{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Micro.blog - Robert Breen","home_page_url":"https://micro.blog","feed_url":"https://micro.blog/posts/robertbreen","_microblog":{"about":"https://micro.blog/about/api","id":"1496714","username":"robertbreen","bio":"Former finance exec, now reading, writing, and traveling. I write essays about family, retirement, and the books that help make sense of it all. ","pronouns":"He/him","is_following":false,"is_you":false,"following_count":80,"discover_count":0},"author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://avatars.micro.blog/avatars/2026/06/1496714.jpg"},"items":[{"id":"99911502","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/Cliff538\">@Cliff538</a> Thanks, Cliff! I think you would enjoy this one.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/99911502","date_published":"2026-10-26T16:13:36+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-10-26 16:13","date_timestamp":1793031216,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"99881122","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781590171998/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781590171998\">Stoner</a> by John  Williams 💙📚</p>\n<p>A Missouri farm boy becomes a literature professor, builds the life of his dreams, and then watches it all unravel. It’s like the saddest of country songs, told in spare prose that lets the sorrow soak in. Masterfully written.  ★★★★★</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/10/25/stoner-by-john-williams/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/10/25/finished-reading-stoner-by-john.html","date_published":"2026-10-26T03:41:18+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-10-26 03:41","date_timestamp":1792986078,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://pkm.social/@Robertbreen/117505138104755880","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3myqsiexwxl2n"]}},{"id":"99587589","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/Cliff538\">@Cliff538</a> Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this is happening to you, Cliff.  It’s a blessing to be cancer-free, but those employment restrictions suck. Here’s hoping you can make lemonade from this pile of lemons ……</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/99587589","date_published":"2026-10-21T02:39:27+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-10-21 02:39","date_timestamp":1792550367,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"99565812","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/Cliff538\">@Cliff538</a> Whoa! I hadn’t heard of this! Instant download ……. Thank you!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/99565812","date_published":"2026-10-20T17:34:52+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-10-20 17:34","date_timestamp":1792517692,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"99522343","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780312424404/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780312424404\">Gilead</a> by Marilynne Robinson 📚💙</p>\n<p>A spare, reflective novel filled with wisdom and grace. This one will stick with me for a long while. Marilynne Robinson can write! ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/10/19/gilead-by-marilynne-robinson/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/10/19/finished-reading-gilead-by-marilynne.html","date_published":"2026-10-20T01:11:10+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-10-20 01:11","date_timestamp":1792458670,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://pkm.social/@Robertbreen/117470572890578173","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3mybhbwnsap27"]}},{"id":"99237287","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781797169606/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781797169606\">A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon</a> by Kevin Fedarko 💙📚</p>\n<p>Two inexperienced hikers decide to trek through the incredibly challenging wilderness of the Grand Canyon. Equally humorous and harrowing. A fun read. ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/10/14/a-walk-in-the-park-by-kevin-fedarko/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/10/14/finished-reading-a-walk-in.html","date_published":"2026-10-14T21:08:41+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-10-14 21:08","date_timestamp":1792012121,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://pkm.social/@Robertbreen/117441309070449745","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3mxuhgbzxjb27"]}},{"id":"99638375","content_html":"<p><a href=\"http://cliff538.bsky.social\">@cliff538.bsky.social</a> Looks great, Cliff! Posted from Bluesky.</p>\n","url":"https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3mxb66eueec2l","date_published":"2026-10-07T05:03:20+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-10-07 05:03","date_timestamp":1791349400,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98787760","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/Cliff538\">@Cliff538</a> Your photo blog looks amazing!!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/98787760","date_published":"2026-10-07T03:23:25+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-10-07 03:23","date_timestamp":1791343405,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98787537","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/Cliff538\">@Cliff538</a> Oh, I am so glad to hear this!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/98787537","date_published":"2026-10-07T03:22:25+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-10-07 03:22","date_timestamp":1791343345,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98727636","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/Cliff538\">@Cliff538</a> Thinking about you today, Cliff. Hope the surgery wen’t well, and you’re home recovering.