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 tough to go back to work after a week away… but on the bright side, I work with an amazing team, and they decorated my office while I was away. Balloons everywhere! It was super cute and made my first day really special.

What did I read during the last week?

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano: Beautiful and emotional. My review is here.

The Beginning of Everything by Jackie Fraser: Pleasant, quick read. My review is here.

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle: Considered a modern classic fantasy tale, and I’m so glad to have finally read it!

Pop culture & TV:

Survivor is back! I still love this show, even when the people are ridiculous and awful. Season 45 (!!) started this past week — so much fun.

Also, for the very first time, my family decided to give The Amazing Race a try… and we really like it!

I’m slowly starting season 4 of Sex Education… and is it just me, or is this season even cringier than previous seasons? Maybe I’ve just forgotten how truly uncomfortable (yet funny) this show can be.

Fresh Catch:

Oooh, got an ARC in the mail! The publication date isn’t until January, but I don’t think I’ll be able to hold off until then.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch by Melinda Taub: This witchy retelling of Pride and Prejudice is oodles of fun! I’m at about 60%, hope to finish in the next day or so.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Wake-Up Call by Beth O’Leary: I had a bit of a rocky start due to not getting along with the narrators for a while, but now I’ve gotten more used to them and I’m starting to really enjoy the story.

Ongoing reads:

Oh dear, I may be in over my head! Here are the longer-term reads I have going on at the moment:

• Outlander Book Club is doing a group re-read of Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2). We’ll be reading and discussing two chapters per week. Anyone who’s interested is welcome to join in — message me for info! We just started last week. Coming up this week: Chapters 2 and 3 (of 49).
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s new classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, starting today! New participants are welcome — let me know if you’re interested.
• A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: An annual tradition! This will be my 3rd time through — there’s a chapter for each day of the month, and it’s a delight.

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’m back! My husband and I spent a lovely, relaxing six days in Hawaii this past week. We celebrated my birthday, took a bunch of walks, and basically did not much besides floating in the water, enjoying the gorgeous views, and reading on the beach. Blissful.

Sigh… I have one more day off, and then it’s back to the salt mines!

Blogging.

Here’s a lesson I keep learning over and over: If you want a ton of views, post about something on Netflix. My post about season five of Virgin River last week hit my all-time high number of views for a single day: 19,981! That’s insane.

It looks like overall, Virgin River and Bridgerton posts get more views than just about anything else… which amuses me, since I tend to write about TV only occasionally. Hey, I’m a book blogger! (Sadly, book review posts get a fraction of the views, but I still love ’em.)

What did I read during the last week?

Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomons: I posted a review of this excellent book right before I left on vacation last week. Check it out here.

Lost in the Moment and Found (Wayward Children, #8) by Seanan McGuire: Finished my re-read just before leaving on my trip, and loved it once again!

And here’s what I read while I was away:

• The Measure by Nikki Erlick
• Marry Me By Midnight by Felicia Grossman (DNF)
• Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
• The Bright Side of Disaster by Katherine Center

I’ll post some reviews later this week!

Pop culture & TV:

I didn’t watch any TV or movies this week! Honestly, it was pretty nice to take a break from everything but books.

Fresh Catch:

I won a Goodreads giveaway! The book arrived while I was away:

Also, my preorder of this hardcover new release arrived as well (although I think I’m going to listen to the audiobook):

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano: I read most of this novel on the plane yesterday, and hope to finish today or tomorrow.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Wake-Up Call by Beth O’Leary: I plan to start this audiobook tomorrow, as soon as it lands in my Audible library.

Ongoing reads:

I have two ongoing reading commitments at the moment:

• Outlander Book Club is starting a group re-read of Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2) this week. We’ll be reading and discussing two chapters per week. Anyone who’s interested is welcome to join in — message me for info.
• The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle: I started this fantasy novel while on vacation — my used paperback edition got a little wet and sandy on the beach, but made it home mostly intact! I don’t seem to want to read this one straight through, so I’m picking it up here and there to read a chapter at a time. I’ll probably wrap up later this week or next.

