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.

Welcome, 2023! Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

I spent the last week at home — no work!! — and while we didn’t go anywhere, it was still nice to have downtime to just read, hang out with family, and wear yoga pants all day!

It poured rain most of the week, which interfered with my hopes for daily walks, but I suppose I can’t complain — we really do need rain here. Unfortunately, the Southwest airline fiasco meant that my daughter’s flight got cancelled and she couldn’t get here as planned… hoping we’ll find a way to get some time together soon.

Today is my last day off, and then it’s back to work…

Sigh…

2022 Year in Books:

From Goodreads:

Moving onward to 2023, I just set my new Goodreads challenge goal — keeping it at 160, which seems reasonably doable, assuming I continue with my mix of audiobooks, print books, and the occasional graphic novel.

What did I read during the last week?

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid: I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one! My review is here.

The Spare Man by Mary Robinette Kowal: This murder mystery on an interplanetary cruise ship is just so much fun. My review is here.

A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers: The Wayfarers series is so good! This is book #2 — can’t wait to keep going. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

This was a great week for catching up on movies and TV! I really enjoyed Top Gun: Maverick, the new Avatar movie, Glass Onion (Knives Out 2), and Everything, Everywhere, All At Once (my head is still spinning from that one!).

I ended up watching Harry & Meghan on Netflix, and thought overall it was very well done. Harry talking about his mother was particularly moving, and seeing the couple’s experiences through the lens of what Diana went through makes their story seem much more relatable and worthy of support and empathy.

Puzzles of the week:

A gorgeous Eeboo puzzle!

Eeboo puzzles are so beautiful and so well made — check them out here.

Fresh Catch:

New books!

Plus, an ARC I’m super excited for:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Poster Girl by Veronica Roth: This book slipped under my radar somehow, but when I happened to see it at the library, I had to grab it. Really good so far!

Now playing via audiobook:

Beyond the Wand: The Magic & Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard by Tom Felton: Well, of course I wanted to read this book! Just started the audiobook version (narrated by the author) — just as fun as I’d expected.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. Coming up this week: Chapters 88 and 89 (of 155).
• O Pioneers! by Willa Cather: This is my newest Classics Club Spin book! The target date to finish is at the end of January, so I’ve been holding off on starting it… but I’m leaving it here as a reminder to myself to make time for it… probably going to dive in later this week.
• An Immense World by Ed Yong: This was a holiday gift from a very thoughtful family member. Since I’m not very good at sticking with non-fiction, I’m trying to read a few pages each day — that should keep me from losing interest or getting distracted by all the shiny novels calling my name. Progress so far: page 45/464
• Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year by Allie Esiri: I picked up this pretty book a few months ago, but now that it’s a new year, I’m finally starting it. There are Shakespeare selections for each day, and my plan is to keep up, all year long!

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.

Silly me… This is my 2nd try at creating this post. The first time, I mistakenly ended up editing an existing post rather than copying the template and starting a new one. Sigh. Let’s try this again.

Here goes…

Happy holidays! I am completely thrilled to have a week off with nothing planned other than organizing bookshelves, seeing a movie or two, walking every day the sun is shining, and of course, lots ‘o reading.

I’m hoping this will be me by the end of the week:

What did I read during the last week?

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt: Amazing for plenty of reasons — but especially because some chapters are narrated by an octopus! My review is here.

Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca: This 4th installment in the author’s RenFaire-centered series is just as much romantic fun as expected. My review is here.

Persuasion by Jane Austen: My book group’s read of Persuasion wrapped up this past week. This was my 3rd or 4th time reading this book… and I loved it all over again.

Pop culture & TV:

I just finished season 5 of The Crown, and it left me feeling very uneasy. The Diana years are still too recent to really feel like history, and the dramatization of her unhappiness feels perhaps too real and disturbing.

Puzzles of the week:

A holiday-themed puzzle this week:

SO much snow and sky! Still quite fun, though.

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week:

A gift from a friend who knew just what to get me!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid: I’m somewhere around 80%, and I’m really enjoying it (after a somewhat slow start).

Now playing via audiobook:

A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers: Book two in the Wayfarers series. I haven’t gotten very far yet, but I’m really glad to have started.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. We’re at about 60% at this point.
• O Pioneers! by Willa Cather: This is my newest Classics Club Spin book! The target date to finish is at the end of January, so I’ve been holding off on starting it… but I’m leaving it here as a reminder to myself to make time for it!
• An Immense World by Ed Yong: Another bookish holiday gift! I don’t typically pick up non-fiction, but this does sound interesting, and I so appreciate when someone gives me a book. I’m going to keep this one on my nightstand and read it in little bits.

