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 mostly quiet week, with some family gatherings and a catch-up with an old friend who I haven’t seen since pre-pandemic. I didn’t have quite as much reading time as I would have liked, but what I did read, I really enjoyed!

Next weekend, I’ll be heading back east again for another quick trip to see my dad, so my time online and on the blog will be really limited. (Now for the fun part — deciding what books to bring on the plane!)

Blogging.

So, this happened:

I finally got the 500 reviews badge on NetGalley! Good timing, since I’m make much more of an effort to scale back on requests and focus on casual/mood reading from among the (many, many) unread books on my shelves.

What did I read during the last week?

Lute by Jennifer Thorne: Haunting and beautiful. My review is here.

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy: A painfully frank memoir by a former child star. It’s powerful and difficult; worth listening to the audiobook version. My review is here.

Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci: This is a mixed bag of geek-themed YA stories — some great, some so-so, some that fell completely flat. Overall, a fun book to pick up and read a bit of from time to time, but I personally would not want to read it straight through, start to finish. I ended up reading all but three of the stories, which for me — someone who does not generally enjoy short stories — feels like an accomplishment.

Pop culture & TV:

Last week, I watched the delightful Fire Island on Hulu, and loved its approach to retelling Pride and Prejudice! My thoughts are here.

Other than that, I’m just busy keeping up with all the various series I have on the go — The Handmaid’s Tale, Interview with the Vampire, House of the Dragon, Ghosts, Abbott Elementary, Survivor… all of a sudden, there’s too much to choose from!

Fresh Catch:

New books this week!

Can you tell that I had an Amazon giftcard burning a hole in my pocket?

Also, I ordered a signed copy of Mary Robinette Kowal’s new novel, The Spare Man, from her local bookstore, and it arrived over the weekend, along with fun swag:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Sentence by Louis Erdrich: My book group’s pick for October! I’ve hit a lull at about 35%, but need to push past it so I can finish on time for our discussion. I love the author’s writing, but haven’t focused enough to get completely absorbed just yet.

Now playing via audiobook:

Rules at the School by the Sea (School by the Sea, #2) by Jenny Colgan: After my last audiobook (I’m Glad My Mom Died — see comments up at the top), I needed something light and cheery, and Jenny Colgan books always fit the bill. It’s fun to continue on with the story from Welcome to the School by the Sea — just the sort of joyful, sweet listen I was in the mood for.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

My on-going reads are feeling like a LOT right now. As of this week, I have all of these in the works… plus whatever my current book and audiobook happen to be.

• 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. We’ve made it about halfway so far!
• A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: I read this last year for the first time, and I’m joining the many fans who make reading this book an annual tradition each October. So much fun!
• Persuasion by Jane Austen: My book group’s current classic read. I’ve read this several times already, but I’m always up for another go! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, so this will be on my ongoing reading pile for the next few months.

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.

This past week I was pretty busy trying to catch up at work after a week off, which mostly went okay. But it’s always the case that the peace and serenity of a vacation are quickly erased by the stress of catching up afterward… there’s got to be a better way!

I got my newest booster and flu shots on Thursday, and as usual, spent a day feeling woozy and beat up afterward — but, the symptoms did pass after about 48 hours, and in the end it’s worth it!

What did I read during the last week?

Welcome to the School by the Sea by Jenny Colgan: All the joy and sweetness I’ve come to expect from Jenny Colgan books! My review is here.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain: I finished my Classics Club Spin book ahead of schedule (and really enjoyed it). My review is here.

I Will Judge You By Your Bookshelf by Grant Snider: I borrowed this graphic novel from the library, and liked it… but I’m also glad I didn’t decide to buy it. 3 stars. Some of the pages about readers and their books were really clever and fun, but there was a lot of content that I didn’t connect with.

Saga, volume 10 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples: After a 3-year hiatus, Saga is back! Volume 9 ended on a heart-breaking note, but beyond that ending, I was nervous that I wouldn’t remember enough of the story so far. Fortunately, I found this great resource to recap it all, and was able to dive right in! Volume 10 is fast, surprising, and still made me sad, and now that I’ve read it, I’m dying for more!

Lavender House by Lev AC Rosen: Loved it! A fast-paced 5-star read. My review is here.

