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?

Depth by Lev AC Rosen: Loved it! My review of this sci-fi/noir detective story is here.

The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay: My review is here.

Destiny’s Plan by Victoria Saccenti: My review is here.

The Cure for Dreaming by Cat Winters: My review is here.

In graphic novels, I read Intro to Alien Invasion by Owen King, which is a pretty amusing story of a college campus being taken over by icky alien beings — and the students who fight to save the world from annihilation.

Elsewhere on the blog:

I wrote a wrap-up post on North and South — reading the book and watching the BBC mini-series. Check it out, here.

Fresh Catch:

Two library hold requests came in this week:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m a little torn, but I think I’ll start with:

• Stand-Off by Andrew Smith: This is a sequel to the amazing Winger (review) — and since there’s a waiting list at the library, I really should read it first and then pass it along.
• Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith (J. K. Rowling): I’m so excited to read the newest Cormoran Strike novel!

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m about 2/3 of the way through The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, and although I don’t usually go for non-fiction, I’m really enjoying this one.

Ongoing reads:

Getting close to the end of our book group read!

So many book, 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?

Until We Meet Again by Renee Collins: Done! My review is here.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare: I listened to the audiobook this week. My review is here.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell: After six months of chapter discussions, my book group wrapped up North and South this past week. What a wonderful experience! I’ll share my thoughts on this classic in a post a bit later this week.

Pop Culture:

I finally saw The Martian! I absolutely loved the book (here’s proof!), and while no movie is ever going to be as detailed as the book it’s based on, I thought the movie did a great job of showing the main character’s personality, the big cast of characters, and the science/geeky aspects of the story. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s worth making the effort to go while it’s still in theaters. The big screen experience is lots of fun for this one, and the 3D makes a difference too.

Fresh Catch:

This week’s new arrivals:

It’s the new volume of The Outlandish Companion! This reference book covers books 5 – 8 in the Outlander series, plus lots of extras like maps and floor plans, and notes on the process of converting books to TV. Exciting!

Two more new (used) purchases this week:

A YA novel described as “Prep meets The Crucible“, and a Fables prequel!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m two-timing my reading right now, halfway through two different books:

• Depth by Lev AC Rosen
• The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay

Which will I finish first? I have no idea.

Now playing via audiobook:

I’ve just started the audiobook of The Boys in the Boat, which I hope to finish in time for my book group’s discussion later this month.

Ongoing reads:

Getting close to the end of our book group read!

So many book, 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?

After You by Jojo Moyes: Done! My review is here.

The Call of the Wild by Jack London: I listened to the audiobook this week. My review is here.

A Murder of Magpies by Judith Flanders: Sigh. Another week, another DNF. I read about 120 pages, but quit once I realized that I just wasn’t at all invested in the story. It wasn’t bad — just didn’t work for me.

Fresh Catch:

This week’s new arrivals:

All sorts of goodies! I’m so excited for the new Robert Galbraith book, even though it may be a few weeks before I actually sit down to read it.

I also received this:

I guess it’s time for me to join the adult coloring book craze! Although I’m almost scared to touch it. What if I color outside the lines? Kidding…

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’ve just started Until We Meet Again by Renee Collins, an upcoming young adult book with a time-slip plot device. I’m really liking it so far!

Now playing via audiobook:

Revisiting my childhood! Growing up in Connecticut, The Witch of Blackbird Pond was a must-read. It’s been many years since I first read this story, and I’m having a good time listening to the audiobook.

Ongoing reads:

My book group has been reading and discussing two chapters of North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell per week since the early spring… and this week, we’ll be done. It’s been a wonderful read, thanks to the smart and insightful women I’ve had the pleasure of sharing it with. Stay tuned — I’ll be posting some wrap-up thoughts in the next week or so.

We’ve also been doing two chapters per week of A Breath of Snow and Ashes, and will be done in early December. Not too shabby, for a book that’s over 1,400 pages in length!

So many book, 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 Hummingbird by Stephen P. Kiernan: I participated in the blog tour for this book during the past week. You can see my review here.

The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood: Done! My review is here.

You’re Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) by Felicia Day: Such a great read! My review is here.

Elsewhere on the blog:

I wrote an update post about my Book Count adventures, looking at how many unread books are in my house and on my Kindle, how many new books I added, and how many I either read or gave away. Teensy-tiny baby steps of progress! You can read the post here.

Pop culture awesomeness:

I am so over-the-moon excited about season 3 of Black Sails! Okay, yes, we have to wait until January, but still… new trailer!

Fresh Catch:

Look what arrived this week!

New Jim Butcher, new Buffy!

Granted, this is Buffy season 10, volume 3 — and I haven’t read any of season 9 yet. But still. New Buffy!

Also new this week:

Outlander – season 1, volume 2! I know it’s not a book, but it’s bookish… and hey, it’s OUTLANDER, and it makes me happy!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

From my fall TBR list! I’m reading Northanger Abbey by Val McDermid (part of The Austen Project), and so far, I really like how the gothic flavor of the original works in a retelling about a modern-day teenager obsessed with Twilight and all things vampire.

Now playing via audiobook:

I finished Dead in the Water, the 3rd book in Dana Stabenow’s terrific Kate Shugak series. This one was great, and I guess I might as well admit that I’m officially hooked! Can’t wait to listen to book #4!

