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:

Ugh. Can I get a do-over for last week? I spent almost all week sitting around my house or lying in bed, with a cough/cold/flu that just refuses to go away. I never thought I’d say this, but I’d rather be back at work!

What did I read last week?

Honestly Ben by Bill Konigsberg: I absolutely loved this YA novel, which is the sequel to another book I loved, Openly Straight. Check out my review of Honestly Ben, here.

Mortal Fire by Elizabeth Knox: I liked but didn’t love this story of family, love, magic, and secrets — disappointing, but I adored this author’s Dreamhunter Duet, and had hoped to feel the same about this one.

Final Girls by Mira Grant: This new novella is everything you’d expect from Mira Grant — a fast-paced, hold-your-breath, scary, compelling blend of horror story nightmares and modern-technology-run-amok disasters. A terrific read.

West With the Night by Beryl Markham: I’ve had this book on my shelf for YEARS… and I can finally say I’ve read it! Sometimes, it takes a commitment — like my book group discussion coming up this week — to force me into reading something that I’ve had pending for so long. A fascinating memoir! Unfortunately, my foggy head left me perhaps not in the best frame of mind to fully appreciate it, but I enjoyed it anyway.

Pop culture goodness:

Anyone else watching 13 Reasons Why on Netflix? I’ve only watched the first two episodes so far, but it’s good! I read the book years ago, but the details have really faded for me, so most of the plot of the show feels fresh and surprising. I hope the rest of the episodes are just as powerful.

Fresh Catch:

I treated myself to books 4 and 5 in the incredible Expanse sci-fi series:

I still need to start #3, but hey, it doesn’t hurt to plan ahead!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m bouncing back and forth between two very different books at the moment:

• The Book of Etta by Meg Elison: A follow-up to the powerful post-apocalyptic The Book of the Unnamed Midwife (review).
• Miniatures by John Scalzi: A collection of short fiction by one of my super-favorite sci-fi writers.

Now playing via audiobook:

Hamilton! I’m continuing to feed my obsession by listening to the audiobook of Ron Chernow’s definitive biography of Alexander Hamilton. The audiobook is about 36 hours, so… this is going to take a while.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon — 2 chapters per week — with an end date coming up in June.

Outlander Book Club’s group read of One Hundred Years of Solitude continues — although I’m not sure how long I’m going to last. I read about 50% of this book 20 years ago, and always swore I’d go back to it. Well, now I’m at about 50% again, and I’m just not having fun. Trying to stick it out…

So many books, so little time…

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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:

Tonight is Passover! It’s actually one of my very favorite holidays — and I’m super excited that we’re doing our own Seder at home this year.

What did I read last week?

Caliban’s War by James S. A. Corey: I absolutely LOVE this series so far! Caliban’s War is the 2nd book in the Expanse series (now an awesome TV series on Syfy), and I’m just blown away by how intense the storyline is while also keeping the characters relatable and exciting. Can’t wait to start #3 — although I’m going to make myself read a few other things before diving back in.

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour: A sad, powerful young adult novel about family, love, and friends. Excellent use of San Francisco (and especially Ocean Beach) as a setting!

I also read one novella:

Openly, Honestly by Bill Konigsberg: A touching, funny little novella that takes place between the events of the excellent YA/LGBT-themed novel Openly Straight (review) and the new follow-up novel, Honestly Ben. (See below…)

Fresh Catch:

Fun stuff this week:

It’s the newest volume of Saga, and an (unofficial) Hogwarts Haggadah! I don’t think my family will actually be using the Hogwarts Haggadah at our Seder, but it’s definitely fun to look at.

Also, Mira Grant’s newest novella was released this week, and I’m so excited!!!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Honestly Ben by Bill Konigsberg: Just starting, but it’s good!

