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Catsandbooks

Catsandbooks

Joined June 2018

Fur Mama 🐱🐱🐱🐶
Founder of #LitsyCrafters & #RiseUpReads
Co-host of #FoodandLit
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Catsandbooks
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Story was an ode to K-dramas

Rise and popularity of K-dramas

Have you seen any? The only one I've seen that is close is XO, Kitty on Netflix

#riseupreads

Top right is more artwork from the FairyLoot special edition

Melismatic I‘ve watched a few dramas bc they often have idol pop stars from music groups I like in them. Very velveeta cheesey but usually very fun. 23h
See All 9 Comments
peanutnine I've actually never really watched any k dramas 23h
willaful I started one that a friend recommended and I did enjoy it, but I'm really bad about watching things with subtitles. I don't remember what it was called but each episode was a different period in the life of the hero/heroine (started when she was a little girl, IIRC) and they were played by different people each time, which was a little hard to get used to! I think loss of memory was involved. 23h
PuddleJumper Anyone that likes the book would probably enjoy Korean Odyssey, I could see a lot of similarities with reading.

My absolute faves that I rewatch are Semantic Error, university enemies to lovers, and Kingdom, historical political drama with zombies.
22h
PuddleJumper Other supernatural themed romance dramas I would recommend are Tale of the Nine Tailed Fox, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, and Alchemy of Souls.

22h
PuddleJumper @willaful Find Me in Your Memory? Popular drama from 2020 I think 22h
willaful This would have been before 2020. 22h
38 likes9 comments
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Did you have this author's note in the version you read?

Loved all the Korean mythological creatures

https://www.90daykorean.com/korean-myths/

https://warsandhistory.com/korean-mythology/

#riseupreads

peanutnine Helpful links, thanks! The author's note was actually included in the audiobook, which I was surprised at as that is not always the case. It is interesting to see what parts were interpreted! I loved all the creatures mentioned but sometimes I wasn't sure how to picture them 23h
PuddleJumper I never read author notes 😅 22h
31 likes4 comments
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Pickpick

#RiseUpReads May

Overall thoughts? Any favorite parts?

I loved the banter between Seokga and Hani! Definitely looking forward to the sequel!

Above is artwork from the FairyLoot special edition

Melismatic The banter was my favorite part - very k-drama! 23h
See All 6 Comments
peanutnine Oooo gorgeous art! I did love the banter. And I loved the world building! How all the creatures lived among the humans and interacted with the gods was interesting 23h
PuddleJumper I found it very shallow and the main characters intensely irritating. I enjoyed the mythology and wanted more of that and world building and less of the main characters 🤣 22h
AnnCrystal That artwork 🤩🎨🖌️💝. 22h
33 likes6 comments
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Catsandbooks
Greenland | David C. King
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#FoodandLit June 2025 Greenland 🇬🇱

To participate read a book that takes place in the country or is by an author from the country. Also enjoy food from the country. Share your experience with the tag #FoodandLit & tag @Catsandbooks & @Texreader

If you're not currently tagged in #FoodandLit news & would like to be, let me know.

52 likes10 comments
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Kitty's Cuddles | Jane Cabrera
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#5JoysFriday
1. My boys love to cuddle ❤️
2. My daily smoothie, so refreshing as the days heat up
3. Talking to my niece
4. Reading late at night when everything is quiet
5. Will 💜

JenReadsAlot Adorable! 2w
AnnCrystal 😻💝💝💝💝. 2w
MemoirsForMe Awww! 😻 2w
dabbe OMG: your boys! #cutenessoverload 🖤🐾🐾🖤 2w
47 likes4 comments
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Hot Summer | Elle Everhart
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My stack for #14books14weeks Excited for summer reading! ☀️😎

TheBookHippie So pretty. 2w
5feet.of.fury So cute! They match so well! 2w
Liz_M I see some BOTM books and possibly some great series reading! Enjoy! 2w
60 likes3 comments
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Lavash at First Sight | Taleen Voskuni
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#RiseUpReads June 2025

Lavash at First Sight by Taleen Voskuni

Content Warnings: homophobia, sexual content, emotional abuse, religious bigotry, genocide, alcohol content, body shaming

Read at your own pace. There will be a discussion posted on Litsy at the end of the month.

Please tag me in your posts & use #riseupreads
If you're not currently tagged & would like to be, let me know.

