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."

BLOGGIVERSARY

TODAY marks 8 years since Powerful Women Readers was born. I had had foot surgery (which had to have more of January 18th of this year) and I was starting an online book club to while away the boredom of recuperation inactivity. The plan was to meet quarterly only and read only one book from a list of five books provided. I held a contest to name the group, and my wonderful friend, Felicia, came up with a wonderful name, Powerful Women Readers, aka PWR.

Some of you know I have recently shut down my other two blogs due to responsibilities at the bookstore I now own and live in, RAE’s READS. Alas, I must do the same with PWR.

If you have Facebook, you can follow on either “Rae Longest” or “Rae’s Reads”. The latter tells about all the bookstore’s doins’, and my book reviews will appear on the former . I hope to see some of you there. If you need me, reach out to raelongest300@msn.com, and if you are ever near Houston, come on down to Lil’ Ole’ Alvin, Texas, and visit me at Rae’s Reads. We serve free coffee and cookies every day. We are located at 1303 College Drive / Alvin, TX 77511. (We are near the high school, not near the college…) but that’s story for another time.

Fondly,

RAE 3/4/24

SUNDAY’S POETRY WORKSHOP, PART TWO at RAE’s READS

Sunday six friends and I joined the Writing Center’s Sarah, from UHCL, where I taught for 34 years for Part Two of a Poetry Workshop. This one was on writing free verse poetry. Sarah gave a lovely talk, often interrupted by questions and comments by the participants, which led to lively discussions–so lively that we never did get around to writing any poetry. Soooo, we decided to meet again next Sunday for a “Poetry Share” using the excellent prompts Sarah had prepared to try our skill at writing free verse. Stay tuned for a report on the next “episode.” LOL

RAE 2/20/24

Modern, simple, minimal typographic design of a saying “Happy Wednesday” in tones of grey color. Cool, urban, trendy and playful graphic vector art with handwritten typography.

Something We All Should Strive For…

My blogging friend at The Starry Night Elf blog posted this thought, and it really spoke to me. We think of strong women as being bold, when a gentle mind and a kind heart is the true measure of a brave spirit. We recently held a Women’s Tea at Rae’s Reads (my bookstore) where I reviewed 65 Days of Gutsy Women, an inspiring book which I used as a “secular” devotion for 365 days the year I received it. Two of the women at the tea ordered the book and have launched their own 365 days of reading about Gutsy Women.

I highly recommend this book! Read about some Gutsy Women who accomplished their goals n a quiet, kind, gentle way.

The word “Sunday” written in white 3D letters on a colorful background concept and theme.

RAE/Sunday, February 4th, 2024

THE LAST OF THE 2023 CHALLENGES FINISHED

THE NONFICTION IN NOVEMBER CHALLENGE WAS SHORT BY ONE BOOK ON DECEMBER 31ST, 2023. So,I extended the challenge to January 15th, 2024 and had started the last book…

I didn’t even make it by the 15th, but finished it today, the 26th, at least before the 31st of January. LOL

This book was the last book of the last challenge of 2023, now, FINALLY, on to the challenges of 2024.

I hope to read 24 fiction books n 2024 and 12 nonfiction books in 2024.

I want to finish listening to the Harry Potter Series.

I intend to inaugurate a special challenge I wrote several years ago and never started for the summer.

I want to participate In First Line Fridays frequently.

Above all, in conjunction with my word for 2024, “JOY,” I want to experience what Katherine Center’s Newsletter describes as “The JOY of reading.”

TODAY S WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24TH, and haven’t done one of these in for- ever. Here goes:

WHAT HAVE FINISHED:

A recent Tuesday Night Book Club selection, this was one of the most loved books I have read so far this year.

Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel, published in 2022, presents “a widow’s unlikely connection with” an octopus. Set in the Sewell Bay Aquarium, the widow, Tova, the night cleaning lady, meets Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus whom is best described as a curmudgeon. The two meet Cameron when Tova breaks her foot, and Cameron is hired as her temporary replacement.

I learned a great deal about octopuses, and also that “…sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible . The book is described by critics as “witty” and “compulsively readable,” which is definitely true. Creatures is full of surprises, twists and turns, miscommunications, and false assumptions.

WHAT AM CURRENTLY READING:

A wonderful picture book for adults, specifically for women–women who love books and reading.

WHAT I HOPE TO READ/FINISH NEXT:

Yes, have begun the book, but I hope to finish it and review it soon.

WHAT ARE YOU READING THIS WEDNESDAY? WHAT have you finished ? WHAT are you currently reading? WHAT do you hope to read/finish next?

HAPPY READING!

Modern, simple, minimal typographic design of a saying “Happy Wednesday” in tones of grey color. Cool, urban, trendy and playful graphic vector art with handwritten typography.

RAE 1/24/23

SUNDAY UPDATE

This past week finished the following:

J.L. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire–listened to this book in the series on audiobook. Also listened to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

A wonderful book I shall keep and reread.

Checked out from the library

Since my word for the year is JOY, I am using the book as a devotional. Joy Breaks came to me in a box of books donated to Rae’s Reads.

This book is as beautiful as it is fascinating.

My favorite so far

FINALLY, I am back in the reading groove, and being laid up in bed (literally) after foot surgery back on the 18th, I hope to attack my TBR shelves.

HAVE A GOOD READNG WEEK!