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 ⬇️
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
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! ⬇️⬇️⬇️
#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. ⬇️
so-soI 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.
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.
⬇️⬇️⬇️
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, Lkempf7. Discuss the murder mystery. Were you expecting it to play a larger role in the story? Were you surprised by who the victim and who the perpetrator were? ~from Plainfield Area Public Library #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
6. Food plays a significant part in the story. Discuss the symbolic meaning of the Briar Club‘s communal meals and how they foster a sense of belonging. ~from Plainfield Area Public Library #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
5. Examine the themes of secrecy, deception, and truth-telling in the novel. How do the characters‘ hidden pasts and double lives affect their relationships? ~from Plainfield Area Public Library Reading Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
4. Discuss the role Grace March plays in bringing the women together. What does her character represent in terms of female empowerment and community building? ~from Plainfield Area Public Libry Reading Guide
3. Briarwood house itself narrates some of the chapters. How does the house‘s perspective shape the reader‘s understanding of the events and characters? Did you enjoy hearing from an inanimate object? ~from Plainfield Area Public Library Reading Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
2. The point of view rotates among the women of the boarding home. Frequently
when we get to a new point of view we find that the truth differs from the
perceptions that others have. Why do you think Quinn chose to tell the story in
this way and what is she trying to say with it? ~from Plainfield Area Public Library Reading Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
1. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Red Scare and McCarthyism. How do
these historical events impact the lives and choices of the characters? ~from Plainfield Area Public Library Reading Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
Information about the Red Scare and McCarthyism linked in comments.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) is discussion day for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead ! Zeke had his visit with the specialist today with a medical procedure to determine things tomorrow, so I will post at some point during the day—the specialist is over an hour away from me, and he has to be there early morning with a pickup time in the evening.
I will tag everyone to let you know the questions have been posted!
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
We‘re staying in 1924 with May‘s #ChristiesCapers . This first short story collection by Christie of course features Poirot. Discussion on May 25th!
All are welcome. Please let me know if you would like to be added or removed from the tag list.
I will post the story titles in the comments. This one should be the same in all countries, but just in case, our discussion will focus on the listed short stories. #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, AnishaInkspill
I realized I never posted the #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead title for May! This is the first in a trilogy that features Morgan Le Fay from the Arthurian legend.
Read at your own pace throughout May. I‘ll post periodic check ins during the month, and discussion will take place on May 31st.
Please let me know if you wish to be added to or removed from the tag list.
mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, Deblovestoread, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, julieclair, AllDebooks, Lkempf
pickI started this book not knowing anything about Millay, with a very fleeting knowledge of her work. Her diary entries are filled with joys and criticisms, some very mean spirited and cruel, as well as a vulnerable soul who fought demons and ill health. A great look at her life. A good choice for #SundayBuddyRead .
Time for our #ChristiesCapers discussion! I have 5 questions posted as spoilers; you can find them by searching my feed, the book‘s feed, or by the group‘s hashtags. Jump in whenever into the discussion!
Our next Christie is the short story collection Poirot Investigates featuring, you guessed it, more Poirot! I‘ll post the official notice tomorrow!
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, AnishaInkspill5. Let‘s think about the ending. Were you satisfied with the conclusion, especially the “happily ever after”? Were you surprised by the identity of the “villain”? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
4. The Man in the Brown Suit received mixed reviews when it was first published in 1924, with some more negative reviews stating how they missed this being a Poirot novel. Others commented on the change in tone into a more thriller plot line as the novel progressed. Think about the progression of the story for you--would you identify this as a thriller story? An adventure story? A mystery? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
3. We also meet Colonel Race in this novel. Race appears in later books--Cards on the Table, Death on the Nile, and Sparkling Cyanide--when he works alongside his friend Poirot. Interesting we meet him without Poirot! What did you think of Race? Why do you think Christie decided to make him a recurring character in her novels? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
2. Anne Beddingfield tells her story, with the help of diaries from Sir Eustace Pedler. What did you think of this book? Compare Anne to the other detectives we have met, Poirot and Tommy & Tuppence. How does Anne's detection skills compare/contrast with the other detectives we have met? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
1. This 4th novel by Christie was inspired by her adventures with her first husband Archie while traveling the British Empire to promote the 1924 British Empire Exhibition. If you have not seen Travels with Agatha Christie & Sir David Suchet, I highly recommend it! You can see how Christie gained inspiration for this book from her travels. Link in comments.
