Librarybelle

New month, new book for the #LiteraryCrew ! Read at your own pace, with discussion on the 31st. There‘s still time to join this #buddyread …just comment below.

I will post check ins periodically during the month. All welcome to join!

Cinfhen, melissajayne, Jerdencon, LapReader, kspenmoll, Bklover, megnews, Deblovestoread, lele1432, TheRiehlDeal, IndoorDame, MoonWitch94, CarolineLovesToRead, KristiAhlers, JuniperWilde, LitsyEvents

Ann_Reads @Librarybelle - I think I'll be joining in. Thanks for hosting. 🙂 16h

CoverToCoverGirl It‘s a good book. I look forward to all the reviews. 16h

Librarybelle Hooray, @Ann_Reads ! I‘m glad to hear this is a good one, @CoverToCoverGirl ! 15h

See All 8 Comments

Librarybelle @PurpleyPumpkin @Sargar114 @BethM - are you able to join this month? 15h

Sargar114 @Librarybelle got a couple of holds placed at the library so I‘m gonna try! 14h

Cinfhen Waiting for my copy to arrive via #Scribd but I‘m looking forward 😁 13h

Librarybelle Hooray, @Sargar114 @Cinfhen ! 6h

Sargar114 @Librarybelle it now popped up as my doublespin too, so I might try and find a hard copy! 4h

46 likes8 comments

Librarybelle

Death of a Hollow Man | Caroline Graham

pick

One more book read in November…book two in the Inspector Barnaby/Midsomer Murders series. How delightful! You can just feel how exasperated Barnaby is at times when questioning suspects - John Hopkins does an amazing narration! If you‘re a fan of the TV series, I highly recommend the book series! #192025 #1989

55 likes

Librarybelle

Beheld | TaraShea Nesbit

Discussion questions are up for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead ! I could list a ton more discussion points - like the friendship between Alice and Dorothy - but I‘d be posting all day!

You can find the questions by either searching my feed, the book‘s feed, or using the above hashtags.

If you have not already done so, comment below if you would like to be included in next month‘s tag list for Kate Quinn‘s The Diamond Eye. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Cinfhen, Jerdencon, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, BookNAround, Bklover, megnews, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, lele1432, CBee, Sargar114, MoonWitch94, CarolineLovesToRead, KristiAhlers, JuniperWilde

Librarybelle I‘m still taking suggestions for 2023‘s selections, so if you have any thoughts, let me know! Thanks for reading this month!! 2d

Cinfhen I‘m getting ready to go to work, so I‘ll check in later today ❤️ 2d

MoonWitch94 Ohhh can‘t wait! And yes, tag me for next month! 2d

See All 10 Comments

KristiAhlers Yes tag me for next month! And I‘m super excited for this discussion! 2d

Librarybelle Awesome, @MoonWitch94 @KristiAhlers ! And jump right into the discussion whenever you have a chance! 2d

Librarybelle Sounds good, @Cinfhen ! 2d

Sargar114 Thanks @Librarybelle Another solid pick! 2d

Librarybelle So glad you liked this, @Sargar114 ! 1d

megnews I loved this one!! 1d

Librarybelle So glad you loved this, @megnews ! 16h

47 likes10 comments

Librarybelle

Beheld | TaraShea Nesbit

This post contains spoilers

show me

8. The Author‘s Note in the back tells us about the research...to write this novel, as well as that several aspects...were fabricated. What do you think the relationship should be in a historical novel between what can be verified and what an author imagines, particularly when much of the history...has been suppressed, ignored, or cannot—due to a lack of written records...—be verified? ~from LitLovers discussion questions #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

MoonWitch94 I like when authors “fill in the blanks” fictionally. But I hate when historical fiction authors purposely alter historical facts to fit their story. 2d

KristiAhlers I like when an author backfills but is honest about it upfront. What I don‘t like is when verified historical moments are rewritten. That does a disservice to those who lived through the experience. I felt this author was respectful and did a solid job of offering a possible situation. 2d

Sargar114 Agreed. Filling in the gaps of the facts with a story is great and can really get the reader invested in the history of what happened. But problematic when facts are changed to fit the story. I really enjoyed this authors note. 2d

See All 8 Comments

kspenmoll I always read afterwards, author‘s notes, etc. Agree with all 2d

Bklover @KristiAhlers Well said! 1d

Librarybelle Agree with everything! It‘s one thing to offer a fictional aspect around a historical moment and another thing to completely rewrite that historical moment. When that happens, it becomes alternative history, which falls under the sci-fi/fantasy category, believe it or not! @MoonWitch94 @KristiAhlers @Sargar114 @kspenmoll @Bklover 1d

megnews I agree with all of the above. With HF being my fav genre, I appreciate sticking to true history while creating fiction in what characters say and do. I appreciate an author‘s note at beginning or end letting me know where they stuck to fact and where fiction came in. 1d

Jerdencon Agree with all of this! 3h

10 likes8 comments

Librarybelle

Beheld | TaraShea Nesbit

This post contains spoilers

show me

7. Prior to reading the book, what did you know about the interactions between the puritans and the indigenous peoples...particularly the members of the Wampanoag Nation? Was there anything that surprised you upon? ~from LitLovers discussion questions #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Note: I highly recommend This Land is Their Land by David J Silverman - academic in tone, but a solid look at true relations between puritans and the indigenous peoples.

MoonWitch94 I knew that the romanticized version of their relationship, and knew that the colonists were definitely horrible. But it was interesting to hear about more specifics. And it just made me more mad. 2d

KristiAhlers I have a degree in history so much of this I already knew. And of course history is just a collection of stories written by imperfect humans but when it makes you look bad you romanticize it to take the sting away. Unfortunately there is no way we can take the stink and disgusting manner in which we treated those human beings away. 2d

Sargar114 I don‘t really know much other than my skepticism about what was taught in school. So I‘m that sense I really found this book quite interesting. 2d

See All 6 Comments

kspenmoll I had read a book a few years ago, Prospero‘s America which in parts covered King Philip‘s War & the Pequot War & English attitudes towards America‘s indigenous peoples. Also Excepts from Jill Lepore‘s These Truths,-But I feel like I should know more beyond New England. 2d

Bklover I wish I could remember where I read it but I read that the indigenous people basically kept the colonists alive. They weren‘t prepared and the colonists had not expected to have to work so hard. 1d

Librarybelle I have a degree in history too, @KristiAhlers , and it took quite awhile in my studies to find out the truth of what happened. I‘m glad the full perspective is finally being shown…what‘s the saying, that the “victors write the history…?” @MoonWitch94 @Sargar114 @kspenmoll @Bklover 1d

9 likes6 comments

Librarybelle

Beheld | TaraShea Nesbit

This post contains spoilers

show me

6. Although the murder in the colony is a first, death is very common...especially the death of infants and children. Religion—Anglican or puritan—is also important to their lives, and there is much discussion of God‘s tests, signs, and punishments. How do grief and faith shape these people? Do you see differences in the characters‘ personal relationships to God and religion? ~from LitLovers discussion questions #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

