Reading for Me

The Books I Have Read…..Just for Me

Jul 13

Things are Heating Up (July 13, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

It has been a warm week in eastern Arkansas. Heat indexes reached the 100s this week and the only thing I wanted to do was find a cool corner and read. Despite having several trips to see doctors and physical therapists for Dad, I still managed to complete two books this week. In keeping with the summer vibes, they were both fluffy beach reads that kept me relaxed and my mind off of the other pressures of the day. Right now, that’s just what the doctor orders!

What I Finished This Week

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood. I took a mental health break on Wednesday afternoon since Mom was taking the afternoon off. I had a doctor’s appointment early in the afternoon, so she told her co-workers that she would just take the entire day. After getting a good report from the cardiologist, I took the afternoon as a reset and made this audio book as my soundtrack for my drives around the city. I really enjoyed the story of Jack and Elsie against the backdrop of academia. Hazelwood’s writing was witty, sharp, and concise. I especially enjoyed Elsie’s struggles with honesty in uncomfortable situations because of her fear of abandonment. (I might have seen a bit of myself in this aspect of her.) My only issue with this reading experience was the lack of listening time. Even though I have been in the car quite a bit lately, I haven’t been alone — so I don’t listen. I think my inconsistent listening might have impacted my overall enjoyment of this story. 3.75 stars.

I Loved You First by Cate Beauman. Jack is a single father raising his soon-to-be five-year-old son. Although his son was the result of a drunken night, Jack has no regrets because he adores the child. What he does regret, however, is that Fiona got away because of his poor choices. When her mother suffers a car accident, Fiona returns to her small Vermont home to care for her parent — and quickly runs into Jack. Their friendship blossoms, largely due to the charming five-year-old. I Loved You First handles discussions of fertility issues, unwanted pregnancies, and adoption tenderly. Even though it fell into typical plot lines, I found myself loving the characters in the novel and rooting for their happily ever after ending. 3.75 stars.

What I DNF’d This Week

Beartown by Fredrik Backman. This is not a “will not read” choice for me; instead, the message is “not right now.” In the middle of summer while watching baseball and World Cup soccer, I am not enthralled by the story of a hockey town and the difficult relationships of the players and coaches. I think I will ultimately enjoy Backman’s writing, but I wasn’t in the headspace right now to connect. Until later, Beartown.

What I’m Currently Reading

Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham (p. 252 of 346). My latest prompt in the Summer Beach Read challenge called for a judicial procedural with a red spine. After lots of searching through cover art, I finally landed on Rogue Lawyer. The novel has been a little different from what I have come to expect from Grisham’s writing. The book features several cases that are connected by the lawyer defending each. As I am entering the last third of the novel, an earlier client is making a reappearance — possibly to tie the different stories together. I just don’t know yet. This has been an easy read and I am enjoying the writing, but the lack of a continuous story line has left we wanting a little more.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent (p. 150 of 314). In the middle of the week, I made a trip to the bookstore simply to browse. While there, I decided to look for books that would fit two of the prompts of the 52 Book Club’s 2026 challenge that I am most nervous about — 1) a book set in either the Arctic or Antartica and 2) a book with a diacritical mark on the cover. I was especially pleased when I found something that would work for both prompts that grabbed my attention. (I’ll tell you more about the second novel next week once I start reading it.) Burial Rites is set in the northernmost section of Iceland — just inside the Arctic Circle — and focuses on Agnes, a young woman convicted of murder. Her punishment? Death by beheading. While awaiting her execution, Agnes is sent to live on a family farm. Outcast by her hosts, Agnes must come to terms with her own feelings about death, her past, and how the community views her. To help her in her quest for peace, Agnes receives spiritual guidance from a young priest. I was intrigued by the premise of this historical novel, but didn’t expect to enjoy the work as much as I am.

Breaking His Rules by Layla Hager (0:37 of 7:28). I had several errands to run this weekend and I thought I would have time in the car alone to start a new audiobook. I chose this one on a total whim because it was included with my Audible membership and I have already used this month’s credits. Turns out that Pop was going a little stir crazy on Saturday and decided to tag along with me on the afternoon errands — so I only listened to 30 minutes of the book. Honestly, I’ll probably start from the top when (if?) I end up making a frantic dash back to Texas this week to tie up a few loose ends there that just can’t wait until August.

