1. Curling up with a book, blanket, hot drink, and my dog Hughie
2. I love a silly tradition my Dad started years ago of giving creative personalized gag gifts - always good for lots of laughter
3. Caramel Brulé Latte(s)
4. I don‘t know as this is my first year!
5. I don‘t really have one. I‘ve been reading a lot of excellent graphic novel memoirs this year and have been trying to read more books in translation as well.
#HollyJollyReaders

I can‘t believe it‘s December! Here‘s my final #BookSpin, #DoubleSpin, #BookSpinBingo list for 2023 😄

This is an important overview of the current impact of poverty in America on the both the individual/family and societal levels. It covers an array of issues including workers‘ rights, predatory banking services, tax evasion, barriers to home ownership, and the benefits that can with social/community integration. I appreciate that the author includes some tangible policy recommendations. Would definitely recommend to American readers.

So glad I read this book! It follows the lives of seven struggling middle school students brought together through a portal that suddenly appears in the their bedroom mirror. As they spend time together they learn to support and find safety in each other, gaining confidence in themselves and a renewed hope for future. I appreciated that the book did not minimize the emotional impact bullying and the affect it can have on how you see yourself.

In this collection of essays, Michelle Good urges all Canadians to take an honest reassessment of our country and its history. To recognize the colonial genocide wrought upon Indigenous peoples and the historical acts, policies, and lack of protections that continue to this day. She goes on to discuss some of the steps needed for genuine reconciliation to occur. Would recommend this for all Canadians.

Threads is a moving, heartbreaking, informative graphic memoir first published in 2017. In it, artist and author Kate Evans shares about her experiences volunteering in the Calais Jungle and Dunkirk refugee camps and gives the reader glimpses into the lives and ongoing trauma of the many people who sought shelter there. She makes an impassioned cry for the humane, compassionate, and respectful treatment of refugees. Heartbreaking and infuriating.

So glad I decided to pick this up! It is that type of book that can make you feel less alone. One thing that resonated with me was when she spoke of how she had “administered” many changes, challenges, and life events over the past few years, but had not been able to integrate any of it. I can relate! She goes on to discuss how grounding, finding connection, and reviving our sense of awe and wonder in the world is is vital to our wellbeing.

I enjoyed this book that follows the lives of six people/groups - each with a strongly held system of beliefs that shape their day to day lives (be that a “good” death, ghosts, a young earth, or UFOs.) Like others I too felt most invested in the sections on the death doula (Annie) and Katrina. There is a lot of interesting “food for thought,” however I would have liked if author‘s reflections were presented a little more cohesively.

Yay for May! I have my #BookSpin #DoubleSpin #BookSpinBingo list ready to go!

I am joining the large chorus of voices saying this book is fantastic. I really liked Kate Beaton‘s use of the graphic novel novel format to tell of her experiences working in Alberta‘s oil sands. She writes with insight and compassion, resisting simple judgments of others. This book deals with a lot of heavy content but the comic irony in many of her observations helped it from seeming too heavy. Highly recommend. (Note: a number of CW apply)

This is a lovely little poetry anthology reminding us all of our joint humanity in all its beauty and brokenness. It will be a comfort read to come back to when needed.

Highly recommend this fantastic essay collection by female Middle Eastern journalists on their unique experiences travelling and reporting as women. They share nuanced and intimate perspectives of how war, political unrest, and crises are affecting the day to day lives of civilians - and being women they have access to the voices of women and children that often go unheard.

This was so good. Strong southern gothic vibes addressing issues of identity, othering, religious toxicity, and how well we know ourselves and our own motivations. The style in which this is written is very unique too. It reminds me a bit of Rachel Cusk‘s Outline trilogy in that much of the content is written as comments and confessions that are made to the MC (who says almost nothing themselves).

Hello April #BookSpin #DoubleSpin #BookSpinBingo

If you feel like you are drowning, struggling to manage even the basics of caring of yourself, your family, and home - especially if this is resulting in feelings of shame and self-loathing - please pick up this book. The methods in this book meet you wherever you are at and focus on having a space that is functional you & your family. I found the book helped me reframe my thinking and personalize my approach to tackling “care tasks” for success

#FirstLineFridays
@ShyBookOwl

This is the very lengthy first line of “Pew” by Catherine Lacey

Powerful. Painful. Stark. Brilliant. I am curious as to how this reads in other formats. The art in the graphic novel however is fantastic.