Catsandbooks If you read any of the other books let me know what you think!
* The 7-10 Split - Karmen Lee
* D‘Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding - Chencia C. Higgins
* The Dos and Donuts of Love - Adiba Jaigirdar
* Time and Time Again - Chatham Greenfield
3w
See All 7 Comments
Librarybelle Yay! 3w
peanutnine I just read this last month and loved it! I might try another from your list instead for June 3w
Catsandbooks @peanutnine so glad you enjoyed it! I hope one of the others is just as good! 3w
PuddleJumper I've put it on hold at the library which means it'll either come tomorrow or next year 😅 3w
49 likes7 comments
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#5JoysFriday
1. Saw the Thunderbolts/ New Avengers. It had really great depression rep. I've been having a hard time with my depression lately so I felt really seen. (The reason I haven't been super active on here)
2. I planted strawberries and snap peas
3. Finally got a membership to Costco
4. Rainbow drink from my local cafe
5. Croissants

AnnCrystal 🙏🫂💝💝💝💝💝. Have you tried watching/reading more comedies? Not a fix, yet perhaps it will lighten your depression???? 3w
LiseWorks Yum strawberries 🍓 😋 3w
Bookwormjillk That drink looks amazing. 3w
See All 8 Comments
dabbe 🩵💙🩵 3w
TheBookHippie COSTCO!! 3w
Catsandbooks @AnnCrystal That's pretty much all I watch. But even the funniest material is not going to fix my depression. That's just not how depression works. I can be laughing & smiling but still depressed. For me, my depression isn't being really sad, it's feeling numb & empty. Being utterly exhausted. Wanting to close my eyes & not deal with anything b/c life & the world feels so overwhelming. But I keep trying every day & that's what matters ❤️ 3w
AnnCrystal @Catsandbooks that is what matters 😘🙏💝. 3w
Catsandbooks @AnnCrystal thanks for the love and support! 🥰💕 3w
48 likes8 comments
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🩵My April Reads🩵

49 likes1 stack add
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June 2025 theme: Sapphic Romance

Please vote for what book we will read in June

https://forms.gle/4CuWphtQmMn2DfYq7

Read at your own pace. There will be a discussion on Litsy at the end of the month.

Rise up Reads- reading marginalized voices 🔥✊🏼 If you're not currently tagged & would like to be, let me know.

40 likes7 comments
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#RiseUpReads May 2025

The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim

Read at your own pace. There will be a discussion posted on Litsy at the end of the month.

Please tag me in your posts & use #riseupreads
If you're not currently tagged & would like to be, let me know.

Content warnings: Death, violence, murder, gore, war, sexual content, blood

Catsandbooks If you read any of the other books let me know what you think!
Iron Widow - Xiran Jay Zhao
The Scarlet Alchemist - Kylie Lee Baker
The girl with no reflection - Keshe Chow
The Jasmine Throne - Tasha Suri
1mo
See All 10 Comments
Melismatic Put a hold out for this at my library today 💖 1mo
Bookwormjillk Gah. 15 week wait. I‘ll catch up eventually. 1mo
Librarybelle I‘m on the waiting list! 1mo
IriDas I found it at my library so I‘d like to be tagged. Thanks. 1mo
peanutnine I'm planning on listening to the audiobook - it's included with spotify! 1mo
ElizaMarie Ugh! I have to skip this month - Way too long of a waitlist for this at the library :( Like MONTHS!!! 1mo
Catsandbooks @IriDas wonderful! Would you like to be tagged for future months as well? 3w
40 likes10 comments
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Mental health matters

“The only way out is through…”

My dad committed suicide when I was 10. I've had depression and anxiety my whole life. I take antidepressants. I've done therapy multiple times in my life. I believe it's important to discuss mental health and reduce the stigma around mental illnesses. If anyone is ever struggling I am always here to talk. Please reach out!

Resources below

#riseupreads

Catsandbooks Call or text 988 in the US for immediate help. 988lifeline.org 1mo
See All 14 Comments
Catsandbooks https://afsp.org/get-help/ I've walked with this organization 💙 1mo
AmyG You are so kind to post this. 1mo
AllDebooks That's such a harsh start in life for you. Thank you for sharing your story, positive messages and support links. X 1mo
Susanita Thank you for sharing your story. My mother dealt with bipolar disorder all her life, and we had limited discussions if any as a family. 1mo
Melismatic Echoing what‘s being said here - so many mental health struggles in my family as well. It‘s so much more common than some people wish to believe. So important to walk this road of life with empathy. You never know what someone is going through. 1mo
JenReadsAlot Thank you for sharing. My best friends mom did at the same age so I have seen her struggles. I'm also a therapist ❤️ 1mo
ElizaMarie Thank you for feeling comfortable enough to share this story. I find it very empowering that you can so. By being raw, honest, and candid, you have provided help/hope to those around you. It helps normalize mental health struggles and allows others to feel confident in telling their own stories. I believe stories (like yours, and this book) help in so many ways. 1mo
lil1inblue Thank you for sharing! It can be so helpful and empowering for people to hear that they are not alone in their mental health struggles. One of the worst things about depression is how isolating it can be. ❤ I, too, have had anxiety and depression for most of my life, and I experienced trauma during my childhood. It really helped my healing once I knew I wasn't alone in my experiences. 1mo
peanutnine ❤️❤️❤️ I hope that the stigma surrounding mental health continues to be fought against. I think it's better to be open about things so others don't feel alone 1mo
Catsandbooks @AmyG @alldebooks @susanita @melismatic @JenReadsAlot @ElizaMarie @lil1inblue @peanutnine Thank you all for the support and sharing your own experiences ❤️ 4w
45 likes14 comments
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Folklore and fairytale references
Sorrow‘s garden
Whimsy and Faerry‘s journey through the forest

#riseupreads

AllDebooks I LOVED this book so very much. 1mo
See All 6 Comments
ElizaMarie Fairytales and folklore were ways to teach important lessons in life. I love how this author used these references in that way as well. It made for such beautiful storytelling. 1mo
lil1inblue I really liked how she used fairytales and folklore from different cultures. I feel like it made the book more universal and relatable, despite your background. 1mo
peanutnine Loved the fairytale aspect!! Definitely made it relatable and I liked how it felt like the characters were on a quest, with different riddles to solve and problems to overcome 1mo
43 likes1 stack add6 comments
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this fantasy told in verse about depression, trauma, and the journey to heal.

