Show Us Your Books July 2026

I think I missed last month’s round up because I was living the dream in Costa Rica, and I almost missed this month’s because I have totally lost track of days and time. I wanted to do a quick post though because I really read some good ones in June.

Four and Five Star Reads From June 2026

My Life with the Chimpanzees by Jane Goodall - The Goodall book was amazing on audio- she read it herself and it included recorded animal noises. Super inspiring and interesting. I can’t wait to read/listen to more by her.

Almost Life by Kiran Millwood Hargrave - I loved this book- all the twists and turns that life takes. I really felt like I was in Paris in the 80‘s.

The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher - 1980’s melodrama at it’s finest. Perfect summer reading.

Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker - This book is wild, hard to explain, and probably won‘t be for everyone. But it worked for me. I love a weird and creepy book.

John Quincy Adams by Harlow Giles Unger - A just the right length biography of a fascinating man. I didn’t see myself going on a John Quincy Adams kick this year but here I am.

Lift by Kelly Corrigan - I love Corrigan’s memoirs, but somehow I bought this short essay/letter for my kindle and forgot about it. I finally remembered it this month and read it last week. This was just a small taste of her greatness, but I enjoyed it.

Have a great month everyone!

Note: Links to bookshop.org are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This post will be linked to Quick Lit on Modern Mrs. Darcy.

REVIEW: Wide-Open World by John Marshall

I have been on a travel writing kick ever since I had a square for it on my Summer Reading Bingo card last year. That must have been how I ran across Wide-Open World by John Marshall. It was a worthy addition to my current reading obsession!

This was a real life book about doing something kind of crazy that was at the same time relatable. It starts with a couple with two teenagers that is drifting apart. Their marriage isn't terrible, but it's not great, and they feel like they're about to lose their kids to facebook and adulthood. They would love to drop it all, and travel for a year, but aren't sure how to swing it. They realize that by leveraging volunteer work they might be able to swing it.

I'll cut to the chase: these are not self righteous, I'm better than you because I help people instead of traveling types. If you're afraid reading this book will make you feel bad about your next trip to the hotel swimming pool don't be. These are people who initially use volunteer work as a way to help them travel, but who end up being changed for the better by it. This book includes the good, the bad, and the ugly, and that's what makes it so likable.

Other armchair travel I've enjoyed:

Note: Links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support.