MoonWitch94 The idea of a tragic death or the Native tribes getting ill from the colonists is “God‘s Will” is nauseating. 😳🤯 2d

KristiAhlers @MoonWitch94 sadly that was the attitude. They were seen as less than. Even after they go to the effort of taking on the white man‘s religion. 2d

KristiAhlers In many ways they had to give a reason for things just not going right so it had to be Gods will. Never they had over stepped or this was punishment for being overly arrogant or grasping. I mean historically speaking they left the Netherlands because many found it wrong when the Brit‘s began taking on Dutch attributes. They had to be saved. So take a perilous journey seemed to be the answer. 2d

See All 8 Comments

Sargar114 It seems “Gods Will” = things we can‘t explain. Hit was terribly upsetting how common death was (especially with the children). 2d

MoonWitch94 @KristiAhlers I know. I think it‘s one thing to know that is how they felt, and it‘s another to read it play out in a story/history. Every culture has their own version of that, but it‘s just awful. And especially terrible given that many Indigenous people gave up their culture for the white man‘s religion—and it got them no where, like you said. 2d

kspenmoll Yes, @MoonWitch94 ! It was lucky if a child lived… 2d

Bklover It appears that they just made every situation they found themselves in conform to their religion, rather than being guided by that religion. 1d

Librarybelle I like that thought, @Bklover ! And, I completely agree, @MoonWitch94 . Just thinking of the mortality rates during that time…it‘s awful and sad. @KristiAhlers @Sargar114 @kspenmoll 1d

9 likes8 comments

Librarybelle

Beheld | TaraShea Nesbit

This post contains spoilers

show me

5. The conflict that leads to disaster in the novel is over a parcel of land. What is the significance of land for the colonists? What does it represent specifically for John Billington? ~from LitLovers discussion questions #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

MoonWitch94 Land is the whole reason many people came to the colonies; they were promised land & freedom in exchange for services. But the Puritans are doing to others what they claimed England did to them. It was frustrating to read. 2d

KristiAhlers Land equated to wealth in some case land rich as it were. That family was so determined to step above their situation. I actually felt bad for them, that they struggled and were seemingly treated ill due to perception. However they didn‘t seem to go far in trying to blend either. 2d

Sargar114 Agreed. I also think that particular land was for Billington‘s son who died and it had added significance. 2d

See All 10 Comments

kspenmoll Land was everything to the Separatists- what was promised to them- representing a new start in life, a chance to move above their station in Europe- it represented freedom, esp to someone like Billington because he came over as an indentured servant. 2d

Bklover Billington was a recently released indentured servant. As such I imagine he‘d never owned anything of his own. I think this greatly affected his view of his ownership of land as well as his treatment by the other colonists, who looked down on him because of his status. 1d

Librarybelle I agree! Land was everything. Honestly, I feel bad for the Billington had over the land - no sympathy for him when it comes to what he ultimately did, but he did everything he was tasked to do to get the land, and still the Puritans said no. @MoonWitch94 @KristiAhlers @Sargar114 @kspenmoll @Bklover 1d

megnews I was angry they cheated him. 1d

Sargar114 @Librarybelle @megnews @kspenmoll I agree it was terrible how the Puritans treated the Billingtons (including Eleanor after his death) but no reason to kill someone especially someone who had anything to do with their strife. 14h

Jerdencon That was their whole reason for leaving their lives behind to find independence… so I can see the fight. I can also see how billington finally snapped from the years of abuse. 3h

Deblovestoread This is where the book lost me a bit. I was angry he was being cheated but when he snapped he took it out on someone who was a pawn being played rather than on the cheater. I struggle reconciling the man I think Billington was with this action. 2h

10 likes10 comments

Librarybelle

Beheld | TaraShea Nesbit

This post contains spoilers

show me

4. Throughout the book, much goes unspoken about Dorothy‘s death. How is our understanding of her death complicated through the course of the novel? How do you make sense of it in the end? ~from LitLovers discussion questions #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

KristiAhlers I think it was a weak attempt add mystery maybe? Especially given the fact the Governor married his wife‘s best friend and there seemed to be a drastic difference when it came to those relationships. 2d

Sargar114 Agree @KristiAhlers it was still a bit vague. It seems like it was an accident, but may have been prevented and wasn‘t because she was depressed and nobody really acknowledged that at the time. 2d

kspenmoll I am not sure how Dorothy‘s death fits in, except surely she was depressed which was not recognized then - she saw it as a sign that she was not chosen by God, or could not be hood enough in her God‘ eyes. ??? 2d

See All 7 Comments

Bklover I thought it was strange how she “fell overboard “ and drowned while the shop was docked. Also found it interesting that Alice had her eyes on William before they even left England. I sort of got the feeling that it was suicide. 1d

Librarybelle I thought it was suicide too, @Bklover . Maybe the point was to show the women‘s lack of control in the colony??? It was a weaker sub-mystery in the overall mystery, in my opinion. And yes…Alice‘s eyes on William before everything happened was a bit jarring and suspicious. @KristiAhlers @Sargar114 @kspenmoll 1d

megnews Like @Bklover and @Librarybelle I interpreted it as suicide. 1d

Jerdencon Like all of you - I assumed suicide - at least that was how the author made it seem. 3h

9 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

Beheld | TaraShea Nesbit

This post contains spoilers

show me

3. There are a few sections from other perspectives as well—the sections headed “Meanwhile“, “Nature“, “The Diary of John Winthrop“, and “Dorothy“. What purpose do these other sections serve? ~from LitLovers discussion questions #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

KristiAhlers I think it was done to further cement the independent female views. While at the same time giving us a little more insight to the complex relationships contained in the settlement. Honestly it was surprising how acrimonious they were to each other when in the end they were all just trying to survive. 2d

Sargar114 The only ones that really stood out to me were “Dorothy” and “Meanwhile”. I think Dorothy is told to get confirmation of what happened to her. Meanwhile I gathered was to establish the gender norms of the time. Nature maybe calling back to the sense of foreboding but not really sure. Honestly don‘t even remember the excerpt from the diary. I think it would have been fine to keep just the perspectives of the two main women. 2d

kspenmoll I felt that “Meanwhile” & “Nature” provided a contrast between the goodness of the lush natural world in Plymouth & the corrupting, degrading, power structure in the colony- master/servant,Husband/wife, rich/poor, etc.-the darkness within. Meanwhile ends with:”Who is this woman? Any woman. Meanwhile,meanwhile, meanwhile.” 2d

See All 8 Comments

Bklover I think Dorothy was an important character and maybe her section was to flesh her out a bit maybe? 1d

