In addition to being an avid reader, I am a dog lover and small business owner who has turned this passion into my career. Other dog lovers out there can check out my web site at www.generationdog.com. And if you live in Birmingham, AL, come by the store in Downtown Homewood!

When I read, I tend to prefer literary fiction and have a particular interest in historical fiction. One of my favorite authors is Phillippa Gregory. I discovered her in a book club I was in when I lived in New Orleans and became hooked. I've now read all her historical fiction books - including some that I had to order from England - and even a few of the contemporary ones. My favorite is still "The Other Boleyn Girl". Unfortunately, I can't bear to set any of these books free because I know I'll read them again!

Having lived most of my adult life in New Orleans up until Hurricane Katrina, I also enjoy reading books set in the Big Easy. It's been a while since I've read anything but one of my all time favorites is the play "A Streetcar Named Desire" which I re-read periodically. And of course, New Orleans has such a colorful history that the non-fiction reading is just as good as the fiction. Two non-fiction books that I enjoyed are "The Last Madam: A Life in the New Orleans Underworld" by Christine Wiltz", "Lords of Misrule: Mardi Gras and the Politics of Race in New Orleans" by James Gill and "Storyville, New Orleans" by Al Rose. I miss being in the middle of all this history but the city is not the same right now.

I am also fascinated with Venice and read everything I can get my hands set here. I think I must have lived there in a former life. Recently, I read "In the Company of the Courtesan" by Sarah Dunant, who also wrote "Birth of Venus" set in Florence during the Renaissance. And I just finished "Lucifer's Shadow" by David Hewson. In fact, this may be the first book that I "set free" so maybe you'll get your hands on it.

Of course, every once in a while, I need a page-turner just for pure entertainment. I tend to gravitate towards serial killer books for this fix and the occasional "chick-lit" selection. And lately I've been reading some books on running my business. Maxine Clark's book about how she started the Build-a-Bear Workshop was very instructional.

So that's my story. If you find my books, hope you'll pop me a line.