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 week went by in a blur! I took one day off to hang out with family on my son’s birthday, but otherwise had lots to do with work and errands, and it all whooshed by.

What did I read during the last week?

Cotillion by Georgette Heyer: Such fun. My review is here.

Fangirl (manga, vol. 3) by Rainbow Rowell: An enjoyable, quick read.

What Would Jane Austen Do? by Linda Corbett: Light, sweet romance — no real surprises, but a nice easy read for a summer’s day. My review is here.

Mika in Real Life by Emiko Jean: Five beautiful stars! Review to follow.

One DNF:

I read 20% before quitting. By that point, I’d expect to have an idea about the point of the book or really, even a clue as to what it’s about… but nope. I decided I didn’t care enough to stick with it.

Pop culture & TV:

I watched a few book-to-screen adaptations this week, and wrote up some thoughts, here. I could use a good binge, but haven’t quite decided what to start next.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week. But, I did receive this super-cute two-sided keychain that was part of a preorder campaign for Wolfsong by TJ Klune (which, it’s probably obvious by now, I loved to pieces):

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Don’t Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino: This was a free Prime Reads choice for August, and I decided to give it a try. I’m at about 25%, and so far, I’m enjoying it!

Now playing via audiobook:

I don’t know!! I finished my last audiobook (Mika in Real Life) Sunday afternoon, and haven’t had a chance to start something new yet. I had a false start (listened to one chapter of a new book and decided it wasn’t for me), and now I’m on the fence between a classic I’ve been meaning to read for ages now and a re-read of a book that’s part of a series I want to get back to. The choices are:

What to do, what to do???

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 154 and 155 (of 155). Final week!
• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons: My book group’s classic read — we’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, ending late August. Progress: 77%

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.

My “baby” turns 21 today! Where have the years gone? I’m taking the day off today so we can hang out a bit, and we’ll be doing a family dinner at a favorite restaurant tonight.

Bookish pursuits:

Did you know that Audible no longer provides refunds on audiobooks purchased with money rather than credits? I had no idea. Apparently, they changed their return policy last October, but this is the first time I encountered it. I bought a Kindle title and added the audio to go with it, and didn’t like it at all. In the past, anything bought within the past year was eligible for a refund, but now it’s only purchases via credits. I’m outraged! (OK, I’m not really outraged, just irked).

I contacted customer service and they made a “one-time” exception in this case… but now I know to be more cautious and try a sample of anything I’m thinking of buying when I’m not using credits.

Very annoying… at least with Kindle purchases, there’s a week to return for a refund. Ugh.

What did I read during the last week?

California Golden by Melanie Benjamin: Historical fiction about a trio of women caught up in the surf culture of 1960s California. My review is here.

The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman: Gorgeous writing, even though the plot didn’t entirely work for me. My review is here.

Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center: Really fun contemporary romance. My review is here.

Lore Olympus, volume 4 by Rachel Smythe: I think I’m done with this graphic novel series. In fact, I probably could have stopped a couple of books ago.

One DNF:

I listened to about 10% of this audiobook, and just couldn’t stand it. I don’t get it — I’ve seen people saying really good things about this book! I didn’t like the characters or the set-up, and then I came across a line that was a total deal-breaker for me:

“His mouth plundered hers. Over and over.”

Ick. I hereby declare that the word “plunder” should only be allowed in pirate fiction.

Pop culture & TV:

Awww, a new season of Heartstopper. So good! My only complaint is that eight 30-minute episodes go by way too quickly!

This week, Outlander aired its mid-season finale. It was wonderful… but now the long way for new episodes begins.

At least there’s Men in Kilts, a very, very silly travel/adventure series with a flavor of Outlander. The 2nd season is just four episodes (episode 1 dropped this week) — it’s like candy for the soul.

Fresh Catch:

Two new books this week:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Cotillion by Georgette Heyer: My book group book for August! It’s been a while since I’ve read any Georgett Heyer, but her books are always such fun.

Now playing via audiobook:

Mika in Real Life by Emiko Jean: Just getting started, but I like 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. Coming up this week: Chapters 152 and 153 (of 155). Second to last week!
• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons: My book group’s classic read — we’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, ending late summer. Progress: 72%

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 a busy week, but then actually went out for some fun over the weekend:

What did I read during the last week?

The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye: A reimagining of Romeo and Juliet as lovers destined to meet and lose one another over and over again across the centuries. My review is here.

