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jlhammar
My Murder | Katie Williams
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#BOTM delivery! I‘m most excited for tagged. Hope it‘s good!

review
jlhammar
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Pickpick

Weidensaul has participated in migratory bird research all over the world. Filled with detailed field experience and revelatory observations, this was a fascinating read. A bit dense/academic at times, but I‘d definitely recommend to fellow bird nerds.

#NaturaLitsyBingo2023 #Birds

AllDebooks Oh my 😍 1h
11 likes1 comment
review
jlhammar
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Pickpick

Just had a little cry upon finishing this magnificent family saga. I was moved. Loved it—all 715 pages!

Verghese visualized this story on a giant whiteboard over years of writing. See link in comments below for an article that includes photos. Kind of cool to see his process.

Tamra Amazing! I am still just barely holding out for the paperback. 😅 21h
dabbe #stacked! 🤩🤗😍 21h
Megabooks I can‘t wait to read this! Great review! Thanks for the link. 💜 (edited) 20h
BarbaraBB Thanks for sharing that link! 15h
71 likes5 stack adds5 comments
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jlhammar
Across the Pond | Joy McCullough
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A couple of fun little library finds on my walk this morning! Tagged looks like a lovely middle grade read. And I loved A Judgement in Stone so much that I had to grab the Rendell.

AmyG Rendell is the best! 1d
Cathythoughts I‘m really enjoying Rendell these days too 👍🏻❤️ 1d
bthegood I just read and enjoyed Judgement in Stone and added another Rendell to my #BookSpinBingo for June - #blameitonlitsy 🙂 (edited) 5h
49 likes3 comments
review
jlhammar
Hoops | Matt Tavares
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Pickpick

Heartwarming middle grade graphic novel inspired by the true story of a 1976 high school girls‘ basketball team.

60 likes2 stack adds
review
jlhammar
Fear For Miss Betony | Dorothy Bowers
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Pickpick

Good mystery! Really glad this was a pick for #GoldenAgeCrimeClub as Bowers was not on my radar. Loved our amateur sleuth, Miss Emma Betony, and the nursing home/boarding school setting. I also appreciated the humor and liked her “fair play” style, presenting all of the clues for the reader to work out.

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jlhammar
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#libraryhaul I know what we‘re watching tonight! I‘ve been eagerly anticipating the US dvd/streaming release of this movie. And Snyder‘s No Visible Bruises was so good. Look forward to trying her memoir.

LeahBergen You‘ve reminded me that I want to watch that film! 6d
jlhammar @LeahBergen My husband and I enjoyed it. Definitely worth a watch! 6d
57 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
jlhammar
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Pickpick

“This is my life. I want for no other.”

I have to agree with Helen Macdonald, this book really is bloody marvelous. Beautifully written. Rebanks has such love for shepherding and the Lake District that has been home to his family for generations. Look forward to reading his follow-up, Pastoral Song.

This would work for several #NaturaLitsyBingo2023 prompts (memoir, mammals, landscapes), but given the structure, I‘ll use it for Seasons.

69 likes3 stack adds
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jlhammar
The Anchoress | Robyn Cadwallader
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Pickpick

Rich and compelling historical fiction. Cadwallader is a scholar of women in the Middle Ages and it shows. The term anchoress is derived from a Greek verb meaning to withdraw. One might picture a quiet and solitary life. In actuality, these enclosed holy women played active roles within their communities. Dependent upon the villagers for their well-being, but inspiring and serving them in turn (women especially) through prayer and counsel. #NunLit

Tamra I have always wondered how many chose the life for lack of choices/outlets. Not all, but certainly some. 1w
jlhammar @Tamra Yes, me too! I can certainly understand the allure when set against the other options of the time. 1w
71 likes1 stack add2 comments
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jlhammar
Fear For Miss Betony | Dorothy Bowers
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“At the age of sixty-one Emma Betony in a kindly light looked ten years younger.”

Excited to be starting our latest #GoldenAgeCrimeClub selection!

#FirstLineFridays

kspenmoll I just finished. Cannot wait to discuss. 1w
batsy I just remembered this month's read! Hope to squeeze it in before the end of the month. 1w
Ruthiella Oopsie Whoopsie! I‘d forgotten this too. I‘m gonna try to read it tonight and tomorrow. 😬 1w
53 likes3 comments
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jlhammar
The Anchoress | Robyn Cadwallader
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“I walked the length of my cell from the wall with two windows to my altar, counting my steps—nine paces; then across the narrower side, from my fireplace to my squint—seven paces. This would be my world.”

