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.

Brrrrrr. Greetings from the land of ice and snow!

Okay, I exaggerate… but I’m on the East Coast this week to visit family, and it’s cold! Especially in comparison to the sunny temps in the 60s I left behind. But, I packed my gloves, scarves, and winter boots, so I’m ready! (And really, I’m basically going to be indoors except for the distance from the door to the car, so just ignore my drama queen complaints!)

What did I read during the last week?

Pop culture & TV:

As I write this post late Sunday, I’m getting ready to go watch the season finale of 1883, which I binged this past week, and fell in love with. I’m sooooo worried and preemptively heart-broken — from the way the 2nd to last episode ended, very bad things lie ahead.

On a lighter note, my son and I watched The King’s Man this past week. After reading the mostly negative reviews back when it was released, I was actually surprised by how much we enjoyed it. It’s a silly movie, but lots of fun. And it does manage to include a lot of unexpected historical facts about WWI in amongst the silliness and action sequences. Not a batch choice if you’re looking to stream something that doesn’t require much concentration.

Puzzle of the Week:

I made the mistake of starting this puzzle on Monday last week. It’s a 1500-piece puzzle, and I was determined to get it done before getting on a plane on Saturday. I made it… but only barely. Whew!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Persepolis Rising (The Expanse, #7) by James S. A. Corey: Call me crazy, but I really do want to finish up this series this year, so I decided to start this 600+ book on my flight. I haven’t gotten very far yet… but I’m eager to see where the story goes.

Now playing via audiobook:

Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon: I started this love story set on the Oregon Trail earlier in the week, not fully thinking about the fact that I would be watching 1883, centered around similar events. It’s actually a good experience balancing the two different stories and getting slightly different takes on the historical era.

Ongoing reads:

Here we go! Outlander Book Club is starting our group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week — starting tomorrow (March 1st) with the prologue. Considering how many chapters are in this book, this is going to take a loooooong time. (If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.)

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.

Just another busy week! But thank heavens for long weekends — I can feel my energy levels resetting already.

My daughter sent me this picture, taken from a plane as her flight passed over San Francisco, and I thought it was too amazing not to share:

We don’t usually get to see our city from the air! I can see exactly where I was out walking when she was flying by.

What did I read during the last week?

Pop culture & TV:

Like millions of others, I watched The Tinder Swindler this past week:

I’m not usually much of a true crime fan, but this movie was so hard to look away from — really like a slow-motion trainwreck. Fascinating and awful.

You may have seen me mention my Yellowstone obsession previously — well, now I’m watch its prequel show, 1883, and I’m loving it too! It’s very different, but really good, with a great cast and (so far) one cameo that totally took me by surprise.

Puzzle of the Week:

A fun puzzle showing a dream setting for me. Give me a cozy cabin, a fireplace, good books, and warm socks any day!

Fresh Catch:

I treated myself to a copy of the final Expanse novel (even though I still have two books left in the series before I can start it).

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Spelunking Through Hell by Seanan McGuire: The 11th book in the Incryptid series. I love this series, and this installment is fun, but I’m not quite as invested as in other books, maybe because I don’t care as much about the central characters in this book versus the leads in some of the others. Still, all Incryptid books are great! [Late Sunday update: Just finished! Review to follow]

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle: This is what I’ll be starting Monday morning! I’m looking forward to it — I’ve really liked all three of the books I’ve read by this author. And it opens with a quote from Gilmore Girls, so that’s a very good sign!

Now playing via audiobook:

Gwendy’s Final Task by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar: The last book in the Gwendy trilogy. It’s good so far! The plot is pretty far-fetched, but I’m really liking the story anyway.

Ongoing reads:

None at the moment, but I have a big book group long-term read starting next week, so I’m taking deep breaths this week and getting myself ready!

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 Valentine’s Day! Bring on the chocolate and candy hearts!!

(My husband and I don’t typically do much for Valentine’s Day other than (some years) give each other cards… but if you’re doing something fun or romantic or treating yourself to a me-valentine, I hope you enjoy!)

This past week has been super busy with work, but what else is new? I worked at my office three out of five days, and on the one hand, it’s nice to see people again… but it’s hard to give up my work from home routine, with easy access to my back porch when the sun is out.

Although this is San Francisco, so even when the sun makes an appearance, we really can’t count on it lasting:

What did I read during the last week?

I also read these two spur-of-the-moment library books — one a YA novel, one a YA graphic novel. Both were about 3-star reads for me — they passed the time and had some good elements, but neither quite made the mark.

Pop culture & TV:

After watching all three seasons of BBC’s Ghosts, I decided to try the American version too, and just finished the first (and only, so far) season over the weekend. After a few episodes adjusting to the tonal shift and the new mix of ghosts, I ended up liking the American show too, but the BBC characters (Mary and Kitty!!) hold a special place in my heart (and make me laugh a lot more).

Other than that, I’m just keeping up with All Creatures Great and Small and The Gilded Age, and slowly working my way through Raised by Wolves (which is weird AF).

Puzzle of the Week:

I loved my puzzle this week so much that I even wrote a separate post about it (here):

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week:

This book gets mentioned in a novel I read last week (This Is How You Lose the Time War), and when I realized that Travel Light was a real book, I needed a copy of my own.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

An Impossible Impostor by Deanna Raybourn: It’s the new Veronica Speedwell mystery (#7 in the series), and although I’m only a few chapters into it so far, it’s just as delightful as I’d expected. I love this series!

