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…

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 Halloween! I hope everyone’s planning to read some great BOOOOOOOOOKS today!

(Not) blogging.

I skipped most of my regular posts last week — I took a quick trip to the East Coast to visit family, and stayed offline for most of the time I was there. It was a pretty short visit, just four days, but it did give me some time to read, hang out with assorted relatives, and even view the gorgeous autumn leaves.

Sometimes it’s good to step away from blogging and email and other online distractions!

What did I read during the last (two) weeks?

The week before my trip, I decided to get through a bunch of short (1 – 2 hour) listens, rather than starting a new full-length audiobook.

These are the four I listened to — my write-up is here.

In terms of print and e-book reading since my last Monday check-in, it was quite a mix: Light romantic fluff, plus two heavier books.

The Sentence by Louise Erdrich: This was my book group’s book for October, and reactions were decidedly mixed. The writing is gorgeous, and the bookstore setting and wide variety of books mentioned within the story are wonderful… but elements left me confused, and the tone of the story ping-pongs from comedic to ripped-from-the-headlines serious. Rather than write a review, I shared a few impressions and some favorite passages, here.

The Stand-Up Groomsman by Jackie Lau: Very fun romance, a follow-up to Donut Fall in Love (which is also great). My review is here.

Honor by Thrity Umrigar: Painful and powerful, impossible to put down or to forget. My review is here.

Four Aunties and a Wedding by Jesse Q. Sutanto and Definitely Not Mr. Darcy by Karen Doornebos: Light reading while traveling. One was over-the-top but lots of fun, and the other was more or less a dud. My write-up of both is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Just busy catching up on all my ongoing TV viewing. What did everyone think of the finale of House of the Dragon?

I think I’m FINALLY going to start The Rings of Power this week. I watched the first episode back when it premiered, but haven’t gotten any further… so I think I’ll start all over again and then see how I feel about it.

I started season 3 of Derry Girls on the plane road home, but haven’t gotten very far. So fun to be back with the girls (and boy) for one final season!

Fresh Catch:

New books this week!

I’ve already read an ARC of Lavender House, but loved it so much that I just had to have a hard copy of my own! I ordered a signed edition via Poisoned Pen books, and it arrived this week (and is making me very happy).

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

When Franny Stands Up by Eden Robins: I attended a virtual book event two weeks ago celebrating Mary Robinette Kowal’s new book, The Spare Man, and when she was asked what books she’s loved recently, this was one of the ones she mentioned. I hadn’t heard of it before, but MKR’s recommendation was enough to make me want to check it out. I should be done in a day or two (unless life gets super hectic again).

Now playing via audiobook:

The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem by Sarit Yishai-Levi: I read this book back when it was released in the US in 2013, but now that I’ve watched the two seasons of the TV version (available on Netflix), I wanted to go back and listen to the book version again. The TV series is quite different in focus and approach — but both are great!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

My on-going reads are getting a bit more under control!

• 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 70 and 71 (out of 155). Still a long way to go… but I’m loving the group discussions.
• A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: I read this last year for the first time, and I’m joining the many fans who make reading this book an annual tradition each October. So much fun! There’s a chapter for each day of the month, and that means… today is the final chapter!! I’ve loved my reread of this amazing story, and can’t wait to do it all over again next year.
• 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, so this will be on my ongoing reading pile for the next few months.

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 week, with some family gatherings and a catch-up with an old friend who I haven’t seen since pre-pandemic. I didn’t have quite as much reading time as I would have liked, but what I did read, I really enjoyed!

Next weekend, I’ll be heading back east again for another quick trip to see my dad, so my time online and on the blog will be really limited. (Now for the fun part — deciding what books to bring on the plane!)

Blogging.

So, this happened:

I finally got the 500 reviews badge on NetGalley! Good timing, since I’m make much more of an effort to scale back on requests and focus on casual/mood reading from among the (many, many) unread books on my shelves.

What did I read during the last week?

Lute by Jennifer Thorne: Haunting and beautiful. My review is here.

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy: A painfully frank memoir by a former child star. It’s powerful and difficult; worth listening to the audiobook version. My review is here.

Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci: This is a mixed bag of geek-themed YA stories — some great, some so-so, some that fell completely flat. Overall, a fun book to pick up and read a bit of from time to time, but I personally would not want to read it straight through, start to finish. I ended up reading all but three of the stories, which for me — someone who does not generally enjoy short stories — feels like an accomplishment.

