Litsy

Zach takes my hand, and together we let go and the doves float up, up, away into the night sky.
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Zuhkeeyah

We Are All So Good at Smiling | Amber McBride

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An emotional roller-coaster highlighting the struggles of clinical depression through poetry. Whimsy sees her world through a magical lens of fairy tales. Her story mirrors that of the original Grimm tales where the world was full of danger and small glimmers of hope.
@MeganAnn I finished this book a couple of weeks ago, but I found myself immediately diving back in. McBride incorporates so much into her poems and I wanted to catch it all.

Zuhkeeyah #auldlangspine book 3 was another great one @monalyisha 1w

TheBookHippie I loved this read last year! 1w

MeganAnn Yes! I‘m so happy you liked this one! I do not read a lot of novels in verse but this was so brilliantly done I couldn‘t put it down. I too had to reread sections after finishing to dive deeper and savor her words. And I thought about this one for months afterward. 💙 7d

monalyisha Interesting! 6d

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Librarybelle

Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance | Bethany Morrow

#LiteraryCrew : There are 3 questions posted for today‘s discussion. They can be found on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag.

We had a tie for the #BuddyRead list this year; I didn‘t want us to miss reading this book. I chose today for the discussion because in the US it‘s a day to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. It‘s a good day to remember those who continue to speak up for their rights in any way they can.

⬇️⬇️⬇️

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

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ Our next discussion is January 31st for Hester, pictured in the graphic. Our February book is Villette by Charlotte Bronte—we‘re venturing into the classics for that one! I‘ll post a February graphic soon! Thanks for reading with me! 1w

tpixie @Librarybelle both great choices this month! Villette is one of the few Brontë novels I still need to read! Can‘t wait for February!! 1w

Librarybelle @tpixie I‘ve not read Villette either, so this should be fun! 1w

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tpixie @Librarybelle 🥳 1w

julieclair I didn‘t get to this one, but I‘m looking forward to our Hester discussion. 😉 1w

Librarybelle No worries, @julieclair ! I think the Hester discussion will be great! 1w

Sargar114 Didn‘t get to this one either. But Time for me to pick up Hester. Hoping I can finish in time! 1w

Librarybelle @Sargar114 Yay!! 1w

SilversReviews Loved Hester!! 1w

Librarybelle @TheSpineView I‘m looking forward to it! 1w

CatLass007 My library hold for Hester just came through. But there are six other books ahead of it because they‘ve been borrowed on different days. I guess I‘ll have to change the order in which I read them. 1w

Librarybelle @CatLass007 I‘m always playing the “which library hold to read first” game… 😂 Good luck! It is especially hard with different due dates! 1w

CatLass007 Thank you. 😊 1w

tpixie @SilversReviews I also loved Hester! ❤️A❤️ (edited) 5d

SilversReviews @tpixie 😀😀😀 5d

tpixie @SilversReviews ❤️ 5d

50 likes16 comments

Librarybelle

Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance | Bethany Morrow

This post contains spoilers

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3. How would you present this book to a teen? Would you recommend it to a young person to read? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CatLass007 I would recommend this to a young person to read. But I believe there would be attempts to ban this book from classrooms, school libraries, and public libraries. And, unfortunately, most of those attempts would be successful. When did “woke” become a dirty word? I‘m not quite sure how to present this book to a young person. I know if I were in the target age group I would consider a book that people don‘t want others (cont)⬇️ (edited) 1w

CatLass007 to read to be just the kind of book worth reading. There are too many outside forces trying to tell others how to think. 1w

AllDebooks This should be compulsory reading in schools. Unfortunately, it will be banned. Which is why it's important to shout about it and encourage everyone to read it. It's full of engaging characters, dealing with everyday difficulties in our contemporary world. How is that not relevant to our young adults? They'll keep the historic white guy dominance on the curriculum instead. I'm passionate about giving children books they can relate to and learn ⬇️ 1w

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AllDebooks From. By all means read the classics but a growing mind needs a diverse and challenging library. It's how we learn to empathise and understand life experiences outside of our own. If only we could ban/cancel the book banners. 1w

Librarybelle Yes, agree that this would be banned, @CatLass007 @AllDebooks . And it‘s so sad! But, I think it‘s a good read for a YA audience. 1w

CatLass007 I wish there was a constructive way to get banned books into the hands of young people everywhere. The Brooklyn Public Library has an anti-censorship program called “Books Unbanned” that makes ebooks accessible throughout the country. The New York Public Library offers a Teen Banned Book Club. New Jersey and a few other states have “Right to Read” laws which makes book banning illegal. (edited) 1w

