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:

Yesterday, my baby turned 14, and today he starts high school. I may have a tear or two in my eyes, but he’s totally ready to get on with it (and tells me to stop being such a dork about it all).

What did I read last week?

I was away again for a week, so I had lot of time to curl up with good books! I haven’t written a book review in ages, but here’s what I’ve read recently:

Bad Blood by Dana Stabenow: The 20th book in the Kate Shugak series is also the last one published… and now I’m done! Bad Blood ends with a major cliffhanger — so unfair! So now we readers have to just sit and wait until whenever #21 is published, which leaves me feeling like:

Also read:

Bag of Bones by Stephen King: Loved it. It’s a longer book, and was perfect beach reading. Creepy, spooky, touching, scary — lots of trademark King, and call me crazy, but his books always seem to work perfectly for me as vacation reading.

The Accident by Chris Pavone: A super engrossing and entertaining spy thriller, with lots of twists and surprises. This is the third book I’ve read by this author, and they’ve all been terrific!

Last but not least, I read Before the Fall by Noah Hawley, which maybe wasn’t the best choice right before getting on a plane… but was a damned good book about a plane crash and its aftermath. Review to follow, once I catch my breath.

Pop Culture Goodness:

I stayed up until midnight and waited through online queues to buy tickets to…

Much jumping for joy!!! I don’t have the travel details at all worked out yet, but my daughter and I will be heading to London next June to see Harry Potter!

Fresh Catch:

All sorts of new books this week. First, my book group did a book/gift exchange, and here’s what I received (lucky me!)

Plus, a whole bunch of library holds came in at once:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Memory Wall by Lev AC Rosen: The upcoming new release from a can’t-miss author! Stay tuned for a blog feature about The Memory Wall!

Circling the Sun by Paula McLain: I won this in a Goodreads giveaway this spring, and I’m finally settling down to read it. I’ve heard such good things!

Now playing via audiobook:

I still have quite a ways to go, but I’m whole-heartedly enjoying the Goblet of Fire audiobook.

Ongoing reads:

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

And… our new classic read is A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway! We start today with chapter one, and I’m so excited!

So many books, so little time…

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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:

Happy August! Or as we used to say at my summer camp on the first day of each month, Rabbit Rabbit!

What did I read last week?

First and foremost, this:

Loved it! My reaction post is here.

I also read:

Restless in the Grave by Dana Stabenow: Continuing with my Kate Shugak obsession, I read book #19 in the series. One more to go, and I’ll be all caught up!

In audiobooks…

Agent to the Stars by John Scalzi: I finished listening to this hilarious sci-fi audiobook, and loved it! Check out my review here.

Pop Culture Goodness:

My book group finished our months-long read of Emma earlier in July, and we’ve all been watching movie adaptations. During the past week, I watched both of these:

The 1996 movie version starring Gwyneth Paltrow

The 2009 BBC mini-series starring Romola Garai

Both were quite good, although with very different portrayals of Emma and the rest of the characters.

Fresh Catch:

A few new books last week — a graphic novel, my book group’s next classic read, and a book I plan to take with me when I travel this week — so glad it arrived in time!

And best of all, in case I didn’t make it perfectly clear already:

SO. FRICKIN’. FANTASTIC.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Bad Blood by Dana Stabenow: The last published Kate Shugak novel (#20), although I understand that #21 is in the works. I guess I’ll have to find a new series to obsess over!

I have another trip coming up this week, and so far my traveling book companions are likely to be:

… and whatever delights are hidden on my Kindle!

Now playing via audiobook:

Entirely coincidentally, I’ve gone back to the Harry Potter audiobooks! Just started Goblet of Fire, and it’ll probably take me a few weeks to get through it. And I’ll love every moment, I’m sure. (I’m on a Harry Potter high at the moment — can you tell?)

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapters per week of Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. 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…

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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 back! I had a wonderful time away. Isn’t vacation a great concept? I’m hoping this cheery, relaxed feeling will last me longer than my first day back at work.

What did I read last week?

