Librarybelle

#5JoysFriday

1. Fun book haul from Barnes and Noble
2. I received my federal tax return without issue. HUGE relief! And, because of this…
3. Making contributions to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, my local PBS station, the National Parks Conservation Association, and the National Parks Foundation.
4. Zeke is feeling better!
5. IRL book club

DebinHawaii

Susanita Zeke is judging you! I‘m glad he feels better. 1d

Leftcoastzen Yay ! Glad Zeke feels better! 1d

Kerrbearlib Yay PBS! 1d

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Librarybelle Thanks, @Susanita @Leftcoastzen ! 1d

Librarybelle PBS is so important, @Kerrbearlib …I give when I can! 1d

Deblovestoread Yay Zeke! 1d

Librarybelle Thanks, @Deblovestoread ! 1d

TheBookHippie PBS!!! Zeke♥️ no issues how wonderful! 1d

Librarybelle @TheBookHippie Thanks! 1d

dabbe Yay for all your joys, and Yay, Zekemeister! 🖤🐾🖤 1d

Librarybelle Thanks, @dabbe ! 1d

Daisey This is a great list of joys! 15h

Librarybelle Thanks, @Daisey ! 14h

DebinHawaii Wonderful joys! 💛💛💛 So happy Zeke is feeling better! 😻 14h

Librarybelle Thanks, @DebinHawaii ! 14h

DogMomIrene Zeke, we‘re crossing our paws that you get something super tasty for being such a good boy! - 🐶🐶Bernie & Lizzie 4h

Librarybelle @DogMomIrene Not to worry, Bernie and Lizzie, Zeke is definitely getting lots of treats! Thanks! 😁❤️ 4h

DogMomIrene @Librarybelle always excellent news! 🍗🍤🧀 4h

KadaGul I usually donate around tax time, even if it‘s just a little bit. It feels good to give back. I'm happy to hear Zeke is doing well! Pets are like our little kids 🚼, right? When they‘re sick, it scares us. Bilge 🐈is 11 now, and I'm considering chatting with his vet to see if he needs any supplements. I feed them Wellness since it‘s packed with good stuff. 3h

Librarybelle @KadaGul Yes, I call my cats my kids all of the time. And each of my boys has something to monitor. But, we do what we can for our pets! 3h

59 likes20 comments

Librarybelle

The Valley of Fear | Arthur Conan Doyle

so-so

I enjoyed the first half of this short novel; the second half was not so much. I previously struggled the last time with Conan Doyle‘s telling of past events in America, and this one left me feeling similarly. I guess I‘m all about Holmes‘s deductions and not reading about the lawless American West through the eyes of Conan Doyle!

So-so for me, but this checks off #LetterV #LitsyAToZ and #InThePublicDomain #52BookClub25 ! #NoPlaceLikeHolmes

Cuilin, Texreader, dabbe

dabbe Even though the 2nd half was also a detective story with a Pinkerton detective, he wasn't Sherlock, was he? Can't wait for our discussion! 🤩 2d

67 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

The Marlow Murder Club | Robert Thorogood

pick

A fun mystery with eccentric characters but also deeper layers of meaning and subtext. I think Judith Potts is a hoot! I loved the construction of the mystery—you kind of know who did it, but not how, and then a twist. I‘ll definitely read more in the series.

LoverOfLearning Seriously love this cover ❤️ 3d

Librarybelle It is a great cover, @LoverOfLearning ! 3d

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Librarybelle

The Lioness | Gigi Griffis

pick

Thanks to #NetGalley for this advanced listening copy…

Jeanne de Clisson is a forgotten real life figure during the Hundred Years‘ War—because she was a woman. And yet, she was fierce. A noblewoman set on revenge against the murder of her husband by the king. Legends abound, but she became a pirate and later retired to the English countryside.

This historical fiction account imagines her life, using rumor to play up her notoriety. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ Jeanne faces a number of enemies, including amongst her own crew, and lives on rage and revenge. At times, her constant musings about revenge detracted from the story, and I am not sure if the portrayal was to make her seem obstinate or, like a lion, a ferocious opponent. Because this is an alc copy, I cannot quote the final sentence of the author‘s note, but it‘s chef‘s kiss—how history is a collection of perspectives, usually by ⬇️⬇️⬇️ 4d

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ a white man, and the importance of reading all of the footnotes, taking time to read all of the voices. Not only does this book champion a woman warrior (spoiler: Jeanne was not the only woman warrior), but the narrative also exhibits the contributions of non-white characters. I‘d say this type of story complements Philippa Gregory‘s books, as it‘s a good feminine historical fiction. It also makes me want to read Griffis‘ The Empress! 4d

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️The audio is a good listen! 4d

Bookwomble Sounds good, and I like the idea of the pirate warrior retiring to the countryside! Better make sure the milk delivery is right! 🥛🥛🗡️☠️😅 4d

Librarybelle @Bookwomble 😂 4d

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Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

I met a friend for lunch today, and we then went to the local Barnes and Noble after. I‘ve not been inside my local store since before 2020, so was amazed by the transformation (so much better layout) and the number of people shopping. Books are powerful!

I splurged heavy—book therapy is a thing—and walked away with these gems plus another copy of the Constitution, because it‘s good to have on hand. Free tote too with my membership!

BarbaraBB Sounds like you had a good day 🤍 5d

Librarybelle It was very nice, @BarbaraBB ❤️ 5d

sarahbarnes I really liked The Most! Agree with you that books are so powerful and one of the things giving me hope these days. ❤️ 5d

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Librarybelle I picked up The Most because of the positive reviews on Litsy, @sarahbarnes ! 5d

MemoirsForMe Book therapy is the best! 🙌🏻📚 5d

Librarybelle @MemoirsForMe Yes! 😁 5d

kspenmoll I am glad you let yourself splurge! 💕 5d

RowReads1 Looks good! Hmm The rebel empress‘s seems to be calling my name. 5d

Librarybelle Thanks, @kspenmoll ! 5d

Librarybelle I enjoy all of Goldstone‘s histories, @RowReads1 , and was very excited to see a copy left on the shelf! 5d

RowReads1 Yeah it‘s just published. One thing I learned working there is they really do get some things indies don‘t get, even if it‘s only one or two copies. 5d

ncsufoxes I really like the B&N in my area of MD. The staff are all so nice & helpful, plus they have a decent selection of items. I even bought a premium membership (it also helps that I can get 10% off Legos). The one close to us in Boston was 2 floors but I never liked it. Happy reading! 5d

Librarybelle Years ago, when I was in grad school in Pittsburgh, my favorite Barnes and Noble was in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood. I could spend hours there just browsing. Pittsburgh also had a Joseph Beth bookstore at the time, and that was the best bookstore period. I cherish my large mug I bought there! Thanks for the well wishes, @ncsufoxes ! 5d

Lindy I recently devoured The Most. So good! 5d

Librarybelle So good to know, @Lindy ! 5d

80 likes15 comments

Librarybelle

Les Miserables: (penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) | Victor Hugo

“The cruel of heart have their own black happiness.”

Yes, yes they do. Life has not changed Mr. Hugo. #ReadLesMis

TheBookHippie

Librarybelle @Cuilin @lil1inblue @dabbe @Andrew65 @quietjenn @JenlovesJT47 @MatchlessMarie @DieAReader @tpixie @julieclair @Deblovestoread @Gleefulreader @DrSabrinaMoldenReads @PageShifter @DGRachel (edited) 6d

Cuilin Unfortunately there are too many Madames Victurniens about today. 6d

Librarybelle So true, @Cuilin . 6d

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TheBookHippie @Cuilin Truth! 6d

TheBookHippie @Librarybelle it strikes me almost daily… 😵‍💫 6d

Librarybelle So spot on for today, @TheBookHippie . 6d

TheBookHippie @Librarybelle it is. 6d

kspenmoll Truth. 6d

AmyG Sad, but true. 6d

JenlovesJT47 I also highlighted this. Sad but true unfortunately. 4d

48 likes10 comments

Librarybelle

Villette | Charlotte Bront�

We‘re a little halfway through the month, so time to check in for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead . A few have bailed, and others are enjoying it. Any thoughts to share with the group?

