Reading for Me

The Books I Have Read…..Just for Me

Oct 26

Moving at the Speed of Light! (October 26, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

It seems that every week starts with some version of the same statement. “Where did the time go?” This week was hectic in my world as I returned from Fall Break. There were recital hearings, Liszt festivals, choir concerts, student auditions, and homecoming activities in addition to the normal insanity. I felt as though I was meeting myself at the door of my apartment and trying to figure out why things were not getting done. It didn’t make for a terribly productive week, but I survived and all of the week’s events were successfully accomplished. Now it is time to put my nose to the grindstone and do a bit of catch-up work this week.

What I Finished This Week

The Keeper of Stories by Sally Page. My experience with this audiobook was interesting. I selected the novel because Sally Page is the mother of Libby Page, the author of last week’s The Lido. Two of the prompts for this year’s reading challenge involved reading books written by authors who are relatives, so this seemed like the perfect option. The Keeper of Stories is about Janice, a woman who feels that life has passed her by because of past mistakes — a less-than-desirable marriage, a poor relationship with her adult son, and a childhood incident that continues to haunt her. Her failures have found expression in her lackluster career choice; she is “just” a house cleaner. To make her life more exciting, she has begun to collect stories of the people she works for and those she encounters. As she begins to work for the mysterious Mrs. B. and becomes intrigued by a local bus driver, Janice’s world becomes much more exciting and life is fulfilling. Add in Janice’s relationship with Decius, a smart-ass, foul-mouthed fox terrier the house cleaner walks as part of her responsibilities, and you have a recipe for a fun romp. The Keeper of Stories examines the power of untold stories to keep us from living the lives we were destined for. 3 stars.

What I’m Currently Reading

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao (p. 200 of 372). I am continuing to enjoy this fantasy, but I’m finding it difficult to dive deep into the created world with limited time available. Since this is based in a created universe, I have to have plenty of time to imagine and fully engage in the reading. This probably wasn’t the best selection for a busy week, but I’m definitely going to push through. The young owner of the mysterious pawnshop where people can exchange their regrets for peace has discovered that her father has disappeared and escaped to the other world. Or did he decide to run and pursue the dream that his wife is still alive? Hanna and Keishin travel throughout a world where destiny is predetermined and sealed in search of answers that they are not supposed to answer. In the process, the two begin to develop an attraction that simply cannot survive.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (3:58 of 16:16). As more travel looms in my future, it seemed the perfect time to begin another audiobook. It also seemed like a good time to read a YA novel — something that won’t tax my brain too much! I thoroughly enjoyed The Hunger Games series, but I hadn’t read this novel yet. I got started on Sunday morning as I headed into a busy travel day for church performances, rehearsals, and a planned social gathering. It’s a fun read and I’m right back in the world of the Games and their tributes. Should be an exciting way to spend the week in my car!

I Kissed Three Boys by Lexie Miers (p. 30 of 187). I had some down time on Sunday afternoon while waiting for an appointment and decided to check out some of the books that were sitting in my Kindle account. I specifically was looking for something relatively short that had an odd number of chapters — yep, another prompt for the 2026 reading challenge. Coming in under 200 pages with 21 chapters, I Kissed Three Boys seemed like a acceptable option. Then I saw the premise and laughed out loud! Erin received an unexpected first class plane ticket to Liechtenstein only to learn that she is being asked to travel so the prince can get married. What does this have to do with her? Apparently, a playful game of “wedding” in a park as a 7-year-old girl was legally binding in Liechtenstein! To make matters worse, since Erin could not decide which of the three young suitors she wanted to marry in that childhood game, she decided to “marry” all three of them. So far, this is a cute and funny book that is relaxing and a quick read. At the moment, I need a little fluff in my life.

2026 Reading Challenge audio ebook fantasy romance teen The 52 Book Club

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Oct 19

Back in the Saddle Again (October 19, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

Last week was rather insane if I’m being perfectly honest! With the approach of Fall Break, everything that needed to happen got shoved into three busy days. I was never so glad to leave campus on Wednesday evening as I began to make my way to Dallas. At least, I was excited until the heavens opened and unleashed more water than the ground (and roads) could handle!

