Welcome to Litsy!

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

This post contains spoilers

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed

sblbooks Thanks for hosting again @megnews! I've already started a buddy read for next month, can't wait! 5y

megnews @sblbooks you‘re welcome! I hope to start it this evening. (edited) 5y

kspenmoll I enjoyed this book & our buddy read! Thanks for hosting. 5y

See All 8 Comments

megnews @kspenmoll thanks for reading with us! 5y

SaturnDoo Thanks @megnews for hosting. I know that most of you gave this a so-so rating. This is one of my 5 ⭐ all time favorites. I will even say it would be in my top 5. I read a lot of HF and this is definitely one of the better written ones, IMO, which isn't worth much 🤣 I feel like the events and characters force us not to just think but to critically think. I enjoyed the discussion questions and the responses. Thanks again!!! 5y

SaturnDoo My hold for March's book came in yesterday 😁 so I will be starting it probably tomorrow 5y

megnews @SaturnDoo thanks for joining us. I‘m glad you enjoyed it! Looking forward to Free Lunch discussion. (edited) 5y

Chrissyreadit Thanks @megnews I enjoy the thoughtfulness of your questions and everyone‘s responses. This was a good book for a buddy read, even though I did not like the book itself. 5y

4 likes8 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

This post contains spoilers

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

megnews To me this reminds me that you can‘t just say “war” and think of it as one big thing happening. In the same way each individual is going about their lives and affected by events around them, the same goes with war. War affects each soldier, each spouse, each child, each parent, each person and affects them each differently. 5y

Readswithcoffee I think this is similar to the last question. Most things in life have a bigger impact on those directly involved than those on the periphery. Human nature. Even if you can relate, empathize, and sympathize with a situation, it isn‘t the same as having it happen to you and your family. 5y

SaturnDoo I looked at this a little differently. "War happens to people" encompasses a very wide range of conflicts. Whether it be a war among countries, on crime, against drugs it does affect us one by one in many very different ways depending on if you are directly or indirectly involved. But however you are involved in "war l agree there is some kind of affect/impact on everyone. 5y

megnews @Readswithcoffee @SaturnDoo both great observations. 5y

Chrissyreadit Perhaps, also, war happens- meaning the people on the ground have no control over the conflict occurring. It steamrolls over one. 5y

4 likes5 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

This post contains spoilers

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

megnews I think this is like the removed feeling when a loved one dies. You feel like all the world should stop moving because it feels like yours did. Frankie experiences this on a grander scale knowing what was going on and coming back to apathy. She probably wanted to shake people and we‘ll “don‘t you know what‘s happening?!” 5y

Readswithcoffee It doesn‘t seem possible to have the same feelings about a war an ocean away as you would about a war in which bombs were blowing apart your neighborhood. Even if you are concerned, it‘s not the same. It would be frustrating to have experienced the war firsthand and come home to people going about their regular routines. 5y

SaturnDoo Once again, complacency would be determined by how one is involved. When Frankie came home she had experienced things that were unimaginable to those who had not seen first hand what she did. Even though the war was going on, the world couldn't just stop. Things at home still had to continue on as normal as possible. I'm sure she probably felt that the people at home didn't care although that wasn't the case. 5y

megnews @Readswithcoffee @SaturnDoo I agree with you both. I imagine Frankie had a very surreal feeling coming home. 5y

Chrissyreadit I think complacency is fairly common in cultures. 5y

4 likes5 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

This post contains spoilers

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

sblbooks I can see why he wouldn't want to tell. He's probably afraid of discrimination, considering everything that was happening to European Jews at the time I'm not surprised. 5y

megnews @sblbooks I agree. After experiences like that, how could you know who to trust? Also, there was quite a bit of anti-Semitism here then as well. 5y

kspenmoll @megnews @sblbooks Agree with you both. At that time there was plenty of anti -Semitism in the US. 5y

SaturnDoo Otto was a mysterious type individual. I think he didn't want to face any repercussions if anyone knew he was Jewish. Who could he trust? With everything that was going on, who could rightfully blame him for remaining silent. 5y

Chrissyreadit Interesting that it was scarier being Jewish than German. I wonder why he stayed there instead of going to NYC? 5y