Discussion will be posted on the 28th, but feel free to respond whenever you can…this one is a chunkster!

As a reminder, our March title is I Am Livia by Phyllis T Smith. Official reminder will be posted soon!

mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, DrSabrinaMoldenReads, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Deblovestoread, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, julieclair, willaful, Lkempf

Karisa Just finished Villette this morning. Twisty and turny—I liked it! That ending though… 🤐 6d

mcctrish I was listening to it on audio and I ran out of time to listen and the library clawed it back so I‘m out. Some day I will read it in print 6d

Deblovestoread I got through the first third and then set it aside. Not sure if I‘ll pick it back up. (edited) 6d

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Librarybelle So glad you liked it, @Karisa ! 6d

Librarybelle This is not the easiest read, @mcctrish @Deblovestoread . Thanks for trying! 6d

mcctrish I‘m not sure audio was the way to go (edited) 6d

Cuilin I‘m almost half way. 👍 6d

Librarybelle Yay, @Cuilin ! 6d

Pogue I bailed. I thought I could get through one Brontë book, I was wrong. 6d

Librarybelle @Pogue Thanks for trying! 6d

Sace I‘m only in chapter 10, but I‘m enjoying it. I‘m doing a chapter a day- sometimes audio, sometimes physical. 6d

Librarybelle That‘s great, @Sace ! 6d

tpixie I‘m behind- family caregiver stuff ( good- granddaughter!) , but hope to catch up! 6d

Librarybelle Take your time, @tpixie ! No worries at all! 6d

tpixie @Librarybelle 🩷🩷🩷 6d

AnishaInkspill I remember when I read this how slow it was but what kept me reading was that there was it felt very different, and I've been wanting to read this again to understand this more. 6d

Librarybelle That‘s a great perspective, @AnishaInkspill . I may keep that in mind as I read through it…what compels the reader to continue? 6d

julieclair I will circle back to the discussion whenever I finish. May be months from now at the rate things are going…🤪😂 2d

Librarybelle @julieclair 😂 That‘s fine! 2d

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Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

Reminder: The next #ChristiesCapers discussion is next Sunday the 23rd! I‘ll post discussion questions, and feel free to respond whenever you can!

This is the first Tommy and Tuppence mystery, and judging by those who have already posted, it appears to be a popular pick. #AgathaChristieClubR3

janeycanuck, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, AnishaInkspill

dabbe I gotta get reading! 🤩💪🏻😂 6d

Librarybelle Thankfully, it‘s a fast read @dabbe ! 6d

BarbaraJean I‘m really enjoying this! It‘s going to make me impatient for the next Tommy & Tuppence books! 6d

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Librarybelle So glad you‘re enjoying it, @BarbaraJean ! 6d

Cailey_Mac Oooo I like the sound of this one! 5d

Librarybelle @Cailey_Mac 😁 5d

49 likes6 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 17: Mystery of the Brass-Bound Trunk (Revised) | Carolyn Keene

Can you believe we‘re now up to book 17?!?

March‘s #NancyDrewBR follows Nancy on a trip—if you read the 1940 version, it‘s South America, and the 1976 version is the Netherlands. I think there must be a mystery surrounding a brass-bound trunk…😂

Discussion on March 15th! Please let me know if you would like to be added or removed from the tag list. Can‘t wait to see what amazing skills Nancy has this time, #LittenDetectives !

rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, DGRachel, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, lauraisntwilder, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, bookandbedandtea, Laughterhp, Sace, Bren912, kwmg40, CSeydel, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, Pageturner1, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze, julieclair

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 6d

Ruthiella Wow! We get to really travel in this one! Maybe Nancy will land the plane in an emergency. 😆 6d

BarkingMadRead I can‘t wait to see which one I‘ve got 🤣🤣🤣 6d

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Librarybelle OMG, maybe she does @Ruthiella ! 😂 6d

Librarybelle @BarkingMadRead 😂 6d

Bookwormjillk Let me guess Nancy speaks fluent Spanish and Dutch 6d

dabbe Maybe she'll win a “best tulips“ contest! 🤩 6d

Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk I bet she does! 😂 6d

Librarybelle @dabbe Oh my! I didn‘t even think of that angle! 😂 6d

DebinHawaii @dabbe Best 🌷 contest is gold! 😂😂😂 6d

dabbe @Librarybelle 🌷💚🌷 6d

dabbe @DebinHawaii 💚🌷💚 6d

Sace Dang. I have the later Netherlands version but I want the South American version! *pout* I want to know if the earlier version picks up right after Nancy‘s encore performance in The Clue of the Tapping Heels. I was intrigued that her “client” was a member of the audience. It‘s the first time the next case was more than just a mention. An actual person asked for help. Am I making sense? 6d

Librarybelle You are, @Sace ! And that‘s a good thought. 6d

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 16: The Clue of the Tapping Heels | Carolyn Keene

It‘s time for our #NancyDrewBR discussion, #LittensDetectives ! There are 6 questions posted as spoilers that can be found on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag.

I posted later than I had hoped—Zeke is doing better & is always hungry. Yay he‘s better, but I‘m pretty tired! 😂

Any other thoughts to share on the book, post below. Our next is The Mystery of the Brass-Bound Trunk (very different editions). More tomorrow!

Bookwormjillk I‘m glad Zeke is doing better 😻 1w

Mollyanna I‘m happy to hear that Zeke is doing better. Hopefully you can get some rest today. 1w

Sace I‘m glad Zeke is feeling better! 1w

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DGRachel Yay for Zeke, I hope you get some rest today. 1w

Librarybelle Thanks so much! I‘m so glad he‘s doing better…one less stressful element! @Bookwormjillk @Mollyanna @Sace @DGRachel ❤️ 1w

BarkingMadRead This one had so many mysteries and twists, and i thought it was a bit much, but I guess I‘m getting used to it 🤣 1w

Ruthiella Glad Zeke is on the mend! 😻 1w

Ruthiella @BarkingMadRead I feel like I could write one now! Anything goes! 1w

dabbe Yay for Zeke! And get some rest! 🖤🐾🖤 1w

Librarybelle @BarkingMadRead 😂 1w

Librarybelle Thanks so much, @Ruthiella @dabbe ! 1w

DebinHawaii So glad Zeke is better! 💜 1w

Librarybelle Thanks, @DebinHawaii ! 1w

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 16: The Clue of the Tapping Heels | Carolyn Keene

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6. I mentioned Bess in an earlier question, but let's talk characters. We see some more of Carson Drew, at least in the 1969 edition, and the girls really get to know Miss Carter. Any thoughts on the characters in this one? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk Ned constantly telling Nancy to stop solving mysteries got on my nerves. And Mr Skank made me giggle. 1w

JenlovesJT47 I like Mr. Drew but it was a bit too convenient that he, as a lawyer, knows how to defuse a bomb. Just one of those people who is good at everything like Nancy I guess lol. 1w

lauraisntwilder @Bookwormjillk Yes! Mr. Skank! So great. 1w

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Ruthiella I liked the little side romance between Miss Carter and Mr. Simpson. ❤️ 1w

DGRachel @Ruthiella I thought the romance was sweet, too. Lost loves, reunited. 🥰 I loved that it felt like we got a little bit of all the side characters, even Tommy. 1w

dabbe Besides the weight comments against poor Bess, I couldn't believe the number of times the word “pudgy“ was used to describe Guy Woonton in just four pages:
“pudgy, double-chinned man“ (26)
“If that pudgy man ...“ (nice, Nancy!) (28)
“to find out who this pudgy individual is ...“ (you, too, Mr. Drew!) (28)
“pudgy, double-chinned“ (30)

Time to learn a new synonym, ghost-writer, and/or not be so #meangirl about it! 1w

AnneCecilie I liked meeting Tommy again. Having Hannah Gruen more in the story, compared to some of the later ones. 1w

DebinHawaii @dabbe That was a whole lot of pudgy! 😬 1w

dabbe @DebinHawaii IKR? And I just pudgied it even more. 😅 1w

kwmg40 @dabbe I too noticed the overuse of “pudgy“. Did everyone in that time period get judged by their body shape? 5d

kwmg40 Carson Drew's defusing the bomb makes me want to know more about his background story! 5d

dabbe @kwmg40 Excellent point! It's definitely not a positive connotation either, and both Nancy and Mr. Drew used it! 😱 5d

15 likes12 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 16: The Clue of the Tapping Heels | Carolyn Keene

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5. Let's think about the adventures in this book. Personally, I think Bess and George sleeping in the garage with all of those cats (1969 edition) is gross!

