While I may have this rather generic cover on my eBook copy of the book, I am excited to read this one! A former staff member of mine, who also shares the love of Jane Austen, told me this one is really good. It‘s been on my to read list for quite some time, so I am so glad it is this month‘s #PemberLittens #HashtagBrigade read!
so-soWhile the anecdotal histories presented are very interesting and connected tangentially by various people, I feel like the title does not completely fit the book. Yes, the Oneida community and President Garfield‘s assassination are discussed, but it‘s almost like the author needed some filler stories to make this a book (and the book itself is a smidge over 200 pages text). Interesting, but also disappointing.
Just a couple hours away from midnight on the East Coast, and I have finalized my #NGGSummerSmashUp goals!
I have a number of #NetGalley titles that I have read but for whatever reason did not review. It‘s my hope to do that. That being said, I won‘t say how many books I have on my to read shelf…it‘s a ridiculous number, and I‘m shocked that NetGalley has not suspended me or refused me more titles! 😂
#NetGalleyGroup
It‘s time for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead discussion! I have 7 questions under spoiler posted - respond whenever you have an opportunity to join the discussion!
Is there anything else you wish to discuss?
If you have not already indicated an interest in next month‘s book, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev, comment below, and I‘ll add you to the tag list!
7. In the end, Clara and other artists got the credit they deserved. What did you think about the ending? ~from BookClubChat #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
6. How did Virginia change from the beginning of the novel until the end? What‘s next for her? ~from BookClubChat #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
5. Let‘s discuss Virginia‘s drive to help save the Grand Central Terminal. Why do you think she made it such a personal mission? Do you agree with her that structures like that should be restored and preserved? ~from BookClubChat #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
4. What was your initial suspicions on what happened to Clara? Were you surprised she was still alive? ~from BookClubChat #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
3. There‘s lots of descriptions of the art world. What stood out to you in those sections dedicated to crafting art? Do you have a favorite artist? ~from BookClubChat guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
2. Let‘s discuss the ways that Clara and Virginia are very different. In what ways are they similar? Do you think they‘ll remain in contact? ~from BookClubChat guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
1. What did you think about the setting in the Grand Central Terminal? What about the two time periods (the ‘20s and ‘70s)? ~from BookClubChat guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
For #GuiltyPleasure , I would have to say a cozy mystery. I own so many of these, it‘s ridiculous. They‘re quick, light reads that allow me to escape from reality. I affectionately call them happy little murders.
The book is a new title/series!
Song: I defy anyone not to start toe tapping to Wham‘s “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.” Totally not my type of music, but I remember it fondly from childhood; it gets stuck in your head! #TitlesAndTunes
pickMy #IslandVibe #TitlesAndTunes selection is so good and eye opening. Kincaid writes a critique of #Antigua and those who colonized the small island and how that colonization has shaped it. This is a memoir, so it‘s a very personal examination. One can feel her emotions. It‘s a must read. #ReadTheAmericas2023 #192025 #1988
pickThis fast read dives into the relationship between US General John Reynolds (killed during the American Civil War battle at Gettysburg in 1863) and his fiancée Kate Hewitt; not much has been documented about the relationship, even less about Kate, until now.
Overall, I appreciated all of the new information. There some overly repetitive parts - almost like after commercial recaps - that were not really necessary. But, a fascinating read.
Combined #BookReport and #WeeklyForecast :
How is it the end of May??? Seriously. Work is always super busy, but this past week saw the start of summer registration, the end of school, and the One Book announcement rolling out (I‘m the head of the committee), so the next few months will fly by so fast!!
I had to unexpectedly add Dead of Autumn to my reading list this week, so it kinda threw my plans. But, I have 2 days of reading ahead of me!
so-soWhile the writing style was not exactly to my taste, the action towards the end of the book made me have to finish the book (and stay up way past my bedtime). Alexa moves home to work in her family‘s law firm. One day, she finds the body of a young woman in the woods. There are quite a number of hot topic issues addressed in this. Local author to me, so I appreciated identifying local landmarks and towns. 3 stars.
so-soI finished this one this morning as I was cleaning the house…I became hooked on historical romances during the pandemic and had not listened to this one yet. I think I‘m not as riveted anymore!
Overall, this was an okay listen. Nothing truly wrong with the story, and it‘s my understanding that the version I listened to from Audible is an updated text version from the original 2004 publication. I did find myself annoyed with the possessiveness…
I‘m extremely late posting this, but the June selection for #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead is the tagged book.