Thursday through Sunday saw me in the Geriatric Ward to visit my parents and take care of a few projects for them. Now that Pop is retired, there is no quiet time in the house. That meant that finding time to read was a bit more challenging. Thankfully, the evenings were my down time and I enjoyed some moments alone with my nose in the pages of a book.

What I Finished This Week

The Lido by Libby Page. It might have taken me a few weeks to get through this audiobook, but that should not suggest that I didn’t enjoy the novel. I typically listen to audiobooks while commuting — and there wasn’t very much of that for the past couple of weeks. Still, Page’s novel was much more than what I initially assumed. The story centers around Kate, a 20-something reporter who is assigned to cover the proposed closing of the local public pool, known as The Lido. While interviewing people who oppose the closing, Kate meets Rosemary, an octogenarian who swims in the water daily. The two women quickly become friends and join forces to save the local landmark. The Lido is about much more than just a pool though. It is a story about community, friendship, love, and loss. It is a beautiful reminder of how the most unlikely things (and people) can positively impact our lives. 3.75 stars.

It Happened on a Sunday by Tracy Wolff. Don’t you just love when an impulse purchase turns out to be a tremendous read? I picked up this romance by Tracy Wolff simply because I was looking for a book with “a day of the week in the title” and I thought the edges were pretty. What I found was a charming novel filled with characters that I really came to love. Sloane is pop music’s popular bad girl. She carries the moniker “Black Widow” with pride while hiding the pain of two lost — and dead — loves. It seems that she is destined to be alone forever. Things change when she first encounters Sly, the star quarterback for the Austin professional football team. Somehow, Sly seems to see past Sloane’s mask and see the hurting woman behind the Black Widow. It feels as though Wolff loosely based this story on the relationship of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. As much as it pains me to really talk about the writing in a romance novel, I have to admit that this one was crafted very well. 4.75 stars.

What I’m Currently Reading

The Keeper of Stories by Sally Page (6:35 of 10:16). I planned to finish this audiobook on my drives to and from Dallas this week. Sadly, Wednesday night’s downpour had other plans! While I have struggled with the story a bit, I am finally getting into it and enjoying the read. Janice is a house cleaner who collects the stories of the people she works for as well as those she meets. As she begins her latest job with the mysterious Mrs. B., Janice learns of the woman’s exciting past and her son’s deceitful plans to move his mother out of her home. With a few more drives coming up and some home projects that will need a soundtrack, I’m hoping to finish Page’s novel this week.

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao (p. 25 of 372). I decided to venture back into fantasy this week for “a book that requires the suspension of disbelief.” Water Moon was another impulse purchase while visiting a local bookstore last Christmas. The premise is interesting — Hanna has inherited ownership of the family pawnshop that trades in regrets. Clients find their way into the mysterious location at the moment of their greatest need and leave behind the items that have kept them from moving forward from past mistakes. So far, the writing is beautiful and I’m enjoying the Eastern setting.

2026 Reading Challenge audio fantasy international romance The 52 Book Club

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Oct 12

Feeling Bleh! (October 12, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

I’m not going to lie. This week has been tough! Without going into too much detail here, I just haven’t felt well and struggled to do much of anything. I thought audiobooks were going to be my salvation. Nope — when I’m sick, focusing on someone reading to me is much more difficult than reading from the printed page. At least I had a couple of good stories to keep me company this week.

What I Finished This Week

Babel by R.F. Kuang. Last week, I told you that I had high hopes for this fantasy novel. It did not disappoint, but it took some turns that I did not expect. As our Oxford students continued their work with the silver bars powered by translations, they came face-to-face with the real purpose of the silver on a trip to Canton. What they discovered was disheartening and set them on a trajectory that no one saw coming. Fueled by righteous indignation, the quartet of translators joined forces with the underground group called Hermes to stop the madness and force those in power to face their crimes against humanity. The powerful exploration of topics such as racism, freedom, colonialism, and sacrifice continued through the end of Kuang’s novel. I think this passage from the end of the novel (no spoilers, I promise!) gives a lot of insight into one of Kuang’s major themes of the book.

