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 got back yesterday afternoon from a 10-day road trip through Northern California and Oregon. We had an amazing time! … and I was too exhausted to do much more than throw together a very quick Monday post before heading to bed.

Coming soon: I’m planning to share some trip highlights (hint: lots of waterfalls and Shakespeare!)

A programming note:

I’ll also be away for four days later this week for a friend event… and will most likely be offline the entire time. So — I probably won’t be back to my normal blogging and blog-hopping routine until next week!

What did I read during the last (two) week(s)?

I managed to finish two books prior to hitting the road:

The Midnight Train by Matt Haig: Lovely book, lots of food for thought. My review is here.

Meet Me at the Seaside Cottages by Jenny Colgan: It’s always great to have a new Jenny Colgan book to kick off the summer reading season! My review is here.

While on my trip, I read just one book… but at over 600 pages, getting through it felt like quite an accomplishment!

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett: It took me the full length of my trip, but I finally finished! Very good book. I’ll aim to post a review later this week.

Pop culture & TV:

Absolutely nothing! Other than catching some World Cup highlights (more for my husband than for me), we didn’t have much screen time at all while we were away.

Fresh Catch:

Two new books!

The final volume of Heartstopper arrived! I can’t wait to get started.

While in Ashland, Oregon, we saw an amazing production of Emma — and I just had to buy a copy of the play script. Of course, it won’t compare to seeing it on stage, but I’m eager to read it anyway.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

We Solve Murders by Richard Osman: I don’t know how much time I’ll have to read in the next few days, but then I’ll be on a plane, and this seems like a great choice for in-flight reading.

Now playing via audiobook:

Julia at the Drive-In by Rainbow Rowell: A new Rainbow Rowell short story seems like the perfect listen for the first half of the week,

Ongoing reads:

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe: My book group’s classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 52%. Coming up this week: Volume 3, chapters 2 and 3.

Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words by John McWhorter: A really entertaining linguistics book! I do love this sort of thing. I’m taking a slow approach when it comes to this book, and haven’t touched it since before I went out of town. I’ve read 3 chapters so far. Progress: 56%.

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 week — but the sun finally came out over the weekend, and I was able to get outdoors to enjoy it.

My book group had a Zoom chat with author Marjan Kamali on Saturday, discussing her excellent novel The Lion Women of Tehran. She was very kind and gracious with her time, and the conversation was so interesting!

A programming note:

I’ll be away for about a week and a half starting later this week — my husband and I are heading out on a summer road trip to Ashland, Oregon, the Columbia River Gorge, and various points in between! I expect to mainly be offline while we’ll traveling (maybe some random check-ins here and there). We’ll be on the go every day, but I do hope to be able to unwind each evening with some quiet reading time!

What did I read during the last week?

The Children by Melissa Albert: Chilling, compelling, terrific fantasy/horror. My review is here.

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman: This book seems to have exploded on BookTok in the past year. I’m glad I decided to check it out — my review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished my For All Mankind binge! I loved seasons 1 and 2, thought season 3 was pretty good, mostly felt that season 4 sucked, and then like season 5 better than season 4. I’m glad to be done at this point. Despite the letdown of the last two seasons, I still intend to watch the 6th and final season whenever it’s released (most likely 2027). Meanwhile, I plan to check out the spin-off series Star City, which covers the space race from the Soviet perspective. I posted an overview about my experiences watching For All Mankind — check it out, here.

And now that my binge is over, I’m looking forward to catching up on other shows I’ve been wanting to watch. So many options!

Fresh Catch:

I try not to give in to the temptations of Prime Day… but couldn’t resist when there was a significant price drop on a book that’s been on my wish list for a long time:

I read The Women soon after it came out via the library, and have been wanting a copy of my own ever since.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Midnight Train by Matt Haig: I got a signed copy of this book at an author event in early June, and I managed to get through about half over the weekend. Hoping to finish before we hit the road!

Now playing via audiobook:

Meet Me at the Seaside Cottages by Jenny Colgan: Jenny Colgan audiobooks are always such great entertainment! I’d hoped to finish over the weekend, but ran out of time. Now my goal is to finish before I leave on my trip… and I think I’ll (maybe) manage just in time. Fingers crossed…

Ongoing reads:

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe: My book group’s classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 46%. Coming up this week: Volume 2, chapters 10 and 11.

Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words by John McWhorter: A really entertaining linguistics book! I do love this sort of thing. I’m reading it in bits and pieces, and this week read the 2nd chapter (called “Poor Little You”). Progress: 46%.

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.

Do you ever have weeks where you feel like you’re just bad at reading? I know I’m not, really, but this past week, I was so busy and had so much going on that even when I had a few minutes to pick up a book, my concentration was not there. I made almost no progress in the ebook I was reading, despite being really interested and wanting to be able to get into it. Thank goodness for audiobooks! At least I’m able to listen during my daily commute.

Work was crazy (what else is new?)… but in real life, it was actually quite a good week! We had our adult kids in town, had a fun family dinner at home one night, then Father’s Day dinner out at a favorite restaurant. It’s always a treat to get to spend time together with our awesome kids and their wonderful spouses.

Random bookish stuff:

Both of these feel very specific to my life:

I feel seen.

What did I read during the last week?

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali: Beautiful story of women’s lives and friendship in 20th century Tehran. My review is here.

Time Loops and Meet Cutes by Jackie Lau: A very fun rom-com with a clever premise and great characters. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’m midway through the 5th season of For All Mankind… and honestly, I about ready for this binge to be done. I loved seasons 1 – 3, but season 4 was such a disappointment. Season 5 is better, but I think overall the show has lost a lot of what made the early seasons so special. I’ll probably share a wrap-up post once I finish this season — and yes, despite not loving the show quite as much at this point, I’ll certainly be back for the sixth and final season whenever it drops (most likely sometime in 2027).

Fresh Catch:

After being fairly restrained about buying physical books lately, I splurged this week! I had a gift card burning a hole in my pocket and, well, here we are!

• This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews: Can’t wait to read this book!
• Mansfield Park by Jane Austen: I’ve been buying these special editions over the last few years — this is the last one I needed to have the full set!
• Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune: Read already… and loved.
• This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page: One of my favorite books of 2026.

Also this week:

A Goodreads giveaway! I was notified that I’d won a copy of The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline back in March, and it finally arrived this week. I’ve already read the book via NetGalley ARC, but I’m delighted to have a copy of my own — and getting a finished, lovely hardcover makes it worth the wait for my giveaway to get here.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Children by Melissa Albert: I started this book early in the week and had no time to really focus on it until the weekend… and then I got totally hooked! I have about 25% left to go, and wish I could just sit and read straight through to the end.

Now playing via audiobook:

Meet Me at the Seaside Cottages by Jenny Colgan: If it’s summer, it must be time for a new Jenny Colgan book! I always enjoy this author’s audiobooks. Just getting started.

Ongoing reads:

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe: My book group’s classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 43%. Coming up this week: Volume 2, chapters 8 and 9.

Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words by John McWhorter: A really entertaining grammar book! I do love this sort of thing. I’m reading it in bits and pieces, and have read the first chapter (all about “I” and “me”) so far. Progress: 25%.

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 went to a great book event last week, featuring Matt Haig in conversation with Margaret Sexton Wilkerson (author of On the Rooftop). He was interesting, vulnerable, and funny, and very generous with his willingness to answer audience questions and spend time chatting to each person on the signing line. Yes, I got a book! I’m so glad I was able to attend.

Random bookish stuff:

Libro.fm is offering a BOGO sale, now through June 22. If you’re considering an audiobook membership, Libro is a great option, especially since purchases support the bookstore of your choice. And if you use their SWITCH promo, you’ll get six audiobooks instead of the standard three for a new subscription!

What did I read during the last week?

The Last Lady B by Eloisa James: A fun, sassy historical romance. I liked the light tone and the sense of humor — such a nice break from heavier reading. My review is here.

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher: What a glorious fantasy! I’ve owned a copy for a year now, and I’m so glad I finally read it. My review is here.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare: Although I’ve seen several productions in the past, I’d never actually read the play. And now I’m super excited for my upcoming trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival next month — this is one of the plays I’ll be seeing.