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.

My birthday is coming up this week, and while we usually don’t make a big fuss, this year my husband and I are actually getting away for a few days. I’m excited — it’s been almost a year since I’ve done any real traveling — but still need to pack, organize, and (most importantly) figure out which books to bring!

A blogging note: I’m not bringing a laptop, and I’m not planning to be online much. I already have tomorrow’s TTT post ready to go, but after that, I don’t anticipate posting until next week’s Monday post.

What did I read during the last week?

Dreambound by Dan Frey: Terrific, twisty fantasy tale. My review is here.

Auggie & Me by R. J. Palacio: A collection of three stories related to the world of Wonder, each focusing on a different friend or classmate of Auggie’s. A nice supplemental read after finishing Wonder.

Woke Up Like This by Amy Lea: A YA timeslip story very much along the lines of movies like 13 Going on 30. Nothing special. My review is here.

All the Dead Shall Weep (Gunnie Rose, #5) by Charlaine Harris: The newest book in a terrific series set in an alternate history US. My review is here.

Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomons: Fabulous reinterpretation of the story of Romeo and Juliet. It’s not what you expect! Review to follow (probably next week).

Pop culture & TV:

I finished my Virgin River (season 5) binge. It’s as corny and predictable as ever… and I just can’t stop watching! I wrote up some thoughts, here.

Fresh Catch:

My daughter is amazing (as I’m sure I’ve already established!). She sent me perfect-for-me birthday gifts this week:

The gifts are: A Jane Austen-themed puzzle book (awesome!) and a set of three literary teas (which came with a set of bookmarks too). I’m looking forward to tea and puzzles when I get back from my trip!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Measure by Nikki Erlick: My book group’s pick for September. Just getting started, but I’m intrigued already!

Now playing via audiobook:

Lost in the Moment and Found (Wayward Children, #8) by Seanan McGuire: I read this book when it came out earlier in the year, but I always enjoy the audiobooks as well (and needed something on the shorter side that I could finish before leaving on my trip).

Ongoing reads:

None at the moment!

My book group has two long-term reading projects (one a classic, one Outlander-related) starting late September/early October, but right now, we have a bit of a break — which is fine! It gives me more time to catch up on the thousands of other books I want to read.

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 busy workweek… not much to say about that! I feel like I didn’t have much down time, although I did manage to squeeze in some reading and got outdoors a bit, and even got my laundry done… gotta see the positive whenever possible!

What did I read during the last week?

The Innocent Sleep (October Daye, #18) by Seanan McGuire: Have I mentioned lately how much I love this series? Of course I have! My review of this upcoming new release is here.

Wonder by R. J. Palacio: I’m very late to the party, but after reading this author’s graphic novel White Bird, I finally picked up a copy of Wonder, and loved it. I’m hoping to get a chance to watch the movie this week.

The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner: I loved this story, and the main character is terrific! My review is here.

Over at my book group, we finished our group read of Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons. Such an entertaining, quirky read! I’m going to try to find time to check out the movie version this week.

Pop culture & TV:

I made no progress with The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem (season 2 – Netflix) this week. I’m really enjoying the show, but got distracted by too many other things.

Virgin River is back! I’ve watched about half of the new season (season 5) so far. Oh, it’s just as corny and weirdly-paced as ever, but I can’t stop watching!

Fresh Catch:

I realized that I just haven’t been buying physical books much lately. I tend to read almost exclusively on my Kindle, since it’s portable and I always have it handy (either the device itself or my mobile app). So, no new hardcover or paperback books this week, although I did add a few more ebooks to my collection:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Dreambound by Dan Frey: I actually finished this book late Sunday. So good! I really couldn’t put it down. Review to follow later this week.

