literaryCrew

April‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead features the latest the Kate Quinn. Read at your own pace, and discussion will take place on April 30th!

mcctrish, DebinHawaii, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, BethM, Deblovestoread, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, julieclair, AllDebooks, Lkempf

Jerdencon Looking forward to this discussion! 3h

CatLass007 I‘m looking forward to this and a couple of other Kate Quinn books for #AuthorAMonth. 3h

DebinHawaii Yay! I‘m excited to read this one for this, #AuthorAMonth & #AuldLangSpine 🎉 3h

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Prairiegirl_reading I will do my best! I‘m looking forward to it. 😄 3h

Librarybelle Yay, @Jerdencon @CatLass007 @DebinHawaii @Prairiegirl_reading ! 2h

mcctrish Getting it out of my TBR 🎉🎉🎉🎉 2h

Sace I‘ve never read this author so I‘m excited about this! 2h

Librarybelle Yay, @mcctrish @Sace ! 2h

tpixie Yay! Next up on audio! After

The Paris Express

39m

Librarybelle @tpixie Yay! I actually started The Paris Express and had to return it to the library without finishing it. Waiting for it to come back to me! 29m

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julieclair

I Am Livia | Phyllis T. Smith

pick

This book was a fascinating glimpse into the constantly changing politics of Ancient Rome, from a female point of view. Livia was the wife and trusted advisor of the emperor Augustus. Although I didn‘t always agree with some of the choices she made, I couldn‘t help but admire the way she worked through the constraints placed upon her as a wealthy woman, to become a powerful, influential force for the good of the Roman people.

julieclair Great choice for #LiteraryCrew , @Librarybelle ! Thanks, as always, for hosting. 8h

julieclair #Pantone2025 #GardenGreen @Lauredhel 8h

Librarybelle Yay! And good match for Pantone! 7h

22 likes3 comments

Soubhiville

My Favorite Authors | Thomas Costley

Hi #AuthorAMonth readers! Tomorrow is April 1st, time to start on those Kate Quinn books. @CatLass007 wants you all to know several of her books are available for free on Audible if you use it.

Here‘s the link to the Google form if you‘d like to start keeping track of your reads for the drawings at the end of the year.

https://forms.gle/1F1BmkcTBh7uPXNp9

All the details are at the top of the form.

Happy reading! 📚❤️😁

Soubhiville @TheBookHippie @dabbe @CatLass007 @willaful @Jess @Eyelit @JenReadsAlot @BarkingMadRead @Laughterhp @TheSpineView @tdrosebud @Bookwormjillk @Melismatic 24h

Soubhiville @AllDebooks @Deblovestoread @Caroline2 @Texreader @TheAromaofBooks @AmyG @Skygoddess1 @JacqMac @Amiable @PurpleyPumpkin @vlwelser @DogMomIrene @Karisimo 24h

Soubhiville @Caryl @jhod @Andrew65 @tpixie @vonnie862 @MrsV @Sace @MemoirsForMe @Zuhkeeyah @SconsinBookyBadger @Read4life @staci.reads @DHill @Mimi28 24h

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Soubhiville @inthegreensandblues @Larkken @gossamerchild @peanutnine @Yenya1954 @anishainkspill @dariazeoli @BarkingMadRead @CoffeeNBooks @Jess861 @julieclair @Teresereading 24h

Soubhiville @Bklover @Singout @jhod @DebinHawaii @Gissy @Amor4Libros 24h

CatLass007 Thank you!❤️ 23h

CatLass007 I‘d like to say that this year‘s lineup of authors is top notch! 23h

TheSpineView 😎 🤩📖 22h

tpixie Thanks! 18h

Bookwormjillk Looking forward to this month. 15h

Sace Looking forward to it! I love that this month‘s author coincides with the #LiteraryCrew selection! 15h

dariazeoli Yay! Time for

The Briar Club

15h

AmyG I am listening to The Briar‘s Club….enjoying it. 12h

Andrew65 @AmyG I‘m waiting to start this. 3h

48 likes15 comments

Librarybelle

I Am Livia | Phyllis T. Smith

It‘s time for our #LiteraryCrew discussion! And sorry everyone…I really fizzled out on this. I also really struggled with the book‘s writing, so there are only 4 questions posted. You can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag.

