Welcome to Litsy!

I struggled to get into this at the start, the art world seemed rather impenetrable, filled with obnoxious, entitled people, mainly men. But then I realised that this is the whole point of the book and I ended up loving it almost* as much as I did Olga Dies Dreaming.

Anita is a rising star in the art world in 1985 when she is found dead. Raquel, a student of colour, feels out of her depth at Brown, until she meets an older very privileged ⬇️

Enthralling and infuriating

Book 176 of the year.

I loved the themes of the book and the humanness of the protagonists' feelings as well as their mirrored experience. The murky middle was indeed laggy, but I cared about the characters and the heart rending message enough to persevere, and I am glad I did.

I almost DNF‘d because it was very very slow early in, but ultimately ended up enjoying it.

Combining 2 timelines, Anita‘s inspiration & toxic marriage & Raquel‘s experience as an art student at Brown add commentary on who gets to leave a legacy, the systems of oppression continue to fuel themselves while claiming the doors are open &men who use women as accessories to validate themselves.

The ending wraps up a bit too quickly. But it was good.

#20in4 goals met! Thanks for Hosting @Andrew65

I almost skipped for the first time in my three years of being a #botm member.
June's picks were just not appealing to me.
I'm happy they offer older member faves as a secondary option and I went with the tagged as my main choice so that I could get the Ware as an add on.

I went to college for art history so the premise of Anita intrigues me. The 90s setting and reviewers mentioning themes of potential witchcraft sold me.

This is my third DNF in weeks, so maybe it‘s me. I know there was an important message here but I was just bored. Threw in the towel at around 30%.

#botm

I went back and forth in liking this book but I‘m happy I stuck with it. A good study on how a woman‘s success can easily be overshadowed, society‘s acceptance of diminishing a woman‘s talent, and how easily it can be to become lost in a relationship. #BOTM
Book 24 of 2024

This book certainly had flaws - there were important characters that lacked depth and nuance. It ended a little too neatly and easily. But it did address some important issues, and the overall story was fascinating. And I have to admit that despite the flaws, there were some deeply satisfying moments. Soft pick.

I listened to this on audible. It was loud and had a lot of extreme language. I almost gave up as I found it too stressful to listen to because of that. The jumping timelines also made me dizzy. However I‘m glad I persevered as it finally came together and the message and theme was ultimately great. However it did take a very long time to get to the point. Judge for yourselves.

Weaving together art history student Raquel‘s story in the 90s with artist Anita‘s starting in the 80s, this book explores art, gatekeeping, misogyny, and more with vibrant characters. Overall really good, though I have small quibbles. Anita is based on Ana Mendieta, and I feel like with this Gonzalez has given Ana the final word, which I love.

1. Watching the eclipse in a little bit if the clouds cooperate.
2. I am a beverage goblin, so I usually have 3 different beverages going at once. Gummy nerds are my current treat of choice.
3. With a bookmark. If that's not handy, I'll use any paper that's nearby.
4. Today I'm starting Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez. #litsymademedoit

#motivationalmonday

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Overall, this was a compelling read examining class, race, and gender inequities in the academia and art worlds. It was also interesting to go down an internet rabbit hole learning about Ana Mendieta, the Cuban artist whose life (in part) inspired Anita de Monte‘s character. Anita‘s sections were passionate, vivid, and urgent; I thought they were the most impactful. 🎧 #reesesbookclub

Come September I‘m able to nominate three books for consideration of my 2025 IRL Bookclub, and I may have a lock on my first nomination. This story was fascinating. I‘m left with so much to consider and talk about that I don‘t even know where to begin. Kudos for giving Frida Kahloa shout out because Anita was gave me Frida vibes all day long!

History repeats itself…and this book goes to show that white men really do rule the art world (like so many other things). It is truly sad how often minorities are written out of history, dialogue, movements. Well in this story, one Latina proves she will not let that happen.

#BOTM choices! I am curious about Shark Heart and it was the only one of the choices for #BOTY that I didn‘t have. The tagged sounds intriguing and of course I had to get the St James book! 📚

What did you choose?!

My cataloging cart is full of books coming out on Tuesday.🤩

March #botm selections for me! I have three of the main picks already via ARCs or pre-orders so I struggled to find a main pick this month. Maybe I‘ll be pleasantly surprised by this main pick which is definitely not one I would have picked normally.

Xóchitl González‘s sophomore novel stars strong, creative women of color. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#anita-de-monte-laughs-last

Publication is expected March 5.

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #AnitadeMonteLaughsLast

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned! Pero una Latina enojada es peor que todos los demonios en el infierno!

Xochitl Gonzalez does it again! Another great read from her! This story is set in the world of art in 1985. It goes back and forth from the tragic death of Anita de Monte and the struggles of Raquel, a third-year art history student in 1998. Art history, love, power between the genders, and a vengeful ghost!