Now playing via audiobook:

All the Dead Shall Weep (Gunnie Rose, #5) by Charlaine Harris: I got hooked on this series earlier in the year, and I’m so excited to be starting this new release.

Ongoing reads:

None at the moment!

My book group has two long-term reading projects (one a classic, one Outlander-related) starting late September/early October, but right now, we have a bit of a break — which is fine! It gives me more time to catch up on the thousands of other books I want to read.

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.

Happy Labor Day! How did it get to be September already?

And why is my three-day weekend already almost over?

What did I read during the last week?

Books read earlier; reviews posted this past week:

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
Whalefall by Daniel Krause
Sleep No More (October Daye, #17) by Seanan McGuire (and let me just say for the millionth time that I love this series!!

Books I read this past week:

The Bookstore Sisters by Alice Hoffman: A short story that feels more like a teaser for a full novel. It was a quick, enjoyable read, but I wished there had been more to it.

White Bird by R. J. Palacio: Powerful middle-grade graphic novel. My review is here.

A Scatter of Light by Malinda Lo: Just didn’t live up to my high expectations. My review is here.

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood: An okay read. My review is here.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo: After finishing With the Fire on High, I needed more by this author! Books written in verse don’t usually appeal to me, but this story of sisters, loss, and connection is powerful and beautifully written — I’m glad I finally read it.

Pop culture & TV:

My husband and I started season 2 of The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem (Netflix) this week. He’s not a binge-watcher, so this may take a while… but I’m still happy to be watching.

I finally remembered that I’d been meaning to get back to Good Omens, and since it had been so long, I decided to start over from the beginning. I’ve just finished season 1, and plan to start season 2 this week.

I also watched a silly romance on Netflix — Love, Again, which features a lot of Celine Dion music (and Celine herself), an improbably plot, and Sam Heughan of Outlander (which, yes, is 100% why I watched it). Not a bad way to pass an evening with nothing else demanding my attention.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Innocent Sleep (October Daye, #18) by Seanan McGuire: I’ve held off as long as I could! The next book in the series releases in October (appropriate!), but I needed it NOW.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner: I’ve really enjoyed the last few books I’ve read (or listened to) by this author, so I was excited to start her newest. I’m currently at about 50%, and really loving it!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

Only one at the moment, and the end is in sight!

• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons: This has been my book group’s discussion book since June, and our last chapter is this week!

We’ll have two long-term reading projects (one a classic, one Outlander-related) starting late September/early October, but meanwhile, maybe I’ll figure out some other books to place on the ongoing list.

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 some gorgeous sunny days this week… and of course I was indoors working for most of them. So despite the fog over the weekend, I got out for long walks anyway. Grey skies won’t stop me!

What did I read during the last week?

Mika in Real Life by Emiko Jean: I loved this audiobook! My review is here.

Don’t Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino: I picked this book up on a whim, knowing nothing about it, and ended up really enjoying it. My review is here.

Sprig Muslin by Georgette Heyer: After finishing Cotillion the previous week, I couldn’t resist starting another GH book. This one was sweet and silly, and so much fun. My review is here.

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo: Amazing audiobook! Review coming soon… and I can’t wait to read more by this talented author.

Whalefall by Daniel Krause: You’ve definitely never read anything like this! Review to follow later this week.

And the truly big accomplishment:

After 18 months of discussing two chapters per week, my book group has reached the end of our re-read of Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon, the 9th book in the Outlander series. With 155 chapters and over 900 pages, this felt like a huge undertaking when we first started — hard to believe we’re finally done! My group is amazing and I loved all our discussions. We’ll be starting our next big ongoing read in late September…

Pop culture & TV:

I’ve been enjoying the weekly new episodes of Men in Kilts and What We Do in the Shadows, but haven’t felt like starting any new binges. Still looking for inspiration, I guess.

