Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
BarbaraTheBibliophage

BarbaraTheBibliophage

Joined May 2016

Blog: https://linktr.ee/barbara_searles | Co-Host for #Booked2022 Reading Challenge | proud liberal | eclectic reader
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image

πŸ””Friendly Reminder πŸ₯³Itβ€˜s almost time for our next #Booked2023 prize drawingπŸ₯° while we LOVE to see your posts on Litsy we only count those who submit the Google doc πŸ€“ How can we be nearly finished with the first season already???

You have until Midnight April 3 to submit all books read between Jan 1-March 31, 2023 🧭 to enter the #FirstQuarterDrawing:

Hereβ€˜s the link: https://forms.gle/DJJdqbFZydvy9ndv7

Cinfhen Please share @LitsyEvents 🧑 1w
TrishB Done βœ”οΈ 1w
LeeRHarry Done 😊 1w
Ruthiella Done βœ…πŸ˜Š 1w
36 likes4 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
A Day of Fallen Night | Samantha Shannon
post image
Bailedbailed

Looking at GR, I‘m one of only a handful of people panning this book. But after attempting to connect with it for six weeks and 55 percent of the book, I‘m tapping out. Here‘s why. I didn‘t connect with or enjoy more than one character. That one character only makes up a small portion of the book. The writing is ponderous, lugubrious, and dull. I‘ve considered DNFing since about 20%. Around 25% I started to think the pace ⬇️

BarbaraTheBibliophage (Cont‘d) and action would pick up, but it just hasn‘t for me. Life is too short to read books I don‘t enjoy.

I enjoyed two other books by Samantha Shannon, so it isn‘t her imagination or world building overall. It‘s just that this prequel is not worthy of the later book, The Priory of the Orange Tree. I will certainly try more books by the author in the future. As always, YMMV.
1mo
BethM At least the cover is pretty? And you taught me a new word! 1mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @BethM πŸ€“ I had the ARC, so didn‘t even get to enjoy the cover. Agreed-it‘s beautiful! 1mo
Meshell1313 Oh no! Am looking forward to when it comes out next week. I was hoping it would be as good if not better than Priory. Thanks for your review- it‘s def gonna help me manage my expectations. 1mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Meshell1313 The ratings on GR are super high β€” 4.62. So you may *love* it. I just could not get into it … even at my busiest times, it never takes me six weeks to read 450 pages. That‘s normally a seven day read for me. 1mo
72 likes5 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image
Pickpick

My kids got me a bird feeder for Christmas. Now I‘m a bit obsessed. So I went hunting for bird-related stuff in the Audible Plus catalog. This memoir has ups and downs, both in terms of writing and content. But it‘s also about a small incident leading the author to remake her life and make a difference in the world. She knows nothing about birds and begins rescuing and learning about them.

#thebibliophage2023 #nonfiction2023 #likeavirgin

CBee Bird watching is one of my favorite things! 1mo
Riveted_Reader_Melissa I‘m reading Mind of the raven right now with #NaturalLitsy you might want to try that too. It‘s on Hoopla 1mo
Cinfhen I‘ve been enjoying your AMAZING photos!! That bird feeder has provided stunning opportunities 😍 1mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Cinfhen You‘re so kind. Glad you‘re enjoying the pix! (For anyone else, my IG is in the Linktree link in my profile.) 1mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Thanks - I‘ll check it out! 1mo
68 likes5 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image
Pickpick

Well-told audiobook that makes you question every side of the complex story behind both Trump impeachments. I have new admiration for some players and just SMDH with many more. Some new angles on the over-reported story.

#thebibliophage2023
#booked2023 #propernounintitle
#nonfiction2023 #badreputation

Cinfhen Wow! 704 pages🀯well done - I‘m pretty sure my blood pressure wouldn‘t be able to deal with that many details and page count xx 2mo
Riveted_Reader_Melissa I‘m going to have to read this, and it looks like a commitment I need to plan for. 2mo
Riveted_Reader_Melissa How was the audiobook narration? 2mo
TieDyeDude It is so weird that the world practically implodes every other day with whatever storm Twitter whips up, and actually reporting (which used to be days or weeks later in the newspaper or researched and edited TV reports) is now regulated to books that come out months/years after the world has moved on from these events. 2mo
62 likes2 stack adds4 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
And Yet: Poems | Kate Baer
post image
Pickpick

An excellent collection that particularly speaks to the challenges of being a woman and mother in today's complicated world. Highly recommend it to poetry readers!

