Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 04-30-2020

Dear Reader,

The boxes that have been hiding in closets and underneath beds for years--and years--I finally know what's in them, thanks to my husband's sorting and tossing the past few days. Some "precious" things that we've saved over the years--it's a treat to see them again. Other things--"what the heck were we thinking?"--and "what the heck is it?"

What have you been doing lately? Readers share today...

Hi Suzanne, you asked about what people are doing in lockdown. Well, my husband and I (sounds like the Queen--well I am English, your daily emails cross the pond!) 'were' going on a cruise so now we are 'visiting' different countries each day and cooking local dishes. We even have 'sea' days when we relax more, read newspapers, watch a film etc. Today we are 'visiting' Italy and having Mediterranean style risotto. Kind regards." -- Francine

"Hello Suzanne, yesterday, I saw two teens in our neighborhood taking a walk holding a long wooden rod between them. Took me a minute to figure it out! Clever. Cheers!" -- Linda F.

"Suzanne, I've been going through old photo albums. I had 74 albums in boxes stored in closets and the attic. I wanted to organize them, so I went through them all and enjoyed the memories and laughed at funny pictures. I texted lots of them to friends and family, so they could smile, too. Sending the pics made them respond and we had text conversations. I got to chat with people I hadn't talked to in a long time." -- Joanne H.

"Dear Suzanne, I've always enjoyed your book club musings, but am especially appreciating them now during this time of isolation. Thank you! You asked what is making us smile right now? I'm a Canadian from Calgary, Alberta, living in Los Angeles. Calgary is Zone 3 for planting, and we have a very short growing season and a late spring. Here in LA there have been spring flowers for several weeks already. I am thrilled by all the flowers! Just going for a walk around the neighbourhood every day, I see an amazing variety of flowers of all colours and blossom on the trees. It's fantastic! During this difficult time the flowers are making me smile. I take photos of them and text them to friends and family. Thanks for all you do," -- Fiona C.

"My new routine is filled with homeschooling my special needs son. Frequent sentences spoken in my house include 'Look at the bear in your hand...which basket has a bear that matches it?' and 'Look at these pictures and point to the one that does not belong.' It can be stressful and tedious at times, but there is also laughter, slow mornings, and walks around the block. I am hoping that we hold onto that when the world comes crashing back." -- Jodie B.

"Dear Suzanne, It's so wonderful to wake up knowing that your post will wait there for me. <smile> I would like to say thank you so much to you, and to all the people making it possible. Now, more than ever, we need the magical support of books." -- Agnes S., Bloomingdale Free Public Library, NJ

"Hi Just a note to say thanks for all the hard work you do to make this a success. Appreciate all especially at this time in our lives." -- Ann Marie W.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ

With so many new books out every week, we promise these titles deserve your attention:

(Fiction) TAKEN WITH YOU by Carrie Ann Ryan

(Fiction) THE HEIRLOOM GARDEN by Viola Shipman

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 04-28-2020

Dear Reader,

Please welcome today's guest author Amelia Grey. She has published 18 Regency romances. Amelia's books are most frequently described as witty and delightful with heart-stealing characters. She's currently finishing a trilogy about three young widows who made their own way in life without husbands, until they meet that special man. The current release Gone with the Rogue is the second book in her First Comes Love series.

Amelia is giving away three signed, print copies of her first book The Earl Next Door. Email her at ameliagrey@comcast.net for a chance to win a copy.

Growing up, I always wanted my own room. I come from a family of seven siblings. A true middle child, I like to say. Two sisters and a brother older, and two sisters and a brother younger than me. Add my parents to that number and a three-bedroom house with one bath and it equals enough life experiences to fill a book--or several.

One of the documented and accepted traits of a middle child is that they feel left out. You would think that in a family with nine people one of us would get lost, but not in our brood. There was always someone who knew where you were, who you were with, and what you were doing. No secrets in our family. Seven kids shared two bedrooms with bunkbeds, so if you wanted to be alone, you had to be the first one up in the morning or the last one to go to bed at night. Other than those times, you were out of luck.

