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.”

I have so many books in progress and so many to read, I hardly know where to begin!
I have seen the cover reveal of blogger friend, Jay’s Christmas offering and can hardly wait for it to be released!
I draw a classic title from a bowl or jar every other month and read that one for my bi-monthly classic.
October’s draw dismayed me because I have tried to read this one before.

I remember hearing of Don Quixote in high school. The Advanced Spanish classes were having to read it in Spanish. I tried then to read it in English and did not finish; as a matter of fact, I barely started before becoming disenchanted and giving up. In college, I found it on my list of Outstanding Fiction for College Bound Students and tried again. Again, I failed.

Perhaps I should have watched an animated version; I believe there is one, but I never got around to reading this classic. This time I have checked out the audiobook and must admit I am not having much luck with it. I have only started, but it seems silly and pointless, and I have zero empathy for Quixote so far. I will give it a go, however, and report back in on my success or lack thereof.

I definitely will be reading a great deal of poetry as a Cybils panelist.

I need to read some more poetry, both the novels in verse and children’s anthologies nominated for the Cybils awards and some of my blogging friends’ collections which I have purchased but not read at this point.

I was doing so well in this “department” there for a while.

I need to read more non-fiction. I have been devouring novels and literary fiction like a starving man, but I need to have more variety, so that’s a short-term goal I’m setting as of this post.

I have my “work” cut out for me–LOTS of reading ahead. At least this is something enjoyable I WANT to do, not a chore or a task demanded of me for a job or assignment. I am blessed not to be teaching while I iron out my health issues, and while I miss my classes immensely, I am making good use of my time reading, learning, and challenging myself every day.

Thanks for listening to my random thoughts tonight.

RAE

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7 responses to “”

  1. bridget whelan Avatar
    bridget whelan

    What a wonderful idea to read a classic a month but gosh! you are brave to tackle Don Quixote. Very much one of the books I would like to have read, rather than one I want to read…Good luck!!

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      It’s good to know someone feels my pain. LOL

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    2. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      Am reading a classic every other month to keep my accountability, but you are right; it is turning out to be once a month.

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  2. Davida Chazan Avatar
    Davida Chazan

    Hm… not surprised about Don Quixote, to be honest. I understand it is not an easy read! Good luck and I look forward to hearing more about your attempt to read it.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      If it doesn’t end up as a DNF…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar
    Deb Nance at Readerbuzz

    I read Don Quixote in high school. The teacher said it was her favorite book, and her enthusiasm for the storm carried us through the reading of it.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      Teachers (and Library Teachers) DO make a difference!

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