4 likes5 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

This post contains spoilers

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

megnews I think gender influences reporting. We see things thru different experiences. Necessary though. I think female reporters are still scrutinized in sports reporting. 5y

SaturnDoo Yes. I think female reporters tend to be more emotional, sympathetic and empathetic. This may not always be the best practice and definitely isn't a sign of weakness, but shows the audience that they are compassionate about their stories which can work to their benefit. 5y

Chrissyreadit I think it would be interesting to have a blind study with comparison of male and female reporting. I also know there would be factors such as a women‘s desire for acceptance in a field that might change how she reports, but I think it would be fascinating to see what is focused on and responded to. 5y

5 likes3 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

This post contains spoilers

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

megnews Frankie growing up in NYC made her a progressive woman ready to see the world and make an impact. Emma being orphaned made her not want to be left and have a hard time being alone or abandoned. Will having an alcoholic father, I believe, made him a perfectionist and not able to deal with failure or crisis. 5y

kspenmoll @megnews You nailed it. Each person‘s environment & family situations & losses influenced who they became. 5y

SaturnDoo Their individual backgrounds definitely influenced who they became. It provided a means for strength and weakness in the situations they were in. I felt like they all were strong individuals in their own right. Had they not had these particular backgrounds I'm not so sure they would have had the personalities and strengths they had. 5y

Chrissyreadit I agree with all of you @megnews @kspenmoll @SaturnDoo 5y

5 likes4 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

This post contains spoilers

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

megnews Since historical fiction is my favorite genre, I see no drawbacks. 😂 I do see the novel was used to show the effect distance places on understanding events. (edited) 5y

sblbooks @megnews it's my favorite too. I can't imagine why anyone would think they would be drawbacks. I love historical fiction based on true events. 5y

kspenmoll I think@historical fiction helps you get a feel for a different time & place & how people may have lived & reacted in their times. 5y

See All 7 Comments

SaturnDoo Historical fiction is my favorite too. One drawback, that isn't my own, is a lot of readers want more factual based writing. Well, it's fiction. Some of the history is going to be a tad skewed to fit the story and characters. I have read a few HF books were it was so unbelievable that I didn't really like it. For the most part I have no drawbacks. I agree @kspenmoll 5y

SaturnDoo In a sense all novels could be considered historical especially if they are dealing with any past event, even if it happened yesterday. Yesterday is in the past. Novels that are set in the future could also be historical because in terms of the novel's timeline, it's the past. 🤷‍♀️ this is a tough question which really makes you step out of the box and critically think 🤣 5y

megnews @kspenmoll @SaturnDoo I learn so much from historical novels. Even though it‘s fiction, they give you so much to think about and history sheds light on the present. 5y

Chrissyreadit I love history. I think historical fiction gives us a place to feel and understand a space in time. It‘s also my favorite genre. 5y

5 likes7 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

This post contains spoilers

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

megnews The only thing I could think of is our generations pre-9/11 feeling of safety contrasted with post-9/11 fears. 5y

sblbooks @megnews Yes, that's a good parall. I hope we never have anything like World War II again! 5y

Readswithcoffee @megnews Good comparison 5y

See All 7 Comments

kspenmoll @megnews Good comparison. 5y

SaturnDoo @megnews that's a good comparison. 5y

megnews @sblbooks Unfortunately with the weapons we have today, I think another war would be shorter but even more devastating. 5y

Chrissyreadit Our country has been at war through all of our lifetimes. I think people are numb to the impact and experience because they are smaller war zones. It makes it difficult to understand Aleppo and events in places like North Korea or China. There have been genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda of the Rohynga . We have history and understanding of the past and still don‘t recognize it in front of us. 5y

5 likes7 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

This post contains spoilers

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

Readswithcoffee I think God works through people. However, there is evil in the world, hence, war.Again, actions have consequences, both positive and negative. 5y

kspenmoll I have always had trouble after an accident or catastrophe of some kind when those who survive say God was with them etc. Why them & not the others? 5y

SaturnDoo In times of trouble our faith in God is often wavered. I believe that God doesn't cause these bad things to happen, mankind does. Therefore mankind has to pay the consequences of the actions. I agree @Readswithcoffee 5y

