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.
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
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.
I delayed writing this week’s post because I kept thinking that I had plenty of time to write….and I wanted to read! Monday arrived and the day was packed with everything EXCEPT writing. So here’s my weekly update a day later than usual…but I’m very pleased with the results. Here’s what I managed to get done in a very full week!
What I Finished This Week
The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson. This audiobook was a nice change of pace. Centering around a group of friends who are navigating the trials of adult life as they deal with marriage, love, and raising children, The Shampoo Effect begins like any other contemporary novel. When a novel loosely based on the lives and secrets of the friend group hits the market, their world is completely rocked as what they assumed was hidden comes to light — and must be addressed! Such a delightful read full of humor. 4 stars.
The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham. Now that the fall has finally arrived (for today, at least), it seemed like a great time to read this book that has been in my TBR pile for nearly a year. The Academy is a story about a group of high school students at an elite boarding school. In addition to the usual sources of teen angst, the students — and faculty — find themselves navigating the nightmare of a social media site known as “Zip Zap” that has the sole purpose of exposing secrets. No one is safe and the rumors are flying! This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year and highly recommended. 5 stars.
What I DNF’d This Week
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. I thoroughly enjoyed my reading of the classic novel. I was captivated by the plot and found Jane to be an engaging heroine. Why the DNF then? I found myself struggling to find time to devote to the novel. This is not a book that I wanted to read in bits and spurts; it deserves the time needed to savor the language and engage with the raised issues. This is not a “Absolutely not!” shelving; instead, this is just a “see you later” DNFing.
What I’m Currently Reading
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (p. 28 of 323).The Silent Patient got a last minute start before today’s post, but I am so glad that I did. It’s a fascinating premise! The story is told by a criminal psychotherapist who is working with Alicia, an artist who has been convicted of murdering her husband by shooting him in the face five times. After that event, Alicia has never spoken another word. This book is beautifully written and has pulled me in from the very beginning. I’m looking forward to getting this one read this week.
It feels as though I have been chasing my own tail all week long! I could not get it together and never felt as though I was making any progress toward my goals. I’m really thankful for one finish this week…..even if it wasn’t my favorite read ever.
What I Finished This Week
The Summer of 66 by Dan Wheatcroft. Wheatcroft’s short novel is a political thriller set against the backdrop of the Cold War and the World Cup. Sadly, the characters are not thoroughly developed and the plot is rather convoluted. It was not a pleasant reading experience at all. There’s a reason that this book is only published in digital format. 2.75 stars.
What I’m Currently Reading
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (pp. 141 of 453). While I didn’t get as much reading done this week as I had hoped, I am still thoroughly enjoying this novel. Jane has now moved into the home of Rochester and is caring for Adele. Right now, I don’t love Rochester at all and can’t imagine that Jane will develop feelings for him. Not surprisingly, it takes me a bit longer to read Jane Eyre. I am hoping to get back on schedule this week and do a little catch up.
The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson (64% of 9:58). This book is my first foray into audiobooks on Spotify. That explains why my calculation of completion looks a little different. The Shampoo Effect tells the story of friends who have known each other for years as they face the challenges of love and marriage. At the heart of the story is Van, an environmental scientist, who has fathered a child by his high school girlfriend. There’s only one problem: Van has fallen in love with Caroline, an aspiring writer who has recently moved into the small town. Van struggles to find balance between being a father to his newborn and being a boyfriend to Caroline. At first, the constantly changing perspectives were challenging and unnatural for me. Now that I am familiar with the characters, I’m finding this to be a very engaging read.
The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham (p. 43 of 413). Just a small start on this week’s new book, but I have been intending to read it for a while. Now that the fall semester is fully up and running, it seems like the perfect time to read a story set in an elite boarding school in New England. Traditionally, I always enjoy Hilderbrand’s writing, so I’m looking forward to this read.
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.
School is back in session and my schedule is absolutely packed! Trying to find time to do my job….much less time to read for pleasure….was a real challenge this week. My days are going to be filled and I’m starting to realize that there is a very good chance that I will not finish the 2026 reading challenge by the end of the year. That’s not the worst thing ever, but I would like to start 2027 with a clean reading slate. Oh well…..I’m still having fun reading and trying to get it all done!
What I Finished This Week
Nada….Nothing…..Zip….Zero. For the second week this month, I have not finished a book. I’m choosing not to let that become distressing, but I am also not going to pretend that I am happy about it. This monster of a book just is not moving as I had hoped. Failing to maintain my daily walking regime didn’t help me finish my current audio book either. Just have to get back into a routine — or establish a new routine — that will bring me regular finishes once again.
What I’m Currently Reading
Voyager by Diana Gabaldon (p. 698 of 870). I continue to plug away at this book and have gotten another 200+ pages under my belt. I’m not entirely sure what it is about this novel, but I cannot make significant strides when I sit down with this book. It’s not that the book is hard to read or unenjoyable. There’s just something about the book itself that causes my reading pace to slow considerably. Now, Jamie and Claire are making their way to the West Indies in pursuit of a kidnapped young Ian while trying to avoid those who would like to capture and execute our lovable hero. Hopefully one more week will get me to the end of this massive tome. I just have to be finished by Labor Day…..I just have to!
The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim (4:23 of 8:09). Not walking during lunch each day was a huge hit to my progress in my audio book. It’s a double edge sword too. I don’t think I was making an appointment with myself to go for the daily walk because I wasn’t looking forward to reuniting with the characters in the book or the narrator herself. I have no doubt that I will finish this one up this week with a trip to Dallas on the horizon for the holiday weekend.
