Welcome to Litsy!

It‘s my birthday this month so I chose Wally Lamb‘s River is Waiting as my free book! Very excited about it. #BOTM

#12Booksof2025 @TheEllieMo

Favorite June Read.

Random book from our personal library.

Read a different edition in 2005 and later rated it ★★★★☆

It‘s a shocking turn of events that start the book. I think it‘s a good plot that explores addiction, grief, shame and prison life. I think an alternating chapter between Corby and Emily could have softened the rigid character aspects and created more depth to their relationship. Corby was a lot for 434 pages. It‘s good, but not my favorite Lamb book.

I am clearly in the minority here but I can‘t say that I left the listening of this audiobook having enjoyed the experience. I‘ve read plenty of books that are devastating but, for one reason or another, the overall experience was cathartic or satisfying. I felt none of that here. It starts off devastating, continues devastating, and ends just the same way. I don‘t particularly find any of the characters compelling and was really aggravated ⬇️

A reread. I think the power of this play lies in its implied questions and its sense of rebellion.

This time reading it, the dramatic elements leapt out. How Antigone is more powerful by not making any practical sense but yet remaining true to her form. How king Creon is undermined by making complete sense, because he wraps himself in pride that gets tighter and more fragile, setting up a kind of self-destruct button. Good stuff

This book is just one punch to the gut after another. I've never read Lamb before and I wasn't sure if he was for me but I think I may have to dive into his back list at some point. This was so raw and heavy - and while it did drag in a few places, ultimately, I just couldn't stay away.

Saturday morning #coffeeandabook ... well, a play. Rereading Macbeth, my favorite Shakespeare play.

I always read the Booker winner, but I had a hard time finding this one. Hubby found it in a bookstore in Ireland. It arrived yesterday all the way from Galway. I hope it was worth the hunt. It‘s on my TBR for those lazy holiday pajama days. #BookMail