Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Relationship Freebie (Pick a relationship type and choose characters who fit that relationship as it relates to you. So, characters you’d like to date, be friends with, be enemies with, etc. Bookish families you’d like to be a part of, characters you’d want as your siblings, pets you’d like to take for yourself, etc.).
I love reading about big or unusual or quirky bookish families, so that’s my theme for this week. Below are ten families I’d love to join… or at least, have Sunday brunch with or visit for the holidays… or just pop in for tea now and then.
Frasers – Outlander – Was there any doubt that I’d include Outlander folks on this list? I wouldn’t want to be around for all the terrible things that happen to these people, but would happily attend one of their big (joyful) gatherings on Fraser’s Ridge.
Weasleys – Harry Potter — I want Molly to knit me a sweater!
Bridgertons — I mean, no, I could do without all the pressure to make a good match, but I’d down for afternoon tea and cakes with Violet and whoever else is around.
Price-Healy family – Incryptids – Yes, there’s a lot of weaponry involved… but this family of cryptozoologists is all sorts of awesome (and there are religious talking mice involved!)
Bennetts – Green Creek series – So a family of werewolves might not be the safest place to be on an ongoing basis, but their Sunday traditions are awesome.
All-of-a-Kind Family – What is their last name??? I couldn’t find it… but they must have one, right? In any case, I grew up on these stories, and thought living with these five sisters must have been the ideal childhood.
Chen family (Aunties) – Dial A for Aunties series – Oh, the Aunties would drive me batty… but isn’t it good to know that your family will have your back no matter what, even when it comes to hiding a body?
Hastings – A Stitch in Time – The sisters in this family all get an adventure going through a time stitch, and I’d like to join them!
De Clermonts – All Souls – I’m not saying I’d actually want to be a vampire or witch… but I’d enjoy hanging out at one of the family’s fabulous castles and hear about how they lived over the centuries.
Not a single family – Game of Thrones – Too many opportunities to end up dead, gruesomely. (Clearly, my ideas failed me by #10)
Would you want to join any of these families? Are there other fictional families you love?
What was your TTT topic this week? Please share your link!
Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Ten Favorite Books from Ten Series.
I almost skipped this week’s TTT — this topic is a tough one! I love so many series, and choosing a favorite book from a favorite series is like choosing a favorite child. Don’t make me pick!!
I’d be tempted to just go with the first book from each series, because hey — if the first book didn’t hook me, why would I keep going? But, I feel like I’ve featured first books in series before (for example, here), so instead I’m focusing on books other than the first. The books I’ve chosen all have something about them that makes them stand out. I’m not playing favorites… but all these books are noteworthy!
My top ten are:
Without a Summer by Mary Robinette Kowal
Series: The Glamourist Histories Book #: 3 (of 5) Published: 2013
Why this book? The entire series is excellent, so picking a favorite is especially hard. Here in book #3, the setup is just so good, and I really enjoyed the introduction of new political realities and new directions for certain characters.
Zoe’s Tale by John Scalzi
Series: Old Man’s War Book #: 4 (of 6) Published: 2008
Why this book? I actually love the first book in the series best of all, but Zoe’s Tale is just so clever. Basically, this 4th book retells everything that’s already happened in the series, but from a different character’s perspective. I know some people who’ve stopped after book 3, but I always urge them to give Zoe’s Tale a try.
Leviathan Falls by James S. A. Corey
Series: The Expanse Book #: 9 (of 9) Published: 2021
Why this book? Because it pulls off the seemingly impossible feat of providing a stellar ending to a complicated (and excellent) series.
Pocket Apocalypse by Seanan McGuire
Series: Incryptids Book #: 4 (of 13 – so far) Published: 2015
Why this book? This is a somewhat random choice, since the whole series is really fun. This one shifts the action to Australia, which is new for the series, and introduces new characters and monsters in a really engaging way. With this many books in an ongoing series, it’s notable when an earlier book really sticks with a reader, and this one does.
Incense and Sensibility by Sonali Dev
Series: The Rajes Book #: 3 (of 4) Published: 2021
Why this book? Each of the four books in the series retells a Jane Austen novel, and this one works especially well. I loved the setup, the characters, and the plot development.
Breakup by Dana Stabenow
Series: Kate Shugak Book #: 7 (of 23 – so far) Published: 1997
Why this book? For a series that goes to some pretty dark places, this 7th book is actually very funny. If you’re binging the series, it’s a really enjoyable moment of lightness before more tragic events come in the next few books.