In the 1969 edition, Carson Drew defuses a bomb by pushing it with a rake...he learned a bit about bomb making and thought it might come in handy some day!

Any standout moments for you in this book? I did think it was creepy that Woonton could sneak around the house undetected. #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk I never read these books as a kid but so many that did read had skeleton keys. I guess kids wouldn‘t understand those these days? Or are they still a thing? 1w

Ruthiella I like how characters can have heretofore unknown abilities, like George‘s judo in previous books. I feel like the bomb bit was just tossed in (pun intended). Like the writer and the baddies didn‘t get how dangerous it was had it actually exploded. (edited) 1w

lauraisntwilder My favorite part was definitely Carson Drew and the bomb. He really did most of the detective work in this book, then diffused a bomb. He's already got it disabled and out in the yard before he mentions they should call the police. The Drews must be the most competent characters in all of literature. 1w

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DGRachel There was so much in this one. I think that‘s why I liked it so much. It was completely ridiculous and therefore delightful…with the exception of the bomb thing. Carson Drew having a little knowledge and being sure he could diffuse it was just too much for me. Does anyone else feel like their childhoods were diminished by not having hidden passages in every home? 😂 1w

dabbe @DGRachel And hidden rooms, too! 😂 1w

dabbe Even the police officer was stunned by all the brutality, including “putting the bomb under [Nancy's] car, knocking over the scenery on the stage, starting the fire under the school stage and imprisoning [Nancy] in the secret stairway.“ 😱 1w

AnneCecilie When Carson Drew diffused the bomb, I just thought that I guess we now know where Nancy has it from. They seems to be able to tackle everything. As a kid this book would have scared me with all the things happening 1w

DebinHawaii The whole people sneaking around houses while you are sleeping thing has always creeped me out! 😱 And Carson & the bomb—like I commented in an earlier question, he may just have more special talents than Nancy! 😂 1w

kwmg40 It didn't surprise me that Nancy could add tap dancing to all her other accomplishments, but I'll admit I didn't expect to see Carson Drew defusing a bomb! 5d

14 likes9 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 16: The Clue of the Tapping Heels | Carolyn Keene

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4. Both editions feature Persian cats and tap dancing in the narrative. Nancy also uses Morse code in the 1969 edition (my wiki sources are conflicted, so I'm not sure about the 1939 edition).

Links to more information, plus a Morse code translator, appear in the comments!

What did you think of the mystery or mysteries in this book? Personally, I'm still wincing over the number of cats in the garage thing! #NancyDrewBR

Librarybelle https://www.britannica.com/art/tap-dance

https://tica.org/breed/persian/

https://morsecode.world/international/translator.html

Have fun exploring, and maybe you'll decide to adopt a Persian cat! 1w

Bookwormjillk That was a lot of cats. And the cat getting stuck in the mummy thing cracked me up. Total cat move. 1w

Sace To be honest I never quite understood the point of the cats. 1w

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BarkingMadRead So so so many cats. We have one and she‘s one too many 🤣 1w

JenlovesJT47 The whole conflict in this one was a bit convoluted and all over the place. And keeping so many very expensive cats in the garage doesn‘t seem like the smartest move 😆 1w

Ruthiella @Bookwormjillk Total cat move! 😹😹😹 As you pointed out @Librarybelle , the smell in the garage would have been horrendous without a monumental effort (and maybe a lot of baking soda! 😅)! (edited) 1w

lauraisntwilder The Morse code tapping in the play at the end was too much. I hadn't even thought about the cat smell! Oh my goodness, no wonder the girls didn't want to sleep in the garage! 😂 1w

DGRachel Way too many cats! And yes! The smell. I wouldn‘t have wanted to sleep out there either @lauraisntwilder The Morse code was definitely a stretch and the message at the end was crazy. But what I thought was really weird was Nancy having an encore and only Nancy? I know she had one solo, but weren‘t her other dances part of an ensemble? 1w

dabbe And what did these poor cats really have to do with the overall mystery? And how can one claim to totally love her cats when they're all crammed into one huge cage? This quote really struck me as brutal: “[Miss Carter] fondled the kitten lovingly, then asked Mrs. Bealing to put it out in the garage.“ 😳 1w

CogsOfEncouragement This is written for kids, so I'm pretty forgiving about a lot of stuff BUT when they had Miss Carter put tap shoes on her hands and tap on her head-board? What? She seriously thought that no one would hear? C'mon. You have young girls giving of their time to find a tapper, and you are going to tap on your own head-board? I just felt that character was smarter than than. 1w

AnneCecilie @lauraisntwilder I didn‘t think about the cat smell either. @DGRachel Nancy always seems to get special treatment and be better than anyone else in whatever she does. @CogsOfEncouragement I also found that annoying and unbelievable 1w

DebinHawaii Yes to too many cats in the garage & the cat drugging being a bit much. 😿 Miss Carter tapping on her headboard was nutty when they are there to find the tapper. Couldn‘t she have said “oh, by the way…”? 1w

kwmg40 Generally, I love the presence of a cat or two in a cosy mystery, but I agree with everyone that there were too many, and the treatment of them didn't make the story more appealing. Overall, there were too many subplots that didn't work together well. 5d

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 16: The Clue of the Tapping Heels | Carolyn Keene

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3. Controversies! In the 1939 edition, Nancy and George are drugged (this was removed from the 1969 edition due to protests). The 1939 edition also featured some discrimination in the text. As for 1969, which I noticed, Nancy mentions attending church as much as she can; criticisms addressed this in the story.