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Jul 6

Celebrating 250! (July 6, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

This week was rather normal here in the Geriatric Ward. Lots of doctor’s appointments, caring for my parents, making dinners, and preparing for the family to gather and celebrate the July 4th holiday together. Somehow, I also managed to get some reading done along the way. (It sort of helps when you don’t have to do a regular job at the moment as well…..taking care of the patients is enough of a full time job!) It’s been a really good week and I’m please with the results.

What I Finished This Week

PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly. For some reason lately, I’m reading all of the books about loved ones who have passed and the awkward ways of saying goodbye. While I hope that the Universe is not trying to prepare me for something upcoming, I will admit that the stories have been lovely and somewhat comforting. In Connolly’s novel, Maddie has lost her brother to cancer. At the funeral, she receives instructions that she is to visit the 8 states that her brother did not get to during life and spread his ashes in beautiful locations. There is a catch though — she is to be accompanied by Dominic. Dominic was her brother’s best friend and the guy that broke her heart. In the typical enemy-to-lovers fashion, the adventures are filled with anger and lots of sexual tension. Overall, this was a charming look at the idea of a chosen family and the importance of building relationships while balancing our moral responsibilities. 4 stars.

The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham. Published in 1919, this classic novel is an exploration of the line between focusing on material wealth and security and following our passions. Charles Strickland was a successful stock broker in London who had it all — wealth, success, and a loving family. Despite it all, he was not happy. Strickland announces that he is done, packs up and moves to Paris to pursue the life of an aspiring artist, leaving his wife, children, and job behind without a second glance. Strickland does not find success and continues to run, making his way to Tahiti. There the artist will live in poverty and ultimately succumb to a horrific disease that will take his life. After his death, Strickland is finally appreciated as a genius and master of his craft. Maugham presents a tale that teaches that moderation is more important than total devotion to either extreme. 3 stars.

What I’m Currently Reading

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood (8:57 of 12:33). A romance set in the cut-throat world of academia? Yes, please! I’m really enjoying this story of the grumpy experimental physicist who falls for the lovely theorist who has been posing as his brother’s “fake date.” Confused? It’s a fun puzzle to unravel.

I Loved You First by Cate Beauman (p. 50 of 330). Another romance for my summer challenge. This one features Cam, a single father who has never left his quaint New England hometown. After her mother’s car accident, Fiona returns home for the first time since Cam broke her heart, announcing that he was going to marry her rival who was now pregnant with his child. Fiona intends to avoid Cam at all cost, but once she meets his precocious 5-year-old son…all bets are off. I’m certain this is going to be very predictable, but it’s proving to be an enjoyable read so far.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman (p. 60 of 415). A murder in a small town obsessed with hockey. That’s all I really know at the moment. Reading this one because of the many rave reviews it has received. At this point, the jury is still out for me.

June 2026 in Review

June has been a very productive reading month for me. Reading was my escape during long days visiting hospitals and rehab centers. For the most part, I didn’t read “hard-hitting” literature, but it was what I needed in the moment. Here is the month by the numbers.

  • Books read in June: 9 (up 1 from May)
    • 2 physical
    • 3 audio
    • 4 ebooks
  • Pages read in June: 2,650 (up 795 from May)
  • Highest rated book: This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page – 5 stars
  • Lowest rated book: Protected by the Biker by Logan Chance – 2 stars

The 52 Book Club Challenge Progress

I made six additions to the main challenge this month, bringing me to the 40% mark with 21 finished books. I would like to be a little closer to the halfway point, but I think I can continue to make some serious progress toward my goal in the remaining few months of summer vacation. I’m not worried (yet!) about completing the challenge by the end of the year, but I am certainly reading with a little more focus now.

The 52 Book Club Summer Beach Read Challenge

The summer reading challenge began this month and I’ve had a lot of fun with the board game element. I’m currently reading my 5th book for the challenge and about to make my way along the bottom border of the board. As you can see, my reading has been dominated with romances with a bit of historical fiction and classics thrown in. Realistically, this challenge will extend past Labor Day for me, but I’m not too upset about that. I’d like to get done early in the Fall, but my focus will remain on the main challenge…until a new batch of mini-challenges begin to appear, at least!

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Jun 29

A Little More Normal (June 29, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

My world has gradually returned to a version of normalcy this week. On Wednesday afternoon, we brought Dad home from rehab. (He promptly had a fall that evening; we always have to have drama in the Geriatric Ward.) So the end of the week has not had the insanity of constant drives and has allowed for a bit of much needed rest. That has also meant that I was able to settle down and finish several books that were in progress.

