I grew up working class and tend towards a fast food palate. When I've gone to fancy French restaurants, I've been tempted to stick the excess silverware in my purse.

However, this memoir is fun because it is more about a woman who has to become the ultimate chameleon in order to do her job, and she really gets carried away with it.

I'm still not convinced I'd ever want to try a dish called "suckling pig." No judgment, rich people. ?

Maybe it's me. But I couldn't get into this audio book because the narrator's voice got on my nerves, so I sent it back. Now I'm trying to listen to Where the Crawdads Sing and I'm finding it boring. It got such rave reviews! Does it get better? I'm an hour in.

Can anyone recommend a truly spectacular audio book for someone in a slump please?

Nothing compares to The Alice Network, but this book was entertaining and suspenseful with some of the best developed characters. It brings to the forefront of historical knowledge the battle cry for recognition of the contribution of women during wartime, and that's something I greatly appreciate about the two books by Kate Quinn that I've read so far.

Has anyone read her Empress of Rome series? That is next on my list.

J.K. Rowling psychoanalyzes some of her own characters and comes up with a far more lenient view of some of them than I do--it was interesting. I would not cut Horace Slughorn nearly as much slack. I enjoyed his chapter the best because we had such a different perspective.

Got to meet Jennifer Armentrout yesterday @FountainBookstore at a book signing. She gave an incredible interview about her new book Storm and Fury. I am really excited to read it! We all had such a good time!

@MidnightBookGirl @petersonks15

Every time I re-read this book, I am in awe of how amazing it is. I read it over and over and always find something new. This time around I really connected with Neville.

Best quotes:
"...to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever."

"It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends."
Dumbledore 2020

Read for YA book club @FountainBookstore , favorite local indie bookstore where I bought the book. Look at the pretty cover and it's signed and everything!

Cooking and babies aren't subjects that usually hold my attention, but I became sentimental about this novel because of the characters and the values espoused in the book of female empowerment and honoring roots.
 @MidnightBookGirl @petersonks15

I actively disliked this book. Celaena's been in a prison camp for a year doing hard labor, being whipped and starved, and watching people around her die and now she gets to the palace and she's focused on the prince's outfit? I found her character superficial and unrealistic. Not that I have to like the characters in the books I read, but I have to like the fact that I don't like them. I think Sarah J Mass isn't for me and that's okay.

@MidnightBookGirl
1. Demon Proxy. My in-law meant it to shame me for not being religious, but my book club ran with it!
2. Higglety Pigglety Pop! makes me laugh.
3. Only if they have spoilers.
4. It does set the tone. If I don't know anything else about the book, I admit I could be subconsciously influenced. If it's bright pink, I won't buy it.
5. @hermyknee @Stacy_31

#wondrouswednesday @Eggs

Look at the beautiful inside cover!

I am glad Leigh Bardugo is continuing on with the Grishaverse, there was definitely more of the story to be told. I pledge my undying loyalty to these characters. I am really looking forward to the sequel because this one had a great ending. I will say that the perspective would switch just as the storyline would get really good and it made me want to skip chapters.

This book was adventurous, dramatic, witty, romantic, suspenseful, historical, educational, and heartbreaking. It seems impossible that the author managed to pack all of that into one novel, yet she has done so. The story doesn't allow for a moment's rest and women in it are incredible. I want to go out and buy a "morally questionable hat" to celebrate the book.??

Wow! I devoured these verses. The poetry was beautiful and Elizabeth Acevedo's voice shines through as very powerful and genuine. The book reminded me of how I wrote angry poetry when I was a teenager as a coping mechanism. It made all the difference. The questions Xiomara has about theology are the same kind I grappled with. It made me feel understood. I did think things wrapped up a little too neatly at the end.

These kindle flash sales always get me. Like I need anymore books. But this one was already on my TBR because...BUFFY! I have always been a huge fan and I have to see what the author does with this.

@HOTPock3tt @CaseyTheCanadianLesbrarian I saw on Goodreads that this was on your TBR too.

Why are there so many book titles with women being described as somebody's wife or daughter? I'm not commenting on the individual merits of these books themselves or saying I won't read them, but rather that women don't seem to warrant full identities of their own, even when the book is about them. Authors, please consider naming a book "The Feminists Husband" or "The Policewoman's Son." She belongs to herself, say her name!

I always like Ruth Ware's main characters; they seem very real to me. I did guess who the killer was, but I was never positive I was correct.

I've never heard of a bachelorette party being referred to as a "hen party" before. I guess that's a British thing. It made me laugh.????

Nora had some really "duh" moments there at the end. I wanted to yell at her through the page.

Because of Apple cheeked Sally Field, I thought all nuns were friendly and could fly when I was little. This is not an easy read. It is so well written and descriptive I had flashbacks. I think it was important for her to write it the way that she did and not hide it anymore, but anyone with a history should be prepared. This book is not so much about an acting career so much as being a person. I felt connected with her. Well done.

