notbookrelated

Strongmen: How They Rise, Why They Succeed, How They Fall | Ruth Ben-Ghiat

#NotBookRelated I am in a taxi in France where someone left a New York Times on the backseat. I enjoy the article about Trump as a bystander while thinking he rules the world but it‘s in fact so sad. European leaders being so weak, Putin doing whatever he likes and Trump, well …

Amiable My head hurts and my heart aches …it‘s all terrible. 😖 2d

sarahbarnes Yes, what @Amiable said. I don‘t read anything very uplifting in the NYT these days. 2d

BarbaraBB @Amiable @sarahbarnes I don‘t often read the NYT of course but it is so spot on and I can‘t imagine what it must be like to be confronted with this reality every day. (edited) 2d

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BarbaraBB @Amiable @sarahbarnes the Trump reality I mean. I know all about weak European leadership but somehow I don‘t mind it as much as I mind everything I read about Trump‘s stupidity (edited) 2d

sarahbarnes Yes, he‘s much more dangerous than anything else I‘ve seen here in my lifetime. He has too much power for someone so bent on destroying everything for his own gain. 2d

Amiable @BarbaraBB Weak leaders are frustrating and infuriating, for sure. We‘ve been there in the U.S. A president who is actively trying to overthrow democracy in his own country and turn it into an authoritarian dictatorship is terrifying. That‘s a new reality in this country—one that too many people are still trying to ignore or excuse. 2d

Tamra I keep thinking I‘m going to run out of disgust and outrage, but nope. 2d

AlaMich He terrifies me. 2d

Suet624 We are in serious trouble over here. 2d

ImperfectCJ It feels like we've dropped into an alternate reality. I can't figure out why no one bats an eye at the things this man does when, if anyone else did them, they'd be pilloried. 2d

CBee I would much rather weak European leadership than the absolutely terrifying shit show we have going on here. Every day brings a new worry. 2d

BarbaraBB @sarahbarnes @Amiable @Tamra @AlaMich @Suet624 @ImperfectCJ it must be terrifying. From where I live it is horrible as well but somehow abstract - I still can‘t imagine it really happening. I do really hope his age will catch up with him. And that the Democrats will stand up against this all. (edited) 2d

Librarybelle Well said, @CBee . These are horrifying times. 2d

Pigpen_Reads With the last current horrific events, it looks like America is changing. People are finally standing up for what is right and demanding an end to this insanity. Conservatives are coming out strong, loud, and proud. No more fear of what the left can do. Their policies have put us in the situation we are in as a country. 2d

CBee @Pigpen_Reads I‘m sorry, what? 2d

Pigpen_Reads @CBee Our country is a shit show because of the left. After the events this week, people are done. Senseless violence and murder. Enough is enough. I love this book community and I‘ve stayed quiet when everyone talks trash about Trump and conservatives, but I‘m not going to anymore. Why should I be silenced? 2d

Susanita @Pigpen_Reads I don‘t understand what “insanity” you mean or how the “left” contributed to the right on right violence. 2d

Pigpen_Reads @Susanita Iryna was brutally stabbed by a man who should have been locked up, but was out on a cashless bond. The school shooting in Colorado, the shooter was radicalized by liberals. The man that was beheaded in Dallas, was killed by an illegal. Charlie was assassinated by a man that was also radicalized by liberals. (edited) 2d

CBee @Pigpen_Reads I‘m sorry that you believe what you do. I had a whole response typed out, but I doubt it would make a difference. And, on the advice of another Litten whom I cherish very much, I will not clog up sweet Barbara‘s page with arguments. I wish the best to you and hope that you will dig a little deeper for the truth next time. 2d

Pigpen_Reads @CBee I hope the same for you too. 2d

Chrissyreadit I sadly canceled my NYT subscription- i believed they had Journalistic integrity but most recent events have me concerned by news they choose not to cover and the limits in the news they do. How is Journalism in France @BarbaraBB ? 2d

BarbaraBB Thank you @CBee I don‘t agree with you @Pigpen_Reads. I am not American and don‘t know about the people and cases your referring to, I only see a man doing very unresponsible things to the world and very little for the people who voted for him - unless they are billionaires too. 2d

BarbaraBB @Chrissyreadit I live in the Netherlands and things are polarized here too. The media are still neutral and doing the best they can to inform us but there are many people who prefer telegram and weird Facebook groups these days. 2d

