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My Midsummer Morning

Rediscovering a Life of Adventure

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My Midsummer Morning

By: Alastair Humphreys
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About this listen

 A Financial Times Summer Book of 2019

Seasoned adventurer Alastair Humphreys pushes himself to his very limits – busking his way across Spain with a violin he can barely play.

In 1935 a young Englishman named Laurie Lee arrived in Spain. He had never been overseas; had hardly even left the quiet village he grew up in. His idea was to walk through the country, earning money for food by playing his violin in bars and plazas.

Nearly a century later, the book Laurie Lee wrote – As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning – inspired Alastair Humphreys. It made him fall in love with Spain – the landscapes and the spirit – and with Laurie's style of travel. He travelled slow, lived simply, slept on hilltops, relished spontaneity, and loved conversations with the different people he met along the hot and dusty road.

For 15 years, Alastair dreamed of retracing Laurie Lee’s footsteps, but could never get past the hurdle of being distinctly unmusical. This year, he decided to go anyway. The journey was his most terrifying yet, risking failure and humiliation every day, and finding himself truly vulnerable to the rhythms of the road and of his own life. But along the way, he found humility, redemption and triumph. It was a very good adventure.

 Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Entertainment & Celebrities Music Walking Celebrity Adventure Inspiring

Critic reviews

'Humphreys is clearly slightly bonkers and this is a wonderful thing'
Geographical Magazine

‘Compelling reading … It’s honest and human’ The Great Outdoors magazine

‘Without a doubt Alastair’s best writing … intriguing and captivating’ The Outdoor Adventure Blog

‘Funny, heartwarming and above all, it was a very honest read’ Adventure Geek

‘Deeply personal … brave’ The Grown-Up Gap Year

‘A brutally honest, refreshing and heart-warming read’ Humans Resourced

‘Alastair’s books never fail to ignite the spark for travel in me, but this one is my favourite to date’ On: Yorkshire magazine

‘My Midsummer Morning is an honest and sincere look at a man trying to define himself. And it is Humphreys’ open and genuine spirit that provides the authenticity’ The Writer Shed
All stars
Most relevant
If you are planning a big walk, you should read this book. If you are planning a big sit down, you should read this book. If you can play a musical instrument, or if you can't, read this book. If you know Spain, or if you would like to, read this book. If you ever doubt yourself or the life you have chosen - or if you don't - read this book. If you're looking for something substantial, or want an easy read, read this book.

A great walk

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Another thoroughly enjoyable adventure in living and how to get the best out of your life. Thanks Al, my disabilities have stopped my own physical adventures but you’ve taught me how to be happy with what I have.
A thoroughly enjoyable recount of Alastair’s summer spent walking halfway across Spain living only on the money he earned by busking (badly).
A modern day Michael Palin. If only the BBC had discovered you.

A lesson in life and living

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loved listening to this book at night it just let's your mind drift off to the hills and valleys in spain. I cringed everything Alistair mentioned taking out violin I felt for him but also felt proud of him to progress and keep doing it... look forward to reading me books of his adventures

such an easy book to listen

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A great descriptive book full of the sounds, smells and sights of Alastairs adventure in Spain. I truly did not want it to end as I was transported from chilly Scotland to a warm and balmy Spain.

Adorable

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I so enjoyed this book which brought back my memories of travelling in Spain. I have been building up a library of audible books to listen to while we travel in our motorhome. Alas, there have been no travels in 2020. 2019 had been spent travelling in Spain, Morocco, Corsica, Sardinia and finally in a rented campervan travelling the coast of Western Australia in November /December, our last journey. as we haven't been able to travel in 2020, lockdowns classed as vulnerable at 77 years old, I finally decided to start to listen to my collection. This was my first book. Thankyou Alastair, you've brought back many memories of our travels off the beaten trackm villages and places we've visited in our many travels in Spain. with your descriptions of people and the countryside. Your reminisces of previous travels, your thoughts on leaving your wife and children all added to the enjoyment of your story. Now I shall have to find more of your books and what do I listen to next? You're a hard act to follow.

Walking with Alistair

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