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.

Family:

First and foremost, happy birthday wishes (actually, a day after the big event) to my amazing, talented, smart, funny, beautiful daughter!

In real life:

I attended a terrific appearance by Chris Bohjalian, one of my favorite authors! He talked about his newest book, The Guest Room (my review is here), as well as The Sandcastle Girls. The talk was amazing, he was gracious and warm, and I got my books signed!

Elsewhere on the blog:

I talked about the spring TV shows I’m most excited about (lots of video clips!), and I also posted some thoughts on my New Year’s resolution about reading series.

What did I read last week?

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald: A five-star read! My review is here.

Fresh Catch:

I didn’t actually buy any books this week (yay, me!), but I did borrow two more graphic novels from the library… and I’m not sorry!

Wait, did I say I didn’t buy ANY books this week? Make that — I didn’t buy MANY books this week. I couldn’t resist buying copies of The Sandcastle Girls and The Guest Room (which I already have as e-books) — and getting them signed by the author!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Archivist Wasp by Nicole Kornher-Stace: This is my book group’s pick for January. I probably wouldn’t have come across this one on my own, but I’ve read the first few chapters and I’m finding it pretty good so far!

Now playing via audiobook:

I finished listening to the 21+ hours-long audiobook version of The Outlandish Companion, volume II, which was utterly fascinating. I’ll be posting a guide to reading and listening to the OCII sometime later this week. While I’ve read the original edition of the first Outlandish Companion volume (originally published in 1999), I haven’t done more than randomly leaf through the revised edition (published March 2015). So, working my way backward, I’m now listening to the OCI audiobook, which — thankfully! — is a much shorter 13 hours and 48 minutes in length.

Ongoing reads:

Woo hoo! Our new group read-along begins this week! Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ll be doing a re-read (or “re-kilt”, as we like to call it — I know…) of Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, the 8th book in the Outlander series. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week, from now through sometime in mid-2017. (It’s a big book!) Anyone who’s interested is welcome to join in, so either click on the link to head over to the OBC site, or 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.

First and foremost: Happy New Year! Here’s wishing all my dear book-world friends a year of laughter, health, and great reading!

What did I read last week?

The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness: Done! My review is here.

Extra fun fact about this book: The book cover glows in the dark! My photo doesn’t capture it very well, but it’s just so cool!

Named of the Dragon by Susanna Kearsley: Done! My review is here.

Fresh Catch:

I had a fun afternoon browsing at the used book store with my daughter… and of course, we didn’t come away empty-handed. Here’s what I bought:

And here’s what she picked out:

Yes, we both picked up copies of William Shakespeare’s Star Wars. Because Shakespeare. And Star Wars!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald: I’m  just getting started, but it seems quite sweet and quirky so far. Gotta love books about books!

Now playing via audiobook:

Still working my way through the audiobook of The Outlandish Companion, Volume II. Quite fun and interesting! I think I’ll finish during the coming week.

Ongoing reads:

Gearing up for my book club’s new group reads for 2016, starting next week!

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?

Three five-star reads in one week!

The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian: Done! My review is here.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli: Done! My review is here.

Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke: Done! My review is here.

In graphic novels…

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson: I really loved this story of a sidekick who’s so much more than she appears, the villain she aligns with (who isn’t maybe all that villainous after all), and the superhero/golden boy who isn’t quite all that perfect. It’s fun seeing the comic book standards turned upside down. The characters are terrific, the dialogue is clever, and the illustrations are spot-on. Highly recommended!

Fresh Catch:

Yet another week with no new books! This must be some kind of record for me.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness: I bought this one several months ago, and I think it’s about time to get started!

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m plugging along with this massive, long audiobook version of Diana Gabaldon’s guide to the Outlander series. It’s quite a fun listen, with detailed plot synopses, character guides, and all sorts of fun tidbits narrated by Herself.

Ongoing reads:

None at the moment! My book club is in between group reads right now, with plans to start a new classic read and a Gabaldon read-along in January. Until then, it’s every reader for herself.

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?

Winter by Marissa Meyer: Done! My review is here.

In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters: Done! My review is here.

A Cold-Blooded Business by Dana Stabenow: I finished this audiobook during the past week, and loved it. The Kate Shugak series is consistently strong and fascinating.

Elsewhere on the blog:

Speaking of audiobooks… I wrote a post asking whether listening to audiobooks “counts” as reading. In my opinion, the answer is a resounding YES, but I’m interested in hearing what others have to say on the subject. You can read my post and share your thoughts here.

Pop culture goodness:

I finished season 2 of Transparent, which is simply amazing, so hard to describe, and an absolute must-watch.

And of course the biggest pop culture event of the week (or the year)… like millions of others, I went to see the new Star Wars movie! Not on opening night, alas, but close enough…

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Next up, I plan to read one (or both) of two ARCs for books being released in early January:

• The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian
• The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald

Now playing via audiobook:

Just to change things up a bit… I picked up the newly released volume two of The Outlandish Companion back when it came out in the fall, but haven’t done more than just randomly leaf through up to now. For those not completely obsessed with all things Outlander — the OCII is a reference book (2nd volume), including plot synopses, character descriptions, maps and floor plans, and various essays related to the book series. I think it’s fascinating, naturally. Anyway, I decided to listen to the audiobook, which includes pieces read by Diana Gabaldon as well as by the narrators who do the novels of the series and related novellas. It’s quite fun so far — and I’ll be listening to this one for a few weeks, as it’s over 21 hours long!

