Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: Back to Real Life

Happy Monday! Today is my first full day at home in more than week. I think it's going to take a me a while to readjust to real life.

Lace convention was terrific as always, especially spending time with my friends. My classes in knitted lace were only so-so, but I met new people and kept a positive attitude. I don't have photos to share right now, but I'll try to remember to post a picture next week.

As you might imagine, reading took a backseat last week. I never opened a print or eBook at all. Not surprising, considering there were meetings, lectures, and classes to attend, not to mention sharing a glass or two of wine with friends in the evening.

Current Audiobook: I've been listening to The Bookshop at Water's End by Patti Callahan Henry (Penguin Audio; 10 hr, 28 min), read by Andi Arndt, Lauren Fortgang, Shannon McManus, and Dorothy Dillingham Blue. This is a light summer read about friendship, marriage, and mother-daughter relationships, and I'm anticipating a little romance as well. The book is told from multiple points of view and is a great choice when you have only sporadic listening time because the story lines are easy to follow. I'm not very familiar with any of the narrators, but I'm happy with the performances so far. I do, however, have a couple of issues with the novel itself, but I'll wait until I finish the book before I get into what's not working for me.

New Books: I came home to a pile of new books I can't wait to explore. Here is a photo of some of my incoming titles. The spiral-bound galley on the bottom of the pile is a new Kelley Armstrong book! The books on the sides are a biography of Black Elk and a Viking saga--both are on my I Can.Not.Wait. to read list. Also in that photo is a new novel from Flatiron Books, a fantasy collection, historical fiction, and a thriller. I plan to share more details on Twitter or Litsy in the coming week.

What's Up This Week: First and foremost is catching up with the first two episodes of the new season of Game of Thrones. I've successfully avoided spoilers so far, but I'm sure that won't last forever. Must watch tonight! Other than that, I haven't given a thought to my blogging, reading, or viewing plans for the week. I think I'll just see where my mood takes me.