Librarybelle Honestly, I was a little thrown with these sections that did not focus on the viewpoint of one specific character. I like the idea brought up in this conversation that they were segues or ways to cement ideas of the colony. Dorothy‘s section was very vital - yes, it helped to show what happened to her. How tragic! @KristiAhlers @Sargar114 @kspenmoll @Bklover 1d

megnews I really liked the Nature section. At times I felt the characters were acting/thinking as more modern day characters would. Bringing the natural surrounding back into it reminded me of time and place, how different the world was. And it brought me back to considering how these women, despite their place in time, did have similar thoughts, feelings, etc as we would today 1d

megnews @kspenmoll I loved that: who is this woman? Any woman. Really made you think. 1d

Bklover @megnews Really good point! 16h

9 likes8 comments

Librarybelle

Beheld | TaraShea Nesbit

This post contains spoilers

show me

2. The novel is written in sections from the perspectives of different characters...The men‘s sections are narrated in the third person; the women speak themselves. What is the effect of having these different perspectives and different voices? Were there voices you trusted more than others? Do the characters ever differ on the facts, or is it only their interpretations that differ? ~from LitLovers discussion questions #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

MoonWitch94 It was difficult at first to juggle the differences, but, once about a quarter of the way through, I actually liked it. It was an interesting way to juggle two different POVs. 2d

KristiAhlers I loved that the women had their own distinct voice but the men were kinda weak for all their strength and this really added to the feminine view of this book which I loved. 2d

Sargar114 It didn‘t occur to me the men were in the third person, but considering they all seemed to die it actually makes sense. I would have preferred it to remain just the two women as they were the most interesting, but I suppose you wouldn‘t really know what happened if you didn‘t have the men‘s perspective. I agree @MoonWitch94 it was hard to track POV, had to keep looking at the chapter header to confirm who was speaking. 2d

See All 10 Comments

kspenmoll I was able to run with the various voices/POV - agree w @KristiAhlers - when you stated that the women‘s voices were distinct whereas the men seemed to be the weaker despite their physical strength.I just loved the authenticity with which Alice, Eleanor & Dorothy‘s stories emerged. 2d

Librarybelle I thought it was an interesting device used by the author - females in first person and males in third. But, I agree that it definitely gave more power to the women - you‘re hearing their thoughts and feelings firsthand. My copy is an electronic advanced readers copy, so the formatting was in shambles - I think that added to my transition struggles from one voice to another! @MoonWitch94 @KristiAhlers @Sargar114 @kspenmoll 1d

megnews I love books with multiple POVs if done well and for me these voices stood apart from the beginning. It‘s really what sucked me in and made me fly through it. The women in first person gave voice to members of society who didn‘t usually have it and let us in on how women were thinking and feeling when no one then gave a darn. I always thought Puritan women would be well more Puritan but halfway through it really made me stop and think why 👇🏻 1d

megnews Wouldn‘t they have the same thoughts and feelings as women now. 1d

Sargar114 I agree @megnews I love multi POV books, can really fly through them. 14h

Jerdencon I agree with @megnews - I had such stereotypes in my head of all the characters - probably left over from elementary school social studies! 3h

Jerdencon And I do enjoy a good multiple pov.book 3h

10 likes10 comments

Librarybelle

Beheld | TaraShea Nesbit

This post contains spoilers

show me

1. In the first pages of the novel, Alice Bradford is anticipating the arrival of a ship. The passage is also full of foreshadowing. “Everything,“ says Alice, “could have been a sign of what was to come“...How does foreshadowing work in the book? What expectations did you have as you read? What aspects of the story were still unexpected? ~from LitLovers discussion questions #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

MoonWitch94 I like how it set the tone immediately. “Bad things are coming, there is no peace here.” That was the message. 2d

Sargar114 Definitely got the feeling not all was right. I don‘t know if it was the bird on the cover, but there was quite a bit of references to birds. And from what I remember, crows specifically can represent tragedy. I don‘t know if anything that happened was particularly surprising but maybe that was due to the sense of unease presented in the writing. (edited) 2d

KristiAhlers As foreshadowing goes I liked the element but I wanted it to be a bit stronger to be honest. But I love a good doomsday-esq read! 2d

See All 9 Comments

kspenmoll I felt an anticipation of “bad things” as I read- but it is the women‘s relationships & point of view that held me the most throughout the book. 2d

Bklover @kspenmoll I agree! You knew the boat arriving wasn‘t going to be good but the females in this book were fascinating. (Even the occasional sex scene, which kept catching me off guard!) 1d

Librarybelle Really good points! I was a little surprised by the foreshadowing from the start, but it was the telling from a number of viewpoints that kept me going. And those sex scenes…not something that comes to mind when I‘m reading about the puritans! 😂 @MoonWitch94 @Sargar114 @KristiAhlers @kspenmoll @Bklover 1d

megnews I‘m late to the discussion! It did set you up for impending doom. Like @Librarybelle a novel written from various POVs really keeps me going if done well and this was. And yes, the sex scenes were definitely unexpected in a novel set among Puritans. 1d

Jerdencon I totally felt like it kept me waiting to see what was going to happen… I didn‘t realize it was going to have such long term repercussions. 3h

BookNAround I liked the foreshadowing and enjoyed seeing how Nesbit used it differently in each of the viewpoints. What constitutes a possible sign of the tragedy to come was so different for each person. 2h

10 likes1 stack add9 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

I finally remembered to work on my December #BookSpinBingo Board! All are #BOTM titles I have yet to read.

TheAromaofBooks

MallenNC I really liked Take My Hand and True Biz. 3d

Librarybelle So good to know, @MallenNC !! 3d

Kangaj1 Agree with the above. Also great: Afong Moy and Booth! 2d

Librarybelle Thanks, @Kangaj1 !! 2d

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2d

51 likes5 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

I am so far behind in #LitsyLove and the sharing of holiday greetings! I am slowly sending holiday cards and replies in batches over the next week or two - as time and my wrist allow!!

I have plenty of cards - if you would like one from me, drop me a message through my email - below in the comments. It‘s my way of sharing end of the year cheer! And, if you usually receive a card from me, it‘ll get there - eventually!!

Librarybelle My email address is my Litsy username AT gmail DOT com 3d

Allylu I got your card already! Yay! Thank you! Yours will be in the mail soon...I'm starting my Litsy cards tomorrow. 3d

Librarybelle So glad it arrived, @Allylu !! 3d

46 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

Beheld | TaraShea Nesbit

pick

I devoured this literary historical fiction look at the Plymouth colony ten years after the Mayflower limped onto shore. Told from various viewpoints, this shows the layers of contempt and prejudice among the Plymouth founders. There is lots to explore on this, and I‘m so glad to have read this with #LiteraryCrew this month.

Discussion on the 30th!

