Last week, author Adam Gidwitz visited my school and spent the day doing presentations and hanging out with kids, and it was incredible. I haven’t read everything he’s written, but last year’s The Inquisitor’s Tale was one of my favorite recent reads. It’s a book that is difficult to sort into a definitive genre, but … Continue reading Telling stories – Adam Gidwitz
Category: Books
Getting run over by The 57 Bus
Many of the books I read are written for young adults. These include lots of realistic fiction, some fantasy and adventure titles, as well as the occasional nonfiction title. A new box of books arrived the other day in my library - something which still excites even after more than two decades on the job, … Continue reading Getting run over by The 57 Bus
What William Kennedy gave me on his 90th birthday
Tuesday night I was lucky enough to join an already in progress festive event down at Cafe Capriccio. Gathered together to celebrate Albany’s literary native son William Kennedy’s birthday were dozens of family members, friends and colleagues. I arrived as speakers began to share their thoughts, memories and best wishes and it was remarkable. The … Continue reading What William Kennedy gave me on his 90th birthday
Time is short
I’ve been so busy doing things and going places that I haven’t had a moment to chronicle any of it. It’s kind of getting me frustrated, but that’s how I typically react to not having what I want - in this case more time. I’ve made some notes and I swear I’m going to carve … Continue reading Time is short
13 Reasons Why (I struggle with suicide)
About 30 years ago a friend of mine committed suicide. His name was John and he was sweet with a mop of messy hair and jeans that sagged years before it became the trend. He had a kind and strong heart, along with a sense of responsibility that once found him driving behind his cousin … Continue reading 13 Reasons Why (I struggle with suicide)
Packing – 2 hits and a miss
A couple of weeks before my trip I splurged on a pair of pricey slippers. When I say "pricey," I'm talking like more expensive than most of the shoes in my closet, not including Frye's and running shoes. Yes, they were a bit of an indulgence for sure. When they first came in the mail … Continue reading Packing – 2 hits and a miss
Ms. Bixby’s Last Day – John David Anderson
Reading is the least expensive vacation I’ve ever had. Sometimes I go to the future and other times to the past, but the destination isn’t the important part to me usually. It’s just getting away from now. At a time when I sometimes feel physically assaulted by the daily news, a low budget escape is … Continue reading Ms. Bixby’s Last Day – John David Anderson