Sadly, I had one DNF this week:

I hated doing it, but after reading about 25% of The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden, I had to face the fact that I wasn’t engaged or enjoying the reading experience. I’ve seen quite a few glowing reviews that mention struggling at the start of the book, so I was prepared to push through… and finally, after several days of making little progress, I decided to give myself permission to put the book aside. The setting and storytelling approach just didn’t pull me in. Very disappointing — I’ve loved so many of this author’s books. Still, this was the right decision for me this week, because slogging through this book was really dragging me down! Maybe I’ll pick it up again at some point — never say never!! — but for right now, I’m pretty sure this was a case of the wrong book at the wrong time.

Pop culture & TV:

Onward with For All Mankind! I’m almost finished with season 4, and then, just one more season to go (and then I’ll probably start the new spin-off, Star City). I hate to say it, but season 4, while good, isn’t thrilling me the way previous seasons did. Several contributing factors — the time jumps between seasons mean that by season 4, many of the characters I’d come to care about are no longer on the show. Also, this season is heavily focused on politics and labor issues, and lacks the more exciting space exploration elements of earlier seasons. Still, it’s never dull, and I may revise my opinion once I get through the last two episodes of the season — which, if previous season finales are anything to go by, should absolutely ratchet up the adrenaline levels.

I also actually went out to a movie! Something I rarely do these days, when everything is available to stream sooner or later and my couch is just so comfy. My husband and I went to see Disclosure Day over the weekend. It’s good! I intentionally didn’t watch trailers or read reviews ahead of time, so other than knowing the bare minimum (basically, something to do with aliens), I went in cold — and recommend doing the same, if you can. I enjoyed being surprised by the plot, and even some of the cast, and found it a really interesting and entertaining film.

Fresh Catch:

Here’s the new book I got at the book signing:

I’m looking forward to reading it! (Although I may end up saving it for vacation this summer…)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali: My book group book for June. I’m getting close to the end, and I’m loving it. A beautiful, powerful story. I’ll share a review later this week.

Now playing via audiobook:

Time Loops & Meet Cutes by Jackie Lau: I just listened to the first couple of chapters yesterday, and this seems like it’ll be a really cute story. I’ve enjoyed other books by this author — fingers crossed this one will be lots of fun!

Ongoing reads:

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe: My book group’s classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 36%. Coming up this week: Volume 2, chapters 6 and 7.

Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words by John McWhorter: I picked up this book last year, because it really appeals to my inner grammar nerd. I’m planning to read it in small installments over the next few weeks. Just about to start.

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.

Oof. Last week at work was intense, and I felt like I barely came up for air. Maybe because of that, my reading was really scattered, and it wasn’t until the weekend that I felt like I had time to read more than a few pages in a sitting.

Luckily, the weekend ended up being pretty mellow, so I did a deep dive into a few different books, and also had time to make progress on some travel planning, get outdoors, and have a fun dinner out with my husband and son at a neighborhood pizza place.

Random bookish stuff:

I love my audiobooks, and love being able to borrow them from the library… and I’m so annoyed with the Hoopla app. Libby is my usual go-to for library audiobooks, but sometimes, what I want is only available on Hoopla. Its functionality is so wonky — each time I try to use it while driving, I have to start from scratch, reopen the app, select the audiobook, and hit resume. If I forget to do all this before starting my drive, I either have to do it while driving (unsafe!) or find a place to pull over. In contrast, Libby just picks right back up with a simple touch on my touchscreen. Argh. Hoopla, fix yourself!

In other bookish developments… I’m on the verge of being caught up on ARCs through the end of June, and that means I can indulge in much more spur-of-the-moment mood reading! I have one more ebook ARC that I’ll likely finish this week, and my remaining two ARCs for June are books that I prefer to experience via audio. My Kindle is beckoning me to just come choose random books from my library! How exciting!

What did I read during the last week?

Take Me with You by Steven Rowley: A funny, moving novel about long-term relationships and… alien abduction. Trust me, it’s a delight. My review is here.

Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne du Maurier: My most recent Classics Club Spin book. Absolutely gorgeous. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Continuing my For All Mankind binge! I cannot stop watching this show. I’m almost finished with season 3 — and then just two more seasons to go. The storytelling and characters are amazing, and there are moments that are so intense that I can barely breathe.