Unfortunately, I ended up with a DNF this week:

Station Eternity by Mur Lafferty: I’m so disappointed! I’ve read and really enjoyed three other books by this author, but I finally quit Station Eternity at 42%, after forcing myself to stick with it that far. The plotlines are muddled, combining the story of a young woman who’s a murder-magnet (think Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote) with a First Contact story. It just did not work for me, despite all the elements that should have been right in my wheelhouse.

Pop culture & TV:

This has been a big catch-up week for my ongoing TV viewing, plus I tried a couple of new shows too. Reboot on Hulu is fun so far, and basically, I’m always up for watching Rachel Bloom.

I also watched the first episode of Interview with the Vampire (or as it’s officially called, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire). Wow. I’m not sure whether I think it’s gorgeous or over-the-top cheesy or some combination of the two, but in any case, I’m interested enough to keep watching. The book was an absolute fave back in the day, so I have to at least give the show a fair try! (And maybe think about rereading the book to see if it holds up after all this time.)

Fresh Catch:

New books this week!

I received two ARCs from Orbit — so excited for both!! — plus I picked up a copy of a used book that I’ve been meaning to read for some time now. And of course, this one arrive too, two days after release date, and I’ve already devoured it:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Lute by Jennifer Thorne: Isn’t that a great cover? I’m just getting started, and I’m excited to see what it’s all about.

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy: We spent a LOT of time watching iCarly in my household when my kids were younger, and Jennette McCurdy’s character Sam was a favorite… so I just knew I had to check out her newly published memoir. What a title! I’m only about 30% in so far, and it’s a very good (but disturbing) listen — and I love that the author narrates the audiobook.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

My on-going reads are feeling like a LOT right now. As of this week, I have all of these in the works… plus whatever my current book and audiobook happen to be.

• 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. We’ve made it about halfway so far!
• Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci: I got back to this book during the past week and made it through a couple more stories, including a new favorite called “The Wrath of Dawn”. (Hint: A must-read for Buffy fans!) There are a few stories I can’t particularly relate to, but overall, it’s a fun collection.
• A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: I read this last year for the first time, and I’m joining the many fans who make reading this book an annual tradition each October. I bought my daughter a copy for this October, and I need to check in to see if she’s sticking with it.
• Persuasion by Jane Austen: My book group’s current classic read. I’ve read this several times already, but I’m always up for another go! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, so this will be on my ongoing reading pile for the next few months.

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 from a wonderful week visiting my daughter in Colorado! We spent a few days in and around Rocky Mountain National Park, then hung out back at her place in Boulder for the rest of the week. Fun hiking, a night-time tour of the Stanley Hotel (the inspiration for The Shining), delicious local restaurants and a cider brewery, lots of bookstores, and great mother-daughter time — what more could I ask for?

Now I’m back, catching up on work and household stuff, and hoping to hang onto my vacation cheer for just a bit longer.

What did I read during the last week?

Here’s everything I’ve read and reviewed since my last Monday Check-in post two weeks ago:

Fairy Tale by Stephen King: Captivating, magical, and altogether worth the time and effort! My review is here.

Travel by Bullet (The Dispatcher, #3) by John Scalzi: Another terrific audiobook in a sci-fi/noir series full of very cool twists. My review is here.

And check out my wrap-up of what I read on vacation:

• Drunk on Love by Jasmine Guillory
• Heading Over the Hill by Judy Leigh
• Where We End & Begin by Jane Igharo
• Dial A For Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Pop culture & TV:

I’m behind on everything, but can’t wait to start the new season of Abbott Elementary and to check out Interview With the Vampire!

Fresh Catch:

Right before I left town, I got some unexpected book mail — an ARC that I didn’t realize was coming. Hurray!

Then, while away, my daughter and I visited A LOT of awesome bookstores, and I indulged a bit. This one I bought new, and will be saving to savor in the new year:

And these are from a used bookstore… where I showed greater-than-usual restraint (keeping in mind that anything I bought would have to get packed in my already stuffed carry-on):

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Station Eternity by Mur Lafferty: Just started on Sunday, but I’m liking it so far! Not really surprising, as I’ve really enjoyed everything else I’ve read by this author.

Now playing via audiobook:

Welcome to the School by the Sea by Jenny Colgan: This author is always a favorite, and I’m really enjoying this sweet story set at a boarding school in Cornwall. This book is a reissue of a novel published under a pseudonym over 10 years ago — I actually have a paperback edition that I picked up a few years back but hadn’t read yet, and now that the books are being reintroduced, it seemed like a good time to finally jump in.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

My on-going reads may be getting a little out of control!! As of this week, I have all of these in the works… plus whatever my current book and audiobook happen to be.