Ready for a good dose of #NunLit today. I‘ve been wanting to read this for years. Can‘t imagine (at age 17!) committing yourself to a cell that size for the rest of your days. And with the buried remains of the previous anchoress to boot!

jlhammar Image from the NYT Book Review 1w
Tamra I really enjoyed this one! I think I read it right after taking a medieval humanities class - I loved studying anchoritism. 1w
batsy I have this on my shelves... Must get to it soon. 1w
See All 9 Comments
LeahBergen What @batsy said! 1w
AmyG I oddly love books about nuns. 1w
jlhammar @AmyG Well you are in very good company. There‘s a whole group of us! You may want to check out previous #NunLitQuarterly posts. If you‘d care to join us, we‘ll be reading this one in July 1w
Aimeesue @batsy @LeahBergen Same! It was on sale recently, and I somehow couldn‘t help myself. 😂 1w
AmyG @jlhammar Thank you for the invite. If I can squeeze it into my many challenges….I‘ll join. But I am not too sure if I can do it….and if not, perhaps the next one. 1w
kspenmoll I am so glad you listed this book- otherwise I doubt I would have found it. 1w
65 likes1 stack add9 comments
review
jlhammar
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Pickpick

Finished our May #NaturaLitsy read last night. Very good. Accessible, engaging writing and I learned a ton about these fascinating insects.

AllDebooks So glad you enjoyed it x 1w
71 likes1 stack add1 comment
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jlhammar
Symphony of Secrets | Brendan Slocumb
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Pickpick

I didn‘t like this musical mystery quite as much as The Violin Conspiracy, but still enjoyed. An entertaining listen while cleaning and baking. Slocumb is so good at making me angry about the injustices his characters face.

squirrelbrain Looking forward to this one! 2w
68 likes1 comment
review
jlhammar
Salvation of a Saint | Keigo Higashino
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Pickpick

That was a fun puzzle. More about working out the how than the who. My third Higashino (after Malice and Devotion of Suspect X) and I‘ll definitely be reading more. Really enjoy his style.

Mandoul Totally agree - I really enjoy Higashino's style, which makes for a fun read. 2w
Aimeesue Oh, I liked Suspect X! I‘ll have to look for the others 2w
72 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
jlhammar
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Watched this film the other night and it was wonderful. Understated and very moving. And Bill Nighy - wow! Incredible performance.

Screenplay by one of my favorite authors, Kazuo Ishiguro. Adapted from the 1952 Kurosawa film, Ikiru (which was inspired by tagged).

JamieArc I saw this in theaters when it came and I thought it was pretty wonderful as well. 2w
batsy That looks good! Thanks for sharing; wouldn't have been aware of it otherwise. 2w
Bookwomble Ikiru is one of my favourite films - I didn't know about this adaptation; I'll have to see if I can find it 😊 2w
jlhammar @Bookwomble I actually haven't watched Ikiru yet, but definitely plan to ASAP! 2w
64 likes4 comments
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jlhammar
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Tried a new recipe from tagged cookbook this morning - rhubarb graham muffins (link in comments). Really good!

Tamra Mmmmmmmm 😋 I pinned it. (edited) 2w
SamAnne I am making rhubarb muffins this week! And I need this cookbook. 2w
See All 9 Comments
merelybookish Maybe I need this cookbook. 🤔 2w
LeahBergen Yum! They look fantastic. 2w
Aimeesue I definitely need this cookbook. The muffins look delicious! (edited) 2w
Sleepswithbooks I tried to sniff the screen of my phone. 2w
Tamra I made them today and they are scrumptious! Thanks for posting the recipe link. 😋 2w
jlhammar @Tamra Oh good, glad they‘re a hit! 2w
66 likes1 stack add9 comments
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jlhammar
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Until now, the measure of years at Parambil has been Easter and Christmas, births and deaths, floods and drought. But 1933 is the year of Moby-Dick. Halfway through the book, Big Ammachi wants Philipose to ask Koshy Saar if this Moby-Dick isn‘t all made up. “It‘s entertaining. But isn‘t it one big lie? Ask him.”
Koshy Saar‘s response is indignant. “It‘s fiction! Fiction is the great lie that tells the truth about how the world lives!”

