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SledgeReader

SledgeReader

Joined April 2018

Librarian. Reader. Dog lover. Home is where my books are.
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SledgeReader
An American Marriage | Tayari Jones
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“I write the first line of a book after I‘ve finished the whole thing,” Tayari Jones. #awesome

SledgeReader Y‘all, go read the first line of American Marriage. 6y
Cinfhen Hey, what‘s up??? Hope all is ok?!?!! Long time no see 6y
wellreadredhead I hope everything is alright! I emailed you to ask about the status of your #GenreSwapPBC book. Just wanted to check in with you! Get back to me if you can 6y
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Andrew65 We‘re missing you @SledgeReader Hope everything is okay. 🤞😊 6y
erzascarletbookgasm Hope things are alright with you! You‘ve been absent on Litsy. Also wondering if you have received my #summerbookmarkswap . 6y
wellreadredhead @SledgeReader I just wanted to check in on you! I sent you an email and it would be great if you could reply as soon as it‘s convenient for you. 5y
Cinfhen It‘s been so long!!! Hope all is well. Was just thinking about The Sparrow today and then I thought of you. 5y
74 likes1 stack add7 comments
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SledgeReader
An American Marriage | Tayari Jones
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About to hear Tayari Jones on the beautiful campus of Alabama A&M at a fundraiser for our new North Huntsville Library.

britt_brooke Fun!! 6y
70 likes1 comment
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SledgeReader
Before the Fall | Noah Hawley
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Book- Before the Fall, Bel Canto
Food - Boston Baked Beans, BBQ Brisket
Author - Elizabeth Berg, Larry Brown
Movie - A Beautiful Mind, Bad News Bears
TV Show - Battlestar Galactica, Better Call Saul #manicmonday @JoScho

JoScho Yes I love some baked beans! Good one ❤️ 6y
MinDea We love Better Call Saul! 6y
2BR02B I love BSG! 6y
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eeclayton We love Better Call Saul too! 6y
JamieArc Elizabeth Berg ❤️. I don‘t see her often on Litsy so it makes me happy when I do. 6y
SledgeReader @JoScho They are definitely yummy! 😋 6y
SledgeReader @MinDea @eeclayton Right? My husband and I power through it. 6y
SledgeReader @2BR02B Confession - I‘ve only seen the 1978 series. Need to watch the new one. Something to look forward to! 6y
SledgeReader @JamieArc I am so glad you❤️EB! She has been on my mind and I feel the need to catch up with her. Can you make any recommendations on her most recent titles? I❤️ her too!! 6y
50 likes9 comments
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SledgeReader
Friday Nights | Joanna Trollope
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1. Y‘all
2. Three
3. Litsy, Goodreads, iBooks, Overdrive, Libby
4. Outdoor music festival
5. @Akckitty

Cathythoughts Outdoor music festival 😍enjoy 👍🏻 6y
Abailliekaras Just curious, what other possible answers could there be to (2)? 😉🤔 6y
48 likes2 comments
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SledgeReader
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#PenPalExchange @TheReadingMermaid Can‘t wait to get start. Might have to YouTube “How to Address an Envelope” - it‘s been a looong time! Just kidding!! 😝 Alabama, US

BeansPage Please email me with the following info: 1. Are you willing to post internationally? 2. Looking for long-term or short-term penpal? 3. What is your favorite color? Email: straberryshortcake777@yahoo.com 6y
42 likes1 comment
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SledgeReader
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Book - Ahab‘s Wife, After Alice
Author - Kate Atkinson, Jeffrey Archer
Movie - All the President‘s Men, Apple Dumpling Gang 😂
TV - As the World Turns, Alias Grace
Food - Appetizers, Angel Hair Pasta, Artichokes. #manicmonday @JoScho

JoScho After all the angel hair pasta talk today I had to have it for dinner. Was craving it super hard! Thanks for playing 🧡 6y
Mamashep Appetizers are pretty much my fave food group! 6y
SledgeReader @JoScho We just had it this weekend with fresh eggplant parmigiana. Super yummy!! 6y
SledgeReader @Mamashep @Pamwurtzler Do you guys remember Cher in Mermaids? She only served food on toothpicks to her family! 😂😂😂😂😂 6y
46 likes5 comments
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SledgeReader
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Great day for me! I received my first ever Litsy mail. My book for #genreswappbc #styleexchange made it to me from @isy_the_owl Woohoo!!! AND I started Sometimes I Lie.

akckitty Congrats! @SledgeReader I‘m looking forward to the day that I get my first #litsymail too! I‘m so new to the Litsy community but I‘m excited to participate where I can. Also can‘t wait to see how you enjoy Sometimes I Lie 😄 6y
SledgeReader @Akckitty I‘m still a newbie too! I can‘t wait to get to know you on Litsy. It‘s a great community! I‘ll try to keep you posted in Sometime I Lie! 6y
akckitty @SledgeReader it‘s been great so far and that sounds good! Thanks so much! 😊 6y
Eggs @SledgeReader 😊😊 6y
58 likes1 stack add5 comments
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SledgeReader
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Force of Nature was just the chaser I needed! Harper gave the fast pace and detail I enjoyed in The Dry. I did not see this ending coming! Loved getting to visit Australia. My brain is cleansed and ready to go. I‘m starting Radium Girls on Thursday and have three bookgroup titles coming quickly. Buuuut I think I‘m going to do one more just for me!

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SledgeReader
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Jack and Diane send this with love to @CBee! So glad you appreciate us coming and going! 😝😝😝😝 🐶🐶❤️ #doxiebooty

CBee I am DYING! And even a new hashtag! #doxiebooty 😂😂😂😂 6y
Sleepswithbooks Loving the thickness ❤️ 6y
62 likes3 comments
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SledgeReader
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1. I have to finish the Chapter. This wasn‘t always the case. Sadly, I no longer enjoy reading in snippets. I want the whole thing!
2. I prefer to read during the day which is impossible with my work schedule. Early morning is my prime time or very late at night. 3. If the book is good enough, I can ignore any background noise. Anywhere, anytime!

SilversReviews True on ignoring the background noise if you get immersed in the book. Thanks for playing. 😊 6y
54 likes2 comments
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SledgeReader
Gone Fishing | Tamera Will Wissinger
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Enjoying #forceofnature on the porch only to realize Jack blew me off. He‘s gone fishing!! #dogsoflitsy @SheReadsAndWrites

Reviewsbylola Aw so cute! 6y
SheReadsAndWrites ❤️❤️❤️ 6y
SledgeReader @Reviewsbylola @SheReadsAndWrites They are so terribly entertaining! ❤️my wieners! 6y
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SheReadsAndWrites He is so handsome - such a pretty coat he has. 😊 6y
mabell So cute! ❤️🐶🐟 6y
erzascarletbookgasm 🐶❤️ 6y
SledgeReader @Reviewsbylola @SheReadsAndWrites @mabell @erzascarletbookgasm Thanks for the puppy love everyone. He‘s a sugar! 6y
CBee @SledgeReader 😍😍😍 doxie booty is the cutest booty! 6y
81 likes8 comments
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SledgeReader
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Jane Harper is just as riveting now as with The Dry. I‘m hooked and having a GREAT mind cleanse! Great chaser!!

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SledgeReader
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1. Read a bit and craft a bit.
2. Sunset
3. Love the beach especially from a ⛵️ 🌴
4. Plain, Jane brown
5. Howdy @Kaye @JulesG @Cathythoughts I enjoyed your posts
#friyayposts

Cathythoughts Thankyou ! & 👋🏻hi ! Enjoy your reading & crafting ... 6y
Kaye Good morning 🌞 6y
Nessavamusic Hiya 🌅 6y
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eanderson 👋 HI! 6y
julesG 👋 6y
Cinfhen What you crafting?!?! 6y
SledgeReader @Cinfhen Ha! Great question. It‘s a stretch for me. I typically just knit. But I‘m crafting bookmarks for the summer swap. Not sure I‘m qualified!! 6y
Cinfhen I believe it‘s within your capacity 🤓can‘t wait to see the final result ♥️ 6y
50 likes8 comments
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SledgeReader
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Jack picked the #chaser for the night. Force of Nature it is! @jillrhudy @emilyhaldi @Cinfhen

SheReadsAndWrites ❤️❤️❤️ 6y
Cinfhen It‘s a wise choice🤩I call this #braincandy 🍭🍬🍭🍬🍭 no nutritional value but so tasty💜 6y
SledgeReader @Cinfhen @SheReadsAndWrites I need some candy. It‘s been a long week!❤️🍷🍫But I swear chocolate is a vegetable. It comes from a bean! That‘s my story and I‘m sticking to it! 6y
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Aimeesue ❤️Awww, doggo! I'm enjoying the contrast between the book title and the sleepy dog (who is ferocious at other times, I am sure.😄) 6y
SledgeReader @Aimeesue 😉 His sister is sacked out behind her. They guard the yard mightily from all service providers, squirrels and birds. Jack is slightly miffed by the heavy book on him. He hates being used as a prop! 🐶🐶❤️#dogsoflitsy 6y
CaitlinR Jane Harper is a great writer. 6y
SledgeReader @CaitlinR Right? I loved The Dry! 6y
emilyhaldi Perfect chaser!! 👌🏻😉 6y
62 likes1 stack add8 comments
review
SledgeReader
Before the Fall | Noah Hawley
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Mehso-so