Chrissyreadit I consider faith to be individual in experience for the most part. Because I am more agnostic and waver on Athiest Or Buddhist I think faith is a way to make sense of the world and experience. I do not discount anyone‘s belief- or faith- but recognize it is not a universal experience. So I saw truth in Thomas‘ experience and response. 5y

5 likes4 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

This post contains spoilers

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

sblbooks I don't believe life is a series of random accidents. There is a God that's in charge of it all but unfortunately, people don't always do what they should. We have free will, to do right or wrong. 5y

Readswithcoffee I don‘t think life is random. Actions have consequences. 5y

kspenmoll There is always a certain amount of life out of our control. That being said, we make choices and take actions throughout our lives that decide its trajectory. 5y

SaturnDoo I think everything happens for a reason. It's not just a series of random happenings.There is a God that has everything planned out years before it's ever thought about by man. When situations are brought to light, we have to make a decisions,right or wrong, and deal with the consequences of our actions. 5y

Chrissyreadit I think both could be true. 5y

4 likes5 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

This post contains spoilers

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

sblbooks Yes, she should have delivered it.Even if her intentions were good I don't think good can come from a lie. 5y

megnews I agree iris should have delivered it. Will had entrusted her to. She was the closest friend Emma had so the news should have been broken by her. I understand she didn‘t want anything to risk the baby though. But the not knowing is often harder. 5y

Readswithcoffee She should have delivered the letter. It wasn‘t her call to make. 5y

kspenmoll I agree with you all- she should have delivered the letter. Then Iris would have closure,not have to live & hope. 5y

Chrissyreadit Yes she should have delivered it. 5y

5 likes5 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

This post contains spoilers

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed

sblbooks Yes, I think she did fail, along with the postmistress! 5y

megnews @sblbooks I had a different take on this. I feel like delivering the news is different than not being able to be the person to tell an individual that they‘ve lost someone. 5y

sblbooks @megnews You have a good point. 5y

See All 7 Comments

kspenmoll I think it really wasn‘t necessarily her place to Say he was dead; the postmistress was playing God- did she think it was protective? Not sure of her motivation for hiding the letter. 5y

megnews @kspenmoll the only thing I could think was she was worried she‘d lose the baby. 5y

megnews @kspenmoll right. Because honestly how many people would have even gone to her town? With so much devastation, how could you communicate to everyone? One might have assumed the news would reach her some other way. 5y

Chrissyreadit @megnews @sblbooks @kspenmoll I think that was the authors attempt at portraying a combination of human frailty and compassion, without evidence they were compassionate caring people throughout the story. 5y

5 likes7 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

This post contains spoilers

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

FashionableObserver It‘s a double-edged sword. On one hand, it‘s nice to be able to be in the know but, on the other hand, no one should hear news about a family member‘s death on television. For example: the Kobe Bryant helicopter crash. It was reported by TMZ before all families impacted were notified. If you knew your mom/dad/loved one was flying with Kobe that day, that‘s how you found out they‘d likely died. That‘s not okay. (edited) 5y

marleed Yes, I think we are better off but we‘ve blurred the lines of investigative reporting and pundits. I don‘t believe 24/7 media stations have helped - actually I think they‘ve harmed and divided. Perhaps if a media company only had an hour in a day to report a story, we would receive better information. 5y

SaturnDoo I rarely watch/listen to the news. No, I don't think we are better off. There are entirely too many media companies reporting the news and none of them tell the same story alike. Therefore we get skewed information that keeps us divided as a whole. So much false news, news that shouldn't be news and just plain gossip. I wish the news today was like it was back in the good ole days. 5y

See All 14 Comments

SaturnDoo @FashionableObserver I agree. My mom tells me all these stories about fatalities etc that she hears on the news. I finally told her I don't want to hear it, that shouldn't even be on the news. That's got to be heart wrenching to those families involved. But today's society thrives on that 😭😢 5y

megnews @FashionableObserver I agree with your comments. Our local paper had gotten to where they were reporting local accidents within minutes with pictures online. I often thought how awful it would be to see & find out like that! 5y

megnews @marleed @SaturnDoo the 24 hour news leads to guessing and conjecture. I think of every school shooting. The numbers reported wounded go up and up WHILE it‘s going on. We finally get the real story when we used to—when there are facts to report. 5y

sblbooks No we're not! @SaturnDoo I'm with you! @FashionableObserver and @megnews agreed, that would be terrible to find out that way. One news reporter was suspended from ABC for reporting inaccurate information, trying to be first in stead of getting the facts. 5y

