Welcome to Litsy!

I got about halfway through over almost six months before I bailed, I might go back at some point it just simply wasnt catching me and I had to give it back to the library (via libby) eventually lol

These “new” boy cats are full of personality! I have to tell them at every meal: what is not yours is not yours. They will eat from any food dish even while their sister is trying to eat. Steve has also broken into the treats stash.

But before the new boy cats there was Corey. I miss him. #haikuaday #haikuhive

Corey was my buddy
With a crooked smile and a
Grumpy/sweet meow

Jinx is personally reassuring me that there‘s better books to read if I‘m unhappy with the one I‘m currently reading😅 a book of short stories, the writing is lovely but I just wasn‘t interested in the stories, other than the first one, that were happening and ultimately didn‘t want to continue the read

Huh. I should apply this logic to more interactions.

For my first pride month read, I didn‘t actually realize this was as gay as it was, but it was super casual about it and I love that. It‘s heartfelt, beautiful stories with queer people that have nothing to do with them coming out, or anything like every other queer story there is. It‘s so refreshing. I love the tones and atmospheres of the stories too.

Read my full review at: www.rainyreader.com/single-post/what-is-not-yours-is-not-yours
#pride

I enjoyed this book but found some stories difficult to follow. Because this was a book of short stories there was one that I didn‘t like and didn‘t understand so I skipped it. Otherwise the stories were enjoyable but I wouldn‘t rush to read another book like this again soon. 3/5

It's impossible to know where any of these stories will lead, which is part of their fun. They are winding roads that often veer into spooky territory, and drop as many breadcrumbs behind you as you like, but you can't help but get lost in these. You'll find locked doors everywhere you turn of course. What that means depends on the story, but in all cases, Oyeyemi interrogates what it means to have access and what changes once you turn the key 🗝

I first read Oyeyemi in October '16. The book, White Is for Witching, a new favorite I remember vividly my initial encounter with her work. Smart, witty, philosophical, engaging. As Laura Miller wrote, "Oyeyemi is the literary heir of the late, great Angela Carter." I just had a very similar experience with her linked story collection. I'm not one to reread very often, but I will be returning to this gem in the next month or so. Highly recommend!

Happy St. Jordi's day everyone! If you don't know what that is see @vivastory 's earlier post: https://litsy.com/p/aklwNEp4NEJ6
One more #unlockingOyeyemi discussion prompt in the comments below. This is a cross-time book discussion for all those who love these stories and want to discuss them no matter when everyone else has read them. So feel free to leave a comment whenever - you'll give me an excuse to reread some of this amazing collection!

#unlockingOyeyemi
@vivastory

I'm a little speechless with this story - read it days ago and I'm still trying to process it. If you've read it in the past, or read it in the future please share your thoughts!

St. Jordi's (St. George's) Day is mentioned several times in the opening story in my current read. After a quick search, I've decided it's one of the most charming holidays. Celebrated in Barcelona on April 23, it's essentially a combination of Valentine's Day & Jolabokaflod. Literally "books and roses." So, this April 23, treat yourself on St. Jordi's Day to books and roses!
????

So, I'm trying this experiment with my #currentread...Helen Oyeyemi is a new favorite author of mine, and as I read her story collection, I'm dying to hear from others about these stories. It's got a locked door theme so I'm calling it #unlockingOyeyemi If you like this author and want to chat about the story pictured (even if you're reading this years later), see the question behind the spoiler door in the comments and let me know your thoughts!

I know we've all had that feeling of finishing a book and going crazy because you want to discuss it. Does anyone act on this? Do you pose questions in your reviews and wait patiently? Or go so far as to comment on recent reviews in Goodreads of the same book to ask?
Well I just finished the first story of the tagged collection and I have a big question. I'll post in the comments: if you've read it, feel free to 'unlock' and respond! 🚪🗝

🗝🔑

I discovered Helen Oyeyemi earlier this year and now I can‘t stop devouring her books. This short story collection is the first I‘ve given less than 5 stars to (4.5, though, come on), because some of the stories simply aren‘t as effective as others, but even so, her writing shimmers and purrs and twists, it is muscular and delicate and exquisite and sharp, it is a voice that is both intensely powerful and entirely unique.

Already enjoying this!!