For me I noticed that they finally could heal when the truth was revealed and everyone started communicating with each other. While the truth isn't always accessible, communication and talking through things instead ignoring or trying to forget about them is necessary to work through issues.

#riseupreads

Melismatic I enjoyed this - I definitely think it‘s the type to lend itself to a reread to spot all of the hidden metaphors at play. 1mo
See All 6 Comments
ElizaMarie I agree - I think the fact that they weren't able to heal initially is because they are hiding the truth from themselves. Pain/grief/emotional turmoil doesn't go away when we ignore it, and I think this book does a great job at reminding its readers that they must go “through“ it in order to heal. I loved this narrative. I listened to this one (which was read beautifully), but I feel like re-reading at a slower pace may be in order soon. 1mo
lil1inblue Totally agree re: revealing the truth to heal. That part really hit home for me. The parts about the forgetting spells were really powerful for me. 1mo
peanutnine I waited til the last minute to read this one and then devoured it in like two days. I really loved it! I thought it stressed beautifully how memory plays a big role in grief, and how trauma can warp your understanding of what really happened. Confronting the truth can be difficult but ultimately promotes healing 1mo
41 likes6 comments
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Bangladesh: A Legacy of Blood | Anthony Mascarenhas
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#FoodandLit May 2025 Bangladesh 🇧🇩

To participate read a book that takes place in the country or is by an author from the country. Also enjoy food from the country. Share your experience with the tag #FoodandLit & tag @Catsandbooks & @Texreader

If you're not currently tagged in #FoodandLit news & would like to be, let me know.

See All 12 Comments
Bookwormjillk Looking forward to this! 1mo
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick As always, I'm tragically behind, but I'm looking forward to (eventually reading about) Bangladesh. 😁 1mo
Lunakay Anyone else having a bit of trouble finding books? Especially if I want them to be set in Bangladesh, there is not much choice. What are you guys planning? 1mo
CSeydel @Lunakay I‘m interested in reading either The Good Muslim by Tahmima Anam or the nonfiction 1mo
CSeydel This one looks intriguing too 1mo
Lunakay @CSeydel thanks! I'll have a look!🥰 1mo
CSeydel @Lunakay oh oops I just realized A Good Muslim is a sequel - the first book is 1mo
46 likes12 comments
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Happy Easter Day! | Wendy Watson
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Ik it's not Friday, but it's still a good day to share joy. Happy Easter Litsy family! 🐰🩷

1. I've been in a baking mood lately. Making muffins cookies, and brioche from scratch!
2. I made brioche for the first time and it turned out delicious! This is the first time I've made bread without the aid of a bread maker and it's actually turned out. I'm so proud of myself!
⬇️

Catsandbooks 3. I went to a stitch n bitch crafting club meeting at the library and it was so much fun!
4. Fruit shaped hair clips
5. Will and the furbabies 💜
#5JoysFriday
(edited) 1mo
Ruthiella Happy Easter! 🐣 1mo
dabbe 💙🩵💙 1mo
TheBookHippie ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ 1mo
50 likes4 comments
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#RiseUpReads May 2025

This was close, but the winner is - The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim

Read at your own pace. There will be a discussion posted on Litsy at the end of the month.

Please tag me in your posts & use #riseupreads
If you're not currently tagged & would like to be, let me know.

Content warnings: Death, violence, murder, gore, war, sexual content, blood

Catsandbooks If you decide to read any of the other options, let me know what you think! Iron Widow - Xiran Jay Zhao
The Scarlet Alchemist - Kylie Lee Baker
The girl with no reflection - Keshe Chow
The Jasmine Throne - Tasha Suri
(edited) 2mo
See All 9 Comments
Bookwormjillk Love that cover 2mo
PuddleJumper I was torn between this one and The Jasmine Throne 2mo
Librarybelle Yay! 2mo
TheBookHippie The girl with no reflection I‘ll probably get too. All out of my normal reads 🙃. 2mo
peanutnine All your choices sounded good! What was the runner up, I'm curious? 2mo
Catsandbooks @peanutnine Iron widow was the runner up 2mo
43 likes9 comments
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Lady Gaga | Claire Kreger-Boaz
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#5JoysFriday
1. Watching Abbott Elementary on repeat
2. Listening to the new Lady Gaga album on a loop
3. New sneakers
4. Cotton candy grapes
5. Will and the furbabies 🩵

Oh and I forgot Cory Booker! ✊🏼🔥❤️

mcctrish Lady Gaga ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 2mo
ChaoticMissAdventures We are on the same vibe! Abbott and Gaga! ❤️ 2mo
dabbe 💙🩵💙 2mo
See All 6 Comments
DebinHawaii Lovely joys! 💛💛💛Love those shoes! 🩵👟💙 2mo
AnnCrystal 💝💝💝💝💝. 2mo
Chelsea.Poole Cory 💙 2mo
49 likes6 comments
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My March reads! 💚
My favorite was A Sky beyond the storm. I absolutely love the Ember in the Ashes series, it's one of my favorites. I also loved the Lovelight Farms series, especially the final one, Business Casual.

