so-soI actually finished a #RiseUpReads before the end of the month!
I listened to this one, and I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I had read it. The voice actress made the main character sound very immature at times, or else I am way too old to appreciate the tone used. However, I enjoyed the family story, the growth of the MC, and the relationship side of the story. It also made me really hungry for falafel!
Another stress-filled and at times horrifying week, but a moment to recognize joys:
1. My boys…always! They so hate me taking photos of them! 😂
2. Author event last Saturday and a signed book. Craig Johnson is a hoot!
3. Air conditioning, and it‘s not even sultry yet here!
4. Zeke has more good days than bad…hooray!
5. Litsy
#5JoysFriday
pickNot as many nail biting moments in this one, and thankfully no really odd episodes that make no sense. Nancy is charged with identifying the clue in the jewel box (hello title) and finding a lost prince. I really disliked the character Francis, and Ned continues to show a tad impatience with Nancy‘s sleuthing…
#NancyDrewBR
I‘m starting my library copy tonight, so here‘s a quick reminder that our next #NancyDrewBR discussion will be Sunday! Questions will be posted by lunchtime US East Coast time.
Looking forward to the discussion, #LittenDetectives !
rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, DGRachel, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, bookandbedandtea, Laughterhp, Sace, Bren912, kwmg40, CSeydel, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, Pageturner1, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze, julieclair
“The place looked like a vampire‘s lair designed by Henry VIII.”
I‘m inhaling this book—with gem statements like the quote above, I think this is going to be an absolutely fun read. And, I adore Mimi.
This is also giving me Richard Osman vibes for character, wit, and fun back stories.
pickLaced with suspense, this is based on a true story…the photo at the back of the book shows the aftermath of the event described. Donoghue tells the story from the perspective of multiple characters, before real and fictional characters, including an anarchist with a deadly plot in mind. And, the train engine is a character—don‘t worry, the train‘s perspective actually adds depth to the story. Fast read! #SebastianKitty #Zeke #Xander #CatsOfLitsy
panCannell is not the author for me. Years ago, I tried reading one of her mysteries and had to bail because I did not connect with it. For this one, I probably should have bailed after the first half hour, but yet I persevered.
Cannell uses really long passages of dialogue and character‘s internal thoughts to convey the story. But, though set in the early 1900s, the language felt at times anachronistic. And, much of the forward motion had…
@Bookwormjillk , your post inspired me to pick up some Milano cookies at the grocery store this morning. My grocery store had them on a super buy, so I bought three kinds.
Perfect cookie for reading! 😂
Thanks for the inspiration, Jill!
so-soI really struggled with this one (and so did my IRL book club). The characters, especially Sarah‘s twin sister Emily, are unlikeable. Cozy mysteries are not typically known for strong plot lines, but this one seemed even more scattered than most. I liked RahRah the cat! I don‘t plan to continue with the series. #Vladimir #CatsOfLitsy #LitsyAToZ #LetterO #HasShortChapters #52BookClub25
#5JoysFriday
1. My boys…always!
2. Zeke continues to show no adverse reactions to chemo.
3. Last weekend‘s birthday weekend, filled with books and my parents, who made my day feel special.
4. IRL book club
5. Catching up on the drama in Virgin River on Netflix.
so-soSadly, I was a bit underwhelmed with this one. The premise is interesting—female journalist in WWI era stumbles upon a dead body, and she is determined to find out whodunit. While I appreciate the historical facts placed into the narrative, it leaves the flow of the story a bit disjointed. I may consider reading book two at some point, but am not in a hurry to pick it up.
Thank you for the lovely birthday wishes! Special thanks to @MemoirsForMe , @TheSpineView , and @dabbe for the lovely cards! And Donna, I laughed so hard when I saw the change purse! It‘s so true!! 😂
My #birthdayhaul yesterday consists of books in series I‘m currently reading, new to me authors, and an ARC that the bookstore employees gave me since it was my birthday shopping day.
