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.”
A novel told in a series of connected poems

A creative/fun novel and a darned good read
A wonderful debut novel by Sarah Jio

Continuing to read daily

BOOKS I STARTED THIS WEEK

The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins

The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin–this is the third in the “Broken Earth” Series

which I started a couple of years ago. My Better Half and I read the first book aloud to each other; I read the second on my own, and started the third. This week I dragged it out from my book closet in my office and re-started it.

Mindfulness by Lisa Brooks and Marie D. Jones–a 2019 publication I found in Barnes and Noble’s “Book Annex” (markdowns) section on a recent visit.

Dearly by Margaret Atwood–her latest collection of poems I hope to finish during National Poetry Month

Searching for God…Knows What by Donald Miller–a hand-me-down from a friend

DEFINITELY SOMETHING FROM THE CLASSIC CLUB

I have until April 30th to read something from the jar (already set up) full of selections listed on strips that are considered classics.

I have everything all set up, butI am sooooo busy with end of semester grading (6 of the 24 students worked ahead and have finished the semester); observing National Poetry Month on my blogs; throwing a “Celebration of Books” last Sunday outdoors where we gave away over 100 free books in two hours–attendance was poor, but many neighbors “saw” our Little Free Library for the first time, which led to more “stops” later in the week and two bagfuls of donated books; and being a “social butterfly” this week having another couple over for coffee and leftover cookies from the party; having a former student and her ten-year-old son over for supper Friday night; and having a children’s author from a nearby city and her nine-year-old daughter over for lunch (They brought then lunch from a local Mexican restaurant.) and a three hour visit today to talk about her writing career start and to receive her first kid’s novel for me to review soon. This is the first time I have received an advance copy . More on this later!

Whew! I plan to do nothing but minimal grading, reading and resting on Sunday. It is supposed to be a day of rest anyway, and I need one. LOL

HAPPY READING IN THE WEEK AHEAD,

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7 responses to “”

  1. sjhigbee Avatar
    sjhigbee

    I love the sound of your busy, busy social whirl, Rae! Our latest lockdown is lifting in baby stages – we’re not supposed to have anyone inside our home just yet. I was allowed to visit my daughter and the grandchildren on Saturday as we’re part of her support bubble, so are exempted from that rule. Although, as I wasn’t there to help, strictly speaking I suppose I shouldn’t have been there. Though it surely helped me:)).

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      I’m even getting out a bit this week.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. sjhigbee Avatar
        sjhigbee

        Which sounds great!

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  2. sjhigbee Avatar
    sjhigbee

    Best of luck with the grading, by the way…

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      Not much longer and it will be done. 7 students have finished the course (it is asynchronous) and the semester doesn’t end until the second week in May. Yay!!!!

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      1. sjhigbee Avatar
        sjhigbee

        Oh, that’s brilliant! Though I’m not suprised at their progress, seeing as they have such a talented teacher…

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar
    Deb Nance at Readerbuzz

    I’m so glad you are able to get out more!

    Liked by 1 person

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