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.

Yet another ridiculously crazy workweek, during which I had my work projects on my brain pretty much every waking moment… which meant that my ability to relax and focus on books was… let’s say, strained and unreliable. I did manage to squeeze in some reading, but always in stolen moments and with my attention pretty scattered. Ugh… but at least there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and I should get past this intense project within a few more weeks.

Other than that… it’s been quiet at the house, after our various holiday visitors headed back to their own homes. I’m trying to do a bit of cleaning and reorganizing… and yes, I’m even attempting teeny little bits of organizing when it comes to my bookshelves!

In terms of reading plans — I spent most of November and December reading randomly, according to my mood in the moment, but now that it’s January, I have (virtual) stacks of ARCs waiting to be read. Somehow, without intending to, I committed to lots of ARCs for January, February, and March, so I’m going to try my best to stay on track!

Oh, and here’s a kitty picture, just because:

I call this one “Astronaut Kitty”… but really, it’s just Benjy’s new backpack carrier, which he seems to enjoy a lot on his outings.

What did I read during the last week?

Ghost Talkers by Mary Robinette Kowal: A fascinating story about mediums channeling the dead to support the British army during WWI. My review is here.

The Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler: The revival of the mammoth species is at the heart of this tightly written novella. My review is here.

Get Lucky by Katherine Center: A light, enjoyable audiobook listen. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’m still watching Crash Landing on You on Netflix! Most episodes are about an hour and a half, so I’m only managing one per night. I have four left — it’s so good!

All Creatures Great and Small is back for a new season! It’s so nice to spend time with James, Helen, and the gang again.

It was very rainy over the weekend, and I was annoyed at being stuck indoors… and then decided to take my self to a movie. I ended up seeing The Color Purple, and I’m so glad I did. It’s really a terrific movie, and I appreciated the musical numbers much more than I did when I saw the stage version several years ago (which was in a theater with terrible acoustics). Has anyone else seen it yet? Here’s the trailer:

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett: The follow-up to last year’s big hit, Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries. I’ve just passed the halfway point, and don’t want to put it down!

Now playing via audiobook:

Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman: This is my second audiobook by this author, and I’m loving it. I just wish I had more listening time — dying to see where the story goes!

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• Outlander Book Club is doing a group re-read of Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2), reading and discussing two chapters per week. Coming up this week: Chapters 30 and 31 (of 49). Progress: 54%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. We’re back starting today, after a two-week break for the holidays. Progress: 34%.

What will you be reading this 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.

Happy New Year! Here’s to a year of joy, health, appreciation… and lots of lots of books!

My husband and I broke our annual tradition of staying home on New Year’s Eve — for the first time in many, many years, we actually went out to celebrate! We enjoyed a lovely meal at a favorite restaurant… although we still made it home in time to be cozied up in pajamas well before midnight.

Year in review:

My Goodreads challenge goal for 2023 was 150, and I made it to 178! (Actually, 179 — I finished one more graphic novel at the end of the day on 12/31, but didn’t bother updating my record for the year.)

Even though I exceeded my goal in 2023, I plan to keep the same number for my 2024 target. I like to make sure I have breathing space and ability to take my time with longer books, if I feel like it.

A few other statistics from this past year, according to Goodreads:

• Shortest book: The Bookstore Sisters by Alice Hoffman (36 pages)
• Longest book: Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon (902 pages)
• Average book length: 316 pages
• Most shelved: Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid — 2,782,872 people also shelved (!)
• Least shelved: The Vintage Village Bake Off by Judy Leigh — 331 people also shelved (but I suspect the number is low only because it was released in late December)
• Average rating: 4.1 stars
• Number of 5-star reads: 60
• Star rating used most often: 4 stars
• Star rating used least often: 2 stars
• Star rating not used at all: 1 star
• DNFs: 4 (only counting those that I stuck with for more than a page or two)

I’ll share a small selection of my favorite books from 2023 for tomorrow’s Top Ten Tuesday post.

What did I read during the last week?

Emmett by L. C. Rosen: This contemporary, queer retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma is everything I’d hoped for, and more. Just loved it. My review is here.

The Vintage Village Bake Off by Judy Leigh: A Judy Leigh audiobook is always a good time! My review is here.

Not the Ones Dead (Kate Shugak, #23) by Dana Stabenow: Can you believe that a 23-book series is still this good? I love these books – #23 is no exception. My review is here.

Ruined by Sarah Vaughn: A really enjoyable graphic novel! Highly recommended (and my final book of 2023).

