Author Reg Spittle

Book of the Year: All About Life, Wishes, and Death

Reg Spittle 3 Comments

My favorite book that I read in 2025 features a heartwarming friendship, unexpected twists, and a race.

Jason Cashman is 10 years old when he meets Murray McBride, a former major league baseball player who is 100.

One has a terminal illness and the other is racing to help him fulfill his five wishes before he dies.

The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride, by Joe Siple, had me wishing it wouldn’t end. You’ll find out why when you read this wonderful story.

If you are looking for other ideas for your next book, see my list of reviews, with links to my reviews of the books. I read at least 50 books a year, but only post comments about ones I recommend.

I would love to hear about your favorite book of 2025; post yours in comments below. Here’s to 2026!

When Is the Right Time to Quit?

Reg Spittle 4 Comments

Today, Christmas Eve, Sue and I made a difficult call. It will mean we will miss tonight and Christmas Day with our adult kids.

They are just 64 miles away, but we are an ocean apart. An “atmospheric river” has California in its grip and it has sent wind and rain that has stranded us in a Sierra Nevada foothill RV park.

Have you ever quit a trek or other adventure?

This photo shows us at our finish line at Land’s End, England on the South West Coast Path after a day of horizontal rain. A few days earlier, fierce winds hit as we were about to walk miles on a clifftop above the ocean. Warnings to avoid the trail were broadcast. What should we do? We so badly wanted to walk, but we took a bus to the next town, avoiding what we considered a risk not worth taking.

It all brings me to this article in Backpacker. Sometimes it is smart to quit, or take a day off. When? Often it is a tough call.

Tonight, Sue and I very much miss being with our kids. But, if the weather cooperates, we’ll see them in a couple of days. It will be worth the wait. I am sure of that.

Tell us about your story in comments.