52 likes2 stack adds
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jlhammar
Coronation Year: A Novel | Jennifer Robson
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Pickpick

A nice, gentle read. The lives of three residents of the historic Blue Lion Hotel intersect in the months leading up to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. There‘s a light mystery and a bit of action, but mostly just an uplifting story about friendship and new beginnings. If you liked The Gown, I think you‘ll enjoy this.

Aims42 “A nice, gentle read” is the perfect summary for this! 😊😌 I enjoyed it very much too! 2w
CSeydel I so want to read this 2w
rubyslippersreads I‘m looking forward to this one. 2w
75 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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jlhammar
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Pickpick

Very moving and personal essay collection. The stand-out for me was his reflection on his horrific childhood experience of sexual abuse and the legacy of trauma. He was a wonderful writer. I look forward to reading more of his work. I listened to the audiobook and would recommend that format - excellent narration by James Naughton.

Cathythoughts Great review 👍🏻♥️ 3w
80 likes3 stack adds1 comment
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jlhammar
Yoked with a Lamb | Molly Clavering
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Pickpick

Quite enjoyed this. Loved getting the dynamics of this Scottish Border community and really enjoyed the humor throughout. Some great madcap scenes—Kate locking Andrew in the cupboard, Cousin Charlotte being mistaken for a “bundle of old clothes” while carried out of the window, stealing leeks, the missing dentures 😂. Sharp-tongued Mrs. Anstruther was a delight. I took issue with how Lucy was portrayed though and the whole “poor Andrew” bit.

Tamra Yes, that was a bit much in terms of “poor Andrew.” Lucy‘s character wasn‘t developed enough. 3w
LeahBergen I‘m hoping to finish up today and I‘ll come back to read this! 😊 3w
See All 8 Comments
Ruthiella Good point about the physical humor throughout. Would have maybe made a good film. 🤔 3w
charl08 Never heard of this one, sounds intriguing. 3w
Cathythoughts Nice review 👍🏻♥️ It was a fun read with lots of crazy situations. I loved old Anstruther too ♥️ 3w
LeahBergen Great review! I enjoyed the madcap scenes, too. 3w
LeahBergen @Cathythoughts That Anstruther was a sharp old thing, wasn‘t she? 😆 3w
66 likes1 stack add8 comments
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jlhammar
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Pickpick

Listening to this yesterday greatly improved my day of chores. Thank goodness for audiobooks!

I really enjoy Stradal‘s books. I find them warm and comforting as well as funny and touching. This might be my least favorite of the three, but still good. I‘ll definitely be reading whatever he writes next!

86 likes3 stack adds
blurb
jlhammar
Our Fathers | Rebecca Wait
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Our first six reads for #EuropaCollective! Thanks to everyone who helped with the selection process this week. It was so fun and I can‘t wait to read all of these with you!

SEPT23 Our Fathers - R. Wait
DEC23 A Novel Bookstore - L. Cossé
MAR24 The Postcard - A. Berest
JUN24 The Road to Dalton - S. Bowring
SEPT24 A Long Way From Verona - J. Gardam
DEC24 Belle Greene - A. Lapierre

I‘ll post reminders during the lead-up. All are welcome.

Sapphire So excited! 3w
jlhammar This will be very low-key. Simply to read the chosen book sometime during the assigned month, post your review &/or thoughts along the way and be sure to tag the group! 3w
jlhammar @LitsyEvents Please repost. Thank you! 3w
See All 17 Comments
Cathythoughts Thankyou for tagging me. I‘m excited to join in the reading 👍🏻❤️ 3w
Tamra Yay!!! So much delightful reading ahead! 3w
DrexEdit Looking forward to these reads! Now to track down a copy of Our Fathers! 😊👍 3w
squirrelbrain Exciting! And I think these were all the ones that I voted for! Thanks for doing this Jamie! 3w
GatheringBooks Woohoo! Thank you! 💕 So excited about this group. 3w
CSeydel This is perfect - thank you for setting it up! 3w
Deblovestoread What a great bunch of books will be reading together Thanks Jamie!! 3w
TheKidUpstairs Great selections, I look forward to reading with you all! 3w
LeahBergen I‘m looking forward to this! Thank you. 👏 3w
BarbaraBB Thanks Jamie, such a fine selection! 3w
julieclair These look fabulous! Please add me to the tag list. 😀 3w
jlhammar @julieclair Will do! So happy you'll be reading with us! 3w
julieclair Thanks! Looking forward to it! 3w
TheKidUpstairs I'm so excited for this one! Love the low-key and quarterly format. And the excuse to buy more Europa 😊 2w
64 likes1 stack add17 comments
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jlhammar
Our Fathers | Rebecca Wait
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Okay #EuropaCollective, let the voting begin! I hope you haven‘t read either of these yet. I‘ve got back-up choices if you have.