Was this your first time reading this book? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
So sorry for the late reminder, but tomorrow (Sunday) is our next #ChristiesCapers discussion! I will post questions mid- to late morning. I‘ve seen some great reviews, so I am looking forward to the discussion. #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, AnishaInkspill
pickOverall, a good collection of Sherlock Holmes stories. Some are better than others, but they each lend for great discussion between the #NoPlaceLikeHolmes group!
pickMurder at a thriller writer conference? Told from four perspectives, the narrative looks at a 24-hour period after a murder occurs. Twists throughout keep the narrative moving, and the multiple voice actors and actresses for the audio help lend to the individuality of the characters. The ending was just wow! #LitsyAToZ #LetterI
pickI finally took the time to finish this for #InDeathLongReadalong …I‘m a bit behind! But, I think this was another great addition to the series. We see a more vulnerable Eve in some ways as she navigates grief and love. We also see a very strong Eve who speaks of walking with the dead. A bit of a sentimental end. #LitsyAToZ #LetterJ
pickI love the Golden Girls (I‘m a Dorothy, by the way). Of course I had to try this. While this does not quite capture the magic of the television show, it‘s close. And really, can anything capture it (I have the same feelings for the Murder, She Wrote book series)???
Dorothy is accused of murder, and Rose has to put the St Olaf spin on her niece‘s wedding. There‘s humor with that heartwarming touch of friendship and family. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Life continues to be an up and down rollercoaster!
#5JoysFriday
1. My boys…always!
2. Purina Pro Plan Lamb and Rice for sensitive stomachs— not what the vet wants Zeke to eat, but after literally starving himself to near death last week, I bought a couple non-chicken primary ingredient foods, and Zeke is loving this.
3. PetSmart for curbside pickup
4. IRL book club for non-vet human interaction
5. Spring, listening to the birds chirp
pickThis novel has one of the most psychologically evil fictional characters I have ever met. Be forewarned—parts of this are very difficult to read due to the actions taking place and the pure sinister behavior of one of the characters. We hear the story through Gillian, who as a woman in her 70s is reminded of a troubling episode in her teenage life, prior to WWII, when she visits the home of her friend Violet Claybourne over winter break. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
so-soJax stumbles upon a dead body behind her aunt‘s restaurant. Her father, a local cop, asks for her help in identifying the murderer. The second half of the story was much better than the first—it seemed to take me forever to read the first 40 pages. So-so read, though now I really want a milkshake! 😂
In our 19th outing with Nancy, we go on a quest for a missing map. Will the map lead to treasure? How are Nancy‘s cartography skills? Discussion on May 15th!
All are welcome to join the #NancyDrewBR . 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, 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, julieclair
Thanks for the tag, @dabbe and @TheSpineView !
1. No…I file as early as possible. I even submitted my estimated 1st quarter tax for the 2025 tax season last week! Get it off my to do list and move on to the next item. 😂
2. I‘m reading so many books, but this one released today that features The Golden Girls conjures up nostalgia. And, a good word: cheesecake! #Two4Tuesday
It‘s time for our discussion, #LittenDetectives ! I have 6 questions as spoilers posted. You can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching #NancyDrewBR . This one was a bit of a hot mess in my opinion, but I just love reading these with you!!
I‘ll post the official graphic for next month‘s book, The Quest for the Missing Map, tomorrow. Not many variations between the editions this time!
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, julieclair6. Circling back to the adventures in the books...adult critics for the 1971 edition indicate Nancy's near-death experience in the pool as atypical of the stories. Some of you have also commented on the James Bond-esque escapades of Nancy. I did not read this one as a kid, so I'm not sure if I would have been awed or petrified (like Bess) at what Nancy experiences. Any thoughts? A favorite adventure in the book to share? #NancyDrewBR
5. I don't know about you, but I found the supporting characters in the 1971 edition to be mostly rude. They just seem more abrasive than others from the prior books, including the culprits! I'd love to hear your take on the side characters in whichever edition you read! #NancyDrewBR
4. To continue with the 1971 edition, I wanted to highlight a couple of elements. Remember, the Space Age was shining bright at the time of the revision, so it seemed Adams really wanted Nancy to take part. We get a brief tour of the then Kennedy Space Center. Link in comments to the official site.