Bookwormjillk I need to finish Ember in the Ashes. I loved the first two. 2mo
Catsandbooks @Bookwormjillk it's sooo good!!! 2mo
52 likes2 comments
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Catsandbooks
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May 2025 Theme: AAPI Fantasy

Please vote for what book we will read in May

https://forms.gle/osQxuy3hz75Q2tAm9

Rise up Reads- reading marginalized voices 🔥✊🏼 If you're not currently tagged & would like to be, let me know.

39 likes10 comments
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Reminder for #riseupreads April

Read at your own pace. There will be a discussion posted on Litsy at the end of the month.

Please tag me in your posts & use #riseupreads
If you're not currently tagged & would like to be, let me know.

TheBookHippie It‘s so so good! 2mo
See All 12 Comments
Librarybelle My copy is waiting for me at the library! 2mo
peanutnine Excited for this one! 2mo
AllDebooks This looks so good, struggling to get my hands on a copy, though 2mo
mhillis Looking forward to reading this one too! 2mo
Kristy_K This has been on my tbr for a while. I‘d love to be tagged! 2mo
Catsandbooks @Kristy_K Would you like to be tagged for future months too or just this month? 2mo
Kristy_K @Catsandbooks Future months too please! 2mo
Catsandbooks @Kristy_K awesome! Added you! ❤️ 2mo
Kristy_K @Catsandbooks Thank you! 2mo
47 likes12 comments
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LaKota people

Indigenous people abused, killed, moved out of their land

#riseupreads

AnnCrystal 😢💝. 2mo
See All 6 Comments
peanutnine As always, the history of violence against the indigenous peoples is so upsetting in its cruelty 💔 2mo
AmyG Human beings are so very cruel. 2mo
mhillis Yes and all the buffalo herds killed too. The folk tale from Old Lady Horse about their disappearance was something I‘d never heard before (edited) 2mo
42 likes6 comments
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A few of the women talked about

#riseupreads

AnnCrystal 🆒💝. 2mo
See All 6 Comments
Butterfinger I had to google olive. At first glance, I thought the post was horror-then the sadistic person who did experiments on enslaved people in New Orleans. I didn't know there had been an indigenous people who tattoos. 2mo
peanutnine These were some of the more interesting characters that I was glad to learn more about. Mrs Nash's story was a great example of how trans people have always existed and found ways to survive in the world 2mo
Catsandbooks @peanutnine Their story was one that really stood out to me! 2mo
43 likes6 comments
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Mehso-so

I just thought this was OK. I thought it focused too much on white groups, but what did everyone else think?

#riseupreads

TheBookHippie I bailed I tried three times and gave up 😵‍💫🤦🏻‍♀️ 2mo
See All 13 Comments
Catsandbooks @TheBookHippie I wanted to but I'm leading the group 🙃 2mo
AllDebooks I bailed too 2mo
Bookwormjillk I‘m having trouble getting through this one too. It‘s not due at the library yet so I‘ll keep trying. 2mo
peanutnine I finished it, but probably because I listened to the audiobook so was able to zone out a bit at the more tedious bits 😅 2mo
Skygoddess1 I bailed on this one. 2mo
Laughterhp Oops! Forgot to read this one. 2mo
mhillis I‘ve finished reading it!! omg the chapters on cholera and the Donner Party!! But I learned a lot from the last couple of chapters especially, for example about the lives of Chinese women brought to San Francisco. 2mo
Catsandbooks @Bookwormjillk you could definitely skim or skip to the last few chapters which I thought were more interesting 2mo
Catsandbooks @peanutnine audiobook was a savior for this one 🫠 2mo
Catsandbooks @mhillis yes the last couple chapters were much better than the rest of the book 😂 2mo
48 likes2 stack adds13 comments
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Rwanda: mijn verhaal | Johan Swinnen
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#FoodandLit April Rwanda 🇷🇼

To participate read a book that takes place in the country or is by an author from the country. Also enjoy food from the country. Share your experience with the tag #FoodandLit & tag @Catsandbooks & @Texreader

If you're not currently tagged in #FoodandLit news & would like to be, let me know.

49 likes7 comments
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Catsandbooks
Last Call at the Local | Sarah Grunder Ruiz
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Pickpick

4.5/5 ⭐️ Loved this romance set at an Irish Pub. Excellent ADHD and OCD rep too.