Susanita @Pigpen_Reads I can‘t add much to what @cbee says, so I will leave it at that. 2d

Pigpen_Reads @BarbaraBB The media is doing a great job at only showing what they want. Trump did a lot for the lgb community and for people of color, but those went unnoticed. 2d

CBee @BarbaraBB 💚👏🏻 2d

AmyG @Pigpen_Reads They went unnoticed because he didn‘t do anything. I suggest perhaps you watch different media outlets. Learn all sides of a story before making a decision. Knowledge is power. (edited) 2d

Suet624 @Pigpen_Reads Hahaha. Your claims that Trump has done a lot for the groups you speak of is hilarious.
(edited) 2d

dabbe @Pigpen_Reads Nothing for the “t's“ and “q's“ though, right? Interesting. And I'd love to see proof of this. He did a lot of NOTHING for these people. Period. 2d

Chrissyreadit @BarbaraBB I am so sad to hear that. I know that economics has a lot to do with the rise of fascism, and it is devastating that it is hard to share adequate information- so many people believe lies and corrupted information. 2d

Amiable @Pigpen_Reads Oh honey, you drank ALL the kook-aid and then went back for more, didn‘t you? Bless your heart. 🙄 (edited) 2d

Pigpen_Reads @AmyG @dabbe @Amiable You do know that Trump appointed the first openly gay Cabinet member, right? He also created a task force to focus on missing and murdered Indigenous people. He signed the FUTURE act for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. What have liberals done for my people? Nothing except want modern day slavery. 2d

Chrissyreadit @Pigpen_Reads You are aware that the current budget will disproportionally have a negative impact on people- including working families, children and individuals with disabilities- all are at a very real risk of losing medicare- including parents who work full time jobs? That financial aid is what made greater percentages of all students able to receive an education- that has also been cut. But billionaires will have tax cuts. Also due process is 2d

Chrissyreadit @Pigpen_Reads no longer being followed including for people hear legally- (although to be fair that loophole was put in by Bush). and you are defending a man who openly and gleefully ogled underage girls, was convicted for sexual assault and convicted for felony fraud- all of which was well documented in the 80‘s when he was still a registered democrat. I‘m sorry that we are having this discussion but also not sorry- there are many books in 2d

Chrissyreadit @Pigpen_Reads history and science to demonstrate that reducing safety standards, not addressing climate change and not providing for public health via vaccination will result in catastrophic harm for generations because we have science. I‘m surprised that you support HBCU‘s but not Kamala btw. 2d

AmyG

For the United States cabinet, the first openly gay member confirmed by the Senate was Pete Buttigieg, who served as Secretary of Transportation from 2021 to 2025. However, the first openly gay person to serve in a cabinet-level position was Richard Grenell, who served in an acting capacity. 2d

Pigpen_Reads @Chrissyreadit Your last sentence. What do you mean by that? 2d

Chrissyreadit @Pigpen_Reads also the First openly gay congressperson was elected in 1983- Gerry Stodds. Franklin Kameny in 1975 was the first openly gay US Congressional Appointee. Pete Buttigieg was our Secretary of Transpotation under Biden and openly gay. Currently the desire to overwhelmingly discriminate against trans rights is a hallmark of this administration. 2d

Chrissyreadit Kamala Harris‘ platform was about supporting everyone- and she was very active as an alumni of an HBCU. Sadly- one of the programs she championed- expanding medicare so that our seniors could receive services that let them live independently with medical support/nursing care in the home- is now a pipe dream. The cuts to medicare will debitaste our seniors who are also disproportionately likely to die from Covid- and that vaccine will be an uphi 2d

Chrissyreadit @Pigpen_Reads uphill battle to receive. 2d

AmyG Trump states that we shouldn‘t focus on how bad slavery was at the Smithsonian. He downplays the role od systemic racism. In some red states “gag laws” have been set in place to resist how some teachers talk about slavery and Jim Crow. How does that help? (edited) 2d

AmyG As for the Trans community, MAGA does nothing by VILIFY an entire group of people. 2d

CBee @Pigpen_Reads both of those things - the task force and FUTURE act - happened in 2019. I‘d be interested to hear if those are both still in place. Because everything be is doing now is erasing any “good” he may have done previously. 2d

CBee @Pigpen_Reads have you read what Charlie Kirk said about black people - black women in particular? Not to mention the other minority groups he targeted and vilified. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/11/charlie-kirk-quotes-beliefs 2d

