Ghosts of Boyfriends Past

Hm...I didn't care for this one all that much. I found Madison, the main character, to be shallow and immature. I'd have enjoyed the ending more if I thought she had actually grown enough deserved happiness.

Two more books

I continue to adore Melissa Senate. She's got such light, breezy style, and her characters are completely believable. My only complaint about this book was that I wanted more of it. :)

and



Another selection from Lady Turpentinee's seemingly-bottomless chicklit collection. :) This was great. A chicklit mystery novel. The "a Rachel Benjamin mystery" after the title would seem to indicate that it's a series, to which I say, "bring 'em on!"

Awakening Genius in the Classroom

Yep, a professional development type book. Excellent information, and a quick little read. I agree wholeheartedly with the philosophy behind the book. What I'd like to see is a practical implementation guide to go along with it. A "here's how to make these ideas work" book.

Slightly Engaged

I really, really like Wendy (Markham) Corsi Staub.

I really, really liked both Slightly Single and Slightly Settled.

I really, really wanted to like Slightly Engaged.

I think it's cute that Tracey Spadolini is clearly a version of Wendy, and I've really enjoyed following her story.

So why was I so disappointed in the story of Tracey's impending engagement?

It's possible that I've simply outgrown her...when I read the first two installments, I was a little bit younger. It's been a while since we've heard from Tracey, and in the years between books, I've gotten older. She hasn't.

I found it hard to identify with 26-year-old Tracey's desperation to be engaged, although I am fully aware that I'd have been right there with her five years ago. Except for the fact that Tracey was living with her guy, I *was* her. Only mine didn't get down on one knee and propose endearingly in the pouring rain. Boo hoo.

Anyway, I don't know. I just know that this didn't grab me the way the others did.

Wow, it's been a while...

In my defense, I was grading papers, and then reading a rather long book, which I just finished:



Sophie's World: A novel about the history of philosophy

I found it very interesting, very readable, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I don't know if someone who already knew a great deal about philosophy would enjoy it so much, but I'm not one of those people. :)

Contest announcement

2006 A Midsummer Tale Contest at Toasted Cheese

The rules for the 2006 A Midsummer Tale Writing Contest are now up. This year's theme is "Summer School." Details Here.

Questions about the contest rules can be posted at in the contest announcement thread at Just the Place for a Snark (please do not post entries there!).

Deadline for entries is June 21, 2006. Happy writing and good luck!