2018

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

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 during the last week?

Every Note Played by Lisa Genova: Moving contemporary fiction about lives changed by ALS. My review is here.

The Family Next Door by Sally Hepworth: Domestic drama set in an Australian suburban neighborhood. My review is here.

Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan McGuire: A ghost story from one of my favorite writers! The sequel comes out later this year, and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next in the after-life of Rose Marshall, the ghostly prom girl who hitchhikes her way across highways, ghostroads, and between roadside diners everywhere.

In graphic novels, I read:

Runaways: Find Your Way Home by Rainbow Rowell and Kris Anka: Such fun! It’s great to return to the world of Runaways. The story is in great hands with Rainbow Rowell, picking back up with the characters after a few years and setting up new adventures.

Fresh Catch:

Two non-fiction books arrived this week:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Outsider by Stephen King: Just started! My library hold came in much sooner than expected, so it feels like a treat to be able to dive in this week.

Now playing via audiobook:

So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson: I’m really enjoying this non-fiction book which examines the phenomenon of public shaming. Ronson is terrific as a narrator.

Book group reads:

It feels repetitive to list these week after week… except I really am reading them week after week!

Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon: Outlander Book Club is doing a group read of LJ&BotB, two chapters per week. The end is in sight!
Classic read: My book group’s current classic read is Middlemarch by George Eliot. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week… and we have a long way still to go.

So many books, so little time…

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21May2018

The Monday Check-In ~ 5/21/2018

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Life.

I may be a little absent this week. I’m flying to the East Coast for a few days to celebrate a family graduation. Exciting times!

What did I read during the last week?

How To Walk Away by Katherine Center: Contemporary fiction with romance, tragedy, and even a little humor. My review is here.

Surface Tension by Mike Mullin: Action-packed YA fiction. My review is here.

How to Marry a Werewolf by Gail Carriger: A super-cute novella! My review is here.

In audiobooks, I finished:

Only Human (The Themis Files, #3) by Sylvain Neuvel: The fantastic wrap-up of an amazingly great trilogy. Check out my review, here.

Fresh Catch:

I didn’t buy any new books this week, although I did get this from the library. Looks like so much fun!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m catching up on ARCs this week. My two priorities are:

The Family Next Door by Sally Hepworth
Every Note Played by Lisa Genove

Now playing via audiobook:

So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson: Ronson is a fascinating writer, and does an excellent job of narrating his own works. I’m only a few chapters into this look at public shaming, but so far, it’s oddly compelling. I really enjoyed listening to The Butterfly Effect (about the unintended consequences of the availability of free porn) by Ronson last year.

Ongoing reads:

Book group reads:

It feels repetitive to list these week after week… except I really am reading them week after week!

Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon: Outlander Book Club is doing a group read of LJ&BotB, two chapters per week. If you’d like to join in, ask me how!
Classic read: My book group’s current classic read is Middlemarch by George Eliot. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week… and we have a long way still to go.

So many books, so little time…

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14May2018

The Monday Check-In ~ 5/14/2018

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

What did I read during the last week?

Head On by John Scalzi: The follow up to his brilliant Lock In. My review is here.

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whiltehead: A powerful book, to be discussed with my book group this coming week. Can’t wait to share thoughts with the group!

I also read two terrific novellas:

All Systems Red and Artificial Condition, books 1 & 2 of The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. Great fun! My review is here.

Elsewhere on the blog:

I wrote about my weekend away at a surprise destination here. If you’re open to the idea of travel without tons of advance planning or information, this is a great way to see the country on a whim!

Fresh Catch:

The World of All Souls! This book is so pretty. It’s an illustrated reference guide to Deborah Harkness’s All Souls trilogy. I’m so looking forward to looking through it and savoring it!

My adorable daughter sent me a copy of John Oliver’s Marlon Bundo book, which is just so perfect.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

How To Walk Away by Katherine Center: After all the sci-fi lately, I thought it might be good to switch things up with some contemporary fiction.

Now playing via audiobook:

Only Human by Sylvain Neuvel: Book #3 of the Themis Files trilogy! I have an e-ARC of this book, but I decided to listen to the audiobook instead. The first two audiobooks in the trilogy were amazing, and this one is every bit as good so far.

Ongoing reads:

Book group reads:

Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon: Outlander Book Club is doing a group read of LJ&BotB, two chapters per week. If you’d like to join in, ask me how!
Classic read: My book group’s current classic read is Middlemarch by George Eliot. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week… and we have a long way still to go.

So many books, so little time…

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7May2018

The Monday Check-In ~ 5/7/2018

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

Life.

I just got back last night from an amazing weekend in Denver, Colorado. Once I get a bit of rest and do my laundry, I’ll definitely share more about the trip.

What did I read during the last week?

