This is such a beautiful book to help open up honest conversations with our loved ones as we head into our wisdom years. It made me cry as I miss having more talks like this with my beloved Mom who I lost last year.😥
Highly recommend the audiobook read by the late great actress Diane Ladd (who passed away last month) and her talented daughter Laura Dern, both pictured here. (Photo from Laura Dern‘s Instagram page.)

Finally a fitting tribute to the multitalented Cass Elliot! 🙌🏻 Her daughter covers it all…from how Cass rose to stardom with her incredible vocal range, her natural stage presence and wicked sense of humor despite the relentless body shaming…to how her Mama spoke her mind and fought injustice to help make the world a better place. Cass truly rocked!✌🏻☮️
Glad her daughter also debunked the ham sandwich rumor, among others.

Am I the Luckiest Girl or what? Look at these coolest books my most thoughtful Litsy friends sent me for Christmas! I‘m still in tears. 😭 You have all made my holiday so much brighter than you could ever imagine. Thank you so much! I am blessed beyond words.
Forgive me for lumping you all in one message, but I didn‘t want to break Litsy with too many posts.🤪
@catiewithac @PurpleyPumpkin @Sleepswithbooks @AmyG @rubyslippersreads @Deblovestoread

This book is a hoot & so is Rue! She‘s candid about her poor taste in men & she hilariously rates all bedroom romps by her FQ system: Fun Quotient!😂
Loved learning about her impressive theatrical career, working with top playwrights.
We all know Rue for her standout roles in Maude & Golden Girls (with coolest inside stories!), but she‘s been in so much more.
Rue finally found love with hub #6 but her son Mark was the guy always there for her.

Did I have a huge crush on this hottie singer/guitarist/songwriter in the late 70s! Va Va Voom! ☺️Still love all his hits with Messina, solo songs & movie soundtracks. I had no idea Kenny opened for his friend Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac for their Rumours tour. Who knew I was also a fan of what they called “Yacht Rock.” Kenny is still a sweetheart who writes from the heart & he‘s Still Alright in my book!🥰
#DoubleSpin
@TheAromaofBooks

Charismatic Cass Elliot got her start in this popular trio in the early ‘60s. Her daughter thinks “Wild Women Don‘t Get the Blues” is the best vocal her mom ever sang.

“This song perfectly suited my Mom‘s voice and persona. Her contralto was right out front, loud and clear, gravelly in all the right spots. I think she sang the shit out of it!”

I totally agree! Do you?

https://youtu.be/aWTpnmjb2wQ

#TuesdayTunes
@TieDyeDude

This bio on beloved Gunsmoke actress/animal activist Blake & her tough-as-nails “Miss Kitty”—was dreadful.😩 Mostly useless fluff on Amanda‘s genealogy, interviews with people who didn‘t really know her & dissertations on nonprofits she worked with. If any details were missing, the author would happily fill in what she thought Amanda was feeling. Ugh! Without a vast photo collection from a former boyfriend & some fun trivia, this would be a pan.

Thx @TheBookHippie for introducing us to this heart-warming story about family, community, the healing power of nature & the art of making maple syrup. I adored this book & trivia from @Suet624 & @tpixie So cool that the owner of a PA maple farm created a museum to honor this beloved classic. The author‘s son even donated the actual Newbery Award so that kids who visit the museum and have read the book can hold the medal!
#ChildrensClassicRead2025

This engaging new audiobook is such a beautiful tribute to the beloved author & affirmations queen Louise Hay.🫶🏻Louise‘s wisdom (& Cheryl‘s!) truly changed my life over the years and this new edition really helped me put a more positive spin on things. (And we sure need a lift these days!) It‘s like having a lovely personal conversation with two wise women about how simply changing a few thoughts can turn chaotic days into a blessing! 🙌🏻❤️🙌🏻

Happy almost December! Will still be catching up on my memoirs for December‘s #BookSpin 🤩📚🎄
Thanks for being our coolest host @TheAromaofBooks

What an awe-inspiring graphic novel! The author covers so many topics and important themes—community, diversity, courage, team spirit, writer‘s angst, family, friendship, mentorship and more. Plus some fascinating trivia about how women‘s basketball finally broke the sexist barriers. A great read for teens or big kids like us, even if you‘re not a sports fan.
(Photo: Author Gene and the real Coach Lou from Gene‘s Instagram page:@geneluenyang

I love finding autographed memoirs at thrift stores, especially when they‘re signed to me! 😉 I‘m also a M*A*S*H fan & even visited the actual set for a press party way back when.
Mike a.k.a “B.J. Hunnicutt” shared wonderful stories about the many cast members who became close friends. It also warmed my heart to learn that Mike has been a fierce activist for human rights, social justice & righting the many wrongs he‘s seen across the globe.🙌🏻💙

This biography about #Toni Morrison‘s time as senior editor at Random House is on sale today only! FYI!