In addition, we've talked about Bess's portrayal throughout the books. Thoughts on her portrayal this time? #NancyDrewBR #LetHerEatCake

Bookwormjillk They need to let Bess eat. That‘s her business. The church thing stuck out to me too. 1w

bookandbedandtea Most (all?) of the books have had a mention of Nancy and others attending church so the idea has always been present. But the conversation in this book was so abrupt that it stood out to me as weird. And I totally agree with @Bookwormjillk (and lots of others) that Bess is wonderful and everyone needs to leave her alone about food! ☹️ 1w

BarkingMadRead Ok now I‘m second guessing the cruise, this is what I get for reading it in the beginning of the month 🤣 because Nancy and George get drugged in my version 1w

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Ruthiella I didn‘t really pay attention to the church bits maybe because as @bookandbedandtea points out, this is present in many of the previous books. But for sure the bit about Bess and chocolate cake stood out. I do think, at least, it‘s almost always George who is teasing Bess about her eating habits. At least in the versions I‘m reading. (edited) 1w

JenlovesJT47 I like Bess and hate the way they pick on her for eating. Even the little old lady made a snarky comment about her not being able to fit into her old costumes! Poor Bess. At least she always has a good attitude about it! 1w

JenlovesJT47 And knowing how rampant the fat shaming is, I bet she‘s not even “fat”. Just not skinny like Nancy. 1w

lauraisntwilder The church conversation felt weird. Nancy has consistently gone to church throughout the ones I've read, but like @booksandbedandtea said, this felt abrupt. Very forced 1w

lauraisntwilder They need to leave Bess alone. Miss Carter's comments especially bugged me. 1w

Librarybelle The church comments were very abrupt in this one, and I think that‘s what made them really stand out this time, other than the other mentions. @Bookwormjillk @bookandbedandtea @Ruthiella @JenlovesJT47 @lauraisntwilder 1w

Librarybelle @BarkingMadRead I looked at three separate sites for this one, @BarkingMadRead , and they were all over the place with what happened! Maybe they were completely wrong about the cruise ship, so you didn‘t miss anything. So bizarre! I thought it strange a cruise ship would appear for 1939… 1w

JenlovesJT47 I don‘t even remember the church comments, can someone refresh my memory? 1w

DGRachel After the last one being kinder to Bess, the fat-shaming stood out. I don‘t remember thinking anything of it as a kid, but it makes me mad now. Leave her alone. The church elements were a lot stronger in this one. They stood out, too, and I wondered what was going on in the world when this one was printed. 1w

bookandbedandtea @Ruthiella makes a good point that it's typically George who teases Bess about food and her weight. Their relationship has always struck me as sibling-like so, while unnecessary, I kind of brush it off the way Bess seems to do. But Miss Carter's comments surprised and annoyed me this time. 1w

Librarybelle @JenlovesJT47 I cannot remember the exact conversation, but I seem to recall questions about going to church and being able to continue investigating after church. For me, it was the way it was introduced into the narrative that really stuck out to me. 1w

dabbe @JenlovesJT47 That part really bothered me, too. So patronizing! 🤯 1w

JenlovesJT47 Yeah I think George teasing Bess sometimes is not a huge deal because they‘re like siblings, but EVERYONE has to make snarky comments about it. It gets old. 1w

CogsOfEncouragement @DGRachel Yes! The last story was so much better in that Bess just liked food. That's cute, that's fun. This is the second book they didn't describe her as plump when introducing her in Chapter 1 at least. Progress?

I do always like that Bess doesn't run straight into danger like Nancy and George seem too willing to do. She usually comes around to their way of thinking but sometimes she is the voice of reason. 1w

AnneCecilie I noticed the church reference as well and thought it stood out. But I don‘t remember any references to religion in the previous books. 1w

DebinHawaii I don‘t think the church comments caught my attention but the shaming Bess over a piece of chocolate cake sure did. 🤬 Bad George! 1w

kwmg40 I did notice the comments about going to church and the ones about Bess's appetite. The former didn't bother me, though they seemed completely unnecessary, but I do get annoyed with the treatment of Bess, who's a character I really like. 5d

13 likes20 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 16: The Clue of the Tapping Heels | Carolyn Keene

This post contains spoilers

show me

2. One wiki page I view indicates that the original story outline, written by Edna Stratemeyer Squire, was known for her more over-the-top plot devices, resulting in “unusual action, chapter climaxes, and various other events“ throughout the book.

The original story was written by Mildred Benson; sadly, I cannot find the revised author's name.

Would you agree with the over-the-top plot devices in this book? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk The bomb was a little out there, but honestly on a Nancy Drew scale I didn‘t think this was too out there. 1w

Sace Oh the bomb was definitely a way out there moment for me. Of course Carson Drew thought a lawyer needs bomb deactivation in their legal arsenal 🙄 1w

Ruthiella The bomb. The boy locked in the cellar. The fire. The falling scenery. The cat theft. The neighbors. The gymnastics of rafter climbing. This one felt to me like it had a little more than average OTT plot devices. 😂 (edited) 1w

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lauraisntwilder More than once I found myself thinking, "Oh, what now?!" ? At one point, Nancy thinks she's not making good progress and how could she? What with selling cats, climbing rafters, and tap dancing for a play, she was doing everything BUT try to solve a mystery! 1w

DGRachel There was so much going on in this one, it definitely gets a high OTT rating from me. The bomb was one ridiculous thing too much for me, though. My eyes rolled so hard I thought they‘d get stuck in the back of my head. 🤣🤣 1w

dabbe I had to read the whole bomb part to my husband, and just reading the words out loud were OTT. 🤣 1w

CogsOfEncouragement And then: Oh, wait - we didn't have Nancy bound and gagged yet, throw that in! Okay, okay, we'll just have the Bess forget her purse so her friends come right back to rescue her. Yes. Perfect. 1w

AnneCecilie Isn‘t all the Nancy Drew books a little over the top? That‘s what makes them enjoyable to read. You never know what will happened on the next page 1w

DebinHawaii The rafter high wire act was pretty crazy & the bomb (“Here, let me just toss it into the yard & hope that it turned itself off but if not, I read this thing once & learned to disarm them…”) Carson is as multitalented as his daughter! 😂 1w

kwmg40 There were definitely some exciting, over-the-top moments in this novel, but despite those, I found the writing somewhat uninspired and dull compared to the earlier books. 5d

14 likes10 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 16: The Clue of the Tapping Heels | Carolyn Keene

This post contains spoilers

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1. While there are similarities between the 1939 and the 1969 editions, the 1939 edition has Nancy on a cruise ship at one point and a close relationship between Gus Woonton and Miss Carter. The wiki pages I read for the various editions conflict this time, but it seems that Morse code only appears in the 1969 edition.

Which edition did you read? Overall thoughts? We'll go more in-depth next! #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk No cruise ship for me- must have been 1969. I liked this one. 1w

bookandbedandtea I read the 1969 edition. Can't imagine how a cruise ship would fit into the story. 😄 1w

Sace I read the 1969 version. How on earth was a cruise managed in the earlier edition? 😂 This one was more of a so-so for me. I‘m starting to see a pattern- the longer it takes me to read (due to life not allowing for long stretches of reading time), the less I enjoy it. Nancy is definitely meant for one to two sitting read. (edited) 1w

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BarkingMadRead No cruise ship for me, good gracious, how did they squeeze that in?!? So much happened without it 🤣 1w

Ruthiella I read the 1969 version. A cruise ship would have been fun! Maybe one will come up again in a future title. Overall, I thought this one was a little ridiculous…coincidences abounded! 1w

JenlovesJT47 I read the 1969 version as well. This one is not my fave but it‘s not bad. Lots of cats so that‘s always a plus! 😻😻 1w

DGRachel @Sace I completely agree - if I can‘t finish in an afternoon, I can almost guarantee I won‘t enjoy it. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 1w

DGRachel Oh and I read the 1969 version. As others have said, I don‘t know how they managed a cruise ship with everything else! 1w

dabbe I read the 1969 “groovy“ version. And I'm still trying to picture a cat-cruising caper. 🧐🤓🤣 1w

CogsOfEncouragement 1969 for me. I found this one a bit convoluted. A jumble of bad guys seemingly everywhere doing all kinds of hurtful things. Having men easily gain entrance to the garage where the cousins were sleeping, as well as the main house at all hours was more than creepy. 1w

AnneCecilie From the description of the books, I read the 1969 version 1w

DebinHawaii 1969 for me & yes, how would you fit a cruise ship into the plot is interesting! 🤔 1w

kwmg40 I'd read the 1969 version, which I found rather tedious. I'd also read the first few chapters of the 1939 version and was enjoying it more, but then I found out about some of the problematic issues with it and decided not to bother finishing the book. 5d

14 likes13 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

I finally made my February #BookSpinBingo board!

And, for the first time ever, I had a bingo on my board. January turned out to be a good reading month for me.

