Very interesting read about how societies deal with ownership. As a long time reader and bookseller, I especially loved the analysis of intellectual property and the implication of buying physical books vs ebooks. Also fascinated by the ownership layers and rights-bundles that led me to being allowed to borrow this ebook from my public library and read it on a device that I own but software I don‘t.

Superlatively recommended.

1) The Challenger explosion — ironically, it made me fall in love with space.

2) Despite all my years working in bookstores, I‘m a library-first girl. Budget and space.

3) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as read by my 4th grade teacher, Mrs Allen. She had the unabashed nerve to stop at “turn on the lights”. 😡

Found via @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego

Tagging @SilverShanica and @StaceyKondla

@Eggs

“Second time me have to make hooman rest after have vaccine. No worry; she haz books close. Love, Zelda.”

#catsoflitsy

“Raggy-Anne” also spells her name with an E.

I‘m a longtime fan of LM Montgomery and this sweet little romance / retake was just delightful. I love how she included diversity in race, orientation, and neurology without ever being heavy handed.

My one disappointment is that the sense of place is sometimes lacking. Montgomery was so strong in this, but this book‘s Redmond College could have been located anywhere.

Fun beach read. Recommended.

(Edit: Thanks to those who quickly pointed out to me how problematic this metaphor is. Leaving the post up to own up to my mistake.)

SURVEY: Do those outside traditional publishing recognize the word “galley” or has it been replaced with “ARC / advanced copy”?

Looking to start a consulting/bookkeeping business for indie authors and playing with names.

“Beyond the Galley”
“Galley Breakout”

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

“Good morning, Litsy! Have good reads today! Love, Zelda.” #catsoflitsy

“…to have factory workers in San Diego agonize over your hide and every sweet little Konokai cookie on both shores lust over it…” 🤢

And it‘s not the first time in this book he‘s referred to women as cookies.

I‘ll likely finish reading because of the info on the X-15 program that‘s woven through. But I think I need to take a break before I destroy library property.

Evening reading. #catsoflitsy

While I do have one ginormous issue with this book (for which I blame the publisher, not the author), I am loving the diversity the author includes — she does it with wonderful subtlety; authors wanting a diverse cast of characters could do worse than look into this example.

Full review later — just wanted to share my in-progress enjoyment.

#anneofgreengables #weneeddiversebooks

Due to the library moving into its new building over the next couple of months, all my due dates have changed to September 13th (even the ones with holds behind me). This is good, as I‘m severely behind in my reading.

Zelda asks: “Dis mean moar cuddles?” #catsoflitsy

This was a reread for me. While I enjoyed it, it was not the blow-me-away good that I remembered. It could be that as a younger reader just started to question the Bible, I revelled more in the feminine / sacrilegious interpretation of the “word of God”.

#catsoflitsy

The content was fantastic, but the writing style often got in the way. Long convoluted sentences where several short ones would have been better. Giving it a “pick”, but it only scraped by.

Up next in #spaceracereading is a much more conventional book about the Mercury 7, The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe.

Made it to Page Two of “Books Read in 2021”! On track for 50 books this year, which I feel is quite respectable, considering my course load. #bulletjournal

A well constructed telling of both sides as the Soviets and the Americans worked to get the first human into space. From Yuri Gagarin‘s triumphant “Let‘s go!” to Alan Shepard‘s almost-broken hand, the reader is taken along on a fantastic ride.

I‘m still discovering new details with each book, even if they ostensibly cover the same events. Loving it!

Next up in my #spaceracereading is Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

All through this second reading I was in awe of Wecker‘s skillful descriptions. By the time I finished, I was of the mind that a lavishly illustrated edition with contributions from artists of varied styles would be a thing of beauty. So many moments in this story cry out for visual interpretation.

I was lucky enough to be able to snag an ARC of the sequel though my old bookselling contacts. Excited to see what‘s next for Chava and Ahmad.

At a reading/talk I attended, Chabon did confirm that this is indeed the same African Grey as in The Final Solution. A fact that makes me inordinately happy. 📚🔎🇬🇧

A nice light read examining how we react to statistics, how to look for manipulation of and holes in data, and how to keep discourse open.

