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.

In real life:

It’s been a crazy week! My husband had a medical procedure (he’s fine, thanks!) and I took a few days off work so I could be home for things like fetching ice packs and plumping up pillows. He’s a reader too, so besides hanging out with hubby, there was lots of book time!

What did I read last week?

Son by Lois Lowry: The final book in The Giver Quartet — and I’m so glad I finally revisited this series! I’d read The Giver ages ago, but re-read it this year when my kiddo had to read it for school. I really enjoyed all four books, and thought the final one, Son, was particularly strong, except for a particular plot element that felt more fairy-tale-ish than the rest of the story. Still, a great wrap-up with some memorable characters and events. If you haven’t finished the series, I really recommend it!

The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem by Sarit Yishai-Levi: Done! My review is here.

Wink Poppy Midnight by April Genevieve Tucholke: Done! My review is here.

My book group’s discussion of A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler is coming up this week, and I managed to read the book over the weekend (surprised by how quickly it went). What a terrific read! My review is here.

In audiobooks, I finished listening to Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children — a totally fun way to revisit the book before continuing the series. The audiobook narration was quite good, but I’m glad I had a hard copy available as well for looking at all the pictures as the story moved along.

Outlander update!

Season 2 rocks! Here’s my reaction post for the 2nd episode, “Not In Scotland Anymore”:

Insta-Reaction: Outlander, Season 2, Episode 2

Elsewhere on the blog:

I wrote a TV Time post about binge-watching the new Starz series, The Girlfriend Experience. It was quite an… um… experience.

Fresh Catch:

I received a review copy of a book I can’t wait to read!

Seriously, it looks amazing!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Next up, I have an ARC of The Midnight Watch by David Dyer. I’m a sucker for anything to do with the Titanic, and the first few pages have already sucked me in.

Now playing via audiobook:

I love Harry Potter to bits and pieces (who doesn’t?) — and decided that it’s about time that I finally listen to the audiobooks! I’m about 6 chapters into book 1, and the audio is delightful. Of course.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

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.

In real life:

Good lord, when will I ever get back to a normal routine? I’ve been going 100 miles per minute, or at least that’s how it feels. I realized over the weekend that I hadn’t written a book review in about 2 weeks! Well, at least now I’ve posted one, and hope to get back on track soon.

What did I read last week?

Messenger by Lois Lowry: The 3rd book in The Giver Quartet was not my favorite, but it was still good enough to make me want to read book #4!

Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan: This graphic novel about four 12-year-old girls on their paper route in the 1980s surprised me in all the right ways. I will definitely want to read volume 2.

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire: A slim, lovely book. Check out my review here.

Outlander update!

I finished my Outlander rewatch. My final rewatch post about episodes 115 and 116 does not include recaps, because those two episodes are so brutal that I just couldn’t bring myself to write about them in any sort of detail. They’re incredibly well done and should have resulted in Emmy awards for all, but at the same time, I’ll be perfectly happy never to have to watch them again.

And…

… Season 2 has begun! I’m thrilled beyond words that the show is back, and loved the first episode of the new season. I’ll be writing reaction posts each week, kicking it off with:

Insta-Reaction: Outlander, Season 2, Episode 1

Fresh Catch:

Three new releases arrived this week, hot off the press! And I’ve already managed to read two of them.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Son by Lois Lowry, the 4th and final book in The Giver series.

Next up, I have an ARC of a new release: The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem by Sarit Yishai-Levi.

Now playing via audiobook:

Almost done!

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

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.

In real life:

Another ridiculously intense week, with not nearly enough time to curl up with a good book. Dislike very much.

What did I read last week?

The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson: Sadly, this was a DNF for me. I quit at 45%. The plot was just going nowhere. Small-town life is all very charming, but nothing was happening.

More Kate Shugak! I read book #8, Killing Grounds, and can’t wait for more! Killing Grounds was maybe not the most awesome of the lot (too much time spent on identifying different types of fishing boats and discussing permits and politics), but all Kate is good Kate, as far as I’m concerned.

