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 my son’s birthday this past weekend. My baby is 19!! Where did the time go?

Other than that, it’s been a busy week, catching up on work after being away, and always feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done and still have time to read, watch TV, and try to fit in a bit of exercise too!

What did I read during the last week?

She Wouldn’t Change a Thing by Sarah Adlakha: This time-travel thriller seems to have high ratings on Goodreads, but it just didn’t do it for me. My review is here.

Yours Cheerfully by AJ Pearce: A nice historical fiction follow-up to the 2018 novel Dear Mrs. Bird. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

This was the week I fell in love with Love, Victor! I also managed to catch up on season 2 of A Discovery of Witches, and I’m excited to start watching the first four episodes of the final season of Grace & Frankie (the rest of the season airs in 2022).

Fresh Catch:

No new books!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Juggling two books:

Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips: My book group’s discussion of this book is coming up this week, and I’ve barely even started! I need to get down to some serious reading if I’m going to finish in time.

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo: I’m also continuing with the Grisha books. Onward to #2!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Stand-In by Lily Chu: I didn’t have much listening time this past week, but I’m really liking this super cute story of an ordinary woman asked to become a secret stand-in for a movie star. Lots of fun!

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. Let me know if you want to join in — the more, the merrier! This week: Chapters 76 – 80.

Also in book group, we’re doing a group read of A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen. Two more weeks to go.

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.

Home again! I got back Saturday from a week back east visiting family. Loads of fun, and I was so happy to be able to get time with a bunch of family members and friends, and especially my dad. Now I’m back, gearing up for a return to my work/life routine.

While I was away, I was pretty bad about keeping up with other bloggers and leaving comments, but I hope to get back into the swing of things this week!

On the (very) bright side, being away for a week and having a pretty relaxed scheduled meant that I had LOTS of time to read. Check out all of this week’s books!

What did I read during the last week?

Enjoy the View (Moose Springs, #3) by Sarah Morgenthaler: The 3rd in this cute Alaska-set romance series. My series wrap-up post is here.

On the Way to the Wedding (Bridgertons, #8) by Julia Quinn: That’s it — I’ve read all the Bridgerton books! Now I just need the next season of the Netflix series. My review is here.

The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz: This thriller kept me on the edge of my seat! My review is here.

The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary: I just finished this audiobook, and really enjoyed it. Review to follow.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo: I’m late to the party, I know, but after watching season 1 of the Netflix series, I thought I should give the books a try. I enjoyed Shadow and Bone, but there’s actually almost nothing in this book that wasn’t shown in the TV version, so it wasn’t a particularly exciting reading experience. Still, I intend to keep going. I do like it, just haven’t encountered anything new yet.

Pop culture & TV:

I started watching season 1 of Love, Victor (on Hulu) on the plane ride home, and it’s so good! I’ve only watched 4 episodes so far — but it’s nice to have my next binge all lined up.

Fresh Catch:

No new books!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

She Wouldn’t Change a Thing by Sarah Adlakha: I don’t know much about this book other than that it’s compared to Sliding Doors in a blurb, and that’s enough to make me want to read it! As of when I’m writing this post, I’m just about to get started.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Stand-In by Lily Chu: This audiobook looked really cute and was FREE on Audible, plus it’s narrated by Phillipa Soo, so how could it be bad? I’m only about an hour into it so far, but I’m liking 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. Let me know if you want to join in — the more, the merrier! This week: Chapters 71 – 75.

Also in book group, we’re doing a group read of A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen. This is the 2nd of (I think) 4 weeks, and we’re already getting into some good discussions. And, it’s nice to have a shorter classic to discuss after spending the past year on Don Quixote!

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.

And back to the East Coast I go! I’m spending one week back east so I can spend time with my father at his nursing home. Apart from visiting every day, I don’t have anything in particular planned so far. I’ll need to do a little work most days, but other than that, hope to catch up with a few old friends and see some family, walk at some pretty beaches and parks, and (of course) fit in a lot of reading!

What did I read during the last week?

Mistletoe & Mr. Right (Moose Springs, #2) by Sarah Morgenthaler: The cover basically tells you all you need to know! I finished the audiobook of this light romance set in a cute Alaskan town. It’s feel-good fluff, and I liked it a lot.