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 Hanukkah! Last night was the first night — latkes, draydels, candles… good times!

What did I read during the last week?

The Vibrant Years by Sonali Dev: A really touching (and sometimes very funny) story of three generations of women in an Indian-American family. Very enjoyable. My review is here.

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman: I guess timing is everything — I first read this book last year and only gave it three stars, yet when I re-read it this week for an upcoming book group discussion, I absolutely loved it!

All the Murmuring Bones by A. G. Slatter: A darkly magical tale of a family’s ancient bargain with the mer folk and what it’s cost them, and the lengths the last remaining descendent will go through to finally break free of her family’s toxic past. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

With some hesitation, I started season 5 of The Crown this week. And… it’s okay? I’ve watched five (out of ten) episodes so far. Not loving the depiction of Diana this season — she seems more like a caricature than like Diana herself, if that makes any sense. In any case, I’m interested enough to keep going.

The Survivor finale aired this week (season 43!) and I have to say, it was a fairly mediocre end to a mediocre season. The show needs to figure out a better way to get to the final three. The fire-making competition is getting old, and the process is just dumb. I’m tired of seeing the best players out at 4 or 5, leaving a group of finalists that it’s impossible to feel excited about. (Of course, I’ll still watch the next season… but my annoyance will continue to grow if they don’t make some changes.)

Puzzles of the week:

Getting back in the puzzle zone!

This was a fun one (and looks much better in person — the lighting at my puzzle table is pretty sucky).

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt: Loving it so far!

Now playing via audiobook:

Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca: This series is so much fun!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. We’re past the halfway point!
• Persuasion by Jane Austen: My book group’s current classic read. I’ve read this several times already, but I’m always up for another go! Almost done! We discuss the final chapter this coming Wednesday.
• O Pioneers! by Willa Cather: This is my newest Classics Club Spin book! The target date to finish is at the end of January, so I probably won’t start this one just yet… but I’m leaving it here as a reminder to myself to make time for 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.

It was another busy workweek, but I did manage to finally get to a theater to see Wakanda Forever (loved it!), and had some good quality family time too. Unfortunately, my hopes for nice long walks on the beach over this past weekend were ruined by heavy rain storms both days… I mean, we do need the water, but couldn’t it have fallen on a weekday instead?

What did I read during the last week?

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers: A terrific sci-fi space adventure. Can’t wait to start the next in the series! My review is here.

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston: I really like this one! Romance, but also sweet and touching moments about family and loss. My review is here.

Scattered Showers by Rainbow Rowell: A nice collection of new and previously published short stories, all in a really pretty hardcover edition. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Who else is excited for the upcoming Daisy Jones & The Six series? A quick trailer and some photos were released this past week, and… wow. Just can’t wait!

I’m also super excited for the Kindred series to start this week. All eight episode drop this Tuesday on Hulu. I loved the book so much — I just hope the adaptation can do it justice.

Fresh Catch:

Two new books this week!

I’ll probably listen to the audiobook for Well Traveled, since that’s what I’ve done for all the earlier books in the series — but I’m still happy to have a paperback for my shelves! And I suppose I should probably read Gilded at long last, now that I have the sequel.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Vibrant Years by Sonali Dev: I’ve enjoyed so many of this author’s book, so I was excited to see this new release offered free on Kindle last month!

Now playing via audiobook:

All the Murmuring Bones by A. G. Slatter: My listening time was pretty limited this past week, so I haven’t made as much progress as I’d hoped… but I’m really enjoying the mood and the narration of this audiobook.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. We’re past the halfway point!
• Persuasion by Jane Austen: My book group’s current classic read. I’ve read this several times already, but I’m always up for another go! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, and have just two weeks to go.
• Romeo and/or Juliet by Ryan North: Ha, this is so silly. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure approach to Shakespeare. I’ve been picking it up at random and following the different paths. Just a bit of light-weight entertainment to keep on hand.
• O Pioneers! by Willa Cather: This is my newest Classics Club Spin book! The target date to finish is at the end of January, so I probably won’t start this one just yet… but I’m leaving it here as a reminder to myself to make time for 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.

How did it get to be December already? Time is just whoooshing past. It’s been a busy workweek, and I spent the weekend trying to catch up on everything else in my life.

On the sweet side, I wasn’t able to actually go to the Bahamas for a family destination wedding, but I was able to watch the livestream! It was lovely — even from my chilly living room, I enjoyed seeing the beach, the sun, and of course, the gorgeous brides.

What did I read during the last week?

I just wasn’t really in the mood to try to write many reviews this week (only managed to do one), but here’s a quick recap of what I read:

Husband Material by Alexis Hall: A sweet, silly follow-up to Boyfriend Material, structured a la Four Weddings and a Funeral. I mostly enjoyed it, but with a few quibbles. My one review for the week, here.

