Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 16: The Clue of the Tapping Heels | Carolyn Keene

And just like that, we‘re two weeks away from our next #NancyDrewBR discussion, #LittenDetectives !

Has anyone tapped their way into this month‘s reading yet? I have it slated to read next weekend. I‘m not graceful, so no tap dancing at my house (unless you count my cats tripping me and making me tap dance to stay upright!).

Looking forward to our discussion!

rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, DGRachel, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, lauraisntwilder, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, bookandbedandtea, Laughterhp, Sace, Bren912, kwmg40, CSeydel, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, Pageturner1, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze, julieclair

BarkingMadRead I‘m starting it today! 2h

Librarybelle Yay, @BarkingMadRead ! 2h

DebinHawaii I picked up my library transfer this morning, so will likely start it Sunday night! 2h

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Bookwormjillk I‘m waiting for my library hold to come in. Should be soon! 1h

JenlovesJT47 I stalled at book 6, haven‘t picked up any in a couple of months because I think I was stressing myself out about catching up. I think I‘m just going to read this month‘s book first, then go back and finish catching up. 🙃 47m

Librarybelle Yay, @DebinHawaii @Bookwormjillk ! 34m

Librarybelle Sounds like a good plan, @JenlovesJT47 ! I think the series works well reading out of order, so no worries on that. 33m

kwmg40 My library hold came in just moments before I read this message. What good timing! now

Librarybelle That is great timing, @kwmg40 ! now

22 likes9 comments

Librarybelle

Villette | Charlotte Bront�

The February #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead choice is this chunkster by Charlotte Bronte. @Deblovestoread posted her daily reading schedule, in case anyone wishes to also divide this into manageable chunks!

Discussion questions will be posted on February 28th, but it‘s perfectly fine to participate whenever you wish!

If you would like to be added or removed from the tag list, please let me know!

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

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 2h

AllDebooks Thank you for the tag. I'm going to skip this one, as I read it recently. Enjoy. X 2h

Librarybelle Sounds good, @AllDebooks ! Feel free to join in the discussion at the end of the month. 2h

AllDebooks @Librarybelle thanks 😊 2h

21 likes4 comments

Librarybelle

The Hotel Balzaar | Kate DiCamillo

pick

I wanted to squeeze in one more #AuldLangSpine book, and I was so excited this was on @BarbaraJean ‘s list. True story: I chose to meet DiCamillo over Judy Blume (they were signing at the same time, and I had such a book hangover from reading The Tale of Despereaux).

I loved this one! Lots of fun quotes that remind one to keep hope and that love endures. It‘s sentimental and magical, and the illustrations by Sarda are exquisite.

So lovely!

monalyisha

Librarybelle I managed two #AuldLangSpine titles, but I plan to read more throughout the year (plus the new one you flagged, @BarbaraJean !). Thanks again, @monalyisha for hosting this opportunity! 23h

56 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

Thanks for the tag, @DebinHawaii !

1. My boys…always! Photo yesterday of all 4 letting me know it was dinner time.
2. Pride and Prejudice day and an amazing webinar by Jane Austen‘s House in Chawton
3. American Dream Nut Butter—current flavor I‘m devouring is Franken Butter Peanut Butter
4. I discovered Anthony Horowitz has a new Susan Ryeland book coming out!
5. Litsy…thank you!

#5JoysFriday

Aims42 I love your joys, especially the Anthony Horowitz one 💙🩵💙 I‘m so excited for his new book too!! I don‘t know if you watch the series on PBS, but it did get confirmed that this new book will be part of the series 🙌 1d

Librarybelle Oh good, @Aims42 ! I still have to watch the second one (and read the book). It doesn‘t stop me from getting excited for the new installment! 😂 1d

Aims42 @Librarybelle I totally get it! 🥳🎉 1d

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dabbe 🩶🩵🩶 1d

MemoirsForMe Nice to have those furry reading companions surrounding you! 😺❤️ 1d

Librarybelle Yes, @MemoirsForMe ! ❤️ 1d

kspenmoll Thanks for the book tip! Love your fur babies!!!!😻😻 1d

TheBookHippie ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ 19h

46 likes8 comments

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. 24h

Librarybelle I hope you‘ll be able to get it back soon, @Jerdencon ! 24h

39 likes2 comments

Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

This post contains spoilers

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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 1d

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. 18h

mcctrish I recently listened to The Invisible Hour, another book influenced by Scarlet Letter and Hester‘s Hawthorne is a complete opposite in tone and I loathe him 2h

6 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

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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/ 1d

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. 24h

Librarybelle @Pogue That‘s so interesting! 23h

mcctrish I wanted Hawthorne to be a better man 2h

6 likes4 comments

Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

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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

5 likes

Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

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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

4 likes

Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

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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

6 likes

Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

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4. Discuss the significance of Isobel‘s colors. What do you think it means that she has lost them at certain points in her life and gained them back? Why do you think she is unable to see colors with certain people? ~from Readinggroupguides.com #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

julieclair I think she lost her colors during times when she was depressed, or feeling suppressed. I did wonder why she couldn‘t see colors for some people. Looking forward to hearing others‘ thoughts. 18h

mcctrish I think @julieclair is right about the depression and lack of colours as for people without colour maybe the same reason 2h

6 likes2 comments

Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

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3. Isobel‘s embroidery is an essential part of who she is and allows her to express her internal creative process in a way the world values. Do you have a creative outlet or form of creative expression that is important to you? ~from Readinggroupguides.com #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

julieclair I love that Isobel was able to express her creativity in a world that put so many restrictions on women. I don‘t have a passion for any one creative endeavor, although I do enjoy needlework. I find it relaxing. 18h

6 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

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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

6 likes

Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

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1. At the beginning of the novel, we are told about the unique phenomenon of synesthesia, which plays a major role in HESTER. In what ways does Isobel‘s synesthesia serve to propel the narrative forward? ~from Readinggroupguides.com #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

PurpleyPumpkin I find synesthesia fascinating! And this is a thought-provoking question. My first thought is that it was instrumental in the shaping of her personality. From the time she was a young child, she was taught to hide this part of herself, largely for her own safety. She didn‘t even really understand it until she was much older. 1d

Librarybelle I like that, @PurpleyPumpkin ! Good thought! 1d

julieclair I had never heard of synesthesia. It‘s fascinating! And I loved how the descriptions of the colors associated with characters words gave clues to their character. 18h

mcctrish @julieclair same on all counts for me too 2h

8 likes4 comments

Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

Tomorrow is our discussion day, #LiteraryCrew , for Hester. I had hoped to be finished (and this why this reminder is so late), but this one is not clicking for me. Beautifully written, but I‘m not buying the tie to The Scarlet Letter (and that will be discussed tomorrow, as there is a supposed closer connection to Hester than Isobel). I‘ll see how much more I can read tonight!

