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.”

SUMMER NYC CHALLENGE, 2021

This summer I attempted to read four books set in NYC.

I gave myself until Labor Day, the unofficial “end of summer” here in the U.S. However, today, August 15th, I have finished the fourth book since Memorial Day weekend which was set in NYC.

My four books include:

The Social Graces by Renee Rosen, set in old NYC

Rules of Civility by Amor Towes, set in pre-WWII NYC

My Epic Spring Break (Up) , a YA romance set in NYC by Kristin Rockaway

The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms

The first two are reviewed on PWR (use search box on your right), and here is the review of Amy Byler:

This book had it all, a super-hot male librarian, a frantic single mom librarian at a small private school, a week-long visit to NYC that turned into a full summer–a totally great read.

This 2019 publication was specifically chosen from my local library because it was set in NYC. It is funny, and the reader roots for and against decisions made by Amy throughout the novel. It has a very satisfactory ending, something I always appreciate in a book.

Amy takes a “#momspringa,” fully documented by a prestigious NYC fashion magazine, which involves a makeover, a wonderful NYC apartment, and several “hot dates.” Amy finds herself enjoying life in The Big Apple but missing her snarky teenage daughter and precocious nerd of a twelve-year-old son, who are at home in their “ner’ do well” father’s care. Her best friends, Talia (owner of the gorgeous NYC apartment) and Lena (a former nun who dispenses practical advice on love, family, etc.) are there for her when catastrophe hits near the end of the narrative.

Its final message is, “Love conquers all.” This book is definitely a darned good read. I assign this novel 5 out of 5 stars.

NYC revisited this summer–virtually by reading four books set there.
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4 responses to “SUMMER NYC CHALLENGE, 2021”

  1. Rae Longest Avatar
    Rae Longest

    Reblogged this on blogging807.

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  2. Carla Avatar
    Carla

    I have not heard of this book, but it sounds really good. Wonderful review Rae. I am glad you are still enjoying your virtual trip to NYC.

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar
    Deb Nance at Readerbuzz

    Five out of five stars? Must be a good read.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      simply fun, cute, and adorable

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