Librarybelle

It‘s been months since I listed any joys, but even in my time of grief, I have so much to be thankful for:

1. Vladimir, Sebastian, and Xander, who have helped me so much since the end of December. Recent pics!
2. Ken Burns‘ American Revolution. So good (I‘m on Episode 2)
3. Littens—so many of you have reached out. I feel so much support. Thank you! ❤️
4. Blue Diamond Almonds and More collection—yummy!
5. Chocolate

#5JoysFriday

DebinHawaii

BookishMarginalia 💜💜💜 19h

lil1inblue 💛💛💛 19h

dabbe One day at a time. ♥️ Look at those precious boys! 🩶🐾🧡🐾🤎🐾 18h

See All 8 Comments

DebinHawaii Lovely joys and to find them in the midst of such a difficult time shows how strong you are. 💛💛💛 Many 🫂🫂🫂 (edited) 18h

KadaGul Pet Mama, I understand this is a really difficult time for you. While no one can ever replace Zeke, please find comfort in knowing he's in a better place. If you'd like to share daily pictures of Zeke, we're all here to support and be with you every step of the way. Don't hesitate to reach out if you think we have something going on. You bet we do all GREAT THANKS TO MANGO 🥭 MAFIAfor that. But doesn't mean we cannot pivot. 18h

Ruthiella ❤️❤️❤️ 17h

Leftcoastzen Beautiful post . Still sending hugs 🫂 😻😻😻 14h

Librarybelle Thank you, @BookishMarginalia @lil1inblue @dabbe @DebinHawaii @KadaGul @Ruthiella @Leftcoastzen ❤️❤️❤️ 5h

54 likes8 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 27: The Secret of the Wooden Lady | Carolyn Keene

You can tell how much my life was upside down in December—I never created a graphic for the #NancyDrewBR January discussion! And, we‘re a few days away from it. Thanks to those who have been posting about reading for the 15th.

Discussion on January 15th. Personally, I think this older cover is less creepy than the revised edition cover. 🤷🏻‍♀️

rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, DGRachel, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, bookandbedandtea, Laughterhp, Sace, Bren912, KT1432, kwmg40, CSeydel, MuddyPuddle, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, Charityann, Roary47, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze

CogsOfEncouragement I‘m starting today. 22h

BarkingMadRead I am about halfway through, I actually didn‘t have this one, so I had to get the e book 22h

Bookwormjillk Is the newer one where they're randomly in a boat with a statue? Because I have some questions about that. 22h

See All 7 Comments

Librarybelle It is, @Bookwormjillk ! Very bizarre. 22h

Librarybelle Yay, @CogsOfEncouragement @BarkingMadRead ! 22h

Ruthiella @Bookwormjillk I‘ve already finished it. Don‘t worry-all will be revealed. 😆 21h

bookandbedandtea I'll be ready! Reading it this weekend. 😊 3h

39 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

Radar Girls | Sara Ackerman

I am really late posting this, but thanks to those in this year‘s #LiteraryCrew group who have posted about this month‘s selection!

Radar Girls was a top vote selection for our group, and judging by the positive marks so far, it‘s a good choice!

Discussion on January 31st. Please let me know if you wish to be added/removed from the tag list.

melissajayne, tpixie, DrSabrinaMoldenReads, Jennifer3, IMASLOWREADER, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Teresereading, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Sargar114, SamAnne, Jess861, Roary47, PageShifter, julieclair, AllDebooks, IriDas

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 22h

PurpleyPumpkin Hoping to start this one soon!😅 21h

kspenmoll Starting on the weekend! 19h

Sargar114 About halfway through, enjoying so far. 16h

Librarybelle @PurpleyPumpkin @kspenmoll @Sargar114 😁 5h

45 likes5 comments

Librarybelle

The Mysterious Mr. Quin: A Short Story Collection | Agatha Christie

#ChristiesCapers update: I hope it‘s okay if we push back our discussion of Mr. Quin until our regularly scheduled January date. It moves our timeline just a smidge, but we can visit the world of Miss Marple for February.

I‘ve just started to read a bit more again, and the last time I read this collection was 2019. I definitely need to refresh my mind! Thanks for your patience on this. I‘m taking things one day at a time. #AgathaChristieClubR3

janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, DrSabrinaMoldenReads, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, CogsOfEncouragement, PatriciaU, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Teresereading, Laughterhp, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, ElizaMarie, bcncookbookclub, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, Sparklemn, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, BookNook, AnishaInkspill, ChaptersofChaos

MaleficentBookDragon Sure thing! I hope things are going better for your family. 22h

dabbe 💙🩶🖤 22h

BarbaraJean 🤗 💜 22h

See All 12 Comments

kelli7990 Take your time. We‘ll be here waiting until you‘re ready. 22h

Librarybelle Thank you, @dabbe @BarbaraJean @kelli7990 ❤️ 22h

Librarybelle Thank you, @MaleficentBookDragon . Taking it one day at a time. I‘m the only human in the house, but my three surviving cats have expressed their own form of grief in one way or another. My youngest was hit the hardest with depression, but I‘ve been working with him and bringing him back to his mischievous self. I‘m working through my grief and all of the housework and chores I let slide over the last several weeks. One day at a time. 22h

PurpleyPumpkin That‘s all you can do is take things day by day.💜 21h

Larkken Of course! Sending you and your kitties all the love 💗 20h

kspenmoll Sending you and your babies love from us & Em. She continues to search for Poe, going from room to room with the saddest sounding wail. 19h

Librarybelle Thank you, @PurpleyPumpkin @Larkken ❤️ 19h

Librarybelle And you too, @kspenmoll . Xander did not cry, but he was definitely looking for Zeke and then would hide for periods at a time. Sebastian has been the best so far; he was also the one closest to the room during the passing, so I think he knew what was happening. I was in the process of getting Vladimir anti-anxiety meds in December and decided to wait to concentrate on Zeke. I had to quickly get them this week; he became way too aggressive. ⬇️ 19h

Librarybelle ⬆️ Give Em an extra rub from me! ❤️ 19h

45 likes12 comments

Librarybelle

Mob Queen | Erin Bledsoe

#Vladimir and I are attempting to catch up on this week‘s #SundayBuddyRead reading schedule.

That is, if I don‘t fall asleep because he‘s so warm and is gently purring. #CatsOfLitsy

TheBookHippie

TheBookHippie ♥️ 6d

AmyG ❤️ 6d

Bookwormjillk ❤️ 6d

See All 6 Comments

Aims42 😻what a cozy picture!! 6d

kspenmoll What a sweetie! 6d

dabbe #velvetyvladimir 🩶🐾🩶 6d

65 likes6 comments

Librarybelle

84, Charing Cross Road | Helene Hanff

I start every year by making this my first read for the year. Normally I finish it in a couple of hours, but this year is different. I‘ve not read a book in weeks, including audiobooks, so it‘s an accomplishment to complete this little jewel of a book.

Grief is hard; we all know that. I‘m adjusting to suddenly having so much time on my hands. I had limited downtime, especially with the extensive caregiving needs the last 2 weeks of December. ⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ I‘m exhausted, drained, hollow, and lost. And yet, time marches on. Of my three remaining boys, Xander is depressed, and so I‘m talking with him and playing with him and making sure he knows he is loved. We‘ll get through this, one day at a time. Thank you, everyone, to your kindness, love, and support. I was so touched by the outpouring of sentiment from everyone. I wish I could repay each and everyone of you with something. ⬇️⬇️⬇️ 1w

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ It helps to know I‘m not alone. Thank you. Of course, I had to share a cat photo! #SebastianKitty had no clue he acted as a book prop. #CatsOfLitsy . And, for those doing the #192030 challenge, this is an excellent book for #1970 . It‘s a beautiful look at friendship. 1w

Librarybelle I know I‘m also behind with discussion questions for groups. I will get to them; thank you for your patience! 1w

See All 28 Comments

JenReadsAlot No words for the loss of a pet. Take care of you ❤️ 1w

rubyslippersreads You are the very best cat mom. 😽 1w

AmyG Sending a hug. Loss is hard so you take care of yourself first. We will all be here. 1w

Jas16 Sending ❤️ 1w

Amiable ❤️❤️ Sending hugs. And I second your suggestion about the book for 1970. I read it last year for the first time and absolutely loved it. 1w

PurpleyPumpkin So sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself and the boys. 💜 1w

Leftcoastzen It‘s just so hard to lose a kitty . Hugs 1w

Ruthiella It is so very hard. Take the time you need. ❤️ 1w

BookishMarginalia Big hug 💜 1w

ferskner I'm glad you're finding some comfort where you can. ♥️ 1w

BiblioLitten Sending hugs. 💕 1w

Deblovestoread I still have not read this book! Think I‘ll go order a copy now. Sending continued hugs, Jess. 1w

Mollyanna Sending comfort your way as you grieve 💕. Take care of yourself. 1w

Caryl I‘m so sorry. And that is a wonderful book to read every year. Sending hugs your way. 💕 7d

mrp27 Lots of love and comfort to you. 💗 7d

bookandbedandtea I'm sorry for your loss; it's so hard to lose a pet. Sending love. ❤️ 7d

dabbe Continued thoughts, hugs, and love are sent to you and your boys. 🐾♥️🐾♥️🐾♥️🐾♥️ 7d

Librarybelle Thank you, @JenReadsAlot @rubyslippersreads @AmyG @Jas16 @Amiable @PurpleyPumpkin @Leftcoastzen @Ruthiella @BookishMarginalia @ferskner @BiblioLitten @Deblovestoread @Mollyanna @Caryl @mrp27 @bookandbedandtea @dabbe 7d

Leftcoastzen One of my all time favorite reads as well ! 7d

Librarybelle @Leftcoastzen I‘m so glad I picked this up years ago, thanks to Litsy recommendations, and have read it every year since. 7d

TheBookgeekFrau More hugs to you 🫂 7d

Librarybelle Thank you, @TheBookgeekFrau ❤️ 6d

DebinHawaii Sending you more strength and love. Grief and caregiver fatigue are so real and so hard. Take care of yourself, you will get through it. 💜💜💜 6d

willaful Sending some hugs. 3d

Librarybelle Thank you, @DebinHawaii @willaful ❤️ 2d

71 likes1 stack add28 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

I swear I have not looked at the #BookSpin numbers for this month! Here is my quickly made list for January.

TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 1w

45 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

Today starts the new #192030 challenge!

Thanks to everyone who participated in #192025 . It was so much fun that I brought it back. The only rule is to read one book originally published each year, from 1920 to 2030.

Feel free to use the official hashtag. I also hashtag the pub year on Litsy in case anyone wants inspiration.

Link to the Storygraph tracker is below.

If you wish to be added/removed from the tag list, let me know!

mabell, Maggie4483, Daisey, Kitta, BarkingMadRead, TheBookHippie, BarbaraJean, Amiable, Lizpixie, AnneCecilie, Gissy, Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick, Suet624, jenniferw88, llwheeler, Deblovestoread, thebacklistbook, triplem80, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, Sace, KT1432, kwmg40, Mollyanna, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, TheAromaofBooks, julieclair, AllDebooks, AnishaInkspill, jmgwis, rebcamuse

Librarybelle StoryGraph link: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/21ea33cb-5478-4318-881b-5f8e286... 1w

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 1w

Amiable Thank you! I think I only hit about 43% in the previous challenge. 😖 Deep breath… and let‘s start again! (edited) 1w

See All 34 Comments

BookishPiper I am excited about this. 1w

Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I'm 11 books from finishing 192025 so I'm going to focus on getting that done. I'm too close to call it quits. 🤣 Now I know I need to pace myself a little better for this next one. 1w

Daisey I‘m looking forward to this! 1w

BarbaraJean Thanks for organizing this—I‘m excited to dive into the new challenge! In the next few weeks I plan to go through my 192025 notes and transfer books I ended up not using into the appropriate years for 192030 😁 1w

Bookwormjillk I‘m two away on #192025 but I think I messed up some of the dates for Nancy Drew so I‘m excited to start over. 1w

dabbe Updated the new #LELH (#LitsyEventsLittleHelper) spreadsheet! 🤩

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xB17c0YZ6-IcngwWteNPyWiwoLn3bvcb7kjtqOLu... 1w

TheAromaofBooks YAY! I am so stoked about this challenge!! 1w

rebcamuse I‘ve been having fun adding my books to the challenge on Storygraph—prioritizing TBRs and then Pulitzer winners, with the occasional National Book Award winner 1w

julieclair Yay! I‘m so excited about this! 1w

AnishaInkspill thanks for putting this together, I've signed up and one book read, a short story, Agatha Christie, a real nice way to start the year 1w

Kitta @dabbe wow! I think it‘s missing the one from @Kenyazero which I‘m assuming will be #lgbtqia2026? 1w

Kitta Excited for this!! What‘s the best way to tackle the challenge? 1w

Librarybelle So glad to see so much excitement for this! @Amiable @BookishPiper @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick @Daisey @BarbaraJean @Bookwormjillk @TheAromaofBooks @rebcamuse @julieclair @AnishaInkspill @Kitta 1w

Librarybelle @Kitta Everyone tackles it a bit differently. I started by randomly picking up books and accruing the years that way. Then, I started looking at lists of prize winners, best sellers, etc. for years I did not have. Several of the book discussion groups on here read books that fall into this challenge, so that was an easy way for me to read a year. 1w

Librarybelle @dabbe 😁 1w

Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick @Kitta I'm a spreadsheet girl, so I created one with each year listed then went through my extensive Goodreads TBR for what I own. (I like to list many options in case there's overlap down the road with other challenges.) Then where I had none or 1, I did a web search for "Literature of 19xx" (rec the Wiki pages) for each year to look for popular books or ones that just stood out. Then I would choose on mood, season, challenges, etc. 1w

Kitta @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick that‘s a great idea. I‘m afraid most of what I own is recently published though! I think I‘m going to rely on the Wikipedia pages (thanks for the tip!), what others add to the StoryGraph challenge and prize winners - especially for the earlier years. I will have to look through my TBR as well. I‘ll try and double up with some challenges. I think I‘ve just realized how hard this will be. 1w

Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick @Kitta With 111 years, that is about 22 books per year, or 2 per month. The current years sort themselves out naturally, so you just need to make the effort to seek out the older ones. Absolutely use your library. This is a great reason to explore classics & known authors. It's far from perfect, but if you'd like me to send you my spreadsheet as a starting point, I'm happy to. (That goes for any of you! ) Email me kellyschnorrbusch @ gmail.com 1w

Kitta @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick id love to get a copy of the spreadsheet!! I‘ll email you. 1w

TheAromaofBooks @Kitta - I also try to think of older “classic“ authors that I enjoy or have wanted to try. Georgette Heyer, P.G. Wodehouse, Agatha Christie - all very prolific, all writers of easy-to-read and enjoyable stories. It's a great time to think about books you read when you were younger and might want to pick up again, or ask a older friend/relative if they have childhood books they would recommend. You should also check out the #192025 challenge on ⬇ 1w

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) Storygraph and see what some of us read for that challenge. I can send you my list, too, if you want, although it's a bit eclectic 😂 I actually read quite a lot of older (pre-1960) books. The 1980s were my toughest decade to fill! 1w

Kitta @TheAromaofBooks Great idea! I‘d love to read some Agatha Christie. Definitely interested in people‘s lists, or following people on StoryGraph if that‘s okay! My username there is Kitta. 1w

TheAromaofBooks @Kitta - Yay!! I think I followed you on Storygraph - I'm terrible at the social part of that site 😂 Feel free to email me at itsthegoodlife15 at gmail if you want my completed list from the 192025 challenge. I mostly read happy books, mysteries, romances, some fantasy and sci fi... pretty much anything that has a happy ending haha 1w

bumpinthenight Oh this sounds super fun - I‘m going to join this (at first I thought it was all to be read this year and I was like what the heck lmfao) but now I see this is a 5 year challenge 😂 1w

llwheeler Hurray! I'm looking forward to it 🙂 1w

AnishaInkspill I'm not as organised as some of you, I'm just going to ad-lib it. So far for the earlier years I've read 2 short stories, one by Agatha Christie (1925) & another by Virginia Woolf (1921), and currently reading Brave New World (1932). 1w

Librarybelle Yay, @bumpinthenight ! And, can you imagine trying to do all of these in a year?!? If you waited until 2030 to read everything—oh my! 😂 1w

Librarybelle Yay, @llwheeler ! 1w

Librarybelle That‘s a good start, @AnishaInkspill ! 1w

OutsmartYourShelf Only just saw this post. Add me to tag please as I was carrying on the Christie Challenge so can use them for this challenge. Completed 57% of #192025 so hoping to beat that with #192030 4d

Librarybelle Will do, @OutsmartYourShelf ! And great job for #192025 ! 3d

52 likes34 comments

Librarybelle

Brooklyn | Colm Toibin

#LiteraryCrew : I‘m going to postpone our discussion until next week. Zeke is crossing the rainbow bridge tomorrow, and I just cannot think of discussions. I‘m so sorry. I‘ll let everyone know when I have the questions ready.

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

IriDas Im so sorry to here this. Take your time. That‘s more important. 2w

TheBookHippie Oh Jess, I‘m so so sorry. Sending you so much love. 2w

NatalieR I‘m so sorry. My heart breaks for you and Zeke. Sending you a giant hug. 🫂 💔🐾 2w

See All 56 Comments

Karisa Aw, so sorry for this loss. You did so much for him and Zeke must know he was so loved 💔🐾 2w

JenReadsAlot Oh I'm so sorry.... sending big hugs to you 2w

sherrisilvera So sorry 💔 2w

AmyG Oh, no….I am so very sorry. 2w

BarbaraBB Sending hugs dear Jess ❤️ 2w

LinesUponAPage That is so sad. Hugs to you and your family. 2w

Deblovestoread Oh Jess, I am so sorry. Take all the time you need. Sending love to you, Zeke and the rest of your boys. 2w

TheEllieMo So sorry for your loss 2w

AnneCecilie I‘m so sorry for your loss ❤️ 2w

JessClark78 So sorry for your loss. 💔❤️ 2w

Lcsmcat I‘m so sorry! ❤️ 2w

mcctrish I‘m so sorry for your loss 2w

Susanita Aww Zeke 😢💔 2w

shortsarahrose So very sorry for your loss 💔 2w

BookwormAHN I'm so very sorry 💔 2w

LeahBergen Sending you ❤️❤️❤️ 2w

Clare-Dragonfly 🫂🫂🫂 2w

Mollyanna Sending love your way 💕. I am so sorry Jess. 2w

dabbe Oh, Jess. How sorry I am. You, Zeke, and his brothers are in my thoughts. 💔💔💔💔 2w

Jess I‘m so sorry, Jess. My heart goes out to you. 2w

TheBookgeekFrau I'm sorry to hear this. Sending strength and hugs 🫂 2w

Librarybelle You‘ve made me cry harder! I feel so much love right now from everyone. Thank you. I am truly touched. @IriDas @TheBookHippie @NatalieR @Karisa @JenReadsAlot @sherrisilvera @AmyG @BarbaraBB @LinesUponAPage @Deblovestoread @TheEllieMo @AnneCecilie @JessClark78 @Lcsmcat @mcctrish @Susanita @shortsarahrose @BookwormAHN @LeahBergen @Clare-Dragonfly @Mollyanna @dabbe @Jess 2w

Librarybelle Thank you, @TheBookgeekFrau . I truly appreciate it. 2w

ferskner I'm so sorry, Jess. You gave him an amazing life! ♥️ 2w

Jerdencon I‘m so sorry to hear about Zeke ❤️ 2w

Bookzombie I‘m so sorry about Zeke. Sending you love. ❤️❤️❤️ 2w

julieclair Oh my, Jess. You have taken such loving care of him. I know your heart must be breaking. Sending you love and strength and hugs. 🩶💔🩶 2w