Pigpen_Reads @Chrissyreadit Trump is cutting out the waste and fraud in Medicare. With the OBBB act, PAYGO was triggered and that is where the cuts come from. That act has been around for decades and Congress can waive that. Trump is not looking to cut in the way you think he is. 2d

Suet624 @Pigpen_Reads Hahaha. Again! Hahaha. It's clear this thread disagrees with you. Maybe it's time to move on. Please go ahead and post under your own account. (edited) 2d

AmyG The new bill—formally named the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB)—which Trump signed into law on July 4, 2025, includes cuts to Medicaid of almost $1 trillion over the next 10 years. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that this means that 11.8 million Americans may lose their health insurance. 2d

Chrissyreadit @Pigpen_Reads i‘m sorry you are not recognising that to be incorrect. There are plenty of brilliant economists who recognize that this will be a system that causes harm. unfortunately there will be nothing we can do. I‘m a provider- who will not take medicare because the requirements are so stringent already- it is very difficult to see how there is waste or fraud. Did you know that dental nor vision are covered under medicare? two services that 2d

Chrissyreadit are needed more by aging populations. 2d

Chrissyreadit @Pigpen_Reads the pay go you are describing was necessary because of the tax cuts being given to billionaires. we had an expanding population of seniors- who needed more services. honestly, while i am typically not a conspiracy theorist i am wondering if there is a hope all of the most vulnerable-elderly and disabled - will die off because they “cost money” that was just cut. 2d

Chrissyreadit @Pigpen_Reads do you think senior citizens should have medical care? housing? what about the disabled? LGBTQ? Single moms? What is your belief of who does not deserve clean water, clean air, healthy food, health in general? 2d

Pigpen_Reads @AmyG As Americans, we all have the same rights and privileges. We‘re all equal. As for the trans community, they have vilified themselves. 2d

CBee @Pigpen_Reads we‘re all equal, unless we are transgender. Is that what you‘re saying? 2d

Pigpen_Reads @CBee That those specific women he was talking about were only in their positions because of affirmative action? Yes, I saw that. Dei was dangerous and annoying, honestly. People put into positions that they didn‘t work hard for, but got because of the color of their skin? 2d

Pigpen_Reads @CBee They are both still active. 2d

Pigpen_Reads @Chrissyreadit Of course senior citizens should have medical care and housing. Disabled too. Single moms have resources to help them, as do the lgbt community. But, single moms and those in the lgbt community can help themselves. Yes, they may need a hand, but they should be helping themselves too. Not rely on the government. I‘m all for helping where it‘s needed. 2d

CBee @Pigpen_Reads well, he just signed it. It‘s not like he wrote it or did any of the work to get there. He just isn‘t that smart. 2d

AmyG Please educate me as to how the Trans community has vilified themselves. I am legitimately curious. 2d

AmyG I know some people who got put into positions that they are not remotely qualified for but got because of the color of their skin i.e. RFK Jr, Pete Hegseth, Doug Burgham, Krisi Noem, Linda McMahon….to name a few. (edited) 2d

AmyG Recent executive orders by Donald Trump, signed since his inauguration in January 2025, have rescinded or weakened federal protections for the transgender community. These orders have affected health care access, military service, housing, prison housing, and identity documents. 2d

Pigpen_Reads @AmyG Push their beliefs on people and children. Incite violence. Demand that we use their improper pronouns. And then you have the men that demand to come into our safe spaces. 2d

AmyG I‘m sorry. You are transphobic. I‘m going to stop now. Everyone have a good evening. 2d

CBee @Pigpen_Reads this is a disgusting and false comment. I‘m stopping now as well. 2d

Chrissyreadit @Pigpen_Reads I‘m so sorry that you believe this. I have never been assaulted by any one in the trans community. But i have been assaulted by cis white men- yes plural. I work with children- and btw- the single moms i know (including myself) work incredibly long hours- and do not have many safety nets at all. I am not going to write the book on the amount of ways that women are unfairly harmed. Or that i‘ve observed discrimination…the hate to 2d

Pigpen_Reads @AmyG You asked, I answered. I‘m not transphobic. 2d

Pigpen_Reads @Chrissyreadit I‘ve been assaulted. I‘m speaking from my own experiences. 2d