Mrs. Porter Calling by AJ Pearce: The 3rd book in a series about a woman on the WWII homefront is a delight. My review is here.

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley: I absolutely loved this book. Check out my review, here.

Pop culture & TV:

Well, there was Barbie… which was so much fun.

Streaming-wise, I finished the new season of The Witcher. It was okay, and I suppose I’m a bit sad to see Henry Cavill ending his role as Geralt, but overall, I’m not feeling all that invested in the show as a whole. I realized that the show has now caught up to about the same place that I’d gotten to in the books, so from here on out, the story will be new to me. (I also gave away all the books in the series — I don’t feel the need to read any more).

Next up: I’m about to start the new season of Heartstopper, and I’m so excited for more sweet adorableness.

Fresh Catch:

I bought hard copies of two books I’d previously read (and loved) as e-books:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

California Golden by Melanie Benjamin: I haven’t had a chance to really get into this yet, but historical fiction about California surf culture in the 60s sounds like it should be a really good read.

Now playing via audiobook:

Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center: I wasn’t sure what I was in the mood for when it was time to start a new audiobook, but so far, I’ve enjoyed everything by this author. Fingers crossed this will be a good one!

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 150 and 151 (of 155).
• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons: My book group’s classic read — we’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, ending late summer. Progress: 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.

It was a whirlwind of a week — my daughter came to town for a visit, and it went by much too quickly!

What did I read during the last week?

The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay: Terrifying and impossible to put down. My review is here.

With Love, From Cold World by Alicia Thompson: Sweet, engaging read about an opposites-attract romance. My review is here.

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree: I loved this book! My review is here.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers: I listened to the audiobooks of these two novellas this past week. Beautifully written, funny, gentle sci-fi about the meaning of life and personhood. Highly recommended.

Pop culture & TV:

I just got around to starting the newest season of The Witcher (season 3). I’ve only watched one episode so far, and feel like I need a major refresher on what happened in season 2.

Fresh Catch:

No new purchased books this week, but I did pick up a library hold that just came in:

(I’m not sure that I remember where volume 3 left off, but I’ll give it a try anyway.)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye: I wasn’t sure I was in the mood to start this one… but it sucked me right in and I read about 60% in one day.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley: This audiobook (narrated by the author) grabbed me immediately. I wish I had more listening time each day!

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 148 and 149 (of 155).
• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons: My book group’s classic read — we’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, ending late summer. Progress: 57%

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 mostly quiet (but busy) week — work, errands, family projects… and whoooosh! All of a sudden, it’s Monday again.

Blogging:

Carol at Reading Ladies Book Club was kind enough to include me in her One Great Summer Read round-up. Check out her post, here.

I shared a post about the timing of ARC reviews, and I would love to hear any opinions on the topic! The post is here.

What did I read during the last week?

Sleep No More (October Daye, #17) by Seanan McGuire: I loved this book! This series… just tear out my heart and stomp on it, why don’t ya? Since Sleep No More doesn’t release until September, I’m holding my review for now.

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray: This novel about a unique historical woman should have been fascinating — but instead felt flat and left me mostly bored and disengaged. My review is here.

The Summer Skies by Jenny Colgan: A sweet, funny, lovely read. My review is here.

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree: Loved it! Review to follow.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished Manifest! All in all, I was hooked throughout my binge of the show’s four seasons. Not every question got answered, not everything made sense, and there are certain aspects of the series finale that I take issue with… but overall, it was a great viewing experience!

Now I’m catching up on new episodes of shows I’ve watched in their earlier seasons, including What We Do in the Shadows and The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay: I thought I’d just read a page or two to get a sense of whether I was in the mood for this book… and clearly I was, since I’m at about page 100 right now!

Now playing via audiobook:

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers: I loved this book when I read it last year, and decided to do an audio re-read before moving on to book #2.

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 146 and 147 (of 155).
• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons: My book group’s classic read — we’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, ending late summer. Progress: 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.

I took one day off last week to run some errands, catch up on minor projects, and just get a little more time to kick back — it was great! Sometimes, one extra day can make a big difference.

What did I read during the last week?

Be the Serpent (October Daye, #16) by Seanan McGuire: I did an audiobook re-read of the most recent book in the October Daye series, and was blown away by it all over again. (My review from last year is here.)

