pickA 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.
pickThanks 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. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
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!
“The cruel of heart have their own black happiness.”
Yes, yes they do. Life has not changed Mr. Hugo. #ReadLesMis
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
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
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
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!
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, julieclair6. 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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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!
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
#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….
pickOnce 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
I‘m guessing this sentence did not appear in the original 1939 edition: “‘That would be groovy.‘” 😂
#NancyDrewBR
#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. ❤️
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.
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!
pickThough 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
pickIt 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 !
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!
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
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
panI 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 ⬇️⬇️
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!
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
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
pickI 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!
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
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
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 ⬇
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Deblovestoread, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, julieclair, AllDebooks, Lkempf
Look what‘s coming out in June! The follow up to A Most Agreeable Murder…so excited!
Monday was hard on so many levels, and I flaked on #MentalHealthMonday .
1. I‘m here—that‘s probably the best thing to say. But, the lack of doomscrolling has made more time for reading and cat cuddles!
2. Self-help books are usually not for me. I get very discouraged with them, and it‘s wonderful they help so many people. While not necessarily self help, and not about mental health, I always recommend “Maybe You Should Talk To Someone” by ⬇️⬇️
In February, the #ChristiesCapers group will read Christie‘s second mystery, and the first featuring the duo Tommy and Tuppence. Originally published in 1922, this introduces the couple from their first meet cute to their adventures in mystery.
Discussion will take place on February 23rd. If you would like to be added or removed from the tag list, please let me know! #AgathaChristieClubR3
janeycanuck, Aims42, MallenNC, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, AnishaInkspill
One of my reading buddies needs some extra thoughts, please!
Xander had his yearly cardiology appointment today—for those of you who do not know, Xander was born with a heart defect and will always have a heart murmur.
We got tough news today: two of his heart chambers has more fluid than they should. He‘s not in the danger “zone,” but his condition has been now moved to the stage preceding danger. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
My February #BookSpinBingo list!
I‘m also shocked that I got my first bingo ever on the January bingo sheet. It‘s taken years to accomplish that! 😂
pickA great book that explores Deaf culture and the biases and prejudices against those who cannot hear. On the surface, it‘s several characters trying to get through their days with their issues, but the aforementioned darker issues linger in the background. I enjoyed the various historical facts, ASL words, and other trivia thrown into the narrative. Also, I could not stand Mel!
So glad this was on your list, @BarbaraJean ! #AuldLangSpine
![[tagged book]](https://image.librarything.com/pics/litsy_webpics/icon_taggedBook@3x.png){kind=icon}
