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.”

COME AND EAT, A Celebration of Love and Grace around the Everyday Table by Bri McKay: A Review

Lately, I have been interested in one of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, that of Hospitality. McKay’s both inspirational and practical cookbook/collection of essays, published in 2017, was included in a box of donated books. I am so glad I decided to “look at” this book, for I read every page, often copying recipes.

A delightful culinary book for anyone who wants to express their gifts of hospitality

The author invites us to “Come with your brokenness, your celebration, and your worries, but most of all, come and eat. In our busy, shallow world, we often seek for something deeper. The author teaches us by examples from her own life to find it at our table.

Whether our table is bountiful or has meagre offerings, we must share what we have. The book has recipes, tips, quotes, and questions to start conversations around our tables. McKay stresses fellowship– fellowship centered around food. She encourages us to make room for others at our tables and to make room at our tables for God. From shopping lists to coordinate with recipes to a 21 day plan for adventures around your family’s table, the book offers something for everyone.

A blessing on all my PWR readers

Thanks, Evin, for the sign in.
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6 responses to “COME AND EAT, A Celebration of Love and Grace around the Everyday Table by Bri McKay: A Review”

  1. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar
    Deb Nance at Readerbuzz

    One of the most inspiring books I ever read was St. Benedict’s Toolbox: The Nuts And Bolts Of Everyday Benedictine Living. Hospitality is one of the most important tenets of Christian living to St. Benedict. I ended up also reading The Holy Rule of St. Benedict as well.

    Living this way also pushes us toward happiness. Win-win.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      Hmmmmm, something to chew on…

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  2. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar
    Deb Nance at Readerbuzz

    This book also reminds me of The Turquoise Table. I thought for a while about putting a turquoise table in my own front yard.

    That’s a bit like what you are doing with your bookstore, I think.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      I am familiar with conversations at the Red Table, but I know nothing about a Turquoise Table…enlighten me.

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      1. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar
        Deb Nance at Readerbuzz

        The Turquoise Table: Finding Community and Connection in Your Own Front Yard by Kristin Schell is available on Hoopla as both an ebook and an audiobook.

        Here’s the blurb about the book:
        ‘A simple way to connect your neighborhood, your community and build friendships. Are you consumed with a busy life but unsure how to slow down? Do you desire connection within your community and think, “Absolutely, but I don’t have time for that” or “I can’t create that”? What if there was another way through it all, a way to find those moments of peace and to create a time for honest, comfortable connection? What if meeting neighbors and connecting with friends was as simple as showing up and being available?

        Desperate for a way to slow down and connect, Kristin Schell put an ordinary picnic table in her front yard, painted it turquoise, and began inviting friends and neighbors to join her. Life changed in her community and it can change in yours, too. Alongside personal and heartwarming stories, Kristin gives you:
        Stress-free ideas for kick-starting your own Turquoise Table.
        Simple recipes to take outside and share with others.
        Stories from people using Turquoise Tables in their neighborhoods.
        Encouragement to overcome barriers that keep you from connecting.
        New ways to view hospitality Today, Turquoise Tables are inviting individuals to connect with each other in nearly all fifty states and seven countries. Ordinary people like you wanting to make a difference right where they live.

        Community and friendship are waiting just outside your front door.’

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      2. Rae Longest Avatar
        Rae Longest

        very interesting! ________________________________

        Liked by 1 person

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