I‘ve been trying to get through this book for more than two years. I think I was subconsciously saving it for when I really needed it. There were so many parallels to the way things are now, which was…terrifying. And while this story was tragic and heartbreaking, it was also hopeful. As Patria silently says to “El Jefe”, Rafael Trujillo: “you‘re no spring chicken…and soon, you‘re going to be where you don‘t make the rules.”
pickThis might be my favorite book of the year. Although - not for the title.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
pickBook #21 of 2025: “West With Giraffes” by Lynda Rutledge
Incredibly well written. Based on a true story but told from a fictional character‘s perspective, Rutledge imagines the journey two giraffes made from New York City to San Diego in 1938. It‘s poignant and heartbreaking, but also full of loving warmth. If you‘re looking for a read that pulls you in for hours then this is the book for you.
pickI had never heard of Belle and it was fascinating to read about her. Such a strong and brave woman! The way she built herself up to be one of the first successful career woman is truly inspiring. The book touches on a number of issues including racism and equality. Another main focus is art and manuscript collecting. There were sections it was slow but the writing made you want to read each word. It was refreshing to read a book in first person.
My one (1!) purchase from the book sale I mentioned on #5joysfriday! I went armed with a list, but didn't find any from it 😟
@dabbe Thank you very much for this package, even though I feel slightly guilty as I haven't got round to reading the tagged & subsequent ones yet!
I do have extra motivation to read them now, however, as I've decided I need background information from the Reformation onwards to help with my creative writing project (even if it's going to be taking place nearly a century later 🤣😃)!
It‘s a Barbara Hambly/Benjamin January kind of night…
#FridayHappyReadingHour is here 🤩🥳 Enjoying a 7&7 along with the tagged book. No snacks but dinner is crockpot orange chicken so we‘ll be eating shortly 😋
Feel free to use the hashtag to play along with what you‘re reading, drinking and snacking on 🤗
@kspenmoll
@tamara
@mcctrish
@thebookhippie
@BarbaraBB
@CathyThoughts
@dabbe
@Ruthiella
Cracking a beer tonight for #happyfridayreadinghour while I aim to finish this book over the weekend!
The wrong groceries were delivered and the house who got ours refused to return them. We get to keep theirs even though we didn't want it because it's nothing we eat. I don't like to rant but this one is really bugging me - no consideration for others! Poor driver first day too! Hence why I need a drink and a book tonight! Apologies - rant over!
