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.”

WHAT I’M READING THIS SUMMER

One of the best parts of summer is having more time to read. Sitting on the bed air conditioner cranked up, with the fan blowing across you with a good book going helps break the spell of triple-digit heat, which is what we’re having on the Texas Gulf Coast right now.

One of my favorite authors, Fiona Davis, whom I dare call a friend, since I knew her mother, has written another novel featuring a NYC building/landmark. The Spectacular, a 2023 publication is as excellent as her other novels and promises to be one of my favorites of her novels. (I have read them all!) I was able to get this one in large print at my local library, and what a delight this mystery/suspenseful story set in Radio City Music Hall in the 50s, has been! I am on page 297 of 477 (Remember, it is large print.) and hope to finish it this weekend.

Another book I hope to finish this weekend, I read for my “Word for 2024–HOSPITALITY.” Open Heart, Open Home has also been a delight, a non-fiction instruction manual, complete with anecdotes from a pastor’s wife, on how to practice the art/gift of hospitality. I am an approaching the final chapter.

A book I have started and have temporarily put down is another I’m anxious to get back to, A Woman Is No Man, a novel of a category I love–an immigrant story. I am only on page 111, but I am already hooked.

Last, the novel of a local author, Mountains Under Her Feet, Catherine Vance, who graciously read and signed her book at Rae’s Reads, my bookstore is another I have temporarily set aside. I am ready to begin Chapter 3.

As you can see, I have a great deal of catching up to do! Perhaps I need a Readathon; definitely, I need a Readathon. I was planning one for Labor Day, but maybe I should participate in Dewey’s 24 Hour Reverse Readathon which is coming up this weekend where one reads all night. Hmmmmm…Is anyone else participating in the Reverse Readathon? I like company during a Readathon. Let me know.


RAE 7/19/23

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3 responses to “WHAT I’M READING THIS SUMMER”

  1. Rae Longest Avatar
    Rae Longest

    Reblogged this on Literacy and Me.

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  2. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar
    Deb Nance at Readerbuzz

    I completely missed the reverse readathon. Sigh.

    If you would like to do a readathon at any time in August, let me know!

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      August suits me just fine!

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