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Librarybelle

Librarybelle

Joined September 2016

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Midnight in Death by J. D. Robb
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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I barely read last week—it wasn‘t exactly a good mental health week. But, I read Nancy (and amazing discussion thus far on the book!) and managed to complete an audiobook for a #NetGalley review.

This week will be catching up on every other #buddyread and other books. And practicing the mantra that “things will get better.”

Happy Reading!

Bookwormjillk Hoping for a better week for you! 4h
Ruthiella Things can only get better ❤️ https://youtu.be/V6QhAZckY8w?si=fIloFgbh38hIrWQq 4h
Aimeesue Hope next week is better for you 💙 4h
17 likes4 comments
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Librarybelle
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It‘s time for our discussion, #LittenDetectives ! It‘s a little hard to discuss two very different storylines, but let‘s try anyhow. 😂

I have 6 questions posted as spoilers that can be found on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching #NancyDrewBR . Respond whenever, and feel free to add anything else you wish to discuss!

Next month‘s The Message in the Hollow Oak also features very different storylines. More when I post tomorrow!

Ruthiella Pretty sure I didn‘t read The Message in the Hollow Oak before because I don‘t recognize the cover! Excited to find out more. 7h
DGRachel @Ruthiella I don‘t think I read it either. At the age I read these, I would have seen that skull and already been too scared to buy or read it! 😂 6h
kspenmoll I read all her books as a kid- wish I had those editions but rereading has been fun, especially since I know I loved these books, Hardy Boys, Happy Hollisters, Cherry Ames. 4h
Bookwormjillk I never read them as a kid. They‘re all new to me! I bought a copy of this one last time I visited 4h
26 likes4 comments
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Librarybelle
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6. A #LittenDetective posed the question about River Height\'s location, as at least for the 1965 edition the mystery takes place in Maryland.

Later Nancy Drew novels allude to River Heights being located near Chicago, and older novels suggest a Midwest location (according to a source I read). It seems a pretty far drive for Carson to send Nancy to ready a cabin in 1965!

Any thoughts on location? #NancyDrewBR

Ruthiella Is this the first time Nancy has been out of state since Arizona and The Secret of Shadow Ranch? 🤔 I think In Nancy‘s Mysterious Letter, someone is flying to NYC, where makes more sense if River Heights is near Chicago. Could be a continuity error, like with the mention of Ned before Nancy actually officially meets him. 7h
DGRachel It‘s a 7 hour drive from where I live to Baltimore, so I was confused by this, too. I thought River Heights was near Chicago, and I cannot see Nancy driving 10+ hours straight through. I figured someone just really wanted to set the book in Maryland and didn‘t think about Nancy‘s starting point. It usually feels like these books could take place nearly anywhere, the locations are so poorly drawn. 6h
jlhammar I also always thought that River Heights was supposed to be near Chicago. Quite the drive! 6h
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Bookwormjillk I always thought Chicago too! 5h
kspenmoll I had just thought somewhere in the Midwest where wholesome Nancy lived. 4h
MariaW I never gave it any thought because no direct directions or indications of the place where given. But I do not live in the US. To me it always sounded like the places the mysteries happened were somewhat nearby Rived Heights - sometimes closer sometimes further away. It is a first time that a name was mentioned that is an actual city. 3h
CogsOfEncouragement Continuity errors tend to be a problem in series like this one with multiple authors. Comic books are notorious for this too. I find it interesting that there was not a person at the helm with notes of certain things to aide the incoming authors. It seems it was not a priority.

I had questions about this drive too ( in chap 1 they did stay in a motel one night on the way) but made a choice to shrug it off and enjoy the adventure for what it is.
3h
DGRachel @CogsOfEncouragement I missed the motel stay. That makes my brain far less itchy. 2h
10 likes8 comments
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Librarybelle
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5. Of course, in the 1965 edition, Nancy has her friends Bess and George, along with an appearance from Ned and his gang. We also meet Cecily, Niko of The Flying Dutchmen, and the bad Driscolls. The Driscolls are modeled from the 1934 Blairs.

Both editions feature violence towards small children, which I honestly was surprised to see!

Any thoughts on any of the side characters in this story? #NancyDrewBR

Ruthiella The treatment of the twins was difficult, even in a kid‘s book like this. That was my least favorite part. Let‘s hope they got therapy afterwards. I did like how much of a role Ned, Burt, and Dave played in this one. 7h
DGRachel I really disliked the Driscolls. So, good job to the author there. I thought the police chief, initially, was more realistic than Nancy‘s hometown chief, in that he pretty much blows her off and then lectures her, whereas the guy at home seems o practically idolize her. I loved have Ned & Co, alongside Bess & George, but I‘m getting so tired of the fat shaming of Bess. I liked Niko, too. I thought the band aspect was fun. 6h
Bookwormjillk The twins in the 1934 edition were treated harshly as well. I liked the brother and sister that were reunited and was interested that WWI came into the story. 5h
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jlhammar This mystery felt more like a team effort. Fun to have the boys along for the ride. I kept picturing The Flying Dutchmen as a Beach Boys type group. Anyone else? I have to admit to laughing when Nancy suggested that they all stop for Sunday morning church service. It just felt a bit forced/overt, like okay the girls are having a weekend away from home with their boyfriends, but look, it\'s all so wholesome! (edited) 5h
kspenmoll More of the “ men” added to the fun & 😂 at the church intermission! @jlhammar ! 4h
MariaW This time Bess and George were portayed on my cover and I kept wondering what a girl might think seeing Bess portayed like the other girls and still being fat shamed in the story. @DGRachel 3h
MariaW @jlhammar Totally agree on the church service. It seemed like the authors/publisher realized that Nancy should be more liek a “regular” girl sometimes. 🙈 3h
DGRachel @jlhammar I was dying at the church service thing. 😂 I never even thought about the difference between the cover and the description of Bess @MariaW It kind of makes me angrier. 3h
CogsOfEncouragement I liked the explanation of why Susan kept fleeing from ND. I felt like she would be paranoid and not trust anyone in her situation. I bought that.