#24B4Monday #readathon My time was 17 hrs 38 min. I was happy with that considering my a/c broke and I was delirious half the time.
Thank you so much for hosting
@TheReadingMermaid @andrew65 @Clwojick @RadicalReader as usual I had a great time!

Does this artwork vaguely make anyone else want to turn their head and cough? My a/c broke. I have heat exhaustion and I would fail a Rorschach test right now. Really Leigh Bardugo, really? 😂

Throwing this out there because I don't know how *I* feel and wonder what others think about trigger warnings. Some graphic descriptions of trauma took me unaware in this book. I think it's important that they be told as is, but there is no doubt it stirred up emotional flashbacks I wasn't prepared to deal with today. Part of me wishes for a little heads up about that much detail.

#24B4Monday @TheReadingMermaid @andrew65 @Clwojick @RadicalReader

Both books in this series tackle issues of feminism, race, and imperialism and combine it with a gift for storytelling and suspense that is rare. I don't think there are other books like this out there. I felt like I learned a lot about Indian history.

I fell asleep with my timer on but my best guess is 5 hrs 53 min for the first day of the #24B4Monday #MayMadness #readathon @TheReadingMermaid @Andrew65 @Clwojick @RadicalReader

I'd read this book to children's of any gender way before puberty. The main messages being that a kid can find their own spiritual path and that all their confusing feelings surrounding life and growing up make them normal. Who would want to keep their kid from accessing ideas from that perspective? #24B4Monday #readathon #MayMadness #bannedbooks @TheReadingMermaid @Andrew65 @Clwojick @RadicalReader

Here is my book stack for the #24B4Monday #readathon #maymadness. Harry Potter, Margaret, & Pet Sematary are all listed as banned in one place or another. The other 2 books are just on my TBR. Photo of Judy Blume from HuffPost. @TheReadingMermaid @Andrew65 @Clwojick @RadicalReader

A quick sojourn back into the wizarding world featuring the background stories of some of my favorite characters. Nothing earth-shattering, but I particularly enjoyed learning more about Professor McGonagall, whom I greatly admire. I'm brushing up on HP trivia for my convention in August.

I am excited for the #24B4Monday #MayMadness banned books edition #readathon this weekend. 🤗 My goal will be 15 hours as I may have a lot going on this weekend. I'll post my books when I figure out what I'm reading. @TheReadingMermaid @Andrew65 @Clwojick @RadicalReader

Having volunteered in nursing homes when I was younger, I know that the older people get, the more interesting stories they have to tell. You just have to be ready to sit back and go on a journey with them. I loved Lillian Boxfish's story. She is a character I want to keep with me and call up when I need strength.

It doesn't compare to the Veronica Speedwell series, but it is well written and entertaining . It starts out slow with a typical homage to Dracula/ romantic setting, but the ending has a great twist. I liked Theodora. I don't usually like romance characters because they are too subservient, but she had her own personality.

The mystery plot in this one was especially good, as was the tension between Stoker and Veronica. I liked seeing more of Tiberius's character fleshed out. Veronica is my favorite Victorian female character because she is more independent and modern than many women in 2019 are able to be. I hope I don't have to wait too long for another book.

@Stacy_31 thanks for the tag!

1. Freakonomics
2. Yes
3. Currently reading the Alcoholics Anonymous "Big Book." It comes across as archaic and patriarchal and needs updating. Some of it is relatable and helpful.
4. Maybe a month. Sometimes I can't concentrate when I'm too stressed.
5. @hermyknee @MidnightBookGirl @petersonks15

#wondrouswednesday @Eggs

This was an emotional, thought-provoking book. The amazing descriptions of Alaska were very real and made me want to some day explore the state, but never to stay. The story moved quickly and I stayed engaged and heartbroken throughout. My only complaint is that the love scenes were ridiculously unrealistic.

The third book in the Veronica Speedwell series goes more into depth about Stoker's past, leaving more intriguing questions about the history and futures of both he and Veronica. These books get better and better and I am going to be so sad when I get to the 4th book and then I have to wait for more. I just may continue on with the story in my head. It is that good.

The points made in the book were valid and important and I appreciated the message. Most people don't realize it is more tiring to fight back even once you know you're being oppressed; it is easier to go on feigning ignorance.

The story itself just seemed sort of skeletal and a bit flat to me. I would have liked to have seen the author make the characters more dynamic and the plot more original and less predictable.

The second book in the series is even better than the first one with its grottoes, and glass blown toys, sheep's eyeballs, and corpses mixed with tongue-in-cheek Victorian sensibilities. Deanna Raybourn used the first Veronica Speedwell book to warm up and she's really coming into her own. These books make me happy and cheerful. Stoker and Veronica are my current favorite literary "not-couple" so far.

