I have returned from the beautiful northwest. And I read all but one of my selections. Here are the updetes on what I read. And I apologize because I am sure that you were being kept up nights wondering what on earth I thought of these books!

The Queen's Foolby Philippa Gregory was wonderful - very compelling. The heroine was one of those types that you sometimes want to shake by the shoulders and tell her to pay attention. Other than that it was a fast paced, fascinating read.

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray was wonderful. I had a student snach this from my hands the minute it came into the high school library and now I know why. It was exciting with a much more detailed look at the mystical aspects of the story.

Beauty by Sherri S. Tepper and I didn't get along. There is an excellent Reader's Pledge that I would like to invoke. If you find a book boring you don't have to finish it according to writer Shannon Hale who I have never read but intend to very soon.

Love Walked Inby Marisa de los Santos was lovely! It surprised me a lot. The main character is a little too perfect and everyone is pretty, but the emotions felt real and the story was heartbreaking and hilarious at the same time.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling - I am convinced that Snape was just doing what Dumbledore wanted him to do. And I am being vague here in case you haven't read it. The book would just be too sad if it were otherwise. I am waiting anxiously for the next and final installment. As for this "Who is going to die?" brouhaha - my money is on Snape and Neville.

I am very nearly done with Uncle Tom's Cabin, my first selection from the Junior class list. It is taking a long, long time - but I am going to rip through The Glass Menagerie like a sneeze through a kleenex just as soon as I finish. So brace yourself!