Welcome to Litsy!

Took a recent trip to Lancaster, PA for a quiet anniversary weekend that included a visit to Pocket Books Shop and Dog Star Books. Tea, McCullers, and Pavic will all be first-time reads for me. I never heard of Dictionary of the Khazars before, but apparently, it was a bestseller in 1983. Weirdly, there is a 'male' and 'female' version that are the same except for 17 lines? Could be a weird gag, but sounded interesting otherwise.

I put this book as aSo-So for various reasons: somewhat dated; plot very convoluted; too many “bad “people especially men, after the protagonist for various reasons.Annie,the protagonist is very likable, and there were definitely witty moments, but all in all it was just OK. #AnArtLoversMystery #TBR #StoryGraph #2025OffMyShelfReadingChallenge #bookpublishedover10yearsago

Late morning coffee, an apple croissant, journal writing & a book. Beautiful, 74 degrees, blue skies with a smattering of cloud, bird song. Contentment. ☕️🥐📘📚🌞☁️🐦

Another fantastic Kate Quinn. Set in the few weeks leading up to the 1906 San Fran earthquake and proceeding days and months. It follows 4 women from different backgrounds that come together for a common cause. The historical research is fabulous.
Kate Quinn is always a pick.

Superb

May 11, 2025 Happy Mother's Day to all the hardworking fearless strong compassionate mothers out there who do EVERYTHING for their kids. Today I am starting this TBR. I sort of started it but never finished it so I am re-reading it again.

A while since I delved into the world of
28 Barbary Lane and with Aids now having begun its impact the 'family' Michael at a loss enjoys a London flat exchange with a naval officer awol from the Royal yacht. Mary Ann and Brian, meanwhile, are unsure about trying for a baby as Mary Anne's TV career blossoms. Loved it and love this community. I'll try not to leave so long until the next.

Both read for #AuthorAMonth. I‘ve already posted about The Rose Code.
The Phoenix Crown didn‘t pull me in right from the start but I‘m glad I gave it a chance. Set around the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, it follows the story of four women. Last year I read another book about this event, Outrun the Moon by Stacy Lee (#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD), & loved it! I think once I stopped comparing this book to that one, it was more enjoyable.

#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

Pick - while the plot is a bit slow/steady - the women at the center of the story & their friendship is just so lovely and wholesome. I‘d read more about their lives if I could. I definitely think Quinn is an author for me (& her coauthor on this Chang as well!). #AuthorAMonth

Photo is of the kingfisher bird feathers from Google central to the headpiece prop in the story. Not partial to birds - at all lol - but they are quite pretty.