VISITING OLD HAUNTS
This week we are returning to the scene of past crimes—no, not crimes—just past lives. Coming to Bethlehem for an event at Lehigh University let us re-explore Bethlehem’s Main Street and its burgeoning dining scene. New restaurants midst old familiar ones (such as Edge, still excellent) and lots of sidewalk seating. On Friday night, the streets were hopping!
The next morning, in the bright summer sunlight, Bethlehem’s Moravian heritage sparkled, the buildings appearing washed clean with unblemished facades. This rectilinear red brick and brownish stone architecture is still pleasing almost three centuries later! 
Even better than viewing former haunts was visiting with old friends and colleagues and sharing in the celebration of Mohamed’s career. Dinner with Sharon and Ron and Swarthmore friends Peter and Nancy followed by lunch with Dolores were occasions rich with memories peppered with talk of travels. Next stop: upstate New York.
SUMMER READING
I read recently that one blogger sets herself the goal of reading 20 books between June 1 and September 1 and shares in her blog the book she intends to read. The author of Book Stop, yet another blog, took up this challenge and shared her own list of titles. I don’t know that I will read a particular set of twenty books this summer, but here, are 10 titles in my stack or on my Kindle that I want to read. In no particular order, other than fiction comes before the several nonfiction works.
Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout. She’s a favorite author and I look forward to this, her latest novel.
The Wife by Meg Wolitzer. I’ve read at least one other of her novels, but this one is the basis for a new movie starring Glenn Close due out this summer. After seeing the preview, I added the book to my Kindle.
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. I’ve avoided reading this novel since it sounded weird, but decided I really should give it a go.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. This hardcover novel and National Book Award finalist has been sitting on my nightstand far too long (the book is now out in paperback). It’s a multi-generational saga about a Korean family.
The Leavers by Lisa Ko. A novel about immigration which may become my next book club choice.
Americanah by Adiche. I’m late to the game on this novel about a young Nigerian couple and race and identity.
Love’s Attraction by David Adams Cleveland. This art historian and novelist writes big tomes (this one 500+ pages). It’s set in Concord and Venice and sounds appealing and awaits on my Kindle. On spec, I bought his latest novel in paper which is doorstop worthy at a thousand pages!
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover. Westover’s book has received a lot of attention given her unconventional childhood and the obstacles she overcame to become educated.
The Heart is a Shifting Sea by Elizabeth Flock. This is a nonfiction study of several marriages in India.
A Higher Loyalty by James Comey. I started this, but haven’t finished it yet. Need I say more.
I’ve read both Americanah and The Leavers and thought they were both very good. The Leavers is a good read and very polished for a first novel. Americana is a thoughtful look at “belonging” in one’s second country.
Thanks for your comments!
Just ordered 3 of your reading list books. Have Educated at home waiting for me. Audrey
Great! Have fun reading.