What I Finished This Week

The Godfather by Mario Puzo. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this American classic despite my initial trepidation. The story of Michael Corleone and the struggles to maintain power within the Five Families in New York was fascinating. I anticipated lots of violence and bloodshed on the page. While it was definitely present, the accounts were not gruesome or overly descriptive. In truth, the violence was used to propel the story telling. I especially found the afterward to be interesting; taken in light of what was happening in American society in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Puzo’s novel holds an important role in the American literary tradition. I now have to find 3 hours in my life to watch the film adaptation. 4.75 stars.

Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist. This week’s audio book was about getting over the perfectionism that plagues so many of our lives and learning to simply be present in the moment. With lots of emphasis on making sure that we are saying “yes” to the right things and managing our professional, personal, and spiritual lives healthily, I found the book incredibly encouraging and challenging. I must admit that this was probably not the best book to listen to in the current season of my life. With everything going on right now, feelings of being overwhelmed are a reality for me. That’s a topic that is very prevalent in Niequist’s writing. It was hard at times to focus in and really hear the message. That doesn’t mean it was not wonderfully written; it just suggests that it wasn’t the right book for this moment. The format (audio) was also not right for me. I plan to keep this book on my TBR so I can pick up a copy of the physical book and really dive into the truths that are there. 3 stars.

Reckless at Heart by Zoe York. The story of Owen and Kerry is a cute novel. Owen is a single father who struggles with relationships after becoming a father as a teenager. Now pregnant herself, Owen’s daughter turns to Kerry to serve as her midwife. Despite their initial feelings toward each other, Owen and Kerry fall in love. However, they both know that the relationship is destined to be only temporary because Kerry desperately wants children of her own; Owen has moved far away from that part of his life and has taken steps to avoid having children again. Both are faced with deciding which is more important — having the person they love or holding on to the dreams they held for their future. Will love win out? 3.75 stars.

What I’m Currently Reading

P.S. I Hate You by Lauren Connolly (p. 50 of 418). In a lot of ways, this books feels very similar in theme to This Book Made Me Think of You that I just finished a few weeks ago. In Connolly’s novel, a brother has passed away. At his memorial service, the deceased has left his sister and best friend with the task of visiting the eight states he didn’t get to during life. Each location is indicated by an envelope with coordinates. Once the pair arrives at the location, they are to open the letter, follow the instructions, and leave a portion of his ashes behind. I just started reading this novel last night, but it is quickly proving to be a very enjoyable read.

The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham (p. 40 of 280). For my next prompt in the summer beach read challenge, I am tasked with reading a classic novel featuring a character with an unusual career. Thanks to an AI search, I found this 1919 novel that features a stockbroker who leaves his life behind to pursue his newly discovered passion as an artist in Paris. (For this musician, a career as a visual artist is FAR from unusual; however, I’m taking the POV of most of society and counting it. Plus, it seems like a situation I would like to explore, so I’m reading the book.) I haven’t encountered Maugham’s writing before and I struggled a bit when I first started reading — because it was an unfamiliar voice. Now I’m finding that the reading is much easier and moves at a relatively easy pace.

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Jun 22

Waving the White Flag (June 22, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

My plan was to write a witty introduction to this week’s reading summary this morning before heading to Jonesboro to see Dad. Right now, life has a way of looking at my plans, laughing, and throwing a curve ball my way. I’m still standing, but I’ve prepared the white flag of surrender so I can yell “Uncle!” to end this current round of the karmic game. How’s that for an intro? Luckily, I had written the rest of the weekly update last night. Here’s what I’ve been reading lately.

What I Finished This Week

The House of Hidden Letters by Izzy Broom. As part of the Summer Beach Read Challenge, I needed to read a book with something you would expect to find at the beach on the cover. My assigned genre was historical fiction. I am thrilled that I found The House of Hidden Letters! Told in alternating time lines, the novel traces the story of Skye, a modern woman who has left her British home and career to flee her abusive husband. When she lands in Greece, she finds a community of friends and an unexpected mystery. Hidden in the chimney of her restoration house, Skye discovers a pack of love letters written by Katerina, a young woman trying to survive the Italian invasion of the Greek isles during World War II. Katerina’s story is one of love and murder. The young woman is traumatized by the Nazi general living next door in the occupied land. If you have followed my reading journey for very long, you probably know by now that I love this era of history and Broom’s story was engaging while presenting a portion of the Great War with which I was not familiar. I found the novel to be a fairly quick read and I was always excited to see how the story would progress (much to the chagrin of the other novels I was reading at the time). 4 stars.

Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey. For this week’s audio book, I borrowed Fix Her Up from my local library using the Libby app. That means that the book didn’t cost me anything and would fulfill that prompt for The 52 Book Club Challenge. This Tessa Bailey book tells the story of Georgie and Travis. Georgie is the youngest child who chose to launch her own business rather than working with the family. Her chosen career is that of a children’s entertainer — specifically, a clown. Obviously she receives no respect for her choice from her siblings or parents. They view her as an immature failure who simply needs to be tolerated and not respected. Travis has returned to his childhood home after injury ended his promising career in Major League Baseball. Despite his success, the only voice that Travis hears is that of his alcoholic father who repeatedly proclaimed that Travis would never amount to anything. Georgie wants the respect of her family; Travis needs to land a new job as a sports commentator. In order to help each other reach their goals, the two decide to masquerade as a couple. This cute romance was a really fun book to listen to. The narration by Charlotte North was exceptional. Be warned though — in typically Bailey fashion, the spicy scenes are off the charts! I would normally listen to an audio book on my commute; since my mother was in the car with me most of the week, this was definitely not a book that was going to get much airplay. 4 stars.

What I’m Currently Reading

The Godfather by Mario Puzo (p. 315 of 428). I have put off reading this book for much of the year. The prompt was to read a book inspired by the top grossing movie from the year that you were born. In 1972, that film would have been Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather. I wasn’t really that interested in reading something about the mafia and the thoughts of exploring the lives of Coppola or Brando didn’t appeal to me either. So I decided to bite the bullet and read the novel that inspired the film. Since I’ve not watched the movie before, I had an erroneous idea of what the story was about. I was expecting lots of murders gruesomely described. While the mob wars are certainly present, the focus of the story is about the Don and his children. It’s a story about loyalty, betrayal, and revenge set against a sprawling family saga. I’m really enjoying the read much more than I expected and plan to watch the movie later this week.

Reckless at Heart by Zoe York (p. 235 of 596). The novel’s opening line grabbed my attention: “Dad, I’m pregnant.” A single dad to a teenage daughter, Owen is not prepared to watch his daughter repeat the same mistakes he did as a young father. When the girl announces that she is going to use the services of a midwife, Owen is anything but pleased. Now Owen must come to terms with the fact that he finds himself attracted to the midwife that is caring for his daughter. Why did I pick this one up? The prompt for the summer challenge called for a romance that included the name “Rebecca” in the acknowledgements. (That was surprisingly more difficult to find than I had expected!) I’m not expecting a 5 star read here, but it has proven to be an easy read to pass the time while at the rehab center.

Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living by Shauna Niequist (0:28 of 4:15). On Sunday afternoon, I had a few minutes alone in my car while running some errands, so I decided to get an early start on my next audio book. The book appears to be about moving from exhaustion and burnout to peaceful living through simplicity. That’s definitely something that I need to hear right now. I’m reading this to fulfill the prompt of a comma in the subtitle.

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Jun 15

Hospitals & Rehab (June 15, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

Much of the week has been spent in medical facilities. Thankfully, I can report that Dad is making significant progress and doing much better than anyone ever expected. My physical read of the week was finished early while sitting in an ICU waiting room waiting for a procedure to be finished. The audiobook I finished while trying to calm my mind at the end of long days. It’s amazing the power of books to help us navigate troublesome times.

What I Finished This Week

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros. The second volume of The Empyrean series left me feeling a little lacking. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Violet and Xaden grow. However, the entire rebellion felt forced and very contrived. I remember finishing Fourth Wing looking forward to continuing the story. Now that I’ve read Iron Flame, I’m finding myself asking “Really?” I don’t know if I will read Onyx Storm or not. 3.5 stars.

Our Secret Summer by R.S. Grey. Isabel is an American socialite who is spending the summer in Ibiza in honor of her twin sister who recently passed away. While in Spain, Isabel decides to complete the bucket list that the two girls made together for their summer adventure. At the top of the list was to fall in love with a handsome Spaniard. Enter Cristiano, a successful entrepreneur and all-around playboy. R.S. Grey’s novel was full of fun and wit. It’s also rather spicy…..you have been warned! Overall, a great read for me in this current season of life. 4 stars.

