Me at my library: *fills our request form for library to purchase Akata Witch.* Email from said library: Sorry that books isn't available from our vendor. Me in response: Our library only uses 1 vendor? I'm very disappointed to learn that that vendor doesn't stock books by women of color with main characters of color. Said library: Oh look, another vendor has it! We'll notify you when it's in. 💪🏼💜 @Liberty rec'd it and I know I'll love it!

Taking a break from yard work on this hot pre-spring day. Just picked this up from my library. I 💜💜💜 my library. Bonus question....how many beagles can you spot?

I loved this so much! It turned out to be much more intense in places than I imagined, making falling asleep difficult for me. But so, so very worth it. Jiles does a superb job of conveying the difficulties faced by Johanna. Her fear, lack of trust, and yearning for the life she knows rang clear. Her growing trust and daughterly affection for the Kep-dun (💜) was so touching. And the end, oh the end. It got me right in the feels. All my feels.

That's me and hubs, with the amazing hero Marthe Cohn. Getting to hear her speak now at my temple. #luckyme

Kindle first users, what are you choosing? I'm debating between The Last Paradise and The Practice House. What do you think?

I rarely cross post, but this gem.... #truth #gross

Finished this last night.Definitely a pick.Danler crafts amazing sentences. I reread many in this book.The quality really stood out to me.The characters, not so much.I just wanted to shake them and yell, "Do better! Be better!"But, alas, they did not listen.When I first finished it, I was so angry at how in ended. But then I realized that it went well with the rest of the book.Tess did what she did because, well, she's got some growing up to do.

*looks around sheepishly*I'm totally enjoying this!What a bunch of pretentious snobs in this book.Coke snorting, fancy wine drinking, oyster eating snobs.I don't see myself hanging out with them, but it's totally the escape I need right now while I try to cope with what's going on in our world.It's not even 8:00 here and I'm 'bout to crawl in bed and spy on these peeps.Danler constructs some gorgeous sentences.Absolutely stunning writing. Amazing.

Tyler's Pulitzer Prize winning book. I'd seen some less than stellar reviews on this, but I think he missed the mark. There is a lot to pull apart in this one. Takes place across one day, but Tyler somehow managed to weave in memories and back story. Masterful in that way. Life not being what you'd thought, hoped for, or wanted. A mother's unflappable support of her family. A great read, and a quality way to remove yourself from today's reality.

Finished Lillian's tale last night as the wind and rain whipped outside our seaside hotel. Brrrr!!!! I loved the book! want to be as brave, strong, and as well put together as Lillian. She meets such interesting characters and deals with each so perfectly. It's a skill I lack. Up next? Anne Tyler's Pulitzer winning book Breathing Lessons. I've loved the two others of hers I've read. This one is great so far! 💜

I'm so glad I packed my Kindle as well as two library books for our weekend getaway. The town we always stop in first has no power....the entire town. It's pouring rain, the wind is gusting so hard it's difficult to walk. We're currently hunkered in the van waiting to check into the hotel. Lots of time to read. Pups are like WTF Mama?

OMG!! How can I wait until April? 💜💜💜💜

Thought about a thumbs up but couldn't. The author focused on certain aspects, but then barely touched on horrible and creepy things, making it seem like they didn't matter. And she took one of the most horrible, painful things a couple could endure and turned it into what seemed tabloid fodder. There are things that should only be written about if you've experienced it. And if she had, she never would have chosen that particular story line. Grrr.

"Finished" this recently. I like reading cookbooks front to back like a novel. Though I've yet to make any of the recipes, I'm sure I will. Admittedly, I struggle to relate to Oprah. I struggle with food and my weight, and she sometimes lives in California, where I do. I have a feeling that may be all we share in common. But I like what she has to say here and felt the honesty of the book. Looking forward to trying a few of the recipes.

Finished this while cuddling with Piper who's recovering from surgery. This book, I can't even describe how powerful it is. Should be required reading for everyone. It's not just about the horrors of slavery, which are described in chill inducing detail, it's about America and how we started, where we all come from in a way. How those actions seep into the soil and our shared collective. I need a palate cleansing book next. #litsyAtoZ #letterU

🙌🏼✨🏅🎉🎊 I laughed out loud, while in bed, quite a few times while reading this. Also got a bit creeped out 👀 a few times as, uh....well...you see....I'm a lot like Jenny in more ways than I knew before reading this. I'd never read her blog and hadn't read her previous book. I'm not generally a memoir reader, but loved this. 💜

Won't be reading much this afternoon. Squeeeeee!!! Last time I saw Rent on stage Neil Patrick Harris played Mark.