Pop culture & TV:

Last week, I watched the delightful Fire Island on Hulu, and loved its approach to retelling Pride and Prejudice! My thoughts are here.

Other than that, I’m just busy keeping up with all the various series I have on the go — The Handmaid’s Tale, Interview with the Vampire, House of the Dragon, Ghosts, Abbott Elementary, Survivor… all of a sudden, there’s too much to choose from!

Fresh Catch:

New books this week!

Can you tell that I had an Amazon giftcard burning a hole in my pocket?

Also, I ordered a signed copy of Mary Robinette Kowal’s new novel, The Spare Man, from her local bookstore, and it arrived over the weekend, along with fun swag:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Sentence by Louis Erdrich: My book group’s pick for October! I’ve hit a lull at about 35%, but need to push past it so I can finish on time for our discussion. I love the author’s writing, but haven’t focused enough to get completely absorbed just yet.

Now playing via audiobook:

Rules at the School by the Sea (School by the Sea, #2) by Jenny Colgan: After my last audiobook (I’m Glad My Mom Died — see comments up at the top), I needed something light and cheery, and Jenny Colgan books always fit the bill. It’s fun to continue on with the story from Welcome to the School by the Sea — just the sort of joyful, sweet listen I was in the mood for.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

My on-going reads are feeling like a LOT right now. As of this week, I have all of these in the works… plus whatever my current book and audiobook happen to be.

• 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’ve made it about halfway so far!
• A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: I read this last year for the first time, and I’m joining the many fans who make reading this book an annual tradition each October. So much fun!
• 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, so this will be on my ongoing reading pile for the next few months.

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 past week I was pretty busy trying to catch up at work after a week off, which mostly went okay. But it’s always the case that the peace and serenity of a vacation are quickly erased by the stress of catching up afterward… there’s got to be a better way!

I got my newest booster and flu shots on Thursday, and as usual, spent a day feeling woozy and beat up afterward — but, the symptoms did pass after about 48 hours, and in the end it’s worth it!

What did I read during the last week?

Welcome to the School by the Sea by Jenny Colgan: All the joy and sweetness I’ve come to expect from Jenny Colgan books! My review is here.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain: I finished my Classics Club Spin book ahead of schedule (and really enjoyed it). My review is here.

I Will Judge You By Your Bookshelf by Grant Snider: I borrowed this graphic novel from the library, and liked it… but I’m also glad I didn’t decide to buy it. 3 stars. Some of the pages about readers and their books were really clever and fun, but there was a lot of content that I didn’t connect with.

Saga, volume 10 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples: After a 3-year hiatus, Saga is back! Volume 9 ended on a heart-breaking note, but beyond that ending, I was nervous that I wouldn’t remember enough of the story so far. Fortunately, I found this great resource to recap it all, and was able to dive right in! Volume 10 is fast, surprising, and still made me sad, and now that I’ve read it, I’m dying for more!

Lavender House by Lev AC Rosen: Loved it! A fast-paced 5-star read. My review is here.

Unfortunately, I ended up with a DNF this week:

Station Eternity by Mur Lafferty: I’m so disappointed! I’ve read and really enjoyed three other books by this author, but I finally quit Station Eternity at 42%, after forcing myself to stick with it that far. The plotlines are muddled, combining the story of a young woman who’s a murder-magnet (think Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote) with a First Contact story. It just did not work for me, despite all the elements that should have been right in my wheelhouse.

Pop culture & TV:

This has been a big catch-up week for my ongoing TV viewing, plus I tried a couple of new shows too. Reboot on Hulu is fun so far, and basically, I’m always up for watching Rachel Bloom.

I also watched the first episode of Interview with the Vampire (or as it’s officially called, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire). Wow. I’m not sure whether I think it’s gorgeous or over-the-top cheesy or some combination of the two, but in any case, I’m interested enough to keep watching. The book was an absolute fave back in the day, so I have to at least give the show a fair try! (And maybe think about rereading the book to see if it holds up after all this time.)

Fresh Catch:

New books this week!

I received two ARCs from Orbit — so excited for both!! — plus I picked up a copy of a used book that I’ve been meaning to read for some time now. And of course, this one arrive too, two days after release date, and I’ve already devoured it:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Lute by Jennifer Thorne: Isn’t that a great cover? I’m just getting started, and I’m excited to see what it’s all about.