What fun to revisit another childhood TV hero: Bob Keeshan aka Captain Kangaroo! This pictorial celebrates 50 years of this groundbreaking show (1955-84) The Captain taught us kids about kindness, diversity & respect. He hosted “Reading Stories” so we could fall in love with books. He & sidekick Mr. Green Jeans even taught us to appreciate nature, animals and our environment. That‘s before being replaced by cartoons/marketing tools to sell toys.🙄

Oh how I adore Shari Lewis & her sassy sock puppet! After watching her new documentary, I had to read more. How multitalented Shari was—ventriloquist, puppeteer, dancer, singer, actress, magician, author, businesswoman & symphony conductor. She revolutionized children‘s TV, headed her own TV company & even wrote a Star Trek episode! In ‘94, I got to meet Shari & tell her how much she & Lamb Chop meant to me growing up. She truly changed my life.🥰

Powerful story about a boy obsessed with airplanes who can‘t understand why his friends would read anything else. It also celebrates our diversity, interconnectedness & freedom to read what we want. I bought this book after hearing that the authors who were set to speak at a CA elementary class were asked not to talk about book bans or specific books being banned.😡Let‘s keep supporting these authors & fighting book censorship in our backyards.

The sequel is just as moving, insightful and healing as the original. Beautiful and timely messages about being in the present, weathering life‘s storms and knowing that the tiniest act of kindness can save a life. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For November‘s #BookSpin, I dug deep into my bookshelves to find all memoirs this time—some new, some very dusty and some a little odd. 😉
@TheAromaofBooks

I was afraid to read this book knowing it would bring back the agonizing grief of the election aftermath. But after hearing Kamala‘s voice again, I am feeling empowered! I love her candor, no holds barred reflections & personal stories. Kamala reminds us of what matters most—a democracy for ALL people. “Our spirit is not defeated. It may take a while, but the fight for our country is always worth it. And we will win.” 💙✊🏻💙
#democracyovertyranny

And I thought Shirley‘s book curled my hair! ☺️ David certainly had his share of sex, drugs and rock n‘ roll. But how tragic he was a pawn in a huge marketing ploy to get teen girls like me to join his fan club and buy all his merch. None of which paid him a dime! He finally shook off the shag haircut and teen heartthrob pooka shell image and had a satisfying singing career and Broadway run later in life. Sadly David left us too soon.😢

Oh Shel…you always make me smile! And we sure do need more smiles these days. 😍👏🏻👏🏻

Tom‘s memoir is only a soft pick for me. Not much depth, though some interesting stories about almost landing the Indiana Jones role and his unique friendship with Carol Burnett. It‘s mainly a homage to all things Magnum. But how could he skip any mention about my fave—Jesse Stone? At least he wrote a page or two about Thee Men & a Baby and Blue Bloods. Or maybe, like Cher, he‘s working on Part 2? 🤔

Heard about this cool 1964 book when I read Ex Libris by Anne Fadiman. Her dad Clifton was S&S‘s editor-in-chief & The New Yorker book critic. He thought young kid‘s books in that era were too easy to read & not challenging enough. He believed children‘s lit must be “smarted up” rather than “dumbed down.” Hence this creative story about a very hungry bookworm who decides to feast on the dictionary for fun word to munch on and learn.🤩👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

When Shirley tells you in the first 3 pages to get the smelling salts & get ready for the surprise of your life, she‘s not kidding! “Real-life” Shirley is not at all like her squeaky clean image. Includes both sweet & wild stories about her films, her family, her troubled marriage to impressively endowed Jack Cassidy & all the behind-the-scenes infidelities. Gotta admire her candor in this hair-curling page-turner!☺️🌶️
#BookSpin
@TheAromaofBooks

This book spoke to me at such a deep level. Scottish author Charlotte Runcie shares her soulful connection with the ocean by exploring the many parallels between a woman‘s life and the sea through mesmerizing folklore, fascinating history, beautiful poetry, classic literature and stunning art.
I read it on my beach vacation & enjoyed it all the more googling the many scenic landscapes, stone grottos, seafaring paintings & mythical sea creatures.

