Welcome to Litsy!

Wives and Daughters | Elizabeth Gaskell

To say my reading has been erratic and at times nonexistent the last few months is an understatement, and yet I persevere and start more books! 😂

Gaskell‘s writing is amazing, and thanks to #HashtagBrigade I can finally move Wives and Daughters to the “currently reading” stack.

#Zeke , #SebastianKitty , and #Xander are resting after food (and the first pill of the day for Zeke). #CatsOfLitsy

BarkingMadRead

BarkingMadRead Book twins! That‘s the copy I have! 2d

Librarybelle @BarkingMadRead 😁 2d

julieclair So cozy! 😻😻😻 2d

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Librarybelle It is, @julieclair ! 2d

Mollyanna Some time that‘s all you can do! Enjoy your cozy reading moment. 2d

Librarybelle @Mollyanna 😻 2d

AlaMich Good thing your bed won‘t fly away now! 2d

Librarybelle @AlaMich I know! 😂 2d

robinb Awww…nothing sweeter than a bed full of kitties! 🩵🩵🩵 2d

Librarybelle @robinb ❤️❤️❤️ 2d

dabbe #adorablecutenessoverload 🖤🐾🐾🐾🐾🖤 2d

Librarybelle @dabbe ❤️❤️❤️ 2d

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Untitled | Unknown

June‘s #BookSpinBingo list!

TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2d

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Morgan Is My Name | Sophie Keetch

#LiteraryCrew : I am so sorry I fizzled on my hostess duties this month! My priories were caring for Zeke, so lots of things fell through the cracks.

That being said, I have 6 discussion questions posted as spoilers; they can be found on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag. I did not get to read this one, but the reviews I read make this sound amazing! Hope you enjoyed!

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

mcctrish I never got to it either - couldn‘t seem to get my hands on a copy and now I‘m ready for June already 🤷🏻‍♀️ you always pick such great books 3d

CatLass007 I haven‘t even started this book yet. Molly‘s not doing well but she‘s holding her own. I only can blame my library for all my holds coming in at once. 3d

Librarybelle If you do get to it, it sounds fascinating @mcctrish @CatLass007 . The reviews I read highlight a strong female cast, hence the classification of a feminist retelling. Maybe I can read this soon… 3d

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Librarybelle So sorry to hear about Molly, @CatLass007 ❤️ 3d

Jerdencon Sending good thoughts for Zeke and Molly 💕 3d

Librarybelle Thanks, @Jerdencon ! 3d

Cuilin @mcctrish @CatLass007 if you have Audible it‘s free. No credits needed. The narrator is Vanessa Kirby. She is amazing!!!! 3d

CatLass007 @Cuilin I have it on Audible. But thank you!❤️ 3d

Cuilin @CatLass007 Fabulous, I loved the narration so much I‘m starting book 2. Hope Molly feels better soon. (edited) 3d

CatLass007 @Cuilin Thank you. 3d

PurpleyPumpkin I‘m almost halfway through and really enjoying it! I‘ll be sure to circle back to your questions once I‘m finished. 😉 3d

Librarybelle Yay, @PurpleyPumpkin ! 3d

julieclair I‘ve been traveling a lot this month, and my reading has suffered, lol. I haven‘t started, but I‘m really looking forward to reading it at some point. The #LiteraryCrew books are always excellent! 💙💜💙 3d

julieclair @Librarybelle @CatLass007 Sending hugs as you care for Zeke and Molly. 💝💝💝 3d

Librarybelle Thank you, @julieclair ! 3d

Mollyanna Work has been horrible lately, and my reading time has plummeted. I have my copy and am hoping to get to it soon. It looks good. Best to Zeke and Molly @CatLass007 2d

Librarybelle Thanks, @Mollyanna ! 2d

Sargar114 No worries! I‘ve been suffering on my reading. Got this from the library this week so will still try to read 💚 2d

CatLass007 @Mollyanna Molly sends her love😻. I hope your work situation improves. I understand how difficult things can be on some jobs or with coworkers or supervisors. Do what you need to take care of you.🐾🐾🐾 2d

Librarybelle @Sargar114 I want to get to this one too! 2d

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Morgan Is My Name | Sophie Keetch

This post contains spoilers

6. This ties into an earlier question regarding the pace of the story and the planned trilogy. Do you plan to continue with the trilogy? Book Two, Le Fay, was recently published. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Cuilin Yes. Also free if you have Audible. 3d

LeeRHarry Yes I do - have number 2 on my shelves already. 😊 3d

Jerdencon Yes… definitely! This was a good choice! 3d

Deblovestoread Yes, I already have book two on audible. 2d

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Morgan Is My Name | Sophie Keetch

This post contains spoilers

5. One reviewer mentioned the vividness of the landscape and that the strong sense of place and setting could almost be considered a character in the novel. Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Cuilin Tintagle is still on my bucket list of places to visit. 3d

LeeRHarry Agree. I thought it had a good sense of place from memory. 3d

Deblovestoread I could definitely place myself in each scene, the descriptions were done so well. 2d

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Morgan Is My Name | Sophie Keetch

This post contains spoilers

4. Think about the other characters in the novel. One reviewer felt that the female characters all showed strength and growth in the novel. What are your thoughts? Any standout characters to you beyond Morgan? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Cuilin I agree with this reviewer. I especially liked Alice. 3d

Deblovestoread I agree as well. 2d

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Morgan Is My Name | Sophie Keetch

This post contains spoilers

3. Keetch has stated that she set out to retell Morgan's story, but in fact Morgan had so much to say that Keetch realized she needed to expand Morgan's story into three books. One could consider this to be the “origin story“ of Morgan, as she is young and starting out in the world of magic.

Think of the story progression in this novel. Do you agree or disagree with Keetch's assessment? Is this a multiple book story? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Cuilin Yes, I think it is quite possible to stretch the story into a trilogy. The time in the convent alone could‘ve been a whole book. 3d

Jerdencon I def could see a trilogy… she‘s still so young at the end of the first book. I plan to read the other 2. 3d

Deblovestoread Looking forward to book 2. Hopefully she weaves a tale that maintains interest for 3 books. 2d

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Morgan Is My Name | Sophie Keetch

This post contains spoilers

2. Thinking about the Arthurian legend, and Morgan's portrayal throughout as the villain, this novel (and trilogy) aims to tell Morgan's side of the story, or her story through her eyes. In some reviews, reviewers felt this humanizes Morgan, or at least adds layers to the “villain“ persona of Morgan. Do you agree? Why or why not? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Cuilin It certainly humanizes Morgan. Since this is only book one, you only get glimpses of her villain origin story. I will definitely read the next one. 3d

Jerdencon You can see them starting to put the story in place of her being the villain but you do feel bad for her at times. 3d

Deblovestoread Because I wasn‘t aware she was a villain I didn‘t have a back story to taint her as I read. I met a woman who was intelligent but continually put in her place. I did see where the dark side called to her. 2d

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Morgan Is My Name | Sophie Keetch

This post contains spoilers

Librarybelle https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/social-sciences-and-humanities/morgan-le... 3d

1. This first in a planned trilogy is a feminist take on the legendary Morgan le Fay. How familiar were you with her legend before reading this book? Link in comments to some basic info on Morgan. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Cuilin I love Arthurian mythology so I was pretty familiar with this story and was interested to see this author‘s take on a well-known legend. 3d

LeeRHarry I was vaguely familiar. I loved the writing and pace of this book. 3d

Jerdencon I really enjoyed this too. I know the basics of the story but not much specifics. 3d

