Well, here we are, on the precipice of the last long weekend of summer.  I'm sure you join me in wishing that last weekend's weather had hung around for one more week, but at least we're not getting hammered by a hurricane.  Always something for which to be grateful.

I guess as we end this chapter in our summer, it's fitting to wrap up the week with the last of your book recommendations.  All tolled, we must have had about fifty of them, and I hope that among those we sprinkled here this summer, you found one - or even several - that sparked your interest in befriending a book again.  Here's one about a spot you might have visited this summer: Niagara Falls.  Elaine writes:
 

I have a great book for your listeners to read.  It is Too Close To The Falls by Catherine Gildiner.  Catherine lives in Toronto but the book is about her early life growing up in Lewiston, New York, and the many adventures that she had there.  I laughed out loud at her many antics.  I am now reading the sequel, After The Falls, which is a more poignant novel but still a wonderful read with many funny sections.  If you haven't read these books, you would enjoy them as well Erin.

Thanks, Elaine!  Jean sent her recommendation along with the publisher's blurb, and here's some of it:
 

Women across America laughed, cried, and reconnected with their friends after reading Kristin Hannah's smash hit, Firefly Lane.  Now, in True Colors, she explores the poignant, powerful, complex world of sisters.  The (three) Grey sisters had only each other when their mother died years ago....they will be pitted against each other in ways none could have imagined.  Secrets will be revealed, and a terrible, shocking crime will shatter both the family and their beloved town.

I'll finish this summer project, begun in June and ending here with this final week of summer vacation, with a book that truly provides food for thought.  This is a book that my friend and trainer/nutritionist Jill Duff simply devoured (pun intended) and that you may have heard about when the author was a guest on Oprah last season during her spotlight on Pollan and on the documentary Food Inc..  Journal reader Jackie wanted me to share these thoughts with you:
 

I am reading a book published in 2006 by Michael Pollan called The Omnivore's Dilemma.  This book is not romance or adventure but could be a horror/suspense publication as Pollan traces our food chain from farm to table and all the in betweens.  You will definitely rethink what you put into your mouth and be tempted to buy a cow and some chickens and a few acres of pasture!

I am not an alarmist but this book is very alarming, especially when thinking of the government's involvement in directing the evolution of industrial farming.  I know from your journals that you are health conscious and highly recommend that you read this book.  This is not fiction and even if only half of it is true we and especially our children are in danger.  You will be amazed at what has happened to our food supply.  Thanks again for sharing through your journal.

Thank YOU, Jackie, and to everyone who sent their book picks and again to Betty Thiessen for helping us find all of the book covers.

Have a wonderful long weekend.  Sounds like curling up with a good read (and maybe even a blanket) might be in order, as we all recharge and get ready for the onslaught that the first week "back to everything" brings.  Take care of yourself and thank you for coming by.