I was so sad to hear about the passing of Anthony Stewart Head, an amazing actor who’s had my heart ever since his Buffy days. RIP.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Last Lady B by Eloisa James: Such a fun read! I’ve never tried anything by this author until now. I could be wrong, but my sense is that this is the only one of her books with a more comedic tone — judging just by covers and synopses. Someone correct me if that’s not accurate! I’m very close to the end… just need a good solid hour of reading time today to finish.

So, what’ll I read next? Well, I think most likely I’ll turn to:

The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden: I always love this author’s writing, and I’m really curious to see how this story plays out.

Now playing via audiobook:

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher: Finally! I’ve had a copy of this book on my shelves ever since its release, and I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to pick it up. The audiobook narration is terrific. I’m about halfway through, and I’m enjoying every moment.

Ongoing reads:

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe: My book group’s newest classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 32%. Coming up this week: Volume 2, chapters 4 and 5.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare: I’m reading a little bit at a time; about to start Act IV.

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 June already! Bring on summer sunshine and blue skies!

I had a nice week last week — after a long holiday weekend, I took one more day off mid-week to spend time with an old friend visiting the area. It was lovely to reconnect and have time to catch up, and we also hit some local tourist spots and went to a beautiful Matisse exhibit.

Bookish odds and ends:

Each week, there seems to be some new and exciting book release news! Tor just shared this cover reveal and release date:

The Double Dorothy by Olivia Waite, 3rd installment in the Dorothy Gentleman series of sci-fi novellas, will be released in March 2027.

What did I read during the last week?

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan: Terrific summer fiction. My review is here.

Obstetrix by Naomi Kristzer: Chilling, tense story set in a near-future world. My review is here.

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell: My book group’s pick for May. Highly recommended. My review is here.

Take Me with You by Steven Rowley: Finished Sunday afternoon — watch for my review later this week!

Pop culture & TV:

I’m completely hooked on For All Mankind! I’d originally thought I’d take a break after the first season… but once I got to the final episode, I couldn’t do anything but keep going. I’m just past the halfway point of season 2… and unless something really changes, I’m guessing I’ll want to binge straight through until I catch up with the newest season (#5)!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne du Maurier: My newest Classics Club Spin book! Just getting started. I’m excited to have the spin as motivation to finally read this book.

Now playing via audiobook:

I have quite decided what I feel like listening to next… but I think it’ll be one of these two options:

Let’s see where my mood takes me!

Ongoing reads:

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe: My book group’s newest classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 26%. Coming up this week: Volume 2, chapters 2 and 3.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare: I’m reading a little bit at a time; about to start Act II.

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.

Four day weekend! Due to a holiday this past Friday as well as Memorial Day today, I’ve had a nice long weekend to mainly just relax, read, and de-stress! Weekend plans included dinner with friends, a few errands and minor chores, and then all day Sunday on an outing with my husband for a walk through redwoods and then a visit to a cute seaside town.

Bookish odds and ends:

Another 2027 new release to get excited for!

Emily Wilde’s History of Dark Faerie by Heather Fawcett will be released in January 2027!

What did I read during the last week?

The Shippers by Katherine Center: A silly, light rom-com from a favorite author. My review is here.

A Town with Half the Lights On by Page Getz: Epistolary fiction with a quirky small town setting. Lots of fun. My review is here.

The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline: Fascinating historical fiction told from the perspective of a woman in one of the most famous marriages of the 19th century. My review is here.

My Contrary Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton & Jodi Meadows: A delightfully bonkers reimagining of the life and times of Mary, Queen of Scots. So much fun. My review is here.

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan: Loved it! Watch for my review later this week.

Pop culture & TV:

I was mostly satisfied with the outcome of Survivor 50. I can’t say that I cared all that much by the time we got to the end. My real favorites were all eliminated earlier, but of the finalists, I was happy for the winner.

I liked the season finale of Margo’s Got Money Troubles, and I’m glad the show will be back for a 2nd season. I’m enjoying being creeped out by Widow’s Bay, and I’m trying to find time for more episodes of For All Mankind — I have just one episode left from the first season, and I plan to keep going!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I finished my last read late Sunday, so I’m not entirely sure what I’ll be starting next, but I’m leaning toward…

Obstetrix by Naomi Kritzer: Sounds disturbing and so, so good!

Now playing via audiobook:

Take Me with You by Steven Rowley: Starting this audiobook today!

