Welcome to Litsy!

From “Saving Ruby King”

#CatherineAdelWest

#BlackLiterature

#Fiction

#Blackgirlswhoread

Happy #IndigenousPeoplesDay 🤎

When she gives you the “r u fr” face 😒

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I wasn't sure if I would like this book because it centers around a church; I am not religious and I was afraid of a preachy subtext. I need not have worried. It was the perfect book of people just being people and a great example of how generational pain is passed on. It was more than your average thriller, but it did have some very shocking moments. I highly recommend this. Trigger warnings abound!

I liked that Calvary Hope (the church) was a narrator. Gave an interesting view on interactions between characters and scenes only the church was witness to (such as someone seeking solace after an abusive encounter). The characters though...a bit stilted and stereotypical in some ways. Like someone explaining “this is what they‘re like, but I tell you so you‘ll feel sympathetic.” General mystery behind her mom‘s death was well paced throughout.

This book did not live up to my expectations. There was a lot of telling and not showing in character development. I like books where characters are developed through their actions and thoughts. Things happened too fast. Characters would meet up and all of a sudden they are confessing things to each other, or they change their mind on an issue and we don't see any inner conflict over it. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Explores how physical/emotional/sexual abuse can haunt and imprison family members via a cycle of violence that repeats generation after generation. Illustrates the ways in which adults and the church turn a blind eye to abuse, allowing it to continue unabated with no protection provided for those most vulnerable. Eloquently shows the power of friendship forged during childhood. Set in Southside Chicago. Sentient church building is a character.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The author follows 2 families and how decisions made in the past affect future generations. Such a good book that made me think and will still with me for a while.

Excited about starting this one today. Book description from Goodreads.

On sale today at audible. This is a good one guys. One of the best of the year for me.

You can read my review here

https://reecaspieces.com/2020/06/15/saving-ruby-king-by-catherine-adel-west-revi...

Got our tree up!

This isn‘t a light read but it is really lovely— forgiveness, family love, and how history of abuse can resonate.

Also, this is a very Chicago book! I approve. I‘ve read so many books focused on NYC in the past few years that it‘s lovely to read a book so specifically Chicago.

#feastmode

About halfway through this audiobook already! I‘m enjoying it, though it‘s a sad story with lots of trauma in it.

On a happier note, decorating this morning! Hope you‘re getting in the holiday spirit #feastmode

My hold for this audiobook just came in! Perfect timing. I‘m heading out on a walk with a thermos of mulled wine to listen to it.
#feastmode

This is a great debut. There‘s a lot going on, a pretty big cast of characters, and a ton of abuse, so maybe not for everyone. But I liked the way the author weaved in and out of the different timelines, and she gave deep perspective on inherited abuse, and how it winds through families and communities.

Don‘t worry Sietje, the book won‘t touch you. 😂
#petsoflitsy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Y‘all! This is one of the best books I have read this year. It is on sale today at amazon and Barnes and Nobel. GRAB It! You will not be sorry

I feel like I am in the minority here, but I was just not enjoying this one at all. I had no idea what was going on.

It‘s hard to believe this is a debut. It‘s excellent. But not for the faint-hearted. Lots of secrets and betrayals which impact families for generations until it all blows up. It was also really interesting to read a story that takes place on the south side of Chicago- which feels like a different city than the one I live in. I also felt like she has mastered storytelling while making important points about society.

#currentlyreading

Oh my goodness @LibrarianRyan what a wonderful surprise! I‘m so stoked to have won a prize for the #BBRC Challenge! I had so much fun reading for all of the categories. It was a brilliant challenge.

I love everything! This book was on my TBR. The book hugger is so cool, the inner fabric is really pretty too. And I will enjoy the bookmarks. Purple was a good color choice for a mask for me. And you‘re so generous to include even a gift card.

I didn't like this book as much as I expected/hoped to based on content and reviews.

My favorite aspect was the theme of oral storytelling in the Black community (not uncommon; quite important in several societies).

The story was overwhelmingly bleak and depressing (in each generation). It's also a bit of a slog, with, for instance, Lebanon/Jackson‘s secret revealed to readers at ~46%. Other potential twists were easier to predict (sadly).

I went for my one book that I had on hold. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

#libraryhaul #noselfcontrol

Soubhi, look what has arrived! I‘m super excited for this one—thank you so much! The fun part is that it actually shipped from Oregon. I love it! 😁

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book should come with a serious trigger warning for self harm, abuse, and domestic violence. With that being said it is a very well written book told from the point of view of the main characters, one even happens to be the church itself. I‘m not sure how I feel about this book bc it became a LOT to handle and all at one time. I can‘t recommend this one bc of the content but all in all it is worth a read. #litsy #blackauthors

My June wrap up is on my blog. Check it out. These are just a few of the amazing books I read in June. What were some of your favorite reads for June? https://reecaspieces.com/2020/07/02/june-escapes-and-escapades-junewrapup-wrapup...

So this little gem is what I‘m listening to. I am the type to listen to a book and then have a physical one that is different at the same time. Nonetheless, I chose this one based due to the political climate and so far I‘m pretty impressed. Usually these kinds of books are a lot to digest but her storytelling is nothing short of amazing. #litsy #politics #blackauthors

1. Getting ready to start the tagged book. There are been a lot of buzz about it on bookstagram.
2. The Rainbow Fish
3. Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner. I loved Jo and Emma!!!

#weekendreads @rachelsbrittain

Took the kids to the bookstore today and we picked a book each. 4 in all. I picked the tagged book. #blackoutbestsellerlist

Much anticipated!

If you read one book this year...it should be this one. OMG! It is fantastic. And profound!!!