Chrissyreadit the trans community is intense- because they are so harmless. How do you feel about intersex ? cloacal extrophy? both which are typically when children were assigned a genital specifically vagina because it was easier to form. I WISH i could be lesbian!!!!! I can‘t stand the patriarchy but I cannot control who i am attracted to. Dis you know a disproportionate amount of trans individuals were sexually assaulted as children or adolescents ? 2d

Chrissyreadit @Pigpen_Reads approximately 50%- yet you say they are groomers???? they were not assaulted by trans adults… 2d

Chrissyreadit @Pigpen_Reads you were assaulted by a trans person? I am so sorry! 2d

Pigpen_Reads @Chrissyreadit Yes, changed my way of seeing them for sure. 2d

BarbaraBB @Pigpen_Reads I do not agree with you as I said but I appreciate your answering to all questions and I wish we would be in dialogue more than we usually do, each sticking to their own reality and truth. Polarization is scary as hell. 1d

48 likes71 comments

Librarybelle

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#NotBookRelated , but I have some positive news to share. And, let‘s face it, we all need some good news at this point! Don‘t get me started…😡

Zeke had his follow up appointment with the specialist today, and the specialist is pleased with his progress, his weight gain, and his overall physical health. We‘re waiting for blood test results to make sure his body is responding well to the chemo.

Littens, it‘s been exhausting! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

ShelleyBooksie *hugs* 3w

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ I hardly sleep through the night anymore to feed Zeke and the others when Zeke is hungry. I have a list of when to give Zeke what meds—it‘s not a lot of meds, but his chemo is every other day, and others are twice a day. There are days my emotions get the better of me and I‘m a wreck. My reading time, when I can actually sit and read and not clean kitty items has dropped extremely. I‘ve got other things too that just make things crazy. ⬇️⬇️ 3w

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️But, Zeke is doing well. The specialist told me I‘m doing a good job at keeping Zeke going, and he‘s responding physically in the best possible way, with either a stable outcome of his cancer or possibly a reverse. Thanks for the continued well wishes and support! ❤️ 3w

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Librarybelle Thank you, @ShelleyBooksie ! I still owe you a letter. I think we all lost access to the LitsyLove address list…do you have the same address? 3w

Luke-XVX Fingers crossed. Tell Zeke I said hi 3w

Librarybelle Thanks, @Luke-XVX ! Will do! 3w

RaeLovesToRead Zeke is lucky to have you 🫂 Glad he's doing so well ❤️🤞🏻 3w

Bookwormjillk That‘s wonderful news! 3w

LiteraryinPA You‘re doing an amazing job for Zeke, wow. 💗 Taking care of pets through illness is so exhausting emotionally, physically, etc. but it‘s wonderful that he‘s responding well. 3w

Amiable 😻😻 ❤️ 3w

Aims42 This is great news, thank you for sharing it 😻 Give Zeke a nose boop and a hug for me! 3w

Tamra 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 3w

TheBookHippie Sending love! I think of you all often!!! 3w

Lcsmcat Hugs to you and Zeke. ❤️ 3w

Librarybelle Thank you so much! @RaeLovesToRead @Bookwormjillk @LiteraryinPA @Amiable @Aims42 @Tamra @TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat 3w

Deblovestoread So glad to hear how well Zeke is doing. Sending hugs and hope you are getting some naptime to offset the bumpy nights. 3w

JenReadsAlot So glad to hear this! Hugs to you both from Frankie and I 💕 3w

Eggbeater You're a loving and dedicated fur-mama. That is wonderful news. I hope you can take some time for you. 3w

Mimi28 You‘re a great cat mom 🫶🏽🩷😊 3w

Librarybelle Thank you so much! @Deblovestoread @JenReadsAlot @Eggbeater @Mimi28 ! 3w

kspenmoll Oh i am so happy for you- mostly for Zeke! Poe & Em send love 😻😻 3w

Bookwomble ❤️‍🩹🐈‍⬛❤️‍🩹 3w

Ruthiella Aw! Great news! 😻 3w

Librarybelle Thank you so much! @kspenmoll @Bookwomble @Ruthiella 3w

mabell Yay!! That‘s wonderful! ❤️ 3w

DGRachel Yay! 🥳🥳 Great news! 3w

Bette He‘s beautiful, glad he‘s feeling better! 🙏 I like good news, thanks. 3w

Roary47 Yay! 🎉 3w

Librarybelle Thank you so much! @mabell @DGRachel @Bette @Roary47 3w

lil1inblue 🎉😻😻😻🎉 3w

Librarybelle Thank you, @lil1inblue ! 3w

shortsarahrose So glad to hear Zeke is doing well! Hoping you can find some time to care for yourself, too 💚 3w