• 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. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
• Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci: I may end up putting this one aside for now — it’s a collection of stories that I’m dipping into a bit at a time, but given all my other reading commitments, this one will probably be lowest priority.
• A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain: My Classics Club Spin book. I’m reading via Serial Reader, currently at 66%. So much fun!
• A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: I read this last year for the first time, and I’m joining the many fans who make reading this book an annual tradition each October. There’s a chapter for each day of the month, and it’s just delightful.
• Persuasion by Jane Austen: My book group’s current classic read. I’ve read this several times already, but I’m always up for another go! We’ll be reading and discussing two chapters per week, starting today.

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.

This has been a super-slow reading week for me… or maybe it just feels that way because I’m reading a 600+ page book. Nope, it really has been slow — too many distractions!

One fun distraction — through a work giveaway, I got a table-top s’mores maker! So naturally, my son and I had to test it out and make sure all was in order. Yup… yummy!!

And in more fun news… don’t you love it when your favorite authors have special mailings for their subscribers/followers? My birthday is coming up this week, and this arrived in the mail a few days ago (from the amazing Mary Robinette Kowal):

A programming note:

I’m going to be away for a few days next week, and I’m planning to keep online commitments to a minimum… so I probably won’t be doing much blogging. I’ll be back in full swing the week of October 3rd!

What did I read during the last week?

I managed to finish two audiobooks this week, although I’m still slooooowly working my way through the same hardcover book that I started last Sunday.

I finished:

Birds of California by Katie Cotugno: A Hollywood romance with heart (and a very enjoyable audiobook experience). My review is here.

Mr. Perfect on Paper by Jean Meltzer: A Jewish rom-com, fun and light. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

The Handmaid’s Tale is back for a new season… and I’m not sure how I feel about it. I’m still watching, but this show is so bleak (and does such strange things with its character development) that I’m always on the fence about whether I want to continue.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Fairy Tale by Stephen King: This book is long, and it feels like it’s taking forever! I’m really liking it so far — I just wish I’d had more substantial reading time this past week.

Now playing via audiobook:

Travel by Bullet by John Scalzi: Book #3 in the Dispatcher series — I really liked the first two books, so weird and twisted! I’ll be starting this one on my Monday morning commute.

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. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
• Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci: I’m reading this story collection in little bits and pieces, but made absolutely no progress this week. (Blame Stephen King and his huge new novel!!)
• A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain: This is my new Classics Club Spin book! (If you want to know more about this fun challenge, check out my post here). I’m going to read this one via the Serial Reader app — there are 54 installments, but since the challenge due date is October 30th, I’ll need to double-up at least part of the time. I’m pretty happy about ending up with this book — wish me luck!

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.

One of my hobbies/passions, going all the way back to my teens, has always been Israeli folk dancing. It’s something I let go of for about 10 years while raising kids, working, etc, but just this past spring, as in-person dancing starting up again after two years of not happening during the pandemic, my husband and I decided to try getting back into it, and it’s been amazing.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to go to two different dancing events, and it was so much fun! It’s incredible how much comes back, despite being away from it all these years. My feet are very sore, but it was worth it!

What did I read during the last week?

Be the Serpent (October Daye, #16) by Seanan McGuire. This new release (in my favorite urban fantasy series) absolutely blew me away! My review is here.

Fangirl, volume 2 (manga) by Rainbow Rowell and Sam Maggs: This manga version of a favorite novel was fine, but didn’t make much of an impression — maybe because it’s only one-quarter of the story, and it didn’t feel like anything that happened in this volume was particularly memorable. *shrug* I’ll still read the rest, whenever the last two volumes are released…

The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi: So much fun! The story is amazing, and audiobook narration (by Wil Wheaton) had me laughing out loud in the car (probably causing other drivers to have doubts about my wellbeing). My review is here.

Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell: I read this one for my book group (I’m actually a week early!), and once again, I’m very grateful. Without my book group, I might not have gotten around to this lovely book! My review is here.

Birds of California by Katie Cotugno: I just finished the audiobook late Sunday. Review to follow.

Pop culture & TV:

Fantasy prequels continue! The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and The House of the Dragon are both holding my interest much more than expected.

For lighter viewing, I started watching Uncoupled (starring Neil Patrick Harris) this week. Funny, sweet, and doesn’t require much brain power!