A Twist of Fate by Kelley Armstrong
Series: A Stitch in Time Book #: 2 (of 4) Published: 2021
Why this book? The timeslip story in this installment resolves a mystery introduced in the first book. The characters are terrific, and there’s a lot of emotion mixed in with the adventure.
Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons Book #: 4 (of 8) Published: 2002
Why this book? First of all, it’s the only one I’ve read twice! I love all the Bridgerton kids, but Colin and Penelope’s romance is a special treat. (And it’s my most recent foray into the series, since I just reread it, so it’s freshest in my mind…)
Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire
Series: Wayward Children Book #: 2 (of 9 – so far) Published: 2017
Why this book? The story in this installment is particularly haunting and beautifully written. I’ve enjoyed each book, but this one is a stand-out.
A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows by Diana Gabaldon
Series: Outlander Book #: 8.5 (of 9 – so far) Published: 2012
Why this book? OK, let’s be real. My choice for a favorite in the Outlander series should absolutely be (and truly is) the first book, Outlander. But that’s kind of obvious… so instead I’ll highlight this excellent novella, which fills in the blanks of a particular character’s family history and is simply excellent storytelling. I know a lot of Outlander fans focus just on the main novels (or, Big Enormous Books, as the author refers to them) — but skipping the novellas and other related novels means missing out on a lot of content that adds so much to the overall Outlander-verse.
How did you do with this week’s topic? Did you have as hard a time as I did with narrowing down the choices?
If you wrote a TTT post this week, please share your link!
Title: Clanlands in New Zealand: Kilts, Kiwis, and an Adventure Down Under Authors: Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish Narrator: Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish Publisher: Mobius Publication date: November 7, 2023 Print length: 288 pages Audio length: 8 hours 8 minutes Genre: Travel/adventure/history/non-fiction Source: Purchased Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
With a forward by Sir Peter Jackson.
Buckle up, grab a dram, and get ready for another unforgettable wild ride.
They’re back! Stars of Outlander, Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish are no strangers to the rugged beauty of Scotland. But this time they’re setting their sights on a new New Zealand.
Join our intrepid Scotsmen on their latest epic adventure across The Land of the Long White Cloud in this thrilling follow-up to Clanlands . Setting out to explore a country that Graham calls home, and that Sam has longed to visit, these sturdy friends immerse themselves in all that New Zealand has to offer — stunning landscapes, rich history, world-class food and drink, and – much to Graham’s mounting anxiety and Sam’s deep satisfaction – famously adrenaline-fuelled activities! As ever there’s not nearly enough space in their trusty camper van and with plenty of good-natured competition and tormenting to go around, Sam and Graham’s friendship is put to the test once again. Along the way we learn about the length and breadth of this jewel of the Southern Seas, exploring the fascinating story of its people while testing the very limits of Graham’s sanity.
Like the very best buddy movie sequel, this latest installment is full of unforgettable experiences and loveable characters and promises to be an even more memorable ride with two of the most entertaining travel companions around.
So, say goodbye to your inhibitions and kia ora to New Zealand like you’ve never seen it before.
If you’re a fan of Outlander, Men in Kilts, buddy road trips, or simply two likable guys who banter a lot, Clanlands in New Zealand will likely tickle your funnybone.
Actors Graham McTavish and Sam Heughan are back with another silly, over-the-top road trip, this time in New Zealand. The two friends (who play at being adversaries) travel all over New Zealand, experiencing history, culture, food and drink, and tons of pulse-pounding adventure (much to Sam’s delight and Graham’s dismay).
They come off as an odd couple — the young daredevil and the older, stodgier gentleman who just wants to enjoy his lattes and a good wine. But clearly, beneath the bickering, they really enjoy each other’s company and are having a blast.
Their first Clanlands book followed the two Scottish actors around (of course) Scotland, serving as a sort of narration and accompaniment to the filming of their TV series Men in Kilts. Here, it’s a similar approach while they film season 2 of Men in Kilts. The season was — sadly — quite abridged, being only four 30-minute episodes (vs the 10 episodes of season 1). From reading this book, it’s clear that they filmed much more material, so perhaps Starz just didn’t want to commit to a longer show.
In any case, Clanlands 2 is a fun, somewhat rambling account of their odyssey, as they try rocket boats, ziplining, Zorbing, shark cage-diving, and more. They also spend time visiting places of historical significance and learning about Maori culture, as well as sampling the foods and wines of New Zealand.