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/98727636","date_published":"2026-10-06T03:07:23+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-10-06 03:07","date_timestamp":1791256043,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98657566","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/G40495148/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/G40495148\">Blindness</a> by José Saramago 📚</p>\n<p>What would happen if blindness became a contagious epidemic? That’s the premise of this bleak novel where humanity is thrust into a newly dystopian reality. Grim reading, but a powerful message. ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/10/04/blindness-by-jose-saramago/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/10/04/finished-reading-blindness-by-jos.html","date_published":"2026-10-04T18:54:36+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-10-04 18:54","date_timestamp":1791140076,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"98502600","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/Eyebeemania\">@Eyebeemania</a> I may have sensitive eyes, but I can’t read for very long on my iPad or iPhone. And even with the nightmode screen setting turned on, the screen messes with my sleep. If you’re reading for long stretches, especially at night, I would definitely encourage checking out a dedicated e-reader.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/98502600","date_published":"2026-10-01T19:16:52+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-10-01 19:16","date_timestamp":1790882212,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98501786","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/jsonbecker\">@jsonbecker</a> Doh! Classic upsell. I justified the higher price for the Paperwhite because I’ve gotten nine years out of the last one. The trade-in credit and 20% discount helped too.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/98501786","date_published":"2026-10-01T19:05:20+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-10-01 19:05","date_timestamp":1790881520,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98499136","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/manton\">@manton</a> I use a <a href=\"https://www.amazon.com/LEVO-Adjustable-Hands-Free-Reading-Holder/dp/B000ABHIXG/\">Levo book stand</a> with a tablet attachment for most of my nightly reading. It suspends the Kindle (or physical book) at a perfect reading height from my reading chair and completely resolved the neck pain I got from long bouts of reading. The Click will definitely make this easier than reaching up to tap the screen for the next page. Definitely an edge case though.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/98499136","date_published":"2026-10-01T18:14:18+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-10-01 18:14","date_timestamp":1790878458,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98498718","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/jsonbecker\">@jsonbecker</a> Did you see they are releasing <a href=\"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H4WGJMPD?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&amp;th=1\">an optional case</a> that the Kindle fits into with page buttons? This feels like a pretty good compromise.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/98498718","date_published":"2026-10-01T18:06:54+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-10-01 18:06","date_timestamp":1790878014,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98492273","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/manton\">@manton</a> A new Kindle in aluminum with an optional case that sports physical page buttons? Instant pre-order for me. I can finally retire nine-year-old Kindle Oasis that barely holds a charge. Thanks for alerting me to this!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/98492273","date_published":"2026-10-01T16:02:22+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-10-01 16:02","date_timestamp":1790870542,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98438037","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780451076458/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780451076458\">Rage</a> by Richard Bachman/Stephen King 📚</p>\n<p>In a quest to read every single novel that Stephen King ever wrote, there must come a time when you reach the very dregs. ★★☆☆☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/09/30/rage-by-stephen-king/\">Full review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/09/30/finished-reading-rage-by-richard.html","date_published":"2026-09-30T17:58:23+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-30 17:58","date_timestamp":1790791103,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"98049287","content_html":"<blockquote>\n<p>We shall not cease from exploration\nAnd the end of all our exploring\nWill be to arrive where we started\nAnd know the place for the first time.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>— T.S. Eliot</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/09/23/120347.html","date_published":"2026-09-23T19:03:47+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-23 19:03","date_timestamp":1790190227,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://pkm.social/@Robertbreen/117321908900576983","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3mw7gneezqm2u"]}},{"id":"98008930","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/Cliff538\">@Cliff538</a> that sounds pretty smart to me!