Tamra 😞 2w

Ruthiella I‘m so sorry. 💔 2w

Reggie I‘m so sorry. 2w

Hooked_on_books 😔 2w

kelli7990 I‘m sorry for your loss. 1w

CatLass007 🐾🐾🐾😢 1w

DebinHawaii I am so very sorry Jess. You have been such a loving parent to him and what a lucky boy he is to be loved by you. Sending you hugs and strength, they leave such a hole in our hearts. 💜💜💜 1w

Suet624 I‘m so sorry. 💕💕💕 1w

Luke-XVX He was lucky to have someone like you to love and fuss over him. Hang in there Jess 1w

Librarybelle Thank you so much for the love and support. I really appreciate it. @ferskner @Jerdencon @Bookzombie @julieclair @Tamra @Ruthiella @Reggie @Hooked_on_books @kelli7990 1w

Librarybelle Thank you so much for the love and support. I really appreciate it. @CatLass007 @DebinHawaii @Suet624 @Luke-XVX 1w

PurpleyPumpkin No rush on this at all! Zeke is what‘s important right now. Take care of Zeke and yourself. 💜🤗🐾 (edited) 1w

Roary47 I‘m so sorry. Virtual hugs heading your way. 💛 1w

youneverarrived So sorry ❤️❤️ 1w

rubyslippersreads I‘m so sorry. 😿 Sending ❤️ to you and Zeke. 1w

tpixie Oh I‘m sad to hear this. He has fought so hard & you have been a loving advocate for him. Hugs 🫂 (edited) 1w

TheBookgeekFrau Was thinking of you today 💔🫂 1w

Librarybelle Thank you so much. I really appreciate it and am truly touched. ❤️ @PurpleyPumpkin @Roary47 @youneverarrived @rubyslippersreads @tpixie 1w

Librarybelle Thank you, @TheBookgeekFrau . It was not an easy day. I appreciate your thoughts and support. ❤️ 1w

BarbaraJean 💔 I am so sorry. You and Zeke have been in my thoughts. Sending hugs. 1w

Sargar114 Oh I‘m so sorry @Librarybelle sending love to you! 1w

Librarybelle Thank you, @BarbaraJean @Sargar114 . I truly appreciate it. ❤️ 1w

kwmg40 I‘m very sorry about Zeke. 1w

Librarybelle Thank you, @kwmg40 ❤️ 1w

Bookwomble I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, Jess ❤️‍🩹 22h

Librarybelle Thank you, @Bookwomble ❤️ 22h

52 likes56 comments

Librarybelle

The Mysterious Mr. Quin: A Short Story Collection | Agatha Christie

#ChristiesCapers : We should have our discussion for this month‘s book on Sunday. But it probably will not happen. I‘m so sorry. Zeke is living his final days; his cancer spread, has become more aggressive, and he‘s too weak for chemo. Either he spends several days in a hospital getting strength enough to take chemo that may or may not work, or I give him all of the love I can and say goodbye soon. I chose the latter.

⬇️⬇️⬇️

janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, CogsOfEncouragement, PatriciaU, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Teresereading, Laughterhp, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, ElizaMarie, bcncookbookclub, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, Sparklemn, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, BookNook, AnishaInkspill, ChaptersofChaos

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ My heart is not into reading, even listening to an audiobook. All of my time literally is palliative care and giving as much of myself to my other three boys as I can. So, the discussion will most likely happen sometime the beginning of January. Please make notes that you wish to share with everyone at discussion time. Our January book is the first Miss Marple, Murder at the Vicarage. I‘ll get a graphic of the 2026 titles together ⬇️ 3w

Librarybelle ⬆️ at some point. Until then, if you have fur babies, give them an extra squeeze from me. #AgathaChristieClubR3 I‘ll tag everyone once I have the questions posted. Thanks for understanding. ❤️ 3w

Liz_M I'm so sorry you had to make that tough choice. But it sounds like it's what is best for Zeke. I'll miss his Litsy presence. 💔💔💔 3w

See All 26 Comments

kelli7990 Take your time and take care of yourself. We‘ll be here when you‘re ready. 3w

BarbaraJean 💔 I‘m so, so sorry. That is such a difficult choice to have to make—take all the time you need and give Zeke all the love and comfort you can, and remember to be kind to yourself as well. 💜 3w

Mollyanna I am so sorry. Take care of Zeke and yourself. Zeke is so lucky to have such a caring and compassionate Mom. 😿 3w

shortsarahrose That‘s such a hard choice, but also one made with love. May Zeke feel all the love that you have for him in his final days and may you be kind to yourself in this difficult hour 💔 🫂 3w

willaful *Hugs* I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. 3w

janeycanuck I am so sorry you are going through this 💔. Zeke will know & feel your love over the coming days and that is the most important thing you can give him. (edited) 3w

Aims42 I am so sorry, please take as much time as you need 🫂 We‘re here for you ❤️‍🩹 3w

kspenmoll Oh I am so sorry you & Zeke & the other cats are living this right now. You know we just had to let Poe go after his CHF; it was a harrowing, grief filled decision as I know your is. Sending you lots of love & do not worry about discussions right now.❤️❤️❤️🐾🐾 3w

Librarybelle Oh no, Katherine! I did not see about Poe! I am so sorry. I‘ve barely been on Litsy in weeks and missed the post. Sending you and Em and your family lots of love as well. And thank you for your kindness. ❤️ @kspenmoll (edited) 3w

Librarybelle Thank you, everyone. I‘m a walking zombie, completely numb, but still chugging along and learning to ugly cry as I feed Zeke (he had a feeding tube put in last week when there was still hope that maybe, just maybe, it was his chronic pancreatitis that invaded his liver). I truly appreciate your words. Litsy is a wonderful place. @Liz_M @kelli7990 @BarbaraJean @Mollyanna @shortsarahrose @willaful @janeycanuck @Aims42 3w

TheBookgeekFrau While I'm not part of this reading group, I am a Zeke fan and his name caught my eye. I just wanted to extend my sympathy for making such a difficult decision and send some good vibes and hugs to Zeke and you on this journey. 🫂🙏🏼😢 3w

MallenNC I am so sorry, Jess. I have had to make those kinds of decisions too and they‘re so hard even if you know it‘s the better option for them. Thinking of you. 3w

Larkken I'm so sorry to hear about Zeke, I hope you are able to spend time with them before they go. 3w

MaleficentBookDragon Oh wow I‘m so sorry. I‘ve been through that and it‘s terrible. I lost two of my cats to cancer and it was heartbreaking. There are no words. Take care of yourself and the rest of your family too. (edited) 3w

AnishaInkspill I'm sorry, what you're going through takes so much courage, and look after yourself as well. 2w

TheAromaofBooks Oh no, that is so sad!! Take the time and space you need - even if you want to push the schedule so that Mr. Quin is January's book, I know everyone would be fine with that!! You're doing an amazing job making Zeke's final days as comfortable and full of love as you can 💕 2w

PurpleyPumpkin So sorry to hear this news.💔 Sending you and your fur babies hugs.💜 2w

mrp27 My thoughts are with you and Zeke. 2w

Librarybelle Thank you so much for your kind words and support. I truly appreciate them. @TheBookgeekFrau @MallenNC @Larkken @MaleficentBookDragon @AnishaInkspill @TheAromaofBooks @PurpleyPumpkin @mrp27 2w

ferskner Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I know this has been a long process, and you have all my hope that your time with him is peaceful and beautiful. ♥️ 2w

DebinHawaii I am so sorry. That decision is so hard to make but shows so much love you have for him. Sending you strength and love. 💜💜💜 2w

kwmg40 I'm so sorry to hear about Zeke. Please take the time you need. 2w

Librarybelle Thank you so much. I truly appreciate it. @ferskner @DebinHawaii @kwmg40 2w

47 likes26 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 26: The Clue of the Leaning Chimney | Carolyn Keene

So sorry for the late posts of questions, everyone!

Today has been rough. Zeke‘s lab work came back showing very bad liver values, and he‘s now booked for tests later this week. That is, if he survives until then. Thank you for the kind words about Zeke!

Anyhow, there are 5 posts as spoilers that can be found on the book‘s feed, my feed, or by searching #NancyDrewBR . Next month, we learn about The Secret of the Wooden Lady!

rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, DGRachel, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, bookandbedandtea, Laughterhp, Sace, Bren912, KT1432, kwmg40, CSeydel, MuddyPuddle, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze

Crazeedi Prayers for Zeke and you💕 4w

Librarybelle Thank you, @Crazeedi ! 4w

DGRachel Oh no! Sending hugs and healing 🫂🫂 4w

See All 19 Comments

JenlovesJT47 ♥️♥️♥️ 4w

Bookwormjillk I‘ll be thinking of you both 4w

BarkingMadRead Sending hugs! 4w

sarahbarnes ♥️♥️♥️ 4w

KadaGul I'm truly sorry you're going through so many challenges right now. I genuinely hope Zeke gets better soon and that something in his test leads to a positive change. Please keep holding on. Both of you are in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️🐱💚 4w

Ruthiella Sending you strength. ❤️❤️❤️ 4w

bookandbedandtea Sending hugs to you and Zeke ❤️ 4w

DaveGreen7777 I‘m so sorry about Zeke! 😔 Sending prayers and healing energy to you and him! 4w

TheAromaofBooks Thank you for taking time to still make these posts despite all the challenges you're facing. I hope Zeke gets better, but even if he doesn't it's wonderful that he has had such a good life with people who care about him 💕 4w

Librarybelle Thank you, everyone. I truly appreciate it. ❤️ @DGRachel @JenlovesJT47 @Bookwormjillk @BarkingMadRead @sarahbarnes @KadaGul @Ruthiella @bookandbedandtea @DaveGreen7777 @TheAromaofBooks 4w

