Explore
The world will tell you that a full calendar is the goal. Packed schedules, optimized weekends, productivity hacks for your downtime. I'll be honest—I've bought into it, too. But a life that leaves no room for wandering isn't a full life. It's just a full schedule.
What I keep coming back to is this: the moments that actually stick—the ones my kids will remember, the ones I'll tell stories about, the laugh until your sides hurt moments—almost none of them were planned.
When I knew I’d be leaving France, I had four young children, aged 6 months to 5 years old. It's easy to lose sight of how much our own backyards have to offer. It was a busy season of life and nothing about gallivanting around with four tiny humans was convenient. But I set my heart on exploring the heck out of our little corner of France for the summer. We’d pick one or two villages a week to visit, wandering everywhere and nowhere, stopping for gelato in the shade of plantain trees and watching transient musicians drum the day away. Wandering endless markets and trails, just for the sheer joy of exploring. There was no agenda or itinerary, we were just living.
I've been watching how my family moves through time together lately. The truth is, we’ve lost a little bit of that spontaneity. “Busy” is trendy and ambling is out. In reality, our best afternoons look a lot like nothing on paper. A new trail we found on a whim. A board game that turned into two hours of laughing at the kitchen table. A random drive through a neighborhood none of us had known existed, ending at a coffee shop someone spotted from the window.
None of it was on the calendar. All of it was the point.
This issue is your permission slip to explore—a spontaneous weekend, a hobby you've been "about to start" for three years, an afternoon hopping between farmers markets, hitting up a street fair on a whim…no agenda, just you, life and the people you love.
Here's to slowing down to savor the everyday magic, right in our own backyards. Happy exploring,
DEBORAH MEKENESE, PUBLISHER
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Deborah Mekenese
Deborah.Mekenese@CityLifestyle.com
EDITOR
Tera Michelson
Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Michelle Numann
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue G. Collins, Bill Furbee, Susan Lanier-Graham, Kali Kasprzyk, Wes Mergard
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Susan Lanier-Graham, Janie Jones, Wes Mergard
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Proverbs 3:5-6
BRAVA Slate:
Eyes on the Skies
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Abby Fovell & Bengals Center Ted Karras of The Cincy Hat Foundation celebrate with the Sword Pull at the FC Cincinnati game. 2: The Specialty North American/Marvin team, presenting sponsors of the 17th annual CRANawards. Eight projects were awarded at the event. 3: Cincinnati’s residential architecture community gathered to celebrate the AIA Cincinnati CRANawards on The Summit Hotel's terrace. 4: Sol design + consulting celebrates their Multi-Unit Housing win for Spring Green Homes at the AIA Cincinnati CRANawards. 5: ChangingGears held its annual Grand Prix, a pedal kart relay to raise funds for transportation solutions in Cincinnati. 6: Four-person teams had a blast racing on an indoor track for nonprofit ChangingGears. 7: Teams at ChangingGears’ Grand Prix competed for best costumes, adding to the fun.
PROVIDED BY FC CINCINNATI
DEBORAH MEKENESE
DEBORAH MEKENESE
DEBORAH MEKENESE
STUDIO
business monthly
ROUNDUP OF
Save the Date for Cincinnati Open Community Weekend—August 8-9
The Cincinnati Open is opening its doors early for Community Weekend, a twoday celebration packed with events on August 8–9. The family-friendly weekend of activities will precede tournament match play, which begins Tuesday, August 11. Grounds passes are available for both Saturday and Sunday, with two separately-ticketed events: Red Bull BassLine (Saturday) and the Cincinnati Open 5K (Sunday). Both events require a special ticket which also act as grounds passes for their respective days. CincinnatiOpen.com
Register Now for 25th Annual Paddlefest— July 31 & August 1
Support Adventure Crew, a local nonprofit connecting city teens with nature, at Paddlefest 2026, the nation’s largest paddling celebration. Enjoy the free Outdoors for All Expo, the event’s pre-party featuring 70+ environmentally minded exhibits, live music, food trucks and local brews, on Friday, 4-9:30 p.m. On Saturday, paddle for 4.5 or 9 miles, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Celebrate with food and live music at the Finish Line Festival that follows. Register online. OhioRiverPaddlefest.org
Lake Isabella's Burgers & Brews Are Back for the Summer
Enjoy tasty burgers, hot dogs and cold beverages on the lakeside deck at Lake Isabella’s Burgers & Brews on alternating Friday evenings this summer. Join Great Parks at Lake Isabella’s boathouse for live music, lawn games and a mini-adventure activity zone. Loveland Paddlesports will join the fun by offering trips down the nearby Little Miami. Burgers & Brews is scheduled from 6-9 p.m. on July 10 and 24 and August 7. Find details online. GreatParks.org
Photography provided by Cincinnati Open
Photography provided by Adventure Crew
Photography provided by Great Parks
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ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY WES MERGARD
SUMMER ROAD TRIP
EXPLORE FOUR HIKING DESTINATIONS WITHIN FOUR HOURS OF CINCINNATI
It’s road trip season! You don’t have to go far from home for an adventure to remember. Explore these four outdoor destinations, all within four hours of Cincinnati, as mapped out by travel expert Wes Mergard of Travel With Wes. Roll down the windows, turn up the tunes and buckle your seatbelts for summer fun that is well worth the drive.