I thought Cecily and Niko were really likeable.

I always like when Ned & friends show up. They are consistently helpful, follow ND directions well, etc.

I was embarrassed for the frightened Mr. Winch. Carson sends out his young daughter to do his job!
3h
CogsOfEncouragement I didn\'t watch It\'s A Wonderful Life until my late 30s. There is violence to a child in that which shocked me speechless. People LIKE this movie??? I only watched it once because of that and another scene that irritated me. Since seeing that, old stories that have little children hit by foul adults do not surprise me.
I consider the era and am glad we expect better of people now.
3h
Ruthiella @jlhammar I thought the mention of them all attending church was interesting too. I pictured The Flying Dutchmen more of a Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons kind of thing, where Niko was the heartthrob. The Davy Jones of the group, if you will. 2h
8 likes11 comments
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Librarybelle
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4. Let\'s talk about the book\'s adventures. Think about the moments of peril for Nancy and her friends in the edition you read. Does one particular moment of peril stand out for you?

For instance, in the 1965 edition, there seems to be a lot of noggin knockouts! It seemed harsh for the Driscolls to roll a log and throw rocks at Nancy and her friends. These poor characters must have some seriously hard heads (and a lot of migraines)! #NancyDrewBR

Ruthiella This one definitely had a lot of action: the sinking canoe, the attempted kidnapping after the concert, the projectiles and objects rolling down hills, being forced off the road by a truck... I would love to see the parameters the ghost writers were given. 7h
DGRachel The noggin knockouts were definitely the standouts for me. I don‘t know if the books are actually getting better or if I‘m just rolling with them more, but I was so entertained by all of the narrow misses. I did feel really bad for Cecily (?) who kept getting mistaken for Nancy. I think we should count both of her knockouts as official #NNK since they were intended for Nancy. 😂 6h
Bookwormjillk The 1934 edition didn‘t have the traumatic head injuries I‘m used to from the 1960‘s versions! 5h
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jlhammar The huge rock that struck the couch and sent Cecily and Niko flying so that they both hit their heads on the edge of the hearth was a pretty memorable one. 5h
kspenmoll Constant knockouts- how could Nancy solve anything with her noggin under fire! Definitely lots of action & drama throughout. (edited) 4h
MariaW I liked the attempted kidnapping and the canoe incident because they seemed plausible, but opening a door and throwing a huge rock at someone in a cottage with two men necessary definintely does not. 🙄 4h
CogsOfEncouragement I felt the most unease when Nancy was alone in the woods in Chap 12 being chased by Vince and another man. She ends up hiding under a dock. She hears the men say they are going to look under the dock, so ND is about to drop into the water and hold her breath as long as possible when the men suddenly hear a whistle and run off to see what Karl needs. 3h
10 likes7 comments
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Librarybelle
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3. The 1965 edition includes a family treasure hidden away in the American Civil War era. Yes, Maryland was a northern state, but barely...during the war, it was considered a \“border\“ state that still allowed enslavement, despite the northern stance of no slavery.

Nancy not only has to help Cecily with this mystery, but she discovers record piracy taking place.

Harriet Strateymeyer revised the 1934 text and ⬇

Librarybelle ...definitely made the topics more relevant to a 1965 readership.

What did you think of the two mysteries coming together? Plausible? Another Nancy Drew coincidence? #NancyDrewBR
8h
Ruthiella Totally another Nancy Drew coincidence! When I saw that Cecilly had a doppelgänger, I knew that was going to be part of the resolution. ? But I thought the record piracy aspect was really interesting! The bad guys were really quite diversified in their nefarious schemes. (edited) 7h
DGRachel I think it‘s plausible in the world of Nancy Drew. It‘s certainly as plausible, and maybe a little more so than some of the other storylines, but it‘s still “only Nancy could stumble upon this”. 6h
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Bookwormjillk The Depression wasn‘t mentioned in the 1934 edition, but it was definitely present, plus there was a character who had been gassed in WWI. So I‘m not surprised they had to change some things but sounds like they changed it all! 5h
jlhammar Abducting children to train them as acrobats one minute, pirating records the next 😂 None of their schemes seemed all that profitable or worth all this trouble to me... 5h
kspenmoll Definitely ND coincidence- two very different but connected mysteries to solve-record pirating & Civil War treasure 4h
MariaW Actually there are four mysteries to solve this time, not only the records and the children, but the treasure and the picnic launch as well. Seems we are heading for an overkill soon. But for me the different plot lines were somehow far better connected this time, even though they are still pretty unlikely. 4h
CogsOfEncouragement I always remember the intended audience & am never too critical when enjoying this series. I didn\'t think too much about the bad guys having more than one scheme they were trying to hatch. That actually seemed believable to me. And w/them in the area doing two bad things, and not doing either well - ND was bound to come across them! lol Pirating music & not having a soundproof room to do it in? Do better if you don\'t want ND taking you down! lol 3h
8 likes8 comments
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Librarybelle
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2. The 1934 edition is written by Mildred Benson, who wrote the first several ND books we read. I did not read this one, but the plot line involves a very controversial topic: child snatching and later adopting out those children. This is written during the Depression, and from what I know, this happened. I immediately thought of Lisa Wingate\'s book \“Before We Were Yours\“!