What I’m Currently Reading

The House of Hidden Letters by Izzy Broom (p. 203 of 388). I was looking for historical fiction that included something that might be seen at the beach on the cover for one of my reading prompts. After another failed attempt, I stumbled on The House of Hidden Letters and cannot put it down! The novel is told in split time lines. Set on a small Greek island, Skye is one of the winners of a lottery where the prize is a hilltop home costing 1 Euro. Despite the fact that the home is in shambles, having remained unoccupied since the Second World War, it is the perfect way for Skye to escape her abusive husband. During the course of renovations, Skye discovers a series of love letters hidden in the fireplace flue. As other discoveries are made at nearby homes, a story of the occupation of the island during the war emerges. I’m absolutely adoring Broom’s characters and enthralled with the challenges that both of our heroines are facing — in the 1940s and the present day.

Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey (1:28 of 9:58). Audiobooks are proving to be a good fit for me right now, so I got started on another one on Sunday afternoon while resting on the couch. Georgie has no respect from her family. Since she did not follow in the family business of house flipping (opting to be a party clown instead), she is not taken seriously. Travis has returned to town after his professional baseball career came to an end as a result of injury. What did not end for him, however, was his tainted image. Georgie and Travis decide to enter into a fake relationship in order to earn the respect of others. I’m still early in the reading of this one, but I have high hopes based upon my previous experiences with the works of Tessa Bailey.

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Jun 8

Reading at 35,000 Feet (June 8, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

This week was always going to be about travel and reading. Things did not go as planned however. On Saturday morning, I boarded flights to spend the rest of the summer in Honolulu to do some teaching and community relations. While over the Pacific, I received a text message from my brother informing me that my dad had suffered a stroke and was to undergo immediate emergency surgery. By the time I landed, the surgery was over and had been declared a success. There were still several obstacles to overcome.

I headed to housing and that’s when it hit me — all of the stress, uncertainty, and the tears. I called my dean (still sorry about the late call — blasted time zones!) and expressed how I was feeling. Thankfully, everyone involved was incredibly supportive and I was told to get back to Arkansas post haste and not worry about anything else. Just 7 hours after landing on the island, I was back in the air and retracing my steps in a roundabout way.

Books were my constant companion this week. For that, I am extremely grateful.

What I Finished This Week

Protected by the Biker by Logan Chance. When the summer reading challenge appeared from The 52 Book Club, I was intrigued and immediately wanted to start reading. My first prompt for this summer reading game was a book with a four-word title in the romance genre. Since I had some travel coming up later in the week, I didn’t want to start another physical book that would add to my baggage. So I checked out what had recently been added to my Kindle as free purchases. That’s where I found Protected by the Biker. The only thing I can positively say about this one is that it was short, didn’t cost me anything, and introduced me to a new author. At less than 80 pages in length, there was no time to really develop the story line fully. It felt more like an outline for a potential story rather than something fully developed. 2 stars.

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page. What an outstanding book! It had me laughing, reflecting, and crying — sometimes without even turning a page. Tilly and Joe are a perfect love story. Living in London, they are setting out on their new life together. Then tragedy strikes. Joe is diagnosed with cancer and passes away. Tilly is left alone to grieve, survive, and somehow continue living. Six months after Joe’s death, Tilly receives a rather strange call from the local bookstore — they have a book ready for her to pick up; the book was ordered by her husband, Joe. When she hesitantly arrives in the shop to accept the gift, she learns that Joe has actually gifted her with a year of books — one book each month. What follows is one of the best stories I have encountered in a very long time. Join Tilly as she rediscovers her love of reading, boldly accepts challenges and embarks on exciting adventures — all inspired by the books that Joe gifted her. This was my first experience with Libby Page’s work, but it will certainly not be my last! Her writing is effortless and full of emotion. I’m definitely a new fan. 5 stars.

What I’m Currently Reading

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (p. 763 of 886). Lots of time on an airplane this weekend meant that I got a lot of this book read. I really thought I would have another finish before posting today, but my body decided it needed sleep far worse than mental stimulation. As always, Yarros delivers another great read. This installment feels a little more mature than Fourth Wing, especially the relationship between Xaden and Violet. As I get close to the end, I’m ready for the story to come to a major pausing point so I can get out of the realm of fantasy for a few days.

Our Secret Summer by R.S. Grey (6:57 of 10:11). After the death of her twin sister, Isabella decides to head to Ibiza as her sister had planned and complete her bucket list of activities. The list includes everything from swimming in the ocean, cliff diving, going skinny dipping, and falling in love with a sexy Spanish man. Charmingly written and full of personality and warmth, Our Secret Summer has been a very enjoyable read far.