Next month‘s #BuddyRead is The Briar Club. Reminder will be posted tomorrow!

mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Deblovestoread, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Karisa, bumpinthenight, julieclair, AllDebooks, Lkempf

CatLass007 Oh goodness. It‘s the end of the month already. I had to start this one twice but once I started it the second time I enjoyed it. It sounds like you didn‘t enjoy it so much. How are the kitties? And how are you? (edited) 1d

Deblovestoread I tried to read this last year and fully intended to try again for LC but it never happened. Sorry! 1d

tpixie Sadly I didn‘t get to it either, but it looks very interesting. I just put too much in my plate- I‘ve been doing heavy research into Barbara Newhall Follett (still only 1/4 way thru 600 pages of letters ) before reading

The Story She Left Behind: A Novel

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Karisa I tried but couldn‘t get into it either. It sounded like it would be something I‘d like too😬 1d

Librarybelle @CatLass007 Maybe it‘s the timing right now, but I just did not connect with it. Oh well! Zeke is okay at the moment, but he‘s refusing the food he needs to eat for his GI issues. Sigh…I‘m tired but hanging in there. Thanks for asking! 1d

Librarybelle I‘m really looking forward to next month‘s, @Deblovestoread @tpixie @Karisa ! 1d

CatLass007 ❤️ You are so appreciated!! 1d

Librarybelle Thanks @CatLass007 ! ❤️ 1d

CatLass007 Lots of prayers and good thoughts going out to you. 1d

Librarybelle @CatLass007 ❤️❤️❤️ 1d

julieclair I enjoyed this and was glad I read it. I never would have picked it up on my own. Sending healing hugs to Zeke and to you. Hang in there. 💙 8h

Librarybelle So glad you enjoyed, @julieclair ! And thank you! 7h

39 likes12 comments

Librarybelle

I Am Livia | Phyllis T. Smith

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4. Admittedly, I struggled with the writing style in this novel. I just could not connect with the narrative. Any comments on the writing or the style of the novel? Did you the first person narrative enhanced or took away from the telling of Livia's story? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Cuilin Same as I said in another post, too much telling. It could have been better. I think Smith had an agenda to write Livia as a likable character. We could‘ve sympathized with her though, even if Livia had been written as cold and calculating as she was still a woman in a man‘s world trying to survive. 1d

julieclair I listened on audio, and almost gave up because I was having trouble following all the political twists and turns, and couldn‘t flip back through the pages to reread passages. I finally decided to just concentrate on Livia‘s narrative, knowing that she was helping her husband(s) navigate a rotating cast of friends and enemies. Once I did that, I really enjoyed the book. 8h

7 likes2 comments

Librarybelle

I Am Livia | Phyllis T. Smith

This post contains spoilers

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3. Moving away from the characters, let's look at the bigger picture discussed--the Roman Empire post-assassination. How familiar were you with events prior to the novel? How does the novel portray the events?

Quick reference guide from the History Channel:

https://www.history.com/articles/julius-caesar-assassination-fall-roman-republic

#LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Cuilin I love Ancient Rome and I‘m relearning Latin on Duolingo so this was a perfect read for me. I found it all very believable. However the style took some time to get use to. There was a lot of telling and not showing which I hate in a novel. 1d

CatLass007 I‘m afraid I don‘t know much history about Rome. What I learned, I learned in English class from studying the play Julius Caesar. And I can‘t help remembering the episode of M*A*S*H where radar was trying to impress a new nurse and he kept saying that the fall of the Roman Empire was caused from within. 1d

julieclair My knowledge of Ancient Rome is sketchy at best, some enjoyed learning a bit more of its history through this book. I would like to read more from this time period. 8h

7 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

I Am Livia | Phyllis T. Smith

This post contains spoilers

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2. Now that we have some additional facts about Livia, what did you think of her? History considers her to be cold, calculating, heartless, and ruthless. Is that a fair assessment? Think about the men in her circle. How does this novel portray them, and if you are familiar with them, is their portrayal in the novel fair? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Cuilin I think this novel took a very different approach to Livia and posits a thesis that she was not as cold and calculating as we have been led to believe. 1d

CatLass007 It doesn‘t seem like it was very different than that it is now. Women who are ambitious, intelligent, or have any so-called “masculine” characteristics are considered cold and calculating. Women had few legal rights back then but they‘re taking away women‘s rights right now. Did I mention that I have a cat named Tiberius? 1d

julieclair Good points, @Cuilin and @CatLass007 . Because she was intelligent and ambitious, she has been considered cold and calculating. But maybe she was loving and loyal and good. We‘ll never know. 8h

7 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

I Am Livia | Phyllis T. Smith

This post contains spoilers

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1. Smith allows us to go inside the thoughts of Livia as she becomes involved with the most powerful men in Rome. Were you familiar with Livia before reading this book?

History Hit did 10 facts about her: https://www.historyhit.com/facts-about-livia-drusilla/

#LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Cuilin Yes, I took Latin and ancient Roman civilization classes in secondary school. I think she did a good job setting the time period. 1d

CatLass007 I was not familiar with Livia. I think that may have been part of why I enjoyed this book. 1d

julieclair I had never heard of Livia, and really enjoyed seeing Roman history through a woman‘s eyes. Thanks for the History Hit link - very interesting! 8h

7 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

Sunday evening chores are done early, and Zeke and the others are resting, so I can sneak in a #hyggehour tonight. Reading this month‘s #LiteraryCrew title—I know, discussion is tomorrow and I barely put a dent into the book! Current candle is Yankee Candle Black Cherry. My mood is exhausted and stressed; hopefully my weighted blanket will help (and I may have to take a nap).

