A few months ago I finished reading an advance reading copy of The Divide by Nicholas Evans. Many of you may know Evans from his first book, The Horse Whisperer. I finished this book and immediately wanted to talk about it. I gave a copy to a friend for his birthday and soon we were trading e-mails about the story --- and what it says about the relationships between men and women, as well as those between parents and their children. I have had the opportunity to hear Evans speak about The Divide twice now, as well as reading and watching interviews with him. This is a book that has stayed with me. There is a passion and sincerity in the writing. I know it would make a great book club discussion, which is why we are making it our contest book this month.

September in the New York area this year has had a lovely run of perfectly blue-sky days. They are cushioning the idea that fall is upon us. Temperatures here plummeted last night and suddenly sending the boys off to school in shorts was not an option. I always hate to see summer end and dig in my heels trying to make it last. One reason: I seem to have more time to read in the summer since life kicks back a bit. I am vowing to allow myself this same escape time as the days get shorter!

The New York area this month has had a string of blue sky days, which I just love. The temperatures are dropping, but I am in total denial about this! I did stop the boys from leaving the house in shorts and polo shirts this morning, noting to them that I would get the Bad Mother Award if I allowed them to get on the bus like this. Of course, this is the same threat that I utter when they tell me they do not need to bring anything for lunch since they are not hungry. I just picture the lunch monitor at my younger son's school telling people, "She may know books, but she forgot the LUNCH!" This is my nightmare.