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.

It was my first week post-vacation, and I’m sure you can guess how I felt about that! That vacation mellowness goes away really quickly when you log back in to your work email and see 360 unread messages lying in wait…

But otherwise, it’s been a decent week. I played with my son’s cute kitty, so life is good.

What did I read during the last week?

I caught up on my review backlog for the books I read while away and shortly after returning:

Here are my review links:

• The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer – review
• Until Next Summer by Ali Brady – review
• The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar – review
• The Black Bird Oracle (All Souls, #5) by Deborah Harkness – review

I also finished two more books this week:

• Against the Darkness (In Every Generation, #3) by Kendare Blake: The final volume in a terrific Buffyverse trilogy. My review is here.
• Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Bridgertons, #4) by Julia Quinn: An audiobook reread! But which is better — the book or the TV series? Tune in later this week, when I’ll share some thoughts…

Pop culture & TV:

I’m sure everyone has seen this adorable safety video from British Airways by now… but just in case you’ve missed it:

In other pop culture moments…

My husband and I out got out to the theater over weekend! It was a small-scale production of Evita in a truly teeny space — but it was still really fun. Way back in my college days, one of my roommates played the Evita soundtrack non-stop (and loudly), so watching the show was both a great experience in and of itself, and also a heavy dose of nostalgia.

Other than that, I’m still making my way through season 4 of The Boys, which is just as gross and over-the-top as expected (and yet, I just can’t look away). I have three episodes left… and then I’ll need to find something nice and pleasant and gore-free to watch as a way of cleansing my brain.

Oh, and too good not to share — check out this new trailer for season three of Interview with the Vampire. Rock star Lestat — Can. Not. Wait.

Fresh Catch:

I had an Amazon gift card burning a hole in my pocket, and treated myself to a bunch of books!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher: I’m excited to be starting the newest from T. Kingfisher!

Now playing via audiobook:

A Castle in the Air (A Stitch in Time, #4) by Kelley Armstrong: The 4th and final (I think?) book in the terrific A Stitch in Time series! I’ve only listened to the first couple of chapters, but I’m hooked already.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Damn Rebel Bitches: The Women of the ’45 by Maggie Craig: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of this non-fiction book, discussing one chapter each Friday. Progress: 44%. Coming up this week: Chapter 13, “Till Death Us Do Part”
• The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare: My book group is reading and discussing two scenes per week. Progress: 39%. Coming up this week: Act IV, scenes 1 and 2.
• It’s the Classics Club spin book! The newest spin landed on #17, and on my list, that’s The Sound of Waves by Yukio Mishima. This is a reread for me, and I just got a copy from the library. I’m still not sure exactly when I’ll start, but there’s plenty of time before the spin deadline of 9/22.

What will you be reading this week?

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.

Life.

I’m back! My husband and I spent the past week in beautiful Hawaii, enjoying sand, sun, gorgeous seas, delicious food, and utter relaxation.

I managed to fit in quite a lot of reading while we were there — bliss! It was hard to leave paradise behind and return home… vacations must eventually end, but since my husband stated mid-week “I could see coming back here every year”, we can start looking forward to the next time!

Blogging world:

I was offline all of last week, so I’ll have quite a bit of catching up to do on my blog. One thing I missed this week was the kick-off of the summer Classics Club Spin, a blogging event that I always enjoy. I didn’t get back in time to put up a pre-spin post before the results announcement — but since I already have a list from previous spins, I’m going to read the book that corresponds to the newest spin anyway! See my ongoing reads, below, to find out what it is.

What did I read during the last week?

I finished two books right before leaving on vacation:

• The Husbands by Holly Gamazio (review)
• The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest (review)

Also in the week before our trip, I listened to a bunch of audio shorts:

Check out my audiobook round-up post, here.

