Reader Roundup: May/June
Time to catch up on my reading shares. I’m having an absolute jolly time in my retirement reading books whenever I want. Mornings used to find me scrambling out the door to get to class before the parking lot filled and evenings were often spent grading, leaving a smidgen of time during the weekend to leisurely read.
Not so anymore. I have started to luxuriate in bed in the mornings and read for a couple of hours before starting my day. Since I am still on teacher time I get up at 5 am and even reading for a couple of hours I am up and ready for whatever the day brings by 8 a.m. I am also deeply investing in hammock time this summer and depending on the book (a shout out to Anthony Horowitz) will spend ALL DAY reading.
When not reading I am at the library volunteering (my happy place), working on my own stories, or fiddling about with yardwork. Reading is definitely my retirement go to.
Here are the five star reads over the past couple of months:
I Could Murder Her by E.C.R. Lorac
Inspector MacDonald steps in early and in his usual smooth, methodical manages to untangle this messy family drama.
Mockingbird Summer by Lynda Rutledge
As with her other book, West with Giraffes, the main character is full of heart and refreshing insights as the book explores the complications of friendship across the tracks in 1964. The ending resonates after the last page is read.
The Essence of Malice by Ashley Weaver
A tangled case for Milo and Amory–this time in Paris.
The Wright Sister: Katharine Wright and Her Famous Brothers by Richard Maurer
Who knew Wilbur and Orville had two other brothers, let alone a dynamic sister? An informative middle grade biography of the Wright brothers’ sister who turns out contributed significantly to their success.
Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz
The third outing for Susan Ryeland provides readers with a different perspective. No Andreas, for one. And only a brief mention of Katie. Susan is absolutely on her own and once again caught up in editing a book with a sinister agenda that will threaten her life and livelihood.
Candle Island by Lauren Wolk
As with her other books Wolk provides a unique setting with a memorable set of characters. This story combines many plot threads: loss, new beginnings, creativity, animosity, respect, and adapting. Wolk’s signature lyrical prose is admirable.
Shakespeare: The World as Stage by Bill Bryson
A concise, user-friendly overview of Shakespeare in under 200 pages divided into quick chapters blending in known facts with neutral conjecture that adds nicely to anyone interested in learning something but not everything about the Bard.
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland
A deeply profound story of healing through the emotional language of flowers that centers on Alice, who literally rises from the ashes of childhood abuse to a strong, confidant woman. This was also made into a series with Sigourney Weaver, but I have yet to watch.
The Poet’s Dog by Patricia MacLachlan
A short, poignant story of a dog and two children surviving a winter storm huddled together in a cabin once owned by a poet.
As always, you can find my other reviews on Goodreads–I hope you stop by.
Pam Webb 
You are on a roll, Pam. I’m slow and steady, devoting reading time each night before bed. It’s the best way I’ve found to make myself sleepy. Of course, sometimes I reread the same page three times. 🤣
I try read before bed as well but end up with the book smacking my face. 😜