Cinfhen, Jerdencon, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, BookNAround, Bklover, megnews, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, lele1432, CBee, Sargar114, MoonWitch94, CarolineLovesToRead, KristiAhlers, JuniperWilde

Jerdencon It was good! 5d

Chrissyreadit I agree! Great choice! 5d

kspenmoll So layered-fabulous! 5d

See All 9 Comments

Bklover It was great!! 5d

Librarybelle So glad you liked it too, @Jerdencon @Chrissyreadit @kspenmoll @Bklover !! 5d

KristiAhlers I loved it. Can‘t wait for the discussion 5d

MoonWitch94 Can‘t wIt! I really enjoyed this one! 5d

Cinfhen This was a great read. 5d

Librarybelle This will be a fun discussion! @KristiAhlers @MoonWitch94 @Cinfhen 4d

73 likes9 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

To all of my fellow American Litten friends…Happy Thanksgiving! And to everyone, a huge thank you for your bookish friendship! This is a good day to reflect on how grateful I am for my family and friends and to recognize my blessings.

Many blessings today! Keep reading, and keep making me add to my to read stack!

AmyG Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 🦃 1w

Mollyanna Happy Thanksgiving 🍁🦃. 1w

TheRiehlDeal Happy Thanksgiving! 1w

See All 20 Comments

Addison_Reads May your day be full of peace and joy, and hopefully some reading. 😉 Happy Thanksgiving. 1w

Librarybelle Thank you so much, and have a wonderful day!! @AmyG @Mollyanna @TheRiehlDeal @Addison_Reads ❤️❤️❤️ 1w

Sleepswithbooks Happy Thanksgiving 🍁 1w

DaveGreen7777 People like you make the world a better place, Jess! Happy Thanksgiving! 😊 1w

AnneCecilie Happy Thanksgiving 🍁🦃 1w

Librarybelle Thank you so much, and have a wonderful day!! @Sleepswithbooks @DaveGreen7777 @AnneCecilie ❤️❤️❤️ 1w

Dragon Happy Thanksgiving 🍂🦃💚🐉 1w

Ruthiella Happy Thanksgiving to you too! 🦃🙏 1w

Ann_Reads Wishing you a lovely Thanksgiving. 🍁 1w

IuliaC Happy Thanksgiving! 1w

BarbaraBB Happy thanksgiving 🍁 1w

Bookzombie Happy Thanksgiving! 1w

Librarybelle Thank you so much, and have a wonderful day!! @Dragon @Ruthiella @Ann_Reads @IuliaC @BarbaraBB @Bookzombie ❤️❤️❤️ 1w

BkClubCare Happy Thanksgiving! 1w

Librarybelle Thank you so much, @BkClubCare ! Hope you had a wonderful day! ❤️❤️❤️ 1w

kspenmoll So thankful for Litsy & for you! I have enjoyed reading with you- your hosting of buddyreads & book recommendations have added soooo much to my TBR! But its those beautiful cats you have that brings joy to us! 1w

Librarybelle Thank you so much, @kspenmoll ! I am so glad to have met you through Litsy!! 7d

81 likes20 comments

Librarybelle

Dressed for Death: A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery | Donna Leon

pick

Brunetti is slowly growing on me, and I think a lot of it has to do with his dry and at times cynical sense of humor. It‘s a heatwave in Venice, and there are times in the narrative you could feel the heat. Brunetti balances justice and truth in this one, with a plot line that has twists. #1994 #19822022

76 likes

Librarybelle

The Diamond Eye: A Novel | Kate Quinn

Last book of the year for #LiteraryCrew !

Tagging those participating this month - let me know if you would like to read along in December! All are welcome…comment below if you would also like to be included in the #BuddyRead .

Read at your own pace. I will post periodic checkins throughout the month. Discussion on the last of the month. Hope you can join!

Cinfhen, Jerdencon, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, BookNAround, Bklover, megnews, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, lele1432, CBee, Sargar114, MoonWitch94, CarolineLovesToRead, KristiAhlers, JuniperWilde, LitsyEvents

TheRiehlDeal I‘d like join! I have a hardcover copy of this on my bookshelf. 1w

Deblovestoread Yes! Have a copy and am looking forward to it. 1w

Cinfhen Yup! I‘m looking forward ♥️ 1w

See All 20 Comments

kspenmoll I have read this- but I can join in discussion if I revisit some of the characters names. 1w

Librarybelle Awesome!! @TheRiehlDeal @Deblovestoread @Cinfhen 1w

Librarybelle @kspenmoll I can tag you for the discussion! 1w

Jerdencon Just downloaded it from the library! 1w

Librarybelle Hooray, @Jerdencon ! 1w

Bklover Yes! Just downloaded to my kindle. It‘s on sale today for $3.99! 1w

MoonWitch94 I‘m in again! 1w

Librarybelle Hooray, @Bklover @MoonWitch94 ! 1w

IndoorDame I‘d love to join you guys for this one. I‘m a huge Kate Quinn fan! 1w

melissajayne I‘m in 1w

Librarybelle Awesome, @IndoorDame @melissajayne ! 1w

CarolineLovesToRead I‘m in too 5d

Librarybelle Hooray, @CarolineLovesToRead ! 5d

LapReader Me please 5d

Librarybelle Wonderful, @LapReader ! 5d

megnews I am not 100% sold on this one but I‘m going to try it. 4d

Librarybelle Thanks for trying it, @megnews ! 3d

58 likes3 stack adds20 comments

Librarybelle

The Lost Apothecary: A Novel | Sarah Penner

pick

Historical fiction with a bit of a mystery, and not to mention poison??? I loved this! Life has been extremely complicated as of late, and I needed a book I could easily escape into, and following the path of apothecary Nella in 1791 and Caroline in the present day was the perfect anecdote. Compelling and page turning. There are recipes in the back (not poisonous). Penner is a great storyteller, and I‘ll definitely read her next book!

93 likes3 stack adds

Librarybelle

And Then There Were None | Agatha Christie

Thanks for the tag, @Eggs !

1. I‘d love to be friends with Jane Austen! Historian Lucy Worsley is a very close second.

2. NetGalley, as well as Litsy and the variety of librarian ads I receive from publishers.

3. I have to say my favorite Agatha Christie novel. I love this book…and I am overdue for a reread

#WondrousWednesday

Eggs Thanks for joining in 🤗🧡🙂 2w

kspenmoll Great book/author choices! 2w

Librarybelle Thanks @Eggs and @kspenmoll ! 2w

51 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

Beheld | TaraShea Nesbit

We are at the halfway point with this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead ! I‘ve seen some great posts so far, and it looks like a few have finished the book!

Any thoughts to share with the group? Full discussion will be on November 30th!

I will post December‘s info, The Diamond Eye, in the next few days - I‘ve had limited downtime as of late due to a high turnover in staffing.

If you have a thought for a good book for next year, comment below!

