Surprise!  I thought I would be spending today driving home from Utah, but we decided to end our vacation a day early so I'm already home, safe and sound.  We had a lovely time celebrating the Fourth of July in Provo, a town that does the holiday to the max.  Houses are decorated; people deck themselves out in red, white, and blue; there's a big parade for which spectators camp out overnight to get good seats; and much more.  We decided at the last minute to skip the parade (been there, done that—a million times) and we actually missed the fireworks that we always watch from the lawn of the Provo temple because after hanging out there for a couple hours my daughter and I really had to go to the bathroom and there are no facilities on site), but we did end up seeing fireworks going off all over the valley as we drove home over the bench that night.  The kids stood up in my van's moon roof as we drove and oohed and ahhed all the way back to where we were staying.  In addition to those festivities, we enjoyed the beautiful Utah scenery, spending time with extended family, and road-tripping with three of our four kids (our married son came with us, although his wife couldn't make it, but our college daughter had to stay home and study for her summer classes—boo hoo).  At any rate, it was a lovely vacation all around.  Even though I will  miss Utah's cool nights, it is good to be home.

Today's Top Ten Tuesday prompt is an easy one (thank goodness!)—reasons why we love reading.  I'm excited to see everyone's answers.  If you want to participate, click on over to That Artsy Reader Girl to get all the details.

1.  It's just what I do!—Ever since I learned to read, I've inhaled books.  I've always loved them and I always will.  

2.  Learning about different times, people, and places—Reading is my favorite way to learn about experiences that differ from my own.  I love sinking into a book that allows me to explore new places, soak up history, meet interesting people, and do things I can never do in real life.

3.  Gaining new perspectives—Slipping into someone else's shoes for a time allows me to see the world through their perspective.  It always helps me look at my own world in a new way.

4.  Pure entertainment—I'm not a tv watcher and I don't have many hobbies, so reading is my primary source of entertainment.  I'd rather pick up a book than do most other things.  There's nothing like a good read to kick-start my imagination and deliver some safe thrills.

5.  I'm never bored!—Whenever my kids complain about not having anything to do, I tell them to read a book.  They generally roll their eyes (since reading is my answer to everything, apparently), but what they should really do is follow my advice because I'm never bored.  Books keep me engaged whether I'm waiting for a doctor's appointment, in a long pick-up line, on a plane flight, or just hanging out at home.

6.  I love words and language—I've always been a word nerd who appreciates a beautiful, evocative, funny, creative, or clever turn of phrase.  I'm the kind of reader who literally sighs over lovely prose!

7.  Reading deepens my empathy—Like I said above, reading is my favorite way to learn about experiences other than my own.  Slipping on someone else's persona, even for a short time, helps me to see things anew.  It deepens my appreciation and respect for the fact that we're all different.  A greater understanding of someone else's life (whether fictional or non-) allows me to have more empathy for those I interact with in real life.

8.  Book people=my people—It's important to find your tribe and this is mine.  I love talking books with other bibliophiles.  We understand each other in a way that non-bookish people just...don't.

9.  Books are my comfort objects—As a child, I sucked my thumb and carried around a ragged baby blanket to help me self-soothe.  Once I discovered books, they started to serve the same purpose—and still do.  Reading comforts me, no matter how I'm feeling.  If I'm happy, I reach for a book.  If I'm sad, I grab my nearest read (and some chocolate).  If I'm anxious, I lose myself in words.  If I'm nervous...you get the idea.

10.  Books just make me happy!—Enough said.    

Why do you love to read?  I'd truly love to know.  Leave me a comment on this post and I will gladly return the favor on your blog.

In the wake of a fierce hurricane in the Carolinas, the streets are littered with downed trees, broken branches, and other debris.  When a shipping container washes ashore in Charleston, kayakers pry it open and are shocked to discover two corpses inside.  The bodies are wrapped in plastic sheeting and secured with electrical wire.  Who are they?  What were they doing in the water?  Forensic anthropologist Temperance "Tempe" Brennan—who recognizes certain aspects of the killings as similar to a murder she worked fifteen years ago in Quebec—is summoned to South Carolina to find out. 