Now playing via audiobook:

My Hamilton obsession is in full swing! I’ve been listening to the soundtrack over and over, and finally decided to get serious and listen to the audiobook version of Ron Chernow’s biography. It’s a looooong audiobook (36 hours), so we’ll see if I can really stick with it.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon — 2 chapters per week — with an end date coming up in June.

Outlander Book Club’s group read of One Hundred Years of Solitude continues! We’re discussing one chapter per week.

So many books, so little time…

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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! I spent the past week in Florida, both vacationing (hello, Universal Studios!) and visiting family. All in all, fun – but exhausting. But hey, I did manage to read a lot!

What did I read last week?

Two novels:

Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty: Awesome science fiction! My review is here.

Unequal Affection by Lara S. Ormiston: A terrific Pride and Prejudice retelling. My review is here.

And two novellas:

Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant: Horror with mermaids! My review is here.

Give In To the Feeling by Sarah Zama: Supernatural doings in a 1920s Chicago speakeasy. Check it out here.

Pop culture goodness:

During the family portion of our trip, my son and I found ourselves with time on our hands in the evenings, so here’s how we entertained ourselves:

I also watched this on one of our flights (hurray for Amazon Video downloads), and thought it was one of the best movies I’ve seen all year:

Fresh Catch:

I treated myself to this gorgeous edition of Pride and Prejudice:

This picture doesn’t actually do the book justice: It’s a beautiful hardcover edition, with fancy edges and amazing illustrations throughout. Definitely something to savor and treasure!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Caliban’s War by James S. A. Corey: I’m reading the 2nd book of the Expanse series, and loving it! And PS – who else was thrilled to hear this week that the Syfy series based on these books has been renewed for a 3rd season?

Now playing via audiobook:

Since I was away, I ditched audiobooks for the week and listened to this instead:

But now I need to decide on a new audiobook as I move back into my daily routine.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon — 2 chapters per week — with an end date coming up in June.

Outlander Book Club’s group read of One Hundred Years of Solitude continues! We’re discussing one chapter per week.

So many books, so little time…

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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 blogging note: I’m away this week, and will probably only be checking in here sporadically. I hope to get a lot of great reading in, so I’ll have lots to share next week!

What did I read last week?

Binti Home by Nnedi Okorafor: The 2nd Binti novella is just as amazing as the first.

The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry: A terrific book group pick! My thoughts are here.

Pop culture goodness:

Season 2 of The Magicians (Syfy) has been consistently awesome — and I think the show hit a new high note (pun intended) with this past week’s outstanding episode, including this scene that had me giggling with delight:

The Magicians: One Day More

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m juggling two books right now — one paper and one on my Kindle:

• Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty: Science fiction about murdered clones on a spaceship. Awesome, right?
• Unequal Affection by Lara S. Ormiston: A Pride and Prejudice retelling, which starts right after the scene of Darcy’s first proposal to Elizabeth and ponders what might have happened if Elizabeth had said yes.

Now playing via audiobook:

West with the Night by Beryl Markham: I listened to about a third before leaving on my trip. I’ll either continue when I get home, or (more likely) switch over to print. Meanwhile, I’ve been spending more of my listening time on this, rather than audiobooks:

I have to be ready for when I see the show in May!

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon — 2 chapters per week — with an end date coming up in June.

Outlander Book Club’s group read of One Hundred Years of Solitude continues! We’re discussing one chapter per week.

So many books, so little time…

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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 blogging note: I’ll be out of town for a week starting next Saturday, so I may or may not keep up with my usual weekly blogging schedule. Let’s play it by ear, shall we?

What did I read last week?

Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs: I LOVED the newest Mercy Thompson book! My review is here.

Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor: This brief novel is a look at the loneliness of aging, as seen through the eyes of a strong woman who moves into a retirement hotel to live out her remaining days. Very sad and sweet, and beautifully written. My review is here.

Binti by Nnedi Okorafor: An amazing sci-fi novella! Loved it.

