Welcome to Litsy!

I don't read a lot of poetry, and I won't pretend that I understood everything in this collection. But I really appreciated the way these poems were written and the glimpses you get of the author's struggles with being indigenous & trans, internally & interpersonally, and growing up in foster care. It also made me want to listen to Florence + the Machine, which I'm not mad about
#LGBTQ2024 poetry @Kenyazero #Nonfiction2024 @Riveted_Reader_Melissa

After reading this I went straight into reading the second book in her ‘living autobiography‘ series, and went out and bought the third, because it was everything I was hoping it would be and more. Her writing is just amazing 🖤

#nonfiction2024 (Speak)

Now Manitoba Premier, Kinew shares a rich story of his journey, as well as that of his father who survived residential school, through pain, racism, and substance abuse to healing and leadership. He honestly covers key elements in Canada‘s Indigenous history, insights into spiritual and cultural practices, and his own path towards being a writer and commentator with his father becoming a key national leader.
#Nonfiction2024 AbsolutelyTrue

Fascinating insights into the lives of six defector North Koreans (100 were interviewed) with context re the politics, structures, and culture since WW2, with absolute government dominance as the constant theme. A dedicated Communist, street kids, a South Korean POW, a doctor with no resources, and many more watching their loved ones starve and die. Also good insights into the Koreas/Russia/China/US tensions.
#Nonfiction2024 #HandmaidsTale

This was an interesting & informative look into gender and what it means to different individuals. Ewing conducted a series of interviews asking about people's genders in a search for understanding of their own & came to the conclusion that... it's complicated. So many factors play into it & there are so many ways to express yourself outside the binary. I appreciated the comic style and how the interviews were organized to create a cohesive theme.

Good collection of essays with different takes on how the Black experience of racism intersects with shame, trauma, and vulnerability. I had varying responses to the essays, but found most of them moving and informational, with a wide range of themes. I particularly appreciated Burke and Brown's dialogue at the beginning about why they wanted to work together.

#SheSaid

#Nonfiction2024 #IKnowWhytheCagedBirdSings

Another read pulled from the #nonfiction2024 prompt list. I like her humor and honesty during a very turbulent time in Iran. I can‘t imagine how you make the mental shift from freedom of speech to restrictions everywhere. Her parents were great in that they made their home a safe place to speak out.

Anyone have another nonfiction recommendation that covers the rise of the Islamic State? I‘d like to know more.

Aminatou and Ann explain their "big friendship" - one that lasts through the years, the long distance, and life trials. But they still have miscommunications, times when they've drifted apart, and have to work to make their friendship last. They give advice on how to support each other and stretch yourself to make a friendship honest and lasting. Their dual narration and personal stories made this a fun, thought provoking listen.

A thought-provoking story about the power of an individual's spirit to enact change outside of the physical body. There's so much more to this story than just that, though. It captivated me in a way I can't quite explain.

I'm working on reading the books used for this year's #nonfiction2024 prompts.

Completed my “Chunkster” read for #ChunksterChallenge2024. This biography of Red Sox great Ted Williams is well-written and very readable. A lot about baseball, yes —but also much about Ted‘s childhood, his troubled personal life —and all the gory details you can handle about his head being frozen for posterity. 😳 Definitely recommend, @GinaKButler !

#Nonfiction2024