An entertaining read, Before the Fall left me wanting more at the end. The writing style was engaging and told the story in a gripping manner. This was for my Thursday night book group. The conversation was lively! ❤️💕❤️💕those ladies!!!

laurenlovesliterature Uh oh. I'm reading this right now 6y
SledgeReader @laurenlovesliterature Stay with it. Entertaining and keeps you On your toes! 6y
laurenlovesliterature I'm feeling pretty intrigued while reading it. I'll definitely stay the course. 6y
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Cathythoughts I agree it was good , but no brilliant. Our Bookclub ladies are quite passionate, lots of talking goes on 😂 6y
SledgeReader @Cathythoughts Don‘t you love it? This group started just last August and you would think we‘d been together forever. Snap. Just remembered my other group is meeting this morning. Ah! 6y
Cathythoughts We are heading into our 3d year ! I say that we are like a mad passionately Italian family , all talking at once ( there are 10 of us ) book discussions get very spirited indeed 👍🏻. Love it ! 6y
SledgeReader @Cathythoughts I‘m a librarian and one thing I do is mentor starting bookgroups especially when it‘s primarily people meeting for the first time. I can‘t take credit for starting this one. But I‘m so glad they asked me to help moderate. ❤️❤️❤️ 6y
49 likes8 comments
review
SledgeReader
Imagine Me Gone | Adam Haslett
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Pickpick

I am so glad I read this very intense look at mental illness. Character driven and descriptive, Imagine Me Gone explores the relationships and devotion within a loving family unable to escape inevitable tragedy. This one showed me unimaginable emotion.

the-flashley This sounds really interesting. I‘m excited to read it after seeing your review! 6y
MommyOfTwo Sounds good 6y
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SledgeReader Pressure! 6y
arubabookwoman I liked this one a lot too. 6y
SledgeReader @arubabookwoman I‘m so glad! Great experience I would know about otherwise. 6y
62 likes5 stack adds6 comments
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SledgeReader
Imagine Me Gone | Adam Haslett
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@collegecatlady @intervital On my way to the post office right now. I‘m not the best note taker - hope to improve!Sorry to cut it so close to the fifteenth! I‘m really looking forward to my next book. Think I‘m going to find mind candy to cleanse my brain before starting the next one. Realizing how much my reading is affected by the book before and after. #genreswappbc #styleexchange

wellreadredhead I get the same way! I always find myself drawing connections between books read around the same time and making crazy comparisons that make other people go “wait what?” 6y
BooksIHeld It's totally fine! Lookinh forward to this. Thank you! 6y
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SledgeReader I‘ve been having this conversation with @jillrhudy @Cinfhen @emilyhaldi and they came with these great descriptors for the book before and after. #foreplay and #chaser!!! And I can‘t stop laughing!!!!😂😂😂 Perfect! @collegecatlady @intervital 6y
BooksIHeld Omg foreplay and chaser are TOTALLY perfect terms! Definitely using them lol 6y
SledgeReader @intervital Awesome. Between the two of us, I‘m going for foreplay!!! 😝 6y
BooksIHeld 🤣🤣😂 6y
jillrhudy So in my case was White Teeth the foreplay for Little Fires Everywhere or was Little Fires Everywhere the chaser for White Teeth? Does this imply a third book in between? I‘m gonna say a good main event would be 6y
jillrhudy This is foreplay for something serious but I don‘t know what 6y
SledgeReader @jillrhudy @intervital That is an excellent question! What would one call the third book in between??? And are these mindful decisions??🙃🙃🙃 6y
jillrhudy An entree? A filler? A casserole, in the case of War and Peace? 6y
SledgeReader @jillrhudy 😙😆😙😆😙😆😙😘 6y
66 likes1 stack add12 comments
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SledgeReader
Imagine Me Gone | Adam Haslett
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And now you know the rest of the story! Jack and Diane hate seeing us leave in the morning. They are pulling the sick card today. Hustlers! #dogsoflitsy are helping me finish the tagged book for #genreswappbc #styleexchange Almost done!

MicheleinPhilly I love that you named them Jack & Diane! 6y
Cathythoughts Adorable pic ❤️ 6y
Stacy_31 So cute!! 6y
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mabell Too cute! ❤️🐶 I love that they play the sick card too. Bella pulls that as well. 😂 6y
CouronneDhiver Awwwww 😍😍😍 6y
SledgeReader @MicheleinPhilly @Cathythoughts @Stacy_31 @mabell Thanks, Littens! They were our found gift after the 2011 tornadoes came through Alabama. We rescued them at our lake house 1.5 miles from the nearest home. They were chasing deer. Wiener dogs rule!! 😂😍❤️🐶🐶 6y
Cathythoughts Very lovely story & makes them all the more special ❤️. And they are so lucky to have such kind owners 6y
CBee @SledgeReader are you in Alabama? I‘m south of Birmingham. I was here during the tornadoes - some rescue folks I know started an “animals lost and found” page because so many were displaced. Thank you for rescuing your babies! 6y
SledgeReader @CBee Yes!!! We are north of Birmingham. Some might say our babies rescued us! There was never a doubt we were meant for one another. Shoot me an email if you are interested in an Alabama meet up. @robinb and I are searching out Littens in the state. shsledge2@gmail.com (Getting ready to post a pic just for you! 😉) 6y
CBee @SledgeReader oh my gosh! I‘m excited!! 6y
71 likes1 stack add10 comments
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SledgeReader
Imagine Me Gone | Adam Haslett
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I so wish I could let you #makemereadit! What a great way to handle the pending landslide I call my TBR. I am currently swamped with must reads mixed with some want to reads. 😔 All great books but dictated by outside forces. I think I‘m going to get some monkeys off my back!! (I may start target practice right now.....)

77 likes18 comments
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SledgeReader
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@CBee These are our small standards. Jack and Diane weigh around 19lbs. And they are BIG hunters. #dogsoflitsy Okay, guys. I‘ll take some new photos.

DivineDiana Too cute! ❤️❤️ 6y
wanderinglynn So sweet! ❤️🐶❤️🐶 6y
knittedgnome So cute!! 6y
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DGRachel 😍🐶😍 6y
tonyahoswalt These are the two I think I've talked to you about before. So sweet. You know I often think that when I get another dog, I want a corgi, but I cannot resist a dachshund, especially a mini! 6y
SledgeReader @tonyahoswalt We have talked before! Corgis are amazing. And there is always the Dorgi option!😝 6y
ladym30 They are so adorable!! 6y
jillannjohn So much cuteness! ❤️ 6y
CBee @SledgeReader twinsies!!!! Izzy is 19 lbs too. Last night she kept trying to burrow in my pants leg 😂 6y
mabell So cute! ❤️🐶 And attentive! 😄 6y
SledgeReader @CBee Ha! They are so funny when they want to burrow! We keep blankets out for them year round. It‘s their favorite indoor game. Thank goodness for doggie doors especially when the minis are visiting. 6y
CBee @SledgeReader I‘ve never met a doxie that didn‘t like to burrow. Iz will completely disappear and I‘ve gotten scared before because I thought she was lost ha! 😂 6y
tpixie Hi cuties!! 🐶 🐶 6y
tonyahoswalt @SledgeReader oh my gosh! I've never considered a Dorgi! I need to find pictures! 6y
SledgeReader @tonyahoswalt Queen Elizabeth has two!! 6y
ReadingRover Cute!!! 6y
Cathythoughts Two adorables ❤️ 6y
RaimeyGallant Such a cute pair! 6y
SledgeReader @ReadingRover @Cathythoughts @RaimeyGallant Having two is so wonderful. Their relationship is darling. My daughter visited the weekend with her doxie pups. Mine were teaching hers to hunt! Amazing to watch. 6y
78 likes19 comments
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SledgeReader
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@CBee These are our grandwieners enjoying their birthday at Dairy Queen. Had no idea they served Birthday ice cream to dogs! These boys are minis. #dogsoflitsy Apologies, Littens. @CBee and I have connected over doxies.