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy: We spent a LOT of time watching iCarly in my household when my kids were younger, and Jennette McCurdy’s character Sam was a favorite… so I just knew I had to check out her newly published memoir. What a title! I’m only about 30% in so far, and it’s a very good (but disturbing) listen — and I love that the author narrates the audiobook.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

My on-going reads are feeling like a LOT right now. As of this week, I have all of these in the works… plus whatever my current book and audiobook happen to be.

• 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’ve made it about halfway so far!
• Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci: I got back to this book during the past week and made it through a couple more stories, including a new favorite called “The Wrath of Dawn”. (Hint: A must-read for Buffy fans!) There are a few stories I can’t particularly relate to, but overall, it’s a fun collection.
• A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: I read this last year for the first time, and I’m joining the many fans who make reading this book an annual tradition each October. I bought my daughter a copy for this October, and I need to check in to see if she’s sticking with it.
• 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, so this will be on my ongoing reading pile for the next few months.

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 back from a wonderful week visiting my daughter in Colorado! We spent a few days in and around Rocky Mountain National Park, then hung out back at her place in Boulder for the rest of the week. Fun hiking, a night-time tour of the Stanley Hotel (the inspiration for The Shining), delicious local restaurants and a cider brewery, lots of bookstores, and great mother-daughter time — what more could I ask for?

Now I’m back, catching up on work and household stuff, and hoping to hang onto my vacation cheer for just a bit longer.

What did I read during the last week?

Here’s everything I’ve read and reviewed since my last Monday Check-in post two weeks ago:

Fairy Tale by Stephen King: Captivating, magical, and altogether worth the time and effort! My review is here.

Travel by Bullet (The Dispatcher, #3) by John Scalzi: Another terrific audiobook in a sci-fi/noir series full of very cool twists. My review is here.

And check out my wrap-up of what I read on vacation:

• Drunk on Love by Jasmine Guillory
• Heading Over the Hill by Judy Leigh
• Where We End & Begin by Jane Igharo
• Dial A For Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Pop culture & TV:

I’m behind on everything, but can’t wait to start the new season of Abbott Elementary and to check out Interview With the Vampire!

Fresh Catch:

Right before I left town, I got some unexpected book mail — an ARC that I didn’t realize was coming. Hurray!

Then, while away, my daughter and I visited A LOT of awesome bookstores, and I indulged a bit. This one I bought new, and will be saving to savor in the new year:

And these are from a used bookstore… where I showed greater-than-usual restraint (keeping in mind that anything I bought would have to get packed in my already stuffed carry-on):

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Station Eternity by Mur Lafferty: Just started on Sunday, but I’m liking it so far! Not really surprising, as I’ve really enjoyed everything else I’ve read by this author.

Now playing via audiobook:

Welcome to the School by the Sea by Jenny Colgan: This author is always a favorite, and I’m really enjoying this sweet story set at a boarding school in Cornwall. This book is a reissue of a novel published under a pseudonym over 10 years ago — I actually have a paperback edition that I picked up a few years back but hadn’t read yet, and now that the books are being reintroduced, it seemed like a good time to finally jump in.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

My on-going reads may be getting a little out of control!! As of this week, I have all of these in the works… plus whatever my current book and audiobook happen to be.

• 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. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
• Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci: I may end up putting this one aside for now — it’s a collection of stories that I’m dipping into a bit at a time, but given all my other reading commitments, this one will probably be lowest priority.
• A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain: My Classics Club Spin book. I’m reading via Serial Reader, currently at 66%. So much fun!
• A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: I read this last year for the first time, and I’m joining the many fans who make reading this book an annual tradition each October. There’s a chapter for each day of the month, and it’s just delightful.
• 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’ll be reading and discussing two chapters per week, starting today.

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 has been a super-slow reading week for me… or maybe it just feels that way because I’m reading a 600+ page book. Nope, it really has been slow — too many distractions!

One fun distraction — through a work giveaway, I got a table-top s’mores maker! So naturally, my son and I had to test it out and make sure all was in order. Yup… yummy!!

