is here.

The Suite Spot by Trish Doller: The follow-up novel to Float Plan, which I read the previous week. My review is here.

Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan: A sweet, engaging story about second-chance love and summer romance. Sure to be a great beach read! My review will be posted in the next few days.

Pop culture & TV:

I watched the first episode of The Power (Prime Video) this week — pretty good so far! I just need a little time to catch up on the other available episodes.

Meanwhile, Yellowjackets continues to be just as disturbing as expected. Not a good choice to watch right before bed.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week. Although I did stock up on quite a few Kindle books that had price breaks. Couldn’t resist!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay: This 20th-century Australian classic is my spring Classics Club Spin book. I’m about halfway through, and totally fascinated.

Now playing via audiobook:

Waypoints: My Scottish Journey by Sam Heughan: The Outlander star’s memoir of his life, as viewed through a trek through Scotland. The author is also the audiobook narrator, and he’s so great to listen to!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. Coming up this week: Chapters 116 and 117 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s current classic read, also two chapters per week. We’ll be finished by the middle of May.

So many books, so little time…