Pop culture & TV:

My family went to see The Boys in the Boat on Christmas Day, and thought it was great! I really enjoyed the book when I read it several years ago. The movie can’t capture it all, but even so, it was very uplifting to experience.

We also went to the theater to see the touring production of Broadway’s The Lion King, and loved it! I’d seen it quite a while back, but seeing it again was just wonderful. I’d forgotten just how beautiful the staging, sets, costumes, and dancing all are.

I’m continuing my way through Crash Landing on You on Netflix. It’s so good! I’m not quite at the halfway point yet (I still have 9 episodes to go), but I’m so happy I decided to give it a try.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Ghost Talkers by Mary Robinette Kowal: The only novel by this author that I haven’t read yet… so it’s about time!

Now playing via audiobook:

Get Lucky by Katherine Center: An earlier book by an author I always enjoy. Just getting started!

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• Outlander Book Club is doing a group re-read of Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2), reading and discussing two chapters per week. Coming up this week: Chapters 28 and 29 (of 49). Progress: 51%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 34%. (We’re taking a two-week break over the holidays, picking back up the week of January 8th.)

What will you be reading this 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.

Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating today! As for me, I’m not — but I am enjoying the day off, and plan to have a low-key day which may (or may not) include a long walk, quiet reading time, and possibly even a movie outing.

Meanwhile (I feel like a broken record), it was a busy week and I barely had time to read. I’m still in the midst of a major work project which won’t be done for several more weeks… I need a vacation!

On the bright side, we have family in town through the end of this week, and that’s been fun — lots of dinners and silliness.

What did I read during the last week?

This Winter by Alice Oseman: A sweet novella set in the world of Heartstopper.

My Roommate Is A Vampire by Jenna Levine: A very silly romance, fun but flawed. My review is here.

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride: It’s a bit outside of my usual reading preferences, but I still appreciated the artistry of this novel. My thoughts are here.

Pop culture & TV:

Survivor wrapped up its 45th season, and it was… fine. Not especially memorable, but my son and I remained entertained throughout. Good enough.

I just started Crash Landing on You on Netflix, and honestly, it’s such a joy so far! I think I’m very late to the party on this one. Has anyone (everyone?) else watched it?

Fresh Catch:

I gave in to temptation and ordered a complete set of five signed hardcovers from Mary Robinette Kowal! I already own paperbacks of the series (The Glamourist Histories — so good!), but when I saw a post from the author mentioning that a limited number of the hardcovers were available, I couldn’t resist.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Emmett by L. C. Rosen: A gender-flipped LGBTQ+ retelling of Emma by a favorite author? Yes, please!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Vintage Village Bake Off by Judy Leigh: I can always count on a Judy Leigh book to brighten my day.

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• Outlander Book Club is doing a group re-read of Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2), reading and discussing two chapters per week. Coming up this week: Chapters 26 and 27 (of 49). Progress: 47%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 34%. (We’re taking a two-week break over the holidays, picking back up the week of January 8th.)

What will you be reading this 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.

Hanukkah has ended, but it’s not really over! We have family arriving in town over the next week, and have already promised to do a post-Hanukkah Hanukkah celebration while we’re all together. More candles! More latkes! Who could say no to that?

Work is still intense, and will continue to be through the end of my huge project, probably sometime in January. I’m hoping for a few days off before the end of the year, but on the other hand, I could really use the time to get ahead and wrap up a few things. We shall see.

What did I read during the last week?

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros: All I can say is — thank goodness I’m done. I slogged through this massive tome without much joy, and I’m relieved to have made it to the end. My review is here.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins: I read this book when it first came out (review), and after seeing the recently released movie, decided to revisit it via audiobook. The narration (by Santino Fontana) is terrific, and it was a totally enjoyable listen. Highly recommended!

Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley: A sweet holiday romance. My review is here.

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan: My book group’s pick for December. This is a beautifully written novella, which I was able to read in one sitting. Looking forward to my book group discussion later in the week!

Pop culture & TV:

Fantastic end to this season of The Amazing Race! I honestly would have been happy with any of the three final pairs winning. Such a fun show!

I’m watching the last batch of The Crown episodes — I’ve watched three of the final six so far, and really, they’re pretty dull so far. I’m hoping the last three manage to tie up the series well.

Fresh Catch:

Beautiful new anniversary special editions of books 2 and 3 in The Expanse series were just released, and naturally, I had to get them for myself! They’re really gorgeous editions, and the reverse of the dust jackets shows the cover illustrations from the original paperbacks. I hope they release the rest of the series to match!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

This Winter by Alice Oseman: A novella set in the world of Heartstopper! I just borrowed this from the library — totally on a whim — and I plan to read it over the next day or so.

