Book/Audiobook Review: Waypoints: My Scottish Journey by Sam Heughan

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: Books I Read On Vacation

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.

What are the best books you’ve read on vacation?

If you wrote a TTT post, please share your link!

Save

Save

Save

Save

Top 5 Tuesday: Top 5 I want to reread in 2022

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!

The Monday Check-In ~ 12/13/2021

cooltext1850356879

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.

So many books, so little time…

boy1

The Monday Check-In ~ 12/6/2021

cooltext1850356879

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.

So many books, so little time…

boy1

The Monday Check-In ~ 11/29/2021

cooltext1850356879

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.

So many books, so little time…

boy1

The Monday Check-In ~ 11/22/2021

cooltext1850356879

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.

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Top Ten Tuesday: Books for Outlander fans

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 to Read If You Love/Loved X (X can be a genre, specific book, author, movie/TV show, etc.). I’m in the midst of an Outlander obsession at the moment, with the long-awaited book #9 coming out NEXT WEEK… so you’ll excuse me if this series is pretty much all that’s on my mind right now.

Here are 10 books I think Outlander fans should check out:

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

What’s the connection?

Set in Scotland, historical fiction, Jacobite uprising, time-slip romance (and really, can’t go wrong with any of this author’s books!)


Clanlands by Sam Heughan & Graham McTavish

What’s the connection?

Outlander stars (!!), fun facts about Scotland, lots of references to the creation and filming of the Outlander TV series


A Stitch in Time by Kelley Armstrong

What’s the connection?

A romance across time, time travel, lovers from different eras


A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

What’s the connection:

Strong female lead character, male lead who seems too good to be true, time travel (in book #2), epic romance


Finding Fraser by KC Dyer

What’s the connection?

You literally could not be more connected to Outlander! A romantic adventure in which the main character heads to Scotland to find her very own Jamie Fraser.


Poldark series by Winston Graham

What’s the connection?

Historical fiction, time period overlaps somewhat with Outlander, gorgeous settings, heroic male lead, epic romance


The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan

What’s the connection?

Set in the Scottish Highlands (and just a really enjoyable read)


On the Occasion of My Last Afternoon by Kaye Gibbons

What’s the connection?

Historical fiction, wartime medicine, women in medicine


Kate Shugak series by Dana Stabenow

What’s the connection:

Ongoing series with a remarkable, memorable woman as the lead character. Also, recommended by Diana Gabaldon via her Methadone List.


In Falling Snow by Mary-Rose MacColl

What’s the connection?

Women in medicine, wartime medicine, World War (although this is WWI, not Claire’s WWII)


Have you read any of these? Are there other books you’d recommend for people who love Outlander?

If you wrote a TTT this week, please share your links!

Save

Save

Save

Save

The Monday Check-In ~ 11/15/2021

cooltext1850356879

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.

San Francisco weather enjoys playing games with us, I’m sure of it! This week, we had summer in November — gorgeous blue skies, temperatures in the 70s, absolutely lovely! And I’m not complaining in the slightest. I got to enjoy some terrific walks by the beach and had time here and there to sit out on my back porch, basking in the sun with a good book. Bliss!

What did I read during the last week?

All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman: Gripping, dark YA drama, set in a contemporary fantasy world in which teens battle to the death for control of high magick. So good! My review is here.

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean: I just loved this audiobook about a Japanese American girl who discovers she’s actually the daughter of Japan’s Crown Prince. My review is here.

The Nobleman’s Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks by Mackenzi Li: This is the author’s 3rd book about the Montague siblings, here focusing on youngest brother Adrian. Strictly an okay read. I couldn’t be bothered to write a review.

I also read two great novellas:

One Day All This Will Be Yours by Adrian Tchaikovsky: Trippy time travel paradoxes! My review is here.

Rizzio by Denise Mina: Powerful historical fiction about a real-life murder during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I know I’m a few years behind on this one, but I just started watching season 1 of Yellowstone over the weekend… and based on just the first few episodes, I can say: This is good, y’all. I’m definitely going to keep watching!