The Diaries of Adam & Eve by Mark Twain: After reading a Mark Twain book for my most recent Classics Club Spin selection, I borrowed this short book from the library on a whim. Lots of fun.

Paper Girls: The Complete Story by Brian K. Vaughan: This all-in-one edition of the graphic novel series is pretty amazing, especially when read all together. The concept and execution are excellent!

Pop culture & TV:

I started Wednesday on Netflix — liking it so far, but I don’t feel compelled to rush through it. I still need to keep going with 1899 too.

I actually saw a movie in a movie theater! I went to see Wakanda Forever, and loved it. Although the theater itself was a surprise — I didn’t realize it when I bought the tickets, but the showing was in ScreenX, which has parts of the movie projected up the side walls as well as on the main screen. Kind of weird and disconcerting — I really didn’t expect it.

Fresh Catch:

Once again, no new physical books… although I do keep adding to my out-of-control Kindle library.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston: I’m only a few chapters in, but I like it so far. From what I can tell, the premise includes ghosts and a romance ghostwriter. Sounds like fun!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers: I’m at 80%, and loving it! I’d hoped to finish by the end of the weekend, but a rainy couple of days meant no walks, and that drastically cut into my audiobook time…

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. We’re past the halfway point!
• Persuasion by Jane Austen: My book group’s current classic read. I’ve read this several times already, but I’m always up for another go! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, and will finish by mid-December.
• Scattered Showers by Rainbow Rowell: I never do well with reading story collections, so I figured I’d keep this one on my nightstand and read stories here and there until I finish. Progress so far: 6 out of 9 stories read.
• Romeo and/or Juliet by Ryan North: Ha, this is so silly. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure approach to Shakespeare. I’ve been picking it up at random and following the different paths. Just a bit of light-weight entertainment to keep on hand.

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.

What a week. My husband made a fairly quick recovery from his bout of COVID, but meanwhile, we cancelled our family plans for Thanksgiving, and I worked from home all week to avoid any possibility of exposing my coworkers. I didn’t get sick at all (can’t quite believe it, considering our close quarters), which I’m thankful for, and we seem to be getting back to what passes for normal around here!

What did I read during the last week?

Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison: Loved this werewolf tale! My review is here.

The Unplanned Life of Josie Hale by Stephanie Eding: Light, positive contemporary read about friends banding together to improve their lives. Just the sort of upbeat distraction I needed! My review is here.

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir: Complicated science fiction that left me mostly puzzled, but still interested enought to want to read the next book in the series at some point. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Anyone else watching 1899 on Netflix? I’ve only had time to watch a couple of episodes so far, but it’s weird and fascinating… definitely giving off some Lost vibes.

Puzzle of the week:

For the first time in months, I did a jigsaw puzzle — so much fun!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week! (Okay, yes, I grabbed a few Kindle daily deals… but no physical books added to my tottering book piles)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Husband Material by Alexis Hall: The sequel to the delightful Boyfriend Material. After struggling through Gideon the Ninth, I needed something cute and funny for a change of pace.

The Diaries of Adam & Eve by Mark Twain: I borrowed this from the library on a whim, after my last Classics Club read. It’s short (about 100 pages), so I’m picking it up in between other reads. Fun so far!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers: A book I’ve been meaning to get to for years! The audiobook is really entertaining (although I haven’t made a ton of progress just yet), and I just hope to have time this week to get through it all.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. We’re past the halfway point!
• Persuasion by Jane Austen: My book group’s current classic read. I’ve read this several times already, but I’m always up for another go! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, and will finish by mid-December.
• Paper Girls: The Complete Story by Briana K. Vaughan: I’ve already read the first few volumes in the Paper Girls series, but I’m not sure where I left off… and now that I have this BIG (800 pages!) edition of the entire series, I thought I’d start again from the beginning and read it in bits and pieces. This week’s update: I’m about halfway done.
• Scattered Showers by Rainbow Rowell: I never do well with reading story collections, so I figured I’d keep this one on my nightstand and read stories here and there until I finish. Progress so far: 2 out of 9 stories read.

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 family situation came up that required a sudden trip back east, so I was mainly offline and away from blogging for about two weeks. Then we returned home, only to have a household member test positive for COVID — recovering quickly, thank goodness, but yet another obstacle to getting back to routine.

Looking forward to a return to something that passes for normal in the near future…

What did I read during the last week?

It’s been two weeks, actually, since my last Monday Check-In… so I did manage to get through quite a lot!

Ocean’s Echo by Everine Maxwell: Terrific follow-up to Winter’s Orbit. My review is here.

