Hi Bookworms, I hope you had a good week and a Happy 4th. We had a nice Canada Day last week and now have some hot weather in store for us after a deluge of rain in June. Luckily we didn’t get the sweltering heat wave that the East Coast did.
As you can see, I’m not posting my July Preview this week as things have been busy the past weeks — with new kitchen countertops, a bathroom renovation, yard work, golf, activities, dog care, etc. — and I haven’t been on the ball about gathering all the info on new releases lately. Maybe next week? The summer days are going by quickly and there’s much to do. Yesterday we participated in a bike ride “Gran Fondo” event with 1,500 other cyclists in the Canadian Badlands area a couple hours away. I biked the 32-mile route and my husband pedaled 62 miles. It went well and it seems my new knee is holding up. It doesn’t bend as much as it should but at least I can still pedal a bike, yay.
On the way home we passed various yellow canola fields, which are common to see this time of year. Meanwhile it’s time to look back and see what I read in May and June (see photo below). My reading took a plunge and I only got to three novels in each month. It’s a bit strange but that’s the way it goes sometimes. I got tied up with a PW project and went down a rabbit hole, but I feel I’m back now that it’s July, yay. It’s hard to pick my favorite among these — there’s good things about each — but Whistler and Kin seem neck and neck for top honors.
- The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff — A broken family saga that deals with the father’s alcoholism (a 2025 debut novel).
- Yesteryear by Carol Claire Burke — One of the most talked about novels of the year. It’s a doozy … with some bedeviling twists (a 2026 debut novel).
- Blob: A Love Story by Maggie Su —A twenty-something girl is going through a rough patch until she finds a blob organism that offers her something new (a 2025 debut novel).
- American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee — A long epic having to do with the obsession of Koreans with education, and one family’s fate after having to start over from scratch (an upcoming September novel by the acclaimed author of Pachinko).
- Kin by Tayari Jones — Two life-long childhood friends in the 1950s go off on different life paths … until their journeys cross once again.
- Whistler by Ann Patchett — a 53-year-old woman reunites with her stepfather after many decades and recalls an accident they went through in 1980.
And now I’ll leave you with a review of what I finished lately.
The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout /Random House /207 pgs /2026
4.35 stars. I’m glad that Elizabeth Strout is back with a new standalone novel after her popular series with Lucy Barton and Olive Kitteridge. Over the years, I have read all of her novels except two — Abide With Me from 2006 and Anything Is Possible from 2017 and she has never disappointed. Seemingly she can get into the heads and hearts of everyday people — perhaps like no other and can put you in their shoes lickety-split. Often her characters face grim realities: deaths, suicides, accidents, abuse, trauma, neglect, pandemics … whatever it is, her characters have lived it. Her novels can be dark and they can be heart-rending. And this latest one was no exception.
High school history teacher Artie Dam, age 57, is her latest protagonist. He has a kind sense about him and an empathetic moral compass. He lives with his wife Evie in a nice house along the Massachusetts coast and has a grown-up son Rob who is very dear to him, along with his colorful students who like Mr. Dam a lot. But lately Artie hasn’t felt the spark for living. He sees things around him that take the wind out of his sails so to speak … and one day he has an accident in his beloved sailboat that jolts him and his family.
Then later Artie learns of a family secret … which he isn’t sure he’ll make it known that he knows it. Poor Artie, he lives with the secret but struggles a bit with what to do with it. In the backdrop, the recent presidential election has happened … the political divides are apparent as are the spoils of what is happening under the current administration. Artie is happy that his son Rob and daughter-in-law Francesca leave it all behind to move overseas though he also misses them a great deal.
The novel is set during current times and tells it like it is, which is brave. We’re not living in a vacuum here. Strout puts it out there … and shows how the political turmoil envelops us these days. It’s a bit like Strout’s novel Olive by the Sea did about the pandemic. I found it enriched the plot and that her characters’ concerns felt right on to me. I was immersed in Artie’s world for a while and felt for his predicament. I could relate in ways. Even without her well-known characters Lucy or Olive, Strout is still a master of interior details.
That’s all for now. What about you — have you read any of these books above and if so, what did you think?
Those yellow fields are stunning!
I want to read both Kin and American Hagwon. The author will be in Santa Barbara in November so I am hoping to convince my book group to read it then go hear her speak.
Hi Helen, the author of Kin or Hagwon will be there? That’s a good idea … but beware American Hagwon is almost 700 pages. Not sure if your book group will go for such a long one. But Kin is more doable. See what you think of both.