69 likes1 stack add
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
All the Birds in the Sky | Charlie Jane Anders
post image
Pickpick

Twice I tried to get into this book and put it down. The third time it all connected for me and I loved it. It‘s sci fi and cli fi but it‘s also about grade school friends who take different paths and reconnect as adults. Plenty of fantasy, great characters, and lots of action. Can‘t wait to read more Charlie Jane Anders!

#thebibliophage2022

Clare-Dragonfly Is this your first Charlie Jane Anders book? I think you‘d really like 2mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Clare-Dragonfly It is my first! I‘ll track down the one you recommended. It does look good! Thanks. 2mo
89 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image
Pickpick

This intimidating chunkster has languished on my Audible and Kindle shelves forever. Finally picked it up at the end of 2022 and spent about a month listening / reading the ebook. Shannon's epic world-building is worth the effort. And now I'm diving into my ARC of the prequel, which comes out in late Feb.

#thebibiliophage2022

Meshell1313 So jealous you get to read an ARC of the prequel! Can‘t wait to see what you think! 2mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Meshell1313 It‘s why I started blogging my book reviews … early, free access FTW. I‘ll try to remember to tag you when I post the review! 2mo
70 likes2 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Arca | G.R. Macallister
post image
Pickpick

It follows the main characters of her first book in the series, Scorpica, which was one of my 2022 favorites. These women are grappling with the changes happening in the queendoms. As rulers and women of power, they must hold their realms together despite uncertainties. And they each have their own style of completing these tasks. Just as excellent as the first book!

Full review https://www.TheBibliophage.com
#thebibliophage2022
#thxnetgalley

lynneamch Love tge scaley background on your post! 3w
61 likes1 comment
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Trust | Hernan Diaz
post image
Pickpick

Trust is structurally unique. Each perspective is told in a complete story instead of interspersing each perspective throughout the novel. So it reads like four connected novellas. But all the details are evident only when the last story is complete. Each layer offers new questions and a refined sense of the β€œtruth.”

Excellent as an audiobook!

Full review http://www.TheBibliophage.com
#thebibliophage2022

78 likes5 stack adds
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
All the Birds in the Sky | Charlie Jane Anders
post image

That moment when reading parallels life. I took this pic in the morning. Several hours later I read this passage where the human character becomes an actual bird and tries suet (the stuff in the green cage β€” basically fat and seeds or nuts) for the first time.

#weirdsynchronicity #bookishsynchronicity #birdwatchersoflitsy

Leftcoastzen Fat & nuts! Hooray! 3mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Leftcoastzen LOL!! Exactly! 😜 3mo
dylanisreading A fellow birder! 3mo
65 likes2 stack adds3 comments
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image

πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰ And we have a winner for the last season / quarter of #Booked2022 ! πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰

Congratulations to @Smarkies for winning our random drawing!! And thanks β€οΈπŸ’œπŸ’™ to everyone for all of your posts and conversations about books during the year. Now we can focus on #Booked2023 !

Cinfhen Congrats @Smarkies πŸ₯³ and thanks to all who joined us in 2022❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️ 3mo
Cinfhen Can you please share @LitsyEvents πŸ’• 3mo
rockpools Congratulations @Smarkies ! 3mo
See All 7 Comments
BarkingMadRead Congratulations πŸŽ‰πŸŽŠ 3mo
TrishB Congrats πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰ 3mo
Ruthiella Congratulations @Smarkies πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ₯³ 3mo
Smarkies @BarbaraTheBibliophage have emailed. 😁 3mo
62 likes7 comments
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Untitled | Anonymous
post image

I finally have reviews posted for all of my #Booked2022 reads. Finished up in December but dealing with writerβ€˜s block for detailed reviews. Another great year βœ”οΈ and done! On to 2023 in which I plan to pivot from blogging into some other projects.

