Finally starting this for #SundayBuddyRead . The cover puts me in the 1940s mood…
TheBookHippie Oh I love your cover!!! 10h
Librarybelle @TheBookHippie 😁 4h
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Finally starting this for #SundayBuddyRead . The cover puts me in the 1940s mood…
so-soAnna returns to her family‘s villa in Italy many years after she was whisked away as a young girl for allegedly killing her mother. Almost immediately, weird stuff happens, and it all appears to be centered around the family necklace that has been missing since the mother‘s death. At first, I thought was a translation, as the writing structure is stilted, but upon a quick search…nope. Not a translation. It is billed as a thriller, but there are ⬇️
July went by way too fast, and I did not create my #BookSpinBingo list before the August numbers were announced! Here‘s a fast work up for August; I did not look at the announcement post yet!
August‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead selection has garnered much praise in the book world—will we agree???
Read at your own pace during the month. I will periodically post check-ins. Discussion on August 31st. All are welcome. Let me know if you wish to be added/removed from the tag list!
mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, Deblovestoread, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, julieclair, AllDebooks, IriDas, Lkempf
Discussion questions are posted for #LiteraryCrew ! You can find the 7 questions on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag.
Next month, we dive into Whale Fall by Elizabeth O‘Connor. Reminder will be posted tomorrow.
Also, start thinking about title suggestions for 2026! We‘re approaching voting season!
mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, Deblovestoread, Teresereading, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, julieclair, AllDebooks, IriDas, Lkempf7. Hannah Kent calls her novel a ‘dark love letter to Iceland‘ in her Acknowledgements. What does she mean by this? Did you read the novel in this way? ~from publisher reading group guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
6. Death is a major theme in this novel, but it is also about life and living. When
Agnes faces the day of her execution all she wants to do is live, despite the harrowing nature of the life she has endured. Do you agree/disagree? ~from publisher reading group guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
5. Blöndal is the real villain of this piece. His dispassionate communications with
those whom he controls are filled with venom and spite. What did you make of his
decision to lodge Agnes with District Officer Jón and his family? What do you believe
happened at Stóra-‐Borg that caused Blöndal to move Agnes to Kornsá? ~from publisher reading group guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
4. Are Steina, Lauga and Margrét changed by Agnes‘s time with them? Has her
fate changed theirs in any way? ~from publisher reading group guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
3. Fate and destiny are major themes in this novel, for Agnes seems fated to have come to the end she does. Could she have escaped this destiny? Was there a turning point in her life that she might have avoided? ~from publisher reading group guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
2. Agnes often comments on the ways in which she has been silenced, or had her story altered by the authorities. Why do you think she has such an anguished relationship to language? ~from publisher reading group guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
1. As we know from the Author's Note, Kent bases her book on the real life murders of Natan Ketilsson and the convicted Agnes Magnusdottir.
Link in the comments to a travel site from Iceland that gives some more background about Icelandic society and the use of punishment at that time. It's very informative!
Had you heard of this murder prior to reading? In terms of the book, what did you think overall? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
#LiteraryCrew : Discussion tomorrow! Questions will be posted either very early morning or late morning, US East Coast time (Zeke has a B12 injection appointment at the vet in the AM, so it depends upon how perky I am if I can post them prior to the appointment).
mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, Deblovestoread, Teresereading, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, julieclair, AllDebooks, IriDas, Lkempf
Great discussion yesterday for # ChristiesCapers ! Feel free to keep contributing.
Next month, we have another Poirot novel and go on the quest for The Big Four. Discussion on August 31st.
All are welcome to join us! Please let me know if you wish to be added/removed from the tag list. #AgathaChristieClubR3
janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Teresereading, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, AnishaInkspill
The #ChristiesCapers discussion questions are posted! You can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtags. This is my second favorite Christie, and I hope everyone enjoyed it!