Cinfhen, Jerdencon, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, BookNAround, Bklover, megnews, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, lele1432, CBee, MoonWitch94, CarolineLovesToRead, KristiAhlers, JuniperWilde

Cinfhen I know I‘m new to this group so please don‘t feel obligated to take my ideas too seriously but I own these two books on my Kindle & I‘d like to tackle them during 2023

Peach Blossom Spring: A Novel

Cinfhen And

Black Cake

Cinfhen I‘m excited to see what choices the rest of the group suggests!!!! 2w

See All 25 Comments

CBee I probably won‘t finish this one - for some reason reading about Puritans and such wasn‘t in my wheelhouse! But I might pick it back up 🤷‍♀️ 2w

Bklover Finished it and loved it! 2w

KristiAhlers I loved this book it was good 2w

Librarybelle Thanks so much for the suggestions, @Cinfhen !! 2w

Librarybelle Thanks for trying, @CBee ! 2w

Librarybelle So glad to hear, @Bklover @KristiAhlers !! 2w

KristiAhlers @Cinfhen that was such an excellent read! 2w

KristiAhlers Below is a one I‘ve been wanting to read

Peony in Love

lele1432 I got my library hold in! May start it tonight if I don‘t fall asleep! 😅 2w

lele1432 Ohhh I love those suggestions @Cinfhen! I own Blake Cake already and have been wanting to read Peach Blossom Spring! 2w

Librarybelle Thanks, @KristiAhlers !! 2w

Librarybelle @lele1432 I know what you mean about hoping you read before falling asleep! 2w

Cinfhen Yay!!! Thanks @lele1432 I read Peony in Love earlier this year @KristiAhlers it was really interesting!! 2w

megnews I loved this one. 2w

Librarybelle Hooray, @megnews ! 2w

Sargar114 Just picked this up from the library! 2w

Librarybelle Awesome, @Sargar114 ! So glad you can join in! 2w

Cinfhen Just thought of another book to suggest 😊

The Masterpiece: A Novel

Cinfhen And another 😜

Paris Bookseller

Librarybelle Oh! I like those suggestions! @Cinfhen 2w

Cinfhen I‘m just going through 2023 challenges and both of those books would work for multiple prompts!!! 2w

Librarybelle @Cinfhen 😁 2w

59 likes1 stack add25 comments

Librarybelle

The Killings at Badger's Drift: Inspector Barnaby #1 | Caroline Graham

pick

I love Midsomer Murders and have been dying (no pun intended) to read the book series upon which the TV show is based. It was with great delight that I found them on Audible. This first in the series introduces the reader to DCI Barnaby, who is a bit more taciturn in print than he is on the show. The overall atmosphere is a bit darker than the show, but it works perfectly well. The voice narrator is wonderful, inflecting Barnaby‘s thoughts ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle …with the right amount of feeling and nuance. I‘m looking forward to reading the next in the series! #1987 #19822022 2w

Aims42 Totally adding this to my audio list! Thank you! 2w

Librarybelle You‘re welcome, @Aims42 ! 2w

AmandaBlaze I didn‘t know it was based on a book series. Thank you! 2w

71 likes2 stack adds4 comments

Librarybelle

The Long Quiche Goodbye | Avery Aames

so-so

Who knew there were so many cheeses??? 😂

This first in the Cheese Shop mystery was an okay read. There were so many characters, and I found myself getting confused on who was who. It felt a little too long, & one of the characters was just downright nasty (and surprisingly not the victim!). I may read the second in the series at some point to see if the characters do develop better - this did win the Agatha award for first novel, so we‘ll see!

76 likes

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

Thanks for the tag, @Eggs !

1. I‘m in the middle of so many books right now it‘s ridiculous. Plus, the piles of books I started years ago & had to put down for one reason or another…

2. The Bodyguard by Katherine Center was so good! I also really liked The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E Smith - grab tissues! I bailed on I‘m Possible by Richard Antoine White - I could not click with the writing style.

#WondrousWednesday

Eggs I concur on The Bodyguard! 3w

57 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

I‘m a bit behind on this…

Thanks for the tag, @Eggs !

1. Music - I‘ve not quite jumped on the podcast bandwagon yet for some reason

2. An audiobook!

#Two4Tuesday

TheSpineView

41 likes

Librarybelle

Deep Waters | Jayne Ann Krentz

so-so

From water philosophies to murder to spaceships, this #1997 novel by Krentz has quite a lot of quirky elements. I listened to it, and I was not a fan of the voice narration. Plus, the male lead was just creepy - the choice of voice by the narrator did not help. Krentz builds great romantic suspense, and this one did not disappoint in the romance category. I have enjoyed others by her more than this one; just an okay read for me. #192025

71 likes

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

Thanks for the tag, @MoonWitch94 . This is such a thoughtful #ThoughtfulThursday . ❤️

My aunt passed away exactly one month ago tomorrow, and it‘s been hard. She was a constant in my childhood, and I always looked forward to my overnight visits with her over the US Memorial Day weekend (my birthday is near the holiday). She was always there for Christmas morning. We loved reading short mysteries from Scholastic ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Readergrrl Lovely tribute. 💜 1mo

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️…I would read aloud and have her solve the mystery. Later, during my first semester in college, she would send me paperbacks to give me some non-school reading material. Work has been extremely trying as of late, to put it mildly, which has made this time even harder. But, I‘m treasuring my memories. 1mo

Librarybelle Thanks, @Readergrrl ❤️ 1mo

See All 27 Comments

TheBookHippie ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ 1mo

jlhammar Love that you would read mysteries together. Sorry for your loss. 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @TheBookHippie @jlhammar ❤️ 1mo

LeeRHarry Sorry for your loss ❤️❤️❤️ 1mo

Smrloomis 💗💗💗 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @LeeRHarry @Smrloomis ❤️ 1mo

Reggie ❤️❤️❤️ 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you @Reggie ❤️ 1mo

CBee Sending you love ♥️♥️ 1mo

batsy I'm so sorry for your loss. Your relationship sounds like it was pretty special; thank you for sharing ❤️ 1mo

Angeles Very sorry for you loss. 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @CBee @batsy @Angeles ❤️ 1mo

Dragon ❤️ 1mo

DanaManiac Thank you for sharing 💜 1mo

Eggs Sorry for your loss 💔💔 1mo

CoverToCoverGirl So very sorry for your loss. 💜 1mo

kspenmoll So sorry - sounds like your aunt was a special person & shared so much of herself with you . 💕 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you so much, @Dragon @DanaManiac @Eggs @CoverToCoverGirl @kspenmoll ❤️ 1mo

CarolynM ❤️ 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you @CarolynM ❤️ 1mo

Bookwomble 💖 4w

Librarybelle Thank you, @Bookwomble ❤️ 4w

DivineDiana What beautiful memories! I know she was very proud of you. Sending love. ❤️ 3w

Librarybelle Thank you, @DivineDiana ❤️ 3w

76 likes27 comments

Librarybelle

Beheld | TaraShea Nesbit

Today starts this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead !

Read at your own pace; discussion on November 30th.

Tagging those who have expressed interest. If you would like to be included in periodic posts as well, comment below!