Outlander update!

I’m continuing with my Outlander rewatch. This week’s posts included:

Episode 111 – The Devil’s Mark
Episode 112 – Lallybroch
Episodes 113 – The Watch and Episode 114 – The Search

Almost there! Two more episodes to go, although those are the two that are hardest to watch.

Fresh Catch:

Well, yes, I did pick up a few new books this week! It was the spring sale benefiting the public libraries, and let’s just say I scored. Want proof? All this — 41 books — for under $60:

(Yes, I do already own several copies of ALL of the Harry Potter books! This one is a gift for someone else.)

Here’s another look at my book sale haul, unpacked, stacked up, and waiting for shelf space — except for the gift pile, which is waiting for a box, some packing tape, and a trip to the post office.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Right now, I’m reading Messenger by Lois Lowry, the 3rd book in The Giver series.

I’m expecting some new releases to arrive this week, but meanwhile, if there’s time, I plan to start the ARC of The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem by Sarit Yishai-Levi.

Now playing via audiobook:

Such fun! I’m about halfway done, and really enjoying it! It helps that I’ve read the book before, so I don’t feel that I’m missing out too much by not having all the photos in front of me.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

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.

In real life:

Another crazy, busy week! I feel like I did nothing but work and sleep, and barely had time to read. Frustrating!

Elsewhere on the blog:

I pondered whether reading the book before watching the TV or movie version is always the best approach. I’d love to hear what you think! Check out my post, here.

What did I read last week?

The Steep & Thorny Way by Cat Winters: Another outstanding book from an author who has quickly moved onto my list of favorites! My review is here.

I finished the audiobook of The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais, my book group’s pick for March. My thoughts are here.

And although I was in the midst of something else, I gave into a sudden urge to read the 2nd book in Lois Lowry’s The Giver quartet, Gathering Blue. It was a quick but powerful read. Now I need #3!

Outlander update!

I’m continuing with my Outlander rewatch. This week’s posts included:

Episode 109 – The Reckoning
Episode 110 – By The Pricking Of My Thumbs

I just haven’t had enough time! Six more episodes to go… and season two starts in 2 weeks!!!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m about 20% of the way into The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson. I would have gotten further, except for my detour to read Gathering Blue. But now I’m back on track!

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m about to start the audiobook of Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children. I read it when it first came out, but I’ve been wanting to do a re-read before reading the other two books in this series. We’ll see how it goes, and whether the audiobook is satisfying without being able to see all the bizarre photos that go with.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

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.

In real life:

My son missed a full week of school this past week because of the flu, and I’ve been going non-stop with a big project at work, so my reading time has dwindled to next to nothing. Argh.

What did I read last week?

Breakup by Dana Stabenow: I know I’ve said it about a thousand times by now, but the Kate Shugak series is terrific! Breakup was a particularly good read — funny, a great slice-of-life of Kate’s world in Alaska, most of the regular series characters popping in one way or another — just delightful.

Later in the week, I finished Fall of Poppies: Stories of Love and the Great War, a collection of short stories written by various popular historical romance authors. There are a few real stand-outs, such as “The Daughter of Belgium” by Marci Jefferson, “The Record Set Right” by Lauren Willig, “All For the Love of You” by Jennifer Robson, and my favorite, “Something Worth Landing For” by Jessica Brockmole. The book did start to feel a bit repetitive after a while, though, so for me, the best approach was to read it in little bits and pieces in between reading other things.

I also read two novellas, Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell and Forest of Memory by Mary Robinette Kowal. Two very different types of stories, but both were good, quick diversions on a rainy day.

Elsewhere on the blog:

I’m continuing with my Outlander rewatch! This week’s posts included:

Episode 105 – Rent
Episode 106 – The Garrison Commander
Episode 107 – The Wedding

Almost at the half-way mark for season 1! Will I make it to the end before the season 2 premiere in 3 weeks?

Fresh Catch:

A couple of new books this week:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’ve just started The Steep & Thorny Way by Cat Winters, and after that, I need to get to the ARC of The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson.