Which of these would you most like to read in September? I‘ll add links to the Europa catalog in the comments.

If anyone plans to join us that I didn‘t tag, do let me know. All are welcome to read along with us!

jlhammar @Aimeesue Tag, you‘re it! You can go ahead and post your two nominations for December. 4w
See All 28 Comments
mcctrish Good lord, how does one choose?! I might lean towards Our Fathers only because I‘m not a fan of My Brilliant Friend 😆 4w
Tamra Ours Fathers - I have it stacked! 😀 4w
BarbaraBB Great choices! My vote goes to Our Fathers! 4w
Deblovestoread I‘d like to join if not too late? 4w
LeahBergen They both sound good. Let‘s see … murder and Scotland?… I‘ll vote for 4w
jlhammar @Deblovestoread Not too late at all! We‘d love to have you join us! Let me know which of these books you‘d prefer and I‘ll be sure to tag you in future posts. 4w
squirrelbrain I have a copy of Our Fathers but it‘s not Europa.. is that cheating?! 😬 I‘ll still vote for it though! 4w
jlhammar @squirrelbrain Okay, we‘ll allow it 😂 Just kidding, it‘s not cheating at all! Any edition will do. 4w
Aimeesue Our Fathers for me! The Kindle edition is on sale today for $2.99 if anyone wants an e-copy. (edited) 4w
Aimeesue @jlhammar I will peruse my giant Europa collection and post tonight! (edited) 4w
jlhammar Well, we have a clear majority for the Wait so I think we can call it! Our Fathers it is! 4w
jlhammar @Aimeesue Good luck! Can‘t wait to see which two you land on! 4w
Tamra @jlhammar 👏🏾 4w
LeahBergen Yay for Our Fathers! 👏 4w
lauraisntwilder My vote is for A Girl Returned, but I think I'm more than outnumbered! 4w
charl08 Can I jump on this read please? 😊 3w
jlhammar @charl08 Yes, please do! Just Our Fathers in September or would you like me to include you for all the #EuropaCollective posts? 3w
charl08 @jlhammar please add me to the posts- I'll do my best to catch up. 3w
jlhammar @charl08 Wonderful! So glad you‘ll be joining us. 3w
Adventures-of-a-French-Reader Both books seem very good ;) Whatever the community chooses, I'll read it! Love Europa Editions 3w
jlhammar @Adventures-of-a-French-Reader Fantastic! We‘d love to have you read along with us. I‘ll be sure to tag you in future posts. Our Fathers will be our September read, but voting is still in progress for December, March 2024 & June 2024. I‘ll tag you there so you can vote if you‘d like. 3w
Sapphire Please tag me! 3w
TheBookDream Me please! I adore Europa editions 3w
jlhammar @TheBookDream Yay! Glad you‘ll be joining us! Voting is still in progress for June 2024, September 2024 and December 2024. I‘ll tag you there now in case you want to get your votes in today before we close it. 3w
59 likes2 stack adds28 comments
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jlhammar
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#bookmail My IRL book club chose both of these for our June meeting. Should be a great discussion!

CBee Ohhhhhh, The Prettiest Star was a favorite of mine last year. It‘s powerful. 4w
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jlhammar
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Pickpick

Grann is just so good! He really brings history alive. This is one tense and thrilling tale. I guess Scorsese and DiCaprio are teaming up yet again for the adaptation. If you have a few minutes, I highly recommend watching Grann‘s recent 60 Minutes profile (link in comments).

ashw21 Can‘t wait for my copy to arrive ! Great review 4w
RamsFan1963 I'm doing this book on audio from Libby 4w
LeahBergen I‘ve been looking forward to this one. 👍 4w
70 likes1 stack add5 comments
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jlhammar
Sunshine: A Graphic Novel | Jarrett J. Krosoczka
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Pickpick

Another wonderful graphic memoir from Krosoczka. Have some tissues handy!

