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.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record (and do “kids today” even know what that phrase means??), it’s been another busy, stressful workweek, followed by a weekend where I scrambled to catch up with emails, errands, and random odds and ends around the house.

I feel like I barely had time to read…

Blogging:

I rarely pay attention to blog stats, but I was amused this week to see my stats explode! Why the big burst of views (over 3,000 in one day — and believe me, that NEVER happens, not even close!)?? I think we can thank the Outlander fandom for the surge — I posted a review of actor Sam Heughan’s memoir Waypoints last week, and it’s been getting anywhere from 500 up to thousands of views ever since (although it’s starting to die down a bit now.)

I’ve never seen numbers like this before on my humble little blog. Gotta admit, it gave me quite a chuckle.

What did I read during the last week?

Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay: My Classics Club Spin book! I held off on writing about this book after I finished reading it a week ago, because I wanted to wait and watch the movie and TV versions first. Now I have, and I shared a (probably too long) reaction post about all three! Check it out, here.

Said No One Ever by Stephanie Eding: A fun, upbeat romance that also has some lovely themes about connection and purpose, as well as a lovable, memorable, feisty 82-year-old woman who keeps everyone on their toes. My review is here.

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson: My book group’s pick for April. I really enjoyed it, found it powerful and moving, but haven’t had the time or focus to write up my thoughts just yet. Perhaps later in the week (although sometimes I find with book group books that once I’ve participated in our group discussion, I feel unmotivated to also write a review post…)

Pop culture & TV:

A night out! My husband and I, along with our son and his girlfriend, went to the theater this week to see Come From Away.

It’s a wonderful show — great music, very moving, and so well done! What a treat!

On a different (much sillier note), I was happy to discover that season 3 of Indian Matchmaking just dropped on Netflix. I really and truly do not watch reality TV shows, but something about this one makes it an exception for me! Perhaps it’s just the delight of counting how many times Sima Auntie (the matchmaker) tells her clients not to be so picky… but something about this show makes it a nice little treat.

Check out the trailer for season 3:

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel: I’ve gone out of order — I recently read Sea of Tranquility, the author’s most recent book, but felt like I’d missed out by not reading this one (which was published two years earlier) first. I’m at about 50% at this point, and I’m loving it (but feel like I should read Sea of Tranquility again once I’m done).

Now playing via audiobook:

A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher: I always love this author’s books, and the whimsical tone of this book really suited my mood this weekend.

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 120 and 121 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s current classic read, also two chapters per week. We’ll be finished by the middle of 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.

Back to normal… After having so many visitors the previous week, it was odd going back to a much quieter house! Although I will say, I appreciated the break from endless rounds of dishwashing and laundry.

Other than than, it’s been a mostly quiet week, the usual craziness at work, and (finally!) a weekend with sunshine and no obligations, so I could get outside and enjoy it all.

What did I read during the last week?

Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan: A perfect beach read! I read it the week before last, but just got around to posting a review.

Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay: My Classics Club Spin book! I finished it this past week, but I’m waiting to check out the TV mini-series adaptation before writing up a review.

Waypoints by Sam Heughan: I really enjoyed this audiobook! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Not much new or different — still trying to catch up on episodes of The Power!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week. And I even returned some library books after realizing that I just wasn’t going to get to them any time soon.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson: My book group book for April! I haven’t had time to make a ton of progress, but I’m liking what I’ve read so far.

Now playing via audiobook:

Said No One Ever by Stephanie Eding: A fun fish-out-of-water romance about a city girl taking a break on a Montana farm. It’s light, silly entertainment, which is just what I was in the mood for.

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 118 and 119 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s current classic read, also two chapters per week. We’ll be finished by the middle of 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.

We had a really fun Passover — but so much chaos! I’m not complaining. We had 13 people for our seder, 5 extra people staying at our house for the week, and non-stop rounds of doing dishes and cleaning up… but all worth it! We had a decidedly non-traditional celebration, lots of cocktails, singing and rowdiness — all in all, a great success!

Although now I could use a week or so to recover…

What did I read during the last week?

To Swoon and To Spar by Martha Waters: Another fun installment in the Regency Vows series. My review is here.

