Welcome to Litsy!

The beginning had me hooked but the middle to the finale was a slog. Such a cool premise that wasn‘t delivered well.

My students will tell you that I'm more than just a little obsessed with WWI poetry, so it's no surprise that I chose a book set in WWI for my spring break read. I'm really excited to start this one.

Here is my January TBR. Most of the books are for #NewYearWhoDis - I haven‘t picked up my library books and my B&N package hasn‘t been delivered yet, so I couldn‘t take a picture of my stack.

The tagged book is for the #HeReadSheReadPodcast buddy read
The Spy is for #LMPBC
Jane Eyre for #Classicschallenge2020
Lisa Jewell for #BOTMBacklist
#AgathaChristieClubR2
#BBBBC - rollover
#JanuaryTBR

Watching this tonight, as hubby's away and I have the TV to myself! Don't know much about Tolkien's life. I know he was in WW1 because of tagged book.

The Spirit Corps gathers intelligence from the front in WWI – by summoning and interviewing the freshly-killed ghosts of soldiers. But the Germans may have learned of their existence, and planted a spy – or a saboteur. Historical fiction|romance|murder mystery|spy thriller|ghost story. This novel stirs all of that seamlessly into an entertaining tale, and also touches on the racism and sexism of that era without being preachy.

Good but I can see why this one is not nearly as popular as Calculating the Stars.

Almost finished with this interesting book. I only have about 50 pages left, and I'm not sure how I'm going to rate this.

I really enjoyed this supernatural historical romantic mystery! Cross-genre, good story, interesting (though somewhat underdeveloped) characters. Would read more from this author.

About to have a 5-day staycation and one of those days will be a 12-in-24 readathon. I‘m ready.

Oh this looks good. Has anyone read it? I enjoyed Kowal‘s Glamourist series and didn‘t know she had this book out (in 2016).

I finished this in about a day. It‘s enjoyable and very unique. Definitely for anybody wanting something new in WWI.

Interesting concept. Not sure on my thoughts for it so far. I actually might listen to it again before book club on Sunday.

Breakfast has been keeping me company because I made distressed noises. #BunniesofLitsy

I-is this book going to break my heart?

#bookmail who knew that Canada Post delivered mail on Sundays, even if it is holiday season😮😃😃

#shelfie for hour 6 of #24in48. I just woke up so I won't subject you guys to my bedhead so I'll show you my coffee in my Jane Eyre mug instead.
@24in48

Whoa. Excellent book. Love that the setting was WW1 and not the overused WW2. Such an interesting reimagining. I admit I cried at the end. Mary Robinette Kowel wrote and read this and did an, as usual, wonderful job. Pick this up, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The premise of this book was great, and Kowal delivered a stunning and interesting world. Usually, books like this are right up my alley, but for some reason, I couldn't sink my teeth in..? I wasn't as drawn into the story as I usually am. But still, it was a good read and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes to mix their history with magic. #fantasy #historicalfiction #wwi #paranormal

Here is my #shelfie for #aprilbookshowers. Actually my shelf and book closet. The nice semi-organized shelf is my read pile while the closet is my tbr pile. I think I need to work on that closet some more 😆

I feel terrible bailing on this audiobook. The story is intriguing and Kowal isn't a terrible narrator, but her accents are so leaden that I find it distracting. I wish she'd just opted to read it without the voices. I'll have to try ebook or hard copy when I have a chance.

Two Audible credits got me three titles today, this, the Stephen Fry Sherlock Holmes, and Music as a Mirror of History from The Great Courses. Not bad!

And I bought three more credits. And a used paperback of something I didn't want in audio format. I think I have a problem.

This was a fun read! I saw the end coming, but enjoyed the ride. #historicalfiction #paranormal #WWI

#currentlyreading I'm apparently on a WWI kick this week. This has a fascinating concept. Does it live up to its potential?

Excellent historical fantasy set during WW1, featuring a smart, witty, kick-ass heroine. #24in48

A fast-paced plot with a couple of twists; this one was a one-sitting read for me that I stayed up past my bedtime to finish. It grapples with the racism and sexism of the time, and the obvious and invisible costs of war. Recommended, especially if you like ghost stories and historical romances. TBR book pile sticker included because the characters use book codes to share important information!