. . .I’ve known you for less than a day, and yet…..”

“I think,” said Ramy, it’s because when I speak, you listen.”

“Because you’re fascinating.”

“Because you’re a good translator.” Ramy leaned back on his elbows. “That’s just what translation is, I think. That’s all speaking is. Listening to the other and trying to see past your own biases to glimpse what they’re trying to say. Showing yourself to the world, and hoping someone else understands.” (Babel, 535)

Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this wonderful novel! I’m already expecting a return visit to Oxford in the near future so I can fully process the arguments that Kuang has given us to think about in these beautiful pages. 5 stars.

What I’m Currently Reading

The Lido by Libby Page (7:47 of 9:19). The relationship between Kate and Rosemary continues to grow as they continue their fight to keep the local pool open. Along the way, we learn more about their lives, their fears, and their regrets. Page is giving us a beautiful story of how something as simple as a community space can unite us in unexpected ways.

It Happened on a Sunday by Tracy Wolff (p. 70 of 466). I started this book on Sunday evening as an homage to the title. After the deep topics I faced in Babel, I was also ready for something a little lighter. It will also be a good fit for a couple of upcoming flights as I travel back to the Geriatric Ward this week. Here’s the gist of this romance as I grasp it so far. Sloane is a headlining musician with a bit of a troubled past. While giving a concert in Austin, she catches the eye of Sly, the handsome quarterback of the local professional football team who has brought his abuela (a huge fan of Sloane’s music) to the event in his home stadium. As soon as their eyes meet, sparks fly. Now we just have to see if Sly will be the next victim of the “Black Widow” or if he will see past the rugged exterior to the hurting woman hiding inside.

2026 Reading Challenge audio fantasy romance The 52 Book Club

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Oct 5

Cozy Season at Last (October 5, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

It seems that Fall is officially here! The air is crisper and sunrise happens once I’m already awake. (IYKYK) The scent of pumpkin spice is in the air and I am responding to the siren call of fuzzy socks, warm afghans, and a good book each night. Sadly, the arrival of Fall also means a lot more happening in my musical life — rehearsals, performances, and learning lots of new music. Despite the hectic schedule, I’m ready. Bring on the cozy season!

What I Finished This Week

Not a blasted thing! It was a good week, but my evenings were exceptionally busy. That meant that most of my reading progress was made during stolen moments throughout the day and around meals. I’m hoping to continue making progress in my audiobook this week and finish the physical book that has my attention at the moment.

What I’m Currently Reading

Babel by R.F. Kuang (p. 307 of 542). I was a bit nervous as I began this fantasy novel, but I am happy to report that I’m enjoying it a lot. Babel is set in a fantastical Oxford University where Robin, Romy, Lettie, and Victoire are students in the Royal Institute of Translation — informally known as Babel. The Institute uses words to empower silver bars for various tasks — everything from speeding up carriages to keeping out potential thieves. As the students learn of some of the questionable practices of the Institute and her silver bars, they are faced with a moral dilemma — Do they continue in their work despite their objections or do they rebel against their teachers and the entire British Empire? Kuang’s writing is magical and beautifully crafted. I’m just past the halfway point and have been mesmerized by the commentary about racism, political power, loyalty, etymology, and friendship that is woven throughout the story. Babel is definitely a thought provoking read…and I can’t get enough!

