Welcome to Litsy!

Tony kept me company on my drives the past couple of weekends. His trek across the American South, following the pre-Civil War journey of Frederick Law Olmsted, is filled with mishaps and memorable characters. Really interesting (and kind of scary) to see the parallels between the 1850s and 2016. Sad that this was his last book, but look forward to reading his backlist.

Journalist Tony Horwitz follows in the footsteps of Frederick Law Olmsted. Best known for designing New York's Central Park, Olmsted first traveled throughout the south prior to the Civil War, seeking to better understand the residents and share his findings with readers back home. Horwitz was traveling prior to the 2016 election, and the divisions he finds are stark if no longer startling. An absorbing work of history and immersive journalism.

I enjoy Horwitz‘s explorations and this book has many. I particularly enjoyed the boat ride on the Ohio. However, I think that I‘m done with the genre of books that I‘ll call “Interview racist assholes so they can small-mindedly expound upon the ills of the world and their fellow Americans”. I‘ve read my fair share of these books in recent years and have had my fill. This book is good, but it has many chapters that meet this definition.

It came! Thank you so much, @Chrissyreadit , for your generous giveaway and I‘m so happy you chose this book for me. I actually bought it for a friend for Christmas and then felt all martyr-ish when I didn‘t buy it for myself, too. 😆😆 Confederates in the Attic is a real favourite of mine (and Blue Latitudes, too).

Thank you, my friend!! 😘😘

#ThankYouGiveaway

“. . . It seemed inescapable that fast-growing Texas would remain a crucible of the nation‘s escalating conflicts: over immigration, gun rights, religion, the environment, and other hot button issues.”

I love my state, and it‘s true— we do have a lot of conflict over these issues in today‘s climate. Interesting to learn that this isn‘t unique to Texas of the 21st century🌵🌞🤠

Library haul 🥳 slowly moving through my TBR list and it feels good even if I‘m barely making a dent 🥴

In true Southern fashion I‘m eating a tomato sandwich in a rocker on my front porch while reading a book about the South.

Saturday night porch reading.

Couldn't resist starting this. Not even 50 pages in and I already want to talk about it with people. And feeling sad all over again about Horowitz's death.

An interesting look at the historical and contemporary American South. So sorry to hear of the death of the author this week as he was on tour for this book.

#TBRTuesday

Planning to finish up the month of May with these books!!!

Horwitz‘s books are a mix of travelogue and history, all told with good humor. Here he retraces a journey by Frederick Olmstead thru the pre-Civil War South. It is his most political and pessimistic book, but it remains thoroughly entertaining and engaging. Full review - https://hillbillyhighways.wordpress.com/2019/05/22/nonfiction-spying-on-the-sout...

Books at the family dinner table are a point of contention between me and my wife. She says they should be banned. I say they should be required.