Well, first of all, check out what I read on vacation! I wrote a wrap-up post, here.

Since getting home, I’ve also read:

Nothing Gold Can Stay and Better to Rest by Dana Stabenow: I’m on a roll with the Liam Campbell mysteries, and just couldn’t stop until I finished #3 and #4! Nothing Gold Can Stay was particularly good, but really, I’ve loved them all.

Emma by Jane Austen: Done! My book group’s group read of Emma ended this week, and it was sensational! I’ve read Emma a couple of times before, but this time around, we read and discussed two chapters per week, and it was a blast. Here’s a shout-out to my book group peeps, who are a fun, insightful, smart group of readers!

Outlander season finale:

As I was dashing out the door on the way to the airport, I managed to put together my final “insta-reaction” post for the season. Season 2’s finale was everything I’d hoped for. Check out my post:

Insta-Reaction: Outlander Season 2, Episode 13, “Dragonfly in Amber”

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week. Hey, I was out of town!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I haven’t actually started my next book yet. It’s a toss-up between these three. Decisions, decisions…

Now playing via audiobook:

I had to leave this audiobook on pause while I was away, but I’m excited to jump back into listening this week. It’s hilarious, and Wil Wheaton’s narration is a huge plus.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapters per week of Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how! (We’re currently at chapter 55 or thereabouts, but feel free to jump in anytime.)

Our next group classic read will be A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway, starting August 15th. Interested? Let me know, and I’ll give you the details!

So many books, so little time…

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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 an insanely busy week at work, and at home, I’ve been busy getting my kiddo ready for three weeks of sleepaway camp. Laundry, ironing on name tags, packing… it’s the annual ritual, lots of fun, but always with last-minute frenzy, no matter how well prepared we are. Still, as of yesterday, the kid is on his way, and pretty soon, I’ll be leaving on a trip of my own.

He and I did manage to finish our big huge Buffy watch this week (a re-watch for me, first time for him), and it was amazing! I’ll never get tired of Buffy, and it was so much fun to introduce another of my kids to one of my favorite geeky pleasures.

Meanwhile, back to the books…

What did I read last week?

A Night Too Dark by Dana Stabenow: Kate Shugak, #17. Yes, I’m obsessed.

Though Not Dead by Dana Stabenow: The 18th Kate Shugak book was amazing! I’m always impressed when an author can keep a series going for so long and still present fresh and exciting storylines and great character development. Man, do I love this series.

Rainwater by Sandra Brown: I’ve never read a Sandra Brown book before — I associate her with the romance genre, which I usually avoid. Rainwater was a book group pick and I felt compelled to read it… and ended up enjoying it! I’ll write up my thoughts to share in the next few days.

And a DNF — I started a book that I’d featured as a Shelf Control pick recently (Alison Wonderland), and realized that it just did not appeal to me at all. I gave it 20 pages, then added it to the book swap shelf at work. Maybe someone else will enjoy it…

Outlander update!

Excuse me while I wipe away the tears still running down my face…

Season 2 came to an end this weekend with a powerful season finale episode. Unfortunately, what with all of my real life craziness, I wasn’t able to watch the finale until late Sunday… so no reaction post just yet. But wow – what a great wrap-up to an amazing, heartbreaking season.

Fresh Catch:

Well, yes, I did get some new books this week. So much good stuff!

Two older Stephen Kings books, one new-in-paperback novel that looks great…

… and two graphic novels that I’m really excited about:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m about to leave on vacation, and have been working hard on whittling down my stack of vacation reading! Here’s what I’m pretty sure I’m going to start with… and yes, about 4 more books plus my Kindle are all coming along with me on my travels.

Now playing via audiobook:

This audiobook is awesome! It’s narrated by Wil Wheaton, and it’s making me laugh pretty much nonstop, which I really needed this week! Unfortunately, I think I’ll have to leave it on pause for a couple of weeks while I’m traveling, but I’ll be looking forward to picking it back up ASAP.

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…

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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.

Happy 4th of July!

I hope you’re all enjoying fireworks, parades, and barbecues galore!