Deblovestoread I had vague knowledge. Enjoyed getting to know this Morgan. 2d

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Untitled | Unknown

#5JoysFriday

1. My boys…always!
2. Zeke started chemo this week, and so far he has had no adverse reactions.
3. Scoring an ARC of the latest Mona Awad through NetGalley!
4. Receiving my signed copy of the newest Nora Roberts from her bookstore
5. Sebastian‘s continued insistence to sit in the clean water bowl—it makes me laugh (and then rewash it)

Leftcoastzen Cats ! cats! Cats! Yay Zeke ! 😻😻😻😻 4d

Librarybelle @Leftcoastzen 😺 4d

TheBookHippie ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ 4d

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Luke-XVX Once again, top tier cat content haha 4d

Librarybelle Thanks, @TheBookHippie @Luke-XVX ! 3d

dabbe Go, Zeke, go! 🤩😘🤩 3d

Librarybelle Thanks, @dabbe ! 3d

Sparklemn The bowl…LOL! 19h

Librarybelle @Sparklemn Sebastian is so silly! 😂 19h

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We Love You, Bunny | Mona Awad

My excitement level is through the roof! Bunny was so odd and so fun; I cannot wait to go back to that world! #NetGalley

Ruthiella Awesome! 👏 👏👏 I‘m curious to see if it is as good as its predecessor. 5d

Librarybelle Me too, @Ruthiella ! 5d

RaeLovesToRead Yaaaaaaargh!!!! Cannot request at this time apparently 😢 5d

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Librarybelle @RaeLovesToRead 😔 5d

sarahbarnes Wow, how cool!! 4d

Librarybelle I‘m really looking forward to it, @sarahbarnes ! 3d

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The Love Haters: A Novel | Katherine Center

pick

While I liked this one, it was not my favorite of Center‘s works (I really loved The Bodyguard and greatly enjoyed Hello Stranger). Parts of it were a bit unbelievable, but as in other books by Center, other aspects are deeply personal. Body positivity is a huge theme, along with loving oneself, and let‘s just say I struggle big time with it like Katie in the book. Yet, Center has this magical way of turning a phrase that makes me want to sit ⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️ and think about it for awhile. The audio narration was excellent—I really enjoy listening to Center‘s books! Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced listening copy! 6d

KadaGul I truly enjoyed Hello Stranger 😍

Hello Stranger: A Novel

Librarybelle @KadaGul I learned so much about the condition the main character has in that book! 6d

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Murder, She Wrote: Three Strikes and You're Dead | Jessica Fletcher, Donald Bain

pick

Jessica is in Arizona cheering on the foster son of friends when murder happens. Of course it does—she attracts murder wherever she goes! The darker side of baseball is revealed, with sex, drugs, and gambling, not to mention prejudice and power purchased by wealth. Good escape reading. My April choice for #ThematicCozies

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The Secret of Chimneys | Agatha Christie

June‘s #ChristiesCapers is the first that features Superintendent Battle, who appears in a a few other books/stories. Discussion on June 29th!

All are welcome to join. Please let me know if you wish to be added 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

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 1w

dabbe I had no idea she had so many different detectives! Color me clueless! 🤣 1w

mrp27 @dabbe Same! I had no clue…. 1w

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Poirot Investigates: Hercule Poirot Investigates | Agatha Christie

It‘s time to discuss Poirot Investigates for #ChristiesCapers ! I have 5 questions posted as spoilers. They can be found by searching the book‘s feed, my feed, or the group‘s hashtags.

Our next read is The Secret of Chimneys, the first book to feature Inspector Battle. Official post tomorrow! #AgathaChristieClubR3

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Poirot Investigates: Hercule Poirot Investigates | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

5. Consider this a free-for-all post! What are some elements you read that you wish to discuss with the group? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

dabbe Some elements of detective fiction I enjoyed: Poirot enjoys a dramatic final reveal, gathering suspects to expose the culprit. They're fun, but they literally come out of the blue. Some of these mysteries almost had the “locked-room“ puzzle elements, where the crime seems impossible at first glance and perhaps quite far-fetched. And, like Sherlock, Poirot occasionally lets a culprit escape punishment if their crime was morally justified. 1w

willaful I was a little irked by the character who was acquitted and couldn't be tried twice when he'd been arrested but had never gone to trial at all. I suppose the laws could be different wherever they were, but I think she made this same error in The Mysterious Affair at Styles. 1w

suvata @willaful I think you hit the nail on the head. It would be so awesome if some author would take up these cases and show the legal side of the trials after the arrests. I like legal thrillers too. (edited) 1w

willaful @suvata That would be interesting! 1w

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Poirot Investigates: Hercule Poirot Investigates | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

4. Themes. The only overarching theme is Poirot himself. But, what are some thematic elements you found within these shorts?

For instance, spiritualism is mentioned and will play a role in later novels in a variety of forms, from the supernatural and witchcraft to seances and hauntings.

I think there was a mention too regarding Poirot's penchant for only helping the rich??? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

dabbe Like Doyle in some of his stories, Christie plays on the early 20th-century fascination with foreign settings (Egypt, jewels from the East, mysterious foreigners). Also like Doyle, some portrayals reflect stereotypes of the time and show racist and biased viewpoints--even with racially-charged ethnic words (e.g., Middle Eastern or Asian characters depicted as exotic or untrustworthy; the use of the word “chink“ ...). 1w

suvata I agree that spiritualism pops up quite a bit in her stories. It must‘ve been quite a fad in the 1920s. Also, a lot of her stories take place in a closed room situation. The ethnic bias is so obvious that I don‘t think these stories would be published in today‘s world without massive revisions. It‘s kind of sad because it‘s good to know how past generations thought of others. I have to remind myself that it was a much smaller world back then. 1w

willaful I guess it was natural enough at the time, when English people traveled so much, but I think it's interesting that Christie started out writing the “exotic locale“ stories and then her second husband was an archeologist who gave her a lot of fodder for future books. 1w

RainyDayReading I agree with everyone above. It‘s interesting how her stories reflect the ideas and attitudes of the time regarding “exotic” locations. Plus the attitudes and ideas regarding people from different cultures that would definitely not fly today but considering how often it appears in her stories I‘m guessing was fairly common for the time. 5d

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Poirot Investigates: Hercule Poirot Investigates | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

3. Good old Hastings! We experience the Poirot stories through Hastings's voice, and I could not but help think yet again about Watson and Holmes. Hasting shows parts admiration, frustration, anger, and kind of jealousy over Poirot and his methods.

We've talked about Hastings in the past...has your opinion of Hastings changed? What are your impressions of Hastings's character as seen in these shorts? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

dabbe I'd say that these early stories by Christie were an homage to Doyle's SH and Watson. I find Hastings even funnier than Watson, though, and I love his dissing of Poirot--especially when Poirot makes him feel like a moron, something Holmes was also good at with Watson. Hastings' inserted opinions just crack me up! And I now know that he never met an auburn-haired girl he didn't like. Wonder if he likes titian? He needs to meet Nancy Drew. 🤣 1w

suvata There is definitely a huge resemblance between Sherlock and Watson. Hastings' feelings are a blend of hero-worship, mild frustration, and genuine fondness, rooted in years of shared adventures and mutual trust. I don‘t think I appreciated Hastings in the first few stories as much as I did in this collection. Maybe it took a couple books for him to grow on me. (edited) 1w

kspenmoll I too enjoy when he disses on Poirot- & he is a sucker for beautiful ladies! 1w

RainyDayReading Didn‘t like him in the previous stories, still don‘t like him now 🤣 I think because even though he has spent, supposedly, a lot of time with Poirot, he still hasn‘t shown any growth in his deductive abilities. His constant leaping to conclusions without backing them up really annoys me. 5d

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Poirot Investigates: Hercule Poirot Investigates | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

2. Think about the short stories in this collection. Any standouts? Favorites? Disappointments? We'll talk about Hastings next! #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