I read two more books from Seanan McGuire’s super-fun InCryptid series:

Half-Off Ragnarok (#3): My review is here.
Pocket Apocalypse (#4): A little darker in tone, and quite a good story. Review to follow.

I also finished my audiobook re-read of Lock In by John Scalzi. Fantastic fun.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week. How unusual! Especially considering that I spent about a half-hour in a used book store and walked out empty-handed. (Can I help it if their sci-fi/fantasy shelves were pretty underwhelming?)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Head On by John Scalzi: I’m so excited to be starting the sequel to Lock In!

[Updated to add: I read almost the entire book by the time my plane landed! Thoughts to follow once I catch up on some sleep…]

Now playing via audiobook:

All Systems Red by Martha Wells: Okay, I just read this book about a month ago, but then there was a deal on the audiobook, and I thought it could be fun. I’m about halfway through (didn’t have time to listen while traveling this weekend), but I need to wrap this up so I can start…

Only Human by Sylvain Neuvel: Book #3 of the Themis Files trilogy! I have an e-ARC of this book, but I loved the first two so much on audio that I decided to listen to this one as well. I’m so excited to finally be starting it.

Ongoing reads:

Book group reads:

Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon: Outlander Book Club is doing a group read of LJ&BotB, two chapters per week. If you’d like to join in, ask me how!
Classic read: My book group’s current classic read is Middlemarch by George Eliot. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week… and we have a long way still to go.

So many books, so little time…

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30Apr2018

The Monday Check-In ~ 4/30/2018

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

What did I read during the last week?

Midnight Blue-Light Special (InCryptid, #2) by Seanan McGuire: Continuing with my compulsive reading of anything I can get my hands on by Seanan McGuire. My review is here.

Time Was by Ian McDonald: A haunting story of time travel, war, love, and missed connections. My review is here.

My Lady’s Choosing by Kitty Curran and Larissa Zageris: A choose-your-own adventure romance novel! Incredibly fun and funny. My reaction is here.

You Think It, I’ll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld: I’m not much of a short story reader, but I did really enjoy this collection. I really have no idea how to write a review of a book of short stories, so I’ll skip the actual review and just say that the stories held my attention, were often sadly funny (if that makes any sense), and felt like reading about average people who say and think the things most of us keep hidden in our brains. I’m glad I read it, and would like to give some of the author’s novels a try. (I’ve only read one of her books before now, Eligible, and I really had fun with it.)

Fresh Catch:

Two new books — so excited for both!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Yes, continuing onward with my new series obsession:

Half-Off Ragnarok (InCryptid, #3) by Seanan McGuire: This series is silly and so hard to put down!

Now playing via audiobook:

Lock In by John Scalzi: Totally enjoying revisiting this story via audio… and as soon as I’m done, I’ll be starting the sequel, Head On.

Ongoing reads:

Book group reads:

Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon: Outlander Book Club is doing a group read of LJ&BotB, two chapters per week. If you’d like to join in, ask me how!
Classic read: My book group’s current classic read is Middlemarch by George Eliot. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. I’m so glad I have the group to keep me motivated! This book is huuuuuuuge.

So many books, so little time…

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23Apr2018

The Monday Check-In ~ 4/23/2018

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

What did I read during the last week?

Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire: As I said to a friend recently, you can never have too much Seanan McGuire. This is book #1 in her InCryptid series — light, bubbly fun. My review is here.

The Atrocities by Jeremy Shipp: A ghost story novella that starts off strong but petered out with a weird ending after a final third in which the story stopped making sense to me. Still, kudos to the author for the super creepy atmosphere of the bizarre, scary mansion and its odd, unreliable inhabitants.

The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir by Jennifer Ryan: A moving, wonderful book, especially enjoyable in audio format. Just loved it. My review is here.

Currently in my hands:

I’m bouncing back and forth between two books:

Midnight Blue-Light Special (InCryptid, #2) by Seanan McGuire: See, I meant what I said about there being no such thing as too much Seanan McGuire!

My Lady’s Choosing by Kitty Curran and Larissa Zageris: A choose-your-own adventure romance novel! So much fun.

Now playing via audiobook:

Lock In by John Scalzi: This is a re-read for me, although it’s my first time listening to the audiobook. With Wil Wheaton narrating, it should be loads of fun… and once I finish, I’ll be read to read the new sequel, Head On.

Ongoing reads:

Book group reads:

Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon: Outlander Book Club is doing a group read of LJ&BotB, two chapters per week. If you’d like to join in, ask me how!
Classic read: My book group’s current classic read is Middlemarch by George Eliot. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week… and this week, it’s my turn to write chapter summaries. Wouldn’t you know it — my chapters are huge! I need to buckle down and get to work if I’m going to get my summary for today posted in time.

So many books, so little time…

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16Apr2018

The Monday Check-In ~ 4/16/2018

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

What did I read during the last week?

