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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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Excellent listen. Describes the fear we have stepping outside of our comfort zone wonderfully. You can visualise the countryside and people that he meets along his journey. It’s Alastairs Camino where he realises family is everything and that essentially there are a lot of good people in the world.

Struggle between Self and Family Fully Relateable

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A great easy listen and very well read. Factual, humorous and inspiring. Can’t wait to listen to more of Alastairs adventures.

Loved it!

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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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