MariaW I don‘t like the Davenheim and Cheap Flat stories that much because they seem very far-fetched to me. I liked the Million Dollar Bond Robbery and Kidnapped Prime Minister, they were just more exciting. 1w

willaful @MariaW I think I'm kind of the opposite, I prefer the more domestic stories to the world affairs ones. 1w

dabbe These stories all ran together in my head. The only thing that stood out for me was in pretty much every one of these, the ending came out of left field, making it impossible for the reader to even have a chance of solving the mystery. We don't stand a chance next to those “little gray cells“ of M. Poirot! 🤣 1w

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willaful @dabbe yes, she didn't really bother to try to be fair to the reader in the shorts. The novels are more satisfying that way -- you can't guess, but you feel like maybe you could! 😂 1w

suvata They were all very good, but I did have a few favorites that I mentioned in the first question. Christie is unique in that. I usually don‘t like short stories because they don‘t seem to have an ending that kind of wraps everything up but that‘s not true of Christie. They read like a full novel. They‘re like “bite-size Poirot“. 1w

Sace I liked the The Million Dollar Bond Robbery, but honestly none really stood out. The bond robbery is really the only one I can remember the details. 1w

willaful @Sace It held my attention more than most, though I was struck by how lucky it was that the maid left the room exactly twice! A lot of her plots rely on chance. 1w

kspenmoll I liked The Case of the Missing Will & The Million Dollar Bond Robbery 1w

RainyDayReading Even though I finished this a few days ago, I don‘t really remember any of the stories 😅 Weirdly I feel like I‘ve read the story regarding Egypt and the curse before but for the life of me I can‘t think of where I would‘ve read it from. The one involving the cheap flat kinda lost me a bit…and I remember liking the one with the pearl necklace…aside from that they didn‘t really stick. 5d

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Poirot Investigates: Hercule Poirot Investigates | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

1. Welcome to our first short story collection by Christie! This first collection includes stories featuring Poirot, making this the 3rd Poirot book we've read.

Which do you prefer...the short stories or the novels (thinking specifically about the two other Poirot novels we have read so far)? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Deblovestoread Definitely the novels. Short stories rarely work for me although these were ok. 1w

MariaW I prefer the novels as well, even though the short stories have been an easy read inbetween. I‘m always wondering how those short stories keep on being adapted into one and half hour long episodes for TV series. 🤔 1w

willaful I also prefer the novels. I dunno, I've read this several times before but it seems like no matter how many times I try, my eyes just glaze over and I don't absorb anything that's happening for most of them. 🤣 1w

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dabbe For me, it depends on how good the story is, whether it be a novel or short story. These stories were in the average range, IMHO, so I definitely would prefer a novel to these selections. But then, my favorite short story involving Poirot is “(TAo) The Christmas Pudding,“ and very few Poirot novels would beat that short story. Does that make sense? 🤔 1w

suvata I think I prefer the long form stories, but she does a really good job with short stories as well. In this collection, my favorites were The Adventure of the Cheap Flat and The Case of the Missing Will. The problem with short stories is that I probably won‘t remember them after a while. Novels seem to stick in my little gray cells much longer. 1w

Sace I‘m just jumping in this month. It‘s been a while since I read one of the Poirot novels so I don‘t think I have a strong preference. As far as these stories go, I‘m glad I‘m not the only one who was a little underwhelmed. Although that might have been partly because I went the audio route and I never quite appreciated the narrator. 1w

kspenmoll I think I prefer her longer stories. These were underwhelming, & seemed to be a vehicle for showcasing Cap. Hastings as rather a dope. Maybe that was her intention? 1w

RainyDayReading I‘m not usually a short stories person but I really enjoyed this! I think almost more than the longer stories at the moment and that‘s simply because of Hastings. I felt like he was much easier for me to stomach in these shorter bites than he‘s been in the previous books. If Hastings wasn‘t a factor I would definitely say the books. 5d

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The Chelsea Girls | Fiona Davis

#LiteraryCrew : I apologize for the late post of this, but our June book is all about the Chelsea in NYC, the MacCarthy era, and friendship.

Discussion on June 30th. Read at your own pace throughout the month of June. I‘ll post periodic checkins during the month. All are welcome to join.

Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the tag list! #BuddyRead

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 1w

Deblovestoread Yay!! 1w

tpixie Yay!! 1w

mcctrish I‘m in, I can get the audio book from the library 1w

Sargar114 @mcctrish same! 2 week wait but first in line so should work out well! 1w

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Poirot Investigates: Hercule Poirot Investigates | Agatha Christie

I‘ve really fallen behind on my hosting duties, but tomorrow (Sunday) is our next #ChristiesCapers discussion! The first short story collection we‘ll read by Christie, and the third book featuring Hercule Poirot!

Questions will be posted mid- to late-morning US East Coast time! #AgathaChristieClubR3

Bookwormjillk You know I started listening to this and bailed because I couldn‘t follow the story. But I also never realized it was short stories so maybe there was a reason 😬 1w

Aims42 I‘ll be sitting this one out, but please continue to tag me!! Too many books, not enough time 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫 1w

Librarybelle No worries, @Bookwormjillk @Aims42 ! 1w

suvata I‘m ready whenever you are 😀 1w

TheAromaofBooks I've been reading one a day for the last week or two and it's been so fun. I can't figure out if I've actually solved some of these mysteries or if my subconscious just remembers reading them before 😂 1w

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This week has been terrible between world/country news and personal news; hooray for joys:

1. My boys, pictured together in a much needed family cuddle
2. Betty Crocker‘s Reese‘s Peanut Butter Coffee Cake mix—so good in cupcake form!
3. IRL book club. Most of us didn‘t like the book and talked about cats instead
4. I made it to the next round for a potential WFH library-related full time job. 🤞
5. Rainbow outside my front door

#5JoysFriday

Luke-XVX I can smell the cakes from here! Haha 2w

Librarybelle @Luke-XVX 😂 2w

monalyisha Omg wfh *and* library-related?! What a dream! Fingers crossed for you! 2w

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Aims42 Fingers crossed on your WFH library-related job, that sounds amazing!! 😍🤩🤞🙏 2w

Librarybelle @monalyisha @Aims42 Thanks! I‘m hopeful, but also know it‘s highly competitive. 2w

dabbe 🤞+ 🩵💚🩵 2w

Mollyanna Best of luck on the job prospect and yay! to family cuddles. 2w

Librarybelle Thank you, @dabbe and @Mollyanna ! 2w

BarbaraJean Lovely joys--what a beautiful rainbow!! Good luck on the potential job! 2w

Librarybelle Thank you, @BarbaraJean ! 2w

MemoirsForMe Gotta love a book club meeting where you can share cat stories! 😻 1w

Librarybelle It was, @MemoirsForMe ! 1w

Reggie Good luck on #4!!! And love the cat family cuddle! 1w

Librarybelle Thank you, @Reggie ! 1w

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Untitled | Unknown

We just received word that Zeke does have small cell lymphoma. It‘s not a surprise, but sad all the same. Thankfully, it is treatable, with the possibility of remission with chemo and a good 2-3 years, as long as we can keep him in a good place.