Ongoing reads:

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe: My book group’s newest classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 21%. Coming up this week: Chapters 13 and 14.

Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne du Maurier: My new Classics Club Spin book! I’ll be leaving it here until I get started — I have until July 5th to read it, so there’s no particular rush.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare: This is the 2nd play I’ll be seeing this summer at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival — and while I’ve seen several different productions of it in the past, I’ve never actually read it on the page. I’m planning to take my time over the next month, probably reading a few scenes per week. Looking forward to getting started!

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 a busy week, both with un-fun (work) craziness and very fun (non-work) outings and activities! I’m already counting the days until the long weekend coming up — I need a break!

Last week, I drove across town to check out a newly opened romance bookstore. It’s quite cute, with shelves organized by romance trope (grumpy sunshine, mythology, dark academia, etc). I didn’t actually buy anything on this visit (I’m a bit overloaded with stacks of books waiting to be read at the moment), but I’ll be going back!

Bookish odds and ends:

It feels a little crazy to be getting excited about a book that not coming out until April 2027, and yet, here we are!

The Enigmas by Emilia Hart: I loved this author’s previous two novels, and this one sounds just as good. Yet another books for my (never-ending) anticipated reads list.

What did I read during the last week?

An Ordinary Sort of Evil (A Rip Through Time, #5) by Kelley Armstrong: An excellent new installment in a favorite series! Time travel + Victorian Edinburgh + detectives + a séance! My review is here.

The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare: How weird is it to review Shakespeare… and only give it 3 stars? I’d never read this play before, although I’ve seen adaptations (hello, 10 Things I Hate About You!). This is either a deeply misogynistic play… or a commentary on misogyny. I suppose a lot depends on how it’s presented, but just reading it on paper, it’s pretty awful. I’ll be going to a live production this summer in Ashland, Oregon (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), and I’m eager to see how they spin it!

Dead Weight by Hildur Knútsdóttir: A creepy, gory novella that’s both fascinating and a bit frustrating. Don’t worry, the cats are safe! My review is here.

Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune: Another gorgeous love story (with a gorgeous setting) from a favorite author. My review is here.

The Shippers by Katherine Center: A silly rom-com that’s a quick, entertaining read. Watch for my review later in the week!

Pop culture & TV:

The Outlander TV series aired its finale this past week, and my reaction is very mixed. Overall, it’s been a beautiful journey over the eight seasons of the show, and yet, some of the story and character choices this final season have been deeply unsatisfying (and frustrating). I’m not thrilled with just where the show decided to end the story. Perhaps it was a moving ending for those who haven’t read the books, but as a fan of the book series, I’d hope for something different. Ah well… I’m still grateful that the series was brought to life with such loving care and so much talent. And now, I’ll be (not so) patiently waiting for the 10th book in the series!

Other than Outlander, I’ve been spending time with a few AppleTV series, including Margo’s Got Money Troubles, Widow’s Bay, and For All Mankind. I’ve only watched the first episode of For All Mankind so far, but I liked it a lot and I’m eager to keep going.

The Survivor 50 finale is coming up this week. I think it’s been a fairly “meh” season, with my favorite competitors all getting voted out already. I don’t particularly have a strong preference among those who remain, but I’ll be tuning in anyway to see how it works out.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

A Town with Half the Lights On by Page Getz: This book has been on my TBR for a while now, and I’m glad that I’m finally reading it.

Now playing via audiobook:

My Contrary Mary (Mary, #1) by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows: It’s so much fun to be back in this alternate (and very funny) version of history!

Ongoing reads:

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe: My book group’s newest classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 17%. Coming up this week: Chapters 11 and 12.

Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne du Maurier: My new Classics Club Spin book! I’ll be leaving it here until I get started — I have until July 5th to read it, so there’s no particular rush.

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 had a very nice Mother’s Day! Phone calls and flowers from the adult kids who don’t live nearby, a bit of outdoor dancing in the afternoon, and then dinner at a great restaurant with my husband and son in the evening. I hope all the moms out there enjoyed their days!

Bookish odds and ends:

I came across two exciting books announcement and cover reveals, both for books scheduled for release in January 2027:

A Song of Sugar Sparrows (Wayward Children, #12) by Seanan McGuire: Some books in this series are better than others, but overall, I love this fantasy series and its cast of characters. This upcoming release focuses on one of the fantasy worlds I’m less interested in… but I’ll still be reading it!