In audiobooks…

Imprudence by Gail Carriger: I finished the 2nd book in the Custard Protocol series — and now what am I supposed to do? I love the series so far, but alas! Book #3 is probably a year away, and I can’t stand having to wait. Terrific series, and the audiobooks are just such fun.

Fresh Catch:

I rediscovered a childhood favorite — check out my post, here.

And I splurged on sci-fi this week, treating myself to four books I’d really been wanting:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m just finishing up the 2nd Binti book, and then I’ll be starting The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry, which is a book club book for this month.

Now playing via audiobook:

West with the Night by Beryl Markham: Changing things up a bit with this classic autobiography. My book club will be discussing this book in April, so I thought I’d get a head start with the audiobook.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon — 2 chapters per week — with an end date coming up in June.

It’s week #6 of Outlander Book Club’s group read of One Hundred Years of Solitude. I’m lagging a bit behind, and may hold off a bit, then do a reading binge.

So many books, so little time…

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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.

What did I read last week?

The River at Night by Erica Ferencik: My review is here.

Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan McGuire: DNFd at 50%. Such a disappointment! The premise of this ghost story sounded great to me, but frankly, I just found myself bored and realized I was forcing myself to continue. I finally threw in the towel. (You know DNFing is the right choice when you feel not the slightest curiosity afterward about what you might have missed.)

Fresh Catch:

THE NEW MERCY BOOK IS HERE!!!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

It’s all about Mercy! I finally was able to spend some quality time with Silence Fallen this past weekend, and hope to finish in the next day or so.

Now playing via audiobook:

Imprudence by Gail Carriger: To put it simply, I adore this series! I’m about halfway through my audiobook listen of Imprudence. Soooooo much fun!

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon — 2 chapters per week — with an end date coming up in June.

It’s week #5 of Outlander Book Club’s group read of One Hundred Years of Solitude. If you’d like to join in, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

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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.

What did I read last week?

The Smell of Other People’s Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock: Just beautiful. My review is here.

Next Year For Sure by Zoey Leigh Peterson: Unusual and entertaining. My review is here.

In audiobooks, I finished the utterly delightful Prudence by Gail Carriger. Sheer silly fun — just as I’ve come to expect from Gail Carriger’s books.

Pop culture goodness:

In movies, I finally watched the magnificent Moonlight. It’s a movie that needs time to sink in. I found myself thinking about it all night after watching it, as small moments clicked into place for me. Powerful and beautifully made — watch it.

Fresh Catch:

One new book, for an upcoming blog tour:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The River at Night by Erica Ferencik

Now playing via audiobook:

Imprudence by Gail Carriger: Well, of course I’m going to listen to Imprudence next! I’m excited to start book #2 of the Custard Protocol series — although I’m dreading the letdown that will inevitably follow once I finish and have to wait for the release of book #3.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon — 2 chapters per week — with an end date coming up in June.

It’s week #4 of Outlander Book Club’s group read of One Hundred Years of Solitude. If you’d like to join in, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

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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.

What did I read last week?

The Mother’s Promise by Sally Hepworth: A lovely but heartbreaking book. My review is here.

These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer: I’m loving Georgette Heyer, now that I’ve finally given her books a try! My thoughts on These Old Shades are here.

Fresh Catch:

Three new books arrived this week!

One to feed my obsession with fiction set in Alaska, plus the next two books in the phenomenal sci-fi series, The Expanse.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I have a few ARCs I should catch up on, starting with:

• Next Year For Sure by Zoey Leigh Peterson
• The Book of Etta by Meg Elison

Now playing via audiobook:

Prudence by Gail Carriger: My listening time was sharply curtailed by the rainy weather this past week, since my main audiobook listening happens during my walks. Still, I’m making progress, and having lots of fun. Gail Carriger’s books never let me down, and all of her audiobooks have been delightful so far.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon — 2 chapters per week — with an end date coming up in June.

It’s week #3 of Outlander Book Club’s group read of One Hundred Years of Solitude. If you’d like to join in, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

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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:

Three-day weekends rock. Sleep, read, repeat.

