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…

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 took a day off this past Friday, for no real reason except that I was about to max out on my vacation time at work — so with the MLK holiday today, that’s a 4-day weekend! What did I do with it, you may ask? Slept in, enjoyed the lovely weather by reading outside and going for walks, and random projects around my house.

So, not much different than any other weekend over the past two years… but it was nice to rest and have no pressure for two extra days!

What did I read during the last week?

Pop culture & TV:

I’m so sad that the excellent TV series adaptation of The Expanse has now aired its finale! The ending was satisfying, but also frustrating since there are another four books in the series, so I wish the show had continued as well. If anyone hasn’t tried it yet and is looking for a great show to binge, don’t miss this one!

I’m sharing the trailer for season 1, although it’s funny seeing it and realizing just how much the show evolved and changed over six seasons.

In other viewing news, I finished Station Eleven. I’m still puzzling out how I felt about it, but overall, I’m really impressed by the thoughtfulness of the production. Now I’m feeling like I should go back and re-read the book, since I don’t remember many of the details (and I believe the TV version made quite a few changes.)

Puzzle of the Week:

Another really pretty puzzle from Eeboo (title: Urban Gardening). Fun and a good challenge!

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week — I stumbled across a Q&A with the author, and had to buy myself a copy:

Isn’t that an awesome cover? This is a short story collection, and it sounds amazing.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Stormsong by C. L. Polk: Continuing the Kingston Cycle books!

Now playing via audiobook:

In a Book Club Far Away by Tif Marcelo: I’ve listened to about half of this book so far. It’s a story about friendship between military wives, centered around a book club, and I like what I’ve heard up to this point.

Ongoing reads:

One of my casual goals for 2022 is to spend some time with the pretty art books and coffee table books that I’ve picked up over the years. I have several that I’ve never done more than just glance at. This book is one that I bought more recently, after doing a series of jigsaw puzzles based on it. It looks lovely, so I think I’m going to keep it on my nightstand and look through it a few pages at a time over the next few weeks.

This week’s update: Almost halfway! The book is a journal covering one year, and I’ve read up through May.

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 birthday to my amazing, lovely, funny daughter! I wish I could be with her to celebrate… but here’s hoping our next visit isn’t too far in the future.

What did I read during the last week?

Pop culture & TV:

Nothing super special this week — just more episodes of the ongoing shows I’m currently watching (Claws, The Expanse, This Is Us, black-ish), and I watched a couple episodes of a few different streaming shows, including The Great, Station Eleven, and Ghosts (the British version).

Fresh Catch:

I didn’t buy books this week, but I did indulge myself with a little book-adjacent treat:

Yup, those are three Funko Pops characters from Pride & Prejudice & Zombies which, I’m not ashamed to say, is one of my very favorite Austen adaptations!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski: This is a re-read for me — I decided I wanted to get back into the Witcher series, but before I can move forward, I need a refresher on this book and the next.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood: Cute so far! And I really like that it’s about a woman pursuing a STEM career.

Ongoing reads:

One of my casual goals for 2022 is to spend some time with the pretty art books and coffee table books that I’ve picked up over the years. I have several that I’ve never done more than just glance at. This book is one that I bought more recently, after doing a series of jigsaw puzzles based on it. It looks lovely, so I think I’m going to keep it on my nightstand and look through it a few pages at a time over the next few weeks.

This week’s update: This book is organized by month, and so far I’ve read all of January! The illustrations are beautiful, and I’m enjoyed the diary entries about the natural world, but to be honest, there’s a bit too much poetry included. (I lack an appreciation for poetry, sad to say).

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 New Year! Wishing one and all a joyful, happy, and healthy 2022!

Reading and blogging:

A new year means a new Goodreads challenge! Here’s my 2022 goal:

I’m intentionally setting my goal slightly lower than my 2021 goal and final reading numbers. I know I have some BIG books on my to-read list for 2022, and I want to be able to take my time!

Wrapping up 2021:

Weirdly, a book I finished on December 31st isn’t included in this Goodreads summary, but close enough, I guess! And I always appreciate GR’s little words of encouragement:

Also, over the weekend, I posted a list of the series I’m hoping to get to in 2022 (you can see it here), and see below (under “ongoing reads”) for a quasi-goal I have about actually enjoying and spending time with some of my pretty, decorative books this year.

What did I read during the last week?

Read and reviewed:

The Scenic Route by Nnedi Okorafor: A fun short story set in the world of Akata Witch and Akata Warrior. With the next book (Akata Woman) coming out this month, it was great to reconnect with a couple of the characters.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers: I didn’t get a chance to write a proper review, but this novella was a 5-star read for sure! It’s beautifully written and thoughtful, but with moments of humor too. Can’t wait for the follow-up book, to be released later in 2022.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished watching Wheel of Time, and my overall reaction is.. meh. Some interesting concepts and sequences, but the episodes for the most part felt really, really slow. And I was confused by some of the interpersonal relationships — for example, a hook-up in episode 7 that seemed to come out of the blue between two characters with zero chemistry, except I think we were meant to believe that there had been building attraction, maybe?

I’m wondering — should I bother with the books? Or just wait for season 2, whenever that might be, and leave it as a viewing entertainment only?

In other streaming/watching entertainment, my son and I really enjoyed Don’t Look Up on Netflix, and finished The Witcher, season 2 (which does make me want to pick up the books again).

Puzzle time:

Spending the week at home gave me plenty of time for puzzles!

This is another terrific one from Eeboo — it’s called Ancient Apothecary, and was a lot of fun.

Fresh Catch:

I didn’t intend to buy any more books this week, but since I just happened to stop by my favorite local bookstore this week, I couldn’t walk away empty handed! I found this used hardcover for sale, in excellent condition:

I do already own a paperback edition, but it’s quite beat-up and tattered by now, so this feels like a special find!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Shipped by Angie Hockman: I don’t remember buying this — there must have been a Kindle price drop that enticed me — but anyway, it popped up on my home screen over the weekend and I decided to give it a try. Very standard lightweight romance material, but at least it’s going fast!

Now playing via audiobook:

Getaway by Zoje Stage: This story of a Grand Canyon hike gone wrong is terrifying. I think I have about an hour’s worth of listening to go.

Ongoing reads:

One of my casual goals for 2022 is to spend some time with the pretty art books and coffee table books that I’ve picked up over the years. I have several that I’ve never done more than just glance at. This book is one that I bought more recently, after doing a series of jigsaw puzzles based on it. It looks lovely, so I think I’m going to keep it on my nightstand and look through it a few pages at a time over the next few weeks.

So many books, so little time…