A lot of people read more in the summer. While I always have a book or two going, I seem to read less and am looking forward to, but in no hurry for, cooler weather and cozy reading days.

This last month, I had in my ear, The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. This is true story of the eight man rowing crew that won the gold medal at the 1936 Olympics in Germany. A fantastic story of a special time in history. I enjoyed the personal stories of the men, their coach, and just as important, the boat builder. This would make a great movie.

When Allyson came to visit she left a book for me was called, The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan.  This is the authors cancer story. Of course, it includes her family story and shows the close relationship she had with her father. While it was well written and easy reading; I could see how the book was therapeutic for the author — but I did not find it inspiring. I thought constantly of Kim, Lisa, Janice, Linda, and Jan; women I loved who lost the cancer battle. Then I thought of Rhonda, Jo and Marian, friends who won. Still, I can get very jealous of people who have a supportive and loving family and while hardship is hardship and not mine to judge, I found I did not have much sympathy for her. I tend to think people make up stuff when things get hard, but maybe, it’s just me that does that kind of shit.

Yesterday, I finished Two Across by Jeff Bartsch. This was a fun book. It’s a love story with a vocabulary. I think this would have been a terrific book to read as a young adult. But, since I didn’t read as a young adult — it was fun to read last week.

In my ear right now is a recommendation by my friend Anna Michael. An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff is captivating. I walked 16,000 steps yesterday listening to the first few chapters. This is the story of a friendship between a successful business woman and an 11 year old panhandler in NYC. A true and so far, uplifting story about change that can happen when we take the time to engage with others.

And finally, I have stopped and started Great Expectations by Charles Dickens three times now; I do have hopes of coming back and finishing it. I think I want to read all the classics. But…… Hmmmm…. I can’t put my finger on why this book is not doing for me. I feel like I need to stand up and cheer the classics, and I always promise to read them, but sadly I can’t get my head around most of them.

Next up — The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton.