Hello blog friends! How are you? I hope your day is going well. Come on in to my blog space so we can share a coffee or tea and catch up on our news.
If we were having coffee, I would share my first week of summer 2020 in pictures and what I’ve been reading in the second quarter of 2020. How have your reading habits been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? Did you find yourself unable to finish a book or did you read more than usual?
Summer Week 1
The first week of summer brought warm temperatures, mostly sunny, brief periods of rain, heat and humidity. I got all my exercises done (meditation, language lessons, strengthening workouts, yoga) and enjoyed my walks by the lake or in a park.
My sister met me for another coffee date on Friday. We sat outside chatting, sipping coffee, listening to bird songs, smelling the light fragrance of flowers in the air, and relaxing on a beautiful sunny day with some clouds and a light breeze.
Here’s a look at my Summer 2020 Week 1 in pictures:
Library Curb-side Pickup
In my 2020 Reading First Update in March, I mentioned that Toronto library branches have been closed since March 13 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The library has been offering excellent digital services during the lockdown. Fast forward 12 weeks later, starting on June 8, Toronto Public Library re-opened for curb-side pickups by appointment.
My first curb-side pickup appointment went well. I was the only person there. The library staff wore a mask and asked me to place my library card on a table then step back to maintain a safe distance. He verified my account, delivered two brown bags of books to the table and stepped away. I picked up my library card and the book bags to go. All in less than one minute. Nice!
Books Read in 2nd Quarter of 2020
Here’s what I read from April to June 2020 by author’s last name:
- The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt.
- Lucky Man a memoir by Michael J. Fox.
- The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory.
- An Autopsy of a Boring Wife by Marie-Renée Lavoie, translated by Arielle Aaronson.
- Angela’s Ashes a memoir by Frank McCourt.
- How To Be A Good Creature: A memoir in thirteen animals by Sy Montgomery, illustrated by Rebecca Green.
- Dear Life by Alice Munro.
- Say You Still Love Me by K. A. Tucker.
- Embers One Ojibway’s Meditations by Richard Wagamese.
- Number of books read: 9 books in the second quarter of 2020. This brings my Year-to-date total to 27 books from January to June 2020. My goal for 2020 is 36 books in various genres. I’m getting there.
- A book by an Indigenous author: Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations by Richard Wagamese is an excellent book to celebrate June which marks National Indigenous History Month. The book is full of wisdom packed in 176 pages.
- A book that made me laugh: An Autopsy of a Boring Wife by Marie-Renée Lavoie and The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt. Two totally different novels, each with brilliant comedic moments.
- A book by a Canadian writer and Nobel Prize winner: Dear Life by Alice Munro who illumines the moment a life is shaped in this collection of short stories.
- A book about a real person: Lucky Man a memoir by Michael J. Fox who has been living with Parkinson’s Disease since his diagnosis in 1991, and Angela’s Ashes a memoir by Frank McCourt, a Pulitzer Prize winner.
- A book I picked because I liked the cover: How To Be A Good Creature: A memoir in thirteen animals by Sy Montgomery and nice illustrations by Rebecca Green.
- A book about romance with strong-willed female lead character: Say You Still Love Me by K. A. Tucker and The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory. Both authors are new to me even though they’ve each written several novels.
Other readings
- In addition to physical books, I also listened to actors’ readings of Chapters 1 to 11 of Harry Potter The Philosopher’s/ Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling on Wizarding World web site.
- May was Short Story month so I switched gear and read the first ten of the 73 short stories available free online. I hope to find time to read more of these short stories. I like the variety of writing styles and the stories themselves.
Week 1 of summer 2020 was beautiful. The weather forecast for the coming week is sunny and warm. I look forward to spending more time outdoors and doing something fun to celebrate Canada Day on July 1st.
How did your week go? What book(s) are you reading? I’d love to hear your comments.
Linking here.
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Natalie the Explorer 
It sounds like your first week of summer was perfect, Natalie. I’m happy to hear your library pick up went smooth. Your photos are gorgeous! I love the daisies. They made me smile. Have a great week ahead!
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Jill, I’m glad you liked my photos. Those daisies made me smile, too. The local gardens are bursting with beautiful flowers that keep me and my camera busy. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week ahead!
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I had a hard time reading when the Shelter at Home orders first began but have picked up my pace considerably as I managed to read 9 books this month! Currently I am reading Valentine (Elizabeth Bisland) and Hideaway (Nora Roberts)
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That’s impressive, Joanne. I’m glad you’ve got your reading pace back, just in time for summer. Thank you for stopping by. Have a great week ahead!
