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 in the middle of a huge project at work with big deadlines looming… so while everyone else seems to be winding down into holiday mode, I’m getting more and more stressed — which is probably why I haven’t had much reading time or focus this past week. Sigh… should see an improvement in 2 – 3 weeks (fingers crossed!).

What did I read during the last week?

Clanlands in New Zealand by Sam Heughan & Graham McTavish: A really fun road trip/buddy adventure — lots of adrenaline, banter, and a smidge of history too. My audiobook review is here.

The Honeymoon Crashers by Christina Lauren: A fun, fluffy audiobook original. If you enjoyed The Unhoneymooners, check this one out — it’s a follow-up, with some new and some familiar characters.

In Every Generation by Kendare Blake: Book 1 in a Buffyverse trilogy! I’ll post a review later this week.

Pop culture & TV:

Virgin River dropped its two Christmas episodes this past week, wrapping up season 5. They’re exactly what you’d expect from Christmas episodes — they mostly feel like something you’d see on Hallmark, with not much at all of substance happening except in the final few minutes of the second episode (where some drama is introduced to set up the next season). Oh, and for those keeping score, Charmaine finally has her babies! The pregnancy lasted more than four seasons on the show — no wonder they have her comment that she feels like she’s been pregnant for years!

In other viewing news, my daughter introduced me to Fisk, which is a terrific Australian comedy that just dropped its second season. I’ve only watched the first season so far — six 30-minute episodes, so much fun.

Fresh Catch:

I had some trade-in credits at my favorite bookstore, and came home with these two books:

I read Doll Bones years ago, but didn’t have my own copy, and I’m excited to read it again. Hag-Seed is a retelling of The Tempest, and now that I’ve both seen a production of and read The Tempest, I’m looking forward to seeing what Margaret Atwood does with the story.

I thought I’d had my fill of spending money on books (ha!), and then I found out about the new anniversary edition of Fangirl… how could I resist? My copy arrived this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros: I bought this book right when it came out last month, and feel like this is a good week to get started. Just about to dive in…

Now playing via audiobook:

The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (The Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins: After seeing the new movie a couple of weeks ago, I’ve decided to revisit the book.

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• 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! Coming up this week: Chapters 20 and 21 (of 49). Progress: 36%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 24%.

What will you be reading this week?

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 everyone who celebrates Thanksgiving had a great holiday! We had a small but very fun (and delish) family dinner, and I loved having my daughter home for the long weekend.

What did I read during the last week?

Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison: Terrific horror story with an amazing twist. My review is here.

Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell: My latest Classics Club Spin book, warm and cozy. My thoughts are here.

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert: This YA novel is a fun read, but made almost no impression on me. 3 stars — didn’t feel like I had enough to say to write a review.

Good Girls Don’t Die by Christina Henry: What a ride! I gobbled this book up in one day. Review to follow.

Pop culture & TV:

I went to see the new Hunger Games movie! The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was actually very good — and now I want to reread the book.

I finished watching the first batch of season six episodes for The Crown (the rest of season six drops in a couple of weeks). It’s heartbreaking to watch the events leading up to and including Diana’s death, knowing what’s about to happen and reliving the tragedy of it all. These episodes were very well done, I thought, but difficult to watch.

Fresh Catch:

I treated myself to this gorgeous special edition of The Cruel Prince:

It’s so pretty!!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

In Every Generation by Kendare Blake: After listening to the new Slayers audiobook, I’ve been in the mood for more of the Buffyverse! I’m just getting started with this book (first in a trilogy), but so far, so good.

Now playing via audiobook:

Clanlands in New Zealand by Sam Heughan & Graham McTavish: A road trip through New Zealand with these two guys… full of banter, adventure, and snippets of history too. All good fun.

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• 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! Coming up this week: Chapters 18 and 19 (of 49). Progress: 33%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 22%.

What will you be reading this week?

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 crazy workweek. I ended up having to cover for a colleague who needed to be out unexpectedly, while also staying on top of my own projects and deadlines. I need time off!

But on the bright side… my husband and I went out to a restaurant that we’d enjoyed a few years ago, and it was just as yummy as we remembered! Plus, I got to do some dancing this week, and ended up turning off the TV most evenings and just curling up with a cozy blanket and a good book — very sensifying.