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m about halfway through the audiobook of The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais, my book group’s pick for March. I’m looking forward to watching the movie once I finish!

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

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.

What did I read last week?

Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs: Well, OF COURSE I read the new Mercy Thompson book as soon as it came out! My review is here.

In audiobooks, I finished the sixth book in the terrific Kate Shugak series by Dana Stabenow, Blood Will Tell. This series rocks. Seriously. I can’t wait to continue — and in fact, may switch over to print for a few books in order to move a bit faster. There are now 20 Kate Shugak books, and I’d like to feel like I’m making progress in catching up. In fact, just getting out of the 1990s would be nice!

Elsewhere on the blog:

I’m continuing with my Outlander rewatch! This week’s posts included:

Episode 102 – Castle Leoch
Episode 103 – The Way Out
Episode 104 – The Gathering

I’m realizing that my recaps are getting longer and longer, and that I need to go back to shorter versions if I’m going to make it through all of season one in the next few weeks! Writing the recaps is starting to take more time than watching the episodes.

Fresh Catch:

Awesome new books this week!

I read Fire Touched the second it arrived, and I can’t wait to start the other two!

I also simply HAD to buy a copy of the new TV tie-in version of Dragonfly in Amber. Let’s see, that makes 3… or is it 4? — different editions of DiA on my shelves.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’ve been reading the stories in Fall of Poppies, in between other books. I’ve read three so far, and have found them sweet and sad. I’ll share some thoughts once I finish the book.

It’s a toss-up what to read next. I’m really excited to read Cat Winters’s newest book! And for the first time, I’m going to try a Kate Shugak book in print rather than audio — although I may end up missing the character voices I’ve grown to love, in which case, I may switch back to the audiobook.

Now playing via audiobook:

My book group’s Book of the Month for March is The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais, and since I haven’t found time to start it yet, I thought I’d give the audiobook a shot.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

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.

What did I read last week?

The Travelers by Chris Pavone: Terrific spy thriller. My review is here.

The Giver by Lois Lowry: My son just finished reading this for school and loved it — and since I barely remembered it from when I first read it years ago, I decided to do a re-read. It’s been great being able to share it with the kiddo, and now I want to continue the series!

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman: A very silly, very funny book that would make a terrific read-loud for kids of all ages.

Elsewhere on the blog:

I started my Outlander rewatch! My episode 1 post is here. Stay tuned for more!

Pop culture goodness:

Saturday was a rainy, gusty day here, so I spent the day indoors reading and watching movies. My family and I watched “Creed”, which was surprisingly good. I can see why Sylvester Stallone was nominated for his role in the movie — this older, sadder version of Rocky was actually pretty moving. Then, on my own (while the males of the family were busy watching UFC), I watched “Room”. I read the book a few years ago, and thought the movie did a really good job of showing the world through the eyes of the 5-year-old and capturing the emotional intensity of the book.

In TV viewing, this past weekend saw the finales of two very different shows. My household will definitely miss Mythbusters, which is always a good bet for fun, laughs, and nerdy, explosive science — although I suppose it’ll live on forever in re-runs. And then there was the series finale of Downton Abbey. I’ve had a love/hate relationship with Downton Abbey for at least the last couple of seasons, but overall, I was pleased to see it end with happiness for all. Even poor Edith!

Fresh Catch:

A few new books came my way:

I’ve already read Uprooted (and loved it — check out my review), but didn’t own a copy. The paperback just came out last week, and I had to have it!

New release arriving this week:

The new Mercy Thompson book comes out on Tuesday!!! No matter what else I have going on, I’ll be dropping everything the second this lands on my doorstep:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Fall of Poppies, a collection of stories by various authors, all set during World War I. I’m starting this collection now, knowing that I’ll take a break as soon as Fire Touched arrives.

Now playing via audiobook:

I love the Kate Shugak series! I should have finished #6 already, except my listening time has been majorly curtailed because I hurt my knee, and therefore I’m doing less walking, and therefore spending less time listening to audiobooks. Argh. Yet another reason that being injured sucks!