The Lido by Libby Page (2:47 of 9:19). I decided to start an audiobook this week thinking I would get some reading done while traveling to and from opera rehearsals in the coming weeks. That is still the plan, but I’m only alone in the car one evening each week. That just means I need to find additional time for listening. The Lido is a public, open-air pool that is facing potential shut down as a development company wants to replace it with a member’s only gym for the multi-million dollar community it plans to build next to the site. Kate is a 20-something reporter who has been assigned to write a story about the closing of the Lido. In the process of interviewing people, she meets Rosemary, an octogenarian who has swam in the pool almost daily since childhood. The unlikely friends join forces to save the Lido and, in the process, learn about the power of community and belonging.

September 2026 in Review

September was a productive reading month for me. There were only two reads that earned less than 3 stars — and that’s a HUGE success for me after a somewhat less-than-stellar start to my fall reading plan. Here’s a look at the highs and lows of the month.

  • Books I read in September: 7 (up 3 from August)
    • 3 print
    • 3 audio
    • 1 ebook
  • Pages read in September: 1,470 pages (up 62 pages from August)
  • Highest rated book: The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand (5 stars)
  • Lowest rated book: The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim (2 stars)

The 52 Book Club Challenge Progress

Six of this month’s books were added to the main reading challenge, bringing my total to 35 of 52 books. (The seventh book of the month was added to the still unfinished September Mini Challenge.) That’s right on pace for my completion goal, so I’m happy with the result. For those doing the math, that leaves 17 books to read to complete the 2026 challenge.

Plans for October’s Reading

I tend to approach the challenge as a mood reader. I find that I get better results that way. However, I have planned to complete the personification prompt by reading Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and knew that I wanted to read it in October. Seems like the perfect time to read a Gothic novel full of psychological suspense. Here’s hoping this self-proclaimed “chicken” survives the story. LOL

2026 Reading Challenge audio fantasy monthly review plans The 52 Book Club

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Sep 28

Gimme a Break (September 28, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

Every so often, I just need to get away. I need to get away from work, from responsibilities and chores, from life. Since I am single and have no one to take care of except myself, I can scratch my wanderlust itch frequently. When a Friday afternoon class was cancelled, I checked out the availability at my favorite hotel and discovered that I had earned enough points to cover a two-night stay. So I packed a small bag, grabbed my books, and hit the road. It was wonderful to get away for a few days and to relish a slower pace for just a little while. It also meant that I was able to finish both of my current reads.

What I Finished Reading This Week

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. Sometimes, you just need a good thriller to get your blood pumping. I could not put this book down this week! Here’s the premise — a woman murdered her husband by shooting him five times in the face. After the police arrive, she is unable (or unwilling?) to speak. Several years later, she is institutionalized and encounters a young psychotherapist who is interested in her case, her poignant artwork, and wishes to rescue her from her silence. Michaelides explores the role of therapy, the power of words, and the question of madness with real intensity and thoughtfulness. I’ve already begun to look at other works by this exciting author. 4.75 stars.

Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green. I decided to read a non-fiction work this week that was recommended by several friends. In my mind, tuberculosis was a disease of the past that was completely eradicated from modern society. Sadly, I was mistaken! This short audiobook was a fascinating look at the history of the disease and why it continues to ravage large portions of Africa and southeast Asia. Green calls out greedy pharmaceutical companies for their price gouging and calls the reader to be aware of the problems while becoming vocal advocates for those who are unable to advocate for themselves. In our world, there is no reason that millions of people die each year from a disease that we CAN defeat and cure — if we choose to be ruled by compassionate hearts and not our greedy wallets. 3 stars.

What I’m Currently Reading

Babel by R. F. Kuang (p. 24 of 542). Fantasy is not one of my favorite genres. For this year’s reading challenge, one of the prompts is a stand-alone fantasy novel. Since I knew this prompt would be a struggle for me, I sought advice from booksellers early on. After a short conversation, the two young readers led me to this book. The description sounded interesting and their enthusiasm was infectious, so I took the book and headed to the register. While walking to the front of the store, I encountered three other readers who told me that I was going to love this book. I normally don’t give recommendations from total strangers too much weight, but these seemed to land a little differently. I’ve decided this is the week to tackle the fantasy novel. The first few pages tell of a young boy in China who is the only member of his family to survive a brutal plague thanks to the magical healing power of an enchanted silver bar. The boy has amazing abilities with languages. He is “adopted” by Professor Lovell, a professor from Oxford’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation – also known as Babel. So far, this is reading like historical fiction with a definite academic slant — and that tends to be a good recipe for me. I’m hopeful that this will be a good experience….but it may still be a little too early to celebrate just yet. I still have a lot of reading to do first.