You can tell he‘s in a happy place from the photo, and that‘s all I can ask for. It‘s hard to see him go through this, but now we have a diagnosis and can properly treat it. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ I share this update because so many of you have been supportive the last several months. My cats are all I have and not only are reading buddies but also just general sanity checks. Zeke has always been my protector and has always been there when I‘m unwell or so depressed I cannot move. It‘s hard to see him get through this, but we‘ll work to make sure he has the best life and is as pain free as possible. #CatsOfLitsy #Zeke 2w

Librarybelle Thank you for your support! ❤️ 2w

Ruthiella Hoping for the best possible outcome. ❤️ 2w

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Susanita Best wishes for sweet Zeke to have his best life with you. 2w

RaeLovesToRead Best Wishes, Zeke 💕 2w

Deblovestoread So glad you have an answer and a treatment plan. Sending love to you both. ❤️ 2w

Bookwormjillk My first kitty Louie had the same. It was very sad, but we were able to spend his last year feeding him all the rotisserie chicken he wanted and letting him destroy the Christmas tree as much as he wanted. We made some good memories with him, and I do think he enjoyed himself. Hang in there @librarybelle and best wishes to Zeke. I'll be thinking of you both. (edited) 2w

Librarybelle Thank you, @Ruthiella @Susanita @RaeLovesToRead @Deblovestoread ! ❤️ 2w

Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk Zeke will get whatever he wants, except chicken! I‘ve learned in the past couple of months how chicken does not do well for him anymore. Everyone talks of positive outcomes and managing care, so I‘m holding onto that and how Zeke is holding steady. Thank you! ❤️ 2w

JenReadsAlot ❤️ 2w

Librarybelle Thank you @JenReadsAlot ❤️ 2w

dabbe Zeke is looking at you in this pic with absolute adoration. How lucky he is to have you for his mama, as are all your boys. He knows he is living his best life and will continue to do so for a long time with his care in your hands. It's not easy caring for our babies who now have needs, but we wouldn't have it any other way, would we? Sending all the hearts I can to you, Zeke, and your other boys. 🖤🐾🐾🐾🐾🖤 2w

mrp27 Aww.. lots of love to you and Zeke. 2w

Librarybelle Thank you, @dabbe ! Between Zeke and Xander, they definitely have me on my toes. I hope the other two stay healthy, though their issues are more emotional than physical. Pet care is hard, as you know. ❤️ 2w

Librarybelle Thank you @mrp27 ❤️ 2w

Tamra It is always a relief to have definitive plan forward. 💙 2w

Librarybelle It is, @Tamra . Thank you ❤️ 2w

TheSpineView Hugs to you and Zeke! 💞💜🐾 2w

InkedBookworm13 ❤ 🐱 Wishing Zeke the best 2w

JessClark78 🖤🐾 2w

Librarybelle Thank you @TheSpineView @InkedBookworm13 @JessClark78 ❤️ 2w

rubyslippersreads Zeke couldn‘t ask for anyone better to give him the best care possible, and all the ❤️❤️❤️. 😽 2w

Librarybelle Thank you @rubyslippersreads ❤️ 2w

Mollyanna You can tell by the photo how much Zeke loves you and how he is in a good place with you near. I wish Zeke the best in his treatment. 🐾💕🐾 2w

Librarybelle Thank you @Mollyanna ❤️ 2w

MaureenMc Best wishes for you and Zeke 💗 2w

Bookwomble ❤️❤️‍🩹❤️ 2w

Librarybelle Thank you @MaureenMc @Bookwomble ❤️ 2w

shortsarahrose Aww! Zeke is so sweet! Glad that he has a diagnosis and you both have a plan moving forward. 2w

ShelleyBooksie Sorry to hear this news but glad to hear it's treatable and you will be able to enjoy more years with your sweet boy ♡ 2w

Librarybelle Thank you @shortsarahrose @ShelleyBooksie ❤️ 2w

CoverToCoverGirl Sending support to you and Zeke. 💗💗 2w

Librarybelle Thank you @CoverToCoverGirl ❤️ 2w

lauraisntwilder Sending good vibes for you and Zeke! ♥️ 2w

Librarybelle Thank you @lauraisntwilder ❤️ 2w

NatalieR Wishing you and Zeke all the best as you navigate his treatments. Being a pet parent is hard during times like this. Keep doing what you‘re doing and loving him as much as possible. ❤️‍🩹🐾 2w

janeycanuck I‘m sorry to hear this, that‘s really tough. It is so hard when our pets are sick and there‘s no way for them to understand what‘s going on. I‘m happy he has you on his side through this ❤️ 2w

Librarybelle Thank you @NatalieR @janeycanuck ❤️ 2w

youneverarrived ❤️❤️ 2w

Librarybelle Thank you @youneverarrived ❤️ 2w

DogMomIrene I‘m sorry that you and Zeke got such a tough diagnosis. Zeke‘s in great hands with you! Wishing you both the best❤️🐾 2w

Librarybelle Thank you @DogMomIrene ❤️ 2w

MemoirsForMe Keeping you and Zeke in my thoughts and prayers. Your boys are so lucky to have the best Mama. ❤️❤️❤️ 1w

Librarybelle Thank you @MemoirsForMe ❤️ 1w

quietjenn Sending lots of love to you and Zeke. 💜 1w

Librarybelle Thank you @quietjenn ❤️ 1w

62 likes46 comments

Marguerite by the Lake | Mary Dixie Carter

pick

I wasn‘t sure what to think at first about this one—it started off a little uneven, but as I progressed with this, I realized that maybe that was the intention. We hear the story from the perspective of Phoenix, who is the landscaper for Rosecliff. Something terrible happens to Marguerite, Rosecliff‘s owner, and Phoenix describes the events that transpire. I cannot say more without really spoiling it, but by the end, I just sat and ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ and listened to the rest of the book. I‘m glad I stuck with it. It‘s a good psychological suspense that is a retelling of Rebecca. I could see some of the threads that connect it to Rebecca, but this one is its own story with its own unique twists. Unlikeable characters galore! 2w

58 likes1 comment

Summer at Tiffany | Marjorie Hart

pick

This light memoir captures Hart‘s experience in NYC and at Tiffany during the summer of 1945. Filled with humor and sentiment, Hart shares hilarious (and potentially embarrassing) episodes as well as her hopes and dreams and college worries. Just the right book to read, with its fluffiness and nostalgic tone. #SundayBuddyRead

TheBookHippie

kspenmoll Lovely review! 2w

Librarybelle Thank you, @kspenmoll ! 2w

65 likes1 stack add2 comments

Nancy Drew 20: The Clue in the Jewel Box | Carolyn Keene

We‘re up to number 20, #LittenDetectives ! Our next #NancyDrewBR features jewels and a lost prince. Will Nancy be able to decipher the clue in the jewel box? And, more importantly, will Nancy suffer more head knocks? Let‘s just hope there are no exploding oranges! 😂

Discussion on June 15th! All are welcome to join. Please let me know if you wish to be added to 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, Pageturner1, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze, julieclair

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 3w

BarkingMadRead 🤣🤣🤣 so many head knocks! 3w

Ruthiella A lost prince! Sounds like a good one! 3w

31 likes3 comments

Untitled | Unknown

#5JoysFriday

1. My boys…always. Recent pictures, and yes that‘s Sebastian sitting and washing in the water fountain bowl! 🙄
2. Xander‘s cardiology visit went well. His new meds are working! Progress has been made on additional issues found during his prior visit.
3. Organizing my thoughts for #14Books14Weeks
4. The latest Anthony Horowitz arrived!
5. Baking cranberry white chocolate chip muffins for my mom for Mother‘s Day

Aims42 So glad to hear the boys are doing well 😻 And YAY for the new Anthony Horowitz book arriving 🥳 3w

Librarybelle Thanks, @Aims42 ! 3w

Bookwormjillk Cat in the bowl is cracking me up. 3w

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Aims42 @Bookwormjillk 😹 same! “If I fits, I sits” 3w

JenReadsAlot That cat in the water dish 🤣 and I made white chocolate chip crasin cookies for mother's day! 3w

ravenlee Hooray for good medical news! 3w

Librarybelle Sebastian loves to sit in the clean fountain bowl! Drives me nuts! 😂 @Bookwormjillk @Aims42 @JenReadsAlot 3w