This book is a lot of fun! It's a Victorian adventure/ mystery with a very witty, memorable heroine and great humor.

I could see this book playing like a movie in my head. It had great characters and the author was so subtly descriptive so that you don't realize she is infiltrating your brain. The book kept me interested throughout and there is no way I can't not continue with the series.

I loved the characters and the nostalgia mixed with remorse in this one. I found it to be extremely addictive and I read it in two sittings. I think it might be my favorite Ruth Ware that I've read so far just because I felt like I understood the character of Isa so well.

1. It by Stephen King
2. All of the Harry Potter books, that is my go-to comfort series
3.Litsy, Goodreads, and handwritten journal
4. My bathtub after I dyed my hair red. I took a picture because it looks like the shower scene from Psycho.
5. @MidnightBookGirl
#wondrouswednesday @Eggs

In the beginning, I did not connect well with this book, but by the end I totally changed my mind. The characters handled situations differently than I think I would have and I found it frustrating and difficult to relate to at first. By the end of the story, I was enthralled with the plot and proud of the main character, Ji Lin.

Finishing the #24B4Monday #readathon with 17 hrs 24 min. I'm happy with that considering my goal was 15 hrs. Thanks for hosting @TheReadingMermaid @Andrew65 As usual it was a blast and it went by too fast. ❤🙌

Total reading time yesterday for the #24B4Monday #readathon 5 hrs 10 min, bringing me up to exactly 13 hours. So far Lillian Boxfish and The Raven Boys are good. I'm a little bored with The Night Tiger. @TheReadingMermaid @Andrew65

The magic TBR jar picked The Raven Boys and Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk as my next books.
#PopJarGame #24B4Monday #readathon #24B4MondayGiveaway
@TheReadingMermaid @Andrew65

Samantha Shannon will go down in history as one of the greats. Everything she's written has a subtle uniqueness that slowly but intensely works its way in to your blood stream. I was obsessed with this epic novel of amazing women, talking dragons, and mages.

#24B4Monday #readathon 7hrs 50min
@TheReadingMermaid @Andrew65

Rose is posing for the #24B4Monday #readathon . I'm finishing one epic novel by Samantha Shannon that I'm obsessed with and listening to The Night Tiger on audio to start, and then randomly picking from the titles on the bottom for the #PopJarGame
#dogsoflitsy #pitbullsoflitsy

@TheReadingMermaid @Andrew65

#24B4Mondaygiveaway #24B4Monday #readathon #PopJarGame I picked 12 books on my TBR that I've been dying to read and haven't gotten around to. Some are print books, most are books backing up in my Kindle that were on sale at one point. May the best books win! I can't wait! 📚

It's my favorite time of the month. The time when I drop everything and read! I'll be setting a more realistic goal of 15 hours for the #24B4Monday #readathon this weekend because I have a few bookish social gatherings to attend. Thank you @TheReadingMermaid and @Andrew65 for hosting. I will get my stack together and post it soon.

This was a quick read and just what I needed to take my mind off of some pretty intense pain. I loved Lo. I lay on my couch and imagined myself her, trapped on a ship, trying to solve a murder, and everyone just thinks I'm a hysterical drama queen. ...This is extremely plausible.

This mystery had a very satisfying, classic British feel to it that was enhanced by the audio performance of Imogen Church. I enjoyed it so much even though I eventually guessed what the ending had to be. My next audio book will also be a Ruth Ware novel read by the same narrator and I can't wait!

This was between a pick and a so-so. The author did a great job depicting the evil cycle of pain and drugs and addiction, the obsession and compulsion, and the thought process that goes along with that, but she left out a few key components that are crucial to continuing recovery. The book goes into detail about suffering but glosses over the recovery process. As a recovering addict, I believe the process of getting clean matters as much as how⬇

I definitely recommend listening to this book in audio format because it is read by a full cast and they each do a great job.
Just like with Evelyn Hugo, I could really believe that this was a true interview and this story happened to a real band. The novel made me desperate to listen to an album which doesn't really exist. I could hear it in my head though. Daisy and Billy in particular struck me as very much like people I know.

👋 @Eggs Thanks for the tag!

1. I'm pretty fickle by nature, but right now I am in the middle of Samantha Shannon's The Priory of the Orange Tree and I'm obsessed with it.
2.The province of Seiiki where they worship dragons as gods and I get to be a dragonrider.
3. The kingdom of Yscalin. The place is infested with the Draconic plague and other corruptions.
4. @HOTPock3tt

#whatwouldyoudo @DannyHattan

Happy #NationalPetDay This is my reading buddy Rose basking in the sun. She is partial to audio books and is a great cuddler.
#dogsoflitsy
#pitbullsoflitsy
@DGRachel She and Bailey could be from the same litter. 😍