DGRachel I hope you are ok and Zeke is better. Thinking of you. 🫂 3w

Librarybelle @DGRachel Thank you. Zeke is on his final days. His cancer has spread, and he is very weak. We had a consultation with an oncologist today and were told he‘s too fragile for chemo. I could take him to a hospital for several days, or just let him live his remaining time at home and help send him on. I‘m hoping we can spend Christmas together before we say goodbye. It‘s hard; I know you know how hard it is. 💔 3w

DGRachel Sending you so much love and big warm hugs. Zeke is so lucky to have you to care for him and help him transition. 3w

Bookwormjillk @Librarybelle I'm so sorry to hear that. My cat Louie had something similar happen. That Christmas I let him do what he wanted to our Christmas tree. It's so hard, but I'm glad you get a chance to say goodbye. 3w

DebinHawaii @Librarybelle I am so sorry. It‘s so hard to go through this. Sending you lots of strength & love. 💜💜💜 3w

Librarybelle Thank you. I truly appreciate your kind words and your support. @DGRachel @Bookwormjillk @DebinHawaii 3w

37 likes19 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 26: The Clue of the Leaning Chimney | Carolyn Keene

This post contains spoilers

show me

5. Think of the danger episodes (why Nancy thinks hunting down a guy in the dark in a forested area is a good idea, I‘m not sure! 😂)

Any stand out episodes? #NancyDrewBR

BarkingMadRead Why she does these things always amazes me 🤣 she‘s just asking for it! 4w

CogsOfEncouragement When Hannah and ND come home and Togo acts as though someone is in the house in Chapter XV, I was uneasy. I didn't like the idea of the two splitting up to trap the burglar. Call me Bess, cuz I don't like this mess. 4w

TheAromaofBooks There were a couple of times regarding the whole weird fenced in compound in the woods where I found myself wondering why they didn't call the police?? Especially after Nancy's missing car was there, like that seems like grounds for involving law enforcement instead of just climbing over the fence yourself!! 4w

See All 9 Comments

Ruthiella I loved how Nancy pretty quickly learned how to read Chinese! Her talents know no bounds! 😂 3w

DebinHawaii She does seem to always do things the hard/thrill seeker/concussion causing way! And we upped the #NNK another head blow so 12/26 now. 3w

DebinHawaii @Ruthiella And once she takes that class, her pottery will surely win awards & accolades too! 😂 3w

Ruthiella @DebinHawaii For sure she will become a master pot thrower! 😂 3w

MariaW @DebinHawaii & @Ruthiella I am going to use a 90ies word here: ROFL 🤣🤣🤣 (edited) 3w

MariaW @TheAromaofBooks And taking an elderly man with you - pushing him up and down a rope ladder over barbed wire… 🙄🤦‍♀️🙄 (edited) 3w

10 likes9 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 26: The Clue of the Leaning Chimney | Carolyn Keene

This post contains spoilers

show me

4. Any thoughts on the side characters in this installment? I loved how Nancy stumbles upon an acquaintance of Hannah and who happens to be the owner of said leaning chimney! #NancyDrewBR

BarkingMadRead Lots of coincidences! 4w

CogsOfEncouragement I hope Connie Milton finds a more dedicated babysitter. ND leaving baby Sue asleep in a carriage on the porch in Chapter XVI was alarming. 4w

Ruthiella I loved how Mrs. Wendell asks after Hannah and Nancy says she‘s fine and then “…she steered the conversation back to China clay.” Nancy is really a little bit rude! 😂 3w

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Ruthiella @CogsOfEncouragement My friend who grew up in Northern Ireland said that was common when she was a kid in the ‘70s. Moms would park the baby in the front of the house in their pram while they did their housework. (edited) 3w

DebinHawaii @Ruthiella @CogsOfEncouragement I have heard that too in Europe but I was worried about that baby too! 3w

MariaW I assumed the baby would be kidnapped any moment because Nancy has obviously been watched. What caught me off guard was Ching being the brother of Charr, I never expected that. And is Helen not married anymore that she celebrates her birthday at her parents house? Or was that a different Helen? 3w

10 likes6 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 26: The Clue of the Leaning Chimney | Carolyn Keene

This post contains spoilers

show me

3. The rest of these questions will be really vague as I have not finished the story! But, please comment away!

Nancy is in search of missing pottery from a local shop and, in connection, a leaning chimney (which I kept thinking of the leaning tower of Pisa for some reason…).

What did you think of the mystery? Good plot line or mediocre plot line? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk Can you really find the right materials for Chinese pottery in the US? 4w

BarkingMadRead A little far fetched… 4w

CogsOfEncouragement I know we've only got twenty chapters, and limited pages, but the two leaning chimneys, the connection to Hannah, and her aunt in NY having such applicable connections as well was a little funny to me this time. I really do try to read it as a child in grade school, but... 4w

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TheAromaofBooks Like @CogsOfEncouragement said, having TWO leaning chimneys and both of them leading to different clues was a bit of a stretch. Most of the other coincidences I could get behind. It's kind of hilarious which things my brain chooses to see as ridiculous 😂 4w

DebinHawaii Besides everything else River Heights has & multiple leaning chimneys & rare clay, it seems like there are so many cults or cult-like groups & hidden compounds in the area, or is it just me? 3w

MariaW I think the two chimneys are just a stylistic device to make the title sound more interestang than “The Case of the Stolen Chinese Pottery”. It‘s supposed to sound mysterious, so they are used as the thin theme holding the story together. And Nancy, like River Heights and its extensive area, does have connections all over the US - like everybody else in the 1930ies. 😂 3w

9 likes6 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 26: The Clue of the Leaning Chimney | Carolyn Keene

This post contains spoilers

show me

2. Now that we have lots of pottery thoughts in our minds, let‘s dive into the story. Can you believe it is book 26?!?

What did you think of this installment? We‘ll dive into characters and danger/action episodes in subsequent questions, but what are your overall impressions with this book? How does it compare/contrast with prior entries? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk Not terrible but not the best either. 4w

BarkingMadRead It was good, not my favorite, but not bad 4w

CogsOfEncouragement I was a little bored by this one, but it might just be me this month - wanting to read something more festive right about now. It DID have a chimney though! 4w

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TheAromaofBooks River Heights region: Also home to a rare type of pottery clay 😂 I need to start keeping a list/map of all the crazy things going on around this town! 4w

DebinHawaii @TheAromaofBooks River Heights truly has it all! 😂 This wasn‘t a favorite of mine but the pottery was interesting & it sounds like Nancy will take a class with Bess‘s cousin & then probably win some kind of award but she is so good at everything! 😉 3w

TheAromaofBooks @DebinHawaii - I'm only surprised she doesn't already know how to make beautiful replica pottery! 😂 3w

MariaW @TheAromaofBooks & @DebinHawaii The bustling city jungle of River Heights with its overload of possibilities. It must be that large Ned has to live in one of its suburbs. 🙈 3w

10 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 26: The Clue of the Leaning Chimney | Carolyn Keene

This post contains spoilers

show me

1. It‘s time for another #NancyDrewBR discussion! This time, Nancy is learning all about Chinese pottery.

To get us into the right mindset, visit the link in the comments to learn the history of Asian pottery.

Librarybelle https://rauantiques.com/blogs/canvases-carats-and-curiosities/a-guide-to-asian-p... 4w

Bookwormjillk Thanks for the link. So pretty and interesting to look at. 4w

Ruthiella It feels like the ghost writer did some research for this one! 3w

DebinHawaii I realized I didn‘t jump into the discussion yet. The pottery is beautiful! 3w

MariaW Thanks for the interesting article. I am very interested in Chinese art in general because it so different than the Western one. Every second month I even attend a Chinese painting class, so enjoyed the background information in this ND story very much. 😊 3w

10 likes5 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 26: The Clue of the Leaning Chimney | Carolyn Keene

I will post the #NancyDrewBR questions hopefully some point today…Zeke had a very bad weekend, and I‘m waiting for the specialist to get back in touch with me. It‘s been a very terrible weekend, and I fear I won‘t have him for much longer.

So sorry! I will post as soon as I can.

Mollyanna I‘m sorry to hear about Zeke. Hopefully the specialist has some answers. ❤️ 4w

Susanita I‘m sorry about Zeke. Definitely the worst part of having pets. 😢 4w

BarkingMadRead Sending hugs!! 4w

See All 8 Comments

Bookwormjillk I‘m so sorry. It‘s so hard when they‘re sick. Don‘t worry about Nancy. 4w

Ruthiella So sorry to hear about Zeke. That‘s so stressful for you. ❤️ 4w

KT1432 I am so sorry!! 😢 4w

DebinHawaii I am so sorry about Zeke. Sending you much strength & love. 💜💜💜 4w

Librarybelle Thank you, everyone! I so appreciate you and your understanding. @Mollyanna @Susanita @BarkingMadRead @Bookwormjillk @Ruthiella @KT1432 @DebinHawaii 4w

31 likes8 comments

Librarybelle

Devil Wears Scrubs | Freida McFadden

pick

When I saw this on Libby, I was expecting a thriller. It‘s not—it‘s a much lighter offering by McFadden set in a hospital. Doctor Jane is a new doctor and seems a bit over her head. But, she finds ways to cope, including hanging with a handsome surgeon. This was hilarious in parts. I really enjoyed it and have already checked out the follow up to this.