Librarybelle @JenReadsAlot My mom loves those muffins, and thankfully I still had some cranberries in the freezer! 3w

Librarybelle Thanks, @ravenlee ! 3w

Ruthiella Cats are so weird! 😂 Any new surface! 3w

kspenmoll So happy the kitties are thriving! They will sit in anything! Love it! Muffins sound delish. 3w

dabbe 💙💚💙 3w

Librarybelle @Ruthiella He is so silly! 3w

Librarybelle Thanks, @kspenmoll ! Holding steady at the moment, which is the most I can ask for at this time! 3w

Librarybelle @dabbe ❤️ 3w

ShelleyBooksie So glad that Xanders cardio visit went well!!! 3w

Librarybelle Thank you, @ShelleyBooksie ! 3w

DebinHawaii Wonderful joys! 💛💛💛Those muffins look delicious & good to hear the boys are doing well. 🐾🖤🐾 2w

Librarybelle Thank you, @DebinHawaii ! 2w

53 likes19 comments

Untitled | Unknown

It‘s not a book stack picture, but it‘s my list for #14Books14Weeks ! Maybe this is the year I finally continue with both of these series…they‘ve been listed so many times for so many challenges, one of these days I‘ll get to them! 😂

My reading has been so spotty lately, and my attention span is rather limited, I‘m hoping Gamache and Brunetti are just what I need.

Liz_M

Liz_M A virtual stack is still a stack! I hope these provide the pleasant distraction you need! 3w

KadaGul @Librarybelle The picture 🖼️ alone brings serenity and motivation to read 📖. Good Luck 🍀 3w

Librarybelle Thanks, @Liz_M @KadaGul ! 3w

Susanita I like to think Gamache and Brunetti would be friends in person. 3w

Librarybelle Me too, @Susanita ! 3w

46 likes5 comments

Nancy Drew 19: The Quest of the Missing Map | Carolyn Keene

It‘s time for our next #NancyDrewBR discussion, #LittenDetectives ! I have 5 questions posted. You can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag.

Our next caper is The Clue in the Jewel Box. More details tomorrow!

CogsOfEncouragement Thank you for hosting! It continues to be a blast for me to read this series and hear what other readers think. I appreciate your time in looking up differences in the rewrites, and the other info you pass along. ✌🏼❤️🔍📚 3w

Librarybelle You‘re so welcome, @CogsOfEncouragement ! And thank you for participating!! ❤️ 3w

Ruthiella Looking forward to it! 👍 3w

42 likes3 comments

Nancy Drew 19: The Quest of the Missing Map | Carolyn Keene

This post contains spoilers

5. As for the other characters, we of course have Bess and George and their significant others trying to solve the mysteries. We're also introduced to the Smiths and Mrs. Chatham and Trixie. I was not a fan of Mrs. Chatham! Thoughs?

There's one point where Carson loses his normal calm composure when searching for Nancy! And, Hannah throwing the Browns off the correct map by disguising the coordinates! #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk Go Hannah! I loved that part.

I was not a Mrs. Chatham fan either, and Trixie seemed like a bit much. 3w

DGRachel I didn‘t like Mrs Chatham in the beginning. Her treatment of Trixie was abhorrent. I came to dislike her less towards the end though, when she quit being so horrid to everyone. I love when Carson acts more like a caring father and worries about Nancy! Isn‘t this the one where Ned says something like “enough mysteries for a bit, pay attention to me”? I was like “girl, push him off the boat”. 🤣🤣 3w

CogsOfEncouragement @Bookwormjillk @DGRachel Too bad the update for 1969 didn‘t portray “the widow‘s” grief better. She just came off as a really bad mom. I thought the time Trixie was missing because she saw a Sea Captain walking by and decided to join him was maybe the most far-fetched element in this one. lol They all acted like of course a sea captain was taking a little stroll right here. And I was feeling Ned saved ND a little too much maybe. ⬇️ 3w

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CogsOfEncouragement For the purpose of this girl power series I prefer they keep Ned as a supporting character and ND ultimately saves herself. George or Bess can save her, of course. He seemed to get her out of her scrapes too consistently in this one, like she couldn‘t have done it (or survived for that matter) without him. That isn‘t what this series is about. 3w

Bookwormjillk @CogsOfEncouragement 100% agree on Ned. 3w

BarkingMadRead I was not a fan of Mrs C but Trixie was a hoot! Hannah was so stealthy, she‘s been hanging with Nancy for far too long 🤣 3w

Ruthiella Poor Trixie! With a mother like Mrs. Chatham, she‘s gonna need a lot of therapy later in life. 😱 3w

Librarybelle That‘s a good point, @CogsOfEncouragement ! Ned seemed to be there a bit too much. But yes, @DGRachel , Ned tells Nancy to pay more attention to him. I had to roll my eyes at that. If he has that much of a problem with Nancy solving mysteries, then maybe he needs to go elsewhere. And Nancy, find a different guy!!😂 @Bookwormjillk @BarkingMadRead @Ruthiella 2w

DebinHawaii Yes, Ned was too needy in this one! 🙄 2w

dabbe @bookwormjillk @CogsofEncouragement @BarkingMadRead @Ruthiella @DebinHawaii @Librarybelle @DGRachel
Sorry I'm late to the party; I got behind! My favorite part proving Mrs. C was NOT the best mom (unlike Mrs. C from HAPPY DAYS): When she gets the ransom note and says, “I don't want to pay the money ... but what will happen to Trixie if I refuse?“ Sounds like the mom was really considering it! 🤔🧐🤣 2w

CogsOfEncouragement @dabbe Oh my gosh. She was sooo bad! lol 2w

Bookwormjillk @dabbe she was doing a cost benefit analysis 🤣 2w

dabbe @CogsOfEncouragement 🤣😍🤣 2w

dabbe @Bookwormjillk 🤣😍🤣 2w

kwmg40 I too found Ned's comments eye-rolling. Also, it's nice that Carson shows concern for Nancy, but he generally seems to have complete faith in her abilities! 1w

MariaW I found both, Trixie and Mrs Chatham pretty annoying in the beginning, but both of them saved the day - one finding the captain and the other one financing the whole trip. (edited) 1w

15 likes16 comments

Nancy Drew 19: The Quest of the Missing Map | Carolyn Keene

This post contains spoilers

4. Nancy sure ran into lots of issues in this one! I have a headache thinking of the number of times she slams her head and/or is rendered unconscious. And, to a degree, the “Browns“ best her by tricking her into following “clues.“

What did you think of the criminal element in this story? The Browns seemed especially relentless to catch Nancy unawares.

Should Nancy receive medical care for her head? #NNK 😂

NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk Nancy should be in some sort of long term traumatic head injury study at this point.