2026 Reading Challenge audio fantasy non-fiction The 52 Book Club thriller

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Sep 7

The End of Summer (September 7, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

Happy Labor Day to those in the US! Sadly, this signals the end of summer as we enter the full schedule of fall. School is back in session, performances are beginning to mount, and (hopefully) the weather will begin to cool. Labor Day also brings the end of Big Book Summer….and I got my last big book finished just in time! Look for a special section below to summarize the books I read for this fun annual event.

What I Finished This Week

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim. I really struggled with this book. The story centers around four women who travel to Italy and spend the month of April in a castle. While they are there, we learn much about their lives back in England, their struggles in relationships, and their dreams for the future. Typically, this should have been an excellent read for me. I think the problem with this experience was the fact that I read an audiobook with a narrator whose accent made listening difficult. Because I was listening while walking around the indoor track, I struggled to become fully engaged in the slow-moving plot. 2 stars.

Voyager by Diana Gabaldon. The third book in the Outlander series, Voyager reunited Claire and Jaime. Much of this volume focuses on Jaime’s two children as well as his difficult relationship with his sister. When his nephew Ian decides to follow Jaime on an adventure, the young man is captured by pirates. Jaime and Claire seek to rescue him. Their efforts lead them to the Caribbean islands and all of the magic and sorcery found there. While I adore the characters in the series, the large amount of scenes occurring on boats was a struggle for me. I also found the reading rather slow to plow through. 3.75 stars.

What I’m Currently Reading

The Summer of 66 by Dan Wheatcroft (p. 64 of 265). With the beginning of September, another mini-challenge appeared from The 52 Book Club. That’s just not what I needed to happen so early in the month, but I was immediately engaged and began to look for titles to fit the prompts. The Summer of 66 is proving to be an engaging novel so far. A British police detective is reassigned to work with the stats department. In reality, he is working with a offshoot of MI5 to investigate a case that has led to the suicide of multiple investigators in rapid succession. This has been a nice change of pace from the sweeping saga that Voyager was. I’m also enjoying that it is a much quicker read and not as long!

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (p. 54 of 453). I have never read any novel by the Bronte sisters. I have started a couple of them, only to find them boring and too challenging. Somehow, it seems that I had a wrong impression of what Jane Eyre was all about. I don’t really know what I thought the book was about, but I certainly was not expecting to read about a young orphan girl who was mistreated by her benefactress before being sent away to boarding school. I suppose I was anticipating something more in the vein of Pride and Prejudice. I have really enjoyed the book so far and I am finding this edition to be very approachable.

Big Book Summer 2026

For the last 3 summers, I have participated in Big Book Summer. Hosted by Sue Jackson, it is a celebration of big books and the stories that we love that take over 400 pages to tell. Running from Memorial Day to Labor Day each summer, it coincides nicely with the break in my teaching schedule. As you know, this summer was full of twists and turns in my world. Still, I wanted to participate and am pleased with my accomplishments. Here’s the complete list of the Big Books I finished in Summer 2026.

  • This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page (407 pages) – 5 stars
  • Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (886 pages) – 3.5 stars
  • The Godfather by Mario Puzo (448 pages) – 4.75 stars
  • Reckless at Heart by Zoe York (602 pages) – 3.75 stars
  • PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly (418 pages) – 4 stars
  • Voyager by Diana Gabaldon (870 pages) – 3.75 stars

Six big books this summer, totaling 3,631 pages…..I’ll take that for the win!