Readswithcoffee Yes and no. I think today‘s news outlets are so concerned with breaking a story that they don‘t bother with confirming information. As a result, a lot of misinformation is presented as factual. Correcting misinformation is very difficult. 5y

megnews @Readswithcoffee I agree! 5y

kspenmoll @marleed Totally agree! 5y

Chrissyreadit @FashionableObserver @marleed @SaturnDoo @megnews @sblbooks @Readswithcoffee @kspenmoll Yellow journalism has been popular since the It began- I believe coverage of the Spanish American war was spotty. The newspapers of the early part of the twentieth century used sensationalism to sell papers. The Newseum does a great class on its history and how to tell the difference. Unfortunately the lines between entertainment and news have blurred. It comes 5y

Chrissyreadit Down to understanding how information is given and what the motivation of that provider is to determine a valid news source. I am grateful today because many important issues would have been hidden if we did not have this technology available. 5y

megnews @Chrissyreadit side note: did you hear the Newseum closed Dec 31? I hadn‘t gotten a chance to visit yet and I was disappointed to hear it. 5y

Chrissyreadit @megnews I did not hear that! I hope they will find another building- and consider it scary that it was not supported to remain open until that happened. It is an excellent museum and the educational programs were also excellent. 5y

4 likes14 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

This post contains spoilers

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

FashionableObserver I‘ve never thought it was possible to do those things. At least not with stories that have real meaning. If they have meaning, they have depth, so *really* getting in requires time. You can‘t just pop in and find everything. If you are an empath, the stories are going to stick with you. If you cover a story with heart, there‘s no way you can leave it behind. 5y

SaturnDoo I don't think the whole story is ever gotten, especially if you aren't directly involved, and even then I'm not sure one could know the whole story. Getting out would not be easy either if it's something you're compassionate about. 5y

megnews @FashionableObserver @SaturnDoo i agree. There‘s so many “sides” or facets to a story one person could never get it all. You can‘t unsee things so you would carry it with you forever. 5y

See All 9 Comments

sblbooks @FashionableObserver @SaturnDoo Well said. We will never truly understand, unless you lived it. 5y

Readswithcoffee If you have ever seen media coverage of an event with which you are directly involved, you learn quickly that news coverage oftentimes doesn‘t really reflect the situation at all. It makes you question the veracity of everything you see/read. 5y

kspenmoll @FashionableObserver Good points. It is difficult to cover a story that has to be quick- I think Frankie trued to bring the daily blitz experience as best she could to the radio but how could she rver capture it? 5y

megnews @kspenmoll agreed. 5y

Chrissyreadit Perspective and perception is everything. I also think it changes significantly when experienced vs observed vs learned about. I think of how significant 9/11 was in my life, still different from my family of first responders who were in NYC and different from my children today who know it happened, but do not have the emotional response. It‘s interesting how a good book can explore depth or a a lengthy documentary- but summary never will. 5y

FashionableObserver @kspenmoll right! 5y

5 likes9 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

marleed I often wondered what it would be like to gather as a family around a radio and listen to the news. I suppose at the time it was faster than waiting for print and a way to experience the same information as a community and a nation at the same time. And then of course there was that voice of Edward R Murrow! 5y

SaturnDoo I think one of the main differences is the fact that back then they didn't have all the resources we have today. So when the news came on everyone gathered around to listen because that was their one chance to find out what was happening in the world especially since not everyone could afford newspapers. I feel like more people paid attention to news broadcasts then than now. 5y

SaturnDoo I also think back then broadcasters put more emotion/feeling into their voices which would probably be frowned upon today. Yes, I think the human voice does convey emotions that the printed word can't. I also feel that the printed word often is misinterpreted by readers. You can't also determine the writers tone of voice. Is the writer being mean, rude, sarcastic, angry, happy etc. 5y