TheAromaofBooks

TieDyeDude ⭐ 🎉 1w

Suet624 Nice!! 1w

kspenmoll Yay! 1w

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 1w

62 likes4 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 16: The Clue of the Tapping Heels | Carolyn Keene

Tomorrow is the day for our next #NancyDrewBR discussion, #LittenDetectives ! Did our heroine solve the tapping noise? What‘s up with the cats? Depending upon the version read, it should be a good discussion.

I‘ll post questions under spoiler tags early tomorrow morning!

Ruthiella Looking forward to it! 👍 1w

BarkingMadRead Woohoo!! I‘m ready! 1w

Librarybelle Hooray, @Ruthiella @BarkingMadRead ! 1w

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Bookwormjillk I‘m off for the rest of the day and not moving off the couch until Nancy is read. 1w

bookandbedandtea I'll be finishing it today. 😊 1w

Librarybelle Yay! Good luck, @Bookwormjillk @bookandbedandtea ! 1w

dabbe I hope to finish today. 🤞🏻 1w

Librarybelle @dabbe And I plan to finish The Valley of Fear today! 1w

dabbe @Librarybelle You're way ahead of me! 😂 1w

Librarybelle @dabbe I usually wait until the last minute and read fast, so this time with the extra week, I can read leisurely. Chances are I will still finish tonight, but if not, no worries!! 😂 1w

47 likes10 comments

Librarybelle

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#5JoysFriday

1. My boys…always! Recent pictures!
2. Chocolate covered strawberries
3. Litsy, for giving me focus with wonderful people
4. Finished most of my taxes (not my local tax) and am hoping for my refunds to come without issue
5. My love for history and the knowledge that no matter how hard one tries, one can NEVER silence the truth.

I‘ve missed the past couple of weeks of joys, as, to be honest, I‘m struggling….

DebinHawaii

Librarybelle …But, this week was really hard, and I knew I had to find some brightness. I got my Covid vaccine on Monday and had severe side effects on Tuesday (I don‘t handle vaccines well, and this one was difficult). My brother was in the hospital for several days for health reasons. Zeke had another case of pancreatitis. And, well…the world…good sleep has been elusive the past few nights. 1w

Susanita These are trying times to be sure. I hope everyone recovers smoothly and you‘re able to find some peace and comfort. 1w

Bookwormjillk I hope the week ahead brings you more peace. 1w

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Librarybelle Thank you, @Susanita and @Bookwormjillk ! 1w

Aims42 Sending you all the hugs my friend! ✨💗✨ Times are tough (and incredibly stupid to be honest) but together we‘ll get through it. Finding and celebrating any joy is an act of rebellion, we won‘t let *them* get us down 🤜🏻🤛🏻 1w

Librarybelle Thank you, @Aims42 ! ❤️ 1w

Luke-XVX Hang in there! 1w

Librarybelle Thanks, @Luke-XVX ! 1w

TheBookHippie @Aims42 THIS EXACTLY!!! 1w

TheBookHippie Chocolate and strawberry is the best combo. I start to struggle and remember it‘s what they want… it‘s a battle for sure … Joy is resistance. ♥️ 1w

Aims42 @TheBookHippie 🙌🙌🙌🙌 1w

Librarybelle Thanks, @TheBookHippie ! I swear, chocolate foods and cat cuddles help so much! 😂❤️ 1w

TheBookHippie @Librarybelle Small joys are what keeps you going. 1w

Librarybelle @TheBookHippie 🙂❤️ 1w

Deblovestoread Sorry you‘ve had such a hard week. Sending light and peace! 1w

Librarybelle Thank you, @Deblovestoread ! ❤️ 1w

dabbe 🩶🩷🩶 1w

Sace Sending you positive energy! 1w

Sace @TheBookHippie “Joy is resistance”. I‘m writing this in my journal. Daily if I have to. 1w

Sace @Aims42 PREACH! 1w

Librarybelle Thanks, @Sace ! ❤️ 1w

TheBookHippie @Sace ♥️ 1w

DebinHawaii Thanks for finding the joys & sharing them in a hard week. 💛💛💛 I hope things get better! 1w

Librarybelle Thank you, @DebinHawaii ! ❤️ 1w

57 likes24 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 16: The Clue of the Tapping Heels | Carolyn Keene

pick

Once again, Nancy has two mysteries to solve—a tapping noise in a house of a woman whose also had a number of Persian cats stolen (and let me just say, I cannot begin to imagine the litter box smell in the garage from the large number of Persians there). Nancy faces danger, and Bess plays Cupid. Secrets galore in this one. A fast read.

And please, let Bess eat the cake! #NancyDrewBR

Ruthiella The smell! You made me crack up! 🤣 I suspect the writer in this one did NO research. 😆 2w

MemoirsForMe 😹😹😹 2w

Sace And Bess and George have been sleeping in the garage! 2w

Librarybelle Can you imagine how many cats must have been in that garage if so many were stolen and a lot remained that it took the girls hours to care for them?!? 😂 My four cats mean a lot of extra care to keep things tidy…odors become a huge concern for me 😂 @Ruthiella 2w

Librarybelle Yes, @Sace ! It‘s amazing they are okay! 2w

80 likes5 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 16: The Clue of the Tapping Heels | Carolyn Keene

I‘m guessing this sentence did not appear in the original 1939 edition: “‘That would be groovy.‘” 😂

#NancyDrewBR

Ruthiella Probably not! 😂 2w

bookandbedandtea Hahaha I agree it's unlikely! 2w

dabbe 😂😂😂 2w

66 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

#MentalHealthMonday checkin!

1. If I ignore the news, things are good today. Overall, though, I‘m feeling tired…so much stress and uncertainty. Sigh..,

2. When I remember, meditation. Taking breaths and trying to ground myself, especially when my anxiety flares up. I‘m also trying to eat better—less chocolate, more almonds!

3. I think any space to talk about mental health, no matter the topic, is beneficial. ❤️

Kerrbearlib

Aims42 I mean, Hershey‘s Chocolate + Almond bars are pretty fantastic and the protein in them is pretty decent! They‘re practically healthy 🤩😆 Whatever you gotta do to get through these next 1,440 days 👍💛🧡🩷 2w

kspenmoll Roasted a chicken tonight with mashed potatoes & peas-total comfort food! Snuggled with my kitties. The book I finished tonight was lovely kind of a meditation on beauty, grief, the mundane we deal with day to day, the magical, the exalted, the intangible, the spiritual in interacting with art.

All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me

(edited) 2w

Librarybelle @Aims42 That is so true! 😂 My latest favorites are the Skinny Dipped line of chocolate dipped almonds and cashews. So good! 2w

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Librarybelle @kspenmoll Sounds wonderful! And, the book is on my to read list. I may have to move it up the list! 2w

Aims42 @Librarybelle Oooo! I‘ll look for those!! 2w

Librarybelle @Aims42 They‘re delicious and very addictive! 2w

Aims42 @Librarybelle Yum, I bet! Love when snacks are healthy & delicious 😍😋 2w

MemoirsForMe @Librarybelle @Aims42 Maybe make that a dark chocolate Hershey bar. That will be even healthier. And yes! Together we‘ll get thru those 1440 days somehow. 💪🏻👊🏻🙏🏻 2w

Aims42 @MemoirsForMe Love that idea!😋 2w

Librarybelle Yum, @MemoirsForMe ! 2w

Kerrbearlib Sorry for the late response! Ignoring the news has been good for my mental health, too. Grounding myself helps me, too. I love almonds! Have you had Blue Diamond dark chocolate almonds? I highly recommend them - they're delicious! 1w

Librarybelle They are good, @Kerrbearlib ! I love Blue Diamond‘s products! 1w

Kerrbearlib A writer on Medium just posted a recipe for chocolate covered almonds. Thought of you immediately when I read it 😊 https://medium.com/plant-based-past/5-vegan-chocolate-recipes-from-the-past-to-s... 1w

Librarybelle Thank you, @Kerrbearlib ! I look forward to reading it!! 1w

58 likes14 comments

Librarybelle

The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath

Here we go… #HashtagBrigade

BarkingMadRead

61 likes

Librarybelle

The Lioness | Gigi Griffis

I‘m currently listening to the tag, and I think I found a new favorite word: fopdoodle.

