In honour of national puppy day I had to share a picture of my little guy Hughie. ❤️ If you enjoy poetry and are a dog lover, I would highly recommend the tagged collection by Mary Oliver. #dogsoflitsy

In this YA coming of age memoir, Nikki Grimes has the reader come along with her as she navigates through a childhood that is rife with instability and trauma. She also writes of small kindnesses, moments of joy, and how she summoned courage to remain hopeful for better days ahead. Beautifully written, primarily in verse with snippets of childhood notebook entries throughout. Highly recommend (FYI - many CW apply) #DoubleSpin @TheAromaofBooks

I loved this mental romp into theoretical physics, philosophy, history, sociology, and the scientific process. The essays in this collection range from comparing octopuses to extraterrestrials (for studying of the evolution of consciousness), our knowledge of black holes in relation to the nature of time, the toxicity of rising nationalism, and insights gained while using LSD. It is not an easy read, but nonetheless it was fun and rewarding.

I cannot imagine growing up and having to live under such constant scrutiny and public speculation about your every move. The lack of needed mental health support following the sudden death of his mother is heartbreaking. I understand why he would want to tell his own life story himself (from his perspective by necessity). I am happy he has found love, empathy, emotional security, and companionship in Meghan.
I recommend the audiobook version

Here‘s my #bookspin #doublespin #bookspinbingo list for March !!!

This is a beautiful, moving graphic memoir sharing the journey of the author‘s family through the 10 months following their mother‘s terminal cancer diagnosis. Full of funny, touching moments and memories. It made me laugh, and it made me cry - in that needed pent up grief releasing sort of way. All humans in the book are drawn as birds - the author‘s family as penguins, which I think (perhaps strangely) made them feel even more relatable. ❤️

There is so much valuable and thought provoking info in this book. In it, the author explores the relationship between our toxic consumption driven society, trauma, and illness. Areas receiving special attention include child development, addiction, and epigenetics. I appreciated the author‘s willingness to share his own journey to healing and the effects of his own history of trauma on his family. Valuable read in addition to The Body Keeps Score

Throughly enjoyed escaping to a hopeful future on the little moon Panga, travelling along side Dex (the Monk) and Mosscap (the robot) as they set out in search of what humans need. This is the 2nd book in the novella series following “A Psalm for the Wild Built.” I think I actually enjoy this one more than the first.

@LeahBergen Thank you so much Leah! I love all my goodies!!❤️ Everything was wrapped so beautifully.
Looking forward to curling up with my new book while sipping hot chocolate. 😋 (I might need to nibble on a little chocolate too…☺️)
@MaleficentBookDragon Thank you for for hosting the always fun #JolabokaflodSwap

Yay!! This lovely #JolabokaflodSwap arrived in my mail today!!!

My #JolabokaflodSwap package is off and on its way!

(1) I always have multiple books on the go BUT rarely read more than one fictional book at a time.

(2) I have to name a few as favourites
“What Comes from Spirit” - Richard Wagamese
“Bless the Daughter Raised by a Voice in He Head”.
By Warsan Shire
“Transcendent Kingdom” - Yaa Gyasi
“The Body Keeps Score” by Bessel Van Der Kolk

I can‘t think of any I panned …thanks Litsy!

#wonderouswednesday

This is a great collection of 9 essays aptly described on the front interior flap of the book as exploring “the absurdity of living in a world that has grown fluent in the language of social justice but doesn‘t always follow through” (I would say usually doesn‘t). Isen is from Toronto and therefore includes some excellent Canada specific content. I would still strongly recommend this book everyone though (not just Canadians.)

I am so glad I decided to take the plunge and read this. I found it very beneficial to me on a personal level as well as professionally. Dr Van Der Kolk writes in a manner that is humble, curious, non-judgemental, and compassionate. I found the final 3rd of the book (Part 5: Pathways to Recovery) especially interesting, beneficial, and hopeful.

Note: As others have stated, the book contains HARD content that could be very triggering.

I quickly fell in love with both 9-year old Swiv (the novel‘s narrator), and with her feisty and loving grandmother. I laughed out loud on multiple occasions reading this, but I also ached for the pain of these women, and all the after effects of trauma they were fighting through. Plenty of beauty amongst the brokenness here.
(TW - especially for suicide)

This short novel in translation tells the story of Reverend Pearson and his teenage daughter (who travel for Pearson to evangelize throughout the Argentinian countryside). When their car breaks down they end up being the temporary guests of a mechanic and a teenage boy who goes by the name Tapioca. Definitely character-based. Philosophical. Reminds me of the US “Southern Gothic” genre. A lot to reflect on in just 124 pages.

By turns beautiful and heart-rendering this is easily one of the most moving poetry collections I have ever read. The collection is so so well crafted too. In these poems, Warsan Shire gives snapshots of moments in the lives of refugees and immigrants, especially the experiences of women and girls from Somalia. Highly recommend. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Rupi Kaur is able to pack so much punch into just a few words. I could physically feel so many of these poems. I am grateful to her for being willing to share her journey through trauma towards hope, healing, and self compassion. (Please know that strong trigger warnings apply here)

My May #BookSpinBingo Yay!!

@ShelleyBooksie Hughie is curious if there might be something else for him in the #litsylovesanimalsswap 😂 He loves his new toy Shelley ❤️ Thank you!!!

@ShelleyBooksie Hughie loves his new toy from the #litsylovesanimalsswap

Shelley, @ShelleyBooksie Thank you so much for all my goodies!!! I love them all and I definitely feel very spoiled too! Hughie loves his new toy (I will post a separate picture ❤️). The little fox bracelet is so cute, the socks made me laugh, and I am excited to read the books. Everything was so beautifully wrapped. Thank you so much! #litsylovesanimalaswap

This lovely #LitsyLovesAnimals box arrived a couple days ago from @ShelleyBooksie and I forgot to post 😬 Thank you Shelley!
Thanks for hosting @DinoMom and @ShelleyBooksie

On its way to New Brunswick for the #LitsyLovesAnimals Swap!!!
Thanks for hosting @DinoMom and @ShelleyBooksie

Written in an unpretentious conversational tone “Cultish” is interesting, informative, and well referenced, with added bits of humour that keep it from feeling too heavy. The central theme of the book is the use of language by cults (and cultish groups) for influence and control. Montell shares how to recognize and question problematic language (for example gaslighting / language that encourages you not to trust yourself.) Really enjoyed this one

This is easily one of the most unique books I have ever read….and unique in a good way! I think one way you could describe it would be that it is a bit of a mashup of narrative poetry, folklore, philosophical psychology, and “choose your own adventure book.” It left me reflecting on life, loss, change, and how we have come to be who we currently are. Would highly recommend!
Thanks @DinoMom for this #JolabokaflodSwap

I‘ll give this a pick but with caveats. This book covers the timely subject of how information is gained, vetted, and knowledge established in society. It has lots of important “food for thought,” however, I was disappointed by the author‘s discussion of the concept that words are not violence, they don‘t hurt you, other than perhaps your feelings (and people need to toughen up.) In my opinion, he fails to properly address ⬇️

Thank you so so much for these beautifully wrapped gifts @DinoMom ! I‘m excited to try the chocolate (I‘ve already received sharing requests too 😂) and am looking forward to curling up with my new poetry book and my pup! 🎄🐶Thank you @MaleficentBookDragon for hosting the #JolabokaflodSwap ❤️

@FantasyChick Your #JolabokaflodSwap seems to be travelling the Country for some reason 😕 That tracking is still saying it will arrive yesterday, and that it was processed in Richmond, BC on the 18th (it was sent by me on the 8th from Hamilton, ON.) I am so sorry it is taking so long and pushing it so close.

It‘s off and on it‘s way!!!!! #JolabokaflodSwap

Yay!!! My #JolabokaflodSwap arrived, thanks @DinoMom !!!

Maybe I‘ll have my first #BookSpinBingo this month???
2021 has not been the greatest reading year for me (unless I count all the reading I‘ve been doing for my course work.)😂
Thanks for hosting @TheAromaofBooks
#BookSpin #DoubleSpin #BookSpinBingo

“Chaos is his element…” My pup decided to grab a hold of my book yesterday while I was reading on the porch 😂

2021 Has not been a stellar reading year for me….hoping to do a little better this month. Here‘s my September #Bookspin #Doublespin. #BookspinBingo attempt!!

Here‘s my May 🌺🌷🌸
#BookSpin #DoubleSpin #BookSpinBingo

1. This is a beautiful, intimate, and humane love story to the spirit of everyday life in NYC and a moving tribute to the author‘s late partner Oliver Sacks.

2. Although not technically a genre, I love nature writing. Some of my favourite authors include Richard Wagamese, Terry Tempest Williams, and Mary Oliver

3. I read mostly non-fiction so I have so many 😂, Kay Redfield Jamison, Ibram X Kendi, Isabel Wilkerson...

Thanks @Eggs for the tag!

Hello April! 🌷☂️ 🤓
Here‘s my #BookSpin #DoubleSpin #BookSpinBingo

“It is a danger to the species and to the planet to have this depth of unexamined grievance and discontent in the most powerful nation in the world.”
Isabel Wilkerson has made a compelling argument that the US operates (and has operated since its founding) on a caste system in this wise, heart wrenching, but ultimately hopeful work of non-fiction. She is a brilliant researcher and engaging storyteller. I cannot recommend this highly enough. 5🌟

March #BookspinBingo board is ready to go!
* Marks my #Bookspin for the month
** Marks my #DoubleSpin

Thanks for the fun @TheAromaofBooks !

I have eagerly awaited Allie Brosh‘s follow up to Hyperbole and a Half and this didn‘t disappoint. She (the author) so deftly and poignantly explores the dark and light, heartbreaking and humorous times in life. Her openness makes me feel less alone.
#doublespin

Happy March!!! Here‘s my picks for this month‘s #bookspin #doublespin #bookspinbingo

Here‘s my #bookspin list for February!!!

❄️Here‘s my December❄️
#BookSpin #DoubleSpin #BookSpinBingo
Thanks! @TheAromaofBooks

November was a slow reading (or at least completing) month but I did manage to complete and throughly enjoy my November #bookspin Ross Gay‘s unique poetry collection “The Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude.” Would definitely recommend it if you‘re looking for poetry that veers away from the common themes of falling in love and out of love/heartbreak.

This beautiful little book is full of so much wisdom. In it, the author shares many of the lessons taught to him by his grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi, during the time he spent living at his grandfather‘s ashram (starting when he was 12)

Ready for #BookSpinBingo #BookSpin and #DoubleSpin

Thanks! @TheAromaofBooks

My November #bookspin #doublespin #bookspinbingo

This is a brave, moving, and hopefully empathy building collection of poems on the refugee and immigrant experience by an extremely talented group of young writers. In their courage to share, they beautifully illuminate our joint humanity as well as the fear and pain caused by racist and nationalistic rhetoric. Highly highly recommend (Although this is technically classified as YA I would recommend it equally as much to adult readers)

Ross Gay writes this collection of musings about everyday delights occurring in his life with humour, insight, and gentleness. I love that he regularly turns the reader‘s attention toward our joint humanity, and operates from the vantage point of presuming the best of others. Reading this was such a breath of fresh air. Highly recommend

Enjoyed this short collection of reflections on life, change, uncertainty, and our common humanity. The essays are very current as they reflect on how our lives have changed and perhaps how we see the world has changed since the onset of Covid-19. I especially liked the essays “Suffering Like Mel Gibson” and “Screengrabs.”