DGRachel So cute! 6y
Cathythoughts So adorable ! 6y
wanderinglynn Too stinkin‘ cute! Love it! ❤️❤️🐶🐶 6y
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CBee @SledgeReader OH MY GOODNESS I can‘t take it. Such sweet little fellas. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (edited) 6y
ReadingRover So cute! 6y
valeriegeary Oh my gosh I love them!!! 😍🤗 6y
Soubhiville Cuties! 6y
JoScho ❤️❤️❤️ 6y
Sleepswithbooks Never apologize for wieners!!! They are magical ✨✨ 6y
CatLass007 My brother has two wieners! LOL. 6y
tonyahoswalt Beautiful babies! Squee! 6y
Smrloomis Cute! 🧡 6y
SledgeReader @DGRachel @Cathythoughts @wanderinglynn @CBee @ReadingRover @valeriegeary @Soubhiville @JoScho @Stacypatrice @CatLass007 @tonyahoswalt @Smrloomis Thanks for all the puppy love! 💕 They make the world better! Just posted my wieners - Jack and Diane! They are the small standards. 6y
ladym30 They are beautiful! 6y
CBee @CatLass007 I see what you did there 😂😂😂😂 6y
CouronneDhiver Grandweiners 🤣🤣🤣 6y
67 likes16 comments
review
SledgeReader
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Panpan

Little Fires Everywhere was doomed from the beginning. I just reread one of my all time favs #TheSparrow and this just didn‘t hold up for me. Fast start and finish, Boring middle. 😔 Just like NBA basketball games. 😊 I really think this was more me than the book. And it probably would have happened to any book. Does anyone else experience a guaranteed letdown after reading a mountaintop high?

shaynarae Yes! I always feel bad for the book I read after I finish an amazing one. They don‘t stand a chance. I read this book just after finishing All the Light We Cannot See, which was stunning. I felt the same way as you - this book really paled in comparison and left me feeling like “I guess it was fine?” I‘m going give Everything I Never Told You a go at some point so that Celeste Ng has another chance. 6y
SledgeReader @shaynarae Glad I‘m not alone on this! I too loved All the Light and I hope to give Everything I Never Told You a chance. Have you read 6y
LikelyLibrarian @shaynarae @SledgeReader Everything I never told you was definitely better than this one. 6y
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shaynarae @SledgeReader I haven‘t read that one; I‘ll definitely check it out! @LikelyLibrarian Glad to hear it! 👍🏼 6y
Copwithabook Yes. I usually switch up genres after a mountain top read 6y
SledgeReader @Copwithabook That‘s a great idea! I‘ll give it a whirl. 🙃 6y
ErinGoBragh1011 I felt this way after reading All the Light We Cannot See. It was beautifully but after reading The Nightingale there was just no comparison. The Nightingale was so much better. 6y
jillrhudy Some books just don‘t work as a chaser. For my part, I liked this one. I‘d just come off of White Teeth which also has weird family dynamics. 6y
SledgeReader @jillrhudy A chaser! 🤣Love the term! Sadly I‘m now reading Imagine Me Gone and having a similar experience. 6y
jillrhudy I wish I‘d kept a record of the books I tossed aside—some of them probably wonderful—after Kingsolver knocked my socks off with 6y
SledgeReader @jillrhudy That‘s actually a very good idea! Thanks for sharing. 6y
DrSabrinaMoldenReads Wow! I kept thinking about the Poisonwood Bible too @jillrhudy 5y
DrSabrinaMoldenReads Glad to know it wasn‘t just me @SledgeReader 5y
54 likes1 stack add13 comments
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SledgeReader
The Sparrow: A Novel | Mary Doria Russell
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#TheSparrow #buddyread This is our next to last round. It‘s time to discuss the AMAZING Mary Doria Russell! Watch for hashtags for the last round!

SledgeReader Let‘s talk about MDR‘s writing? Can you believe she primarily wrote scientific papers prior to The Sparrow?

If you had to put a genre on the book, what would it be?

How did the two time periods impact your reading experience?

Are you in for Children of God in August?

6y
SledgeReader @Soubhiville @jmtrivera Hi guys! Did you see this thread? What do you think? 6y
SledgeReader I can‘t wait to catch up with @Cinfhen in the morning! 6y
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jmtrivera It's crazy to think she wrote primarily papers before this. There's so much to this book. I thin the two time periods stressed me out because from the start you know bad things happened on this mission due to the frame, and it set me up to worry. But then, when the tensions were high, switching to another time period was super helpful on my stress levels! 6y
jmtrivera I'm interested in Children of God, but I'm not sure I can handle the stress again so soon! 😅 6y
Cinfhen I‘m blown away by MDR! Her imagination, world building, rich character development / its all brilliant! Definitely science fiction for me. I found the time periods at first confusing and a bit abrupt but it worked well for the plot development. I thought it was a slower build up and I may have put this book down initially if it wasn‘t a group read. So glad I didn‘t. Can‘t wait to read on!! 6y
Soubhiville MDR is an incredible writer! I keep meaning to pick up her other book(s?). I‘ve read Children of God, loved it too. 6y
Soubhiville I love books with different time periods or from several characters perspectives. It did build incredible tension in that you knew something horrendous happened, but didn‘t know exactly what it was until the very end. 6y
Soubhiville I would call this sci-fi as well, but I almost feel like it needs a subcategory. It‘s absolutely one of a kind! 6y
Soubhiville @SledgeReader thanks for tagging me! 6y
Cinfhen I can‘t believe I missed your bday, Sarah!!!!! 😖😩Hope it was wonderful 💗🎶🎂🍷 6y
SledgeReader @Soubhiville I‘m so glad you joined us and can‘t wait to connect again over Children of God! 6y
SledgeReader @Cinfhen Thanks for the good wishes. I got to see my peeps this weekend but wasn‘t on top of my game. Fighting some kind of bug which led to a migraine. 😔 Limited books and screens. And couldn‘t eat my cake. 😢 6y
SledgeReader Can‘t wait to hear about your meet up! 6y
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SledgeReader
The Sparrow: A Novel | Mary Doria Russell
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Let‘s spend a bit of time talking about Rakhat and the mission in general. #TheSparrow #buddyread Please look for the hashtags so I don‘t have to tag everyone for the other rounds!

SledgeReader From a historic perspective, what are your thoughts on the explorers to Rakhat compared to our early explorers?

Is the mission to Rakhat a scientific or religious one? What harm came from it?

Do you think we will ever connect with an alien species? Should we?

What do you think of the Runa and Jana‘ata now? Did you see that coming? What struck you the most about the species and the world building?
6y
Soubhiville It seemed to me that the explorers in the book were trying to be more thoughtful and respectful to the environment and existing cultures on Rakhat than Earth‘s early explorers ever were. It was incredibly unfortunate that they misunderstood things so badly. But I certainly felt the team had the best intentions, and never meant to conquer like early American settlers did. 6y
Soubhiville I saw the mission as both scientific and religious, with different members having different specific goals, although I think overall there was harmony between the two. Originally spurred by religion but balanced by scientists on the team. The harm came from misunderstanding and miscommunication. 6y
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Soubhiville I do think there is a chance that there is alien life out there. If there is contact I think they‘ll come here, but honestly I‘m not sure that humans can manage to fix the downward spiral of politics and environment before we self destruct. 6y
Soubhiville I absolutely loved the Runa. What a wonderful peaceful gentle species! The Jana‘ata were frightening. I felt a correlation to oppressive forces on earth. I was shocked by every twist and the ending! Wow, I‘m not sure I‘ve ever been as affected by the end of a book. All the feelings, but especially sorrow for Emilio and horror at the culmination. So incredibly well written! 6y
jmtrivera I think the mission was both. It might have been originally conceived by Emilio's faith and half staffed by priests, but those priests were also scholars looking to explore. I think the harm came from needing better communication and understanding of the world they'd entered. We said in our podcast that they really needed the Prime Directive from Star Trek! 6y
jmtrivera The reveal about the Runa and Jana'ata wasn't anything I could have predicted. Looking back, I'm still struck by it, and I finished the book a while ago! 6y
SledgeReader @Soubhiville @jmtrivera We are in agreement. I think the mission started out as both and finished as both. There was balance among the priests but the scientists especially leaned towards keeping the balance and objectivity of discovering the new world. I think they all found their God in their way at some point. Anne is a great example of this. 6y
SledgeReader Can you imagine the thrill of being the first to see a new species - especially the Runa? The Jana‘ata are another story. The crew was motivated in good faith when learning about the species on Rakhat but just didn‘t understand what they were witnessing. @jmtrivera please tell me more about your podcast! How do I find it? 6y
Ruri_kaichou So I can't answer completely at the moment, but I did want to say, Anne 5eva! And you can find the podcast at EclecticReaders.fireside.fm. I believe it's episode 47. 😊 6y
SledgeReader @Ruri_kaichou Thanks for sharing! I‘m in complete awe! 6y
jmtrivera @SledgeReader That scene where Anne and Emilio discuss God is one of my absolute faves. Our podcast is a book club podcast, in which we discuss a different book chosen by our members each month, along with some general discussion about currently reads and other bookish subjects. We read The Sparrow earlier this year, April maybe? (Address above) We hit on some of the same topics (because THIS BOOK), so you might find it interesting! 6y
Cinfhen I agree with you all again! @SledgeReader @Soubhiville @jmtrivera The mission was done with all the right intentions and with the upmost respect for the world they were entering. It was earth‘s “prejudices”that helped lead to the deadly mistakes. Assuming the men were the bigger Runa, not understanding their family structure, and certainly no one could have predicted the systematic system for controlling the population. 6y
Cinfhen I loved the Runa but it‘s interesting that the people on the mission grew tired of their simpleness. They wanted more complex people and WOW did they find them. 6y
jmtrivera @Cinfhen Exactly!!! That's so well said! 6y
28 likes15 comments
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SledgeReader
The Sparrow: A Novel | Mary Doria Russell
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Mission Complete! Wow! It is exciting to hear this conversation from such a tremendous and talented group of readers. Gentle reminder - this is a conversation about the text. Let‘s remember to respect one another‘s personal beliefs. Round 1 Discussion will center around Emilio. Questions are forthcoming in comments under a spoiler. Let‘s do it!🚀 #TheSparrow #buddyread