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/98008930","date_published":"2026-09-23T04:12:12+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-23 04:12","date_timestamp":1790136732,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98000892","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/writingslowly\">@writingslowly</a> It looks good!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/98000892","date_published":"2026-09-23T00:52:47+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-23 00:52","date_timestamp":1790124767,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98000698","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/Cliff538\">@Cliff538</a> Well done, Cliff!  Did getting your own reviews to show up at the bottom of the book page require a special template or custom code?</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/98000698","date_published":"2026-09-23T00:44:41+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-23 00:44","date_timestamp":1790124281,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97996634","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781641290562/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781641290562\">Joe Country</a> by Mick Herron 💙📚</p>\n<p>Jackson Lamb is as disgusting and brilliant as ever, and the Slow Horses must work together to save one of their own. This one is the darkest of the books, with an ending that hints at even more trouble ahead for the Slow Horses. ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/09/22/joe-country-by-mick-herron/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/09/22/finished-reading-joe-country-by.html","date_published":"2026-09-22T22:13:13+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-22 22:13","date_timestamp":1790115193,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://pkm.social/@Robertbreen/117316990759004629","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3mw5aqulgkw2s"]}},{"id":"97984432","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/Cliff538\">@Cliff538</a> Great review! On my to-read list now.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/97984432","date_published":"2026-09-22T17:16:03+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-22 17:16","date_timestamp":1790097363,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97926468","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/philbowell\">@philbowell</a> Looks great, Phil! I love how it includes your own review of the book at the bottom of the page. I’m going to have to experiment with this.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/97926468","date_published":"2026-09-21T17:29:25+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-21 17:29","date_timestamp":1790011765,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97926334","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/Cliff538\">@Cliff538</a> Thank you! Good books!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/97926334","date_published":"2026-09-21T17:26:51+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-21 17:26","date_timestamp":1790011611,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97926261","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/the\">@the</a> I’ll bet upgrading to iOS 27 fixed it. That’s the only other thing I’ve done.  Let me know!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/97926261","date_published":"2026-09-21T17:25:43+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-21 17:25","date_timestamp":1790011543,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97926182","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/cynthiacliff\">@cynthiacliff</a> Yes! More Shakespeare!!!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/97926182","date_published":"2026-09-21T17:23:08+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-21 17:23","date_timestamp":1790011388,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97895090","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780143105510/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780143105510\">The snow Leopard</a> by Peter Matthiessen 💙📚</p>\n<p>A grief-driven slog through the Himalayan mountains with a narrator who’s hard to like, and yet parts of it were incredibly moving. I still can’t decide if I hated it or loved it. Maybe a little of both.  ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/09/20/the-snow-leopard-by-peter-matthiessen/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/09/20/finished-reading-the-snow-leopard.html","date_published":"2026-09-21T04:27:46+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-21 04:27","date_timestamp":1789964866,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://pkm.social/@Robertbreen/117307138927430853","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3mvyuqrrf4x2c"]}},{"id":"97828874","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/the\">@the</a> So weird! Have you upgraded to iOS 27.0 that came out this week? I did both that update and the new Micro.blog update, and now the Discover tab for books is working great.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/97828874","date_published":"2026-09-19T18:14:20+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-19 18:14","date_timestamp":1789841660,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97618541","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/the\">@the</a> today’s iOS update for Micro.blog fixed this bug for me. Thank you <a href=\"https://micro.blog/manton\">@manton</a> !