☀️🎧👟 Another hot AF day in middle Tennessee … so I‘m exercising while working on my tan and listening to this memoir. The best kind of multitasking! #audiowalk
The ridiculous face of a dog who is not having this walk. 😂🎧🐾
#audiowalk #dogsoflitsy
Just wanted to share this adorable drawing by my 8 year old as his class wraps up this final read of the school year. 🕸🕷🐷
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Some Pig” - and a spectacular spider! Though I‘ve always been familiar with this friendship story, I‘d never actually read the book. That changed when my second grader‘s class started reading it and the little sweetie asked me to join him. A stunningly-written, lovely story. So easy to see why it‘s beloved.
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ It‘s fascinating how 1960s California was such a hotbed for serial murder and cult activity. By fascinating, I mean terrifying. As a Zodiac noob, I knew very little about this case other than the murders remain unsolved. Graysmith provides details, letters, decodings, patterns, and suspects. A solid true crime account. In recent years, DNA testing has been attempted, though unreported. I hope this gets solved Golden State Killer style.
so-so⭐️⭐️⭐️ Is this a thoughtful musing on racial injustice or a heavy-handed, self-indulgent dose of metafiction? Both? I‘m conflicted. Parts are clever and meaningful while others are quite vexatious; the narrator, unreliable. It‘s stylistically busy, though I do appreciate how the stories converge. How this won the #NationalBookAward, idk, though. Should make for an interesting #bookclub discussion, regardless!
This is why I love the afternoon car rider line … peaceful #audiobook time. I‘ve been so looking forward to this book and was stoked when my hold was available this morning. Hooray for libraries! 💃🏼
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enlightening isn‘t the right word. Bizarre. Preposterous. Horrifying. Rothschild details the inception, progression, and eventual silence of the group whose propaganda fueled the Jan 6th attack. These Trump extremists believed and pushed so much bullshit, it‘s truly incredible. I‘ll never understand how conspiracy theorists navigate their daily lives. It must be exhausting residing in that headspace.
Just introverting, enjoying a High Noon, and learning about the delusional folks of QAnon. It‘s the perfect wind down after a hot, soccer-filled weekend.
#cheers #booksandbooze
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “It‘s unfair how the body crumbles while the soul still lives in it.“
This was almost incredible. Clive is suffering from a brain disease that causes entertaining hallucinations. Daughter Emma returns home to help watch over him. For me, this, the animals, and school kids were enough. Rasputin and Moses were nice touches, but the healer stuff, missing person, and cemetery commentary were TOO much. This needed reining in a smidge.
so-so⭐️⭐️⭐️ McWhorter sets out to disprove the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis. Yeah, I had to look that up, too. In short, he disagrees that people who speak different languages have differing perceptions. He delves into such details as color distinctions, the presence/absence of tenses, numbers, groupings, time orientation, the complexity of native languages vs developed language, and so on. Insightful, but the organization was too scattered. Confusing AF.
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I was not previously familiar with Buteau, but I‘ll 100% be watching her standup “Buteaupia” ASAP. What a funny and sharp storyteller! From her New Jersey upbringing to her foray into standup following 9/11, and much in between, we get her life and perspectives. She‘s open about infertility and the accompanying stress and heartache, so be aware if that is a topic you‘d prefer to skip. A fantastic essay collection; audio recommended!
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I picked this up because my trusted friend @JGadz11 sent me a pic of some 311 references.🤘🏼 Hell, yes! Sold. This is a clever play on gig economy. Instead of ride sharing or food delivery, the focus is an app for killing mutants that enter the “Bubble” from the outside. An entertaining story with cool artwork and likable characters, but what I loved most were the 90s pop culture references. And satire is my literary jam. A fun read!
so-so⭐️⭐️⭐️ Picture it: Monica Lewinsky meets “The Wedding Planner.” Young intern Aviva has an affair with a much older congressmen. Everything blows up in their faces, because duh. It took a bit too long to set this story up. Aviva‘s (aka Jane‘s) new life is where it shines. She‘s a mom, event planner, and all-around star of her small town. Not a fan overall, but I adored precocious Ruby. 👉🏼 Check out Zevin‘s newest out July 5. It‘s incredible!