67 likes

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

#NotBookRelated

Sharing because so many of you are kindly following this saga:

Zeke had his recent check up with the internal medicine specialist today, and it‘s not the best of news. He slowed down on food consumption around the time I picked up a part time temp job outside the home. By the middle of November, he was barely eating. Thanksgiving was horrible, to say the least, trying to coax him to eat more. We had to drop chemo,… ⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️…add more meds, and he finally started to eat well. Despite eating well, he has lost a lot of weight, and the specialist is concerned. Normally kitties with small cell lymphoma do not regress this quickly. Zeke had blood done today to see if he is now diabetic or has something else that could a contributing factor. If the blood comes back fine, then it is the lymphoma getting worse, and we‘ll have to do more intense chemo. ⬇️ 1mo

Librarybelle ⬆️ You may have noticed that I‘m not on Litsy as much. Between working even part time outside of the home, juggling Zeke‘s medication, juggling my own depressive state, plus worrying over my dad‘s recent stroke and some things my mom is going through…it‘s just a lot. I‘m not in a good mind space, and I honestly say I don‘t have the Christmas spirit to even get my yearly cards sent out. I miss reading. I miss everyone. It‘s just been a lot. ⬇️ (edited) 1mo

Librarybelle ⬆️ Thanks to everyone who has reached out, taken the time to either message me, check in on me, or even send me some snail mail as a pick-me-up. It has helped so much. I have started to carve some time, even 5 minutes, to read physical books again, and this is my last week of my temp job before it starts again for the next college semester (they loved my work so much they asked me back—it‘s nice to be in a library again). ⬇️ 1mo

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Librarybelle ⬆️ But, in the meantime, thank you. The world makes Dante‘s circles of Hell look like a picnic landscape, but I know I can always stop by Litsy for love and support. Thank you! ❤️ 1mo

Hooked_on_books Oh Jess, that is so much. I‘m so sorry for you. Take care of you and if things like yearly cards don‘t happen, oh well! Better to focus on your loved ones, including your fur baby. 1mo

BookishMarginalia Big hug 💜 1mo

TheBookHippie Big hugs. We are here holding your space always. ♥️♥️♥️ Take care of you and yours. ♥️ 1mo

Aims42 That is so much 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫 I‘m sending hugs to you and all your fur babies during this incredibly stressful season ♥️🫂♥️ 1mo

Mimi28 I‘m sorry you are going through so much. I wish I had been more supportive. Best wishes and may many blessings come your way 🫶🏽😊🩷 1mo

Soubhiville That is a lot to deal with. I‘m sorry. Sending support and hugs. 1mo

TheBookgeekFrau Holy moly, you've got a lot on your plate--hugs and healing vibes! 1mo

OrangeMooseReads Sorry life is giving you so much right now. Lots of kindness and support ❤️ 1mo

Nebklvr That sounds like a lot to deal with. Hope you are doing ok 1mo

Jerdencon Sending you lots of hugs ❤️ 1mo

WanderingBookaneer 🫂 1mo

LeahBergen Oh, I‘m so sorry. Sending you lots of ❤️❤️❤️. 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you so much for your kind words and support. It helps offloading some of the stress, so thank you for listening. ❤️ @Hooked_on_books @BookishMarginalia @TheBookHippie @Aims42 @Mimi28 @Soubhiville @TheBookgeekFrau @OrangeMooseReads @Nebklvr @Jerdencon @WanderingBookaneer @LeahBergen 1mo

Deblovestoread Just one of those things would be a lot. Take good care of you. Give Zeke a pet for me. Sending a hug. 1mo

Lcsmcat Hugs! ❤️❤️ 1mo

JenReadsAlot Sending you a big hug and support! ❤️ 1mo

dabbe Just one of these is more than enough to have to deal with. I am so sorry you are going through all of this. Sending you ♥️💙💚 and hoping things stabilize for you soon. Give Zeke a big kiss for me. 🖤🐾🖤 1mo

Jennifer3 So sorry! I do know how hard it is to love and care for our pets. 1mo

Mollyanna I am so sorry to hear all that you are going through. Sometimes just talking about things helps. A hug to you and Zeke! 1mo

tournevis *hugs* 1mo

Susanita Oh honey. I‘m so sorry for all you have on your plate. As @Deblovestoread says, any of those things would be a lot. All I can say is hang in there and just do the most important thing next, whatever that is at the time. 1mo

shortsarahrose I‘m so sorry to hear how difficult things are for you, Zeke, and your parents 💜 1mo

Bookzombie I‘m so sorry to hear about Zeke and how much you have on your plate. 💗 1mo

DaveGreen7777 That is so much to have to deal with all at once. 😔 I know it‘s easier said than done, but please be sure to make some time to take care of yourself as well. You are such a kind person with such a big heart, I hope things get much better for you soon! 🙏 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you for such kind words and thoughts! They mean so much to me ❤️ @Deblovestoread @Lcsmcat @JenReadsAlot @dabbe @Jennifer3 @Mollyanna @tournevis @Susanita @shortsarahrose @Bookzombie @DaveGreen7777 1mo

JessClark78 I‘m so sorry for everything you‘re going through. ❤️❤️ 1mo

KT1432 I‘m sorry things are so rough right now. This is really a lot and hope things get better soon! 1mo

MemoirsForMe Oh Jess! So sorry you‘re going through so much. Always know we‘re here when you need a lift. Keeping you and Zeke and your family in my thoughts and prayers. And keep taking 5 minutes to crack open a book. Reading heals all! 🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️ 1mo

mabell So sorry - that is a lot to handle. I‘m glad things are starting to turn the corner! 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you for the kind words and support! I truly appreciate it❤️ @JessClark78 @KT1432 @MemoirsForMe @mabell 1mo

JuniperWilde ❤️ 1mo

Reggie Sending all the good thoughts. Hope things get better. 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you so much! Your kind words and thoughts mean a lot to me ❤️ @JuniperWilde @Reggie 1mo

kspenmoll Thinking of you & your baby- sending love 2w

Librarybelle Thank you, @kspenmoll . 2w

48 likes39 comments

Librarybelle

Guess Again | Charlie Donlea

so-so

I think I‘m on the minority of this one, but in some aspects, the storyline just seemed too out there, with twists that just did not jibe for me. Over halfway through the book, the narrative goes into a completely different direction, and I just was not buying the reason. There‘s violence in this thriller—TW for sexual abuse and graphic violence. I did enjoy the audio of this.

Maybe I‘ll try another by Donlea at some point, but I won‘t rush.

47 likes

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

My #AuldLangSpine list from @Jerdencon contains some great reads! I also enjoyed First Lie Wins, but I have not read the others on the list. I own a few, so they will be easy to access. I think, though, I‘m going to start with Sandwich; I‘ve wanted to read that, had it out from the library, and then I ran out of time to read it. Great list!

Thanks for hosting, @monalyisha ! #AuldLangSpine2026

Jerdencon Hope you enjoy them and glad you have some! I‘ll pos my list later today! 1mo

TheBookHippie I enjoyed 13 -I think you will as well. 1mo

Librarybelle That‘s one I own, @TheBookHippie ! 1mo

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Librarybelle Yay, @Jerdencon ! 1mo

TheBookHippie @Librarybelle I love it when that happens! 1mo

AmyG I‘m reading The Names now…wonderful. 1mo

Librarybelle Good to know, @AmyG ! 1mo

55 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

The Mysterious Mr. Quin: A Short Story Collection | Agatha Christie

Are we ready for more #ChristiesCapers short stories? This 1930 collection features Mr. Quin.

Discussion for this next Christie read will take place December 28th. All are welcome to join. Please let me know if you wish to be added/removed from the tag list.

In the coming days, I‘ll post the 2026 list! #AgathaChristieClubR3

janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Teresereading, Laughterhp, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, ElizaMarie, bcncookbookclub, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, Sparklemn, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, BookNook, AnishaInkspill, ChaptersofChaos

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 1mo

Librarybelle The short stories are: The Coming of Mr Quin, The Shadow on the Glass, At the Bells and Motley, The Sign in the Sky, The Soul of the Croupier, The Man from the Sea, The Voice in the Dark, The Face of Helen, The Dead Harlequin, The Bird with the Broken Wing, The World‘s End, and Harlequin‘s Lane 1mo

kelli7990 Yay! I‘m looking forward to reading more Agatha Christie in 2026. I‘ve been wanting to read more books by her. 1mo

See All 9 Comments

PatriciaU Can you add me? 1mo

Librarybelle Yay, @kelli7990 ! 1mo

Librarybelle Of course, @PatriciaU . Welcome! 1mo

MaleficentBookDragon Which one is after this? Is it

The Murder at the Vicarage

Librarybelle @MaleficentBookDragon It is! 3w

MaleficentBookDragon @Librarybelle thanks! I‘m making up my #bookspin list. I know, I‘m a nerd.🤓😹 3w

42 likes9 comments

Librarybelle

Brooklyn | Colm Toibin

#LiteraryCrew ‘s last book for 2025 is Toibin‘s Brooklyn.

Discussion on December 31st. Read at your own pace. I‘ll post periodic check-ins throughout the month. All are welcome to join. Let me know if you wish to be tagged.

Don‘t forget to see the list for 2026! If you have not signed up for 2026 yet and wish to be added to the tag list, let me know!

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

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 1mo

PurpleyPumpkin I started listening to this one today. Interesting so far!👍🏽 1mo

julieclair I‘m in! 1mo

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IriDas I would like to be in next year‘s group. 1mo

Librarybelle Yay, @PurpleyPumpkin @julieclair ! 1mo

Librarybelle @IriDas I‘ll add you to the list! 😁 1mo

Sargar114 Almost done already, so far it‘s lovely. Looking forward to finding out how it ends. 1mo

tpixie @DrSabrinaMoldenReads 1mo

DrSabrinaMoldenReads Thank you!!!!! 😊 1mo

51 likes9 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

I‘m happy to share next year‘s #LiteraryCrew ‘s reading list! Roughly 20 Littens voted on the list of titles, which is an amazing number.

The clear top votes went to Passing and Radar Girls. Passing technically had the most votes, but I think it‘s a good book to read for Black History Month.