Next month, Hastings is back with Poirot for The Big Four. Official post tomorrow! #AgathaChristieClubR3
janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Teresereading, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, AnishaInkspill8. This novel has seen quite a number of adaptations in various formats, from stage productions to the small screen (Suchet as Poirot!) and even graphic novel. If you are familiar with any adaptations, how do they compare to the original work?
As an aside, while it does not completely follow the novel, the 2000 TV production of the novel starring David Suchet as Poirot is entertaining and a must watch! #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
7. Is Christie having fun with mysteries in a way? Were there moments in the book that struck you as funny or comical?~from discussion questions, Johnson Public Library #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
6. As with Christie's other village settings, King's Abbot has its share of intrigue, scandal, and secrets. Think about the characters in this novel. Was Ackroyd a worthy victim? Any thoughts on the other characters?
Caroline, Dr. Sheppard's sister, is a stand out character to me. She is a busybody, yet I think she knows quite a lot and suspects her brother. #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
5. Poirot escapes to King's Abbot for a bit of R&R, though of course he stumbles upon murder. And those blasted vegetable marrows! Think of our prior encounters with Poirot. What do you think of his detection skills in this one versus the prior novels? How well does he use his little gray cells? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
4. Before we explore other characters, I want to dive into the twist, because Dr. Sheppard plays a huge role. Were you surprised by the murderer's identity?
This was my 4th read, and I finally picked up on a comment that Dr. Sheppard makes that shows his culpability--I should have bookmarked the passage! I read this a few months ago for my IRL book club, so I cannot remember! #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
3. We do not have Hastings in this novel, but instead we hear about the crime through the eyes of Dr. Sheppard. We'll explore the twist in a moment, but prior to the reveal, think about reading the narrative. Did you trust Dr. Sheppard? Did you consider him to be a reliable narrator of the story? Think about the narration and the structure of the novel--any thoughts or comments? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
2. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is considered one of the best if not the best crime novel ever. Crime Writers' Association voted it as the best in 2013, and the Mystery Writers' Association named it the 12th best novel in 1995. Participants cited the twist at the end for their voting choice.
What do you think? Is this the best crime novel or one of the best? Why or why not? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
1. This is our fourth Hercule Poirot novel. Was this the first time you read it? A reread for you? What are your overall impressions? We'll be exploring the novel's popularity/acclaim as well as the twists and identity of the murderer in later questions! #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
Dinner and a movie this evening was the episode of Poirot based on this month‘s book. A good way to prepare for the discussion tomorrow! Questions will be posted before 12pm US East Coast time. Looking forward to it!
#ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3 #Xander #CatsOfLitsy
janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, Teresereading, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, AnishaInkspill
so-soFair warning: If you were severely bullied in school, skip this one. While high school for me was not horrible, middle school was trauma. Listening to this installment of the Cupcake Bakery mystery series was a bit of a trigger, especially the first two chapters. Mel is tricked into agreeing to cater her high school reunion by her best friend Angie. Yes, tricked. And yes, her best friend, who knew everything Mel went through in high school…⬇️⬇️⬇️
Xander inspecting my weekly #libraryhaul . He‘s probably wondering if I will actually open any of these books, or if they will sit in a neat stack on my dresser. 😂
Any must reads from the stacks? I know Woodworking has received lots of love.
#Xander #CatsOfLitsy
We‘re a little over a week away from our July #LiteraryCrew discussion of Burial Rites (reminder: discussion on July 31st). Our August read gives me similar vibes from the synopsis alone. Looking forward to reading this one for the #BuddyRead !
This is a low key buddy read. I‘ll post check-ins throughout the month, and discussion is the last of the month. Please let me know if you wish to be added to or removed from the tag list.
mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, Deblovestoread, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, julieclair, AllDebooks, IriDas, Lkempf
pickI think this is my favorite by Lee—a moving story about friendship, set on the Oregon Trail. It‘s beautifully written, with diverse characters and tackling the issue of prejudice for a YA audience deftly. #SundayBuddyRead #Xander #CatsOfLitsy
pickThis is a hard book to review/rate, but it‘s a pick for me.
