//⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️// Horrifying, disturbing, and profound. The complexities of poverty are far more reaching than I have ever thought; an eviction is just one aspect of life in poverty yet creates huge hardships that deepen the poverty cycle that people find themselves stuck in.

This book is not dry; the writing felt like a narrative that read easily. The insights gained are ones we all should be aware of; they hold value.

Read: 4/20/18

~ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ .5 ~ Slumdog Millionaire was highly entertaining. Ram‘s stories were full of drama, escapes, love interest, brutality, poverty, cleverness and street smarts. Ram treated others with compassion and kindness. The level of poverty struck me; the marginalized are often disregarded. I gained a different perspective. Through Ram‘s voice, India came to life for me. And yet, for most of the story, I felt ambivalent.

Read: 4/14/18

// ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // This is a book about immigrant life, race relations, identity, belonging, tradition, necessary change, and so much more all marvelously packaged in great storytelling.

I did not want to rush through the pages of Native Speaker; it‘s a quiet read that provoked thought, gave insight, and touched me. A beautifully told story.

“Over the mountain there are more mountains.”

Read: 4/12/18

//⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️// Americanah is a fantastic piece of storytelling. I immediately liked this book, and the voice. The story never flinched; the writing was impactful. It helped me consider race relations and racism from a perspective not my own. The story was shown through the observations and conversations of Ifemelu and to a lesser degree of Obinze. Their story, especially that of Ifemelu, brought the words to life.

Read: 3/14/18

~⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ .5~ An emotionally stirring, intelligently written story told with sympathetic characters that goes beyond the struggles of infertility to give a deeper look into love, the fragility of relationships under stress, the weight of societal and family expectations along with the effects of broken communication, betrayal, and loss. It‘s a story well painted with words.

Read: 3/11/18

//⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️// Within the pages I found many good and practical pointers to improve conversation for both speaking and listening. The author‘s writing style appealed, and her voice throughout made the information presented very accesible. I came away from the book with many quotes and ideas to apply to my daily life. I now have a clearer idea on what to keep in mind, where I can improve, and which steps to take over time.

Read: 3/1/18

//⭐️⭐️⭐️// Its been a while since I read this book. After much thought, I remember really liking the writing style, being absolutely fascinated by Daniel‘s occupation as a linguist, and thinking Daniel was one messed up character. I remember liking the various POVs. I remember thinking the ending was satisfying. However, it wound up not being all that memorable or soul-stirring. Still, it was an enjoyable book for the moment.

Read: 2/23/18

~ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 ~ Our Souls At Night is a quiet book that immediately grabbed my attention; it‘s a story well told in 179 pages. These pages contain details of the ordinary and given to the reader in a straightforward manner embedded with some heartbreaking sadness yet remained hopeful.

Addie & Louis are characters who have not left my mind; they felt real, and gave me a much needed perspective. This was a beautifully told story.

Read: 2/22/18

//⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️// This is a brutal book that is not shy about presenting the devastation and aftermath of the Gwangju Uprising of 1980 where hundreds of people were brutally murdered and many more injured and still more were thrown into prison and horribly interrogated.

Human Acts is raw and powerful. At times, this was a difficult story to read, and made me pause numerous times to reflect. This is one book not to miss.

Read: 2/8/18

//⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️// Beautiful storytelling in words and illustrations. My mind ponder many passages; I was viscerally affected. This is a deep book yet simply told. It is powerful on many levels.

A Monster Calls deals with some tough themes: grief, loss, loneliness, and love. It dealt with these themes with care and in a gentle manner, yet it did not shy away from the ugliness of it all.

This is a powerful story.

Read: 1/23/18

//⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️// This was an eye-opening book. Hyeonseo Lee expanded my perspective on North Korea with the knowledge of how deeply the propaganda within this country has been indoctrinated into their citizens. Their societal perspective is vastly different than the one I know.

Through Lee‘s narrative, which read like a well written novel, I have gained a brief understanding of North Korea and have gained a newer perspective.

Read: 1/14/18

The great thing about bookclubs is that you read books that you may not typically gravitate towards. This is true for me. If I were not a part of a postal bookclub I would have missed out on a fantastic book. It‘s now one of my all-time favorites. Just to think, I would not have read it on my own. I now need to get it shipped to the next reader. It will be on its way tomorrow @Melwilk Thanks @BetweenThesePages #litsygoespostal #24hourreadingroom

Favorite Books Read during 2017 include: 10 favorites = 4 adult fiction, 2 children fiction, 4 non-fiction.

My overall stats: 30 Books read = 21 adult fiction, 3 children fiction, 6 non-fiction.
#favoritebooksread2017

//⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️// Whiskey is an art and science that fascinates me. And the book, Whiskey Distilled, served to further my fascination. This is a book that I will go back to again and again as I continue to experiment, discover and expand my taste for the various types of whiskey.

Read: 12/31/17

//⭐️⭐️⭐️// There is not much to say, & this book is definitely too short to give details, but I will say this novella, which read quickly, was not at all what I was expecting. Actually, I do not know exactly what I was expecting. Maybe I was expecting warmth, and in some way, I got that, but I mostly found this story sad and lonely. I walked away from the book feeling a bit lost and wanting, as if the story was lacking. And yet, I was satisfied.

//⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️// Make Your Bed is an incredible gem packaged tightly into a small book that lends itself well to an easy and quick read. This book offers tidbits that are simplistic yet powerful no matter your station in life. I am confident that every person who reads this book will walk away inspired by at least one little thing to make a change in their life and then maybe, quite maybe, the world. Read: 12/15/17

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 ~ Annihilation is definitely a book to enter into with very little knowledge about its story; this is a case of the less you know beforehand the better. Let its words do the work, and let it draw you into its world. BUT, I will tell you... I was gripped right from the start by the supernatural elements and an eerie sense. The story is foreboding and beautifully written. Annihilation is worth your reading time.
Read: 12/10/17

Ah, snap! This one and I did not get along. Bummer!—especially since the first 100 pages or so held promise. Read: 11/22/17

They said we couldn't take pictures with the esteemed Hillary Clinton, but we still did. #gotem

What Happened? This happened today—met Hillary.

Ah! Most excellent!

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders won the 2017 Man Booker Prize.

A beautiful and worthy book, indeed! I am very thrilled with this choice.
#manbookerprize #manbookerprize2017

It wasn't easy, but I have chosen my top 3 books for the Man Booker Prize. All 3 are mashed together as first choice, so, yeah, I do not have them in order of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
•
Autumn by Ali Smith
•
Exit West  by Mohsin Hamid

#manbookerprize2017

The Man Booker Prize 2017 winner will be announced tomorrow, October 17th. From the longlist, I read 6 books plus bailed on 2, and I have 2 others that I still plan to read. Out of the 6 books that I read, 5 made it to the shortlist. I am psyched that I almost read every book that is on the shortlist. I will be happy with whichever book is chosen, as they are all soooo good. Each challenged my thinking. #manbookerprize2017

// ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️// Exit West is not written with gut wrenching emotion, and yet the emotion is undeniable. The writing is subtle. While this story, to me, is more about relationships, it did open the doors for insight and perspective on the plight of refugees. It created a tension and a desire for increased understanding as it wove several thematic threads into a heartbreaking yet a hope filled story. #manbookerprize2017

I will be starting this one tonight; I hope it's as good as everyone seems to think it is.

//⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️// This is one long book with a premise that greatly intrigued me, and continued to intrigue me throughout which was it's saving grace during the moments that I wanted to bail. Yes, it did a have few problems with details and length. And yes, it took 37 hours of my life, but it was 37 hours that proved to be well worth my time. In the end, I found myself saying, "This is one fantastic piece of storytelling". #manbookerprize2017

Some of my October thru December reading possibilities—I hope to read at least 8 books.

//⭐️⭐️⭐️// I was hesitant to read this book, I wasn't sure that I wanted to read a "self-discovery, new-agey" type book. It seemed likely that Gift from the Sea would fit that description. In several ways it did, and for those moments, the book was off-putting. But, there were far more thoughts that made me pause and reflect, and for those moments, I found this book insightful. There is a line of thought that is interesting.

I really wanted to like this one. The title is cool. I like the cover. The book also had a lack of punctuation and paragraphs (which didn't bother me and the idea actually intrigued me, as I'm not a grammar guru). The lack of punctuation soon made the story become one big onslaught of information, drowning me in a rush of fleeting words. I found myself constantly forgetting what took place in the story.
#manbookerprize2017

//⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️// This is probably one of the most honest coming of age stories that I have read; it is compelling, heartbreaking and a bit dark. It is nuanced with a few deep themes running through its pages. I went into this story with very little knowledge of its plot, I suggest you do the same. Let the magic and descriptive details of the writing draw you in. The History of Wolves is haunting. Finished: 9/15/17 #manbookerprize2017

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 ~ Lincoln in the Bardo is a strange yet beautifully written story full of imaginative elements and much different from anything that I have read. The mix of a historical feeling along with the supernatural elements suited my reading tastes. Read: 9/10/17 #manbookerprize2017

DNF ~ I dropped Days Without End at about 4 hours into the audio. I just could not make myself care about the characters, and the storyline was dull. I must say though, I did like the narrator and the Irish accent. I totally bought into an Irishman being on the western front. #manbookerprize2017

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 ~ This book delivered everything that I loved about Sleeping Giants: interview style of storytelling, the interviewer himself, the other characters, sci-fi elements, the smooth writing. Plus, the multi-cast audiobook did another superb job. I was very much entertained. But, the character development was lacking. The plot was the driving force with the various Waking Gods; definitely kept me wanting to know more. (Finished: 7/26/17)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book and I got along well; it has many of the elements that I love in storytelling—aspects of historical fiction, time-skips, sci-fi, strong lead female, relationships that build vs insta-love, a plot with twists and turns and a good pace. Do not expect a deep book, because it is not—it is a quick, easy and engaging read that is satisfying. Most important to me, it was a super fun reading adventure. (Finished 7/23/17)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Autumn engaged me from the first page to the last, the words within are beautiful; many thoughts and ideas were expressed in ways that made me pause with agreement, reflection and/or awe. There was brilliance in the writing with its non-linear plot along with the various layers and differing paths—the structure of this storytelling gave it its depth. Eccentric. Clever. #manbookerprize2017

⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this story. It was good. But it wasn't mind blowing. The characters didn't grab me except for Isma. It fell short of deeply exploring the complex issues at hand—racial profiling, family, misguided youth, mistakes made, forgiveness, government policies vs human needs,manipulation of the vulnerable. It did make me pause & reflect on how easily it is to judge others. This book is certainly worthy of discussion. #manbookerprize2017

Very pleased to meet you both. Finally.