Grabbed this photo at #bookclub today. 🤩 Want to make lovely new friends as an adult? Start a book club! A friend and I started this group only knowing a couple of members, but we posted in local fb groups, and ladies showed up to the first meeting not knowing anyone. That takes courage! We‘ve now had 3 meetings, and I‘m digging our core group of 10-12. Bookish people are the BEST. 💚
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Otsuka‘s shifting narrative style works brilliantly! Through scant details, the group of swimmers, and community atmosphere, feel genuine. And the crack. Oh, the crack. Such clever storytelling! The scope then narrows to one particular swimmer and her experiences with memory loss. The snarky, yet accurate, chapter that reads like a long-term care brochure is satire at its absolute finest. A super emotional read for me. ⬇️
so-so⭐️⭐️⭐️ The science and business of soccer worldwide with a large focus on European clubs. I grabbed this recent #Audible sale since my boys are little soccer babies. I‘m not super familiar with professional soccer, but this was an interesting study gauging why teams win or lose, and various other scenarios. It‘s not as simple as it sounds. Details such as a country‘s GDP, population; penalty kicks, especially shootouts, and so on. A niche read.
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I‘ve read this 5, maybe 6, times. Idk, I‘ve lost count. Sedaris is my go-to when I‘m stressed and want to revisit (what feels like) an old friend. His essays about learning French are some of his very best! I die.
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️ I should‘ve paid more attention to the publication date and looked for a newer book, but this well-written account of Putin‘s rise to power, and everything he dismantled in the process, was still worthwhile. He is, and seemingly always has been, a manipulative, corrupt, garbage human.
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #reread
Original review (2018): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2393867099
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ First, watch Gadsby‘s Netflix special “Nanette,” then read this “memoir situation” on growing up in Tasmania where it was illegal to be gay until somewhat recently; on being diagnosed with ASD as an adult; on being an art history major and comedian. Her disdain for Picasso is truly refreshing. Gadsby unpacks significant trauma here and I think many folks will identify. A tough, but absolutely fantastic read! Watch “Douglas” after.
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Upon the death of a beloved mentor, environmental engineer Mara inherits half of an incredible house; the other half is owned/occupied by nephew of said mentor. Anyone smell a set up?? Forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers. You know the drill. It‘s a cute, funny novella set in Hazelwood‘s #STEMinist backdrop. Thoroughly enjoyable!
🎧🐾 Someone‘s happy for this morning‘s extra-long walk! It absolutely poured all day yesterday and more storms are on the way. 😩
#audiowalk #dogsoflitsy #reread
Happy Pub Day to local Nashville author Mary Laura Philpott! 🐢 I may have missed her book launch at Parnassus for my baby‘s soccer matches (no regrets), but - surprise! - I forgot I ordered a signed copy. 😂 Philpott is a great storyteller and naturally funny even when the topic is heavy. Highly recommend!
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An epic story of life‘s complexities, deep-rooted love, incredible grief, and video games. Regardless of infinite restarts, some games are just not winnable. Perhaps winning isn‘t the point. This affected me in very much the same way as The Heart‘s Invisible Furies (iykyk). The intricacies and tiebacks are so thoughtful and moving. I was fully immersed in Sadie and Sam‘s tumultuous friendship and professional pursuits. ⬇️
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️ After my recent underwhelming experience with Fowler‘s BOOTH, I needed a detailed recounting of those harrowing days. Thanks for putting this on my radar, Scott and Holly. I didn‘t love the audio narration, but the info is thorough and solid. One of the highlights of my 8th grade (1996) DC school trip was visiting Ford‘s Theatre and Petersen House. I hope to take my boys when they‘re old enough to truly appreciate the history.
“I feel like there‘s ants on me.” 😂 Definitely keeping this line in my back pocket.
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I never picked this up during its first few years of incredible success, then the window of my caring shut tight. Now, here we are many years later, and it‘s my new IRL book club‘s selection. I acquiesced. Hosseini focuses on the lives of Mariam and Laila, two women, two generations, ravaged by unrest and oppression in their native Afghanistan. It‘s a beautifully written, brutal story. I‘m happy to have finally read it. #bookclub
pan⭐️⭐️ The character study of an unnamed middle-aged female professor who is 1/2 of an open marriage where neither party acts like they give a shit about anything but themselves. How fitting because I gave zero shits about these people nor what did/didn‘t happen. Impressive writing, dreadful story. Most repelling cover since A Little Life. Apparently the image represents the woman‘s objectifying gaze, so at least there‘s an explanation.
🎧🐾 Had to snap a photo of this gorgeous tree while walking Champ early this morning. Our neighborhood is popping with springtime and I love it!
#audiowalk
Excuse me, sir, I‘ll be needing that. 🐾 Quite possibly the best reading time of the day is while sitting in the school pick up line. #dogsoflitsy
Y‘all, this book is incredible. Hoping to finish it this weekend. Out in July! #ARC
so-so⭐️⭐️⭐️ Interestingly, Fowler chose not to focus on John Wilkes so as not to glorify him, but I‘d argue that writing a book about his family still does the same. Would she have cared about them otherwise? I wanted this entire history, the darkest parts, too. This instead focuses mostly on three of the infamous assassinator‘s siblings. Beautiful prose, but bogged down in minutiae. I struggled to stay engaged.