I think this little church mouse took the scenic route from Michigan or maybe stopped for a few nibbles along the way, but he finally made it to Calif! 😂🪤Thx so much, Christine! 😘 I‘m so excited about your upcoming #ChildrensClassicRead2026 and this adorable book! 2026 may be the Cat & Mouse year since I‘m looking forward to Cheerful, The Blue Cat of Castletown and The Mouse of Amherst! 😹🐁
@TheBookHippie
Love kid‘s classics? Join us!

Happy Fall and Happy almost October! 🍁🎃🍂
My #BookSpin list this month is more nostalgic than spooky. I‘m a chicken when it comes to horror.🫣
@TheAromaofBooks

This memoir was a heartwarming and funny follow-up to my SNL-themed reading spree. Molly was on SNL from 1995-2002, clearly starting the trend for many more women writers and cast members, ultimately igniting the show‘s popularity to really explode. I think Mary Katherine Gallagher would agree that Molly‘s over-the-top energy and fierce love for making people laugh make her the perfect SSSSSUPERSTAR!
😄🙌🏻🤩

I could never score tix to see SNL Live, but I‘m still a groupie. Adored the original cast and the hilarious comics who followed. Finally, the man as powerful & mysterious as Oz, opened his office & backstage to this meticulous author. It‘s everything you ever wanted to know about Lorne, the ups & downs of creating a live late-night sketch comedy show, all the talented writers & comedians he discovered & the impact SNL still has on our culture.

Finally read my first 2 Judy Blume books! I wish I read these when I was in grade school. I probably would have avoided much angst from dealing with bullies as well as being a late bloomer in the “Are you wearing a bra yet?” club. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Some of the conversations in Blubber were so realistic, they made me squirm. 😬All hail Judy for pushing the limits and writing books that all young girls need to read.🙌🏻
@TheBookHippie
#ChildrensClassicRead

I love Late-Night TV! Johnny, his hilarious skits & rapport with his guests first got me hooked. This book is a fitting tribute to Johnny by his sidekick & longtime friend Ed. For decades, Johnny & all those who followed in his footsteps helped me escape life‘s troubles & kept me laughing. Hard to believe this freedom of expression is now being challenged & assaulted. Let‘s continue to unite together & stand strong for our freedom of speech.🗣️✊🏻

Happy Birthday to our favorite storyteller & author Fannie Flagg! She‘s 81 today & still vows to put a little humor out there when we need it most. This collection of feel-good stories serves as the perfect appetizer of Fannie‘s classic quirky characters who touch our hearts & keep us smiling!
(Thanks to Fannie‘s kind neighbor Tony Morris who posted this wonderful photo on Instagram and gave me his blessing to repost it here for Fannie‘s fans.🤗)

I started several Vonnegut novels and couldn‘t get thru them. A little too dark for me. So I settled on this compilation of his speeches. Kurt was very quotable and had many powerful messages to impart. I applaud him for his empathy, his courage to speak the truth & for being such a survivor. After listening to the wonderfully detailed biographical intro included with this audiobook, I may need to read one of his bios.
@Soubhiville
#AuthorAMonth

Thank you, thank you to everyone for your wonderful cards, wishes and bookish gifts for my birthday last week! I‘m so lucky to have the coolest and most thoughtful Litsy friends.
You can see how I spent my day. 🐾 My sweet husband took me to CuppaPug where we reverted back to childhood, sat on the floor & played with about 20 adorable pug puppies for an hour! I couldn‘t stop smiling!
Thank you again, dear friends! You made my day extra special😘

How thrilling is this author collaboration—powerhouse actress and EGOT winner Viola Davis and best-selling suspense author James Patterson! 💃🏻🎉🙌🏻
This book, set in the rural South, is about dynamic Judge Mary Stone who faces a decision that could change history.
Just found out the release date is: March 9, 2026.
You can pre-order an autographed copy of Judge Stone signed by both authors at premierecollectibles.com
Already ordered mine. ☺️

Liza‘s new memoir will hit the shelves in March 2026! Woo-hoo! Final cover to be revealed. As this amazing Hollywood icon says on her Instagram page: (@officiallizaminnelli): “Writing this book with Michael Feinstein is a labor of love and a very heavy lift. Lots of beauty, laughter, tears and truth. Honey, we‘re writing, recording, researching…this is wild. And kids, we‘re ahead of schedule.”
So excited! Already pre-ordered my autographed copy.