Ongoing reads:

None at the moment! My book club is in between group reads right now, with plans to start a new classic read and a Gabaldon read-along in January. Until then, it’s every reader for herself.

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 Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick: See my review, here.

Pop culture goodness:

I binge-watched season 1 of Transparent over the weekend… and yes, it’s just as good as everyone says it is! The episodes are only 30 minutes, which makes it really easy to move quickly through the season. I may take a bit of a breather before continuing on with season 2, which has just been released. Anyone else watching Transparent?

Awesome web resource of the week:

Bonnie of For the Love of Words did me a huge favor by pointing me in the directions of the Recaptains website! I was frustrated practically to tears when I started reading Winter by Marissa Meyer — it had been too long since I’d read the earlier books, and I was having a hard time remembering the details and getting back into the story. Thanks to Bonnie’s suggestion, I was able to read super detailed recaps of each of the earlier books, which totally got me back on track for Winter (and saved me hours and days of re-reading).

I’m bookmarking Recaptains for sure. Check it out if you’re reading a series and need a refresher! The site features really detailed (and spoiler-filled) synopses — I think I’ll be revisiting this site many, many times.

Fresh Catch:

I loved Uprooted by Naomi Novik so, so much… so I had to get myself a copy of the first book of her Temeraire series. This looks like something fun to get involved with in the new year!

In addition, a true treat came my way! The very talented Scottish writer Maggie Craig was kind enough to send me a new paperback edition of her wonderful book, Gathering Storm — which includes a blurb from yours truly on the inside! I love this book, and could be more thrilled to be a tiny part of it! (You can read more about Maggie Craig and Gathering Storm here.)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Winter by Marissa Meyer: I started this book earlier in the week, and have had so little time to actually sit and read. Argh. I’m about 2/3 done, and hope to finish soon!

Now playing via audiobook:

I thought I’d finish A Cold-Blooded Business by Dana Stabenow over the weekend, but heavy rain and gusty winds kept me from my weekend walks… which meant much less time for audiobook listening. I’m really enjoying the story so far — the Kate Shugak series is consistently great!

Ongoing reads:

None at the moment! My book club is in between group reads right now, with plans to start a new classic read and a Gabaldon read-along in January. Until then, it’s every reader for herself.

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 Aeronaut’s Windlass by Jim Butcher: Awesome start to a new series! My review is here.

In audiobooks, I finished listening to the magical, magnificent Uprooted by Naomi Novik, and absolutely loved it. Check out my review, here.

In graphic novels, I read volume 3 of the outstanding Alex + Ada trilogy by Sarah Vaughn and Jonathan Luna. My post about the series is here.

I also enjoyed The Wolf Among Us, a new prequel to the Fables series (which I love). Fables fans will want to check this one out!

Fresh Catch:

I’ve had an ARC of this book on my Kindle since earlier this year, but when I came across a nice used hard copy, I had to treat myself:

And… finally!!!… my library request for Winter arrived! As soon as I finish my current book, I’m diving in!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick: After watching (and loving) the Amazon series, I decided I should read the book!

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m continuing on with the terrific Kate Shugak series by Dana Stabenow, just starting #4, A Cold-Blooded Business.

Ongoing reads:

We’re done! Our 15-month, 127 chapter odyssey has come to its finish. Thank you to Outlander Book Club for another outstanding read-along!

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?

Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith: I posted my review of this terrific mystery this past week.

Emma by Alexander McCall Smith: Another Jane Austen retelling, done! My review is here.

Fresh Catch:

Well, after the previous week, when I acquired exactly ZERO new books, I went in the opposite direction this past week. First, I received an ARC for a book that I’m really excited about and then treated myself to John Cleese’s memoir:

And then… I found myself with time to spare in the neighborhood of my favorite used book store, and just by coincidence, had a big old store credit in my hand that was crying to be used! I treated myself to a few books I’ve been wanting to read plus copies of a few that I’d read as library books:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Aeronaut’s Windlass by Jim Butcher: I finally decided to sit down with this massive, 600+ page book, and I’m loving it so far!

Now playing via audiobook:

Wow, is this good! I’m at about the 55% mark, and I’m thoroughly hooked… plus, I got over my initial annoyance at the narrator’s accent and now I feel like it’s part of the story.

Ongoing reads:

A big shout-out and hurray for my book group! After reading and discussing two chapters per week for the past year and a half, we’re down to the final week, with discussions of the book’s two epilogues! What a long and marvelous trip it’s been.

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?

Stand-Off by Andrew Smith: The sequel to the amazing Winger. Check out my review, here.

Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith: Just finished! By about the mid-point, it was impossible to put down. I’ll post a review in the next day or so.

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown: I finished the audiobook over the weekend. This is a must-read/must-listen book! My review is here.

Pop culture goodness:

Anyone else watching The Man in the High Castle? I’ve seen the first two episodes so far — check out this post for more info.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week! I’m kind of proud of myself.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Since I just finished a book last night, I haven’t quite started a new one yet. My next read will either be:

• The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness — or…
• Emma by Alexander McCall Smith

Now playing via audiobook:

My new audiobook is Uprooted by Naomi Novik. I’m a little irritated by the narrator, but I’m liking the story so far.

Ongoing reads:

Last two weeks of our 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?

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…