Visit the scenic views of Cuyahoga Valley National Park near Cleveland, Ohio.
Red River Gorge, Kentucky features 29,000 acres of canyon.
“Chase waterfalls, explore caves, enjoy foliage and cap it all off with an afternoon of exploring Madison’s charming smalltown vibes.”
Clifty Falls State Park
1½ Hours from Cincinnati
Clifty Falls is tucked away along the Ohio River near Madison, Indiana. It makes a great weekend day trip destination. It’s the kind of place where you can chase waterfalls, explore caves, enjoy foliage and cap it all off with an afternoon of exploring Madison’s charming smalltown vibes. It’s one of my favorite spots in the area for photography!
There’s one main road that winds through the park, with incredibly easy access to most of the park’s best features. While there are a number of great hiking trails that wind through the park (over 15 miles of them), you can also see some of the park’s top attractions, like its namesake Clifty Falls or Little Clifty Falls, with short walks from nearby parking lots. Given the easy access to waterfalls and stunning views, this is a family-friendly destination, especially for those with small children.
Clifty Falls is a great destination for all seasons, but for the best waterfall viewing experience, try to time your visit after we’ve had some rain, when the water flow will be the most powerful.
Consider making a weekend of your visit. Clifty Inn is located within the park and offers beautiful views of the Ohio River. There’s also a campground available if spending the night outdoors is more your speed. CliftyFallsStatePark.com
Clifty Falls State Park is a family-friendly hiking adventure that is perfect for a weekend getaway.
Red River Gorge
2 Hours from Cincinnati
Red River Gorge is south, just east of Lexington. I like this area because it checks all the boxes when I’m looking to get lost in nature. It’s an easy drive with tons of great cabin options and lots to do.
My favorite hike on this list is the Auxier Ridge Trail. It’s about four miles roundtrip and the vistas of Courthouse Rock are unmatched. For the best experience at Auxier Ridge, head out for sunset. Be sure to pack a headlamp for the hike back. Don’t miss out on Natural Bridge–a short (but steep) hike will take you to the top, where you can enjoy incredible panoramic views. There’s also a chairlift to the top if that’s more your style.
Discover cave kayaking, rock climbing, late-night bonfires, zip lining and so much more awaiting you at The Gorge! RedRiverGorge.com
Hocking Hills State Park
2½ Hours from Cincinnati
Hocking Hills is tucked away within the rolling forests of Southeastern Ohio. I love going for a couple of nights at a time to unplug.
What really sets Hocking Hills apart are the super unique cabin experiences. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a luxury stay with all the bells and whistles or an adventurous treehouse, Hocking Hills has a wide range of rentals. During my last visit, we stayed at Raven’s Retreat, a remote cabin on 58 acres, featuring a hot tub, fire pit, sauna, yoga deck in the forest and space for up to 16 guests.
Be sure to spend some time in the Old Man’s Cave area. Another one of my top picks is the Rock House hike. Home to the only cave in the park, it boasts 25-foot-high ceilings and is 200 feet long! HockingHills.com
Red River Gorge
Hocking Hills
The Ledges in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
“I’d suggest using Cleveland as your home base. Consider getting out on Lake Erie, taking the family to Cedar Point or strolling through the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to round out your weekend.”
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
3½ Hours from Cincinnati
Cuyahoga Valley is Ohio’s only National Park. It resides in the North, between the cities of Akron and Cleveland, and takes about 3½ hours by car from Cincinnati. Although there are a few decent hiking trails here (my favorite is The Ledges Overlook), the experience here is less hiking-oriented than other options on this list.