But first, I’m now listening to Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear, and I’m really enjoying it so far. Audiobooks are turning out to be a good way for me to try genres, such as mysteries, that I don’t usually spend much time on.

Ongoing reads:

Moving right along! Two chapters per week for each book, as part of discussions with the Outlander Book Club. We’ll wrap up both in December!

So many book, 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 Hummingbird by Stephen P. Kiernan: My blog tour post will be up on Thursday. Stop by and check it out!

A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn: Done! My review is here.

The Marvels by Brian Selznick: Simply breathtaking. My review is here.

In graphic novels:

The Saga series by Brian K. Vaughan continues to be stunning! I just wish we didn’t have to wait for the next installment. Volume 5 was terrific, people. If you’re looking for a great graphic novel series to sink your teeth into, give Saga a try!

Meanwhile, in the world of audiobooks:

I got about 2/3 of the way through Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell before quitting. If you want to know why I had to stop, check out my review, here.

Elsewhere on the blog:

I posted an author Q&A with Victoria Saccenti, author of the newly released Destiny’s Plan. Check it out here.

Fresh Catch:

Look what arrived this week! Of course, I need a refresher on book #1, and I never did read #2, so I feel a series binge-read coming on

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Just starting: The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood

Now playing via audiobook:

Back to the Kate Shugak series! I’m on book 3 in this great Alaska-based mystery series by Dana Stabenow. As always, the audiobooks are terrific, and main character Kate is one tough cookie!

Ongoing reads:

Moving right along! Two chapters per week for each book, as part of discussions with the Outlander Book Club. We’ll wrap up both in December!

So many book, 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?

I finished reading Euphoria by Lily King, which my book group will be discussing starting this week. I didn’t end up writing a review, because I didn’t find myself having much to say about it. I didn’t feel terribly engaged with the characters until about halfway through, and while the storyline was often interesting, it just didn’t move me until close to the end.

After Euphoria, I started two different books, and have been bouncing between the two ever since! Scroll down the page to see the two books I’m currently reading.

Meanwhile, in the world of audiobooks:

I finished Neil Gaiman’s newest story collection, Trigger Warning. My review is here.

Elsewhere on the blog:

I kicked off my new weekly feature, Shelf Control! You can view my initial post here. I think this is going to be lots of fun — please join in!

In real life:

Hey, hey, it’s my birthday! (Okay, my birthday was on Sunday.) We had a low-key day, featuring gorgeous blue skies and sunshine, a walk to the beach, lounging around on my back porch with a book and a big iced coffee, and in general, getting treated like a VIP by the males (junior and senior) of my household. Not a bad way to celebrate!

Fresh Catch:

I’m excited for the new books that arrived this week! But since one can never have too many books (right? right!), I went to the public library’s annual book sale and came home with these as well:

Only four? I’m busy admiring my remarkable self-restraint.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m participating in the blog tour for The Hummingbird by Stephen P. Kiernan later this week, so keep an eye out for my review and tour post. Meanwhile, I started A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn last week, and have read about 60% so far. I’m really enjoying it, and look forward to getting back to it!

Now playing via audiobook:

I’ve just started listening to Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell, a rather light-hearted look at the history of Hawaii, touching on serious outcomes but with a somewhat snarky attitude. I don’t often go for non-fiction, but this is one that’s been on my to-read list for quite a while now.

Ongoing reads:

Moving right along! Two chapters per week for each book, as part of discussions with the Outlander Book Club. We’ll wrap up both in December!

So many book, 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.

Today is Rosh HaShanah! Wishing all who celebrate a sweet and happy New Year!

What did I read last week?

I read three terrific YA novels this past week:

• Another Day by David Levithan
• Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between by Jennifer E. Smith
• Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

My review post for all three is here.

In graphic novels, I read Fables, volume 22: Farewell which wraps up the amazing Fables series after 150 comic issues. Fables features a vast cast of characters and intricate world-building, and is simply a marvelous read, start to finish. As to volume 22, it’s a good-bye piece — so on the one hand, it’s a bit underwhelming story-wise, but it’s still a great opportunity to revisit all the favorite characters and see where each ends up. (Let’s face, if you’re a Fables fan and you’ve read the series up to this point, you’ll read this one as well.)

Fresh Catch:

My copy of The Hummingbird by Stephen P. Kiernan arrived this week! I’ll be participating in the blog tour for this book next week. I really enjoyed the author’s previous novel, The Curiosity (review), and I’m so looking forward to this one!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I have a book group discussion of Euphoria by Lily King coming up next week, but my library copy is due back by Friday. Better get cracking!

Now playing via audiobook:

I finished the audiobook of A Fatal Thaw by Dana Stabenow, the 2nd in her Kate Shugak mystery series. I love the Alaska setting and the character of Kate herself, and the audiobooks move quickly and hold my attention. The narrator, Marguerite Gavin, does a great job of capturing the unusual and quirky characters through their voices, and I especially love her portrayal of Kate. I’m looking forward to continuing this series!

I’ve just started Trigger Warnings, a story collection by Neil Gaiman, who also narrates the audiobook. I’m a terrible short story reader — I always feel impatient, like I’m just wasting time until I get back to reading a “real” novel. But, I’ve found that listening to audiobooks of short stories doesn’t irritate me the same way, so I’m hoping for success with Trigger Warnings!

Ongoing reads:

Moving right along! Two chapters per week for each book, as part of discussions with the Outlander Book Club. We’ll wrap up both in December!

So many book, so little time…