Consulting with Andrew Ryan, her cop boyfriend who also worked the long-ago case, Tempe is determined to identify the two young women from the container.  While busy with that, she's also trying to solve a mystery involving a puzzling death mask and help a hysterical friend clean up after the storm.  The appearance of a troubling human flesh-eating contagion almost doesn't register, until Tempe starts to realize there might be a connection between it and the cases she's working.  The more she digs, the more she discovers, and the more dangerous her job becomes.  Increasingly obvious is the fact that someone is keeping explosive secrets, secrets they would kill to keep under wraps.  

You all know I'm a big Kathy Reichs fan.  I've long loved the Tempe Brennan series with its appealing heroine, approachable scientific explanations, twisty mysteries, and lively prose.  The newest installment, The Bone Code (available July 6, 2021), offers all of these elements and more, which makes it a compelling, enjoyable addition to the series.  Although one of my favorite characters—the always colorful "Skinny" Slidell—is unfortunately missing from this story, other series favorites appear, along with some fun new story people (can Tonia V. be a series regular, pretty please?).  As always, Tempe's devotion and wit shine through it all, whether she's piecing together evidence to solve a case, flirting with the always sexy Andrew Ryan, or fighting for her life against another nasty villain.  Not surprisingly, I loved this newest mystery and will wait with bated breath for the next.  

(Readalikes:  Other books in the Tempe Brennan series, including First Bones [novella], Deja Dead, Death Du Jour, Deadly Decisions, Fatal Voyage, Grave Secrets, Bare Bones, Monday Mourning, Cross Bones, Break No Bones, Bones to Ashes, Devil Bones, 206 Bones, Spider Bones, Flash and Bones, Bones Are Forever, Bones in Her Pocket [novella], Bones of the Lost, Swamp Bones [novella], Bones Never Lie, Bones On Ice [novella], Speaking in Bones, and A Conspiracy of Bones)

So, it's summer and it is HOT.  Not just in Arizona for once, but everywhere.  How are you all doing?  Are you dying?  Are you lucky enough to have air conditioning or a pool or at least access to some cool water somewhere to keep you from melting?  I hope you're all doing okay.  I'm keeping cool with a/c and swimming while praying for rain to soak the drought- and wildfire-plagued American Southwest.  

I'm heading to Utah this week to celebrate the Fourth of July with my husband's side of the family.  I won't be back for next week's Top Ten Tuesday, so let me wish you an early Happy Fourth as well as a Happy TTT for July 6th.  Despite all of the problems and division that exist in the U.S. right now, I love my country and am grateful for the freedoms I enjoy here.  My ancestors came to this country centuries ago in search of religious freedom, better opportunities, fertile land, and the chance to pursue a grand new life.  I'm proud to be a descendant of these hopeful, hard-working immigrants.  My family's sacrifices, including military service in nearly every war, made it possible for me to be living the American Dream now.  For all that and more, I'm very grateful.  Happy Birthday, America!  Whatever you're doing to celebrate, have a safe, happy Fourth of July.

Enough chit chat, on to the books!  I feel like I've talked about nothing else lately but upcoming books that I'm excited to read.  Luckily, there are lots of them because today's TTT topic is:  Most Anticipated Releases for the Second Half of 2021.  Since I've already chatted about those I'm most excited about, I'm going to highlight some lesser-known titles that may not be widely known.  Do you have new releases you want to talk about?  Join the TTT fun by clicking on over to That Artsy Reader Girl for all the details.

1.  Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson (available December 1, 2021)—Honestly, I've been sort of avoiding World War II books lately.  Still, it's a topic I'll always be interested in reading about.  This novel, about a woman who joins a special branch of the Coast Guard for single women and ends up helping to protect the First Lady from a nefarious plot against her, sounds compelling. 

2.  Orphans of the Storm by Celia Imrie (available December 14, 2021)—No matter how many Titanic books I read, I'll always want more!  The subject is just endlessly fascinating.  This novel concerns two women with big secrets whose lives will change forever because of the tragedy.

3.  Her Perfect Life by Hank Philippi Ryan (available September 14, 2021)—Television reporter Lily Atwood has such an enviable existence that her fans have gifted her with the hashtag #PerfectLily.  Her flawless image depends on concealing the devastating secret that only she knows.  When the anonymous source that feeds her tips hints that she knows what Lily's hiding, it turns Lily's perfect world completely upside-down.  She'll do anything to keep her secret hidden.  Anything.

