about another amy (who loves books)

I am Amy who loves books. I live in Atlanta, Georgia. Although I once dreamed of living elsewhere, I have never lived outside the south.

I've been married for over a decade. I have two children with appropriately literary names, although I (barely) had restraint at the time and did not name them Annabelle Lee and Gatsby.

I teach high school English at a public school in the inner city. I love my job.

I also love trees and old keys.


I once read that, if you want to find a good wine, the whole point system is irrelevant because the judging is so subjective. Instead, the article suggested that you find a wine critic that seems to share your aesthetic and look at their ratings. I tend to agree. For this reason, I am offering a brief synopsis of my reading style. If you think I share your aesthetic, you'll probably like my reviews.

I do not like to read sitting up or laying down, I like to curl sideways in a chair. I have a special chair just for this purpose. I also have a white cat with mismatched eyes that purrs in my lap while I read. This is my definition of perfect.

My favorite picture book is Good Night, Orange Monster. My favorite chapter book is The Secret Garden. When I was fifteen, I fell in love with Holden Caulfield and E.E. Cummings. I still love them. In college, I had a literary crush on Milan Kundera.

I memorize the release dates and purchase books by the following authors on the day that they are published:
John Irving, T.C. Boyle, Margaret Atwood, Michael Chabon, Donna Tartt, E. L. Doctorow

My favorite dead American writer is William Faulkner. If I could make any classic novel required reading in high school, it would be The Unvanquished. I also like Theodore Dreiser, although I can not explain why.

It seems that English departments at universities split into two camps: lovers of Henry James and haters of Henry James. I fall among the lovers.

My favorite book I read last year was The Time Traveler's Wife.

I am not bothered by much when I read, other than uninteresting writing. I like writers that love words and linger over descriptions. I like to have to think about it.

I have no desire to read The DaVinci Code.

And as for wine, Estancia has a lovely Merlot.