I like the picture of the canola fields. Pretty. As you know, I read Yesteryear and Whistler. Both were 4* for me. I also read Strout’s, though I liked it much less than you did. I gave it 3*. The politics didn’t bother me one way or the other, but the dark undertones did. Though it was a downer, it was a breeze to read. Strout surely knows how to write! I liked Artie; his heart was in the right place. I just started One Leg on Earth last night. So far so good. Let’s see how it goes. Have a happy and productive week, reading and otherwise!
Hi Carmen, thanks. Did you finish & like Five? I’m looking forward to it — whenever the library gets it for me. You’re right that Strout’s books are almost always grim and I can see where that’s not always enjoyable. I find lots of bad things happen in her books … but usually there’s something redeemable or interesting about it in some way. Or some lines or sentiments that seem to hit right. I’m still reading slowly about one book a week, but summer is upon us. Hope your reading is going well. Cheers!
I liked Five (3.5*). It’s well written and propulsive, but somehow there was a missing element. Or I was distracted and couldn’t get into as it deserved, which is a strong possibility. I’m liking One Leg on Earth a lot more.
You’re right about Strout. I did like the writing. A lot. And if it had been a more upbeat story I’m sure the rating would be higher. The good news is that I got interested on the series with Olive and Lucy, and William and the Burgess brothers. Now that I think about it, I didn’t like Olive Kitteridge miniseries that much either, but I thought it was the actors’ choice rather than something embedded into the book character.
Yeah I’m not sure any of Strout’s books are upbeat, they don’t seem to be (all have something grim). But they have some good characters and interesting things to say. I’ll be interested in her next one. Her books are all similar in ways … so I don’t expect it to be out of the box.
Good to know Carmen, I’ll be geared up for 5 … when I get to it. And you’ve convinced me to get on the wait list for One Leg on Earth. Thanks for the heads up on that book. I didn’t know what it was about … but I checked on Amazon and plan to add it. Thanks. looks a bit different.
It has been divisive in the ratings, just so you know, but the writing is top notch.
We took a train trip in France from the country into Paris and the fields were gloriously yellow. We think they were canola fields. I’m so glad you enjoyed the new Elizabeth Strout novel. I love how Strout writes about regular people with problems. I’m looking forward to Whistler when it finally arrives for me at the library. I’m so impressed with you: riding a bike for so many miles after knee surgery.
Thanks Deb. I’m pleased I was able to bike the mileage with the knee. It’s still stiff but at least I can do it after it warms up a while.
The French countryside is amazing to see. The yellow was likely canola fields.
I think you’ll like Whistler … it’s a pretty positive book though there are a couple suspenseful parts. Strout’s is a bit darker, but I think she is judging the temp of the country a bit right. Have a great week.
It feels like it is taking so long for Whistler to arrive for me. I was late to put in a request for it at my library—that horse on the cover confused me!
It’s an interesting cover for Patchett … and is about the story within the story … I hope the library will come thru for you in getting it … But I know it can be a really long wait. I am no longer with the HPL library as they cut off non-residents but the L.A. Library is a good one! Crossing my fingers you will get Whistler in the near future.
You live in a beautiful area, those canola fields…wow. That would make a great framed photo and a lovely one to stare at during the day.
I enjoyed our buddy reads of Yesteryear and Whistler. One a train wreck and the other an unfolding family story I loved. Alas for me, I am way down the list for Kin and the Strout book but I will get them before summer is officially out. I hope.
My summer reading goal of reading all my library holds is going better than I thought. The Maria Semple book is ready for download but after reading the plot again, and seeing some lukewarm reviews, I may end up passig on it. Will try the first chapter at least.
Kudos to you and your husband on such a long bike ride. You have super knees now!
Hi Tina, thanks. I like how bright the yellow in the fields can get … and that you can see them from far away. I was pleased we were able to do the bike ride and it went fairly well for us. That’s encouraging.
You might as well check out the early chapters of the Semple novel. I have only read one of hers … her debut.
Our buddy reads are going well. Most have been good reads. I hope to get further in the latest one … after golf today. It will also be fun to read Thirty Below together, yay. Chat soon. Enjoy your week.
Your bike ride sounds amazing! I wonder if I could even still ride a bike…I haven’t been on one in decades. ;D And Yesteryear is one I’m looking forward to reading. If my library hold on it ever comes in. Have a great week! 😀
Hi Lark, thanks. Biking is much fun – even at this later stage in life … while I try to keep moving, lol. You’d like it 🙂 … See what you think of Yesteryear when you get to it. It’s either a hit & miss with readers … But it seemed clever in a diabolical kind of way to me, lol. Cheers.
I haven’t read any of these but I have many of them on my TBR.
Hi Hena, I think you might like some of these. Enjoy your reads & happy July!