I made Irish soda bread and shepherd's pie for St. Patrick's Day. Delicious and comforting! 🇮🇪🍀

#FoodandLit

Catsandbooks @Texreader Thank you for the st Patrick's day card! So lovely! 💚 2mo
TheBookHippie 🍀☘️🍀☘️🍀☘️🍀 2mo
63 likes2 comments
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My results from the Feminist Perspectives Test

Thank you to @TheBookHippie for sharing this!

If anyone else would like to take the test -> https://www.idrlabs.com/feminist-perspectives-historical/test.php

#riseupreads

TheBookHippie ✊🏼 2mo
See All 9 Comments
ElizaMarie Ooo, you are pretty consistent across the board! I am so happy to have an ally in you! Thank you for being you! 2mo
Melismatic Taking this now! 💖 2mo
BookBr That was really interesting 2mo
ferskner Oh my gosh I love tests like this so much! This was fascinating. 2mo
thebacklistbook Interesting. 2mo
Julsmarshall So interesting, thank you! 2mo
45 likes9 comments
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Fridays | Andrew Johns
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1. My boys, Zeke and Link, cuddling!
2. Rewatching New Girl
3. Spring is blooming 🌸
4. Dr. Pepper
5. Will 🩵

#5JoysFriday

Ruthiella 😻😻😻 3mo
Read-n-Bloom Awwww cute boys 🥰 3mo
AnnCrystal 💝💝💝💝💝. 3mo
See All 10 Comments
AnnCrystal 💕😻🐾😻💝. 3mo
mabell 🥰🥰🥰 3mo
JenReadsAlot Adorable boys! 3mo
ElizaMarie These babies!!!! 3mo
dabbe 🖤🐾🐾🖤 3mo
TheBookHippie Love!!!!!! 2mo
DebinHawaii Lovely joys! 💛💛💛 Kitties & New Girl especially! 2mo
53 likes10 comments
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Catsandbooks
Celebrating International Women's Day, 10th March 1997 | Zimbabwe Women's Resource Centre and Network
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Happy International Women's Day ✊🏼🔥💖

📸 from courtneyahndesign on Instagram

AnnCrystal ✊🏼😉✌🏼💝💝💝. 3mo
rachelsbrittain I love this artist's graphics on instagram! 3mo
49 likes2 comments
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#RiseUpReads April 2025

We are all so good at smiling by Amber Mcbride

Read at your own pace. There will be a discussion posted on Litsy at the end of the month.

Please tag me in your posts & use #riseupreads
If you're not currently tagged & would like to be, let me know.

Content warnings: mental illness, suicide, grief, panic attacked, bullying, racism, death, self harm

50 likes2 stack adds7 comments
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💖February's Reads 💖

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#5JoysFriday
1. My husband still has his job. He's a fed and every day when he comes home we say "live to fight another day"
2. A mockingbird came by me and was singing
3. Link helped me at my desk ?
4. Celebrated my husband's birthday
5. Pizza ?

Aims42 🙏🙏🙏🙏 for your husband! The not knowing has got to be so stressful 😖 3mo
dabbe 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 for your husband. I can't even imagine what you must be going through. Sending 🩶💚🩶. 3mo
Leftcoastzen Federal workers are the best ! Service is always part of the mission. Hoping for the best for him! 😻👏 3mo
See All 7 Comments
Susanita It stinks that federal employees are being scapegoated, but you‘re right: every day is another day. 3mo
AnnCrystal 🙏🏼 for your husband's job & hope he had a Happy 🎂🍰 Birthday...🐦🍕😻...💝💝💝💝💝. 3mo
ShelleyBooksie So many pretty pens!!!! Glad to hear hubby still has his job ♡ 3mo
45 likes7 comments
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April 2025 Theme: Mental Illness Rep

Please vote for what book we will read in April

https://forms.gle/YN2j1dcxPzpt5tgZA

Rise up Reads- reading marginalized voices 🔥✊🏼 If you're not currently tagged & would like to be, let me know.

Librarybelle Voted! 3mo
peanutnine Great choices! I wanted to vote for I Wish You All the Best because it is one of my favorites but I've already read it three times 😅 so I chose one of the two I haven't read yet. Thanks for organizing! 3mo
See All 17 Comments
Mimi28 May I be included on the list please? 3mo
Catsandbooks @Mimi28 absolutely! Added you! 💖 3mo
Mimi28 Thank you!! 🫶🏽 3mo
Bookwormjillk Thank you- voted! 3mo
willaful I've read several of those and Radio Silence has been on my list for ages, so I voted for that. 3mo
AllDebooks Voted 😊 3mo
ElizaMarie Can I be tagged? - I am interested in what y'all pick and would like to join this month - if possible 3mo
Catsandbooks @ElizaMarie Definitely! Added you to the list! 💖 3mo
AbigailJaneBlog I'd like to be tagged, please! 🥰 3mo
Catsandbooks @AbigailJaneBlog added you to the list! 💖 3mo
Catsandbooks @DebinHawaii you can vote for the April book here! 3mo
Laughterhp I‘m pretty sure I already voted, but now I don‘t remember. 3mo
Catsandbooks @Laughterhp 😂 if you vote again it's fine. Right now there's only 11 votes but 25 members 3mo
40 likes17 comments
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Reminder for the March #riseupreads book

Brave Hearted: The Women of the American West by Katie Hickman

Read at your own pace. There will be a discussion posted on Litsy at the end of the month.