And in more fun news… don’t you love it when your favorite authors have special mailings for their subscribers/followers? My birthday is coming up this week, and this arrived in the mail a few days ago (from the amazing Mary Robinette Kowal):

A programming note:

I’m going to be away for a few days next week, and I’m planning to keep online commitments to a minimum… so I probably won’t be doing much blogging. I’ll be back in full swing the week of October 3rd!

What did I read during the last week?

I managed to finish two audiobooks this week, although I’m still slooooowly working my way through the same hardcover book that I started last Sunday.

I finished:

Birds of California by Katie Cotugno: A Hollywood romance with heart (and a very enjoyable audiobook experience). My review is here.

Mr. Perfect on Paper by Jean Meltzer: A Jewish rom-com, fun and light. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

The Handmaid’s Tale is back for a new season… and I’m not sure how I feel about it. I’m still watching, but this show is so bleak (and does such strange things with its character development) that I’m always on the fence about whether I want to continue.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Fairy Tale by Stephen King: This book is long, and it feels like it’s taking forever! I’m really liking it so far — I just wish I’d had more substantial reading time this past week.

Now playing via audiobook:

Travel by Bullet by John Scalzi: Book #3 in the Dispatcher series — I really liked the first two books, so weird and twisted! I’ll be starting this one on my Monday morning commute.

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. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
• Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci: I’m reading this story collection in little bits and pieces, but made absolutely no progress this week. (Blame Stephen King and his huge new novel!!)
• A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain: This is my new Classics Club Spin book! (If you want to know more about this fun challenge, check out my post here). I’m going to read this one via the Serial Reader app — there are 54 installments, but since the challenge due date is October 30th, I’ll need to double-up at least part of the time. I’m pretty happy about ending up with this book — wish me luck!

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.

One of my hobbies/passions, going all the way back to my teens, has always been Israeli folk dancing. It’s something I let go of for about 10 years while raising kids, working, etc, but just this past spring, as in-person dancing starting up again after two years of not happening during the pandemic, my husband and I decided to try getting back into it, and it’s been amazing.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to go to two different dancing events, and it was so much fun! It’s incredible how much comes back, despite being away from it all these years. My feet are very sore, but it was worth it!

What did I read during the last week?

Be the Serpent (October Daye, #16) by Seanan McGuire. This new release (in my favorite urban fantasy series) absolutely blew me away! My review is here.

Fangirl, volume 2 (manga) by Rainbow Rowell and Sam Maggs: This manga version of a favorite novel was fine, but didn’t make much of an impression — maybe because it’s only one-quarter of the story, and it didn’t feel like anything that happened in this volume was particularly memorable. *shrug* I’ll still read the rest, whenever the last two volumes are released…

The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi: So much fun! The story is amazing, and audiobook narration (by Wil Wheaton) had me laughing out loud in the car (probably causing other drivers to have doubts about my wellbeing). My review is here.

Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell: I read this one for my book group (I’m actually a week early!), and once again, I’m very grateful. Without my book group, I might not have gotten around to this lovely book! My review is here.

Birds of California by Katie Cotugno: I just finished the audiobook late Sunday. Review to follow.

Pop culture & TV:

Fantasy prequels continue! The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and The House of the Dragon are both holding my interest much more than expected.

For lighter viewing, I started watching Uncoupled (starring Neil Patrick Harris) this week. Funny, sweet, and doesn’t require much brain power!

Fresh Catch:

Ooooh, new books!

After a botched delivery attempt with a damaged book, a replacement edition of Stephen King’s newest novel arrived over the weekend! Can’t wait to get started.

I also got myself a nice gift — I had some Amazon points stocked up, and used them to get this all-in-one edition of the Paper Girls graphic novels. I read the first 2 or 3 volumes a few years ago, but after watching the TV adaptation, I was feeking inspired to go back and read the whole thing from the beginning.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

What to read, what to read? After finishing Hamnet, I was planning to start Fairy Tale right away… but it’s 600 pages and I do have some September ARCs to consider too.

Now playing via audiobook:

Mr. Perfect on Paper by Jean Meltzer: Just getting started! I enjoyed the author’s previous book (The Matzah Ball), and hope this will be a fun listen.

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. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
• Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci: I’m reading this story collection in little bits and pieces. I only read one more story this week — about a cheerleader who hires the school geek group to tutor her on geek culture so she can impress her boyfriend. I really liked it!

So many books, so little time…