Comfort and Joy

Today I am facing grading twenty-two more tests that my charming eighth graders have taken on the wonderful novel Dandelion Wine. Of course, they didn't find it wonderful, despite the life affirming message of the book. They resented having been made to think while reading, or at least think after reading. But enough about the test. It's the grading I'm facing, and frankly I'm trying to put it off.

So I was thinking about taking a nice long bubble bath with book in hand, drink at my side, and snacks. One of my favorite guilty pleasures. Or I could just curl up under a down comforter (45 degrees here today) and read a book. Or perhaps make a cup of cocoa and sit at the table and read a book.

I believe you're getting the sense of where I'm going with this. My favorite way to escape reality is to read. Granted some books are better than others, and since becoming a writer, oh, sixteen years ago, I've become a jaded bibliophile, but when a book works, it works well.

So on that note, take some time for yourself, find your own guilty pleasure and indulge. I'm a firm believer in making yourself feel good.
--Gabi

Books I'm reading now:
Tangled up in You by Rachel Gibson
Santa Baby by Jennifer Crusie, Lori Foster, and Carly Phillips
The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling (yes, again)
Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts