Welcome to Litsy!

I suspect my audiobook listening is about to fall off significantly…🙈

I‘ve discovered Desert Island Discs, a British radio show (now podcast) that‘s been around forever (since 1942).

The host interviews all manner of celebrities (authors, musicians, NASA scientists, etc) about their lives through the conceit of being stranded on a desert island. They basically create a mix tape; they‘re allowed 8 music tracks, 1 book, & 1 luxury item.👇🏻

A 35-year-old writer moves in with an 85-year-old spitfire, recently widowed, right before the pandemic. He keeps a journal of their experience.

The relationship between Ben & Winnie forms s.l.o.w.l.y. — which makes the end result all the more satisfying. From my lived experience, it reminded me of having a rabbit…that slow build of trust from a creature who is markedly independent & willful in spite of *or because of* her vulnerability.👇🏻

Recently, I asked for book recommendations. I was/am seeking something on the lighter, funnier side. Approximately a bazillion books came in for me (with lots of side-eye and ribbing from my coworkers). I whittled the stack down to those where the first few pages snagged my attention. This is what I ended up with.

Thanks to those who chimed in!
Fingers crossed. 🤞🏻

Ben rents a room from Winnie, who is elderly and a recent widow. Ben suspects that Winnie didn't really want him there, that she only agreed because her family thinks she needs someone there to watch out for her & help around the house. So Ben plans to stay out of her way, but then Covid lockdowns start. He and Winnie are forced to spend most of their time together, and a friendship ensues as they start to see life from each other's perspective.

Saturday morning #coffeeandabook

Read for my library's book group.
If I were pitching this I'd say it's a cross between Nina Stibbe's "Love, Nina" and Hazel Prior's "Away With The Penguins".
It's not bad, but for me it was too samey throughout, in terms of both tone and pace. And then it doesn't end so much as stop. ?

I really enjoyed this. The author is a working class millennial, and moves in with 85 year old recently widowed Winnie, into her massive house in Wimbledon. She would have driven me crazy to live with, and I don't think I would have lasted long, but somehow he sees past her 'eccentricities' and I loved his perspective and his stories about living with her during UK lockdowns. Very charming and honest and properly funny. I love his writing style.

Treating myself today with these two from The Accidental Bookshop in Alnwick.

Daisy was treated to charity shop toy rabbit, because we forgot to bring any toys for her.