I also learned about orange varieties! Link to a 2013 article about orange varieties in comments. #NancyDrewBR
3. The 1971 edition. I'm still hung up on the whole “exploding oranges“ thing--who knew?!? Harriet Stratemeyer Adams, who worked on previous revisions (and, according to Wikipedia, claimed she wrote the first 28 Nancy Drew stories--she didn't), revised the outline and the story for this. There was a lot going on, and adult critics often cite the “strange elements“ in their discussions. What about you? Agree? #NancyDrewBR
2. Let's talk about the 1941 edition first! I did not read it, though given the very detailed synopsis on Wikipedia (link in comments), it sounds more enjoyable to me than the 1971 edition! This is the last book to be outlined by Edna Squier, and it was written by our friend Marion Benson. I'd love to hear what those who read this version thought of the murder, gypsies, plane crash, and forest fire! #NancyDrewBR
1. Depending upon the edition you read this month, you may have helped Nancy track down a missing heiress and uncover the clues to the sounds in a mansion (1941) or help Nancy determine who sent explosive oranges to the Kennedy Space Center (1971). We'll explore each version in the next two questions. But first, which edition did you read? Any overall thoughts to share about the version you read? #NancyDrewBR
so-soI feel like this would have been better titled as “The NASA Caper” or “The Mystery of the Exploding Oranges” for the revised edition. The moss—covered mansion portion was rather contrived. I was very offended when someone questioned Nancy‘s ability of helping, as she‘s a girl. 🙄
Not the greatest, in my opinion. Discussion on Tuesday!
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
pickI picked this up solely because it fit with a #BookChain2025 prompt! I know Bonneville from his work in Downton Abbey and Notting Hill, so I was interested to read a bit more about his journey. There‘s humor laced with stories on various sets and theater productions. Not recognizing Leonardo DiCaprio was hilarious! #LitsyAToZ #LetterP
pickMy local bookstore asks me to contribute reviews for their newsletter and handed me this one. I wasn‘t sure what to expect when I opened the book, but from page one…wow. Just wow. This is an adrenaline-filled rollercoaster ride, filled with terror and red herrings and so many surprises. Underneath it all is a statement regarding first impressions and the way we tend to not think how our blasé look at world events impacts others. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
pickThis slowly revealing novel has themes of loss and regret and the power of love. It‘s beautifully written, and I greatly enjoyed the 1934 timeline. There‘s also a really horrible villain in the novel. In 1971, Nell discovers a photo of her mother from 1934, which starts a journey to learn more about her mother, herself, and her sister Evie. The audio was superb. Recommended.
April‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead features the latest the Kate Quinn. Read at your own pace, and discussion will take place on April 30th!
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
#LittenDetectives : We are two weeks away from our next #NancyDrewBR discussion! Will Nancy be able to solve the mystery of the moss-covered mansion? What talent will we learn she possesses this time? Discussion on the 15th!
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
There were so many positive comments left on my post last night that I think it‘s worth making this official.
This is very low key—no tag list, so feel free to participate how often you would like. I am reading one nonfiction a month that looks beyond the history found in schools.
If you would like to participate, post your book and thoughts each month, using #RealHistory and/or #HonestHistory . I‘ll make a bibliography for those interested.
New day, new month, new #HashtagBrigade book.
I‘ve fallen behind on so many reads and have found myself reaching for quick reads or books where I really don‘t have to think. Maybe this will be the month to get back on track.
#Zeke has had a good few days, which is nice. He‘s more active recently, and his only issue is not eating the food best for his issue (we see a specialist the end of this month for an official diagnosis). #CatsOfLitsy
![[tagged book]](https://image.librarything.com/pics/litsy_webpics/icon_taggedBook@3x.png){kind=icon}
And 😻 😻 😻 😻 😻 to your kitties. 24m