Returning from Vacation

I am freshly returned from a glorious Mexican vacation. Right before I left, I read my June book discussion book, The Highest Tide. Quite an interesting book, especially given my recent shelling experiences. Also before I left, one of my loyal book discussion patrons called me to request that I read (and view the film) Everything is Illuminated because he would like to have a personal book discussion session with me about it. He offered to take me to lunch because I always provide treats during my monthly adult book discussions. This offer made me think of two things. The first was that when I was a freshman in high school I scheduled a special meeting with my English/Latin teacher to discuss Faulkner's As I Lay Dying. I had decided to read it as my foray into Faulkner and didn't get it so I asked Mrs. Beck to meet with me to discuss it. Mrs. Beck was a Wellesley graduate, had a house on Nantucket, a basket that she called "Corbula" (Latin for basket) that she carried her stuff in, a pen named "The Red Slasher," and a cat who sat on our papers - preferring some over others. She was formidable and liked the word "foibles." I took 2 years of Latin because my mother said, "of course you will take Latin!" followed by "there's no point to having only 1 year of Latin!" I'm glad her logic stopped there. When Harry asked for his private session, suddenly, I became Mrs. Beck. The second thing I thought of was those fundraisers where dates with eligible escorts are auctioned off to the highest bidders. This struck me as a funny twist...pimping oneself out for book discussions.

While I was away I was able to read 4 books for me. Until LJ comes calling again and I begin my July book discussion book, Sacco and Vanzetti Must Die, I am reading The Sushi Economy and Rethinking Thin.