Goodreads.

What is going on with Goodreads? I mean, I know about its many flaws and keep using it anyway, because it mostly does what I need… but what did they do to the Goodreads Choice Awards? I know lots of folks have written about this already, but I really can’t understand why they eliminated so many categories (graphic novels, everything for children, etc) and then added romantasy… why?

What did I read during the last week?

Brothersong by TJ Klune: The 4th and final book in the amazing Green Creek series, and yes, I loved it! It’s a long book, which is why it’s the only print book I managed to get through this week. And now that I’ve finished the series, I’m feeling totally wrecked and heartbroken that there’s no more! My review is here.

The Takedown by Lily Chu: Such a fun listen! My review is here.

101 Horror Books to Read Before You’re Murdered by Sadie Hartmann: A gem of a reference guide to essential modern horror reading, great for horror fans as well as horror newbies.

Shades of Milk and Honey (Glamourist Histories, #1) by Mary Robinette Kowal: An audiobook reread in preparation for my book group’s discussion later this month. Such a treat to revisit and enjoy all over again!

Pop culture & TV:

Nothing much, other than new weekly episodes of Survivor, The Amazing Race, and The Gilded Age. I’ll probably start the new episodes of The Crown this week, and since CBS is now airing the UK version of Ghosts, I may treat myself to rewatching it when I need some giggles.

Puzzle of the week:

Back to puzzling! This was a really fun one:

A couple of close-ups of the finished puzzle:

Fresh Catch:

No new physical books, but I did pick up a few free/price-break ebooks:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m having a serious book hangover after finishing Brothersong, and had to force myself to pick up a new book to read!

Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison: This is where I’ve settled for my next (non-Green Creek) read, and I have high hopes! Just getting started…

Now playing via audiobook:

Clanlands in New Zealand by Sam Heughan & Graham McTavish: Just starting today… but how could it not be oodles of fun?

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• 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! Coming up this week: Chapters 16 and 17 (of 49). Progress: 29%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 18%.
• Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell: My Classics Club Spin book for fall! I’m reading this one via Serial Reader (which provides daily 10-15 minute reading installments). I’m on track to finish by the December deadline. Progress: 79%.

What will you be reading this week?

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’s been quite a week, lots of ups and downs… but hey, let’s focus on the good stuff! We had beautiful weather over the weekend (which meant lots of outdoor time), dinner with friends whom we hadn’t seen in several months, an evening out with my husband, and fun kitty play time!

This little guy spent about 10 minutes last night pouncing on wrinkles on a blanket and obsessively chasing his own tail. Cuteness galore.

What did I read during the last week?

Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan: Steamy, light romance set in a cursed Scottish castle — how fun is that? My review is here.

The Wild Silence by Raynor Winn: The follow-up to The Salt Path, which I loved. While beautifully written, The Wild Silence just didn’t hold my attention the way the first book did. Lots of lovely moments, but for me, it was a struggle to get through.

Heartsong by TJ Klune: Oh, it’s probably been a minute since I last mentioned how much I love this series! I read book #3 this week, and (of course) loved it. My thoughts are here.

Pop culture & TV:

I haven’t really gotten into anything new yet — still watching Survivor and The Amazing Race, and enjoying them both. Plus, the new season of The Gilded Age has started, although I get frustrated by shows that air one episode per week — too used to binge-watching at this point, I suppose.

Fresh Catch:

A few new books this week, including fancy editions of the Fourth Wing books:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Brothersong by TJ Klune: For about thirty seconds, I planned on waiting until January-ish to start the 4th (and final) book in the Green Creek series. But who was I kidding? I have no will power when it comes to these books.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Takedown by Lily Chu: Really enjoying this audiobook! I should be finished today or tomorrow.

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• 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! Coming up this week: Chapters 14 and 15 (of 49). Progress: 26%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 15%.
• Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell: My Classics Club Spin book for fall! I’m reading this one via Serial Reader (which provides daily 10-15 minute reading installments). I’m on track to finish by the December deadline. Progress: 24%.
• 101 Horror Books to Read Before You’re Murdered by Sadie Hartmann: Shout-out to Tammy @ Books, Bones & Buffy, whose review alerted me to this awesome paperback guide to reading horror. I just got a copy from the library, and I’m enjoying picking it up here and there and reading little sections at a time.

