I had to take a break from Tolkien and #LOTRchapteraday as well as some other books I had been reading. “You Should See Me in a Crown” has kept me engaged this morning at work. I haven‘t enjoyed a book set in a high school in a long time. #audiobook

This story was a fun, but formulaic gothic horror novel. But the real star is Paapa Essiedu and the creative team that managed to put together the Audible audiobook of this novel!!!! #audiobook

I made it 100 pages into this book. I didn‘t realize this was romance fantasy. I didn‘t care for the world and it‘s “rules.” I also found the author‘s writing to be long-winded while not saying much. I know a lot of people really like this and that is great, but I have forced myself to read several TikTok books that I hated. I am not going to do it for this. Does anyone have any dragon-focused fantasy novels they can suggest?

This is a charming collection of short stories and poems by Tolkien. I really enjoy imagining young hobbits listening to “The Adventures of Tom Bombadil.” Sam‘s poem about a Troll arguing over a pile of bones makes me smile (it is the same thing he recites to Frodo, Merry, and Pippin under Bilbo‘s trolls in Fellowship). “On Fairy-Stories” was a more complex read and reminded me of the parts of Tolkien with which I disagree. #tolkien

I had just plowed through “The Hobbit,” but I had no money for a book, so I had to start negotiating. My mother and I agreed that I would read a book of her choosing and then I would get my mass market paperback with an alarmed Elijah Wood on the cover. I just had to read… “Pride and Prejudice.”

I was reminiscing after playing catch-up for #lotrchapteraday #bookjournal

I am not a horse person, but these guys get the coolest lines, the coolest outfits, and the coolest theme in the soundtrack. Kind of sad I don‘t have an Éomer or Éowyn focused card. #hobbitweek

So, I do love Tolkien and his description of nature and humanity, but sometimes I get annoyed at his lack of appreciate for industry. I am not saying Sauron was right (in fact he alpha-broed too close to the fiery chasm from whence his ring of power came). But I do think there needs to be a happy medium. How else would I get to post on this lovely app if not for industry? #hobbitweek

Imagine the feeling you get when you ride a launch roller coaster that shoots you as high into the sky as possible, then returns you straight to the ground. That‘s it, but man were those 15 seconds amazing. That is how I felt listening to this #audiobook

I have never been an outdoorsy person, but anytime I pick up one of Tolkien‘s books I want to go for a walk or sit outside. Everything is picturesque, but not just beautiful. It can be terrible and grotesque when the story needs it.
I think Ents and Entwives create a lovely bridge between the moving characters and the shifting environment. Even if I tend to be a bit hasty during the Ent focused chapters. #hobbitweek

I am terrible at digital art and too lazy to draw something, so I decided to pull Magic cards that related to each #hobbitweek prompt. Unfortunately I don‘t have much for Adûnaic, so let‘s call it Second Age adjacent.

Hearing Saruman tell me about the Second Age antics of men is the best way to enjoy this story. If you have audible, Christopher Lee narrated the audiobook available. Tolkien created an epic tragedy for his world that sits nicely beside the epic romance (looking at you Beren and Lúthien). #tolkien #audiobook #bookjournal

I chose “A Darker Shade of Magic” on a whim from the Audible Plus library. I am a little over 4 hours in when I think to check if the other parts of the series are also in Audible Plus. Nope. Time to head to the library because this will be finished today or tomorrow.
I knew I enjoyed V.E. Schwab, so this wasn‘t a risky choice. The Magic system is interesting and I like the parallel Londons. #audiobooks

My hometown had a fair and I bought some things I didn‘t need. If you are craving an autumn book “The October Country” is one of my favorites. I didn‘t feel like I could pass up this cover. #autumn

Book 1 Chapter 2 “The Shadow of the Past”
#LotRChapteraDay #bookjournal

I have been listening to some Tolkien-focused podcasts and is it just me or is the worst fate for anything in Middle-earth to “fade.” Elves that don‘t return to Valinor: fade. Bilbo and Gollum spending too much quality time with the ring: fade.