Looking forward to your thoughts tomorrow! #BuddyRead

Pogue I DNFed this one. I just could not get into it. 2d

dabbe @Pogue #same 2d

CatLass007 @Pogue I bailed too. (edited) 2d

See All 18 Comments

Librarybelle I think when you purport a character to be the inspiration for one of the best known characters in American literature, you have to be sure that there are no other suspicions to the origin. The author‘s note does not mention Elizabeth Pain or Paine or Payne, who is buried in Boston, and it‘s her tombstone that Hawthorne alludes to at the end of The Scarlet Letter. It just bothers me for some reason, @Pogue @dabbe @CatLass007 ! 2d

mcctrish I listened to it and I enjoyed the embroidery talk so much 2d

Librarybelle That is a fascinating piece, @mcctrish ! I also did not know much about synesthesia, so I liked learning about that too. 2d

CatLass007 @Pogue @dabbe @mcctrish I enjoyed the embroidery talk and I definitely had something new to think about when synesthesia was introduced as one of the many reasons people were accused of witchcraft. I‘d heard the term before but I never knew its meaning. Neither of these things inspired me to continue the book. (edited) 2d

Gissy I‘m late but I will read the comments later. Trying to follow all the Readathon/buddy reads/challenges I‘m participating this year. But I like I‘m reading books I have in my tbr forever🤗I have both books👌 2d

Librarybelle That‘s great, @Gissy ! Join in whenever you can. That‘s a great thing about these discussions—no time limit on participating! 2d

Sace I wasn‘t really that bothered by the supposed inspiration. To be honest I never even knew there were possible real life inspirations. Clearly I need to brush up on my Scarlet Letter knowledge. I (barely) read it in high school and I don‘t remember a bit of it. I actually really enjoyed this book though. (edited) 2d

Librarybelle @Sace I don‘t know why it bothers me so much! Maybe it‘s my mindset right now. But, if I ignore that part, it‘s a good story! 2d

tpixie @Sace I‘m with you I did not know there were possible real inspirations, and I just took this as the author‘s imaginative take on it and not a real-life take. That was probably our advantage. I loved Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter and I did enjoy this book. I loved learning about synesthesia and the embroidery passages. 2d

Mollyanna I didn‘t read The Scarlet Letter in school, so I thought that was why I just never really connected with the characters. Maybe not based on the comments. I‘ve got about 90 minutes of the audio left, so I‘ll finish it. It‘ll likely be a so-so for me. (edited) 1d

Librarybelle I‘m glad you enjoyed this one, @tpixie ! The writing is beautiful. 1d

Librarybelle @Mollyanna I‘m over halfway through and will finish it. It‘s probably a so-so read for me too. 1d

Gissy @Librarybelle 😃👌❤️ 1d

Sargar114 I started but probably won‘t finish today. Agree so far a so so for me 🤷🏼‍♀️ 22h

Librarybelle I likely won‘t finish today either, @Sargar114 ! 21h

45 likes18 comments

Librarybelle

A Terribly Nasty Business: A Novel | Julia Seales

Look what‘s coming out in June! The follow up to A Most Agreeable Murder…so excited!

53 likes1 stack add

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

Monday was hard on so many levels, and I flaked on #MentalHealthMonday .

1. I‘m here—that‘s probably the best thing to say. But, the lack of doomscrolling has made more time for reading and cat cuddles!
2. Self-help books are usually not for me. I get very discouraged with them, and it‘s wonderful they help so many people. While not necessarily self help, and not about mental health, I always recommend “Maybe You Should Talk To Someone” by ⬇️⬇️

Kerrbearlib

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️ Lori Gottlieb. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster, and I cannot recommend it enough. I tend to connect more with fictional characters. One recent is “The Collected Regrets of Clover” by Mikki Brammer, about an incredible woman living a lonely life. So much sentiment in this one, and I could see myself in the character in many ways. 4d

Kerrbearlib I‘ve heard good things about Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. Mikki Brammer‘s book sounds good, thanks for sharing! Fiction about mental health absolutely counts for books on mental health. Have you read Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now? That‘s a great YA read with a teen who has OCD and anxiety.

Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now

(edited) 4d

Kerrbearlib That‘s great the lack of doom scrolling has given you more time for reading and cat snuggles. I think reading and cats snuggles make difficult days more bearable. I need to remember that the next time I‘m doom scrolling or mindlessly scrolling. 4d

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Librarybelle @Kerrbearlib I‘ve not heard of that book, so thanks for the recommendation! That probably would have been helpful back in my teen years too. I think cat snuggles make anything better! 😻 4d

sarahbarnes ♥️♥️♥️ 4d

TheBookHippie ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ 4d

Deblovestoread Avoiding doomscrolling is so necessary! 4d

Librarybelle So true, @Deblovestoread ! 4d

51 likes8 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

In February, the #ChristiesCapers group will read Christie‘s second mystery, and the first featuring the duo Tommy and Tuppence. Originally published in 1922, this introduces the couple from their first meet cute to their adventures in mystery.

Discussion will take place on February 23rd. If you would like to be added or removed from the tag list, please let me know! #AgathaChristieClubR3

janeycanuck, Aims42, MallenNC, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, AnishaInkspill

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 5d

TheAromaofBooks This is one of my favorites!! I love Tommy and Tuppence so much!! 5d

Bookwormjillk Another new one to me. Looking forward to it! 5d

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Librarybelle Yay, @TheAromaofBooks @Bookwormjillk ! 5d

Deblovestoread It will be a first for me as well. Should be fun! 5d

Librarybelle Yay, @Deblovestoread ! 5d

Aims42 My copy is ‘in transist‘ to my library 🙌 Can‘t wait! 5d

Librarybelle Yay, @Aims42 ! 5d

kspenmoll I think I have it in some stack! 5d

Librarybelle Yay, @kspenmoll ! 5d

Morr_Books This is one I haven't read before! ♥️ 5d

Soscha I need to get signed up for is # 5d

Librarybelle @Morr_Books You‘re more than welcome to join if you would like! I can add you to the tag list too if you would like. Just let me know! 4d

Librarybelle @Soscha I‘m happy to include you in the group! 4d

Morr_Books @Librarybelle Great! Yes..please add me. 😀 4d

Librarybelle Will do, Sarah! @Morr_Books 😁 4d

BarbaraJean Yay! Looking forward to reading this one—I haven‘t read any of the Tommy & Tuppence books yet! 4d

Librarybelle Yay, @BarbaraJean ! 3d

56 likes18 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

One of my reading buddies needs some extra thoughts, please!

Xander had his yearly cardiology appointment today—for those of you who do not know, Xander was born with a heart defect and will always have a heart murmur.

We got tough news today: two of his heart chambers has more fluid than they should. He‘s not in the danger “zone,” but his condition has been now moved to the stage preceding danger. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ He has even more medicine now to take and another appt in a few months. He was my brave little boy today, definitely because he was scared. My heart is broken at the moment, but I‘m hopeful that all of this medicine will bring down the fluid. Please think of him, and I will make sure he gets lots of cuddles today! #Xander #CatsOfLitsy 5d

Luke-XVX I‘m sorry! Please give him a tickle from across the pond and rub those toe beans! 5d

Librarybelle Thank you, @Luke-XVX ! 5d

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AmyG Saying a prayer for your little guy. 🤞🏻🙏🏻 5d

Librarybelle Thank you, @AmyG ! 5d

Deblovestoread Sending love and pets to Xander. Hope the meds do their job for him. 💙 5d

Ruthiella ❤️❤️❤️ 5d

JessClark78 ❤️❤️ 5d

rubyslippersreads Sending ❤️ and healing purrs to Xander from Nicky, Sadie, and me. 😽 5d

eeclayton Sending love and lots of positive energy 💕 5d

Librarybelle Thank you, @Deblovestoread @Ruthiella @JessClark78 @rubyslippersreads @eeclayton ! ❤️ 5d

dabbe Oh, sweet Xander! Sending as many belly rubs as I can. You, your mama, and your whole family are in my thoughts, brave boy. Feel better soon. 🖤🐾🖤 5d

Librarybelle Thank you, @dabbe ! 5d

Jas16 Sending Xander ❤️ 5d

Desha My little Sophie sends her love and prayers for Xander to feel all better ASAP! 🐶💗 5d

DaveGreen7777 Sending prayers and healing energy to Xander! 🙏 5d

Susanita Extra snuggles for Xander 🧡 5d

Librarybelle Thank you, @Jas16 @Desha @DaveGreen7777 @Susanita ! 5d

jenniferw88 Extra strokes for Xander! 🤞 for good news at the next appointment. 5d

