I’m finally caught up after returning from vacation, the kids are all settled at day camp, and life feels a little calmer these days…which means more reading time! This weekend was mostly filled with some much needed relaxation…early nights, a pedicure/Go Set A Watchman reading session, and the pool with the kids.
AND…I’ve got some fun news! Anne Tollett (from Hanover Avenue, formerly Anne Tollett Home) of the amazing dream library from a few weeks ago is back with a new room called the White Knight Bedroom (I’ll let you ponder the bedroom name for a bit…). And, I’ve chosen ten books to be featured! Anne will be revealing the room on Monday, July 27 and I’ll be talking about the books here on Wednesday, July 29.
I finished reading…
Circling the Sun by Paula McClain (July 28, 2015)
A pleasant surprise…Beryl Markham was one badass lady! Full review coming on Thursday, July 30.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
I’m currently reading…
Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee (July 14, 2015)
I’m a little over halfway through this one and, so far, I see flashes of the brilliant writing that made Lee and To Kill A Mockingbird famous, but there really isn’t much of a story.
Next up, are…
Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich (July 7, 2015)
Katie at Bookish Tendencies loved this debut “multigenerational saga of crime, family, and vengeance” (Goodreads) set in North Georgia. Plus, a front cover blurb from Wiley Cash doesn’t hurt.
Days of Awe by Lauren Fox (August 4, 2015)
A “raw, achingly funny novel about a woman who, after the death of her best friend, must face the crisis in her marriage, the fury of her almost-teenage daughter, and the possibility that she might open her cantankerous heart to someone new.” (Goodreads)
Weekend Update
I’m linking up with Tara at Running N Reading’s Weekend Update.
I just completed my second week of training for the West Point Triathlon on August 16 at the United States Military Academy. This race is a half mile open water swim, 12 mile bike ride, and a 5K run and I’m using an abbreviated version (7 weeks instead of 13) of this training plan from beginnertriathlete.com.
My Week Two Observations
Swim
I’m doing all my swimming in the Long Island Sound and I’ve enjoyed swimming in open water (MUCH nicer than the pool in my book!). My swims have been feeling good and I went a bit under 15 minutes for the half mile race distance this week. But, I’ve encountered some interesting things in the Long Island Sound: last week brought me a floating condom and this week brought me a sea lice attack! Maybe next week I’ll meet Mary Lee, the great white shark.
Bike
If you saw last week’s post, you know that I’ve been a bit of a scaredy cat on the bike. I get skittish going too fast and also riding on big roads with traffic. BUT…I’m improving little by little. Each ride has been a little bit faster (started at 13.5 avg mph and latest ride was 14.9 avg mph) and I ventured onto a bigger road (with traffic) this week. I also found a neighborhood without traffic or lots of stop signs to ride. Yay!
Run
I ran twice this week…a 5 mile “long run” (I love that 5 miles is long for me right now!) on a very humid day and a fast 5K plus warm-up and warm-down. I averaged around [9:00] minute miles for the long run and was dragging every second. My fast 5K was on the treadmill due to a huge morning thunderstorm on Saturday, but I felt great for the first time in awhile (I ran a [26:30])!
Question for any triathletes out there: how long do you reasonably need to set up your transition area? I’m trying to figure out exactly how early I have to leave my house on race day!
I can see I will have to try Circling the Sun again when my mind is a little less overwhelmed from moving and packing stuff.
I keep seeing rave reviews but my quick peek one lunch time, didn’t inspire me to continue…although, as I said I am a little distracted right now 🙂
http://bronasbooks.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/its-monday-what-are-you-reading.html
I wasn’t super excited right at the beginning either, but it got good quickly, so I’d recommend picking it up again once you get your ducks in a row!
I haven’t decided if I’ll read Go Set a Watchman but I do plan to read Circling the Sun soon.
I definitely recommend Circling the Sun! And – I’ll be posting my thoughts on Watchman on Thursday. I have conflicted feelings about it 🙂
I’m liking Circling the Sun; I’m half way through, possibly finishing this week. I’m glad you liked it.
Your workout routine seems to be improving, but watch out for the shark! The finding of the condom would be funny if it weren’t nasty.
Glad you’re liking Circling the Sun! And – yes, things are getting better little by little. The condom was definitely nasty when I saw it…but now it’s kind of a good story!
Well, I’m not read the new Harper Lee book yet. I’m trying to decide whether to schedule it for my mystery group next year. Since we’re a library group, very popular books have to wait a while. Once upon a time, when I was still working there, I could pull in enough copies for the book group to check out, but that’s no longer allowed (and is a pain to my life). The powers-that-be said that it wasn’t fair for other patrons. Geez – it’s a library program, not a ‘private’ group. Anyway….I also am interested to hear about Circling The Sun and I’m also wondering about Days Of Awe. And your swimming tales are interesting, if a little icky so far – sea lice? What is that???