A link to an article about Georgia Tann is in the comments. ⬇

Librarybelle How familiar are you with foundling homes and the controversy surrounding them, especially during the 1930s (remember, this is the era of the Depression)? Article link: https://www.businessinsider.com/georgia-tann-tennessee-children-home-society-sur... 8h
Ruthiella Not familiar At all, so this particular plot line seemed far fetched to me! How interesting that it is at least in part based on fact. 7h
jlhammar Heartbreaking. I didn\'t read Before We Were Yours, but I did learn some about it from this nonfiction follow-up 6h
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Bookwormjillk I was familiar with this in general terms, but don‘t know a lot about it. 5h
MariaW Very interesting topic, I never knew this happened in the US as well. I think it is still a problem in some rural Asian regions nowadays. In some parts of Germany and Switzerland kids were sold by their parens into labour at the beginning of the last century. For example they had to work as chimneysweeps because adults would not fit. (edited) 4h
DGRachel Like @Bookwormjillk I had a general understanding but didn‘t know any details. It‘s horrifying. 1h
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Librarybelle
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1. This month\'s discussion is slightly different, as the plot lines for the original and the revised editions are extremely different. Questions 2 and 3 will look at the 1934 and 1965 editions respectively.

Which edition did you read? The 1934 plot line features twins adopted from a foundling home, and Nancy wants to reunite the twins with their real mother.

The 1965 edition has The Flying Dutchmen, an iron bird, and record piracy. #NancyDrewBR

Ruthiella Fascinating differences! I read the 1965 version with the iron bird, etc. 7h
DGRachel Wow! How can those even be considered the same book? I read the 1965 version. 6h
jlhammar 1965 for me! 6h
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Bookwormjillk Mine was the 1934 edition. This was the first 1930‘s book I read and was surprised at how different the characters of Hannah and Mr Drew were written. Hannah was treated much more like a servant, and Mr Drew wasn‘t nearly as supportive of Nancy. (edited) 5h
kspenmoll Wow. Mine is 1965. Interesting how different the characters are portrayed @Bookwormjillk 5h
MariaW I read the 1965 version as well. 4h
CogsOfEncouragement I read 1965 this time. 3h
DGRachel @Bookwormjillk That‘s fascinating about the difference in the portrayal of Hannah and Carson. 3h
8 likes8 comments
review
Librarybelle
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Pickpick

Phantom boats, pirated records, an iron bird, and noggin knockouts galore! Nancy has a couple new mysteries on her hands, thanks in part to Carson Drew asking for her help. Another fun read! #NancyDrewBR

#LittenDetectives : Tomorrow is discussion day! Questions will be posted late morning Eastern time!

Ruthiella Looking forward to seeing the discussion! 23h
BarkingMadRead I‘m way behind but I‘ll jump into the discussion as soon as I‘m done! 22h
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mrp27 Definitely a lot of noggin knock outs in this one! 18h
TheAromaofBooks Noggin knockouts for everyone 😂 12h
55 likes6 comments
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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Thanks for the tag, @DebinHawaii and @Eggs !

This has been a week with some not so good mental health moments…I know a few Littens tagged me in amazing things, so hopefully I can catch up. I‘m hoping I can refocus this weekend!

My 5 joys:

Always the boys!
I officially signed two contracts for freelance work (very small, but it‘s a start)
The arrival of my Aardvark Book
Cooler mornings
Working from home!

#5JoysFriday

JenReadsAlot 😻 2d
Mimi28 Great everything!! I love the angle of your cat‘s paw 🐾 2d
dabbe 🖤🐾🐾🐾🐾🖤 2d
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Librarybelle @Mimi28 Zeke was trying to snag my phone as I took his picture! 😂 2d
Mimi28 lol 😂😻😹😹 2d
LiteraryinPA Hope better moments are ahead! 💗 2d
kspenmoll Your babies bring me joy just seeing them! 😻 2d
Librarybelle @kspenmoll Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️ 2d
Eggs I Hope things get better for you🥰 Great kitty pics 🐈‍⬛ 🐾 🐈 1d
Librarybelle Thank you, @Eggs ! 1d
BarbaraJean Hoping for a good weekend and better week ahead! 🤗 1d
DebinHawaii A lovely list of joys! 💛💛💛 It‘s brave to find the joy in the harder times—I hope things improve soon! 💜 Give those fur babies lots of snuggles for me! Thanks for joining in & helping spread the joy! 🤗 1d
48 likes14 comments
review
Librarybelle
The Cheesemakers Daughter | Kristin Vukovi?
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Pickpick

This slow burn novel has a quiet intensity to it, as Marina grapples with personal change and a struggling family business. Marina‘s sorrow and heartbreak is felt throughout the novel, and Sophie Amoss, who voice narrates the book, has the perfect tone for this constant turmoil. The narrative takes a hard look at a patriarchal society, Croatian family life, and includes triggers of miscarriage and infidelity.

There‘s also a lot of hope ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ in the novel. Hope for better days, better relationships, a better life. Forgiveness plays a role as well. And cheese and the cheese making process. In parts happy and sad, this was a slow listen and a very good listen. Thanks for #NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced listening copy! 6d
72 likes1 comment
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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Last week I reached my Goodreads goal of 125 books and managed to complete 4 books, despite not having lots of reading time the last few days.

This week, I have a library book to finish, catch up on this Sunday‘s #SundayBuddyRead section, and read this month‘s Nancy Drew. I‘m also behind on #ShardlakeBR , but am enjoying it so far.

