2018

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

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.

Where did the summer go? Suddenly, it’s the end of July, soon to be August. My kiddo goes back to school in just three weeks, and let’s face it, that means my summer will be over too. Sigh.

What did I read during the last week?

Thunderhead (Arc of a Scythe, #2) by Neal Shusterman: Terrific follow-up to Scythe. My review is here.

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate: A book group selection — moving and tragic. My review is here.

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang: A sweet and engaging YA graphic novel.

In audiobooks, I finished the 4th book in the Song of the Lioness quartet by Tamora Pierce. What a great adventure! I can’t wait to read more of the Tortall books.

Pop culture goodness:

I wrote a post about my favorite summer TV viewing, here.

And… I finally got around to watching The Greatest Showman, and thought it was so much fun! I’ll definitely want to watch it again. Who else is a fan?

Fresh Catch:

I treated myself to one completely decadent book purchase, which arrived this week. It’s the Easton Press edition of Voyager by Diana Gabaldon. So pretty. And it’s signed.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: I know I”m late to the party, but at least I’m finally reading it!

Now playing via audiobook:

Imprudence (The Custard Protocol, #2) by Gail Carriger: All of my audiobooks lately seem to be re-reads. I’m revisiting the world of Imprudence before I start reading the newly released 3rd book in the series, Competence.

Ongoing reads:

Book group reads:

Classic read: My book group’s current classic read is Middlemarch by George Eliot. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week… and we have a long way still to go.
The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon. Continuing our group read of the Lord John works, it’s lovely to revisit The Scottish Prisoner, which stars Lord John Grey and everyone’s favorite Scottish laird, Jamie Fraser. Want to join in? Ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

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23Jul2018

The Monday Check-In ~ 7/23/2018

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

What did I read during the last week?

The Lido by Libby Page: Such a lovely story about friendship, community, and connection. My review is here.

The Custom of the Army by Diana Gabaldon: For my book group, another reread — continuing our group discussions of the Outlander-adjacent stories about Lord John Grey. So much fun.

In audiobooks, I finished two terrific books from the same series:

In the Hand of the Goddess and The Woman Who Rides Like a Man (Song of the Lioness, books 2 and 3) by Tamora Pierce: Can’t wait to wrap things up with #4.

Pop culture goodness:

My two new TV obsessions this week are:

Harlots — currently in its 2nd season on Hulu. Powerful, entertaining, and visually a treat. Amazing women characters. Check it out!

CB Strike: The TV series based on the Robert Galbraith/J K Rowling books. I feel like this one snuck onto TV screens really quietly — I had no idea it had even been released until a friend mentioned it. The production is great, and really quick to get through. All three “seasons” are available, each based on one of the books from the series. I’ve watched seasons 1 (The Cuckoo’s Calling – 3 episodes) and 2 (The Silkworm – 2 episodes) so far. All are excellent.

Fresh Catch:

More new books! Now to find time to read them all…

So many shades of blue…

What will I be reading during the coming week?