Welcome to Litsy!

I did not care for this book at all and if it wasn‘t for it being a Bookclub book, I so would have dnf‘d it. Not my cup of tea… that‘s for sure!

A depressing but well written and well researched novel confronting injustice within the American justice system and the (most likely) poor, marginalized people serving long prison sentences. I felt invested in the stories of all the characters — but especially that of main character, Romy. I felt that if I‘d been born under different circumstances I could have been her.

I went to Barnes and Noble with my two youngest kids (9 and 21). I had a list of 8 books I wanted. They had two of them (Mars Room and The Naturals). The other three were impulse buys, and of course I couldn't leave without a new bookmark (or two). I could have spent all day, and a lot more money, but I was trying to show some restraint.

#bookhaul

3. Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash

#VolumesandVocals #June #music #rock #summer #summerreading #dark #prison
@Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

#incarceration
#maymontage

Thank you so much for this book @Cathythoughts I thoroughly enjoyed it! Read a chunk of it on a boat trip up in the Bay of Islands.
I have never read anything that made prison life so vivid and real. Romy‘s story and those of her fellow inmates were compelling. The POV of her prison tutor was interesting too - but the inclusion of sections from Kaczynski (the unabomber) seemed out of place. ⬇️

This one was a mixed bag for me. I found certain aspects of it and certain characters very compelling. But it felt too disjointed, moving between too many characters, and there was one recurring bit that just didn‘t make sense (it was never clear who was speaking). There‘s a terrific book buried in here, but this unfortunately isn‘t it.

This novel shows the ugly side not only of prisons, but also of proverbial sunny California. I didn‘t enjoy the book, but that‘s probably a good thing given the number of reprehensible characters. It sheds light on the “other” America that we must force ourselves to see if real social change is going to happen.

Seeing the less attractive side of San Francisco just a few pages in.

I really enjoyed this novel. Through the story of Romy Hall and her path to prison it paints a picture of a California that John Steinbeck or Woody Guthrie would recognize, a place of beauty and opportunity for those who are privileged enough to access it, but a trap, a Catch-22, for those who aren't. It's infused with a mix of hope and existential exhaustion.

A hike in the morning, a movie later this afternoon, and in between, I get to read and hang with Silo while spouse does homeschool with the children. Not a bad Friday.

Look what arrived @Cathythoughts ! Thank you so much. I‘m so excited to read this book, it sounds just like my sort of read 😍 And the CD! Your famous and talented husband. I‘m going to go hang in my sons room and borrow his CD player and listen to it this afternoon. Thank you so much, it is so kind of you! 💕💕

Reading this one for my international book club. It‘s a slow burn. Flowers are from my Head Teacher to say thankyou for all the over time I have been doing with the Higher School Certificate this year as a reader and writer for Year 12s that need special provisions.

This book was a bit of a mixed bag... the writing is really good, but the book gets repetitive at times and doesn‘t seem to have a plot; the characters are well-developed, but not very likable; the story is dark and sad, but has its moments of humor and hope. The great ending, together with the fact it was compelling enough that I couldn‘t stop listening, make it a pick.

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

At first the story seems disjointed, but it comes together in the end. The characters and setting are well developed that I found myself emotionally connected to the story. Systemic poverty is so pervasive in U.S. society that it helps keep the prisons full.

A story about a woman who is sent to prison on 2 life sentences for murder and the surrounding her life before and after her incarceration. Very reminiscent of Orange is the New Black, minus the dark humor. #arrcreads #botm

Its neither character or plot driven, the only thing driving this was my determination to finish it.
See my full review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2863580627

Fits a category :)

Go #TeamNutcracker !!! ❄️ #WinterGames

@Bookworm54 , @Clwojick , @StayCurious

1 point participation ⛄️

#WinterReadsBingo

Running total: 1,040

So for the most part I enjoyed it. It‘s heavy (I can do heavy) but the ended what losing me. Had to relisten a few times... then downloaded the ebook and read the ending to grasp it because it was tuning it out.., the author‘s tone was hard to engage at times) ... pick print over audio.

Go #TeamNutcracker !!! ❄️ #WinterGames

@Bookworm54 , @Clwojick , @StayCurious

1 point participation ⛄️+ 15 points #TBRRead= 16 points

Running total: 1,039

Currently reading

I‘d read Flamethrowers, so I thought I had a handle on Kushner‘s writing—but, it would seem that she is a literary shapeshifter. I enjoyed Flamethrowers, but loved The Mars Room. This book is truly a stunning achievement. A lot of research must have gone into this novel, as it feels utterly authentic. Wondering if Rachel spent time in stir. Big love.

So this was put on my #TBRRead after #Murderino Georgia mentioned it on #MFM podcast. This isn‘t a Holiday book but it will be my commute to and from book and shower book :)

This is the kind of poetry I love. This book has been on my TBR list for years!

We'll written book about the life of a prisoner...end seemed a bit rushed (which I hate), but it was good overall

I called to renew my car insurance today & the customer service rep asked me if I wanted to add life insurance.