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Both misogyny and female empowerment are the center of this twisted redemption story set in dark academia. David, a lifelong outcast, attempts to reinvent himself at Harvard with increasingly cringy, abhorrent behavior as his obsession with Veronica devours his life. Is he a narcissist? Maybe. A sociopath? Likely. A stalker? 100%. Wayne‘s use of the second person narrative as David addresses his desire is creepily effective. #bookclub
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ St. James is the queen of believable ghost stories. Shea Collins, office manager by day, true crime blogger by night, is rather surprisingly, and fortuitously, granted an interview with a local cold case legend. Set on solving this case, Shea dives right into the murky events of decades past. My lips are otherwise sealed! Similar format as her previous two novels, but if it ain‘t broke, don‘t fix it. St. James is a must read for me!
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Damn, Hazelwood is cranking out the stories in 2022 - three novellas AND a novel! This is the second novella set in her STEMinist world. Civil engineers Sadie and Erik aka “Corporate Thor” 😂 find themselves stuck in an elevator and it‘s clear they‘ve had a falling out. Through flashbacks and present day, the full picture develops. Cute little contemporary romance. #opendoor
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #reread
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55338982
PS. I highly recommend Montell‘s podcast “Sounds Like a Cult” with comedian Isa Medina. It‘s great fun! 😄
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #reread
Instead of writing a new review for books I‘ve already read, I‘m just linking my original:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41716694
My babies were chosen during the wand ceremony at Ollivander‘s and it was absolutely magical. 🪄 Then, we went all around Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley as they cast interactive spells. A definite highlight of our trip!
Went to Hogwarts yesterday and it was incredible … and “Forbidden Journey” was quite the ride experience! 🧹🧙🏻⚡️ I‘m in awe of the Wizarding World!
After three VERY FULL Disney 🐭🏰 days, we‘re having a much-needed “rest day.” Tomorrow, we head to Universal! 🎢🧙🏻⚡️
PS. This books is so cringy, but good. #bookclub
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really nerded out to this “Hidden Magic”guide. Veness highlights special WDW touches we might otherwise miss. Also listed are timelines of each park including rides/attractions that are longer present. This jogged a vivid memory of 8-year-old me riding Maelstrom, now re-themed as Frozen Ever After. And it turns out, I went to MGM Studios its inaugural year. Fun memories! A must read for those who want to drive their family bonkers.
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The elder millennial in me goes for physical guide books along with fb groups, YouTube, etc. This was super helpful as I‘ve done significantly less research and planning for Universal as I have for Disney. This has amazing ride details and ratings. We‘re most excited for the Wizarding World, Marvel Super Hero Island, and Seuss Landing. Looking forward to the addition of their new (rumored) Nintendo-themed park set to open in 2025.
so-so⭐️⭐️⭐️ Like many Americans, I have close family members who have battled for control over addiction (to varying degrees). Better understanding our loved ones is always effort well spent. That said, this book is so dry. I‘d have preferred a straight memoir of Fisher‘s experiences or a history of addiction, rather a mix of both, but no one asked me, and rightfully so. Still, it‘s a worthwhile companion to Dopesick, Empire of Pain, and the like.
pan⭐️⭐️ I usually enjoy books from Chelsea Lately‘s “Round Table” alum. I fully respect those who are child-free by choice, and would never try to convince them otherwise, so it‘s shitty that Jen has repeatedly experienced such awkward, inappropriate encounters. It‘s also shitty that she attacks mothers‘ bodies as a defense. So what if I have a c-section scar? I also have two beautiful sons. You are not better than me; I am not better than you. ⬇️
Yep, this is me, reading another guide book. 😅🗺
Side note: This is the first time I‘ve tried a High Noon and it‘s SO GOOD. Less carbonation than other hard seltzers … hooray. #booksandbooze
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️ Things are so fluid at Disney parks right now with various restrictions being lifted as they strive to return to pre-pandemic levels and expectations. So, this is outdated right out of the gate, but overall, ultimately still helpful to a veritable noob like me who hasn‘t set foot in Orlando in two decades. Obvs for the most accurate information, follow Disney news/groups/pods. I love physical guidebooks for our bookshelf, so no regrets!
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Charlie Barnes is not exactly a renaissance man. In fact, he‘s a bit of a disaster, though kind of charming. Charlie has a cancer scare and awkwardness and hilarity ensues. This is ultimately about “the power you have when you control the narrative.” There are three sections aptly called Farce, Fiction, Fact, and once you realize who‘s narrating this story, everything falls into place quite cleverly. Satire and metafiction done well!
![[tagged book]](https://image.librarything.com/pics/litsy_webpics/icon_taggedBook@3x.png){kind=icon}