I throughly enjoyed this sweet story that demonstrates the healing power of community, compassion, and companionship. I must not forget to mention the star of the story, a brilliant octopus named Marcellus McSquiddles. Marcellus requests that you please not mistake him for a squid - he considers this to be an insult of the worst sort. I found the book to be a bit slow getting started, but then I was was hooked 🙂

In honour of national puppy day I had to share a picture of my little guy Hughie. ❤️ If you enjoy poetry and are a dog lover, I would highly recommend the tagged collection by Mary Oliver. #dogsoflitsy

In this YA coming of age memoir, Nikki Grimes has the reader come along with her as she navigates through a childhood that is rife with instability and trauma. She also writes of small kindnesses, moments of joy, and how she summoned courage to remain hopeful for better days ahead. Beautifully written, primarily in verse with snippets of childhood notebook entries throughout. Highly recommend (FYI - many CW apply) #DoubleSpin @TheAromaofBooks

I loved this mental romp into theoretical physics, philosophy, history, sociology, and the scientific process. The essays in this collection range from comparing octopuses to extraterrestrials (for studying of the evolution of consciousness), our knowledge of black holes in relation to the nature of time, the toxicity of rising nationalism, and insights gained while using LSD. It is not an easy read, but nonetheless it was fun and rewarding.

I cannot imagine growing up and having to live under such constant scrutiny and public speculation about your every move. The lack of needed mental health support following the sudden death of his mother is heartbreaking. I understand why he would want to tell his own life story himself (from his perspective by necessity). I am happy he has found love, empathy, emotional security, and companionship in Meghan.
I recommend the audiobook version

Here‘s my #bookspin #doublespin #bookspinbingo list for March !!!

This is a beautiful, moving graphic memoir sharing the journey of the author‘s family through the 10 months following their mother‘s terminal cancer diagnosis. Full of funny, touching moments and memories. It made me laugh, and it made me cry - in that needed pent up grief releasing sort of way. All humans in the book are drawn as birds - the author‘s family as penguins, which I think (perhaps strangely) made them feel even more relatable. ❤️

There is so much valuable and thought provoking info in this book. In it, the author explores the relationship between our toxic consumption driven society, trauma, and illness. Areas receiving special attention include child development, addiction, and epigenetics. I appreciated the author‘s willingness to share his own journey to healing and the effects of his own history of trauma on his family. Valuable read in addition to The Body Keeps Score

Throughly enjoyed escaping to a hopeful future on the little moon Panga, travelling along side Dex (the Monk) and Mosscap (the robot) as they set out in search of what humans need. This is the 2nd book in the novella series following “A Psalm for the Wild Built.” I think I actually enjoy this one more than the first.

@LeahBergen Thank you so much Leah! I love all my goodies!!❤️ Everything was wrapped so beautifully.
Looking forward to curling up with my new book while sipping hot chocolate. 😋 (I might need to nibble on a little chocolate too…☺️)
@MaleficentBookDragon Thank you for for hosting the always fun #JolabokaflodSwap

Yay!! This lovely #JolabokaflodSwap arrived in my mail today!!!

My #JolabokaflodSwap package is off and on its way!

(1) I always have multiple books on the go BUT rarely read more than one fictional book at a time.

(2) I have to name a few as favourites
“What Comes from Spirit” - Richard Wagamese
“Bless the Daughter Raised by a Voice in He Head”.
By Warsan Shire
“Transcendent Kingdom” - Yaa Gyasi
“The Body Keeps Score” by Bessel Van Der Kolk

I can‘t think of any I panned …thanks Litsy!

#wonderouswednesday

This is a great collection of 9 essays aptly described on the front interior flap of the book as exploring “the absurdity of living in a world that has grown fluent in the language of social justice but doesn‘t always follow through” (I would say usually doesn‘t). Isen is from Toronto and therefore includes some excellent Canada specific content. I would still strongly recommend this book everyone though (not just Canadians.)

I am so glad I decided to take the plunge and read this. I found it very beneficial to me on a personal level as well as professionally. Dr Van Der Kolk writes in a manner that is humble, curious, non-judgemental, and compassionate. I found the final 3rd of the book (Part 5: Pathways to Recovery) especially interesting, beneficial, and hopeful.