The Suite Spot by Trish Doller: The follow-up novel to Float Plan, which I read the previous week. My review is here.

Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan: A sweet, engaging story about second-chance love and summer romance. Sure to be a great beach read! My review will be posted in the next few days.

Pop culture & TV:

I watched the first episode of The Power (Prime Video) this week — pretty good so far! I just need a little time to catch up on the other available episodes.

Meanwhile, Yellowjackets continues to be just as disturbing as expected. Not a good choice to watch right before bed.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week. Although I did stock up on quite a few Kindle books that had price breaks. Couldn’t resist!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay: This 20th-century Australian classic is my spring Classics Club Spin book. I’m about halfway through, and totally fascinated.

Now playing via audiobook:

Waypoints: My Scottish Journey by Sam Heughan: The Outlander star’s memoir of his life, as viewed through a trek through Scotland. The author is also the audiobook narrator, and he’s so great to listen to!

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 116 and 117 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s current classic read, also two chapters per week. We’ll be finished by the middle of 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 April! Another month has whoooshed by…

This week will be Passover, and we have family coming to town from scattered points across the country. Should be lots of fun, but the lead-up (rearranging furniture, getting the food together for our Seder, making sure we have enough sheets and towels to go around) is lots of work!

But really, I’m just excited to see everyone.

What did I read during the last week?

Float Plan by Trish Doller: I finished this audiobook the previous week, and loved it. Just got a review together, here.

A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher: Will I ever not love a book by this author? I don’t think so! This one was terrific. My review is here.

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth: A less than satisfying thriller from an author whose books are hit-or-miss for me. My review is here.

Jane of Lantern Hill by L. M. Montgomery: Just as charming as expected! I listened to the audiobook, and really enjoyed it. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Has anyone else watched Dark Winds on AMC? I watched season 1 (only six episodes) this past week, and loved it! Season 2 is expected sometime this year, but I haven’t seen a specific release date yet. For those looking for a bookish connection, the series is based on characters and events from Tony Hillerman’s Leaphorn and Chee series.

Here’s the season 1 trailer:

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

To Swoon and to Spar (Regency Vows, #4) by Martha Waters: This light-hearted Regency romance series is always such fun.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Suite Spot by Trish Doller: A follow-up to Float Plan! Just getting started, but I really 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 114 and 115 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s current classic read, also two chapters per week. We’ll be finished by the middle of May.
• Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay: My new Classics Club Spin read! I still haven’t started it yet — I’m just leaving it here as a pending item until I actually pick it up. I have until the end of April to get it done.

So many books, so little time…

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

Another busy week, but we managed to fit in a bit of fun too. We celebrated my husband’s birthday at home midweek, then went out to dinner at a downtown restaurant Friday. (It was nice to get out, but the restaurant itself was a bit disappointing compared to experiences there on previous visits).

Beyond that, our nonstop rain cleared enough over the weekend for me to be able to get out and enjoy a bit of sunshine… which is good, because another storm is expected today!

What did I read during the last week?

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus: I finally checked out this extremely hyped book, with mixed results. My review is here.

Float Plan by Trish Doller: My audiobook for the past week was this sweet, touching romance that deals sensitively with grief and starting over. Review to follow.

The Heroine’s Journey by Gail Carriger: This non-fiction guide for readers and writers was my book group’s pick for March, and we were lucky enough to be able to chat via Zoom with the author over the weekend. She was delightful, and so generous with her time. The book is fascinating! Here’s my review from the first time I read it.

Pop culture & TV:

The final episodes of Daisy Jones & The Six dropped on Prime Video last week. Despite some early misgivings, I ended up enjoying the series quite a lot! I wrote up some thoughts, here.

I’m not bingeing anything at the moment — just watching weekly episodes of Sanditon (season 3), Yellowjackets (season 2), and Survivor (season 10,000 or thereabouts).

Possible upcoming binges: I know season 2 of Shadow & Bone is available now, but I’m not sure I care enough to continue the series. Anyone want to convince me otherwise? Later this week, the first episode of The Power airs on Prime Video, and I think I may check it out, although I had mixed feelings about the book it’s based on.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week. And I even returned the library books I borrowed a few weeks ago but hadn’t started yet.

Puzzle of the week:

A pretty one!