See All 10 Comments

SaturnDoo @marleed I know what you mean. It's often depicted that way on older tv shows such as The Waltons and other such shows. 5y

megnews @marleed @SaturnDoo it had to be amazing to be able to get news as fast as they could over radio. I recall when you could only watch news at noon, 6 & 11. Pre cable, cnn, & all day coverage so it had to be an experience getting the news. I agree written journalism conveys much less feeling than hearing the observers emotions through their voice. (edited) 5y

sblbooks I agree with @SaturnDoo radio was much more personal with more emotion. We have been desensitized today. 5y

Readswithcoffee Agree with @SaturnDoo. Also, with our 24-hour news cycle, many events are sensationalized unnecessarily. This has several consequences including desensitization and lack of trust in the media. I would think with limited resources, you would trust your broadcaster more. 5y

kspenmoll I do think listening to news makes you create your own pictures in your mind, and there can be a connection to the voice & the emotions it conveys- without 24 hour news blitz like we have now, there is more time to process. 5y

Chrissyreadit I remember listening to news on the radio. My grandma always played the radio. Our little TV was black and white, a handful of channels and depended on our rabbit ear antennas working. Also we listened in the kitchen. I still play Alexa in my kitchen with the news. @megnews @SaturnDoo @marleed I like the feeling of the radio and think it built community. 5y

megnews @Chrissyreadit I agree. Even pre-internet and cable, I remember being at my grandparents and the 6:00 news was a big deal. Everyone sat around and you HAD to be quiet. It wouldn‘t be on again til 11. Now I can look at news on my phone in the dining room while my kids do in their rooms. You no longer have to gather around and watch it. 5y

21 likes10 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

26 likes

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

Discussion tomorrow! I‘ll post questions around 11 AM EST. If you can‘t join then post later. We‘ll check back.

#OverBookedClub

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

Crazeedi I'll be gone all day, hopefully catch up with you Sunday!! 5y

megnews @Crazeedi sounds good! I‘ll check back in! 5y

32 likes2 comments

Chrissyreadit

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

so-so

This was neither a pick nor a so-so. I would prefer It‘s complicated. I did not like any of the main characters. I did love the many characters with peripheral appearances. Sarah Blake is talented- I was fully invested in those side stories that went no where and disappeared. I did not like the beginning or then end... but I had to finish it. #overbookedclub

megnews “It‘s complicated.” Great response! 5y

marleed Yeah, it‘s a weird thing when your more invested in a supporting story than the primary narrative. 5y

83 likes2 comments

Readswithcoffee

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

so-so

I feel like I missed something with this book. The premise was good, but the ending was unsatisfactory. Did I miss something? That whole “the story knew” thing just didn‘t seem to fit the main story. #overbookedclub @megnews

46 likes

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

so-so

Finished up on audio. I agree with others from #OverBookedClub who felt this book left something to be desired. A more accurate title would be The Reporter as I find Frankie to be the main character & one I enjoyed most. It seemed disjointed & not quite sure how to end.
👇🏻

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

megnews Finally, while it got better as it went on, the frequent use of g—damn & Jesus Christ at the beginning was a turnoff. I can tolerate all types of cussing but not so much of that. It didn‘t seem necessary to tell the story. 5y

TheBookHippie I had to bail 🤣🤣🤣 🤷🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️ 5y

megnews @TheBookHippie you‘re in good company. @CoffeeNBooks did too! Possibly others as well. 5y

See All 8 Comments

CoffeeNBooks @megnews @TheBookHippie I wanted to like the book, but there were too many storylines and too many characters. 😂 5y

TheBookHippie @CoffeeNBooks 🤣👏🏼🤷🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️ so many problems 🤯 5y

sblbooks @megnews I agree with everything you said. 5y

Crazeedi @megnews I agree with the cussing. I would give a 3 star rating, it had lots of potential just wasn't fully there 5y

Chrissyreadit Yes. 5y

44 likes2 stack adds8 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

Chrissyreadit I think our current culture demonstrates this too. 5y

Hooked_on_books Especially if that lie supports their worldview. 5y

marleed Gosh, wouldn‘t it be lovely if this statement was shocking. 5y

43 likes3 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

My Gran spoke of Victory Gardens and aluminum drives but I never pictured it like this.
Historical fiction makes history more tangible.
It‘s so odd to think of the difference between war then and conflicts now.

