Welcome to Litsy!

I‘m surprised that 1984 is the Orwell book that‘s had so much recent traction when this allegory of authoritarianism and the corruption of power is just incredibly timely. I‘m so glad I finally read this and appreciate the reminder that none of this is new.

Narnia for adults, in a way. I love Lewis‘ ability to articulate difficult mysteries in an understandable way yet without robbing them of their ineffable-ness.

#poetrymatters
#valor
@TheSpineView

#AboutABook #ShortButPowerful

The art and red letters on this book reminds me of ‘Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark‘ (one of my childhood, teen, and adult favorites). This is a short but powerful and haunting book; it also serves as a warning to the reader, no matter their age. When fascism comes, speak up, no matter what. The time is always now.

It‘s been quite a bit since I was a children‘s librarian, but I still like reading picture books from time to time. Recently there was one of those “help me find this book based on this vague description” posts on librarian FB and at the end of the, I realized I was not at all familiar with this Eve Bunting book… and now I am. Great message, a little scary and sad (it is an allegory about the Holocaust), excellent illustrations.

https://youtu.be/wpAjvGy_7gA?feature=shared

10 June 24 (audiobook)
I had forgotten how much I love this ‘fairy story‘. I love so many of the characters: Boxer, Clover, Snowball and, most of all, Benjamin. I do wonder which I would be. And it tells so many truths. Orwell himself may not be a very likeable character but this really is a masterpiece. And Stephen Fry‘s narration is, of course, perfect.

#StorySettings Day 22: This illustrated version of Animal #Farm by Ralph Steadman is a keeper. This 50th anniversary edition also contains Orwell‘s unpublished preface to the original edition and his preface to the 1947 Ukrainian edition. Both appendices clearly referenced the historical zeitgeist that inspired Orwell to write this story. My review: https://wp.me/pDlzr-dBh

Last 2023, I‘ve challenged myself to read 1 book per month for 12 months. So proud of myself for being able to accomplish this despite my busy-ness these days. When I was younger, I was a voracious reader. Now, I need to schedule my reading time so this was quite a feat for me.