I do think GSAW would make a good book club pick…not because the book is great, but there is a lot to discuss. But, I can see your library’s point 🙂
Ha – sea lice are the spawn of jellyfish that get burrowed in your clothes while swimming and bite you! Then the bites itch. I have them on my stomach!
Circling the Sun sounds so good; you know I can resist books about bad-ass ladies!
This lady is awesome…daring, badass, but also prone to inappropriate romantic entanglements. Makes for a good read for sure!
I’m going to wait on Go Set A Watchman for now. I may decide to reread TKaM next year, and pick it up after that. Glad you have a little bit of a breather this week.
I would definitely recommend re-reading TKAM first. So much of the interesting stuff is directly tied to it. I really don’t see how it could have ever been published without TKAM and actually make any sense!
Awesome on the bike!!!! Great average mph! My friend who does bunches of races told me before my first to never coast. Be in a gear so that you are constantly peddling. I guess what that did for me was keep my legs engaged. Much more than the other two, biking is where you can improve and make up some good time. Same friend also showed me how to set up/organize my area. I think it took about 15 minutes to feel comfortable. Can’t wait to read how it goes.
Oooh – good tip! I’m working on starting pedaling halfway through turns instead of waiting until the turn is over and also the same on downhills. And – I hear you about the bike being the big difference maker…annoying that it’s also my worst leg! I’m going to allow 30 min for transition set-up just to be safe…
I can set up my transition area in about 5 minutes for a sprint (although that doesn’t include the time in the parking lot to air up my bike tires and set up my hydration. For a sprint I would just use one water bottle and then keep a frozen handheld in transition for the run (it will melt and should still be cold). They usually have a good number of aid stations but I need to supplement with small sips in between in hot weather. If it is your first time, allow yourself 15 minutes to get comfortable with you setup and a few “visualization” run throughs. Run in from the swim exit and find your landmarks to locate your bike. Run towards the bike start and then reverse it. That’s great that you are gettingin open water practice regularly – it will really help.
Wow – 5 Min! I will def allow more time than that…because I have no idea what I’m doing! I love the visualization tip..that will definitely help! The transitions are intimidating!
I think your comment about there not being much of a story is why I didn’t run out and get a copy of Go Set a Watchman; I feel like if I don’t read it, I don’t have to be disappointed – ha! Great perspective, right? I really hope that Days of Awe is good; I want to read that one. So, I’ve just asked Jonathan about transition station set up time; he says you might be able to get it done in 15 minutes, but you certainly don’t want to feel rushed because you’ll likely want to get wet for a bit and then get out and get yourself together before the race starts. He said you’d be better off planning for at least 20-30 minutes, just to be on the safe side; better to have a few extra minutes than to be rushing around. You’re doing great! Thanks so much for linking up today!
I don’t think I was disappointed per se…I had pretty low expectations. There are certainly some fascinating aspects to it (mostly in relation to TKAM, not as a stand alone book) and I got much more invested towards the end. But it went far off the rails on occasion as well.
Sometimes I see condoms on the road (used) but I’ve never seen one in the water. Ewww..reminds me of that Seinfeld episode when Kramer was swimming in the East River and funked up Elaine’s mattress with the smell! Ha! Great training week for you.
I’m reading this month’s book club selection for my blog, and I’m torn. The author approached me with his book, and while the story is inspiring, the writing is not. It’s very amateurish, and I’m trying to figure out how I’m going to review this one without crushing him. Ugh. Never again will I agree to a book without reading it first.
Oh my god – the thought of swimming in the East River makes me want to take a 6 hour shower! I used to live in NYC and that water is disgusting. On the other hand, the built-in bra on my tri top was a bit brown today after getting out of my swim, so…
I always feel uncomfortable if I end up not liking a book that I’ve accepted directly from the author. Something about that direct contact. So, I don’t do that anymore. I like using NetGalley or Edelweiss or very occasionally go through the publisher.
I look forward to your thoughts on Circling the Sun. Beryl was definitely a badass! I wish she lived today. Enjoy your week & books.
That’s what I thought – wonder what she could have accomplished during a time less restrictive towards women!
White Knight Bedroom? My mind is reeling, already! I’m eager to see your review for Circling the Sun. I’m reading Bull Mountain and GSaW this week. I think I’m more excited about Bull Mountain than I am GSaW, and I’ve REALLY been excited about Watchman, if that says anything.
Ha! I had to ask what the White Knight meant! I’m still kind of wrapping my head around it. Started Bull Mountain today…first chapter blew my mind. Heading to bed to get back to it now!
You’ve got two goodies coming up! Enjoy 🙂
A condom and sea lice in the water? Yikes!! Hopefully no sharks next week! 😉 Sounds like a great week of tri training!
Ummmm…what exactly is sea lice? Nevermind. I don’t think I really want to know. But I do want to know about Go Set A Watchman. I’m not expecting too much, but I can’t not read it!
Ha! They’re like mosquitos of the sea! Just a bit itchy. I’ll be posting my thoughts on GSAW on Thursday, so check back! It’s definitely worth a read…for various reasons!