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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

Questions are now up for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead ! You can either find them on my feed or by searching #LiteraryCrew !

I will post later today a reminder for December‘s book, Dollface, along with the suggested reading timeline. I‘m also compiling the book recommendations for next year, so that post will appear later this week!

Any overall thoughts to share about Of Irish Blood?

Jerdencon, Crazeedi, catebutler, kspenmoll, OrangeMooseReads, BethM, CoverToCoverGirl, CarolineLovesToRead

Crazeedi I will look at questions! I loved the book, I learned so much from it 3y

BethM I‘m with @Crazeedi loved it! I‘ll nominate the third book for another month lol! 3y

Crazeedi @BethM I'm definitely game for that!! Did you read the first one? 3y

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BethM @Crazeedi I did not. I‘ve not seen great reviews about it but I‘m not opposed to trying it. 3y

Crazeedi @BethM I saw that too, but I borrowed from library to read on kindle, I'll let you know!! 3y

Librarybelle @BethM @Crazeedi I‘ll add the third book to the list for next year! 3y

Jerdencon I‘m still reading it - about 1/2 way through but enjoying it! 3y

CarolineLovesToRead I got off to a good start on it but slowed down and now trying to finish it tonight. I‘m enjoying this big read 3y

JuniperWilde Hi all. I can‘t but this book in Canada. Where did you source your copies? 3y

Librarybelle @JuniperWilde I got mine through the library. 3y

JuniperWilde Brilliant. Thx @Librarybelle 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

This post contains spoilers

6. I tried to highlight some of the big pieces, but inevitably in a novel this size, I‘m not capturing everything: for example, Nora‘s courage in the very beginning to flee an abusive relationship. What else struck you about this novel? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Crazeedi Like the previous question, how family is such an integral part of her life, even though Nora was apart from hers for years. How we connect with others through our lineage. Her marriage that was never really fulfilled made me very sad. Her sister Henrietta's disdain for her was a reminder of that era, when women were expected to be certain ways 3y

BethM How uniquely tied Irish spirit is to Ireland. Even a few generations removed I feel it abs was raised with it. 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

This post contains spoilers

5. Family. Such a huge part of this novel. And identity. Identity of oneself, identity as part of a family unit, and identity of your familial history, background and ethnic values and traditions. We could probably talk forever about this! Please share your thoughts. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Crazeedi I loved the lineage quoted when Nora met different people. And the importance of family was reinforced in so many ways. 3y

BethM I loved the family connectedness. 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

This post contains spoilers

1916: A Novel of the Irish Rebellion

4. Nora Kelly is also surrounded by political movements, especially the fight for Irish independence. Were you familiar with this movement? Here is a brief note from history.come about the granting of independence in 1921: https://www.history.com/.amp/this-day-in-history/irish-free-state-declared #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CarolineLovesToRead Matisse‘s work has always been an interest to me and I would like to find out more about the paintings that were taken/stolen by the nazis. 3y

Crazeedi I've had this book on my tbr for a long time, I'll be reading it now

Crazeedi Plus I read this book years ago about the irish struggle

Trinity

BethM @Crazeedi how was Trinity? @CarolineLovesToRead I don‘t know much about Matisse. What I found interesting was googling Gertrude Stein abs basically the lesbian subsect around. Idk why but that surprised me. 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

This post contains spoilers

3. As a bridge between question 2 and question 4…so many real life figures are portrayed in this novel, along with real situations and events. How well do you think does the author brings to life these real life figures? Do her portrayals make you want to learn more about the people? Any standouts to you? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Crazeedi I was fascinated because I've heard of some of the Irish Patriots, but dont know much, would love to know more. I think the book would have been twice as long if she had written more about them. 3y

Crazeedi Definitely the Irish Patriots who turned on each other would love to read more 3y

BethM @Crazeedi I agree! I‘ve started Morgan Llwelyn‘s series so I was familiar with some characters. 3y

1916: A Novel of the Irish Rebellion

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

This post contains spoilers

2. Nora Kelly finds herself surrounded by fashion and real life historical figures. Think about her interactions in the fashion world and those fashionistas she meets and works alongside. What are your impressions of the fashion world as portrayed by the author? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CarolineLovesToRead I found she portrayed it a bit cut throat/gossipy. I remember reading a part where Madame Simone was insulting Chanel and madame Simone‘s story about her wanting to marry a man who wanted to invest in her studio reminds me a bit of Chanel‘s story 3y

