Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 17: Mystery of the Brass-Bound Trunk | Carolyn Keene

We‘re two weeks away from our next #NancyDrewBR discussion, #LittenDetectives ! It‘s kind of fun that it takes place on the Ides of March! 😂

Whether you‘re going to South America or The Netherlands with Nancy, the title suggests there‘s a brass-bound trunk, and Nancy has to solve its mystery. What secret does it hold? Will Nancy have to fly a plane or steer an ocean liner? I guess we‘ll find out!

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

BarkingMadRead I can‘t wait I to find out where I‘ll be traveling this time 🤣 22h

Librarybelle @BarkingMadRead 😂 21h

Ruthiella Looking forward to the next adventure! 18h

Librarybelle Yay, @Ruthiella ! 8h

39 likes4 comments

Librarybelle

I Am Livia | Phyllis T. Smith

We‘re going to Ancient Rome in this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead !

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

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

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 23h

julieclair Looking forward to this! 12h

Sargar114 Won‘t be making this one, but I‘m pretty sure I have next months. Happy reading everyone! 8h

See All 7 Comments

Librarybelle Awesome, @julieclair ! 8h

Librarybelle Thanks for letting me know, @Sargar114 ! 8h

tpixie @Librarybelle Yay! It‘s on Kindle unlimited! 1h

Librarybelle Yay, @tpixie ! now

38 likes1 stack add7 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

#5JoysFriday

1. My boys…always!
2. Medications. Between Xander and Zeke, I have a small pet pharmacy at my house.
3. Vet care. I visited the vet 3 times this week (Xander twice and Zeke once). They cut me a break with the most recent visit. And, my vet truly cares.
4. My parents. They brought me a meal and have helped me pick up medications and cover the costs of one of the visits.
5. Litsy. It has been my saving grace this week.

DebinHawaii

Librarybelle #RantTime In some ways, I feel like a narcissist, as I tend to focus on my personal woes rather than the troubles going on globally. This week was the case, and I was horrified when I finally caught up on the news. I‘m sorry, but a bully session in the White House is not “good television.” And really, should good television even be made in the Oval Office. While I am absolutely scared over Xander‘s blood results, which indicated a value of the ⬇️ 1d

Librarybelle ⬆️ white blood cell count to be low and may be something as simple as an infection (and thus his abrupt dissent into illness) or something like an autoimmune disease or cancer, I am just as horrified as so many rights are stripped away and the false claims of the evils of vaccinations are spread like wildfire. You cannot change facts. You just cannot. Science is not political. End of story. There‘s a lot more I could say, ⬇️⬇️⬇️ 1d

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ but I think lack of sleep has cut into my usual reserve on posting my thoughts. I‘ll just end with this: History repeats itself. End of rant. 1d

See All 13 Comments

kspenmoll Science is not political. Truth. So sorry snout what you are going through with your fur babies. Happy your patents are nurturing you. Hugs! 🥰 1d

CBee @Librarybelle I‘ve ventured back into the news a bit this last week or two as well. I agree with you 100% and am absolutely horrified. So very sorry you‘ve been dealing with kitty illnesses as well ♥️ 1d

ShelleyBooksie Beautiful cats ♡ 1d

Aims42 With you 💯 on the news and the shameful visit at the Oval Office. What an embarrassment to the US 😖 This is not how our allies should be treated. And stupid Vance, “have you ever said thank you?” What a gaslighting thing to say!? UGH. Okay, I have to be done because there is so much to be said but you said it best: History repeats itself. Glad your kitties are getting the help they need, and so are you! 💛🧡🩷 1d

Luke-XVX Sending positive thoughts for your cats. I‘ll always stop on my daily walk to say hello to a neighbourhood cat. They bring so much joy 1d

Susanita Take care of yourself and your handsome kitties. ❤️‍🩹🙀🫂 1d

Librarybelle Thanks so much for the well wishes for my kitties. The last couple of weeks have been rough, and this week was terrible. Let‘s hope next week is better! @kspenmoll @CBee @ShelleyBooksie @Aims42 @Luke-XVX @Susanita 1d

BookNAround I hope your handsome boys have a better week health wise! 1d

dabbe Those boys are sooooo lucky to have you for their mamma! 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 that the medicines kick in and that Z&Z start to feel better asap. 💚🩶💚

And rant away anytime. We're here for you. Just when you think things can't get worse in this country, they do. Biggest bunch of arses ever! And what we must look like on the world stage. 😔 That's why we have to keep ranting and resist! 👊🏻❣️👊🏻 #ranttime 1d

Librarybelle Thank you so much, @BookNAround and @dabbe ! ❤️ 1d

57 likes13 comments

Librarybelle

Villette | Charlotte Bront�

Thanks for your patience, everyone, for the #LiteraryCrew discussion questions! I posted 6 questions as spoilers. You can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag.

Our next book is I Am Livia by Phyllis T Smith. A reminder will be posted tomorrow!

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

PurpleyPumpkin Thanks for your posts @Librarybelle! I wasn‘t able to read this one but should be able to join in for March‘s pick. 1d

Karisa Thanks, @Librarybelle and hope your cats are feeling better. We have 3 ourselves and it‘s so awful when they are sick. I hope you enjoyed Villette too. 23h

Librarybelle No worries, @PurpleyPumpkin ! 21h

See All 8 Comments

Librarybelle @Karisa Thank you! Xander is feeling much better at the moment. Zeke is doing okay overall but is currently going through a slow moment—he got a few meds tonight, so he may be feeling it. I didn‘t get a chance to get far in the book, but definitely plan to read it! Love the Brontes! 21h

julieclair Poor sweet kitties! Hoping things are looking up. 😻 6h

Librarybelle Thanks, @julieclair ! Xander is doing really well. Zeke is doing okay—better in some aspects but still some issues. At least he‘s well enough so far I‘ve not had to take him to an emergency clinic, since my vet is closed over the weekend. 4h

tpixie @Librarybelle 🍀 🐾 🍀 🐾 🍀 🐾 thanks for hosting this month. I did buy The book, but with all the caretaking I had to do this month. I did not read it. I will look forward to reading your questions once I do read it!! 1h

Librarybelle @tpixie No worries! I didn‘t spend time with this either because of the kitties. I will finish it, though! now

44 likes8 comments

Librarybelle

Villette | Charlotte Bront�

This post contains spoilers

show me

6. The conclusion of Villette is famously ambiguous (it was made purposefully so by Brontë). Do you find it a happy ending? A sad one? ~from Penguin Random House Reader's Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Karisa I read that her father urged her not leave the readers with a little hope. I was frustrated by the ending but at least that showed I cared about Lucy. 23h

6 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

Villette | Charlotte Bront�

This post contains spoilers

show me

5. Explore the theme of education in Villette: What is the role of education in Lucy Snowe‘s own life? ~from Penguin Random House Reader's Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Karisa Education is central to Lucy‘s livelihood and mental life. Maybe that‘s why I connected to this one too being a teacher myself. 23h

6 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

Villette | Charlotte Bront�

This post contains spoilers

show me

4. Virginia Woolf felt that Villette was Brontë‘s “finest novel,” and speaking about Brontë, wrote that “All her force, and it is the more tremendous for being constricted, goes into the assertion, ‘I love,‘ ‘I hate,‘ ‘I suffer.‘ ” What do you think Woolf means? Do you find this observation interesting, appealing, or moving? ~from Penguin Random House Reader's Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Karisa I think Woolf meant this novel delved often into feelings. It spent time letting us realize Lucy‘s internal struggles and not rushing to move from plot point to plot point without letting the reader consider Lucy‘s internal struggles. 23h

4 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

Villette | Charlotte Bront�

This post contains spoilers

show me

3. Writing to her publisher, Charlotte Brontë had this to say about Villette‘s protagonist: “I consider that [Lucy Snowe] is both morbid and weak at times; her character sets up no pretensions to unmixed strength, and anybody living her life would necessarily become morbid.” What do you think of this appraisal? Do her “unheroic” qualities make her more sympathetic or less? ~from Penguin Random House reader's guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Cuilin I think unmixed strength is appropriate. To be so young and alone during those times must‘ve been incredibly lonely and confusing and you may test the world by behaving in different ways. 2d

Karisa It made Lucy more human to me. She contains multitudes. 23h

5 likes2 comments

Librarybelle

Villette | Charlotte Bront�

This post contains spoilers

show me

2. Discuss the character of Lucy Snowe. Do you find her to be an admirable heroine? What qualities do you like in her, or dislike? How do you think you would behave in her circumstances? ~from Penguin Random House Reader's Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Cuilin I like her. I really felt for her during the times of loneliness, waiting on letters from those who barely cared. (edited) 2d

Karisa I enjoyed the novel. I felt like I understood Lucy. I was rooting for her too @Cuilin All except for liking M. Paul so much. He was odd to me. I didn‘t get the attraction 🤷🏻‍♀️ 23h

5 likes2 comments

Librarybelle

Villette | Charlotte Bront�

This post contains spoilers

show me

1. Villette is considered Charlotte Bronte's most autobiographical novel. It's said that Lucy Snowe has some of Bronte's characteristics, and Monsieur Paul resembles Monsieur Heger, who one can argue Charlotte Bronte was fascinated by (or perhaps in love with). A link to an article about the Bronte sisters in Brussels is in the comments (hopefully it is not behind a paywall).