When you think "oh, I'll just read a few pages to see if I like it" and then you're on page 54.

I liked it but it was a bit predictable.

When all your library holds by one author come in at once.

For ghost story lovers, A novel with not only a great what-if but some prime twists towards it climax. (Have tissues ready.) A little plot drag in the middle but the ending gives a sense we may be in for more from Ginger and Co.

An amazing read. Kowal's writing of Regency fantasy was good; her take on World War I is fantastic.

I've enjoyed seeing everyone else's stats, so here are mine! The demographics may be off as I couldn't find much information about R. J. Astruc and I didn't include the DNF books. Which must be why this month looks so short...
#monthlystats

Delightful and beautiful!! Ghost Talkers is an alternate history set during WWII. The allies use mediums in the Spirit Corps. Each soldier that is killed in action is conditioned to report to the Spirit Corps for military intelligence purposes prior to "moving on". This book is not soft on the racism or the sexism of the time and has great moments of action, tension, tenderness, sadness and love. I would love to see a sequel!!

My feet are killing me - I probably walked a thousand kilometres at the store today. So now that I'm home, my feet are cozy in my Pikachu slippers and I'm not moving from this spot unless I have to crawl to the bathroom.

Worked the late shift tonight and now I'm relaxing with a good book and a glass of red wine. I'm only about 50 pages in and so far this book is delightful!

Fantastic. A must read for any fans of WWI literature or medium and ghost stories. I love how Kowal tied in real-life famous people and literary references as well!

I wish I'd bought this instead of getting it from the library so I could lend it to my mom. She would really enjoy it.

MRK wrote an engaging story set in a spiritualist division of the British Army during WWI. Not only are her characters diverse within the confines of the historical setting, but their diversity is essential to their roles in the narrative. I recommend this book (and audiobook) to absolutely everyone.

Since it's Remembrance Day, I thought I'd mention this WWI-set supernatural mystery about mediums who work for the British army taking reports from soldiers killed on the battlefield.

Must remember that last line :)

One of the things I loved about the Glamourist Histories was how Kowal introduced elements of mystery and espionage throughout the books. All of those elements are combined masterfully in Ghost Talkers, and the premise is fantastic. England has been using the ghosts of recently dead soldiers to gather intelligence in WWI, but the Germans are on to them. Does England have a traitor in her ranks?

My November #TBR not in any particular order. Windtalkers is a historical fantasy set in WW1 by Mary Robbinette Kowal. Replica is a YA story with two woven stories by Lauren Oliver. The Confederacy of Dunces meets my birth decade requirement for #ReadHarder, & has been sitting on my shelf, unread, for at least 20 years (not an exaggeration). I have started and put down the Golem & the Djinni at least 3 times, but I have faith that I can finish.

Fellow Litsians! Litites? Littens? What is our agreed upon collective noun? No matter. If you live in the Greater Salt Lake Area, the SLC Main Public Library is hosting their annual Monster Used Book Sale! Go forth and buy many books! It opens to the public Thursday morning at nine AM. #slc #slclitsy

Nyxnissa is very excited about her new acquisition sent by the lovely peeps at Pan Mac Australia.. She's a huge fan of Mary Robinette Kowal, so she can't wait to get started.. I'll be buying her the audiobook as well, because MRK narrates her own bookies! She's an incredibly talented performer! #catsoflitsy

My book inspectors.

I finished this one in July and can't stop thinking about it. #ghosts #wwi #historicalfiction

Eagerly awaited Ghost Talkers after hearing recommends on the Twitters, and it was as good as I hoped.

This is not a book I'd normally pick up (feels like it was written for the Downton Abbey or Outlander crowd), but the concept of the British Army using mediums during WWI to get field reports from recently killed soldiers grabbed me. Writing is intentionally old fashioned, but there are some nice bits challenging gender and racial politics of the day. If it turns into a series I probably won't keep reading, but as a one-off I enjoyed it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

It isn't Dr Whosday yet, but I want to point out that this book has a minor character named Lethbridge-Stewart AND a doctor described as having big curly hair, a large nose, and an impressive scarf. And look how he responds when asked where he's from 👆. Clearly, Mary Robinette Kowal is a Whovian...