Crazeedi It seems a place occupied by top tier designers and them people copying designs to make for less money. I dont think much has changed in the fashion world! And yes @CarolineLovesToRead I kept thinking of the 2 books I've read about Chanel!! 3y

BethM I‘ve not read anything about Chanel so the whole woman of the night thing caught me off guard. Otherwise it was pretty much wht I expected. 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

This post contains spoilers

1. This is actually the sequel to the book Galway Bay, with a third book titled Irish Above All that was published in 2019. Have you read the first? Any plans to read more of the series? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

BethM I‘ve not reAd the first, will definitely read the third. 3y

CarolineLovesToRead I would like to read the next book for sure 3y

Crazeedi I have borrowed the first to read, and definitely want to read the third 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

pick

I LOVE this sentence. Finished the book last night and honestly I‘m still digesting. Some of it I loved, some of it I was bit lost, but overall I was absolutely captivated. Any book that sucks you in and makes you think gets a pick. Dense but worth the read- I‘ll definitely be picking up the next one at some point.

What I will say is that the author captures the Irish Catholic experience in a way that still resonates through the generations.

Librarybelle Glad you liked this! 3y

Chrissyreadit It‘s funny because I feel like outside of NYC the Irish Catholic experience is under appreciated 🤣 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

#saynothing #whateveryousaysaynothing #poetrywithinanovel #seamusheaney #patrickraddenkeefe #nonfiction #historicalfiction #poetry

So many literary figures, allusions in this novel. If possible, I wanted to find the source of “ say nothing.

Crazeedi, Librarybelle

kspenmoll https://youtu.be/OpDw5n_rb5I Seamus Heaney reading his poem (edited) 3y

Crazeedi So awesome ❤ 3y

BethM I know Of Irish Blood is fiction but I feel like “say nothing” has to predate 1975? 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

#November #20in4 #readathon
Joining in. Went from 40% of book read to 89% read today so far.

Andrew65

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

#coffeeandbooks #coffeebreak #literarycrew
Rainy day, making it feel colder than the 41 degrees it is. Happy to be home with family, sipping coffee, snacking on ginger cooks,and reading about the Irish. I have spent so much time looking up/researching various people and , events - learning sooo much about the Irish. My father‘s grandfather came over to CT during the Great Starvation/Potato Famine. My mother‘s family came in through NewFoundland.

Librarybelle So glad you‘re finding this riveting! 3y

BethM My great grandfather‘s father came over ❤️ 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

We know their dream; enough
To know they dreamed and are dead;
And what if excess of love
Bewildered them till they died?
I write it out in a verse—
MacDonagh and MacBride
And Connolly and Pearse
Now and in time to be,
Wherever green is worn,
Are changed, changed utterly:
A terrible beauty is born.
——William Butler Yeats, Easter,1916

Yeats as a character, along with his poetry are featured in
this novel. #literarycrew

kspenmoll https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/william-butler-yeats 3y

kspenmoll 56 years later, author Patrick Radden Keefe publishes a searing non fiction( reads like a novel) account of the continuing violence in N. Ireland as the subjugated people still struggle for unification. A brilliant read.

Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland

Librarybelle I have Say Nothing on my to read list! 3y

kspenmoll @Librarybelle Do read it. Not an easy read at all but he is a wonderful journalist/writer. 3y

BethM @Librarybelle the audio of Say Nothing is incredible. 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

This post contains spoilers

I have been glued to this today. For me a big tome (500+ pgs). Starts in Chicago where the Irish are making initial inwards into the city‘s politics. Irish-American Nora Kelly makes a life changing decision born of desire that necessitates her fleeing to Paris.Paris is a hot bed of Irish/English/ French intrigue.With the advent of WWI she cannot leave France, so serves as a nurse in a Vanderbilt hospital.

Crazeedi, OrangeMooseReads, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, CarolineLovesToRead

Crazeedi Can't wait to discuss!! 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

Since becoming a mom I suck at self care. Took 30 mins tonight for a candle lit bath, face mask, bath bomb, and book.