Tagging those who recorded on the ballot they wish to be tagged. If you would like to be included on the tag list, please let me know! All are welcome!

melissajayne, tpixie, DrSabrinaMoldenReads, Jennifer3, IMASLOWREADER, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Teresereading, Sace, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Sargar114, SamAnne, Roary47, julieclair, AllDebooks

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 1mo

IMASLOWREADER its my first time with you guys…cant wait 1mo

Sace I‘m definitely in for February June and July! 1mo

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Sargar114 I‘ve read April, all the rest are new. Always look forward to trying new reads. Thank you for hosting!!! 1mo

Cuilin Oh, I will be in for many of these. Fabulous list!!! Thank you again for hosting. 1mo

Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I've had the intention of joining in on a few but missed them, so I didn't want to vote. Happy to see a few that I already own are listed, so perhaps I'll get around to joining in for some of these. 1mo

Librarybelle @IMASLOWREADER @Sace @Sargar114 @Cuilin It‘s a good list! 1mo

Librarybelle @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Let me know if you wish me to tag you on any titles specifically or all of them! 1mo

CatLass007 Please tag me. I‘ll join in when I can. 1mo

Librarybelle Yay, @CatLass007 ! 1mo

CatLass007 🤎🤎🤎 1mo

BookishMarginalia This is one of my favorite books of all time

Moon Tiger

1mo

julieclair What a great reading year we have ahead! Please tag me for all. I love this group. Thank you for hosting. You do a fabulous job. 💙 1mo

Librarybelle That‘s so good to know, @BookishMarginalia ! 1mo

Librarybelle Thank you, @julieclair ! ❤️ 1mo

tpixie Great choices! Many on my TBR , so now I will read them. A few I‘ve read and loved, and a few totally new to me! A great combo! Thanks @Librarybelle 1mo

Librarybelle Yay, @tpixie ! 1mo

Jess861 Do you mind adding me to the tag list? My library has a few of these so I might try to join in for a month or two. 1mo

Librarybelle Of course, @Jess861 ! 1mo

PageShifter Please count me in, I'll try to do better 🫣 1mo

Librarybelle No worries, @PageShifter ! I completely understand. I‘ll add you to the list! 1mo

44 likes21 comments

Librarybelle

The English Masterpiece: A Novel | Katherine Reay

pick

Lily‘s world turns upside down when she declares a Picasso in the Tate Gallery to be a forgery. The novel then becomes a bit of a caper as Lily has to deal with the fallout of her remark plus navigate family issues.

I found this to be a fun historical fiction novel with lots of art references. There are also underlying issues involving guilt and neglect plus ramifications of WWII and the impact on the art world (this book is set in the 1970s).

Librarybelle I enjoyed the audio narration and plan to read another by Reay at some point! 1mo

63 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

The Leftovers | Tom Perrotta

Hey #LiteraryCrew ! It‘s time to discuss this month‘s book. I have 8 questions posted as spoilers; you can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag.

We conclude the year with Colm Toibin‘s Brooklyn. Official post tomorrow, and I hope to have the results from voting ready by then to also announce next year‘s titles!

Sargar114 Thank you for this selection and hosting. A very good read! 1mo

Jerdencon I didn‘t get around to this book and d read Brooklyn years ago - will try to remember and join the discussion. If not looking forward to the new books for next year. (edited) 1mo

tpixie Thanks for hosting! I look forward to seeing you next year‘s reads. 1mo

julieclair So excited to see next year‘s titles! 1mo

39 likes4 comments

Librarybelle

Partners in Crime: A Tommy & Tuppence Adventure | Agatha Christie

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

Next month, we learn about The Mysterious Mr. Quin! Official post tomorrow (hopefully). #AgathaChristieClubR3

janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Teresereading, Laughterhp, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, ElizaMarie, bcncookbookclub, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, Sparklemn, peanutnine, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, BookNook, AnishaInkspill, ChaptersofChaos

BarbaraJean Yay! I‘m hoping to maybe finish the book this afternoon… I‘ll pop into the discussion when I do! 1mo

34 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

The Leftovers | Tom Perrotta

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8. The Leftovers was made into a series on HBO in the mid-2010s. Have you seen it? If so, what are your thoughts on it? How does it compare to the novel?

IMDB link to the series information: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2699128/

#LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Sargar114 I have not seen it. But I plan on watching. Especially since we didn‘t get much closure in the book. 1mo

6 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

The Leftovers | Tom Perrotta

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7. This is a deep novel that explores ideas of faith/spirituality, grief/loss, and moving forward, among other themes. Perrotta participated in an interview where he discussed these themes in part; the book itself was written after his father passed away.

Link to interview: https://theabsolutemag.com/14442/books/novelist-tom-perrotta-on-the-leftovers-an...

#LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Sargar114 It‘s an incredible look at loss and how we move on. I was nervous at first because the rapture was always a terrifying concept to me. I found the lack of religious connection in this story much more interesting and mysterious. 1mo

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Librarybelle

The Leftovers | Tom Perrotta

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6. Discuss the ending of the book. What do you think happens to the main characters after the book is over? ~from Book Movement discussion guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Sargar114 I definitely wanted to know more about what happens. Perotta did a great job of character building and invests you in their story but then suddenly ends it. Makes me really want to watch the tv show. 1mo

5 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

The Leftovers | Tom Perrotta

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5. How would you describe the relationship between Laurie and Meg? Did you find what happens to them believable? What about the relationship between Kevin and Nora? ~from Book Movement discussion guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Sargar114 Two people seeking a connection put together are bound to make one. Especially given the restrictions of the group. It was shocking what ended up happening, but not surprising. The GA recognized their connection and that it could be a problem, so they found a way to convince them they were doing something for “The greater good.” Incredibly sad. 1mo

Sargar114 I liked Kevin and Nora, but clearly Nora wasn‘t ready for that close of a relationship yet. 1mo

Sace The GR is no better than Holy Wayne in my opinion. A cult trying to control their members and ruining lives. I did not see the appeal of the GR at all. 1mo

Sace I was actually rooting for Nora to cut ties and get away. I understood her motivation. That ending left me wondering though. 1mo

5 likes4 comments

Librarybelle

The Leftovers | Tom Perrotta

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4. Why do you think Laurie Garvey joins the Guilty Remnant? Once there, why do you think she stays? What sort of benefits might a cult-like community offer to people reeling from an event like the Sudden Departure? What about the Healing Hug Movement led by Holy Wayne? ~from Book Movement discussion guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Sargar114 It seemed like they were looking for some kind of purpose or connection. I‘m sure there is a feeling that you weren‘t “chosen” in the mass departure and maybe there was a reason why. Kevin is much more practical and likely didn‘t engage with her in the bigger conversation so maybe she was looking for more. 1mo

5 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

The Leftovers | Tom Perrotta

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3. Jill Garvey thinks it‘s easy “to romanticize the missing, to pretend that they were better than they really were.” Is this true? How do the main characters in The Leftovers view their friends and relatives who have disappeared? ~from Book Movement discussion guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Sargar114 I think she is spot on. People are uncomfortable speaking ill of the dead (or missing). So the only things that get said are the positive and that keeps building on itself for that romanticized version. I think this also is what makes it harder on her having her mom and brother both still alive but seemingly abandoned her. 1mo

julieclair Each of the main characters seems to follow the old advice, “Don‘t speak ill of the dead.” And some even take it a step further, and seem to have totally forgotten the ills of the dead (or missing). 1mo

6 likes2 comments

Librarybelle

The Leftovers | Tom Perrotta

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2. The Leftovers is set in an idyllic American suburbia—with adult softball teams, a strong school system, and beautiful leafy neighborhoods. Why do you think the author set this novel –and his other novels--in such a place? Is there something especially pleasant or idyllic about the suburbs? Or is that just a myth? ~from Book Movement discussion guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Sargar114 What we learn in this telling is that even small towns have their problems and secrets. This is a somewhat controlled environment so makes it probably easier to write for. to create its own world; untouched by the events in the bigger world. 1mo

julieclair I think the stereotype is that leafy green suburbs are pleasant places to live. And, having lived in such suburbs all my life, in various parts of the US, I tend to agree. I have not read any of Perrotta‘s other novels, but certainly for this book, the idyllic suburban setting makes this disappearance seem all the more shocking and disturbing. Things like that don‘t happen in Leave It to Beaver land, lol! 1mo

6 likes2 comments

Librarybelle

The Leftovers | Tom Perrotta

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1. om Perrotta‘s The Leftovers focuses on life after a mysterious mass disappearance that may or may not have been the Rapture. How do the various characters feel about being “left behind?” Which character's view of the Sudden Departure makes most sense to you? ~from Book Movement discussion questions #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Sargar114 It seems they are all trying to figure out how to move on. Lori was confused and looking for some kind of connection. Kevin seemed to be trying to move forward and establish some sense of normalcy. Tom seemed to be trying to find purpose. Jill was more like her father but also dealing with what probably felt like abandonment from half her family as well as just being a teenager. ⬇️ 1mo

Sargar114 Notes was the most interesting as she was navigating such immense losses. Ultimately I feel like I would probably be most like Kevin, just trying to move forward. But I could see myself a lot like Nora if I lost everyone important to me. 1mo

Sace I think Tom‘s made sense to me in a weird way. I can see the allure of a charismatic leader and the sense of purpose and hope it must have provided for Tom. Unfortunately his feeling of being adrift after that falls apart also makes sense to me. I would probably be the same. I do NOT understand Laurie‘s reaction at all. I can‘t fathom abandoning my child after that kind of event. (edited) 1mo

julieclair Tom‘s point of view made the most sense to me. It happened, we don‘t understand it, we‘re grieving, but we‘re still here and need to move on with our lives, while also acknowledging and respecting our losses. 1mo

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Librarybelle

Partners in Crime: A Tommy & Tuppence Adventure | Agatha Christie

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5. Let's now turn our attention to the mysteries themselves. Did you have a favorite mystery from the collection? A least favorite? Any aspects of the mysteries that stood out for you that you wish to discuss? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

kspenmoll Let me think & get back to you. Hard to choose! 1mo

MallenNC I really liked the one at the beginning when Tuppence conspired with the “missing” woman. And The Man in Mist was actually kind of creepy, which was a change from some of the other stories. 1mo

kelli7990 I don‘t have a favorite. 1mo

willaful The masquerade story always seemed very sad to me and I thought Christie did a nice job with the “Father Brown“ story. The failed melodrama of the one with the arctic explorer was pretty funny. (Though I doubt that poor woman will be happy!) 1mo

6 likes4 comments

Librarybelle

Partners in Crime: A Tommy & Tuppence Adventure | Agatha Christie

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4. Tommy and Tuppence running a “pretend“ detective agency! This is the theme that carries us through the mysteries. What did you think of the detective agency and the ploys they would use in the office to make potential clients feel like it was an extremely busy detective agency? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Aims42 I LOVED how each story started with their assistant (I‘m so sorry for his name slipping my name right now) giving the same spiel to every new client 🤣 I cracked up each time 1mo

kspenmoll Very comical! Theatrical! 1mo

MallenNC I liked how they‘d spy on the new client for a bit before the meeting 1mo

BarbaraJean Their little ploys cracked me up! How Tommy would always be on the phone with Scotland Yard... and the peepholes in the wall so they could spy on clients! 1mo

5 likes4 comments

Librarybelle

Partners in Crime: A Tommy & Tuppence Adventure | Agatha Christie

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3. As many of us mentioned in our reviews this month, this is just a fun book to read--light, comical, and a fast read of individual mysteries tied together by the detective agency. Let's first talk about the parodies. Christie adds elements of well-known detectives in 1929, including Poirot, comically acknowledging catchphrases, mannerisms, foibles, etc.