Fopdoodle means a simpleton or a fool and went out of style a long time ago. I know a few people who are fopdoodles…maybe it‘s time to bring it back??? I do see it is in pop culture already…

Image from Green‘s Dictionary of Slang online. OED‘s definition was behind a paywall, so I had to look elsewhere.

TheBookHippie Oh what a fun word! 2w

BookmarkTavern I‘m down for incorporating that into my daily vocabulary! 2w

Librarybelle I cannot wait to use it in a sentence, though people may mistake it for Pennsylvania Dutch in my area! 😂 @TheBookHippie @BookmarkTavern 2w

TheBookHippie @Librarybelle 😂😂😂True that! 2w

54 likes4 comments

Librarybelle

The Sinners All Bow: Two Authors, One Murder, and the Real Hester Prynne | Kate Winkler Dawson

Yet another inspiration for Hester from The Scarlet Letter, #LiteraryCrew ! I am very unfamiliar with this case, as most are today, and this is the first time I‘ve seen the name Sarah Cornell linked with Hawthorne and his works. It certainly did not appear in any research I did for our discussion last month!

kspenmoll Stacked! 2w

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Librarybelle

Murder in the Scottish Highlands: A Completely Addictive Cozy Murder Mystery | Dee MacDonald

pick

Though the ending seemed a bit rushed and not as smoothly written as the rest of the book, I‘m still giving this a pick. The quirky characters reminded me a bit of M.C. Beaton‘s Hamish Macbeth series and Lochdubh—if you like that series, try this one.

I liked Ally and would love to see the malt house she renovated and made into a B&B. Good mystery with red herrings. I‘d read another in the series. #52BookClub25 #WrittenInThirdPerson

Librarybelle #SebastianKitty #CatsOfLitsy 2w

mcctrish I‘m looking this up 2w

Librarybelle @mcctrish My library had it, and I was impressed…it‘s a UK publication, so the book vendor must have had copies on hand. 2w

mcctrish I‘m trying to decide whether to buy it in print or kindle #firstworldproblems 2w

Librarybelle @mcctrish 😁 2w

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Librarybelle

Teenage Writings | Jane Austen

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It was so delightful to read the entire juvenilia canon by Austen! One can easily tell how she builds her craft, from silly stories to more well-structured story lines. My favorite was her take on British history, as told through her bias slant of the monarchs. Not exactly accurate, but it was incredibly fun to read!

She also #BreaksTheFourthWall a couple of times in her writings, so I could check that prompt off for #52BookClub25 !

Leftcoastzen Looks good ! 3w

Librarybelle @Leftcoastzen It is! 3w

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Librarybelle

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I love playing with the graphics on The Storygraph and Bookmory!

I completed 14 books in January, plus one carryover from 2024. Overall, a good reading month!

robinb 🎉🎉🎉 3w

Gissy 📚🎉📚🎊👏👏👏 3w

MemoirsForMe 🎉🎉👏🏻👏🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 2w

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janeycanuck Are you doing any custom tagging in StoryGraph? I want to start doing more, I think it‘ll end up being super interesting for the graphs 2w

Librarybelle I am not, @janeycanuck …at least, not yet. That would be interesting to see how those tags would work with the graphs! 2w

janeycanuck @Librarybelle If you start, let me know. I‘m looking for ideas 🤪 2w

Librarybelle Will do, @janeycanuck ! 2w

72 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

1. I feel like every week for the foreseeable future will feel like some sort of a dystopian tale…and I‘m more of a Catherine Morland than a Katniss-type heroine (unlikely heroine not from a dystopian realm vs a heroine who is). One day at a time…

2. Tired but here! Currently holding a cat, so I feel great!

3. I have a couple of book group meetings this week, so that will be fun!

#MentalHealthMonday

Kerrbearlib

bookandbedandtea I'm starting to become an ostrich about news 🫣 but I adore your Catherine Morland/Katniss paradigm! 3w

Librarybelle @bookandbedandtea I know, right! It‘s like a train wreck, but every morning I just have to see the latest. 🙄 But, have to lighten the mood with fictional character comparisons! 😂 3w

Kerrbearlib I agree about the weeks in the foreseeable future. Now I want to reread Northanger Abbey, haha! I hope you have fun at your book group meetings and that you got lots of cat snuggles today! 3w

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Librarybelle Thanks, @Kerrbearlib ! 3w

Luke-XVX Do you have anything planned to look forward to? I find that a trip/break helps me focus on the things upcoming that will be good 2w

Librarybelle @Luke-XVX There are a couple of events to look forward to in my future, so that‘s a good thought! Thanks! 😊 2w

kspenmoll I like your strategy with fictional characters! My son & husband keep me clued into what is important for to know. I have found that I can join in the news after the T stuff…otherwise I yell at the TV which is not endearing to my husband. 😱 2w

Librarybelle @kspenmoll I completely understand! I‘m sure my cats are not thrilled with my rantings about the current situation. 2w

49 likes8 comments

Librarybelle

Teenage Writings | Jane Austen

I had my after dinner chores completed earlier than usual, so I was able to participate in the #hyggehourreadathon tonight. With my weighted blanket and Vladimir, I read a bit more of Jane Austen‘s teenage writings (the Jane Austen House is hosting a virtual discussion of this on Tuesday). So interesting to see her writing evolve!

Current candle burning is Yankee Candle‘s Sicilian Lemon. My mood is relaxed at the moment.

#Vladimir #CatsOfLitsy

TheBookHippie, Chrissyreadit, AllDebooks

TheBookHippie Oooo this looks lovely. 3w

Ruthiella Again, Vladimir and the blanket are hard to distinguish from each other. 😹 3w

Librarybelle Thanks, @TheBookHippie ! 3w

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Librarybelle So true, @Ruthiella ! 😹 3w

Caryl I just started reading this -- isn't it fabulous? Thank you for sharing about the Jane Austen House's virtual book club! I can't attend this one, but might sign up for another later in the year. (Have you done these before? Do they send you a recording to watch later if you sign up?) 3w

Caryl I also listened to this podcast about Austen's Teenage Writings. One of the editors was a guest for the episode. https://www.thethingaboutausten.com/episodes/ep93-the-thing-about-austens-teenag... 3w

Librarybelle @Caryl Yes…these are so fun! This is my first time participating, so I‘m not sure how they have it organized. They do have the next few months available to sign up for—March is Lady Susan, then P&P, and then S&S, I think. And thanks for the podcast info! 3w

Caryl Have fun on Tuesday, @Librarybelle! I'm excited for you. 💖 And hmm... I think it's time for me to re-read Lady Susan, and re-watch the film version (which was titled, for some strange reason, Love & Friendship). It's a great film, and a fun story! (edited) 3w

Librarybelle Thanks, @Caryl ! I‘m looking forward to rereading Lady Susan! ❤️ 3w

AllDebooks Perfect 😊 3w

56 likes10 comments

Librarybelle

Dark Chocolate Demise | Jenn McKinlay

pan

I struggle with this series, and yet the cupcakes keep me coming back. This is book 7–some this far have been good, others not so much. This one I really did not like.