What did you think about the novel? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Librarybelle https://www.brusselstimes.com/225635/when-the-bronte-sisters-strolled-the-boulev... 2d

8 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

Villette | Charlotte Bront�

#LiteraryCrew : My apologies, but I‘ll be late posting the discussion questions. Some of you know I have two sick kitties, and Zeke took another turn for the worse overnight. My energy is pretty much focused on administering various medications to cats, probably having to make my third vet visit this week, and trying not to fall asleep (I have not had a sound sleep in a couple of weeks).

Hopefully I‘ll post later today! So sorry! #BuddyRead

Bookwormjillk Get well soon kitties and I hope you can get some sleep soon. Be careful driving! 2d

Aims42 Sending prayers for your sick kitties 🙏 And for you too 🩷🩷🩷 2d

Mollyanna Take care of yourself and those poor kitties. 💕 2d

See All 14 Comments

CatLass007 Sweet kitties. I have you and your babies in my prayers. And yes, you most definitely need to be careful driving. 2d

Cuilin Please prioritize your cats and sleep. We‘ll be here when you‘re ready. 💗 2d

willaful Poor little kitties! I hope you're all better soon. 2d

dabbe Absolutely no worries about us. You take care of your Z-babies and try to get some sleep if you can. 🖤🐾🐾🖤 Holding pawsitive paws for Zeke to feel better asap. 2d

DaveGreen7777 Hope your kitties feel better soon! 🙏 2d

Jerdencon No rush! Hope the kitties feel better soon! 2d

DogMomIrene Hoping the kitties feel better soon! ❤️🐾🐾 2d

Librarybelle Thank you, everyone! Zeke made the trip today and is on even more meds. He started to eat as soon as we got home, so maybe this time he‘ll be fine. Xander is recovering very well. His blood work came back with a low white cell count which has me freaked out—it could be an infection or something extremely serious. The abruptness of his illness, and the quickness he responded to meds, gives me hope that it‘s just an infection. ⬇️⬇️⬇️ 2d

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ He doesn‘t need cancer on top of heart disease. I appreciate your kinds words and thoughts. ❤️❤️❤️ @Bookwormjillk @Aims42 @Mollyanna @CatLass007 @Cuilin @willaful @dabbe @DaveGreen7777 @Jerdencon @DogMomIrene 2d

tpixie @Librarybelle I hope your cats are continuing to do better and that you get sleep! I would bet if he responded to the antibiotics fast it was related to an infection 1h

Librarybelle @tpixie Xander is back to normal. I‘m still crossing my fingers it was just an infection. Poor guy will probably go through a couple more tests just to be sure. Zeke is okay overall, not completely recovered, but at the moment he‘s holding steady. Thanks! now

44 likes1 stack add14 comments

Librarybelle

The Murder on the Links: A Hercule Poirot Mystery | Agatha Christie

Get ready to use your little grey cells—our next #ChristiesCapers book is the second Hercule Poirot novel.

Discussion will take place on March 30th! Please let me know if you would like to be added to or removed from the tag list. #AgathaChristieClubR3

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

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 6d

MaGoose Please add me. I'd like to join in. Thanks ☺️ 6d

Librarybelle Welcome, @MaGoose ! 😁 6d

See All 7 Comments

dabbe I'm almost done with THE SECOND ADVERSARY! I have no idea how I let myself get behind! 🤩 6d

kelli7990 I would like to join. 6d

Librarybelle @dabbe No worries! I‘m still way behind on Shardlake—not as fast of a read as Christie, but still very enjoyable. I‘m so glad I‘m reading them! 5d

Librarybelle Welcome, @kelli7990 ! 😁 5d

56 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

My March #BookSpinBingo list! Lots of buddy read titles, and I‘m hoping to get to my reread of the Jane Austen mystery series.

#NotBookRelated , but I am so over 2025, not only globally but in my own little world. Zeke had a setback of sorts, so I‘m waiting for next care instructions, and beginning last night, Xander has been ill. It was so abrupt! We have a visit soon to the vet. He‘s also not taken his full dose of heart meds, so I‘m worried.

TheAromaofBooks

Librarybelle Creating my book spin list has served as a good distraction! 6d

dabbe Oh, the poor Zekemeister and Xandermeister! Sending 🤗🤗🤗 and hoping for a good report from the vet. 🖤🐾🐾🖤 6d

TheBookHippie Oh noooooo. Sending you so much light!!! 6d

See All 25 Comments

Librarybelle Thank you, @dabbe and @TheBookHippie ! I really appreciate it! ❤️ 6d

PurpleyPumpkin Aww I‘m sorry to hear that your fur babies are having a rough time. Hope they feel better soon. 💜 6d

Mollyanna Oh no! I am so sorry to hear this. I hope they get well soon. Sending healing thoughts to you and Zeke and Xander 💕 6d

Librarybelle Thank you so much, @PurpleyPumpkin and @Mollyanna ! I‘ve got a new food sensitivity diet food for Zeke, and Xander was checked to make sure he is not in heart failure (he‘s not, just living with his usual heart issues). Let‘s hope everyone now bounces back. @dabbe @TheBookHippie 6d

TheBookHippie @Librarybelle Oh I hope it gets better… 6d

Librarybelle Me too, @TheBookHippie . I almost cried when the x-rays came back tonight that Xander was not going into heart failure. Not sure what happened, but at least it was not life threatening. Zeke, the picky eater, will have to learn to eat special food to keep his tummy happy—such a boy! ❤️ 6d

TheBookHippie @Librarybelle Miss Winifred has now lived past her lifespan -so I get it, she has so much anxiety and separation anxiety from me it‘s difficult. She‘s so stubborn she‘ll hold her breath or upset herself so much she can‘t breathe. But all her tests are fine!! 😵‍💫🤦🏻‍♀️ I thought she was sick. Nope. Stubborn. 😫 6d

Librarybelle @TheBookHippie I had to give Sebastian calming supplements because his separation anxiety was through the roof. He was abandoned by his first family and left to live on the streets in my tiny town. I think he was the happiest of all of the cats when I transitioned to a work from home lifestyle. Pets are our family! 6d

TheBookHippie @Librarybelle I have permission to take her to read with the kids I still read with- she is really good with them. Thankfully I‘m on sabbatical this year… she can‘t be left alone ever so it‘s tricky. I‘m glad you get to be home now. It‘s so less stressful. 6d

Librarybelle It‘s good you can be with her too, @TheBookHippie ! 6d

dabbe @Librarybelle @TheBookHippie Love and light to you both and to your precious babies. They are our solace. You're both such good mammas! 🖤🐾🐾🐾🖤 6d

TheBookHippie @dabbe ♥️ 6d

Librarybelle @dabbe ❤️❤️❤️ 6d

Julsmarshall Sending love and healing vibes. So glad you get to be home with them. They bring so much joy to us, don‘t they? 6d

Librarybelle They certainly do, @Julsmarshall . Thank you! ❤️ 6d

TheAromaofBooks Great list!!! I hope your little guys are feeling better!! It's so stressful when they're unwell and you don't know the best way to help them!! 6d

Mollyanna Good news! Yay! Hopefully Zeke gets used to his new food. They are our family. 6d

Librarybelle Thanks, @TheAromaofBooks and @Mollyanna . Xander is still a little slow this morning, so I‘m hoping he‘ll be back to normal soon, and so far, Zeke is eating his special diet food. Pets are definitely our family! ❤️ 5d

MemoirsForMe Sending healing hugs to your furry kids and hope they‘re feeling better. ❤️🐈 4d

Librarybelle Thank you, @MemoirsForMe ! Zeke is doing better for the most part, and Xander and I just made a second vet visit today. Hoping he feels better soon! (edited) 4d

DogMomIrene Hoping the babies continue improving! I gave one of our lick mats to a neighbor who had a sick picky eater cat. She said it really did help. Her guy seemed to like the soothing texture of the mat and lapped up the food. Not sure if you‘ve tried one with Zeke.❤️🐈 3d

Librarybelle @DogMomIrene I‘ve not tried a mat. He will not eat any type of wet food. Hard food is easier to get him to try something new, but he can be stubborn. My other cats are willing to try just about anything! Thanks! 3d

63 likes25 comments

Librarybelle

Know Your Newlywed | Hillary Nussbaum, Heather Taylor

pick

Was this a cheesy story? A bit, yes. Was it also a good, fun distraction? Also, yes.

I read a review of this story somewhere and was happy to see it available through the Libby app. Two people meet through a dating app and are both obsessed with a newlywed game show. When the show gets a reboot, they decide to pose as newlyweds to fulfill a dream of being on the show. What could possibly go wrong???

#52BookClub25 #AudiobookHasMultipleNarrators

Kerrbearlib Sounds great! Stacked! 1w

Librariana Interesting premise! 1w

61 likes1 stack add2 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

It‘s time for our #ChristiesCapers discussion! I have 6 questions as spoilers posted; you can find these on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag.