</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/97618541","date_published":"2026-09-16T06:02:18+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-16 06:02","date_timestamp":1789538538,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97603613","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/patrickrhone\">@patrickrhone</a> We faced an empty nest five years (!) ago. So disorienting. In my case, <a href=\"https://robertbreen.com/2021/09/02/organizing-the-tool-shed/\">I organized the tool shed</a>. We each have to find our own way through this. Sending good thoughts!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/97603613","date_published":"2026-09-16T00:17:29+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-16 00:17","date_timestamp":1789517849,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97189176","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/genegualtieri\">@genegualtieri</a> another favorite! You’ve got great taste in books!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/97189176","date_published":"2026-09-08T22:55:35+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-08 22:55","date_timestamp":1788908135,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97136050","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/Cliff538\">@Cliff538</a> Oh man, all that GREEN! Soak it all in!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/robertbreen/97136050","date_published":"2026-09-08T00:35:47+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-08 00:35","date_timestamp":1788827747,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97074773","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780393063820/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/09/06/the-far-side-of-the-world-by-patrick-obrian/\">Far Side of the World</a> by Patrick O’Brian 💙📚 <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780393063820\">(Book link)</a></p>\n<p>A comfort reread. This one is surprisingly dark—a mutinous crew, storms, murder, and castaways. But, as always, the enduring friendship of Aubrey and Maturin carries the book and warms my heart.  ★★★★★</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/09/06/finished-reading-far-side-of.html","date_published":"2026-09-06T20:35:09+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-06 20:35","date_timestamp":1788726909,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://pkm.social/@Robertbreen/117226007769043155","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3muutslouf725"]}},{"id":"96982535","content_html":"<p>We got bad news from the vet today. Our eleven-year-old Puggle is fading fast, and we’re faced with the most awful of all decisions. This fella has been with me through some of the very best times of my life, and some of the worst. How many thousands of miles have we walked together, this dog and I? How many separations followed by joyous reunions? Oh man, I’m gonna miss him.</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>A little bit of grace. That’s what a good dog is, you know. A little bit of grace.\n— Stephen King</p>\n</blockquote>\n<img src=\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/125484/2026/676fac87e0-m.jpg\" alt=\"A smiling man wearing sunglasses poses for a selfie with a happy dog on a leash against a scenic outdoor backdrop.\" loading=\"lazy\">\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/09/04/we-got-bad-news-from.html","date_published":"2026-09-04T23:42:42+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-04 23:42","date_timestamp":1788565362,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://pkm.social/@Robertbreen/117215420851912931","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3muq5e7trqd2x"]}},{"id":"96961718","content_html":"<p>Blaise Pascal was a French philosopher, mathematician, physicist, religious thinker, and even the original inventor of public transportation. All this over a short life of just 39 years. I read <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780141915647?title=Pensees&amp;author=Blaise+Pascal&amp;cover_url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.isbndb.com%2Fcovers%2F13958453482238.jpg&amp;cover_id=292031\">Pensées</a> a long time ago. His clear-eyed writing haunts me.</p>\n<img src=\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/125484/2026/img-0047.png\" loading=\"lazy\">\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/09/04/blaise-pascal-was-a-french.html","date_published":"2026-09-04T16:07:33+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-04 16:07","date_timestamp":1788538053,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://pkm.social/@Robertbreen/117213630960376440","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3mupdwboj272y"]}},{"id":"96859405","content_html":"<p>Question for readers who use the Micro.blog app on iPhone: when I tap the Discover button and use the pull-down filter for Books, the feed never loads. The progress bar stops around the 50% mark. Other Discover categories work great. Anyone else have this issue? <a href=\"https://micro.blog/Manton\">@Manton</a>?</p>\n<img src=\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/125484/2026/micro.blog-books-discover.png\" loading=\"lazy\">\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/09/02/question-for-readers-who-use.html","date_published":"2026-09-03T00:35:43+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-03 00:35","date_timestamp":1788395743,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"96791360","content_html":"<blockquote>\n<p>Just one way, you do get back home. You have a boy or a girl of your own and now and then you remember, and you know how they feel, and it’s almost the same as if you were your own self again, as young as you could remember.