Librarybelle Thank you, @jenniferw88 ! 5d

LiseWorks Oh no! Hope he gets better. 5d

Librarybelle Thank you, @LiseWorks ! 5d

bookandbedandtea Hoping for better news at the next appointment 💜🙏🏻 5d

Librarybelle Thank you, @bookandbedandtea ! 5d

Leftcoastzen Hope for better news next time. Extra snuggles for Xander . 😻 5d

Librarybelle Thank you, @Leftcoastzen ! 5d

Leftcoastzen He‘s so handsome! 5d

Librarybelle He is, @Leftcoastzen , though I am a bit biased! 😹 5d

KathyWheeler What a lovely boy. I hope his meds help. 🥰 5d

BookmarkTavern Sending positive vibes! ❤️‍🩹 5d

Billypar Sending Xander good vibes for a response to the treatment! Poor guy - he seems adorable 😺💙❤️‍🩹 5d

MaureenMc 💗💗💗 5d

mrp27 Positive thoughts! 5d

Librarybelle Thank you, @KathyWheeler @BookmarkTavern @Billypar @MaureenMc ! 5d

Librarybelle Thank you, @mrp27 ! 5d

NatalieR Wishing the best for you and Xander. ❤️ 4d

Librarybelle Thank you, @NatalieR ! 4d

Reggie Sending only the best thoughts for you and Xander. 4d

Librarybelle Thank you, @Reggie ! 3d

68 likes39 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

My February #BookSpinBingo list!

I‘m also shocked that I got my first bingo ever on the January bingo sheet. It‘s taken years to accomplish that! 😂

TheAromaofBooks

Elizabeth2 Yay for Bingo! I‘ve never gotten one either, even if I read five books in a month, I can‘t ever get them in a line. I thought maybe this month, and then two library holds came in early and there went my chance. 😂 6d

TheAromaofBooks Yay bingo!! Lovely list!! 5d

59 likes2 comments

Librarybelle

True Biz | Sara Noviac

pick

A great book that explores Deaf culture and the biases and prejudices against those who cannot hear. On the surface, it‘s several characters trying to get through their days with their issues, but the aforementioned darker issues linger in the background. I enjoyed the various historical facts, ASL words, and other trivia thrown into the narrative. Also, I could not stand Mel!

So glad this was on your list, @BarbaraJean ! #AuldLangSpine

monalyisha

MallenNC I liked this one too, and her earlier book, Girl at War 6d

Librarybelle @MallenNC I‘ve yet to read that one, and I think you had it listed on the #NewYearWhoDis list for me years ago. I did buy a copy, so maybe this is the year! 6d

MallenNC @Librarybelle I bet I did have it on that list! 6d

80 likes2 stack adds3 comments

Librarybelle

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Poirot) | Agatha Christie

It‘s time for our first #AgathaChristieClubR3 #ChristiesCapers discussion! I posted 9 questions as spoilers; they can be found on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtags. Feel free to answer whenever!

February‘s book is The Secret Adversary, which is the first Tommy and Tuppence book. More details will be posted tomorrow!

janeycanuck, Aims42, MallenNC, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, mrp27, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, AnishaInkspill

Sace Thanks for tagging. I‘ve made a note in my reading journal for May-July, but enjoy lurking until then. 😁 6d

Aims42 I‘m excited for the February read! This will be my first Tommy and Tuppence book 😁 6d

Larkken I always forget about Tommy and Tuppence! Looking forward to the read. 6d

See All 9 Comments

Librarybelle @Larkken Great! Would you like me to add you to the tag list? 6d

Librarybelle Wonderful, @Aims42 ! 😁 6d

Librarybelle @Sace Lurk away! 6d

Larkken @Librarybelle ha. Forgot I was only lurking. Sure! 6d

Librarybelle No worries, @Larkken ! You‘re also welcome to lurk. 😁 6d

Cailey_Mac Yay a list🫶🏼 6d

56 likes9 comments

Librarybelle

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Poirot) | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

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9. In Lucy Worsley's 3-part documentary, she interviews a professor about Christie's racist and anti-Semitic epithets in her novels (the interview is wonderful).

As we progress in the novels, we'll notice this (there were a couple of instances in my addition of this novel that stood out to me).

But yet, we love Christie, and her works have endured for over 100 years. Why do you think this is the case? #AgathaChristieClubR3 #ChristiesCapers

Aims42 This is another great question!! I can‘t wait to see what other readers think. I have to let this marinate 🤔 6d

Bookwormjillk I‘m not sure how to answer that. I‘ll have to find that documentary. Worsley‘s book about Christie is really good too. Maybe I‘ll have a chance to re-read it before next month‘s discussion and then I can answer more questions 😂 6d

dabbe To address the racist/anti-Sematic slurs in her novels and why these novels still endure is a hard question for me. Perhaps at the heart of many of Christie's novels is a deep understanding of human nature and the frequent exploration of themes of greed, jealousy, betrayal, and the darker sides of human behavior. These themes transcend cultural and temporal boundaries, making her stories relevant to successive generations of readers. 6d

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MallenNC I agree that this is a question to wrestle with. In someways I think readers accept those parts of the books as reflective of the time they were written and that it‘s excused because the stories are so good. I read Lucy‘s book but I think I need to rewatch that part of the documentary. 6d

MariaW I‘ve read Worsley‘s book as well, but did not watch the documentary. I definitely have to find it. Again, I agree with @dabbe. And I am adding another point: Christie‘s novels have become such huge part of our modern day pop culture, they are considered as classics due to all the different famous adaptions. Nowadays we have more authors and books, there is an overflow of information. This was not the case yet at the beginning of the last century. (edited) 6d

MariaW I am not sure there will be found classics of our time in a hundred years or so. (edited) 6d

mrp27 It‘s definitely something I wrestle with, with many authors, artists etc. I don‘t know that there will ever be a clear cut answer of how to deal with this. We just learn and do better, be better. 4d

Librarybelle I think the particular segment is in episode 3, and I keep searching for a clip online—if I find it, I‘ll post. It‘s a question I wrestle with, and I think as modern day readers we see these instances in the books as flawed and degrading ( @dabbe in your response to the first question, you alluded to the troubling phrases). I‘ve yet to read Worsley‘s book, so I cannot speak to that personally. There may be no right way to respond to this. ⬇️⬇️⬇️ 2d

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ I think, though, it is good to acknowledge that there are flaws. Incidentally, in 2023 Christie‘s works were one of the classics changed to remove the derogatory and racist comments by Harper publishing. I personally love Christie for her plotlines and the twists. She‘s one of my favorite authors. Somewhat related to this, I attended a webinar last night that the presenter was discussing myths in how history is presented…⬇️⬇️⬇️ 2d

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ …and bringing the full truth to light. In this particular instance, a town in Massachusetts that has citizens fighting to remove inappropriate signs regarding the Indigenous community and properly recognizing the contributions of the non-WASP citizens. Someone called him out on his “impartial view” and his response was that it is not a condemnation of how people portrayed history in the past. Rather, it‘s up to us today to acknowledge…⬇️⬇️ 2d

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️…that portrayal as flawed and add more to the story. As he said, people 50 years from now may find fault with our interpretation of history and find a better way to convey how everyone in the community contributed to the overall town story. It‘s hard to explain on a post, but I found that seemed to fit well with this. We see these phrases, know they are bad, and it‘s a teachable moment for us to personally do better. @Aims42 @Bookwormjillk 2d

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ @MallenNC @MariaW @mrp27 2d

RainyDayReading It‘s hard to come up with an answer for this. I agree with everyone above. Perhaps another reason why people seem okay with the remarks is because they‘re aware that these are classics and therefore contain things that are a product of their time and with that as context we can take the work as a whole and still enjoy it while disagreeing with the remarks? I don‘t know that there‘s a good answer for this. It‘s difficult to put thoughts into words. 2d

Librarybelle @RainyDayReading So true. It‘s hard for to put thoughts into words. 1d