It’s In His Kiss (Bridgertons, #7) by Julia Quinn: Bridgerton books are always fun, and #7 is no exception! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Between the Olympics and visiting houseguests, I really didn’t spend too much time in front of the TV (other than watching swimming, gymnastics, and — oddly — rugby). But, I did manage to get caught up on season 2 of A Discovery of Witches, which made me really happy (and made me want to reread the books.)

Fresh Catch:

No new books! I mean, yeah, I did buy a couple of Kindle books and got a couple of ARCs via NetGalley… so I guess I should actually say — no new physical books!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig: I’m at close to 30%, and I hate to say it, but I think I’m going to pause for now. I’m not quite ready to call this one a DNF, but I’m just not really in the mood at the moment, so I’ll set it aside and see how I feel if I read some other books and then come back to it.

The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz: After reading Barbara’s great review over at Book Club Mom, I couldn’t resist starting this book right away (and yay for my library having a digital copy available at exactly the right moment.) I’m just getting started, but I’m liking it so far.

Now playing via audiobook:

Enjoy the View (Moose Springs, #3) by Sarah Morgenthaler: Giving in to temptation and continuing straight on through the Moose Springs book!

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. Let me know if you want to join in — the more, the merrier! This week: Chapters 66 – 70.

Also in book group, we’ve just started a group read of A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen, which we’re reading over the course of 3 – 4 weeks. I know I read this back in high school, but really don’t remember much about it.

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 have barely had time to read this week! We have family visiting, which is awesome, but also means that my usual “me time” has kind of disappeared. I’ve also spent most of the week working at my office rather than at home, and while it’s been fun to be back and see coworkers again, it’s a BIG adjustment in terms of lifestyle. (Whaaaaat??? I can’t wear pajama pants and slippers all day?)

What did I read during the last week?

Any Way the Wind Blows by Rainbow Rowell: The 3rd and final book in the Simon Snow trilogy! I’m so sad to see it come to an end. I love these characters so much! My review is here.

The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix: Just as weird as you’d expect a new horror novel by this author to be! My review is here.

Bookish events:

This past weekend, my book group had a Zoom discussion with William Kent Krueger, the author of the beautiful This Tender Land. He was witty and engaging, very open to answering our questions, and so smart and kind. As if I had any doubt, I absolutely need to read more of his books! (I haven’t gotten around to writing an actual review of the book yet, but my two-word version is: Loved. It.)

Pop culture & TV:

I’ve been watching season 2 of Never Have I Ever on Netflix, and it’s just as good as season 1! I’d hoped to finish already, but well, life gets in the way.

Puzzle of the Week:

This week, I did my 4th and final puzzle in a series (The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady). This was a tough one — so much grass! Green, green, and more green. But I really liked it.

Fresh Catch:

Related to my recent puzzles, I only just learned that the puzzles are based on illustrations from a book — and once I knew that, I just had to have it. I bought myself a copy this week, and it’s beautiful:

I also treated myself to another book by William Kent Krueger, after our amazing book group discussion with him. Although I think the group may select this one as a monthly read for next year, so now my dilemma is — read now, or wait for the group?

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig: I loved Wanderers when I read it last year, and I’m really excited to be starting this new book.

Now playing via audiobook:

Mistletoe & Mr. Right (Moose Springs, #2) by Sarah Morgenthaler: I’ve listened to about half so far. It’s sweet and charming — definitely light entertainment, which is something I needed this week.

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. Let me know if you want to join in — the more, the merrier! This week: Chapters 61 – 65.

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.

A busy workweek, but what else is new? The sun finally came out over the weekend, and I spent every second I could outside!

What did I read during the last week?

Flash Fire by TJ Klune: The 2nd book in The Extraordinaries trilogy. I just want to give this book a hug — I love it so much. My review is here.

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger: Wonderful book. For once, I finished my book group book ahead of schedule! I haven’t had a chance to write up a review yet, but I’ll try to get to it this week.

Pop culture & TV:

I binged season 3 of Virgin River this week, and loved and was annoyed by just as much as with the first two season! I wrote up some thoughts here.