SledgeReader What was Emilio looking for? Did he find it?
Did God‘s will lead the mission?
How is Emilio‘s faith tested?
Why was it important for Emilio to stand by his vow of celibacy?
Why is Emilio reluctant to share his story?
6y
Soubhiville I think Emilio was looking for confirmation of god‘s existence. I think he was also excited to introduce his beliefs to another culture. For me, the plot reveals the opposite, probably because of my own belief... No god would allow the terrible things that happen every day. I think he was reluctant to share his story because of the pain of reliving it, as well as not wanting to strip others of their faith. 6y
jmtrivera I think Emilio wanted support for his faith, but I think he was looking for it in the wrong way. It left him losing his belief, and I think that's one of the reasons he didn't want to share his story. Not only was he horribly traumatized and didn't want to revisit that pain, but I think he wasn't ready to think about his faith and what losing it might mean. 6y
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SledgeReader @Soubhiville @jmtrivera So well said! I am always amazed at the layers upon layers in this book. It is such a beautiful rendering of faith and the confirmation of God‘s existence. I agree Emilio‘s reluctance to speak of his experience was in part self- preservation as well as preserving faith in those around him. 6y
jmtrivera @SledgeReader True! Lots of layers! 6y
Cinfhen I absolutely agree with all of you when it comes to Emilio‘s reluctance to share his story with the other men of faith @SledgeReader @jmtrivera @Soubhiville to reveal what he knew, saw, experienced in his mind would tarnish God. Prior to the landing, I think Emilio believed in God in the abstract but when he actually realized the planet was real I think God became real for him. He would never let go of his celibacy because for him it 👇🏼 (edited) 6y
Cinfhen Would be cheating on God. Or perhaps walking away from God, which is shocking seeing how God “abandoned” him time & time again on Rakhat. 6y
Cinfhen Which leads me to that BIG QUESTION: Did God abandon Emilio and the others on Rakhat??? Which leads me to the other BIG IDEA: free will. As a student who went through the Jewish Day School system from pre nursery through 12 grade I have grappled with this notion. If God is ever present and created man and is watching us and guiding us how the hell does he allow for all the shit that happens on both a large scale & small scale. 👇🏼 6y
Cinfhen Here I was taught~ man and free will! Man makes the choices not God. So on Rakhat man made the choice to plant a garden. A smart choice, an honest choice a “good” choice but the consequences were so disastrous. Do we blame God for the terrible outcome?? This philosophical approach drives me crazy everyday. I‘ve experienced pain and disappointment but I have not been in a situation where I personally felt God walked away from me. 👇🏼 (edited) 6y
Cinfhen I Will say, I have questioned God but I always return to God because I ultimately believe God IS there us. For me, it‘s NOT about the next world or the next life. I live strictly for this world, not about rewards and punishments in the after world ( not sure I buy into all that)and for me, God exists helps me to say/see I can‘t control everything, I‘m not ALWAYS steering the ship. My journey has been taken by me but influenced perhaps by God. 6y
Cinfhen I thank God that I haven‘t been put in a situation that would make me truly question God, like those on the mission. Or say The Holocaust or God forbid the loss of a child. It‘s those who are truly “tested” that I admire before all others. 6y
jmtrivera @Cinfhen I've often thought about this and it's always felt to me like a parental thing: a parent can watch their children, know every move they'll make before they do it, and still know that their children will screw up and make mistakes - even big, bad ones. At a certain point, parents just have to step back and let their kids do it, even if it breaks their hearts. 6y
jmtrivera @Cinfhen In the case of this particular story, I think it's hard for me to say Emilio was abandoned. It's really easy to think it's a tragic story when I first think back on it, except that many of the parts that stuck out to me were actually good things, and knowing there's a sequel allows me to hope that there's more to Emilio's journey than just suffering (I probably should have warned you all: I'm an eternal optimist). 6y
Cinfhen I totally get the parent reference @jmtrivera and I ❤️that you‘re an eternal optimist. I tend to go right for the doom & gloom😔 6y
jmtrivera @Cinfhen We can balance each other out. 😉 6y
Soubhiville Isn‘t it interesting how different people can take away different perspectives on a book? For me the entire book was a question of “is god there? Is faith entirely in our heads?” I felt like Emilio‘s experiences confirmed my own views- faith is a fantasy concocted by man to explain the unexplainable. It takes an extremely talented writer to create a story that perfectly satisfies two viewpoints in one ending! 6y
Soubhiville And @jmtrivera I‘m an optimist too 😊. I felt the same way, the whole experience of Emilio and his team was an incredible learning experience and adventure! Knowing the story continued made me feel good too (I received both books at once, I‘ve already read CoG). 6y
SledgeReader @Cinfhen @Soubhiville @jmtrivera I knew a great discussion was going to evolve! I‘ve read The Sparrow at least 4 times now and every time it takes me months to let go of it. Clearly I‘ve never completely done so. There is so much to think about and consider. It struck me for the first time - Is this book one giant metaphor for our personal journey of discovery and challenge within our own faith?? (edited) 6y
SledgeReader @Soubhiville You are so right. There are multiple ways to view the ending, and I think, the various stages throughout. And I love that each one is sufficiently substantiated for reasonable a conclusion. 6y
SledgeReader We are going to be talking for days!!👏👏 6y
Soubhiville @SledgeReader this has got me geared up for a reread! Lol. 6y
Cinfhen I love your conclusion @Soubhiville it‘s true, this book has a way of speaking to so many different ideas, beliefs ~ thank you, Sarah for bringing MDR into my life 💜 6y
MommyWantsToReadHerBook Sorry for being so late to the party! Close to the end of the book, Emilio says something about a dream or vision he had of God but I can't remember the exact words. The first time I read the book, it really sh9 6y
MommyWantsToReadHerBook Shook my faith, sorry, because it really did seem to me that God had abandoned Emilio and He wouldn't necessary be there when we really needed Him. Clearly, my image of God was still very much of God as Rescuer, God as Magician. Whatever that dream or whatever of Emilio precisely said, the first time I barely registered it. The second time, it meant everything to me. It said to me that Emilio had understood that God had been with him the whole 6y
MommyWantsToReadHerBook Time and would always be in everything WITH him. It was something to the effect of him being willing to follow wherever God led. A healt 6y
MommyWantsToReadHerBook A healthier God image, I believe, is exactly that, believing that God is always with us but not micromanaging us and miraculously intervening whenever we would find it convenient. I find what others took away from the book fascinating! 6y
emilyhaldi Very interesting point @Cinfhen regarding God vs free will. I suppose Emilio's journey to Rakhat proved to him God's existence but juxtaposed with the truth that horrible things still happen to good people. Interesting that some in the Jesuit church consider Emilio a Saint and perhaps that is why he is being tested the hardest of all 🖤 I loved this read and am so happy to have revisited it again after 18 years!! Thank you @SledgeReader !! 6y
SledgeReader @Soubhiville @Cinfhen @MommyWantsToReadHerBook @emilyhaldi This has been such a great read and experience shared with you all. I‘ve walked away from it with something new every time. And I will confess my first read was almost completely taken up with the world building. I don‘t “do” sci-fi. But this is one of my all time most influential reads because I learned I can read it. And the power of Emilio‘s journey keeps me coming back. 6y
SledgeReader I love introducing MDR to first time readers. It is such a great conversation starter. Now watch, you will reference the Sparrow for months in end! This has been so much fun! 6y
MommyWantsToReadHerBook Thanks for hosting @SledgeReader, it's been lovely! I also want everyone to read this! 6y
Cinfhen I‘m really looking forward to the next phase, Sarah!!! Thanks for being a fabulous host and providing great commentary and insight😇🙏🏻 6y
32 likes31 comments
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SledgeReader
The Sparrow: A Novel | Mary Doria Russell
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It‘s almost time for the final discussion of #TheSparrow #buddyread. Everyone is invited for this Tell-All Conversation of Mary Doria Russell‘s masterpiece of the mission to Rakhat!🚀

MommyWantsToReadHerBook Sorry I never commented on the previous section. Can't wait to see what everyone thinks of the ending! 6y
SledgeReader @MommyWantsToReadHerBook No worries! We look forward to hearing from you on Friday! 6y
AmyG I‘m sorry. I haven‘t finished yet. :( 6y
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Cinfhen I can‘t wait to discuss!!!! And your graphics are 🙌🏻🧡 6y
SledgeReader @AmyG Rats! We can still chat when you are done. Ping me when you finish. I can always talk about The Sparrow. 6y
SledgeReader @Cinfhen Thanks!! Did this one on my own. @Searcysledge is a great teacher! 😉 6y
AmyG You are too sweet. I will jump back on here when I finish. With the move coming...I have read nothing. 6y
emilyhaldi This should be an interesting discussion!! 👏🏻 6y
jmtrivera Looking forward to everyone's thoughts! 6y
Andrew65 Oh no! Got so far behind on this one! 😒 6y
Godmotherx5 Sounds good 6y
SledgeReader I can‘t WAIT! 6y
SledgeReader @Andrew65 Ping me when you finish! I‘m always happy to chat! 6y
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SledgeReader
Stepford Wives | Ira Levin
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Happy Saturday Y‘all! I‘m looking forward to a great rehash tomorrow! Here‘s my 70s music. I missed the photo post yesterday 😕So sorry! Great news though! My daughter @Searcysledge gave me another Canva lesson tonight! Woohoo!

