A Reader’s Field Notes from June
The past few months have been a whirlwind—work, life, and everything in between. Finding the time to write has been harder than ever. But walking and reading? Those, I still hold onto. So, here’s a snapshot of what I read in June.
Speaking of walking one of the books I read in June was the The Salt Path by Raynor Winn. I got it from the library after reading about the film adaptation. The memoir tells the story of Raynor and her husband Moth, who—after losing their home and facing a devastating diagnosis—embark on a 630-mile journey along the South West Coast Path. The Salt Path is a moving meditation on loss, resilience, and the quiet healing power of walking in nature.
As a walker myself, I can only speak from experience. When I walk, everything slows down. The world softens and for a short while, I’m not doing household chores, having meetings, or thinking about the next workplace drama. The opinions, expectations, the moods of the colleagues, all become unimportant for a few hours. I am free. After putting my walking shows on and let my thoughts wander, one thing becomes clear: putting one foot in front of the other might be one of the most important things we ever do.
The Last Days of the Ottoman Empire by Ryan Gingeras
Step into the twilight of a vast empire. Ryan Gingeras, historian and master of nuance, paints a vivid picture of the Ottoman Empire’s collapse between 1918 and 1922—a period shaped by the aftermath of World War I, the Armenian genocide, The Smyrna Catastrophe 1922, and the foundation of modern Turkey. It’s a story of political upheaval, a rewarding read for those who savour detailed, meaningful history.
Sphere by Michael Crichton
An old Classic. a team of scientists investigates a mysterious spacecraft resting on the ocean floor in the Pacific. This 1987 sci-fi thriller is classic Crichton, tense, cerebral, intelligent, it challenges the limits of human psychology. At its heart is a strange, otherworldly orb that bends reality and tests the limits of human perception.
It was also adapted into a film, which I re-watched after finishing the book. The movie offers a fast-paced, watchable adventure—but strips away much of the book’s cerebral tension. Entertaining enough, but nothing remarkable.
Story of the Century: Wagner and the Creation of The Ring by Michael Downes
Enter the mythic world of Wagner’s Ring Cycle—four operas born from Norse legend and fuelled by extraordinary artistic ambition. One of the greatest works of art produces in modern times. It explores the creative genius—and excess—behind one of music’s most ambitious undertakings.
It’s a wonderful read, rich in storytelling and insight. I ended up watching all four operas while reading the book, a brilliant way to see the story and music come alive together.
The Appointment by Katharina Volckmer
In a London clinic, a young German woman delivers a monologue that is part confession, part provocation. Bold, unsettling, and fiercely intelligent, an unflinching exploration of identity, history, and desire, written in prose that cuts like a knife.
Each of these books, in their own way, offered something lasting, whether it was knowledge, escape, challenge, or simply the quiet pleasure of a well-told story. I’ll be back next month with more books and thoughts to share.