Librarybelle I know, @CatLass007 ! 1w

CatLass007 All those things are great, but it‘s not enough. I grew up in a small town in West Virginia and now live in a bigger small town in Tennessee. I was blessed with a Mom who let me read whatever I wanted. My Dad wasn‘t a book reader. He read the newspaper every morning but he never really paid much attention to what I read. As backward as East Tennessee is, I‘m grateful not to live in Florida. (edited) 1w

Pogue I would recommend this to teens. I am sneaky and would have the audiobook playing in the car or at home. I have done that with other books that I wanted my son to read, and for him the audiobook worked. As a companion book I would also have the teen read Why Are You So Serious about micro aggressions. (edited) 1w

Librarybelle Nice, @Pogue ! 1w

tpixie @Pogue great tactic! 1w

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Librarybelle

Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance | Bethany Morrow

This post contains spoilers

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2. In her January 19, 2025 Letters from an American, Heather Cox Richardson discusses heroes, those who may not hold a fancy title but are average individuals who take a stand. I'll link to today's letter in the comments--you can read it without subscribing, just click “not now“ to avoid giving your email address--in case you wish to read this.

How are the characters in the stories heroes? Are they heroes? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Librarybelle Here is the link to today's letter: https://open.substack.com/pub/heathercoxrichardson/p/january-19-2025?utm_campaig...

Her letters are very informative, though she does show her political leanings at times, so fair warning on that. However, as a political historian, she uses facts to back up her narrative. I've found her words to be very helpful of late, and I love her use of history to talk about the topic of the day! 1w

CatLass007 I believe that the main character in every story behaves heroically. Anyone who doesn‘t respect themselves can‘t expect to be respected by anyone else. By respecting themselves they can and do command respect. Maybe others don‘t understand the actions or the reasons behind the actions our heroes take but no one has control over what anyone else thinks, says, or does. We are responsible for setting boundaries, we are responsible for (cont)⬇️ (edited) 1w

CatLass007 respecting the boundaries set by others. We have no responsibility for anyone‘s feelings, thoughts, or actions except our own. 1w

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AllDebooks I agree with @CatLass007 All of the characters were heroic and positive role models. 1w

Librarybelle Completely agree, @CatLass007 @AllDebooks ! The first step is to respect oneself and set boundaries and then do amazing things from there. 1w

Pogue The characters in the book are hero‘s. It is difficult to stand up for yourself, it is difficult to learn where your boundaries are and to set them. 1w

Librarybelle So true, @Pogue ! 1w

10 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance | Bethany Morrow

This post contains spoilers

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1. This collection of stories represents a diverse group of young adults, each facing a difficult situation. Which story resonated with you the most?

For me, it was the “homecoming“ story--what a terror the MC had to face, and why did her crush think this was the coolest way to ask her out??? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CatLass007 Yes! That‘s the story that hit me the hardest. I thought the “practical joke” was such a horrific experience for this young woman to endure. This story is a strong reminder that it‘s not just young Black men who have to be hyper-vigilant about encounters with the police. That everyone who participated in and observed what was a mental assault didn‘t realize what they were doing is beyond my comprehension. The police officer who put (cont)⬇️ 1w

CatLass007 his hands on her was guilty of professional misconduct and battery. 1w

Librarybelle @CatLass007 I know I kept gasping aloud as I read that one! It‘s beyond my comprehension too that everyone who participated had no clue that this would be traumatizing. And the police involved too! Ugh! And yes, a good reminder of those who have to be hyper-vigilant. 1w

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AllDebooks Homecoming completely stood out above the rest, good as they were. It was a shocking, enlightening read about such a simple, should be lovely experience turning into such a traumatic event. It deftly shows how we take our liberty and rights for granted. 1w

Librarybelle Yes, @AllDebooks . I keep thinking about that story! 1w

Pogue Homecoming does stick with me because of the cruelty of the story. The connected story‘s that Darcy Little Badger wrote made me say “Yes, you go girl!” 1w

Librarybelle Yes, @Pogue . That was another good story! 1w

tpixie @Librarybelle Homecoming was so crazily insensitive! That shocked and agitated me the most! 1w

Librarybelle @tpixie Yes! 1w

tpixie @Librarybelle Such ignorance! No insight. 😂 I‘m still bothered by it today! 1w

tpixie @Librarybelle here‘s a very thought provoking book about racism. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61224230

White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better

(edited) 1w

Librarybelle @tpixie I need to read that! 1w

tpixie @Librarybelle it‘s quite an eye opener. 1w

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Librarybelle

Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance | Bethany Morrow

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Everyone can make a difference. Even a small step against an injustice makes an impact.