#OverBookedClub

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

Crazeedi Every citizen was invested in the war effort. We have lost our ability to do the same, maybe because a war has been going on for way way way too many years, sadly 5y

45 likes1 comment

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

Next up in audio.
I don‘t usually do book club books on audio but I‘m getting anxious about closing out current reads before #MiddleGradeMarch. I usually carry books over but want to focus on middle grade next month.
So I‘m switching over to audio on this one #OverbookedClub.

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

SaturnDoo I'm excited about #middlegrademarch 😊 I have a lot on my tbr & books I own that I would like to make a big dent in. 5y

megnews @SaturnDoo me too!! 5y

55 likes1 stack add2 comments

BookNAround

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

Finally started this buddy read (better late than never, eh?) and even captured both Ozzie and Gatsby bonding over it. @megnews @sblbooks

NeedsMoreBooks Love your furry friends 🐶😻 5y

megnews Glad you could join! 5y

TheHeartlandBookFairy I read this book last year and I really enjoyed it! 5y

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Awwww ❤️❤️ 5y

LeahBergen They‘re so sweet. 💕 5y

76 likes1 stack add5 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

This post contains spoilers

Today marks the halfway point of the book. Heading into the third week. I‘ve noticed some have finished and reviewed, some may have bailed.
What do you think about the question above from this week‘s reading?
#OverBookedClub

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

Chrissyreadit I‘m about half way- the characters have been hard for me to like and I‘m not sure why. Although in a couple lines I loved Maggie‘s family. It was odd. I think Will was trying to redeem himself and prove he was not bad- while simultaneously running away out of guilt. And being thoughtless about his own wife. 5y

Crazeedi Yes I had to finish as it was an ebook, and I absolutely loved it. So different from a ww2 book you normally read. It does take a bit to get used to her writing style. But well worth reading! 5y

Crazeedi And Will had leftover guilt from his fathers downfall, so his failure made him run, just so happened when they listened to radio each day, I think that's what came to mind. He might be redeemed if he went 5y

See All 6 Comments

Readswithcoffee I agree with @Chrissyreadit. I think his guilt was overwhelming. And since he was in a small town, he couldn‘t really hide from it. I think he was running away from his guilt and hoped to gain a sense of redemption. 5y

sblbooks I agree with everyone! Will was guilt-ridden, and was trying to make up for it somehow. 5y

kspenmoll Yes, so guilt ridden about her death & he was so sure he would make up for his father‘s “sins” in town then suddenly he was, in his eyes, like his father. He was looking for redemption. Maggie‘s love was not enough. @Crazeedi @Chrissyreadit @Readswithcoffee @sblbooks 5y

7 likes6 comments

kspenmoll

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

Tanisha_A 💔 5y

57 likes1 comment

kspenmoll

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

#radio #LindonBlitz #FrankieBard #Overbookedclub

This may be hard to read but it‘s worth the effort. Frankie Bard, an American radio broadcaster in London, recounts German bombing in London streets, now a way of life. “Keep calm and carry on” the new motto. She speaks to a new definition of a hero- those everyday people who weep, then pick themselves up and keep going.

49 likes

kspenmoll

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

#overbookedclub #coffeeandbooks
A reading break after my annual physical. 📚🥰☕️

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

79 likes1 stack add

Crazeedi

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

pick

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I like when a book doesn't follow the normal build up to an expected outcome. The book is set in 1941, before America enters the war.Blake writes the story of the tragedy of war. Frankie, a reporter for a NYC paper broadcasts from Murrow's microphone in England. She then experiences first hand what happens when people are forced from their homes and are fleeing for their lives ahead of atrocities. Meanwhile Iris, the postmaster in a small

Crazeedi town on the coast of New England, makes sure the mail is cared for every day. Her job is part of the lifeblood of a town (before technology changes everything), she watches as the cost of war takes a toll on the people of her town, even before America has entered it. Dr Will flees to London to atone for his perceived mistake, and leave a pregnant Emma behind. Their daily letters are all that connect them across the seas. 5y