All are welcome to join! I will post periodic checkins throughout the month, with discussion questions posted on June 30th. Comment below if you would like tagged!
Tagging those who have expressed prior interest!
janeycanuck, mcctrish, Julsmarshall, melissajayne, Jerdencon, Readergrrl, kspenmoll, Sargar114, MoonWitch94, julieclair, AllDebooks
We‘re a week away from the discussion of this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead ! I hope the reading is going well - I‘ve seen some positive posts about this month‘s selection.
Any thoughts to share at the moment?
mcctrish, Julsmarshall, Cinfhen, melissajayne, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, BethM, Deblovestoread, Sargar114, IndoorDame, MoonWitch94, AllDebooks
pickHeffington writes an easily accessible look at tbt history of women who, for a variety of reasons, do not have children. She looks at society‘s view of women who follow this path and really dives into the reasons - whether it‘s reproductive rights or political or even climate related.
As a woman who does not have children, I found myself nodding along to the perceptions from society. This was so good, and it made me feel like I am not alone…
pickWhat a delight visiting Cranford and the happenstances of its villagers! I absolutely loved this light, whimsical story. It has a much different voice to it than other books by Gaskell that I have read; it was quite refreshing to read something from this time period that was not as heavy. It makes me want to rewatch the Cranford series that was on PBS a number of years ago! #PemberLittens #HashtagBrigade
Combined #BookReport and #WeeklyForecast - I‘m really moving quickly through the Agatha Raisin series on audio!
IRL book club obligations are done for this month, so I can hopefully move into “finish books and catch up on #BookSpinBingo mode.”
pickWhile not as strong for me as others in the series so far, there are so many personal thoughts and feelings from the characters in this book. Shifting perceptions culminate in a disastrous conclusion. Close-knit village, murdered fishermen, and a Brunetti who tries to get to the bottom of the silence and secrets. Quick read for me. #192025 #2001
pickPoor Agatha - she flees to Cyprus to recover from events from the previous book only to encounter murder and suspicion. Sir Charles Fraith makes an appearance and teams up with her, and James also plays a role. I‘ve stated before that I think what most impressed me about Agatha is her vulnerability but yet strong resolve. Super quick listen.
pickWhat happens when your estranged husband shows up at the worse time? For Agatha Raisin, it begins a list of calamitous episodes. Another fun listen, with crazy antics and Agatha‘s awful obsession with James Lacey (I really cannot stand him!).
Combined #BookReport and #WeeklyForecast - a migraine the at the end of the week derailed reading plans, so I did not advance too much in reading.
Here‘s to another week!
bailedI was not a fan of book 1 in the series - mainly because I did not really like Carrie the MC - and things did not improve for me. Carrie has to be one of the whiniest MC‘s I‘ve ever read. At about halfway through the book, I‘m calling it quits. The other members of my cozy mystery book discussion group did not agree with me, so my feelings are not what other readers may feel! Life‘s too short to read books I‘m not invested in…
Thanks for the tag, @Eggs !
1. Currently, I‘m bingeing Madam Secretary, which went off the air a few years ago. I actively follow Midsomer Murders on social media, but have not seen the last couple of series…I need to do that soon!
2. Prior to 2020, I would end the summer with a week in NY‘s Finger Lakes region. So much beauty and wine! Maybe someday I‘ll get back there…
3. I love Clue
#WondrousWednesday
pickGrace survived a traumatic situation and is reminded of the horror when she discovers her boss dead. Soon, a stalker has her in their sights. She quickly retreats to her hometown, where she meets Julius. This romantic suspense holds some surprises. Krentz is a great storyteller, and I wanted to keep listening to this one. Definitely a good one! #192025 #2015
I finally pulled together my #14Books14Weeks2023 !
I have a number of stacks of books everywhere around the house, so I combined a couple of stacks for this challenge. I fell behind reading the Gamache series, so it would be good to catch up on that. I‘ve also picked up quite a number of cozies, so a good combination of quick reads and more layered reading!
#SebastianKitty approves! #CatsOfLitsy
Combined #BookReport and #WeeklyForecast …not much completed last week, but I am still ahead of my GR challenge for the year.