It wasn't all bad. Having no time to yourself meant there was always someone to play with, talk to, or argue with. We never had to walk to school or church by ourselves or sleep alone after watching a scary movie. We had someone to help with homework, housework, a bully at school, or our first broken heart. We had fun together playing outside, spraying each other with the water hose in the heat of summer, romping through a pile of colorful leaves in autumn, and skidding on traces of icy frost in the chill of winter.

Another middle child trait is that they are never the favorite. Life was too busy for my parents to have darlings, but they had rules and discipline for those of us who broke them. Which we did. Occasionally. But punishment was never that we had to eat everything on our plates. If we didn't want it, no problem. Someone around the dinner table was happy to finish it for us--except maybe boiled okra.

On Saturdays our parents would load us in the car, putting two kids between them on the bench seat up front and stuffing the other five of us in the rear. Seatbelt laws weren't enforced back then. In an hour, we'd be having a picnic of fried chicken and potato salad, and frolicking in the emerald-tinged waters of the Gulf Coast.

I never felt the angst of a middle child growing up, and now I'm glad I didn't have a room of my own. I enjoy memories of my childhood. That must be the reason I write children, and brothers and sisters in most of my books. I know a lot about them, and I have a lot of stories to tell.

-- Amelia Grey
Email me to be entered in the drawing to win a copy of my book, The Earl Next Door, ameliagrey@comcast.net.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win.

THE HEIRLOOM GARDEN (Fiction) by Viola Shipman

Does your garden tell a story? Mine does. And it's the inspiration behind my new novel which explores the unlikely relationship between two very different women brought together by the pain of war, but bonded by hope, purpose--and flowers. If you love gardening, multi-generational sagas filled with hope and history, or just adore books and flowers, my new novel is the spring "pick" for you!

Go to: AUTHORBUZZ click on THE HEIRLOOM GARDEN to read more and to email author Viola Shipman, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 04-24-2020

Dear Reader,

Have you joined the party yet? Today's your final opportunity to pass on some good feelings and a "Thank You" to your library, in celebration of National Library Week. Your Thank You gifts have brought smiles to me and library staff everywhere. There's still time to email a note, and when you do, you'll be entered in today's fun giveaway for a dozen Peacock feather gel pens. Email me at: Suzanne@DearReader.com Be sure to include your current mailing address.

From My Email Box:

"Dear Mason Librarians, First, I miss you. I miss your knowledge that you cheerfully share, your guidance and your help. Thank you for supporting the Online Book Clubs. I have enjoyed Suzanne Beecher and the Online Book Clubs for years. Thank you for always being there for me and all the library patrons of the city of Mason. The city would not be the same without you. Sincerely," -- Sharon B.

"Hi Suzanne, First, thank you for the online book club--it is so much fun to read every morning! A big thank you to the librarians at the Eden Prairie, Minnesota (Hennepin County) library. The library was closed for a year, and then reopened just days before the 'stay at home' edict came out and the library had to close again. I truly feel sorry for these wonderful librarians who worked so hard to re-open and have books available that we had reserved. What wonderful people they are! Thank you again Suzanne!" -- Patty J.

"Dear Mammen Family Community Library, I spend hours at a time with you every week. Often I find that the time just runs away from me because I get so captivated with all the books, DVDs, displays and classes. There is never a time when I cannot find something to keep me interested and busy. Along with all the amazing things you offer your staff is the friendliest, most helpful anywhere. There are beautiful grounds, benches and gardens out on the various patio areas to just sit and enjoy the view with your book in hand. Your library is not just a building to me. It encompasses all things community. Your presence makes my life more enriched. Your devoted friend," -- Maria K.

"Suzanne, the Stillwater Public Library has modified circulation checkouts due to the pandemic. If desired, curb-side pick-up is available; pick up at the entrance door, or pick up at the parking ramp. In fact, they will even have someone deliver checked out books right to your front step. What a deal! The library staff knows how much those of us who are dedicated bibliomaniacs are missing the library. Thanks for all you do." -- Joan A.

"A big thank you to my local library--Klamath County Library Service District located in Klamath Falls, OR--I have subscribed to your daily email, through them, for many years and they deserve an additional thank you for continuing to provide library services even during these disturbing pandemic times!" -- Penny T.