This remarkable debut novel has themes of classism, racism, sexuality, and dominance of the wealthy, not to mention drug addiction, mental health issues, and a damaged justice system. I cannot speak too much to the actions in the book, as it would be very spoiler-ish, but it‘s a book to make you think about life and prejudice and what choice you would make, and living with that choice.⬇️
We‘re a week away from this month‘s #ChristiesCapers discussion! Who did murder Roger Ackroyd? Use your little gray cells alongside Poirot to solve the crime!
Discussion will be posted mid to late morning US East Coast time on the 27th.
janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Teresereading, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, AnishaInkspill
Wonderful discussion so far for the Old Attic, #LittenDetectives ! Our August #NancyDrewBR involves Nancy and crew, an inheritance, and a race against time before the bad guy finds the clue in the wall.
Discussion August 15th. All are welcome. Please let me know if you to be added or removed from the tag list.
rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, DGRachel, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, bookandbedandtea, Laughterhp, Sace, Bren912, kwmg40, CSeydel, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze
So sorry I am late in posting today! I overslept, had things to do this morning, and today is Sebastian‘s birthday. Crazy morning!
5 questions are posted as spoilers; you can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching #NancyDrewBR .
Next month, we uncover The Clue in the Crumbling Wall. 😮
rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, DGRachel, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, bookandbedandtea, Laughterhp, Sace, Bren912, kwmg40, CSeydel, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze5. We talked about the spookiness of the story, but I always like to compare the adventures in the books (what does that say about me??? 😂)
Think of the dangers Nancy faces in this one--even Mr. March had a rock thrown at him in the beginning of the book. Any stand outs this time? I'd not be happy if a spider, poisonous or not, was on the loose and approaching me. #NancyDrewBR
4. Though in the story, we do not see much of Bess and George. And in the 1970 edition, Ned is a very random insert into the story...I almost rolled my eyes thinking of the “knight in shining armor“ just happening upon Nancy in distress.
Instead, we have the Marches and Effie. Any thoughts on the secondary characters? More in the comments regarding Effie and a theory from one reader. #NancyDrewBR
3. An element I picked up on in this story was the extra spooky tone, and that could be because of the black widow spiders (I think I would pass up on the mystery and drive off into the sunset) and the skeleton. I did not read this one as a kid, but I think it would have given me nightmares (I'm very squeamish).
What did you think of the spooky level? #NancyDrewBR
2. In the previous question, we thought about the novel overall. Now, let's dive into the plot and the mysteries themselves. I saw lots of great reviews so far about this 21st in the series...some #LittenDetectives noting the two mysteries intertwined nicely. What do you think of the plot? Any aspects completely unbelievable? Any plot point you're dying to talk to others about? #NancyDrewBR
1. While the 1944 and the 1970 versions are fairly similar, the 1944 version has a possible love triangle with Ned and Diane Dight. As if! 😂
Which version did you read? Overall, what did you think of the story? Better or worse than the others we have read so far? Somewhere in the middle? #NancyDrewBR
pick**I‘m running a bit behind for the discussion Tuesday, but will post the questions ASAP!**
Light pick. This one had a lot of good, creepy elements—spooky attic, possible disembodied sounds, and yucky spiders—but the character of Effie was so terribly distracting and annoying. Nancy would have done well to use one of her friends to help her with the Marches in this one.
#NancyDrewBR : discussion Tuesday!!
rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, DGRachel, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, bookandbedandtea, Laughterhp, Sace, Bren912, kwmg40, CSeydel, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze
pickWedding bells are chiming in this 10th addition to the Cupcake Bakery series, and Mel finds herself once again trying to identify the killer. The multiple murders in this one are a little gruesome (off page, but you can read between the lines). It‘s fun to see how the characters have developed over the course of the series, with several more books to go. Good listen, and a fast listen too!
pickSummertime in Italy with a bit of romance—a great escape listen. Add in a diverse cast, including a neurodivergent MC, and some snarky dialogue, to make the perfect beach read. I don‘t always read romance—I‘m still recovering from my 2020 bingeing of Regency romances—but I‘m so glad I picked this one up through #NetGalley . Ellie and Chris are childhood friends turned not-speaking strangers who are forced together when their grandparents marry. ⬇️
pickPaine‘s passion against a monarchical government is present in this short treatise. It may be short, but it packs a punch.