This one focuses more on the personal lives of Mel and Angie rather than the mystery. A woman who looks like Angie is killed at a zombie walk. It‘s pretty obvious Angie was the target (it‘s related to an ongoing situation from the prior 2 books…I‘m going to be as spoiler free ⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ as possible) and yet both Angie and Mel basically deny this. They are independent women (and Mel at one point refers to herself as a liberated woman) who do not need help or protection. Except… they do. I‘m an independent woman, and I certainly know if someone in the mafia was clearly out to get me I would listen to law enforcement and my family and stay safe. I‘m not sure if their obtuseness and blatant disregard for loved ones‘ concerns.. 3w

Librarybelle …is supposed to be a highlighted strength for independent women, as portrayed in this book, or if it‘s a caution that independent women can be obstinate. It left me feeling very disgruntled and yelling at my phone as Susan Boyce reads the story on audio. Yes, it‘s a cozy mystery, so amateur sleuths are known to do silly and dangerous things. But, this just crosses the line. There are other things too that drove me nuts with Mel and Angie. ⬇️⬇️⬇️ (edited) 3w

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ It‘s fine to be frustrated that people are hovering, but it‘s also not cool to drag people into danger. Sigh…I have the rest of the series on audio, so I will continue to listen (I do like the cupcake talk), but this one was just too much. Disclaimer: My threshold for people‘s poor behavior is pretty low right now given the world‘s issues, so this may play a part in my feelings for this. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 3w

Librarybelle #LitsyAToZ #LetterD @Texreader 3w

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 16: The Clue of the Tapping Heels | Carolyn Keene

And just like that, we‘re two weeks away from our next #NancyDrewBR discussion, #LittenDetectives !

Has anyone tapped their way into this month‘s reading yet? I have it slated to read next weekend. I‘m not graceful, so no tap dancing at my house (unless you count my cats tripping me and making me tap dance to stay upright!).

Looking forward to our discussion!

BarkingMadRead I‘m starting it today! 3w

Librarybelle Yay, @BarkingMadRead ! 3w

DebinHawaii I picked up my library transfer this morning, so will likely start it Sunday night! 3w

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Bookwormjillk I‘m waiting for my library hold to come in. Should be soon! 3w

JenlovesJT47 I stalled at book 6, haven‘t picked up any in a couple of months because I think I was stressing myself out about catching up. I think I‘m just going to read this month‘s book first, then go back and finish catching up. 🙃 3w

Librarybelle Yay, @DebinHawaii @Bookwormjillk ! 3w

Librarybelle Sounds like a good plan, @JenlovesJT47 ! I think the series works well reading out of order, so no worries on that. 3w

kwmg40 My library hold came in just moments before I read this message. What good timing! 3w

Librarybelle That is great timing, @kwmg40 ! 3w

48 likes9 comments

Librarybelle

Villette | Charlotte Bront�

The February #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead choice is this chunkster by Charlotte Bronte. @Deblovestoread posted her daily reading schedule, in case anyone wishes to also divide this into manageable chunks!

Discussion questions will be posted on February 28th, but it‘s perfectly fine to participate whenever you wish!

If you would like to be added or removed from the tag list, please let me know!

mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, julieclair, AllDebooks, AnishaInkspill, Lkempf

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 3w

AllDebooks Thank you for the tag. I'm going to skip this one, as I read it recently. Enjoy. X 3w

Librarybelle Sounds good, @AllDebooks ! Feel free to join in the discussion at the end of the month. 3w

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AllDebooks @Librarybelle thanks 😊 3w

julieclair I‘m ready! (I think. 😂) I have owned my copy for at least 20 years. It‘s high time I read it! 🤪 3w

Librarybelle @julieclair 😂 3w

DrSabrinaMoldenReads I‘d love an add. 3w

Librarybelle Wonderful, @DrSabrinaMoldenReads ! Welcome! 3w

DrSabrinaMoldenReads Getting heavily back into my reading this year! Thanks @Librarybelle 3w

willaful Add me please. I love Villette and haven't read it in forever. 3w

Librarybelle Will do, @willaful ! 😁 3w

AnishaInkspill I have read this, I want to read again but no time this year but looking forward to your posts. 3w

Librarybelle Sounds good, @AnishaInkspill ! Would you still like to be tagged in the posts? 3w

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Librarybelle

The Hotel Balzaar | Kate DiCamillo

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I wanted to squeeze in one more #AuldLangSpine book, and I was so excited this was on @BarbaraJean ‘s list. True story: I chose to meet DiCamillo over Judy Blume (they were signing at the same time, and I had such a book hangover from reading The Tale of Despereaux).

I loved this one! Lots of fun quotes that remind one to keep hope and that love endures. It‘s sentimental and magical, and the illustrations by Sarda are exquisite.

So lovely!

monalyisha

Librarybelle I managed two #AuldLangSpine titles, but I plan to read more throughout the year (plus the new one you flagged, @BarbaraJean !). Thanks again, @monalyisha for hosting this opportunity! 3w

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Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

Thanks for the tag, @DebinHawaii !

1. My boys…always! Photo yesterday of all 4 letting me know it was dinner time.
2. Pride and Prejudice day and an amazing webinar by Jane Austen‘s House in Chawton
3. American Dream Nut Butter—current flavor I‘m devouring is Franken Butter Peanut Butter
4. I discovered Anthony Horowitz has a new Susan Ryeland book coming out!
5. Litsy…thank you!

#5JoysFriday

Aims42 I love your joys, especially the Anthony Horowitz one 💙🩵💙 I‘m so excited for his new book too!! I don‘t know if you watch the series on PBS, but it did get confirmed that this new book will be part of the series 🙌 3w

Librarybelle Oh good, @Aims42 ! I still have to watch the second one (and read the book). It doesn‘t stop me from getting excited for the new installment! 😂 3w

Aims42 @Librarybelle I totally get it! 🥳🎉 3w

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dabbe 🩶🩵🩶 3w

MemoirsForMe Nice to have those furry reading companions surrounding you! 😺❤️ 3w

Librarybelle Yes, @MemoirsForMe ! ❤️ 3w

kspenmoll Thanks for the book tip! Love your fur babies!!!!😻😻 3w

TheBookHippie ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ 3w

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Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

It‘s time for our discussion, #LiteraryCrew ! There are 9 questions posted as spoilers that can be found on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag. Mixed reviews on this one, so I‘m interested to see your thoughts!

Next month‘s book is Charlotte Bronte‘s Villette; the reminder will be posted tomorrow.

Thanks for joining this #BuddyRead !

mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Deblovestoread, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, julieclair, AllDebooks, Lkempf

Jerdencon I was listening to this one but didn‘t finish it before the library took it back! It was interesting and I have heard about people who have the color issue - I have to redownload it and finish it. 3w

Librarybelle I hope you‘ll be able to get it back soon, @Jerdencon ! 3w

Karisa I finished it on audiobook and enjoyed it. I agree that it wasn‘t what I thought it‘d be from the description. I thought it was going to be more directly linked to Hester. However, I ended up enjoying it quite a bit. Early American life came to life and Hawthorn as a character was interesting. 3w

Librarybelle @Karisa It was very interesting to read about early American life! 3w

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Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

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9. Hester imagines the inspiration for Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter through the connection between Isobel and Hawthorne. While there is no specific proof as to the true inspiration, Hawthorne's work is a treatise against Puritanism, specifically John Winthrop's diaries that chronicled Puritan life (including punishment of a woman for adultery.

At the end of TSL, Hawthorne references a gravestone in Boston's King's Chapel Burying Ground ⬇

Librarybelle ...with an “A“ chiseled into the stone (photo is not mine but one available for fair use. I cannot find my photo). Link to information is below. I know it did not bother some readers, but for some reason, not acknowledging the existing information (or the existing suppositions) bothered me.

