This book encourages embracing sensuality, pleasure, and self-love, which boosts confidence and even helps with tasks like cleaning. Go figure. LOL

*Bent but Not Broken* is a powerful read set in Depression-era Alabama, following Naomi Simmons as she endures hardship and mistreatment but remains devoted to her family. Despite her struggles, she finds strength, grace, and support from loyal friends who help her move forward. Naomi is a remarkable character whose resilience and sacrifice left me rooting for her throughout.

This book was a refreshing change from my usual darker urban fantasies. Set against the ocean and marine life, it was a delightful escape. If you enjoy a sweet, second-chance romance, I highly recommend it.

A fast-paced urban read, this story follows two young people shaped by their environment. Lacking positive guidance, they find love but spiral into a dangerous lifestyle with few good outcomes. I read it in one sitting because I couldn‘t put it down.

This story grabs you from the start with its raw, gritty intensity, pulling you into a world where every detail feels alive. It‘s a relentless, heart-pounding ride that‘s impossible to put down.

The title comes from a story adults tell to encourage girls to behave. *How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House* is a tough read, with its bleak portrayal of violence against women, sorrow, and poverty. Well-written and gripping, it's also intense and heavy.

I enjoyed it so much! It was a perfect way to start the year and provided a real eye-opener into the lives of people in Jamaica.

The book does an amazing job describing Jamaican life, food, scenery, and settings. And the food! It had me salivating, I could almost taste it all!

I enjoyed this audiobook. It‘s perfect for teens and young adults, but for someone my age it was a great pep talk. A reminder for me to embrace self care. I needed this reminder.

Meh. I thought it was a self help book, but it gives memoir vibes. She basically tells how her Christianity helped her through her martial problem, her husband‘s affair.

Light, easy read. I enjoyed it. Actual title wasn‘t available on Litsy.

@wanderinglynn #49bdaygiveaway
Happy birthday Lynn!

@bookish_wookish
My holiday swap! I can‘t wait to start this book! Thank you @BarkingMadRead
#littlechristmasswap

The cadence and depth of this book were absolutely gripping. It delved into some uncomfortable, even ugly truths that made me cringe at times, yet it was impossible to look away. The rawness of the narrative only made its impact stronger, leaving me with a lingering sense of reflection. It's a powerful read, one that doesn't shy away from difficult realities, and it sticks with you long after you turn the last page.

@bookish_wookish Sent me package today. It should arrive Tuesday.

#goodreads #yearinreview
I slacked o lot this year on my reading. I‘m going to try and pick it back up in 2025.

#5JoysFriday @DebinHawaii

I had a great week back after break.
A coworker had a black Santa waiting for me on Monday. Along with a black Nutcracker.
Another coworker found 2 black Nutcrackers for me at Dollar Tree plus section. She gifted me the vintage ornaments.
A retired coworker made those goodies for me. Rolos on pretzel with a M&M.
My craft for the week.

#littlechristmasswap @bookish_wookish

My package came today.🤗

#5JoysFriday @DebinHawaii

I‘m a crafter, and I worked on 2 pieces for myself. I think they turned out great.

My sweatshirt yesterday for Thanksgiving!

Now I can watch the movie. ☺️ My first read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it

#5JoysFriday @DebinHawaii

1. My new Nutcracker Mug.
2. Fun in the Digital Media Lab with my work besties.
3. I added a train onto my Christmas Tree.
4. Today marks the start of my week off from school for Thanksgiving!🙌🏽

His story was sad. I‘m glad I listened to the audiobook.

#WondrousWednesday @Eggs

1. Snowy day, & schools canceled. I also enjoy reading on my deck in the spring/summer.
2. Reel by Kennedy Ryan. It comes out 11/12/24

#5JoysFriday @DebinHawaii

1. The excitement on my great-nephew‘s face when he saw my Christmas lights.
2. My Halloween costume.
3. My door decor on my classroom door.
4. My dog celebrated his 10th birthday on Halloween.
5. My Christmas train I made out of wood crates.

Loved this memoir. He was very transparent and entertaining.

#Two4Tuesday @TheSpineView

1. Peach
2. Withe the Fire on high by Elizabeth Acévedo

This memoir offers a profound exploration of life after a brain injury, skillfully addressing complexities beyond the physical implications. It delves into themes of identity, relationships, and resilience, ensuring a compelling and engaging narrative that captures the reader's attention throughout. I enjoyed it.