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Jun 1

Reading Marathons! (June 1, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

With the first real week of summer vacation here, I have had tons of time to read — and I’ve taken advantage of every available moment. It has been so nice to spend quiet time on the couch in the Geriatric Ward while the patients are at work with my nose in a book. Nothing on the television. No noisy neighbors’ voices seeping through the apartment walls. Just me and the gentle rustling of the page. I’ve gotten a little spoiled to the stillness in just a few days to the point that I have found myself getting irritated when my peaceful reading times are interrupted. Oh, to have no distractions! (A guy can dream, can’t he?)

It also has meant that I’ve had a couple of books running at the same time. Thankfully, the story lines are all very different, so there is no chance of getting confused as I jump from story to story.

What I Finished This Week

The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. What a great book! I anticipated reading about a road trip. While there is travel, the novel is really about a quartet of unlikely friends who are attempting to tie up loose ends in their personal stories and find the freedom to proceed into the next chapter of their life. Some act with integrity and strong values; some are looking for an easy pass at any cost. Filled with heart and amazing story telling, this novel has convinced me to add more of Towles’ works to my TBR. 5 stars.

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. I feel like a traitor saying this….but this book really did not resonate with me at all. I know it is revered by many and consider a major work that tells a loving story of the trials of Chinese-American immigrants. I want to have loved this book so badly. Instead, I’ll just settle for saying that I completed it. Perhaps the issue was that I read it as an audiobook. Perhaps I am not in a place to connect with characters searching for meaning as they reflect on their mothers’ lives. Whatever the reason, this was not a hit for me at all. 3 stars.

What I’m Currently Reading

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (p. 381 of 886). Coming back to the Empyrean series was a lot less challenging than I feared. While I had forgotten some of the finer details from the first book, Yarros writes in such a way that you are quickly pulled back in and reminded of the important relationships and events you have already encountered. The spice level in this installment feels a bit higher (I just read the scene between Xanos and Violet in the shower……). Honestly, I’m all in for this adventure story. Who would have guessed that I would enjoy a little fantasy in my reading life?

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page (p. 21 of 407). I received this book earlier this spring in a shipment from The Book of the Month club. I was drawn to it because of the cover and the title honestly. Now that I’ve actually read the first few pages, I’m completely hooked! A husband selects 12 books for his wife after receiving a terminal diagnosis. The woman, who has long been an avid reader, found herself unable to read at all as she faced the uncertainty of her husband’s illness. Now that he is gone, he is attempting to restore the joy of reading — and of living — to her through the pages of these books that reminded him of her. Anyone else preparing for the flood of tears ahead?

May 2026 in Review

Another month has come and gone. I’m happy with my reading progress this month. I’ve encountered some great reads and made some new friends on the page along the way.

  • Books read in May: 8 (up 3 from April)
  • Pages read in May: 1,855 (down 281 from April)
  • Highest rated book: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles – 5 stars
  • Lowest rated book: Hidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad by Jacqueline L. Tobin – 2.75 stars

The 52 Book Club Challenge Progress

In May, I finished up the April mini-challenge and completed the entire May mini just under the wire. Really enjoyed the pivot of the May challenge as I needed to read from different decades for each prompt.

The main 2026 challenge, however, is a different story. Putting so much focus on completing the mini-challenges as they appear has distracted me from the main challenge. With only 14 of the 52 prompts completed, I’m not feeling great about where I am as we approach the halfway point of the year. (When I look at my overall reading stats for the year, having read 35 books in 5 months is much better to my ears!)

The summer challenge is coming out in a few weeks and I am really excited to see what the “beach reads” prompts will be all about. I’m also finding it difficult to get excited about some of the prompts in the 2026 main challenge. In many ways, they are feeling so random that I’m not excited about the words inside their pages. So I’m wondering if I need to skip the summer challenge and put my attention on the main for a few months so I can make some progress there instead. Both of my current reads will fit one of the prompts that I’m missing, so that’s something. I think I need to sketch out a reading plan for myself to see what I’m going to need to do to complete the challenge by December 31.

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May 25

Big Book Summer Has Arrived! (May 25, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

Happy Memorial Day! I am writing in a hotel near the Austin airport early on Monday morning. Later this afternoon, I’ll finish my time with the 2026 State Solo & Ensemble contest and begin the trek to Arkansas. It’s been an okay week with lots of reading and the start of a summer challenge that had honestly slipped my mind. I’ll tell you more about “Big Book Summer” later in this post and the books that I have tentatively lined up for the challenge.

