Welcome to Litsy!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was a twofer—an #auldlangspine pick from @Amiable and the January book for #WinterCampLitsy and I loved it! The storytelling through letters was so clever and I really loved the characters. It was a book where as I was listening I was aware (and sad) that I could only read it for the first time once and it made me really savor and enjoy it. Looking forward to the discussion next week! Thanks again @monalyisha for the great match!

Welp, unpopular opinion. I did not love this. 🤷 Something about it felt contrived or like I was being manipulated to feel a certain way. Maybe that sounds weird and arguably that is true of any novel. There's always an author pulling the strings. I just don't want to feel it. Sybille never felt true to me. She felt like a creation & a few storylines (Martinelli, Dean of English) struck me as absurd.
I also might have a cold, black heart. 🖤

Another great and necessary read from Snyder.

#weekendreads Tagged title is for the overbooked zoom book club January meeting!

There was so much hype around this book that it was inevitable to be slightly disappointed. I enjoyed it, the epistolary format worked well to keep the story moving forward, but on the whole it just came across a bit too pat. The main emotional climax comes from the reader finally understanding why Sybil is the way she is, and her relationships with the other characters are basically repaired “offstage,” which felt a bit unsatisfying.

First book of 2026, #AuldLangSpine pick. This book was on my radar & happy that it was pushed to the top of my list to start the new year. With all the heaviness of the world right now it was nice to be lost in this story. I appreciate the idea of what will your family know of you when are gone without leaving them a piece of who you are, your thoughts & feelings.

I feel sick and sad and angry right now.

#wintercamplitsy folks, should I just give in and buy a kindle copy?? I want to be a part of the discussion as it happens and it sounds so good so might be worth owning a copy?

Or should I wait the 6 weeks and join the discussion later? I looked at the library for a physical copy and I‘m ~1,200th in line. 😞

Opinions needed please!

#wintercamplitsy26
#camplitsy
@BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain @Hooked_on_books

My first #auldlangspine, the first book I read from the list was my first of the year and my favorite of the year. I suspect it will be the same in 2026. I admit I started The Correspondent on Christmas but I loved it so much I am counting it. I loved it so much I have already passed on my copy to a friend who turned 91 yesterday. The pacing, the relationships, the voices and motives. I loved it all. #auldlangspine2026. Keeping going on this list

My first 5 star read for the year. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about Sybil but she quickly grew on me. Her story being told through letters and emails was fun and and heartwarming. Many emotions were brought out in me, especially at the end. This was a beautiful story of personal growth and relationships.

I can't wait to discuss with #wintercamplitsy