I absolutely THRIVED on The Things We Never Say! It’s well worth multiple re-readings. Unfortunately, my copy came from the library, so due to popular demand, a re-read will have to wait a good while. It was so affecting, so hit my heart. My favorite of Strout’s so far, though I haven’t read them all.
Sigh…
Hi Judith, Wow good to hear! Glad you liked the latest Strout so much. I too liked it and thought she seemed to be taking the temp of the country quite well … just in the microcosm of Artie’s world. That made it a winner for me. And Artie is a pretty noble character. I’ll be curious about her next. Keep your reads going! Happy July.
Susan, that photo looks like a painting! Such vivid colors. Looks like rapeseed/canola. (Ah, I just read further and see that it is rapeseed. I think it grows in OR, too.)
Gosh, you sound super busy with all the stuff around the house & yard, as well as golfing. And cycling n the Gran Fondo. Good for you! Hope it wasn’t too hot for the ride.
I’m skipping your review of Strout’s book since I haven’t read it yet. Not that you share spoilers, but I prefer to go into my books pretty much cold to the details.
I finished Yesteryear a few days ago and am letting my thoughts gel before finalizing my review. I actually enjoyed it! 4 stars.
Hi Lesley, I like how bright the yellow gets in the canola fields. I imagine it is grown in Oregon too.
Summer is quite busy here … where we try to fit everything in … in a short time before fall hits us. Now it’s nice and sunny … and I’m trying to golf twice a week and tennis once, lol. And the yard is full on. The cycling feels good for the knees.
I’m glad you liked Yesteryear … there’s quite a few ideas she’s raising with it …. I’ll look for your review … and see what you think of the Strout …. it’s a pretty short quick read. I won’t say much but I think it’s another small winner from her.
Have a great week! Enjoy the Coast.
That field is beautiful! Wonderful that you were able to do such a long bike ride after knee surgery. Bravo! I’m in line for an audio copy of Yesteryear. I’m very curious with all the different reactions. Have a great week, Susan!
Hi Rachel, I took that photo out the car window while my husband drove 65. lol. Glad it worked out to see the color. I listened to the audio of Yesteryear and think that version is good. It seems either hit or miss with readers …but I think she raises various issues pretty cleverly. See what you think. Cheers. Have a great week too.
Hi Susan, great photo and glad to hear your knee continues to improve.
Nice review and I think I will read Elizabeth Strout’s standalone. She is right to include politics because you cant write about these times and family dynamics honestly without saying what is going on in the country.
Hi Kathy, thanks, I was pleased with the biking and I think it’s helping my knee.
And hear hear on what you say. That’s why I think Strout’s book is a winner. She places her finger on the feeling of what’s happening now around us. You get a sense of it through Artie’s world … without it being overdone. See what you think of the book. It’s a quick short read. Have a great week.
Wow! That is some lovely yellow in the picture. Glad to hear that you’ve been busy with so many things, Susan. And glad your knee is doing well enough for the biking. Whistler is a possibility for our afternoon book group for November. It will be Ann Patchett month and members can read whichever of her books that they wish. Lots of holds on Whistler, but there is a bit of time. Hot and humid here. Pretty normal. Hopefully August will be a little less humid, but it will likely be hotter. Take care!
Hi Kay, thanks. We’re keeping busy now that summer has finally reached us here. I will try to keep biking for the knees.
I think Whistler would be a good choice for your book group … it’s perhaps her best novel (my thinking) …. her nonfiction books are pretty good too.
Stay out of the swelter there. We have a bit of low 80s here … which is hot for Canadians, lol. (I grew up in the desert in SoCal … so I’m aware of real heat, lol.)
Have a great week. Happy July.
Your mention of Canada Day reminded me of the Canadian Reading Challenge which has run for 20 years. It is currently hosted at the Canadian Bookworm blog. I participated for several years but stopped after a while because it requires reviews and I don’t do that many these days. But I am going to sign up this year to celebrate that it has run so long. And I will try to review the books I read. It starts on July 1st, 2026 and ends on June 30th, 2027.
I am glad your Gran Fondo bike ride went well for you. I am sure I have told you that I only read 3 books in June (plus a part of Middlemarch) but I do hope to pick up my numbers a bit July.
That is a helpful review of Strout’s new novel, and I hope to read it before the end of the year. I have read none of the books that you read in May and June, but I will be reading Whistler and Yesteryear eventually.
And that photo (of a canola field I assume?) is very very nice.
Hi Tracy, I’m glad you mention the Canadian Reading Challenge … I will go to that blog to see the details. I’m curious how many books are required. But I’d like to boost my reading of Canadians … so I’m sure this would help. I plan to read some this fall when my Summer List is over.