But first, let’s get to the reading!

What I Finished This Week

That Second Chance by Meghan Quinn. I didn’t expect to enjoy this romance as much as I did. Truthfully, it was an audio selection that was made quickly as I was driving back to Plainview from Dallas. I anticipated it being more “noise” than an enthralling listen. I’m very glad that I was wrong. As I shared in last week’s post, the story centers around Griffin and Ren. Griffin is a widower still mourning the loss of his young wife just two years ago. Just before the tragedy, Griffin and his brothers were in New Orleans when they were cursed by a fortune teller. Griffin has lived with his guilt ever since that fateful trip and blames himself for his wife’s death. Out of fear, he refuses to allow anyone else to get close to him because they may also be hurt by the curse. Everything begins to change when he meets Ren, however. This young math teacher finds ways to break down Griffin’s walls and feelings develop. Just as Griffin begins to think that a relationship might be possible, Ren is injured. This is a beautiful story about daring to love, the sacrifices we make to keep others safe, and risking it all for the sake of love. 4.75 stars.

What I’m Currently Reading

The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles (p. 348 of 576). I cannot tell you how many times I have pulled this novel off of the shelf to begin reading only to put it back in its spot. It always felt too big….too complex….too much for where I was at the moment. This week, I decided I needed to just bite the bullet and dive in. School is out of session and I had a little more time to settle in for a story that would require more brain power to process. I quickly discovered that Towles is an outstanding writer who weaves an intricate story in such a way that it is very easy to follow while also creating characters with depth. The story centers around Emmett, a young man returning to his Nebraska farm after serving time in a correctional institution for a “crime” that was actually an accident that ultimately led to another boy’s death. Emmett is now responsible for his younger brother, Billy, after the death of their father. Since the family farm is going into foreclosure and Emmett is not welcomed in the small community any longer, he and Billy decide to take the Lincoln Highway west to California in search of a new life — and hopefully a place to belong. Things do not go as planned for the young duo, and they find themselves on a massive adventure across the United States as they encounter a host of colorful characters. In case you can’t tell, I’m really enjoying this read at the moment.

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan (0:11 of 9:05). I finished an audio book on Saturday and still have a long drive ahead of me on Monday and Tuesday. I can’t believe that I have never read this classic novel, so this seemed like the perfect time to correct that situation. I’m not very far into the novel yet, but I’m planning to make a large dent in it during this first drive.

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (p. 27 of 886). I wanted to start a “big book” in a digital format as well over the holiday weekend. I have a physical copy of the novel in the floor of my apartment, so I anticipated reading this book in the fall. When I discovered that it was also included in my Kindle Unlimited subscription, I decided to start it as well. It has been a minute since I read the first book in the series, so it is taking me a second to remember what was happening at the cliffhanger ending. Fantasy is not a normal genre for me, but I did enjoy my time in The Fourth Wing. I’m looking forward to returning to the story again.

Big Books of Summer Planning

Once again this year, I plan to participate in Sue Jackson’s Big Books of Summer reading challenge. The concept is simple — read big books this summer. You set how many you want to read — just one this summer….or one a month…..or something else. For the purposes of this challenge, Sue defines a “big book” as having at least 400 pages. The challenge runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

I have to admit that I had forgotten about the challenge until I saw Sue’s announcement video, so I haven’t done a ton of planning. But things have a way of working out because the book I began this week was a big book! I’m choosing to include it in my summer reading goals even though I started it before May 22.

Here are a few of the books that are on my radar as possible Big Book reads for this summer:

  • The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles (576 pages)
  • Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (623 pages)
  • Voyager by Diana Gabaldon (870 pages)
  • The Godfather by Mario Puzo (595 pages)

Obviously, I’m reading the Towles novel this summer. I had already planned to dive into Mario Puzo’s classic since it is needed for the prompt of the novel that inspired the top grossing movie of the year that I was born. This will be my third summer completing the challenge and it has become a bit of a tradition to read one of the Outlander novels — and Voyager is the third in the series. I may try to find another big book to read as an audio book this summer as well. As always, we will just have to see what the summer has in store for my reading adventure.

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May 18

Whirlwind! (May 18, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

What would have normally been a very restful week turned a bit crazy. Last week was final’s week. Typically, I give a few exams, play a handful of juries, submit my grades, and get some work done for the next term. This time, I took care of exams, juries, and grades in a couple of days as I arranged to travel to Memphis for a family funeral. Then I jetted off on Thursday, attended the service on Friday, and cared for my parents over the weekend. Then I jumped back on a plane today to return to Texas to tie up a few loose ends. It was a good trip that I am glad I was able to take, but I’m pooped!

