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

Life.

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

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

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

What did I read during the last week?

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

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

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

Pop culture & TV:

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

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

Fresh Catch:

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

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

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

Now playing via audiobook:

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

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

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

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

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

Life.

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

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

What did I read during the last week?

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

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

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

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

Pop culture & TV:

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

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

Fresh Catch:

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

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

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

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

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

Now playing via audiobook:

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

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

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

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

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

Life.

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

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

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

What did I read during the last week?

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

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

Pop culture & TV:

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

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

Fresh Catch:

A few new books arrived this week:

They all look amazing… where to start???

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

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

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

Now playing via audiobook:

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

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

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

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

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

Life.

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

What did I read during the last week?

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

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

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

Pop culture & TV:

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

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

Fresh Catch:

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

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

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

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

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

Now playing via audiobook:

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

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

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

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

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

Life.

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

What did I read during the last week?

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

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

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

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

Pop culture & TV:

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

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

Fresh Catch:

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

It’s so pretty!!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

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

Now playing via audiobook:

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

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

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

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

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

Life.

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

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

Goodreads.

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

What did I read during the last week?

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

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

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

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

Pop culture & TV:

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

Puzzle of the week:

Back to puzzling! This was a really fun one:

A couple of close-ups of the finished puzzle:

Fresh Catch:

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

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

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

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

Now playing via audiobook:

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

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

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

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

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 quite a week, lots of ups and downs… but hey, let’s focus on the good stuff! We had beautiful weather over the weekend (which meant lots of outdoor time), dinner with friends whom we hadn’t seen in several months, an evening out with my husband, and fun kitty play time!

This little guy spent about 10 minutes last night pouncing on wrinkles on a blanket and obsessively chasing his own tail. Cuteness galore.

What did I read during the last week?

Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan: Steamy, light romance set in a cursed Scottish castle — how fun is that? My review is here.

The Wild Silence by Raynor Winn: The follow-up to The Salt Path, which I loved. While beautifully written, The Wild Silence just didn’t hold my attention the way the first book did. Lots of lovely moments, but for me, it was a struggle to get through.

Heartsong by TJ Klune: Oh, it’s probably been a minute since I last mentioned how much I love this series! I read book #3 this week, and (of course) loved it. My thoughts are here.

Pop culture & TV:

I haven’t really gotten into anything new yet — still watching Survivor and The Amazing Race, and enjoying them both. Plus, the new season of The Gilded Age has started, although I get frustrated by shows that air one episode per week — too used to binge-watching at this point, I suppose.

Fresh Catch:

A few new books this week, including fancy editions of the Fourth Wing books:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Brothersong by TJ Klune: For about thirty seconds, I planned on waiting until January-ish to start the 4th (and final) book in the Green Creek series. But who was I kidding? I have no will power when it comes to these books.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Takedown by Lily Chu: Really enjoying this audiobook! I should be finished today or tomorrow.

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• Outlander Book Club is doing a group re-read of Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2). We’ll be reading and discussing two chapters per week. Anyone who’s interested is welcome to join in — message me for info! Coming up this week: Chapters 14 and 15 (of 49). Progress: 26%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 15%.
• Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell: My Classics Club Spin book for fall! I’m reading this one via Serial Reader (which provides daily 10-15 minute reading installments). I’m on track to finish by the December deadline. Progress: 24%.
• 101 Horror Books to Read Before You’re Murdered by Sadie Hartmann: Shout-out to Tammy @ Books, Bones & Buffy, whose review alerted me to this awesome paperback guide to reading horror. I just got a copy from the library, and I’m enjoying picking it up here and there and reading little sections at a time.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

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

Life.

Another busy workweek, but I managed to connect with a good friend for dinner one night — our first in-person get-together in almost a year!

Meanwhile, I seem to find endless amusement trying to guess what my son’s kitty-cat will do next.

What’s on your mind, Benji?

What did I read during the last week?

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree: A huggable cozy fantasy. My review is here.

A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: Another October has now passed, and with it, another re-read of this terrific, funny, non-scary horror mash-up. So much fun — see my review from when I first read it two years ago.

The Last Unicorn (graphic novel) by Peter S. Beagle: Having read the original novel a few weeks ago, I decided to read the graphic novel version as well, and I’m glad I did. The artwork is beautiful and adds another way to appreciate this lovely fairy tale.

Slayers: A Buffyverse Story by Amber Benson and Christopher Golden: How could a full-cast recording of a new Buffyverse story not be amazing? What a treat. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I watched season two of Our Flag Means Death this past week — it was terrific.

I think I need to find a new binge-worthy show… but meanwhile, I’m watching Survivor and The Amazing Race, and somehow got sucked into watching bits and pieces of the current season of Dancing with the Stars, really just because Alyson Hannigan is on it and I looooove Willow.

Fresh Catch:

I bought hard copies of two books I’ve read as ebooks, because I needed them for my shelves!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan: This is an enemies-to-lovers romance, with a cursed Scottish castle as backdrop. So far, so good!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Takedown by Lily Chu: I’m excited to be starting this audiobook — I’ve really loved the previous two by this author.