Who did you spot mentioned? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Aims42 I loved this common thread throughout all the stories! It really tied them together rather than just being a collection of short stories with only the 2 MCs in common with them. I thought it was interesting Agatha kept the Poirot parody until the end 👏😏 1mo

kspenmoll The parody was unexpected & fun! I enjoyed the way they donned various famous detectives personnas & crime solving techniques. (edited) 1mo

MallenNC This was the most fun part of the collection. Some of the detectives weren‘t familiar to me but I definitely noticed Holmes and Watson, Father Brown, and of course Poirot‘s little grey cells. 1mo

willaful I didn't know most of them but I remember looking into them after I first read this. (Pre-internet, it was difficult!) I think the jokes wear surprisingly well, given how obscure most of them are now. Father Brown and Holmes and Poirot were the ones I knew too. Or I may have started reading Father Brown because of this? 1mo

BarbaraJean I really liked the framing of this one, giving the overall arc of the detective agency, but then offering them the freedom to take little or big cases along the way. I haven't liked Christie's short stories that much in the past--they wrap up too quickly for me--but because of the larger framing, I liked these much better. I wish I'd known more of the parody references! 1mo

8 likes5 comments

Librarybelle

Partners in Crime: A Tommy & Tuppence Adventure | Agatha Christie

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2. We know several years have passed since we last solved mysteries with Tommy and Tuppence. Think about their portrayal in The Secret Adversary; what of their characters have stayed the same? What has changed? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Aims42 I feel like Tommy became more snippy? I wasn‘t a fan of him calling Tuppence an idiot on more than one occasion 🤨 But she‘s a strong woman so she can dish it right back (and rightfully so!!). I‘m intrigued enough with their relationship to keep reading their series 1mo

kspenmoll Tommy was more grouchy & he did as @Aims42 stated, say demeaning things to her. She is a confident woman & does not need his approval. 1mo

Aims42 @kspenmoll I actually gasped the first time he called her that - I went full Protective Mode and thought, “Excuse me? What did you just call her?!” Says a lot for Agatha‘s writing, not many authors would get that reaction from me 1mo

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MallenNC I liked Tuppence a lot more int these stories. Agree that Tommy had some not great parts of his personality and those showed more in these stories. 1mo

willaful Oh, I thought it was just the audiobook I chose! I guess I read Tommy as more playfully bantering in my head. 1mo

willaful I wonder if Tommy's snippiness was a reflection of Christie's own unhappy marriage? 1mo

BarbaraJean I felt like Tuppence had matured a bit--she felt more considered in her approach, taking more calculated risks instead of rushing into things as much. She was still a much more active character than Tommy, which I liked. I felt like there was more unspoken understanding between them--one or the other would swoop in, having figured out what the other one meant or needed--which tracks with their relationship timeframe. 1mo

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Librarybelle

Partners in Crime: A Tommy & Tuppence Adventure | Agatha Christie

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1. This is our second book featuring Tommy and Tuppence. Overall, what did you think of this collection of stories? How does it compare to the first book, The Secret Adversary? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Aims42 I enjoyed this short story format 🤩 It kept me engaged 1mo

kspenmoll I also liked the short stories- felt it expanded their detection talents. 1mo

MallenNC I enjoyed the short story format. I liked how they would adopt a famous detective persona in the different stories. 1mo

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Cuilin Loved the short story format. Very comforting to dip in knowing everything will be solved in a matter of moments. 1mo

willaful It's a good fit for their personalities. Quick and snappy. And they do get more chances to really use their wits. 1mo

BarbaraJean I liked the short story format--more fast-paced, and I liked the way we got to see them in a number of different settings and types of mysteries. On the other hand, I often found the short stories easy to figure out and wished I could have been surprised more! 1mo

8 likes6 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 25: The Ghost of Blackwood Hall | Carolyn Keene

pick

OMG…I finished a print book! You know life is a bit complicated when it takes nearly 2 weeks to finish a book I could normally get done in an afternoon!

I‘m all about the spookiness in this book, and it feels like the storyline/mystery is a bit more complicated than others. Jewelry thievery that leads to a money swindle and a haunted mansion—this was a fun Nancy Drew. #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk Woo hoo! Congrats!

I thought this was a fun one too. 2mo

KT1432 You‘re making me nostalgic for some Nancy Drew lol I loved these books! 2mo

Librarybelle Thanks, @Bookwormjillk ! 2mo

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Librarybelle You can join us, @KT1432 , for #NancyDrewBR ! A group of us are reading through the series. We‘re up book 26. 2mo

KT1432 Okay yes please add me and I‘ll try to get my hands on as many as I can!! 2mo

Librarybelle That‘s great, @KT1432 ! We will discuss The Clue of the Leaning Chimney on December 15th. You can see our past discussions by searching #NancyDrewBR . 2mo

68 likes6 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

I‘ve registered! Thank goodness I read so much at the start of the year that I could easily find titles (the last few months, my reading has really tanked).

Thanks for hosting again, @monalyisha ! #AuldLangSpine

monalyisha I know the feeling! I‘ve been slacking the last month or so, too. I‘ve started journaling, which takes up more of my mornings than I expected and cuts into my reading time. And I went down a deep, deep 90‘s music rabbit hole after listening to the tagged, so I‘ve been jamming out more than audiobooking lately.

We Oughta Know: How Four Women Ruled the '90s and Changed Canadian Music

2mo

Librarybelle @monalyisha Oh! I‘ll have to check out that book! 2mo

42 likes2 comments

Librarybelle

The Women of Wild Hill | Kirsten Miller

so-so

I think I went into this one with extremely high expectations (I LOVED Lula Dean‘s Little Library of Banned Books) and found myself disappointed. I‘m all about witchy premises and powerful women, but the ending felt rushed, anticlimactic, and almost kind of a let down (without giving away anything). The story slowly unfolds, and the reader encounters many women in the same family and their stories to fight for justice and/or succumb to male…⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️…domination or trickery…it could get a little confusing and a little long. And when the action does finally happen, well, as I said, it‘s a little ho hum. I listened to this one and do enjoy January LaVoy‘s straightforward performance. She has a good narrative voice that moves the story forward. I would probably have bailed on the book if not for her narration. 2mo

DGRachel Oh no! I bought this recently and was really looking forward to it. 😭 2mo

Librarybelle @DGRachel I know other readers who liked it! It may be because I listened to it rather than reading it. 2mo

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CBee Have you read The Change, same author? It's an all-time favorite of mine! 2mo

Librarybelle @CBee I haven‘t! 2mo

CBee @Librarybelle It's incredible!! 2mo

Librarybelle @CBee I‘ll definitely have to try it! 2mo

63 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 26: The Clue of the Leaning Chimney | Carolyn Keene

We‘re going to become pottery experts thanks to next month‘s #NancyDrewBR !

Discussion on December 15th. All are welcome to join. Please let me know if you wish to be added/removed from the tag list.

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

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 2mo

BarkingMadRead Oh how fun! What could go wrong with pottery? 🤣 2mo

Librarybelle @BarkingMadRead Why do I have a sneaky suspicion we‘ll hear all about how great Nancy is at making pottery?!? 😂 2mo

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Ruthiella @Librarybelle What if it‘s another industrial espionage one where someone is stealing a pottery trade secret! 🤔 2mo

Sace This book always stands out for me because it was the first time Nancy Inspired me to read another book (non-fiction) about the subject presented in the mystery. 2mo

Librarybelle @Ruthiella It could be! 2mo

Librarybelle That‘s so cool, @Sace ! 2mo

38 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

Voting is now open for #LiteraryCrew 's 2026 selections!

https://forms.gle/m7A8a3VvqrNkBaQG8

If you are interested in being tagged for the 2026 discussions, please include your Litsy handle on the form.

Lots of great titles from a variety of genres were suggested for next year, so I cannot wait to see how voting goes!

Tagging those who participated in at least one #LiteraryCrew discussion in case you are interested in next year's choices!

mcctrish, DebinHawaii, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, DrSabrinaMoldenReads, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, BethM, Deblovestoread, Teresereading, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, Sparklemn, julieclair, AllDebooks, willaful, IriDas, AnishaInkspill, Lkempf

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 2mo

PurpleyPumpkin What an interesting list! Looking forward to reading together again in 2026. ☺️ 2mo

DrSabrinaMoldenReads Thanks for tagging me!!! 2mo

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Teresereading Great selection 2mo

Sace Looking forward to the results! 2mo

kspenmoll Voted! It was sooo challenging, so many good books! 2mo

Roary47 Voted! 😍 2mo

Librarybelle It is a great list! Some titles I had not heard of before, so it‘s always exciting to discover something new. @PurpleyPumpkin @Teresereading @Sace @kspenmoll @Roary47 2mo

Librarybelle You‘re welcome, @DrSabrinaMoldenReads ! 2mo

Jerdencon Just voted! 2mo

julieclair Voted! Whew, that was tough. They all look good! 2mo

Librarybelle Yay, @Jerdencon @julieclair ! They are great selections! 2mo

39 likes12 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 25: The Ghost of Blackwood Hall | Carolyn Keene

It‘s time for our #NancyDrewBR discussion! I have 6 questions posted as spoilers. You can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag.