And thanks I was pleased by the bike ride event. I wasn’t sure I could do it — but did which is a nice feeling. It would be good to get my reading back up in July too. Are you back on Middlemarch? It’s so long.
And yes that is a canola field in the photo … they have many up here … it’s a big export. And I like seeing all the yellow.
I’ll be very curious what you think of the Strout novel … it’s pretty short & quick. and also Whistler & Yesteryear whenever you get to them. Happy reading in July.
Susan — The Canadian Bookworm blog has a lot of resources for Canadian books also so it is useful whether you want to join or not.
I finished Middlemarch on July 4th; I had gotten back to reading the book just a few days before that and the last three hundred pages whizzed by. Except that I read most of the day and evening for two of those days because I was not feeling well. It was worth the effort. It is hard to describe why a book that caused me so much anguish while reading the first 200-300 pages (or more) could be considered a great read…
Thanks Tracy, I’m adding the Canadian Bookworm blog to my blogs I follow. It seems to be a good source for titles!
What a feat that you finished the epic Middlemarch … I’m impressed and I’ll be very interested to see your thoughts when you review it. Is it the best novel of all time? The Guardian seems to think it was … Someday I’ll get to it.
I don’t think Middlemarch (or any novel) is the best novel of all time, mostly because what people want in a book is too subjective. But it is a good sign that it must have been chosen as the top novel by many people who were polled for the Guardian’s list.
I like to go into a novel knowing as little as possible, but for this one, I think that was a mistake. But then, if I had known more, I might have decided not to read it at all, and that would be sad. I can see why some people read it multiple times. Next — after reading my summer books — I will be reading My Life in Middlemarch by Rebecca Mead.
At this point in Summer I have only read five books — four books from my Summer list (including Middlemarch), plus one short Rex Stout book I read at jury duty. I am not happy about that.
I love the canola fields–hope to see them in person someday! We are talking about a road trip to Banff in the next year or so, so maybe!
Glad to hear Yesteryear was a favorite–mixed reviews, but I am hoping to really get into it.
I have a copy of Whistler on my TBR table, and it’s next, if I ever finish The Game of Kings.
Summer is for doing all the fun stuff (and house refreshing stuff) you’ve been doing. While I will be eagerly awaiting your preview post, I can wait!
Glad the new knee is working out! We live in an incredible age where we can literally replace worn out parts. Cycle on!
Hi Jane, if you come to Alberta — would love to meet up with you & your husband … even if a short stop on your journeys … keep me posted.
Yesteryear is crazy … and I hope you enjoy Whistler …
I’m not sure if I’ll get to my Preview post this month as summer has really gotten busy … trying to fit in every activity possible and the plants too! lol. The cycling feels good on the knees so I continue on … I’m glad to be done with replacing parts of the body! We move on now. Hope all is well there. Enjoy your reads.
I love Elizabeth Strout books and I like the idea of the author addressing real issues of the day. Adding to my TBR… and will suggest for book club.
Hi Anne, if you’re a Strout fan … I think you’ll like her new novel … it’s a good one. She does touch on what is going within the country … and it affects the characters a bit. See what you think of it. Cheers!
The canola fields are stunning! I had no idea they were so vibrant. Your photo almost looks like a painting. Good to hear your new knee was able to go 32 miles on a bike – well done, despite not being able to bend as much as you’d like. Hope it’s still improving.
So many good books, too! I loved The Things We Never Say. Another 5-star read from Strout for me, though I understand why some readers may not care for it as much as her previous books. Whistler was also a big hit for me and I have Kin waiting on my shelf. I’m curious to hear more about Min Jin Lee’s new novel. Will probably end up purchasing that when it comes out – ebook since the hardcover will be heavy! So far I’ve been avoiding Yesteryear. We’ll see if I change my mind.
Hi JoAnn, thanks, although my 2nd knee replacement has not been without problems … I’m very thankful to be able to ride a bike. I put the seat pretty high so I can bend enough to pedal. I will keep pedaling to try to strengthen and improve. Fingers crossed – it gets a bit better.
And I’m glad you liked the Strout 5*s … I actually liked it a lot too … among her books but then it’s the most recent. Kin is good writing and impressed me. I must say the Min Jin Lee novel was not as good for me as Pachinko. It was a bit of disappointment (the characters didn’t feel fully dimensional) but I think you should read it and see what you think. It’s 660 pages!
Yesteryear might not be for you … which is Okay … I think the author is critiquing the influencer world and social media. It’s sort of interesting in a weird off the wall way. Enjoy your summer reads.