Happy Reading!

review
Librarybelle
Ruth | Elizabeth Gaskell
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Pickpick

I‘m in the minority of the #HashtagBrigade to say I liked the novel. Gaskell, whose husband was a Unitarian minister and lived near the factories and mills of England, sets as her MC a “fallen” woman and her path to redemption. This was a bit controversial at its initial publication, and it certainly is darker and more rooted in faith and redemption than her other novels. But, I get the sense that she is shaming her Victorian audience ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ for their judgement of character on someone who has lived through a perceived sinful time. Ruth, a truly good person whose naivety (and the Victorians of certain classes did shelter their daughters from the world, so think of this another moment of Gaskell pointing out the inconsistencies of morality) brought her down to a “bad sinner” level, shows the true Christian values, along with the Bensons. I think Gaskell is showing how quickly ⬇️ 1w
Librarybelle ⬆️ the populace tends to cast the first stone without knowing all the details or are quick to judge a good person for one bad action. There are the layers too of sympathy tugging at the reader, and I can almost see a Victorian reader wondering at how this sympathy changes their thoughts about a person they know in a similar situation. I do prefer Gaskell‘s more sweeping novels—North and South and her studies of Cranford—but kudos to her for this! 1w
Librarybelle Thanks for leading us through this, @BarkingMadRead #PemberLittens 1w
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Cuilin Wonderful review!!!! I agree I do think she is trying to shame Victorian readers into rethinking some of their belief systems. I also think that in order not to alienate her readers, she had to add penance. Our modern sensibilities struggle with this. 1w
Librarybelle Thanks, @Cuilin ! And yes…our modern sensibilities definitely struggle with this! 1w
dabbe A wowza review! 🤩🤩🤩 1w
julieclair Excellent review! I liked this novel, too, for a lot of the same reasons. 1w
quietjenn I completely agree! 1w
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review
Librarybelle
Before Midnight | Rex Stout
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Pickpick

Despite a few snarky remarks about women, I liked this one. It‘s my first time reading a Nero Wolfe mystery, so I was not quite prepared for the man himself and his gruff manner. Told from the perspective of his assistant, Goodwin, Wolfe has to sort out a puzzle connected to a death.

I‘d consider reading another in the series! #192025 #1955

mabell I read one or two - mostly just listened to the radio show! 📻😄 2w
Librarybelle @mabell Oh! I think this would make a good radio show! 2w
64 likes2 comments
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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I had excellent reading days on Sunday and Monday!

I‘m still a bit behind on a few #buddyread titles, but I completed one book and one audiobooks.

Thanks for hosting, @TheSpineView !

#ForTheLoveOfBooks

TheSpineView You're welcome! Thanks for joining in! 2w
48 likes1 comment
review
Librarybelle
In a League of Her Own | Kaia Alderson
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Mehso-so

This had a lot of promise, but I found myself wondering when the narrative would actually get to the baseball part…

This is a fictionalized account of Effa Manley, who did much for African American baseball and its players. Yet, over half of the book takes place before she becomes involved in baseball. True, it shows her desire for notoriety and her refusal to lose, which prepares the reader for her actions while in baseball. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️I‘m also not a big fan of the way this determination is portrayed in the novel. At times, Effa acts petty. She‘s a strong woman, but the pettiness in the novel just makes her sound sulky and demanding her own way. However, listening to this (and I liked the voice narration) does make me want to learn more about the real Effa—is the portrayal here true to life or purely the author‘s fabrication. 2w
59 likes1 comment
review
Librarybelle
Twelve Angry Librarians | Miranda James
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Pickpick

Though Charlie‘s frequent worries over big family decisions seemed to take away from the actual mystery, I had fun getting back into Charlie and Diesel‘s latest case. And yes, librarians are all about free food and drinks at a conference, especially with very strict per diems (I know that from experience).

An interesting twist at the end that I did not see coming!

KathyWheeler Yeah, the more free food and drinks you can get at conferences, the better! 2w
64 likes1 comment
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Librarybelle
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Great discussion so far on last month‘s book! Feel free to jump in at any time for the discussion.

September‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead is an exploration of family secrets.

Read at your own pace throughout the month. I will post periodic checkins. Discussion on September 30th!

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

mcctrish I actually have this in print to read 🤯 2w
Librarybelle Haha, @mcctrish ! I picked it up on a Kindle deal since it was not available at the library. 2w
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mcctrish @Librarybelle I got it on sale at Chapters 2w
BarbaraJean Would you add me to the tag list for this one? It's been hanging around on my Kindle (I think from an Amazon First Reads pick)! 2w
BarbaraJean @Librarybelle Thank you! Looking forward to it! 2w
37 likes8 comments
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Librarybelle
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We‘re two weeks away from our next #NancyDrewBR discussion, #LittenDetectives !

Remember, there is a massive difference between the original edition and the revised edition. A few of you were able to snag the old edition; it‘ll be interesting to see the changes in the story.

Questions posted on September 15th!

BarkingMadRead Started it today! I have the newer version 2w
Ruthiella Yahoo! What will Nancy get up to this time? 😄 2w
Librarybelle @Ruthiella I know! Whatever happens, you know she‘s an expert at finding the solution 😂 2w
43 likes4 comments
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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September #BookSpinBingo board!!

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! Looks great!!! 2w
42 likes1 comment
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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I swear I did not pick at this month‘s #BookSpinBingo ! Here is my September list.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2w
39 likes1 comment
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Librarybelle
The Hotel: A Novel | Elizabeth Bowen
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I love the cover of my edition for this month‘s #PemberLittens #HashtagBrigade read!

Lindy Yes, that is a pretty cover 🙂 2w
BarkingMadRead Ohhhhhh I love this cover! 2w
Tamra Gorgeous! 2w
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kspenmoll Love it! 2w
Cuilin I have the same cover. Love it. 2w
Deblovestoread 💜💜💜 2w
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 2w
julieclair I want to be there! 2w
59 likes8 comments
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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How is it September?!?

I completed 2 books last week, both good reads. I‘m still working on August #buddyread titles—the day got away from me yesterday!

This week, I have an IRL book club book to read, as well as begin September buddy reads. My hope is to read lots over this extended weekend, so we will see.

Happy Reading!

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Librarybelle
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So sorry for the posting delay, #LiteraryCrew !

Can you believe that there are no pre-existing discussion questions for this book? That added to the delay! But, 8 questions are now posted as spoilers. You can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group hashtag.

Anything else to add, just comment below! Thanks for reading with me!

PurpleyPumpkin I seem to be about a month behind for #LiteraryCrew! But I‘m continuing to read in order albeit somewhat late. I‘m just finishing off July‘s pick so will get to this one shortly. 😅 I‘m very much looking forward to it given all the positive reviews! 2w
tpixie @PurpleyPumpkin I think you will enjoy it!!! Reading at your own pace is also very enjoyable!!! 2w
PurpleyPumpkin @tpixie You are so right!🙌🏽 2w
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tpixie @Librarybelle thanks for another wonderful read! 2w
julieclair Great job on the questions, and the linked articles, @Librarybelle ! 👏👏👏 2w
Librarybelle I‘m still finishing too, @PurpleyPumpkin (and why I posted later than usual, to get a sense of the story)! 2w
Librarybelle So glad you enjoyed, @tpixie ! 2w
Librarybelle Thanks so much, @julieclair ! ❤️ 2w
36 likes9 comments
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Librarybelle
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8. We've talked about the factions, religion, characters, themes...

But, one final point to discuss is the setting, which in my mind is vividly portrayed throughout the narration. How did the setting play a role in the events of the novel?

And, as a final tidbit, we'll venture to Cawdor Castle, which has ties to Shakespeare's Macbeth: https://discoverhighlandsandislands.scot/en/story/cawdor-castle-macbeth-and-a-gh...

#LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

mcctrish My holidays were perfectly timed and we travelled to places mentioned in the story, we went to Kirks and graveyards that started out pagan and became Christian. The setting was very vivid for me 2w
CatLass007 @mcctrish That‘s great! 2w
dabbe Opening to Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 1:
First Witch: When shall we three meet again
In thunder, lightning, or in rain?
Second Witch: When the hurlyburly's done,
When the battle's lost and won.
Third Witch: That will be ere the set of sun.
First Witch: Where the place?
Second Witch: Upon the heath.

Heath: an area of uncultivated land. At the start of a country. What could be better than that?
2w
Jerdencon Very interesting! 2w
julieclair Gruoch felt so connected to the land - the wild, rugged beauty of it. This was in many ways a very rugged story. Strong characters, striving for power, willing to do whatever was necessary to achieve it. 2w
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Librarybelle
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7. There are a number of themes that can be attached to this novel. What themes did you find in this novel? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CatLass007 Women had no rights or power that they could attain without a man. I‘ve been reading a number of books this year in which women throughout history have had to work behind the scenes to achieve anything. The thing that really guts me is that women may be more visible in our time but still have to have to work twice as hard as men to get half as far. 2w
dabbe I'm going to give (perhaps) a more positive thematic idea: One must fight for one's destiny, no matter what the cost. 2w
julieclair The compromising of morals in the pursuit of power. 2w
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Librarybelle
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6. Let's think about the other characters. Some are ruthless; others are kind. Some change personalities or show their true self as the novel progresses. Do you have a favorite character from the novel (other than Gruoch or Macbethad)? Do you have a least favorite? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CatLass007 Gruoch‘s mother loved her but was not kind. Macbethad‘s mother loved Gruoch and showed her affection and kindness. I can‘t think of any other character who had any redeeming qualities. 2w
mcctrish Most of the men considered women disposable so they were not favourites of mine - there was so much conniving and subterfuge it was exhausting. I‘d be dead 2w
dabbe I adored Sinna. Talk about loyalty. 2w
julieclair I loved Gruoch‘s grandmother. She tried so hard to teach Gruoch the old ways, even though they had very limited time together. (edited) 2w
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Librarybelle
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5. Let's get back to the characters and specifically discuss Macbethad. What did you think of his character? How did it compare/contrast to the Macbeth we know in Shakespeare? Think about the relationship between Gruoch and Macbethad, both as children and later as adults...do you think they make a good pair?

Some information about the real Macbeth: https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/macbeth.shtml

#LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CatLass007 I am not a fan of The Scottish Play. I read it in high school in the late 70s and never really had any interest in seeing the play. I could watch Hamlet over and over again but I can‘t remember any of the details of The Scottish Play at all. The witches I remember but I can‘t remember anything of the characters‘ personalities. Gruoch and Macbethad were fierce. When they worked together as a team they were formidable. (edited) 2w
mcctrish Listening to this was like learning a completely different version of Macbeth and a way better one. I loved Gruoch and MacBethad together 2w
dabbe MACBETH was my favorite Shakespearean play to teach: the characters are early middle-aged, yet you can still see the deep, carnal relationship between these two. I think that was clearly shown in this novel by how much Macbethad obsessed over Gruoch since childhood. That idea fits well with what comes in the play, where Lady Macbeth is able to seduce Macbeth into killing Duncan for the throne: “When you durst do it, then you are a man.“ 2w
julieclair I think Gruoch and Macbethad are the ultimate power couple! I wonder what their story would have been like if they had married each other first. 2w
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4. Part of the feuding taking place involves the mixture of religion, the Picts and the Christians, among other groups. How does religion play a role inside the factions and between the factions?