I listened to the audiobook, which is definitely the way to go. The two actors/authors narrate the book in somewhat alternating sections, each getting a chance to tell their version of each day’s events — often depicting their adventures very, very differently. They also interrupt each other a lot, offer insults and comments, and altogether just never, ever stop bantering and bickering. It’s silly, but very fun.
Graham narrates many vignettes from New Zealand’s history, and these can be quite interesting, although they tend to be somewhat shoehorned in amidst all the adventures. Overall, it’s a bit of an uneven experience, going from adrenaline-spiking outings to stories about Maori and British encounters from the 1800s… every part is interesting or entertaining, but the flow can be a bit weird.
But look, we (I) read or listen to Clanlands for the personalities and their charm. This isn’t a serious history book. It’s the story of two guys on a road trip! The New Zealand setting is wonderful to hear about, and while I had the pleasure of visiting New Zealand about 10 years ago, listening to Clanlands make me itch to go back and spend more time.
While I recommend the audiobook, it’s also worth checking out the print edition, so as not to miss the photos and illustrations, which are part of the terrific whole.
A final note: Listening to Clanlands in New Zealand made me sad that we didn’t get to see more of this adventure in season 2 of Men in Kilts (and there’s no indication that there will be more episodes at some future date) — but if you haven’t had a chance to watch this silly show, here’s a little taste:
Title: Waypoints: My Scottish Journey Authors: Sam Heughan Narrator: Sam Heughan Publisher: Voracious Publication date: October 25, 2022 Print length: 270 pages Audio length: 7 hours 47 minutes Genre: Memoir/travel/adventure Source: Purchased Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Journey deep into the Scottish Highlands in the first memoir by #1 New York Times bestselling author and star of Outlander, Sam Heughan—exploring his life and reflecting on the waypoints that define him
“I had to believe, because frankly, I had come so far there could be no turning back.”
In this intimate journey of self-discovery, Sam sets out along Scotland’s rugged ninety-six-mile West Highland Way to map out the moments that shaped his views on dreams and ambition, family, friendship, love, and life. The result is a love letter to the wild landscape that means so much to him, full of charming, funny, wise, and searching insights into the world through his eyes.
Waypoints is a deeply personal journey that reveals as much about Sam to himself as it does to his readers.
Sam Heughan, star of Outlander and portrayer of the iconic Jamie Fraser (aka, the King of Men), takes us on his journey along the West Highland Way, during which he contemplates both the trek itself and the landscapes of Scotland, as well as the path his life has taken to reach this moment in time.
Despite being a die-hard Outlander fan and having very much enjoyed his travel book Clanlands (co-authored with his costar Graham McTavish), I was a bit skeptical at first. I suspected that the book would be heavy on navel-gazing, and was afraid I’d be disappointed. I’m happy to report back that my fears were unfounded — Waypoints is a delight.
The book is framed around a rare week off for Sam, who finds himself back home in Glasgow with an entire week at his disposal. He makes a spur of the moment decision to walk the famous West Highland Way, a trail of almost 100 miles from Glasgow to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. After an immediate trip to an outdoors outfitting store, where he buys everything the salesclerk tells him to, he sets out the next day with a plan to finish the journey in five days.
After two days of a pounding pace that is physically grueling, he’s about to pack it all in and call it quits, but has a revelation of sorts: It’s about the journey, not the speed. Not exactly shocking, but as he explains, for someone who’s always pushed himself, it’s a strange and unfamiliar approach. From that point on, he slows his pace, literally lightens his load by shedding most of the gear he carries, and begins to enjoy the sights and small moments along the way.
Interspersed with his narration of the trek are memories of his life, from childhood through school years, the initial introduction to theater and his long pursuit of a career as an actor — something he was on the verge of giving up on before landing the role of a lifetime in Outlander.
I listened to the audiobook, which really is the way to go with Waypoints. Sam is a gifted, entertaining narrator — I really did feel like I was listening to him telling friends his stories, rather than reading words from a page. He includes funny little asides that are not in the print version, and an added bonus is that each day’s section of the book concludes with voice recordings that he made on the journey — these add fun as well as appreciation for how hard the hike was. (He’s often out of breath, and we can hear the pounding rain that he’s described during the first day).
The audiobook (via Audible) comes with a PDF that includes the photos from the print book, as well as some illustrations of Scottish wild mushrooms. (Sam develops an ongoing rapport with the mushrooms he encounters while hiking solo — it’s very silly, but very amusing). I had originally bought myself a copy of the hardcover edition before deciding to listen to the audiobook, and I was glad to have it as a reference while listening. (Plus, the photos really are great — some are from his childhood and early theatrical experiences, and some are from the hike).