Soubhiville Good for you! 3y

megnews Yay! I know it‘s hard to find the time but so important. 3y

brittanyreads Well deserved 👍🏻 3y

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Crazeedi

Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

pick

#literarycrew @Librarybelle
Finished this today. An amazing book. So much Irish history that I've never really totally understood. Actually still don't understand, but now I know how part of my genes influence my character. I look forward to discussing!
Thank you @kspenmoll for this book

Crazeedi Now I definitely have to read the first book of this trilogy

Galway Bay

Librarybelle So glad you liked this! 3y

kspenmoll I am about 50% through. I also want to read the other two! 3y

BethM This has been my favorite pick in a long time! I‘ve not read great reviews about Galway Bay so I‘ll wait until someone reads that one! I‘m all in for Irish Above All though. 3y

Crazeedi @BethM I have the first one in my queue from library now, so we'll see how it is 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

We were gone for less than 40 mins 😫

TheSpineView Oh no!😩 3y

BethM @TheSpineView I knew my fellow littens would be more horrified than my hubs. He‘s like you can still read it! (Actually the last chapter is gone) 3y

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm 😱😭 3y

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TheSpineView @BethM 😤 I would like to see HIM read it! 3y

Jas16 😱 3y

alisiakae Oh no! 🙀 3y

Crazeedi Oh no!! 3y

Roary47 Ahhh! My pups have been doing this to my oldest kids books. I‘m sorry. 💛 3y

Sharpeipup Noooo! 3y

marleed Someone thought that was a very good book ;) 3y

tracey38 Oh nobody! I'm sorry. 😢 3y

BethM @Roary47 any tips? They‘ve gotten a few my kiddos books too but I thought it was just bc he threw them. They‘ve not done this since they were puppies. 3y

Roary47 @BethM if we are not home they are pinned up. They chew the walls if I leave them in a room 😱 I also have chickens which they took the liberty of beheading a few😭 keeping an eye on them is really all that has been working and a large pin for the both of them. 3y

Avanders 😟😞 rip books 🪦📚 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

#bookreport #weeklyforecast

Read some all of these this past week- finished Miss Marple.
Continuing with the other 3 this week.

Cinfhen

Cinfhen Looks good 😊 3y

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Crazeedi

Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

I'm trying to finish my book, but Klinger has other ideas. It's a pretty comfy place to take a snooze! #catsoflitsy #kittiesareincharge

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ❤️😽 3y

robinb What a sweetie pie! And speaking of sweeties, thank you for my lovely card that came today and for the goodies inside. 😘🤗🧡 3y

wanderinglynn What a great name! ❤️🐱 3y

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sharread So 😍 I love 💘 reading with my kitty on my lap. 3y

Crazeedi @robinb 😘 3y

Crazeedi @wanderinglynn ty!!❤ 3y

Crazeedi @sharread I do too except when he's blocking my page! 3y

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Crazeedi

Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

So I haven't even gotten dressed this morning! Too engrossed in this book for #literarycrew #buddyread 😁
@Librarybelle

KristiAhlers My Christmas books I must have list is insane and I just added this one on the flip side my family knows exactly what I want 😂 3y

Crazeedi @KristiAhlers I hear you, mine is the same. Litsy has a way of blowing up your TBR! 3y

KristiAhlers @Crazeedi agreed. I no longer have a TBR pile I legit have a tall bookcase. Sorry not sorry 😂 3y

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Librarybelle That‘s the best kind of book! 3y

Crazeedi @KristiAhlers I have one wall that's a bookshelf and then 5 other shelves in various locations 😊 3y

Crazeedi @Librarybelle absolutely!! 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

Current view. Got my covid booster yesterday and had to take a sick day today. Blessing to get it, annoyed that I‘m feeling poorly when I did great with 1 and 2. Hoping that it clears up in a few more hours!

This author really gets Irish Catholicism. I feel it to my core and want to hug her. Obviously my family emigrated generations ago (4) but some things run deep.

Kshakal Feel better!! 3y

AmyG I was out for a day with the booster. Take tylenol-it helped me. You should be fine tomorrow. Feel better. (edited) 3y

BethM @AmyG will do thanks! 3y

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Chrissyreadit My arm is still sore, and I needed 2 days, but then was fine for work on Monday. Hope you can just relax today ❤️ 3y

BethM @Chrissyreadit thanks I plan to. Munchkin was scheduled to be with my parents today abs tomorrow so I‘m glad I planned the shot this way bc I know he‘s well taken care of. 3y

Crazeedi Hope you feel better soon, and yes I hear all the generations through Nora 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

Can‘t sleep bc of some sort of lung thing my son shared. Hoping he can sleep a little while longer while I snuggle these hooligans and read.

Bookwormjillk Ugh, there is so much going around. Hope you feel better soon. 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

Checkin lost for #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead …I wanted to do a checkin over the weekend and missed doing it!