How do you mean, finally? Elisabeth said. We only moved here six weeks ago.

The lifelong friends, he said. We sometimes wait a lifetime for them.

He held his hand out. She got up, crossed the distance and held her hand out. He shook her hand."
——
I'm on page 100, and so far there have been many great quotes. The one above is one of my favs.

I got it into my head to read through the Man Booker Prize 2017 longlist by the end of September. 🤔
I am currently listening to Days Without End (👍🏻) and starting to read Autumn.

Anyone else reading through the #ManBookerPrize2017 longlist?

"A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest." C.S. Lewis

I have read twelve books this year. Out of those twelve, I have four favorites and three of those are children books. These three books represent good storytelling that I have enjoyed enormously while at the same time my youngest daughter has enjoyed them too—for us both to come away saying "that was very good" is priceless.

//⭐️⭐️⭐️// There is hope felt in this book, but there is also sadness. It is the sadness of cultural restraints that people allow themselves to be pigeon holed into — one way of thinking and being. This is not unique to one culture; all cultures experience this in their own ways. However, even with this sadness, I found The Hero's Walk interesting, as characters grew and adapted during a difficult time in life. I enjoyed this story.

Read: 6/9/17

Currently reading The Sparrow. So far, it is darn good. But then again, I'm only 1/4 way through. I hope it doesn't disappoint.

This book looks interesting; It looks accessible. I cannot wait to dig in. And while I do so, I will be taking a break from social media throughout Lent, including Litsy. Peace and Joy to you throughout the Lent season and beyond.

(If you follow me on IG or FB, you can read more of my thoughts on my social media break)

This is one of my 10-year old daughter's favorite books. She desperately wanted me to read the story so she chose it for our current read aloud book. It's a re-read for her and yet she remains eager for the story to be read. I never was attracted to this book. To be frank, it looked and seemed like a bore.
Oh, how wrong I was!
#readaloud #readaloud15minutes

//⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️//Crime stories are not my go-to genre; I tend to stay away from them. But this one totally hooked me in, first with the cover then with the names & finally with the story itself. (Yes! I have a few superficial tendencies). The story drew me into the lives of all the characters, & into the mystery of the crime. I found myself invested. Snowblind is well written; atmospheric storytelling—a quiet mystery that kept me eagerly reading.

//⭐️⭐️⭐️// This is a good book. It's interesting. The characters are engaging. The overt theme is controversial, there are many themes than the obvious. It's complex. It also has a few issues for me, the family is a little too perfect in how they interact and deal with circumstances. Plus, the tone was a bit preachy. Even so, Rosie and Penn are admirable. The author did a beautiful job weaving this story together. Read: 2/14/17

Ratings. In relation to 1-5 stars, what does the "pick", "so-so", "pan" and "bail" ratings here on Litsy mean to you? I'm having troubles selecting my ratings here to reflect accurately where the book stands with me. I desire consistency with my ratings. Which, by the way, I've written a short blurb on what the 1-5 stars mean to me, it's posted on my Goodreads account.

//⭐️⭐️⭐️.5// I was hesitant to read this book because I'm not much into stories with animals as the main characters. Very few animal driven books appeal to me. This one quickly dispelled my hesitation. I was immediately drawn into the lives of fifteen dogs. I found it absolutely fascinating to see how the dogs related to each other once they took on human consciousness. I liked this bizarre, engaging, and interesting story. Read: 2/5/17

I liked this book. It was slow going for me; I blame that mostly on my dislike for western fiction. But the characters drove this story which helped a great deal. I loved the characters of Captain and Johanna. I was drawn into their lives and felt a loss when the story came to a completion. And I was fascinated by Captain's work. This is darn good character driven story. I liked their story and I liked the writing style. I liked this book.

I didn't find myself absorbed by the story until chapter six — I went from a "meh" thought to one of "I like this book." The characters are shallow. Nick is my favorite. Gatsby is a sad character, I had a great deal of sympathy for him. When I read the last sentence, I found myself satisfied and pleased that I now can say I read The Great Gatsby. (More of my thoughts can be found on my GoodReads)
Book Read: 1/6/17

Since 2009, I have been fanfolding cardstock as a bookmark for the year. I organize the bookmark by month, and under each month I put the book title and its rating along with the date it was completed. It's simple and to the point. No pressure to write. And it's great fun to look back over the years of #bookmarks to see the books I have read.