Please tag me in your posts & use #riseupreads
If you're not currently tagged & would like to be, let me know.

Catsandbooks Content Warnings: racism, slavery, violence, genocide, murder, rape, colonization, death 3mo
Laughterhp Oh good, I found this one on hoopla! 3mo
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Librarybelle I got my copy from the library! 3mo
Catsandbooks @Mimi28 @ElizaMarie here's the March book if you're interested 3mo
Mimi28 I put it on hold at the library. The triggers may make me bail but I need to get out of my comfort zone 😊 3mo
Catsandbooks @Mimi28 totally get it! Make sure to protect your mental health! ❤️ 3mo
Mimi28 Thanks for understanding- I just read mostly graphic novels and books about awesome female leads so this- might be okay- the quirkier the better though, lol. You‘re awesome for understanding and hosting. 🩷🫶🏽😉🤗 3mo
Catsandbooks @Mimi28 Of course! 💕 It's good to get out of our comfort zones but if it's affecting your mental health you gotta take a step back. And there's nothing wrong with bailing on a book. Feel free to participate whenever you like! 😊 3mo
DebinHawaii I have this one coming in as a library transfer & I‘d love to join in! 🤗 3mo
Catsandbooks @DebinHawaii awesome! Would you like to be tagged for just this month or future months as well? 3mo
DebinHawaii @Catsandbooks Future too, please! 3mo
Catsandbooks @DebinHawaii wonderful! Added you to the list! ❤️ 3mo
41 likes13 comments
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Catsandbooks
The Kiss Countdown | Etta Easton
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Strong black woman stereotype

Soft black girl

There's strength in being vulnerable, in taking care of yourself

https://fortune.com/well/2023/01/15/black-women-soft-life/

https://cupcakesandcashmere.com/uncategorized/the-softness-of-black-women

Top right art is from special edition of the book
#riseupreads

49 likes2 comments
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Catsandbooks
The Kiss Countdown | Etta Easton
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Housing crisis in USA

Not having a stable home growing up affects Amerie‘s life now

Wanting to feel safe and secure

Data on black home ownership https://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news/state-housing-black-america-report...

Homelessness and minority groups https://endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/what-causes-homelessness/ine...

Bottom left art is from special edition of the book
#riseupreads

43 likes1 comment
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Catsandbooks
The Kiss Countdown | Etta Easton
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Sickle cell disease affects more black and brown people

Amerie‘s mom is living with this invisible illness

Healthcare system in our country is biased and broken

Basic info on sickle cell https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sickle-cell-anemia/symptoms-cause...

Video discussing SCD from a Boston news source, it's long but a great discussion from experts https://youtu.be/xehrvNMSD4E?si=OV_3xaDmPXXqjBPd

#riseupreads

KadaGul @Catsandbooks Not only is our healthcare system fundamentally broken, but virtually every aspect of our lives is broken. It is truly a shame that we live in the 21st century, but it seems like we are returning to the 18th century. 😱🤯 3mo
lil1inblue There are so many medical myths about Black folks that a worrying percentage of physicians still believe today. That they have a higher pain threshold, or that they literally have thicker skin. So not only is Amerie's mom up against these biases, but then she has an invisible illness on top of it. 3mo
47 likes3 comments
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Catsandbooks
The Kiss Countdown | Etta Easton
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book! I love a fake dating trope. I liked the banter between Amerie's and Vincent. The friendships and family dynamics were great too and felt real.

My favorite/least liked scenes are in the comments ⬇️

#riseupreads

Catsandbooks I loved the picnic scene that Vincent set up for her. Everything was so sweet! I didn't like when Amerie met with her parents after their trip and she bolted so fast instead of staying and talking to them then. I am glad they eventually talked though. 3mo
Julsmarshall I‘m still waiting for my hold to come in for this one but will read (listen) as soon as I can! 3mo
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peanutnine The picnic scene was so sweet!! I loved Vincent the whole book, it was so obvious that he was smitten for Amerie from the start! 🥰 I agree about her parents, I hated that she paid their medical bill and didn't tell them! She just hurt herself more by not communicating 3mo
Bookwormjillk Still waiting for this to come from the library. I‘ll read it when it comes. 3mo
mhillis I really enjoyed this book! Their relationship was so cute and I agree that the picnic scene was just the best 💕 Also it was good to see Amerie, Vincent & their families enjoying nature and hiking. More about this in 3mo
Melismatic Romance is not typically a genre I read but I enjoyed this! It was very cute - agree the picnic scene was very cute, ditto to him being very protective of her when she hurt her ankle. 🥹 I felt like the ending was too rushed and felt anticlimactic, including her bailing on her parents bc what? 🙃 3mo
lil1inblue @Melismatic Romance isn't typically my genre either. And I agree about the ending. But overall, it wasn't bad. 3mo
lil1inblue @mhillis I love that you mentioned this! I think Vincent being an astronaut was also a good choice for the same reason. Oh, and Amerie's parents living the RV life. 3mo
47 likes9 comments
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Catsandbooks
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#FoodandLit March 2025 Ireland 🇮🇪

To participate read a book that takes place in the country or is by an author from the country. Also enjoy food from the country. Share your experience with the tag #FoodandLit & tag @Catsandbooks & @Texreader

Storygraph link https://tinyurl.com/c4yrw569

If you're not currently tagged in #FoodandLit news & would like to be, let me know.

