I was more into the backcountry hiking trip and wilderness aspect than the romance, but still enjoyed it all.
I was more into the backcountry hiking trip and wilderness aspect than the romance, but still enjoyed it all.
Not as revelatory as I was hoping, but still provided a sound case for the need to address the stress as well as the stressor. I‘ve often wondered why I didn‘t feel the relief when a stressful situation passed…now I know why. And will be looking for my personal hows for reliably completing the stress cycle going forward.
It‘s a pick for the right reader. There‘s a valuable message about inherent worthiness and the moral neutrality of a tidy home (no “cleanliness is next to godliness” here). Plus, some practical tips for how to start, or even just tackle the most crucial things, when overwhelmed. But it wasn‘t exactly what I needed, at least not beyond the reminder of how much work I need to do in shedding my perfectionism and separating my motivation from shame.
This translated collection of a Palestinian author/poet‘s work was only available to me in fragments. Some of the imagery, many of the references, & the backdrop — or sometimes the front-facing focus — of a life surrounded by war…are things I can only loosely grasp & I no doubt missed much that was buried in subtext within her lines. But it made me feel & consider, & as I read I tried to “listen” hard.
This one wrecked me. It‘s small in scope, but the ache it planted in my chest was big & deep & lingering. Mother/daughter relationships can be hard. So can those with ex-in-laws or new friends. But for Sunday, the novel‘s neurodivergent protagonist, they‘re further complicated by the canyon between who she is & who others want/expect her to be. The hurts & hardships caused by this gully - some accidental, some not - were enough to break my heart.
After reading (and enjoying) several of Ms. Haynes fiction works, I decided to give her non-fiction a try and was riveted start to finish. As she discusses the various depictions and interpretations, ancient or otherwise, of several of Greek mythology‘s female characters, the author educates and entertains, and illuminates the complex natures of these women who have too often been diminished or demeaned by storytellers, playwrights, and academics.
Medusa was not a monster. Perseus was not a hero. The gods are cruel and the myths ring of injustice.
None of this was news to me, yet this retelling — which weaves together opposing narrators and pulls in context from adjacent tales — feels fresh, even though I know where it‘s all headed. (Pun intended?)
Maybe not an instant classic like the last two book club picks, but still a great read that I‘m looking forward to discussing. 🐍
With its mix of AG fangirling and academia-trained analysis, this book was right up my alley — though I did find myself wanting more depth at times (and definitely would have preferred a tighter structure). But I loved this stroll down memory lane as a way to appreciate what the brand still means to so many, while also examining critically its faults and missteps.
Maybe it‘s time to get my Samantha doll out of storage?
Another 5⭐️ book club read!
This one‘s a work of beauty, even as it contains so much ugliness & agony. The prose is lyrical, amplifying Annis‘ emotional journey of despair & hope, longing & remembrance, alongside her physical journey through the hells of enslavement.
I hadn‘t realized the book‘s strong ties to Dante‘s Inferno, so I do wish I‘d brushed up a bit on that first. But because I‘m a nerd, not because that context was needed.
I really wish I could have read it without out so many series spoilers hanging out in the back of my mind (honestly, so much bookish content on Insta is both a blessing & a curse), but I enjoyed it. Also, love any excuse to discuss magic lore & handsome faeries with my gal pals. Our book club sticks mostly to literary fiction, so it‘s nice to take a break from real-world heavy topics & giggle over fae, fantasy & spicy escapism once in a while.
The hype about this one made me curious. And what fun it turned out to be, having that rare “one more chapter, bedtime be damned” addictive pull. Eager to get my hands on book 2 of the series.
(Pic is from a silent book club meet-up a few days ago, which was the reading session when I got well and truly hooked on this book. But I‘m glad I didn‘t get to the spicier parts while reading in public — I‘m a blusher.)
Historical fiction inspired by midwife Martha Ballard & a rape case for which she served as witness during the winter of 1789-90.
Considering how far we both have & haven‘t come regarding women who seek justice against powerful men, the courtroom drama is an interesting & important part of the story. But the most compelling part is still Martha herself. Seeming very OF a time, yet also outside it, given how rare & invaluable her literacy was.
Two bored and awkward teens spend a summer creating art — what could go wrong?
A lot actually, when the art takes on a life of its own.
I really enjoyed this one. A short, easy read that also happened to give me a lot to think about.
This one hit hard in all my tenderest places, but what a masterpiece.
I was intrigued by the concept & the specific relationships each section explored.
But the writing style just felt so flat. I saw other reviewers suggest it might have been due to translation, but I don‘t think that was my issue. It was more about where the author offered detail (like describing everybody‘s outfits?!) vs where he kept it sparse or oversimplified (the action, character development)? I was left annoyed; so much missed potential.
Finally finished! Doing it mostly on audio helped & it‘s easy to forgive the length when remembering it was first released as a serial. David himself is easy to root for (even as you want to shout at him for his naivety on occasion) & the gaggle of side characters are easy to love: the eternally devoted Peggotty, the bombastic Mr. Micawber, the donkey-hating Aunt Betsey...