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Librarybelle

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Poirot) | Agatha Christie

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8. According to Brewer‘s Dictionary of Phrase & Fable, a red herring is “a hint or statement in the early part of the story to put the reader on the wrong scent” (derived from the practice of dragging a smelly red herring across a path to confuse hunting dogs). How many red herrings can you find in this mystery? ~from Penguin Random House Reading Group Guide #AgathaChristieClubR3 #ChristiesCapers

dabbe 1. John Cavendish seemed to be highly suspect--until we find out that his suspicious behavior was mostly due to his anxiety about his financial situation.
2. There are letters that appear to suggest a romantic relationship between Evelyn and Dr. Bauerstein, which gives the impression that there might be a love triangle and a motive for murder, but this too is misleading and part of the complex relations to mask the real culprits. 6d

MariaW @dabbe Letters between Evie and Dr Bauerstein? I completely missed that. 🙈 Got definitely not thrown off by this one. 😂😂😂 The were so many: Inglethorp habing the affair instead of John. Lawrence insisting on the murder being a natural death, … 6d

MaleficentBookDragon The Doctor is the biggest one. The whole farmer‘s wife affair is another. I never saw where it was implied that it was John having the affair. That seemed to be pulled out of the blue at the end. Cynthia working at the pharmacy made her a suspect and red herring for me. 6d

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mrp27 Evelyn hatred was a big red herring. One does protest too much. 4d

Librarybelle I agree about Cynthia, @MaleficentBookDragon . The doctor was another one, and those letters! @dabbe @MariaW @mrp27 2d

RainyDayReading I agree with everyone above. Cynthia and the doctor being the biggest red herrings for me. Also how thoroughly everyone suspected Alfred and were insisting it was him until Poirot “cleared” him. Then after that it‘s like “well Poirot cleared him so it can‘t be him.” Oh but it can!! 2d

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Librarybelle

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Poirot) | Agatha Christie

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7. According to the critic Anthony Lejeune, “The real secret of Agatha Christie . . . lies not in the carpentering of her plots. . .but in . . . [her] ability to buttonhole a reader, to make, as Raymond Chandler put it, ‘each page throw the hook for the next.‘ ” How does Christie build suspense in this novel? Were you surprised when the murderer was revealed? ~from Penguin Random House Reading Group Guide #AgathaChristieClubR3 #ChristiesCapers

Bookwormjillk I thought I knew who did it, and was thrown off when we learned who the real murderer was. 6d

dabbe The problem I find with detective novels sometimes is that in order for them to supply the element of fair play for the reader, we have to be given all of the clues during the story. When everything is explained to us at the end, we literally feel stupid (a la Watson) and maybe even jaded that we, in fact, weren't given all the clues until the end. I saw that in this book and quite a few others (talking to you, Conan Doyle!) 6d

MariaW I agree with @dabbe. After most of Christie‘s nocels I felt like „How was is supposed to know?“. She gives the glues most of the times, but the reader is almost unable to grasp them, at least not during the first reading. For me it is more about reading about the different relationships, encounters and the changes in ther characters that make the books interesting. I already gave up guessing the murder. 🙈 (edited) 6d

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MaleficentBookDragon I know that we are supposed to have all the clues, Poirot even told Hastings a few times that he knew everything that Poirot did. But Hastings (meaning us) cannot piece them together. I suppose that is to show us how agile and different Poirot‘s mind is, but I do sometimes wish we could see the book from Poirot‘s viewpoint. I‘d love to see how he made the mental leaps he (Christie) made to get to the end of the mystery. 6d

Librarybelle Oh yes, I‘d love to see it from Poirot‘s perspective, @MaleficentBookDragon ! I‘m terrible at finding clues to begin with in a story—hence why it took me 4 times to find some of the clues Poirot mentions—but like @dabbe said, sometimes we the reader just don‘t have everything. @Bookwormjillk @MariaW 2d

RainyDayReading At this point I have just accepted the fact that I will never be able to figure out mystery novels particularly Christie mysteries so I just sit back and enjoy the story. I theorize but I don‘t obsess over whether I‘ve got it right or not. I know the point is to perhaps try to solve it before Poirot, but I don‘t wanna 🤣 I‘m rarely right anyway. 2d

Librarybelle Love it, @RainyDayReading ! I‘m always shocked when I figure out something! 😂 1d

RainyDayReading @Librarybelle It‘s a good feeling when you do though! 1d

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Librarybelle

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Poirot) | Agatha Christie

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6. What role do outsiders play in The Mysterious Affair at Styles? Consider, in particular, the characters of Alfred Inglethorp, Dr. Bauerstein, and Hercule Poirot. ~from Penguin Random House Reading Group Guide #AgathaChristieClubR3 #ChristiesCapers

dabbe Alfred fits the “nobody“ role who marries the rich ol' lady. Poirot is the detective who is “outside“ the realm of the regular police force--you have to have that in a detective novel, I think. Not sure about Dr. B. 6d

MallenNC I like the double meaning of outsider for Poirot. He‘s Belgian so he‘s outside of this British culture but that status doesn‘t stop him from seeing everyone as they really are. And he‘s outside of the case as a civilian (edited) 6d

MariaW There are more outsiders somehow: Hastings has been to Styles for years, Emily is the stepmother of the boys, Evie, Mary and Cynthia as well. It seems like a lot of outsiders were thrown into a salad bowl and mixed together. Dr Bauerstein is the red herring Agatha Christie needed to make the story more interesting. Poirot and Inglethorp are the antagonists - with Poirot circling Inglethorp like a cat lying in wait. 6d

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MaleficentBookDragon I agree with @MariaW that there were more outsiders than insiders. Johnathon & Lawrence were the only true family. Their stepmother was never close to them emotionally. Mary just came to Styles to escape her boring life. Cynthia was the poor relation with no prospects. Emily infiltrated Styles with an evil plan. Mr. Inglethorpe, the doctor, the policemen, the farmer‘s wife; they were all a bit of window dressing to keep us confused. 6d

mrp27 Felt like they were all outsiders in one way or another, even John and Lawerence who were only step sons. 4d

Librarybelle I like the idea that they were all outsiders to a degree, and good point @MallenNC that there is a double meaning to “outsider” with Poirot. And yes, @dabbe , Alfred fits that “nobody” role by marrying the matriarch. @MariaW @MaleficentBookDragon @mrp27 2d

RainyDayReading I agree with many of the comments here. There did seem to be a plethora of outsiders more than there was insiders. Which meant that the suspect pool could be bigger since suspicion typically falls on the “outsider” but if most of the characters fit the “outsider” definition that makes it harder to figure out “whodunnit” since you‘ve got more than just 1 or 2 characters to pick from. 2d

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Librarybelle

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Poirot) | Agatha Christie

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5. How would you describe the Edwardian social hierarchy that Christie establishes in the novel? Who is on the top of the ladder, and who is on the bottom? Does anyone break the rules of this well-defined social order? ~from Penguin Random House Reading Group Guide #AgathaChristieClubR3 #ChristiesCapers

dabbe It seemed to me that the Edwardian society was at the end of its run in the novel--mostly evident by Emily marrying basically a nobody. The idea of a remote country house also seemed to me to be an end-of-an-era feeling. 6d

MariaW Changes can be seen at the horizon for sure. Less personnel around, the ladies have to work… only the men still seem to do nothing (except being in the war). That Inglethorpe was penniless made the shock for the family even more terrible. 6d

MaleficentBookDragon It was interesting to see how there was a wistful nostalgia about the old ways from both Mrs. Inglethorpe (to be expected of the “lady of the house”) but also by a few of the servants like Dorcus. Fear of change perhaps? 6d

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Librarybelle I like that description, @MaleficentBookDragon , “wistful nostalgia.” It‘s definitely the end of the era. I love reading about the grand houses of England, and it‘s at this time that families can no longer afford these homes. So many economic reforms and, with heavy casualties from the war and a patriarchal society, no one to carry on the upkeep. @dabbe @MariaW 2d