BluestockingDuchess Such awesome music in the 70s! 🎸 6y
batsy Nice selection! Sister Sledge 💜 6y
DebinHawaii Great list of seventies artists! 😍🎼 6y
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mabell Boston! ❤️❤️❤️ 6y
Cinfhen Brilliant list!! Agreeing with all the ladies above 👆🏼 6y
Cinfhen BTW: graphics look amazing! 6y
Cinfhen Nice job @Searcysledge 🙌🏻 6y
Bookzombie This is great list too! Love Bob Seger! 6y
59 likes8 comments
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SledgeReader
The Sparrow: A Novel | Mary Doria Russell
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Hello Space Travelers! It‘s time to debrief our mission 🚀 before the final countdown to the end of #TheSparrow. This is our Week 3 discussion with questions in the comments. Everyone is welcome to join in the conversation. @Cinfhen has got lots going on with hosting duties at #StepfordSummerParty 🤣 and with us on Rakhat! I am so excited to hear your thoughts. At this point, use the questions as suggestions. There is too much to discuss! 👽👽👽

SledgeReader Do you believe Emilio has found what he was searching for on Rakhat? Or was he even looking?

How would you characterize the Runa and the Jana‘ata both culturally and socially?

Do you think the crew is holding up to their situation especially after Sofia‘s flight?

What do you predict is going to be the climax of this adventure?
6y
Godmotherx5 I had a couple of hours to myself yesterday. I put a dent in the book & was amazed at how much I‘d forgotten in just six years. Still a great read. 6y
SledgeReader @Godmotherx5 Me too! It‘s such a complex story. I learn something new every time! I can‘t wait to read Children of God again. 🚀 6y
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Godmotherx5 @SledgeReader How many times have you read them? 6y
SledgeReader @Godmotherx5 This is at least 4 times for The Sparrow but only once for Children of God - and it‘s been a while. 6y
emilyhaldi I do think that Emilio has found what he was looking for... until tragedy ensues (full details not yet disclosed) and now he must feel duped by God. Like the whole journey was some kind of sick joke and all of the faith he found was crushed. Poor guy 😪 6y
AmyG I am not reading any comments because I didn‘t read his week‘s section. Moving, sorry. 6y
Cinfhen @emilyhaldi @Godmotherx5 I‘m not sure that Emilio went initially searching for God but he definitely believed he encountered God, unfortunately God let him down at some point in the story. I loved how the group rallied around each other and no one assigned blame yet each individually took some upon themselves. I think I see where this is headed...prediction: Jana‘ata are the bad guys they are gonna dupe Emilio into a false security 👇🏼 6y
Cinfhen Which will eventually lead to the destruction of the peaceful Runa and the deaths of his friends. I‘m fascinated by the mind of MaryD!!! Her world building blows me away 🤯 6y
SledgeReader @emilyhaldi @Godmotherx5 @Cinfhen Emilio‘s current situation back on Earth is heartbreaking. The violence of his physical illness and recovery is haunting. I agree the group rallied incredibly - no finger pointing! I am so glad to hear enthusiasm for MaryD! The complexity she weaves into her storytelling is ... stellar! (Pun intended.) What I don‘t get is that we don‘t hear more about her in the literary world.👇 6y
SledgeReader Sorry! Wiener dog attacked X 4. I‘ll be back after the puppy love! 💕 🐶 🐶🐶🐶 6y
SledgeReader Back from commercial break - Hence my joy to hear Sabaa Tahir sending MDR some literary love on the podcast @Godmotherx5 shared with us! 😍 I agree with @Cinfhen. The world building is amazing! (edited) 6y
SledgeReader @emilyhaldi @Godmotherx5 @Cinfhen Am I the only one that loves the joy Emilio finds in his paternal relationship with Askama? 6y
Cinfhen Absolutely for Emilio his “family” was comprised of those on Rakhat ~ DW (dad) Anne(Mom) Askama (child) knowing none survive is heartbreaking 6y
Godmotherx5 @Cinfhen @emilyhaldi I agree with @SledgeReader because there is definitely not enough published about Mary Doria Russell. She‘s a hoot to follow on Facebook. 6y
jmtrivera Having finished the book, I find it hard to answer these questions without spoiling things for everyone else, but I think Emilio's journey is really strongly connected with his faith, which has both good sides and bad sides to it. @Godmotherx5 You just made me curious to look her up on Facebook! 6y
cornfedwellread I have gotten so far behind. :( Since my show opened over the weekend and I don't have rehearsal until Thursday, I'm hoping to get caught up this week so that I can at least take part in the final discussion! 6y
SledgeReader @therealdealbeall Hi! Wonderful news in the show. I‘m crossing my fingers you get it read in time to join us. Remember we are reading Children of God (the sequel) in August! 6y
cornfedwellread @SledgeReader since I won't be working on another show until mid September, I should have more time to be able to take part in the August read! 6y
SledgeReader @therealdealbeall Great!! What‘s your show? 6y
44 likes20 comments
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SledgeReader
Stepford Wives | Ira Levin
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Time to #stepfordsummerparty! Wish I could read all the comments right now. You are all cracking me up! 🤣🤣🤣 This recipe came from the Officer‘s Wives Club cookbook at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa. My mother and her friends ate this on a regular basis all throughout the 70s with their Carlo Rossi wine coolers - 3 parts red, one part 7Up. Wanted to share the hand drawn graphic. Recipe coming in the comments. Party on Stepfords!!

SledgeReader Zippy Shrimp Dip - 2 cans tiny shrimp, 8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup Miracle Whip, 1 chopped onion, dash Tabasco - Mix well. Refrigerate. Serve on Waverly Crackers. FREEZES WELL!!!😂😂😂 6y
LeahBergen Gross! 😂😂 I‘m just imagining the texture when it comes out of the freezer! 6y
Mdargusch Canned shrimp. 🤢 6y
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Reviewsbylola Omf lord 😑 what was going on in the culinary world in the 70s?! Tragic. 6y
DebinHawaii Too funny! I made a canned chicken dip once from the Campbell's Soup Cookbook for a retro blog party. Don't think I'll ever remake it! 😬😆 6y
asiriusreader Canned shrimp?? 🤢 6y
TK-421 Actually, my Mom used to make a variation of this (Cheese Whiz instead of cream cheese & grated pickle instead of onion & only 1 can of shrimp). I loved it with raw vegetables. It sounds awful (and looks even worse) but it was good and it didn't last long enough to freeze, fortunately! That just sounds like a terrible idea. Of course, I haven't had it in years so I've no idea if I'd still like it. (edited) 6y
batsy 😂😂 Is Miracle Whip different from Cool Whip?! 6y
mabell I don't think this sounds too bad? A creamy shrimp dip? I've never tried canned shrimp 🤔 6y
mabell @batsy 😂😂 6y
SledgeReader @LeahBergen @Mdargusch @GeorgiaPeach @Reviewsbylola @DebinHawaii @asiriusreader @TK-421 @batsy @mabell And those ladies thought it was divine cuisine! I don‘t want ANY meat in a can. 🤢Maybe we need to talk about hard to get food sometime. Living in North Dakota in the 70s on an Air Force base had it‘s own challenges. (edited) 6y
Pamwurtzler Wow canned shrimp! I‘m not sure I‘ve ever seen that. 6y
erzascarletbookgasm Sounds..interesting 6y
Cinfhen @batsy Miracle Whip is sort of fake mayonnaise unlike Hellman‘s Real mayonnaise 😂😂and Zippy Shrimp Dip must have been exotic on an Army base in North Dakota @SledgeReader 6y
Cinfhen I love the illustration, too! 6y
Cinfhen Your comments are hilarious @Reviewsbylola 😂😂 6y
batsy @Cinfhen Ahhh, I see! The savoury version of Cool Whip 😄 6y
55 likes18 comments
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SledgeReader
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@JulesG @CarolynM
1. Why mess with perfection? Maggie!!!
2. Bedtime is my biggest struggle. I try to make it to bed by 10:15pm and asleep by 11:00. Otherwise I take a quick nap around 4:30am and still make it to work by 7:30.
3. Beach read
4. We start and end our days with the electric kettle!
5. Bookstore 3/4 mile in one direction. Library 2.5 miles in the other. I‘m at the library everyday. It‘s my job!! I mean dress up time! 🙃

SledgeReader @julesG @CarolynM You nailed this one! Thanks for letting me steal your brilliance! 6y
CarolynM 👍 6y
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julesG Anytime! 6y
Stacy_31 I chose Maggie, too. She‘s brilliant! ❤️❤️ 6y
57 likes6 comments
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SledgeReader
Crimson Campaign | Brian McClellan
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It‘s 74 days and counting to football season! After seeing Dodger Blue earlier today I couldn‘t resist showing my team colors! 🏈 Happy #manicmonday! @JoScho