Next month, we learn about The Clue of the Leaning Chimney which involves thievery and missing pottery experts.

BarkingMadRead, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, Laughterhp, CSeydel, Ruthiella, dabbe, Enchanted_Bibliophile, TheAromaofBooks, Roary47, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze

Librarybelle @DebinHawaii @Allylu @Bren912 @bookandbedandtea @Charityann @rubyslippersreads @KristiAhlers @Jennifer3 @kwmg40 @DGRachel @Sace @JenlovesJT47 @Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures @MuddyPuddle 2mo

Ruthiella I‘m just finishing the last two chapters! 2mo

Librarybelle So weird—the tagging timed out on me, and so I had to post the remaining list in comments. If you‘re not tagged and should be, I‘m so sorry! Technology seems to be a little hairy today (I got bloodwork done this morning, and the system crashed on my patient account, which meant no one else could get their bloodwork done until IT fixed the issue. Yikes). 2mo

Librarybelle @Ruthiella 😁 2mo

34 likes4 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 25: The Ghost of Blackwood Hall | Carolyn Keene

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6. We talked about the mysteries, but let's talk about the adventures. Haunted houses and quicksand come to mind! Any thoughts on these? #NancyDrewBR

BarkingMadRead The quicksand was a bit crazy, but definitely a popular thing at that time! 2mo

Ruthiella Quicksand was one of my irrational fears as a child. This book doesn‘t quite outdo the puma attack and exploding oranges in “The Moss Covered Mansion” or the submarine in “Mystery of the Lilac Inn” but it‘s still pretty good adventure-wise. (edited) 2mo

DebinHawaii @Ruthiella Mine too! The quicksand was nuts! I‘m pretty sure my conviction I would get trapped in it some day was spurred on by mysteries. Also we know River Heights is the land of plenty but just how many abandoned “haunted” mansions does it have?! All have secret passages too. 🤔👻 Exploding oranges 💥🍊💥 & the wild animals & steaming pool in the evil genius‘s lair will always out crazy the other antics for me! 🤣🤣🤣 2mo

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CogsOfEncouragement The quicksand made me smile. 2mo

DGRachel The quicksand was definitely a standout. I enjoy a good haunted mansion with secret rooms, so I loved all of those investigations around the mansion here. And yes @DebinHawaii how many mansions can one town have?!? 🤣🤣 I don‘t think anything will top those exploding oranges, though. 2mo

Bookwormjillk We all must be around the same age given how the quicksand made something click in all of our brains. It was such a thing at a certain point in my life. 2mo

kwmg40 The quicksand incident was pretty exciting, though it seemed a totally random addition that didn't connect to the rest of the plot. 2mo

MariaW Everyone reminded of Artax dying in the Swamp of Sadness by the quicksand scene? 🐴🐴🐴 Luckily, Nancy and Ned were able to get out. (edited) 1mo

9 likes8 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 25: The Ghost of Blackwood Hall | Carolyn Keene

This post contains spoilers

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5. We meet up again with Togo briefly! I had to look when we last saw the dog, and it seems Togo was mentioned in The Whispering Statue book (book 14). Kind of odd we have not seen him since then.

Besides the furry character, any thoughts on the characters in this book? I did not that Bess was referred to as “plump“ a few times. #NancyDrewBR

BarkingMadRead They are way too hard on Bess! 2mo

Ruthiella I liked that Hannah was pretty active in this one, physically coming to the rescue-not just staying home baking cookies and answering the phone. 😆 2mo

DebinHawaii Yes & Togo 🐕 is quite the tracker-Nancy should use him more often! I also noted the Bess jabs. 😠 Good point about Hannah jumping in @Ruthiella 2mo

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bookandbedandtea I loved that everyone- Carson, Hannah, Bess and George, Ned- were all involved in this one. Thanks @Librarybelle for finding out which book Togo was last in, saves me going back to check! @DebinHawaii Nancy should definitely utilize him more! He was very helpful this time. 2mo

DGRachel I loved how much page time Ned, Carson, and Hannah got, and the fact that Ned wasn‘t a jerk this time. No whining about Nancy‘s amateur sleuthing, and instead being an active, enthusiastic participant. I‘m always amazed at the personal information giving out by postal workers, policemen, the DMV, and hotel staff in these books. The victims were often annoying, but I honestly never got mad at them. 👇🏻 2mo

DGRachel The more obstinate they became, the angrier I got at the criminals because I saw it as a sign of how vulnerable the targets were and in the current climate, I find anger at grifters readily available to me. 2mo

Bookwormjillk I was happy to see Hannah take an active part. And I even liked Ned in this one! 2mo

kwmg40 I too liked the bigger role that Hannah had. She can definitely do more than cook! 2mo

MariaW With that current pace Togo will take ober as amateur sleuth around book 100. 🐶🕵️‍♂️🐶🕵️‍♂️ 1mo

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 25: The Ghost of Blackwood Hall | Carolyn Keene

This post contains spoilers

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4. Please tell me none of you have also invested in Three Branch Ranch!

There seem to be a lot of aspects that tie together in this one, especially with the “haunted“ abandoned house, the leaving of messages in the woods, and the trance-like state of Lola. What did you think of the mysteries in this one? #NancyDrewBR

BarkingMadRead I feel like everyone was very gullible, but maybe that was due to the time it took place! 2mo

Ruthiella @BarkingMadRead Agreed. They had to be for the story to work and probably also for the 10 year old reading to also recognize the scam. I feel like that‘s why the stories are so over the top - so kids can feel like they are able to spot the truth. 2mo

DebinHawaii I mentioned in the comment before that it seemed like an awful lot of effort on the crooks‘ behalf for the victims who were young working women & not making that much money. Mrs. Putney is another story with her jewels. And yes, all were so gullible. I would not have had the patience with Mrs. P that Nancy had! (edited) 2mo

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bookandbedandtea @BarkingMadRead and @DebinHawaii I had trouble with how gullible all these women were. Although, to be generous, they probably wouldn't have ever heard of similar scams so maybe their lack of suspicion isn't surprising. Your point @Ruthiella, that the plots can't be too hard for their intended audience, is a good one! 2mo

CogsOfEncouragement I felt sorry for these people being swindled. I agree that Nancy was very gracious with Mrs. Putney. She had to be in order to help her. Mrs. Putney was so fully convinced her husband was the one giving her directions, Nancy handled it very maturely. 2mo

DGRachel I loved the way things tied together here so that nothing felt like it came out of nowhere. @Ruthiella I never thought of it that way, but that‘s an excellent point about making the stories OTT so kids had a chance to recognize what was happening. This one felt more logical to me than others in the series. 2mo

Bookwormjillk This mystery was over the top but also much better than the last one so I went with it. I feel like this ghost writer must be a lot of fun at parties. 2mo

kwmg40 The victims seemed very gullible to me. On the other hand, I hear of many people who fall prey to online scammers these days, so maybe it's not so unbelievable. 2mo

kwmg40 Seances seemed to be very popular in the early 20th century, and they appeared in so many Golden Age mystery novels. I was surprised when I saw a local winery advertising a wine-tasting and seance event. Are seances making a comeback? 2mo

MariaW Today‘s seances are Teleshopping TV channels I would sau. And still a lot of people keep on ordering that stuff. My mother was scammed via Whatsapp by somebody impersonating me and she well accustomed to modern technology. So I can understand the victims, but I still wouldn‘t hae had Nancy patience with Mrs Putney. 1mo

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 25: The Ghost of Blackwood Hall | Carolyn Keene

This post contains spoilers

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3. What jumped out at me in this one was the “spirit writing“ that appears in images. While not necessarily spirit photography, it's also not quite automatic writing, where the spirit channels its energy through someone to write a piece.

Brief information on both can be found in links in the comments.

But, we've seen Nancy tackle spirits and “hauntings“ before. How does this compare to other hauntings in the series? #NancyDrewBR

Librarybelle https://www.sfmoma.org/read/seeing-ghosts-a-brief-look-at-the-curious-business-o...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_writing 2mo

BarkingMadRead I will admit, the thieves are super creative in this one! 2mo

Ruthiella @BarkingMadRead I agree. This one takes the fakery to a new level. The bad guys got greedy. They had a nice little business going, I thought, with the New Orleans “church”. 2mo

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DebinHawaii It seemed like a bigger team of bad guys & yes, very creative & involved plots. It seemed like most of their victims beyond Mrs. Putney, didn‘t have all that much money to make the long game worthwhile though. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2mo

DGRachel I agree with everyone here. The con was really creative. I hate that they targeted really vulnerable people, though. Yes, they were gullible, but especially in the case of Mrs Putney, she was a grieving widow who wasn‘t thinking straight. Would she have fallen for the scam if they hadn‘t used her dead husband as manipulation? 2mo

Bookwormjillk I thought it was very creative as well. 2mo

kwmg40 I liked the idea of a ghost (even a fake one) in a haunted house. This book reminded me of a couple of other books on my shelves that I loved as a child: The Three Investigators and the Mystery of the Green Ghost, and The Mystery of the Green Cat, both involving eerie green things in spooky mansions! 2mo

MariaW I thought the spooky seances were alright, but climbing up one‘s roof to impersonate a ghost is a bit too much effort for so “little” money. I mean, at least 4 persons and some flight tickets had to be paid. (edited) 1mo

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Joined September 2016