Every so often interesting books pop up when I'm looking for something else, and I have to read them, yes? Such is the case with The Secret Life of Hidden Places: Concealed Rooms, Clandestine Passageways, and the Curious Minds That Made Them, by Stefan Bachmann & April Genevieve Tucholke. There are houses that look traditional, but the actual living space is all underground. There are tunnels leading to pubs, or churches. Hidden rooms behind bookcases (my favorite), and secret doorways. Some are long gone, some you can visit, some are the inspiration for authors. All in all, a good read.

Seems I've been on a bit of a 'death' binge recently. I'm going to credit (or blame) that on the fact that I got my will all updated and in place last year. (It's as good a reason as any, yes?) I also liked the title of this book by Spencer Henry and Madison Reyes: Obitchuary: the Big Hot Book of Death. It's based on a podcast, which, as I under-stand, can take on a life of their own! The authors were exchanging the most outlandish obits they could find (not all are nice) and that lead to how we handle death so there are chapters on what to do with the deceased: burial, cremation, casket, coffin, natural, embalming (and to what degree), and on how to acknowledge that death: somber and serious or a celebration of life (which can include strippers!), with crowds of people, or just a few friends. You will also read about executions and pet cemeteries. Nicely written, but maybe something for a summer day? ;-)

Reading Hermit With Dog