Fresh Catch:

Ooooh, new books!

After a botched delivery attempt with a damaged book, a replacement edition of Stephen King’s newest novel arrived over the weekend! Can’t wait to get started.

I also got myself a nice gift — I had some Amazon points stocked up, and used them to get this all-in-one edition of the Paper Girls graphic novels. I read the first 2 or 3 volumes a few years ago, but after watching the TV adaptation, I was feeking inspired to go back and read the whole thing from the beginning.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

What to read, what to read? After finishing Hamnet, I was planning to start Fairy Tale right away… but it’s 600 pages and I do have some September ARCs to consider too.

Now playing via audiobook:

Mr. Perfect on Paper by Jean Meltzer: Just getting started! I enjoyed the author’s previous book (The Matzah Ball), and hope this will be a fun listen.

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. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
• Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci: I’m reading this story collection in little bits and pieces. I only read one more story this week — about a cheerleader who hires the school geek group to tutor her on geek culture so she can impress her boyfriend. I really liked it!

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.

So lovely to have a 3-day weekend! Although I’m a little sad that summer is pretty much over…

What did I read during the last week?

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn: A fun read, although I’m not entirely comfortable with the main concept. I keep wavering between a 3.5 and 4 star rating. My review is here.

When Sorrows Come (October Daye, #15) by Seanan McGuire: An audio re-read, in preparation for the newly released 16th book in the series. I loved this one all over again! My review from my first read is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I actually went out for entertainment this week! My husband and I went to see the national touring company production of Oklahoma (the 2019 Broadway revival version). It was… thought-provoking, different, uncomfortable, sometimes funny, sometimes disturbing. Here’s the trailer, which seems to make it seem very upbeat and full of fun dance moments, but honestly, that’s not the overall mood. Some excellent performances, but also some really weird staging choices (including scenes taking place in utter darkness and the use of huge video projections).

And in home entertainment…

So much fantasy! Between The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and The House of the Dragon, there’s almost too much to choose from!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Be the Serpent (October Daye, #16) by Seanan McGuire: Well OF COURSE I was going to start this book the first second I could! As of writing this post (Sunday afternoon) I’m getting close to the end, am completely blown away by where the story has gone, and absolutely need to keep reading until I finish. It’s amazing to see how strong a series can be after so many books! Keep an eye out for my review, once I reach the end and recover a bit!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi: I bought a hard copy of this book when it came out earlier this year, but didn’t have a chance to get to it until now. Loving the audiobook version, narrated by the super talented Wil Wheaton!

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. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
• Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci: I’m reading this story collection in little bits and pieces. I haven’t gotten very far yet, but the first story — about an encounter between Jedi and Klingon cosplayers at a con — is quite fun.

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 week, but at least I managed to squeeze in a little outdoor time over the weekend!

What did I read during the last week?

A Mirror Mended (Fractured Fables, #2) by Alix E. Harrow: I loved the first book in the series (A Spindle Splintered), so why did this sequel feel so “meh” to me? I couldn’t even figure out what to say about it, so I didn’t end up writing a review. It wasn’t a bad read — it just didn’t leave an impression.

All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot: Awwww… listening to this audiobook is such a warm, lovely experience. My review is here.

Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood: I kind of hate the cover art (too cartoon-y), but otherwise really enjoyed this quirky romance starring a woman in STEM. My review is here.

The Most Likely Club by Elyssa Friedland: Engaging contemporary fiction about enduring friendship and its power to change lives. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Little bits of lots of shows this week! I watched season 2 of Indian Matchmaking (a guilty pleasure for sure!), plus episodes of Revervation Dogs, She-Hulk, and What We Do in the Shadows.

My husband and I finally finished season 1 of The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem (he’s not a binge-watcher, so it took us forever). If I can get him to agree, we’ll start season 2 this week!

And, like millions of people, I started House of the Dragon. Mixed feelings, for sure. I mean, it’s fine — but it’s also nothing new. Dragons, the Iron Throne, people slaughtering each other for no reason… been there, done that. I’ll keep watching, but I’m not exactly awestricken.

Fresh Catch:

I already read an ARC of this book, but absolutely needed the hardcover for my shelves! So pretty…

(I loved this new adventure in the ongoing Mercy series — my review is here.)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn: Just getting started — but the premise sounds terrific, and I always enjoy this author.

