A little about me

[Becki James Michalski]

I realize as I start to think more and more about these upcoming book reviews that maybe I should give a little more information about myself before I start.

I live in northwestern New Jersey near Pennsylvania where I also own a small handcrafted jewelry shop. I grew up in central NJ, but have lived in many NJ towns as well as in PA and Florida. For nearly ten years I worked as a high school English teacher in both NJ and FL teaching all sorts of English curriculum subjects - World Lit, American Lit, Creative Writing, Expository Writing, and Journalism to name a few. I have spent most of my life as an aspiring author who has written many short stories and a couple books - all unpublished - in addition to an article for The English Journal. I read all the time and set myself a yearly challenge to read 50+ books and then increase that total by at least two each year. I mainly read fiction and do not limit myself to certain subjects in my reading. I'm not too big on non-fiction; however, I have been known to pick up the random biography or factual account and enjoy it fully. I carry a book list with me at all times and add to it constantly. Right now that list includes 28 titles and is sure to increase again by the end of the week.

Mainly, what gives me any right to review books? I love them and have learned to look at books objectively through teaching. I know that my tastes might not suit everyone, but I will try to do my best with the books I talk about.

[dave martin]

i,m still trying to find a copy of black sunday john davies knocks ":welsh stories " out of the box

[Becki James Michalski]

Congratulations on your recent marriage.
Parting with books is extremely hard and it explains the 20 or so odd boxes of books packed in the attic.
My jewelry can be seen on my website at Nanuk's Igloo.

[Marilyn Agardi]

Hello Becki,
I set myself a similar challenge a while back to read a book a week. Then life interrupted and ... well, I'm afraid I didn't meet my goal. I recently got married (second and last marriage) and moved to Tucson and I'm having enormous fun going through old books that I could never bring myself to part with. A good book is like an old friend I'm always happy to meet again.
I see that you own a hand crafted jewelry store. Any chance of seeing pictures of anything you've made? I enjoy making jewelry too and I'm always on the look out for new ideas.
Good luck with the book review which, incidentally, I believe you are more than qualified to handle.

[Madog Center for Welsh Studies]

Hi Becki,
Anyone who is passionate about reading and literature has my vote to write reviews! I also carry a journal to record my thoughts about what I am currently reading and lists of titles. I am currently reading Owen Glen by Ben Ames Williams which is a fictional account of life in early Jackson, Ohio and the Welsh influences.