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>— James Agee, A Death in the Family</p>\n<img src=\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/125484/2026/img-2621-m.jpg\" alt=\"Auto-generated description: A man is kneeling and putting a red sock on a young boy who is sitting on wooden stairs outdoors.\" loading=\"lazy\">\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/09/01/just-one-way-you-do.html","date_published":"2026-09-01T22:24:38+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-01 22:24","date_timestamp":1788301478,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://pkm.social/@Robertbreen/117198126987276720","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3muihlvpcen2l"]}},{"id":"96065996","content_html":"<p>I’ve been using Things as my task manager since 2018. I love this beautifully designed app.  One universal gripe from Things users: make it easy to complete or reschedule recurring tasks before they’re due. <a href=\"https://culturedcode.com/things/blog/2026/08/repeating-to-dos-refined/\">That was solved today</a>. And of course the UX is genius. Well done, Cultured Code!</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/08/19/ive-been-using-things-as.html","date_published":"2026-08-20T00:45:15+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-08-20 00:45","date_timestamp":1787186715,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://pkm.social/@Robertbreen/117125069964067052","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3mthzfggzy52d"]}},{"id":"95832822","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780393063820/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Currently re-reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780393063820\">Far Side of the World</a> by Patrick O’Brian 💙📚</p>\n<p>Ah, the Aubrey/Maturin novels. This is my 4th time through the 20-volume series, known as a circumnavigation by O’Brian aficionados. I love these books so much. I wrote <a href=\"https://robertbreen.com/2018/12/12/happy-birthday-patrick-obrian/\">this tribute</a> after my third voyage. Books can be dear friends.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/08/15/currently-rereading-far-side-of.html","date_published":"2026-08-15T19:28:41+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-08-15 19:28","date_timestamp":1786822121,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://pkm.social/@Robertbreen/117101176651520836","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3mt5ftyjufv2d"]}},{"id":"95831155","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781942658603/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/08/15/tinkers-by-paul-harding/\">Tinkers</a> by Paul Harding (<a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781942658603\">Book details</a>) 💙📚</p>\n<p>Universal themes run through this spare novel—fathers and sons, memory, mental illness, the mystery of existence—but the storytelling felt disjointed, and I never found the thread to connect many of the fragmentary passages. ★★★☆☆</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/08/15/finished-reading-tinkers-by-paul.html","date_published":"2026-08-15T18:43:59+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-08-15 18:43","date_timestamp":1786819439,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":["https://pkm.social/@Robertbreen/117101002905974782","https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:n5anip6zb7tmhgtpyriiikaa/post/3mt5dexmlux2o"]}},{"id":"95322297","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781627790550/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781627790550\">Being Mortal</a> by Atul Gawande 📚</p>\n<p>A sobering look at the inevitable and merciless certainty of our mortality. No matter how much we exercise or how carefully we eat, death is unavoidable—and growing old is not for the faint of heart.</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Old age is not a battle. Old age is a massacre.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>Gawande, a practicing surgeon, argues doctors are good at fixing specific ailments but often do more harm than good with a dying patient. Not an easy read, but the lessons are essential for all of us. ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/08/06/being-mortal-by-atul-gawande/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/08/06/finished-reading-being-mortal-by.html","date_published":"2026-08-07T00:22:47+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-08-07 00:22","date_timestamp":1786062167,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"94700972","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781501141201/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781501141201\">Firestarter</a> by Stephen King 📚</p>\n<p>Seeing the awful movie many years ago spoiled me from reading this book until now. As with most Stephen King novels, the depth of characters and human themes transcends the genre. ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/07/26/firestarter-by-stephen-king/\">Full Review.</a></p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/07/26/finished-reading-firestarter-by-stephen.html","date_published":"2026-07-26T20:06:09+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-26 20:06","date_timestamp":1785096369,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"94118714","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781668214381/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781668214381\">Nonesuch</a> by Francis Spufford 📚</p>\n<p>This novel had all the elements of a terrific story: a strong, conflicted female protagonist, a menacing Nazi villain, Narnia-like magic, time travel, all set in wartime Britain. Sadly, the book couldn’t live up to the premise. ★★☆☆☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/07/16/nonesuch-by-francis-spufford/\">Full Review.