#Booked2022 4th quarter drawing (enter by midnight EST 3 Jan) - https://forms.gle/sMyR1gVJciu1HqkA9

#Booked2023 info and signup - https://forms.gle/3Q4vgqPq61bZekiNA

Cinfhen Way to go, B!!!!!! Can‘t wait to see what other projects you have lined up!!!! 3mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Cinfhen Thanks! 😘 3mo
69 likes2 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Alias Grace: A Novel | Margaret Atwood
post image
Pickpick

This is complex and layered with the perspectives of a young female convicted murderer and her psychiatrist. Set in the early 19th century, it also explores class and gender conventions of the time. Excellent historical fiction choice!

Full review https://www.TheBibliophage.com #thebibliophage2022
#booked2022 #setinCanada

Scochrane26 I love this book, think I‘ve read it 3 times over the years. The miniseries is also excellent. 3mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Scochrane26 I've been thinking about trying the series. Glad to know it lives up to the book! 3mo
LeahBergen I loved this book! 3mo
72 likes1 stack add3 comments
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image

🚨⏰Friendly Reminder 🚨⏰ You have until midnight (EST) Jan 3 to submit #Booked2022 ⬇️ link for 4th quarter drawing 🫢🏼 https://forms.gle/sMyR1gVJciu1HqkA9

And if you havenβ€˜t signed up yet….please join us for #Booked2023 - our 6th season ❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️
https://forms.gle/3Q4vgqPq61bZekiNA

KristiAhlers Just signed up. This will be my first time doing this one! 3mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @KristiAhlers Yay!! So happy you‘re joining us! 3mo
Cinfhen Yay 😁 welcome @KristiAhlers 3mo
55 likes3 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Dawn | Octavia E. Butler
post image
Pickpick

Although published in 1979, Butler envisions a future for the Earth thatβ€˜s not just possible but probable. And amid the futuristic story, she writes about top-of-mind topics in our century. Butler teaches her readers through Lilithβ€˜s experiences. Youβ€˜ll examine what it means to be human and how another race of beings might see us. Canβ€˜t wait for part 2!

Full review https://www.TheBibliophage.com #thebibliophage2022 #booked2022 #hopepunk

Aimeesue Octavia B! ❀️❀️❀️ 3mo
Cinfhen Nice!!! 3mo
Reggie What kills me is when they put all the humans together again they‘re all wretched and think yeah let‘s make guns again. Lol, I loved this trilogy. 3mo
See All 8 Comments
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Reggie πŸ’― Clearly, Octavia had no rose-colored glasses when observing human behavior. I‘m really trying to stretch out her books, in between wanting to devour everything quick AF. 3mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Cinfhen This would be a great choice for #partofatrilogy for #booked2023. I may use book 2 for just that! 3mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Aimeesue Yaaas!! She is amazing! 3mo
BookBelle84 I saw these covers at the bookstore the other day and absolutely loved them 3mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @BookBelle84 I agree! I read an ebook with an older cover design. This one has so much more punch! 3mo
65 likes8 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image
Pickpick

This sweet prose poetry book is the perfect choice for a busy holiday. Thomas is lyrical as he describes small town Wales in an earlier time. I want to say more innocent but they had depressed economies and world wars to deal with. So it was just less techie but with plenty of heartache. Reminds me a lot of Ray Bradbury‘s tone.

Anyway, wishing my Litten crew a joyous or relaxing New Year now that we‘ve weathered (most of) the busy holidays!

Ruthiella Happy holidays to you! πŸŽ„ 3mo
TheBookHippie Happy Christmas to you! 3mo
Cinfhen Merry Christmas, friend!!! Beautiful tree β™₯️ 3mo
BarbaraBB Merry Christmas 3mo
WJCintron Merry Christmas πŸŽπŸŽ„πŸ˜ƒβ€οΈπŸ™βœ¨ 3mo
72 likes5 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image
Pickpick

This is an excellent memoir on a timely topic. Boylan addresses the psychological, emotional, physical, familial, and practical aspects of transitioning genders. And she does it with humor, subtlety, and grace.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in one person's story about transgender life. The author does an excellent job reading the audiobook.

Scochrane26 This would be a good book for some of my teen clients who want to transition. 3mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Scochrane26 in some ways, it would. But it also deals with marriage and parenthood a lot, which is probably less relevant for them. 3mo
Scochrane26 @BarbaraTheBibliophage Thanks for the info, I was wondering after I said that. 3mo
63 likes1 stack add3 comments
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Untitled | Anonymous
post image

Start your year with the #Jumpstart2023 readathon from @Lizpixie and @Clwojick !! Visit their feeds for more.