Meanwhile, my husband and I actually left our house and went to a movie theater! I’ve been going to movies here and there, but I don’t think he’s been to one since 2020. We saw Golda, and thought it was very well done.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

A Scatter of Light by Malinda Lo: Just getting started… but since this is a companion to an earlier book (Last Night at the Telegraph Club) — which I loved — I have really high hopes!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Bookstore Sisters by Alice Hoffman: I started this audio short story (approx. 1 hour of listening time) on Sunday afternoon, knowing I had a day to fill before a preorder arrives on Tuesday.

The book I’m waiting for is:

The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner: I’ve listened to the audio version of Jennifer Weiner’s last few books and really enjoyed them, so even though I had an e-ARC of The Breakaway via NetGalley, I decided to wait for the release date so I could listen to the audiobook. I’ll be starting it as soon as it downloads to my Audible library on Tuesday!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

Only one at the moment, and the end is in sight!

• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons: My book group’s classic read — we’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 85%

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.

A busy week went by in a blur! I took one day off to hang out with family on my son’s birthday, but otherwise had lots to do with work and errands, and it all whooshed by.

What did I read during the last week?

Cotillion by Georgette Heyer: Such fun. My review is here.

Fangirl (manga, vol. 3) by Rainbow Rowell: An enjoyable, quick read.

What Would Jane Austen Do? by Linda Corbett: Light, sweet romance — no real surprises, but a nice easy read for a summer’s day. My review is here.

Mika in Real Life by Emiko Jean: Five beautiful stars! Review to follow.

One DNF:

I read 20% before quitting. By that point, I’d expect to have an idea about the point of the book or really, even a clue as to what it’s about… but nope. I decided I didn’t care enough to stick with it.

Pop culture & TV:

I watched a few book-to-screen adaptations this week, and wrote up some thoughts, here. I could use a good binge, but haven’t quite decided what to start next.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week. But, I did receive this super-cute two-sided keychain that was part of a preorder campaign for Wolfsong by TJ Klune (which, it’s probably obvious by now, I loved to pieces):

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Don’t Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino: This was a free Prime Reads choice for August, and I decided to give it a try. I’m at about 25%, and so far, I’m enjoying it!

Now playing via audiobook:

I don’t know!! I finished my last audiobook (Mika in Real Life) Sunday afternoon, and haven’t had a chance to start something new yet. I had a false start (listened to one chapter of a new book and decided it wasn’t for me), and now I’m on the fence between a classic I’ve been meaning to read for ages now and a re-read of a book that’s part of a series I want to get back to. The choices are:

What to do, what to do???

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 154 and 155 (of 155). Final week!
• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons: My book group’s classic read — we’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, ending late August. Progress: 77%

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.

My “baby” turns 21 today! Where have the years gone? I’m taking the day off today so we can hang out a bit, and we’ll be doing a family dinner at a favorite restaurant tonight.

Bookish pursuits:

Did you know that Audible no longer provides refunds on audiobooks purchased with money rather than credits? I had no idea. Apparently, they changed their return policy last October, but this is the first time I encountered it. I bought a Kindle title and added the audio to go with it, and didn’t like it at all. In the past, anything bought within the past year was eligible for a refund, but now it’s only purchases via credits. I’m outraged! (OK, I’m not really outraged, just irked).

I contacted customer service and they made a “one-time” exception in this case… but now I know to be more cautious and try a sample of anything I’m thinking of buying when I’m not using credits.

Very annoying… at least with Kindle purchases, there’s a week to return for a refund. Ugh.

What did I read during the last week?

California Golden by Melanie Benjamin: Historical fiction about a trio of women caught up in the surf culture of 1960s California. My review is here.

The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman: Gorgeous writing, even though the plot didn’t entirely work for me. My review is here.

Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center: Really fun contemporary romance. My review is here.

Lore Olympus, volume 4 by Rachel Smythe: I think I’m done with this graphic novel series. In fact, I probably could have stopped a couple of books ago.

