Books

I came upon this school-is-almost-here reminder when I stopped by "my" branch of the Erie County library--it's in Lawrence Park (3 miles from us). I did speak to the girls and they responded by saying that they were at band camp (I presumed at the high school across the street) and had a 45 minute break, so they came over to the library for some quiet. (Notice how they are deeply engrossed in their books.)

They were cute and made me nostalgic for my 25 years of teaching high school. This nostalgia is always greatest at the beginning of a new school year and that is right now.

Secondly, I am reading a quirky book and I do love anything quirky! The title is The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett. It's a little book, in size and length, and is one continuous chapter about the Queen of England suddenly becoming addicted to books--and what effect that this constant reading has on her, her obligations and every other person in her life.

Here's part of Publisher's Weekly's review: "Briskly original and subversively funny, this novella sends Queen Elizabeth II into a mobile library van in pursuit of her runaway corgis and into the reflective, observant life of an avid reader. Guided by Norman, a former kitchen boy and enthusiast of gay authors, the queen gradually loses interest in her endless succession of official duties and learns the pleasure of such a common activity. Bennett has fun with the proper behavior and protocol at the palace, and the few instances of mild coarseness seem almost scandalous. It's a fun little book."