RainyDayReading This definitely comes across as an “end of an era” sort of thing. Especially given the time period of the war and money being tight and not allowing things like paper to go to waste. The war was a time of change for a lot of people when it comes to society and class and I think this book did a good job of capturing that atmosphere. 2d

RainyDayReading I do think that Dorcus was an interesting character as a servant that didn‘t seem to like the shrinking of the household staff and what that implied moving forward in the future. The general assumption is that people didn‘t like being servants but perhaps there were some that were afraid of change and preferred the structure they were currently in. 2d

Librarybelle Agreed, @RainyDayReading ! Your comments make me think of Ishiguro‘s The Remains of the Day. 1d

RainyDayReading @Librarybelle I‘ll have to go look that up! I know Ishiguro but I‘m not familiar with The Remains of the Day. 1d

Librarybelle It‘s an excellent book! It‘s also a movie starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson, though I‘ve not seen it. @RainyDayReading (edited) 1d

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Librarybelle

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Poirot) | Agatha Christie

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4. According to Agatha Christie, when she wrote The Mysterious Affair at Styles she saw it as “a story with a moral; in fact it was the old Everyman Morality Tale, the hunting down of Evil and the triumph of Good...” How is this reflected in the characters in the novel? Did you find them realistic, or did you think they were stereotypical? ~based on Penguin Random House Reading Group Guide #AgathaChristieClubR3 #ChristiesCapers

dabbe I found them as realistic as they could be--being all rich and living in a luxurious mansion--which for the “everyman“ is a fantasy. The fact that the crime involved the gain of material wealth definitely is realistic since a lot of criminality is for that very reason. 6d

MallenNC I agree @dabbe that money is the motive in a lot of crime is the realistic part of this story— just watch a Dateline episode to see that. 6d

MariaW I thought the notion of a younger man marrying an older woman for the money seemed very stereotypical even though it came out very late in the novel. Especially how the whole family reacted the move of their stepmother. I think for the working class it might have have satisfactory to see the upper class cutting their throats over their inheritance. 6d

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mrp27 All the characters felt realistic as did the murder. 4d

Librarybelle Completely agree with all of you! And yes, @MallenNC —it‘s like a Dateline episode! @dabbe @MariaW @mrp27 2d

RainyDayReading I think they were both realistic and stereotypical in a sense. Money being a classic motive for murder and I think the characters behaved in a way that fit their personality & character. But the way Alfred(? I already forgot his name) was described as dark with dark hair and a beard so he must be up to no good I thought was stereotypical vs the loyal and steadfast Howard was beyond reproach and described as such. 2d

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Librarybelle

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Poirot) | Agatha Christie

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3. The mystery is told through the eyes of Captain Hastings; we will also meet him in other Poirot novels. What do you think of Hastings? Think of the working relationship between Hastings and Poirot and Watson and Holmes (if you're familiar with the Sherlock Holmes stories). How are working relationships similar? Different? #AgathaChristieClubR3 #ChristiesCapers

Aims42 I love the dynamic between Hastings and Poirot. I feel like as a reader we need Hastings to be the bridge between Poirot‘s thinking and methodology and what the reader knows. Hastings is like the translator, and I love how salty he gets when Poirot is like, “No, that is not what I mean” 😆 6d

dabbe Hastings and Poirot have that similar way of bantering with each other that I love. You know they both love each other, but they can get quite saucy with one another, too. 6d

MallenNC I agree that it‘s nice to have a narrator like Hastings to take us through the story. I also like how at different points he thinks he‘s got it all figured out. I think readers probably relate to him in that way. 6d

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MariaW I thought Hastings seemed kind of lost in this first one. Of course he had to be that way after being in the war. He seemed very restless while being around attractive women. The dynamic @aims42 mentioned definitely helps both to improve themselves and it makes it even more interesting because there are more sidetracks. The beginning was very similar Sherlock‘s Hound of the Baskervilles with the narrator explaing why he writes everything down. (edited) 6d

MariaW I did not read many of the Sherlock Homes novels yet, I only know a lot movie adaptions, but to me it seems like Poirot and Hastings do have more a friendship whilst Holmes‘ and Watson‘s relationship is more of the professional sort. This may due to the fact that those stories have been written almost 40 years earlier. Maybe Poirot seems „warmer“ because he is a foreigner? (edited) 6d

MaleficentBookDragon I think there is genuine affection between Hastings and Poirot, but like in my last comment, Hastings sometimes looks down on Poirot because of his quirks and age even though he knows how intelligent Poirot is and what an outstanding detective career Poirot had. Hastings could be a little arrogant and Poirot puts him in his place, do you speak, but not in a mean way. 6d

mrp27 I had no idea of Hastings character as a partner to Poirot. But I agree he is the bridge for the reader. I liked how he would get so annoyed with Poirot because I would get annoyed with him too. 4d

Librarybelle I agree with you @MariaW —Hastings and Poirot are more a friendship, and Holmes and Watson are more professional. There is a warmness to Poirot that is not quite evident in Holmes. As for Hastings, yes @MaleficentBookDragon , I noticed too the comments he makes about Poirot, which are not exactly friendly. Hastings does serve as a good bridge between Poirot and the reader. @Aims42 @dabbe @MallenNC @mrp27 2d

RainyDayReading I personally am not a big fan of Hastings. I like the dynamic between Hastings and Poirot, but don‘t enjoy having to read from Hastings perspective because he makes so many assumptions and jumps to conclusions. He‘s naive and thinks he knows best and that always irks me in characters. I think I‘d like him more if he was included in the books but it wasn‘t written as if he were telling the story. 2d

Librarybelle Good perspective on Hastings, @RainyDayReading ! I cannot remember which book later in the series, but I found Hastings very annoying. Sometimes he seems too naive or he thinks he‘s too smart. 1d

RainyDayReading @Librarybelle There were times I wanted to reach through the page and shake him 🤣 I was hoping perhaps he would grow as the books go on with him but I think we‘re stuck with him as he is. 1d

Librarybelle I think so, @RainyDayReading ! 😂 1d

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Librarybelle

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Poirot) | Agatha Christie

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2. We meet Hercule Poirot for the first time in this novel. What are your impressions of him? He appears in over thirty novels and fifty short stories by Christie (and later in the continuation of stories by Sophie Hannah). What makes him such an appealing and enduring character? ~based on Penguin Random House Reading Group Guide #AgathaChristieClubR3 #ChristiesCapers

Aims42 This is a GREAT question!! I love the balance between “Mr Know It All” and his silliness (those pesky little grey cells, Mon Ami) 6d

dabbe I adore him and his peculiar habits. It did get a wee bit annoying, though, when he would never tell Hastings ANYTHING, which meant we didn't know anything either--until the end of course. 6d

MallenNC What I like about Poirot is how he notices all the little details. I am not the best at that, even when reading. 6d

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MariaW I like his little annoying habits because we all do have those. And in the end his habit of arranging things symmetrically helped to solve the case. @dabbe I was annoyed as well sometimes, but then I made me remember that Hastings wanted to become a detective and Poirot somehow teaches him. (edited) 6d

dabbe @MariaW Good point! 🤩 6d

MaleficentBookDragon I love how quirky he is, yet seems genuinely kind and empathetic. And while he always seemed to be amused by Hastings and his wild (dumb) theories, he never seems to be truly laughing at him in a mean or condescending way. At least not to me. On the other hand, there were moments when Hastings was definitely looking down on Poirot because of his quirks or his age; but he always gets proven wrong by Poirot and then feels guilty for his thoughts. 6d

TheAromaofBooks Poirot loves people, and I think that is a huge part of what makes him an enjoyable protagonist. So many modern detective stories are about someone jaded by life and convinced that humanity sucks. But Poirot is always trying to bring a couple together, or to help someone regain their hope, all on the side whilst solving the mystery! 5d

mrp27 He‘s certainly a funny little man. But I like the balance of wits and quirks. 4d

Librarybelle I love that perspective, @TheAromaofBooks ! I never thought of his encouragements, but you‘re right. I think a lot of his popularity has to be the TV adaptations starring David Suchet—Suchet is Poirot! @Aims42 @dabbe @MallenNC @MariaW @MaleficentBookDragon @mrp27 2d

RainyDayReading I like Poirot! I think that in this book I did find some of his decisions annoying, like when he was clearly holding something back, but that could 100% be because we were reading through the perspective of Hastings and that‘s how he was portraying him. I think Poirot is appealing because people tend to underestimate him because he‘s such a “funny little man”. It makes his triumph all the more sweet. 2d

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Librarybelle

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Poirot) | Agatha Christie

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1. What did you think of the book? Was this your first time reading the book?

