My Midsummer Morning

By: Alastair Humphreys

Narrated by: Alastair Humphreys

Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's Summary

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.

©2019 Alastair Humphreys (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic Reviews

"Humphreys is clearly slightly bonkers and this is a wonderful thing." (Geographical Magazine)

Wonderful

This was such an encouraging and poetic read. I highly recommend it and all of Al’s other books as well. Fantastic!

A beautiful and inspiring book

I loved this book even more than I thought I would. I was expecting an entertaining travelogue that would motivate me to go on a trip of my own, and Alastair definitely met that expectation. But I was happily surprised with how much time he spent discussing the challenges of balancing the “selfish” life of adventuring with aging, being married, working a job and having a family. He goes into great detail about his personal struggles with, what felt like, a life devolving into domestic mediocrity. It was encouraging to see, almost in real time, him working through his conflicting desires for happiness as he pivots from “living life for the next adventure” to “living an adventurous life”. This is a great read for anyone who has wanderlust, and required reading for anyone in a mid-life or transitional period.

Another adventure with Al

I’m so glad Al’s books have finally started to come to audible. I have enjoyed reading every single one (including his kids books to my classroom). His story about balancing work, life, adventure, and family really hit home with me. I sympathize with his selfishness of adventure and freedom yet wanting to be a family man. Thank you for writing this book Al!

it was a good book

but please give us a more gentle ending. I want to know more about your life and your miss. the ending came too quick. I'm interested in your new life.

Inspirational!

Anyone who loves outdoor adventures should listen, truthful, uplifting and wonderfully written and read from the heart.

Read Microadventures and now religiously follow anything this brilliant man produces.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Expected adventure, received wisdom

I’ve been following Mr Humphries on social media for a while, having been linked to his promoting of the “micro adventures” concept, and this is the first of his books I have listened to. I was expecting a report of his trip through Spain: highs, lows, struggles, challenges overcome etc, which the book of course delivers in a very entertaining way.

What I was not expecting was the dive into Alastair’s personal life, and the challenges he has faced with balancing his thirst for solo adventure with the realities of brewing a husband and father. This felt raw and honest, and added a lot of depth to the story.

The audiobook was well narrated and easy to listen to.

Thanks for sharing your adventure and being open and vulnerable Alastair. It would be great for you to go on a podcast like London Real and really dive deep into how you overcame the family and mental challenges.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A great walk

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.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

loved it

the was the first book by Alistair Humphies I have read and I really enjoyed it. I great take of adventure and I love his outlook on life. i would recommend this. very easy listening.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Inspiring, feel good story.

Easy listening, vivid descriptions and will make you feel like a mini adventure somewhere isn't as out of reach as it seems. Definitely recommend.

A gentle book with valuable life lessons

I’m a similar age to Alastair and share many of his insecurities and frustrations, but maybe not quite the same level of wanderlust.
I like his easy-going style and gentle humour.
To be honest I didn’t expect too much from the book and it surprised me not because his adventure across Spain was thrilling but because it shows the lessons you can learn from stretching yourself a little. Also, that adventure doesn’t have to be a death defying voyage.
This book has many life lessons and reaffirms many of the things I already know. Along with his micro adventure book it’s encouraging me to have more adventures (even if they are micro ones) of my own.
Bivvy bag has been ordered.

A traveller's tale

A beautifully written, and enjoyably narrated story of the authors attempt to follow in Laurie Lee's shoes walking across Spain. More than just the story of his adventure - a very tame one for someone who rowed across the Atlantic - he describes his process of coming to understand what is important in his life. As someone who knows Spain well, I enjoyed his affectionate description and appreciation of the people he interacted with.

Busking brilliance!

Well done on your bravery and acceptance of vulnerability (for the busking and the book that has resulted, bravo). In the hard world of expectation, what we ”should be” your honest reflection and rediscovery of what matters was a breath of fresh air. Thank you for being honest enough to share your story which I've no doubt will be meaningful to so many struggling through the turbulent rivers of their own lives. Life's adventures come in many shapes and sizes and all are meaningful in their own way!

Wanderlust!

Loved it! If you've got wanderlust or a yearn for adventure this is a must read! Well written and very easy to identify with. Thoroughly recommend.

Not just another ordinary adventure book.

I not only loved this for the way Alistair described his adventure,(I've on occasion closed my eyes and transported myself to a dusty hot Spain), but also the way he shares his conflicts with the challenge of having children, and sharing their time with his own aspirations and dreams. Chapter 20 and 21 really resonated with me and my life, and am sure with many other adults who also have children. "I don't have to be anywhere but here. " I really enjoyed this book, so much so I've also bought the hardback edition to read sections to my children. Thank you Alistair.