Reggie I‘m so happy for you and Zeke! 3w

Sparklemn Great news! 3w

BarbaraBB Happy for you both 🤍 3w

MemoirsForMe Thank you for sharing this great news about Zeke! So sorry it‘s taking so much out of you. You are the most caring and loving cat mama. I‘m sure your boys appreciate you. And so do we! ❤️🙏🏻❤️ 3w

Librarybelle Thank you so much! @shortsarahrose @Reggie @Sparklemn @BarbaraBB @MemoirsForMe 3w

77 likes37 comments

Centique

Come Next Spring: Cutting Continuity | Montgomery Pittman, R. G. Springsteen

Just a cheery nearly Spring photo from NZ for those of you feeling very hot at the end of Summer! #notbookrelated

I am currently audiobooking Barkskins which is taking me a LONG time.

Hows the season going where you are?

Ruthiella Beautiful flowers. 😍 We are having a remarkably cool summer in Southern California. Only one week was in the high‘90s low 100s. (edited) 1mo

TheBookHippie Beautiful. 1mo

Centique @Ruthiella i just converted that to celsius and it still seems pretty hot to me! Its rare for Auckland to get over 28C/82F. 😊 1mo

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squirrelbrain Beautiful picture! 🩷 1mo

BarbaraBB Beautiful photo 🤩 happy spring is coming to you! 1mo

TrishB Lovely ♥️ 1mo

Reggie We‘re still hot but cooling down. The sun is going down sooner so that‘s nice. I‘m an autumn/fall guy so excited about the seasons changing. Such a pretty pic! 😍 1mo

CarolynM Beautiful 😍 We have jonquils in our lawn and the hyacinths are blooming😊 Spring is in the air! 1mo

Centique @Reggie yay for cooler nights and autumn leaves, pumpkin lattes must be just around the corner! (I have never had a pumpkin latte! so im just imagining!) 1mo

Reggie Neither have I but I did buy a box of pumpkin pie pop tarts earlier today and am about to eat one right now. lol 1mo

Centique @CarolynM jonquils and hyacinths, how beautiful! You will be out in your pretty garden reading before long. 💕 Hope the family are all well xxx 1mo

Centique @Reggie well that sounds even better!! 1mo

Suet624 How a lovely scene. August sees our flowers start to wither in the heat but we know that very soon the leaves will start turning beautiful colors. 3w

60 likes13 comments

CBee

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Where are my Pedro fans? I love him for his acting talent, but even more for THIS ⬆️ and his advocacy. “Support the people that support you.” 👏🏻👏🏻♥️♥️ #overcomingevilempires #notbookrelated #prettypedro

dabbe 🩵💙🩵 2mo

Sace Amen. 2mo

lil1inblue 🥹🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 2mo

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AnnCrystal 👏🏼😘✊🏼🦅💝💝💝. 2mo

IriDas Having grown up in Fundamentalism, it‘s crazy how they twist verses like this to make the Republican views “Christian.” 2mo

CBee @IriDas I can relate - I was raised in the Southern Baptist church. I absolutely detest how Bible verses are weaponized and made to fit their narrative. Even worse when they take Jesus‘s teachings (the ultimate pacifist) and twist them. So upsetting and in opposition to everything Jesus believed and taught. 2mo

58 likes6 comments

Jess861

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Not book related at all but so proud of this kid for placing 3rd in Piano during his first ever Music Festival.