Even Though I Knew the End by C. L. Polk: Emotionally satisfying novella that’s noir detective story mixed with paranormal elements and a moving love story. My review is here.

A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger: I didn’t write a review, but I really loved this magical story (via audiobook). So worth checking out!

Ship Wrecked (Spoiler Alert, #3) by Olivia Dade: More steamy romance set in the world of a fictional TV blockbuster series. Lots of fun. My review is here.

He Gets That From Me by Jacqueline Friedland: Interesting premise about a botched surrogacy arrangement and a custody battle, but certain elements just didn’t work that well for me. My review is here.

Rizzio by Denise Mina: Fascinating novella about the real-life historical murder of a key ally to Mary, Queen of Scots. I originally read this book last year (review), and did a quick re-read on the plane home to prepare for a book group discussion.

The Date From Hell by Gwenda Bond: This sequel to Not Your Average Hot Guy is just pure silly fun, with a hunt for the Holy Grail and relationship drama between a human woman and the son of Lucifer. If that sounds ridiculous… well, it is, but also highly entertaining if you’re looking for a fluffy read.

Pop culture & TV:

Yellowstone is back! I just watched the two-hour season premiere over the weekend. So happy to be back in this world. And I can’t wait for the next spin-off, 1923, coming in mid-December. Have you seen the trailer yet? I mean… Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren??? Yes, please!

Fresh Catch:

I treated myself to a stack of books! One I’ve already read (Last Night at the Telegraph Club) and wanted my own copy of, and the rest are new to me.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Between my print read and audiobook listen, I’m involved in two stories about 30-ish women returning to their hometowns after years away. It’s a little confusing… except one has werewolves!

Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison: I’m loving this! Hope to finish later today.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Unplanned Life of Josie Hale by Stephanie Eding: This popped up when I went looking for audiobook inspiration on Hoopla — it seems like a light, engaging listen. Just what I needed!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. We’re past the halfway point!
• Persuasion by Jane Austen: My book group’s current classic read. I’ve read this several times already, but I’m always up for another go! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, and will finish by mid-December.
• Paper Girls: The Complete Story by Briana K. Vaughan: I’ve already read the first few volumes in the Paper Girls series, but I’m not sure where I left off… and now that I have this BIG (800 pages!) edition of the entire series, I thought I’d start again from the beginning and read it in bits and pieces.
• Scattered Showers by Rainbow Rowell: I never do well with reading story collections, so I figured I’d keep this one on my nightstand and read stories here and there until I finish.

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 did it get to be November already?

As if the weather here has its own calendar, as soon as November 1st rolled around, it’s gotten chillier and wetter. I want my sunny autumn days back!

It’s been a busy workweek, plus a bunch of family busy-ness too, so my reading time has been really limited. From that perspective, it’s been frustrating, but there have been some fun dinners and visits too, so I really can’t complain.

What did I read during the last week?

A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: If you’ve never read this amazing book, mark your calendar and make it a must for next October! I’ve now read it two Octobers in a row, and plan to keep up the annual tradition for years to come. Check out my review from my first read, here.

When Franny Stands Up by Eden Robins: Oh, dear. This book just did not work for me. My review is here.

Ocean’s Echo by Everina Maxwell: Finished late Sunday, and really enjoyed it. Review to follow.

The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem by Sarit Yishai-Levi: I read this book when it came out several years ago (my review is here), and just finished the audiobook — I was inspired to revisit the story after watching the two seasons of the TV adaptation now streaming on Netflix. Still a very engaging story, and the narration is terrific.

Pop culture & TV:

Awwww, I finished season 3 (the final season) of Derry Girls on Netflix! It was such a great wrap-up to the series, but I’m going to miss those girls! (On the other hand, there’s always the option of going back and starting again from the beginning… very tempting idea)

Fresh Catch:

A surprise bit of book mail — what a treat!

I wasn’t expecting this book and wasn’t aware of it previously, but now that I have it, I’m excited to read it!

I also treated myself to this paperback:

I’ve been toying with the idea of reading The Silmarillion, and when I stumbled across The Complete Tolkien Companion, I thought it might be a good resource to arm myself with.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Even Though I Knew the End by C. L. Polk: Just starting but I’m excited to read this. I loved this author’s previous book (The Midnight Bargain)!

Now playing via audiobook:

A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger: I happened to see on the Libby app that this book is the Big Library Read‘s global book pick for November, so how could I resist? I’m at about 25%, and really liking it so far!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. This week: Chapters 72 and 73 (out of 155).
• Persuasion by Jane Austen: My book group’s current classic read. I’ve read this several times already, but I’m always up for another go! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, and will finish by mid-December.

So many books, so little time…