Next month, we read the second Hercule Poirot novel, Murder on the Links. I‘ll post the official image tomorrow! #AgathaChristieClubR3

Aims42 Putting in my hold at the library 👍 I am loving these discussions!! Thank you again for organizing!! 1w

MallenNC This one was fun! I had read it before and remembered not liking it but decided to read it again anyway. This time I enjoyed it! Thanks for leading us. 😊 1w

Morr_Books Just finished this morning. So close to being on time yet so far away. I'll check out the discussion questions and hopefully will be on rime for the next Christie 5d

Librarybelle You are welcome, @Aims42 @MallenNC !! 5d

Librarybelle No worries, @Morr_Books ! I think the discussions are great on Litsy, as you can join in whenever you can. No pressure to be on time! 5d

49 likes5 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

show me

6. Christie served as a nurse during World War I, and we'll see her interest in poisons (we saw that in Styles last month) and medical situations throughout her canon of works. How does she bring in her knowledge of medicine into this novel?

More info on her work as a nurse (and will help this discussion point): https://hekint.org/2025/01/30/agatha-christie-nurse/

#ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Aims42 I thought it was funny how having a few sips of brandy was the cure-all 🤣 Overwhelmed? Have some brandy. Just faced a shock? Have some brandy. Almost died? Have some brandy. 1w

willaful There's a rather interesting book on her use of poisons.

A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie

MallenNC @Aims42 Maybe we all need to try the brandy cure! This year I might need it. 1w

See All 7 Comments

MallenNC @willaful That sounds like such an interesting book. I‘m putting it on my TBR 1w

Aims42 @MallenNC 😂🤣 Very true!! 👍 1w

willaful @MallenNC might be healthier for me than my usual ice cream cure. :-\ 1w

mrp27 I thought the brandy bit was funny too. I guess if we didn‘t have all the over the counter medicines we have today I would be hitting the brandy bottle too. 5d

13 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

show me

5. Did you figure out the identity of Mr. Brown before the big reveal? Were you suspicious as to the motives of some of the characters we meet in the book, thinking specifically of Mr. Carter, Julius, and Lord Edgerton? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Bookwormjillk I did not. I thought it was Julius. 1w

OutsmartYourShelf I was suspicious of both Julius & Edgerton, especially after the death of Rita with the clue of the balcony only being accessible from that flat. It had to be one of 3 people there & I knew it wasn't Tuppence. 1w

Deblovestoread Christie did a great job of having me waffle between Julius and James. 1w

See All 9 Comments

Aims42 I was convinced it was Julius 😆 1w

willaful I read it first so long ago I don't remember. She does some nice misdirection, certainly. 1w

MallenNC I had read this before but forgot how it ended. I was sure it was Julius! 1w

BarbaraJean I did NOT figure it out. I was convinced it was Julius! I was very suspicious of his motives--he was WAY too invested in saving a cousin he'd never met just because he fell in love with her picture. 🙄 1w

ferskner I'd read this before, and I can't remember how I felt the first time, but she always does a good job of hiding clues! 6d

mrp27 I was very suspicious of all of them! I felt they all had the potential, Julius, Edgerton, Mr. Carter. (edited) 5d

14 likes9 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

show me

4. Tommy and Tuppence have separate adventures in this novel, and Tommy especially faces a potentially deadly situation. What are your thoughts on the adventures they face? Why do you think they take the risks they do in order to find Jane Finn? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Deblovestoread In the beginning it was more a lark but as things got serious I think they continued because the knew the other was counting on them to see it through. 1w

OutsmartYourShelf I thought it was a bit contrived that two people with no relevant experience would be employed in an investigation involving state secrets on the basis of placing a newspaper ad asking about Jane Finn. Yes, they could be easily disavowed by the government but still. One of those “accept it for the plot“ situations. 1w

Aims42 Here for the comments because I‘m on the fence. Part of me was like, “ugh, don‘t split up! That‘s how you get killed!!” But then the other part was like, “I am curious how this ends up” 🤔 1w

See All 7 Comments

MallenNC What I liked most about them getting split up was that Tuppence got to be a smart character of her own. I always want to see that more than a damsel in distress. Jane was my favorite though, since she really saved herself throughout the book. 1w

BarbaraJean @OutsmartYourShelf My thoughts exactly! That particular contrivance required a LOT of suspension of disbelief for me.
I was frustrated by the risks both of them took! I was impressed by their ingenuity, though--I was kind of willing to go along with some of the more unrealistic aspects, because both Tommy and Tuppence ended up being a lot smarter about their own predicaments than I would have predicted. 1w

ferskner I really like that the book immediately sets up that a) they're broke and b) they've both just survived a war. I think those two facts make them very aware that they have nothing to lose. They've both just seen horrific realities and I imagine that would make them willing to take considerable risks because they're alive to take them. 6d

mrp27 It was totally contrived, ridiculous and they both took extreme chances but that‘s what made the story fun for me. Made me think a bit of Nancy Drew and how things just always seem to fall in place at the right time. 5d

12 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

show me

3. Let's talk about Tommy and Tuppence! What did you think of them as characters and as sleuths? Why do you think Christie created sleuths who were very different than Poirot? Would you hire Tommy and Tuppence to help you solve a crime? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Bookwormjillk I thought they were fun! Not sure I‘d hire them but I enjoyed reading about them. 1w

OutsmartYourShelf It would be boring to write main characters that were all a slight variation on the same theme. Differences allow for more writing scope & plot development. That said, I prefer MM & Poirot myself. 1w

Deblovestoread At first I thought “oh no, more vapid bright young things” but as they became more fleshed out I enjoyed them. As to hiring them to solve a crime probably not but to find my lost dog maybe. 1w

See All 8 Comments

Aims42 @Bookwormjillk Took the words right out of my mouth, I agree 100% 👏😄 I enjoyed being a fly on the wall reading about their adventures. I‘d be exhausted if I was traveling with them lol 1w

MallenNC @Aims42 Agree! They were clever but probably exhausting in real life! I haven‘t read any more of these so I‘m curious how they get their next case. 1w

BarbaraJean My first thought was that they were a terrible choice to investigate such a sensitive international plot!! I liked them as characters, but thought it was pretty unrealistic that they would have the skills necessary to unravel this particular mystery. But I also appreciate Christie branching out in her protagonists. I liked their youthful energy and banter. 1w

ferskner They're just so fun!!!! I don't know that I'd want to hire them if I came across them, but gosh they're quick on their feet and they get the job done. They prove over and over again that they're up to any challenge, but I confess that I love the scrapes they get into the most (particularly in the short stories). 6d

mrp27 I thought they were fun and smart. 5d

12 likes8 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

show me

2. Christie sets up the mystery again with references to World War I...makes sense, since this was published in 1922. This time, Christie begins with the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915.

How familiar are you with the Lusitania? Why do you think Christie uses a historical reference point to anchor (pun not intended) her story?

More info on the liner: https://www.pbs.org/lostliners/lusitania.html

#ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Bookwormjillk It certainly added drama to have it start with a famous boat sinking! 1w

OutsmartYourShelf Last year I read a book set onboard the Lusitania which was quite good & I was vaguely aware of the ship's history before that. Maybe as this was an early book of Christie's, linking it to a fairly recent historical event gave her a good starting point. Her contemporary readers would know instantly the setting & the events. 1w

Deblovestoread I read Lusitania by David Butler years ago (great book) and it pops up frequently in books set in the period. I think it was a good way to insert the political intrigue into the story. 1w

See All 9 Comments

Aims42 It‘s such a pivotal part of history, I loved this as an opening. Definitely recommend Erik Larson‘s ‘Dead Wake‘ 1w

willaful The intro to my copy talked about Christie hearing the name Jane Fish and deciding to incorporate it, which is way she often worked. (If you know both Christie and D.E. Stevenson, you can see a lot of Christie's inspirations!) The sinking might have worked in a similar way. 1w

MallenNC I was only a little aware of the Lusitania and now I want to read more about it. I think starting with a real life event was a clever way to open this novel, especially as her readers would‘ve known so much about it when the book was first released. 1w

BarbaraJean I'm not at all familiar with the Lusitania, other than the general timeframe! It made sense to me that she wanted to orient it in relation to those international events, so the setting and scope of the story were clear. It was a very different backdrop than the other Christie novels I've read! 1w

ferskner I only know a bit about it as it pertains to bringing the US into the war, but I think it's a smart way for her to create a punch of a beginning! 6d

mrp27 I‘m familiar with Lusitania from school history and over the years it has served as a plot line in some books I‘ve read. 5d

12 likes9 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

show me

1. This novel is the first in the Tommy and Tuppence series, which will eventually include 4 novels and 1 short story collection. This is also Christie's second novel, and we see a very different type of detective compared to Hercule Poirot!