A few facts:

*Published in 1920
*First Hercule Poirot novel
*Poirot was inspired by the Belgian refugees from WWI living in Torquay at the time Christie wrote this
*Christie and her first husband named their home Styles after this novel

#AgathaChristieClubR3 #ChristiesCapers

Aims42 So, I discovered around page 50 that I had already read this book 😂 But it‘s been a few years since I did so I didn‘t remember much. I think I actually liked it more reading it this time, I definitely didn‘t remember the amazing banter between Hastings and Poirot 🤣 6d

dabbe I enjoyed this first introduction to the infamous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, even with some prejudices that made me majorly wince (the n-word is used once, and any Jewish person is referred to as the Jew 😳). The tying up of loose ends was quite the humdinger, too, and I had to read it twice to make sure I understood all of the red herrings and the actual clues that led the incomparable Poirot to solve the crime. 6d

Bookwormjillk Definitely dated, but wow Christie really finds her voice right away. I wouldn‘t be able to tell that was her first book if we weren‘t reading them in order. 6d

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MallenNC This was my second time reading this one but I only had a vague memory of the story. Whenever I read Christie I always think I‘m going to figure it out and I still didn‘t. 6d

MariaW I‘ve listened to a shortened audiobook in German some time ago, listened then the current audible radio play two weeks ago and finally read the ebook. I definitely have to say I prefer it in its original language. And I agree with @Bookwormjillk, if I hadn‘t known better I couldn‘t have said it was Christie‘s first crime fiction. (edited) 6d

Deblovestoread I honestly don‘t remember if I‘ve read this. I did have a bit of a Christie phase when I was young. It is hard to read these older novels with the cringy racism but it was a solid mystery and fine introduction to Poirot. 6d

MaleficentBookDragon This was my second time reading this book. I remembered most of what happened as so I did pick up in a few clues, but not as many as I thought I should. 6d

MaleficentBookDragon @Deblovestoread I know. She‘s a bit sexist as well, which still always surprises me when I read her books. 6d

mrp27 Not my first Christie nor my first Poirot but I did enjoy reading this one for the first time. 4d

Librarybelle This was my fourth time reading this one, and while it‘s not as polished as her later books, you can tell she‘s got a good formula going. Like some said, it would be hard to tell this was her first crime novel. I finally caught some of the clues in the story, but not all—maybe 4 more readings will get me there! 😂 @Aims42 @dabbe @Bookwormjillk @MallenNC @MariaW @Deblovestoread @MaleficentBookDragon @mrp27 2d

RainyDayReading This is the third time I‘ve read this and even though I knew the ending I still got just as sucked in trying to figure it out as I did the first time I read it. Some of the more racist and sexist comments took me aback a bit because I didn‘t remember them being there but overall I enjoyed it. Not a favorite but I had a good time. 2d

Librarybelle I think I enjoy her books because, no matter how many times you‘ve read it, you still get sucked into the story. @RainyDayReading 1d

RainyDayReading @Librarybelle That‘s very true! Just something about her books where you can‘t help but get sucked in. 1d

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Librarybelle

Witness in Death | Nora Roberts, J. D. Robb

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I think this was the best in the series yet—aspects of Agatha Christie-esque mysteries are thrown into this one. Eve, Roarke, and thousands in the audience witness a murder on stage. But, it‘s not as clear cut as it seems. Eve also continues to battle her last, and elements of the investigation do not help. I love to see the characters developing! #InDeathLongReadalong

#LitsyAToZ #LetterW #52BookClub25 #FinalSentenceIsLessThan6WordsLong

Texreader, StayCurious, LiseWorks

LiseWorks I agree, I really liked this one 7d

StayCurious A lot of character bonding in this one 5d

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Librarybelle

The Girl from the Grand Hotel | Camille Aubray

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A good historical fiction novel that showcases the glamor of Hollywood and film along the French Riviera at the Grand Hotel, set against the backdrop of the start of WWII. There‘s romance and a thriller-esque thread woven into the storytelling. The list of who‘s who in Hollywood in 1939 is staggering, and the MC Annabel (who knows photography) mingles with them all (hence my choice for #BBRC #Adult #Paparazzi ).

Great #SundayBuddyRead choice!

LibrarianRyan, TheBookHippie, Texreader

Librarybelle #LitsyAToZ #LetterG #52BookClub25 #GenreTwoSetInSummer #CatsOfLitsy #Zeke #SebastianKitty (edited) 1w

AmyG This was a fun book. I flew through the sections. 1w

Librarybelle Yes, @AmyG ! 1w

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TheBookHippie ♥️♥️♥️♥️ 7d

dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 7d

LibrarianRyan Yeahhhh 6d

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Librarybelle

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Poirot) | Agatha Christie

My 4th time reading this & I finally picked up on some of the clues! There‘s nothing like a wildly gesticulating Poirot dancing his way down the street to make one laugh (and I always picture the Suchet Poirot in my mind).

Discussion tomorrow! I‘ll post questions mid to late morning, US East Coast time. #192025 #1920 #LitsyAToZ #LetterM #52BookClub25 #TitleStartsWithLetterM #BBRC #Adult #AuthorCelebrity #AgathaChristieClubR3 #ChristiesCapers

janeycanuck, Aims42, MallenNC, LibrarianRyan, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, Texreader, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, mrp27, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, AnishaInkspill

TheAromaofBooks I've read this so many times and still find it to be great fun. I love Hastings so much!! 1w

Aims42 That‘s who I picture as Poirot too 😂 Loved Hastings in this one too 1w

Librarybelle Hastings was so good, @TheAromaofBooks @Aims42 ! 1w

LibrarianRyan Nice 6d

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Librarybelle

Earl Crush: A Novel | Alexandra Vasti

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I had not realized this was book two in a series, but it read very well as a standalone!

Spicy romance in the Regency era, featuring Lydia Hope-Wallace and Arthur, the Earl of Strathrannoch. I did get a bit bogged down with the indecisiveness of the characters and their constant cataloging of each other‘s favorite traits, but this was a good, distracting listen from reality. Not only romance, but adventure, strong female characters, and spies. ⬇️

Texreader

Librarybelle ⬆️ The voice actress did well with the various characters, both British and Scottish accents. There are also slight currents of humor laced throughout the novel, which were fun. The author‘s note indicates parts of the story based on true accounts, which was very interesting. Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC! #192025 #2025 #LitsyAToZ #LetterE #52BookClub25 #ACharacterWithRedHair 1w

Texreader #letterE can be difficult sometimes so good job! But also excellent review 1w

Librarybelle Thanks, @Texreader ! 1w

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Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

Thanks for the tag, @DebinHawaii !

1. My boys…always. Pictured is Xander lounging in the cat hammock yesterday. ❤️
2. Snow! It was a small amount compared to winters when I was a kid, but enough to have me outside shoveling on Monday.
3. Litsy
4. I attended a webinar from the Nat‘l Museum of the United States Army that discussed Jewish American soldiers who helped liberate concentration & labor camps in WWII. Very moving.
5. Books!

