Current audiobook. IRL Book Club choice. So happy audio available! Balancing too many actual books right now. #arentweall

The Met Gala is over, but I can‘t wait to dig into this book about the current Queen of Fashion, Anna Wintour! Hot off the presses, I was so happy that my local Library system had purchased two copies. Lucky me. One was available! #librarylove

Yesterday, I received a mail delivery that I had not been expecting. What a wonderful surprise to receive this fantastic Mother‘s Day gift from my stepdaughter. Thank you to Amazon Wish List, she always finds the perfect gift! When I thanked her, she asked was I really planning a trip to Bath? My answer was that this just might give me the push that I need! #bookmail #visitbathsoonerorlater

So, I have a male friend who is an avid reader. He likes to share books that he enjoyed with me. But not to be sexist, 😉 the two he just gave me seem to shout testosterone to me! Am I wrong? 🤷🏼‍♀️ Anyway, they are chunksters, and I won‘t attempt to read for some time. 🙂

My April Reading Wrap Up:
Read 10 books.
Mt TBR-4
Female Authors-5
POC Authors-3
Children‘s Book-1
Nonfiction-2

April Results of Book Spin Bingo.
Finished 10 books.
Double Spin ✅
No Bingo yet again!

Thank you @TheAromaofBooks for coordinating this fun challenge. I am going to take a break for May.

Wasn‘t expecting such fashion detail! #draculadaily

“The strangest figures we saw were the Slovaks, who were more barbarian than the rest, with their big cow-boy hats, great baggy dirty-white trousers, white linen shirts, and enormous heavy leather belts, nearly a foot wide, all studded over with brass nails. They wore high boots, with their trousers tucked into them, and had long black hair and heavy black moustaches.”

A bit behind, but I have started #Pemberlittens selection.

I ordered this book after I finished reading The Gown. Wanted to know more about British fashion designer Norman Hartnell. This is an edition from the V&A Museum. It has arrived! #bookmail

My friend asked me for book recommendations to gift to her relatives who are graduating in a few weeks. One from high school and one from college. I forwarded her an article with suggestions. She was intrigued by this one from the list. So,she downloaded it from Hoopla, and was so impressed that she wanted me to read it too.

Since my Library system did not have it on audio, she loaned me her IPad. I‘m glad she did! Inspiring. Quick read.

The land of a fictitious African village is sold to an American oil company by the country‘s corrupt Emperor. The effect of the pipelines and the oil spills in the local river are devastating to the community. The drinking water is causing children to die. Thula who grows up in the village fights back. I am happy that this book was chosen by my IRL Book Club. So much to discuss! We meet this week. #booked2022 #authorborninafrica

A young British woman travels to a country manor for a position as a governess after her father dies. She discovers that within the year, there were five other women who had come before her. What has become of them? Where are the parents? Unlike Boyne‘s other novels, it is Gothic in feel. Excellent in audio! #authoramonth

Passed this swing while audio walking, and resisted trespassing on private property to take a ride. Almost finished tagged book. Confident I will be able to add it to April‘s reads! 🙂

Current audiobook. Trying my best to finish at least one book for #authoramonth ! Thank you @Cinfhen for the recommendation! Not like a typical Boyne novel, but I am loving it!

This is a photograph of the 1947 wedding gown of Queen Elizabeth.It was hand embroidered with symbolic motifs.This book tell the story of two young women who worked on the embroidery.The design was top secret,and there was a frenzy to discover any information. Behind the scenes look at the world of couture, the healing power of art, and the strength of women‘s friendships. Meticulously researched.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A friend was raving about a particular episode of Brene Brown‘s podcast. I listened and learned so much that I ordered this book. It is written by the author that was being interviewed. Great advice! Relatable, concise, a game changer for me.