What will you be reading this week?

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, but I managed to connect with a good friend for dinner one night — our first in-person get-together in almost a year!

Meanwhile, I seem to find endless amusement trying to guess what my son’s kitty-cat will do next.

What’s on your mind, Benji?

What did I read during the last week?

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree: A huggable cozy fantasy. My review is here.

A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: Another October has now passed, and with it, another re-read of this terrific, funny, non-scary horror mash-up. So much fun — see my review from when I first read it two years ago.

The Last Unicorn (graphic novel) by Peter S. Beagle: Having read the original novel a few weeks ago, I decided to read the graphic novel version as well, and I’m glad I did. The artwork is beautiful and adds another way to appreciate this lovely fairy tale.

Slayers: A Buffyverse Story by Amber Benson and Christopher Golden: How could a full-cast recording of a new Buffyverse story not be amazing? What a treat. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I watched season two of Our Flag Means Death this past week — it was terrific.

I think I need to find a new binge-worthy show… but meanwhile, I’m watching Survivor and The Amazing Race, and somehow got sucked into watching bits and pieces of the current season of Dancing with the Stars, really just because Alyson Hannigan is on it and I looooove Willow.

Fresh Catch:

I bought hard copies of two books I’ve read as ebooks, because I needed them for my shelves!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan: This is an enemies-to-lovers romance, with a cursed Scottish castle as backdrop. So far, so good!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Takedown by Lily Chu: I’m excited to be starting this audiobook — I’ve really loved the previous two by this author.

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• 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! Coming up this week: Chapters 12 and 13 (of 49). Progress: 23%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 13%.
• The Wild Silence by Raynor Winn: I was really enthusiastic when I started this memoir last week. The Wild Silence is the author’s follow-up to her first book, The Salt Path, which I loved. Unfortunately, this one has been such slow going that I realized I needed a break. I don’t want to give it up entirely, but I think I need to stop trying to read straight through and just read chapters here and there when the mood strikes. Progress: 66%.

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.

What a week. After some time away, I had a huge amount to catch up on in my work life, and it was intense. Maybe because of that, I had a hard time truly relaxing enough in the evening to be able to settle in and read for big chunks of time. Looking forward to a less stressful week (fingers crossed)…

On the home front, I had an awful scare — I was chased by a dinosaur!

I mean, a super cute dinosaur… but still! Ooooh, terrifying.

What did I read during the last week?

10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall: A super fluffy grumpy/sunshine romance that’s totally silly and a nice distraction from the real world. My review is here.

Me by Elton John: I finished this excellent audiobook right at the end of last week, and just posted my review, here.

Mislaid in Parts Half-Known (Wayward Children, #9) by Seanan McGuire: I couldn’t hold off — I needed to read this ARC, even though the book won’t be released until January! My review is here.

Once More With Feeling by Elissa Sussman: A now-and-then story about a former popstar getting her big chance at a comeback. My review is here.

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree: This prequel to Legends & Lattes was so much fun. Review to follow later this week.

Pop culture & TV:

After finishing Elton John’s memoir, I couldn’t wait to finally watch the movie Rocketman… and loved it. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend checking it out!

Other than that, I’m still watching the current season of Survivor (kinda boring this time around) and The Amazing Race. Plus, the new season of The Gilded Age has just started, and somehow I missed the fact that season 2 of Our Flag Means Death already aired… so I’ll definitely have plenty to keep me busy.

Fresh Catch:

I treated myself to this very pretty illustrated book:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Wild Silence by Raynor Winn: This memoir is the author’s follow-up to The Salt Path, which I loved. Just getting started, but I’m really interested to find out what happened next in these people’s lives.

Now playing via audiobook:

Slayers: A Buffyverse Story by Amber Benson and Christopher Golden: A Buffy story! With members of the original cast as narrators!!! I’m over-the-moon excited to be starting this audiobook.

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• 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! Coming up this week: Chapters 10 and 11 (of 49). Progress: 19%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 10%.
• A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: An annual tradition! There’s a chapter for each day of the month. Even on my 3rd time through, it’s so much fun. Just two more days to go! Progress: 87%.