I am so happy to be part of such a wonderful community! ❤️
To say my reading has been erratic and at times nonexistent the last few months is an understatement, and yet I persevere and start more books! 😂
Gaskell‘s writing is amazing, and thanks to #HashtagBrigade I can finally move Wives and Daughters to the “currently reading” stack.
#Zeke , #SebastianKitty , and #Xander are resting after food (and the first pill of the day for Zeke). #CatsOfLitsy
#LiteraryCrew : I am so sorry I fizzled on my hostess duties this month! My priories were caring for Zeke, so lots of things fell through the cracks.
That being said, I have 6 discussion questions posted as spoilers; they can be found on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag. I did not get to read this one, but the reviews I read make this sound amazing! Hope you enjoyed!
mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, Deblovestoread, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, julieclair, AllDebooks, Lkempf6. This ties into an earlier question regarding the pace of the story and the planned trilogy. Do you plan to continue with the trilogy? Book Two, Le Fay, was recently published. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
5. One reviewer mentioned the vividness of the landscape and that the strong sense of place and setting could almost be considered a character in the novel. Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
4. Think about the other characters in the novel. One reviewer felt that the female characters all showed strength and growth in the novel. What are your thoughts? Any standout characters to you beyond Morgan? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
3. Keetch has stated that she set out to retell Morgan's story, but in fact Morgan had so much to say that Keetch realized she needed to expand Morgan's story into three books. One could consider this to be the “origin story“ of Morgan, as she is young and starting out in the world of magic.
Think of the story progression in this novel. Do you agree or disagree with Keetch's assessment? Is this a multiple book story? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
2. Thinking about the Arthurian legend, and Morgan's portrayal throughout as the villain, this novel (and trilogy) aims to tell Morgan's side of the story, or her story through her eyes. In some reviews, reviewers felt this humanizes Morgan, or at least adds layers to the “villain“ persona of Morgan. Do you agree? Why or why not? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
1. This first in a planned trilogy is a feminist take on the legendary Morgan le Fay. How familiar were you with her legend before reading this book? Link in comments to some basic info on Morgan. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
#5JoysFriday
1. My boys…always!
2. Zeke started chemo this week, and so far he has had no adverse reactions.
3. Scoring an ARC of the latest Mona Awad through NetGalley!
4. Receiving my signed copy of the newest Nora Roberts from her bookstore
5. Sebastian‘s continued insistence to sit in the clean water bowl—it makes me laugh (and then rewash it)
My excitement level is through the roof! Bunny was so odd and so fun; I cannot wait to go back to that world! #NetGalley
pickWhile I liked this one, it was not my favorite of Center‘s works (I really loved The Bodyguard and greatly enjoyed Hello Stranger). Parts of it were a bit unbelievable, but as in other books by Center, other aspects are deeply personal. Body positivity is a huge theme, along with loving oneself, and let‘s just say I struggle big time with it like Katie in the book. Yet, Center has this magical way of turning a phrase that makes me want to sit ⬇️⬇️
pickJessica is in Arizona cheering on the foster son of friends when murder happens. Of course it does—she attracts murder wherever she goes! The darker side of baseball is revealed, with sex, drugs, and gambling, not to mention prejudice and power purchased by wealth. Good escape reading. My April choice for #ThematicCozies
June‘s #ChristiesCapers is the first that features Superintendent Battle, who appears in a a few other books/stories. Discussion on June 29th!
All are welcome to join. Please let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the tag list. #AgathaChristieClubR3
janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Teresereading, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, AnishaInkspill
It‘s time to discuss Poirot Investigates for #ChristiesCapers ! I have 5 questions posted as spoilers. They can be found by searching the book‘s feed, my feed, or the group‘s hashtags.
