Ever wonder where the phrase “dog days of summer” came from? Well, I did. Earlier this month I was questioning the origin, and now I know we can literally thank our lucky stars for this phrase, as it’s commonly related to the long hot days of summer or “mad dogs.” You see, the phrase comes from Sirius – or “Dog Star” – the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, or “Greater Dog.” “Greater Dog” is most visible and rises in conjunction with the sun during the peak of summer months. In ancient times, the Romans believed this bright star added heat to the sun during the long stretch of summer, hence we relate the heat of the summer as the dog days of summer.
I find these dog days of summer a perfect time to read.
In the thick of the dog days of summer I devoured the newest book of one of my favorite authors. “The Time Keeper” by Mitch Albom was a Christmas gift that has been percolating for months on my bedside table and once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down. This tale weaves the story of three characters in different time dimensions dealing with life and the meaning of time. Albom eloquently draws the reader in, allowing them to submerge into the story and eagerly look forward to turning each page. I highly recommend “The Time Keeper.”
During the Summer Reading Program – early June thru mid-July – I enjoyed a new non-fiction book, “Bring Jade Home,” by Michelle Caffrey. I chose this title for the new Walking Book Club that began with our Summer Reading Program, “A Universe of Stories.” To my delight, ten participants signed up to read “Bring Jade Home” with me. The Walking Book Club was organized to walk while discussing the story on Tuesdays during lunch. “Bring Jade Home” tells the journey of Jade: the border collie who gets lost in our very own Yellowstone Park. Caffrey details the experience of Laura and David (along with a multitude of volunteers) searching for Jade. “Bring Jade Home” warmly displays the compassion and giving nature of a community. I very much enjoyed this “dog days of summer” story and the Walking Book Club. If you love nature and dogs, this book is for you.
Pre-dog days of summer I took a chance and read a new author. I was instantly drawn in and mesmerized with “Daisy Jones and the Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Reid transports the reader to the late 60s early 70s LA music scene with an up-and-coming band, “The Six” (Daisy Jones enters the stage a quarter of the way in the story). Reid weaves iconic LA music locales in an interview-style narration as the story unfolds. Genius! Pick up “Daisy Jones and The Six” for a good time.
Be like Buster and pick up a book today. Stave off the dog days of summer at your LPL.