I found this book via 99% Invisible, which hosted an episode of Hartford‘s podcast Cautionary Tales.

Bonus Zelda pic: #catsoflitsy

1.) Experimental Musical Theatre. One of my favourites is Octet by Dave Malloy, which is an a cappella chamber choir musical set in an Internet-addiction support group.

2.) It likely no surprise that I love NYC. It would be hard to pick one trip, but during my last one, I saw Fiddler on the Roof performed in Yiddish!

3.) I was not a fan of childhood. I think my favourite age is my current one (43).

4.) My cat, Zelda.

#wonderouswednesday

“The power to not collect data is one of the most important and little-understood sources of power that governments have...By refusing to amass knowledge in the first place, decision-makers exert power over the rest of us.” ~ Anna Powell Smith

Nearly a Pan. I wanted to bail many times, but books in English on the Soviet space race are rare. The subject is fascinating, but the writing is just. so. dry. It was meant to be academic? Most history I read is for general audiences. I only recommend this if you‘re very interested in the subject.

Next in my #spaceracereading is Beyond by Stephen Walker about getting the first human in space. The Mercury 7 vs the Vanguard 6.

“Let‘s go!”

Feeling so much better this morning! 😌

It could be that I felt so bad yesterday because I didn‘t sleep at all well the nights before and after the vaccine. 😷 Last night, I pretty much slept like a log.

Planning to spend today switching between The Data Detective and the Korolev biography. With luck, I‘ll finish them both. 💚📚

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Not much reading today due to still recovering from vaccine symptoms, but after several naps I‘m feeling better and should be mostly normal by morning. 😁

Paused the Korolev bio for something lighter — that is also due back at the library on Thursday. 😆📚

Bonus Zelda pic: #catsoflitsy

Recovering from my first dose of AstraZeneca yesterday — feeling very achy and fluish. Reminds me of when I was having chemo.

Not sure I‘m up to much reading today, but I‘m going to try to power through the Korolev biography. I‘m not really enjoying it, but there‘s just enough interesting information that I want to finish it.

This book was BREATHTAKING!

I‘ve heard much about the original, but never got a chance to read it. I may someday, but the graphic novel is so very gripping I feel like the text-only version might be a letdown — full props to Emily Carroll for the artwork: so inventive and invoking.

Still working on this month‘s #bookspin pick, but hope to finish it soon, so I‘m going to participate again for May. Lots of non-fiction — I just seem in the mood for it these days.

“Read me a story, mommy? I can‘t sleep.”

Not to be dramatic, but I would die for my Zelda.

#catsoflitsy

Around the end of the Second World War, an octogenarian beekeeper is drawn into a case of murder and a missing African Grey parrot.

This was the first Chabon I ever read. On reread, it continues to be a lovely piece of pastiche, with a disconcerting peephole to our capacity for evil.

#lovesmesomechabon

I first read The Eyes of the Dragon when I was in junior high and have gone back to it many times, since. This is the first time I‘ve listened to it.

The narration and production values were amazing. The producer‘s choices were subtle, but added much tension to an already gripping story.

Yet another reread of this one. I always get something new out of it.

Any other #bulletjournal peeps out there?

My #bookreport and #weeklyforecast. I'm wondering how much time I'll have for pleasure reading this coming week. So many projects and presentations due.

@Cinfhen

Quite an interesting look at how ghost sightings, landscape, and psychology intertwine. Dickey explores not only the ghosts of America‘s past, but tries to speculate on the possible ghosts of the future.

I am something of a non-believer, but I do also realize so much of the universe is beyond the human senses. Who knows what (or who) is hovering just outside our sensory bubble, desperately trying to get our attention?

Very interesting read.

My first #bookspin! I'm excited. Odds were high I would get at least one Chabon, but I'm still pleased because #lovesmesomechabon.

“We did not learn enough from the mission to justify the death of the dog.” — Gazenko

The first Earthling to orbit. Laika‘s Sputnik II was rushed. Timed with the anniversary of the Revolution, Laika‘s flight was one way.