TheBookHippie, Chrissyreadit, AllDebooks

TheBookHippie Naps are good. 2d

Prairiegirl_reading I hope you have a restful evening! 2d

Chrissyreadit 💛💛💛💛Yay! nap and weighted blanket! And i‘m curious to hear how that book is. 2d

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Librarybelle @TheBookHippie Naps get me through most days! 😂 2d

Librarybelle Thanks, @Prairiegirl_reading ! 2d

Librarybelle @Chrissyreadit I‘m not connecting with the book. Ancient Rome is not one of my favorite subject areas, though I learned a lot about its history during high school Latin class. I‘m also not connecting with the writing style. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2d

Chrissyreadit @Librarybelle Ancient Rome was pretty brutal…. 2d

AllDebooks I didn't get around to this one. 2d

Cuilin I read it, it‘s ok. I was hoping for something else, more engaging and gritty but it‘s fine. 1d

59 likes9 comments

Soubhiville

My Favorite Authors | Thomas Costley

Less than a week left in March with Leigh Bardugo #AuthorAMonth readers! I really enjoyed my reads with Bardugo, and read more than I‘d planned to.

Now might be a good time for you to put in holds or orders for our April author, Kate Quinn.

Happy Reading 📚

Soubhiville @TheBookHippie @dabbe @CatLass007 @willaful @Jess @Eyelit @JenReadsAlot @BarkingMadRead @Laughterhp @TheSpineView @tdrosebud @Bookwormjillk @Melismatic 6d

Soubhiville @AllDebooks @Deblovestoread @Caroline2 @Texreader @TheAromaofBooks @AmyG @Skygoddess1 @JacqMac @Amiable @PurpleyPumpkin @vlwelser @DogMomIrene @Karisimo 6d

Soubhiville @Caryl @jhod @Andrew65 @tpixie @vonnie862 @MrsV @Sace @MemoirsForMe @Zuhkeeyah @SconsinBookyBadger @Read4life @staci.reads @DHill @Mimi28 6d

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Soubhiville @inthegreensandblues @Larkken @gossamerchild @peanutnine @Yenya1954 @anishainkspill @dariazeoli @BarkingMadRead @CoffeeNBooks @Jess861 @julieclair @Teresereading 6d

Soubhiville @Bklover @Singout @jhod @DebinHawaii @Gissy @Amor4Libros 6d

AmyG I already started my April read! 6d

TheSpineView Currently working on The Familiar. 25% in and still can't get into it. I loved the author's other books. Sigh... 😏 6d

CatLass007 I‘ve got my copy of Kate Quinn‘s The Briar Club, which also is the April selection for #LiteraryCrew. I‘ve got three Leigh Bardugo books on this month‘s TBR, which I hope to start tomorrow. 6d

AmyG @CatLass007 That‘s the one I am reading…Briar Club. It‘s good. 6d

tpixie @Soubhiville I plan to read The Briar Club and The Huntress. I may re- read The Alice Network ( which I loved) , since a character in that is makes a cameo in The Huntress. 6d

CatLass007 @AmyG Thanks for the encouragement! @tpixie The Huntress is currently free on Audible! 6d

tpixie @CatLass007 oh wow! Thanks!! 6d

CatLass007 @tpixie Welcome!! 6d

DGRachel I‘m not part of the group, but just wanted to say I LOVE Kate Quinn. The Huntress was the first book my entire work book club enjoyed and it is one of my favorite books. ❤️ 6d

tpixie @DGRachel great to hear! 6d

willaful I've almost finished the Grishaverse! But am busy with the #TRansRightsReadathon now, so saving Rule of Wolves for next month. 6d

CoffeeNBooks I'm looking forward to reading The Huntress- it's been on my bookshelf for too long. I really liked The Alice Network! 6d

Sace I‘m hoping to finish Ninth House by Monday (having trouble getting into it) and the Literary Crew selection for April is by this month‘s author. 6d

vonnie862 I was only able to get my hands on Ninth House, and unfortunately, I DNFed it. 6d

Bklover I loved The Diamond Eye! 6d

Yenya1954 The Huntress was amazing. Diamond Eye, The Rose Code and The Alice Network were also great books. 6d

Andrew65 @Yenya1954 Agree, all excellent books. I hope to get to The Briar Club next month.

The Briar Club

julieclair Like several others, I‘ll be reading The Briar Club with #LiteraryCrew. And I never did get to read any Leigh Bardugo this month, so I‘m hoping to read at least one in April. 2d

CatLass007 I enjoyed several of Leigh Bardugo‘s books this month. @Soubhiville will you please let the group know that there are at least six Kate Quinn books available for free on Audible. I‘m having a hard time narrowing things down to just a couple. (edited) 1d

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