My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.
Life.
Welcome to May! A day late, but… May the 4th be with you!
I had… not the best week. My husband was sick early in the week, and by Thursday, I had it too. Cold, congestion, fever, headache… yuck. I was sick enough to have to cancel a few plans and not do much all weekend except lie around and read whenever I could keep my eyes open.
It still hasn’t entirely cleared yet, but I’m planning to try to work from home today and will see how it goes.
What did I read during the last week?



Vanishing World by Sayaka Murata: The weirdest book I’ve read in a long time… and not in a good way. My review is here.
The Love Haters by Katherine Center: Another enjoyable, light romance from a must-read author. My review is here.
Overgrowth by Mira Grant: Invasion of the alien plant people! This sci-fi/horror tale by the incomparable Mira Grant (aka Seanan McGuire) delivers complexity and chills. My review is here.
Elsewhere on the blog:
I shared my excitement about three upcoming new books in favorite series, here.
And if you’re looking for a tale of tragedy, loss, and renewed hope… here’s the sad story of my Kindle Oasis’s demise and the arrival of my new Kindle Paperwhite.
Pop culture & TV:
I finished watching Etoile (Prime Video), and loved it! Here’s hoping there’s more to come!
Sunday night was the premiere of Miss Austen, a new limited series on PBS (adapted from the terrific book by Gill Hornby). Check out the trailer:
Fresh Catch:

I bought the 2nd and 3rd books in this series last week while visiting a local bookstore… but since they didn’t have book 1 in stock, I had to place an order… and here it is! I’m excited to start this series. It looks adorable!
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:

All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle: I started this book via audio, but because I was sick and didn’t leave my house for a good part of the week, I also didn’t get much time to listen, and now the audiobook is due back at the library. So, I’m switching to print so I can finish.
Now playing via audiobook:

Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine: I’m a sucker for romance-in-the-wilderness stories, and with an Alaska setting? Even better. The library had this one available to borrow, and it sounds cute, so I’ll give it a go!
Ongoing reads:

My book group’s classic read is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 86%. Up next: Chapters 42 and 43.
What will you be reading this week?
So many books, so little time…
























































