Rhett Butler's People

I have only two requirements for the books I read in bed:
1) Nothing scary. Thanks to my overactive imagination, I have been prone to nightmares since I was a kid.  Reading anything spooky right before I fall asleep can be a trigger, so I try to avoid it.  I keep the creepy books for daytime.
2) It has to be something that I can read in small increments and still follow.  There are nights when I can get into bed and read for an hour, but most nights I am lucky to get more than a page in before nodding off.

On Saturday and Sunday mornings, though, I love nothing more than to read in bed for a while before I start my day.  This morning, I took a little extra time and finished Rhett Butler's People by Donald McCaig.  I've been reading this one for a while - an alternate take on the events of Gone With the Wind through the eyes of Rhett Butler and the people in his life: his sister Rosemary, Belle Watling, Belle's bastard son, and Scarlett herself, to name a few.

Gone With the Wind is an old favorite, so I was hesitant to read this one.  I worry when another author takes on a classic like this.  But I enjoyed Rhett Butler's People as it gave some insight into what was going on in Rhett's life while the action in Gone With the Wind is focused on Scarlett.  The familiarity of the story made this an easy read.  Revisiting the characters was like seeing old friends after a long absence. 

I will say, however, that it makes me want to re-read Gone With the Wind to compare the two stories.  And because Rhett is one of my favorite "bad boys" in literature.  I never could understand how Scarlett could fall for mild-mannered Ashley Wilkes over Rhett Butler. 


In other news...
The family is busy planning our Funny 4 Funds Comedy Night fundraiser for Team Lena's Smiling PHACE and Boston Children's Hospital on May 30 at the West Warwick Elks Club.  We have been gathering donations and table sponsors, and selling tickets in hopes of raising a good amount for the walk this June.  Boston Children's Hospital is near and dear to all of our hearts for the care they have given to my niece Lena.  Tickets are still available for $20.  Contact me for more information.

I have finished Heart Shaped Box, but will hold off on reviewing it until after book club meets in June. 

Nephew Ryan and I read the first chapter of Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone on Friday and he is intrigued.  He said, "I think you're right, I think I am going to like this book."