Now playing via audiobook:

When Sorrows Come (October Daye, #15) by Seanan McGuire: The 16th October Daye book will be released in early September… and that means it’s time to reread #15! I always enjoy the Toby audiobooks — this one is particularly fun.

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. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
• Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci: My daughter gave me this story collection a while back, and I thought I’d read it in bits and pieces, rather than all at once. I’m terrible when it comes to reading short stories, but my goal is to read 2 – 3 a week, either until I’m done or I’ve at least read all the stories that interest me.

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 a super busy week at work, and even though I slowed down over the weekend, I still felt like I had no time to read!

What did I read during the last week?

Well, okay, I did manage to read some books…

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna: Sweet, whimsical, and magical. My review is here.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare: Done! This was a group read with my book club — we finished this past week. Terrific experience reading and discussing this classic with the group. What can I say? My book group rocks!

Soul Taken (Mercy Thompson, #13) by Patricia Briggs: The awesomeness that is the Mercy Thompson series finally has a new release! This series (and its main character) continues to be an absolute favorite. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished the first season of Paper Girls and the third season of Never Have I Ever this week. Two very different shows, but both were terrific!

Also this past week, I tried the first episode of She-Hulk (pretty good so far) and continued with new episodes of Reservation Dogs (excellent) and What We Do In The Shadows (also excellent).

Fresh Catch:

I read an e-ARC of this book when it came out last year (my review), and with its paperback release, the publisher was kind enough to send me a copy! It’s really a great, disturbing, twisty read — highly recommended!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I haven’t quite settled on my next book, so I’m reading the opening chapters of two! Let’s see which one hooks me first.

Now playing via audiobook:

All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot: I’m enjoying this audiobook so much! But — argh — I expected to finish it over the weekend, then ran out of time. I think just one or two more days of driving to work should do it for me!

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. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome. Update: As of this week, we’re up to chapter 50 — and since there are 155 chapters in all, that means we’re at about 32%. Still a long way to go!
• Nothing else at the moment! My book group’s next classic read doesn’t start until October, so for now, I’m light on long-term reading commitments, and I’m not hating it.

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 great time on our little mini-vacation last week! My husband and I got away to the Monterey area of California, with Big Sur, Pacific Grove, and Carmel as highlights. Lots of beautiful coastline as far as the eye can see! It made me especially happy to wander Cannery Row in Monterey so soon after reading Steinbeck’s classic — while it’s a very touristy area now, there are tons of little signs and artwork and artifacts that pay tribute to Steinbeck and his novel, and I loved seeing all of it!

And on a family note… my youngest — my BABY — turned 20 over the weekend! How is that even possible??? Now it’s official — no more teens chez moi!

Blogging.

Dare I say it? I’ve gotten my pending ARCs list down to fewer than 20 titles! I’m super committed to getting through my outstanding ARCs, and then focusing on reading other things — anything I want, whenever I want. If I can catch up on all the ARCs for books being released through the end of September, I’ll only have six left (for books scheduled for release October – December). Wow, this makes me feel so free!

I mean, sure, I’ll continue to request ARCs for books I really, really want to read no matter what… but I’m going to try to be better at avoiding impulse requests, because I do want to keep my obligation reading to a minimum going forward.

What did I read during the last week?

Lucy Checks In by Dee Ernst: Heart-warming story of second chances, with a lovely setting. My review is here.

Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson: Surprisingly fun (and no, there are no actual serial killers in the book). My review is here.

Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan: A favorite for 2022! The fact that the author narrates the audiobook, and that the story is about an audiobook narrator, makes this book extra delicious. My review is here.

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen: Overall, I really enjoyed this Western-themed fantasy, but wished the world-building had been clearer. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I made more progress with Paper Girls (on Amazon) — just two episodes left to watch! Definitely recommended!

Next up: Season 3 of Never Have I Ever!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna: This looks like a good, light read! I’m just getting started, but here’s hoping it’ll turn out to be fun.

Now playing via audiobook:

All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot: This is my book group’s pick for August — and I just couldn’t resist listening to the audiobook version narrated by Nicholas Ralph, who stars in the PBS adaptation of the book.

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. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
• Hamlet by William Shakespeare: It’s our final week! My book group has been reading and discussing one scene per week, and this week, it’s Act V, scene II. Our discussions have been great — I feel like I’ve gotten so much more from this read than I ever did during my college Shakespeare course.

So many books, so little time…