I have this unexpected sore spot at work. There are RNs all-around me not using their degree to its fullest potential, while I pine away at their side wishing I had the same opportunity. I wouldn’t be throwing it away.

RNs working at a lesser position as PSWs because “they don’t want the stress.” RNs so negative that they tear down the work and brick and mortar everyone else is working so hard to build. RNs who puff up because of new management positions but refuse to return to the humility of floor work even when there is NO ONE else to fill in.

Everyone’s got their own path in life. I know, but they have startled me into realizing a new self-describing adverb. Stephen forgive me. I’m ambitious.

How dare they.

and getting off my soapbox now…

My thoughts turn to a book I just finished about another ambitious female, one Flavia de Luce of The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. It was an enjoyable story, a great beach book, but still somehow a disappointment. I know, I know. I was surprised too! Everyone just loves this book.

But once again, mystery is just not my favourite genre and no matter how endearing as a character Flavia is, it felt like a juvenile novel. The whole way through I kept thinking that I’d pass it to my 10 year old daughter to read until I reached certain circumstances at the end which both failed to endear me to the book and made it inappropriate for her.

I can see however why it is beloved. It had some wonderful humour and delicious chemistry. No, not romantic chemistry but the actual carbon tetrachloride and sodium bicarbonate sort. All of a sudden I was nostalgic for a Bunsen burner. Flavia carries the story – and chemical formulas – forward just like you were with her on the front of her bicycle, pedalling away, never slowing down. It’s a fast read at only 304 pages.

But the most unique thing about Flavia, something I do not know if I’ve ever seen in a novel, is her positive self-talk. In any encounter with an evil sister or curmudgeonly adult, she steadies – buoys – believes in herself.  And tells herself so! For that, she gets a “Go Flavia!” from me too.

Share this post!

You may also be interested in these posts:

1. Till We Have Faces: Chapters 1-12 Night shifts have afforded me extra reading time, and I’ve...
2. Till We Have Faces: Chapters 13 – Wherever it was that I lost my mind I totally read to the end too fast. And I...
3. Till We Have Faces: Kate on Orual That lost thread has now been found. In a very...