The second book

Several years ago my sister-in-law highly recommended I read The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. I did and fully enjoyed it. In fact, I recommended it to many friends who also liked the book. I used the early pages in my 8th grade classroom as an example of how to write a "hook" to grab a reader's attention. In short, the book was worth my time in many ways.

Now that I am a Barnes and Noble "member" (what took me so long, I don't know), I receive emails on a weekly basis highlighting new books and events at the store. Today I learned that Jeannette Walls has another book. I wonder if it'll be as good as the first. Sometimes the second book lacks the shine and pure cleverness of the first.

First Day of School

I remember feeling excited about the first day of school. Both when I was a student and as a teacher the prospect of a new year and a new attitude made me feel hopeful. Today is Tyler's first day of school and while he is excited, I feel sad. I wish I had more time with him -- the summer passed far too quickly. I feel deflated because I am not experiencing a first day. I don't feel good about not teaching. I keep hoping I'll get a phone call from my old school asking me to come back because one of their teachers didn't show up or gave last minute notice. I don't really know what to do to feel better about the first day of school. Do I need to feel like this every year???