And here’s what the box looks like:

So many little details… so much fun.

I have six more unopened puzzles to choose from. Hmmmm, which one to start next???

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher: I can’t put this book down! Should be done by the end of the day — it’s so good!

Now playing via audiobook:

Jane of Lantern Hill by L. M. Montgomery: It’s been a couple of years, I think, since my last L. M. Montgomery book, and this one has been on my shelf for quite a while. It’s off to a good start!

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 112 and 113 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s current classic read, also two chapters per week.
• Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay: My new Classics Club Spin read! I still haven’t started it yet — I’m just leaving it here as a pending item until I actually pick it up. I have until the end of April to get it done.

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.

Definitely a hectic week and weekend! On Saturday, I met up with a good friend from New York who’d spent the past week in Northern California — she had a few hours before her red-eye flight home, so I met her near the airport (about a two-hour drive from here!) so we could hang out for a while. A lot of driving, but so worth it!

What did I read during the last week?

Lone Women by Victor LaValle: Outstanding Western horror! My review is here.

Lore Olympus (volumes 2 & 3) by Rachel Smythe: Fun graphic novels, although I struggled sometimes with the artwork in terms of being able to tell characters apart. All caught up now! I believe volume 4 will be released later this spring.

Interview With the Vampire by Anne Rice: A re-read, decades after first falling in love with this book. I listened to the audiobook, and while I enjoyed revisiting the story and characters, somehow I felt less engaged this time around. Maybe it’s because broody vampires having existential crises aren’t exactly new any more, or maybe the audio experience just doesn’t give the story enough breathing space… in any case, I can still admire Anne Rice’s brilliance, but I’m also glad to have reached the end!

Pop culture & TV:

I finally got a chance to check out RRR on Netflix. Wow, what an experience! This 3-hour Indian action film is totally over the top, but I was absolutely hooked. The action sequences are insane, and of course how could you not love the (Oscar-winning) song Naatu Naatu?

And if you want a taste of one of the (many) action sequences, check this one out:

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

Puzzle of the week:

Just started one on Sunday, lots and lots of little details, so it should keep me busy all week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus: My library hold finally came through, so it’s time to see what all the hype is about! I’ve barely had time to read this past week, so I’m only a few chapters in. I’m already feeling resentful about a certain development in the early chapters not being more obviously disclosed (I suppose I might have known if I’d read reviews in advance)… but I’ll keep going.

Also, my book group’s book for March is:

The Heroine’s Journey by Gail Carriger: We rarely choose non-fiction, and we’ve definitely never done a writing book before! This is a re-read for me, and I find it fascinating, so I’m eager for our discussion. Plus, we have a Zoom scheduled with the author for next week — exciting!

Now playing via audiobook:

Float Plan by Trish Doller: Since my last audiobook was long and heavy, I thought something lighter would be a good pick! Except once I started (just yesterday afternoon), I discovered that it starts with the aftermath of a suicide, so not as light a read 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 110 and 111 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s current classic read, also two chapters per week.
• Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay: My new Classics Club Spin read! This book isn’t very long, and I have until the end of April to finish, so I won’t be starting it just yet… just putting it here as a reminder, for now, that I’ll need to start in the next few weeks.

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.

This week was the big annual fundraiser for the non-profit where I work, and it was a blast! I volunteered for the first couple of hours as a “greeter”, then got to kick back and enjoy the party with my friends and coworkers for the rest of the evening. It was a beautiful, fancy gala, gorgeous decor, delicious food and drinks… and of course, best of all, the event met (and I think exceeded) our fundraising goals!

Other than that — rain, rain, and more rain, so my outdoor time has been very limited. Always a downer! Still, I managed to get in some great reading and fun with family, so all in all, a pretty good week.

Also, I thought this was sweet:

I relate! Sometimes just being near my books makes me happy, even if I’m not actually reading at that moment.

What did I read during the last week?

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan: Absolutely loved this audiobook! My review is here.

A Sinister Revenge (Veronica Speedwell, #8) by Deanna Raybourn: An excellent new installment in a terrific series. My review is here.

Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe: Silly, entertaining graphic novel about Greek gods as urban party people. A bit uneven (and I couldn’t always tell which character was which) — but I liked it enough to go grab the next volume from the library.

