Litsy

Whiteout | Ken Follett

so-so

Oof! This is my first Follett and I think he must have owed his publisher a book. I have heard great things about his historical fiction novels, but this was not great. I was expecting an exciting “stop an outbreak” kind of book. Instead, it was rather dull. I plowed on thinking there was going to be a huge twist. Nope!

Finished January 27, 2025.

TiredLibrarian I loved the historical fiction of his that I read, but it was a while ago.

The Pillars of the Earth

10h

Bookzombie @TiredLibrarian That‘s what I have always heard. I‘m not opposed to trying one in the future. 🙂 9h

tpixie I liked his early ones decades ago

The Key to Rebecca

27 likes3 comments

JessieKB

Rock Paper Scissors: A Novel | Alice Feeney

pick

Adam and Amelia set out on a romantic weekend in hopes of reviving their marriage. They are in for quite the trip as they arrive with the blizzard to a semi-abandoned retreat. The twists were so fun but so smooth. Loved the format. Do it!!

16 likes

Sara_Planz

Anatomy: A Love Story | Dana Schwartz

pick

I loved this duology. Its fabulous mix of historical fiction, feminism, science, and romance made for an entertaining and powerful series. Hazel is a memorable and strong central female character, and I enjoyed the love story in both books. That being said, the romance is light, and the series focuses on how driven and intelligent Hazel is, making this the perfect series to encourage young women to pursue their dreams.

29 likes

Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

It‘s time for our discussion, #LiteraryCrew ! There are 9 questions posted as spoilers that can be found on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag. Mixed reviews on this one, so I‘m interested to see your thoughts!

Next month‘s book is Charlotte Bronte‘s Villette; the reminder will be posted tomorrow.

Thanks for joining this #BuddyRead !

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

Jerdencon I was listening to this one but didn‘t finish it before the library took it back! It was interesting and I have heard about people who have the color issue - I have to redownload it and finish it. 12h

Librarybelle I hope you‘ll be able to get it back soon, @Jerdencon ! 12h

38 likes2 comments

Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

This post contains spoilers

show me

9. Hester imagines the inspiration for Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter through the connection between Isobel and Hawthorne. While there is no specific proof as to the true inspiration, Hawthorne's work is a treatise against Puritanism, specifically John Winthrop's diaries that chronicled Puritan life (including punishment of a woman for adultery.

At the end of TSL, Hawthorne references a gravestone in Boston's King's Chapel Burying Ground ⬇

Librarybelle ...with an “A“ chiseled into the stone (photo is not mine but one available for fair use. I cannot find my photo). Link to information is below. I know it did not bother some readers, but for some reason, not acknowledging the existing information (or the existing suppositions) bothered me.

Link to Celebrate Boston website: http://www.celebrateboston.com/strange/scarlet-letter.htm

#LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead 23h

julieclair Wry interesting link! For me, the lack of acknowledgment of other information was not a problem. I didn‘t really take this seriously as a plausible story, but rather as pure entertainment, with loose ties to The Scarlet Letter. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, but I can also see how, if I had taken it more seriously, I would have been bothered. 6h

4 likes2 comments

Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

This post contains spoilers

show me

8. It is true that Nathaniel Hawthorne is related to John Hathorne, one of the Salem Witch Trial judges and the one who refused to believe the whole episode was a hoax. Hawthorne was so ashamed by his ancestry that he added a “w“ to his last name (short bio on Hawthorne linked in the comments).

Have you read any of Hawthorne's works? What did you think of his character in the novel? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Librarybelle Link from the Boston Athenaeum: https://bostonathenaeum.org/news/nathaniel-hawthorne/ 23h

Pogue I read the House of the Seven Gables. I Dont remember much about it, but I do remember the tour of the House of Seven Gables and the damage women‘s high heels did to the flooring. 12h

Librarybelle @Pogue That‘s so interesting! 11h

4 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

This post contains spoilers

show me

7. How did the end of the novel make you feel? What do you think comes next for Isobel and Margaret in their relationship and their story? ~from Readinggroupguides.com #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

4 likes

Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

This post contains spoilers

show me

6. Consider Isobel Gowdie and her legacy, as well as the legacy of the other women in Isobel‘s family, including her daughter. Which of the women in the family do you think were the most influential? What do you think Isobel and Margaret‘s legacy will be? ~from Readinggroupguides.com #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

3 likes

Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

This post contains spoilers

show me

5. Scottish myths and elements of the magical world run throughout the novel. How does Isobel‘s belief in magic and the spirit world change throughout the novel? ~adapted from Readinggroupguides.com #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

4 likes

Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

This post contains spoilers

show me

2. Examine the various positions and choices that women in the novel are given and have to overcome. What journey did each of these women take, and who do you think ultimately overcame the most? ~from Readinggroupguides.com #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

4 likes

Welcome to Litsy!

Trending Hashtags

Trending Books