#NotBookRelated #ProudMom #Piano

robinb Congratulations! 🎉 5mo

Ruthiella Awesome! 👏👏👏 5mo

Jess861 @robinb @Ruthiella - thank you! He was so nervous in the morning so we are so proud he still went up there and had fun 😊 5mo

TheBookHippie 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 5mo

LeahBergen Yay! 👏👏👏 5mo

45 likes5 comments

Amiable

Dumpster Fire | Lela Markham

When it‘s been a really crappy month (year?) and your boss lets your team know with a gift that she understands and sees you. 😀

#notbookrelated

Librarybelle I bought one of those for myself and a friend! 6mo

Tamra Perfect! 🔥 6mo

kspenmoll Oh I just love your gift!!!!! 6mo

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AmyG That is amazing. 6mo

TheBookHippie Love!!! 6mo

Deblovestoread My daughter gave me one in my stocking at Christmas. Best gift ever! 6mo

sherrisilvera Love that! 6mo

dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 6mo

CoverToCoverGirl That‘s a great boss! 💙 6mo

73 likes9 comments

Librarybelle

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Several of you have asked me about Zeke and how he is doing. Lots has happened this week, and the news could be better…

Zeke had an ultrasound on Wednesday. The results came back today. No large tumors, which is good news. However, he shows signs of chronic pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel. The most concerning are his lymph nodes around the stomach and intestine. They are enlarged—these could be related to his GI issues or ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ early signs of cancer. I now have to set up a consultation with an internal medicine specialist and discuss either a more focused ultrasound and/or an endoscopic biopsy of the lymph nodes and possibly the intestine. Everyone place that offers this that works with my vet is a drive. But, we‘ll get through this. Honestly, I‘m tired and stressed and had to break down and cry all Tuesday night. It‘s a lot, but it could be worse. ⬇️⬇️⬇️ 6mo

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ I‘m still processing this latest development. But, I know we‘re one step closer to finding out a solid diagnosis. Please continue sending special thoughts for Zeke. He‘s a trooper! #catsoflitsy #Zeke #notbookrelated #nbr 6mo

BooksandCoffee4Me Oh, I‘m so sorry! He‘s beauty and I will pray for him. 6mo

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Librarybelle Thank you, @BooksandCoffee4Me ! 6mo

NatalieR This is a lot to process and a very stressful situation. I feel for you and am sending healing vibes to Zeke. ❤️‍🩹 6mo

Bookwormjillk Aw, thinking of you and Zeke 6mo

Elizabeth2 You‘re such a good pet parent. Hope you get answers soon, and for the best possible outcome. ❤️🐾 6mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @NatalieR @Bookwormjillk @Elizabeth2 ! 6mo

shortsarahrose That‘s a lot to process. I hope for the best for you and Zeke 💜 6mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @shortsarahrose ! 6mo

Ruthiella ❤️❤️❤️ 6mo

Reggie Sending all the good thoughts for you and Zeke. 6mo

Leftcoastzen My thoughts and healing wishes for you and Zeke ! 6mo

dabbe Zeke is the luckiest boy to have you for his momma. Holding you and your boys (especially the Zekemeister) in my thoughts. Please keep us updated. 🖤🐾🐾🐾🐾🖤 (paws for all those boys! 🤗) 6mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @Ruthiella @Reggie @Leftcoastzen @dabbe ! 6mo

JessClark78 🖤🐾 6mo

MaureenMc 💗💗💗 6mo

Mimi28 Hugs and prayers to you and all of your pets. 🫶🏽😊🩷🤗🙏🏽😻 6mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @Mimi28 @MaureenMc @JessClark78 ! 6mo

CoverToCoverGirl Hugs to you and your fur babies from me and my 4 fur babies. 💙 6mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @CoverToCoverGirl ! 6mo

DebinHawaii Zeke and you are in my thoughts & prayers. 💜💜💜 6mo

65 likes22 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

Life has been so difficult lately, even more complicated with the horribleness in the world. But, at least in my tiny little part of my world, things may be getting better. May…every time I think we‘re good, we‘re not.

Thank you to everyone who expressed love and support the last few days for myself and Zeke and Xander.

Xander is back 100%; his not so good blood results are still in the back of my mind.

Zeke is slowly recovering…again. ⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ He had 5 medications over the weekend, and he is going through a food change to a more food sensitive diet. I see improvement, but I‘ve also seen it before. If he is still bad, more tests and procedures are on the horizon. Sleep has been nonexistent, as both Zeke and Xander want fed at all hours of the night. But, I have my boys. We‘re working through it. I am slowly reading again, and for my buddy reads, I have to play major catch up! ⬇️ 6mo

CatLass007 Is Xander the top kitty and is Zeke the bottom kitty? I can‘t imagine how difficult it must be to have two cats sick at the same time. Personally, because it‘s so emotionally draining to have a sick cat, I‘d rather be sick myself, and the cat be healthy. 6mo