As for my vacation books:

I haven’t had time to write up my reactions to these books yet, but I should have reviews coming later this week:

• Cocktails & Chloroform (A Rip Through Time, #2.5) by Kelley Armstrong
• The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
• Until Next Summer by Ali Brady
• The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar

Pop culture & TV:

Nada! I didn’t turn on a TV or do any streaming during the past week! Of course, now that I’m back, there’s plenty to choose from. I’ll probably start with season 4 of The Boys. I’m preparing myself for all the over-the-top ickiness that show is sure to entail…

Fresh Catch:

One new book arrived for me this week — a lovely hardcover edition of The Black Bird Oracle.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness: I powered through about half of this book on the plane trip home, but haven’t had much reading time since. I love being back in the All Souls world!

Now playing via audiobook:

Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Bridgertons, #4) by Julia Quinn: I had little moments on vacation where I need an audiobook, but didn’t want to have to concentrate too hard — so doing an audio reread of a favorite Bridgerton book seemed like an obvious choice! I’m enjoying this one quite a bit — should finish later this week.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Damn Rebel Bitches: The Women of the ’45 by Maggie Craig: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of this non-fiction book, discussing one chapter each Friday. Progress: 41%. Coming up this week: Chapter 12, “Angels of Mercy”
• The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare: My book group is reading and discussing two scenes per week. Progress: 29%. Coming up this week: Act III, scenes 1 and 2.
• It’s the Classics Club spin book! The newest spin landed on #17, and on my list, that’s The Sound of Waves by Yukio Mishima. I read this book eons ago (i.e., for a high school literature class), and I’m eager to reread it. I’m not sure if I’ll start it right away, or wait until closer to the spin deadline of 9/22. Plenty of time to get it done!

What will you be reading this week?

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.

Life.

I’m on a vacation countdown! My husband and I are taking a week away starting this coming Sunday, and I can’t wait. Just need to get through this workweek, pack my bags, and I’ll be ready to go! Once I decide which books to bring, of course.

What did I read during the last week?

Finding Mr. Write by Kelley Armstrong: This book made me so happy! My review is here.

My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan: On the other hand, this book brought on the waterworks. Very powerful and emotional. My review is here.

My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows: The 2nd book in a really fun series. Classic fiction + ghosts + heavy doses of silliness. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished season 3 of The Bear this past week, and it was… okay? A few great episodes, but not a lot actually happened to move the overall story forward. Still, very artistic production throughout, and it’s great to see the characters again.

And now, I’m watching My Lady Jane! I’ve seen three episodes so far. It’s cute and really fun, but I’m not sure I love all the changes from the book… Let’s see how the rest of the episodes go!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest: This is the follow-up to a book I read a few months ago (The Neighbor Favor) — it happened to be available for an immediate borrow as I was scrolling my library ebook site, so I grabbed it! I’m almost done — review to follow in the next day or so.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Way Home by Peter S. Beagle: This book is two novellas set in the world of The Last Unicorn, and it’s lovely so far.

Ongoing reads:

Two longer-term reading commitments:

• Damn Rebel Bitches: The Women of the ’45 by Maggie Craig: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of this non-fiction book, discussing one chapter each Friday. Progress: 33%. Coming up this week: Chapter 10, “On the Other Hand”
• The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare: My book group is reading and discussing two scenes per week. Progress: 16%. Coming up this week: Act II, scenes 1 and 2

What will you be reading this week?

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.

Life.

How did it get to be July already? Feels like I blinked, and suddenly half of 2024 has zipped by! This has been a mostly quiet week, but I did get to do more dancing than usual, and even had time plus cooperative weather for outdoor reading over the weekend.

What did I read during the last week?

The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson: I’m not a prime target for a baseball book… but this contemporary romance about unexpected connections was a delight! My review is here.

Winter Lost (Mercy Thompson, #14) by Patricia Briggs: Not my favorite in the series… but the series remains a favorite. My review is here.

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows: This audiobook was amazing! The book itself was a reread for me, but it was my first experience with the audio version, and I just loved it. My review of the book from my first time reading it is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I finally got around to watching Gen V, which is a spin-off of The Boys. OK, if you’ve watched The Boys at all, then the level of over-the-top gore and violence and “oh my god, can they do that on TV?” will be totally expected. Gotta admit, I thought it was lots of fun… and now I’m ready to start the new season of The Boys.

I started season 3 of The Bear over the weekend, and… it’s intense. As expected. Somehow, I didn’t remember feeling this anxious during each episode during previous seasons. Still great, of course.