Except Dora. I almost couldn‘t stand Dora as much as the real villains.
I‘m so excited my book club is reading Demon Copperhead this month, but the only reason I haven‘t read it already is that I was insistent on reading this first. (Or listening to it, as the case may be — don‘t think I could finish it in time otherwise.)
This is by no means my first Dickens, but it‘s been quite a while. And I keep being struck by how funny this book is. 22% in and, yes, I‘ve cried twice. But I‘ve laughed much more.
Last book of 2023 was the latest continuation of the Emmy Lake Chronicles.
I‘m growing fonder and more attached to Emmy with each entry into this series, as well as attached to her friends and colleagues. I hope AJ Pearce plans to continue, especially as I believe she‘s particularly skilled at balancing the tragedies of wartime London with heartwarming scenes of community and perseverance.
This was my book club‘s last read of 2023 (and our 60th read overall as we close out our fifth year together) and I‘m so bummed that I hated it.
The premise had potential, and the fact that the author had written for Schitt‘s Creek had me so hopeful. But sadly, I found the protagonist unlikable at every turn. Even bits obviously intended to be found funny, just made me annoyed or frustrated.
Some of the action was clunky, and even more of the dialogue was cringey, but I was still rooting for the romantic pairing and loved every moment devoted to swooning over the Alaskan scenery and wildlife. I‘ll probably pick up the second book, but not sure if it‘s a good thing that my favorite part was the main dude‘s bromance with a bull moose?
Quiet, even cozy at times, but also challenging and thought-provoking. This novella packed some punch into its 112 pages, dealing with the Magdalene laundries of Ireland. It resonated on multiple levels for me — tugging on tangled, complex feelings regarding my own religious upbringing, as well as reminding me of many past and present horrors that are / have been enabled, if not directly perpetrated, by an intwined Church and State.
First time rereading since childhood — maybe at age 8 or so — and Edmund is even more of a shit than I remembered (like, way earlier than the bewitched Turkish Delights). Plus, the Biblical allegory is much more obvious. Still, it IS wonderfully atmospheric and charming. Full of enchanting visuals that I was pleased to find have lingered much more accurately in my memory.
Edged by a so-so but, oh my, were many of the characters‘ choices frustrating. Though I suppose that makes them believable — who isn‘t prone to self-sabotage every once in a while?
Read this because of my mother‘s rather forceful recommendation, but ended up really enjoying the mystery/coming-of-age story. Will likely pick up more of Krueger‘s Cork O‘Connor series at some point and might bump This Tender Land higher up my TBR list (it‘s been sitting patiently on my shelf for years).
5084 (weeks1&2) + 13909 (weeks3-5) = 18,993 total points!
Had such a blast for my first #scarathlon!
Thanks, y‘all!!!
#hhc #halloweenhexescoven
@dabbe @BookmarkTavern @Liatrek @JessClark78 @Chrissyreadit @TheDaysGoBy @vonnie862 @Sresendez12 @Nessavamusic @kelli7990 @JessieKB
Oh this was just the cutest — a perfect autumn read I will likely revisit again and again. (And I really wish I could try all the delicious treats sold at this pumpkin patch!)
A fitting screenshot for prompt 31, “Halloween,” because I watch it at least 5 times through every year.
Any questions?
#hhc #halloweenhexescoven #scarathlon
@dabbe @BookmarkTavern @Liatrek @JessClark78 @Chrissyreadit @TheDaysGoBy @vonnie862 @Sresendez12 @Nessavamusic @kelli7990 @JessieKB
Prepping the cauldrons for tomorrow felt pretty appropriate for prompt 30: “treat.”
#scarathlon #halloweenhexescoven #hhc
@dabbe @BookmarkTavern @Liatrek @JessClark78 @Chrissyreadit @TheDaysGoBy @vonnie862 @Sresendez12 @Nessavamusic @kelli7990 @JessieKB
Oh, @THill — this was the most wonderful package!!!! First, every part was so beautifully wrapped, I almost didn‘t want to open them. Almost. But, of course I did, and then the books and goodies were all SO PERFECT!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for spoiling me so spookily!!!
#hhs #hauntedhollowswap @wanderinglynn
I really enjoyed the historical setting, but of course still mostly appreciated this one for its connection to the tales of the modern Owens women I love so much.
Some Sunday evening gaming…
130 points for the A-Z game, 90 points for the creature feature game, and I got 1,570 points for the book titles game throughout the week.
#scarathlon #halloweenhexescoven #hhc
@dabbe @BookmarkTavern @Liatrek @JessClark78 @Chrissyreadit @TheDaysGoBy @vonnie862 @Sresendez12 @Nessavamusic @kelli7990 @JessieKB
Snapped on my walk earlier for prompt 29: “trick.”
#scarathlon #halloweenhexescoven #hhc
@dabbe @BookmarkTavern @Liatrek @JessClark78 @Chrissyreadit @TheDaysGoBy @vonnie862 @Sresendez12 @Nessavamusic @kelli7990 @JessieKB
Doing a spooky movie night double feature…have to admit The Shining hits different now that I‘ve read the book.