Instead of booking a cabin, I’d suggest using Cleveland as your home base for a two- or three-night weekend getaway to the area. Not only can you explore the park, but you can take in all that Cleveland has to offer as well. Consider getting out on Lake Erie, taking the family to Cedar Point or strolling through the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to round out your weekend.
Inside the National Park itself you’ll find a lot of history about the Erie Canal system which once powered Ohio’s economy. There are several well-preserved lock systems scattered throughout the park. You can even take a scenic train ride through the park aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. This is a great way to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time.
My favorite photography spots in the park and surrounding area are the Station Road Bridge, which towers high above the Cuyahoga River, Tinker Falls or Brandywine Falls–both waterfalls are located just outside the official National Park boundaries. If you’re looking for a great place to ride bikes or go bird watching, Beaver Marsh is another one of my favorite spots in the park. Since Cuyahoga Valley is a bit further away, I’d encourage you to spend a little bit more time there to take in everything the region has to offer. NPS.gov/cuva/index.htm
TRAVEL WITH WES
Meet Travel Guru Wes Mergard
Looking for better travel experiences or inspiration for your next big bucket list trip? Check out Wes Mergard, a Cincinnati native of 35+ years and the founder of Travel With Wes. When he’s not publishing helpful guides on his travel blog, video guides on YouTube or travel inspiration on Instagram, Wes is taking travelers to bucket list destinations around the world: Norway’s Northern Lights, Germany’s Oktoberfest, European hot spots Paris and Amsterdam and Canada’s Banff National Park. Keep up with Wes’ latest travels and drone photography online, where he’s amassed over 60,000 followers in the travel niche.
TravelWithWes.com
Instagram.com/travel.with.wes TikTok.com/@travelwithwes YouTube.com/@travelwithwes
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
ARTICLE BY BILL FURBEE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY
EYES ON THE SKIES
The historic Cincinnati Observatory
EXPLORE THE STARS WITH ASTRONOMER DR. WES RYLE AT THE HISTORIC CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY
“Most people don’t realize the pivotal role that our city played in the development of astronomical research in the United States,” Dr. Wes Ryle of the Cincinnati Observatory shares. “When our Merz & Mahler telescope was first used in 1845, it was one of the largest telescopes in the world and the first professional research observatory in the country. Even more impressive, the funds for the telescope and observatory were crowdsourced from the citizens of Cincinnati, fueled by an interest in astronomy generated by our founder Ormsby Macknight Mitchel through his engaging public lectures.”
Today, the very same telescope–manufactured in Munich, Germany–is in use for almost all of the organization’s programming.
Wes, who was born and raised in Northern Kentucky, has always considered Cincinnati a hometown.
“Like many kids, I grew up with an interest in space and dinosaurs,” he says. “The love for space just never went away.”
By the time of the Civil War, Wes explains, coal smoke from downtown factories made astronomical observations difficult—so much so, that the second director of the Observatory,
Cleveland Abbe, focused instead on developing methods for weather forecasting, eventually leaving to help found what would become the National Weather Service.
In 1873 the telescope was moved to rural (at the time) Hyde Park/Mt. Lookout, with its main building designed by famous Cincinnati architect Samuel Hannaford.
“Over the subsequent decades, the observatory continued to function as a research facility and upgraded to a larger Alvan Clark & Sons refracting telescope in 1904, moving the historic Merz & Mahler to a newer, smaller building,” Wes says. “The observatory also became the official timekeeper for the city of Cincinnati, utilizing the motion of the stars to provide the most precise measurement of time available. Today, the historic observatory’s mission focuses on preservation of its unique buildings and instruments while also providing science outreach and education services to the community.”
Wes notes a few events taking place later this year, which may be of interest to any amateur stargazers.
“THE OBSERVATORY BECAME THE OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER FOR THE CITY OF CINCINNATI, UTILIZING THE MOTION OF THE STARS TO PROVIDE THE MOST PRECISE MEASUREMENT OF TIME AVAILABLE."
-DR. WES RYLE, CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY ASTRONOMER.
“An almost total lunar eclipse will be visible from our area beginning the evening of August 27 and running past midnight,” he says. “Viewers need only find the Moon in the sky with their naked eye to watch the eclipse unfold over the course of a few hours, with the Moon turning a ruddy red color midway through the eclipse.
“It’s also a good year for multiple meteor showers,” Wes adds, “with relatively little interference from the Moon to ruin our
view. Prominent showers include the Perseids in mid-August, the Leonids in mid-November and the Geminids in mid-December.”