We are halfway through the month…any thoughts or impressions to share? I had also planned to start this one this weekend, but best laid plans…

Jerdencon, catebutler, kspenmoll, OrangeMooseReads, BethM, Deblovestoread, CoverToCoverGirl, CarolineLovesToRead

Jerdencon I‘m really enjoying this one - only about 1/3 way in so far but it‘s good! 3y

CarolineLovesToRead I‘m about a third in as well and enjoying it. I like the flow and writing style 3y

BethM I just remembered to start it yesterday hoping I can get it done! 3y

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CoverToCoverGirl Like you I haven‘t started yet, doing some unexpected renovations. 🤦🏼‍♀️ 3y

Deblovestoread I decided to wait on this one. I want to read Galway Bay first. Sorry 😞 3y

Librarybelle No worries, @Kdgordon88 ! 3y

Librarybelle Good luck with your renovations, @CoverToCoverGirl ! 3y

Librarybelle I hope I can get it done too, @BethM ! 3y

Librarybelle Glad you‘re liking it so far, @Jerdencon and @CarolineLovesToRead ! 3y

kspenmoll Plan to focus on this book this week. Enjoying it- about 40% read. 3y

kspenmoll Add @Crazeedi - she was going to try & join in. 3y

Librarybelle You‘re right, @kspenmoll …I‘m so sorry @Crazeedi ! 3y

Crazeedi @Kdgordon88 I have Galway Bay borrowed and usually i read in order, but I'm making exception 3y

Crazeedi @Librarybelle thank to Katherine I'm reading it now, only about 4 chapters in, but interesting, my first impression is hard to keep the various brothers sisters aunts and uncles etc sorted out. 3y

Librarybelle @Crazeedi I really need to start this one, but trying to get through some work related reading first! 3y

Crazeedi @Librarybelle it's a pretty long one!! I hope I get it read this week 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

When a person speaking in a book reminds you of another book you have read.💜📚💚
#literarycrew

Librarybelle I like making those connections between books! 3y

marleed I just finished Say Nothing - so glad I read it! 3y

kspenmoll @marleed I just loved it & learned so much. 3y

marleed Me too. I immediately went to Netflix looking for documentaries an watched on about The Miami Showband killings. That was an interesting follow up because it approached the Troubles from a different angle. Today it makes me sad we don‘t learn the lessons history provides us on the uselessness of hate. 3y

BethM I‘m just starting this book today bc I forgot but I LOVED Say Nothing. 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

Have not been at UConn since Pre-Covid. Enjoyed walking all over, breakfast for dinner at Dog Lane Cafe, now hot chocolate, petite scone & a book. Perfect night.
My son & his UConn student cousin are at a mens basketball game together. I love how they try & get together at a game a few times a year. I am relaxing while they are cheering.
#literarycrew

Crazeedi I have 2 books to finish and excited to read this! Have you read the first one in this series?

Galway Bay

Librarybelle It does sound like a perfect night! 3y

kspenmoll @Crazeedi I have not read the other 2books in the series. Want to see if my library has

Galway Bay

kspenmoll @Librarybelle It was lovely!!! 3y

marleed What a great night! 3y

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Of Irish Blood | Mary Pat Kelly

Today starts this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead . Tagging those who expressed interest in my last post, but all are welcome! Just comment below if you wish to be tagged in periodic posts throughout the month. Discussion questions will be posted at on the 30th.

Cate, catebutler, OrangeMooseReads, Deblovestoread, CarolineLovesToRead

catebutler Tag away! ☺️ 3y

Librarybelle @BethM @CoverToCoverGirl @Jerdencon - are you able to join this month? Some have had a hard time finding the book, so let me know! 🤞 3y

Librarybelle @catebutler Yay! My copy of this arrived at the library, so I‘m looking forward to it! 3y

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Jerdencon I‘ve downloaded it from the library and hope to get around to actually finding time to read it! 3y

BethM Yup I‘m in! I own it :) 3y

CarolineLovesToRead I got my copy. Wow. This one is a long one 3y

Librarybelle Hooray, @BethM @Jerdencon ! So glad you have a copy! 3y

Librarybelle @CarolineLovesToRead It is! I was a little surprised. 3y

CoverToCoverGirl Thanks for the reminder! 3y

Librarybelle Of course, @CoverToCoverGirl ! 3y

kspenmoll Enjoying this book! 3y

Librarybelle @kspenmoll I‘m so glad! I think I‘ll be able to start it this weekend. 3y

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