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 SUMMARY

THIS HAS BEEN A GOOD WEEK FOR READING AND AN EVEN BETTER ONE FOR “WATCHING”

LOOKING BACK

This is an approximation, but since January, 2021, I have read:

13 kids books

7 non-fiction books

1 eBook

3 books of poetry

1 audiobook

and 12 novels

THIS PAST WEEK

I FINISHED

A Read with Jenna Selection

Jenna Bush Hagar’s Book Club on the Today Show
A Beverly Cleary kid’s novel about divorce and being “the new kid”
The third in the Wallace Family series (Begins with A Wrinkle in Time)
My daily check in with my “authentic self”

Currently I am reading:

The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai

Kissing Annabel by Steven Herrick

The Violets of March by Sarah Jio

A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders

YES, I can keep the books separate in my head. They are all so different.

I ALSO WATCHED A GREAT DEAL OF TV, thanks to a four-day 2nd Covid shot reaction and to a couple of days spent on the couch due to pain in my feet, legs and hip. There are some really good movies and some Netflix series that kept my mind off of things for the duration.

This was my week; how was yours? Let me know in the Reply section below.

Because of the age of my Advanced Writing students, I am always interested in the Millennials. I came across this interesting research this past week.

READ ON!

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8 responses to “SUNDAY SUMMARY”

  1. Becky Ross Michael Avatar
    Becky Ross Michael

    Wow, I’m impressed, Rae!

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    Reply
  2. Carla Avatar
    Carla

    I am sorry that were out of sorts after you second shot. I hope I do okay, I get my first dose on Tuesday. You did get a lot of reading in though and I am glad you enjoyed everything you read. I hope this week finds you feeling back to normal and doing what you need to get done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      This week is A-OK! Thanks for the kind words. I hope you don’t have ANY reaction.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Carla Avatar
        Carla

        About 4 hours after the shot, the fatigue hit and I had to lie down and sleep, otherwise fine. I shall see after the second shot, that is when people react apparently.

        Like

  3. Jee Wan Avatar
    Jee Wan

    I’m sorry you’re going through some post-vaccine side effects. I hope they’ll be gone soon and you’ll be back to your normal self! I’m happy for you that you got the shots though! 🙂 but looks like you were able to read some good books, and are reading some great ones! Take care, my friend!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      It was so good to hear from you, friend. Thanks for reading my post. I am already feeling strong enough to have a former student over for lunch today and a patron of my Little Free Library in my yard and her caregiver over for coffee tomorrow afternoon. I am back to trying to be “the hostess with the mostest.” LOL

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Jee Wan Avatar
        Jee Wan

        ahhahahaa! I like that! and YAY to you for finally feeling better! 🙂 We’re gonna be getting our vaccinations soon too! Woohoo!

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar
    Deb Nance at Readerbuzz

    I’m glad you are feeling better after your shot. My sister had a strong reaction, too.

    The good news is that you can start to resume a real life, I think!

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