Your mind will then surely reply, “No! Let’s play! Here are 5,000 things you should think about for the next two hours.”
Needless to say, I didn’t sleep very well last night. I was wide awake for far too long in the middle of the night. Not so fun. Eventually I fell asleep, but I was rather restless. Any plans for a kick-butt circuit workout this morning went out the window, but I did manage to check a pretty solid upper-body workout off the list.
Burnin’ arms!
Breakfast
Breakfast this morning was awfully yellow.
I made a batch of hummus scrambled eggs with yellow squash and onion, served with a toasted Alternative sweet wheat bagel topped with mozzarella cheese.
Plus a cup of coffee on the side to give this sleepy girl some energy.
July Book Club
It’s time to vote on the book we’ll be reading for the July PBF Book Club!
Just in case you’re new around here, this book club is a virtual book club that anyone is welcome to join. Over the next three days we’ll vote on a book from the three books noted below and I’ll announce the winning book on Monday.
On August 1 I will post my review of the book along with discussion questions for participants to talk about in the comments section of the post. If you’re a blogger and post a review of the book on your own blog for the book club, be sure to email me a link before August 1 and I’ll include it in the post in a roundup of book reviews from other bloggers!
Now let’s get voting.
Taken from your recommendations on the PBF Facebook page, the three contenders for the month of July include:
- Wild by Cheryl Strayed
A powerful, blazingly honest memoir: the story of an eleven-hundred-mile solo hike that broke down a young woman reeling from catastrophe—and built her back up again.
At 22, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother’s death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life: to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State—and to do it alone.
She had no experience as a long-distance hiker, and the trail was little more than “an idea, vague and outlandish and full of promise.” But it was a promise of piecing back together a life that had come undone.
Strayed faces down rattlesnakes and black bears, intense heat and record snowfalls, and both the beauty and loneliness of the trail. Told with great suspense and style, sparkling with warmth and humor, Wild vividly captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her.
- Defending Jacob by William Landay
Andy Barber has been an assistant district attorney in his suburban Massachusetts county for more than twenty years. He is respected in his community, tenacious in the courtroom, and happy at home with his wife, Laurie, and son, Jacob. But when a shocking crime shatters their New England town, Andy is blindsided by what happens next: His fourteen-year-old son is charged with the murder of a fellow student.
Every parental instinct Andy has rallies to protect his boy. Jacob insists that he is innocent, and Andy believes him. Andy must. He’s his father. But as damning facts and shocking revelations surface, as a marriage threatens to crumble and the trial intensifies, as the crisis reveals how little a father knows about his son, Andy will face a trial of his own—between loyalty and justice, between truth and allegation, between a past he’s tried to bury and a future he cannot conceive.
- The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
At Westish College, baseball star Henry Skrimshander seems destined for big league until a routine throw goes disastrously off course. In the aftermath of his error, the fates of five people are upended. Henry’s fight against self-doubt threatens to ruin his future. College president Guert Affenlight has fallen unexpectedly and helplessly in love. Owen Dunne becomes caught up in a dangerous affair. Mike Schwartz realizes he has guided Henry’s career at the expense of his own. And Pella Affenlight returns to Westish after escaping an ill-fated marriage, determined to start a new life.
As the season counts down to its climactic final game, these five are forced to confront their deepest hopes, anxieties, and secrets.
Of Possible Interest
- How to Eat Raw for One Day (FitSugar.com)
- Three Workout Mistakes and How to Fix Them (FitBottomedGirls.com)
- Yummy Meatless Meals (Health.com)
- My Guest Post on Gina’s Blog (Fitnessista.com)
It doesn’t seem to be winning now but I read Defending Jacob for my bookclub a few months ago and it is REALLY REALLY good. If it doesn’t win I seriously suggest reading it on your own anyway.
Kelly
it sounded like a good one to me! i like legal thrillers.
peanutbutterfingers
The EXACT same thing happened to me last night. SIGH! I woke up at 1 AM and just couldn’t get my brain to shut off. At least you got a workout in. I decided at about 4 AM to just chalk today up to a rest day. Oh well, at least I haven’t had one yet this week.
I hope Wild wins! I’ve been wanting to read that, it would be fun to join in
Kristy Doyle
I wake up a lot in the middle of the night. In fact, I did last night! 3:30 am. Luckily I got back to sleep, but not after staring at my phone for 30 minutes. Know what I love to read then? Pb fingers!! Always gets me to stop yelling at myself to go back to sleep
distracts me for a moment. Hope you have a better night sleep tonight!