70 likes1 stack add
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jlhammar
The Night Flowers | Sara Herchenroether
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#bookmail A little crime haul. The Angel Makers is my most anticipated true crime release this year so far. Small Mercies is supposed to be one of Lehane‘s best so can‘t wait. Tagged is a debut that sounds right up my street. One of the blurbs on the back says “Like Tana French meets Ann Patchett.” Yes, please!

batsy Enticing cover for the tagged! 4w
62 likes1 stack add1 comment
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jlhammar
Warrior Girl Unearthed | Angeline Boulley
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#BOTM delivery! I wasn‘t sure if I wanted to read the new Sittenfeld, but #CampLitsy decided for me. I haven‘t read Adams before, but sounds like it could be fun. I‘ve been hearing good things about Flora Lea and very excited for tagged since I really enjoyed Firekeeper‘s Daughter.

RebL I had Warrior Girl Unearthed preordered! I‘m so excited about it, but it‘s on mount tbr atm. 4w
ashw21 I am looking forward to Flora Lea too and yes I enjoyed the Firekeeper's daughter. I didn't love romantic comedy. might have been a case of high expectations! 4w
73 likes2 comments
review
jlhammar
Wilding | Isabella Tree
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Pickpick

Loved this book! I was completely captivated from beginning to end. The story of rewilding the Knepp Estate is amazing, surprising and inspiring. Just signed-up for their newsletter so I can follow their projects going forward. #NaturaLitsy

AllDebooks Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed it 😊 1mo
59 likes2 comments
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jlhammar
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Pickpick

I am just loving my year of Marple so far! This was my fourth. Impersonations abound and some of my favorite Miss Marple moments yet (the broom cupboard 😂). Looking forward to number five!

dabbe Nice cover, too! 🤗 1mo
jlhammar @dabbe Yes, these lovely new editions are certainly adding to my enjoyment! 1mo
71 likes2 comments
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jlhammar
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Pickpick

Excellent nonfiction about a forgotten chapter in American history. D.C. Stephenson was truly a vile human being. Unsettling to draw parallels to modern day. Audiobook was well done, narrated by the author.

squirrelbrain Sounds interesting - stacked. 1mo
KathyWheeler This whole story told in this book was absolutely terrible! There was a tv movie made about it: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0097127/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk (edited) 1mo
jlhammar @KathyWheeler Oh my gosh, I didn't know about that TV movie! Looks like I can watch it on youtube - thank you! 1mo
KathyWheeler @jlhammar Oh good! I didn‘t look to see if you could watch it anywhere before I mentioned it. 1mo
bio_chem06 I‘m for sure watching that movie, now. It has everyone from 80s TV. Timothy Egan is becoming one of my go to non fiction read. He has yet to disappoint. 3w
60 likes4 stack adds5 comments
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jlhammar
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✨COMING SOON✨ #EuropaCollective ✨SEPT✨

@Aimeesue and I were chatting about our love for Europa Editions and a new book club was born. Pictured are some that I‘ve already read and loved. We‘ve all got a lot on our readerly plates so planning on one low-key Europa group read every few months. Care to join us?

I‘ll post two options for September voting once we know who is interested. Aimee will do the same for December. All are welcome!