Have you read The Secret Adversary before? Any of the Tommy and Tuppence novels? What are your overall thoughts to the book? We'll explore characters and themes later! #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Suzze Tommy and Tuppence are my favorite Christie characters! I wish she‘d written more of them! 1w

Librarybelle @Suzze It is a refreshing story. Admittedly, the first few times I read this book Tommy and Tuppence did not click for me. This time, though, they were just what I needed! 1w

Bookwormjillk First time for me. I liked that they weren‘t wealthy. 1w

See All 11 Comments

Deblovestoread I haven‘t read any of the Tommy and Tuppence books until this one. And I wasn‘t sure I‘d like it in the beginning but they grew on me by the end. 1w

OutsmartYourShelf This was my first read of this series after concentrating mainly on Miss Marple & Poirot so far, but I'm not a fan of T&T going by this book. Hoping the other books will be an improvement. 1w

Aims42 First time for me! I enjoyed these characters so much, I loved the humor and youthfulness. 1w

willaful I've read this quite a few times. It's far from Christie's best but it has a nice sense of fun. 1w

MallenNC @Librarybelle That was my experience too. I first read this after seeing a TV adaptation and I didn‘t like the banter. But this time I enjoyed it. It had been long enough that I forgot the story‘s resolution. It was much more like a spy novel than a detective novel but it had those signature Christie twists. 1w

BarbaraJean This is my first time reading any of the Tommy & Tuppence novels. I wasn't sure how I'd like the espionage/intrigue plot, and I do think some of it felt a little contrived, but overall, this was a lot of fun. Like @Deblovestoread, Tommy and Tuppence grew on me by the end. I'm interested to read the other books in the series. 1w

ferskner I've read this before and while T&T aren't my favorite Christie creations, that's really more of a testament to Poirot and Maple than a knock against T&T. They're so fun to read about and the frothy tone is perfection, even though I don't care as much about her thrillers. 6d

mrp27 This was my fist T&T and I really enjoyed it. 5d

16 likes11 comments

Librarybelle

I Am Livia | Phyllis T. Smith

March‘s #LiteraryCrew selection aligns perfectly with the Ides of March…Julius Caesar, Rome, and politics.

For this low key #BuddyRead , read at your own pace throughout the month, and discussion questions will be posted on March 31st. I‘ll post periodic check ins throughout the month.

Please let me know if you would like added to or removed from the tag list.

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

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 1w

Cuilin I‘m so looking forward to this. 1w

Librarybelle Yay, @Cuilin ! 😁 1w

See All 13 Comments

CatLass007 She‘s already in my Audible library! 1w

Librarybelle Yay, @CatLass007 !! 1w

rwmg I read this in 2018, maybe it's time to revisit it. 7d

Librarybelle You‘re more than welcome to join us, @rwmg ! 7d

julieclair Looking forward to reading this! 5d

Librarybelle Yay, @julieclair ! 5d

Jerdencon Unfortunately my library doesn‘t have any copies so I‘m going to miss this month. 5d

Librarybelle So sorry, @Jerdencon ! 5d

tpixie @Librarybelle I‘m going to join in. Sounds intriguing! 7h

Librarybelle Yay, @tpixie ! 4h

54 likes1 stack add13 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

Tomorrow (Sunday) is our next #ChristiesCapers discussion! Get ready to spend some time discussing Tommy and Tuppence and the Young Adventurers Ltd.

I‘ll post questions mid- to late-morning, US East Coast time. See you then! #AgathaChristieClubR3

kspenmoll This was such a fun read! 1w

Librarybelle So glad you liked it, @kspenmoll ! 1w

54 likes2 comments

Librarybelle

From Dust to Stardust | Kathleen Rooney

pick

A slow meander through a fictional look at the start of Hollywood, with a sprinkling of nostalgia for the silent film industry. Doreen O‘Dare is the fictionalized portrayal of Colleen Moore, a silent film actress and the creator of the Fairy Castle. Reading this book makes me want to watch silent films! A good choice for #SundayBuddyRead .

#LitsyAToZ #LetterF #52BookClub25 #IThinkItWasBlue

TheBookHippie, Texreader

TheBookHippie Perfect for February. 💙 1w

74 likes1 stack add1 comment

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

#5JoysFriday

1. Fun book haul from Barnes and Noble
2. I received my federal tax return without issue. HUGE relief! And, because of this…
3. Making contributions to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, my local PBS station, the National Parks Conservation Association, and the National Parks Foundation.
4. Zeke is feeling better!
5. IRL book club

DebinHawaii

Susanita Zeke is judging you! I‘m glad he feels better. 1w

Leftcoastzen Yay ! Glad Zeke feels better! 1w

Kerrbearlib Yay PBS! 1w

See All 28 Comments

Librarybelle Thanks, @Susanita @Leftcoastzen ! 1w

Librarybelle PBS is so important, @Kerrbearlib …I give when I can! 1w

Deblovestoread Yay Zeke! 1w

Librarybelle Thanks, @Deblovestoread ! 1w

TheBookHippie PBS!!! Zeke♥️ no issues how wonderful! 1w

Librarybelle @TheBookHippie Thanks! 1w

dabbe Yay for all your joys, and Yay, Zekemeister! 🖤🐾🖤 1w

Librarybelle Thanks, @dabbe ! 1w

Daisey This is a great list of joys! 1w

Librarybelle Thanks, @Daisey ! 1w

DebinHawaii Wonderful joys! 💛💛💛 So happy Zeke is feeling better! 😻 1w

Librarybelle Thanks, @DebinHawaii ! 1w

DogMomIrene Zeke, we‘re crossing our paws that you get something super tasty for being such a good boy! - 🐶🐶Bernie & Lizzie 1w

Librarybelle @DogMomIrene Not to worry, Bernie and Lizzie, Zeke is definitely getting lots of treats! Thanks! 😁❤️ 1w

DogMomIrene @Librarybelle always excellent news! 🍗🍤🧀 1w

KadaGul I usually donate around tax time, even if it‘s just a little bit. It feels good to give back. I'm happy to hear Zeke is doing well! Pets are like our little kids 🚼, right? When they‘re sick, it scares us. Bilge 🐈is 11 now, and I'm considering chatting with his vet to see if he needs any supplements. I feed them Wellness since it‘s packed with good stuff. 1w

Librarybelle @KadaGul Yes, I call my cats my kids all of the time. And each of my boys has something to monitor. But, we do what we can for our pets! 1w

Librarybelle I guess I spoke too soon…Zeke is having some issues again. I‘ve seen a slow regression over the weekend, and I‘ll have to contact the vet tomorrow. Poor guy! Please continue to think of him @Susanita @Leftcoastzen @Deblovestoread @TheBookHippie @dabbe @DebinHawaii @DogMomIrene @KadaGul . He‘s having a hard time shaking this recent pancreatitis attack. 1w

Susanita Poor guy. I hope he feels better soon. ❤️‍🩹 1w

DogMomIrene @Librarybelle Poor guy! Hang in there! 1w

Librarybelle Thanks, @Susanita @DogMomIrene ! ❤️ 1w

kspenmoll Good for you- we have not filed yet so…. 1w

kspenmoll So glad Zeke is healing! Oh no just saw your newest post. Love to Zeke from Poe & Em. (edited) 1w

DebinHawaii @Librarybelle sending him positive healing thoughts. Poor little guy. 💜💜💜 1w

Librarybelle Thanks, @kspenmoll @DebinHawaii ! ❤️ 1w

64 likes28 comments

Librarybelle

The Valley of Fear | Arthur Conan Doyle

so-so

I enjoyed the first half of this short novel; the second half was not so much. I previously struggled the last time with Conan Doyle‘s telling of past events in America, and this one left me feeling similarly. I guess I‘m all about Holmes‘s deductions and not reading about the lawless American West through the eyes of Conan Doyle!

So-so for me, but this checks off #LetterV #LitsyAToZ and #InThePublicDomain #52BookClub25 ! #NoPlaceLikeHolmes

Cuilin, Texreader, dabbe

dabbe Even though the 2nd half was also a detective story with a Pinkerton detective, he wasn't Sherlock, was he? Can't wait for our discussion! 🤩 1w

67 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

The Marlow Murder Club | Robert Thorogood

pick

A fun mystery with eccentric characters but also deeper layers of meaning and subtext. I think Judith Potts is a hoot! I loved the construction of the mystery—you kind of know who did it, but not how, and then a twist. I‘ll definitely read more in the series.

LoverOfLearning Seriously love this cover ❤️ 2w

Librarybelle It is a great cover, @LoverOfLearning ! 2w

80 likes2 stack adds2 comments

Librarybelle

The Lioness | Gigi Griffis

pick

Thanks to #NetGalley for this advanced listening copy…

Jeanne de Clisson is a forgotten real life figure during the Hundred Years‘ War—because she was a woman. And yet, she was fierce. A noblewoman set on revenge against the murder of her husband by the king. Legends abound, but she became a pirate and later retired to the English countryside.

