Welcome to Litsy!

These books are my #hopesanddreams for February- some my go into March. 6/9 are #buddyreads; the other 3 are my choices.
#TBR #readaway2024 #serieslove2024 #seasonalcozies #February #NancyDrewBR #litsylovereads #nunlit #Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent #naturalitsy #buddyread #February
I must be dreaming…

This was another book with many different perspectives from the 5 main characters. I really like it when an author does this. This book was so sad at times and so hopeful at others. It was a short book but it definitely didn‘t feel that way. I liked how complicated the relationship‘s were in this book, but still there was so much love. If you need to choose a book for your end of year book goal this is one.

Beautiful, poignant, arresting, touching and surprising, this novel delves into the lives of Melody, her parents and grandparents. Melody is celebrating her coming of age, but the stories of the past cast a long shadow on the present. The narrators were superb. One of my favorites this year. This pick is four plus stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+

I definitely want to read more Woodson. There‘s a slight twist at the end that was risky and I found it a little odd, but her characters are fascinating, and the voice of this novel is so distinct. I read this in like two days.

My next pick of my #blindbookdate and I‘m slowing devouring the pages. I was supposed to start dinner a while back but got lost in a book. Nothing my boyfriend isn‘t use to though!
Currently enjoying all the different perspectives. At first I thought the narration was going to stay on the same day and kind of wished I could see that. But the time skips are offering a good perspective too

#Reread
In 2023 I am rereading a favorite book each month.
I love the way Woodson writes. Her books on the surface are very sparse. Under 200 pages and the writing itself feels surface level when you begin but the more you read the more you understand that people can write deep, thoughtful, beautiful stories with minimal words.
I still love this story.

What a beautifully written story this is, and I find myself yearning to know about Melody‘s life today. I was not expecting the story to weave in such a way that I found myself heartbroken over Aubrey‘s story.

….Excuse the unrelated background but this title, this morning, as I head out to the Superbowl parade! I just had to trade out my previously snapped pic!

3.5/5⭐ I adore how Woodson can say so much in so few words. There are tons of themes explored in this book that require chewing on long after the end: class, race, sexuality, teen pregnancy, love, motherhood, religion, education, trauma. It's a beautifully constructed book, but somehow the sum is not greater than its parts for me.

Read this for work as it‘s 1 of the Top 11 for One Maryland One Book! I listened to this last year & didn‘t care for it much, but physically reading it i understood the connections between the characters & their stories. It tells the stories of a 16 year old Melody & generations of her family. It features issues involving sex, race, class & the impact of making decisions before you fully understand them.

I loved the way this story is told from every character's POV. It is very emotional. The story of how family fits together and overcomes obstacles.

My goodness, that was a fantastic read. Full of poetry and yet so concise.
It's rare to be in awe of both the writing style and the story but definitely so with this.

This seems to have some really worthwhile and interesting messages

“As the orchestra lifted into "Darling Nikki," I took small breaths to keep tears from coming. I had not expected this --to feel the close of a chapter. The girlhood of my life over now.”

I may be in the minority here, but I didn‘t like this book. It was short & that may have been a detriment. I didn‘t feel a connection with the characters & tried to keep track of everyone as it went back & forth in time. I would still read a book by Woodson but won‘t for a while.

I liked the characters and the different perspectives through the book. It's a short book, but has a lot of story in it!

Wow! I‘m late to the party, but this book had been on my TBR for awhile, and I‘m so glad I finally got around to reading it. The book moves deftly back and forth through time to tell a multi-generational tale about one family. It is absolutely stunning and I was left in awe by how much she was able to accomplish in such a small book. Highly recommended.

Favourite book Read in July! A quick read. Excellent audiobook production...

The book opens at a coming-out ceremony for 16 year old Melody. Have you ever met a character and wondered how she came to be? Me neither! But we get to find out here. 🤣
I listened to this on audio, & despite having a full cast of narrators, it was still a little difficult to keep track of the POV & time hopping happening here. Woodson tells an interesting story of how teen pregnancy affects this family but some parts left me wanting more. ⬇️

I realize now, how little of this book I remembered. It‘s still excellent, even on the re-read, I just wish it was a bit longer, maybe went a bit deeper. I‘d LOVE LOVE LOVE a sequel. There‘s still SO much of a story left to tell. #AAM Thanks @Soubhiville if it wasn‘t for your challenge, I never would have picked this up again.

It‘s a pick, because it‘s Jacqueline Woodson, and her writing is beautiful. The narrators do an incredible job. I did, however have a difficult time following the POV on audio, and the chronological jumps. Despite the slim size of this novel, I grew to love all the characters quickly.

Starting 2nd book for #AuthorAMonth #JacquelineWoodson

@Soubhiville

Multiple narrators enhanced the story of 3 generations of a family in Brooklyn, NY. Ultimately, it was a story of motherhood and its many faces. Iris, the main character, chooses to escape to Oberlin,far away from Brooklyn. Much to ponder. Beautiful writing for most of the book. Although at times, I felt disappointed, there is no doubt that Jacqueline Woodson is a star. #authoramonth #jacquelinewoodson @Soubhiville

This. Was. Fabulous. Emotional & tender, nuanced and complex - but also so real. I can‘t wait to read more from this author.
#AuthorAMonth @Soubhiville

I really enjoyed this book and it‘s story about a family and how they have been shaped based on the people and places around them. I found that I enjoyed Iris‘s parts the most in part because I found her to be the most intriguing with her flaws, and the myriad of decisions she made throughout the story and the ramifications they had on her and her family. #AuthorAMonth #BookspinBingo

I loved the multi-generational story telling, how everyone thinks their life is the most complicated, but each is complicated in its own unique way, but still similarities pop up in the most unusual ways. So much great history woven into this family‘s story.