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

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.

In real life:

It’s very weird to type “February 29th”, isn’t it?

What did I read last week?

The Two-Family House by Lynda Cohen Loigman: My review is here.

Stars Above by Marissa Meyer: Such a great way to wrap up the Lunar Chronicles series! My review is here.

In audiobooks, I finished the 5th book in the always outstanding Kate Shugak series by Dana Stabenow, Play with Fire. Can’t wait to start the next one!

Elsewhere on the blog:

I’m starting my Outlander rewatch! I’ll be rewatching all of the season 1 episodes and posting recaps/reactions throughout the next month. 16 episodes to savor all over again! If you’re doing the same, come chat with me and share your thoughts.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week. Yay, me!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Travelers by Chris Pavone: 20% in, and it’s great so far!

Now playing via audiobook:

I can’t help it! I need more Kate Shugak!

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

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.

What did I read last week?

All the Winters After by Seré Prince Halverson: Such a beautiful book! My review is here.

Up To This Pointe by Jennifer Longo: Terrific YA fiction with a fresh and unusual setting. Check out my review, here.

Don’t you just love those two icy covers? I went from the far north to about as far south as you can get — and loved them both!

Family reading:

Alert the media! My son liked a book!

My kiddo, who will only read when forced to do so, finished The Giver (for school) this week, and admitted that it was really good AND that he’d be willing to read other books if they’re as good as The Giver! I’m trying not to get overexcited (don’t want to scare him off with my crazy enthusiasm!), but my brain is now going a mile a minute trying to figure out what other books to push his way.

Also, my husband is close to finishing Pride and Prejudice, his very first Jane Austen novel! We had the most adorable conversation in the car the other day about Mr. Darcy and entails and fortunes and reputations and all sorts of other great little pieces of P&P. Oh, the perks of being married to someone who enjoys a good book!

Fresh Catch:

I love my public library! Because my hold request for this book just arrived:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee: Just getting started — I’ve heard really good things!

Now playing via audiobook:

I completely enjoyed my re-listen to Night Broken, book #8 in the amazing Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of these books and characters.

And now, I’m resuming my audiobook adventures with the Kate Shugak series by Dana Stabenow. Over the weekend, I started book #5, Play with Fire, and based on what I’ve listened to so far, this should be another great installment.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

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.

In real life:

I’m very happy it’s Presidents Day! Who doesn’t love a day off?

What did I read last week?

All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders: A witch and a mad scientist and the end of the world? Just as awesome as it sounds. My review is here.

The Chocolate Thief by Laura Florand: Not my usual cup of tea, but I didn’t hate this romance that I read for my book group. Check out my thoughts on this book, here.

It’s All Your Fault by Paul Rudnick: A funny, quick YA book about celebrity life, family, and doing the unexpected. My review is here.

Elsewhere on the blog:

I wrote a post with follow-up news, information, and links related to two books I recently reviewed, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot and The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult. Check it out, here.

Pop culture goodness:

My son and I have been slowly working our way through my Buffy boxed set, and this week we finished season 4, with the awesomely weird “Restless” episode. So many priceless moments, including:

… and this treasure:

“Try not to bleed on my couch…”

Fresh Catch:

One new book thanks to Book Depository:

Three new YA releases all arrived at the library at once:

And a friend just back from Israel brought me this:

That’s Pride and Prejudice, in Hebrew. No, I’m not going to attempt it any time soon, but my husband was just about to give up on it in English, so the timing is perfect.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

All the Winters After by Seré Prince Halverson: I’ve really been looking forward to this one — so glad to finally be starting it!

Now playing via audiobook:

I listened to about 15% of Liar Temptress Soldier Spy by Karen Abbott, and then quit. It seemed like an interesting topic, but the audiobook just didn’t hold my attention well enough. So…

I’m now very happily listening (again!) to the audiobook of Night Broken, book #8 in the amazing Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. I love these books so much! And I’ll be soooo ready for #9 when it comes out in a few weeks.

Ongoing reads:

And we’re off! My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…