I enjoyed this book. I‘m looking forward to meeting the author and hearing her speak next month.

This one had good ideas for incorporating AI in the classroom.

Good poems in this book.

#5JoysFriday @DebinHawaii
1. My favorite candy was on sale and I had a coupon!??
2. I had a viral infection so I ordered my favorite Acài Bowl.
3. I won that glass mug at our PD today.
4. I went to the Bengals vs Commanders game on Monday Night.
5. My former coworker gifted me 2 coffee mugs. She set them on my porch.

#WondrousWednesday @Eggs
🍁Fashionista, DIVA, teacher
🍁🍁Giver, dog lover, Greatest aunt
🍁🍁🍁Olivia in Summer on the Bluffs by Sunny Hostin.

Cute young adult novel. Started off with a bang. Drew me right in. LOL

5JoysFriday @DebinHawaii

The way my dog looks at me when my movement wakes him while he is trying to sleep.😂😂
2. Shopping at Aldi with my son and my sister. My great nephew is in the cart.
3. My great nephew on Monday morning in front of his school.😂😂😂😂I guess he didn‘t want to go that day.
4. One of my students made me a flower balloon and dog balloon.
5. My favorite purse. I‘ve had it for a year now and I just love it.

Soooo good. I‘m going to watch the movie. One of my students told me this was his favorite book. I had to check it out. I love books about true events.

#WondrousWednesday @Eggs

1. Portland Japanese Garden

2. Personal Librarian

Meh. Not anything groundbreaking. Things we‘ve heard before, but I guess I believe the major problem starts at home. Parents not parenting anymore.

#WondrousWednesday @Eggs

1. Helping others.
2. Dogs, coffee and books.
3. The Therapist by B.A. Paris

Good read.

#Two4Tuesday @TheSpineView

1. 🍷

2. This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

#WhatsnewWednesday @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Read4life @TieDyeDude
I forgot to post yesterday. Thanks for the tag @Eggs

I bought these huge planters on clearance at Home Goods for $22 each.💜

I added HBCU Banners to my bulletin board. At first I only had Ohio schools.

Started out slow for me. I was going to put it down a couple of times. Something kept drawing me back. It got better.

#WondrousWednesday @Eggs
Winter
Country
Both
Mountain
Juice
Waffles
Evening
Entree
Fruit
Fiction
Gum

#5JoysFriday @DebinHawaii
*The turquoise pictures are from a color party that I attended. You choose your color. Show up wearing that color and bringing snacks/drinks of the same color. It was fun!
*My coffee bar in my classroom.
*The reading corner in my classroom.
*New sneakers.

Thanks for the tag @Eggs

#WhatsnewWednesday @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @TieDyeDude @Read4life

1. Football signed by a couple of Cincinnati Bengals players.

2. My coffee/Wine combo bar. Vintage Lane credenza that I painted. It‘s over 75 years old. I painted it.

#staycationintimeswap @DinoMom @Chrissyreadit @AmyG
I love everything about this package! The Vail Newspaper topped it off! Thank you Amy for such a detailed swap.
I may plan a birthday trip to Vail instead of Aspen!😊

#WondrousWednesday @Eggs

I don‘t have book shelves stacked with books. I use books as decor.

#Two4Tuesday @TheSpineView

1. 13 years ago. Kings Island in Mason, Ohio. They are my least favorite places to go.

2. No

@Eggs Thanks for the tag.

#5JoysFriday @DebinHawaii Thanks for the tag @Eggs
1. Riding around with my PomChi Kaine. He‘s 9 years old.
2. I went to the Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp yesterday with my cousins.
3. I love my Egg Chair so much that I moved it from my deck to my bedroom. Best reading corner ever!
4. My favorite candy was on sale.
5. I scored those lamps at a yard sale and painted the lamp shades.

@Chrissyreadit @DinoMom #staycationintimeswap
Mailed my package. It should arrive in Wednesday according to tracking.

#Whatsnewwednesday @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Read4life @TieDyeDude
I bought those 2 lamps at a yard sale. I wanted to spruce up the lamp shades so I spray painted them.