Welcome to Litsy!

I wish more had happened in this book. The characters were interesting, but the story just kind of wandered. Low pick.

“You don‘t have to know where you come from to know who you are.”

The Barren Grounds can be used in the classroom to explore themes of identity, belonging, and bravery while introducing students to Indigenous culture through discussion and creative activities.

The Barren Grounds is an exciting story about two kids who find a magical world and learn about who they really are. It‘s a great mix of adventure, friendship, and discovering where you belong.

4⭐️ Despite having not read The Break, I really enjoyed this book (had to read a summary of The Break to understand certain aspects of the book). I really liked how the author drew the characters and made you feel comfortable with the characters and their stories, even if they were severely flawed. #2025 #family #familydysfunction #canadian #metis #fiction #manitoba #bookclub

The emotions from this story are hard to explain. It is the sort of book that builds empathy. The character's pain sits in the chest while you are drawn in. The matriarchal community comes through strong, just as the characters must be. The hope that comes through their ceremonies is beautiful and awe-inspiring. I'll be reading the rest of this trilogy but need some space between.

#MondayMood

I have been pondering kindness lately. We‘ve all seen the quotes reminding us of the importance of kindness but I find most kindness to be superficial, at best. True kindness promotes inclusivity and diversity. Here‘s some info I found regarding the different types of kindness.

In the aftermath of a horrible crime, witnessed from a distance by Stella, a lot of stories come together. Most of them by women, most of them Métis, most of them carrying trauma and and loss. It‘s a tough read, with a lot of violence. I felt for these indigenous women and I could have spend some more time with them.

The Diviners, by Margaret Laurence (1974 🇨🇦) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Premise: When her daughter leaves home to find herself, an author recollects her own often difficult journey of self-discovery

Review: This is a deserved classic of Canadian literature, even if it left me feeling a bit empty. It succeeds best in its thematic exploration of storytelling, identity, and dispossession, and how those intersect with race, class, and gender. Cont.

Fifty-Four Pigs (Dr. Bannerman Vet Mysteries 1), by Philipp Schott (2022 🇨🇦)

Premise: An inquisitive and logical rural veterinarian pokes his nose into the mystery of an explosion at a friend‘s farm.

Review: This has a lot going for it: A unique and memorable setting, an engaging main character (whose strengths are also his weaknesses, which pays of in the story), fun details about veterinary life, and a mystery that worked quite well Cont.