JoScho Roll Tide! 6y
blithebuoyant *AHEM* Boomer... 😂 I can‘t wait for football season either 6y
SledgeReader @JoScho Roll Tide!! I‘m glad I‘m not the only one! @blithebuoyant 😘 It‘s all good fun! Best time of the year! 6y
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MicrobeMom I have a bunch family in Alabama but they all say War Damn Eagle! 😂😂 6y
rustoryhuf RTR. I married in to the Bama Life and I love it. 6y
SledgeReader @MicrobeMom @rustoryhuf Yay to Bama connections - especially our cousins in Auburn! 😂😂😂 My husband and I met there in Grad School and both kids graduated there too. It‘s a family thing! 6y
blithebuoyant @SledgeReader My Mom and I are the only ones who watch football in my house 😭 My sister, dad and brother hide in the bedroom while we scream “RUN THE {expletive} BALL” for three hours on a Saturday 😂 (edited) 6y
SledgeReader @blithebuoyant Perfect! We even speak the same language!! Roll Tide! 6y
49 likes8 comments
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SledgeReader
MAD Librarian | Michael Guillebeau
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Calling all #Littens! Please help me welcome my friend author Mike Guillebeau. He‘s a lot of fun and has a wicked sense of humor. Here he is! He‘s all yours! #litsywelcome

cobwebmoth @MikeGuillebeau Welcome to Litsy! 6y
jillannjohn Welcome! 6y
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Grrlbrarian Welcome! 👋 6y
SledgeReader @LibrarianRyan @cobwebmoth @jillannjohn Thanks everyone! Mike is a great addition to the #Litsycommunity. All our crime and mystery readers will especially enjoy getting to know him. He introduced me to #MyronBolitar!!! 6y
SledgeReader @Grrlbrarian Meet Mike! He likes librarians! 6y
jillannjohn I just added this book to my Amazon cart! 😀 6y
SledgeReader @jillannjohn Get ready to belly laugh! 6y
SheReadsAndWrites Welcome!! 6y
AmyG Welcome🎉🎉🎉 6y
CarolynM Welcome to Litsy @MikeGuillebeau 👋Congratulations on your prize, the book looks great. 🙂 6y
Centique Welcome to Litsy @MikeGuillebeau Your first post made me smile! 6y
Cinfhen Hi @MikeGuillebeau welcome to Litsy! And congrats on your award😀 6y
BookaholicNatty Welcome @MikeGuillebeau So glad you have joined the #LitsyFamily I hope you will enjoy it here as much as I do!!! 📚❤️ 6y
tammysue Hello, welcome to Litsy!! @MikeGuillebeau 👋🏻🎉 6y
MikeGuillebeau @Cinfhen with @SledgeReader having a beer. Why aren‘t you here? 6y
SledgeReader @MikeGuillebeau You need to shorten your name. Too many VOWELS. DUDE we have talked about this. 6y
MikeGuillebeau @SledgeReader it‘s an IQ test. You failed. 6y
SledgeReader @MikeGuillebeau WHAAAAT! I don‘t fail. You need to catch up with the rest of us!!!! Roll Tide! 😉 6y
Cinfhen Fun 🍺🍺next one is on me @sledgereader @mikeguillebeau (edited) 6y
SledgeReader @Cinfhen Thanks for unknowingly participating with @MikeGuillebeau and me in his Litsy training. Who‘s failing now, Mike? 😋 Cindy, when we finally get to have 🍻it‘s definitely on me!!! 6y
MikeGuillebeau @BookaholicNatty, I‘m looking forward to it. 6y
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SledgeReader
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1. Sadly I don‘t have my dad or father-in-law any longer. 2. Absolutely BOTH! 3. Soccer/futbol 4. Pound cake is my specialty! Thanks @BarbaraTheBibliophage for #sassysunday!

Cathythoughts Im thinking pound cake is madeira cake ... my absolute fave 👍🏻❤️ (edited) 6y
BarbaraTheBibliophage Thanks for playing along! Sad about dads. Mine aren‘t around anymore either. 😰 6y
SledgeReader @Cathythoughts ooh! I think you are right about the two cakes. I add a little almond extract to mine. 6y
SledgeReader @BarbaraTheBibliophage Here‘s to our dads! 6y
BarbaraTheBibliophage Yes, cheers! 6y
36 likes5 comments
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SledgeReader
Stepford Wives | Ira Levin
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Beautiful start to my day which dissolved into a really great nap! I‘m behind on my reading now. 😢 #stepfordwivesparty

47 likes3 stack adds
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SledgeReader
MAD Librarian | Michael Guillebeau
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Starting celebrations for my dear friend #MichaelGuillebau! His latest book #MADLibrarian just won the Foreward Indie Gold Award for Humor. It was a joy to watch his creative process in my library and to be his inspiration along with my team. (Yes, there is self-promotion all over this.) I did the easy part being his friend. Mike did the heavy lifting! Congratulations, Friend!! 🍾🎉😎🌴

sunshine_librarian Yay!!!!!!! Congrats to Mike! Loved this book! 6y
Cinfhen How wonderful 🎉🎉🎉now u need to get mike on litsy😊 6y
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SledgeReader
The Sparrow: A Novel | Mary Doria Russell
This post contains spoilers
show me
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Week 2 #TheSparrow continued

Is anything particular standing out to you about the writing now we are another 100 pages into the voyage?

Are you more comfortable with the alternating timeframes? And what about 2019 being in the novel? Like reading 1984 in 1984!

Do you sense any relationship changes? They‘ve been on that rock a long time!

We‘ve seen a bit of “cabin fever”. How would you adapt to living in that environment?

emilyhaldi Lol I love reading about the “future” of 2018 😆 6y
SledgeReader @emilyhaldi Right? It is almost humorous in some aspects! 6y
emilyhaldi definitely humorous. And I‘m loving the relationship between characters so far. Anne is obviously losing it a bit on the spacecraft but it seems like she has less to occupy her time than the others so it‘s understandable. Also, what is going on between D.W. and Emilio... 💕did I read that correctly?! 6y
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Cinfhen From the very start I was fascinated by the premise of 2019 @emilyhaldi & Sarah!! Interesting to see some ideas, US is second in power to Japan, humans can own other humans ( legally?!?) and a private church can bypass NASA & send people into space 6y
Cinfhen I‘m thinking there will be some type of rift amongst the remaining 7 ~ it‘s just a feeling I‘m getting 6y
emilyhaldi Yeah totally @Cinfhen something dramatic is going down soon within that crew!! The tension is building. 6y
SledgeReader @Cinfhen @emilyhaldi Hi! I finally made my way to a bit of cell coverage! I always think it‘s fun to see the altered futuristic visions of the current time. I‘m also feeling tension building between the crew. Can‘t wait to see what evolves in our next section! 6y
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SledgeReader
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I‘ve been chatting with @NotLiketheRoad about her #dogoflitsy not devouring the tortellini he‘s posing with in a post. #jackanddiane eat everything. Poor Diane had to miss dinner last night by order of the vet. Apparently SAND is not good for a dog‘s tummy! Sad puppy!! 😢 My mother-in-law would say, “This too shall pass!”

LibrarianRyan The poor dear. 6y
Mdargusch Poor baby. 🙁 6y
AmyG Awwwww. Hope she‘s better soon. 6y
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SledgeReader @AmyG @Mdargusch @LibrarianRyan My Darling Diane is feeling better today! She‘s not 💯 % yet but definitely on the mend! 6y
ladym30 She is beautiful! 6y
Mdargusch Good news! 6y
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SledgeReader
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1. 21 times not counting college

2. 6,720 Miles

3. I‘m embarrassed to say - hundreds

4. I am blessedly in my forever home! 🏡

5. Movers required - ALWAYS. @JoScho

JoScho Yay for forever homes 🏠❤️ 6y
39 likes1 comment
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SledgeReader
The Sparrow: A Novel | Mary Doria Russell
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1. Hermione Granger - I‘m bossy, convinced every solution to a problem is in the library, and I‘ll fight to the death for those I love. (But I do test as a Ravenclaw! 🤗)

2. LITSY - obsessed to the point of no return

3. #TheSparrow #buddyread
#triplethreatthursday @MelAnn

MelAnn Love how you connect to Ms Granger! Thanks for playing along! 6y
Cinfhen Great answers and beautiful graphics 💙 6y
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Oy. Too many choices!

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1. Magenta

2. Football season!! 🏈

3. Literary Fiction

4. Gardening

5. Fritos - no need for a fork!

6. Cold 🍺

7. Book BAGS!!

Cinfhen Great answers but I thought you were a MLB fan 😘⚾️ 6y
SledgeReader @Cinfhen You are right! MLB fan during the season. But always a fan of NCAA football. And MLS. Okay - I‘m not so big into golf but I do keep up. I draw the line at NASCAR. It‘s an addiction. 6y
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SledgeReader
The Sparrow: A Novel | Mary Doria Russell
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1. I‘m a big cover lover!❤️💕

2. 75% of my summer reading is on one porch or another.