Librarybelle ⬆️ I‘m just hoping we are all finally back on the mend and can move forward with our regular routines. My cats are my reading buddies, and I know how many of you are proud pet parents. And, sometimes, with how crappy everything is right now, you just need to see cats or dogs in the feed to put a smile on your face! #NotBookRelated #CatsOfLitsy #Zeke #Xander 6mo

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Librarybelle @CatLass007 Yes, Xander is the top kitty, and Zeke is the bottom. Xander also has a heart condition from birth, so his sudden illness made things even more complicated. He responded so well to the antibiotics that I sincerely hope he had an infection rather than the vet‘s thoughts that he has an autoimmune disease or even cancer. Personally, I think he ate something he should not have and got sick. Zeke has episodes of pancreatitis; this was bad. 6mo

Bookwormjillk I hope they continue to improve! 6mo

Librarybelle Thanks, @Bookwormjillk ! 6mo

Catsandbooks Sending love and healing thoughts to you and your kitties! ❤️ 6mo

CatLass007 I‘m glad they‘re doing better. I hope their health continues to improve. I also hope that you are able to get more sleep. Hugs. 6mo

LeahBergen Sending love to you and your boys!! ❤️❤️❤️ 6mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @Catsandbooks @LeahBergen ! 6mo

Librarybelle @CatLass007 I hope they continue to improve too, @CatLass007 . Thank you! ❤️ 6mo

JenReadsAlot Frankie and I send healing thoughts to you and the boys ❤️ 6mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @JenReadsAlot ! 6mo

dabbe #zandz Keep getting better, you two, and love up your mamma! 🖤🐾🐾🖤 6mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @dabbe ! 6mo

kspenmoll Yay for your fur babies!!!! 6mo

DebinHawaii Glad to hear they are doing better! 💛😻💛😻💛 6mo

ShelleyBooksie Glad.to hear Xander is feeling better. Sending healing vibes to Zeke ♡♡♡ 6mo

Librarybelle Thank you so much, @kspenmoll @DebinHawaii @ShelleyBooksie ! 6mo

kwmg40 Sending good wishes to you, Zeke and Xander! 6mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @kwmg40 ! 6mo

Mollyanna So happy to hear that Zeke and Xander are doing better. Now mama may be able to breath a little easier and take care of herself too! 💕🐾💕 6mo

TieDyeDude Cats are so good at hiding pain until it is really bad; such jerks. Glad they are on the mend ❤ 6mo

Deblovestoread Glad to hear there is improvement. 🤞 for continued healing. 💙 6mo

StayCurious So sorry to hear things have been tough lately. Sending good thoughts for you and your fur babies 💕 6mo

Librarybelle Thank you so much, @Mollyanna @TieDyeDude @Deblovestoread @StayCurious ! 6mo

Leftcoastzen To hear they are doing better lifts my heart ! Hugs to you ! In dark times I hold my kitties tight! They keep me going! Hope things keep improving!😻😻 6mo

Librarybelle Thank you so much, @Leftcoastzen ! My kitties are my world, so I completely understand! ❤️ 6mo

Ruthiella 😻😻😻 6mo

Mimi28 Glad the cats are better 😊😻 I hope you can finally get some sleep 😴 6mo

bookandbedandtea I'm so glad to hear your kitty boys are improving. 🐾❤️ 6mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @Ruthiella @Mimi28 @bookandbedandtea ! 6mo

Chrissyreadit ❤️ I hope everyone can get the rest and recuperation needed 🐈‍⬛🐈😻 6mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @Chrissyreadit ! 6mo

MemoirsForMe Awww…thanks for posting these sweet photos. Your furry boys always lift our spirits! Glad they are healing and getting better.❤️🙏🏻❤️ 6mo

Reggie I‘m glad they‘re better. 6mo

Librarybelle Thank you so much, @MemoirsForMe @Reggie ! 6mo

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Mimi28

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#notbookrelated just goofing around- How long has this emoji for a hearing aid been here? I know I am not here much but yikes!! lol 😂🦻🏽just in time to tease my mom! She has only had hers about a month.

20 likes

Librarybelle

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My March #BookSpinBingo list! Lots of buddy read titles, and I‘m hoping to get to my reread of the Jane Austen mystery series.

#NotBookRelated , but I am so over 2025, not only globally but in my own little world. Zeke had a setback of sorts, so I‘m waiting for next care instructions, and beginning last night, Xander has been ill. It was so abrupt! We have a visit soon to the vet. He‘s also not taken his full dose of heart meds, so I‘m worried.