I couldn't believe Nancy got tricked twice! I think our Nancy is smarter than that so I blame the head injuries. 3w

DGRachel I agree with @Bookwormjillk - Nancy surely has to have CTE by now. I liked that she fell for the misdirects and wasn‘t perfect. The books feel a little more realistic when that happens. 3w

CogsOfEncouragement @Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk @DGRachel LOL! So true! Nancy did seem too trusting, to me, in this one a couple times for the seasoned detective she has become. I appreciated the foreshadowing in Ch XVII “If I had a little more time, though, I could be more selective with the crew.” We all knew what THAT meant. lol 3w

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DGRachel @CogsOfEncouragement Yes! That comment had all kinds of Treasure Island vibes (or at least the Muppet movie version 🤣🤣) 3w

BarkingMadRead Those Browns are a bit much! 3w

Ruthiella I have to say, when Nancy was almost drowned at the end, it felt pretty scary. The bad guys were pretty bad. 😬 3w

Librarybelle That was nerve wracking, @Ruthiella ! I had flashbacks to when she almost went down with the sinking boat many books ago. Nancy seemed to slip up a few times, which does show she has flaws. She‘s not perfect. Gasp! @Bookwormjillk @DGRachel @CogsOfEncouragement @BarkingMadRead 2w

Bookwormjillk @Librarybelle she‘s not perfect but her hair is 🤣 2w

Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk So true! 😂 2w

DebinHawaii Yes, I do have serious concerns about the long-term health of her head! 🤕 2w

kwmg40 I too noticed the number of hits to the head in this one! Otherwise, the criminals seemed incredible incompetent and silly! 1w

MariaW I don‘t think the criminals have been this incompetent this time: They were able to steal the maps (even though some of them were not the originals), overpower Nancy twice and reach the island being first. Nancy was looking a bit stupid sometimes. And I think this made this book a lot more interesting than the last ones. 🤫 (edited) 1w

14 likes12 comments

Nancy Drew 19: The Quest of the Missing Map | Carolyn Keene

This post contains spoilers

3. While we are talking about elements to the story, think about the other aspects--haunted house, kidnapping, missing relatives, etc. How did these add or detract from the story line? To me, they seemed more plausible than exploding oranges! Any element that was your favorite? #NancyDrewBR

DGRachel While this one had so much happening, none of it seemed too much or distracting. I might feel differently if this hadn‘t followed the exploding oranges book though. 🤣🤣 My favorite elements were the two #NNK. It felt like a gift for having survived the last book! 3w

CogsOfEncouragement @DGRachel Agreed. This seemed on par for the classic ND peril. Trixie managing a #NNK was a good twist too. One fav detail is in Ch XII “Where are the guards?” … “Oh, they got better jobs and left.” LOL What?!? lol 3w

BarkingMadRead There was quite a bit of kidnapping and knockouts! A much better storyline though! 3w

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Ruthiella Well, I will say that the coincidences in this one were pretty hard to swallow. Everyone Nancy met was somehow connected to the old captain and his twin sons! 😅 3w

Librarybelle Yes, @Ruthiella ! It seemed so nicely tied together. That was hilarious, @CogsOfEncouragement …the guards got better jobs so left. Not the best choice for guards!!😂 @DGRachel @BarkingMadRead 2w

DebinHawaii The two #NNK moments were my favorite especially tied up Trixie with the croquet mallet! 😂 2w

kwmg40 Yes, there were a lot of coincidences, as usual, but overall, I didn't find the elements in this story as hard to swallow as some of those in earlier books. 1w

MariaW Nancy running into the distant relative of one of the two twins at a school already had me wince, but then she had to run right off into a trap later on. 😠 Still better than the exploding oranges. 😜 (edited) 1w

14 likes8 comments

Nancy Drew 19: The Quest of the Missing Map | Carolyn Keene

This post contains spoilers

Librarybelle https://blogs.loc.gov/maps/2023/09/lost-at-sea-the-treasure-maps-of-the-library-... 3w

2. In this episode, we have a possibly haunted ship cottage, a treasure map, missing relatives, a shifty couple who love to kidnap people, and a small island. So much to unpack! First, the treasure map. I would have loved to see the actual map! What did you think of this element of the story?

Link below to Library of Congress's blog featuring some maps in their collection. #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk This was my favorite part. I love a good treasure map. 3w

DGRachel I thought it was clever - both the original being torn in just the right way, and then all of the sleight of hand with good copies and fakes. 3w

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CogsOfEncouragement @Bookwormjillk @DGRachel Agreed. This was entertaining. The twists of who really had a correct map - or a map at all - and how that was revealed to the reader was fun. (edited) 3w

BarkingMadRead I love a treasure map trope! I wish there was a drawing of the map! 3w

Sace I‘m a sucker for treasure map tropes. 3w

Ruthiella It was a fun plot. And I loved how Nancy (and Hannah!) outwitted the baddies with false copies of it. 😅 3w

Librarybelle So much fun! It was convenient too that Nancy happened to have old paper for Hannah to use to trick the Browns. @Bookwormjillk @DGRachel @CogsOfEncouragement @BarkingMadRead @Sace @Ruthiella 2w

DebinHawaii Treasure maps are always fun! 2w

kwmg40 Like everyone else, I too like treasure-map stories! 1w

MariaW I thought the background story to the map was more interesting than the map itself. I mean - two boys, twins, surviving the sinking of their sea dog father‘s ship each one with a part of a treasure map in their hand, get separated. One of them dying at sea as well. 😱😱😱 1w

16 likes11 comments

Nancy Drew 19: The Quest of the Missing Map | Carolyn Keene

This post contains spoilers

1. Thankfully, there are no notable differences between versions of this book! Our friend Mildred Wirt Benson again wrote the story, with the original appearing in 1942 and the revised in 1969. I can find no substantial changes in the 1969 edition, so perhaps the revision focused on updating the text from 1942 to 1969 vernacular.

What did you think of the book overall? Personally, I thought it was way better than the last one! #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk This one seemed more “Classic Nancy“ which I prefer. 3w

DGRachel The writing quality was better than last month‘s 1971 hot mess. I really noticed the difference comparing the two versions of that book and the writing here was on par with the 1940s books. It was such a relief to read this one after last month‘s debacle! 3w

CogsOfEncouragement This was a fun one. All the peril I‘ve come to expect and a treasure chest too! 3w

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CogsOfEncouragement @Bookwormjillk @DGRachel We finally have mention of ND‘s continuing education. Art school provided some skills she used over and over. I don‘t remember if she stays in art school or if it will be mentioned again in any way. I‘ll be paying attention for that. 3w

BarkingMadRead Way way better than the last one! 3w

Sace I liked this one way better than the last couple of books. It felt way more focused and straightforward. 3w

Ruthiella I thought this was pretty good. But it is the first time (I think) where we have perspective from characters who are not Nancy while Nancy is not in the scene. Like when Carson and Ned are searching for Nancy. 3w

Librarybelle That‘s a good point, @Ruthiella , and I liked to see this other perspective. And yes, @CogsOfEncouragement , we see Nancy‘s continuing education. I‘m also wondering too if it continues, as I cannot remember. @Bookwormjillk @DGRachel @BarkingMadRead @Sace 2w

DebinHawaii I realized I forgot to join in on the discussion. I liked this one better too. 2w

kwmg40 Sorry, I'm a bit late to the discussion, but I agree with most of the comments here. I also liked this one better than the previous couple of books, as the events seemed more plausible. 1w

MariaW Definitely better than the last one, but it still had me roll my eyes a few times. But Carson‘s lock picking skills came in handy this time. 😂 1w

15 likes11 comments

Nancy Drew 19: The Quest of the Missing Map | Carolyn Keene

pick

So much better than the last one! Thank goodness for no exploding oranges or exotic animals! Nancy and the gang are embroiled in a treasure hunt of sorts, with adventures that feature spooky houses, shifty people, and kidnapping galore. Fun, breezy read. #NancyDrewBR

So sorry for the late reminder, but discussion is Thursday in the AM US East Coast time!

