Mini Book Reviews: June 2025

Disclaimer: I received ARCs of The River's Daughter, The Other Side of Now, The Compound, and Sunny Side Up from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest reviews. This post contains affiliate links.

I don't know if it was because of my prolific reading month in May, but I struggled to get through my books this month. With the exception of one book, I loved everything I read this month. I think I had too many distractions, and it was hard for me to focus on the pages.

It's hard to pick a favorite, but how can you beat Taylor Jenkins Reid? Her new one, Atmosphere, grabbed me and didn't let me go until I read the last page. I'm still thinking about it! On the other hand, Sunny Side Up was not my cup of tea. It was too shallow and fluffy for this reader. But it was very readable. It would be a great beach read. Just not for me.

Overall, I read 6 books this month, which made me happy. I stuck to my goal of finishing all my NetGalley reads plus I was able to read 2 library holds. It's all about balance! 

But that's the best thing about books-there's something for everyone!

Answers? I Got Answers!

Yes, I got my answers this week to what was going on with my knee, as well as my treatment plan. Meanwhile, with my activity modifications, the pain calmed down to almost no pain--except when I did too much. I mean, 'too much' according to my knee. When my knee starts to bother me, I pull on my compression sleeve, which helps quite a bit. Hopefully, I'll be back to running soon. 

I runfess: It's too hot to run anyway. 

For the past couple of weeks, the temperatures have been in the 90F/30Cs with high humidity. The real feel has been over 100F/40C. It's just gross. It feels as if we are living in the tropics instead of the Midwest. We're not used to this! 

Down but Not Out

This week was all about moving my body in a way that didn't aggravate my knee injury. It helped that as the week went on, the pain lessened. I'm so glad that I'm able to walk. When I first started walking on my trails, I felt like it was taking forever! But as the week went on, I started to enjoy the slower pace. I'm spotting a lot more things that I might not have seen had I been running. And I have to admit that I'm glad to be walking when we are experiencing some of the highest temperatures we've had in years! 

I'm working hard to keep my miles up so that when I'm ready to return to running, it won't be like starting over again! Fingers crossed that it will happen soon.

Looking for a Silver Lining

I'm trying, guys. This week challenged me more than I've been challenged in some time. Problems at work, the ongoing saga with my parents, wedding planning,...you name it...I felt like I couldn't get my head above water. Sometimes life is like this, and we all need to have a way to deal with it. Mine is running. And right now, I can't run because I'm injured. 

There may have been some tears shed this week--not because I'm hurt, but because I can't run it out. I have a lot of backup tools that I can lean on for cross-training, but when I'm stressed, there's only one thing that works. Running is the one thing that lets me push myself as hard as I can, pound it out on the pavement, and just let it all go. It's been a long time since I've felt so stressed as in the recent weeks--even my Oura ring is concerned--and I haven't had to rely on running as much as in the past. 

So what's an injured runner to do when she can't run? I'm leaning into nature and my trails, which helps a lot. I'm going to do my best to try to maintain fitness, like I did when I broke my leg and my foot. The PT at the gym taped my knee for tendonitis, but she suggested that I might have a meniscus tear. I hope not. I see my rheumatologist for my semi-annual appointment on Monday, so I'll see what she says. I'm also going to schedule with a knee ortho, who I already know is going to recommend PT. I'm a good patient, and I'll do what I need to get back to running. 

In the meantime, I'm looking for that silver lining.

Product Review: SAM 2.0

 Disclaimer: I received the SAM 2.0 device in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine.

It's been almost 7 years since I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I don't keep my diagnosis a secret, sharing my mostly ups and occasional downs with this chronic inflammatory disease. Thankfully, I haven't had too many problems with pain or mobility. 

Over the past year, despite taking Humira every other week, I've struggled more with knee pain. When I was contacted by the company to trial their sam 2.0 device, the timing couldn't have been more perfect. I try to avoid taking NSAIDS or steroids, and the sam 2.0 sounded like a great alternative. The device requires a prescription, and once that was completed, I received my unit! I started using it right away, and I could not be happier with the results!

All Mixed Up

I was all confused this week--my work schedule was altered to accommodate my 3 partners who were all out of the office this week. Plus, I had to drive my parents downtown on Monday for a doctor's appointment at Northwestern. More on that below. Besides my work schedule, the only other thing consistent in my life is my workout schedule, and I had to move things around to fit into my days. I got it all done, though! I think that is what kept me sane. I like to think that I'm pretty flexible, but this week I didn't know if I was coming or going!

Is anyone else hearing the Cars' song All Mixed Up running through their head right now? Or is it just me?

Playing Outside

This really is the best time of year to be a runner! Or is it fall? I love them both so much. As for all my complaining about the slow arrival of spring, I will grudgingly admit that these cooler temperatures have made for some great runs. It has also allowed me to really appreciate the arrival of all the blooms. I've made sure to get out early to soak up all the beauty and solitude that comes with being alone on the trails.