Now playing via audiobook:

Beach Read by Emily Henry: I have actually read this book already, but it’s my book group’s pick for February, and I need a refresher before we discuss!

Ongoing reads:

One of my few reading goals for 2022 is to spend time enjoying the pretty, arty, illustrated books and story collections that I tend to treat myself to from time to time — but then never get around to actually reading.

This week, I’m reading through two art books with different takes on the National Parks… I’m taking my time, enjoying a few pages from each per day. They’re helping me dream, too! I’m having all sorts of fantasies about which parks I can manage to visit when I’m ready to plan some travel time.

I’m bouncing back and forth between these two, and really loving them!

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 workweek, with not much else to distract me — but we’ve had another week of beautiful weather, so at least I got in my share of beach walks and outdoor reading sessions!

What did I read during the last week?

Pop culture & TV:

I’ve been watching bits and pieces of all sorts of things! I finished season three of BBC’s Ghosts — I hope there will be more! I’ve gotten pretty attached to the characters. Since I liked it so much, I thought I’d give the American version a try too. I’ve only seen two episodes so far… meh. The plot is pretty much identical, but a different gang of ghosts. I’ll see if I warm up to them if/when I watch more.

I also started The Gilded Age and Raised by Wolves. So far, so good!

Puzzle of the Week:

This one practically broke me. Remind me not to do puzzles with MILLIONS of leaves ever again.

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

One Night on the Island by Josie Silver: I’m making a concerted effort to stay on top of my ARC reading schedule! This book releases next week, so I’m right on track. Just getting started, but it seems like it’ll be a fun read.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery: This has been on my to-read (or to-listen) list for years! I just started it over the weekend.

Ongoing reads:

My slow but steady, spread-out-over-time reading:

Still going strong, reading one chapter per day (although I missed a couple of days this week). This is such a gorgeous edition! I think I’ll finish up sometime this coming 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.

How is it the last day of January already? Time is just whooshing by.

For the first time in a long time, I actually went out not one, but TWO nights this past week! First, we had a family dinner at a really nice restaurant, and then we went out again to see the touring production of The Band’s Visit. (I’d seen the show already on Broadway, but it was nice to go again and enjoy it with family members who hadn’t seen it before).

I finally made it to the library donation center this week… it felt good to make some space on my shelves once again! Here’s what I donated:

What did I read during the last week?

So many good books this week!

Pop culture & TV:

My son and I watched The Last Duel this past week — really well done and fascinating, despite the dark subject matter.

On a lighter note, I finished season two of Ghosts (BBC). It’s adorable! Onward to season 3…

Puzzle of the Week:

Another fun one:

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Babylon’s Ashes (The Expanse, #6) by James S. A. Corey: I had to really give myself a pep talk before starting this 500+ page book, but now that I’m into it, I’ve really happy to be reading it.

Now playing via audiobook:

A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss: I borrowed from the library on a whim, thinking a light romance would make a nice change after my most recent listen (metal horror). I’m not very far, but I like the tone so far.

Ongoing reads:

My slow but steady, spread-out-over-time reading:

I’m enjoying my chapter-per-day journey through this gorgeous edition of Harry Potter! Rereading HP is never a bad idea, and the artwork of the edition is amazing!

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 another busy week, but I’m taking a day off today to get through a few projects, including taking bags and boxes of books to donate at our library’s donation center (which is by appointment only since COVID started). I did a big purge of books I don’t feel like I need to hold onto, and it feels good to see some space on my shelves again! Although, I have a feeling that extra space won’t last long.

Over the weekend, my book group zoomed with William Kent Krueger, the author of Ordinary Grace (our discussion book for January). He was charming and gracious and insightful — such a lovely experience (and a wonderful book).

What did I read during the last week?

Pop culture & TV:

Well… I ended up watching all six episodes of White Lotus this week… and even though it was hard to look away, by the end I wished I could unsee parts of it. Super cringey. I doubt I’ll watch season 2.

To cleanse my brain a bit, I’ve been watching episodes of Ghosts (BBC), and it’s very charming. I’m only on season 1 so far. It’s sweet!

Puzzle of the Week:

My current puzzle is in progress — another pretty one from Eeboo!

Fresh Catch:

Some beautiful new books this week! Two from Subterranean Press:

Plus, I treated myself to a book that Kim at Traveling in Books mentioned:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo: I’m loving this LGBTQ+ YA novel set in San Francisco in the 1950s.

Now playing via audiobook:

We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix: I’ve been meaning to get to this book ever since it came out — the only one of this author’s books that I haven’t read yet. I’m just getting started, but I’m liking it so far.

Ongoing reads:

My slow but steady, spread-out-over-time reading:

Shit Cassandra Saw by Gwen E. Kirby: I rarely read short stories, but I’m making an exception for this bizarre and totally awesome collection! I’m trying to read one or two stories per day, which seems to be a pace that works for me.

I bought copies of the MinaLima editions of the first two Harry Potter books, but haven’t actually looked through them at all yet… and that needs to change! So, I’ve taken this pretty edition off my shelf, and my plan for now is to read one chapter per day, taking my time to enjoy all the pretty artwork and design elements. And hey, it’s never a bad time for a re-read of HP!

So many books, so little time…