Cinfhen, Jerdencon, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, BookNAround, Bklover, megnews, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, lele1432, CBee, MoonWitch94, CarolineLovesToRead, KristiAhlers, JuniperWilde, LitsyEvents

Librarybelle @BethM - are you able to join us this month? 1mo

MoonWitch94 Yes, please tag me! 1mo

Deblovestoread 🙋🏻‍♀️ 1mo

See All 10 Comments

KristiAhlers I picked up my copy the other day I can‘t wait to delve in! 1mo

Cinfhen Thanks for the reminder 😄 1mo

Librarybelle So happy you‘re excited for this! @MoonWitch94 @Deblovestoread @KristiAhlers @Cinfhen 1mo

PurpleyPumpkin I think I‘m going to purchase from Audible. Sounds super interesting!👍🏽 1mo

Bklover I wasn‘t sure I‘d like this but so far I am really enjoying it. 1mo

Librarybelle @PurpleyPumpkin I am interested to hear what you think about the audio! 1mo

Librarybelle @Bklover So good to hear! 1mo

52 likes10 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

I am going for easy for November‘s #BookSpinBingo . Maybe I‘ll actually read something from the board! 😂

TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks LOL I love the simplicity! 😆 1mo

Leftcoastzen Clear & concise! 1mo

JenReadsAlot Omg I love it! 😂 1mo

See All 16 Comments

marleed I love this. For 2023 I‘m planning to come up with genres for my shelves too! 1mo

CoverToCoverGirl Lol, I love this! I think you have inspired me to simplify. 🤩 1mo

Librarybelle @TheAromaofBooks @Leftcoastzen I was going to start listing all of the nonfiction books I want to read, but it started to become a bit overwhelming. 😂 1mo

Librarybelle @JenReadsAlot @marleed @CoverToCoverGirl Thanks! 1mo

Smarkies Love it! 1mo

Bookwormjillk Nice! 1mo

Librarybelle Thanks, @Smarkies @Bookwormjillk ! 1mo

Ann_Reads Perfect for November!!!! I'll have to keep that in mind for next year. 🙂 1mo

Ruthiella If you don‘t read at least one nonfiction book in November , I‘ll be disappointed! 😂 1mo

Librarybelle Thanks, @Ann_Reads ! 1mo

Librarybelle Me too, @Ruthiella ! 😂 1mo

robinb Love it!! 😂😂 You‘ve got this! 😉 1mo

Librarybelle Thanks, @robinb ! 😂 1mo

61 likes16 comments

Librarybelle

Northanger Abbey | Jane Austen

I think this was my third reread of Austen‘s satirical nod to the gothic novel. It‘s fun, with some pretty unlikeable characters, and an unsuspecting heroine who finds happiness in the end. Thanks to #PemberLittens for a month of reading!

sprainedbrain

72 likes

Librarybelle

Her Heart for a Compass: A Novel | Sarah Ferguson

Discussion questions are posted for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead !

So sorry - I could not find discussion questions, and I didn‘t finish reading (🤦🏻‍♀️), so I know I‘m missing a lot of aspects of the storyline. Please feel free to share your thoughts. Hopefully life will be better next month, and I will be better prepared for the discussion!

Thanks for reading! I know some did not finish, but participate however much you can!

Jerdencon, PurpleyPumpkin, Desha, BethM, Deblovestoread, CoverToCoverGirl, lele1432, CarolineLovesToRead, JuniperWilde

PurpleyPumpkin Yes, life had a way of taking over this month. Unfortunately, I wasn‘t able to read the October pick. Hopefully, I can join in next month!🤞🏽 1mo

Librarybelle @PurpleyPumpkin I‘ll make sure you‘re on the tag list for next month:

Beheld

1mo

PurpleyPumpkin Excellent!😉 1mo

34 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

Her Heart for a Compass: A Novel | Sarah Ferguson

This post contains spoilers

show me

5. What other elements would you like to discuss with the group? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CoverToCoverGirl I loved how atmospheric it was. The historical details were also well done. 1mo

6 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

Her Heart for a Compass: A Novel | Sarah Ferguson

This post contains spoilers

show me

4. Discuss Margaret‘s relationship with her parents. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Jerdencon Her father made me angry! But I guess i understand his position based on the times. Im glad her mother was more a voice of reason - somewhat. (edited) 1mo

Deblovestoread Her father was awful. I was glad her mother came around to appreciate her. 1mo

CoverToCoverGirl Her father was awful even considering the social norms of the times. Her mother was at the mercy of her father‘s dictates but she redeemed herself in the end by finally standing up to him. 1mo

5 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

Her Heart for a Compass: A Novel | Sarah Ferguson

This post contains spoilers

show me

3. Think about Margaret‘s journey. For you, what was the most exciting part of her story? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Jerdencon I loved reading about her time in New York and her first true experience of independence 1mo

Deblovestoread Same as @Jerdencon Her time in NYC and digging into helping the children. 1mo

CoverToCoverGirl All of it. It was great to watch her character growth. I admired her courage and strength. 1mo

7 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

Her Heart for a Compass: A Novel | Sarah Ferguson

This post contains spoilers

show me

2. Let‘s talk about the friendship/acquaintanceship between Louise and Margaret, which is a fictional aspect of the story. Do you think the two women similar? Dissimilar? Any thoughts to share on Princess Louise? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Jerdencon Honestly at the end didn‘t really feel like a real friendship anymore - because Louise was so constrained by her life and Margaret was able to flee it the friendship was kind of forced to become superficial to me. 1mo

CoverToCoverGirl I felt they were very different. For me Louise was not likeable from the start. It felt like Margaret was a true friend to Louise but Louise was a fair weather friend to Margaret. 1mo

Deblovestoread I am not a Louise fan either. She wasn‘t a very good friend to Margaret. 1mo

6 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

Her Heart for a Compass: A Novel | Sarah Ferguson

This post contains spoilers

show me

1. Ferguson, descended from the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, chose to focus on their daughter Lady Margaret, as she felt connected to her. Do you feel Ferguson and her co-author Kaye tell Margaret‘s story? How do you feel about their choice to combine fiction and fact in the telling of Margaret‘s story? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Jerdencon I found it interesting and wondered a few times how much was actually based on Sarah Ferguson actual life experiences. 1mo

CoverToCoverGirl I knew going in that little was actually about Lady Margaret, thanks to Google. And as I read I realized the story line had recognizable similarities to Sarah‘s real life fortunes and misfortunes. I enjoyed this reimagining of Lady Margaret‘s life. 1mo

Deblovestoread I knew nothing of Sarah‘s lineage so hadn‘t heard of Lady Margaret. As I was reading I did wonder how much was factual. They wove a decent story around very few actual facts as shown in the afterword. 1mo

6 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

Death in a Strange Country | Donna Leon

pick

Brunetti has another tough case to solve in book two of the long running mystery series. With a dry sense of humor and the Venice backdrop, Brunetti tracks down each clue, leading to conspiracies and corrupt politics, both Italian and American. Not a fast read, but I like feeling like I‘m walking in Venice. #1993 #19822022

75 likes

Librarybelle

Beheld | TaraShea Nesbit

I am terribly behind on posting - so sorry! October has not been kind personally or professionally!