A powerful story of a Nigerian family, culture and religion told through the eyes of a young woman. What an achievement for a first novel! The audio was fantastic! It allowed me to hear the correct pronunciation of Nigerian words. I mostly listened to it, but I also had the book. The audio was Recorded Book Imprint Giot. More in comments. #readingafrica #nigeria
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Worked my Friends of the Library shift yesterday. I try so hard NOT to bring home any more books! However, when a fellow Friend tells me that I should read this book, as it is on her top 10 of all time, how can I not say yes to the book?

This book has been sitting on my TBR shelves for too long. Plan on reading this year.

#annerice #weremember

Current audio. Another IRL BookClub read.

Current IRL Book Club read. Looking forward to reading this author again. I did like her book “Behold the Dreamers.”

Thank you @TheBookHippie for your choice! I was sad that my library did not have a copy closer to the original, but the charming illustrations were a beautiful gift! I did not realize that the loving King and Queen had no idea that there was an eighth fairy! They quickly apologized for the oversight, and asked for forgiveness. The fairy said yes, but only if she could offer the child a gift. And so it was.#childrensclassicread2022

Current audiobook #readingafrica

The annual Trinity boy‘s prep school fundraiser involves selling chocolates. This year the school‘s secret society,The Vigils, is asked by Brother Leon to make certain it is a success. Sadistic Brother Leon has misappropriated school funds. New student Jerry Renault decides not to participate,and the school is in an uproar. #bullying #facultycorruption #bannedbook
#darkacademia #booked2022

This copy of the classic fairytale is from the original by Charles Perrault. Once the magic water is brought from the forest, the Queen follows the fairy‘s instructions and bathed in the water. A lobster appears in the bubbles, a spirit of the forest, and says that her prayers will be answered. She will have a daughter. Very surprised that Disney did not include a talking lobster! #childrensclassicread2022

Finally. My books of March!
Women Authors- 5
Poetry- 1
Nonfiction-1
Challenges- #pemberlittens #childrensclassicread2022 #authoramonth #booked2022

New audiobook combined with old paperback that is sitting on my shelves unread. #libby #mttbr #booked2022 #darkacademianovel

Dual timelines/ Havana,1958 and Miami, 2017. The story of the prominent Perez Family,sugar company owners.Elisa, one of the debutante daughters,falls in love with a rebel in Castro‘s Army.When the President flees the country, so must the family,to start a new life in Miami. When Elisa dies,her granddaughter returns to Cuba with her ashes. Incite from the Cuban perspective about what happened in the past and currently. #foodandlit #cuba
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Here is my completed Bingo Card for March. No Bingo, but I did complete my #doublespin !
So close. #bookspinbingo

Ray dreams of becoming a classical violinist. His family would prefer that he work in a hospital cafeteria. Only his beloved grandmother believes in him,and gives him the battered violin that had been stored in the attic of her home. Ray‘s love of the violin takes him to the highest echelons of classical music, but not without struggles,betrayal,and racism.This book was a thrilling page turner! Written by a man who is a Black classical violinist.

Current audiobook. #foodandlit #cuba

Here is my #bookspinbingo list for April! Maybe a Bingo this month?!?

I found this book fascinating! My lovely ESL student is a henna artist, and we often discuss her art. She started a small henna business. Reading this book gave me an understanding of the cultural significance and intricacies of the Art. The main character,Lakshmi,is a strong woman who struggles to be independent and care for her younger sister. Life in 1950‘s Jaipur comes alive in this book! #booked2022 #includesarecipe

Starting new ebook loan. #libby #booked2022
#newin2022

I am a fan of Lisa See. Read many of her books, and was privileged to attend an in person author event. She signed this book,and I told her about Litsy! This one was another beautifully written story of women in 19th century China. Women were told to “obey, obey”, be it parents,husband or mother in law. The friendship between Snow Flower and Lily was complicated and filled with love. The concept of laotungs (old sames)was new to me. #authoramonth

