Welcome to Litsy!

Thank goodness for this decision, and most perfect commentary from #tob19 this morning.

#tob19 and #womensprize reading for the weekend

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This book takes a lovely photo and that might be one of the few positives I have for it, sadly.
All the characters in this were frustratingly two dimensional and the writing style was not one that brought me joy. I think I might have enjoyed it a little more if Rachman had continued with more of Natalie‘s perspective. 300 pages inside the head of “Pinch” was just too much for me.

#ToB19 #indiebuddyreads

As entertainment this is a fine novel. It‘s fast-paced and interesting. The ending is a non-ending in that the story just stops. I was, after all, a bit disappointed with WASHINGTON BLACK.
#ToB #ToB19 #TournamentOfBooks #TournamentOfBooks2019 #TMN

What an amazing book. Edugyan focuses on the title character, George Washington Black. The book opens on Wash's childhood on the Faith Plantation, where he comes to know Titch, his brother‘s owner, an eccentric scientist who recruits Wash. The book covers the next five years of Wash's life, which force him to consider his life, his freedom, & his place in the world. The writing is gorgeous, and Edugyan's portrayal of Wash is incredibly affecting.

Slow going. NOT due to the book! But me. Just can‘t sit still and let my mind focus? When I do, I am really savoring and thinking about this main character. Esther assisting. #DogsofLitsy #TOB19

So Lucky was an interesting listen for me. I really liked the focus on Mara's MS diagnosis and her journey toward advocacy. I've realized that this probably would have been clearer (again, for me) if I had read with my eyes instead of my ears--the surreal elements were tougher for me to follow (because I'm not a great audiobook listener). I'm not sure how this will do in the Tournament of Books, but it was certainly compelling!

Very bummed that only two of the #TOB19 titles are on sale at the airport and I am not that excited about TT and Overstory is thick and heavy. #travelingreaderproblems #justgonnadownloadakindleUGH

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Partly based on Contreras own experiences growing up in Colombia during the reign of Pablo Escobar. While not specifically a story of the Colombian drug war, almost everything that happens is a consequence of it.

This is an excellent exploration of the longterm effects of political unrest on children, the normalisation of violence and the physical and emotional toll it exacts.

Requires some patience but ultimately worthwhile.