August 2026
“The Art of Flaneuring: How to Wander with Intention and Discover a Better Life” by Erika Owen
In days gone by, it was a custom in some places to dress up, find your best hat and cane, and take an evening stroll, focusing on the beauty of life. This practice is called flaneuring. As expected, not everyone had the leisure time to engage in flaneuring. This was a habit developed primarily by affluent men. In current times, this activity is practiced by many people. In some countries it is called a passeggiata, promenade or walking the dog. It’s a time to relax and smell the roses. Often it’s an opportunity to socialize. Whatever it’s called, wherever it’s done, it seems a great way to promote good physical and mental health.
“The Invisible Man” by H.G.Wells
An ambitious and imaginative scientist works to develop a concoction to make himself invisible. Experimenting with rare chemicals, he thought he discovered the formula. He tried it out on himself, and it successfully made him invisible. But at a cost. It also transformed him into a demon. He searched unsuccessfully for an antidote and lashed out in frustration. The only time there was visual evidence of his presence was when it snowed. His footprints were visible. And that proved to be his downfall. Our reader also saw the movie starring Claude Rains but said the book described the characters sensibilities much better than the movie could portray.
“The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” by Sangu Mandanna
Mika Moon was a very lonely witch. She avoided people and other witches. She found three little girls, who, it turns out, are witches. She decides to raise them and teach them what she knows. Our reader felt this book was not “as advertised.” Disappointingly, it did not engage her and was a chore to read.
“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
The story is mostly set in a traveling circus with a black, white and red theme. The circus only operates at night and appears in worldwide locations without warning. Some of the performers use magic disguised as illusions. The two most magical members are competing in a lifelong competition that was set up by their guardians. The first, as a small child, was placed in this bet to compete as the best by natural ability. She was unwittingly put into this bet by her magical father. The other was a young boy snatched from an orphanage by a magical man who teaches him but offers no personal relationship. As they reach adulthood and discover each other, they fall in love knowing only one of them can survive. As they combine powers, they find a way to be together.
“Beasts and Beauty, Dangerous Tales” by Soman Chainani
The stories of Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm are well known worldwide. But, what if not all is what it seems in fairytale land? This book re-imagines many of our favorites with new settings, heroes and plot twists that are imaginative and surprising. A delightful escape into a familiar land turned upside down.
Next Meeting of Book Break – September 8, 2026, 10:30 a.m. The topic is Animals.