Some information on the Picts: https://www.livescience.com/who-were-picts-scotland

#LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CatLass007 Religion plays a powerful role in Gruoch‘s life. Her grandmother and mother were “pagans.” Gruoch paid lip service to Christianity in order to stay alive. 2w
mcctrish Religion is always being used poorly as history can attest. Gruoch was born at a pivotal time, Christianity gave all the power to men and paganism was shared between the sexes. Women clung to paganism imo because they weren‘t excluded 2w
dabbe Teaching British literature, my knowledge of England is just a “wee“ bit better than Scotland, but I believe some ideas are the same. When Christianity came via Rome and Ireland, quite a few kings converted, yet paganism was still extremely strong and deeply-rooted. Pagan ideas still permeate Christianity today (why is Christmas in December?), as I get ready to send off my autumn solstice cards! 2w
julieclair Great article on the Picts. I knew nothing about them, other than their name. I do think it‘s fascinating how Christians adapted so many pagan customs to fit their new religion. And turned pagan places of worship into Christian churches. Just changing and adapting what was already in place. 2w
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Librarybelle
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3. The backdrop for this novel includes the feuds and power struggles between factions. We'll discuss the religious elements in the next question, but think about the interaction of these factions throughout the novel. Built on power and distrust, how do these factions co-exist or survive one another? What makes a powerful faction? How does the treatment of their people differ between the factions? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

mcctrish I went to Scotland right after I finished this and it was all just clan vs clan and England vs scotland, I can‘t believe my family survived so I could be here to listen to this and type this answer. 2w
dabbe There seemed to be one stronger “king“ than others, but still, that king relied on the support of his mormaers. The hierarchy seemed to follow the feudal social pyramid, where everyone was on a rung and loyal to the one above. Each had their own little fiefdom, but each also relied on the support of neighbors when needed. 2w
julieclair It seems like feuds and power struggles between factions are always the story in historical fiction - no matter the location or time period. The desire for power. Humans never change. 2w
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Librarybelle
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2. Lady Macbeth of Shakespeare fame is based on the real Scottish queen Gruoch, whose story is told in this novel. Were you aware of the Lady Macbeth origin story? What did you think of Gruoch in the novel?

Not much is known of real life Gruoch, but here is some information: https://www.historyofroyalwomen.com/gruoch/gruoch-real-lady-macbeth/

#LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

kspenmoll I feel like I should have know that Shakespeare‘s Lady MacBeth was based on the Scottish Queen Gruoch,but I had no idea.We are reading the play with 10th grade in the spring so that will be fun background info to include.In Shakespeare‘s version Lady MacBeth comes across as devious, vicious, conniving- mad at the end.This book was such an incredible, in depth characterization of Gruoch - felt no there was no connection to Shakespeare‘s play. 2w
kspenmoll Thanks for the article! It ends stating that Gruoch was a “survivor” & indeed she is portrayed as such in this book. 2w
Deblovestoread Interstate article and background. 💜 2w
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CatLass007 I definitely feel that Gruoch was a survivor. In a world where women had no rights, she made difficult decisions to protect herself and those she loved. I read up on Gruoch last week and had no idea she was a real person before that. (edited) 2w
Jerdencon I had no idea of the story - I had to research it myself - was interesting to read that she was based on a real person. 2w
mcctrish I agree with @kspenmoll that it feels like there is no connection between Gruoch and Shakespeare‘s Lady MacBeth. Gruoch was a survivor, so many times the choices she had to make were bad to worst 2w
dabbe As much of a survivor as Gruoch is in this novel, I could see the seedlings of a darker internal lust for power start to grow, especially when she and MacBethad marry. What made the book fascinating to me was the way it explained how and why Gruoch became who she is and why she behaved the way she did. And of course, we're on her side in this one. A 1st-person narration can tend to do that. 2w
tpixie @kspenmoll that will be great to discuss. And maybe a few of them will read this book! 2w
tpixie @dabbe great observations 2w
dabbe @tpixie 🤩🤗😘 2w
julieclair What an interesting article! Thanks for sharing. I agree with @dabbe - Gruoch was a survivor, but a very ambitious one. She was determined to live into her grandmother‘s prophecy. 2w
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Librarybelle
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1. Schuler is an actress and a playwright; this book is adapted from her play of the same name. What did you think of the writing style in the novel? In other words, could you tell it is adapted from a play? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

kspenmoll I had no idea it was a play first- I would have loved to have seen it. I listened to the audio, so I think that experience is more play like. 2w
Deblovestoread I had no clue! 2w
CatLass007 It worked very well as an audiobook. I didn‘t know it had first been a play. I‘m glad that there was only one narrator. I‘m not a fan of graphic audio. 2w
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Jerdencon I had no idea it was play either! 2w
mcctrish I had no idea it was a play first but it was a phenomenal audio book 2w
dabbe I read that it was originally a play. She must have really reworked it because there is a lot of inner dialogue in Gruoch's mind in the book; that would have been difficult to do in a play without having too many asides. Well done. 👏 2w
tpixie @dabbe ditto ! It was well written. The audio was great! 2w
Cuilin I would love to see the play. It was a very dramatic novel so I can see how it could be a play. 2w
julieclair I had no idea it had been a play, but I was thinking throughout that it would make a great movie or miniseries. 2w
12 likes9 comments
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Librarybelle
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Hey #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead participants!