Our next read is The Secret of Chimneys, the first book to feature Inspector Battle. Official post tomorrow! #AgathaChristieClubR3
janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Teresereading, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, AnishaInkspill5. Consider this a free-for-all post! What are some elements you read that you wish to discuss with the group? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
4. Themes. The only overarching theme is Poirot himself. But, what are some thematic elements you found within these shorts?
For instance, spiritualism is mentioned and will play a role in later novels in a variety of forms, from the supernatural and witchcraft to seances and hauntings.
I think there was a mention too regarding Poirot's penchant for only helping the rich??? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
3. Good old Hastings! We experience the Poirot stories through Hastings's voice, and I could not but help think yet again about Watson and Holmes. Hasting shows parts admiration, frustration, anger, and kind of jealousy over Poirot and his methods.
We've talked about Hastings in the past...has your opinion of Hastings changed? What are your impressions of Hastings's character as seen in these shorts? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
2. Think about the short stories in this collection. Any standouts? Favorites? Disappointments? We'll talk about Hastings next! #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
1. Welcome to our first short story collection by Christie! This first collection includes stories featuring Poirot, making this the 3rd Poirot book we've read.
Which do you prefer...the short stories or the novels (thinking specifically about the two other Poirot novels we have read so far)? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
#LiteraryCrew : I apologize for the late post of this, but our June book is all about the Chelsea in NYC, the MacCarthy era, and friendship.
Discussion on June 30th. Read at your own pace throughout the month of June. I‘ll post periodic checkins during the month. All are welcome to join.
Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the tag list! #BuddyRead
mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, Deblovestoread, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, julieclair, AllDebooks, Lkempf
I‘ve really fallen behind on my hosting duties, but tomorrow (Sunday) is our next #ChristiesCapers discussion! The first short story collection we‘ll read by Christie, and the third book featuring Hercule Poirot!
Questions will be posted mid- to late-morning US East Coast time! #AgathaChristieClubR3
janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Teresereading, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, AnishaInkspill
This week has been terrible between world/country news and personal news; hooray for joys:
1. My boys, pictured together in a much needed family cuddle
2. Betty Crocker‘s Reese‘s Peanut Butter Coffee Cake mix—so good in cupcake form!
3. IRL book club. Most of us didn‘t like the book and talked about cats instead
4. I made it to the next round for a potential WFH library-related full time job. 🤞
5. Rainbow outside my front door
#5JoysFriday
We just received word that Zeke does have small cell lymphoma. It‘s not a surprise, but sad all the same. Thankfully, it is treatable, with the possibility of remission with chemo and a good 2-3 years, as long as we can keep him in a good place.
You can tell he‘s in a happy place from the photo, and that‘s all I can ask for. It‘s hard to see him go through this, but now we have a diagnosis and can properly treat it. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
pickI wasn‘t sure what to think at first about this one—it started off a little uneven, but as I progressed with this, I realized that maybe that was the intention. We hear the story from the perspective of Phoenix, who is the landscaper for Rosecliff. Something terrible happens to Marguerite, Rosecliff‘s owner, and Phoenix describes the events that transpire. I cannot say more without really spoiling it, but by the end, I just sat and ⬇️⬇️⬇️
pickThis light memoir captures Hart‘s experience in NYC and at Tiffany during the summer of 1945. Filled with humor and sentiment, Hart shares hilarious (and potentially embarrassing) episodes as well as her hopes and dreams and college worries. Just the right book to read, with its fluffiness and nostalgic tone. #SundayBuddyRead
We‘re up to number 20, #LittenDetectives ! Our next #NancyDrewBR features jewels and a lost prince. Will Nancy be able to decipher the clue in the jewel box? And, more importantly, will Nancy suffer more head knocks? Let‘s just hope there are no exploding oranges! 😂
Discussion on June 15th! All are welcome to join. Please let me know if you wish to be added to or removed from the tag list.
rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, DGRachel, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, bookandbedandtea, Laughterhp, Sace, Bren912, kwmg40, CSeydel, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, Pageturner1, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze, julieclair
#5JoysFriday
1. My boys…always. Recent pictures, and yes that‘s Sebastian sitting and washing in the water fountain bowl! 🙄
2. Xander‘s cardiology visit went well. His new meds are working! Progress has been made on additional issues found during his prior visit.