Puzzle of the Week:

This is the 3rd of a series of 4 puzzles (The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady). I finished Winter last week, and am almost done with Summer.

Fresh Catch:

I love The Extraordinaries books so much that I treated myself to hardcover editions of books 1 and 2. What can I say — I had Amazon credits burning a hole in my pocket!

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What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Any Way the Wind Blows by Rainbow Rowell: The 3rd and final Simon Snow book! I only had time to read about half this week, but I’m loving it so far (and so sad this is the end of the saga!).

Now playing via audiobook:

Mistletoe & Mr. Right (Moose Springs, #2) by Sarah Morgenthaler: After a more serious audiobook this past week, I’m starting a light and fluffy romance. I don’t usually go for Christmas stories, but I liked the first book in this series, and what’s not to love about finding romance in Alaska?

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. Let me know if you want to join in — the more, the merrier! This week: Chapters 56 – 60.

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 ended up under the weather on Saturday, but at least I got to read and watch TV! Unfortunately, I missed out on spending the day at a park, but I guess it can wait until next weekend.

What did I read during the last week?

Incense and Sensibility by Sonali Dev: A terrific Sense and Sensibility retelling that works on its own as well. My review is here.

While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory: The 6th book in the loosely-connected The Wedding Date series is fun and romantic. My review is here.

Beth & Amy by Virginia Kantra: A really enjoyable follow-up to Meg & Jo. Definitely recommended for Little Women fans! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

What impact did the pandemic have on my pop culture life? For one thing, I’d never seen a Fast & Furious movie before, and now I’ve seen them all! This past week, I ventured out to a movie theater to see the newest, F9, and it was just as dumb and just as much fun as I’d expected.

I mean, what are the laws of physics when you’ve got family?

Puzzle of the Week:

I actually wrote a whole post about why I love this Shakespeare puzzle so much! See it here.

Fresh Catch:

I continue to indulge… new books this week include a travel guide I’m excited to put into action and an illustrated version of a favorite:

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The new Simon Snow book came out this week, and I couldn’t resist getting a copy of the 1st book in the series to match #2 (that I already owned) and #3 (that arrived this week). Look how awesome!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Flash Fire by TJ Klune: This is the sequel to last year’s The Extraordinaries, and it’s off to a great start. (I had intended to start the Simon Snow book next, but I’m trying really hard to not fall behind on my ARCs…)

Now playing via audiobook:

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger: My book group’s pick for July. I have two weeks to get it done!

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. Let me know if you want to join in — the more, the merrier! This week: Chapters 51 – 55.

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 4th of July! I hope you all did something fun to celebrate! Picnic? Fireworks? Hiking? Whatever it was, I hope it was fun.

As for me, I’m just psyched to have a 3-day weekend. More time to read!!

What did I read during the last week?

The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison. A new story set in the world of The Goblin Emperor. My review is here.

Questland by Carrie Vaughn: A quest set on an island that uses technology to create fantasy worlds. A fun adventure – my review is here.

Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell: I finished my audio re-read! I love these characters and the story so much. (If you’re interested, check out my review from when I first read this book, here.) Can’t wait for the 3rd and final book in the trilogy to arrive this week!

Pop culture & TV:

Continuing our MCU watching, my son and I started watching Loki on Disney+ this week. Four episodes are available so far, and it’s good! Although a bit weird to see Loki wearing a button down shirt and tie.

I also started watching Kevin Can F**k Himself (yes, that’s the actual title, asterisks and all). It’s so strange and completely absorbing, and Annie Murphy is awesome in it.

Puzzle of the Week:

I’m on a roll! Here’s this week’s puzzle:

Big surprise – I’m always drawn to bookstore-themed puzzles!

Fresh Catch:

Two new purchased books plus an ARC arrived this week:

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What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Incense and Sensibility by Sonali Dev: These Austen retellings are so much fun!

Now playing via audiobook:

Beth & Amy by Victoria Kantra: I guess this is a good week for retellings! This contemporary retelling of Little Women is the author’s follow up to Meg & Jo, which I really enjoyed.

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. Let me know if you want to join in — the more, the merrier! This week: Chapters 46 – 50.

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 workweek… with not a ton of reading time. Sigh.