TheAromaofBooks

Librarybelle Creating my book spin list has served as a good distraction! 7mo

dabbe Oh, the poor Zekemeister and Xandermeister! Sending 🤗🤗🤗 and hoping for a good report from the vet. 🖤🐾🐾🖤 7mo

TheBookHippie Oh noooooo. Sending you so much light!!! 7mo

See All 25 Comments

Librarybelle Thank you, @dabbe and @TheBookHippie ! I really appreciate it! ❤️ 7mo

PurpleyPumpkin Aww I‘m sorry to hear that your fur babies are having a rough time. Hope they feel better soon. 💜 7mo

Mollyanna Oh no! I am so sorry to hear this. I hope they get well soon. Sending healing thoughts to you and Zeke and Xander 💕 7mo

Librarybelle Thank you so much, @PurpleyPumpkin and @Mollyanna ! I‘ve got a new food sensitivity diet food for Zeke, and Xander was checked to make sure he is not in heart failure (he‘s not, just living with his usual heart issues). Let‘s hope everyone now bounces back. @dabbe @TheBookHippie 7mo

TheBookHippie @Librarybelle Oh I hope it gets better… 7mo

Librarybelle Me too, @TheBookHippie . I almost cried when the x-rays came back tonight that Xander was not going into heart failure. Not sure what happened, but at least it was not life threatening. Zeke, the picky eater, will have to learn to eat special food to keep his tummy happy—such a boy! ❤️ 7mo

TheBookHippie @Librarybelle Miss Winifred has now lived past her lifespan -so I get it, she has so much anxiety and separation anxiety from me it‘s difficult. She‘s so stubborn she‘ll hold her breath or upset herself so much she can‘t breathe. But all her tests are fine!! 😵‍💫🤦🏻‍♀️ I thought she was sick. Nope. Stubborn. 😫 7mo

Librarybelle @TheBookHippie I had to give Sebastian calming supplements because his separation anxiety was through the roof. He was abandoned by his first family and left to live on the streets in my tiny town. I think he was the happiest of all of the cats when I transitioned to a work from home lifestyle. Pets are our family! 7mo

TheBookHippie @Librarybelle I have permission to take her to read with the kids I still read with- she is really good with them. Thankfully I‘m on sabbatical this year… she can‘t be left alone ever so it‘s tricky. I‘m glad you get to be home now. It‘s so less stressful. 7mo

Librarybelle It‘s good you can be with her too, @TheBookHippie ! 7mo

dabbe @Librarybelle @TheBookHippie Love and light to you both and to your precious babies. They are our solace. You're both such good mammas! 🖤🐾🐾🐾🖤 7mo

TheBookHippie @dabbe ♥️ 7mo

Librarybelle @dabbe ❤️❤️❤️ 7mo

Julsmarshall Sending love and healing vibes. So glad you get to be home with them. They bring so much joy to us, don‘t they? 7mo

Librarybelle They certainly do, @Julsmarshall . Thank you! ❤️ 7mo

TheAromaofBooks Great list!!! I hope your little guys are feeling better!! It's so stressful when they're unwell and you don't know the best way to help them!! 7mo

Mollyanna Good news! Yay! Hopefully Zeke gets used to his new food. They are our family. 7mo

Librarybelle Thanks, @TheAromaofBooks and @Mollyanna . Xander is still a little slow this morning, so I‘m hoping he‘ll be back to normal soon, and so far, Zeke is eating his special diet food. Pets are definitely our family! ❤️ 7mo

MemoirsForMe Sending healing hugs to your furry kids and hope they‘re feeling better. ❤️🐈 7mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @MemoirsForMe ! Zeke is doing better for the most part, and Xander and I just made a second vet visit today. Hoping he feels better soon! (edited) 7mo

DogMomIrene Hoping the babies continue improving! I gave one of our lick mats to a neighbor who had a sick picky eater cat. She said it really did help. Her guy seemed to like the soothing texture of the mat and lapped up the food. Not sure if you‘ve tried one with Zeke.❤️🐈 7mo

Librarybelle @DogMomIrene I‘ve not tried a mat. He will not eat any type of wet food. Hard food is easier to get him to try something new, but he can be stubborn. My other cats are willing to try just about anything! Thanks! 7mo

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