This week starts IRL book club obligations, so will be concentrating on Read and Gone initially.
so-soI feel almost a bit of a letdown with this one - I adore Emily Dickinson‘s poetry, and I had hoped there would be more interaction between her and Margaret. Instead, while overall an interesting story, I felt the narrative bogged down in the middle of the book. Sometimes I had a hard time following Margaret‘s thoughts and her speech patterns, and I would have to reread a few sentences to better understand. #LiteraryCrew
This month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead transports us to NYC! I like Davis‘s use of historic landmarks to tell a story, so I‘m looking forward to this one.
Tagging those who have expressed interest in this month‘s choice. If you would also like tagged for this month, let me know! Read at your own pace during the month. I post periodic checkins, and discussion is on May 31st.
mcctrish, Julsmarshall, Cinfhen, melissajayne, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, BethM, Deblovestoread, Sargar114, IndoorDame, MoonWitch94, LitsyEvents, julieclair, AllDebooks
My selections for May‘s #BookSpinBingo !
I‘m far behind in some ongoing #BuddyRead groups, so it‘s my hope to start either reviewing or catching up. I really let #AgathaChristieClubR2 drop, so I‘d like to revisit her works again and watch the progression of her writing style.
While I‘m thinking about this week‘s #WeeklyForecast & May‘s #BookSpinBingo , I wanted to prepare my #IslandVibe for #TitlesAndTunes .
I plan to read the tagged for #BritishVirginIslands for #ReadingTheAmericas2023 , so perfect to read it now! The song, which does not feature BVI in the lyrics, brings back lots of fun memories of school bus rides home when I was in elementary school. Both came out in 1988, incidentally.
so-soI come to this book not being a big fan of manga and knowing I had to pick up the storyline after missing the first volume (my library no longer has volume 1). So much teen angst in the storyline, but bigger struggles too with sexuality. I went through this volume quickly, but just so-so for me. #BBRC #Adult #SeinenJosei
It is time for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead discussion! I have posted 7 questions under the spoiler that you can find either in my feed, the book‘s feed, or searching the hashtags.
Any other thoughts to share??? Thanks for joining this month!
7. What was Margaret's reaction when Tommy told her that his letter instructing her to stay in Amherst was the Squire's idea? Why did the Squire trick Margaret into staying with the Dickinson family instead of traveling West? Could you ever have forgiven him? ~from Readers Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
6. According to the Emily Dickinson Museum website, “Bianchi's will stipulated that, should [the inheritor or their family] ever choose not to live in the house, the Evergreens should be torn down rather than sold to another owner.“ Luckily, the property, like Emily's poems, was saved from this fate...Discuss possible reasons why the Dickinsons would insist on destroying their legacies. Pride? Sentimentality? Embarrassment?
5. The title of this novel refers to the Dickinsons' beautiful Homestead, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963 and recently restored by the Emily Dickinson Museum. What role does the Homestead play in the novel? How does physical space play into Emily and Margaret's connection? ~from Readers Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
4. Patrick Quinn plays a major role in Margaret's self-discovery as she begins to embrace her heritage but he also drives her away from her roots with some of his more radical ideas for Ireland. How would her life (and identity) be different if Patrick Quinn never knocked on the kitchen door? ~from Readers Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
3. As the Dickinsons' maid, Margaret witnesses the various romantic relationships that take place, including Emily's infatuation with Judge Lord and Austin's affair with Mabel, and Vinnie's fascination with everyone else's trysts. How did the Dickinsons' personal lives affect how Margaret viewed her own love life? Why do you think Margaret never married? ~from Readers Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
2. Put yourself in Margaret's shoes - would you have burned the poems? Do you think Margaret ever regretted sharing Emily's work, especially after Mabel's meddling in their publication was revealed? ~from Readers Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
1. Though she tried not to let it show, why did Margaret care so much about the Dickinson family's opinion of her? ~from Readers Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
pick
pickFinished on audio this morning…I read this one many years ago, so I recalled some of the plot line. I adore Agatha for her abruptness and her perseverance as an independent woman, and yet her vulnerability and her somewhat naïveté. Also, I have no clue what she sees in James Lacey. He kind of resembles a Mr. Darcy character, but it feels to me like he takes his aloofness to a new level. Fun listen! #192025 #1994
pickTo say I loved this book, given its subject matter, may seem odd, but I found it riveting and thought provoking. It‘s a tough read, showcasing limited choices and how definitions of love, happiness, and freedom differ among characters. A must read, in my opinion. #192025 #2019
![[tagged book]](https://image.librarything.com/pics/litsy_webpics/icon_taggedBook@3x.png){kind=icon}