August in Review

August was not a good month for my reading life. I struggled as I prepared to leave the Geriatric Ward and make my way back to my life. As exhaustion set in, I was struggling to meet my daily goal of reading at least 20 pages. Since that streak continued through this challenging month, I’m going to take that as a win. But it means that I have a lot of reading to do in the coming months to meet my 2026 goals and finish the main challenge.

  • Books I read in August: 4 (down 8 from July)
    • 2 print
    • 1 audio
    • 1 ebook
  • Pages read in August: 1,408 pages (down 1,446 from July)
  • Highest rated book: The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray (4.75 stars)
  • Lowest rated book: Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall (3 stars)

The 52 Book Club Challenge Progress

Since August was not a productive reading month for me, there is little progress to see here. It turns out that I have completed 31 of the 52 prompts. That means there are 21 prompts remaining — so I need to add 5 or 6 books each month if I hope to finish the challenge by December. It’s entirely possible, I just have to be very intentional in my reading for the rest of the year.

The 52 Book Club Summer Beach Read Challenge

With intentional reading for the rest of the year to finish the main challenge, that means that the summer and remaining mini-challenges will probably need to get put on pause. But they are so much fun to read! (And I’ve got prompts left in the main challenge that I have not been looking forward to….oops!). Anyway, here’s where the summer challenge is at the moment.

I read 2 books for this challenge in August. Now I’m supposed to work on prompt #7 – a book with a final page count that is ODD. Am I the only one finding that most of the books I’m interested in reading have an even number of pages? Alas, I’ll find something to read to keep moving on this challenge eventually.

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Aug 24

Claiming Every Moment (August 24, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

School started this week and things got BUSY quickly! Whether it was trying to track down scholarship students, making a recording with an ensemble, or getting technology to actually work properly, I have been running most of the week. I don’t mean to imply that I’m not enjoying the work — I am! There is life and excitement in the music wing once again and I am all for it. My reading life, however, has taken a bit of a hit as a result of the new schedule.

Now I find myself looking for any available moment to get in a few pages throughout the day. Graded essays for 90 minutes? I deserve a 15 minute reading break. Taking a walk around the indoor track? I’ll listen to a few chapters of an audio book. Some of my current reads are easy to insert into my day — especially ebooks. Others provide more of a challenge.

What I Finished This Week

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto. If you follow me on social media, you probably saw that I asked for book recommendations from my friends recently. I got a LOT of really good recommendations that have been added to my TBR. The reason for the post, however, was to fulfill a prompt for the Summer Beach Reads challenge. I took the first 6 recommendations I received, assigned a number to each, and rolled the die. This musical enemies-to-lovers was the selected book. It is the story of Xander and Gwen, two musicians who find each other despite many obstacles. While I did enjoy the story itself, I found myself distracted and reflecting on the manipulation of the characters by family, agents, and colleagues. While my heart broke for the musicians, I found myself thinking about how the industry needs to change and wondering how I can begin to prepare my own students for the cut-throat world they will probably face after graduation. 3.5 stars.

What I’m Currently Reading

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Arnim (2:56 of 8:09). This is my current book for when I’m on the move — either in the car for a drive or walking around the track. It is the story of four British women who rent an Italian castle for a glorious vacation away from all responsibility for the month of April. The premise is intriguing. The narrator, however, is a real challenge for me, but I’ve decided I’m going to push through. Here’s hoping that things begin to get better with this read now that the women have arrived at the castle and are experiencing their first conflict.

Voyager by Diana Gabaldon (p. 427 of 870). I’m struggling with this read at the moment. I think it is all about the size of the book, honestly. I’m just not at a place where diving into a massive read is enticing to me. I’m trying to convince myself that since there are only 443 pages remaining in the book that it is just like a normal weekly read at this point. The story is great. The writing is outstanding. It’s just big! This is the final read for the 2026 Big Book Summer challenge for me; that means I technically just need to finish by Labor Day, but I’d really like to get it off of my plate sooner. Here’s hoping….