Lessons at the School by the Sea by Jenny Colgan: This 3rd book in the School by the Sea series is just so much fun! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Anyone else watching Daisy Jones & The Six? I’ve seen four of the six available episodes so far (and there are four more still to drop). It’s… mostly okay? I think rereading the book so recently was probably a mistake, since the show definitely pales by comparison. I’m not loving some of the changes from page to screen, and especially in the early episodes, casting a mid-30s actor as a character supposedly in his early 20s just doesn’t work. It’s getting better as it goes along, so I’ll stick with it to the end.

Fresh Catch:

A few new books this week:

The Mira Grant book is one I ordered ages ago from Subterranean Press — so happy it finally arrived! And I’m super excited for the ARC of Infinity Gate — I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by this author so far.

I also ended up buying this set — for some reason, I thought this was going to be a three-in-one volume, rather than a box set, but I’m still happy I have it:

Puzzle of the week:

A really good one!

I have one more Charley Harper puzzle to do (The Sierra Range), and five more unopened puzzles beyond that. I guess I’ll be keeping busy for a while!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Lone Women by Victor Lavalle: Really close to finishing! Can’t wait to see how the story gets resolved.

Once I finish, I’ll be bouncing between these three books:

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus: I’ve been very on-the-fence about reading this hyped-to-death book, but my library hold came in, so I guess it’s time!

Lore Olympus, volume 2 by Rachel Smythe: A fun diversion, and I need to see where the story goes.

The Heroine’s Journey by Gail Carriger: I’ve read this one already, but my book group will be meeting to discuss it in a couple of weeks (plus we’ll be zooming with the author!), so I need a refresher.

Now playing via audiobook:

Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice: It has literally been DECADES since I read (and re-read) this book, and after watching the TV version, I decided it’s time to go back to the source. I’ve only just started this audiobook, but I’m already hooked.

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 108 and 109 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s new classic read, also two chapters per 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.

Still dealing with back pain, which sucks. Ugh. On the positive side, I had my first appointment with a new chiropractor, and while at first I thought it didn’t do anything for me (and walked out with just the same pain as I went in with), by that evening, I felt marginally better. Did it work? Or is it just coincidental timing? I have another appointment later this week… we shall see!

What did I read during the last week?

Backpacking Through Bedlam (InCryptids, #12) by Seanan McGuire: Another fun installment in a great urban fantasy series. My review is here.

The Highland Hens by Judy Leigh: Nice, but not much more than that. Still, I’ll continue trying this author’s books, since I liked the previous one I’d read by her very much. My review is here.

Lore Olympus (volume 1) by Rachel Smyth: Sometimes you just need a graphic novel about Greek gods, amirite? Lots of fun.

Barracoon by Zora Neale Hurston: Read with a small group of coworkers in honor of Black History Month. We got together last week for a great discussion, and plan to follow up with a documentary viewing in a couple of weeks.

Pop culture & TV:

For whatever reason, I decided that now would be a good time to finally watch Sanditon, so I ended up watching all of seasons 1 and 2. (Season 3 — the final season — starts later this month). Friends, this show is so ridiculous. Yes, it’s taking a barely started Jane Austen story and continuing it past where she left off… but I tend to think she wouldn’t have approved of her characters having sex on a drawing room floor! Among other over-the-top developments…

But yes, I’ll watch season 3, just to see how it all works out!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week!

Puzzle of the week:

This week’s puzzle — another colorful one from Eeboo:

I still have SEVEN jigsaw puzzles in my house that I haven’t opened yet. Which to start next???

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

A Sinister Revenge (Veronica Speedwell, #8) by Deanna Raybourn: Just getting started — I’m excited to see what’s next for the couple at the heart of this snarky Victorian mystery series.

Now playing via audiobook:

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan: I’m *this close* to finishing, and I’m loving it!

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 104 and 105 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s new classic read, also two chapters per week. My turn to write one of the summaries 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.

My book group did a Zoom with Charlaine Harris over the weekend, and it was such a blast! We’d just read An Easy Death as our book of the month, and she was kind enough to join us for an hour-long chat. What fun!