3. Ideally I finish the chapter. Reality is I read in bits and pieces. 😦

4. I typically use a receipt but always memorize my page number. (Self preservation tactic!)

5. 🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃

SilversReviews Oooo...fun that you can memorize your page number. Thanks for playing. 6y
SledgeReader @SilversReviews Learned to do it the hard way! My husband and son were moving my bookmark during the farming scene in Anna Karenina! Read the same 150 pages for almost two full weeks. 😜 6y
SilversReviews @SledgeReader Oh dear...sorry, but I laughed out loud. Thanks for stopping back. 6y
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Jack and Diane wanted to share their young charges with you. These are my daughter‘s addition to our Wiener Pack! #dogsoflitsy The little ones just want a beer! 🐶🐶🐶🐶🍺🍺

Trashcanman I love wiener dogs! They are so cute! 6y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa I love that the tails are wagging so fast they are blurred! 💙😂 6y
Stacy_31 Adorable!! 6y
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SheReadsAndWrites The cute is too much!!! 😍 What are their names? 6y
SledgeReader @SheReadsAndWrites They are los presidentes! Reagan and Bush! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 We‘ve also named a ton of turtles for our various Commanders in Chief. 6y
SheReadsAndWrites 😂😂😂that is amazing. 6y
ladym30 They are all adorable!! 6y
tonyahoswalt Love love love! 😍 6y
RohitSawant How adorable! 😍🐶 6y
valeriegeary 😍😍😍 6y
tammysue Sweet!! 6y
66 likes11 comments
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SledgeReader
The Sparrow: A Novel | Mary Doria Russell
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Happy Friday, Littens! Your flight crew is preparing to take you on an adventurous discussion of #TheSparrow #buddyread! I am tagging everyone who clearly joined up or commented on our initial posts. Let me know if you wish to be removed from our list. Your co-captain @Cinfhen and I are delighted to be with you. Prepare for takeoff! Everyone is welcome to join!!

SledgeReader This is my first buddy read EVER! Please help me on this journey. Week 1 questions coming now under a spoiler! 6y
Andrew65 @SledgeReader A bit behind on my reading but will join in when I finish the section. Work been busy! 😳 6y
SledgeReader 1. What‘s your immediate impression of The Sparrow? Put it out there and don‘t hold back! We are all grown ups.

2. Do any characters stand out to you? What are your initial thoughts on Emilio Sandoz?

3. Does anyone care to make any predictions about the plot or character credibility etc.?
6y
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SledgeReader @Andrew65 👍We are here to welcome you aboard when you are ready! 6y
Soubhiville @SledgeReader I am not reading along, but this is one of my favorite books. Would you tag me in discussions? I‘d love to share in your journey! 6y
AmyG I am really enjoying this book. I love a good “mystery” and I‘m dying to know what happened to Father E and everyone who travelled to the other planet. I love George and especially Anne...their banter, and how they created a little family. Emilio in general is a fascinating character. (edited) 6y
Soubhiville 1. I was really unsure that I‘d be able to read this book... I like technological sci-fi but tend to turn away from space travel and aliens. Also I hate preachy religious stuff. So I was pretty sure this would be a bail for me going in, but gave it a try since so many friends loved it. I‘ll just say, I never once thought of bailing once I started! 6y
SledgeReader @AmyG I love George and Anne too! Their communication with one another is so healthy. I especially like the role they play with their friends making them family. 6y
SledgeReader @Soubhiville Yay! Welcome! I can talk about this book forever. My dear friend Beth worked on me for almost 4 years before I agreed to read it. Then I couldn‘t stop referring to it in every book conversation. This is my 4th time to tango with it and I am so thankful to have a new community to experience it with. I‘ve got you in the list to tag for the next post! Can you follow this one for the next week? 6y
SledgeReader @Soubhiville Forgot to mention I don‘t go in for laser guns. I just can‘t go there. But I did like 6y
Godmotherx5 I cannot believe it‘s going to five years since I read The Sparrow. I might dust off the Audible version to join your discussions. 6y
SledgeReader @Godmotherx5 Please do! We‘d love the company!! 😎 6y
Godmotherx5 Ok, I downloaded it. I regret I won‘t get that first-time feel. Similar to @Soubhiville , this was not a book I would have picked for myself. 6y
CarolynM I read it for my book group a few years ago. I would not have chosen it for myself and I kind of wish I hadn't read it. I was interested at first, but got steadily more unhappy with it as it went along. I will keep further opinions to myself until you've all finished. 6y
Andrew65 It took me a while to get into the book, especially as we jumped to the before and after sections but am now fully engrossed in it and intrigued to find out what happened. I have to say that I am enjoying all the lead characters and interested to see what happened to those who didn‘t return. Not really sure what the outcome will be. 6y
Ruri_kaichou This was a book picked by a friend for my book club and I'm so glad she did! At first I was just curious and a little apprehensive about the religion. Then I started to get to know the characters and I was hooked. I love Anne. I want to grow up to be just like her. I was also hesitant about the time hopping, but I think it was well done. 6y
Cinfhen Writing is really good and engaging but it was confusing at first with all the timelines. I was having trouble with all the different Priests/ recalling their names & connections so I created a name chart( which I can‘t find🙄😫) I love Anne ~ she‘s great and knowing she doesn‘t live is upsetting 😢I‘m really hoping Emilio isn‘t involved in her death. I‘m wondering the significance of Sofia‘s childhood & I‘m sensing foreshadowing 👇🏼 6y
Cinfhen In regards to the love triangle between Jimmy, Sofia & Emilio. 6y
MommyWantsToReadHerBook I've read it twice and walker away disturbed the first time and much more peacefully the second time 6y
MommyWantsToReadHerBook But that's for later. I loved all the characters in different ways and the way they all contribute to the mission (sorry not sure where you are now). I used to be in a very traditional church and this book was part of my journey to becoming more open to people with different beliefs and theology to mine. 6y
readinginthedark Remove me from the list please. 😕I don‘t think I‘m going to get it read this time. 6y
SledgeReader @CarolynM So glad to have you with us! I really appreciate your discretion until we get to the end. As much as I love this book, I am sensitive to the fact that not everyone does. 😎 6y
SledgeReader @Andrew65 You better tighten your seatbelt. I hope you don‘t have a lot of other required reading this week because you may naturally prioritize this one! 🚀 I can‘t wait to hear your reactions! 6y
SledgeReader @Ruri_kaichou Ha! You and I found The Sparrow and reacted to it very similarly. 💕 The characters are so very well developed. I feel like I really know these people in my real life. I said EXACTLY the same thing about Anne when I first met her. 6y
SledgeReader @Cinfhen 🤣 I always lose my name charts! Every single time! It is confusing at first with the amount of information and the time changes. Looks like Team Anne is growing! I‘m biting my tongue now so MDRussell can give you her gift. I don‘t want to spoil it. And we can chat , chat, chat at the end! I am SO glad I can read the second section today!😁 6y
SledgeReader @MommyWantsToReadHerBook So glad you are going to follow along with us. Looking forward to hearing your experience at the conclusion! We are not very far in. Jimmy just made the discovery! 🤫 😉I‘m working so hard not to give it away! 😜 6y
SledgeReader Happy Saturday Everyone! Wow! Great discussion right out of the gate! Many of us have commented on the timelines. Please be aware it may be difficult to control spoilers if you read past Week 2. I recommend you jot down notes for next week‘s conversation if you choose to jump ahead into Week 3. (I know I‘m not always the best at following the rules.😜) Because it would be a shame to take away from someone‘s experience,👇 6y
SledgeReader I am only going to chat along with you and facilitate until we conclude. I know I have a big mouth! Can‘t wait to hear more from you!! 🚀 6y
jmtrivera I loved Anne from the beginning too! Definitely someone I want to both know and be! 6y
SledgeReader @jmtrivera I‘m starting to think we need T-shirts. I ❤️Anne 6y
BookNerd9906 I‘m with @Soubhiville this has been on my list for years. All of my friends have recommended it, someone even gave me a copy that‘s been sitting on my shelf collecting dust. I‘d picked it up a few times but the whole space travel/religious aspect was a deterrent. But, I picked it up and began reading in earnest this week, and I‘m hooked! Like @Cinfhen I had to make a name chart for all the Fathers and Brothers (which I promptly lost) but the 👇👇 6y
BookNerd9906 Character development is well done and now that I have a handle on who‘s who it‘s much smoother. Sign me up for my I ❤️ Anne t-shirt. 6y
SledgeReader @BookNerd9906 I‘m glad to know you are hooked! I was very reluctant to read this book and am thankful my friend kept pushing me. The stretch was a good one and I‘ve been more comfortable stepping out of my zone ever since. Thank goodness for book friends! 6y
emilyhaldi Loving this book!!! 🙌🏻 6y
Cinfhen I‘m enjoying all this conversation and will try my best to take [and keep ] notes for week two. It‘s hard to stop when you have a reading momentum going @BookNerd9906 @AmyG 6y
AmyG I have 3 books going @Cinfhen for book clubs and buddy reads. So I just go from one to the next.mall 3 books are wonderful. It‘s hard to stop but I‘m excited to move to the next one. 😝 And yes @SledgeReader I feel like I know these characters....great develpment and writing. 6y
SledgeReader @emilyhaldi @Cinfhen @AmyG I‘m so glad to hear the good experiences. I‘m trying to clear off my reading calendar - didn‘t know I had one until right now - so I can read Section 2 in one long gulp! Pen and journal at the ready!🍾 🎉 6y
Ruri_kaichou I would totally give money for an 'I ❤️ Anne' shirt. I was surprised with how much character development you got in the beginning. And the relationships are so realistic; I feel like I would know those people. 6y
AmyG To all who participating, if interested, check my post....thoughts from Chloe Benjamin, author of The Immortalists, just read this book. I posted her thoughts on Litsy and there were so many of you to tag. Thought this would be easiest. 6y
LitsyHappenings Hi sorry we weren't able to repost in time for you - we're working on getting help to stay on top of these! 6y
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SledgeReader
The Sparrow: A Novel | Mary Doria Russell
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@jesshowbooks - Hope you have a fabulous weekend! Thanks for the #friyayintro! Always fun!