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I’m glad to read that your life is pretty much going on as normal, Natalie – you manage to do all your workouts, language practices, walks, and reading. I’m sure you miss your travels and cultural events (visiting museums), but there’s no lack of things to do based on your posts. 🙂 I thought I’d be able to read more books during this pandemic, but unfortunately that doesn’t seem the case anymore as other projects and activities always creep up and trump the books…
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Hi Liesbet, I can relate to what you mean by having projects or activities that creep up. I hope you’ll have some time for leisure in the summer. Since COVID-19 arrived here, I’ve made adjustments to my activities and continue to enjoy life the best I can. Summer in the city is actually pretty good. For me, I always have more things I want to explore and enjoy than the available time. Thank you for stopping by. Have a great week ahead!
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Thank you for the coffee today and I enjoyed being outside and all the flowers are beautiful! You do so well reading so many books! I use to read a lot, but with all my animals I read less than I use too! Have a wonderful week ahead! ❤️
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Hi Diana, I’m glad to share my weekly news with you. Your horses are beautiful and sweet so I can see how you’d love to spend time with them instead of reading. Have a wonderful week ahead!
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Thank you for the coffee and conversation. Your beginning of summer sounds lovely, and I enjoyed the pictures.
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Week 1 of summer was great. Week 2 is off to a good start so far. Thanks, Maria, for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
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Wonderful! Have a great week!
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Good tip on Alice Munro – might read it next.
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A. Munro has written many books. I hope you enjoy Dear Life when you choose to read it.
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Back to say you’re the second person (well I guess you were the first) that talked about that Wedding Party book…might check that out too. #MLSTL
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It was amusing to read about a romance between two people in their late 20’s early 30s and how they and their friends socialize.
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Hi, Natalie – Your photos are gorgeous. I especially like the one of the “showy daisy”. Your book list looks interesting. I have a copy of Lucky Man, but have not begun to read it yet. So many books, so little time.
Wishing you a great continuation of your summer!
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Hi Donna, The summer flowers sizzle with their warm colours just like the weather. I’m loving another week of sunshine and warm temperatures here. I agree with you about so many books so little time. Enjoy your next hike! You and Richard are doing great with your hiking challenge.
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Love the photos – summer has definitely arrived in Toronto! Angela’s Ashes is the only book I’ve read on that list although I have read a Jasmine Gulillory book, ‘The Proposal’ I wonder if it was a prequel or sequel to ‘The Wedding Party’? I’m currently reading Kevin Kwan’s ‘Rich People Problems’ which is hilarious and part of the ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ trilogy.
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Summer is here for sure. I’m loving another week of sunshine and warm temperatures. I’ve seen Crazy Rich Asians movie and the book title “Rich People Problems” already crack me up. Thanks, Sammie, for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
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I’m with Sammie in that Angela’s Ashes is the only book in your list that I’ve read. And… the photos are stunning. The roses look unusual but I realise I don’t know much about them and am accustomed to traditional-looking ones!
It’s winter here but in my part of Australia it doesn’t get very cold at all.
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Yes, your winter temperatures look like our spring or fall. Lucky you 🙂 I’m glad you liked my photos. The flowers are keeping the bees very busy here.
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Lovely pictures Natalie. I know that I have read some books and listened to some books, although the need to work online has meant increased work hours, finally getting to some normalcy and trying to take some days off each week. I used to keep a list of books I had both read and listened to with titles, authors and dates. I think I need to get back to that! blessings, Michele
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Hi Michele, I hope you get some time off to relax. My library system has a feature that keeps track of books I borrow. I keep track of them on my blog, too 🙂 Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week ahead!
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You too Natalie, thanks. I stepped out in faith, a huge step considering COVID-19 and made some travel plans, reservations for a trip back to Onset, an after Christmas break with hubby and a few days get away in August. Wish I could get away sooner but sometimes all one needs is a carrot dangled on a long stick, lol. I especially love your pictures of the lake. Best and blessings, Michele
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Good for you to make travel plans Michele. It’s nice to have a change of scenery and something pleasant to look forward to. I’m glad you liked my lake photos. I go to the lake often and never get tired of the views.
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I always love seeing photos of flowers! I hope you enjoy your summer and have a wonderful time celebrating Canada Day!
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Thank you, Bella, for your visit and comment. The first week of summer was a beautiful start. The second and current week is looking good, too. I hope your week is going well. Will visit your blog shortly.
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Loved ‘lucky man’, a movie hero of mine as a youngster and an inspiration in life now.
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Thank you, Alex, for your comment. Michael J. Fox’s approach to life while living with Parkinson’s disease is certainly inspiring.
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So jealous about summer right now as I sit typing wearing my puffer jacket and noticing it’s dark at 5 pm. Sounds like a lovely week and such gorgeous weather! Those are some great books. I need to read Michael J Fox’s memoir I think. Hope you have a fantastic week ahead!
