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.”

TEASER TUESDAY

Thanks to blogger friend S.J. Higbee (of “Brainfluff,” a great blog) for continuing the meme originated by “The Purple Booker” called Tuesday Teaser.  The point is to pick at random two or three sentences of what you are currently reading and post them in order to tease others to read the same book. Include title and author, and no spoilers, please.

Here is today’s Tuesday Teaser:

From Joyce Carol Oates’ novel, The Man Without a Shadow

“‘Eli (Margot speaking), what a beautiful necktie! You are always so well dressed.’ Each day he is brought to the Institute for testing, Elihu Hoopes dresses with the care of one who anticipates good news. Over a period of more than three decades this will be! And Margot Sharpe has been a witness through these three years.”

Eli is the test subject, Margot is the psychiatrist studying him. Eli has no memory, cannot remember for more than 70 seconds due to a traumatic brain disease. However, he seems to remember things (especially from times long past), or it seems to Margot, at least that this is true. Is Margot becoming attached to Eli? She is definitely attracted to him, and she believes he is attracted to her, even though each session, she has to introduce herself to him all over again. What will or will not develop is anyone’s guess.

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11 responses to “TEASER TUESDAY”

  1. James J. Cudney IV Avatar
    James J. Cudney IV

    Brainfluff is a great blog, too!! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      I love her Sunday posts and her Friday c0ver comparisons.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. James J. Cudney IV Avatar
        James J. Cudney IV

        The semester must be coming to a close soon for you?

        Liked by 1 person

    2. sjhigbee Avatar
      sjhigbee

      Thank you, James:)

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Rae Longest Avatar
    Rae Longest

    Reblogged this on Literacy Lessons.

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  3. Bonnie Avatar
    Bonnie

    Good job! I’m interested

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      It’s a complex and intriguing story. Ethics are involved.

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  4. Rae Longest Avatar
    Rae Longest

    James, the semester will be over and done on Wed. the 2nd at midnight. I am waiting on one assignment to be sent. I have already averaged grades of those I was sure would not need the “alternate assignment” to take the place of one grade with the exception of the Argument/Research paper, the “final exam” for the course. I met with the class for the last time last Wed., the 25th. I am already planning for my class in the fall. (It is closed already, BTW.)

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  5. thebookishlibra Avatar
    thebookishlibra

    This sounds pretty intriguing and I haven’t read a book by Joyce Carol Oates in ages so I’ll have to keep this one in mind.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      It’s a bit challenging, but then I’m only on chapter four, so I’m not sure where it’s heading–if anywhere.

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  6. sjhigbee Avatar
    sjhigbee

    Thank you for the kind words about Brainfluff, Rae:)). I like the sound of this one – poor Eli! Intriguing that he appears to retain aspects of his long-term memory, though. I hope the writing pace picks up as the premise seems really interesting.

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