"Dear Suzanne, I would like to thank you and the Sarasota County Library for the online book clubs these many years. They uplift me and bring a smile to my face. I am so very grateful to all. Take care," -- Bonnie L.

"I would like to thank the librarians and staff at the Mid-Continent Public Library in Kansas City, MO., for providing the Online Book Club! Also a big Thanks to them for always being so helpful and friendly and making my every visit a great experience! Thank you," -- Kathryn D.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader Column 04-23-2020

Dear Reader,

If I'm not going anywhere anyway, what's the purpose of getting dressed?

I've been asking myself that question for the past few days. My normal outfit for a day would be a cotton skirt and shirt, and when it was time to do laundry I'd wash, then dry them for 8 minutes on low, and then hang them to finish drying on a clothes rack. Not always, but sometimes I have to quickly run the iron over them because there are too many wrinkles to get away with, out in public. If there are just a few wrinkles, I tell myself that it simply looks like I've been sitting down in the outfit and of course there are going to be some creases and wrinkles. People expect that.

But then I'm back to the beginning, If I'm not going anywhere, what's the point of getting dressed? No one is going to see me, so why not just leave my nightgown on all day long and change it in the evening before I go to bed? (It feels a little like "opposite day" when I was a kid.) Except that I do have to go outdoors frequently, because I run an electric bubble machine. My bubble machine sits in front of my house by the front sidewalk, and there's a fairly steady stream of people walking by, so wearing a nightgown at noon, while I'm filling my bubble machine might look a bit strange. But yesterday I decided if I put one of my vintage aprons over my nightgown, who's going to know? It looked like I was wearing a dress with an apron tied over it. Nobody seemed to notice, or they were just being kind.

You can do it in your pjs! Please take a moment to say "Thank You" to your library for providing their Online Book Club. I'll be sending your messages to your library to celebrate National Library Week. Email your note to: Suzanne@DearReader.com and be sure to include the name and location of your library. And remember, as my gift to you, when you send a Thank You for your library, you'll be entered in fun giveaways this week. (Be sure to include your mailing address.) Today's giveaway is a Bath Bombs Gift Set--The Best Ultra Natural Bubble Fizzies With Dead Sea Salt Cocoa And Shea Essential Oils.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win.

With so many new books out every week, we promise this title deserves your attention:

(Fiction) ACTS OF FAITH: Part I of The Inquisition Trilogy by Martin Elsant

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 04-22-2020

Dear Reader,

"I never knew how much I'd really miss you.
I never knew how much I really cared..."

"Or something like that. My librarians would have known, or researched, the correct lyrics." wrote book club reader Nancy B., from Bluffton SC.

This week we're celebrating National Library Week at the book clubs.

"Of all the places I miss going to during this pandemic," Nancy continued, "I miss my library the most--the Bluffton branch of the Beaufort County, SC, library system. Having a pile of long-ago-due books to return but knowing all late fees are being waived isn't much consolation.

Thank you to the restockers for your tireless effort, constant smiles and right-on recommendations. Thank you to the researchers for seeming to know everything that happened, and when. Thank you to all for taking as much interest in us middle-agers (even though the CDC now calls me 'elderly') and planning activities for us, as well as the youngsters. Thank you for re-teaching me how to use the Dewey Decimal system. Shout-out a 'thank you' to librarians everywhere." -- Nancy B.

Please take a moment and say "Thank You" to your library for providing their Online Book Club. I'm sending your messages to them. Email your note to: Suzanne@DearReader.com and be sure to include the name and location of your library. And remember, as my gift to you, when you send a Thank You for your library, you'll be entered in the fun giveaway drawing every day this week. (Be sure to include your current mailing address.)

Today's giveaway is a set of three Genuine Leather Book Marks.

Smile! Readers share some "funnies".

A man walks into a library and orders linguini with white clam sauce. The librarian says, "This is a library!"

The man says, "Oh, so sorry." (Then in a whisper) "I'd like some linguine with white clam sauce." -- Compliments of book club reader, Lauralee F.

"Hi Suzanne, everyone needs a smile. Here is one you can share..