I am going to try to play catch-up with #LotRChapteraDay because seeing all the posts have pulled me back in to Middle Earth.

Book 1 Chapter 1 “A Long-Expected Party”
#bookjournal

This may not be the Tolkien book for everyone. I struggled to get through a few chapters, but some of the less detailed stories in “The Silmarillion” get their time to shine. Plus there is more information on Galadriel and Gandalf if that is of interest to you. It also gives some behind the scenes pieces to “The Hobbit” that I really enjoyed. #bookjournal #tolkien

I have a complex relationship with Tom Bombadil. My brother and I have very differing opinions on his absence from the LotR movies. BUT if I am going to listen to this at least my environment should be picturesque. #tolkien #fellowshipoftolkien

I have been struggling with my new job, but I have been using audiobooks as an aide to get through the day. Last month I listened to Fellowship, Towers, Hobbit, and Return of the King (in that order). Last week I finished the Silmarillion and now I am almost done with Unfinished Tales. Then I found out about #LotRChapterADay . Guess I gotta start over????

My brother said I couldn‘t name our puppy Leia. Don‘t do a Star Wars name. Fine, let‘s go with a Greek goddess like our cat. No Star Wars. I “promise.” How about we name the dog Hera???? #starwars #dogsoflitsy

Sometimes your human wants to go on an adventure because they have been listening to The Lord of the Rings all month and they need to be reminded that home is so much better. #dogsoflitsy

I am 1 1/2 months into a new job. I have read more (listened mainly) in this time than I have in over six months working at a bookstore. I think books became a job to me and lost their appeal. My favorite thing to do is sit under this window at lunch and listen to my audiobook to decompress. #audiobook

I caught up on my #litsylove (so if we correspond, it is on the way)!!! I also decided to make a list for #bookspin this month. I forgot how much fun it is to make a list and wait for @TheAromaofBooks to pull numbers! #bookjournal

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you for the really lovely card! It made me smile. I really loved this quote: “Keep focused on who and what are most important in your life. Making a life is more important than making a living.” -Larree Renda
If you are one of the wonderful people I have been communicating with through #litsylove please know I appreciate your patience. I am slowly getting things back on track and I should be sending out replies soon!

I have taken a break from reading for the last month or so and in doing so I have picked up on a new hobby (for me). Who new I would finally pick up video games? But I am now a bit behind on my #litsylove this month. I will be getting back on that though!!!!🤞🤞🤞🤞

#bookspin #doublebookspin I am a sucker for Halloween decor especially in journals!

A group of autumnal toned stories with a touch of the supernatural to give you a chill down your spine. #bookjournal

Last month I did not finish a single book, but I did pour a significant amount of time in to Animal Crossing New Horizons!!! September will be a new month with new #bookspin and #doublebookspin numbers! #bookjournal (I realize that you can not see the list very well🫠🫠🫠)

#bookspin #doublebookspin #august

When it is finally not so hot and humid that your fur feels like you jumped in to a hot pond you take your human on a walk! #dogsoflitsy

Can you tell that I really like the color green? #bookjournal #bookspin

I think I agree with @Patchshank and @Maggie4483 on this one. It was an engrossing book and you really become attached to the Ciaglia‘s in their journey, but so much of the book relies on the shock value of the serial killers‘ letters that I don‘t know if I could recommend this to someone without copious trigger warnings. It kind of felt like Pete Earley would have just used the letters and dumped everything else if Tony let him. #lmpbc #truecrime

Thank you so much! I can‘t wait to dig in to the book and start using the stationery! I made an excited squeal when I saw the washi tape. #litsylovesummerswap #litsylove
@Kdgordon88
@rsteve388

A really cute manga created after Shinibumaru‘s stories about a bookstore in the spirit realm. It reminds me of “The Ancient Magus‘s Bride.” #manga #bookjournal

This arrived in the mail today! Thanks so much @HeathHof ! I had a lot of fun with you guys @Maggie4483 . On that note, is it ok if I hold on to “The Serial Killer Whisperer” for one more week @Patchshank ? I failed at staying on track this month.