The Tempest by William Shakespeare: After seeing this play on stage at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival last summer, I decided to finally read it too. I liked having the “No Fear” edition to refer to, and took the approach of reading the original language for each scene, then reading the plain English version for comparison. A fun little reading project!

The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon: A satisfying conclusion to this romance trilogy. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Another fantastic Outlander episode this week!

And — big surprise — I’m still watching Manifest, with just a few more episodes to go. This final season is really good! I can’t wait to see if the show sticks the landing.

Fresh Catch:

I ventured out to a brick-and-mortar bookstore to use some of my store credits, and came home with these two books — total spur-of-the-moment impulse buys:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Sleep No More (October Daye, #17) by Seanan McGuire: I am *this close* to finishing this book!! I wish I didn’t need sleep… I’d power through to the end!

Next up:

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray: My book group’s pick for July. I’m a little behind schedule, and I haven’t really been in the mood for historical fiction, but I’ll do my best!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Summer Skies by Jenny Colgan: I’m so happy to have a new Jenny Colgan book to listen to! This one is lovely so far, and the narrator’s absolutely delicious accent is a huge plus.

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 144 and 145 (of 155).
• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons: My book group’s classic read — we’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, ending late summer. Progress: 39%

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 few days chez moi! The sun actually came out over the weekend, so I enjoyed lots of glorious outdoor time. I also fit in an evening out with friends (which I haven’t done in a long time), and went to a local theater production with family. All in all, an unusual amount of activity, all really fun!

What did I read during the last week?

Ravensong (Green Creek, #2) by TJ Klune: Plain and simple, I’m in love with this series. My review is here.

Passing by Nella Larsen: I listened to the audiobook of this 20th century classic, with narration by Tessa Thompson, and thought it was so well done. Looking forward to watching the Netflix adaptation soon too.

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston: A terrific time-slip novel with great romance and a wonderful premise. My review is here.

Thief Liar Lady by D. L. Soria: An interesting (but not entirely successful) take on the Cinderalla story. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I seem to be repeating myself week after week, but it’s true: Season 7 of Outlander continues to be terrific! The 4th episode keeps the action moving forward, and overall, this season really delivers.

Still deeply immersed in Manifest over on Netflix. I’m now in the final season, which is where the show moved from network television to Netflix, and I feel like the production quality and storytelling have both picked up. I have about 10 episodes left — can’t wait to see how it wraps up!

Fresh Catch:

Earlier in the week, I asked for help in identifying a dimly-remembered book from my college days… and with my sister’s input, got the answer I needed! The book, The Wanderground by Sally Miller Gearheart, was available through my library, so I snagged a copy right away. I do have other books to read first, but I’m eager to see how it compares to my memories.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Hookup Plan (The Boyfriend Project, #3) by Farrah Rochon: This wasn’t exactly what I was in the mood to read this week, but since it’s due back at the library soon and I want to finish the trilogy, I went ahead and started it. It’s light enough that I should wrap it up quickly!

Now playing via audiobook:

Be the Serpent (October Daye, #16) by Seanan McGuire: I’m doing an audio re-read of the most recent October Daye book, getting ready for the release of TWO more books in the series this fall. Be the Serpent is so good and so engrossing that even thought I know what’s going to happen, I still feel like I’m on the edge of my seat the entire time I’m listening. (Here’s my review from when I originally read this book last year.)

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 142 and 143 (of 155).
• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons: My book group’s classic read — we’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, ending late summer.
• The Tempest by William Shakespeare (No Fear Shakespeare edition): I’m reading the “No Fear” edition of this play — reading the original text, then the “plain English” version on each page. I finished Act III 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 (almost) 4th of July!

I’m taking the day off today, so that makes it a four-day weekend, and who doesn’t love those? Mostly, I’ve been staying close to home, taking care of some organizing and other projects, and trying to get in some outdoor time too.

We’ll see — maybe I can convince my family to head out in the sun somewhere for a day trip on the 4th!

What did I read during the last week?

Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher: I loved this Sleeping Beauty retelling! My review is here.

Longshadow (Regency Faerie Tales, #3) by Olivia Atwater: Sadly, this final book in the trilogy did not work for me. My review is here.

Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: My Classics Club Spin book! Even though many of the concepts and ideas are now outdated, it’s fascinating to read this early 20th century take on the concept of a feminist utopia. My review is here.