This #Anthology of fictional stories for a #Teen audience shows characters from diverse backgrounds standing up for themselves, sometimes loudly and other times quietly. It takes lots of courage to do what some of these characters did to support themselves and their communities. A great book for a YA discussion group!

#LiteraryCrew : discussion on Monday!

Librarybelle #LitsyAToZ #LetterT @Texreader 2w

Librarybelle #BBRC @LibrarianRyan 2w

CatLass007 Looking forward to the discussion on Monday. 2w

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LibrarianRyan Nice 2w

tpixie @Librarybelle this book was done very well with lots of great voices! 2w

Librarybelle Yes, @tpixie ! This should be a good discussion, @CatLass007 ! 2w

CatLass007 Okay, new year, new brain fart. I can‘t remember. Do you tag us when the discussion starts? 2w

Librarybelle @CatLass007 Yes. I tag everyone when the questions are posted. 1w

CatLass007 Thank you. 1w

Librarybelle Your‘re welcome, @CatLass007 ! 1w

81 likes10 comments

Kerrbearlib

Love Letters for Joy | Melissa See

"My best friend Valentina Ramirez has been relentlessly tapping my shoulder for the past three minutes and forty-seven seconds."

#FirstLineFridays

ShyBookOwl

ShyBookOwl That's... long lol 2w

Kerrbearlib @ShyBookOwl lol 2w

15 likes2 comments

CatLass007

Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance | Bethany Morrow

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#Read2025 January 2025 #LiteraryCrew There is some powerful story telling in this book. I look forward to discussing it with the group on the 20th. If you care about civil rights, if you care about human beings, I urge you to read this book!

DieAReader, Librarybelle

Librarybelle Hooray! Glad you liked this one! My library copy finally came in, so I can finally dive into it. 3w

CatLass007 @Librarybelle It‘s terrific! A great selection for #LiteraryCrew! 3w

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thegirlwiththelibrarybag

So Much to Tell You | John Marsden

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I‘m processing my sadness over the passing of John Marsden by revisiting his brilliant books, starting with his debut.

I remember my grade 5 teacher reading this to the class and I‘ve read it several times since. Even though I know what happens I‘m still completely absorbed.

I‘ve gotten something a little different from it each time.

Butterfinger I don't think I know him. I have to look him up. I bet you feel the same way I did when Gary Paulsen died. 3w

thegirlwiththelibrarybag @Butterfinger, he‘s best known for the Tomorrow, When The War Began series. I‘m not sure if he‘s super well known outside of Australia beyond that. He was a brilliant storyteller (mostly writing MG & YA but he branched into adult fiction and NF in more recent years) and passionate educator - he founded his own primary school in regional Victoria. (edited) 3w

Butterfinger No, I have read him. The group of teens who were in the Outback when their town was taken. Yes, I read the first one for a challenge and continued the season 3w

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Butterfinger The series. It was so good. 3w

thegirlwiththelibrarybag @Butterfinger, not the outback but you are thinking of the right series. I read them as a teen and just flew through them. There‘s a follow up trilogy called The Ellie Chronicles which was also excellent. (edited) 3w

willaful his most memorable for me.

Letters from the Inside

thegirlwiththelibrarybag @willaful, that one is on my tbr stack! I‘m sure I‘ve read it but it‘s been awhile! (edited) 3w

Rissreadswithcats Let me know when you are going to read I can‘t remember if I‘ve read it or not.

Letters from the Inside

thegirlwiththelibrarybag @Rissreadswithcats, I‘ve got the ebook so I‘m ready at any time… do you have a copy? 2w

Rissreadswithcats I have one in my school library and I‘m back on the 23rd. Ok to wait until then? 2w

thegirlwiththelibrarybag @Rissreadswithcats, sounds perfect! 2w

Rissreadswithcats ♥️ 2w

thegirlwiththelibrarybag @Rissreadswithcats - I‘m going to set up a buddy read for it - no stress if you haven‘t got the book yet. EDIT : I can‘t add you to a StoryGraph buddy read because we aren‘t StoryGraph friends 🥹 (I‘m SharniBee on there) (edited) 5d

thegirlwiththelibrarybag @Rissreadswithcats, I still can‘t add you to a buddy read - it might be your community settings for buddy read invites? 5d

Rissreadswithcats Strange as I joined the book chain. I‘ll have a look today 5d

thegirlwiththelibrarybag @Rissreadswithcats, I‘m doing the book chain too. Probably slightly different way of joining. If it‘s easier, you can add me to a buddy read - my buddy read invites is set to anybody. 4d

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