Fresh Catch:

Well… I went a little crazy with the book buying this week. Curse you, Amazon’s 3-for-2 sale!! Here’s a look at what I bought (or see my post here for a look at all the book covers).

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Donut Fall In Love by Jackie Lau: I’m going to stick to light, upbeat reads this week. I’ve just started this one, but it’s suiting my mood — I mean, a rom-com with baked goods? How could this go wrong?

Now playing via audiobook:

The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser: I’m about 60% of the way through this charming, thoughtful audiobook about a 40-something year old woman starting over after her marriage falls apart. And really, what could be better than a story set in a Scottish bookshop?

Ongoing reads:
  • Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, #8 in the Outlander series: THE FINAL WEEK. My book group has been reading five chapters per week since May, and we finish this Friday… just in time for the release of the new book next week!
  • Doctor Zhivago is our group classic read, two chapters per week. Yikes, I’m on the verge of falling seriously behind. I have a couple of chapters I need to power through to catch back up to the group.

So many books, so little time…

boy1

The Monday Check-In ~ 11/8/2021

cooltext1850356879

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 got boosted! I’m happy that I got my booster shot, but lost about two days to mild side effects. Kind of sucky at the time (aches, chills, fever), but it’s for the greater good, so what’s two days?

On the bright side, spending two days in bed and/or cuddled up under cozy blankets drinking tea gave me extra time to read.

What did I read during the last week?

Well Matched by Jen DeLuca: The 3rd book in the Well Met series, a really fun interwoven set of love stories with the local Renaissance Faire as the connecting theme. My review is here.

You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao: This YA novel was a complete miss for me. A story of loss and moving on, it follows a teen-aged girl whose boyfriend dies in a car accident, yet finds a way to continue speaking to him through her cell phone. The premise sounded promising, but the plot itself is messy and illogical, and there are too many elements that just don’t work. I didn’t end up writing a review, but this would be a 2-star read for me at best.

The Sweetest Remedy by Jane Igharo: This, on the other hand, is a 5-star read! I love this story of finding family and connection. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

As a fan of (most of) The Vampire Diaries, I perked up when I saw a movie starring Nina Dobrev pop on on Netflix. So yeah, I watched it, and it was… not good. But hey, maybe I’m just a grinch who doesn’t enjoy Christmas-themed love stories! (No, that’s probably not it, but I’m trying to give this movie the benefit of the doubt.)

I did finish Only Murders in the Building this week, and loved it. I also got out of the house to go see Dune in IMAX (my 2nd viewing, but first in an actual movie theater), and loved being able to see it full-scale and with an amazing sound system.

Fresh Catch:

I wasn’t going to buy any books this week… and then I discovered that the special 25th anniversary edition of Drums of Autumn was just released! Obviously, I couldn’t resist.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman: I haven’t gotten all that far yet, but so far, I’m intrigued by this dark story about magical families sending representatives to fight to the death in a tournament that determines who controls magic. At least, that’s what I think the story is about — I’m only about three chapters in, and it’s not completely clear to me! Basically, Hunger Games with magic… maybe?

Now playing via audiobook:

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean: This is a really sweet, fun twist on the “I’m actually a princess!” trope — Japanese-American high school student Izumi discovers that she’s the secret illegitimate daughter of the Crown Prince of Japan, and is suddenly swept up in a whirlwind of court manners and royal luxury as she meets her father for the first time and must learn what it means to be part of his family. I’ve listened to about 40%, and I’m really enjoying it.

Ongoing reads:
  • Outlander Book Club is doing a speed-re-read of Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, #8 in the Outlander series. We’re reading and discussing 5 chapters per week. This week: Chapters 136- 140. Two weeks to go… just in time for the release of Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone.
  • Doctor Zhivago is our group classic read, two chapters per week. I’m keeping up… barely.

So many books, so little time…

boy1