Never think you really know someone else‘s story, because you don‘t really unless you‘ve lived in their shoes. ⤵️

I really liked this. And it's full cast audio which always adds to the #audiobook experience. I'm really digging this author. Oddly enough, this was my first experience with her fiction.

#AuthorAMonth with @Soubhiville

#BookSpinBingo square 5
@TheAromaofBooks

Starting new audiobook. Begins with discussion of motherhood. Perfect choice for today! #authoramonth @Soubhiville

This is my 3rd book from this author. The writing is lovely, but the constant change in narrators and in the timeline became frustrating and felt random at times, especially toward the end. Because it is so short and the perspective is constantly shifting, I didn't feel I had enough of any character to really feel invested. I'm sure there was a purpose to her organization, but it didn't work for me. #AuthorAMonth @Soubhiville

Woodson is a master at saying a whole lot with few words. This is a powerful, absorbing story, and fantastic audiobook.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#authoramonth

I feel flayed by this. Just absolutely gutted. Excuse me while I go cry over some fictional characters and remember why I mainly read nonfiction. Really fantastic book. #aam #authoramonth

And this is great as an #audiobook. Excellent use of a full cast.

What a powerful story of family, loss, and love. The audiobook was so good!

I‘m glad I have a lot more Jacqueline Woodson checked out for #AuthorAMonth!

This is my May #bookspin.

Beautifully and creatively written - honest, powerful and intense. I‘m not sure what age it‘s written for, but I appreciated it as an adult, reading it practically in a single day (less than 24 hours).

What I‘m reading today.

Didn‘t love it.

Woodson touches on many themes in this short novel. POVs shift, time jumps. Some parts were very moving, had me holding my breath. Others I wanted more from, more of. It was like flipping through an artist's sketchbook, admiring their incredible pencil sketches, longing to see them painted in full color.

Day 9: There are just so many to choose from for books that transcend into a total experience, but I decided to go with Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson because I love the way that she handled shifting between different characters‘ perspectives to the point where you really become immersed in their lives and ways of thinking even though they are all so very different. I also love the opening scene! #Blackliteracyisrevolutionary

Fantastic read. Lyrical, almost musical. In a relatively short amount of pages, these characters get wonderfully developed, to the point where I felt each and every one of their stories. Absolutely fantastic.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟 out of 5 stars.
Read date: 2/4/2021

✨✨

I really liked this - for a book that skipped about in time and covered such painful themes I was really surprised by how easy to read it was, and that I never felt lost among all the characters. It‘s rare for a book with such a wide cast of characters to all feel equally real and deep.

#newyearwhodis @alisonrose @monalyisha

Starting the new year with my first #newyearwhodis book from @alisonrose ‘s list. I‘m trying to be kind to myself this year and read more slowly and mindfully rather than just racing through books I don‘t even expect to like so I have something to do while stuck at home! This is an excellent one so far and a great first pick of the year. @monalyisha

Jacqueline Woodson does it again with Red at the Bone. In my opinion, there‘s no other living author that imbues so much emotion and grace into so few pages. This story is all about family and self-realization at any age. Woodson winds the stories and voices together like bells in a gentle breeze. First, we hear one tone, then the wind blows, and we hear another. Soon it‘s a melody.

Full review http://www.TheBibliophage.com #thebibliophage2021

This book was pure, heart wrenching poetry. It‘s so beautifully written and the full cast audio was amazing. It‘s a story of family and choices and love. But especially the joy and pain love brings.

Love hurts. It is a beautiful pain. That seems to be the theme of this story. The multiple shifting points of view were often confusing and I felt no one got their due. Especially CathyMarie.

I am so excited to start my #newyearwhodis books in January! I just did a bit of kindle shopping from @alisonrose ‘s magnificent list! There were a couple I‘d already read and one not available in the UK kindle store yet so I‘ve preordered it for March! Red at the bone is the first one I‘m gonna go for it‘s been on my list SO long

@monalyisha

Book 157 of 2020. #bookly #audiobook

Finished this audiobook while doing a half marathon.

#AlphabetTitles #LetterR.
I recently read Rules of Magic and I am sad I waited so long. I started the series this summer with Magic Lessons and I am excited to tackle Practical Magic next. I really enjoyed hanging out with the Owens clan.
Jacqueline Woodson is one of those authors I will always pre-order. I have very vivid memories of the exact coffee shop I was in while reading this her language is spot on, every single line.

Jacqueline Woodson is 2 for 2 now. Gimme all of her books! Loved this as much if not more than Another Brooklyn. The writing is exquisite, like poetry reshaped into prose. Short but substantial, all the characters‘ POVs were distinct & so *human*. You understand them & forgive their flaws b/c you care about them enough to want to. Woodson is such an astute observer of human nature & relationships. This was awe-inspiring from start to finish. 5/5🌟