Clwojick Thanks for sharing, and hope you‘ll join us! 3mo
50 likes1 comment
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Red London | Alma Katsu
post image
Pickpick

The newest Red Widow mystery is set in a world that is both post-Putin and post-Ukrainian war. It focuses on the relationship of Russiaβ€˜s new (and fictional) government with its oligarchs. Lyndsey Duncan finds herself smack in the middle of all the conflict and uncertainty as she works a case with her employer, the CIA.

Full review https://www.TheBibliophage.com
#thebibliophage2022 #thxnetgalley

BarbaraTheBibliophage This isn't being released until mid-March 2023. But I recently read Red Widow and decided I didn't want to wait for book #2. That alone tells you I enjoyed the series!

Also, #sorrynotsorry for dropping a couple of reviews today. I haven't felt like writing lately, but the bug struck me today. #hooray
4mo
66 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image
Pickpick

This was a sweet and poignant book, mainly because my dad died way too young, like Alice (and the author). I understood Aliceβ€˜s impulse to remake her dadβ€˜s habits and possibly keep him around for a few more years. Straubβ€˜s writing also floats around all many universal truths. Rather than repeatedly walloping us, she inches various options forward and lets Alice lead the way.

Full review https://www.TheBibliophage.com #thebibliophage2022

GidgetsTreasures75 Loved this one πŸ’– 4mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @GidgetsTreasures75 It‘s just such a book from the heart. And then to have her own father, author Peter Straub, pass away soon after. 😭😭 3mo
GidgetsTreasures75 @BarbaraTheBibliophage yes! I lost my father 22 years ago and this book just hit me with its love for the character‘s dad and then her own dad. How sad that he passed but I‘m glad he got to see this published. It‘s such a love letter to their relationship. 3mo
82 likes1 stack add3 comments
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Double Booked | Liz Hedgecock
post image

πŸ””Friendly Reminder πŸ₯³Itβ€˜s almost time for our final drawing for #Booked2022 πŸ₯° While we LOVE to see your posts on Litsy we only count those who submit through the Google doc.
Here's the short URL to the form: https://forms.gle/sMyR1gVJciu1HqkA9

You have until Midnight January 5 to submit all books read between Oct 1-December 31, 2022 to enter the 4th quarter drawing! Best of luck πŸ’š
Thanks so much for joining us - itβ€˜s been a fabulous yearβ™₯️

BarbaraTheBibliophage @TheAromaofBooks Here‘s a link to our form that works! Thanks for your patience! 4mo
Ruthiella I‘ve got two more books to go. 🀞 4mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Ruthiella You can do it!! I‘m about 80% through my last book!! πŸŽ‰πŸ€žπŸ» 4mo
TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Thank you so much!! 4mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @TheAromaofBooks You‘re so welcome! ❣️ 4mo
34 likes5 comments
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
The Light Pirate | Lily Brooks-Dalton
post image

Looking forward to both of these. But, I‘m cancelling #BOTM after this. In general, their choices just aren‘t working for me. I‘ve been waiting for my end-of-the-year BFF perks, but this is the time.

TheQuietQuill I did the same thing. As soon as my box comes I‘m canceling. Their choices just haven‘t been doing it for me either πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ 4mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @TheQuietQuill We can be a support group for the withdrawal!! 🀣🀣 4mo
Suet624 It seems like there are so many other interesting book subscription plans... 4mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Suet624 Yes, I‘m sure. I do pretty well choosing my own too! πŸ₯Έ 4mo
78 likes5 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image
Pickpick

Every moment of this book is a story with jokes. Along the way, though, Aarons includes poignant moments and plenty of self-discovery. As an early Gen-Xer, I relate completely to her story, despite our differences. Aarons reminded me of how fraught the 1980s were for young women. (Not that itβ€˜s improved!) And she managed to do so while making me laugh at the memories.

Full review https://www.TheBibliophage.com
#thebibliophage2022 #thxnetgalley

CarolynM I can relate to that titleπŸ₯΄ I refuse to identify as baby boomer or gen X - I think there needs to be a separate category for us children of the 60s 4mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @CarolynM I agree!! I was born in the last 6 WEEKS of β€œBaby Boomers,” and def don‘t fit with the earlier part of the generation. Not quite Gen X either but closer! 4mo
85 likes5 stack adds2 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Dark Celebrations | Calvin Demmer
post image
Pickpick

This collection is appropriate for horror fans to celebrate all year long. He takes typical holidays and events and turns them into extraordinaryβ€”and goryβ€”celebrations.