jlhammar @LitsyEvents Please repost. Thanks! 1mo
BarbaraBB I am interested 🙋🏻‍♀️ 1mo
See All 35 Comments
jlhammar @BarbaraBB Awesome! How about nominating two for our March 2024 voting after Aimee? I'm thinking we'll get our first four picks sorted to take us through our first year. 1mo
BarbaraBB That sounds perfect! Let me know when you want me to do that! 1mo
DrexEdit I would love to join, but I'm not a very reliable club reader. If you don't mind casual members I'd love to follow along as I can! 1mo
jlhammar @BarbaraBB Will do, thanks! 1mo
jlhammar @DrexEdit Yes, casual members more than welcome! I'll tag you on future #EuropaCollective posts so that you can read along whenever time or interest allows. 1mo
squirrelbrain Ooh - me, me! 🙋🏻‍♀️ 1mo
jlhammar @squirrelbrain Yay! How about nominating two for our June 2024 voting after Barbara? Then we‘ll have our picks for the year covered. I‘ll let you know when we‘re ready for you to post that if you‘re willing. 1mo
squirrelbrain Yes, that sounds fab! ❤️ 1mo
LeahBergen Count me in (although I‘ve told myself to simmer down with the buddy reads 😂😂). 1mo
jlhammar @LeahBergen Wonderful! I know, it‘s a problem 😂 I‘ve told myself the same and yet here I am 🤦‍♀️ Very excited though! I think only four a year will keep it enjoyable and not too burdensome. (edited) 1mo
Tamra Count me in - I‘ll see if I can keep up! 😅 1mo
jlhammar @Tamra Fantastic!! I know this is far off, but FYI - I‘ve got you and @LeahBergen down to kick-off our voting next summer for our 24-25 season. Leah posting choices for September 2024 and you for December 2024. 1mo
LeahBergen Perfect! Next summer is great for my nominations. Between now and then you can help keep me in check with my buddy reading schedule. 😂 1mo
Aimeesue Yay! I‘m excited. Will begin plotting. . .er, planning choices soon! 1mo
Aimeesue @LeahBergen Same. I want to read all the books with all the Littens! I need either more time or less work. 😄 1mo
lauraisntwilder I'd love to read along with you! I love Europa. 😊 4w
jlhammar @lauraisntwilder So excited you‘re joining us!!! Stay tuned for voting later this week. 4w
mcctrish I‘d love to join, I‘m not 100%, sure what Europa editions are but I‘ll be read Elegance/Hedgehog and I loved it 4w
jlhammar @mcctrish Great! So happy to have you in the mix! Keep your eye out for voting posts later this week. Here's a link to Europa's website if you want to read more about them and explore their catalog:
https://www.europaeditions.com/
4w
CSeydel Hi, I‘ll read along as well! 4w
jlhammar @CSeydel Yay! So glad you‘ll be joining us! I‘ll be sure to tag you in future posts! 3w
LeahBergen Did you want me to post my choices for September 2024 (now that @squirrelbrain has posted for June)? I‘m ready. 😆 3w
jlhammar @LeahBergen Heck yeah! If you‘re ready let‘s keep this voting party going. Thanks! 3w
LeahBergen 😂 Great! 3w
Sapphire Please count me in! 3w
jlhammar @Sapphire Wonderful! I‘ll be sure to tag you on future posts. Our September pick is chosen (Our Fathers by Rebecca Wait), but voting is still in progress for later picks. I‘ll tag you on those now. 3w
TheKidUpstairs Oh my gosh, I LOVE Europa. Can I join? 3w
jlhammar @TheKidUpstairs Yay, of course! We'd love to have you read with us! In September we'll be reading Our Fathers by Rebecca Wait for our first pick. Voting is still in progress for others. I'll tag you on those now. 3w
TheKidUpstairs Amazing! Voting now, all the choices are so good! 3w
Cathythoughts Please I‘d love to join in. I‘ve just seen this new Book venture and I‘d love to participate ❤️❤️❤️ 3w
jlhammar @Cathythoughts That‘s wonderful! So happy you‘ll be joining us. Our first read will be Our Fathers by Rebecca Wait in September. Voting is still in progress for later picks. I‘ll tag you on those now in case you want to throw your vote in the mix. 3w
Cathythoughts @jlhammar Thanks so much 😘 I‘ll get Our Fathers 👍🏻❤️ 3w
56 likes35 comments
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jlhammar
The Covenant of Water | Abraham Verghese
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“She is twelve years old, and she will be married in the morning.”

#FirstLineFridays

JamieArc I‘m looking forward to reviews about this one! Happy Reading 😊 1mo
Karisimo I started this one today too! 1mo
Tamra Anxious to read this! 1mo
See All 6 Comments
BookBosomed1 I want to read this one! 1mo
DrexEdit Oooo! I am looking forward to this one! 😊 1mo
Parvez omg!!! Malayalam “Kezhekketha“. 1mo
57 likes2 stack adds6 comments
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jlhammar
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Walked to the bookstore on my break this afternoon to get the Verghese. It is a beast! Can‘t wait though. Loved Cutting for Stone and I‘ve been hearing such good things about Covenant. My expectations are sky-high!

And, of course, couldn‘t manage to leave with just one. I thought Cooney‘s One Night Two Souls Went Walking was wonderful so excited for her newest (tagged). #bookhaul

squirrelbrain Lovely! ❤️ 1mo
Bookwormjillk I went for the audiobook. Can‘t wait. 1mo
ashw21 My most anticipated release of the year! 1mo
67 likes3 comments
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jlhammar
Shubeik Lubeik | Deena Mohamed
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Pickpick

Shubeik Lubeik means “your wish is my command.” In this graphic novel Mohamed imagines a world where wishes can be bought and are part of everyday life. Fun and thought-provoking.