What did I read last week?

Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear: Done! I’m participating in a blog tour celebrating the Maisie Dobbs series, and will be posting my thoughts on book #2 on Tuesday.

The Girl Before by JP Delaney: Done! Check out my review, here.

In audiobooks…

I finished listening to Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs, from which I realized that (a) I read this book so quickly when it was first released that it just didn’t sink in, and (b) my love for the Mercy Thompson series is eternal. I really hadn’t remembered much about the plot of Fire Touched (except the opening scenes — who can forget a giant green troll on a bridge?). I’m glad I revisited this book, so I’ll be 100% ready for the next book as soon as it’s released… March 7th!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

Bookish tech fun:

My latest obsession is the Libib app (which I heard of thanks to someone else’s blog post this week, and now I can’t remember whose it was!). I’m happily scanning all of the unread books on my shelves so I’ll have a way of keeping track. It’s quite fun. Can’t wait until I’m done and I see how the total number has changed from my last count a year ago.

Oh, and thank you, Goodreads, for finally adding in rereading capabilities! Check out the post about it on the Goodreads blog, here. So now I can document just how much times I’ve read Outlander (5 or 6?), Harry Potter (at least 7 or 8), and all my other faves.

Bookish news:

Anyone else squeal and/or jump up and down when they heard about Philip Pullman’s upcoming release, The Book of Dust? Just me? Yes, October’s still a long way off, but considering it’s been 17 years since The Amber Spyglass came out, I’m willing to wait just a bit longer to finally get a companion series. Check out the latest news, here.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Haven’t quite decided what I feel like reading next — something to pull on my heartstrings or a spooky ghost story?

Now playing via audiobook:

Prudence by Gail Carriger: After listening to all of Gail Carriger’s Finishing School series audiobooks, I decided to go back to Prudence. I didn’t love it all that much when I first read it (as evidence, check out my original review), but perhaps I just wasn’t in the right mood at the time. I’ve listened to about 25% by now, and it’s quite fun.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon — 2 chapters per week — with an end date coming up in June.

It’s week #2 of Outlander Book Club’s group read of One Hundred Years of Solitude. If you’d like to join in, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

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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.

Bookish complaint:

Goodreads, stop telling me I’m behind on my 2017 reading challenge! I know I’m behind, okay? Life’s craziness on the rise means my dedicated reading time is in decline. Argh. I’m sure I’ll catch up, but meanwhile, I don’t need the reminder every time I log in!

What did I read last week?

Always by Sarah Jio: Finished! My review is here.

Devil’s Cub by Georgette Heyer: Finished! My first Georgette Heyer… but it won’t be my last. What fun! Check out my thoughts on this book, here.

I finished these audiobooks the week before last, but finally got around to writing about them just now. Check out my thoughts on the terrific Finishing School series, here.

And as for books that I didn’t love… there were a couple I didn’t finish:

Gilded Cage by Vic James: I didn’t really read enough to justify calling this one a DNF. I picked it up, started it, and realized it just wasn’t working for me. I doubt I’ll come back to it. I know a lot of folks loved this book, but the magical world it describes doesn’t interest me.

First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones: Now this one counts as a DNF. I read about 125 pages before the constant snarkiness and silliness got to be too much for me. I decided I wasn’t having enough fun to spend any more time on it.

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear: I’m participating in a blog tour celebrating the Maisie Dobbs series! I’ve only read the first book (review) so far, and I always meant to continue, so I’m delighted to be hosting the blog tour stop, coming up later this month, for book #2 of the ongoing series.

Now playing via audiobook:

Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs: Finishing up my audio re-read. Man, do I love this series!

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon — 2 chapters per week — with an end date coming up in June.

And new this week: Outlander Book Club’s group read of One Hundred Years of Solitude is just getting under way, with discussion of one chapter per week. If you want to join in, let me know. All are welcome!

So many books, so little time…

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