The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon: A fun 2nd book in a series that emphasizes friendship as well as romance. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Season 7 of Outlander continues to be terrific! We’re now 3 episodes in, and I’m loving how much ground is being covered, and how well the stories are playing out on screen.

On Netflix, it’s still a Manifest project for me. I’m halfway through season 3, and then just have the (very long) final season to go. A lot of it is ridiculous… but I’m too far into it not to see it through.

Fresh Catch:

Two excited new arrivals this week. First, an advance copy of the 3-in-1 paperback bind-up of the first three books in the Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire. This edition will be released July 18th:

And now for my precious…

I splurged and ordered this special edition of Wolfsong by TJ Klune after reading the book a few weeks ago and falling in love with the story and the characters. Look how gorgeous this is:

This is the Waterstones special edition, and I was hoping to see a similar edition for the next book in the series… but it doesn’t exist (yet??) as far as I can see.

Puzzle of the week:

Pretty tricky, but I got it done!

I realized this week that I’ve accumulated an absolutely ridiculous number of jigsaw puzzles over the past few years, so I put up a Craigslist ad to try to sell a few. We’ll see how it goes. I don’t think I’m willing to put in the effort needed to list them all on EBay.

Has anyone else found a good way to sell (or swap) used jigsaw puzzles?

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Ravensong (Green Creek, #2) by TJ Klune: A long weekend seemed like the perfect time to start a (very) long book. I love the world of this series, and I’m thrilled to be back in it.

Now playing via audiobook:

Passing by Nella Larsen: I’ve been wanting to read this book for some time now, and when I saw it available on Audible with narration by Tessa Thompson (who stars in the Netflix adaptation), I couldn’t pass it up. I’ve listened to half so far — it’s very good.

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 140 and 141 (of 155).
• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons: My book group’s new classic read — we’ll be reading and discussing two chapters per week, ending late summer. It’s really fun so far.
• The Tempest by William Shakespeare (No Fear Shakespeare edition): I saw a stage version of The Tempest last year, but have never read it. I thought it might be fun to give the “no fear” edition a try. I’m enjoying reading the original text, then comparing it to the “plain English” version on the facing page. I didn’t actually make any more progress this past week — but hope to dive back in and read Act III in the next few days.

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 went back to the office this week — big milestone in my post-COVID days! It actually felt pretty good to be back, although by each mid-afternoon, I was craving naptime.

And here’s this week’s moment of cuteness with our little houseguest Benji:

What did I read during the last week?

Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano: Sad, powerful, impossible to put down. My review is here.

Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw: A fun little foray into drama! I really enjoyed reading this play (which is the basis for My Fair Lady) — and it was interesting to see how the story here is different from the story in the musical.

The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray: Clever concept, but my attention wavered quite a bit. My review is here.

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren: I think I’ve found my new favorite by this author duo! My review is here.

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center: Fascinating, funny romance with a unique premise. My review is here.

Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher: This Sleeping Beauty retelling is a fast but totally engaging read. Review to come later this week!

Pop culture & TV:

Loving the new season of Outlander! We’re two episodes into Season 7, and the show is absolutely delivering. I love how they’re wrapping up dangling plotlines from previous seasons and propelling the story forward. This week’s episode covered a lot of ground, but also had incredibly powerful character moments.

I’m still making my way through Manifest over on Netflix. There are a LOT of episodes! I’m about halfway through season 2 at this point. I roll my eyes a lot… but I also want to see where the story goes, so I’m sticking with it.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

Puzzle of the week:

I just started this one yesterday — it’s going to take a while.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Longshadow (Regency Faerie Tales, #3) by Olivia Atwater: This e-book was available to borrow from the library right when I needed a new book. I enjoyed the first two books in the trilogy, so why not got ahead and finish?

Now playing via audiobook:

The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon: Another spur-of-the-moment library find! I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and since #2 was downloadable right when I was ready for a new listen, I grabbed it. I’m at about 35% — really good 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. Coming up this week: Chapters 138 and 139 (of 155).
• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons: My book group’s new classic read — we’ll be reading and discussing two chapters per week, ending late summer. We’re off to a good start!
• The Tempest by William Shakespeare (No Fear Shakespeare edition): I saw a stage version of The Tempest last year, but have never read it. I thought it might be fun to give the “no fear” edition a try. I’m enjoying reading the original text, then comparing it to the “plain English” version on the facing page. This week, I read Acts I and II.

So many books, so little time…