3. Organizing my thoughts for #14Books14Weeks
4. The latest Anthony Horowitz arrived!
5. Baking cranberry white chocolate chip muffins for my mom for Mother‘s Day
It‘s not a book stack picture, but it‘s my list for #14Books14Weeks ! Maybe this is the year I finally continue with both of these series…they‘ve been listed so many times for so many challenges, one of these days I‘ll get to them! 😂
My reading has been so spotty lately, and my attention span is rather limited, I‘m hoping Gamache and Brunetti are just what I need.
It‘s time for our next #NancyDrewBR discussion, #LittenDetectives ! I have 5 questions posted. You can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag.
Our next caper is The Clue in the Jewel Box. More details tomorrow!
rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, DGRachel, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, bookandbedandtea, Laughterhp, Sace, Bren912, kwmg40, CSeydel, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, Pageturner1, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze, julieclair5. As for the other characters, we of course have Bess and George and their significant others trying to solve the mysteries. We're also introduced to the Smiths and Mrs. Chatham and Trixie. I was not a fan of Mrs. Chatham! Thoughs?
There's one point where Carson loses his normal calm composure when searching for Nancy! And, Hannah throwing the Browns off the correct map by disguising the coordinates! #NancyDrewBR
4. Nancy sure ran into lots of issues in this one! I have a headache thinking of the number of times she slams her head and/or is rendered unconscious. And, to a degree, the “Browns“ best her by tricking her into following “clues.“
What did you think of the criminal element in this story? The Browns seemed especially relentless to catch Nancy unawares.
Should Nancy receive medical care for her head? #NNK 😂
NancyDrewBR
3. While we are talking about elements to the story, think about the other aspects--haunted house, kidnapping, missing relatives, etc. How did these add or detract from the story line? To me, they seemed more plausible than exploding oranges! Any element that was your favorite? #NancyDrewBR
2. In this episode, we have a possibly haunted ship cottage, a treasure map, missing relatives, a shifty couple who love to kidnap people, and a small island. So much to unpack! First, the treasure map. I would have loved to see the actual map! What did you think of this element of the story?
Link below to Library of Congress's blog featuring some maps in their collection. #NancyDrewBR
1. Thankfully, there are no notable differences between versions of this book! Our friend Mildred Wirt Benson again wrote the story, with the original appearing in 1942 and the revised in 1969. I can find no substantial changes in the 1969 edition, so perhaps the revision focused on updating the text from 1942 to 1969 vernacular.
What did you think of the book overall? Personally, I thought it was way better than the last one! #NancyDrewBR
pickSo much better than the last one! Thank goodness for no exploding oranges or exotic animals! Nancy and the gang are embroiled in a treasure hunt of sorts, with adventures that feature spooky houses, shifty people, and kidnapping galore. Fun, breezy read. #NancyDrewBR
So sorry for the late reminder, but discussion is Thursday in the AM US East Coast time!
rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, DGRachel, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, bookandbedandtea, Laughterhp, Sace, Bren912, kwmg40, CSeydel, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, Pageturner1, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze, julieclair
pickAngie really annoyed me in this one! But, I don‘t think I‘d get along with Angie in real life, so props to Mel! 😂
Mel owes a former college friend a favor, and she is on the hunt for the real murderer. Lots of cupcakes, some shady business, and a real humdinger of a cliffhanger. Glad to see this series has picked up again! #LitsyAToZ #LetterC
“‘Why not take Nancy? She‘s had a lot of experience meeting strange people.‘”
That‘s such an understatement! 😂
#NancyDrewBR
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