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Hi Sanch, Michael J Fox’s memoir Lucky Man is candid and well written. I’d recommend it as I like to learn from people who have overcome adversity and continue living with gratitude and a positive attitude. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week ahead!
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Your summer weather sounds so gorgeous Natalie, and like Sanch I’m envious too! I’m reading an interesting book The End of October and it is so similar to what’s actually going on now I had to check when it was written! I like the way you have picked your books to read – a very different approach 🙂 Enjoy your warmth. #lifethisweek
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Hi Debbie, I think The End of October was released this year. Last year I started using the Toronto Public Library Reading Challenge proposed categories to read more widely. I enjoyed It a lot more than I thought so I continue this year. The reading challenge makes me read more genres, discover more authors and switch my reading gears and thinking. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week ahead!
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Thanks Natalie! I am back sharing this for #mlstl
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Ahhhh….summer. My favorite time of year! Thanks for sharing your summer photos with us. I like the idea of reading books from different genres. I tend to get stuck in a rut sometimes. I loved “How to Be a Good Creature”. Hope you enjoyed it too.
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Hi Laurie, Yes I enjoyed ‘How To be A Good Creature’. I used to stay with a limited number of book genres until last year when I started using the Toronto Public Library Reading Challenge proposed categories to read more widely. I enjoyed It a lot more than I thought so I continue this year. The reading challenge makes me read more genres, discover more authors and switch my reading and thinking gears. I’d recommend all avid readers to give it a try. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week ahead!
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Natalie, a gem of a post! 😀 I love the beautiful photos and mixed in with books this is a treat! I liked the various book groupings and ‘An Autopsy of a Boring Wife’ by Marie-Renée Lavoie strikes me especially with such an unusual title. One I’ll have to look at closer. Great news that you can borrow physical books again and it all sounds sorted to be as safe as possible for all. Happy Reading!😀
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Annika, I enjoyed reading “An Autopsy of a Boring Wife”. I wasn’t sure when I saw the title but gave it a go and it was a nice surprise. I’m quite happy with my book haul from the library, just in time for the summer. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
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Your summer looks lovely and reminds me that I need to get out of the house and have a walk around. Daisies are my favorite flowers and they bring a smile to my face every time I see them. I have ready everything Alice Munro, and you’ve encouraged me to pick up Autopsy of a Boring Wife!
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Hi Lisa, I hope you make time to go for a walk. It will relieve some stress and may give you new ideas for future adventures 🙂 I enjoyed reading “An Autopsy of a Boring Wife” more than I thought when I picked up the book. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
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I love your blog and photos and those flowers I could almost smell them. Its winter here down under but the days lately have been sunny so we have taken the dogs to the beach. a bit chilly but our kelpie says what cold mum lol. #SeniSal
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Thank you, Bree, for your kind comment. Glad you liked my photos. Sunny days at the beach sound nice. The chill makes you move to keep warm and movements are good for us 🙂
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Sounds and looks like a great first week of summer! I do enjoy life by a Great Lake. My family is all meeting in Ohio next to another Great Lake (my parents live 2 miles form Lake Erie) this coming weekend, but I can’t make it. Cool that your library is open. I am not sure if the library across the street from me is doing curbside yet, but they recently “opened” and have put a bin out for book returns any time anyone is in the library. Looks like a nice bit of reading. Hope Week 2 goes well!
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Sorry to hear you can’t make it to your family meeting, so close to Lake Erie. My library started with accepting book returns then continued to curb-side pickup. I hope your library will allow pickup soon. Many readers enjoy summer reading and will borrow books from the library. Thanks, Trent, for stopping by. Have a good week ahead!
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I really enjoy reading your posts and your updates, Natalie. You are an inspiration and a breath of fresh air. Your photos are beautiful. I extra like the unique colours of the daisy and the rose.
“Embers” is one of the few books I have read a few times. Like you say, filled with wisdom. Alice Munro always gives me goosebumps. What was your opinion of “Lucky Man?” I have not read this book.
I read a great deal of non-fiction books throughout the night when I cannot sleep. A good way to pass the time and I learn a great deal.
Since I began blogging, I have started reading the books written by the bloggers I follow. I want to support their writing and I am often surprised by the gems I come across.
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Thank you, Erica/ Erika, for your compliment. Your kind words made me smile 🙂
Embers is a book that one can keep referring to for life advice. When I read it, Wagamese’s words generated many thoughts and I felt that we lost a special person when he died.
Lucky Man is a memoir that I’d recommend to my family and friends. It’s candid, well-written and Fox’s comedic talent is woven in the book. I don’t read many memoirs. When I do, I choose to read and learn from individuals who have overcome some heavy-weight life challenges and thrive or share their words of wisdom with us.
It’s very kind of you to support bloggers who write books by reading their books. There are many talented writers and gems to discover. For avid readers like us, the challenge is so many wonderful books, so little time.