In honor of World Book Day 2019, I present my new favorite Dollar Tree find (narrowly pulling ahead of Marie-Helene Bertino‘s “2 A.M. at the Cat‘s Pajamas” that I stumbled across a few years ago). Just as I was considering investing in hardcover copies of the Helen Oyeyemi books I don‘t have, this beauty greeted me at the end of the aisle!

I must admit there were moments in a few of the stories when I didn't quite comprehend what was going on, but it did nothing to dampen my enjoyment. Oyeyemi's writing is just so damn captivating.

#MusicalNewYear #RingOfKeys Helen Oyeyemi is a visceral writer.Her sentences are lush BUT I do not seem to enjoy her books 😣The tagged book is a short story collection where keys and locks physically and figuratively play into the storytelling but the stories were too dreamy, bizarre , out there for me. And yesterday I bailed on Boy, Snow Bird. I guess I‘ll just have to admire her gorgeous cover art but skip the rest 🤪

Sometimes I did not really know what I was reading as some of these short stories were a little out there for me but the beauty of the short story is that you can move on quickly to the next one. My favorite story was called “Books and Roses” which makes reference to St. Jordi‘s Day, a holiday in Spain when people exchange books and roses. Sounds like my kind of holiday!

First time in a long time to post here. I‘m in my safe space and this lil book got my mind painting wondrous sceneries filled with locked doors and rustic keys.

I loved some of these stories and just didn‘t get others. The first was my favorite. I found myself 🤷🏻‍♀️ throughout this book, but enjoyed the character connections between the stories.

I'm going with a short story double bill this morning. Greek myths are great for occasional dipping into, and are often bonkers!

Out of dozens of shareholders in this property, somehow we are the only ones here today/tonight. I have read on 3 of the 5 docks already today, just because I can. And I have not managed to finish a single book yet because I keep switching between them. 6.5 hours down, 17.5 to go #24in48 #readoutside #readanywhere #silenceisgolden @24in48

"sorry" doesn't sweeten her tea - AMAZING short story that will likely be haunting my thoughts for a long time #24in48 #readathon @24in48 #24in48readathon #helenoyeyemi

So not getting off to a fabulous start with the #24in48readathon Managed to listen to 1.5 hours of Under the Banner of Heaven (Jon Krakauer) this morning while I was driving the trailer to the lake. Just getting back to reading now after set-up and light trail maintenance duties. Fingers crossed for few interruptions! @24in48 #24in48 #readathon

A true reader ❤️📚

I read about St. Jordi Day in this short story collection - a day for books & roses 🌹📚❤️

I want this to happen everywhere 😍

https://www.spain.info/en_US/reportajes/la_fiesta_sant_jordi.html

Good morning, coast

Short story collection + local, Arkansas beer

Friends + books

Beach reading courtesy of @TheEmpress

Ready for the beach ⛱

“A library at night is full of sounds: the unread books can't stand it any longer and announce their contents, some boasting, some shy, some devious.”

Oyeyemi‘s writing feels like a wonderful dream at times, just tempting you to read on.

#dream #fairytales #coolbooks #quote

I didn‘t finish it. The first story was fine, but not enough to hold my interest when there are other books on my bedside table.

I love short stories! Anyone else? Here are some of the collections on my TBR - are any of these on your pile?

Great collection of short stories.

Excellent. Gorgeous writing—something quotable & thought-provoking on every page—along with a strong narrative thread (characters appear in multiple stories) & a mix of genres make this a compelling & enjoyable read. I enjoyed all the stories, though at least twice I paused, scratched my head & said, “Huh?” but favorites include ‘books and roses,‘ ‘presence,‘ & ‘a brief history of the homely wench society.‘ Really enjoying short stories lately.

“She preferred rooms with a minimum of two doorways, so you had options.”

Wow. Absolutely blown away by the first story, ‘books and roses.‘ Bodes well for the remainder of the book.

And because it‘s the weekend and why read ONE book when you can read TWO (or maybe more), I‘m also going to start this one. Short stories, a little coffee and a great start to the day.

@TheEmpress i feel so thoroughly spoiled! I've been desperately wanting to read What Is Yours is Not Yours (and Helen Oyeyemi in general) but my library doesn't have it-- you really hit it out of the park with the books!! I'm in love with the Wonder Woman pop, and I can't believe we both got each other Nifflers 😂 Great minds haha. It's just all so perfect, thank you thank you thank you! 😊❤

#funkopopswap #fps

I really enjoyed the variety and the writing!