60 likes1 stack add
review
jlhammar
Franchise Affair | Josephine Tey
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Pickpick

This mystery sans murder is such an odd and fascinating story (inspired by a real life case from the 18th century). Definitely a pick for me! I was gripped and really enjoyed my time with this crime classic. I previously read and loved Daughter of Time so I see more Tey in my future. I own Miss Pym Disposes so will probably try that next.

#GoldenAgeCrimeClub

batsy I loved Miss Pym Disposes! Read it years ago though so am also keen to revisit that. 1mo
jlhammar @batsy Yay, that is great to hear! Looking forward to it. 1mo
quirkyreader This one might have been made into a film by Alfred Hitchcock. 1mo
71 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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jlhammar
Franchise Affair | Josephine Tey
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Saturday afternoon with tea and Tey. Looking forward to our #GoldenAgeCrimeClub discussion tomorrow!

blurb
jlhammar
When in Rome: A Novel | Liam Callanan
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Indie Bookstore Day #bookhaul Part 2

Forbidden Notebook sounds fantastic. It was originally published in an Italian magazine as a serial novel between December 1950 and June 1951. Death of a Bookseller sounds dark and funny and twisty. And I had to get tagged because it features a group of funny, fearless nuns. J. Courtney Sullivan says it is a total delight. I hope so!

batsy I loved Forbidden Notebook and I've got Death of a Bookseller on my list. Look forward to your thoughts! 1mo
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jlhammar
Barbara Isn't Dying | Alina Bronsky
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Indie Bookstore Day #bookhaul Part 1

I was so surprised to see these in the shop today. Didn‘t think they‘d been released quite yet. I have high hopes for The Postcard, a beloved and acclaimed French novel. And so excited for tagged. I loved Bronsky‘s Baba Dunja‘s Last Love.

Aimeesue I adore Europa. ❤️ 1mo
jlhammar @Aimeesue Maybe we should get a Europa club started? I was just thinking I have far too many unread Europas on my shelves and should try to prioritize them. I know we‘ve already got our plates full though so not sure when to start (September? 2024?) and not sure about frequency. Monthly? Every other? Seasonal? And what about #EuropaCollective for the group tag instead of club? I‘d love your thoughts! 1mo
Aimeesue @jlhammar i would love a Europa collective - I have the same issue , so MANY on my virtual shelves that I need to read. I‘d enjoy quarterly, but that‘s because I tend to (extremely literally) overbook myself. 😁 1mo
jlhammar @Aimeesue Brilliant! I have the same tendency so I think you‘re right, quarterly is probably smart. Very excited about this! I‘ll think a bit and maybe do a “coming soon” post (for a September start?) to see who else might be interested. Then I‘ll throw two choices to the group for September voting and maybe you post two options for December and we‘ll go from there? 1mo
Aimeesue @jlhammar Yaaaaay! I‘m excited! 1mo
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jlhammar
Demon Copperhead: A Novel | Barbara Kingsolver
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Pickpick

Oh, Demon. What a tale! I was in love with the first half of this chunkster, but wasn‘t quite as enamored from around the point where Demon starts high school. Still very good and incredibly powerful. Happy to see it on the #WomensPrize shortlist.

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jlhammar
Small Wonder | Barbara Kingsolver
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Pickpick

Glad I finally got around to this thoughtful essay collection. Turned out to be a good companion to my Demon Copperhead reading (though I think I‘m ready for a Kingsolver break). Some of these essays aged better than others (published in 2001), but overall a worthwhile read.

She touches on a myriad of topics so I‘m just going to use this as a free space for #NaturaLitsyBingo2023.

AllDebooks Oh my, I'm going to have to seek that one out. I didn't know she had an essay collection published 1mo
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jlhammar
In Limbo | Deb JJ Lee
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Lee looks back on their difficult high school years in this emotional graphic memoir. They share their mental health struggles and feelings of being an outsider as a Korean American teen in New Jersey. Beautiful black-and-white illustrations.

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jlhammar
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Pickpick

An interesting and rather academic look at the meaning of time. Why do we feel like time is scarce? Should time be a commodity? A clock is a tool, but not necessarily the only or best way to think about time. Our obsession with productivity (in the economy/industry at large, but also in our personal lives) is unfortunate and flawed. Slowness can be far more rewarding than speed. Adding her other book, How to Do Nothing, to my TBR.

batsy I loved How to do Nothing! I'm looking forward to this one. 1mo
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jlhammar
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2023 Edgar Award winners have been announced! Very happy that Tell Me Everything by Erika Krouse won the Best Fact Crime category. That was one of my favorite reads last year. Also enjoyed Notes on an Execution which won for Best Novel. Very interested in tagged which won Best Critical/Biographical. See link in comments for the full list.