Also, how did Interview with the Vampire go from a dull first episode this season to having stellar episodes by the end? Every single one of the last four or so episodes have absolutely slayed. Exciting to hear that season 3 is definitely happening, and that it’ll be picking up with storylines from The Vampire Lestat, the 2nd book in the series. Rockstar Lestat? Sign me up.

Fresh Catch:

Two characters in a book I read last week were discussing Mandy by Julie Andrews, and I realized that (a) it’s been too many years since I read it, and (b) I don’t know where my old copy went. Sadly, this book doesn’t seem to be available in e-book format — but I went ahead and bought myself a paperback, and it just arrived over the weekend. Can’t wait to read it again!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Finding Mr. Write by Kelley Armstrong: I’ve really enjoyed everything I’ve read by this author so far — this is her first romance, and while it’s a big departure, it’s also a lot of fun. I should be done today or tomorrow.

Now playing via audiobook:

My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan: The author is also the narrator, and since Julia Whelan is in a league of her own when it comes to audiobook narration, this is sure to be a great listen. I’ve had this book in my Audible library for quite a while now — I’m glad to finally be starting it.

Ongoing reads:

Two longer-term reading commitments:

• Damn Rebel Bitches: The Women of the ’45 by Maggie Craig: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of this non-fiction book, discussing one chapter each Friday. Progress: 29%. Coming up this week: Chapter 9, “My Darling Clementine”
• The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare: My book group will be reading and discussing two scenes per week, starting this week.

What will you be reading this week?

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.

Life.

It was nice to have a day off midweek, even if I didn’t do much… or I guess, especially since I didn’t do much. I appreciated de-stressing, fiddling around with household projects, going for a walk, and just… being a bit more chill than usual.

What did I read during the last week?

The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler: My book group’s June pick is a fascinating look at first contact between species, with plenty to think about in terms of consciousness and humanity. And if that sounds perhaps dull or a bit too philosophical — it’s an exciting sci-fi story with plenty of action too! My review is here.

One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin: I gave this book more than one star… but not by much. My review is here.

Funny Story by Emily Henry: I really enjoyed the audiobook — the story itself is terrific, and the narration by Julia Whelan is just as fantastic as you’d expect. A great summer read. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I ended up watching the second batch of Bridgerton (season 3) episodes again this week… still terrific! And sure, I have quibbles, but I love how much the show manages to deliver. Sadly, it’s now a 2 year (ish) wait for the next season.

I was really sad to hear about the passing of Donald Sutherland this week. From Animal House to the Hunger Games movies, he’s always been a favorite, with such a unique screen presence.

My book group finished our massive reading project last week — Daniel Deronda by George Elliot — and this past week, I watch the 4-part TV miniseries (available via Hulu and probably elsewhere too). Overall, I thought it was a good adaptation with a terrific cast. Some plot points — and of course, much of the deeper elements — get lost in the transition to screen, but the characters and conflicts are depicted fairly faithfully. For those who don’t have the patience to get through the book, this is a good way to at least somewhat experience the story.

Fresh Catch:

It’s the new Mercy book!!

I’m much more selective these days when it comes to buying hardcover books… but I always buy the new Mercy book right on release day. The covers are so gorgeous! (Artist Dan Dos Santos is incredibly talented — check out his website). I’ve loved this series from the start, and I love that it’s still going strong, 14 books in (and counting!).

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’d planned to start Winter Lost right away, but have had such hectic days that I never ended up with a big chunk of time to just relax and read, and I want to be able to savor it. So, hopefully, I’ll dive in later this week, and meanwhile, I’m reading…

The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson: I am not a baseball person AT ALL, so this is not an obvious pick for me, except I really enjoyed the author’s previous two books. This is light and fast-moving, and I should wrap it up pretty quickly.

Now playing via audiobook:

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows: With the Prime Video series starting later this week, I decided I needed to do a reread via audiobook, and I’m loving it. This book is so funny and delightful, and the narration is terrific. Plus, it’s good prep for me to get back into the series and finally continue onward.

