Welcome to Litsy!

Available via Libby so I grabbed it the day the #ToB shortlist was announced. FINALLY in a mood to get started.

Who is George? Well, while we are treated to almost four decades of his existence, I'm not sure I felt any more confident in answering that question at the end than I did at the beginning. George is, it seems, fairly unremarkable, and I think (THINK) that's the point? This does lead to some humor, and the frustrating inconsistency of George's attitudes is also a plus. I think we are supposed to see him as flawed -- and he is-- but who isn't?

I think this book is trying to do something interesting even if I'm not entirely sure I understand it. I think it is saying something about poverty & the "American dream" and places & people that get lost & crushed by industry & capital. It is billed as re-imagining the true crime genre. Which sure? It's divided into 3 parts. 1. The story of the Greene family's unsuccessful move from NYC to CT to improve their lives. 2. Catt Greene's adult life ?

It might be low expectations from bad reviews, but I enjoyed this! I thought the writing was solid, and the story original. Though I understand the "twist" from the beginning, I don't think that was the point of the story, the point is what would you convince yourself to do, and what lies could you make up to yourself (and others) about what you see around you. The characters were interesting.

#ToB #Longlist

Weekend plans

Also finishing listening to #ToB Killer Potential

#ToB #shortlist

Arabella, a New York theatre director from a Palestinian family, is old at 35 to not be married (!). She has growing feelings for her Israeli friend so, when she gets the opportunity to direct a show in the West Bank, she agrees to meet Aziz, arranged for her by her grandmother.

This had a very similar underlying plotline to Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad, but in the style of Xóchitl González books - I loved it!

#WinterCampLitsy ❄️🏕️📚 My nominees are... 🥁

I believe The Dream Hotel might have been on my noms for summer camp? ☺️ And yes, you'll notice that I try very hard to nominate/vote women authors. I know Mobius won't likely be on the winning slate but I haven't read enough! #ToB

#ToB long list title that I wouldn‘t have picked up otherwise. Affairs in academia have been done to death and this just continues the same story we‘ve seen a million times. I guess every up and coming author thinks they can do it better. Simone (beautiful, smart) and her husband each have affairs. But Simone‘s is with the narrator of this book, defending her thesis. It was fine but I don‘t think I‘ll remember it. But I love that cover!

It‘s here! The #ToB shortlist! But, ugh, it‘s a bunch of the books I looked at and thought, “maybe this one won‘t make it… 🤞” Oh well, here we go! #ToB26

https://www.tournamentofbooks.com/the-2026-shortlist

#ToB26 Shortlist is here!
I am moderately happy with it. I have read 3, am in the middle of one, and have another 6 on my shelves. About the others I am not sure yet. Bunny again? Don‘t think so. Also I have never heard of some! Anyhow, excited for the #ToB and for #WintercampLitsy, where we will read three not-nominated books!