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Jul 27

Roller Coaster Summer (July 27, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

This week was full of ups and downs. As the week began, things were running smoothly and everyone was getting along. As the week progressed, more challenges were encountered and stress levels went through the roof! In those moments when things got tense, I found myself turning into my reading. What can I say? It’s great therapy! So I guess you can say that there was a silver lining in that I got a lot of reading done this week. Hoping that the reading pace continues without the additional drama though. If this roller coaster keeps going, I may be looking for the barf bag.

What I Finished This Week

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. This is my second Neil Gaiman novel. I’ll share the unpopular opinion; I don’t like his writing at all! It’s not just that I don’t enjoy fantasy. I find the writing convoluted. I think the problem is that I also can’t really tell who the intended audience is supposed to be. If you want to write for children, do it. If you want to write a fairy tale for adults, do it. Don’t try to mix the two. It just doesn’t work. 2.75 stars (and that’s generous…..)

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez. Alexis is a ER doctor in a prestigious Minneapolis hospital. Her family has a long history of making significant contributions in the medical field. She is constantly trying to live up to expectations. While driving home from a family funeral, Alexis swerves to avoid striking a raccoon and lands in the ditch. This is where she meets Daniel, a simple small town guy who is a jack-of-all-trades and runs the local Bed and Breakfast. The two immediately find chemistry, but realize that they come from two different worlds. Jimenez weaves a lovely story that examines challenging family relationships, the importance of social structure, and navigating personal preferences when they conflict with high expectations. Definitely worth a read, but you should know that the book deals prominently with domestic abuse (mostly of a verbal nature, although physical abuse is also present). 4.75 stars.

Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon. I was having difficulty settling on a book that would meet the prompt of a read with a diacritical mark on the cover. Nothing that I found really grabbed my attention. I selected this book on a whim on a recent trip to Barnes and Noble. It turned out to be a very enjoyable read. Frida and Gabriel were raised in a cult and became best friends. After escaping, the two pursue lives on the outside. Gabriel marries a vibrant young woman who tragically dies shortly afterwards; Gabriel is accused of her murder. Nearly a decade later, Frida and Gabriel find themselves once again entwined in the tragic death of a young woman. Michallon writes a fascinating story of family, abuse, and unconditional love. 3.75 stars.

What I’m Currently Reading

Bookstore on the Bay by Leeanna Morgan (p. 167 of 244). As part of the summer Beach challenge, I had to select 6 books on my reading list and allow fate (via the roll of a die) to determine my next read. I selected some of the free books that I have loaded onto my Kindle and ended up being very pleased with the results. Morgan tells the story of a widow, Isabella, who returns to the quaint town of Sapphire Bay to reunite with childhood friends. While there, she meets Frank and his young grandson, Tommy. The two become friends as Isabella purchases the town’s bookstore and decides to begin a new chapter in her life. However, developing feelings for Frank and Tommy may come with challenges. Frank relocated to Sapphire Bay to escape the danger brought on by providing evidence to the FBI against a powerful security firm. A quick, fascinating read with a charming love story featuring older adults looking for a second chance.

Voyager by Diana Gabaldon (p. 38 of 870). Ever since first participating in Big Book Summer in 2024, the Outlander series has been part of the annual plans. With Dad’s health complications this summer, there just wasn’t a convenient time to start the book earlier. Since I have a couple of weeks left before my life returns to full swing, I decided this was the time to hit the third volume in the saga. Although I just started the book yesterday afternoon, it has been easy to fall back into the story of Jamie and Claire. I won’t get through this behemoth this week, but I’m hoping to make a significant dent in it.

Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell (p. 38 of 305). One prompt for the 2026 challenge has a tendency to sneak up on me — a book that I started reading on the 26th! As I made plans to start new books for the week after Saturday’s finish, I realized I could delay a day and plug something in for this prompt to get it off my plate. Yeah! Hamnet has long been of interest to me. All I really know (at least, what I think I know) is that it is the story of the son of Shakespeare who will ultimately inspire the character Hamlet. I could be completely wrong, but I’m enjoying the early pages of this novel so far.