Wes points out that the Cincinnati Observatory is funded through a combination of memberships and individual donations, grants and revenue from public programming.
“At the observatory,” he says, “we believe science should be accessible to everyone. Grant support helps fund educational field trips and outreach to thousands of students every year, focusing on underserved students.”
Over the years, the observatory has made a focused effort to diversify its programming to appeal to a wide variety of audiences, Wes explains.
“We typically have three or four onsite programs per week and all will include viewing through our historic telescopes if the weather cooperates. Family Astronomy Night and Interstellar Adventures are good choices that involve fun crafts or activities for kids. Adults may be interested in our Adult Astronaut Academy, Observatory After Hours or Late Night Date Night programs,” he suggests. “We’re also branching out into the community, including monthly programming at Madtree Brewing in Oakley featuring our inflatable planetarium on the last Thursdays of the month through October.”
Cincinnati Observatory | 3489 Observatory Pl., Cincinnati | 513.321.5186 | info@cincinnatiobservatory.org | CincinnatiObservatory.org
Dr. Wes Ryle
A LEISURELY BARGE CRUISE ALONG FRANCE’S CANAL DU MIDI OFFERS
A QUIET LUXURY ESCAPE
THE SOUTH
escape to France of
There is something a bit magical about the South of France. It conjures images of rolling hills set along the Mediterranean, vast vineyards and olive trees swaying in the breezes. The images come to life when you book a luxury barge cruise with European Waterways ( EuropeanWaterways.com). It offers the perfect opportunity to experience the region’s slow pace.
Canal du Midi is a 330-year-old canal that runs from the Mediterranean coast inland through the famous Languedoc wine region. This is an opportunity for a true escape from everyday life.
WHAT IS A BARGE CRUISE?
Barges, originally used to shuttle goods along the inner waterways throughout
Europe, are now floating hotels. European Waterways operates b arges from April to October.
One of three boats to traverse Canal du Midi, Enchanté is an “ultra-deluxe” converted barge with four cabins for up to eight passengers. Each suite on Enchanté features an ensuite bathroom. All suites are on the lower level, while the salon,
CONTINUED >
dining room, open kitchen and sun deck are above. The rooms are comfortable and quiet, the staff accommodating and the pace of the barge allows you to slow down and unwind. In fact, the barge moves slowly along the canal, giving passengers a chance to stroll along or ride one of the onboard bicycles.
THE BARGING EXPERIENCE
The barging experience is not anything like other cruises. With only eight passengers (although some boats have the capacity for 10 to 20 passengers), it provides a quiet escape.
Each day, you cruise slowly along the canal, going a total distance of about 50 miles over one week. The day’s leisurely routine begins with a sit-down breakfast and specially prepared dishes from the chef. You either cruise in the morning and take a short excursion in the afternoon, or vice versa.
Lunch is a gourmet 3-course meal paired with local wines. Dinner is a beautiful production with appetizers, main course, cheese course and dessert. Again, everything is paired with both a white and red wine.
EXCURSIONS ALONG THE WAY
Throughout the cruise, there are small stops along the way. This area of France is filled with gourmet delights and history, and you have a chance to explore both during your cruise.
You’ll visit l’Oulibo, a high-end olive oil producer growing Lucques olives. Enjoy a tasting of the oils and the olives, and pick up a few to take home. Another day, you’ll taste local balsamic vinegar. This is a real treat and a unique experience sampling a variety of flavors.
During the barge cruise, you’ll have a chance to visit three of what may be the most beautiful towns in France: Minerve, Lagrasse and Carcassonne. Lagrasse is an artisan town surrounding an 8th-century Benedictine Abbey. Minerve is home to a 12th-century Cathar fort with spectacular views. Carcassonne is a medieval fortified city with 52 watchtowers and portcullis.
There is also an excursion to Narbonne, once a Roman capital. There, you’ll have a chance to wander through Les Halles de Narbonne—the indoor food market—with the chef, picking out items for him to prepare once back onboard Enchanté.