No one does short-form horror like Demmer. His imagination is darker than an attic room with a burned-out light bulb on a moonless night. Every story is a full-on freight train without a single wasted word.

Full review https://www.TheBibliophage.com
#thebibliophage2022

Reggie I have not heard of this but definitely stacked. 4mo
dabbe The cover is terrifying as well! 4mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Reggie Cool! Search out any of his work. This is the second collection I‘ve read from him and all stories I‘ve read are excellent! 4mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @dabbe Yes, I should look up the artist!! 4mo
58 likes2 stack adds4 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
The Wilderwomen | Ruth Emmie Lang
post image
Pickpick

Ruth Emmie Lang explores family relationships with a solid dose of magical realism in her new book, The Wilderwomen. Itβ€˜s a sweet and engaging exploration of sisterhood and the complications inherent in mother-daughter connections. This is my first venture into the world of Ruth Emmie Langβ€˜s writing. It wonβ€˜t be my last.

Full review https://www.TheBibliophage.com #thebibliophage2022
#thxnetgalley

CBee Her first book is probably one of my all time favorites! 4mo
81 likes2 stack adds1 comment
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Practical Magic | Alice Hoffman
post image
Pickpick

This September and October, I went witch-crazy. I read this Alice Hoffman series chronologically, plus two other witch books. #thanksscarathlon for the inspiration. This series is pretty traditional with roots in Salem and witch trials. Hoffman treats the family genetics, witchery, and Nameless Arts, seriously, with limited humor and irony. Because thereβ€˜s a curse!

Full review https://www.TheBibliophage.com (combined with The Women Could Fly)

review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image
Pickpick

Giddings takes witches and makes them relevant to the reality of the USA in 2022. Itβ€˜s a spectacular feminist speculative fiction novel. I enjoyed Giddingsβ€˜s debut novel, Lakewood, and reviewed it on my blog. And her storytelling in The Women Could Fly is one masterful notch up the scale. My favorite #scarathlon2022 read!

Full review https://www.TheBibliophage.com

Cinfhen Ohhhh, yay!! Excited for our #independentWomen #BigBuddyRead @BarbaraBB 5mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Cinfhen Yes! Will you add me to the list for this one? I read this for a local book club that got rescheduled for a night I can‘t attend. So I‘m thinking I‘ll reread and discuss with you guys! 5mo
Cinfhen That‘s awesome for us!!!! Their loss our gain 😘 5mo
BarbaraBB Yay, glad you‘ll be joining us and that the book is good! 5mo
49 likes6 stack adds5 comments
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Untitled | Anonymous
post image

This was my first year doing #scarathlon and it was super fun. Since I‘ve got a nearly Halloween birthday, it‘s always been my favorite holiday. But, yeah, I‘m ready for some nonfiction and non-horror/supernatural books!

Thanks to @StayCurious for being a great #teammonstermash leader!! πŸ‘»πŸŽƒπŸ‘»πŸŽƒπŸ§‘πŸ–€πŸ§‘πŸ–€πŸ§‘

StayCurious great job! Glad to have you with us this year! 5mo
39 likes1 comment
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image

Weβ€˜re super excited to share the 24 new prompts for #Booked2023 a yearly reading challenge split into quarters (seasons) β™₯️This is a no pressure fun way to enhance your reading throughout the year as we celebrate national & international events πŸ€“Below is the sign up link and additional information πŸ‘‡πŸ½