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• Outlander Book Club is doing a group re-read of Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2). We’ll be reading and discussing two chapters per week. Anyone who’s interested is welcome to join in — message me for info! Coming up this week: Chapters 12 and 13 (of 49). Progress: 23%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 13%.
• The Wild Silence by Raynor Winn: I was really enthusiastic when I started this memoir last week. The Wild Silence is the author’s follow-up to her first book, The Salt Path, which I loved. Unfortunately, this one has been such slow going that I realized I needed a break. I don’t want to give it up entirely, but I think I need to stop trying to read straight through and just read chapters here and there when the mood strikes. Progress: 66%.

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. After some time away, I had a huge amount to catch up on in my work life, and it was intense. Maybe because of that, I had a hard time truly relaxing enough in the evening to be able to settle in and read for big chunks of time. Looking forward to a less stressful week (fingers crossed)…

On the home front, I had an awful scare — I was chased by a dinosaur!

I mean, a super cute dinosaur… but still! Ooooh, terrifying.

What did I read during the last week?

10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall: A super fluffy grumpy/sunshine romance that’s totally silly and a nice distraction from the real world. My review is here.

Me by Elton John: I finished this excellent audiobook right at the end of last week, and just posted my review, here.

Mislaid in Parts Half-Known (Wayward Children, #9) by Seanan McGuire: I couldn’t hold off — I needed to read this ARC, even though the book won’t be released until January! My review is here.

Once More With Feeling by Elissa Sussman: A now-and-then story about a former popstar getting her big chance at a comeback. My review is here.

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree: This prequel to Legends & Lattes was so much fun. Review to follow later this week.

Pop culture & TV:

After finishing Elton John’s memoir, I couldn’t wait to finally watch the movie Rocketman… and loved it. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend checking it out!

Other than that, I’m still watching the current season of Survivor (kinda boring this time around) and The Amazing Race. Plus, the new season of The Gilded Age has just started, and somehow I missed the fact that season 2 of Our Flag Means Death already aired… so I’ll definitely have plenty to keep me busy.

Fresh Catch:

I treated myself to this very pretty illustrated book:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Wild Silence by Raynor Winn: This memoir is the author’s follow-up to The Salt Path, which I loved. Just getting started, but I’m really interested to find out what happened next in these people’s lives.

Now playing via audiobook:

Slayers: A Buffyverse Story by Amber Benson and Christopher Golden: A Buffy story! With members of the original cast as narrators!!! I’m over-the-moon excited to be starting this audiobook.

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• Outlander Book Club is doing a group re-read of Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2). We’ll be reading and discussing two chapters per week. Anyone who’s interested is welcome to join in — message me for info! Coming up this week: Chapters 10 and 11 (of 49). Progress: 19%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 10%.
• A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: An annual tradition! There’s a chapter for each day of the month. Even on my 3rd time through, it’s so much fun. Just two more days to go! Progress: 87%.

Still to come:

My next Classics Club Spin book will be Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell, and I’m pretty happy about it. Given everything else I have going on, I’ll wait until the beginning of November to dive in.

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 spent the last 10 days on the East Coast for a family get-together and then some visiting time, and it was great. Lots of reconnecting with people I haven’t seen in a while, plus a few days of playing tourist, driving around, and seeing sites I never actually visited while I lived in the area.

I even went to the Bronx Zoo, which was awesome — can’t believe I grew up less than an hour away and had never, ever been there!

What did I read during the last week?

I did manage to read on and off during the week, especially on the plane and during random bits of down time. Here’s what I’ve read since my last Monday update (two weeks ago):

Starter Villain by John Scalzi: Funny and fabulous. My review is here.

Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan: Just as delicious as you’d expect. My review is here.

The Bell in the Fog by Lev AC Rosen: The follow-up to Lavender House is terrific. My review is here.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros: It took a while to get into, but eventually I ended up enjoying this fantasy (although I still say it’s way overhyped). My review is here.

Me by Elton John: I finished this audiobook on my drive to the airport yesterday, and loved it. Will share some thoughts later in the week.

Pop culture & TV:

Since I’ve mostly been away, I haven’t watched much of anything besides new episodes of Survivor and The Amazing Race. Now that I’m back, I’ll have to find something new to binge!

Fresh Catch:

I bought a pretty coffee table book while visiting:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall: Such silly fun. I thought I’d finish this book on the plane, but fell asleep instead! I should finish today or tomorrow.

Now playing via audiobook:

Once More With Feeling by Elissa Sussman: I’m just getting started, but this seems like fun (and yes, as a Buffy fan, I was totally drawn to this book in the first place because of the title). (To be clear, this has no connection to Buffy at all…)

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• Outlander Book Club is doing a group re-read of Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2). We’ll be reading and discussing two chapters per week. Anyone who’s interested is welcome to join in — message me for info! Coming up this week: Chapters 8 and 9 (of 49). Progress: 15%.
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read! We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 7%.
• A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny: An annual tradition! There’s a chapter for each day of the month. Even on my 3rd time through, it’s so much fun. Progress: 55%.

Still to come:

My next Classics Club Spin book will be Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell, and I’m pretty happy about it. Given everything else I have going on, I’ll wait until the beginning of November to dive in.

So many books, so little time…