4.  A View Most Glorious by Regina Scott (available October 5, 2021)—Lark highly recommends Scott's American Wonders series and I agree.  I'm halfway through the first installment, A Distance Too Grand, which I'm really enjoying.  I've got the second volume ready to go on my Kindle, so I'll be more than ready for this third book when it comes out in October.

5.  Where I Left Her by Amber Garza (available August 24, 2021)—This domestic drama has a simple, but chilling premise.  A mother drops her teenage daughter off for a sleepover with a friend whose parents she's never met before.  When Mom returns the next day, an elderly couple answers the door, insisting there are no teenage girls at their house and never have been.  Where are the girls?  As the frantic mom searches for her missing daughter, she uncovers a trail of lies left in the teenager's wake...Wow, I can't wait for this one!

6.  The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman (available September 28, 2021)—After enjoying The Thursday Murder Club, I'm excited for this sequel which has the retirement home gang solving more murders.  

7.  My Sweet Girl by Amanda Jayatissa (available September 14, 2021)—Ever since her adoption from a Sri Lankan orphanage, Paloma has led a very privileged life.  When she's cut off from her parents, however, she decides to sublet a room in her apartment in order to make money.  Arun, a recent immigrant from India, moves in.  He discovers a devastating secret about Paloma, but before she has a chance to confront him, she finds his dead body in the complex swimming pool.  When the police arrive, the body is gone, along with all evidence that Arun ever existed.  Is Paloma going crazy?  What is happening and does it tie back to her past in Sri Lanka?

8.  Yours Cheerfully by A.J. Pearce (available August 10, 2021)—Dear Mrs. Bird is a rarity: a funny novel about World War II.  I enjoyed it immensely and am excited for this sequel, which concerns the challenges faced by female war workers. 

9.  Death at Greenway by Lori Rader-Day (available October 12, 2021)—I've enjoyed Rader-Day's thrillers, so I'm looking forward to this one, her first historical.  Another World War II novel, this one focuses on a disgraced nurse whose only chance at redemption is helping to care for British children who have been evacuated to Greenway, Agatha Christie's summer home.  Between the strange house, a mysterious co-worker, and rising war tensions, the last thing the nurse needs is a murdered corpse on her doorstep, but that's just what she's got.  Who killed the victim?  And why?  She needs to find answers in order to protect the children and herself.

10.  The Hidden Child by Louise Fein (available October 19, 2021)—Another historical, this one takes place in 1929 and revolves around Eleanor, a woman whose husband is heavily involved in the eugenics movement.  When their young daughter is diagnosed with a shameful disease—epilepsy—the couple vows to tell no one.  Then, Eleanor discovers the secrets her husband has been keeping, secrets that throw everything she thought she knew about him and his work into question.      

There you go, ten more upcoming releases I'm excited to read.  What do you think of my choices?  Which up-and-comers are you chomping at the bit to get your hands on?  I'd truly love to know.  Leave me a comment on this post and I will gladly return the favor on your blog. 

The death of Alex Trebek—long-time host of the trivia game show Jeopardy!—saddened all of his fans, including me.  I'm not the kind of person who cares much about celebrity gossip or Hollywood tell-alls, but I have wanted to read Trebek's memoir, The Answer Is..., ever since I first heard about it.  Since I'm always looking for entertaining audiobooks, I decided to listen to this one.  I'm glad I did, as it made me smile to listen to Trebek's antics told in his own voice, which is so familiar and soothing.  While the majority of the book is narrated by Ken Jennings, Jeopardy! champion and Trebek's successor on the show, I most enjoyed the portions voiced by Trebek himself.

Because Trebek has always projected such a serious, straight-laced persona on television and because he was dying as he wrote The Answer Is..., I expected the book to be a somber text full of deep, philosophical reflections on life and death.  It's not.  With an "It's all good" vibe throughout, the memoir is actually quite light and funny.  Told in short vignettes taken from Trebek's career and personal life, it's a fast read (or listen, in my case) full of humor and simple, down-home wisdom like these nuggets: