Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
The Spectacular
The Spectacular: A Novel | Fiona Davis
New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis transports us back to 1950s Manhattan and glamorous Radio City Music Hall.... New York City, 1956: Nineteen-year-old Marion is over the moon to have been selected to be one of the Rockettes, Radio City Music Halls glamorous precision dancing troupe. Its an honor to perform in the worlds most spectacular theater, an art deco masterpiece. But with four shows a day as well as grueling rehearsals, not to mention exacting standards of perfection to live up to, Marion quickly realizes that the life of a Rockette has both extraordinary highs, and devastating lows. Then one night a bomb explodes in the theater. Its only the latest in a string of explosions around the city orchestrated by a person the press has nicknamed the Big Apple Bomber, who has been terrorizing the citizens of New York for sixteen years by planting bombs in popular, crowded spaces. With the public in an uproar over the lack of any real leads after a decades-long manhunt, the police, at Marions urging, turn in desperation to a radical new technique: psychological profiling. As Marion finds herself pulled deeper into the investigation, she realizes that as much as shes been training herself to blend inperforming in perfect unison with all the other identical Rockettesif she hopes to catch the bomber, shell need to stand out and take a terrifying risk. In doing so, she may be forced to sacrifice everything shes worked for, as well as the people she loves the most.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
blurb
Kappadeemom
post image

This was such a fantastic book! The story of Marion, who became a Rockette in the 1950‘s, against the advice of her dad. He was trying to get her married off to her high school boyfriend, instead of being a dancer, a total waste of time

38 likes2 stack adds
review
BookwormAHN
post image
Pickpick

This was a great book. Marion lucks out and gets a job as one of the Rockettes. A job her father doesn't approve of and one that puts her in the path of the Big Apple Bomber 🍎
#LiteraryCrew @Librarybelle
#NoShameReadathon24 #GoodDisabilityRep @Nessavamusic

Librarybelle Glad you liked it! 2mo
BethM I‘m sad I missed this one! 2mo
54 likes2 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
post image

It‘s time for the #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead discussion! I‘ve posted 9 questions as spoilers - you can find these by either viewing my feed, the book‘s feed, or searching #LiteraryCrew . Feel free to jump into the discussion whenever! If there‘s anything else you wish to comment on, please share below.

Next month, the group will be reading The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry. I‘ll post a reminder on Thursday!

CatLass007 I already have my copy! (edited) 2mo
BookwormAHN Looking forward to it 💚 2mo
Jerdencon I‘m waiting for it to come in from the library. 2mo
See All 9 Comments
julieclair I loved this book! Thanks for hosting a thoughtful discussion. Looking forward to next month! 2mo
Sargar114 Thank you @Librarybelle for hosting! 2mo
Crazeedi Thank you Jess! I totally enjoyed this book, and great discussion!! 2mo
Librarybelle So glad you enjoyed the book, @Crazeedi ! 2mo
44 likes9 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

9. What did you make of Marion and Peter‘s relationship as the novel progressed, and what did you think of Peter‘s confession at the end? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CatLass007 I‘m glad they eventually found each other again after so many years. When they first met they still were kids in so many ways. As mature adults they are able to have a mature relationship. 2mo
BookwormAHN @CatLass007 Agreed but I still wanted to shake him for waiting so long. 2mo
CatLass007 @BookwormAHN Sometimes the best way to deal with a situation is to smack the man upside the head, maybe with a book. I think a little Gibbs-slap would be just too gentle. 2mo
See All 7 Comments
julieclair He should have told her the truth right from the start, so they could have discussed it rationally. So many wasted years… so sad. 2mo
Sargar114 I agree @julieclair In a way, it‘s like her father just assuming the correct way to handle the situation and not giving her a say in the matter. 2mo
Crazeedi He was a weak man imo 2mo
julieclair @Sargar114 Good point. All of the men in her life essentially treated her the same way. 2mo
11 likes7 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

8. Did your opinion of the bomber shift after his history was revealed? Why or why not? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CatLass007 Understanding the motives of the bomber doesn‘t make what he did excusable. 2mo
BookwormAHN I might have understood his motives if he had bombed the corporation but not just various locations in New York, and that still would not excuse his actions. 2mo
julieclair He was certainly treated very badly by Met Power, and that is sad, but it‘s not an excuse to injure and kill innocent people. 2mo
Crazeedi Not really, violence is never appropriate no matter what 2mo
10 likes5 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

7. Later in the novel, Marion learns a disturbing truth about Lucille‘s life and choices. Do you believe that Marion should have been told earlier? How could it have affected her relationship with her father? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CatLass007 Both daughters should have been told the truth about Lucille. They deserved to know who their mother really was, not the version their father lied to them about. Lies are eventually discovered and the teller of the lies has to deal with the consequences. Losing Marion‘s trust… How did he feel about that? Unfortunately his daughters also have to deal with the consequences of the lies told by their father. 2mo
BookwormAHN I wonder if that wasn't "his truth" about what happened. He did seem like the you are either with me or against me type. 2mo
Jerdencon I think a lot had to do with the time period too - secrets were kept hidden not realizing the long term effects they would have. 2mo
See All 6 Comments
julieclair I believe honesty is always the best policy - it avoids a lot of hurt in the long run. But I think @Jerdencon is correct that secrets were more the norm in that time period. 2mo
Sargar114 I think you‘re right @BookwormAHN Even if he told the girls the “truth” I doubt it would have been actually what happened since he only wanted what he wanted and if the women in his life didn‘t agree to that, it was wrong. 2mo
Crazeedi I think they should have been told in stages as they grew, simple answers to more detailed 2mo
10 likes6 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

6. The novel raises questions about the cost of suppressing one‘s own creativity and individuality for the good of the greater whole, whether as a dancer in a kick line or as an employee of a large corporation. What are the consequences of doing so for Marion and for her father? How do they differ in their responses to the pressure to conform? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CatLass007 Marion‘s father was the scapegoat for the havoc caused by the Mad Bomber and he lost his job. He probably felt emasculated. Marion assumed the responsibility of taking care of her father because of his illness. But when she became assistant choreographer and later a choreographer she became independent of him. She had the responsibility of being the family breadwinner at the same time she was able to live her dream. 2mo
BookwormAHN I don't think her father could of won either way. If he had immediately turned over the files he still would have been fired. And Marion would have been miserable if she would have just gone back home. 2mo
julieclair Marion never could quite surprise her individuality, and ended up being successful because of that. Her father did conform, and was ruined because of it. 2mo
Sargar114 Excellent points @julieclair It‘s interesting how this story strongly expresses the benefits and costs of conforming between the beauty of the Rockettes performance to the moral questions of doing whatever your company asks if you without question. 2mo
Crazeedi This is a critical question in one's life , I'll just say 'to one owns self be true' 2mo
11 likes5 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

5. What does Marion‘s pearl necklace symbolize? When Simon confiscates the pearls, what does his actions reveal about him and the relationship he has with his daughters? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CatLass007 The pearls were a gift when she reached an arbitrary age that said she was a woman, not a girl anymore. Her father was so angry at his wife he tried controlling his daughters the way he couldn‘t control his wife. He claimed he was doing things to protect them, keep them safe. Maybe he believed that but I see it all as an issue about controlling his daughters and everyone else in his life. He doesn‘t see his daughters as bright, talented (cont)⬇️ 2mo
CatLass007 young women, each with a will of their own. I think he feels that women are inferior to men, too easily shirking their traditional responsibilities. 2mo
BookwormAHN @CatLass007 I also don‘t think that he ever accepted that they were adults but he definitely didn't think of them as equals. 2mo
See All 9 Comments
CatLass007 @BookwormAHN Oh, no, in his mind they would always be girls, not women. 2mo
Jerdencon @BookwormAHN he definitely wasnt ready to accept them as adults and it was his way of trying to keep control of Marian. 2mo
LaraReads To me they represented control. He wanted to be able to control everything his daughters did since he could never control his wife. 2mo
julieclair The necklace was like a collar attached to a leash controlled by her father. 2mo
Sargar114 Like others have said, they were very much representative of the control he wanted to have over them. 2mo
Crazeedi @julieclair good answer, I'll agree with this premise 2mo
10 likes9 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

4. Discuss Marion‘s path to Radio City Music Hall. What direction do you think Marion‘s life would have taken if she hadn‘t shown up to the Rockettes‘ audition? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CatLass007 Wow. I hadn‘t thought about this question until now. She could have married her fiancée and been miserable as a traditional wife and mother. 2mo
BookwormAHN @CatLass007 And the bomber may never have been caught. 2mo
CatLass007 @BookwormAHN I never thought of that. 2mo
See All 12 Comments
Jerdencon I think like anything in life, sometimes a split second decision can change so much. 2mo
LaraReads @Jerdencon agreed! Sometimes you can‘t imagine your life ending up another way than it did, but every little decision affects the outcome of your life & rewrites your history! 2mo
julieclair Like @CatLass007 , I think she would have succumbed to her father‘s wishes and married her fiancé. And would have most likely led a bored and unfulfilled life. 2mo
Sargar114 I feel like she would have eventually gravitated to a life in dance even if she married right away; much like her mother. 2mo
CatLass007 @BookwormAHN @Jerdencon @LaraReads @julieclair @Sargar114 I have played the “what if” game with my own life decisions on waaay too many occasions. I don‘t do that anymore because if I‘d zigged instead of zagged, I might never have met my best friend/love of my life/bane of my existence. I can look back and enjoy the memories of good things and come to understand that the not so good things have shaped who I am now. I think that‘s what (cont)⬇️ 2mo
CatLass007 she‘s doing as she‘s riding in the car and remembering the defining moment in her life. (edited) 2mo
Crazeedi I think sometimes we are in the right place at the right time and if we seize a chance, it's the thing we're supposed to be doing. 2mo
julieclair @CatLass007 What a beautiful life philosophy! 💙💙💙 2mo
CatLass007 @julieclair Thank you.😊 2mo
10 likes12 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

3. This is not the first book by Davis #LiteraryCrew has read - last year, we read The Masterpiece.

Have you read any other books by Davis? What do you think of her focus on specific NYC landmarks in telling her story? What do you think of her use of a dual timeline to tell the story? #BuddyRead

CatLass007 I liked the dual timeline. Sometimes they can be confusing but I didn‘t think this book was. I want to read more books by Fiona Davis. I want to read The Lions of Fifth Avenue because The New York City Public Library is such a beautiful building. Parts of it are a museum and of course books! 2mo
BookwormAHN This was my first book by her. I liked the two timelines and especially how she used them to wrap everything up. 2mo
Jerdencon I‘ve read all her books - she‘s a favorite. Think part of it is that she writes about places I know or been too. 2mo
See All 7 Comments
LaraReads I really liked the dual timeline in this book, but this is my first read by her. 2mo
julieclair I really liked both books we have read, and would like to read more by her, particularly The Lions of Fifth Avenue and Magnolia Palace. NYC has so many historically interesting buildings - it‘s fun to learn more about them through her novels. And I think the dual timeline worked very well in this book. 2mo
Sargar114 I‘ve only read these two and I love the subject matter but in both cases the story itself didn‘t end up living up to my hopes so I may not be a fan of hers (unpopular opinion seemingly 😬) 2mo
Crazeedi Of course I've read all of her books, (I think!) She's a go to author for me 2mo
9 likes7 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

2. Next, let's discuss George Metesky. I was shocked when I learned about this! Were you familiar with the “Mad Bomber“ and his 16-year bombing campaign in NYC?

In 2011, NPR interviewed the author of a book about Metesky and his 16-year run: https://www.npr.org/2011/05/13/136287845/a-16-year-hunt-for-new-yorks-mad-bomber

#LiteraryCrew#BuddyRead

CatLass007 I never heard about the Metesky story at all until I read this book. 2mo
BookwormAHN I thought that part was fictional until the author's note at the end. 2mo
See All 8 Comments
Jerdencon I feel like I‘ve heard of it in passing but not anything people really talk about here. 2mo
LaraReads I had never heard of it & found it pretty fascinating when I read more about it! 2mo
julieclair I had never heard of the Mad Bomber. I wish my parents were still alive so I could ask them about it. 2mo
Sargar114 I had never heard of it, was surprised that it was actually a thing!!! 2mo
Crazeedi No I had never heard of this!! 2mo
11 likes8 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

1. Welcome to this month's #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead discussion!

First, let's talk about Radio City Music Hall and the Rockettes. Have you ever seen a Rockette show at the Hall? Have you ever visited the Hall?

To get us started, here is a link to view the history of Radio City Music Hall: https://www.msg.com/radio-city-music-hall/history

...and a link about the Rockettes: https://www.rockettes.com/history/

CatLass007 I lived in New York for 8.5 years and I‘m sorry to say that I never made it to Radio City Music Hall. It sounds absolutely gorgeous. I‘ve seen performances of the Rockettes on TV at the Macy‘s Thanksgiving Day parade but I‘ve never seen them live. When I was in elementary school I took dance lessons from a wonderful woman who had auditioned and was cast as a Rockette. But she decided to stay home in our small West Virginia town and (cont)⬇️ 2mo
CatLass007 marry the man she loved. At the time we all thought it was so romantic. As I think back now I wonder if the reason she often told that story was because she had regrets. Maybe not. I wonder if I could have made a similar decision about singing? I never auditioned for anything but I wonder what would have happened if I had. But I like myself and my life as it is now so I have no regrets. 2mo
BookwormAHN I saw them on TV years ago but I've never been to New York. 2mo
See All 8 Comments
Jerdencon I live in NY and have been lucky enough to go to radio city a bunch of times. I‘ve seen the rockettes (and they are amazing close up) as well as concerts there. It‘s a beautiful place and great place to see a show. I‘ve also taken a back stage tour which was super interesting and helped me envision the story. 2mo
LaraReads I wish! Lived in Connecticut for 2 years, but never made it to Radio City for anything. 2mo
julieclair I grew up in New Jersey, and loved going in to Radio City as a child. It‘s a magnificent place, and enchanting for children. And what fun - getting to watch a movie AND see the Rockettes all in the same afternoon! I always loved the Christmas Spectacular best because of the live animals they brought on stage. Very special memories. 2mo
Sargar114 I‘ve only seen them on tv. Would love to see them live! 2mo
Crazeedi I was at Radio City Music Hall in 1964 , we saw Rocketts and a movie 'The Unsinkable Molly Brown. We were in NYC for the world's fair 2mo
10 likes8 comments
blurb
julieclair
post image

Thanks for the tag, @Read4life !

1. The Spectacular

2. Miss Cecily‘s Recipes for Exceptional Ladies

Want to play, @CatLass007 @OriginalCyn620 @Arvena @Reggie ?

#Two4Tuesday @TheSpineView

TheSpineView Thanks for playing! 2mo
CatLass007 Thanks for the tag. 2mo
Read4life You‘re welcome! 2mo
OriginalCyn620 Yes! Thanks for the tag! 😊 2mo
30 likes4 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
post image

Reminder: the #LiteraryCrew discussion is this Wednesday, the 31st! Excited for the discussion! #BuddyRead

CatLass007 I loved this book and look forward to the discussion on Wednesday. @Librarybelle do you tag the discussion questions or do you count on us to be adult enough to remember to look for them on the day? What time do you usually post them? (edited) 2mo
Librarybelle @CatLass007 I try and post in the AM Eastern Time and tag the final post to let everyone know the questions are posted. That way, you‘re not tagged on multiple posts! 2mo
CatLass007 Sounds perfect! Thank you. 2mo
See All 7 Comments
Librarybelle You‘re welcome, @CatLass007 ! 2mo
julieclair Looking forward to it! 2mo
tpixie Thanks! @Librarybelle (edited) 2mo
Crazeedi Yay!!! 2mo
49 likes7 comments
review
Deblovestoread
post image
Pickpick

#52Bookclub24 #Chapterheadingshavedates #LiteraryCrew

I always enjoy Fiona Davis‘ books set in landmark NYC buildings. They are a quick read. I always learn a little bit of history and get to imagine another time. This one was a little more improbable than my ability to suspend belief, so a low pick. 3 🌟

Librarybelle I do like her choice of landmarks and their history. 2mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2mo
79 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
Sargar114
post image
Mehso-so

This was a fun read. I really enjoyed following Marion and the start of her career with the Rockettes. However, I was really thrown off with Big Apple Bomber storyline. For me, there was plenty of drama and storyline following Marion and her family. I even think what happened with her sister and the bomber was still okay for the story, but Marion being so involved in the hunt for the bomber was too much for me. Still a fun read. #literarycrew

Librarybelle So glad you thought it was fun! (edited) 2mo
17 likes1 comment
review
Bluebird
post image
Pickpick

My 2nd book by this author. I love how she chooses historical landmarks and weaves her story around true events. While I preferred The Masterpiece more than this one, I enjoyed the Radio City setting with an insider look at the Rockettes of the 1950‘s + a good mystery. Looking forward to #LiteraryCrew discussion at the end of the month!
#joyousjanuary

Librarybelle I really like how she uses landmarks too! 2mo
Andrew65 Excellent 👏👏👏 Love her books, but not read this one. 2mo
See All 9 Comments
Crazeedi This was good 2mo
Hooked_on_books I‘ve never tried her books. I should do so! 2mo
BarbaraBB Like @Hooked_on_books I haven‘t either and must change that. 2mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2mo
Crazeedi @BarbaraBB I've liked every book I've read by her so far 2mo
BarbaraBB @Crazeedi That is good to know and a recommendation for sure! 2mo
30 likes9 comments
review
LazyLibrary
post image
Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Enjoyable Historical Fiction that mixes the glitz and glam of the NYC Rockettes and the Mad NYC Bomber. Well-written with a decent pace.

lynneamch Not my fave Fiona, but still good! 2mo
17 likes1 comment
review
Julsmarshall
post image
Pickpick

This was an interesting, compelling, and mysterious novel about the famous theatre, the Rockettes, and the Broadway Bomber. Based on true events, Davis does it again, weaving the real and the imagined into a story that is hard to put down. Great on #audio ! #BookspinBingo #JoyousJanuary @TheAromaofBooks @Andrew65

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2mo
LazyLibrary Ooooooooo! I am in the middle of this right now! I thought it would die on my shelf as a random botm pick but I love it. 2mo
Andrew65 Brilliant 👏👏👏 2mo
44 likes1 stack add3 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
post image

Checkin time for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead ! I‘ve seen some great reviews posted already this month - I have this scheduled to start late this week.

Any thoughts to share with the group at this point? Discussion on the 31st!

AllDebooks I couldn't get a copy, but it does look good. Enjoy x 2mo
Deblovestoread Hope to start later this week. 2mo
Jerdencon Finished it yesterday- really enjoyed it! 2mo
See All 14 Comments
tpixie It‘s up next! After the rescuers or the last ship home! Whichever I finish first! 2mo
Librarybelle That‘s awesome, @Jerdencon ! 2mo
BookwormAHN I'm waiting for my hold to come in. 2mo
CatLass007 It is such a good book! I felt like I was there. At Radio City, at the boarding house. I just loved it. 2mo
julieclair Can‘t wait to start this one! 2mo
LaraReads Finished it a few days ago! Really enjoyed it! 2mo
Librarybelle Hope it arrives soon, @BookwormAHN ! 2mo
Librarybelle So glad you liked it, @CatLass007 @LaraReads ! 2mo
Librarybelle I‘m hoping to start it soon too, @julieclair ! 2mo
56 likes14 comments
blurb
Jerdencon
post image

Love when I‘m reading a book and it mentions something in my neighborhood - I pass by Creedmoor every day on my way to work as it‘s only a mile from my house - the top right picture was taken today in the fog making it seem even more creepy… it‘s the largest building around for miles in this part of Queens. Also - on the campus are 3 public schools and currently a tent migrant shelter. Interesting place… #literarycrew @Librarybelle

Librarybelle Awesome!!! 2mo
44 likes1 comment
blurb
5280reader
post image

2 books from #roll100 and 1 from #bookspin! I‘ll definitely be under the blanket this weekend.

blurb
lynneamch
post image

Love Fiona Davis #histfic novels based on NYC landmark buildings, starting with inspiration from actual events & spinning them into fascinating personal stories. This inspo comes from a historical tragic incident in 1957 at Radio City Music Hall. In 1992, a former Rockette recalls the struggles and triumphs of reaching her dancing dreams. Top pic from 2021 visit. #MusicalCover #NewYearNewBooks @Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Can‘t wait to read this one! 3mo
Eggs I adore Fiona Davis 💜🧡❤️ 2mo
35 likes2 comments
review
CatLass007
post image
Pickpick

#LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead So much history! I almost felt like I was there. Totally enjoyed this. All the 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

58 likes1 stack add
review
CatLass007
post image
Pickpick

#LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead So much history! I almost felt like I was there. Totally enjoyed this. All the 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Librarybelle So glad you liked this!! 3mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I love this author ✍️ 3mo
CatLass007 @Librarybelle @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I don‘t know how the books are selected for #LiteraryCrew but this was an excellent choice. The rest of the books for the year look great too but The Spectacular sets the bar very high. Fiona Davis is a new favorite author! 3mo
See All 6 Comments
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @CatLass007 all of her books are fabulous! 3mo
Jerdencon I love all of Fiona Davis‘ books - this one is great. I‘m about 1/2 way done and loving it. I‘ve been to radio city and seen the rockettes a few times - I‘ve also been on a backstage tour of radio city when I was a kid - so this is fascinating to read! 2mo
CatLass007 @Jerdencon Terrific! (edited) 2mo
42 likes6 comments
blurb
CatLass007
post image

Reading this for January 2024 #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead. I lived and worked in NYC for 8.5 years. I walked past Radio City Music Hall every day. And do you know? I never saw a show there. I don‘t know why but I never had the chance. Reading this also reminds me of growing up in West Virginia and taking dance lessons from a woman who was chosen to be a Rockette but decided to go back to WV and get married. I‘m looking forward to finding out (cont)⬇️

CatLass007 where this story goes. (edited) 3mo
Librarybelle Awesome! 3mo
Jerdencon If you ever have a chance to go back - it‘s a great place to see a show! 3mo
CatLass007 @Jerdencon Thank you. I haven‘t been back since 1994. So much has changed since then. I‘d love to see it all again like it‘s the first time. It practically would be. I do have one friend left up there and I think I could crash on his couch. Hmmm. I‘d have to hop in my time machine to go back and start saving up three years ago. LOL. But it‘s something to consider. When we were younger, my friend and I were insane enough to go shopping at (cont)⬇️ 3mo
CatLass007 @jerdencon Macy‘s the day after Thanksgiving. It was a tradition! I‘m pretty sure I‘m sane enough not to try that anymore. But going back for a visit is something to keep in mind. 3mo
52 likes5 comments
review
MrsV
post image
Pickpick

Book #1 for the year!

blurb
LitsyEvents
post image

repost for @Librarybelle

I‘m excited that #LiteraryCrew is kicking off the year with the tagged book. All are welcome to join! We are a low key #buddyread that reads the selected title at our own pace throughout the month. I post periodic checkins during the month, and discussion is on the 31st.

If you would also like to be tagged, comment on the original post:
https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2687030

Librarybelle Thanks for reposting! 3mo
38 likes1 comment
blurb
Librarybelle
post image

I‘m excited that #LiteraryCrew is kicking off the year with the tagged book. All are welcome to join! We are a low key #buddyread that reads the selected title at our own pace throughout the month. I post periodic checkins during the month, and discussion is on the 31st.

If you would also like to be tagged, comment below!

CatLass007 Yay! Happy New Year! 3mo
Librarybelle Happy New Year, @CatLass007 ! 3mo
See All 19 Comments
KristiAhlers Yes please! 3mo
Librarybelle @KristiAhlers Adding you now! Hooray! 3mo
KristiAhlers @Librarybelle thank you so much! 3mo
BookwormAHN I'd like to join in! 3mo
Librarybelle Hooray, @BookwormAHN ! I‘ll add you to the list! 3mo
BookwormAHN Thank you 😺 3mo
julieclair This is such a great list! I‘m excited! 3mo
Crazeedi I'll try to join in, and I already read January's book! I'll be thrilled to join the discussion, please include me , thank you!! 3mo
Librarybelle I‘ll include you, @Crazeedi ! 3mo
Crazeedi @Librarybelle thanks!💗 3mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Can you also tag me? I have several of these! 3mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Essex Serpent for February? 3mo
Librarybelle @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Yes! Essex Serpent will be February‘s read! 3mo
52 likes19 comments
blurb
mjdowens
post image

Book one of the year is now complete 👏👏👏👏 #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

blurb
Eggs
post image
Andrew65 Love her books, but not read this one. 3mo
Eggs She‘s an auto-buy or -borrow for me 🩷🥰❤️ 3mo
45 likes2 stack adds2 comments
blurb
mjdowens
post image

Got my first book yesterday. So excited to read it and discuss. Not sure why I was sent the large print version though 🤣🤣. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Love this author ✍️ 3mo
17 likes1 comment
blurb
LitsyEvents
post image

repost for @Librarybelle:

January‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead is tagged.

We‘re very low key - read the book at your own pace, with discussion at month‘s end. I‘ll also post periodic checkins during the month.

The graphic shows what we are reading this year - if you‘re only interested in a specific title, let me know, and I‘ll make note to only tag you for that month.

original post:
https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2679860

Librarybelle Thanks for reposting! 3mo
37 likes1 comment
blurb
Librarybelle
post image

January‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead is the latest from Fiona Davis.

We‘re very low key - read the book at your own pace, with discussion at month‘s end. I‘ll also post periodic checkins during the month.

If you would like to be included in the tag list for the group, comment below! The graphic shows what we are reading this year - if you‘re only interested in a specific title, let me know, and I‘ll make note to only tag you for that month.

julieclair I am so excited for our selections this year! 😀 3mo
majkia Gee, I should read that. In the 50s my Mom and I went to NYC to stay with my aunt and we went to see the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall every Christmas. 3mo
See All 25 Comments
Librarybelle @julieclair They‘re so great!!! 3mo
Librarybelle @majkia Feel free to join us! It sounds like a wonderful memory! 3mo
tpixie Thanks! I hope to read some of these with you if not all!! 3mo
CatLass007 2024 looks like another great year for books. 3mo
Cuilin Oh some of these I‘ve already read and some are on my TBR and I already own. May I join? 3mo
Librarybelle Hooray, @tpixie ! 3mo
Librarybelle I think it will be a great year of books, @CatLass007 ! 3mo
Librarybelle Of course, @Cuilin ! Welcome! 3mo
melissajayne Got my request in for the first book 3mo
mjdowens This looks like a great way to start the new reading year. Count me in! 3mo
Librarybelle Awesome, @mjdowens ! Welcome! 3mo
kspenmoll Excited about 2024 reads! 3mo
PaperbackPirate I would like to read the Essex serpent with you. Thank you for hosting! 3mo
Librarybelle Wonderful, @PaperbackPirate ! I‘ll add you to the list for The Essex Serpent! 3mo
AllDebooks Great list for 2024 😍 3mo
Librarybelle @AllDebooks It should be a great reading year! Are you able to join us for any of the books next year? 3mo
AllDebooks @Librarybelle Definitely, I've read 4, have another 4 on my shelf. Please tag me for all of them x 3mo
LaraReads Just trying to get my reading ducks in a row! 📚🦆😅 I‘d love to try & join in again when I can! 3mo
Librarybelle That‘s wonderful, @LaraReads ! I‘ll add you to the list! 3mo
56 likes25 comments
blurb
wen4blu
post image

Up next, this seems like a good way to kick off holiday reads.

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Love her books! 4mo
36 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
suvata
post image
Pickpick

Rockettes • Radio City Music Hall • 1956 NYC • Historical fiction • 3.5 Stars

“The Spectacular” by Fiona Davis is a captivating novel set amongst and glitz and mystique of Radio City Music Hall during its mid-century heyday. As girls try out for a coveted position on the stage, the city is reeling from a series are of bombings. orchestrated by the “Big Apple Bomber”. ⬇️

suvata In desperation, the police turn to a young doctor named Peter Griggs, who employs a radical new technique: psychological profiling. This is a unforgettable and important era in American and Theater history. As as always, Fiona Davis, gives us a story with lively characters and a story that you can‘t put down.

#Bookstagram #TheSpectacular #FionaDavis
#RadioCityMusicHall #Rockettes
4mo
48 likes1 comment
blurb
Danay
post image

I really enjoyed this book and at times could relate on a personal to some of the storyline. That is when you know that the author has done it right.

review
staci.reads
post image
Pickpick

I enjoyed this one, and reading about the background of the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall made for a fun setting surrounding a dark topic. I am surprised I had never heard about The Big Apple Bomber and his 16-year string of bombings. This was my October #Doublespin @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 5mo
66 likes2 stack adds1 comment
review
Kristy_K
post image
Pickpick

I enjoyed this & found the story entertaining & well written. However, I felt there was too much modern subjects & themes that wouldn‘t have been so easily accepted back then.

It‘s mentioned in the author‘s note at the end, but I‘m surprised the synopsis didn‘t include the fact that the “Big Apple Bomber” is the fictionalized version of the “Mad Bomber.” His letters & psych profile in the book are written almost verbatim to the real life ones.

review
Kboltz
post image
Pickpick

When a building in NYC is always a character with history behind the story then you need to read every book by Fiona Davis. This one is set in Radio City Music Hall, the life of a Rockette. Marion wants to follow her dream of dancing even though her father is over protective and the world sees the lives of women as restricted. Love the history of the buildings in every one of Davis‘s books.

blurb
GidgetsTreasures75
post image

9-3-23: My August 2023 Book Wrap Up! Didn‘t read a lot but enjoyed what I did get to. The Spectacular was my favorite! ⭐️📖📚

blurb
theokiereader
post image

I didn't get a bingo this month simply because I got schlacked by the beginning of my student teaching semester (Elementary and Special Education). My reading came to a grinding halt when school started! Just a couple more months and I'll have my reading time back! #newcareer #newteacher #lovinglife

blurb
Sharpeipup
post image

Let the holiday weekend reading begin!

37 likes1 stack add
review
GidgetsTreasures75
post image
Pickpick

8-30-23: My 83rd finished book of 2023! I love Fiona Davis! Each book is consistently great. This takes place in the winter of 1956 and 1992. Marion Brooks is a dancer/dance teacher who longs for a job on the stage, and decides to audition to be a Rockette. Meanwhile, there is a man setting off bombs around NYC. Can Marion make it on the stage of Radio City Music Hall? Can the police find this bomber after 16 years? It was a great story.

GidgetsTreasures75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️📖#️⃣8️⃣3️⃣ 7mo
15 likes1 comment
blurb
theokiereader
post image

I just happened to choose books to take on vacation that were aptly-named for our adventures. In today‘s edition, I‘m reading The Spectacular while looking at this spectacular jungle view at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. 🐘 #southasianexcursion #elephants

JenReadsAlot Amazing adventure! 8mo
theokiereader @JenReadsAlot It‘s been incredible! 8mo
14 likes2 comments
review
NikkiKey94
post image
Pickpick

The thing that initially interested me about this book is that it is about a girl that auditions to be a Rockette and that fascinated me. What I didn‘t expect from this book was the mystery element. When a bomber strikes during a performance, Marion enlists the help of a new friend to try to identify the bomber. This book was so great and I love it! I definitely have to read more books by Fiona Davis.

review
JoyBlue
post image
Bailedbailed

BAILED AT 15%—bored to tears!

theokiereader Oh, no! I‘m on my way from Japan to Singapore, and this is my backup book! 😣 8mo
JoyBlue @theokiereader Don't despair (at least yet)—it's not uncommon that I'm an outlier. I hope it's just right for your trip. Travel safely! 8mo
theokiereader @JoyBlue Thanks!!! 8mo
24 likes3 comments
review
AmyK1
post image
Pickpick

Loved this one!

review
NatalieR
post image
Pickpick

Davis brilliantly swept me back to 1956, NYC,Radio City Music Hall. Marion Brooks, is struggling to make life decisions that make her happy. She is anticipating a marriage proposal from her boyfriend. She also has a chance to audition to become a Rockette. She defies everyone‘s expectations and goes for it!

Full review, video of Fiona‘s event at Poisoned Pen Bookstore and more at https://abookandadog.com

90 likes1 stack add
review
janeycanuck
post image
Pickpick

Fiona Davis is just so good at writing the setting as a character! I really enjoyed the psychological profiling aspect of this one and Davis balanced all the competing aspects of this novel really well (friendships, family, relationships, the mystery)

46 likes2 stack adds