Summer School is a Lot!

Hello! How are you holding up for July? I’m a little late today but I have a few updates ready to go. Summer school started, I have been knitting when I can, and I finished three books. So keep reading for some of the highlights from last week!

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We are expecting a gorgeous week. The last few days have been picture perfect – it almost feels like fall. I know it’s only mid-July and we have a lot of summer left before us so I’m going to cling on to these next couple of days. Last week was also beautiful, except for early in the week when we were getting effects from the Canadian wildfires. That was one of the most bizarre things I’ve ever experienced – the air was yellow/orange and the sun was clouded over and glowing red. It was like a scary movie! That was early in the week (Tuesday and Wednesday). It cleared out for the most part but returned briefly on Saturday. I’m hoping it doesn’t happen again.

Last week was our return to school and I foolishly thought it would give me a chance to focus on some of my projects. I was wrong, of course. Next year I need to remember that the summer is not the time to start anything new! And still – it was a lovely transition for us once everyone understood what was happening. Colton was not happy with me when I started packing up his morning snack and communication device last Monday! But it was easier for him Tuesday through Thursday. There’s no summer school on Fridays so that was difficult because he was expecting school that day. Luckily he seemed to understand what was happening this morning and got on the bus with no issues. We take things day by day around here!

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Knitting:

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I made quite a bit of progress on my Inclinations cowl last week. I found this leftover hank of sock yarn (ontheround yarn?) that was a good enough substitute after I ran out of the original yarn. But now I think I’m going to run out of this one, too. So I’m trying to decide whether to just shorten the decrease section or try to find another yarn to use. I’m a little frozen because I’m not sure I have anything else that would work? The bind off is going to take quite a bit of yarn so I’m feeling nervous, which is why I didn’t work on it at all this weekend. What would you do?? Shorten it or find yet another yarn to finish it off with?

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Reading:

Odyssey: The Greek Myths Reimagined by Stephen Fry
(Amazon | Bookshop)

I decided to start listening to this audiobook right after finishing last week’s post and, as predicted, it was fantastic. I wish I would have listened to this before reading The Odyssey because Fry’s introductions of the characters and locations are so helpful. So if you’re wanting to read something before watching the new movie, I can now wholeheartedly recommend this one.

We will likely wait until the movie is streaming before we watch it but I am so excited to see it, especially after this summer of mythology. Have you watched the movie yet?

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Tread of Angels by Rebecca Roanhorse
(Amazon | Bookshop)

This was my first book by Rebecca Roanhorse and it definitely won’t be my last! I still struggle with describing fantasy books so I’m at a loss for words, but Roanhorse thrusts the reader into this world that feels both futuristic and like the Wild West all at the same time. Amazingly, there are allusions to Paradise Lost that gave me goosebumps thanks to the year long reading I’m in the midst of.

This is about two sisters trying to make their way in this wild world when one is accused of murder. When Celeste teams up with an old lover to prove Muriel’s innocence, she discovers that the case isn’t so simple.

This was such an interesting first step into Roanhorse’s world. Have you read anything by her? Where should I go next?

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Stations by Louise Kennedy
(Amazon | Bookshop)

I was thrilled to discover that Louise Kennedy (author of Trespasses) had a new novel coming out and beyond excited when I was granted early access to it. I pushed all of my other books aside and started almost immediately. This book ripped me to shreds and my thoughts keep returning to these characters.

We meet Róisín in the early 80s, a teenager who’s family has moved from Northern Ireland to Ireland to find relief from The Troubles. She’s ostracized from the beginning, which only worsens when her father leaves Róisín and her mother for London. Despite her anger and constant bitter retorts, she befriends Red, a boy who’s life seems perfect on the outside but holds too many secrets.

This friendship with Red, despite its brevity, becomes the most important friendship and loss in her life. The regret she feels affects every aspect of her. I was so drawn to Róisín and read with bated breath, nervous about her choices and hoping for miracles. Even writing this, I can feel my heart in my throat and my eyes welling up. This was a fantastic book, full of emotion. I’ll be thinking about Róisín and Red for a long time.

Thank you to Netgalley and Riverhead for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Stations will be available to purchase in the United States on November 3, 2026. Please don’t miss it!

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And friends, I think that’s all I have for you today. Thank you all for sticking with me through the summer – it’s such a strange time! I didn’t manage to respond to any letters last week, maybe I’ll figure out how to make time for it this week?

I hope your Monday is a good one and that you find time for the things you love. Take good care!