Tomorrow is our discussion for this book, and from what reviews I‘ve seen, there‘s lots of love for this!

I usually post questions early AM on the US East Coast, but questions may be posted a little later in the day. Never fear, though!

To get us ready, the Folger Shakespeare Library in DC interviewed the author for thief podcast. Link in the comments.

Mollyanna I‘m about halfway through the audio and loving it (will hopefully finish this weekend). Thanks for the info on the podcast. I put it in my queue to listen to after I finished the book. 2w
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tpixie @Librarybelle Thanks for the link! 2w
Librarybelle You‘re welcome, @tpixie ! 2w
Sargar114 Another one I didn‘t finish in time but still plan to as I‘m really enjoying. 2w
Librarybelle @Sargar114 I‘m glad you‘re enjoying it! 2w
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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I had planned to spend a good portion of this extended weekend reading, so this is perfect!

Goals:

📚#BuddyRead titles—I have a few for August I still need to complete
📚 Read library books
📚 Catch up on lingering reads—those I‘ve been reading for awhile

Happy reading, everyone!

#ForTheLoveOfBooks

TheSpineView Great goals! Happy Reading 2w
43 likes1 comment
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Librarybelle
The Guest List | Lucy Foley
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Pickpick

Remote island. Despicable people. Dark secrets. Then, a body. While I liked The Hunting Party by Foley, I liked this one a bit more. There were twists I did not see coming—and a few gasps as they were revealed—set on an island with its own share of ghosts. Peat bogs? Cemetery? Abandoned houses? You know that‘s a recipe for a spooky atmosphere!

#52BookClub24 #TheOtherBookWithASimilarPlot (I‘m tying this to The Twelve Days of Murder).

Librarybelle It‘s a dark and stormy night at my house, so thought this photo would set the book‘s mood. 😂 2w
Hooked_on_books I liked this one, too! 2w
72 likes2 comments
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Librarybelle
Holiday in Death | J. D. Robb
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Pickpick

An intense holiday read! Eve not only has to navigate her first Christmas with her loved ones, but a killer using Christmas spirit is taking out people linked in one specific way. We see more of Eve‘s constant battles with her past abuse and her desire to live a happy life. At times heart pounding, another good entry in the series. #InDeathLongReadalong

LiseWorks I'm glad you liked this one. Thanks for joining us. We will have an update as @StayCurious is on holiday and is quite busy with visiting her sisters in Vancouver. 2w
65 likes2 comments
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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Last week was a great reading week, with 6 completed books, half being buddy reads.

This week is seeing what I can finish up by the end of the week!

Happy Reading!

kspenmoll Yay!!!! And a big WOW! (edited) 3w
Mimi28 That‘s great! You should be proud of yourself 😊🫶🏽🩷 3w
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Librarybelle Thank you, @Mimi28 ! 3w
Reggie Wow way to go. 3w
45 likes6 comments
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Librarybelle
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Pickpick

I am terrible at listening to nonfiction—I rarely pick up the audio version. But, I‘ve wanted to read this one, and it is not readily available at the library but was available through my Audible membership.

While I got bogged down with so many dates & people, I think that‘s more to do with my issue as a listener rather than the book. Loxton writes of the London satirists in the 18th century, a topic not really covered in general histories. ⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️ I learned about about the starring individuals and the role their work played in the UK government and world events. Good book! 3w
bookandbedandtea I love her Instagram account! Her upcoming book, Eighteen, sounds good to me but maybe I'll give this one a go too. 3w
Librarybelle @bookandbedandtea I love her IG account too! I‘m interested in reading Eighteen! 3w
LibrarianRyan @Librarybelle this looks awesome. I agree it takes me so long to listen to non fiction. But I listen to it faster then I read it! 3w
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Librarybelle
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes | Arthur Conan Doyle
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Pickpick

A fascinating collection of short stories—some better than others—that showcase the genius of Sherlock Holmes.

#NoPlaceLikeHolmes

Cuilin ✅🫶🎉 such fun. Thank you for joining us and lending great insight to our discussions. 3w
dabbe Agree 💯. Thanks for all of your insights, too! And now ... on to the HOUND! 🤩🤩🤩 3w
73 likes2 comments
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Librarybelle

Those who read My Friend Anna, especially the #SundayBuddyRead crew, may be interested or horrified to know that Anna Delvey will be on the USA Network reality game show The Anonymous. I swear, I was only doomscrolling on FB when I saw this!

My skin actually crawled when I saw this! Link to more info in comments.

TheBookHippie OMG 😱 3w
TheBookHippie That makes me SICK 🤢😡 3w
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LiteraryinPA What?? Wowwwww. 3w
Librarybelle I know, @LiteraryinLawrence ! I saw briefly that her ban from social media is soon up or is up, so she is free to post and do things like this. So scary! 3w
Deblovestoread Unbelievable!! 3w
Bookwomble That sounds like a horrendous TV show. What is it about reality shows featuring awful people? I don't get the appeal 🤷‍♂️ 3w
Librarybelle @Bookwomble Neither do I! 3w
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick @TheBookHippie @LiteraryinLawrence @Deblovestoread @Bookwomble It gets worse! Dancing with the "Stars" just announced the new cast and Anna Delvey is one of 13 contestants. ? 2w
Deblovestoread Isn‘t her 15 minutes of fame up? Why does our society want to feed the monster? 2w
Librarybelle OMG, @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick ! I‘m of the same opinion, @Deblovestoread ! 2w
TheBookHippie @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick OMG 😵‍💫🥴😝😮🤢 2w
47 likes15 comments
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Librarybelle
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September‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead takes the group on a tour of discovery—after learning the truth about her mother, Sophie journeys to Paris to gather more information.