What did I read during the last week?

The World Gives Way by Marissa Levien: Surprising and fascinating. My review is here.

Skye Falling by Mia McKenzie: Entertaining contemporary fiction — my review is here.

A Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier: My book group’s pick for June. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

My son and I finished our on-again, off-again rewatch of the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies. We watched in chronological order — gotta say, it was quite fun to watch them all again, and I realized that I’d forgotten a ton of the details. Now I’m all ready for TV Loki and for the release of Black Widow next month!

Puzzle of the Week:

I actually finished two this week! (Hmm, maybe that’s why I didn’t have much reading time…)

This one was super fun:

And I really enjoyed this one too:

Fresh Catch:

I treated myself to a bunch of books this week — just couldn’t resist some of the Prime Day deals!

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What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison: A short-ish novel set in the world of The Goblin Emperor. I haven’t gotten very far just yet, but I love being in this world.

Now playing via audiobook:

Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell: The 3rd Simon Snow book comes out next week, which means it’s time for me to re-read #2! I just started this audiobook yesterday, and I’m already loving getting back to Simon and Baz.

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. Let me know if you want to join in — the more, the merrier! This week: Chapters 41 – 45.

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.

Wishing a Happy Father’s Day to all the dads in our lives! Here at home, my husband was treated to a barbecue that he didn’t have to cook himself! Our (adult) boys planned and prepared a yummy dinner. I graciously offered to do the dishes.

I wish I’d been able to see my own father in person, but since we’re on opposite coasts, I had to settle for a FaceTime visit.

Meanwhile, I don’t know why, but once again it’s been a slow reading week. I feel like I’m always falling behind!

What did I read during the last week?

Rabbits by Terry Miles: Such a strange book. Great cover, though — right? My review is here.

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison: I finished my audiobook re-read! I love this book so much, and listening to the audiobook is an amazing experience. There’s something so magical about hearing all the names and places and strange concepts spoken aloud. Highly recommended!

Pop culture & TV:

My first post-COVID movie theater outing! I went to see In the Heights — loved the movie, but it took a bit for it not to feel strange to be sitting in a theater with other people. (And I kind of missed the watching-from-my-couch experience, where I’m able to hit pause and go get snacks whenever I want…)

Puzzle of the Week:

I’m getting back to my puzzles! I even got myself a new table for puzzling on, just the right size. I’m working on a puzzle with the theme “Inspirational Women”. Fun!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The World Gives Way by Marissa Levien: Not what I expected, but it’s holding my interest! I thought I’d finish on Sunday, but ended up busy with family and didn’t read at all. I’m almost done — should have a review up in the next few days.

Skye Falling by Mia McKenzie: Just getting started!

Now playing via audiobook:

A Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier: My book group’s pick for June. I’m a little behind, but I’ll catch up to the group soon, I hope.

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. Let me know if you want to join in — the more, the merrier! This week: Chapters 36 – 40.

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 workweek, but I managed to get outside a bit and enjoy the nice weather. And yet again, I somehow ended up with far less reading time than I expected.

What did I read during the last week?

The Ninth Metal by Benjamin Percy: Terrific science fiction! My review is here.

I Don’t Forgive You by Aggie Blum Thompson: Suburban thriller — could be a good beach read. My review is here

Pop culture & TV:

My son and I have been watching the MCU movies in release order, on and off, over the last couple of months. We got back into it this week, and watched Doctor Strange, Spider Man: Homecoming, and Thor: Ragnorak. Good times!

I also started Sweet Tooth on Netflix, and I’m loving it! I think I have three episodes left.

Puzzle of the Week:

Once again, none. It’s been a busy week!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Rabbits by Terry Miles: I’ve read about 50% so far. All about a secret, underground game that seems to be altering reality. It’s weird, but oddly compelling.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison: This is taking me forever, which sucks, because I love this book! I just haven’t had much listening time.

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. Let me know if you want to join in — the more, the merrier! This week: Chapters 31 – 35.

As for my other ongoing book club read, I’ve decided to quit our classic, Castle Rackrent by Maria Edgeworth. It just wasn’t catching my attention, and there are plenty of other books for me to read!

So many books, so little time…