What did I read last week?

Whisper to the Blood by Dana Stabenow: Yup, another Kate Shugak. This makes 16 for me… and I’m going to keep on going with the series.

Defending Taylor by Miranda Kenneally: I always enjoy this author’s books, and her newest is no exception! My review is here.

In audiobooks, I finished listening to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! I’m loving my HP audio re-read. I have a few other things to listen to for now, but I’ll circle back around for book #4 in the next month or so.

Outlander update!

No new episode this past weekend… and I’m already bracing myself for inevitable tears when the season finale airs on July 9th. I can’t believe season 2 is already coming to an end!

Fresh Catch:

I picked up a paperback of Mr. Mercedes, which I think will be coming in my suitcase when I pack for vacation next week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Well, I’d like to get through the two remaining Kate Shugak novels currently in my possession before they’re due back at the library… but if I need a Kate break, I do have a few other things to choose from!

Now playing via audiobook:

Ha, this science fiction comedy is narrated by Wil Wheaton and is hilarious as of chapter 1! I’m only just getting started, but I think this will be a fun one.

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…

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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 Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende: Finished it just in time for my book group discussion! My review is here.

A Deeper Sleep by Dana Stabenow: I can never get enough Kate Shugak — this is #15 in the series, and it was excellent, just as I expected.

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell: My daughter and I promised each other to read this book over the weekend… and we finished within a half-hour of one another. AND we both loved it. My review is here.

In audiobooks, I finished listening to The Magicians by Lev Grossman, with narration by Mark Bramhall. This was a re-read for me, inspired by the Syfy TV series (which was great), and I just loved it. Now I’m finally ready to read books 2 & 3!

Outlander update!

I can’t believe this is the 2nd to last episode of the season!

Here’s my reaction post for season 2’s 12th episode, “The Hail Mary”:

Insta-Reaction: Outlander, Season 2, Episode 12

Fresh Catch:

I won a book! I’m so excited to have won a giveaway from The Orangutan Librarian. Such a great-looking edition of Terry Pratchett’s Mort!

And… Now that I’ve gotten my Amazon credit from the Apple settlement, I treated myself to a book that’s been highly recommended, with more spending soon to come.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Holy moly, I have no idea what I feel like reading next. A few of the choices are above… we’ll see which one has the opening page that grabs me the most.

Now playing via audiobook:

Back to Harry Potter! I stopped this one in the middle to listen to The Magicians, and now I’m back. Between HP, The Magicians, and Carry On, I may have reached my legal limit when it comes to Chosen Ones and schools of magic.

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…

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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?

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Loved it! My review is here.

The Porcupine of Truth by Bill Konigsberg: A so-so YA novel that bored me with lots of road-tripping before finally finding its footing in the last quarter, with a series of very touching scenes about family secrets and family reunions. The writing is funny and sweet, and I loved the author’s previous novel (Open Straight, reviewed here), but this one just doesn’t rise to that book’s level of awesomeness.

Pop culture goodness:

I’m continuing my Buffy rewatch, and am now halfway through season 6. Man, is this a depressing season. Once More with Feeling and Tabula Rasa are two of my favorite episodes of all time, but there’s so much bleak and dismal in the rest. Hello, Doublemeat Palace, anyone? And Buffy, why do you need to be so mean to Spike? Sigh. I’m a Spuffy shipper, I admit it.

Outlander update!

Here’s my reaction post for season 2’s 11th episode, “Vengeance Is Mine”:

Insta-Reaction: Outlander, Season 2, Episode 11

Fresh Catch:

I’m approaching the end of my audio re-read of The Magicians, so I treated myself to the other two books in the trilogy:

And… a library hold came in:

It’s been so long since I read The 5th Wave and The Infinite Sea that I’m not terribly excited about The Last Star, but at least for the sake of completion, I suppose I should give this one a try just so I’ll know how it all works out.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende: I have about a third left to go, which means — YAY ME! — I’ll actually be done in time for my book group discussion this week!