#5JoysFriday

RaeLovesToRead Xander what are you doing?! 🤣🤣 So floofy 💕💕 1w

Aims42 💙🩵💙🩵💙 1w

dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 1w

TheBookHippie 💙🤍 1w

kspenmoll Wonderful joys!!!🩵💙🩵 1w

59 likes5 comments

Librarybelle

The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to Be Calm and Mindful in a Fast-Paced World | Haemin Sunim

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There are a few gem reflections in this, a book that purposely asks the reader to take their time reading. It‘s reflective and calming. Admittedly, there were a few times I did not quite agree with the author‘s musings, but that may be the point—it opens for good discussion. Overall, a lovely book. Great pick for the #MidWinterSolace #BuddyRead !

#Xander #CatsOfLitsy

#52BookClub25 #MoreThanAMillionCopiesSold

TheBookHippie, Chrissyreadit, AllDebooks

MemoirsForMe Love this photo! 😻 1w

Librarybelle Thanks, @MemoirsForMe ! ❤️ 1w

Kerrbearlib Kitty!!!! 1w

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Librarybelle @Kerrbearlib 😻 1w

Leftcoastzen 😻👏 1w

DogMomIrene That‘s how I‘m feeling too. Kind of between So-So and Low Pick. I‘m a little past halfway, so I need to pick this up more to finish. 1w

Librarybelle @DogMomIrene It‘s a good reflection overall, but I‘m glad I picked it up at the library rather than buying a copy. 1w

80 likes1 stack add7 comments

Librarybelle

Villette | Charlotte Bront�

In February, the #LiteraryCrew group will venture back in time this classic Bronte novel.

This #BuddyRead is read at your own pace. I will post periodic checkins throughout the month. Discussion will take place on February 28th!

Please let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the tag list.

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 1w

Jerdencon I‘m in for this one 1w

CatLass007 Goodness, this is a chonkster! I‘ll give it a whirl. 1w

See All 19 Comments

Librarybelle Yay, @Jerdencon @CatLass007 ! 1w

Deblovestoread I‘m in…going to try to break it down into daily chunks as soon as my copy arrives. 1w

Librarybelle Good plan, @Deblovestoread ! 1w

Sace Not sure I‘ll finish on time but I‘m looking forward to it! 1w

Librarybelle Yay, @Sace ! 1w

tpixie Yay! 1w

Ruthiella Enjoy! This was a roller coaster ride for me! 1w

Karisa Oooh, I don‘t think I‘ve ever read it. Count me in! 1w

Librarybelle @tpixie @Karisa 😁 1w

Librarybelle Thanks, @Ruthiella ! 1w

AnishaInkspill I've read this, a beautiful novel and I want to read again but my Feb is already overbooked, but pls add me to #LiteraryCrew to follow this and all your future reads. Thanks😊 1w

Librarybelle Will do, @AnishaInkspill ! Feel free to join the discussion for Villette if you would like. 1w

julieclair Have never read this. Looking forward to it! 1w

Librarybelle Yay, @julieclair ! 1w

kspenmoll I put a hold at the library! 1w

Librarybelle Yay, @kspenmoll ! 1w

56 likes19 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

I finally took the time to tally my #192025 titles read during the second half of 2024. I managed 8 titles…thank goodness for book discussions!

I still have a number of years to read by the end of the year; if I do not quite make the whole list, this has been such a fun challenge all the same. I plan to start it again in 2026 with #192030 …details later this year!

I completed the 2000s decade and am nearly finished with two more decades. Yay!

julieclair Ooohhh… I need to tally mine. 🫣 So glad you‘re going to start again in 2026! I really enjoy this challenge. 💙 2w

Librarybelle Thanks, @julieclair …I think it‘s so fun! Glad you‘re enjoying it too! 2w

Bookwormjillk 2026 still sounds so in the future 😂 2w

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Librarybelle It really does, @Bookwormjillk ! 😂 2w

BarbaraBB You‘re doing great! I used to read so many classics but since joining Litsy I have switched almost completely to contemporary fiction. 2w

Librarybelle Thanks, @BarbaraBB ! I think my reading has broadened even more thanks to Litsy. This past year I was able to read more contemporary fiction, or at least books published within the last couple of years, than I did when I worked in the library. Odd, but true. Keep reading the contemporary fiction, and I‘m sure I‘ll keep stacking books based on your reviews! 1w

BarbaraBB Litsy has definitely broadened my reading too! 1w

56 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to Be Calm and Mindful in a Fast-Paced World | Haemin Sunim

Timely.

The top passage speaks to politicians‘ behavior, but the bottom passage is a light in the dark: “Historically, the people who bring about the change in society tend to be not the middle-aged but the passionate youth. Their hearts are sensitive to the plight of the oppressed. Their spirits stand tall against injustice & fight for the voiceless. Hold on to that youthful heart & spirit no matter how old you are. #MidWinterSolace #BuddyRead

TheBookHippie, Chrissyreadit, AllDebooks

TheBookHippie ♥️ 2w

AllDebooks 💙❄️💙 2w

Suet624 I love this. My only quibble with it is the elderly (me) have hearts overly sensitive to the plight of the oppressed as well. 😊 but I understand the point being made. 💕 (edited) 2w

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Librarybelle @Suet624 I‘m middle aged, and I like how the quote reflects in the last couple of lines that no matter how old you are to be mindful of your youthful spirit in recognizing the plights of the oppressed. At least, that‘s my interpretation. 😁 2w

Deblovestoread I was struck by these passages as well when I read them last week. 2w

Librarybelle @Deblovestoread I love how you can find quotes that speak to you at the right moment while reading! 2w

Suet624 You‘re right, of course. I think I got tripped up on that one line and never got to what was actually being said. 😂😂 2w

Librarybelle I did at first too, @Suet624 ! There have been a couple of passages I‘ve had to reread to make sure I understood the message. 😂 2w

Suet624 Thanks for your understanding. 😊💕 2w

Librarybelle No worries at all, @Suet624 ! 😊❤️ 2w

rwmg @Suet264 Since he mentions the “passionate“ youth perhaps he's saying that yes, the hearts of older people might be sensitive to the oppressed but the young have the energy and passion to do something about it. 2w

66 likes11 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

Thanks to @Kerrbearlib for starting a #MentalHealthMonday post! This ties in so well with the hygge and self-care posts by @AllDebooks , @Chrissyreadit , and @TheBookHippie …I‘ve become more and more vocal over mental health awareness over the last few years, and it takes posts like there to remind myself to just stop and breathe. Thank you!

Last night, I deleted my social media apps from my phone…⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️…which means I‘ll only sporadically post & view my feeds when I‘m at my computer. Today, it‘s been so nice not to doomscroll. I gave myself permission to have a self care day, take a little extra time to think and reflect on life, read, and I plan to meditate a bit later (I want to get back in the habit of it). I loved the discussions from the #LiteraryCrew about heroes, setting boundaries, and taking care of oneself. And, I held my cats. ❤️ 2w

Aims42 💕💕💕💕💕 2w

mcctrish I‘m having a glass of wine and I‘m not even 🇺🇸 2w

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Librarybelle @mcctrish I had a nice glass of wine tonight too! 2w

Chrissyreadit ❤️ 2w

Leftcoastzen ❤️ 2w

CoverToCoverGirl I feel like I‘ve entered a parallel universe..very disheartening. 2w

Librarybelle @CoverToCoverGirl So true. 2w

dabbe 🩶🖤🩶 2w

MemoirsForMe Sounds like the perfect day! 💙 2w

Librarybelle It was, @MemoirsForMe ! 2w

kspenmoll So glad to hear of your self care- I took a walk in our new snow, watched escapist movies like Agatha Christie & Vera on Britbox, read, cooked bolognese for dinner. 💕 2w