European Waterways offers the ideal escape to the South of France and other destinations across Europe.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
JULY 3RD
Benefit Concert
for CancerFree KIDS
The Redmoor, 3187 Linwood Avenue, Cincinnati | 6:00 PM
Enjoy the live music of The Cottontails, a Cincinnati-born band made up of Moeller and Badin grads who are coming together for a night of live music to raise money for CancerFree KIDS, a nonprofit dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research. Doors and the kitchen open at 6 p.m.; music begins at 7:30 p.m. 100% of proceeds support CancerFreeKIDS. EventBrite.com/e/the-cottontailsbenefit-concert-tickets-1987612824463
JULY 14TH
Shakespeare in the Park: Much Ado About Nothing
Eden Park, Seasongood Pavilion, 1600 Museum Drive, Cincinnati | 7:00 PM
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company brings a unique and timely adaptation of the classic comedy Much Ado About Nothing to Eden Park. Bring a blanket and a friend to enjoy an entertaining evening filled with mistaken identities, overheard conversations and joyful chaos. CincyShakes. com/on-stage/much-ado-park
JULY 16TH
Summer Music Festival
Ault Park, 5090 Observatory Circle, Cincinnati | 6:00 PM
The Summer Music Festival returns to Ault Park on July 16. Enjoy live tunes from Mojo Rizin, food trucks, local drinks, plus family fun with games, inflatables and crafts. This free community tradition supports Ault Park. Bring your lawn chairs, grab a drink and let the music move you! AultParkAC.org
JULY 18TH
Ohio River Sweep
Fernbank Park, 50 Thornton Avenue, Cincinnati | 9:00 AM
Great Parks’ next Ohio River Sweep is from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on July 18 at Fernbank Park. One of the biggest multi-state litter pickups anywhere, Ohio River Sweep attracts hundreds of volunteers to remove plastic bottles, car tires, food containers and all types of litter and recyclables that end up in the water or on the riverbanks. GreatParks.org
JULY 25TH
Hyde Park Market
1345 Grace Avenue, Cincinnati | 10:00 AM
Explore more than 50 local artisan vendors at the Hyde Park Market on July 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This outdoor, curated event offers handmade goods, art and more in the heart of Hyde Park. Free entry and open to all—shop local and enjoy a summer day in one of Cincinnati’s favorite neighborhoods. Instagram.com/hydeparkmarketcincy/
JULY 25TH
Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony & Dedication Celebration
The Andrew J. Brady Music Center, 25 Race Street, Cincinnati | 12:00 PM 2026 inductees to the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame will soon be announced! Join the Queen City for an unforgettable weekend of celebrating Cincinnati’s rich musical heritage during Cincinnati Music Festival Weekend. Attendees are invited to wear all-white attire for the occasion. CincyBlackMusicWalkofFame.org
REALTY REPORT
A Sample of Recently Sold Properties in and around Hyde Park
Luke Luther Realtor Partner
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BOOKS TO TAKE YOU AWAY
I ASKED MY EXPAT AND TRAVEL-SAVVY FRIENDS TO RECOMMEND BOOKS TO TAKE ME FAR AWAY. HERE YOU GO!
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
The Corfu Trilogy
BY GERALD DURRELL
Three classic tales of childhood on an island paradise - My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The Garden of the Gods by Gerald Durrell - are available in a single edition for the first time in The Corfu Trilogy.
Blue Latitudes
BY TONY HORWITZ
Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before
The Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist travels to various parts of the world, following in the footsteps of explorer James Cook.
The Island of Missing Trees
BY ELIF SHAFAK
It is 1974 on the island of Cyprus. Two teenagers, from opposite sides of a divided land, meet at a tavern in the city they both call home. The tavern is the only place that Kostas, who is Greek and Christian, and Defne, who is Turkish and Muslim, can meet, in secret, hidden beneath the blackened beams from which hang garlands of garlic, chili peppers and wild herbs. This is where one can find the best food in town, the best music, the best wine. But there is something else to the place: it makes one forget, even if for just a few hours, the world outside and its immoderate sorrows.
Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu, where the youngest of the four children, ten-year-old Gerald, discovered his passion for animals: toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies, scorpions and octopuses. Through glorious silver-green olive groves and across brilliant-white beaches Gerry pursued his obsession . . . causing hilarity and mayhem in his ever-tolerant family.
Cutting for Stone
BY ABRAHAM VERGHESE
Cutting for Stone is a novel written by Ethiopian-born, IndianAmerican medical doctor and author Abraham Verghese. It is a saga of twin brothers, orphaned by their mother’s death at their births and forsaken by their father.
The Museum of Innocence
BY ORHAN PAMUK
The author is a Nobel-laureate Turkish novelist. The book, set in Istanbul between 1975 and 1984, is an account of the love story between the wealthy businessman Kemal and a poorer distant relative of his, Füsun.
