Welcome to Litsy!

What in the world did I just read and why? So far, the #ToB25 shortlist has NOT delivered gems to my reading life. This was weird and I was lost most of the time, though maybe that was part of the point…? Felt like I was wandering in a dark forest, like the cover. Though I did think more about translators and their experiences than ever before. I‘ve undoubtedly missed something so I guess I‘ll learn from the discussion. That ending though!

I had to bail at 50%. I couldn‘t take it. The writing was so pretentious, and it felt like the author was trying so hard. Twice using the word demure to describe the same character‘s face? No thanks. Also, a viola is not a fiddle. A violin is a fiddle, but not a viola. Two different instruments. That was so frustrating, like a quick goog could have taught him they‘re not the same.

Well, this was weird…. A group of translators gather together to translate Irena Rey‘s latest work. They only refer to each other by their languages - this book is written by Spanish but translated by English and I struggled to follow who was narrating. The MC, whoever she was, was also incredibly immature and whingey, or was that as a result of English not liking Spanish?! And the ending? 🤯🤨

I‘m kind of glad I read it though.

#tobshortlist

Between a so-so and a pick because I never felt bored though I was often confused and bewildered. I enjoyed the questioning of how and what translators DO, I was intrigued by the devotion of the translators to their Dear Author, I found the animosity between English and Spanish amusing in its presentation. One word I read in a review somewhere calling this “delirium” - it fits! I have no doubt that a “discussion” would find me liking it more.

It made it! And so did Wild Horses! And Poor Deer! And many I don‘t recognize but many I do. Link in comments - I wouldn‘t have found it if weren‘t for the gr group site… #ToB2025_LongList #toblonglist

Weird day. No idea why. Couldn't concentrate on one book.

Better luck tomorrow. 😉

Starting next because might be on #ToB2025 Long List? #Hurryupalready

(Pic from a concert in 2015 that I don‘t remember… but thought might make a good backdrop for this cover 🤷🏻‍♀️)

This volume collects the scripts from season one of the absurdly brilliant Welcome to Night Vale podcast plus behind-the-scenes introductions to each episode. This is my brand of weird and I feel no shame about that. Actually, I feel no shame or really any other emotion…I am suspended in a jar of jelly that isn‘t really jelly, just the consistency of what you know to be jelly. Send help. Or don‘t. It‘s whatever.

Yep. 😆

I turned in my ballot a couple of weeks ago, and today, I'm seeking peace and hope in the midst of uncertainty. Even though I'm in the middle of too many “required“ reads right now, I'll be setting aside time tonight for the #ComfortReadathon... maybe I can sneak in a quick graphic novel!

Some potential late October spooky reads.