Librarybelle Sounds like a good self care day, @kspenmoll ! ❤️ I need to get back to Vera. I‘ve seen maybe the first 4 or 5 seasons. 2w

Kerrbearlib You're welcome! I'm strongly considering deleting most of my socials, too. They're just not good for my mental health anymore. Litsy is one of the only platforms that doesn't make me feel worse. Thanks for sharing your day! 2w

Prairiegirl_reading I‘ve had Instagram deleted since the beginning of the month, I logged off fb this week to see how long I can go. It‘s hard! 2w

Librarybelle @Kerrbearlib @Prairiegirl_reading I rarely check my social media on my computer, and while I was not quite ready to get rid of my FB and IG accounts, I knew this was a good step to take. I still need access to cultivate connections for my line of work, so it‘s not completely gone, but at least I‘m not constantly on social media (other than Litsy) anymore! 2w

DogMomIrene Thanks for sharing! I love this idea. Your plan to just check socials on your computer sounds really solid, especially since you kind of need to be there for work. Accessing those channels on a computer definitely gives a work vibe for me at least. I‘m trying to limit my phone screen time, except for Litsy. 2w

BarbaraBB 🩷 2w

Librarybelle So true, @DogMomIrene ! I hope that this will also prevent me from spending hours just scrolling through my feed and focus on the content I want to see. 2w

CatLass007 @Librarybelle Wow! You‘ve done a great job taking care of you! Reading and snuggling with my four cats is a daily treat. Getting off of social media is something I did a while back. I still have an active Facebook account but only to keep in touch with friends via Messenger. And Litsy. I could never delete Litsy. It‘s been a lifesaver over the last 7+ years! 2w

Librarybelle @CatLass007 Yes…I could never delete Litsy! My FB and IG are still active, but at least I‘m not checking them constantly, and I already feel so much better from it. 2w

CatLass007 @Librarybelle Excellent! 2w

63 likes22 comments

Librarybelle

Murder, She Wrote: a Killer Christmas | Terrie Farley Moran, Jessica Fletcher

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I wanted a good escape book today, and I decided to drop everything and pick up a Murder, She Wrote mystery, one set in Cabot Cove, Maine (I think this place rivals Midsomer in England for murder capital of the world).

I think I liked this one more because of the setting and my familiarity with the characters than the mystery itself—I knew the killer as soon as it happened, which is so rare for me. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ The writing was a little clunky at times, yet this did not deter me from reading. It was good comfort reading, and I read this in a day. #52BookClub25 #GenreFourSetInWinter 2w

dabbe I adore Jessica Fletcher! 🤩🤩🤩 2w

Librarybelle @dabbe She‘s awesome! 2w

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MemoirsForMe 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 2w

Librarybelle I forgot! This is my #DoubleSpin for the month! @thearomaofbooks 2w

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2w

64 likes6 comments

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.

⬇️⬇️⬇️

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! 2w

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!! 2w

Librarybelle @tpixie I‘ve not read Villette either, so this should be fun! 2w

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tpixie @Librarybelle 🥳 2w

julieclair I didn‘t get to this one, but I‘m looking forward to our Hester discussion. 😉 2w

Librarybelle No worries, @julieclair ! I think the Hester discussion will be great! 2w

Sargar114 Didn‘t get to this one either. But Time for me to pick up Hester. Hoping I can finish in time! 2w

Librarybelle @Sargar114 Yay!! 2w

SilversReviews Loved Hester!! 2w

Librarybelle @TheSpineView I‘m looking forward to it! 2w

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. 2w

Librarybelle @CatLass007 I‘m always playing the “which library hold to read first” game… 😂 Good luck! It is especially hard with different due dates! 2w

CatLass007 Thank you. 😊 2w

tpixie @SilversReviews I also loved Hester! ❤️A❤️ (edited) 1w

SilversReviews @tpixie 😀😀😀 1w

tpixie @SilversReviews ❤️ 1w

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) 2w

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. 2w

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 ⬇️ 2w

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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. 2w

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. 2w

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) 2w

Librarybelle I know, @CatLass007 ! 2w

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) 2w

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) 2w

Librarybelle Nice, @Pogue ! 2w

tpixie @Pogue great tactic! 2w

11 likes11 comments

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! 2w

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) 2w

CatLass007 respecting the boundaries set by others. We have no responsibility for anyone‘s feelings, thoughts, or actions except our own. 2w

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AllDebooks I agree with @CatLass007 All of the characters were heroic and positive role models. 2w

Librarybelle Completely agree, @CatLass007 @AllDebooks ! The first step is to respect oneself and set boundaries and then do amazing things from there. 2w

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. 2w

Librarybelle So true, @Pogue ! 2w

10 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

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

This post contains spoilers

show me

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)⬇️ 2w

CatLass007 his hands on her was guilty of professional misconduct and battery. 2w

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. 2w

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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. 2w

Librarybelle Yes, @AllDebooks . I keep thinking about that story! 2w

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!” 2w

Librarybelle Yes, @Pogue . That was another good story! 2w

tpixie @Librarybelle Homecoming was so crazily insensitive! That shocked and agitated me the most! 2w

Librarybelle @tpixie Yes! 2w

tpixie @Librarybelle Such ignorance! No insight. 😂 I‘m still bothered by it today! 2w

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) 2w

Librarybelle @tpixie I need to read that! 2w

tpixie @Librarybelle it‘s quite an eye opener. 2w

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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. 2w

CatLass007 Thank you. 2w

Librarybelle Your‘re welcome, @CatLass007 ! 2w

81 likes10 comments

Librarybelle

The Return of Sherlock Holmes | Arthur Conan Doyle

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Completed the last story and thus the full “Return” collection for #NoPlaceLikeHolmes . The stories are a mixed bag of suspense and ho-hum mysteries. In each, Holmes uses his deductive reasoning to solve the crime. Personally, I like the more suspenseful stories with a bit of murder (what does that say about me 😂).

Thanks for leading us through this collection, @dabbe and @Cuilin !

Cuilin I like my mysteries to be a bit more murderous too. 🔪 🩸 2w

dabbe Quite a few where Holmes lets the criminal go free, too. I also love a good murder mystery! 🤩❣️😂 2w

62 likes2 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

Thanks for the tag, @DebinHawaii !

This is good to think about joys when I‘m not exactly feeling joyful. Can we just stall time???

1. My boys…always!
2. Litsy and buddy reads. Thank you, everyone!
3. My favorite bookstore announced their first big event of the year!
4. My parents…they‘ve been my cheerleaders as I set up my proofreading business
5. Snow, finally, in my area!

#5JoysFriday

Bookwormjillk Right? 2w

julieclair That‘s why I totally love this Friday ritual. 💙 It‘s fun when we‘re feeling joyful, and important when we‘re not. 2w

Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk Monday is going to be a self care day, catch up on recording my reading stats, and just ignore social media and TV. 2w

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Librarybelle So true, @julieclair ! I tend to be a pessimist, and this weekly checkin is good for me to really look at the good in life. Such a great ritual! ❤️ 2w

TheBookHippie @Bookwormjillk OY TO THE VEY!!! 2w

TheBookHippie @Librarybelle some weeks it coffee for all 5 😅🤣👀 2w

Librarybelle @TheBookHippie 😂 2w

dabbe Right there with ya! 🩶🖤🩶 2w

kspenmoll I totally get it- it helps to stop & find joy! 💖 2w

Kerrbearlib Sweet kitties! ♥️ 2w

Librarybelle Thanks, @dabbe @kspenmoll ! 2w

Librarybelle Thank you, @Kerrbearlib ! 2w

DebinHawaii Finding the joy in times where it seems so hard is so rewarding. You have a lovely list here 💛💛💛& I hope it gets you through Monday, the week & beyond. 2w

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Librarybelle

Joined September 2016