Welcome to Litsy!

My daughter could start in band/orchestra this year at her school. She chose the cello. The instrument is about as big as her but she is excited. We are trying to match her enthusiasm as we listen to the sweet (screeching) sounds as she‘s learning how to play. She was adamant that she wanted to play the cello from the start. She‘s also seen someone on YouTube play “Pink Pony Club” on cello & it‘s motivated her more.

The similarities to today & what happened 100 years ago are eerily similar. Replace the white hoods with red hats. My hope with this story is that the white hats were defeated. That through the persistence of journalists, lawyers, & others pushing back they were able to defeat the one group trying to destroy our country from within. The only problem is that too many people in this country (SC, lawmakers) are too afraid to stand up. I guess they

Lesson #17 is our current state: “Listen for dangerous words: Be alert to the use of the words extremism and terrorism. Be alive to the fatal notions of emergency and exception. Be angry about the treacherous use of patriotic vocabulary.” There were 4 shootings in 24 hours this weekend. When the violence is done by another white male, there is an excuse. But no laws are made for gun control. Instead anyone on the “left” has now been labeled as an

A thoroughly researched biography about a fascinating, admirable woman. Frances Perkins is a true inspiration.

I have a few quibbles with some of the writing, but Frances' life was so fascinating that it more than makes up for it.

I don't know if it's the writing, or Anthea Bell's translation, or just because it was the right book at the right time, but I raced through this autobiography, despite its heavy subject matter. It reconciled me with Zweig too. He chose to give us almost nothing about his private life, and not much more about his work - it's all about the people he met and his analysis of the (now-)historical events he lived through. Humane and thought-provoking.

I just finished reading this book a moment ago. I have a lot of thinking to do . I have marked bits do I can talk them through with my partner. This would be the best book I‘ve read this year so far. My immediate thought was that everyone should have a go at reading this book. Right I‘m away to have a big think!

23-4 Sep 25 (audiobook)
A short and concise look at the atrocities being committed in Gaza and the ability of much of the world to ignore it. One of those books that will unfortunately primarily be read by those who share the author‘s view.
Particularly important given the events of the past week at the UN. Very pleased that Australia was amongst those to recognise the Palestinian state.

It‘s my birthday tomorrow and I celebrated yesterday

First I went to the hairdresser to remove some grey hairs

Then I met up with a friend and we went to two cafes, and we even sat outside to enjoy the sun in its 15 degrees

Then we visited the House of Literature and heard Annabelle Hirsh talk about her book. Off course I ended up buying her book and Arundhati Roy‘s memoir Mother Mary Comes To Me. I hope to at least get the memoir before her

Fascinating story! Highly recommend.

#FoodandLit October Samoa 🇼🇸

To participate read a book that takes place in the country or is by an author from the country. Also enjoy food from the country. Share your experience with the tag #FoodandLit & tag @Catsandbooks & @Texreader

If you're not currently tagged in #FoodandLit news & would like to be, let me know.