Since I didn‘t finish this title during my month with it I decided to get my own copy and… it. Is. Done. Whoo! That was crazy, but if you are in to true crime and haven‘t read it already, it is consider a classic of the genre for a reason! #lmpbc #groupt #round14

It is almost July?!?! Guess it is time for a new #bookspin list! #bookjournal

Bittersweet romances are clearly becoming my thing. I wish there was more to this manga, but it was a very good one shot! #manga #bookjournal

Thanks for the tag, @EadieB !
💚 I really did not want to read “Pride and Prejudice” as a kid and then as an adult I was really hesitant to reread it. I am going to classify it as a romance for the sake of the post because that is what I thought it was before I did my reread of it in college.
💚 🧙‍♂️💍🗺🏕🏔🧝‍♂️🥔🧗‍♂️🕷🌋🫠
💚 I found fantasy during my formative years and it was the perfect escape from what I saw as a boring life.

Volumes 1 and 2 cover season 1 of the anime from the 90s. I remember watching that on tv while I tried to put my hair in Usagi‘s buns. The manga is a bit darker, but you don‘t get to spend as much time with the other Sailor Guardians. It is still super fun to finally be reading this! #bookjournal #manga

I spent a day out buying books and drinking tea. Then I came home to my #litsylovesummerswap on my door!

If you have sent me some #litsylove recently, I put a postcard with random bits of information about me on it. I was inspired by @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks email. I thought it might be helpful for a reminder of just who you are sending letters to. If it is silly feel free to do what you want with it, but I hope you at least enjoy the lovely post card art!

This may be one of my favorite ways to end a week. #burritoandabook #truecrime #lmpbc

@Kdgordon88 @rsteve388 I sent off my #litsylovesummerswap today! I forgot to take a related picture, so here are the most photogenic members of my family, Hera and Artemis! @Bookwormjillk may want to keep an eye out on either Tuesday or Wednesday for a package! Thanks for setting this up, guys! #catsoflitsy #dogsoflitsy

I would like to formally apologize if you heard my disheartened cry when I found out that this is the finale for my current favorite series. The poor people at my local Barnes and Noble must have irreparable damage to their ears. (Just kidding, but I am sad that this is goodbye to these characters. I can‘t wait to see Fujita‘s next project!!!) #manga #bookjournal

I have been reading this for two months and while I enjoyed the first two in this series, l am going to tap out. I like the relationships developed in the prior novels, but everything in this one is very big and very anticlimactic. I read a summary and I guess this isn‘t my thing even though I really wanted it to be. #bookjournal (How do you guys deal with DNF shame? Because I am feeling it right now.)

A lovely slice of life romance, "Horimiya" volumes 1-4 cover the beginning stages of Hori-san and Miyamuri-kun's friendship as it grows in to something more. Volume 1 of this series also happened to be my #bookspin for June! #Manga #bookjournal

Busy day at work, so I am glad today‘s page was easy! #mentalhealth

#mentalhealth So much of my anxiety comes from interacting with strangers. Covid really increased that anxiety and I am still trying to figure out how to cope with that.

I have a tendency to only want to rely on myself and I feel ashamed to ask for help. Today‘s entry reminded me how much happiness other members of my life bring me and that cutting them out is not helpful. Also, I really like the Marcus Aurelius quotes #mentalhealth

I thought I would give this journal a shot. Everybody has stress and drama in their life, but I am realizing mine has stalled me to the point of despondency. So I am trying to “land on the other side of despair” by looking closely at myself and hopefully moving forward. I hope no one minds if I share some of the less personal pages, but I hope that posting them encourages me to keep going! #mentalhealth