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Jul 20

No Rest for the Weary (July 20, 2026)

by kennithfreeman

This week was rather hectic. A frantic race to sign papers in Plainview (which turned out to be a fruitless trip), getting the other Geriatric in for a CT scan, and a long Friday afternoon in the ER with my Dad. Add to all of this an excruciating back ache, and you have the formula for a lot of reading since I couldn’t do much else.

What I Finished This Week

Breaking His Rules by Layla Hagen. The first audio book that I completed this week. Grant is the COO of a security company who does everything by the book. When his best friend decides to host his engagement party at a small restaurant, Grant plans to overrun the charming space with security upgrades in order to ensure that nothing happens. The restaurant’s owner, Ruby, turns out to be a bigger obstacles than Grant had anticipated. Ruby fully intends to maintain the quaintness of her space while trusting that everything will be just fine since nothing has ever happened before that should cause concern. The two square off and prepare for battle, but become friends along the way as they realize that they share a common goal — making sure the engagement party is everything their friends have dreamed of. This is really a cute enemies-to-lovers romance that has more character building than you would expect. 3.5 stars.

Dating You/Hating You by Christina Lauren. Dating You/Hating You had been on my TBR since the beginning of the 2026 challenge since Christina Lauren is a pen name for the writing duo of Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. Carter and Evie both work as talent agents in successful Hollywood studios. When their companies merge, the two find themselves competing for the same job. Their attraction is undeniable, but it is also what they fear most. Will their tenderness toward each other be used by one of them in order to get the upper hand? This was a really enjoyable audio book that made the roads through Texas and Arkansas pass much more quickly. 3.5 stars.

Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham. Sebastian Rudd is the lawyer everyone hates. He defends the most despicable and often gets his clients lighter sentences than they deserve. His ex-wife thinks he is a worthless father, more concerned with his career than his child. The police hate him because he is less concerned with justice than winning the case at any cost. One of his clients claims to know the current location of a missing police officer and reveals crucial information to Rudd. The problem? Should Rudd share this information with the authorities, he will be breaking attorney-client privilege and jeopardize his career. While this wasn’t my favorite of Grisham’s novels, I was enthralled by the story as well as the legal and moral issues raised. 3 stars.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. Set in Iceland, this novel was read to fulfill the prompt of a story set in either the Arctic or Antarctica in the main 2026 challenge. Agnes has been convicted of killing a man in his home. Her sentence? Death by beheading. While awaiting her execution date, Agnes is sent to the remote farm in northern Iceland. Suffering through the extreme winter weather, she is also outcast by the farming family that is forced to host her. In order to prepare mentally and spiritually, a young priest is assigned the task of ministering to her (despite Agnes’ lack of faith). Kent’s historical novel examines the search for truth, the impact of unrequited love, and the natural fear of death in a gripping tale of intrigue and doubt. 3 stars.

What I’m Currently Reading

Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon (p. 49 of 299). A summer resort is rocked by the death of a woman and the subsequent arrest of her famous husband. For Gabriel and Frida, the events trigger memories of their time in a cult as children. I just started reading last night, but I’m already fascinated and ready to tear through more of this story tonight.

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez (p, 80 of 372). I read Yours Truly last year and thoroughly enjoyed the story. I decided that I should read the first of the books in the series. This story focuses on Alexis and Daniel, two people who could not be more dissimilar, but find themselves drawn to each other. I really enjoy Jimenez’s writing style and the ease of getting pulled into the story.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman (3:06 of 5:43). It only seems appropriate to be reading at least one book at the moment that is not a total hit for me. For the summer challenge, I needed a fantasy book with a “watery” scene. Fantasy is not a favorite genre for me, so I was looking for something rather short that didn’t require too much world building. I’m just not in the mood for that type of work at the moment. At just under 6 hours, Gaiman’s tale seemed like the perfect option. The story is entertaining and I’m finding that listening to the story makes it easier to get into.

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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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