OVERLAPPING CHALLENGES UPDATE

Recently in an attempt to lower the number of books on my TBR shelf, I challenged myself to read six books by the end of February; then, a few days later, I saw an interesting challenge to read a title starting with each letter of the alphabet, choosing first from the TBR shelf, then hunting down letters as needed.  There was no time limit for that challenge, just to read all 26 books.  I took on both challenges at once and am proud to report that here it is a week before the month is all gone, and I have one book to read to meet my six book challenge. Also, as soon as I became aware of the “alphabet factor,” I diligently searched my books available at home to start that challenge as well.

So far, I have read All the Missing Girls (from my TBR shelf), a book written backwards; (The) Beekeepers Daughter, which sat on the living room, table  that indicates, “hurry and read–this is due at the library soon”; and, jumping many letters in the alphabet, Morningstar (A book about books) from the same table. All three were enjoyable reads and will be reviewed soon. One more checked-out-book sits on the “to-be-returned” table, a slender volume of letters written by a librarian to books she stacks, titled Dear Fahrenheit 451; it shall be my next attempt and should finish my first challenge.

Is anyone else out there interested in books-about-books? I recently purchased My Life With Bob, Bob being a young girl’s journal, her Book of Books,but I’ll save it for later–I’m looking for a “C,” preferably a book I already own. One of DebNance’s posts on her outstanding blog, Readerbuzz, dealt with “Books About Books,”and it prompted this specialized reading interest and opened a whole new genre for me. Who would like to read through the alphabet with me?  My intentions are to start with titles, then MAYBE move on to authors. Those 26 letters so often arrange things well, don’t they? Let me know if you are working on any challenges just now, and let’s GET BUSY AND READ!

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Author: Rae Longest

This year (2019) finds me with 50 plus 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 30 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. 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."

7 thoughts on “OVERLAPPING CHALLENGES UPDATE”

    1. So many things get into the reading time one sets aside, don’t they! I am just now looking at email after last looking at it yesterday afternoon (Wed.) at 1:00 p.m. It is now after 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY night. I had an unexpected lunch with a friend from Pennsylvania who blew into Houston…we met there, then later in the afternoon, a recent student from fall semester was “in Alvin” so just stopped by…unexpected company is the most challenging, the most spontaneous, and the most fun!!!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re right – that sounds like a delightful interval in your amazingly busy schedule, Rae:). But I’m guessing folks probably often drop in – you seem like the kind of lady that people like to stay in contact with…

        Liked by 1 person

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