Leah

Leah is the guidance counselor at our school.  I think that is supposed to mean she helps "guide" students through choosing classes, college scholarships and post-graduation decisions.  In reality it means she guides kids through life.  At any given time, on any given day, you can find one or more students crying in her office, working on homework or napping on her couch.  She patiently  manages it all - there are some days you can even find staff members crying in her office, pulling out their hair. . . (well, you get the picture, we try to draw the line at napping on her couch, but boy is it tempting)  I know all this because she is my dear friend and I have a bullet proof glass window (don't ask me why) that looks from the library into her office.  

Leah has three dogs, several cats and has even been known to take in stray children.  Over Thanksgiving weekend,  she watched ten dogs for people in the community who were traveling. She was at my house the evening before they all arrived ( see above picture) trying to figure out where they were all going to sleep.  Did you catch what I just said???  Ten dogs!!!  I equate that to taking in ten children for a weekend and instantly want to run screaming from the house.  I am so not a dog person (I do like kids, but in moderation - please!) and Leah is still my friend, I find that amazing. . .  

Leah came into the library the day before Thanksgiving vacation to pick out some books to read.  We loaded her up in case any were not of interest to her.  She returned all the books the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and had read all but one.  Thought it might be 0f interest to post her Thanksgiving weekend reading list:

• Maise Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear (also the title of the first book)- she read books 2-4.  Birds of a Feather, Unpardonable Lies, Messenger of Truth. These books are set post-World War I and are about a young woman who becomes a detective after nursing dying soldiers through the war.   If you like mysteries, these are a great read.
• Steel Wave by Jeff Shaara  - I have not read this book, but Lance loves this author. He writes historical fiction.  This is the second in his series about World War II.  Since you cannot see the book, let me tell you - it is thick.  Impressive. . . ( but that should not surprise you)
• Her Royal Spyness - by Ryhs Bowen - I would classify this book as pure brain-candy.  Just an enjoyable, low-demand read.  It is a mystery that is classified as a "cozy".  
• Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult.  She didn't actually read this during break but finished it the week before.  I know this because she passed it on to me. It is nightmare inducing. Written in typical Picoult fashion, it has a  great story, strong characters and unpredictable plot twists.  Honestly, I got over half way through and wimped out.  I skimmed the last 1/3 and then read the ending.   Sorry, I'm like that. . . 

This list is not to be guilt inducing about how much you are not reading. . .  just more options for when life finally slows down and you can read. . . I just re-read that - how silly!  Life will probably never slow down.  Maybe you can add some of these titles to your vacation reading list.