Peg Herring's Blog, page 56
October 24, 2009
Old Teachers
I get it all the time. People I taught in years past introduce me to their children, their significant other, their friends: "This is my old teacher."
I don't mind a bit. Running into an "old teacher" you liked and admired is a moment of being 16 again. You remember every single time you acted up in her class, can't bring yourself to call her anything but "Mrs. ---," and walk away feeling a little younger, no matter how old the rest of the day has made you feel. At least that's how it was for me. It was Mrs. Braidwood, who never became "Mary," even though we served on church committees together and such.
For teachers it's much the same, a trip back in time to when we were actively trying to make the world a better place. So even if I don't remember your name, who you married, or what you do for a living, know that I'm always glad to say hello to you, my "old student."
I don't mind a bit. Running into an "old teacher" you liked and admired is a moment of being 16 again. You remember every single time you acted up in her class, can't bring yourself to call her anything but "Mrs. ---," and walk away feeling a little younger, no matter how old the rest of the day has made you feel. At least that's how it was for me. It was Mrs. Braidwood, who never became "Mary," even though we served on church committees together and such.
For teachers it's much the same, a trip back in time to when we were actively trying to make the world a better place. So even if I don't remember your name, who you married, or what you do for a living, know that I'm always glad to say hello to you, my "old student."
October 21, 2009
Good Reads, Really Good Reads, and Wow! Reads
I can't recall my first book, but it must have been a good one, because I've been reading ever since. I lean toward mystery but have had periods in my life where I read mostly literary, mostly biography, mostly historical. It's no surprise, then, that I write a lot of historical novels with biographical (like HER HIGHNESS' FIRST MURDER) or literary (like MACBETH'S NIECE) slants.
For me, a GOOD read helps to pass the time. I read in airports, doctors' offices, and on long trips (while my husband drives, of course.) Good reads can be set down, maybe left for days or more, and finished at my leisure. My reaction at the end is satisfied.
A REALLY GOOD read is hard to put down, and I look forward to the next chance to get at it. I want to know what happens, want to see if the author can resolve the conflict in a way that pleases. If he/she does, my reaction is excited: it worked!
Finally, a WOW read changes me as a reader. It sticks with me, making me think about the characters, what happened, and how that applies to life long after I've (regretfully) finished the book. English texts call this "application," and it isn't achieved by most books, no matter how much fun they are to read.
Think about the books that changed your outlook. Those are your WOW reads, and aren't you glad you found them?
For me, a GOOD read helps to pass the time. I read in airports, doctors' offices, and on long trips (while my husband drives, of course.) Good reads can be set down, maybe left for days or more, and finished at my leisure. My reaction at the end is satisfied.
A REALLY GOOD read is hard to put down, and I look forward to the next chance to get at it. I want to know what happens, want to see if the author can resolve the conflict in a way that pleases. If he/she does, my reaction is excited: it worked!
Finally, a WOW read changes me as a reader. It sticks with me, making me think about the characters, what happened, and how that applies to life long after I've (regretfully) finished the book. English texts call this "application," and it isn't achieved by most books, no matter how much fun they are to read.
Think about the books that changed your outlook. Those are your WOW reads, and aren't you glad you found them?