After that, it’ll be time to dive back into a full-sized novel, and here’s what I’m leaning toward (although let’s see where my mood takes me once I’m ready to start):

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride: This book seems to be included on EVERY “best of” list for 2023 — I’m looking forward to seeing what all the praise it about.

Now playing via audiobook:

My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine: Cute and funny so far — just what I needed!

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• Outlander Book Club is doing a group re-read of Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2), reading and discussing two chapters per week. Coming up this week: Chapters 24 and 25 (of 49). Progress: 45%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 30%.

What will you be reading this 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.

It’s Hanukkah! We have a few nights more to go, and my family is having oodles of fun with candle-lighting, latkes, and all-around goofiness.

We did our gift exchange on the first night, and even our kitty got in on the action:

On the other hand, work is intense and stressful right now, and I’ve barely had time to read. In fact, I haven’t finished a single book this week! That’s partially because both my ebook and audiobook reads are very long, but also, I just haven’t had time (or the concentration) to make much progress.

What did I read during the last week?

I’m still on the same book I started last weekend, but I did manage to post one review since then:

In Every Generation by Kendare Blake: Book 1 in a Buffyverse trilogy — here’s my review.

Pop culture & TV:

If you haven’t checked out Fisk on Netflix, now is the time to do it! It’s a quicky Australian comedy, two seasons available — lots of fun.

Somehow I got sucked into watching Dancing with the Stars this season (despite its cheesiness), and I was happy to see my favorite couple win! Here’s a peek at one of their great performances:

Fresh Catch:

A few new books arrived this week:

They all look amazing… where to start???

And — oops! I went to the library to pick up a hold request that had just come in — for ONE book — and somehow managed to come home with a whole stack!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros: I’ve been reading this book for a week now, and I’ve finally gotten to 75%. This is taking FOREVER.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (The Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins: Another longer book (15+ hours via audio) — it’s enjoyable and well-done, but it feels like I’ll never be done.

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• Outlander Book Club is doing a group re-read of Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2), reading and discussing two chapters per week. Coming up this week: Chapters 22 and 23 (of 49). Progress: 41%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 27%.

What will you be reading this 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.

I’m in the middle of a huge project at work with big deadlines looming… so while everyone else seems to be winding down into holiday mode, I’m getting more and more stressed — which is probably why I haven’t had much reading time or focus this past week. Sigh… should see an improvement in 2 – 3 weeks (fingers crossed!).

What did I read during the last week?

Clanlands in New Zealand by Sam Heughan & Graham McTavish: A really fun road trip/buddy adventure — lots of adrenaline, banter, and a smidge of history too. My audiobook review is here.

The Honeymoon Crashers by Christina Lauren: A fun, fluffy audiobook original. If you enjoyed The Unhoneymooners, check this one out — it’s a follow-up, with some new and some familiar characters.

In Every Generation by Kendare Blake: Book 1 in a Buffyverse trilogy! I’ll post a review later this week.

Pop culture & TV:

Virgin River dropped its two Christmas episodes this past week, wrapping up season 5. They’re exactly what you’d expect from Christmas episodes — they mostly feel like something you’d see on Hallmark, with not much at all of substance happening except in the final few minutes of the second episode (where some drama is introduced to set up the next season). Oh, and for those keeping score, Charmaine finally has her babies! The pregnancy lasted more than four seasons on the show — no wonder they have her comment that she feels like she’s been pregnant for years!

In other viewing news, my daughter introduced me to Fisk, which is a terrific Australian comedy that just dropped its second season. I’ve only watched the first season so far — six 30-minute episodes, so much fun.

Fresh Catch:

I had some trade-in credits at my favorite bookstore, and came home with these two books:

I read Doll Bones years ago, but didn’t have my own copy, and I’m excited to read it again. Hag-Seed is a retelling of The Tempest, and now that I’ve both seen a production of and read The Tempest, I’m looking forward to seeing what Margaret Atwood does with the story.

I thought I’d had my fill of spending money on books (ha!), and then I found out about the new anniversary edition of Fangirl… how could I resist? My copy arrived this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros: I bought this book right when it came out last month, and feel like this is a good week to get started. Just about to dive in…

Now playing via audiobook:

The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (The Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins: After seeing the new movie a couple of weeks ago, I’ve decided to revisit the book.

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• Outlander Book Club is doing a group re-read of Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2). We’ll be reading and discussing two chapters per week. Anyone who’s interested is welcome to join in — message me for info! Coming up this week: Chapters 20 and 21 (of 49). Progress: 36%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 24%.