See you in September for more #BookSpin reads! Here‘s my craziest list yet…
Thanks to our coolest host @TheAromaofBooks

I‘m still on a comedy kick, so why not turn to the funniest purveyor of parody? Gotta love the weirdly creative mind of this man! Remember all those hilarious parodies he did back in the 80s, 90s and 2000s (Eat It, Like a Surgeon, Tacky) Guess what? Weird Al is still at it and currently on tour. He even wrote a children‘s book! This is a crazy fun read that will send you right to YouTube to reminisce and rewatch your favorite parodies. 😁🙌🏻

In 1977, this hilarious trio took their 1st film(Kentucky Fried Movie)to any & all college audiences. That‘s when I interviewed them for my campus newspaper. They‘ve cracked me up ever since! Their comedy is both groundbreaking & irreverent. Backstories about Airplane, the cast and die-hard fans are a hoot! The flow of the interviews with the film history is a bit wonky. But if you can quote any lines from this crazy movie, you‘ll love this book.

When I heard about this 1944 road trip book with Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck and Pluto, my inner child was ready to hop into their camper! Loved exploring the many famous sights around the US with these beloved characters as well as following along via detailed road maps. I only wish Disney would someday publish a more current version. This one is definitely dated since the Minnie we know and love would never be that ditsy.🤦🏻‍♀️

Whenever I hear “Fire and Rain,” I think of my hippie high school biology teacher Mr. Fabiszewski. Just before class ended, he‘d get out his guitar and sing us a few Sweet Baby James tunes. That‘s when I started my crush on both Mr. Fab and James Taylor!☺️🎶 Funny what we remember while listening to songs from our past.
Intense yet enlightening audiobook.
#TuesdayTunes
@TieDyeDude
https://youtu.be/_1nKGVDhQ60

You may not recognize him, but you‘ve heard his shtick! Bruce is THE go-to comedy writer to call when in need of witty repartee for award shows, sitcoms, variety specials and more. Here he humbly & hilariously takes credit for the most legendary disasters ever made. (Remember the Star Wars Holiday Special or The Village People‘s first movie?) A nostalgic and amusing read, especially for this fan of cheesy shows.🤪🧀
#BookSpin
@TheAromaofBooks

What a sweet story! Yes, I cried during the Winter chapters.😭 I heard that in 1968 Julie & husband Blake Edwards were shooting a movie in Ireland at an old manor house enclosed with thick walls & a cottage decorated entirely with seashells. “The moment I saw it, Julie says, “the seed of a story lodged in my mind.” Thrilled this amazing actress/singer added writing children‘s books to her repertoire.🤩🙌🏻
#ChildrensClassicRead2025
@TheBookHippie

The concept of a Jurassic Theme Park with live dinosaurs has always mesmerized me. Where can I buy a ticket?! 🫣 So I finally read the book where it all started. I was surprised to find a frightfully sinister Hammond and an even more annoying Malcolm and Lex. But overall terrifying factor—off the charts. Must read more Michael Crichton. What a creative genius he was! Is the original movie better than the book? I‘d say they go best hand in hand.

Just saw these cool new releases in the #BanyenBooks summer newsletter. I know my #Deadhead friends and fellow #Hippies will love these! 😎❤️✌🏻
@TheBookHippie @AmyG @dabbe @TieDyeDude

These two brilliant comedians/actors/singers/writers/humanitarians all rolled into the coolest couple will certainly crack you up! Megan & Nick are genuinely in love & happily make fun of each other while sharing the funniest stories & views on life. They‘re also voracious readers, delirious dog lovers & avid puzzlers. Get the book (written mostly in conversation) for all the hilarious photos & the audiobook for how well they play off each other😂

What??? #BookSpin time already? Hope to read a handful of these in July.
Happy Reading and Happy Summer! 😎📚⛱️
@TheAromaofBooks

For June‘s #BookishMonopoly, I landed on “Literary Classic” and couldn‘t decide which one of these to choose. Several of you recommended one or the other, so I decided to read both! Winnie is a true classic treasure that I adored. 🥰 And Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, though a bit slow, still gave me the heebie-jeebies.😬
@AkashaVampie

Now here‘s a man who had me swooning when I watched him in Lady Sings the Blues and Dynasty, cheering for Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars Universe & then bawling my eyes out during Brian‘s Song. Fans still mention his speech as Chicago Bear Gale Sayers. “This movie accomplished something special by getting tens of millions of people to see the humanity we all share.” What a versatile actor, singer, painter and sweet man…still suave at 88!😍🙌🏻

Gotta Love Lucy! 🙌🏻This is the lost memoir Lucille Ball started to record at the height of her career. It was somehow forgotten & discovered 20+ years later after the passing of Lucy and Desi Sr. It‘s truly a love letter from this Hollywood legend to all her fans. Loved the sizzling Lucy & Desi love story and hearing about Lucy‘s enduring friendship with Vivian Vance. Daughter Lucie‘s narration & touching intro blew me away. (Published 1996)