I said “No, I couldn‘t. My husband would get someone to kill me for it then he‘d get a dirty cop to kill the hitman then my husband & the dirty cop would get arrested, & he‘d get someone to murder the cop in prison & I just couldn‘t have that blood on my conscience.”

Kidding! 😳😝 Plot line from tagged that I‘m rereading. Not a spoiler

A novel about Romy Hall. We met her as she is driven out the Stanville Women‘s Correctional Facility, and we get insight into her life in prison and her fellow inmates. We also get the story of how she ended up at Stanville.

The novel offers insight into the life in prison and what the inmates to to pass the time.

This scene reminds me of “Black Wings has my Angel” and the scene with Virginia.

Did you ever notice that women can seem common while men never do? You won‘t ever hear anyone describe a man‘s appearance as common. The common man means the average man, a typical man, a decent hardworking person of modest dreams and resources. A common woman is a woman who looks cheap. A woman who looks cheap doesn‘t have to be respected, and so she has a certain value, a certain cheap value.

[p. 24/25]

Next up

I‘m going to an author event on Wednesday where Kushner will be talking about this novel. It‘s probably time to start reading, right?

Finished up that Ruth Ware & grabbed this one to try. I noticed mixed reviews and I'm hoping the author's reading doesn't kill it for me. I know that can be dicey!! I pulled this out of a long list of Debbie Macomber, Jodie Picoult and naked people on covers... LOL, slim pickings if you're just looking for available audiobooks... or I'm a bit of a snob. Either way... 😤

What a heartbreakingly raw read. I can see how this isn‘t for everyone. Romy Hall is serving a life sentence and her story is told in chaotic flashbacks, which can make it an uncomfortable read; but for me it works. Her life is so messed up so the style fits; I was right there in the turmoil with her. This book consumed me; I feel a bit traumatised!!

I‘ve heard mixed reviews but I‘m looking forward to reading this one next. 👍🏻 #prison #letstravelaugust

The last book I read that takes place in a #prison. #letstravelaugust
👮🏻‍♀️⛓

I could not put this one down. Riveting and heartbreaking and raw. Such tragedy surrounds us in people‘s lives.

Apparently I just can‘t help myself at a used book store sale!

@britt_brooke I did like it! I thought Doc‘s storyline was superfluous but interesting. As someone who used to watched Locked Up and now watches Girls Incarcerated, this was kinda up my alley. I like the voice and perspective jumping. That‘s my thing, too. 4⭐️

#bfc #bfcr2 #goteam Managed to up my walking downtown tonight! Book 27/28

Going to start Rainbirds next, I think. #botmbacklog lol!

Reading this #BOTM from last year. At least I have my sushi book mark! I think those two are my favorites. 💜🍣💜

I loved this book although the change of perspectives was almost a bit unnecessary, I wish it had followed Romy all the way through in a way as Doc didn‘t add a lot. Overall all a very good read ,comes across as almost non-fiction. P.S. lovely to get back to Litsy for summer hot tub reads after the busy exam season :)

Even if we don‘t love a book, I think we often feel better for reading it because it takes us to some knowledge and understanding of lives different from our own. #ToB

I started this book while waiting for my mom at the hospital. What I really needed was a light read. I don‘t know what I was thinking, this is a depressing book. Still going though...

Audiobook. I'm impressed, this novel sounds like non-fiction. This is a story of a young woman sent to prison and her story. First heard of list from Anne Bogel's “What Should I Read Next“ podcast. Not for the weak of heart in some places. Glad I listened, it's a quick story. The narrator's voice wasn't my favorite but it did remind me the protagonist is a young person, which was good.

Next audiobook.

#MayMovieMagic #SpaceOddity I do have this book at home .. but I‘m not that inclined to pick it up 🤷🏻‍♀️

BOTM used to get #allmylove. Along with the #botmchallenge, I also had multiple accounts and constantly raves about the service. Sadly, it‘s gone downhill, and I have canceled my subscription multiple times. This is my current collection, which includes favorite titles and TBR. #anglophileapril

I wish this had stayed with Romys perspective. It started off really strong but then I didn‘t think the chapters from Doc or Gordon added anything at all. I love that it shows how effed up the prison system in the US is & the themes of choices, crime etc. but there was a disconnect for me in that I felt barely anything for the characters. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ #womensprize

A whole lot of What, not as much How, and very little Why. I found the premise interesting and was hoping that the story would actually go somewhere. But no. Just bleak vignettes of life in a California women‘s prison. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘To work at IHOP, you first go to Walmart or a place like it to get work shoes. Where you see if you didn‘t already know, that most of the adult-size shoes they sell are for working on construction sites, or in hospitals, prisons, restaurants, and schools. And the children‘s shoes are starter versions of the same. Waitress shoes and medical assistant shoes and work boots. Cheap factory knockoffs for people whose choices are to work these crap...‘