Crazeedi The course of each character in this story inevitably collide. War affects more than the soldiers in the battles. I highly recommend this book. 5y

Crazeedi @Megabooks I finished this because I had to return!! 5y

See All 22 Comments

BlameJennyJane Sounds great! I don‘t do a ton of historic fiction and even less if it relates to war but this just sounds amazing! Stacked! 5y

Crazeedi @BlameJennyJane its very very different, I really liked it 5y

CarolynM I'm convinced. Stacked. 5y

Crazeedi @CarolynM @BlameJennyJane let me know your opinion. Make sure you read past the first bit. It takes a bit to get the flow, but then it flows!! 5y

BlameJennyJane @Crazeedi I will hold out for the flow! 😊 5y

marleed I want more Jackie and Edward R Murrow! You are right about how war time touches everyone. I think I loved (I‘ll tag) because it highlighted how a community finds ‘normal‘ in the midst of war.

SaturnDoo This is one of my all time favorites ❤❤❤ I want to see what you think too @CarolynM Just know going in this book requires time to let everything sink in. It will make you think and ponder. It starts slow and can be a bit confusing but it's worth it. 😊 5y

EadieB @Crazeedi I read that as an ARC in 2010 and discussed it on Barnes and Noble with a visit from the author. I loved it! (edited) 5y

sblbooks I'm glad you liked it. 5y

Crazeedi @sblbooks dang, I forgot to tag you! I apologize!!!🙄❤ 5y

Crazeedi @marleed the book you tagged was a really great read! 5y

Crazeedi @SaturnDoo as you said, I was a bit confused at first, but as I read more the book drew me in @CarolynM 5y

Crazeedi @EadieB that's very neat! Have you read this one by author? I started it but it went back before I finished, i need to get it again

The Guest Book: A Novel

EadieB @Crazeedi No but it does look good! 5y

Crazeedi @EadieB it's another one that jumps back and forth, and definitely not the normal war story 5y

gradcat Great review! Hope you are doing well!! Miss you...♥️ 5y

marleed Ooh, I stacked The Guest Book. It sounds great! 5y

Crazeedi @gradcat I'm still here! I miss you dear friend, sending you an email... 5y

Crazeedi @marleed it's another one that takes a bit to get into 5y

87 likes6 stack adds22 comments

marleed

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

so-so

A third of this book was fascinating - female war correspondent working in London for ER Murrow captures stories of civilians in wartime. Unfortunately, that story was secondary to the premise of the book - the quandary of when compassion trumps responsibility. It‘s a valuable discussion, the writing is beautiful, but I thought the delivery was lacking.

#OverBookedClub @megnews

marleed About this pic! Some 40+ years ago I found this cigar box in the trash. It contained letters my dad (mostly) wrote to my mom when he was a young WWII soldier and she a college student. She died when I was a toddler and he must have decided it was finally time to let those letters go. 5y

marleed Well I found them when I was 12 or 13, retrieved them, hid them from everyone, even took them to my out-of-state college. I probably had them 15 years before I told him or my sisters about them. And even then, they were in Montana and the letters were safely in Kansas. Seemed fitting to own up to that with the reading of this book. I still think I did the right thing!
5y

Chrissyreadit That‘s a lovely piece of family history. Perhaps helped you to know your parents better. 5y

See All 15 Comments

marleed @Chrissyreadit Oh yes, I have no memory of my mother - just stories. This box is a treasure. I wish I had the letters she had written! One letter is the response from another guy to her Dr John letter when she chose my father over him - lucky me! 5y