A hoot and a half for this fun romp! Last night I posted that I just wasn't sure what to make of this caper of a book. It's like a kiddy roller coaster. Ups and downs and peels of laughter. I really love these two sisters. There's sadness buried there, but it's not picked at. Just two young girls in the 50s out to solve a murder mystery. Ya know, like ya do. Their principal (also a nun) is missing! #litsyAtoZ
#letterK

Anyone else read it? I'm sort of torn between "holy smokes this is a hoot and a half, this girl's got spunk and fire" and "holy smokes what the heck is going on in this book, this girl's a hot mess". But I'm still reading. What will these girls get into next. It's a short read if anyone still needs something for their readathon. ? I will say I've laughed out loud. I've also nearly spit my drink out with some of the words she uses.

I have to recommend the 50th Anniversary edition to anyone and everyone. Reading it as an *adult*, cough cough, my mind is blown by what S.E. Hinton captured as a teenager. So well done, and a quick read at under 200 pages. This special edition contains pictures of correspondence between Hinton and her editor as well as letters by some of the stars of the movie. 💜swoon💜 There is so much good stuff to dissect in a discussion or book club.

Up next. How is this 50 years old? My current most likely cuddler isn't as astounded. 🐶💜🐶 #staygold I think I read this in middle school. I KNOW I had the movie memorized. Wondering if I'll bawl like I did way back then.

I loved this so much. I'm home sick so it may just have been the perfect read. This book was like a hug; soft, warm, and comfortable. She does such a great job of weaving a tale that extends from the 1890s to 2021. Tells of a new town in Missouri, a mail order bride, members of the community and on to their descendants. And the thing? What if it's true?! That would be cool I think! Don't you. Caught me off guard at first, but came to love it.

Just finished this. 💜Usually, when I finish a book I enjoy, I spend quiet time thinking about the characters, sometimes missing them. This time, I'm thinking about the author and the questions I'd ask if I had lunch with her. Was there a political message? Pro/con? Is it 'just' about how our decisions made early in life can follow us and maybe even hurt us later? How no one is who they seem? Something else? Or none of that. Brit, where are you?

This was so much better than I expected. I don't know why. Carrie Fisher was (💔) a great writer. Funny, wry, self-deprecating, honest (tell it Carrie, #truth), and honest. My library didn't have this in e-book, but they do now, so yay me! I'm glad others will get to enjoy her as well. I'll definitely be reading more of her books. Got a rec for me? #litsyAtoZ #LetterP

Thanks for all the love on the loss of our sweet Pablo. He's missed so much. We're doing ok and experiencing a kitty free house for the first time in over 20 years. Even with 3 beagles, it's quiet. 💔 @britt_brooke @StaceyKondla @8little_paws @Hollie @LectricSheep @christineandbooks @SusanInTiburon @LauraBeth @Suzze @heatherkaz @dariazeoli @GlitteryOtters @ScorpioBookDreams @haileyhugsbooks @rubyslippersreads @Tanner @slhbooks @Cinfhen @Lwsmith

I know you Littens will understand my pain. My sweet Pablo crossed the Rainbow Bridge today. At nearly 19, he was a best friend. He was my love long before I became a beagle mama. No one will ever love me as much as this sweet boy. As you can see, he loved to cuddle. I got out of bed one evening and came back to find him snuggled in my spot.

The first chapter though...the things that happened in 1976. If nothing else, I'll love this book just for that chapter.

Giving this YA novel a thumbs up. Somehow it came up as free or almost free on my kindle so I gave it a shot. I'm glad I did. Tells the story of a transgendered youth and the struggles she endures. There are issues with the writing, and the storyline, which the author addresses in an authors note. This book gave me a new perspective and answered some questions I'd had. Made me happy, sad, and a range in between. Bonus- author is transgender also💜

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ So good. So, so good. It's hard to believe this is a debut novel. Gyasi spins a masterful web. Impressive storytelling. I also learned a lot about the slave trade that I knew nothing about. The part that happened in Africa. A new dimension of horror I'd never heard about. I highly recommend this for everyone. I know I'm late to the party, but wow.

@Liberty recommended this recently as her favorite Anne Tyler novel. Read A Spool of Blue Thread last year and wanted to read more, but didn't know where to start. Thanks Lib! ? I enjoyed this just as I did the other. A sweeping family novel that spans decades, involves triumphs and regrets and causes pause to think about our own lives and family. Definitely a "my style" book. Character driven and just tells a tale. Loved it.

I picked this book up as a treat for having to endure the mall in December 26. Made the awful trip worth it. It was great to reconnect with the characters, troubled though they were. If you read Firefly Lane, I recommend following up with this one.

Well Littens, I think most of us would agree that 2016 was pretty much a dumpster fire of a year. So, I'm starting 2017 a bit early. I'm starting my 2017 book challenges, and proclaiming it the new year. F you 2016. F you.

Just finished my #reread of this from early this year. I'd forgotten so many details as well as how much I loved this book. He's just so persnickety. What a great read.

Says so much about me. #truth

So....this seemed to have all the makings of a book I'd love. But, alas, it wasn't great. Makes me feel bad. I don't know if it's the writing or the translation, but it was poorly crafted. Characters just disappear from the plot. Once, it was even noted that we wouldn't see this guy again at the end of the chapter. Just odd. It was short, so I finished it, but I can't recommend it unless you want to read a "don't write like R is" book.

😂😂I need to read at least 1 more book before the end of the year....obvs. 😂😂 The plan was to work on Hamilton and reread this year's faves, but I need 1 more. Any recommendations on a shorter, fun, not too deep read?

Finished this on audio last night. Well written and funny, like Backman's other books. I'm glad I read it, as it gave me some good insight into dear Britt-Marie. Not as good as My Grandmother Asked me to Say She's Sorry, IMO, but a great companion. Britt-Marie gets sh!t done! A good lesson in everyone has a story, and walk a mile in my shoes. I'd have dinner with Britt-Marie, at 6:00, of course!

Current #reread. Spending December rereading some faves from the year (along with finishing up some others). This book was one I didn't 💜love💜 right away, but it's been in my mind since and one I go back to in my thoughts often. Also, makes me consider what my post-apocalyptic skills are. Note: I don't have many. I can open a library!

I don't know that I'll read any more new books this year. I'm still working on Hamilton though. The week before school is out is a bit hectic, as all teachers know. Plus, I read so many books that I loved this year. I'm going to go back and reread a few of them between now and the end of the year. First up, Fangirl. A fun, light, and easy read. Doesn't require a lot of thought, and helps take my mind off the stress of the time of year. So perfect.

Finished this the other night. SO glad this came across my radar (pun intended). I loved it! Character driven (my preference) but with an amazing plot. Admittedly, I was a bit confuddled in the beginning. Wasn't sure who was telling the story. Perhaps it was due to my reading at night, in bed, and falling asleep. Either way, it's a must read. Ill definitely be reading this again, and likely soon. 💜 Kiss me Hardy!

This afternoon's #readingcompanion as I finish the audio of this one, enjoy a cup of tea, and listen to the rain. It's a #hygge kind of day here.

My #readingcompanion tonight and every night. Pablo, 18 years old, and tonight being a kitty knish. He loves his Mama. 💜

Starting this as my read in bed book. Because Hamilton in print just isn't going to happen in bed. Have you seen the font size in that book? It's like a -4 pt. Have heard lots of good about his one. Historical fiction is my fave. And I can make the font size HUGE on kindle.

If, as you drive down the road or as you try to enjoy a quiet moment outside, you hear hip hop music blasting (and I mean blasting) don't fret. It's just a middle aged Jew obsessed with, and singing along to, the Hamilton Broadway cast recording. And know, that her pups love it too.

This is so hard for me, to pan a book. I struggled with this from the beginning. There were parts I liked and I was rooting for the family. I was determined to finish because I thought I cared about what happened. But as the book went on, I lost my interest. The author seemed unusually into describing men and horses peeing. Whole paragraphs spent on it. It's was odd and distracting. By the end, I was skimming just so it would end. Ugh. Sorry.

😂😂 Um....I LOVE BuzzFeed quizzes. I take them all (even embarrassing ones). But literary quizzes that involve Harry Potter books/characters are my most fave! #guiltypleasure

Started this a few days ago. I'd read and heard that it's 'hilarious'. I haven't laughed yet at 30% through. It's not bad, and I think I'll finish it, but it's a bit slow going. Makes you want to add it to your TBR #amiright?

A good read. I don't read a lot of memoirs as they don't often feel like the escapes I want in books. This book was not an escape for me. BUT, it made me think. It made me reflect. And it made me solidify some thoughts I'd been pondering about our world. I won't become a frequent memoir reader, but I will read them more often, as I realize how important these things are.

Yay! My audio book hold came in. Read this years and years ago. Heard so many good reviews about the audio by you #littens that I had to give it a try.

It's so hard to say this about a Kate DiCamillo book but my gawd. This kid doesn't know what a good deed is? I get the innocence of the age, and by gone times and all that but come on. I was halfway through and I had no idea what the point was. I knew it was time to bail when I was getting angry at how much I was not enjoying this. Someone needs to take this kid and teach her a thing or two. Why Kate, why?