Welcome to Litsy!

You know how sometimes the question goes around about the one book you'd want everyone to read?

This is it. If You Come Softly is my choice.

Full review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2715848304.

#blackathon #contemporaryathon #projectreread

5/5⭐ The way Trethewey weaves together words, themes, & imagery building on each other throughout is craft at its finest.

Many poems are detailed descriptions of historical photographs, a fantastic, meaningful lens to present interpretations. Many of the poems draw you in with lovely descriptions & then end with an emotional punch.

The overlay of history with the present is expertly utilized for maximum impact.

#projectreread #blackathon

I returned
to a field of cotton, hallowed ground —

as slave legend goes — each boll
holding the ghosts of generations:

those who measured their days
by the heft of sacks and lengths

of rows, whose sweat flecked the cotton plants
still sewn into our clothes.

#projectreread #blackathon

We take those things we need
from the Confederates‘ abandoned homes:
salt, sugar, even this journal, near full
with someone else‘s words, overlapped now,
crosshatched beneath mine. On every page,
his story intersecting with my own.

#projectreread #blackathon

In my dream,
the ghost of history lies down beside me,

rolls over, pins me beneath a heavy arm.

#projectreread #blackathon

#tfw you start rereading a book you've owned for over a decade and find a surprise CD hiding behind the author bio! #projectreread #blackathon

4.5/5⭐ So damn good. Jane's character is one of the best & most enjoyable in literature. She knows what she wants & refuses to bend her standards. Her progression over the course of her book, both internally & in her relationships, is such a satisfying journey. The writing is gorgeous & evokes that lovely Gothic tone to perfection. The only thing that still bothers be about the story is her relationship with Mr. Rochester. (cont‘d) #projectreread

"I love you better now, when I can really be useful to you, than I did in your state of proud independence, when you disdained every part but that of the giver and protector."

This is still the only part of the book I struggle with, Mr. Rochester needing to be dependent in order for Jane to feel she has an adequate role in the relationship. She disdains his role as protector but has no issues taking it onto herself. #projectreread

To prolong doubt was to prolong hope. #projectreread

It was my time to assume ascendancy. My powers were in play and in force. I told him to forbear question or remark; I desired him to leave me: I must and would be alone. He obeyed at once. Where there is energy to command well enough, obedience never fails. #projectreread