A few years ago on Indie Bookstore Day, I chose this ARC as my gift for making a purchase. Finally pulled it off the shelf for #booked2022 #aboutsisters When Rose and Ivy‘s father dies, the sisters travel from Albany to NYC to search for their mysterious brother. A Speakeasy, bobbed hair, anarchists and flappers. Love a NYC setting. Quick easy read. A few tears. If you love the Roaring 20‘s, this one‘s for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

A book for lovers of books. A.J. owns Island Books on Alice Island that he opened with his wife. He no longer is the man that he was. When an unexpected delivery arrives at the store one night, A.J. has an opportunity to begin again. Many, many book references throughout! Sympathetic characters. And a rare Edgar Allen Poe book! Store‘s slogan: No man is an island; every book is a world”
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Last night, I attended a reading and discussion with Joy Harjo, the United States Poet Laureate, and the first Native American Poet Laureate. She is a woman of many talents: writer, playwright, musician. Joy played a few hypnotic songs on a flute, shared some howling during a story, and told us a real life ghost story. I look forward to reading her poetry and her other books. #nativeamerican

Finally have time to read an #authoramonth #lisasee selection!

This book has been on my shelves for a very long time. Started the audio on Hoopla. Taking an alternate path to reading my collection. 🙂

Dear #pemberlittens, I finished reading the previous selection! Now, I will look back and read everyone‘s comments. My favorite character was Elinor Dashwood. She exemplified strength, loyalty, kindness and grace. The writing was exquisite, as I fully expected. However, the constant evaluations of a woman‘s beauty as her ticket to a good match irritated my enjoyment of the story. I was so tired of the tributes to Marianne‘s beauty.

A lovely book of poetry featuring Christopher Robin and sometimes, Pooh appears as well. We meet Christopher‘s friends both human and otherwise. Included are the original illustrations by Ernest H. Shepherd which are delightful! As @TheBookHippie has recommended, it is a wonderful way to start the day with a cup of coffee or a sip of tea! #childrensclassicread2022 Thank you for another choice that brings a peaceful feeling to my soul.

A painting of a woman standing on a balcony looking at a bridge plays a prominent part in this book. Although the story is far fetched, I did like how all the characters lives are connected in a satisfying ending. I have read a few of the author‘s other books, and this is consistent with his belief that there is good in all people. Short, quick moving chapters. Quirky characters. Ultimately, a love story.
Artist- James Augustine

I am an ESL tutor for a lovely Indian woman who also is a henna artist! As part of our lessons, we read and discuss books. In the past, I have chosen middle grade chapter books. When I saw this book, I asked her if she wanted the challenge to leap to an adult book. The answer was a resounding yes! She is loving it!

I am a huge fan of Amor Towles, and eagerly awaited the reading of his latest novel. The story of a road trip of two brothers from Nebraska traveling the Lincoln Highway to find their mother in California. It was a journey fraught with adventure, danger and an abundance of surprises. Sympathetic characters. Beautiful writing as expected. The story moved along, but I do wish that it had some editing and a resolved ending.

IRL Book Club pick for March.

Once again, thank you @TheBookHippie for choosing a delightful book! There is something soothing about reading this story of kindhearted, unspoiled, Polly who visits a friend in the city, and is exposed to a different life.
I loved the quote, “When you feel out of sorts, try to make someone else happy. You will soon be so yourself. “ Polly‘s Mother
#childrensclassicread2022

I listened to the beautiful voice of Maya Angelou read these two books for the February #authoramonth challenge. Thank you @Soubhiville for bringing me such joy!

Here‘s my #BookSpinBingo list for March. Now, I just need to transfer to my Bingo Board!

This book has been on my Amazon wish list ever since I watched the TV Genius Series about Pablo Picasso starring Antonio Banderas.

While sorting books for my local Library‘s book sale, it showed up! So... although, I am strongly resisting purchasing any more books,until I read and release many more of the books I own, it came home with me! Now when I actually read it, is another thing. 🤷🏼‍♀️