Ongoing reads:

Just one at the moment, until my book group starts a new classic read next month:

• Damn Rebel Bitches: The Women of the ’45 by Maggie Craig: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of this non-fiction book, discussing one chapter each Friday. Progress: 27%. Coming up this week: Chapter 8, “Whither Thou Goest”

What will you be reading this week?

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.

Life.

Some fun outings this week — dancing in the park on a sunny day, and a movie with my (adult) kiddo, plus a delicious Father’s Day dinner with the fam.

Book news.

By now, I’m sure everyone who cares is aware of this… but I’m pretty excited about the news that Suzanne Collins will be releasing a new Hunger Games prequel next year. Sunrise on the Reaping will be published in March 2025, and the movie adaptation is already scheduled for release in November 2026.

What did I read during the last week?

Hula by Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes: I finished this complicated historical novel with a week to spare before my book group discussion! My review is here.

Kilmeny of the Orchard by L. M. Montgomery: I’ve been working my way through this amazing author’s books. Sadly, this one is on the weaker side, but for the sake of completion, I’m glad I read it anyway. My review is here.

Middletide by Sarah Crouch: This small-town murder mystery seems to be getting a big promotional push (blurbs compare it to Where the Crawdads Sing), but I found it underbaked and unbelievable. My review is here.

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan: My 3rd book by this author, just as great as the previous two! My review is here.

BIG FINISH:

My book group finished its chapter-by-chapter read of Daniel Deronda by George Eliot — a 7-month reading odyssey! I’m so grateful that we read this book together. I’m not sure that I would have read it on my own, given its complexity and length, but it was a wonderful reading experience. There’s so much to digest and discuss, and for anyone who’s ever considered reading Daniel Deronda… I say YES!

Pop culture & TV:

I watched season 3, part 2 of Bridgerton over two nights, and overall, loved it. I do feel that breaking up the season into two four-episode halves doesn’t do it any favors — each time we feel the momentum really building, it’s over. But as a whole, it was well done and delicious… and yet, I walked away feeling a teensy bit dissatisfied. I think I would have liked a little more time with the characters after the big climactic moment of the final episode, but at least we know that HEAs abound for so many of the characters. And now, the long wait for season 4 begins… (I’m sure I’ll do a rewatch at some point, and may even reread the 4th Bridgerton book, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, which is the basis for this season’s central storyline.)

On Saturday, my son and I went to see the Fathom Events screening of Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. It was amazing to see it on the big screen once again! The 2nd and 3rd movies in the LOTR trilogy are playing next weekend, and while I haven’t bought tickets yet, I’m going to try my best to see them both.

In other pop culture / bookish news… have you seen the trailer for the My Lady Jane series coming up on Prime Video? I loved the My Lady Jane book (yet another book for my need-to-reread-list), and this looks delightful. (Bonus points for including a favorite actor from the A Discovery of Witches adaptation)

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler: This is my book group book for June, and I’m getting a late start. Oops. (The nice thing is that our discussion is via chat threads, so there’s no hard pressure to finish on time)

Now playing via audiobook:

Funny Story by Emily Henry: Emily Henry books are SO good on audio, especially with the fabulous Julie Whelan narrating. I’m about halfway through this book, and it’s just as much fun as I’d expected.

Ongoing reads:

Just one at the moment, now that we’ve finished Daniel Deronda:

• Damn Rebel Bitches: The Women of the ’45 by Maggie Craig: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of this non-fiction book, discussing one chapter each Friday. Progress: 24%. Coming up this week: Chapter 7, “Sealed with a Loving Kiss”

What will you be reading this week?

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.

Life.

The week zipped by. Nothing too eventful, but I did manage to finally get some travel plans made for later in the summer. Vacation time is still way off, but at least it’s on the calendar!

Reading & blogging.

I’ve reached a point where I’m super frustrated — mostly with myself — because I’m overextended with ARC commitments and find myself without the ability to read on a whim… or at least, to read on a whim without guilt. The ARCs I have pending are all books I’ve been excited to read, and still, they’re taking up too much of my reading time.