https://forms.gle/3Q4vgqPq61bZekiNA

Start scouring your shelves and show us what youβ€˜ve got lined up πŸ“š

julesG I'm tempted to join and(!) see it through this time. 5mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @julesG Join us and read whatever you get toβ€”it‘s the journey that counts!! 😘 (edited) 5mo
julesG I signed up. 5mo
See All 19 Comments
Magpiegem All signed up for my third year 😁 5mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage I added #Booked2023 to challenges in the StoryGraph site and app. It goes live after they approve it. Here's a link: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/5d7b06f6-3fe1-470a-9d3b-d35b4ac... 5mo
Cinfhen Yay @julesG @Magpiegem YOU inspired us!!!!! Glad to have you back πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ’– 5mo
Magpiegem @Cinfhen I inspired you!!?? πŸ˜ƒπŸ˜‚β€¦ no. 17 by any chance? πŸ₯° (edited) 5mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Magpiegem Exactly! Noted on the sign up form. πŸ€“ 5mo
Ruthiella Great prompts! Love the first one outta the gate! Maybe it‘ll inspire me to FINISH a trilogy! πŸ˜‚ I‘m also honored to have inspired one too! 😊 (edited) 5mo
Magpiegem @BarbaraTheBibliophage haha I missed that! @rockpools we are famous 🀩 It will be even more fun this year!! 😁 5mo
rockpools @Magpiegem That‘s so funny. I‘m going to have to join now, aren‘t I?! 5mo
rockpools @Magpiegem @BarbaraTheBibliophage I just read the signup sheet. That‘s even funnier! I‘m honoured to have my name against that prompt! Signing up now πŸ˜„πŸ˜˜ 5mo
Cinfhen Yay 😁 @rockpools @Magpiegem can‘t wait to see what each of you choose for this year for #17!!! I ended up reading this book because of each of your reviews 5mo
LibrarianRyan already. yikes. 5mo
DivineDiana Signing up! πŸ™‚ 4mo
Cinfhen Here you go @PuddleJumper if you have any questions ask away!!! 4mo
PuddleJumper @Cinfhen ❀️ 4mo
wanderinglynn I totally fell off of booked2022. But I‘m going to make up for it in 2023! πŸ“š Planning my #booked2023 stack now! 4mo
kellyann28 I didn't do 2022 but I think I'd like to give it a go for 2023! 🧑 4mo
51 likes19 comments
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Untitled | Anonymous
post image

Soooo … I saw this collection of short stories on Kindle Unlimited and grabbed it up. I hoped it‘d be a good way to rack up points for #scarathlon2022. I‘m abandoning it after 14 stories. Now I have lots of points, but none of the stories really strike me as well-crafted. Creative horror / Halloween ideas, but hohum writing.

(Not in Litsy database)

#scarathlondailyprompt #story

blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image

Been waiting until I can binge a few episodes!! So excited!

#scarathlon2022 #teamwatch #teammonstermash

MoonWitch94 Ohhhh I‘m starting this tomorrow! Can‘t wait. 5mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @MoonWitch94 I hated the Tom Cruise / Brad Pitt movie. But the series is fantastic so far! πŸ–€ what they‘ve done with the story. 5mo
MoonWitch94 @BarbaraTheBibliophage I have never read it, but it‘s in my tbr. I love the Cruise/Pitt movie; but I have no reference point, so it will be interesting to see if I still like it after I read it. 5mo
56 likes3 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Gwendy's Button Box, Volume 1: A Novella | Stephen King, Richard Chizmar
post image
Pickpick

Fantastic Stephen King novellaβ€”fast-paced and innovative. His MC Gwendy is an everywoman (or every kid) type. She encounters bullies, big decisions, and unexpected successes. But is it because of the button box she received one day when she was 13? Or is she just lucky? Set in Castle Rock, ME, for all the King aficionados. This is a great introduction to his work. And now, I plan to search out some of his co-author Richard Chizmar's writing.

tpixie I read the first two because the first one was part of my #Covertocover BookClub I hope to read the third one soon. Another good book of King‘s If you don‘t wanna go deep horror is 5mo
tpixie Interestingly , the second book is written by the co-author with King‘s blessing, and the third book is written by them both again. 5mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @tpixie Oh, that‘s fascinating about their co-writing. Thx! I have no issue with gore and scary stuff. And *most* of the time King is more about how horrible humans are. Need to read 11/22/63 β€” know I‘d love it!! 5mo
tpixie @BarbaraTheBibliophage β€οΈπŸŽƒπŸ“š 5mo
54 likes5 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
No One Goes Alone | Erik Larson
post image
Pickpick

This is a soft pick for me. I like the historical details but generally felt like the story moved pretty slowly. The main character grated on me a bit and I didn‘t feel connected to the others much either. My favorite parts were the last couple chapters which are the creepiest. And the author‘s note was pretty interesting also.