55 likes9 comments
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Catsandbooks
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#5JoysFriday
This week has been incredibly stressful but I still found joy. JOY IS RESISTANCE! ✊🏼🔥
1. Kitty cuddles on cold days
2. A bird visiting my heated water bowl outside for animals
3. Crossword puzzles
4. Girl scout cookies
5. Will. My partner and best friend ❤️

Ruthiella 😻😻😻Also: I picked up a box of Thin Mints GS cookies last week. 😋 (edited) 3mo
TheBookHippie ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ oh those cookies! Yum. 3mo
AnnCrystal ✊🏼💝💝💝💝💝. 3mo
DebinHawaii Lovely joys! 💛💛💛 Resistance & GS cookies! 🍪😋 3mo
dabbe 💚🩶💚 3mo
51 likes5 comments
review
Catsandbooks
Witches Steeped in Gold | Ciannon Smart
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Mehso-so

3/5 ⭐️ I was really excited for the premise of this story, witches based on Jamaican folklore, but it fell flat for me. It really needed a glossary for all the complex world building terms that were thrown in without explanation. I won't continue the series but I would read something else from this author.

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Catsandbooks
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#RiseUpReads March 2025

Winner - Brave Hearted: The Women of the American West by Katie Hickman

Read at your own pace. There will be a discussion posted on Litsy at the end of the month.

Please tag me in your posts & use #riseupreads
If you're not currently tagged & would like to be, let me know.

Bookwormjillk Looks good! 4mo
Librarybelle This looks very interesting…may I join for this one? 4mo
See All 8 Comments
peanutnine Looks interesting! And my library has it! 😁 4mo
Catsandbooks @Librarybelle absolutely! Would you like to be tagged for future months or just March? 4mo
Librarybelle Sure…tag me for future months please. I wasn‘t very organized earlier this year to start reading with the group at the beginning of the year, but it would be nice to join in when I can. Thank you! 4mo
Catsandbooks @Librarybelle no problem! Added you to the list! ❤️ 4mo
Librarybelle Thanks! 4mo
51 likes1 stack add8 comments
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Catsandbooks
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#5JoysFriday
1. I made a lemon cream cheese cake for my birthday tomorrow. I'm happy with how it turned out!
2. Morning cuddles with my kitties
3. Receiving valentines from the #Valentinecardswap hosted by @TheBookHippie
4. Kinder happy hippos
5. Will ❤️

TheBookHippie Oh how lovely!!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️🥳🎂 4mo
TheBookHippie Happiest Birthdays to you. 4mo
Catsandbooks @TheBookHippie Thank you Christine! 🥰 4mo
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Ruthiella Happy Birthday! 🥳🥳🥳 4mo
Deblovestoread Happy birthday 🎂🎉📚🎈 Cake looks and sounds yummy! 4mo
Butterfinger Oh Leila, Happy Birthday. That cake sounds and looks delicious. 4mo
Bookwormjillk Happy birthday 🎉 That‘s a great looking cake! 4mo
Enchanted_Bibliophile Happy birthday 🎉🎂🎉 4mo
CSeydel Happy birthday! What a cake - it looks fantastic! 4mo
slategreyskies Happy Birthday!! 🧁 ✨ 4mo
TiredLibrarian Happy birthday! Enjoy that lovely looking cake! 4mo
AnnCrystal Looks delicious 😋 Happy Birthday 🥳🎂🍰💝💝💝💝💝. 4mo
tpixie Happy birthday 🎉🎁🎈🎂 that cake looks and sounds great! (edited) 4mo
DogMomIrene Sprinkles make everything better! They‘re like glitter, except not annoying. 4mo
Susanita Happy birthday! Enjoy your beautiful cake! 4mo
ShelleyBooksie Happy Birthday!!!! The cake looks amazing. 4mo
dabbe 🩶🩷🩶 4mo
Catsandbooks And the cake is delicious!! 🍋🍰 4mo
tpixie @Catsandbooks yay! 🍋 🎂 🍋 4mo
50 likes20 comments
review
Catsandbooks
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Pickpick

5/5 ⭐️ I absolutely loved this book! While it is a romance, it's more about grief and the journey to love again after you lose someone. Also I love the friendship between Feyi and Joy! So glad I read this one! #queerbc

LoverOfLearning What a stunning cover! 3mo
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Catsandbooks
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March 2025 Theme: Women in History

Please vote for what book we will read in March

https://forms.gle/ptQUndjGZijLWw8u8

Rise up Reads- reading marginalized voices 🔥✊🏼 If you're not currently tagged & would like to be, let me know.