Source: Waypoints by Sam Heughan
Waypoints is entertaining and yet feels very personal — Sam shares openly about his repeated disappointments while trying to break into acting, the dashed hopes, the sense that it might never work, barely making ends meet working odd jobs while continuing the arduous process of showing up for audition after audition that never quite works out. He does it all with humor and appreciation, and it’s clear that he’s very grateful for the opportunities that have come his way. He’s even very kind about the masses of Outlander fans, who are usually polite in their enthusiasm but can sometimes get a little extreme.
I know when the book was released, various entertainment sites took small passages from the book and tried to sensationalize them. For example, there’s a scene where a well-known actor fails to recognize Sam when he’s working as a waiter, despite them having known one another through mutual friends. Sam uses this as an example of what his experiences were while trying to make it as an actor, and presents it without bitterness or hard feelings, yet I’ve seen fluff pieces portraying this as a major snub — and that’s not how it’s conveyed at all. Likewise, he’s always respectful and appreciative when discussing his experiences on the Outlander set, but I’ve read pieces that have tried to turn his comments into major complaints — and again, that’s not how it reads in the context of the book.
In any case, I found Waypoints to be terrific entertainment, and Sam Heughan is an engaging, forthright, and often very funny narrator and author. I enjoyed learning more about his background and his earlier career experiences, and absolutely loved the vicarious thrill of going along for his journey on the West Highland Way.
This is a charming, engaging audiobook, well worth checking out!
Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Books I Read On Vacation. Picking books to take with me when I travel is one of my most important tasks! I think I spend more time planning my vacation reading than what clothes to pack.
In any case…
I always read when I travel, and usually, I associate the books I’ve read with the places I read them. So, here’s a look at ten favorites:
1) Outlander by Diana Gabaldon: What’s a top 10 list without an Outlander mention? I first read Outlander about12 years ago or so, on a family trip to Yosemite. I distinctly remember sitting on a big rock out behind our cabin, looking out at the gorgeous morning, while drinking coffee and opening my paperback to chapter one.
2) The Shining by Stephen King: The cover above is the edition (very old, falling apart paperback) I had with me on a trip to Alaska about 10 years ago. (Sadly, the entire book had come loose from the binding by the time I was done, and it was not salvageable — but I did make it through the entire book before it fell to pieces). And as an added note… I’ve brought Stephen King books with me on so many vacations! There’s something really delicious about reading a terrifying book while sitting in bright sunshine on a beach chair.
3) Dial A For Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto: So silly, such a perfect choice for a vacation read! I just read it last month while visiting my daughter in Colorado.
4) My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me edited by Kate Bernheimer: I read this collection of retold fairy tales while on a beach vacation — I needed a paperback I could get sandy and damp, since otherwise I’d only brought my Kindle with me.
5) Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery: Such a delight! I read this book while visiting family to attend a funeral, so not exactly a vacation, but it was a great choice for quieter moments when I needed a little joy and lightness to break up the mood.
6) Sourdough by Robin Sloan: Such a weird book, but it was a great travel read! I bought this on a whim at an airport bookshop (and as a rule, I never buy books at the airport). I read it on the plane and finished it within my first day in New York.
7) The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone: This was actually a pre-vacation read, but I associate it so strongly with travel that I’m including it anyway! Back in college during my junior year abroad, I took a trip to Italy with a group of friends during our spring break. We all decided to read this biographical novel about Michelangelo in preparation for our trip, and it added so much to our experiences!
8 & 9) Retellings! These are just two examples from the past couple of years, but there’s nothing like a good retelling of a favorite classic (in these cases, Pride and Prejudice and Romeo and Juliet) for a great diversion on vacation.
10) Book Lovers by Emily Henry: I’ve brought Emily Henry books with me on several vacations, and this is the most recent! I had Book Lovers with me for a road trip this year — like in all her books, there’s a sweetness balanced by emotion and humor that make for great vacation reading.
Yes, you read that right! This post is a Top 5 Tuesday post — I’m participating in the meme originally created by Shanah @ Bionic Book Worm, now hosted by Meeghan Reads.
My usually Tuesday lists are linked back to the Top Ten Tuesday meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, but I just wasn’t feeling this week’s prompt, so I thought I’d do something different.
