Welcome to Litsy!

He was a shooting star and he blinded me with his light.

-Elsa

3/5 ⭐️ the story ended up being a little different than I expected, but still had a couple moments where I teared up!

#RealHistory @Librarybelle

George Floyd was murdered in fairly recent history, but this book is so well researched that it takes the reader all the way back to his family roots during times of slavery and sharecropping. I am so glad I read it. I came out of the experience with a better understanding of systemic racism and the conviction that we can never ever give up the fight for justice. George Floyd!

A great piece of writing bringing the trilogy about black Texas Ranger Darren Matthews to a close. The author nails the politics of America today as a politician who has his eyes on greater rewards finds the indictment of a black law officer a personal crusade. Attica Locke is brilliant on race and politics as the story centres on the disappearance of a black student in a very white Uni house, as well as a creepy village created by a big company.

If ordered top to bottom ranking my favorite Katherine Center books- this one would be closer to the bottom. It was really relatable in several places but I went back and forth in liking the main character and there were just so many unneeded side storylines that felt disjointed from the larger storyline.

Streets of Laredo reminded me of McMurtry‘s exceptional writing skills. It‘s remarkable how he brings characters to life through his words. His vivid descriptions of the scenery and the way of life in the early 1890s effortlessly immersed me in the story. Despite its challenging nature, with its share of grief, hardship, and brutality, it‘s also a beautiful story.

Full review abookandadog.com/blog/streets-of-laredo

Judas Priest, this novel is a tough read. This is McMurtry‘s debut novel and it is a bleak, realistic, coming-of-age tale. Life on a Texas cattle ranch isn‘t easy. There are hard lessons to learn at such a young age. Unfortunately, Hud (the biggest pile of walking excrement I‘ve ever had the misfortune of meeting on a page) teaches Lonnie every lesson the hard way. First in a trilogy.

I don't normally share personal photos on here, but at our recent library fundraiser, I got to meet author Amanda Churchill. She was so friendly and gave a great talk about her debut novel, The Turtle House. This isn't normally the type of book I read, but I really enjoyed it, and after listening to her talk about it, I like it even more now. 💚🐢

This was the March bookclub pick.
I don't really think it was for me.
It was quite uneventful in the beginning. Took a good 100 pages to get into it. Once the storm came through, it picked up. But was still just, meh.

Like I said, not for me. So I won't be rating this one.

03.28.2025