One DNF:

I listened to about 10% of this audiobook, and just couldn’t stand it. I don’t get it — I’ve seen people saying really good things about this book! I didn’t like the characters or the set-up, and then I came across a line that was a total deal-breaker for me:

“His mouth plundered hers. Over and over.”

Ick. I hereby declare that the word “plunder” should only be allowed in pirate fiction.

Pop culture & TV:

Awww, a new season of Heartstopper. So good! My only complaint is that eight 30-minute episodes go by way too quickly!

This week, Outlander aired its mid-season finale. It was wonderful… but now the long way for new episodes begins.

At least there’s Men in Kilts, a very, very silly travel/adventure series with a flavor of Outlander. The 2nd season is just four episodes (episode 1 dropped this week) — it’s like candy for the soul.

Fresh Catch:

Two new books this week:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Cotillion by Georgette Heyer: My book group book for August! It’s been a while since I’ve read any Georgett Heyer, but her books are always such fun.

Now playing via audiobook:

Mika in Real Life by Emiko Jean: Just getting started, but I like it so far!

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 152 and 153 (of 155). Second to last week!
• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons: My book group’s classic read — we’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, ending late summer. Progress: 72%

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 had a busy week, but then actually went out for some fun over the weekend:

What did I read during the last week?

The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye: A reimagining of Romeo and Juliet as lovers destined to meet and lose one another over and over again across the centuries. My review is here.

Mrs. Porter Calling by AJ Pearce: The 3rd book in a series about a woman on the WWII homefront is a delight. My review is here.

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley: I absolutely loved this book. Check out my review, here.

Pop culture & TV:

Well, there was Barbie… which was so much fun.

Streaming-wise, I finished the new season of The Witcher. It was okay, and I suppose I’m a bit sad to see Henry Cavill ending his role as Geralt, but overall, I’m not feeling all that invested in the show as a whole. I realized that the show has now caught up to about the same place that I’d gotten to in the books, so from here on out, the story will be new to me. (I also gave away all the books in the series — I don’t feel the need to read any more).

Next up: I’m about to start the new season of Heartstopper, and I’m so excited for more sweet adorableness.

Fresh Catch:

I bought hard copies of two books I’d previously read (and loved) as e-books:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

California Golden by Melanie Benjamin: I haven’t had a chance to really get into this yet, but historical fiction about California surf culture in the 60s sounds like it should be a really good read.

Now playing via audiobook:

Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center: I wasn’t sure what I was in the mood for when it was time to start a new audiobook, but so far, I’ve enjoyed everything by this author. Fingers crossed this will be a good one!

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 150 and 151 (of 155).
• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons: My book group’s classic read — we’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, ending late summer. Progress: 65%

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.

It was a whirlwind of a week — my daughter came to town for a visit, and it went by much too quickly!

What did I read during the last week?

The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay: Terrifying and impossible to put down. My review is here.

With Love, From Cold World by Alicia Thompson: Sweet, engaging read about an opposites-attract romance. My review is here.

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree: I loved this book! My review is here.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers: I listened to the audiobooks of these two novellas this past week. Beautifully written, funny, gentle sci-fi about the meaning of life and personhood. Highly recommended.

Pop culture & TV:

I just got around to starting the newest season of The Witcher (season 3). I’ve only watched one episode so far, and feel like I need a major refresher on what happened in season 2.

Fresh Catch:

No new purchased books this week, but I did pick up a library hold that just came in:

(I’m not sure that I remember where volume 3 left off, but I’ll give it a try anyway.)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye: I wasn’t sure I was in the mood to start this one… but it sucked me right in and I read about 60% in one day.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley: This audiobook (narrated by the author) grabbed me immediately. I wish I had more listening time each day!

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 148 and 149 (of 155).
• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons: My book group’s classic read — we’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, ending late summer. Progress: 57%

So many books, so little time…