On my long morning walks, I have become addicted to Audible and enjoying someone read books to me that I would otherwise acquire to grow into a perhaps never read stack on the nightstand. I’d like to recommend a few of my most recent “reads.”

My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Narrated by Linda Lavin. What an incredible woman! I knew little of Ginsburg except that she was a Supreme Court Justice. This book in her own words reveals a depth of wisdom few of us can ever hope to attain. Through her life and work, she has shown us what is possible with honest sustained efforts to make the world a better place. We are so very fortunate to have such a person on our highest court.

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. Performed by Vanessa Redgrave. Drawn to this book by its title, I wasn’t at all prepared for what I received. Honest, heart-felt, poignant at times, the book chronicles the year that Didion lost both her husband and daughter. Though such a subject could be morose and lead to self-pity, Didion’s telling is anything but. As we age, death becomes a more substantial figure, and I can only hope when the time comes, as it will, I can face it with the same grace and sense of magic that Didion reveals. Vanessa Redgrave’s performance is, of course, superb.

Stories of a Lifetime by Dan Rather. Narrated by Dan Rather. This is a totally entertaining account of Dan Rather’s life as an investigative reporter. He hits the highlights of his early career as well as memorable moments as CBS anchor. The “read” gives not only an picture of significant events in this country and the world, but the unique perspective that an investigative reporter gains in covering those events. Rather sugar coats nothing as he reflects on the past and gives an honest assessment of current political conditions.

Rage by Bob Woodward. Narrated by Robert Petkoff. I have not completed this “read,” and I’ll probably have more to say when I do, but the question that continually runs through my mind as I listen to the words is “What could Trump possibly hope to accomplish by giving Woodward access to himself and members and former members of the current administration?” So far, the only answer I can imagine is that our president feels any headline is better than no headline. I would also suggest that if you can’t learn of the working of our current officials without raising your blood pressure or becoming irrationally anger and flying into a rage, then you should stay away from this book.

That being said, I think it’s time for me to take a walk!