The Stars Look Like Home by TJ Klune: I don’t even need to know what this book is about to know that it’ll be a must-read for me! How cute is that cover?

What did I read during the last week?

The Body by Stephen King: Brilliant coming of age tale, in a new audiobook version. My review is here.

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones: I felt frustrated that this book — which has so many rave reviews — just didn’t work for me. My quick take is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Outlander (the TV version) is about to end! The series finale airs this coming Friday. I’ve mainly loved the show, although this most recent season has been uneven, with a few wildly weird storytelling and plot choices. The show has had to wrap up a story based on a book series that isn’t done yet. (Yes, the books are better, obviously!) Overall, though, I’m grateful that we’ve had eight seasons with these marvelous characters, and I’m sad to see it all coming to a close.

Beyond that, I’ve been sticking with Margo’s Got Money Troubles on AppleTV. I’m enjoying it, but I question some of the choices that diverge from the overall tone and content of the book.

I’ve also started watching Widow’s Bay. It hasn’t entirely sucked me in quite yet, but it’s clever and has a great cast, so I’ll keep going.

Fresh Catch:

This ARC arrived by mail this week! I’ve read one book by this author previously (A History of Wild Places), and I’m really looking forward to starting this upcoming new release.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

An Ordinary Sort of Evil (A Rip Through Time, #5) by Kelley Armstrong: This is such a great series, and I’m really enjoying this new installment. I should finish today or tomorrow.

Now playing via audiobook:

Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune: I’d so happy to be listening to this new book by a favorite author!

Ongoing reads:

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe: My book group’s newest classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 15%. Coming up this week: Chapters 9 and 10.

The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare: I’ll be seeing this play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival this summer, and decided to read it before I see it! I’m taking it in small pieces, just a scene or two every few days. Progress so far: About to start Act IV.

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.

Happy Star Wars Day… and happy May! I’m eager for a month full of sunshine and flowers… and okay, sure, maybe a little Star Wars too.

Such a nice experience over the weekend! For a few years now, I’ve been meeting up with a small group for recreational folk dancing, just for the fun of it. On Saturday, ten of us went to a local senior living facility to do a few short performances, and had a blast! The residents seemed to really enjoy it, we had a lot of fun, and we loved showing off some favorite dances.

Bookish odds and ends:

First, a meme I that made me laugh:

And… while reading the New York Times a few days ago, I was totally tickled to see this explanation of passkeys:

I definitely did not expect to see a technology column using Tamora Pierce as a point of reference!

What did I read during the last week?

Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe: Loved it! My review is here.

The Poisoned King (Impossible Creatures, #2) by Katherine Rundell: The 2nd book in this middle grade fantasy series is just as delightful as I’d expected. My review is here.

The Impossible Fortune (Thursday Murder Club, #5) by Richard Osman: It’s always a blast to spend time with the Thursday Murder Club! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’m really enjoying the AppleTV adaptation of Margo’s Got Money Troubles. I’m caught up with all available episodes at this point — just waiting for the next new one to drop.

I’m not entirely sure what I’ll be starting next, but I’m leaning toward Widow’s Bay.

Puzzle of the week:

Thanks to finding a local puzzle swap group, I ended up with a batch of new puzzles to enjoy, and finished one over the weekend:

Eeboo puzzles are always fun. I loved the colors and images for this one!

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week:

I read the eARC for this book last week, and loved it. I’m so happy to have a beautiful hardcover edition!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones: I’ve been wanting to read this book since it came out last year. I’m at about 25%, and I’m feeling myself more and more drawn into the story. I just hope this week is quiet enough to include big chunks of reading time so I can really focus on this book.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Body by Stephen King: This audiobook is a new version of the Stephen King classic, narrated by Wil Wheaton. I can’t believe I’ve never actually read this before. This new audiobook is a great listen.

Ongoing reads:

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe: My book group’s newest classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 11%. Coming up this week: Chapters 7 and 8.

The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare: I’ll be seeing this play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival this summer, and since I’ve never read it before, I decided now’s the time! I’m trying to read just one scene per day, taking my time with it since I have a few months yet. Progress so far: About to start Act III.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…