My three year old grandson is doing distance learning at home. As we all know, three year olds are virtual sponges, absorbing everything around them.

My daughter sat down with my grandson for a lesson, a couple of days after receiving their Chromebook. When it didn't light up quickly enough for my grandson, he tapped the mouse on the table a couple of times, then muttered a string of obscenities!

When my daughter related this story to me she added, 'I guess it didn't go so well with his dad yesterday!' Keep smiling!"
-- Linda F.

Funnies from Janice M.--"I felt something cold and wet on my arm and was shocked to see a @$# mosquito using a disinfectant wipe on my arm before biting me.

I gave up eating chocolate for a month. Sorry, bad punctuation. I'm giving up. I'm eating chocolate for a month."

Keep those "Thank you's" and Funnies coming my way.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader Column 04-21-2020

Dear Reader,

I've been feeling pretty good emotionally this past month, even though (because of the COVID-19) I don't venture any further than my yard. But that's okay, because my husband and I have been pretending we're on vacation in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains. We used to go every year and we always chose a secluded cabin. Two weeks of only venturing into town for supplies--it was a refreshing respite. But this morning when I woke up, I was feeling that vacation was fun, but it was time to go home. And then I realized, yikes! I am home.

The best way for me to change worrisome thoughts into thinking about good things, is to reach out and do something for someone else. And it's the perfect week for me to do that, because we're celebrating National Library Week at the book club.

This year's theme is Find Your Place at the Library. Libraries may be closed, but nevertheless--your library's Online Book Club finds you every day, tucked away in your home reading their daily email. Please take a moment and say "Thank You" to your library for providing their Online Book Club, and I'll be sure to get your messages to them!

Email your notes to: Suzanne@DearReader.com and be sure to include the name and location of your library. I have fun gifts for readers, too. When you email your Thank You, you'll be entered in the daily drawing. Today's giveaway is a Burt's Bees Hand Care set.

"Dear Suzanne, One day on my walk in our senior community I met a friend and as usual we began talking books. In the course of our chat she mentioned the Dear Reader Online Book Club. I couldn't wait to get back home and explore her suggestion. So now every morning I enjoy your column, and your funny glimpses of just plain daily life. Sometimes I love your new [book] offerings and sometimes I just pass. But I am always grateful to those who make this daily gift possible. And once this virus leaves I will visit my local branch of Washington Street main library and sign up for the new reads [books that I sampled at the book club] that I know I will enjoy."

Thank you, thank you.
Merle H.

Who do you know that would enjoy the Online Book Club? Send them the link (below) so they can start reading with you every day. Dear Reader Online Book Clubs

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win.

 

Dear Reader Column 04-20-2020

Dear Reader,

A "thank you" from the heart always makes someone's day. This week you can show your appreciation and say "thanks" as we celebrate National Library Week at the book club.

This year's theme, "Find Your Place at the Library," was chosen months ago, before the global pandemic forced libraries to temporarily close their buildings. But the theme is still truer than ever today. Find Your Place at the Library--not to worry--your library's Online Book Club finds you every day, tucked away at your place, reading their daily email.

Say "Thank You" to your library for providing their Online Book Club, and I'll be sure to get your messages to them! Email your Thank You notes to: Suzanne@DearReader.com and be sure to include the name and location of your library.

Librarians will receive your gift of a "Thank You" and I'll be giving fun gifts to readers, every day at the book club. Send in your thank you today, and you'll be entered in today's drawing for a book lover's pair of socks with the quote, "There is No Friend as Loyal as a book--Hemingway."

"Hi Suzanne, I would like to thank all the wonderful librarians and staff at Timberland Regional Library. They do an exceptional job every day, and are always so pleasant and helpful. Thank you, Timberland!!" -- Helen J.

"Thank you so much for all that you do for us. Can't wait for the West Boynton Beach library to reopen. The library has been my second home since childhood. Virtual hugs," -- Betty L.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win.

(Fiction) ACTS OF FAITH: Part I of The Inquisition Trilogy by Martin Elsant

At an auto da fe in 16th century Portugal, Diego Lopes was chained to a stake and a pyre was lit. Then, according to both Christian and Jewish witnesses, he mysteriously disappeared in front of thousands of astonished spectators. What really happened? And can love, strong enough to cross a religious divide, survive the fires of the Inquisition? The answers to these questions are the story of Acts of Faith.