BarkingMadRead So much better! 3w

Librarybelle @BarkingMadRead Thank goodness! 😂 3w

Librarybelle #LitsyAToZ #LetterQ @Texreader 3w

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DGRachel Definitely better than the last one! 3w

JenlovesJT47 I‘m actually halfway done for once, will finish it tomorrow. Definitely liking it better than the last 3 or 4. 3w

Librarybelle @DGRachel It was not a chore to read! 3w

Librarybelle Yay, @JenlovesJT47 ! 3w

Ruthiella Yes, this one is getting back to the vibe of some of the earlier books. 3w

Sace I‘m finishing up this evening and yes, it‘s better than the exploding oranges! And there was a Nancy Noggin Knock Out! 3w

Sace @Ruthiella totally agree! 3w

Librarybelle Yes! It felt like some of the earlier ones! @Ruthiella @Sace 3w

57 likes11 comments

Caramel Crush | Jenn McKinlay

pick

Angie really annoyed me in this one! But, I don‘t think I‘d get along with Angie in real life, so props to Mel! 😂

Mel owes a former college friend a favor, and she is on the hunt for the real murderer. Lots of cupcakes, some shady business, and a real humdinger of a cliffhanger. Glad to see this series has picked up again! #LitsyAToZ #LetterC

Texreader

61 likes

Nancy Drew 19: The Quest of the Missing Map | Carolyn Keene

“‘Why not take Nancy? She‘s had a lot of experience meeting strange people.‘”

That‘s such an understatement! 😂

#NancyDrewBR

Ruthiella 😂😂😂 3w

44 likes1 comment

Medicine River: A Story of Survival and the Legacy of Indian Boarding Schools | Mary Annette Pember

This book…what an impact, and I‘ve barely reached the 25% mark of it. Here, Pember discusses the Carlisle Indian Industrial School and the graveyard of children who lost their lives there.

I was raised not far from the Army War College and drove by that cemetery thousands of times, before it became the “main gate” to the college after 9/11. Prior to 9/11, civilians could easily go onto the campus & drive around. A branch of my bank was there! ⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️ I would enter the campus from the gate that contained the cemetery. It‘s haunting and left such an impact on me that I wrote about the school for my undergraduate thesis. This was before the horrifying stories and realities of the schools were finally unearthed. My thesis would be a lot stronger today with today‘s sources, condemning the machinations of these schools. I have become so passionate against the schools and telling the stories. ⬇️ 3w

Librarybelle ⬆️I highly recommend this book, told from a citizen of the Ojibwe tribe. It‘s a personal history of her mother‘s trauma at a school (not Carlisle, but one of the dozens of others in the US) and the overall history. I think I may have to buy a copy of this… (edited) 3w

Read-n-Bloom This sounds really interesting. 3w

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Read-n-Bloom I added to my to read list. Thank you for sharing. 3w

Librarybelle You‘re welcome, @Read-n-Bloom ! 3w

Read-n-Bloom 🙂🌷 3w

51 likes2 stack adds6 comments

Vanilla Beaned | Jenn McKinlay

pick

This one was so much better than the last couple I read in the series! The mystery and the solution seemed a little flimsy to me, but Mel and Angie in Vegas was a fun location for them. And, I‘m now craving cupcakes! 😂

66 likes

Untitled | Unknown

I‘ve missed sharing a #5JoysFriday the last few weeks because…well…life has been chaotic and not the greatest. But, I want to take a moment this morning to reflect on the good this past week:

1. My boys…always. They‘re my kids. I‘d do anything for them.
2. Fabulous mystery book event this past Saturday. So much fun to be around books!
3. Receiving my #SundayBuddyRead supplemental book from @TheBookHippie …yay book mail!
4. Aardvark Book Club ⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️ sent me the wrong book. Customer service was so amazing! I get to keep the book sent in error, and they‘re sending me the one I really wanted. So wonderful! 4w

Librarybelle 5. A new pope, and one who embraces much of the same progressive mindset as Pope Francis. I‘m Catholic and do not talk much about my faith on here, but it had me worried the ideology would move back to a more conservative structure. I wanted to cry in relief when I saw who was voted. He also had some not positive words for what‘s going on in the US right now; definite sigh of relief. 4w

Bookwormjillk The Pope, same!!!

And 😻 😻 😻 😻 😻 to your kitties. 4w

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Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk Thank you! 4w

TheBookHippie I was 😭😭😭😭😭 over the pope. Relief. 4w

Librarybelle @TheBookHippie Such good news! 4w

Aims42 The new pope sounds like a good fit for what the world needs to hear right now 🥰💛🧡🩷 4w

Librarybelle Agreed, @Aims42 ! 4w

dabbe 💚🐾💜🐾💚🐾💜🐾💚 4w

kspenmoll Wonderful choice for Pope-enjoy learning about him. Always, your babies! 3w

Librarybelle @kspenmoll 😁❤️ 3w

Sace I watched the pope announcement live and I whooped with joy. 3w

Librarybelle @Sace 😁 3w

DebinHawaii Wonderful list of joys! I‘m not Catholic but the new Pope is a sigh of relief in the world. 💛💛💛 3w

Librarybelle It definitely is, @DebinHawaii ! 3w

63 likes15 comments

Early Poems | Edna St. Vincent Millay

I was about to post this before I got the phone call about Zeke‘s biopsy results. I‘m so excited to read this, @TheBookHippie ! Thank you!! #SundayBuddyRead

TheBookHippie Yay!!!! It arrived!!! 4w

59 likes1 comment

Untitled | Unknown

We received not so good news today—Zeke‘s recent medical procedure showed signs of small cell lymphoma. However, the report was inconclusive, as others cells may indicate that he has a severe case of IBD. I had to order yet another test that will definitely prove what he has. But, the cells do show signs of lymphoma. More meds, shots, vet visits, etc in our future.

I‘m devastated. Cherish every moment you have with your fur babies! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ I appreciate so much the support from everyone. The kind thoughts, remarks, and check ins really warm my heart. Please continue thinking of Zeke. ❤️ #catsoflitsy #Zeke 4w

kspenmoll Oh Jess I am so so sorry you & Zeke are going through this uncertainty with his health. Love to you & Zeke. We all love our animal babies- they are family & home . 4w

Bookwormjillk I‘m so sorry to hear that. Thinking of you and Zeke. 4w

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Read4life Jess, I‘m so sorry you guys are going through this. Hugs and positive thoughts to you and Zeke. 4w

Librarybelle Thank you, @kspenmoll @Bookwormjillk ❤️ 4w

Librarybelle Thank you @Read4life ❤️ 4w

AmyG I am so sorry. That just sucks. 4w

Susanita 😢 4w

AllDebooks That is tough news. I'm so sorry. Sending love to you both x 4w

ShelleyBooksie I'm so sorry to hear this. Big hugs ♡ 4w

Librarybelle Thank you @AmyG @Susanita @AllDebooks @ShelleyBooksie ❤️ 4w

Rome753 Sorry to hear 4w

JenReadsAlot Frankie and I are sending you big hugs ❤️ 4w

Billypar I'm so sorry! I wish Zeke the best with these health issues 💙 4w

Librarybelle Thank you @Rome753 @JenReadsAlot @Billypar ❤️ 4w

monalyisha I totally understand. He still seems so fuzzy, and attentive, and in love with you! I know I don‘t have to tell you to hold him close. 💓 4w

Mollyanna I am so sorry. My best to Zeke. They steal our hearts, those fur babies. My prayers for you and Zeke. 🐾💕🐾 4w

Prairiegirl_reading I‘m so sorry!! That‘s a heartbreaker. 😢 4w

willaful Poor sweet boy. I'm so sorry. 4w

Librarybelle Thank you @monalyisha @Mollyanna @Prairiegirl_reading @willaful ❤️ 4w

Mimi28 Best wishes and prayers to you and Zeke 😻😻🩷🙏🏽🫶🏽 4w

S3V3N Praying for Zeke. 4w

rubyslippersreads Sending you and Zeke lots of healing purrs from Nicky, Sadie, and me. 😽 4w

shortsarahrose That really sucks. Keeping you and Zeke in my thoughts. 💜 4w

Eggbeater I know this pain. It is the hardest part of pet ownership. Love on him all you can. Zeke is lucky to have someone who loves him so much. 4w

quietjenn Sending love 💙 4w

Librarybelle Thank you @Mimi28 @S3V3N @rubyslippersreads @shortsarahrose @Eggbeater @quietjenn ❤️ 4w