Reading by obligation or to meet a schedule has never particularly worked for me. (This is why I tend not to participate in reading challenges). From this point forward, I’m going to try to be much more selective about requesting ARCs — my intention will be to request only the ones I’d read no matter what. As for the ARCs I might be tempted to request because they happen to catch my eye, my goal will be to make note of upcoming releases that look good and add them to my library “for later” list, but not put in any further spur-of-the-moment ARC requests this year.

I need more reading freedom! It makes me cranky to have to plan my books according to the calendar.

What did I read during the last week?

Jackpot Summer by Elyssa Friedland: For all of us who dream about winning the lottery! My review is here.

Hula by Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes: A powerful, beautiful novel about family, belonging, responsibility, and tradition. I read this for a book group; our discussion is coming up in another week. Review to follow.

A Turn of the Tide (A Stitch in Time, #3) by Kelley Armstrong: This installment (in an excellent series) is a swashbuckling adventure — pirates included! I also read the companion/follow-up novella, Ghosts & Garlands, which is a sweet holiday-themed treat. My review of A Turn of the Tide is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’m so glad I decided to go back to Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power! When it originally aired, I watched one episode… and for whatever reason, kind of wandered away and never continued. With the 2nd season about to drop, I thought it was time to give it another try, and finished season 1 on Sunday night. I loved it! Can’t wait for season 2.

Meanwhile, after a lackluster start, season 2 of Interview with the Vampire has really picked up over the last couple of episodes, and I’m hooked.

Of course, what I’m most excited for is the 2nd half of the Bridgerton season… starting in just a few days!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I finished a big book (Hula) late Sunday, and haven’t quite decided what to start next. Most likely, once of these:

All three are ARCs for June new releases — two romances, and one other with a pretty dramatic vibe, so I’ll just have to see which suits my mood later today!

Now playing via audiobook:

Kilmeny of the Orchard by L. M. Montgomery: I’m slowly trying to read the various stand-alones by LMM on my TBR list. This is a relatively short audiobook, and so far, the opening chapters have been enough to catch my attention.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 98%. Our final week! We’ll finish the last chapter on Wednesday this week.
• Damn Rebel Bitches: The Women of the ’45 by Maggie Craig: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of this non-fiction book, discussing one chapter each Friday. Progress: 22%. Coming up this week: Chapter 6, “The Monstrous Regiment of Women”

What will you be reading this week?

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.

Life.

It may not officially be summer until later this month, but as far as I’m concerned, June 1st is close enough! We had enough sunshine over the weekend for me to get outside both days, despite super blustery winds each afternoon.

In any case, it’s been an uneventful week — work, home, reading, etc etc etc — and that’s okay. Sometimes routine and quiet can be a good vibe.

What did I read during the last week?

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center: So much fun! My review is here.

The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley: Delightful, funny, and the audiobook is a joy to listen to. My review is here.

Time’s Convert (All Souls, #4) by Deborah Harkness: I’m so glad I finally took the time to return to this outstanding series, especially with a new book coming this summer. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I just wasn’t in much of a TV mood this week, but I ended up deciding to give Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power another try. When season 1 first aired, I watched the first episode, and I don’t even remember why I never ended up continuing. So, back to the beginning I went, and now that I’ve watched the first episode (again) and also the second, I have to say that I’m into it! I’m looking forward to watching the rest of season 1 over the course of the coming week.

Also on Prime Video, I ended up watching the movie American Fiction this weekend. Great performances and so many interesting moments… but the ending kind of threw me, and I have mixed feelings about it as a whole.

Fresh Catch:

I treated myself to one new hardcover this week — this book is a novella set in the world of the Rip Through Time series, which I love.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Jackpot Summer by Elyssa Friedland: Just getting started, but this seems like a light, fun summer read.

Now playing via audiobook:

A Turn of the Tide (A Stitch in Time, #3) by Kelley Armstrong: Continuing onward with this terrific series.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 96%. Two weeks left!
• Damn Rebel Bitches: The Women of the ’45 by Maggie Craig: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ve started a group read of this non-fiction book, discussing one chapter each Friday. Progress: 17%. Coming up this week: Chapter 5, “Will the Real Jenny Cameron Please Stand Up?”

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…