1. Magenta
2. ER
3. #DevilintheWhiteCity
4. Mayo, ketchup, spicy mustard
5. Trip to farmer‘s market, LONG nap, family Sunday brunch and #TheSparrow#buddyread starting this afternoon!!!

Bklover 3- that was mine too! Fascinating stuff! 6y
SledgeReader @Bklover Right? I love seeing people get excited about this book and find their way to reading non fiction. 6y
Erika13137 Omg I just finished watching ER too! I just loved it! 6y
SledgeReader @Erika13137 Only On season 7. Got a way to go! Thank goodness!!!😎 6y
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1. Clearly Jack and Diane are an obsession. I‘ll try to post something other than them next time! It‘s my only weekend photo.
2. I would love to go to a Litsy Meet Up. #HuntsvilleAL #BirminghamAL #NashvilleTN
3. Grilled fish on a bed of arugula on a healthy day. Grilled cheese on a preferred day! Sooo, grilled cheese!
4. Plain old white today with blue seersucker pants.
5. Surprisingly 61
#humpdaypost @MinDea

MinDea 😍😍 No need to post anything BUT Jack and Diane photos! So cute! 6y
Susanita Now I‘ll have that song in my head. 😆 6y
SledgeReader @MinDea @Susanita I can handle that! They get excited when their song plays!! 🐶🐶 6y
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tonyahoswalt More Jack and Diane! They remind me of my sweet Ben, who passed away several years ago. He was a rescue dachshund, who became a mama's boy. 6y
SledgeReader @tonyahoswalt Ooohhh! Sweet Ben! Dachshunds are so loving. This is my first time to have two together. I don‘t think I‘ll ever go back to a single. Their personalities really come out in a group! 6y
ReadZenRites Jack & Diane are adorable, and I‘ve been humming the tune all day since seeing your post!😊 6y
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Had a wonderful visit to #Parnassus today and picked up a few. Know which one I‘m most excited about? You got it! The beautiful journal with Doxies on the cover!!🐶 @SheReadsAndWrites

kstadt929 Love!! 6y
SheReadsAndWrites OMG!! The cute is too much ❤️🐶 6y
britt_brooke I love Parnassus! Do you live in Nashville? I‘ve probably asked you before but I have a terrible memory. 😬 6y
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SledgeReader @britt_brooke Good morning! I just noticed your comment from a long time ago. I‘m sorry I missed it! I live in Huntsville so it‘s not far at all. We touched base after your last meet up. The Philly meet up sounds amazing! 6y
britt_brooke @SledgeReader Hope you can join us for the next Nashville one! It‘ll be mid September, I believe. 6y
SledgeReader @britt_brooke Great! Keep me posted please. 6y
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SledgeReader
Outlander | Diana Gabaldon
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1. Outlander - I read the first five books in three weeks so I could be ready for #6 when it came out. Result - years of insomnia! 😝
2. For Love of the Game with Kevin Costner. There is just something amazing about that man in a baseball uniform.
3. Frito scoops - they go with anything and are great plain. And they function as my favorite utensil. Don‘t a fork as long as I have a frito!
4. Tagging @Cinfhen @collegecatlady @BookaholicNatty

SheReadsAndWrites I married a baseball player. I get the love of the uniform 😎❤️⚾️ 6y
SledgeReader @SheReadsAndWrites WHAAATT? That‘s amazing. The Mariners just picked up one of the guys my son played with in high school! Text messages are flying! ⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️ 6y
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SheReadsAndWrites My husband was drafted out of high school but chose college (where he met me 😊). He was set to go to the Phillies after our senior year of college, we even planned our wedding around the season, but then he got hurt. 😔 Career ending injury. Our journey was meant to go another way. ❤️ He still holds the high school strike out record for the state of CA though. 😎 We still both cry during the draft and the World Series. We'll always miss it... 6y
SledgeReader @SheReadsAndWrites Thank you for sharing your story! It sounds like your journey has taken you where you are meant to be. My son had a career ending injury in high school. He‘s kept his connection to the sport and experiences the wins of his teammates. He‘s also got one with the Padres. The bonds on these teams are incredible. My hats off to you and your husband! Congrats! 🎈 ⚾️🍾😎 6y
SheReadsAndWrites I'm sorry to hear that about your son. 🙁 But I'm glad he's done well and stayed in touch. My husband is still connected to teammates too. ⚾️ 6y
SledgeReader @SheReadsAndWrites #bandofbrothers They travel all over the country to see one another play. I love that baseball counts everything! Those records are important! 😎 6y
Cinfhen Love your convo @SheReadsAndWrites @SledgeReader sorry that both of your guys experienced an injury that altered their career paths!! My favorite baseball movie is Bull Durham ⚾️ 6y
SledgeReader @cinfhen @SheReadsAndWrites Super glad getting to know Litsy friends. You can‘t go wrong with Bull Durham! 6y
Centique @SledgeReader @SheReadsAndWrites @Cinfhen do you know I‘ve never seen a baseball game? Must remedy that next time I visit your country! But an old CEO I had was a New Yorker and he gave everyone in the company the ‘Moneyball‘ movie and made us watch it. 😂 it was great! Also I LOVE Bull Durham. And Field of Dreams. So many good baseball movies. 6y
SledgeReader @Centique @Cinfhen @SheReadsAndWrites I highly recommend it! So much more relaxing than either kind of football. ⚽️🏈But with an extreme intensity that can keep you on the edge of your seat at times. I got a lot of reading in at Little League practice!😉 6y
Cinfhen That‘s funny about Money Ball @Centique 🤣⚾️great movie ~ never read the book!! Honestly, I find baseball a little boring 😬sorry @SledgeReader @SheReadsAndWrites but I have MAD appreciation for ALL athletes and I do enjoy a good baseball film 😍❣️❣️❣️ 6y
SledgeReader @SheReadsAndWrites I‘m so glad we connected on baseball. I will always think of you and your husband when I‘m at or watching a game. I admire your story so much! Our town is building a new minor league stadium. Groundbreaking is this Saturday. I can‘t stay away! 6y
SledgeReader @Cinfhen No harm, no foul! I get it. Baseball isn‘t everybody‘s gig. I know my love for the game only came through my son. Lot‘s of great memories! 6y
SheReadsAndWrites Oh, thank you! 😊 @SledgeReader 6y
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SledgeReader
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Right back at ya @SheReadsAndWrites ❤️🐶🐶 #jackanddiane

AmyG Omg how cute. I am reading Lily and the Octopus. Lily is a dachsund. I was so excited to see this! 6y
SledgeReader @AmyG Thanks! Jack and Diane are such sweet babies. I want to read Lily and the Octopus but I‘m afraid I can‘t handle anything bad happening to Lily. Please let me know if it‘s safe for me to read! 6y
Nu-Bibliophile Awwww how precious 😍😍😍 6y
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SheReadsAndWrites YES!!!!! I love this so much! They are precious. 🐶🐶❤️❤️ 6y
SledgeReader @SheReadsAndWrites @nu-bibliophile They are the best reading buddies ever! Guarding my weekend stack 🐶🐶😉 6y
ReadingRover Omg! I love me some super cute shorty long backs!!! 6y
CouronneDhiver 😍😍😍😍 6y
ladym30 Adorable!! 6y
SledgeReader @ReadingRover @CouronneDhiver @ladym30 Having a pair shows their incredible personalities. Hilarious! 6y
Slajaunie Love your babies! So darn cute!📚 6y
tammysue Oh my goodness, so much cuteness!!! 😍😍 6y
tonyahoswalt Oh my gosh, they're so cute! I've got a soft spot for dachshunds. 6y
SledgeReader @Slajaunie @whatshesreadingnow @tonyahoswalt Thank you! They are a tremendous blessing! My husband and I rescued them after the 2011 tornadoes. Can‘t imagine being without them. (And I do love my children too!😉) 6y
Slajaunie 😂 I understand. All of mine are rescues! 6y
BiblioLitten 💞🐕🐕💞 6y
kaitieclark The cutest pups!!! 😍 6y
67 likes16 comments
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SledgeReader
The Sparrow: A Novel | Mary Doria Russell
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Seeing everyone‘s #shelfiesaturday made me look at mine. I‘ve got six of these. All in need of organization. Read or clean? Hmmmm. I‘m going with the first.

britt_brooke 😍 6y
Pamwurtzler 👍🏻 6y
tammysue ❤️😊 6y
tonyahoswalt My shelves are a mess, and I need to organize, but that would take up precious reading time! 6y
SledgeReader @tonyahoswalt 👍 great minds!! 😜 6y
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