Upcoming Plans
It’s rare that I already know what books are coming up in my reading life, but I have a couple of looming books that I’m actually looking forward to beginning very soon.
Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao. I was drawn to this book over the Christmas break while visiting a local bookstore. It has sat in my TBR for quite some time, always taking a back seat to other novels calling my name. With a prompt calling for a stand alone fantasy novel, it seems that Water Moon has now found its time in the sun. It is sitting in the floor right next to my reading chair so I can dive in the second I finish the Gabaldon book.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. I am embarrassed to admit that I have never read this classic novel. Typically, I struggle with these Victorian works and have shied away from the Bronte sisters’ works. That is changing now that I have gotten involved with a virtual book club (I know, I know…..I’m a glutton for punishment to add another challenge to my already full life!) and this month’s selection is Jane Eyre. I don’t think it will be too bad as we are reading roughly 10 chapters per week and should make our way through the novel by the end of September. I did splurge a bit and picked up an edition with a captivating cover that I hope will encourage me to engage with the book regularly as I make my way through.
Next week, I’ll take a look back at my accomplishments (and lack of) during the month of August. In case you’re wondering, I estimate that I need to complete approximately 5 1/2 books each month for the rest of the year to complete The 52 Book Club’s 2026 Reading challenge. That’s not impossible…..but it means that I will probably need to put the summer challenge and the upcoming mini challenges to the side. The problem is that it is SO FUN to complete the shorter challenges as well! I just want to do it all! Maybe I need to find a job that pays me to read all day long…..but only what I want to read…..because I hate being told what to read….yeah, that never worked well in any of my classes….
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….
Sometimes, it feels as though I am meeting myself coming and going. As the semester gets rolling again, that’s the atmosphere in my world. I get up, frantically try to get things done between all of the other crises that arise around me, get a quick bit of food, crawl in bed and do it all again. In the midst of the constant shuffle, I still managed to get some reading done!
What I Finished This Week
The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. I adored this book! It was such a fun, informative read. This piece of historical fiction centers around the relationship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune as together they work to improve the lives of women and African-Americans. I was entertained. I was educated. I was inspired by the reading. This novel inspired one of my personal studies for this fall; I’m going to explore the life and presidency of FDR. 4.75 stars.
Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall. Valentine is a wealthy duke who has been promised to Arabella. There’s only one problem — Arabella doesn’t love him and intends to run away to avoid a life of marital servitude. Her twin brother, Bonny, joins Valentine in pursuit of Arabella. Things become complicated as Bonny and Valentine develop feelings for each other. The novel explores the stereotypes of MM relationships and the desire of all people to find authentic love. The first in a series that I don’t anticipate completing. 3 stars.
What I’m Currently Reading
Voyager by Diana Gabaldon (p. 362 of 870). With all of the meetings that had happened this week, I didn’t manage to get much done in this behemoth this week. Still, I got through roughly 100 more pages. Now that the story is heating up as young Ian fears that he may have murdered a man unintentionally and there is a possibility that political tracks printed by Jamie may be circulating among his enemies, the story is much more compelling. I’m hoping to get very close to a finish this week. We shall just have to see how that goes though.
Getting Things Done by David Allen (p, 53 of 125). Every few years, I return to this productivity work. Published in 2001, the book is starting to show some age, but the basic concept presented continues to assist me in my personal management. (I think there may be an updated edition that I should probably check out.) I’ve been feeling as though my world is a little out of control, so this is the perfect time to revisit the book and see if I can find ways to help tame the craziness.
Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto (p. 76 of 365). Earlier this week, I asked friends for book recommendations. While I am always thrilled to hear what others are reading, this request was part of the Summer Beach Read challenge over on The 52 Book Club. I took the first 6 books recommended, assigned each a number, and rolled a die. That’s how I got started on this Julie Soto novel. It’s a romance featuring two musicians. I’m far too early in the reading to tell you much more than that. I’m very happy that it is a rather light read that is perfect at the end of the day.
Just when I thought the summer of Geriatric Health Care was going to end smoothly, I was hit with other plans. Dad ended up going back to the ER on Thursday and remains there as of the writing of this post. The doctor is not yet entirely sure what we are fighting, but we know that his blood markers are all over the place. Since the end of the week was spent transporting Mom to the hospital, cancelling appointments, and trying to prepare for my departure without any unnecessary bloodshed, my reading took a bit of a nose dive. I managed to read my minimum goal of pages each day, but that didn’t get me to the week’s planned finish line.
What I Finished This Week
Nothing to see here. Not a single book was finished this week. Hopefully that will mean a good number of finishes for next week.
What I’m Currently Reading
Voyager by Diana Gabaldon (p. 270 of 870). With all of the running this week, my reading of this monster only happened at home. It’s too heavy to drag around! So I got through another 100 pages. I will probably try to make this a focus of the week so I can make significant progress in the coming days. I’m enjoying the story, but I’m ready to get things moving forward again.
The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray (p. 280 of 370). I have fallen absolutely in love with this book and the two female characters. If you are a fan of historical fiction, or you are interested in exploring the plight of the African-American community in 20th century America, you should DEFINITELY add this book to your TBR! Fascinating situations with wonderful storytelling. Once again, fiction has inspired my next personal study. (I’m going to dive into the presidency of FDR for a couple of months and see what I can discover there.)
Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall (4:13 of 10:53). I needed an audiobook for my drive to Texas. Alas, I didn’t have an available credit in my Audible account and didn’t have enough direction to search for something on Libby. This charming, witty period piece was in my library and I had not listened yet. it probably won’t turn out to be one of my favorite reading experiences, but it is keeping my attention as the miles click along.