Feedback by Mira Grant: Yes, another Newsflesh book! My review is here.

Unbury Carol by Josh Malerman: Odd but weirdly compelling horror/western — my review is here.

All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries, #1) by Martha Wells: I enjoyed the hell out of this novella (144 pages) about a security robot who overrides its control programming and starts to think for itself. Looking forward to #2!

Pop culture goodness:

I caught episode 1 of the new production of Howard’s End, and loved it!

I’ve never read the book, but now I think I need to!

And in less cultured news, my son and I went to see this last night, in all its big-screen gory glory:

SO much fun!

Fresh Catch:

No new books, but my Outlander season 3 DVD set arrived this week!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire: Because I can’t seem to get enough of this author! I decided to start her Incryptid series, despite the seriously cheesy book covers.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir by Jennifer Ryan: A book group book! The audiobook is really delightful — I’m at about 50%, and should wrap up just in time for our group discussion.

Ongoing reads:

Book group reads:

Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon: Outlander Book Club is doing a group read of LJ&BotB, two chapters per week. If you’d like to join in, ask me how!
Classic read: My book group’s current classic read is Middlemarch by George Eliot. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week… so I’ll be reading Middlemarch for months and months to come.

So many books, so little time…

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9Apr2018

The Monday Check-In ~ 4/9/2018

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

What did I read during the last week?

Pride and Prometheus by John Kessel: My review is here.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz: My (audiobook) review is here.

Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs: Book # 5 in the awesome Alpha & Omega series. My review is here.

In children’s books:

I reviewed Chelsea Clinton’s two terrific picture books, here.

Currently in my hands:

Feedback by Mira Grant: Heading back into the Newsflesh world once again!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir by Jennifer Ryan: A book group book!

Ongoing reads:

Book group reads:

Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon: Outlander Book Club is doing a group read of LJ&BotB, two chapters per week. If you’d like to join in, ask me how!
Classic read: My book group’s current classic read is Middlemarch by George Eliot. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week… so I’ll be reading Middlemarch for months and months to come.

So many books, so little time…

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2Apr2018

The Monday Check-In ~ 4/2/2018

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

What did I read during the last week?

I’ve reached the end of my October Daye series binge. I’ve loved every moment, but now I’m a bit heartbroken that I’m all caught up and have to wait until September for the next new book. You can read my thoughts on the final book (so far), The Brightest Fell, here. Warning: Lots of spoilers in the post!

The Midwife of Venice by Roberta Rich: I finished the audio version of my book group’s March pick. My thoughts are here.

The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian: A new release from March — my review is here.

Fresh Catch:

I just got my Kindle edition of Stone Mad by Elizabeth Bear, the newly released sequel to Karen Memory (which was awesome!).

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Pride and Prometheus by John Kessel: This mash-up of Pride and Prejudice and Frankenstein is off to a great start!

Now playing via audiobook:

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz: The audiobook is narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda. LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA. And if you think that sounds like it would be awesome to listen to, you’d be right! I’m about half-way through, and loving it so far.

Ongoing reads:

Book group reads:

Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon: Outlander Book Club is doing a group read of LJ&BotB, two chapters per week. If you’d like to join in, ask me how!
Classic read: My book group’s current classic read is Middlemarch by George Eliot. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week… so I’ll be reading Middlemarch for months and months to come.

So many books, so little time…

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26Mar2018

The Monday Check-In ~ 3/26/2018

Posted in The Monday Check-In by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies

What did I read during the last week?

No big surprise here — I’ve been continuing my madly obsessed reading of the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire.

I read two more novels:

… and two related stories:

Check out my posts about:

A Red-Rose Chain (#9) — including Dreams and Slumbers
Once Broken Faith (#10)

Pop culture goodness:

Santa Clarita Diet is back! I watched all 10 episodes of season 2 over the weekend. That show is so funny, so gross, and so bonkers. I love it… but now I have that post-binge letdown, knowing it’ll be another year until I get more. Here’s hoping there will be a season 3!

Sorry about the blood spatters! This is not a show for the squeamish.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week! Although I did get a bit carried away with pre-ordering and EBay shopping…

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Yup, more October Daye. With tears in my eyes, I’m starting the 11th book in the series, The Brightest Fell, knowing that after this, I’ll be all caught up and will have to wait for the next new release in September!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Midwife of Venice by Roberta Rich: This is a book group book. So far, I’m enjoying the story (set in 16th century Venice), but the narrator is driving me a bit mad. Hopefully, the plot will remain interesting enough to see me through.

Ongoing reads:

Book group reads:

Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon: Outlander Book Club is doing a group read of LJ&BotB, two chapters per week. If you’d like to join in, ask me how!
Classic read: My book group’s current classic read is Middlemarch by George Eliot. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week… so I’ll be reading Middlemarch for months and months to come.

So many books, so little time…

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