This historical fiction account imagines her life, using rumor to play up her notoriety. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ Jeanne faces a number of enemies, including amongst her own crew, and lives on rage and revenge. At times, her constant musings about revenge detracted from the story, and I am not sure if the portrayal was to make her seem obstinate or, like a lion, a ferocious opponent. Because this is an alc copy, I cannot quote the final sentence of the author‘s note, but it‘s chef‘s kiss—how history is a collection of perspectives, usually by ⬇️⬇️⬇️ 2w

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ a white man, and the importance of reading all of the footnotes, taking time to read all of the voices. Not only does this book champion a woman warrior (spoiler: Jeanne was not the only woman warrior), but the narrative also exhibits the contributions of non-white characters. I‘d say this type of story complements Philippa Gregory‘s books, as it‘s a good feminine historical fiction. It also makes me want to read Griffis‘ The Empress! 2w

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️The audio is a good listen! 2w

Bookwomble Sounds good, and I like the idea of the pirate warrior retiring to the countryside! Better make sure the milk delivery is right! 🥛🥛🗡️☠️😅 2w

Librarybelle @Bookwomble 😂 2w

73 likes4 stack adds5 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

I met a friend for lunch today, and we then went to the local Barnes and Noble after. I‘ve not been inside my local store since before 2020, so was amazed by the transformation (so much better layout) and the number of people shopping. Books are powerful!

I splurged heavy—book therapy is a thing—and walked away with these gems plus another copy of the Constitution, because it‘s good to have on hand. Free tote too with my membership!

BarbaraBB Sounds like you had a good day 🤍 2w

Librarybelle It was very nice, @BarbaraBB ❤️ 2w

sarahbarnes I really liked The Most! Agree with you that books are so powerful and one of the things giving me hope these days. ❤️ 2w

See All 15 Comments

Librarybelle I picked up The Most because of the positive reviews on Litsy, @sarahbarnes ! 2w

MemoirsForMe Book therapy is the best! 🙌🏻📚 2w

Librarybelle @MemoirsForMe Yes! 😁 2w

kspenmoll I am glad you let yourself splurge! 💕 2w

RowReads1 Looks good! Hmm The rebel empress‘s seems to be calling my name. 2w

Librarybelle Thanks, @kspenmoll ! 2w

Librarybelle I enjoy all of Goldstone‘s histories, @RowReads1 , and was very excited to see a copy left on the shelf! 2w

RowReads1 Yeah it‘s just published. One thing I learned working there is they really do get some things indies don‘t get, even if it‘s only one or two copies. 2w

ncsufoxes I really like the B&N in my area of MD. The staff are all so nice & helpful, plus they have a decent selection of items. I even bought a premium membership (it also helps that I can get 10% off Legos). The one close to us in Boston was 2 floors but I never liked it. Happy reading! 2w

Librarybelle Years ago, when I was in grad school in Pittsburgh, my favorite Barnes and Noble was in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood. I could spend hours there just browsing. Pittsburgh also had a Joseph Beth bookstore at the time, and that was the best bookstore period. I cherish my large mug I bought there! Thanks for the well wishes, @ncsufoxes ! 2w

Lindy I recently devoured The Most. So good! 2w

Librarybelle So good to know, @Lindy ! 2w

80 likes15 comments

Librarybelle

Les Miserables: (penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) | Victor Hugo

“The cruel of heart have their own black happiness.”

Yes, yes they do. Life has not changed Mr. Hugo. #ReadLesMis

TheBookHippie

Librarybelle @Cuilin @lil1inblue @dabbe @Andrew65 @quietjenn @JenlovesJT47 @MatchlessMarie @DieAReader @tpixie @julieclair @Deblovestoread @Gleefulreader @DrSabrinaMoldenReads @PageShifter @DGRachel (edited) 2w

Cuilin Unfortunately there are too many Madames Victurniens about today. 2w

Librarybelle So true, @Cuilin . 2w

See All 10 Comments

TheBookHippie @Cuilin Truth! 2w

TheBookHippie @Librarybelle it strikes me almost daily… 😵‍💫 2w

Librarybelle So spot on for today, @TheBookHippie . 2w

TheBookHippie @Librarybelle it is. 2w

kspenmoll Truth. 2w

AmyG Sad, but true. 2w

JenlovesJT47 I also highlighted this. Sad but true unfortunately. 2w

49 likes10 comments

Librarybelle

Villette | Charlotte Bront�

We‘re a little halfway through the month, so time to check in for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead . A few have bailed, and others are enjoying it. Any thoughts to share with the group?

Discussion will be posted on the 28th, but feel free to respond whenever you can…this one is a chunkster!

As a reminder, our March title is I Am Livia by Phyllis T Smith. Official reminder will be posted soon!

Karisa Just finished Villette this morning. Twisty and turny—I liked it! That ending though… 🤐 2w

mcctrish I was listening to it on audio and I ran out of time to listen and the library clawed it back so I‘m out. Some day I will read it in print 2w

Deblovestoread I got through the first third and then set it aside. Not sure if I‘ll pick it back up. (edited) 2w

See All 19 Comments

Librarybelle So glad you liked it, @Karisa ! 2w

Librarybelle This is not the easiest read, @mcctrish @Deblovestoread . Thanks for trying! 2w

mcctrish I‘m not sure audio was the way to go (edited) 2w

Cuilin I‘m almost half way. 👍 2w

Librarybelle Yay, @Cuilin ! 2w

Pogue I bailed. I thought I could get through one Brontë book, I was wrong. 2w

Librarybelle @Pogue Thanks for trying! 2w

Sace I‘m only in chapter 10, but I‘m enjoying it. I‘m doing a chapter a day- sometimes audio, sometimes physical. 2w

Librarybelle That‘s great, @Sace ! 2w

tpixie I‘m behind- family caregiver stuff ( good- granddaughter!) , but hope to catch up! 2w

Librarybelle Take your time, @tpixie ! No worries at all! 2w

tpixie @Librarybelle 🩷🩷🩷 2w

AnishaInkspill I remember when I read this how slow it was but what kept me reading was that there was it felt very different, and I've been wanting to read this again to understand this more. 2w

Librarybelle That‘s a great perspective, @AnishaInkspill . I may keep that in mind as I read through it…what compels the reader to continue? 2w

julieclair I will circle back to the discussion whenever I finish. May be months from now at the rate things are going…🤪😂 1w

Librarybelle @julieclair 😂 That‘s fine! 1w

49 likes1 stack add19 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

Reminder: The next #ChristiesCapers discussion is next Sunday the 23rd! I‘ll post discussion questions, and feel free to respond whenever you can!

This is the first Tommy and Tuppence mystery, and judging by those who have already posted, it appears to be a popular pick. #AgathaChristieClubR3

dabbe I gotta get reading! 🤩💪🏻😂 2w

Librarybelle Thankfully, it‘s a fast read @dabbe ! 2w

BarbaraJean I‘m really enjoying this! It‘s going to make me impatient for the next Tommy & Tuppence books! 2w

See All 6 Comments

Librarybelle So glad you‘re enjoying it, @BarbaraJean ! 2w

Cailey_Mac Oooo I like the sound of this one! 2w

Librarybelle @Cailey_Mac 😁 2w

49 likes6 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 17: Mystery of the Brass-Bound Trunk (Revised) | Carolyn Keene

Can you believe we‘re now up to book 17?!?

March‘s #NancyDrewBR follows Nancy on a trip—if you read the 1940 version, it‘s South America, and the 1976 version is the Netherlands. I think there must be a mystery surrounding a brass-bound trunk…😂

Discussion on March 15th! Please let me know if you would like to be added or removed from the tag list. Can‘t wait to see what amazing skills Nancy has this time, #LittenDetectives !

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 2w

Ruthiella Wow! We get to really travel in this one! Maybe Nancy will land the plane in an emergency. 😆 2w

BarkingMadRead I can‘t wait to see which one I‘ve got 🤣🤣🤣 2w

See All 14 Comments

Librarybelle OMG, maybe she does @Ruthiella ! 😂 2w

Librarybelle @BarkingMadRead 😂 2w

Bookwormjillk Let me guess Nancy speaks fluent Spanish and Dutch 2w

dabbe Maybe she'll win a “best tulips“ contest! 🤩 2w

Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk I bet she does! 😂 2w

Librarybelle @dabbe Oh my! I didn‘t even think of that angle! 😂 2w

DebinHawaii @dabbe Best 🌷 contest is gold! 😂😂😂 2w

dabbe @Librarybelle 🌷💚🌷 2w

dabbe @DebinHawaii 💚🌷💚 2w

Sace Dang. I have the later Netherlands version but I want the South American version! *pout* I want to know if the earlier version picks up right after Nancy‘s encore performance in The Clue of the Tapping Heels. I was intrigued that her “client” was a member of the audience. It‘s the first time the next case was more than just a mention. An actual person asked for help. Am I making sense? 2w

Librarybelle You are, @Sace ! And that‘s a good thought. 2w

42 likes14 comments

Librarybelle

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

It‘s time for our #NancyDrewBR discussion, #LittensDetectives ! There are 6 questions posted as spoilers that can be found on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag.

I posted later than I had hoped—Zeke is doing better & is always hungry. Yay he‘s better, but I‘m pretty tired! 😂

Any other thoughts to share on the book, post below. Our next is The Mystery of the Brass-Bound Trunk (very different editions). More tomorrow!