It‘s only available via Audible, which limits its reach. If you can‘t access it, you aren‘t missing much.

50 likes2 comments
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

Fun unscramble game this week!! πŸ‘»πŸŽƒπŸ§›πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ

StayCurious good job! 5mo
8 likes1 comment
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Untitled | Anonymous
post image

Another solid week. Thank goodness for Google Sheets! πŸ§›πŸ»β€β™‚οΈπŸ¦ΉπŸ½πŸ‘»πŸŽƒ

#teammonstermash #scarathlon2022 @StayCurious

StayCurious amazing! 5mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @StayCurious Thank you! I‘ve been reading short story collections to rack up points! 5mo
35 likes2 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image
Mehso-so

This odd chronicle didnβ€˜t work for me until fully 50% through. And even then, it fell into the trap of too many characters and voices and too little plot convergence. My reading life changed forever after Interview, but this is a weak entry in the series.

Full review https://www.TheBibliophage.com
#scarathlon2022 #teammonstermash #booked2022 #realorfictionalroyal

Cinfhen Fun choice for the prompt!!!!!! 5mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Cinfhen I can‘t believe I stuck to it ALL year! With QE II dying, I almost switched to one of the Windsor Royals biog / memoirs I have on my shelf. Considering how I felt about this book, maybe I should‘ve. LOL - I regret nothing. 5mo
Cinfhen Famous last words β€œI regret nothing” πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜˜ 5mo
56 likes3 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image
Pickpick

Bianca Marais creates a feminist witch story for the 21st century. Youβ€˜ll enjoy this book if you crave a story with strong characters and clear lines between good and evil. It has a liberal perspective and affirms the natural diversity among the characters. If this appeals to you, then this story from Marais will have you laughing in pleasure.

Full review https://www.TheBibliophage.com

#teammonstermash #abouthalloween #scarathlon2022

blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image

Weβ€˜re back for our 6th season….

Coming November 1,
24 new prompts for #Booked2023

Watch our feed for all the details and sign up info πŸͺ„β™₯️

Hint: Start scanning your shelves for 🀫 πŸ§Ÿβ€β™‚οΈπŸ˜·πŸ§πŸ§˜β€β™€οΈπŸ πŸ”πŸŽπŸš™ πŸͺ¦

Love from your hosts
@alisiakae @BarbaraTheBibliophage
@cinfhen

Cinfhen Woohoo πŸŽ‰ I I‘m super excited 😊 5mo
JamieArc Excited to see the prompts. I‘m usually averse to book challenges because I‘m such a mood reader but I‘ve really enjoyed this one and will actually finish! 5mo
Deblovestoread Love this challenge..have 5 left for this year 5mo
See All 8 Comments
Ruthiella Most excellent! πŸ‘ 5mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @JamieArc I **LOVE** hearing this! Reading challenges can stretch us, but we also try to balance that style prompts with some broader options. Hope you like our 2023 ideas! 5mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Deblovestoread Thank you! You can do it! There's plenty of time left. 5mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Ruthiella Thanks! Hope you like our ideas and join us for 2023. 5mo
julieclair Yay! And I‘m intrigued by the emoji hints. πŸ˜€β‰οΈπŸ€¨ 5mo
68 likes8 comments
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image

Tonight‘s movie for #scarathlon2022. Preparing for the new one! #hocuspocus #teammonstermash

Caught some better lines and moments.

StayCurious The second one is cute - the three mains really bring it 5mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @StayCurious Awesome - planning to watch it this week! 5mo
47 likes2 comments
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Untitled | Anonymous
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

I‘m tapping out. Came up with 150 scary or Halloween-oriented words! (Some word combinations are counted as just one word.) really, really hoping I don‘t have any unintentional duplicates. #scarathlon2022 #weeklychallenge #teammonstermash

StayCurious Great job! 5mo
14 likes1 comment
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image

Another intriguing read happening in my world right now! Fits the #scarathlondailyprompts for #missing since the MC‘s mother goes missing mysteriously. Set in an alternate world that feels like Gilead with witchcraft. #scarathlon2022 #teammonstermash

IndoorDame Ooh, this one is on my list for next month! 5mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @IndoorDame It‘s good, so far. But I‘m only 55 pages into it! 5mo
IndoorDame @BarbaraTheBibliophage awesome! I‘m excited to hear what you think 5mo
57 likes3 comments
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Dark Celebrations | Calvin Demmer
post image

I love this #underrated author‘s #horror flash fiction. He can build so much gore and suspense in so very few pages. I‘ve been a horrible reviewer and had this ARC on my shelf for **way** too long. So, now that it‘s #scarathlon2022, I am reaping #allthepoints from this story collection. Yes, plenty of supernatural #murder here.

