I was Very Busy in June, which included a
visit to the Children's Museum, Pittsburgh.
Below are the first lines of the books I finished reading in July. Includes two YA/children’s lit and one memoir.
Book 1
Prologue
It was difficult to imagine a time before them, a world in which they hadn’t come. But when they first appeared, in March, nobody had any idea what to do with them, these strange little boxes that came with the spring.
Book 2
There is no lake at Camp Green Lake.
Book 3
March 5th
I’ve arrived in London without incident.
There are few triumphs in my recent life, but I count this as one.
Book 4
“What is a rabbi?”
On December 29, 2021, reigning Jeopardy! Champion Amy Schneider selected the $800 clue in the “I Am Woman” category. A picture of me, draped in a purple-striped prayer shawl, appeared in the box, along with this clue.
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| Fun fact: when I search my photo library for "rabbi" I get a lot of photos like this. |
Book 5
Chapter 1: A Search Begins
Trixie saw her father’s car turn into the driveway from Glen Road, and she raced out of the back door to stop him before he reached the garage.
The titles and authors revealed:
Book 1
The Measure
By Nikki Erlick
349 pages • first pub 2022
fiction literary magical realism
Based on my husband’s description, I thought I would not be able to read this book. It’s ostensibly a dystopian novel. I wouldn’t have read it at all, but both my book clubs picked it for this summer. Once I decided to read it as a thought experiment, I actually enjoyed it, and found it replete with love, hope, and also sadness and painful growth of character. The prose is straightforward and uncomplicated to read, the characters relatable. Some of Book Club 1 truly disliked it, mainly because there were too many aspects of the premise left unexplored. The Common Household Husband loved it – this book is not exactly fantasy or sci fi, but close enough for him.
The characters could have done
this with their strings.
Book 2
Holes
By Louis Sachar
240 pages • first pub 1998
fiction middle-grade mystery
Part of a set of 3 books, one sequel and one “companion” book.
My second reading of this excellent middle-grade novel. I love this story, full of symbolism, humor, and love. But also racism, crime, bullying, and abuse. The plot and characters fit like a glove. I read it for Book Club #2, for which the discussion will be led by two middle-grade children of the regular book club adult participants. 
A hole: an ancient cistern on Mount Massada.
Book 3
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 1
(part of a series)
Beth Brower
107 pages • first pub 2019
fiction historical
The book is slim and does not offer any firm resolution of the difficulties confronting the protagonist, a young woman whose inheritance has been stolen. It’s like one episode of a sitcom with a story thread for the whole season. However, I enjoyed meeting the characters. I don’t know if I will read more of the series, but I do hope for the literary comeuppance of the dastardly and misogynistic characters preventing our heroine from living her life fully.
Book 4
Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi's Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging
Angela Buchdahl
352 pages • first pub 2025
nonfiction memoir religion
I enjoyed this memoir. It tells this Asian-American rabbi’s own story, and at the end of each chapter is a Hebrew word or Jewish theme that she expounds upon - a little dvar torah. I look forward to the discussion at the Book Club #1.
The rabbi also trained as a cantor and was featured in Season 1 Episode 5 of “Finding Your Roots” with Henry Louis Gates Jr. which you can watch if you donate to PBS.
For the record, I also greatly enjoyed the Finding Your Roots very first episode, focussed on John Lewis and then-mayor Cory Booker.
Book 5
Trixie Belden and the Red Trailer Mystery
Julie Campbell. Illustrated by Mary Stevens
262 pages • first pub 1950
fiction, children's lit, mystery
Second in this children’s mystery series. I had never read any of them. A lot of traipsing around the woods searching for dogs and people, riding horses, and bravely confronting criminals in a barn. The book was a good diversion for when one can’t read more serious stuff. Everything today is more serious.
Dear Reader, what is in your stack?
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