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Totally right, Natalie, so many wonderful books, so little time. 🙂
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I love the bright and showy daisy. It has spunk. As do you to have read all the books you’ve read this quarter. I’m finding that I cannot stick with reading which surprises me considering I have the time to do it, and the inclination, but my follow-thru is not good. Sadly my focus is scattered lately. Can’t imagine why! 🙄
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I hear you Ally. My focus faltered a little in May so I switched to read short stories. Coincidentally May was Short Story month. I’m back to my usual reading pace in June. You’ll get your reading groove back.
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Thanks for sharing this. Looks like a wonderful week. Hope week #2 is great for you.
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Thank you, Patrick, for your comment. Summer week 2 is going well so far. Have a great day!
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Hi Natalie – lovely flower and water pics – you can certainly tell that Summer is happening on your side of the world. Great that your library is offering a curbside service, our’s used their side window for pick up and drop off of books that we could order by email. They also extended the borrowing time to make things easier for returns. I love how the community services kept going through the difficulties of covid. #MLSTL
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Hi Leanne, Public library is such an important service. I’m glad to hear your library has made it convenient for the community to borrow and return books. Have a wonderful week ahead with much happy reading!
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The weather looks great & I love those daisies. Of your books the one I’m off to google is How To Be A Good Creature.
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Hi Jo, How To Be A Good Creature is an easy read. You’ll finish the book in no time. Have a wonderful week!
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Writing this on Canada Day. I hope you enjoy all of what you celebrate on this day. I loved your photos. I am a sucker for individual daisies AND close ups.
I read Angela’s Ashes and I think saw it as a movie. A sad but true tale.
Thank you so much for linking up. We are more half way through the year now. Next week its’ time for: 27/51 Taking Stock #3 6.7.2020 so I look forward to seeing you then, on or off prompt. Denyse.
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Thank you, Denyse, for your comment. Glad you liked my photos. The flowers are keeping the pollinators very busy here. I look forward to joining you next week. Have a great day!
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Great reading!! Love your pictures too … must be lovely where you live, or you just have a good eye for finding the beauty! #MLSTL
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Thank you, Enda, for your comment. Summer is beautiful here. It’s easy to get good photos with blue skies. Have a wonderful week!
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I’m loving your summer photos. I can’t wait for summer here but I really can’t complain too much it is the middle of winter and the temp today is 22C. I haven’t read any of your books although I have had Angela’s Ashes on my shelf for years.
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Veronica, 22C is like late spring for us. So many good books to read and so little time. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week ahead!
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Hi Natalie your photos are pure joy especially the daisy which just brightened my day. I’ve not read any of the books on your list so have a few more to add to mine! Thanks for sharing at #MLSTL and enjoy your Summer xx
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Hi Sue, I’m glad my photos brightened your day. Thank you for hosting MLSTL. I enjoyed your interview with Leanne. Have a wonderful week!
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Those daisies!! And I am always a bit envious that you can walk to water!! Not a puddle, but a real body of water. We can’t even walk to find a puddle.
Glad to see some new-to-me titles on your reading list. Add to Goodreads now. The Autopsy sounds like the kind of story my book club would enjoy…we need something with light, comedic moments. Angela’s Ashes has stayed with me for years. Heart-wrenching. The movie is very good, too.
I am reading The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. Historical fiction. Very interesting.
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Lake Ontario and the local parks and gardens are some of my favourite places. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on The Autopsy of a Boring Wife. Angela’s Ashes reminded me how fortunate we are even during the pandemic. Thank you, Leslie, for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend!
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That daisy!!! Love it. So summery. It actually looks like sunshine.
Thanks for visiting the #lovinlifelinky
Look forward to seeing you again this week 🙂
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The flowers have been incredible this summer. Thanks, Leanne, for stopping by. I look forward to seeing you again this week.
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Natalie, of the books on your list, I’ve read Dear Life, and Angela’s Ashes — both excellent. I love Richard Wagamese’s writing, but haven’t yet read Embers. I’ve actually been reading less than usual for two reasons. I’ve been stuck on a difficult book, Maybe Esther, which is interesting but I can only take it in small doses, and secondly, I’ve had a lot of headaches so have had to pare back my reading. Thanks for the link to the CBC shorts stories. I read a number of the Canada Writes short story finalists a few months ago, but I wasn’t aware of this collection.
Jude
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Jude, Sorry to hear you’ve been having a lot of headaches. Hope you find out what causes them and the solution. Embers is a small book packed with so much wisdom. It’s a book that one can have bedside and read whenever one needs life guidance. I heard about Maybe Esther. I used to finish a book after I start no matter how difficult it is. These days, I move on to another book without hesitation. Life is too short and there are many good books to enjoy. The short stories are great reads. They introduced me to new authors and various writing styles.
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