</a></p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/07/16/finished-reading-nonesuch-by-francis.html","date_published":"2026-07-16T17:12:37+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-16 17:12","date_timestamp":1784221957,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93379992","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781982181314/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781982181314\">The Greatest Sentence Ever Written</a> by Walter Isaacson 📚</p>\n<p>Timely review of the Founding Fathers’ debate and intentions for the formation of the United States. An easy read, but it will leave you with lots to ponder. ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/07/03/the-greatest-sentence-ever-written-by-walter-isaacson/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/07/03/finished-reading-the-greatest-sentence.html","date_published":"2026-07-03T16:42:59+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-03 16:42","date_timestamp":1783096979,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93203588","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780547345666/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780547345666\">The Handmaid’s Tale</a> by Margaret Atwood 📚</p>\n<p>Finally read this dystopian classic. Five years ago it would have felt wildly imaginative; now it feels all too plausible. Atwood’s prose is cinematic, her warning timeless.  ★★★★★</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/06/30/the-handmaids-tale-by-margaret-atwood/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/06/30/finished-reading-the-handmaids-tale.html","date_published":"2026-06-30T18:35:56+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-30 18:35","date_timestamp":1782844556,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93033648","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780593653142/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780593653142\">Hidden Potential</a> by Adam Grant 📚</p>\n<p>A breezy book about the importance of character, persistence, and passion in how we learn, grow, and ultimately reach our goals. Not much new territory explored here. Some interesting stories, but probably better as a TED Talk. ★★☆☆☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/06/27/hidden-potential-by-adam-grant/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/06/27/finished-reading-hidden-potential-by.html","date_published":"2026-06-27T17:56:02+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-27 17:56","date_timestamp":1782582962,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"92672715","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780142437988/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780142437988\">The End of the Affair</a> by Graham Greene 📚</p>\n<p>This classic novel explores the fine line between love and hate in post-war London.</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>I have never known a woman before or since so able to alter a whole mood by simply speaking on the telephone, and when she came into a room or put her hand on my side she created at once the absolute trust I lost with every separation.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>Short chapters, crisp prose, suspense-novel feel, but the real punch is in the questions it raises: fate vs. free will, faith vs. doubt, romantic longing vs. jealousy’s corrosiveness. ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/06/22/the-end-of-the-affair-by-graham-greene/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/06/22/finished-reading-the-end-of.html","date_published":"2026-06-22T16:48:14+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-22 16:48","date_timestamp":1782146894,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"92192763","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780312424091/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780312424091\">Housekeeping</a> by Marilynne Robinson 📚</p>\n<p><em>Housekeeping</em> is a novel, yes, but also a ruminative meditation on grief, loneliness, and memory. A book to take slow and let it flow over you. The perfect ending made up for the challenging parts.  ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/06/14/housekeeping-by-marilynne-robinson/\">Full Review.</a></p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/06/14/finished-reading-housekeeping-by-marilynne.html","date_published":"2026-06-15T02:52:55+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-15 02:52","date_timestamp":1781491975,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"91681493","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781583485095/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781583485095\">My Ántonia (Great Plains Trilogy, #3)</a> by Willa Cather 📚</p>\n<p>A literary classic set in rural Nebraska during the 1880s.  It’s a coming-of-age story of friendship, romance, and small-town values, but also a quiet meditation on place and memory.  I enjoyed this one.  ★★★★☆</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.robertbreen.com/2026/06/06/my-antonia-by-willa-cather/\">Full Review</a>.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://robertbreen.micro.blog/2026/06/06/finished-reading-my-ntonia-great.html","date_published":"2026-06-07T04:22:58+00:00","author":{"name":"Robert Breen","url":"https://robertbreen.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2026%2F06%2F1496714.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"robertbreen"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-07 04:22","date_timestamp":1780806178,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}}]}