Note: As others have stated, the book contains HARD content that could be very triggering.

I quickly fell in love with both 9-year old Swiv (the novel‘s narrator), and with her feisty and loving grandmother. I laughed out loud on multiple occasions reading this, but I also ached for the pain of these women, and all the after effects of trauma they were fighting through. Plenty of beauty amongst the brokenness here.
(TW - especially for suicide)

This short novel in translation tells the story of Reverend Pearson and his teenage daughter (who travel for Pearson to evangelize throughout the Argentinian countryside). When their car breaks down they end up being the temporary guests of a mechanic and a teenage boy who goes by the name Tapioca. Definitely character-based. Philosophical. Reminds me of the US “Southern Gothic” genre. A lot to reflect on in just 124 pages.

By turns beautiful and heart-rendering this is easily one of the most moving poetry collections I have ever read. The collection is so so well crafted too. In these poems, Warsan Shire gives snapshots of moments in the lives of refugees and immigrants, especially the experiences of women and girls from Somalia. Highly recommend. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Rupi Kaur is able to pack so much punch into just a few words. I could physically feel so many of these poems. I am grateful to her for being willing to share her journey through trauma towards hope, healing, and self compassion. (Please know that strong trigger warnings apply here)

My May #BookSpinBingo Yay!!

@ShelleyBooksie Hughie is curious if there might be something else for him in the #litsylovesanimalsswap 😂 He loves his new toy Shelley ❤️ Thank you!!!

@ShelleyBooksie Hughie loves his new toy from the #litsylovesanimalsswap

Shelley, @ShelleyBooksie Thank you so much for all my goodies!!! I love them all and I definitely feel very spoiled too! Hughie loves his new toy (I will post a separate picture ❤️). The little fox bracelet is so cute, the socks made me laugh, and I am excited to read the books. Everything was so beautifully wrapped. Thank you so much! #litsylovesanimalaswap

This lovely #LitsyLovesAnimals box arrived a couple days ago from @ShelleyBooksie and I forgot to post 😬 Thank you Shelley!
Thanks for hosting @DinoMom and @ShelleyBooksie

On its way to New Brunswick for the #LitsyLovesAnimals Swap!!!
Thanks for hosting @DinoMom and @ShelleyBooksie

Written in an unpretentious conversational tone “Cultish” is interesting, informative, and well referenced, with added bits of humour that keep it from feeling too heavy. The central theme of the book is the use of language by cults (and cultish groups) for influence and control. Montell shares how to recognize and question problematic language (for example gaslighting / language that encourages you not to trust yourself.) Really enjoyed this one

This is easily one of the most unique books I have ever read….and unique in a good way! I think one way you could describe it would be that it is a bit of a mashup of narrative poetry, folklore, philosophical psychology, and “choose your own adventure book.” It left me reflecting on life, loss, change, and how we have come to be who we currently are. Would highly recommend!
Thanks @DinoMom for this #JolabokaflodSwap

I‘ll give this a pick but with caveats. This book covers the timely subject of how information is gained, vetted, and knowledge established in society. It has lots of important “food for thought,” however, I was disappointed by the author‘s discussion of the concept that words are not violence, they don‘t hurt you, other than perhaps your feelings (and people need to toughen up.) In my opinion, he fails to properly address ⬇️

Thank you so so much for these beautifully wrapped gifts @DinoMom ! I‘m excited to try the chocolate (I‘ve already received sharing requests too 😂) and am looking forward to curling up with my new poetry book and my pup! 🎄🐶Thank you @MaleficentBookDragon for hosting the #JolabokaflodSwap ❤️

@FantasyChick Your #JolabokaflodSwap seems to be travelling the Country for some reason 😕 That tracking is still saying it will arrive yesterday, and that it was processed in Richmond, BC on the 18th (it was sent by me on the 8th from Hamilton, ON.) I am so sorry it is taking so long and pushing it so close.

It‘s off and on it‘s way!!!!! #JolabokaflodSwap

Yay!!! My #JolabokaflodSwap arrived, thanks @DinoMom !!!

Maybe I‘ll have my first #BookSpinBingo this month???
2021 has not been the greatest reading year for me (unless I count all the reading I‘ve been doing for my course work.)😂
Thanks for hosting @TheAromaofBooks
#BookSpin #DoubleSpin #BookSpinBingo