Bookwormjillk I‘m glad Zeke is doing better 😻 2w

Mollyanna I‘m happy to hear that Zeke is doing better. Hopefully you can get some rest today. 2w

Sace I‘m glad Zeke is feeling better! 2w

See All 13 Comments

DGRachel Yay for Zeke, I hope you get some rest today. 2w

Librarybelle Thanks so much! I‘m so glad he‘s doing better…one less stressful element! @Bookwormjillk @Mollyanna @Sace @DGRachel ❤️ 2w

BarkingMadRead This one had so many mysteries and twists, and i thought it was a bit much, but I guess I‘m getting used to it 🤣 2w

Ruthiella Glad Zeke is on the mend! 😻 2w

Ruthiella @BarkingMadRead I feel like I could write one now! Anything goes! 2w

dabbe Yay for Zeke! And get some rest! 🖤🐾🖤 2w

Librarybelle @BarkingMadRead 😂 2w

Librarybelle Thanks so much, @Ruthiella @dabbe ! 2w

DebinHawaii So glad Zeke is better! 💜 2w

Librarybelle Thanks, @DebinHawaii ! 2w

42 likes13 comments

Librarybelle

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

This post contains spoilers

show me

6. I mentioned Bess in an earlier question, but let's talk characters. We see some more of Carson Drew, at least in the 1969 edition, and the girls really get to know Miss Carter. Any thoughts on the characters in this one? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk Ned constantly telling Nancy to stop solving mysteries got on my nerves. And Mr Skank made me giggle. 2w

JenlovesJT47 I like Mr. Drew but it was a bit too convenient that he, as a lawyer, knows how to defuse a bomb. Just one of those people who is good at everything like Nancy I guess lol. 2w

lauraisntwilder @Bookwormjillk Yes! Mr. Skank! So great. 2w

See All 13 Comments

Ruthiella I liked the little side romance between Miss Carter and Mr. Simpson. ❤️ 2w

DGRachel @Ruthiella I thought the romance was sweet, too. Lost loves, reunited. 🥰 I loved that it felt like we got a little bit of all the side characters, even Tommy. 2w

dabbe Besides the weight comments against poor Bess, I couldn't believe the number of times the word “pudgy“ was used to describe Guy Woonton in just four pages:
“pudgy, double-chinned man“ (26)
“If that pudgy man ...“ (nice, Nancy!) (28)
“to find out who this pudgy individual is ...“ (you, too, Mr. Drew!) (28)
“pudgy, double-chinned“ (30)

Time to learn a new synonym, ghost-writer, and/or not be so #meangirl about it! 2w

AnneCecilie I liked meeting Tommy again. Having Hannah Gruen more in the story, compared to some of the later ones. 2w

DebinHawaii @dabbe That was a whole lot of pudgy! 😬 2w

dabbe @DebinHawaii IKR? And I just pudgied it even more. 😅 2w

kwmg40 @dabbe I too noticed the overuse of “pudgy“. Did everyone in that time period get judged by their body shape? 2w

kwmg40 Carson Drew's defusing the bomb makes me want to know more about his background story! 2w

dabbe @kwmg40 Excellent point! It's definitely not a positive connotation either, and both Nancy and Mr. Drew used it! 😱 2w

MariaW I kept on wondering if there wasn‘t any data privacy connection back then? Okay, Carson calling on his buddies asking for favours I can understand, but medical facility giving out information to total strangers? I agree with @kwmg40 and would like to get to know more about Carson as well. How did he become this well-known throughout the state? Even the reporter at the cat show knew his name. Apparently Nancy has to follow big footsteps. 1w

16 likes13 comments

Librarybelle

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

This post contains spoilers

show me

5. Let's think about the adventures in this book. Personally, I think Bess and George sleeping in the garage with all of those cats (1969 edition) is gross!

In the 1969 edition, Carson Drew defuses a bomb by pushing it with a rake...he learned a bit about bomb making and thought it might come in handy some day!

Any standout moments for you in this book? I did think it was creepy that Woonton could sneak around the house undetected. #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk I never read these books as a kid but so many that did read had skeleton keys. I guess kids wouldn‘t understand those these days? Or are they still a thing? 2w

Ruthiella I like how characters can have heretofore unknown abilities, like George‘s judo in previous books. I feel like the bomb bit was just tossed in (pun intended). Like the writer and the baddies didn‘t get how dangerous it was had it actually exploded. (edited) 2w

lauraisntwilder My favorite part was definitely Carson Drew and the bomb. He really did most of the detective work in this book, then diffused a bomb. He's already got it disabled and out in the yard before he mentions they should call the police. The Drews must be the most competent characters in all of literature. 2w

See All 10 Comments

DGRachel There was so much in this one. I think that‘s why I liked it so much. It was completely ridiculous and therefore delightful…with the exception of the bomb thing. Carson Drew having a little knowledge and being sure he could diffuse it was just too much for me. Does anyone else feel like their childhoods were diminished by not having hidden passages in every home? 😂 2w

dabbe @DGRachel And hidden rooms, too! 😂 2w

dabbe Even the police officer was stunned by all the brutality, including “putting the bomb under [Nancy's] car, knocking over the scenery on the stage, starting the fire under the school stage and imprisoning [Nancy] in the secret stairway.“ 😱 2w

AnneCecilie When Carson Drew diffused the bomb, I just thought that I guess we now know where Nancy has it from. They seems to be able to tackle everything. As a kid this book would have scared me with all the things happening 2w

DebinHawaii The whole people sneaking around houses while you are sleeping thing has always creeped me out! 😱 And Carson & the bomb—like I commented in an earlier question, he may just have more special talents than Nancy! 😂 2w

kwmg40 It didn't surprise me that Nancy could add tap dancing to all her other accomplishments, but I'll admit I didn't expect to see Carson Drew defusing a bomb! 2w

MariaW I thought having persons sneaking around in the house at night was very creepy. Even after changing the locks it went on, I would have not stayed a second longer or could not have slept sound through one night. The hidden room, or should I say cell, in the basement was very very credpy as well, especially when they realized it had been used recently. Again, not a minute longer would I have stayed in this house of nightmares. 👻🏚️ (edited) 1w

15 likes10 comments

Librarybelle

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

This post contains spoilers

show me

4. Both editions feature Persian cats and tap dancing in the narrative. Nancy also uses Morse code in the 1969 edition (my wiki sources are conflicted, so I'm not sure about the 1939 edition).

Links to more information, plus a Morse code translator, appear in the comments!

What did you think of the mystery or mysteries in this book? Personally, I'm still wincing over the number of cats in the garage thing! #NancyDrewBR

Librarybelle https://www.britannica.com/art/tap-dance

https://tica.org/breed/persian/

https://morsecode.world/international/translator.html

Have fun exploring, and maybe you'll decide to adopt a Persian cat! 2w

Bookwormjillk That was a lot of cats. And the cat getting stuck in the mummy thing cracked me up. Total cat move. 2w

Sace To be honest I never quite understood the point of the cats. 2w

See All 14 Comments

BarkingMadRead So so so many cats. We have one and she‘s one too many 🤣 2w

JenlovesJT47 The whole conflict in this one was a bit convoluted and all over the place. And keeping so many very expensive cats in the garage doesn‘t seem like the smartest move 😆 2w

Ruthiella @Bookwormjillk Total cat move! 😹😹😹 As you pointed out @Librarybelle , the smell in the garage would have been horrendous without a monumental effort (and maybe a lot of baking soda! 😅)! (edited) 2w

lauraisntwilder The Morse code tapping in the play at the end was too much. I hadn't even thought about the cat smell! Oh my goodness, no wonder the girls didn't want to sleep in the garage! 😂 2w

DGRachel Way too many cats! And yes! The smell. I wouldn‘t have wanted to sleep out there either @lauraisntwilder The Morse code was definitely a stretch and the message at the end was crazy. But what I thought was really weird was Nancy having an encore and only Nancy? I know she had one solo, but weren‘t her other dances part of an ensemble? 2w

dabbe And what did these poor cats really have to do with the overall mystery? And how can one claim to totally love her cats when they're all crammed into one huge cage? This quote really struck me as brutal: “[Miss Carter] fondled the kitten lovingly, then asked Mrs. Bealing to put it out in the garage.“ 😳 2w

CogsOfEncouragement This is written for kids, so I'm pretty forgiving about a lot of stuff BUT when they had Miss Carter put tap shoes on her hands and tap on her head-board? What? She seriously thought that no one would hear? C'mon. You have young girls giving of their time to find a tapper, and you are going to tap on your own head-board? I just felt that character was smarter than than. 2w

AnneCecilie @lauraisntwilder I didn‘t think about the cat smell either. @DGRachel Nancy always seems to get special treatment and be better than anyone else in whatever she does. @CogsOfEncouragement I also found that annoying and unbelievable 2w

DebinHawaii Yes to too many cats in the garage & the cat drugging being a bit much. 😿 Miss Carter tapping on her headboard was nutty when they are there to find the tapper. Couldn‘t she have said “oh, by the way…”? 2w

kwmg40 Generally, I love the presence of a cat or two in a cosy mystery, but I agree with everyone that there were too many, and the treatment of them didn't make the story more appealing. Overall, there were too many subplots that didn't work together well. 2w

MariaW The whole narrative threat about the cats has been completely unnecessary and was just used to show off Nancy being capable of doing everything. I agree with @CogsOfEncouragement. The tap dancing ending was somewhat over the top as well, but this way this time an interesting transition to the next story was managed because we already know there will be a soldier in it who knows morse code. 🙈 1w

14 likes14 comments

Librarybelle

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

This post contains spoilers

show me

3. Controversies! In the 1939 edition, Nancy and George are drugged (this was removed from the 1969 edition due to protests). The 1939 edition also featured some discrimination in the text. As for 1969, which I noticed, Nancy mentions attending church as much as she can; criticisms addressed this in the story.