A pup and his oogie boogie for prompt 28: “nightmare.”
#scarathlon #halloweenhexescoven #hhc
@dabbe @BookmarkTavern @Liatrek @JessClark78 @Chrissyreadit @TheDaysGoBy @vonnie862 @Sresendez12 @Nessavamusic @kelli7990 @JessieKB
Prompt 27: “legend.”
#scarathlon #halloweenhexescoven #hhc
@dabbe @BookmarkTavern @Liatrek @JessClark78 @Chrissyreadit @TheDaysGoBy @vonnie862 @Sresendez12 @Nessavamusic @kelli7990 @JessieKB
“Thackery Binx, what took thee so long?”
Prompt 26: “cat.”
#scarathlon #halloweenhexescoven #hhc
@dabbe @BookmarkTavern @Liatrek @JessClark78 @Chrissyreadit @TheDaysGoBy @vonnie862 @Sresendez12 @Nessavamusic @kelli7990 @JessieKB
Have really been enjoying the changing leaves on our afternoon dog walks lately — a good fit for prompt 25: “fall/autumn.”
#scarathlon #halloweenhexescoven #hhc
@dabbe @BookmarkTavern @Liatrek @JessClark78 @Chrissyreadit @TheDaysGoBy @vonnie862 @Sresendez12 @Nessavamusic @kelli7990 @JessieKB
At the beginning, the storyline felt like a PBS period drama with witches (which would have been my cup of tea, indeed)…but the back half got derailed by increasingly awkward and convoluted plot points. It did provide ample #scarathlon word search points, however.
My favorite book of all time for photo challenge prompt 24: “kill.”
#scarathlon #halloweenhexescoven #hhc
@dabbe @BookmarkTavern @Liatrek @JessClark78 @Chrissyreadit @TheDaysGoBy @vonnie862 @Sresendez12 @Nessavamusic @kelli7990 @JessieKB
Photo challenge prompt 23: “spider.”
#scarathlon #halloweenhexescoven #hhc
@dabbe @BookmarkTavern @Liatrek @JessClark78 @Chrissyreadit @TheDaysGoBy @vonnie862 @Sresendez12 @Nessavamusic @kelli7990 @JessieKB
Fear, Fearless — close enough?
Photo challenge prompt 22: “fear/scare.”
#hhc #halloweenhexescoven #scarathlon
@dabbe @BookmarkTavern @Liatrek @JessClark78 @Chrissyreadit @TheDaysGoBy @vonnie862 @Sresendez12 @Nessavamusic @kelli7990 @JessieKB
Really enjoyed this week‘s game — it was fun to see what odd tangents my brain went on when encouraged to do free word association. Pretty happy with my 514 words.
#hhc #halloweenhexescoven #scarathlon
@dabbe @BookmarkTavern @Liatrek @JessClark78 @Chrissyreadit @TheDaysGoBy @vonnie862 @Sresendez12 @Nessavamusic @kelli7990 @JessieKB
Prompt 21: “vampire.”
#hhc #halloweenhexescoven #scarathlon
@dabbe @BookmarkTavern @Liatrek @JessClark78 @Chrissyreadit @TheDaysGoBy @vonnie862 @Sresendez12 @Nessavamusic @kelli7990 @JessieKB
Well, that was intense.
(But fantastic for the #scarathlon word search — so many uses of the words “blood” and “dark.”)
Part 2 for photo challenge prompt 20: “potion/magic.”
(I took a short break from reading tonight to go hear “The Sound of Magic.”)
#hhc #halloweenhexescoven #scarathlon
@dabbe @BookmarkTavern @Liatrek @JessClark78 @Chrissyreadit @TheDaysGoBy @vonnie862 @Sresendez12 @Nessavamusic @kelli7990 @JessieKB
Part 1 for photo challenge prompt 20: “potion/magic.”
#hhc #halloweenhexescoven #scarathlon
@dabbe @BookmarkTavern @Liatrek @JessClark78 @Chrissyreadit @TheDaysGoBy @vonnie862 @Sresendez12 @Nessavamusic @kelli7990 @JessieKB
Photo challenge prompt 19: “cemetery/grave.”
#hhc #halloweenhexescoven #scarathlon
@dabbe @BookmarkTavern @Liatrek @JessClark78 @Chrissyreadit @TheDaysGoBy @vonnie862 @Sresendez12 @Nessavamusic @kelli7990 @JessieKB
For photo challenge prompt 18: “zombie.”
Which actually tugs on my heart a bit, as bonding with a coworker over The Walking Dead 9 years ago turned out to be the first seedlings for our eventual courtship and marriage.
Zombie matchmakers, who knew.
#hhc #halloweenhexescoven #scarathlon
@dabbe @BookmarkTavern @Liatrek @JessClark78 @Chrissyreadit @TheDaysGoBy @vonnie862 @Sresendez12 @Nessavamusic @kelli7990 @JessieKB