Welcome to Litsy!

Unlike the 2020 Center for Fiction First Novel prize winner, this 2019 winner was just what I wanted. An independent woman who seemingly needs no help and a community of friends and neighbors who watch over her. She‘s cranky, an alcoholic, and completely unapologetic. This is a multi-generational story and I loved each of the characters.

There has been a lot of talk on BookTok lately about how people love Gay books but only if they are written by women. And about how Gay men are really not getting their due.
So on this last day of pride for my #pridebookrec I am going to share some of my favorite Gay authors.
If you have any books to add to this please do!

Don't you love it when a novel comes to you with no preconceptions, seemingly out of nowhere? I had never heard of this book, but was drawn to the cover in the library, and I loved it. Azalea 'Knot' Centre is a character like no other, complex and fiercely independent, and the community of found family and friends in West Mills will fill your heart. They love each other, and get frustrated with each other in the ways that only true family can.

"No more secrets. The longer they're kept, the more hurt they cause when they're set free."

My first library book since March!

This is the debut novel from De‘Shawn Winslow. He introduced us to the protagonist of the story Azalea Centre alias Knot. She‘s a strong willed independent woman who‘d does as she pleases and answer a smart Alec answer for everything. You‘ll soon learn how her refusal to bend to everybody else‘s expectations makes her and everyone around her look at family and friendship in a different way. Excellent writing and pacing!

He say readin‘ ought to be something folk do ‘cause they enjoy it. Not ‘cause they scared of what might happen to ‘em if they can‘t 📖🥃🍏

Went to the library to pick up a copy of The Merry Wives of Windsor for #shakespearereadalong. Ended up checking out a few other titles. 🙂

I just couldn‘t get into it at this time. Moving on.

#2019Book64
Books that cover multiple decades and family generations are my jam and I loved watching these characters grow. I only wish the novel was longer, because I wasn‘t ready to leave West Mills just yet.

I didn't know what to expect when starting this one, but I enjoyed it.

I would have liked a bit more understanding of many character motives than we were given though.

This was excellent!! Highly recommend this to everyone.

Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2855051122

Almost halfway through this debut and it is 🤩🤩.

I won this beauty from a #GoodreadsGiveaway and it arrived today. Book mail always makes me happy. 😊

This book is a phenomenal debut. It is small and subtle, but will personally sit with me quite a while. The story takes place in an African America community in North Carolina between the 1940‘s and 1980‘s. The main character “Knot” was way ahead of her time, never felt she had to follow the norms. It was so much fun to follow this very independent w0man who would not care about following any of the norms. Very good read.