RAE’S READS

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This year (2025) finds me with 53 years of teaching “under my belt.” I have taught all levels from pre-K “(library lady” or “book lady”–volunteer) to juniors, seniors, and graduate students enrolled in my Advanced Writing class at the university where I have just completed 34 years. My first paying teaching job was junior high, and I spent 13 years with ages 12-13, the “difficult years.” I had some of the “funnest” experiences with this age group. When I was no longer the “young, fun teacher,” I taught in an elementary school setting before sixth graders went on to junior high, teaching language arts blocs, an assignment that was a “dream-fit” for me. After completing graduate school in my 40s, I went on to community college, then university teaching. This past fall I accepted a part-time teaching job at Apogee Gulf Coast Schools in its first year at the Alvin campus. After my Better Half died n 2022, I achieved a lifelong dream: opening a bookstore of my own, Rae’s Reads. A year later, I sold the house we had lived in for 47 years and moved into the bookstore. My goal is to circulate and repurpose books. Just as teaching is “in my blood,” so is a passion for reading, writing, libraries, and everything bookish. This blog will be open to anyone who loves books, promotes literacy and wants to “come out and play.”

Sunday (Evening) Post

I have not been faithful to my promise last Sunday to MAKE time to read because many things got in the way, but I did get a little reading done.

What I Finished:  The Bone People  As I said, it was dragging in the middle after the traumatic events just before, but once I caught up again with the three main characters, things went so fast, I kept putting the book down because I didn’t want it to be over.  I did finish it today, and unlikely as it was, the novel had a very satisfying ending.  I will review it here mid-week.  Max the Mighty, a YA novel that was checked out of my LFL within a day of putting it out there in spite of rainy weather , and All Black Cats Are Not Alike, which my husband enjoyed as much as I did, and the book went home with a family of cat lovers who visited Saturday.

Still Reading: Jealous Heart by James Lee Burke, Coming of Age in Mississippi, and How Sweet the Sound, the last checked out from my church library.

Started: Speaking American: How Y’all, Youse Guys and You Guys Talk  loaned by the friend who visited Saturday

Looking Forward to Starting: Freeks by Amanda Hocking, recently reviewed on a friend’s blog.

Watched:  No time for TV either, but I did tune in to the first two episodes of”Emerald City” on NBC, which is already great, and the latest episode of “To Tell the Truth.”

School begins this coming week, and I have a doctor’s appointment one day, so my time will be taken in other directions than reading.  But, where there are books…there is always hope!

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4 responses to “Sunday (Evening) Post”

  1. sjhigbee Avatar
    sjhigbee

    It sounds like The Bone People was a cracking read – it’s always telling when you get to that stage where you don’t want it to end. I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling unwell – it’s a really grotty time of the year with the excitement of Christmas well and truly behind us and the knowledge that we have the worst of the winter ahead of us… I hope the doc can recommend something to put the spring back into your step, again, Rae. In the meantime, take great care and try not to do too much – though I’m aware that is a bit like telling the sun not to shine – and I very much hope you have a better week. Hugsx

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      How do you always know the right thing to say to support and encourage? TY!

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. sjhigbee Avatar
        sjhigbee

        Merely returning the favour – you were so kind and supportive before Christmas when I hit rock bottom:)).

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  2. Rae Longest Avatar
    Rae Longest

    I’m glad we can be there for each other.

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