Other than that, it’s been a pretty quiet week. I’ve been dealing with some back pain, and ended up working from home a few days so I could pamper my back a bit, stay near my heating pad, and avoid getting in and out of the car.

Thankfully, I’m starting to feel better. Fingers crossed that it stays that way!

What did I read during the last week?

Mr & Mrs Witch by Gwenda Bond: This silly romance — basically, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but with witchcraft — was a great diversion this week. My review is here.

An Easy Death by Charlaine Harris: It’s been a long time since I last read anything by this author, and I was happily surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. My review is here.

To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers: I finished the audiobook last week, and loved it. My review is here.

Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee: I picked up this YA historical novel because I’ve been in a Titanic sort of mood (see below). My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I wrote a whole post about this… I saw Titanic in the theater last week, and then got a bit obsessed with the topic!

In home streaming… I decided to finally give Sanditon a try this week, and am pretty close to finishing season 1. It’s a bit weird and does NOT feel like a Jane Austen story, but still, it’s oddly entertaining, and I think I’ll keep going.

Fresh Catch:

No book purchases this week, but I did pick up a few library holds:

Puzzle of the week:

This week, a literary-themed puzzle!

These puzzles from Laurence King Publishing are so much fun — tons of detail, lots of characters, settings, and biographical elements, and a full-sized poster with a guide to all the people and places on the back. You can find it at Bookshop.org, here.

I’ve done a bunch of others from this series, including Shakespeare, Dracula, the Tudor world, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens. They’re all terrific!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Backpacking Through Bedlam by Seanan McGuire: It’s #12 in the Incryptids series, which means a good time is pretty much guaranteed!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Highland Hens by Judy Leigh: I’ve gotten through slightly more than half of this audiobook — had hoped to make a lot more progress, but ended up with limited listening time this past week. I’m actually not that engaged so far, but let’s see if it picks up in the second half.

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 102 and 103 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s new classic read, also two chapters per week.
• Barracoon by Zora Neale Hurston: I’m doing a buddy read of this book with a few coworkers, with a discussion scheduled for the end of this week. So far, I’m reading it in small sittings, but should be finished on time.

So many books, so little time…

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

A busy workweek, but with a bit of fun too, including a family dinner out at a delicious new-to-us restaurant and a visit with some friends.

Plus, three-day weekend! I’ve been taking advantageous of the long weekend to read, do a bit of organizing around the house, and enjoy the sunshine..

What did I read during the last week?

Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel: A 5-star read! My review is here.

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid: I did an audiobook re-read in preparation for the upcoming new series on Prime Video. Just as amazing the 2nd time around! (My original review is here.)

An Easy Death (Gunnie Rose, #1) by Charlaine Harris: My book group’s pick for Febrary, and I actually finished in time! We have a Zoom scheduled with the author for next weekend, which is super exciting. The book was lots of fun — review to follow.

To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers: I listened to the audiobook of this fascinating novella, and really enjoyed it. Review to follow.

Pop culture & TV:

Each season of Outlander features a slightly different version of the gorgeous theme song… and the new version for season 7 has just been released! With Sinéad O’Connor doing the vocals! Powerful, to say the least, and I’m completely fascinated by the little snippets we see in the video, trying to figure out just where in the big overarching plotlines of the series this upcoming season will focus. Check out the new music and title sequence:

Fresh Catch:

I had a store credit at a local bookstore, and finally had a chance to head over there this past weekend. Here’s what I got (and I still have a bit of a credit left over for my next visit).

Puzzle of the week:

It took me a while, but I finished a gorgeous puzzle this week:

So much fun! I loved all the details and colors.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Mr and Mrs Witch by Gwenda Bond: I was in the mood for something light and silly, and this upcoming new release seemed like a great choice! Just getting started…

Now playing via audiobook:

The Highland Hens by Judy Leigh: I’ve been wanting to check out more by this author since reading Heading Over the Hill last year, and I’ve heard good things about this 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 102 and 103 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s new classic read, also two chapters per week.
• Barracoon by Zora Neale Hurston: I’m doing a buddy read of this book with a few coworkers, with the goal of getting back together to discuss in a couple of weeks. I’m going to read it in small sittings, I think, since I have so much else to read too.

So many books, so little time…