Still to come:

My next Classics Club Spin book will be Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell, and I’m pretty happy about it. Given everything else I have going on, I’ll wait until the beginning of November to dive in.

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 spent the last 10 days on the East Coast for a family get-together and then some visiting time, and it was great. Lots of reconnecting with people I haven’t seen in a while, plus a few days of playing tourist, driving around, and seeing sites I never actually visited while I lived in the area.

I even went to the Bronx Zoo, which was awesome — can’t believe I grew up less than an hour away and had never, ever been there!

What did I read during the last week?

I did manage to read on and off during the week, especially on the plane and during random bits of down time. Here’s what I’ve read since my last Monday update (two weeks ago):

Starter Villain by John Scalzi: Funny and fabulous. My review is here.

Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan: Just as delicious as you’d expect. My review is here.

The Bell in the Fog by Lev AC Rosen: The follow-up to Lavender House is terrific. My review is here.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros: It took a while to get into, but eventually I ended up enjoying this fantasy (although I still say it’s way overhyped). My review is here.

Me by Elton John: I finished this audiobook on my drive to the airport yesterday, and loved it. Will share some thoughts later in the week.

Pop culture & TV:

Since I’ve mostly been away, I haven’t watched much of anything besides new episodes of Survivor and The Amazing Race. Now that I’m back, I’ll have to find something new to binge!

Fresh Catch:

I bought a pretty coffee table book while visiting:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall: Such silly fun. I thought I’d finish this book on the plane, but fell asleep instead! I should finish today or tomorrow.

Now playing via audiobook:

Once More With Feeling by Elissa Sussman: I’m just getting started, but this seems like fun (and yes, as a Buffy fan, I was totally drawn to this book in the first place because of the title). (To be clear, this has no connection to Buffy at all…)

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• 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! Coming up this week: Chapters 8 and 9 (of 49). Progress: 15%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 7%.
• A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: An annual tradition! There’s a chapter for each day of the month. Even on my 3rd time through, it’s so much fun. Progress: 55%.

Still to come:

My next Classics Club Spin book will be Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell, and I’m pretty happy about it. Given everything else I have going on, I’ll wait until the beginning of November to dive in.

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 workweek was even crazier than usual (ugh), and even in my non-work hours, I felt like there weren’t enough hours in the day for everything I needed to get done. Maybe as a result, I barely read some days, or didn’t find time to pick up a book until bedtime, and ended up with over-tired reading — which meant that by the next morning, I didn’t remember what I’d read anyway.

(Also… two of my ongoing reads — see the bottom of this post — have VERY long chapters, and those got in the way of having time for other books. Sigh… being a reader is HARD.)

Blogging.

A programming note… I’m heading out of town for a family gathering at the end of the week, and will be away most of the following week as well. I don’t expect to be posting at all while I’m gone — but we’ll see.

What did I read during the last week?

The Wake-Up Call by Beth O’Leary: Sweet, light grumpy/sunshine romance. My review is here.

The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch by Melinda Taub: So much fun! I’ll never think of Lydia quite the same way again. My review is here.

Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan: Finished late Sunday. Bookish love + holiday joy = such a feel-good read! Review to follow in the next few days.

Pop culture & TV:

Little bits of everything this week: Survivor, The Amazing Race, and Sex Education. I finished Sex Education just last night, and while the season was very uneven, it got stronger by the end and had a pretty satisfying wrap-up, all in all.

Puzzle of the week:

After about a month without puzzles, I’m back! This one was gorgeous:

Fresh Catch:

With a couple of special offers, how could I resist treating myself to two beautiful new books?

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Bell in the Fog by Lev AC Rosen: The follow-up to last year’s excellent Lavender House. Just getting started!

Now playing via audiobook:

Starter Villain by John Scalzi: I love Scalzi’s books, and with Wil Wheaton as narrator, the audiobooks are always a treat. This book is so much fun — loving it so far!

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• 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 4 and 5 (of 49).
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 2%.
• A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: An annual tradition! There’s a chapter for each day of the month. Even on my 3rd time through, it’s so much fun. Progress: 12%.

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 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…