Corey
ha! glad i could help! i really wanted to turn on the light and read, but i have a feeling ryan would whack me with a pillow.
peanutbutterfingers
I’m almost in need of a new book – I’m excited! I need to read more about these before I cast my vote (even though one vote never makes a difference, I like to think it does
!) They all look like interesting reads!
Caroline @ After Dinner Dance
I picked Wild – hadn’t even heard of it before this but it sounds like a great read!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
Defending Jacob was so good! If it’s not picked you should definitely read it!
Kelly
There haven’t been many votes, but finally my pick is in the lead!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
Yay, I’m excited for a new book! I’m in the market.
joelle (on a pink typewriter)
i hate when i have nights of sleep like that! it’s when i start telling myself that i NEED to just go to sleep that then i start getting frustrated and stressed that i won’t be able to sleep, so then i’m even more restless. it’s such a viscious cycle!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries
I’m excited to join in on the book club! Never have been in one before, and I LOVE reading! I picked WILD, because I enjoy being outside in the wilderness.
Lauren @ ijustdostuff
I just read “The Art of Fielding”–terrific read! If it’s chosen, I’ll definitely write a review for the blog link up
Carrie @ Fitness and Frozen Grapes
Defending Jacob sounds so good! That’s where my vote went! I’m not sure where I read this but I read to try counting backwards from 300 in 3s when you can’t sleep…300 297 294 etc..I haven’t tried it yet but worth a try.
Jeannie
I hate waking up in the middle of the night and feeling the pressure to go back to sleep! I’ve learned that the best way to get back to sleep after that is to push everything out of my head, repeat “breathe in, breathe out”, and not allow myself to entertain any other thoughts. If something else pops into my head, I disregard it and get back to my breath. I’m usually out in 5 minutes
Faith @ For the Health of It
I’m totally not reading into this, but did you notice that all three books have to do with crumbling, ill-fated marriages?
All kidding aside, I love the book vote posts because it gives me ideas of new ones to read!
Catherine
Ah, I hate when I stress myself out about not being able to fall asleep. Whenever I’m sick and take medicine that’s supposed to make me drowsy I get so anxious about the fact that I’m supposed to feel tired that I never sleep! My boyfriend thinks I’m crazy because I now refuse to take anything that has “drowsy” as a side effect, ha.
Megan@ The Running Doc
Defending Jacob gets my vote!! (second would be The Art of Fielding)!
Jennifer @ Healthy Wifestyles
“wild” had an excerpt in a recent issue of Self magazine and it was wonderful. The only reason I haven’t read the whole book yet is because my library system didn’t have it the last time I checked!
Rebecca
I’ve been wanting to read all of them, but I have Defending Jacob just waiting for me…so that’s my vote!
Elisabeth
I hate sleepless nights like that! It usually happens when I have a lot on my mind of little things I need to get done…it helps (somewhat) if I just give in and start writing things down. But usually, once my mind decides it wants to be wide awake, it’s wide awake! So frustrating.
Meghan @ After the Ivy League
I hate when I I am restless in the middle of the night. I feel like I live on caffeine the next day, lol. Your breakfast looks so yummy! Have a great Friday!
Melissa @ runscootsrun.blogspot.com
Ugh I had the SAME experience last night. Luckily, I have today off so I was able to sleep in a little and catch up on sleep
I absolutely hate when you KNOW you need sleep but your brain just want stop! Grrr.
Ashley @ Sweat for Sweets
I suggested Wild so I put my vote in. Oprah has been into it lately. My son has that same “T” mug.
Lisa
UGH. I hate when that happens with sleep! It’s the worst! Especially if I know I am tired but my brain just won’t shut off. Luckily that didn’t happen last night, or else I’d be screwed today–I need all the energy I can get!
Those 3 books look great! Defending Jacob sounds like a book I just read by Jodi Picoult-entitled “House Rules”<–it was pretty dang good!
Annette@FitnessPerks
Hummus scrambled eggs? Brilliant. Could be a delightful omelet-stuffer.
Brie @ Coxswain Dilemma
All three of these books are on my list, so I’ll be happy with any! Good choices!
Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie
Defending Jacob is very good! Have you read fifty shades of grey? I had a grandma at a sushi restaurant recommend that book to me yesterday while I was reading on my iPhone waiting on my party to arrive. From what I know about the book…awkward!!!!
farrah
I have Defending Jacob on my library holds list. So maybe it will actually become available in time for me to read and discuss it for the book group. The Wild one looks really intriguing too though.
Tina @ Best Body Fitness
I had a terrible sleep as well. I am getting over jet lag and typically when I wake up early I can roll back asleep but today I just have too much on my mind! I think a power nap is happening this afternoon!
Ashley
Seriously, nothing stresses me out more than being awake at night knowing I have to work a full day in the morning! I’m super sensitive to sleep deprivation!
I really need to make time for reading for pleasure-grad school is a time suck.
Ali @SeeAliEatSeeAliRun
I definitely for for ‘Wild’ by Cheryl Strayed. I’ve seen a few interviews with her and found her both insightful and fascinating; eager to delve into the book.
Cammy
“Wild” was wonderful!! The PCT is a dream of mine (albeit, one that will probably have to wait until retirement!!) and reading about her journey was incredible. What amazed me the most was her complete lack of experience before she undertook the trip. As a seasoned backpacker, I was blown away (ok, and a little appalled) by this. That turned out to be one of the best parts-you really get to see her grow!
Natalie
Does julie or anyone ever get the books at library? All the books that are chosen for the book club always have hundreds of holds at library so we know they are popular and must be good! I have to get them thru kindle or iBooks for iPad. Just curious if others can get them at their local library.
Jeannie
I’m currently reading “The Art of Fielding” and I love it! It’s been a fun read for me so far!
Alicia
I’m intrigued by this hummus and egg combo, it seems so odd! I bet it tastes delicious though hah. I currently have defending jacob in my must read books! I’ve heard it’s awesome
Lisa
The Art of Fielding is amazing. Just finished it this week. Centers largely around baseball (obviously) but the stories between the characters are so great you hardly notice!
Jenny
The Art of Fielding has this baseball fan intrigued. I feel like I am learning more and more about you and your diverse interests, Julie. Book club, volunteering, nutrient dense recipes, love it all!
Jess @ Blonde Ponytail
This isn’t one of the 3 books picks for July, but I want to read Gold by Chris Cleave since it got great reviews and is about Olympic cyclists (perfect timing for the current Summer Olympics!). However, out of the 3 choices you posted, I vote for Wild because it sounds like an incredible true story. Are you on goodreads.com? It’s an amazing website where you can read reviews, rate books you’ve read, and add books to your “to-read” shelf. I highly recommend it!
Alison
I have had Wild on my list to read for awhile now! The second book Defending Jacob sounds really good, too.
Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More
I read Wild about a month ago and really enjoyed the story! I definitely recommend it
MassachusEATS
Defending Jacob looks like a good book. I’m really into those kinds of thrillers but it looks like it’s losing so far. I’m sure all of the three books are good though.
Kate@watchhershrink
Defending Jacob
heather
Must have been a strange night – I didn’t sleep either. I had an incredibly life-like dream that there was a snake in my bed (I had a snake encounter of my bike ride earlier in the day). It freaked me out so bad I jumped out of bed screaming which scared the crap out of Nick – neither of us could sleep after all that. BUT everyone I’ve talked to this morning and every blog post I’ve read starts with something about a bad night’s sleep…. odd?
Kim @ The Family Practice
I picked up defending Jacob yesterday and did not put it down until I finished it. I loved it! Definitely worth a read even if it isn’t book of the month.
Mary
I read Wild and Defending Jacob. I much preferred Defending Jacob. A book similar to Wild but one I thought was much better was The Walk by Richard Paul Evans. It is actually the first of three with one more coming out next year. It is also about a journey walking across the country yet very inspirational and moving,
chris
I just purchased Wild since it is currently ahead in the book poll so I hope it wins! However, Defending Jacob looks very good also!
Alison
I read Defending Jacob about a month ago and it was fantastic!!
Alexa
Seriously, allll of those books sound awesome!!
Brita
What book won??
Cindy
wild!
peanutbutterfingers
Sadly, Defending Jacob was not the winner of the July Book Club… I read it anyway and it was FANTASTIC! I finished it in a day and now my husband is hooked. Thanks for the suggestion Julie
Sarah
i still want to read that book!
peanutbutterfingers