#scarathlondailyprompts #teammonstermash

blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Later | Stephen King
post image

A good choice for #orange #scarathlondailyprompt today! I added it to my to-read list but can‘t promise I‘ll get to it. #teammonstermash

StayCurious cool cover 5mo
54 likes1 comment
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Untitled | Anonymous
post image

Once again, word search FTW.

Weekly total - 12,709

#teammonstermash #scarathlon2022 @StayCurious

StayCurious great job! 5mo
35 likes1 comment
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
Untitled | Anonymous
post image

Creature-related shows and a movie (The Northman) with some bananas-level creepy characters β€” this one is a witch.

#teammonstermash #scarathlon2022 @StayCurious

StayCurious I want to see The Northman - was it good? 5mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @StayCurious It‘s a LOT of fighting but the underlying story is good. And Skarsgard is awesome. 5mo
50 likes2 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image
Pickpick

Soft pick for this charming story about a town where humans and supernaturals attempt to coexist. The MC is a tree nymph just trying to make things work for herself. The rest of the town doesn‘t quite know what to make of her.

Counting it as a #teammonstermash book for all the creatures within. Disappointed it‘s not scary in the slightest. #scarathlon2022

53 likes1 stack add
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
To the Grave | Steve Robinson
post image

Not all moments of horror are about fantastical monsters. Sometimes it‘s what you learn about your own family history. This is a genealogy take on graves. (Still on my TBR but I‘ve read earlier books in the series.)

#scarathon2022 #grave #teammonstermash #scarathlondailyprompts

review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
post image
Pickpick

This is funny and sorta sweet essay about the joys of Halloween. Special appearances by cake walks, ghost costumes, those costume masks that scraped your face, Raggedy Ann, and all the 1970s / 1980s pranking and parental attitudes. Extra funny if you lived in a small rural town for your childhood Halloweens. (37 min audio - free for Prime and Audible Plus)

#halloweenthemedbook #teammonstermash #scarathlon2022 #scarathlondailyprompts set at #night

61 likes1 stack add
blurb
BarbaraTheBibliophage
The Hunger | Alma Katsu
post image

By setting the book at the end of WWII, Katsu captures the conflicted feelings of everyday Germans. And then, she injects a level of fantasy and horror that makes the story even more compelling. Set near the legendary Reinhardswald forest, there's magical history here. But the darkness of Nazi Germany overtakes anything potentially heartwarming. This is all about sharp teeth and claws, whether wolflike or warlike. ⬇️

BarbaraTheBibliophage As the main character, Uwe is not nearly as horrifying as the town's bully. Uwe's horror is how some people will do anything to survive uncertainty. And then he falls prey to those instincts himself.

Absolutely a perfect spooky season read. And it's just as chilling for the political and historical implications that echo forward to the current day.
6mo
Reggie As a gay guy, I hope this gets made into a movie where every time they undress to become wolves there‘s a lot of full frontal. As an American living in our times this was absolutely frightening. 6mo
See All 7 Comments
Chrissyreadit @Reggie I feel like I need your comment to be in two different blurbs so I can react appropriately to each πŸ˜†πŸ™Œ 6mo
Reggie @Chrissyreadit πŸ–€πŸ–€πŸ–€ 6mo
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Reggie LOL - yes, I think that would go over pretty well! Just need the right streaming service! And as for comment two … OMG yes. Every day gets more frightening. 6mo
41 likes1 stack add7 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
The Good Left Undone | Adriana Trigiani
post image
Pickpick

This is a solid novel set during World War II and today. It follows 3 generations of women in an Italian family. Trigiani builds character connections, historical references, and family relationships. I loved Matelda, who is from the middle generation. Her memories teach the younger generations about her early life and her mother's experiences. We should all ask our grandparents about their youth before it's too late! #thebibliophage2022