44 likes4 comments
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Catsandbooks
Home Sweet Home | Sarah Title
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#5JoysFriday
1. I made it home safely after traveling and my cats were very happy to see me
2. I got Zola a raincoat 🌧️
3. Seeing my niece!
4. King cake season 💚💛💜
5. Fresh warm biscuits

TheBookHippie The raincoat!!!!!!!! Omg ♥️♥️♥️♥️ 4mo
Bookwormjillk That raincoat 😍😍😍 4mo
Texreader So much love in these photos!! And that raincoat!! 4mo
See All 7 Comments
mhillis Biscuits! Cake! Sounds like a lovely week 💕 4mo
AnnCrystal 💝💝💝💝💝. 4mo
dabbe 🩶🩷🩶 4mo
DebinHawaii Yay! Wonderful joys—thanks for joining in! 💛💛💛 4mo
46 likes7 comments
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Catsandbooks
Vilest Things | Chloe Gong
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Pickpick

5/5 ⭐️ Chloe is Queen! Long may her entertaining chaos reign! 👑🤯

#ChloeGongReadalong

TheBookHippie Yaaaas!!!! 4mo
5feet.of.fury Loooooove that cover!! 4mo
vlwelser Gorgeous 😍😍😍😍😍 4mo
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Catsandbooks
The Kiss Countdown | Etta Easton
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#RiseUpReads February 2025
The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton

Read at your own pace. There will be a discussion posted on Litsy at the end of the month. 

Please tag me in your posts & use #riseupreads 
If you're not currently tagged & would like to be, let me know.

Optional Storygraph readalong: https://app.thestorygraph.com/readalongs/37a3e213-d6d7-4b0d-8121-b015806813f0

#blackhistorymonth

43 likes3 comments
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Catsandbooks
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Please share any resources, people or groups you follow, or book recommendations.

https://www.instagram.com/liberaljane?igsh=MWV2cXlkNmhlbDFtbQ==

https://www.feministbookclub.com/

https://www.aclu.org/

How to be an antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

See All 23 Comments
ncsufoxes How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith is excellent. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah also excellent 4mo
willaful The Second by Carol Anderson, Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward. 4mo
TheBookHippie @ncsufoxes all of those yes. 4mo
TheBookHippie @Melismatic all her books are so good! 4mo
TheBookHippie @willaful yes these!!!! All books by these authors are good. 4mo
TheBookHippie Bell Hooks,Audre Lorde , Anna Julia Cooper, Ida B. Wells, I‘ve read everything in print of these I have read all above mentioned here‘s a good list https://now.org/blog/10-black-feminists-you-need-to-know-about/ 4mo
AllDebooks Agree with all books/authors mentioned. Socials - I follow The Guilty Feminist and Gina Martin. https://www.instagram.com/p/DFfGTOxzVIg/?igsh=bWk4N2h6djVyMHg4 4mo
AllDebooks I'm currently obsessed with my latest read 4mo
AllDebooks Anything by Laura Bates 4mo
lil1inblue I have to recommend Portia Burch and White Woman Whisperer on Patreon (I think they're also still on tiktok, but I haven't been on to see). I've learned so much from these women.
For books, there's so many good recs here. I would also say anything by Isabel Wilkerson.
4mo
TheBookHippie @AllDebooks yes all of those!!! My word I‘ve read them all. Women Race and class is so good. 4mo
46 likes23 comments
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Catsandbooks
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TheBookHippie To put in a comment 40 years of books and people … ummmmmm. I will work on a way to share that. But what I can say is get a local group and break bread with them at least once a month. Invite a friend and tell them to bring a friend you don‘t know. If you look around and everyone is white, it‘s time to change some things. Form community, it‘s paramount. 4mo
TheBookHippie Oops put that under wrong question! 4mo
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TheBookHippie When I read this book the phrase that comes to mind is generally “check your privilege”… 4mo
Bookwormjillk I am in my own world most of the time so I always appreciate this reminder! 4mo
Catsandbooks @TheBookHippie You are far more knowledgeable than me in this area! I appreciate anything you're willing to share from your years as an activist. I really wanted to start this group as a space to share these things and to always being open to learn and grow. 4mo
TheBookHippie @Catsandbooks it‘s a shift of how you live. I made a post in November I posted I have more so I‘ll try to remember to keep you informed https://bookhippie.com/index.php/2025/01/20/so-what-now/ 4mo
Catsandbooks @TheBookHippie Thank you! ❤️ I look to you as a role model especially for activism. I'd say my feminist learning didn't start in earnest until 2016. I'd always been progressive, but never made it a priority until then. I had just finished college and then was devastated after the election. Lots of unlearning and relearning, which is ongoing. I remember when I learned about privilege & the phrase check your privilege, it's like my eyes were opened 4mo
TheBookHippie @Catsandbooks ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ 4mo
lil1inblue This is so important. Also learning to listen and de-center yourself. It's a constant process, but it gets easier as you practice! 4mo
44 likes11 comments