Megabooks That‘s such a cool story!! I‘m so glad you have those memories of your mom. 💕💕💕 I think you meant to tag @megnews though. 5y

marleed @Megabooks Oh Geez, I‘m sorry! I‘ll edit. Haha - thanks for reading my story! 5y

wanderinglynn What a neat treasure! ❤️ 5y

marleed @wanderinglynn Years later those letter created a trail allowing us to piece together bits of stories and other objects of her past. It was even of great interest to the grandchildren she would never know! ...That Dear John letter went to a soldier turned pro baseball player and manager of the NY Yankees. We found a baseball from his before famous days in my brothers possessions at my brother‘s passing. 5y

wanderinglynn Wow! What a beautiful story. You should take those letters and write a narrative to make them into a story about getting to know your mom. ❤️ 5y

marleed @wanderinglynn Lol. A sister and I have fun thinking up our piece of fiction inspired by those letters. BTW, the coaster in front is the signature my dad developed as a young soldier. I was so use to seeing it that I was 15 before I saw the soldier in his name. I had it printed on coasters for my sisters on his 100th Birthday. 5y

wanderinglynn I think it sounds like an excellent novel. Y‘all should write it! And that is so cool. What an artistic signature. 5y

megnews I‘m similarly focused on one aspect of the story. So glad you shared this story and pics. I have a stack of letters my grandfather sent my grandmother when he was a mechanic in the Air Corps during WWII. Glad you salvaged those. Such a treasure! 5y

marleed @megnews it wasn‘t until I finished the book that I realized I had my story with WWII letters. Oh very cool you have letters written by your grandfather! 5y

kspenmoll What a treasure trove! I am so happy that you have the letters, and that they have given you a sense of your mother. 5y

marleed @kspenmoll Oh thank you. I do love them. I sometimes think about my 12-13 yr-old dumpster-diving self and wonder if I could have ever known that I would treasure that stealthy act some 40+ years later! 5y

76 likes1 stack add15 comments

sblbooks

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

so-so

⭐⭐⭐
#OverBookedClub @megnews
I didn't like this one as well as I'd hoped. I didn't care about most of the main characters, they were not developed enough. What do you think? Agree or disagree?
Pros
The cover is beautiful.
Frankie's time in Europe, on the train.
Cons
The rest of the book.

megnews I‘m halfway through. Reserving judgement til I finish and I‘ll post a review. I‘m enjoying the Frankie storyline and it‘s going by pretty quick for me. I do have a reservation about the book though. 5y

Coleen Agree. I was disappointed in this one. 😕 5y

KarouBlue I‘m about 80% in. It‘s definitely not as compelling as I‘d hoped. A shame given it started off strong. 5y

Chrissyreadit I‘m struggling. 5y

thereadingowlvina I couldn't get into this one. I DNF on this one 😣 5y

32 likes5 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

💔

#OverBookedClub

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, CoffeeNBooks, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

kspenmoll Wonderful quotes! Ate these all in First section or have you moved on? 5y

megnews @kspenmoll I‘m in the second section now. 5y

Crazeedi @megnews @kspenmoll I'm 2/3 way through, the writing is very intense. Going to try to finish this weekend because book goes back soon! Very good pick. Frankie in Europe is powerful 5y

47 likes3 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

😢

#OverBookedClub

(Sorry for inundating you with quotes from this book. I‘ve highlighted so many good ones.)

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, CoffeeNBooks, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

TheBookHippie There are... amazing it‘s all relevant right? 5y

37 likes1 comment

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, CoffeeNBooks, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

TheBookHippie What every refugee is thinking .. 5y

33 likes1 comment

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

If only this was still the journalist‘s creed.

#OverBookedClub

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, CoffeeNBooks, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

TheBookHippie If only. 5y

kspenmoll Yes! 5y

Crazeedi I wish that were still true 5y

Chrissyreadit Sometimes it is. The difference between good journalism and yellow journalism. 5y

33 likes4 comments

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

This is the resounding sense when reading books about war, especially WWII—the ability physical distance has to emotionally distance us and carry on as normal.

#OverBookedClub

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, CoffeeNBooks, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

TheBookHippie So incredibly gut wrenching. They round up people here too ICE kids are torn from parents people live in fear. It‘s unfathomable and people say well they deserve to .. 😭 5y

31 likes1 comment

The Postmistress | Sarah Blake

So frustrating knowing the despair and devastation this caused.

#OverBookedClub

FashionableObserver, Crazeedi, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, BookNAround, thereadingowlvina, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, CoffeeNBooks, sblbooks, marleed, Readswithcoffee

TheBookHippie In Detroit right now for migrant immigration they are hearing cases from 2001...let that sink in. That‘s the backlog . 5y

40 likes1 comment