Books to re-read!! This topic is definitely in my sweet spot, since I’m a big fan of re-reading my favorite books. I’ll usually let at least a few years go by, although sometimes, when the next book in a series is on the horizon, I’ll do a quick re-read (or audiobook listen) to get a refresher on all the details.
Here are five I plan to re-read in 2022:
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien: I’m actually planning to start a LOTR re-read this year, and I’m leaning toward starting with the audiobook of The Hobbit (narrated by Andy Serkis) — but I also have this illustrated edition on my shelf that I may choose to spend time with instead.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling: I’m looking forward to enjoying the gorgeous MinaLima edition of HP#2.
When Sorrows Come by Seanan McGuire: The newest October Daye book (#16, Be the Serpent) comes out in the fall, so before then, I’ll be doing an audio re-read of #15.
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: I read the 9th book in the Outlander series as soon as it was released this past November, but starting next week, my book group will be doing a group read, sharing and discussing two chapters per week.
Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller: This is another one for a book group discussion, and I absolutely do not mind the idea of reading it again!
Do you plan to re-read any books in 2022?
As always, if you have a TTT or T5T post this week, please share your link!
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 a pretty calm week chez moi. Work, family time… really and truly, nothing out of the ordinary. And yet, somehow it felt jam-packed and like I barely had time to relax.
Still, I must have squeezed in some reading time, since this happened at the end of the week:
What did I read during the last week?
A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw: This story of an idealistic, isolated community is full of twists and chills — a terrific read! My review is here.
Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia: This book had been sitting in my unread pile for far too long, and I finally got to it! Listening to the audio version made it even more enjoyable. My review is here.
If the Fates Allow by Rainbow Rowell: A sweet, Christmas-y treat! This short story will please fans of Fangirl, who might have wondered what ever happened to Reagan in the years since college.
Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult: For me, it feels too soon to have COVID as a fiction subject, as you can tell by my review, here.
Pop culture & TV:
Man, do I love Yellowstone! Yes, it’s got its flaws, but I just can’t look away from this tale of power and family loyalty in Montana. I finished my binge and now I’m all caught up… which means waiting for new episodes to air each week. Sigh. (I posted about my Yellowstone binge here.)
In other TV news, my son and I are enjoying Hawkeye, and I’m thrilled that the new (and final) season of The Expanse is airing!
Fresh Catch:
Even more new books this week, although somehow I managed to keep my purchases to a respectable minimum:
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Vanished Days by Susanna Kearsley: I bought this book right when it was released in October (I even sprang for a signed copy!), but haven’t settled down to read it until now. I’m excited! I’ve loved everything I’ve read by this author, and I have no doubt that this will be another great read.
Now playing via audiobook:
Gwendy’s Magic Feather by Richard Chizmar: This is the 2nd Gwendy book (the first was co-authored by Chizmar and Stephen King), and since the 3rd is being released in 2022, I thought I should catch up! Gwendy’s Magic Feather is narrated by Sons of Anarchy star Maggie Siff, and she’s wonderful. (My review of the first book, Gwendy’s Button Box, is here.)
Ongoing reads:
Doctor Zhivago is our group classic read, two chapters per week. I am several weeks behind, but since our reading schedule has a two-week break built in for the end of December, I’m trying hard to find time (and motivation) to catch up.
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.
Hard to believe that Hanukkah has already come and gone. Today is officially the last day, which means we’ve already lit the last set of candles, and it’s time to start packing away the menorahs and decorations until next year. We had some fun family gatherings and delicious latkes… and now it’s onward to the rest of December.
Reading plans for December:
I’ve come up with an unofficial, let’s-see-how-it-goes plan to try to clear my backlog of ARCs during the rest of December. I don’t think I’ll get to them all, but my goal is to read three ARCs that I was especially interested in, and then use audiobooks from the library to listen to the books whose ARCs I didn’t get to earlier in the year.
I’d like to be able to start 2022 feeling caught up on my “obligation” reading! My intention for 2022 is to focus on reading books from my shelves and reading according to my moods, rather than by commitment or to get through ARCs. We’ll see how it goes…
What did I read during the last week?
My biggest accomplishment was finishing this huge book:
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone (book #9 in the Outlander series) by Diana Gabaldon: It took me almost two weeks, but I finally made my way to the end of this 960-page book. So many thoughts… but it’s going to take me a while to digest. I’m thrilled to have read it of course — but hate the thought of waiting years to see what happens next!
Also read (listened to) this past week:
Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell: I finished this book at the end of last week, but just posted a review (here) a few days ago. Terrific sci-fi!
Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens: A fun, light-hearted contemporary romance. My review is here.
Pop culture & TV:
I’ve gotten totally hooked on Yellowstone. I powered through seasons 1 and 2 over the past week and a half, and I’m just now diving into season 3. I can’t seem to look away, especially whenever Kevin Costner is on screen — he’s just magnetic.
Fresh Catch:
More new books! A couple from a visit to a used book store, plus a few other treats:
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
I haven’t quite decided what I feel like reading next, now that I’ve finished my Outlander book… but it’ll be one of these two.
Now playing via audiobook:
If the Fates Allow by Rainbow Rowell: This short story will be a quick listen, but I’m looking forward to it! And once I finish, I’ll be starting…
Perfect Timing by Owen Nicholls, which also sound like it’ll be light and fun.
Ongoing reads:
Doctor Zhivago is our group classic read, two chapters per week. I am now a good 3 or 4 weeks behind the group, but plan to catch up this month.
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 — Thanksgiving and then Hanukkah! We had a lovely, small gathering for Thanksgiving, and had another little family gathering for the 1st night of Hanukkah last night.
My daughter was home for the week (she leaves this afternoon), and it was wonderful… although the time sped by so fast it made my head spin.
Among other fun events, we did a family theater outing over the weekend to see the touring production of My Fair Lady… it was “loverly”!
Back to regular life this week…
What did I read during the last week?
I finished two audiobooks, and loved them both:
That Summer by Jennifer Weiner: A moving, compelling contemporary novel about women’s lives and friendships. A 5-star read! My review is here.
Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell: I finally got around to this book, and I’m so glad I did! I finished it on Sunday, but haven’t had a chance to write up my thoughts yet. Review to follow.
Pop culture & TV:
Family streaming time! We watched half of Jungle Cruise and thought it was incredibly dumb; then watched Red Notice the next night and had fun with it. Apparently, the theme of our viewing this week was Dwayne Johnson — not a bad theme!
Fresh Catch:
Besides the long-awaited book currently in my hands, my other new books this week were:
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Aaaaah! It’s the 9th book in the Outlander series! I started it last Tuesday, as soon as it arrived, and I’m still only at 35%. Between the holiday week and the length of the book (990 pages!!), this is going to take a while.
Now playing via audiobook:
Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens: I needed a light listen this week, and this one was available for immediate download from the library. Cute so far!
Ongoing reads:
Doctor Zhivago is our group classic read, two chapters per week. I’m falling seriously behind the group at this point… hoping to catch up over the winter holiday break.
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 daughter is home for the week, and you won’t find a happier mama! I’m thrilled that she’ll be here for Thanksgiving and the first night of Hanukkah, and even though I have to work a couple of days this week, I’m so excited to have time to spend together.
What did I read during the last week?
Donut Fall in Love by Jackie Lau: Sweet romance between a bakery owner and a movie star, with lots of donuts and cupcakes. My review is here.
The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser: I really enjoyed this lovely story about finding new love and new beginnings. My review is here.
Written in My Own Heart’s Blood (Outlander, #8) by Diana Gabaldon: Re-read for the 3rd (maybe 4th?) time, this time as part of a group re-read with my book group. We finished just in time for the new book’s release!
Pop culture & TV:
I ventured out to the movie theater to see Belfast, and I’m so happy I did. It’s a beautiful movie, and can I help it that I especially loved seeing Caitriona Balfe (star of Outlander) in it? I really hope the cast and the movie get some Oscar love.
Fresh Catch:
At the risk of proving once and for all how obsessed I am… the only new book on my mind right now is this one, coming Tuesday:
And yeah, I did also pre-order the Kindle edition so I can dive in right at midnight on Monday!
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell: I’ve been intending to read this sci-fi book since it came out earlier this year. I’m glad I’m finally starting it! I’ve read about 25% so far, and I’m really liking it… but I’m going to have to pause in the middle once my copy of BEES arrives.
Now playing via audiobook:
That Summer by Jennifer Weinter: I’ve listened to about 50% so far, and while I have guesses about where the story is going, there’s a hidden agenda here that has me really intrigued. The narrator is Sutton Foster, and she’s wonderful.
Ongoing reads:
Doctor Zhivago is our group classic read, two chapters per week. I’m about two reading segments behind the group, but we have a couple of weeks off over the holidays, so I’ll catch up then, if not sooner. This book is way more complicated than I expected, but I’m finding it worth the effort when I have time to focus.
Bookshelf Fantasies 