Now playing via audiobook:

This is a re-read via audio, and I’ve got about 3 hours left to go. I should be done this week! The narrator is doing a great job with the different characters, so it’s really fun and enjoyable to listen to. I just wish I had more time…

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…

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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?

A Taint in the Blood by Dana Stabenow: Another terrific installment in the Kate Shugak series.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkinsl: Yes, I finally read it. My review is here.

Pop culture goodness:

I saw Love & Friendship this week, and loved it! I’ve never read Lady Susan, but this adaptation definitely makes me want to read the original.

Outlander update!

Here’s my reaction post for season 2’s 10th episode, “Prestonpans”:

Insta-Reaction: Outlander, Season 2, Episode 10

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid: This contemporary romantic tale is off to a good start.

Now playing via audiobook:

This is a re-read via audio, and I’m loving it.

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…

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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 Stories Are Love Stories by Elizabeth Percer: Done! My review is here.

Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel: Done! My review is here.

You Know Me Well by Nina LaCour and David Levithan: Done! My review is here.

 Also read:

Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler: This modern retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew just left me cold. The characters, their actions, and the overall storyline just didn’t make much sense to me. Anne Tyler’s writing is always wry and amusing, but the overall result here was less than satisfactory.

A Grave Denied by Dana Stabenow: Book #13 in the Kate Shugak series, which apparently is my own personal form of crack. I really can’t seem to pause for long between volumes. A Grave Denied was a particularly great installment. Onward to the next!

Pop culture goodness:

I went to see Me Before You over the weekend. So good! I’ve read the book (see my review), so I was prepared for the big-impact moments… but I did hear a lot of sniffling going on around me in the movie theater.

Outlander update!

Outlander prepares for war! Here’s my reaction post for season 2’s 9th episode, “Je Suis Prest”:

Insta-Reaction: Outlander, Season 2, Episode 9

Fresh Catch:

Written In My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon (book #8 in the Outlander series) was released this week in mass market paperback size… so of course I had to get a copy. Because just having it in hardcover and Kindle formats is clearly not enough.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

A Taint in the Blood by Dana Stabenow: Because I have no will power when it comes to these books. Must… keep… reading.

Now playing via audiobook:

I was mid-way through a Harry Potter audiobook when my library hold request for The Magicians suddenly became available, and since library audiobooks are only available for three weeks, I needed to jump on it. I read The Magicians years ago, but never got around to finishing the series. I ended up really liking the Syfy TV version this year, so I thought it might be fun to listen to the audiobook for book #1 and then finally read books 2 & 3. So far, the audiobook narration is doing a great job of bringing Quentin and Brakebills to life.

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 baby boy graduated from middle school! I know it’s a total cliché, but I’ll say it anyway: Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday he was a tiny little thing, and now here he is, taller than me (not that that’s all that hard) and ready for the next chapter in his life.

What did I read last week?

The Fireman by Joe Hill: Finished last week. Fantastic book. Here’s my review.

At the Edge of Summer by Jessica Brockmole: Done! My review is here.

All Stories Are Love Stories by Elizabeth Percer: Using a catastrophic earthquake in San Francisco as a backdrop, this novel explores love, abandonment, and commitment. I just finished the book on Sunday, and need to think about it a bit more before deciding whether to write a review.

I also read two more fabulous books in the Kate Shugak series by Dana Stabenow, numbers 11 and 12. This series continues to be great! (For more on my love for Kate Shugak, check out my post here.)

Outlander update!

Finally, back to Scotland! Here’s my reaction post for season 2’s 8th episode, “The Fox’s Lair”:

Insta-Reaction: Outlander, Season 2, Episode 8

Fresh Catch:

Yowza. Three library holds came in all at once.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel: Just starting. I’m going to try to polish off my library books before diving back into the stack of my own books that are piled up and waiting for attention.

Now playing via audiobook:

Back to my Potter audio adventure! It’s been a treat revisiting the Harry Potter series via audiobook, and I’m about 1/3 of the way through HP3 at this point. Loving it, needless to say.

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…