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jlhammar
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I just learned we‘re getting this Christmas novella from Hallett in October! I thought The Appeal was really fun so I know what I‘ll be reading come December.

dabbe And #stacked! 😃 1mo
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jlhammar
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#WomensPrize shortlist! Very pleased to see four of my favorites there (Marriage Portrait, Black Butterflies, Trespasses and Demon Copperhead). Disappointed Wandering Souls didn‘t make it.

I guess the universe is telling me I should push on with tagged and get my hands on a copy of Fire Rush!

squirrelbrain Noooo, don‘t do it! Don‘t read Pod! 😱 Fire Rush, on the other hand is great! 1mo
jlhammar @squirrelbrain 🤣 I‘ll give it a few more pages, but definitely will let myself bail if needed. 1mo
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jlhammar
Demon Copperhead: A Novel | Barbara Kingsolver
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My favorites from the #WomensPrize longlist. So hard to land on just six! Bandit Queens, Homesick (US memoir mixed-media version) and Children of Paradise were also great reads.

Tagged is actually still in progress for me (almost done, loving it). Started Pod and considering bailing. Haven‘t tried Fire Rush yet as it was just released here in the US a few days ago. Will probably read if it advances.

Shortlist announcement Wednesday. Can‘t wait!

squirrelbrain Not too different to my thoughts - apart from Dog of the North wasn‘t troubling my shortlist! 1mo
charl08 If Dog of the North is shortlisted I will be 😡 but also unsurprised! 1mo
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ChaoticMissAdventures I have been waiting and waiting for Dog /North from the library I don't know what the hold up is. So curious since people seem to have feelings about it! 1mo
Gissy I‘m so behind reading them but they are here (physical books) so I will read them no matter which books stay in the short list which will be announced this next week. The same happens with the International Booker Prize 2023 . I want to read some books from the long list. 1mo
Cinfhen I still haven‘t gotten a copy of Black Butterflies but it‘s the one of the 4 I have left that really intrigues me. 1mo
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jlhammar
The Dog of the North: A Novel | Elizabeth Mckenzie
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Pickpick

This was just what I needed. So nice to laugh! A crazy ride filled with offbeat, endearing characters. Really enjoyed.

#WomensPrize

ashw21 Can‘t wait to read this !!! 1mo
jlhammar @ashw21 Hope you enjoy it! 1mo
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jlhammar
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I want to read pretty much everything my fellow campers have nominated so far (voting for #CampLitsy2023 is going to be impossible!), but I‘ll throw my six in the mix for fun. The four pictured because I already own them and am eager to get to them. I think all are repeat noms.

My fifth is a title out from Europa next month, The Postcard by Anne Berest. And my sixth is a new nonfiction title (tagged) that sounds excellent. I‘ll tag all six below.

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JamieArc The Angel Makers and The Postcard both sound great! 1mo
Cathythoughts Loving the look of all these 👍🏻❤️ 1mo
batsy Nice that you included Bad Cree! It sounds really good. 1mo
Bookwormjillk That NF sounds good! 1mo
squirrelbrain I‘ve just been looking at Bad Cree in a bookshop! 1mo
TheKidUpstairs Angel Makers sounds excellent! All great choices. Voting is going to be tough! 1mo
Cinfhen Love your suggestions and tagged book sounds AMAZING 1mo
BarbaraBB They all look so good. I only l know, read and loved Birnam Wood. 1mo
Megabooks Very excited to see your recs! I‘m really enjoying going through the nominees. Welcome back to camp! 🏕️😁 1mo
merelybookish Oh gosh! Ive been away from Litsy for a few days and will need some time to start processing all the #CampLitsy suggestions!! 1mo
she.hearts.horror What did you think of Bad Cree? It wasn‘t what I expected, but I did appreciate it. 1mo
jlhammar @she.hearts.horror I haven‘t read it yet, but looking forward to it. 1mo
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jlhammar
I'm Glad My Mom Died | Jennette McCurdy
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Man, that was messed up. Poor kid. Glad she‘s working through her stuff.

jamield1993 A rough read this one! 1mo
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