Ruthiella Definitely cherish the time you have. ❤️ 4w

Tamra 😘 4w

Librarybelle Thank you @Ruthiella @Tamra ❤️ 4w

MaureenMc Sending 💗💗💗 4w

Librarybelle Thank you @MaureenMc ❤️ 4w

DaveGreen7777 Hope things get better for Zeke and for you soon! 💖 4w

DogMomIrene I know how hard this not knowing is. Years ago, it took some time to diagnose my cat. You are fortunate to have one another. Hold him close ❤️🐾 4w

Librarybelle Thank you @DaveGreen7777 @DogMomIrene ❤️ 4w

NatalieR I‘m sorry you guys are going through this and all of the uncertainty. Sending healing vibes. You guys are lucky to have each other. ❤️🐾 4w

Librarybelle Thank you @NatalieR ❤️ 4w

BkClubCare {{{hugs}}} 4w

Librarybelle Thank you @BkClubCare ❤️ 4w

CoverToCoverGirl So sad to hear this. This past weekend I too had my dear Amber to the vet. She‘s 19 years old and this is her first serious visit to the vet for health reasons. She seems to have rallied for now after some subcutaneous fluids, a round of antibiotics and a thorough check up. I have promised myself to just enjoy each day that remains but it‘s hard. Lots of tears. My thoughts are certainly with you and your beloved Zeke. 💙💙💙 Many hugs. 4w

Librarybelle Oh my, @CoverToCoverGirl ! Thinking of you and Amber. Yes…so many tears. And thank you. ❤️ 4w

Powered_By_Plants 🙏 so sad to read about Zeke 🥺, so hard when it‘s our furbabies . Hope your all ok ❤️ 4w

Librarybelle Thank you @Powered_By_Plants …we‘re managing new routines (and so hate medicines 😂) and just awaiting news for the next course of action. ❤️ 4w

Powered_By_Plants Bless you guys 💕, not always easy administering it! Hope he is managing ok , he is such a handsome boy 😊 (edited) 4w

Librarybelle @Powered_By_Plants Some days are better than others to give him medicine. 😂 4w

Sace I‘m so sorry to hear this. I will be thinking of you and Zeke. 3w

Librarybelle Thank you @Sace ❤️ 3w

DebinHawaii Sending you positive thoughts & strength for Zeke. 💛🐱💛 3w

Librarybelle Thank you @DebinHawaii ❤️ 3w

Bookwomble ❤️‍🩹 3w

Librarybelle Thank you @Bookwomble ❤️ 3w

RaeLovesToRead Sending love to Zeke 💕 3w

Librarybelle Thank you @RaeLovesToRead ❤️ 3w

65 likes53 comments

Librarybelle https://action.everylibrary.org/budget2026imls?_gl=1*4wbl53*_gcl_au*MjQ1ODMyODcy.... 1mo

Untitled | Unknown

#RantTime

With the proposed elimination of library, museum, humanities programs, and PBS funding, among other entities, it is imperative that voices are raised against these measures. My lifeblood is all about humanities—I‘m a librarian, after all—and it is terrifying that my skills are considered to be unimportant to the government. I‘d rant more, but I‘ll save that for another day.

Please contact your representatives. See link below. ⬇️

Librarybelle Hopefully the link works! It looks really odd copying and pasting it. But, it does appear on Every Library‘s main page: https://www.everylibrary.org 1mo

Lcsmcat It works and I signed. 1mo

See All 8 Comments

Librarybelle @Lcsmcat Thanks! 1mo

Jess Thanks for sharing. Signed. 1mo

Librarybelle Yay, @Jess ! Thanks! 1mo

Ruthiella I signed this previously. Thanks for sharing! 1mo

Anna40 Thanks for sharing! Signed it 1mo

60 likes8 comments

Bring Me Back | B A Paris

so-so

I liked The Therapist more!

12 years ago Layla disappeared. Finn is haunted by this, as he was also accused of murdering. Now, he‘s set to marry her sister. But, what one could say is an odd event occurs which has Finn wondering if Layla has come back. The premise is good, but the characters are very unlikeable. They really deserve each other. 😂 I was also a bit annoyed by the past chapters in part 1, as Finn used “you,” addressing Layla. So-so.

53 likes

Untitled | Unknown

Posting my May #BookSpinBingo list now before viewing the reveal post!

TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 1mo

45 likes1 comment

Untitled | Unknown

I am beyond touched by the many well wishes, good thoughts, and check ins regarding Zeke. And, the patience and understanding from my various #BuddyRead groups means so much to me.

Zeke spent a second day at the specialist today, going through a medical procedure to retrieve cells for further testing. The procedure showed evidence of issues. We‘ll find out in a couple of weeks an official diagnosis.

⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ Anyone who has gone through diagnostics with an animal knows how long the process is and how incredibly frustrating and draining it is. However, we‘ll have a definitive diagnosis soon, which will lead to a long term care plan. Thanks everyone! #Zeke #CatsOfLitsy 1mo

Leftcoastzen Hugs to you , so challenging 😥 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @Leftcoastzen ! ❤️ 1mo

See All 27 Comments

Bookwormjillk It is so hard. Thinking of you and Zeke. 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @Bookwormjillk ! ❤️ 1mo

Trashcanman Wishing him and you the absolute best, always. ❤️ 1mo

Ruthiella Zeke! ❤️❤️❤️ 1mo

bookandbedandtea Sending love to you and Zeke 🩷 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @Trashcanman @Ruthiella @bookandbedandtea ! ❤️❤️❤️ 1mo

Aims42 Keeping you and Zeke in my prayers 💕🙏💕 1mo

quietjenn Sending love to you and Zeke. ❤️ 1mo

dabbe Oh, that sweet boy Sending you love. 💙🩵💙 1mo

KathyWheeler Sending you and Zeke good wishes. He‘s a beautiful boy. 1mo

Gissy I hope nothing is serious. Soon recovery to Zeke❤️ 1mo

TheLudicReader 😿❤️ 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @Aims42 @quietjenn @dabbe @KathyWheeler @Gissy @TheLudicReader ! ❤️ 1mo

Meshell1313 Sending good healing vibes! ❤️ 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you @Meshell1313 ! ❤️ 1mo

DogMomIrene Hang in there little man! More help is on the way❤️🐾 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @DogMomIrene ! ❤️ 1mo

JessClark78 ❤️🐾 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @JessClark78 ! ❤️ 1mo

kwmg40 Sending good wishes to you! 1mo

MemoirsForMe Healing hugs and ❤️ to Zeke and you! 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @kwmg40 @MemoirsForMe ! ❤️ 1mo

NatalieR Wishing all the best to you and Zeke. ❤️ 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @NatalieR ! ❤️ 1mo

59 likes27 comments

The Briar Club | Kate Quinn

It‘s time for the #LiteraryCrew monthly book discussion! I have 7 questions posted. You can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag. Stop by and answer whenever!

May‘s book is Morgan Is My Name by Sophie Keetch!

mcctrish, DebinHawaii, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, BethM, Deblovestoread, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, julieclair, AllDebooks, Lkempf

tpixie Thanks! 1mo

Karisa Thank you! I loved this book 😊 1mo

Librarybelle Of course, @tpixie ! 1mo

See All 6 Comments

Librarybelle So glad you loved this, @Karisa ! 1mo

DebinHawaii I got to the party late (I finished the book on time but got too busy to get to the discussion until today) but I wanted to say I really loved this one! 💛💛💛 1mo

Librarybelle No worries, @DebinHawaii ! Thanks for joining us! 1mo

43 likes6 comments

The Briar Club | Kate Quinn

This post contains spoilers