Go to: AUTHORBUZZ click on ACTS OF FAITH to read more and to email author Martin Elsant, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 04-17-2020

Dear Reader,

"Does she or doesn't she? Only her hairdresser knows for sure." Since 1956, it's been Clairol's famous slogan. But it's no secret at my house anymore. Every time I look in the mirror, I'm reminded that I've sprouted a crop of gray hair, and with each passing day it's getting more populated up there. First thing I do in the morning, after I brush my teeth, I lean into the mirror, bow my head (no, I'm not praying, but it may come to that), and survey the strands that turned on me overnight. (Traitors).

So to hide those non-blond hairs, I've started "styling" my hair with the messy-look. Who's kidding who? It's not styling, rather I'm gathering up some hair from the part line on the top of my head, swirling it loosely around and around, then clipping it with a couple of barrettes, so the streak on the top of my head doesn't show. For now, it's the perfect cover-up. But my hair grows fast, so if this stay-at-home order continues, I'm going to be wearing a hat 24/7.

A friend of mine tried touching up her gray roots with an over-the-counter product, and when that didn't work, being a resourceful elementary teacher who's used to budget cuts, she used her brown mascara to touch up the gray around her face, and ordered a baseball cap online, with the word BLESSINGS (LOL) on the front. I commend her. You've got to find some humor these days even if they're looking gray.

Don't miss the party next week! We'll be celebrating National Library Week every day at the book club!

This year's theme, "Find Your Place at the Library," was chosen months ago, before the global pandemic forced libraries to temporarily close their buildings. But the theme is still truer than ever today. Find Your Place at the Library--not to worry--your library's Online Book Club finds you every day, tucked away at your place, reading their daily email.

Celebrate with other book club readers and your library. Say "Thank You" to your library for providing their Online Book Club, and I'll be sure to get your messages to them!

What's a celebration without gifts? Librarians will receive your gift of a "Thank You" and I'll be giving fun gifts to readers, every day at the book club. The party starts Monday, but the early bird gets the worm, too. Send in your thank you this week, and you'll be entered in a bonus drawing for a Set of 6 Aromatherapy Shower Steamers with Organic Essential Oils.

Email your Thank You notes to: Suzanne@DearReader.com and be sure to include the name and location of your library. When you do, I'll be sure to enter you in the drawing and I'll be publishing some of your Thank You's in next week's column, too.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win.

KIDSBUZZ: Click here to discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win.
You are not a number. THE PRETTIEST, an empowering novel by Brigit Young about fighting back against sexism and objectification. "This book is a hug and a high-five."--NYT Bestselling author Kate Milford. For a chance to win a free copy and find out for yourself, see KIDSBUZZ

Dear Reader Column 04-16-2020

Dear Reader,

Don't miss the party next week! We'll be celebrating National Library Week every day at the book club!

This year's theme, "Find Your Place at the Library," was chosen months ago, before the global pandemic forced libraries to temporarily close their buildings. But the theme is still truer than ever today. Find Your Place at the Library--not to worry--your library's Online Book Club finds you every day, tucked away at your place, reading their daily email.

Celebrate with other book club readers and your library. Say "Thank You" to your library for providing their Online Book Club, and I'll be sure to get your messages to them!

What's a celebration without gifts? Librarians will receive your gift of a "Thank You" and I'll be giving fun gifts to readers, every day at the book club. The party starts Monday, but the early bird gets the worm, too. Send in your thank you this week, and you'll be entered in a bonus drawing for a Set of 6 Aromatherapy Shower Steamers with Organic Essential Oils.

Email your Thank You notes to: Suzanne@DearReader.com and be sure to incude the name of your library. When you do, I'll be sure to enter you in the drawing and I'll be publishing some of your Thank You's in next week's column, too.

Lost and Found. Remember Roxana, the book club reader, who was looking for the title of a book I featured years ago?