250 years later, it‘s a reminder of the struggle for independence in the American colonies. I‘m glad I took the time to revisit this and ponder how much this relates to today‘s political climate.
Vladimir & I are ready! I suspect I‘ll read parts throughout the day & let them simmer. I think it‘s remarkable that nearly 250 years after its publication Paine‘s words still resonate. For me, I‘m hoping this read helps me reflect on history & the current political dynamic.
Paine, a man with no prospects, helped ignite the colonies with this work. Anyone can be a hero.
What do you hope to learn/gain from today‘s reading?
#Vladimir #CatsOfLitsy
I was up half the night—thanks anxiety and Zeke‘s frequent food schedule (I feed him when he wants food, because it‘s whatever makes him happy)—let‘s gather joy!
1. My boys…always! Throwbacks of my guys when they were very young
2. Fun author event last weekend
3. Lindt chocolate, because I‘m eating it like it‘s going out of style
4. Poppi soda—tried Strawberry Lemon and loved it!
5. Litsy—I don‘t feel alone in this crazy world ❤️
#5JoysFriday
I cannot believe that this is the last six months for #192025 !
For the first half of 2025, I managed to read 4 more titles. I am determined to get as close to finishing as possible.
And for those interested, I will post the official announcement for #192030 , set to begin in January 2026 and run through December 31, 2030. Much like this current challenge, read one book originally published for each year, 1920-2030. ⬇️
One more post—taking advantage of a free moment. My July #BookSpinBingo list is ready to go! Xander approved. #Xander #CatsOfLitsy
I‘m still trying to figure out how to juggle everything with Zeke‘s needs and appointments with contract work (thank goodness I don‘t have a set work schedule), house chores, and not to mention down time!
But, I managed to finish 12 books in June! I‘ve not handed out many 5 stars this year, but I had two excellent reads in June—This Is Not a Game and The Accidental Favorite. Loved them; right reads at the right time.
Great discussion so far for The Chelsea Girls! Our next #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead is Kent‘s historical fiction account of the last woman set to be executed in Iceland.
Read at your own pace. Discussion on July 31st. I will post periodic check-ins throughout the month. All are welcome to join! I know several are planning to join in for the discussion!
mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, Deblovestoread, Teresereading, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, julieclair, AllDebooks, IriDas, Lkempf
#LittenDetectives : We‘re two weeks away from our next #NancyDrewBR discussion!
What could be the secret in the old attic? How will Nancy discover the secret? Will she have a head injury this time? Will Ned continue to sulk that he is second to a good mystery in Nancy‘s eyes?!? Let‘s find out!
Discussion July 15th!
rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, DGRachel, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, bookandbedandtea, Laughterhp, Sace, Bren912, kwmg40, CSeydel, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze
It‘s been over 25 years since I last read this, and I feel like this is a good document to read on the 4th.
Anyone wish to join me reading this on the 4th? If so, we could post comments throughout our reading, but make it very lowkey.
Great discussion so far about Chimneys! Please feel free to join the discussion whenever.
July‘s #ChristiesCapers returns us to Hercule Poirot. Considered to be one of the best mysteries of all time, I think one can argue that we truly see Christie‘s writing genius in this.
Discussion will take place on July 27th. All are welcome! Let me know if you wish to be added to or removed from the tag list! #AgathaChristieClubR3
janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Teresereading, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, AnishaInkspill
![[tagged book]](https://image.librarything.com/pics/litsy_webpics/icon_taggedBook@3x.png){kind=icon}