The November title for #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead is Beheld. Read at your own pace, and discussion questions will be posted on the 30th. Tagging those who previously expressed interest, but all are welcome to join! Just comment below! I‘ll post periodic checkins throughout the month.

Deblovestoread, lele1432, JuniperWilde, LitsyEvents

Librarybelle Are you able to join us in November? @BethM @Jerdencon @PurpleyPumpkin @CarolineLovesToRead @megnews 1mo

Librarybelle @Cinfhen , many months ago you said you may be interested in this one. Are you able to join us? 1mo

KristiAhlers Please tag me on this. And I‘m so sorry you‘ve been having a rough month. You‘re not alone in that sadly. Hugs. 1mo

See All 34 Comments

Deblovestoread Looking forward to this one. I hope November is kinder to you! 1mo

Chrissyreadit Count me in 1mo

Chrissyreadit And hope it gets better! 1mo

Librarybelle So glad you can join in this one, @KristiAhlers @Deblovestoread @Chrissyreadit ! And thank you for the kind words! ❤️ 1mo

megnews I‘m in!! 1mo

Librarybelle Hooray, @megnews ! 1mo

BookNAround I‘m pretty sure I have this one on my tbr shelves! 1mo

CoverToCoverGirl Hopefully things will settle down and return to normal soon! 1mo

DanaManiac I hope everything calms down soon! 💜 1mo

MoonWitch94 Ohhhh I‘m in! 1mo

Librarybelle Awesome, @BookNAround @MoonWitch94 ! 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @CoverToCoverGirl @DanaManiac ! ❤️ 1mo

Jerdencon Requesting this now! 1mo

Jerdencon Hope things turn around for you too! 1mo

tpixie @Librarybelle I hope the rest of October & November are happier for you! 💛🧡💛 1mo

CBee Tag me please! This looks sort of similar to The Mercies and I loved that one! My library copy is ready to be picked up 👍🏻 @Librarybelle 1mo

Librarybelle Hooray, @Jerdencon @CBee !! 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you for the kind words, @Jerdencon @tpixie ! ❤️ 1mo

tpixie @Librarybelle 🧡😊💛 1mo

Cinfhen I‘d like to join!! I have this on my Kindle 😁 1mo

Cinfhen Thanks for the reminder ♥️ 1mo

Librarybelle Hooray, @Cinfhen ! 1mo

Bklover May I join too? 1mo

Librarybelle Of course, @Bklover ! Welcome! 1mo

Bklover Thanks! Have this on my kindle! 1mo

Bookwomble I hope life's starting to go a bit easier on you, Jess 💖 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @Bookwomble ! ❤️ 1mo

CarolineLovesToRead Please add me 💕 1mo

Librarybelle Hooray, @CarolineLovesToRead ! 1mo

kspenmoll Looking to join in! 1mo

Librarybelle Wonderful, @kspenmoll ! 1mo

63 likes34 comments

Librarybelle

The Corpse at the Crystal Palace: A Daisy Dalrymple Mystery | Carola Dunn

pick

The last (to date) Daisy Dalrymple mystery, and it ended in a satisfying (to me) way. Overall, I liked this one better than a few of the other series entries I‘ve listened to recently - some prior characters come back, and one is murdered under strange circumstances. Daisy in her meddling ways is on the case!

If you are looking for a longish series set in 1920s England, definitely try this series! Some titles are better than others ⬇️⬇️⬆️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ but the character development and storylines are fun to read throughout the series. 1mo

robinb Ohhh, this sounds right up my alley! Long mystery series, I‘m there. LOL (edited) 1mo

Librarybelle @robinb It was very enjoyable! Some are better than others, but Daisy is a lot of fun. 1mo

69 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

It‘s officially open! Join @BarbaraBB and I as we read across the Americas next year! Choose a book about a country in the Americas or by an author from each country, or a combination of both. It‘s so fun to see what everyone selects, so prepare for an increase in your tbr piles!

If you are on StoryGraph, find the challenge by searching ReadingTheAmericas2023 . Or, if you prefer a spreadsheet, follow the link in the comments.

⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ As you post on Litsy, use #ReadingTheAmericas2023 and tag us - we love to travel with you! 1mo

Librarybelle https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lOzXyEtuAMvSwWj-tzZDJx59JKCD_9uu/edit?us... 1mo

Cinfhen So excited!!! 1mo

See All 18 Comments

Librarybelle Hooray, @Cinfhen ! 1mo

mrsmarch I have tried to switch from GR to StoryGraph in the past but found it very difficult -- I'm going to give it another try now with this challenge! 1mo

PageShifter Joining! 1mo

BarbaraBB Exciting 🤍🤍 1mo

Librarybelle @mrsmarch I use both GR and Storygraph! 1mo

Librarybelle Yay, @PageShifter ! 1mo

Bookwomble @Librarybelle I've added a few books to the Storygraph challenge which I intend to read. I've inadvertently duplicated Love in the Time of Cholera under the Colombia prompt and can't remove it. I wonder if you're able to? 1mo

Librarybelle @Bookwomble On my side, I only see 1 listing for Love in the Time of Cholera. I think I see something that will remove the title, but I think that will remove all entries. When I‘m looking at challenges I participate in, there is a minus sign on the right hand side of a book I‘ve added to a prompt - you have to go into the book listing of the prompt. I‘ve been able to remove books that way. Sorry! 1mo

Bookwomble @Librarybelle No worries - I didn't want to "clog up" the list, but it's no problem if only I can see the duplicate ? 1mo

mrsmarch @Librarybelle I‘ve joined the challenge….will it be obvious when I finish the book how to tag it for the challenge? I‘m so new 🙈 1mo

Librarybelle @mrsmarch It took me awhile to figure it out! When you add a book to your StoryGraph, you can select to add to a reading challenge. Select the prompt, and you are set to go. 1mo

DivineDiana Joining challenge, but not sure about adding Storygraph at this time. 🤔 1mo

Librarybelle @DivineDiana No worries! Keep track however you would like, and you can use the link to the Google sheet to print out or copy and save to track on your own! 1mo

julieclair I‘m in! I‘ve added a few books to the StoryGraph list. This will give me the push to finally read this book set in Colombia, which has been on my TBR forever:

Fruit of the Drunken Tree: A Novel

1mo

Librarybelle Yay, @julieclair ! That one is on my to read list as well! 1mo

63 likes18 comments

Librarybelle

Sailor Moon 1 | Naoko Takeuchi

so-so

In case I need reminded, manga is really not my favorite reading genre, but I completely understand the appeal. Just not for me!