This is a low key buddy read. Read at your own pace. I will post periodic checkins throughout the month. Discussion will take place on September 30th!

All are welcome! Please let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the tag list!

mcctrish I‘m in, my physical book is on its way ( book outlet had a great price ) 3w
tpixie Thanks!! 3w
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Librarybelle
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Pickpick

When I found a #picturebook by Keith Richards in the library database, I knew I had to get it! This is for kids in elementary school and details Richards‘ time with his grandfather and Richards‘ first guitar. I probably love this one more for the fact that this is by Richards (I loved his memoir Life…you should read it!), but the story itself has wisps of nostalgia to it. I really liked it. #BBRC #LetterG

LibrarianRyan Stacked! 3w
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Librarybelle
Naked!: with audio recording | Michael Ian Black
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Mehso-so

I‘m sure there are some that will find this hysterical. For me, it‘s okay. I‘m not the biggest fan of Black‘s comedy, so I‘m not the right reader for this. I can see kids adoring it, however. #BBRC #PictureBook #LetterN

LibrarianRyan It amazes me he is more known for his various kids books lately then for his comedy. I didn‘t like his comedy either. 3w
50 likes1 comment
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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Thanks for the tag, @Texreader !

1. Read the book
2. Do laundry
3. Read, but I do also enjoy listening to a book
4. Chocolate
5. Pen
6. Answer them—that‘s the librarian and history nerd in me!
7. Meet an author, though I am working on a short story collection…
8. Neither—I‘m vegetarian
9. Online
10. Snowy

#WondrousWednesday

Texreader Love this!! Thanks for posting! 4w
Eggs Thx for playing 👌🏼❤️🙏🏻 3w
45 likes3 comments
review
Librarybelle
Fahrenheit 451 | Ray Bradbury
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Pickpick

This is a light pick for me—I got the overall gist of the story, but sometimes struggled with what exactly was going on. Dystopian is not my typical genre, but given its ties to current day issues, I knew I had to read this with the #RandomClassics group. I am glad I read it. #192025 #1953

TheAromaofBooks I'm getting ready to finish this one today, but on the whole it's a little too much like a weird dream for me to really like it 😂 4w
Librarybelle @TheAromaofBooks I like that analogy! 😂 4w
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Librarybelle
The Mystery Guest | Nita Prose
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Pickpick

I think this one is better than the first!

Molly the Maid is back, and this time a famous author dies during a press conference at the hotel. The reader learns a bit more about Molly‘s past with her grandmother and how current events interconnect with the past. Another good mystery, and I did not find Molly‘s thoughts and awkwardness as hard to read as in the first book.

Ruthiella Good to know. I liked the first one just fine but wasn‘t blown away. I‘ll probably pick this up at some point. 4w
Librarybelle @Ruthiella I quickly breezed through this one; the first one took me several days of starting and stopping. If I had not needed to read this for my IRL book club, I probably would have waited awhile before picking this up after reading the first one. Glad it was better! 4w
70 likes2 comments
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Librarybelle
The Forty Elephants | Erin Bledsoe
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Pickpick

The writing style for this book slowly grew on me, and I knew I had to finish it this morning…based on a true story, Alice Diamond is a strong woman made tough by her background and her takeover of her father‘s gang. I like that the narrative balances the darkness with light, how Alice constantly struggles between duty, honor, justice, and a desire for a normal life. Parts are graphic, and parts made me tear up. Good choice for #SundayBuddyRead !

TheBookHippie ♥️🐘♥️ 4w
72 likes3 stack adds1 comment
review
Librarybelle
The Maid | Nita Prose
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Pickpick

I really liked the mystery of this and the unique perspective of the unfolding story from the eyes of Molly. Molly is socially awkward and thinks differently than others; this at times makes for some uncomfortable situations. However, it‘s the treatment of Molly by everyone else for most of the book that had me put the book down after a few chapters and walk away for a bit. Her treatment hit a bit too close to home for me. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️Molly also mentions an action she performs that had me gasping in shock. I‘m still not sure how I feel about it! Now to move onto book two for my IRL book club discussion! 4w
73 likes1 comment
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Librarybelle
Untitled | Unknown
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I managed to complete 2 books last week and make my way through a few #buddyread titles. Mystery and haunting seemed to be the theme!

This week, I need to prepare for my upcoming IRL cozy mystery book group, and I anticipate finishing a couple more buddy reads.

Happy Reading!

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Librarybelle
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We‘re two weeks away from our discussion for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead title! Judging by the comments I‘m seeing, there‘s been lots of love for this one.

Discussion on the 31st!

kspenmoll Total love.❤️❤️ 1mo
CatLass007 I still haven‘t started it but I‘m really excited about it! 1mo
mcctrish @CatLass007 I recommend audio ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 1mo
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CatLass007 @mcctrish Thanks! That‘s good because I have the audiobook. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 1mo
TheBookHippie Love! 1mo
julieclair As usual, I haven‘t started it yet. But I‘m looking forward to it! 1mo
dabbe I'm midway through. Loving it so far! 🩵💙🩵 1mo
Jerdencon Finished it! Looking forward for be discussion! 1mo
Cuilin Finished and I agree it‘s fabulous. 1mo
45 likes9 comments