Even though I am feeling a little behind at the moment, I did continue to have a productive reading life. Here’s a quick look at the two books that I read this week as well as the newest audio start. (I still have to decide what physical book I’m going to pick up this week.)

What I Finished This Week

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. With lots of time on a plane traveling back to Arkansas for a few days, I was able to get through the bulk of this novel. I found myself incredibly moved by the story about the power of words to inform, challenge, manipulate, and set individual’s free. Set against the background of World War II Germany, the novel took a rather unique approach to life under the Nazi regime as Leisel and her family figured out how to survive while still standing for what they viewed as right. The relationship between a young Leisel, Papa, and Max – the Jew hiding in the family’s basement – will forever be in my heart and mind. I especially enjoyed the narration by Death himself. 4.5 stars.

Funny Story by Emily Henry. This was a really cute audio book that accompanied me along my recent drives. Miles and Daphne have both been jilted by their significant others. Whatever will they do? Share an apartment, obviously, while they lick their wounds. When they receive an invitation to the wedding of their exes, their next move is to rsvp and pose as though they are dating. Uproariously funny and poignant at the same time. Henry really knows how to tell a story. 3.75 stars.

What I’m Currently Reading

That Second Chance by Meghan Quinn (1:16 of 10:32). Griffin and his brothers are cursed by a fortune teller during a bachelor party in New Orleans. When tragedy strikes, Griffin begins to think the threat of lost love is real. Continuing to suffer with the death of his wife two years later, this volunteer firefighter responds to a 911 call from Ren, a young teacher who has just moved to the small Maine community. We can all see where this story is heading, but the humor mingled with the images of grief keep me coming back for more. It appears that this is the first book in Quinn’s “Getting Lucky” series. With a bit more driving ahead later this week, I anticipate making significant progress in this cute romance in the days ahead.

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May 11

Uncertain Steps (May 11, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

As the semester wound down, I watched students wonder how things would turn out in the end. My own footsteps faltered this week as well — literally! Around midweek, I began to find that my right foot was not behaving normally. A trip to the chiropractor revealed that I was dealing with “drop foot.” Quite simply, I wasn’t walking with a full stride. Instead, my foot was dragging a bit. It was disconcerting enough that I (briefly) considered cancelling a trip to Arlington to watch the Cubs take on the Rangers. Based on the results of the baseball games, I probably should have stayed home! At least I got some more reading done while traveling. What can I say? I have to take a win wherever I can get one.

What I Finished This Week

Hidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad by Jacqueline L. Tobin and Raymond G. Dobard, Ph.D. This relatively short book started out with great potential as it explored the symbols hidden in quilts to communicate essential messages to escaping slaves. The “code” was presented to the authors by an elderly African-American woman in North Carolina who had heard the story passed through generations of her family. The opening chapters of the study were fascinating, if based more in hypothesis than fact. As the book continued into discussions of spirituals and figures in the Underground Railroad, the quality of the research floundered. This is one of those times when an author should have “quit while they were ahead.” I really wanted to enjoy this book, but was sadly disappointed. 2.75 stars.

What I’m Currently Reading

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (p. 249 of 550). I have always loved stories set in the horrors of Nazi Germany. (I’m just realizing how horrifying that sentence sounds when I read it back to myself. Still, it is true.) I am moved by the resilience of people in troubling times. I find this era of history fascinating. This story is made more intriguing because of the role that the written word plays while the tale is narrated by Death himself. I’m almost halfway through the book and I have to admit that I’m loving every word.

Funny Story by Emily Henry (6:02 of 11:23). For something very different in my audio reading, I went for a romantic tale that I had downloaded a while ago and never got around to reading. Daphne had it all. She loved her job as a children’s librarian and had met the man of her dreams. The dream turned into a nightmare when he returned from his bachelor party and told Daphne that he realized he was actually in love with his (female) best friend and they were running away together. Daphne had a week to get out of the house and figure out what she was going to do. Where’s a girl to go? Obviously to the apartment of Miles, the jilted boyfriend of the other woman! When they receive an invitation to the happy couple’s wedding, Daphne and Miles decide to attend as each other’s plus one. Is it a ruse or are the two heart-broken people actually developing feelings for each other?

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