This is the first in the well known Sailor Moon series, so provides the background on the rise of Sailor Moon and her allies, plus the mysterious Tuxedo Mask. The illustrations are fun. #BBRC #TeenAngst #ShojoManga

#CatsOfLitsy #Xander

LibrarianRyan

TheBookHippie I can‘t do it. My niece loves it! 2mo

LibrarianRyan Ohh. Too bad. I love it but I grew up with it so it‘s a bit different for me. 2mo

79 likes2 comments

Librarybelle

The Great Gatsby: a Graphic Novel Adaptation | F. Scott Fitzgerald

pick

Interesting adaptation of The Great Gatsby. The illustrations worked very well with the story, and though it‘s been years since I‘ve read the original novel, I think this edition captures the essence of the story. #TeenAngst #GraphicNovelVersionOfANovelAlreadyInExistence #BBRC

LibrarianRyan

LibrarianRyan I think there were 2 different graphic novel editions done. I know I read one of them. i am glad you like it. 2mo

82 likes1 stack add1 comment

Librarybelle

Iced Chiffon | Duffy Brown

pick

This was a delightful first book in the Consignment Shop Mystery series! Set in Savannah, Georgia, this book follows Reagan as she tries to restore a house with basically no income, thanks to a rough divorce. But, when her ex‘s fiancée is found dead, and he‘s arrested, she has to find out who killed Cupcake, or face losing her house. Eccentric characters, laugh out loud moments, and so many Southern sayings. So fun!

kspenmoll Sounds like a cozy winner! Nice review! 2mo

87 likes3 stack adds1 comment

Librarybelle

Superfluous Women: A Daisy Dalrymple Mystery | Carola Dunn

so-so

The penultimate Daisy Dalrymple series entry, and I was left slightly confused and just feeling meh about the storyline. It starts out interesting - a body in the cellar leads to an investigation around the identity and the murderer. My confusion may lie in listening to multiple books in the series with secondary characters sounding the same in each book. Just one more to go!

79 likes

Librarybelle

The Dictionary of Lost Words | Pip Williams

pick

There is much to consider in this book about words…Williams looks at the creation of the OED, but through the lens of women involved in the project. Esme‘s entire life is wrapped around the dictionary, and she becomes a collector of words. It might sound mean, but there were times in the book that I got a little tired of Esme. She has a good heart, but she was not a favorite character of mine. I loved Ditte! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle 🔼🔼🔼And the concept behind a dictionary of lost words is so interesting. Parts of the narrative dragged for me, and the ending was somewhat unexpected. But, a good read overall. I‘m a few days late for the #LiteraryCrew discussion, but I plan to jump into the questions soonish! 2mo

Mccall0113 Loved this one! 2mo

Librariana I know I'm a month late ? to the discussion ?, but I so greatly enjoyed this book and much like you, @Librarybelle, I also found the concept behind a "Dictionary of Lost Words" so fascinating! There was a part of me though that constantly questioned Esme... wondered why SHE didn't question the exclusion of certain words a little more... but then I had to remind myself of the time this was taking place in... 3w

Librariana One of my favorite parts was Gareth's engagement gift to Esme 🥰 But I was quite saddened when reading about his passing... and hers, too. I didn't necessarily expect a happy ending, but part of me felt like both of them deserved one. 3w

Librarybelle @Librariana So glad you liked this one! And yes…the engagement gift…❤️❤️❤️☺️ 3w

88 likes5 comments

Librarybelle

Northanger Abbey | Jane Austen

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen this picture this morning with my boys. My copy is a Penguin paperback edition, and I‘m looking forward to my revisit (maybe 3rd or 4th) to Catherine Morland‘s fantasies and escapades! #PemberLittens #CatsofLitsy #Zeke #Vladimir #SebastianKitty #Xander

sprainedbrain

sprainedbrain 😻 2mo

UwannaPublishme I almost missed #4, then I saw him by your door. 😸❤️ 2mo

Librarybelle @UwannaPublishme Very much I Spy or Where‘s Waldo (or Vladimir in this case)! 😂 2mo

79 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

The Dictionary of Lost Words | Pip Williams

I was able to post the questions before work! Random House has an amazing list of thought provoking questions, so I posted just a sample. Note that some definitely require spoiler answers. Questions can be found on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching #LiteraryCrew .

Anything else you wish to discuss? Did you like/dislike the book? I know some of you are still reading or haven‘t snagged a copy yet…post whenever!

Thanks for joining!

Kangaj1, melissajayne, Jerdencon, LapReader, IMASLOWREADER, PurpleyPumpkin, Desha, BookNAround, Librariana, DanaManiac, megnews, Deblovestoread, CoverToCoverGirl, sarahbellum, Sargar114, MoonWitch94, CarolineLovesToRead, PageShifter, julieclair, Ann_Reads

Librarybelle And, if you wish to be tagged for next month‘s book and haven‘t had an opportunity to tell me yet, let me know!

Her Heart for a Compass: A Novel

2mo

julieclair Can‘t wait to join in once I finish the book! 😀 2mo

CarolineLovesToRead Still finishing this one. Hope to be done by tonight 2mo

megnews I‘d had this on my tbr for awhile. No telling when I might have gotten to it. Glad you chose it! Enjoyed discussion. 2mo

PurpleyPumpkin Yup, I‘m still reading this one too! I‘ll be sure to take a look at the questions when I‘m done. 😉 2mo

57 likes5 comments

Librarybelle

The Dictionary of Lost Words | Pip Williams

This post contains spoilers

show me

8. Can the evolution of language ever be a bad thing? ~from Book Club Kit, Random House #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Ann_Reads Well, the word 'thongs' meant one thing when I was a kid and now means something completely different. I guess, judge for yourself if one definition is an improvement over the other, lol. 2mo

megnews I think not. It is always growing and changing like everything else. 2mo

Bluebird 🤣 @Ann_Reads i think the evolution of words is always good..as long as we keep the history and can look back on the changes. Not erasing the old. 2mo

7 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

The Dictionary of Lost Words | Pip Williams

This post contains spoilers

show me

7. This book explores linguistic inequality - the idea that not all words are equal. To what extent do you think this phenomenon exists in modern English? ~from Book Club Kit, Random House #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

megnews VERY much so. African Americans developed AAVE out of a need to survive. I‘m no expert but it is a creative twist with defined rules and reasons but is very much judged in schools and the general public. AAVE and certain accents or colloquialisms, such as that of “hillbillies” is deemed to mean inferior intelligence which is not necessarily at all the case. 2mo

6 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

The Dictionary of Lost Words | Pip Williams

This post contains spoilers

show me

6. Consider Esme and Lizzie‘s relationship. In what ways are the women similar? How are they different? ~from Book Club Kit, Random House #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CoverToCoverGirl Esme is curious and questioning-Lizzie is quietly resigned to her circumstances. 2mo

5 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

The Dictionary of Lost Words | Pip Williams

This post contains spoilers

show me

5. Do you think this is a hopeful story? Why or why not? ~from Book Club Kit, Random House #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CoverToCoverGirl Yes. It shows the human spirit is resilient and that we are connected to and influenced by past events. History has a way of influencing and changing our future. The ripple effect. 2mo

megnews I think so. It shows that the underdog can find ways to salvage their history or world despite attempted erasure by those in power as so many have had to do. And that‘s important. 2mo

5 likes2 comments

Welcome to Litsy!

Trending Hashtags

Trending Books

Librarybelle

Joined September 2016