"Good News! Suzanne, I just wanted to write back and let you know...I FOUND THE BOOK!!!! I cannot thank you enough for helping me find my book! The book is called The Invisible, by Ginny L Yttrup. The sample read came to me through your book club, and I received it during a time when my life resembled the character's life. The book helped me through the hard time. I have been searching for it for years. Thank you! I really can't tell you how grateful I am." -- Roxana M.

Getting a little bored singing the same old Happy Birthday song when you're washing your hands? Book club reader Mary Anne B. (obviously an ambitious singer) writes...

"Hi, Suzanne, I know folks are washing their hands more often and humming Happy Birthday to time the process. But I got bored with the same old song and tried some new tunes to lighten the chore. For the kids we sing Old McDonald and Eensy, Weensy Spider twice, and all the verses of Six White Ducks. Then I switched to my school/college fight songs, The Doxology, Pennies from Heaven, and Maresy Dotes--remember that one? Wash your hands, sing loud and stay healthy and happy!" -- Mary Anne B.

If you want to get real fancy and add some accompaniment, I found some on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music. My husband and I are usually washing our hands together, but so far I haven't been able to talk him into singing harmony.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Stay safe,

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win.

With so many new books out every week, we promise this title deserves your attention:

(Fiction) THE BISHOP by Skye Warren

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

KIDSBUZZ: Click here to discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader Column 04-15-2020

Dear Reader,

I could use a little "funny." How about you?

Today I'm featuring "stand-up" at the book club, compliments of jokes floating around the Internet.

The world has turned upside down. Old folks are sneaking out of the house, and their kids are yelling at them to stay indoors!

I used to spin that toilet paper like I was on "Wheel of Fortune."
Now I turn it like I'm cracking a safe.

I need to practice social-distancing from the refrigerator.

I swear my fridge just said, "What, you again?"

I couldn't decide where to go for Easter--the living room or the bedroom

PSA: every few days try your jeans on just to make sure they fit.
Pajamas will have you believe all is well in the kingdom.

(Actually I was thinking that very thing the other day and I put on some "real" clothes to check if I could still zip up. I'm okay, so as a reward, I dished up some of my favorite strawberry ice cream.)

Homeschooling is going well. 2 students suspended for fighting and 1 teacher fired for drinking on the job.

I don't think anyone expected when we changed the clocks we'd go from the Standard Time Zone to the Twilight Zone

This morning I saw a neighbor talking to her cat. It was obvious she thought her cat understood her. I came into my house, and told my dog...we laughed a lot.

So, after this quarantine...will the producers of "My 600 Pound Life" just find me or do I find them?

My body has absorbed so much soap and disinfectant lately that when I pee it cleans the toilet.

I'm so excited--it's time to take out the garbage. What should I wear?

Classified Ad: Single man with toilet paper seeks woman with hand sanitizer for good clean fun.

Day 6 of Homeschooling: My child just said "I hope I don't have the same teacher next year"...I'm offended.

This virus has done what no woman has been able to do...cancel all sports, shut down all bars, and keep men at home!

Since we can't eat out, now's the perfect time to eat better, get fit, and stay healthy. We're quarantined! Who are we trying to impress? We have snacks, we have sweatpants--I say we use them!

Day 9 at home and the dog is looking at me like, "See? This is why I chew the furniture!"

Does anyone know if we can take showers yet, or should we just keep washing our hands???

I never thought the comment, "I wouldn't touch him/her with a 6 foot pole" would become a national policy, but here we are!

Me: Alexa what's the weather this weekend?
Alexa: "It doesn't matter--you're not going anywhere."

Can everyone please just follow the government instructions, so we can knock out this coronavirus and be done? I feel like a kindergartner who keeps losing more recess time because one or two kids can't follow directions.

Reminder: better 6 feet apart than 6 feet under."

I hope you enjoyed yourself at the Book Club's Comedy Club--and don't forget to tip your server.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Keep washing your hands and singing "Happy Birthday."

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win.

KIDSBUZZ: Click here to discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win.
You are not a number. THE PRETTIEST, an empowering novel by Brigit Young about fighting back against sexism and objectification. "This book is a hug and a high-five."--NYT Bestselling author Kate Milford. For a chance to win a free copy and find out for yourself, see KIDSBUZZ