This beautiful little book weaves together the stories of Korolev, Laika, and lab tech Yelena Dubrovsky, highlighting the themes of loyalty and determination.

Hoping that some more #spaceracereading will arrive soon.

I have the bestest mother.

Look at my surprise Easter present!

(She claimed my old Kobo Glo in exchange.)

Zelda says “Of course they should have trusted Crookshanks. They were silly not to. Cats are always right.”

One of my favourites from the series. If only for the time travel and the cat saving the day.

#catsoflitsy

April will be my first #bookspin. I‘ll be coming into finals this month, so I‘m keeping it to the one book for now.

The list is a mix of unreads and rereads and, yes, fully 25% of it is Michael Chabon. #lovesmesomechabon

Foreshadowing? Coincidence? Either way, I love it!

Borrowed via the Marigold Library System (Okotoks Branch). #librarylove

An 8-12 graphic bio has to leave out so many people, but I‘m pleased they started with Galileo and included a chapter on the animal astronauts.

An excellent start for young space enthusiasts.

I do wish it had an index of the direct quotes. I recognized several, so I wonder where I missed others.

I‘m out of #spaceracereading for now. More books on library request.

Borrowed via the Marigold Library System (Leduc Branch). #librarylove

Excellent autobiography for young readers. (Johnson‘s full biography is expected May 2021.)

Johnson tempers brutal truths with her knowledge that times have and will change, and though it may be two-steps-forward-one-step-back, things often change for the better. She humbles me.

Next one in #spaceracereading is a quick read: Heroes of Space. Review likely later tonight.

Borrowed via the Marigold Library System. #librarylove

The best part of this book was how scandalized my mother was when she saw the title. Just goes to prove some of Montell‘s points.

Definitely a fun and informative read. I don‘t agree with every point, but they all gave me something to think about how I speak. And how I think about how others speak.

Another great addition to my #spaceracereading. Gene Kranz was there for so much of it, from Mercury‘s “four inch flight” to the Apollo 1 fire, to the moon landing (he was on console for touchdown), to Apollo 13, to the final mission, Apollo 17.

Kranz brings NASA‘s history to life with anecdotes and technical details. His is a point of view few have had the privilege to share.

Up next, Katherine Johnson‘s autobiography, Reaching for the Moon.

I love that Gene Kranz had a proto #bulletjournal system during the Apollo missions.

I love-hate that he made sure his team could recognize them by pasting Sports Illustrated swimsuit models on the covers.

#spaceracereading

My library allows in-person visits now! 😁❤️📚💚

Quite an interesting bio of the first man in space (though it also mentions the continuing conspiracy theory that Gagarin was beaten by another Russian who had gone up a short time earlier). I thought Gagarin‘s relationships with Korolev and Khrushchev were very interesting — especially considering the other conspiracy theory that the crash that killed Gagarin was no accident.

Next, back to the Americans — Gene Kranz‘s memoir. #spaceracereading

Very interesting overview of the events leading up to and resulting from the launch of the first satellite to orbit (though mostly from an American perspective). Dickson mixes thorough research with just enough interpretation. Excellent read.

Next up in my #spaceracereading: Starman: The Truth Behind the Legend of Yuri Gagarin.

“Good morning, Litsy! It‘s reading-and-cuddle time. The most purrfect time of day!” ~ Zelda

The early mornings continue to go well. Enjoying the extra time to start the day.

#catsoflitsy #readingatdawn #morningreading

Random #shelfie of one of my favourite collections. I loves me some Chabon!

I‘m trying to get up early in the mornings to get more reading in. Zelda approves of the extra cuddle time. #catsoflitsy

I‘ve read this book 4 (5?) times and I love it just as much every time.

I needed some comfort reading and Andy & Mark were happy to provide it (again).

Bonus Zelda pic. #catsoflitsy

This was one of the first books I requested when I first decided to do my #spaceracereading deep dive.

This is one of those graduation gift books that all seem to have the same “lessons” in them. It‘s interesting to read the anecdotes where Aldrin learned them, but the lessons themselves are not unique.

Also, the writing style put me off. It read like Aldrin and his co-writer we‘re trying to manage the optics of some embarrassing...⬇️