In addition, we've talked about Bess's portrayal throughout the books. Thoughts on her portrayal this time? #NancyDrewBR #LetHerEatCake

Bookwormjillk They need to let Bess eat. That‘s her business. The church thing stuck out to me too. 2w

bookandbedandtea Most (all?) of the books have had a mention of Nancy and others attending church so the idea has always been present. But the conversation in this book was so abrupt that it stood out to me as weird. And I totally agree with @Bookwormjillk (and lots of others) that Bess is wonderful and everyone needs to leave her alone about food! ☹️ 2w

BarkingMadRead Ok now I‘m second guessing the cruise, this is what I get for reading it in the beginning of the month 🤣 because Nancy and George get drugged in my version 2w

See All 22 Comments

Ruthiella I didn‘t really pay attention to the church bits maybe because as @bookandbedandtea points out, this is present in many of the previous books. But for sure the bit about Bess and chocolate cake stood out. I do think, at least, it‘s almost always George who is teasing Bess about her eating habits. At least in the versions I‘m reading. (edited) 2w

JenlovesJT47 I like Bess and hate the way they pick on her for eating. Even the little old lady made a snarky comment about her not being able to fit into her old costumes! Poor Bess. At least she always has a good attitude about it! 2w

JenlovesJT47 And knowing how rampant the fat shaming is, I bet she‘s not even “fat”. Just not skinny like Nancy. 2w

lauraisntwilder The church conversation felt weird. Nancy has consistently gone to church throughout the ones I've read, but like @booksandbedandtea said, this felt abrupt. Very forced 2w

lauraisntwilder They need to leave Bess alone. Miss Carter's comments especially bugged me. 2w

Librarybelle The church comments were very abrupt in this one, and I think that‘s what made them really stand out this time, other than the other mentions. @Bookwormjillk @bookandbedandtea @Ruthiella @JenlovesJT47 @lauraisntwilder 2w

Librarybelle @BarkingMadRead I looked at three separate sites for this one, @BarkingMadRead , and they were all over the place with what happened! Maybe they were completely wrong about the cruise ship, so you didn‘t miss anything. So bizarre! I thought it strange a cruise ship would appear for 1939… 2w

JenlovesJT47 I don‘t even remember the church comments, can someone refresh my memory? 2w

DGRachel After the last one being kinder to Bess, the fat-shaming stood out. I don‘t remember thinking anything of it as a kid, but it makes me mad now. Leave her alone. The church elements were a lot stronger in this one. They stood out, too, and I wondered what was going on in the world when this one was printed. 2w

bookandbedandtea @Ruthiella makes a good point that it's typically George who teases Bess about food and her weight. Their relationship has always struck me as sibling-like so, while unnecessary, I kind of brush it off the way Bess seems to do. But Miss Carter's comments surprised and annoyed me this time. 2w

Librarybelle @JenlovesJT47 I cannot remember the exact conversation, but I seem to recall questions about going to church and being able to continue investigating after church. For me, it was the way it was introduced into the narrative that really stuck out to me. 2w

dabbe @JenlovesJT47 That part really bothered me, too. So patronizing! 🤯 2w

JenlovesJT47 Yeah I think George teasing Bess sometimes is not a huge deal because they‘re like siblings, but EVERYONE has to make snarky comments about it. It gets old. 2w

CogsOfEncouragement @DGRachel Yes! The last story was so much better in that Bess just liked food. That's cute, that's fun. This is the second book they didn't describe her as plump when introducing her in Chapter 1 at least. Progress?

I do always like that Bess doesn't run straight into danger like Nancy and George seem too willing to do. She usually comes around to their way of thinking but sometimes she is the voice of reason. 2w

AnneCecilie I noticed the church reference as well and thought it stood out. But I don‘t remember any references to religion in the previous books. 2w

DebinHawaii I don‘t think the church comments caught my attention but the shaming Bess over a piece of chocolate cake sure did. 🤬 Bad George! 2w

kwmg40 I did notice the comments about going to church and the ones about Bess's appetite. The former didn't bother me, though they seemed completely unnecessary, but I do get annoyed with the treatment of Bess, who's a character I really like. 2w

MariaW I ageee with @DGRachel, I thought it was over in the last adventure. Especially pointing out that Bess wouldn‘t fit in the costumes seems like a huge step back. The mentioning of the church came out of the blue for me as well because Nancy did not talk about it earlier. Again, it seems like there was a to-do-list for the authors with topics they had to include in their stories. Other ones that Bess eating habits and church would be Nancy‘s mother (edited) 1w

MariaW being dead, Hannah being the replacement, Nancy solving some mysteries with her dad and the appearance of „favourite dates“. Check ✔️✔️✔️! (edited) 1w

14 likes22 comments

Librarybelle

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

This post contains spoilers

show me

2. One wiki page I view indicates that the original story outline, written by Edna Stratemeyer Squire, was known for her more over-the-top plot devices, resulting in “unusual action, chapter climaxes, and various other events“ throughout the book.

The original story was written by Mildred Benson; sadly, I cannot find the revised author's name.

Would you agree with the over-the-top plot devices in this book? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk The bomb was a little out there, but honestly on a Nancy Drew scale I didn‘t think this was too out there. 2w

Sace Oh the bomb was definitely a way out there moment for me. Of course Carson Drew thought a lawyer needs bomb deactivation in their legal arsenal 🙄 2w

Ruthiella The bomb. The boy locked in the cellar. The fire. The falling scenery. The cat theft. The neighbors. The gymnastics of rafter climbing. This one felt to me like it had a little more than average OTT plot devices. 😂 (edited) 2w

See All 11 Comments

lauraisntwilder More than once I found myself thinking, "Oh, what now?!" ? At one point, Nancy thinks she's not making good progress and how could she? What with selling cats, climbing rafters, and tap dancing for a play, she was doing everything BUT try to solve a mystery! 2w

DGRachel There was so much going on in this one, it definitely gets a high OTT rating from me. The bomb was one ridiculous thing too much for me, though. My eyes rolled so hard I thought they‘d get stuck in the back of my head. 🤣🤣 2w

dabbe I had to read the whole bomb part to my husband, and just reading the words out loud were OTT. 🤣 2w

CogsOfEncouragement And then: Oh, wait - we didn't have Nancy bound and gagged yet, throw that in! Okay, okay, we'll just have the Bess forget her purse so her friends come right back to rescue her. Yes. Perfect. 2w

AnneCecilie Isn‘t all the Nancy Drew books a little over the top? That‘s what makes them enjoyable to read. You never know what will happened on the next page 2w

DebinHawaii The rafter high wire act was pretty crazy & the bomb (“Here, let me just toss it into the yard & hope that it turned itself off but if not, I read this thing once & learned to disarm them…”) Carson is as multitalented as his daughter! 😂 2w

kwmg40 There were definitely some exciting, over-the-top moments in this novel, but despite those, I found the writing somewhat uninspired and dull compared to the earlier books. 2w

MariaW I completely agree with @CogsOfEncouragement. It seems like there was one tick missing on the OTT list. 🤣 (edited) 1w

15 likes11 comments

Librarybelle

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

This post contains spoilers

show me

1. While there are similarities between the 1939 and the 1969 editions, the 1939 edition has Nancy on a cruise ship at one point and a close relationship between Gus Woonton and Miss Carter. The wiki pages I read for the various editions conflict this time, but it seems that Morse code only appears in the 1969 edition.

Which edition did you read? Overall thoughts? We'll go more in-depth next! #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk No cruise ship for me- must have been 1969. I liked this one. 2w

bookandbedandtea I read the 1969 edition. Can't imagine how a cruise ship would fit into the story. 😄 2w

Sace I read the 1969 version. How on earth was a cruise managed in the earlier edition? 😂 This one was more of a so-so for me. I‘m starting to see a pattern- the longer it takes me to read (due to life not allowing for long stretches of reading time), the less I enjoy it. Nancy is definitely meant for one to two sitting read. (edited) 2w

See All 14 Comments

BarkingMadRead No cruise ship for me, good gracious, how did they squeeze that in?!? So much happened without it 🤣 2w

Ruthiella I read the 1969 version. A cruise ship would have been fun! Maybe one will come up again in a future title. Overall, I thought this one was a little ridiculous…coincidences abounded! 2w

JenlovesJT47 I read the 1969 version as well. This one is not my fave but it‘s not bad. Lots of cats so that‘s always a plus! 😻😻 2w

DGRachel @Sace I completely agree - if I can‘t finish in an afternoon, I can almost guarantee I won‘t enjoy it. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2w

DGRachel Oh and I read the 1969 version. As others have said, I don‘t know how they managed a cruise ship with everything else! 2w

dabbe I read the 1969 “groovy“ version. And I'm still trying to picture a cat-cruising caper. 🧐🤓🤣 2w

CogsOfEncouragement 1969 for me. I found this one a bit convoluted. A jumble of bad guys seemingly everywhere doing all kinds of hurtful things. Having men easily gain entrance to the garage where the cousins were sleeping, as well as the main house at all hours was more than creepy. 2w

AnneCecilie From the description of the books, I read the 1969 version 2w

DebinHawaii 1969 for me & yes, how would you fit a cruise ship into the plot is interesting! 🤔 2w

kwmg40 I'd read the 1969 version, which I found rather tedious. I'd also read the first few chapters of the 1939 version and was enjoying it more, but then I found out about some of the problematic issues with it and decided not to bother finishing the book. 2w

MariaW I‘ve read the 1969. The cruise ship mystery sounds like a title for another ND novel. 🤣 Maybe they are recycling the idea later… 1w

15 likes14 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

I finally made my February #BookSpinBingo board!

And, for the first time ever, I had a bingo on my board. January turned out to be a good reading month for me.

TheAromaofBooks

TieDyeDude ⭐ 🎉 2w

Suet624 Nice!! 2w

kspenmoll Yay! 2w

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2w

63 likes4 comments

Librarybelle

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

Tomorrow is the day for our next #NancyDrewBR discussion, #LittenDetectives ! Did our heroine solve the tapping noise? What‘s up with the cats? Depending upon the version read, it should be a good discussion.

I‘ll post questions under spoiler tags early tomorrow morning!

Ruthiella Looking forward to it! 👍 2w

BarkingMadRead Woohoo!! I‘m ready! 2w

Librarybelle Hooray, @Ruthiella @BarkingMadRead ! 2w

See All 10 Comments

Bookwormjillk I‘m off for the rest of the day and not moving off the couch until Nancy is read. 2w

bookandbedandtea I'll be finishing it today. 😊 2w

Librarybelle Yay! Good luck, @Bookwormjillk @bookandbedandtea ! 2w

dabbe I hope to finish today. 🤞🏻 2w

Librarybelle @dabbe And I plan to finish The Valley of Fear today! 2w

dabbe @Librarybelle You're way ahead of me! 😂 2w

Librarybelle @dabbe I usually wait until the last minute and read fast, so this time with the extra week, I can read leisurely. Chances are I will still finish tonight, but if not, no worries!! 😂 2w

48 likes10 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

#5JoysFriday

1. My boys…always! Recent pictures!
2. Chocolate covered strawberries
3. Litsy, for giving me focus with wonderful people
4. Finished most of my taxes (not my local tax) and am hoping for my refunds to come without issue
5. My love for history and the knowledge that no matter how hard one tries, one can NEVER silence the truth.

I‘ve missed the past couple of weeks of joys, as, to be honest, I‘m struggling….

DebinHawaii

Librarybelle …But, this week was really hard, and I knew I had to find some brightness. I got my Covid vaccine on Monday and had severe side effects on Tuesday (I don‘t handle vaccines well, and this one was difficult). My brother was in the hospital for several days for health reasons. Zeke had another case of pancreatitis. And, well…the world…good sleep has been elusive the past few nights. 2w

Susanita These are trying times to be sure. I hope everyone recovers smoothly and you‘re able to find some peace and comfort. 2w

Bookwormjillk I hope the week ahead brings you more peace. 2w

See All 24 Comments

Librarybelle Thank you, @Susanita and @Bookwormjillk ! 2w

Aims42 Sending you all the hugs my friend! ✨💗✨ Times are tough (and incredibly stupid to be honest) but together we‘ll get through it. Finding and celebrating any joy is an act of rebellion, we won‘t let *them* get us down 🤜🏻🤛🏻 2w

Librarybelle Thank you, @Aims42 ! ❤️ 2w

Luke-XVX Hang in there! 2w

Librarybelle Thanks, @Luke-XVX ! 2w

TheBookHippie @Aims42 THIS EXACTLY!!! 2w

TheBookHippie Chocolate and strawberry is the best combo. I start to struggle and remember it‘s what they want… it‘s a battle for sure … Joy is resistance. ♥️ 2w

Aims42 @TheBookHippie 🙌🙌🙌🙌 2w

Librarybelle Thanks, @TheBookHippie ! I swear, chocolate foods and cat cuddles help so much! 😂❤️ 2w

TheBookHippie @Librarybelle Small joys are what keeps you going. 2w

Librarybelle @TheBookHippie 🙂❤️ 2w

Deblovestoread Sorry you‘ve had such a hard week. Sending light and peace! 2w

Librarybelle Thank you, @Deblovestoread ! ❤️ 2w

dabbe 🩶🩷🩶 2w

Sace Sending you positive energy! 2w

Sace @TheBookHippie “Joy is resistance”. I‘m writing this in my journal. Daily if I have to. 2w

Sace @Aims42 PREACH! 2w

Librarybelle Thanks, @Sace ! ❤️ 2w

TheBookHippie @Sace ♥️ 2w

DebinHawaii Thanks for finding the joys & sharing them in a hard week. 💛💛💛 I hope things get better! 2w

Librarybelle Thank you, @DebinHawaii ! ❤️ 2w

57 likes24 comments

Librarybelle

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

pick

Once again, Nancy has two mysteries to solve—a tapping noise in a house of a woman whose also had a number of Persian cats stolen (and let me just say, I cannot begin to imagine the litter box smell in the garage from the large number of Persians there). Nancy faces danger, and Bess plays Cupid. Secrets galore in this one. A fast read.

And please, let Bess eat the cake! #NancyDrewBR

Ruthiella The smell! You made me crack up! 🤣 I suspect the writer in this one did NO research. 😆 3w

MemoirsForMe 😹😹😹 3w

Sace And Bess and George have been sleeping in the garage! 3w

Librarybelle Can you imagine how many cats must have been in that garage if so many were stolen and a lot remained that it took the girls hours to care for them?!? 😂 My four cats mean a lot of extra care to keep things tidy…odors become a huge concern for me 😂 @Ruthiella 3w

Librarybelle Yes, @Sace ! It‘s amazing they are okay! 3w

80 likes5 comments

Librarybelle

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

I‘m guessing this sentence did not appear in the original 1939 edition: “‘That would be groovy.‘” 😂

#NancyDrewBR

Ruthiella Probably not! 😂 3w

bookandbedandtea Hahaha I agree it's unlikely! 3w

dabbe 😂😂😂 3w

66 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

#MentalHealthMonday checkin!

1. If I ignore the news, things are good today. Overall, though, I‘m feeling tired…so much stress and uncertainty. Sigh..,

2. When I remember, meditation. Taking breaths and trying to ground myself, especially when my anxiety flares up. I‘m also trying to eat better—less chocolate, more almonds!

3. I think any space to talk about mental health, no matter the topic, is beneficial. ❤️

Kerrbearlib

Aims42 I mean, Hershey‘s Chocolate + Almond bars are pretty fantastic and the protein in them is pretty decent! They‘re practically healthy 🤩😆 Whatever you gotta do to get through these next 1,440 days 👍💛🧡🩷 3w

kspenmoll Roasted a chicken tonight with mashed potatoes & peas-total comfort food! Snuggled with my kitties. The book I finished tonight was lovely kind of a meditation on beauty, grief, the mundane we deal with day to day, the magical, the exalted, the intangible, the spiritual in interacting with art.

All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me

(edited) 3w

Librarybelle @Aims42 That is so true! 😂 My latest favorites are the Skinny Dipped line of chocolate dipped almonds and cashews. So good! 3w

See All 14 Comments

Librarybelle @kspenmoll Sounds wonderful! And, the book is on my to read list. I may have to move it up the list! 3w

Aims42 @Librarybelle Oooo! I‘ll look for those!! 3w

Librarybelle @Aims42 They‘re delicious and very addictive! 3w

Aims42 @Librarybelle Yum, I bet! Love when snacks are healthy & delicious 😍😋 3w

MemoirsForMe @Librarybelle @Aims42 Maybe make that a dark chocolate Hershey bar. That will be even healthier. And yes! Together we‘ll get thru those 1440 days somehow. 💪🏻👊🏻🙏🏻 3w

Aims42 @MemoirsForMe Love that idea!😋 3w

Librarybelle Yum, @MemoirsForMe ! 3w

Kerrbearlib Sorry for the late response! Ignoring the news has been good for my mental health, too. Grounding myself helps me, too. I love almonds! Have you had Blue Diamond dark chocolate almonds? I highly recommend them - they're delicious! 3w

Librarybelle They are good, @Kerrbearlib ! I love Blue Diamond‘s products! 3w

Kerrbearlib A writer on Medium just posted a recipe for chocolate covered almonds. Thought of you immediately when I read it 😊 https://medium.com/plant-based-past/5-vegan-chocolate-recipes-from-the-past-to-s... 2w

Librarybelle Thank you, @Kerrbearlib ! I look forward to reading it!! 2w

58 likes14 comments

Welcome to Litsy!

Trending Hashtags

Trending Books

Librarybelle

Joined September 2016