What will you be reading this 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.

I hope everyone who celebrates Thanksgiving had a great holiday! We had a small but very fun (and delish) family dinner, and I loved having my daughter home for the long weekend.

What did I read during the last week?

Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison: Terrific horror story with an amazing twist. My review is here.

Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell: My latest Classics Club Spin book, warm and cozy. My thoughts are here.

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert: This YA novel is a fun read, but made almost no impression on me. 3 stars — didn’t feel like I had enough to say to write a review.

Good Girls Don’t Die by Christina Henry: What a ride! I gobbled this book up in one day. Review to follow.

Pop culture & TV:

I went to see the new Hunger Games movie! The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was actually very good — and now I want to reread the book.

I finished watching the first batch of season six episodes for The Crown (the rest of season six drops in a couple of weeks). It’s heartbreaking to watch the events leading up to and including Diana’s death, knowing what’s about to happen and reliving the tragedy of it all. These episodes were very well done, I thought, but difficult to watch.

Fresh Catch:

I treated myself to this gorgeous special edition of The Cruel Prince:

It’s so pretty!!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

In Every Generation by Kendare Blake: After listening to the new Slayers audiobook, I’ve been in the mood for more of the Buffyverse! I’m just getting started with this book (first in a trilogy), but so far, so good.

Now playing via audiobook:

Clanlands in New Zealand by Sam Heughan & Graham McTavish: A road trip through New Zealand with these two guys… full of banter, adventure, and snippets of history too. All good fun.

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• Outlander Book Club is doing a group re-read of Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2). We’ll be reading and discussing two chapters per week. Anyone who’s interested is welcome to join in — message me for info! Coming up this week: Chapters 18 and 19 (of 49). Progress: 33%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 22%.

What will you be reading this 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.

Another crazy workweek. I ended up having to cover for a colleague who needed to be out unexpectedly, while also staying on top of my own projects and deadlines. I need time off!

But on the bright side… my husband and I went out to a restaurant that we’d enjoyed a few years ago, and it was just as yummy as we remembered! Plus, I got to do some dancing this week, and ended up turning off the TV most evenings and just curling up with a cozy blanket and a good book — very sensifying.

Goodreads.

What is going on with Goodreads? I mean, I know about its many flaws and keep using it anyway, because it mostly does what I need… but what did they do to the Goodreads Choice Awards? I know lots of folks have written about this already, but I really can’t understand why they eliminated so many categories (graphic novels, everything for children, etc) and then added romantasy… why?

What did I read during the last week?

Brothersong by TJ Klune: The 4th and final book in the amazing Green Creek series, and yes, I loved it! It’s a long book, which is why it’s the only print book I managed to get through this week. And now that I’ve finished the series, I’m feeling totally wrecked and heartbroken that there’s no more! My review is here.

The Takedown by Lily Chu: Such a fun listen! My review is here.

101 Horror Books to Read Before You’re Murdered by Sadie Hartmann: A gem of a reference guide to essential modern horror reading, great for horror fans as well as horror newbies.

Shades of Milk and Honey (Glamourist Histories, #1) by Mary Robinette Kowal: An audiobook reread in preparation for my book group’s discussion later this month. Such a treat to revisit and enjoy all over again!

Pop culture & TV:

Nothing much, other than new weekly episodes of Survivor, The Amazing Race, and The Gilded Age. I’ll probably start the new episodes of The Crown this week, and since CBS is now airing the UK version of Ghosts, I may treat myself to rewatching it when I need some giggles.

Puzzle of the week:

Back to puzzling! This was a really fun one:

A couple of close-ups of the finished puzzle:

Fresh Catch:

No new physical books, but I did pick up a few free/price-break ebooks:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m having a serious book hangover after finishing Brothersong, and had to force myself to pick up a new book to read!

Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison: This is where I’ve settled for my next (non-Green Creek) read, and I have high hopes! Just getting started…

Now playing via audiobook:

Clanlands in New Zealand by Sam Heughan & Graham McTavish: Just starting today… but how could it not be oodles of fun?

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• Outlander Book Club is doing a group re-read of Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2). We’ll be reading and discussing two chapters per week. Anyone who’s interested is welcome to join in — message me for info! Coming up this week: Chapters 16 and 17 (of 49). Progress: 29%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 18%.
• Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell: My Classics Club Spin book for fall! I’m reading this one via Serial Reader (which provides daily 10-15 minute reading installments). I’m on track to finish by the December deadline. Progress: 79%.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…