Link to Celebrate Boston website: http://www.celebrateboston.com/strange/scarlet-letter.htm

#LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead 3w

julieclair Wry interesting link! For me, the lack of acknowledgment of other information was not a problem. I didn‘t really take this seriously as a plausible story, but rather as pure entertainment, with loose ties to The Scarlet Letter. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, but I can also see how, if I had taken it more seriously, I would have been bothered. 3w

mcctrish I recently listened to The Invisible Hour, another book influenced by Scarlet Letter and Hester‘s Hawthorne is a complete opposite in tone and I loathe him 3w

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Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

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8. It is true that Nathaniel Hawthorne is related to John Hathorne, one of the Salem Witch Trial judges and the one who refused to believe the whole episode was a hoax. Hawthorne was so ashamed by his ancestry that he added a “w“ to his last name (short bio on Hawthorne linked in the comments).

Have you read any of Hawthorne's works? What did you think of his character in the novel? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Librarybelle Link from the Boston Athenaeum: https://bostonathenaeum.org/news/nathaniel-hawthorne/ 3w

Pogue I read the House of the Seven Gables. I Dont remember much about it, but I do remember the tour of the House of Seven Gables and the damage women‘s high heels did to the flooring. 3w

Librarybelle @Pogue That‘s so interesting! 3w

mcctrish I wanted Hawthorne to be a better man 3w

Singout I read The Scarlet Letter when I was a teen or preteen, but that was a good 40 years ago, so I really don‘t remember much of it. 1w

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Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

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7. How did the end of the novel make you feel? What do you think comes next for Isobel and Margaret in their relationship and their story? ~from Readinggroupguides.com #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

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Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

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6. Consider Isobel Gowdie and her legacy, as well as the legacy of the other women in Isobel‘s family, including her daughter. Which of the women in the family do you think were the most influential? What do you think Isobel and Margaret‘s legacy will be? ~from Readinggroupguides.com #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

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Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

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5. Scottish myths and elements of the magical world run throughout the novel. How does Isobel‘s belief in magic and the spirit world change throughout the novel? ~adapted from Readinggroupguides.com #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

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Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

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4. Discuss the significance of Isobel‘s colors. What do you think it means that she has lost them at certain points in her life and gained them back? Why do you think she is unable to see colors with certain people? ~from Readinggroupguides.com #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

julieclair I think she lost her colors during times when she was depressed, or feeling suppressed. I did wonder why she couldn‘t see colors for some people. Looking forward to hearing others‘ thoughts. 3w

mcctrish I think @julieclair is right about the depression and lack of colours as for people without colour maybe the same reason 3w

julieclair @mcctrish Or maybe they were just flat, meh-type people? Boring? Bland? 3w

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Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

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3. Isobel‘s embroidery is an essential part of who she is and allows her to express her internal creative process in a way the world values. Do you have a creative outlet or form of creative expression that is important to you? ~from Readinggroupguides.com #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

julieclair I love that Isobel was able to express her creativity in a world that put so many restrictions on women. I don‘t have a passion for any one creative endeavor, although I do enjoy needlework. I find it relaxing. 3w

mhillis Her embroidery is important for her, but it‘s also something that she has to do anonymously or by hiding the letter a in the seams. On the other hand, Hawthorne could take her story, put his name on it, and become famous. I think this may also relate to the traditional idea of arts vs crafts 2w

Singout I love singing with my choir, knitting, although it‘s harder now that I have a chronic illness, and my weird craft is collage, although I haven‘t done it for some time. 1w

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Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

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2. Examine the various positions and choices that women in the novel are given and have to overcome. What journey did each of these women take, and who do you think ultimately overcame the most? ~from Readinggroupguides.com #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

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Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

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1. At the beginning of the novel, we are told about the unique phenomenon of synesthesia, which plays a major role in HESTER. In what ways does Isobel‘s synesthesia serve to propel the narrative forward? ~from Readinggroupguides.com #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

PurpleyPumpkin I find synesthesia fascinating! And this is a thought-provoking question. My first thought is that it was instrumental in the shaping of her personality. From the time she was a young child, she was taught to hide this part of herself, largely for her own safety. She didn‘t even really understand it until she was much older. 3w

Librarybelle I like that, @PurpleyPumpkin ! Good thought! 3w

julieclair I had never heard of synesthesia. It‘s fascinating! And I loved how the descriptions of the colors associated with characters words gave clues to their character. 3w

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mcctrish @julieclair same on all counts for me too 3w

mhillis This was such a unique way to approach Hester‘s story! Totally agree that it helps us not only understand her but the other characters too 2w

Singout Yes, something I‘ve never heard of that enriches her relationships and also gives her a unique power. It‘s interesting how the power is both something that she is both strengthened by and fears, like the power of “witch.” 1w

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Librarybelle

Hester: A Novel | Laurie Lico Albanese

Tomorrow is our discussion day, #LiteraryCrew , for Hester. I had hoped to be finished (and this why this reminder is so late), but this one is not clicking for me. Beautifully written, but I‘m not buying the tie to The Scarlet Letter (and that will be discussed tomorrow, as there is a supposed closer connection to Hester than Isobel). I‘ll see how much more I can read tonight!

Looking forward to your thoughts tomorrow! #BuddyRead

Pogue I DNFed this one. I just could not get into it. 3w

dabbe @Pogue #same 3w

CatLass007 @Pogue I bailed too. (edited) 3w

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Librarybelle I think when you purport a character to be the inspiration for one of the best known characters in American literature, you have to be sure that there are no other suspicions to the origin. The author‘s note does not mention Elizabeth Pain or Paine or Payne, who is buried in Boston, and it‘s her tombstone that Hawthorne alludes to at the end of The Scarlet Letter. It just bothers me for some reason, @Pogue @dabbe @CatLass007 ! 3w

mcctrish I listened to it and I enjoyed the embroidery talk so much 3w

Librarybelle That is a fascinating piece, @mcctrish ! I also did not know much about synesthesia, so I liked learning about that too. 3w

CatLass007 @Pogue @dabbe @mcctrish I enjoyed the embroidery talk and I definitely had something new to think about when synesthesia was introduced as one of the many reasons people were accused of witchcraft. I‘d heard the term before but I never knew its meaning. Neither of these things inspired me to continue the book. (edited) 3w

Gissy I‘m late but I will read the comments later. Trying to follow all the Readathon/buddy reads/challenges I‘m participating this year. But I like I‘m reading books I have in my tbr forever🤗I have both books👌 3w

Librarybelle That‘s great, @Gissy ! Join in whenever you can. That‘s a great thing about these discussions—no time limit on participating! 3w

Sace I wasn‘t really that bothered by the supposed inspiration. To be honest I never even knew there were possible real life inspirations. Clearly I need to brush up on my Scarlet Letter knowledge. I (barely) read it in high school and I don‘t remember a bit of it. I actually really enjoyed this book though. (edited) 3w

Librarybelle @Sace I don‘t know why it bothers me so much! Maybe it‘s my mindset right now. But, if I ignore that part, it‘s a good story! 3w

tpixie @Sace I‘m with you I did not know there were possible real inspirations, and I just took this as the author‘s imaginative take on it and not a real-life take. That was probably our advantage. I loved Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter and I did enjoy this book. I loved learning about synesthesia and the embroidery passages. 3w

Mollyanna I didn‘t read The Scarlet Letter in school, so I thought that was why I just never really connected with the characters. Maybe not based on the comments. I‘ve got about 90 minutes of the audio left, so I‘ll finish it. It‘ll likely be a so-so for me. (edited) 3w

Librarybelle I‘m glad you enjoyed this one, @tpixie ! The writing is beautiful. 3w

Librarybelle @Mollyanna I‘m over halfway through and will finish it. It‘s probably a so-so read for me too. 3w

Gissy @Librarybelle 😃👌❤️ 3w

Sargar114 I started but probably won‘t finish today. Agree so far a so so for me 🤷🏼‍♀️ 3w

Librarybelle I likely won‘t finish today either, @Sargar114 ! 3w

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Joined September 2016