Hartt@swansea5
@swansea5.bsky.social
A Canadian who enjoys watching tennis, reading books and cooking. Love kitties and have just discovered writing haiku and senryu.
a banned book
Those 2 would be on my list as well. But will go with what I think is the first banned book I ever read - Lady Chatterley's Lover.
Those 2 would be on my list as well. But will go with what I think is the first banned book I ever read - Lady Chatterley's Lover.
November 24, 2025 at 5:40 PM
a banned book
Those 2 would be on my list as well. But will go with what I think is the first banned book I ever read - Lady Chatterley's Lover.
Those 2 would be on my list as well. But will go with what I think is the first banned book I ever read - Lady Chatterley's Lover.
a book set where you live
This is actually an easy one for me - several books have been set in Toronto
Except the Dying, Maureen Jennings. Set in 1895 Toronto this is the first in the William Murdoch detective series. Jennings describes the city of that time, including the not so great aspects.
This is actually an easy one for me - several books have been set in Toronto
Except the Dying, Maureen Jennings. Set in 1895 Toronto this is the first in the William Murdoch detective series. Jennings describes the city of that time, including the not so great aspects.
November 23, 2025 at 3:46 PM
a book set where you live
This is actually an easy one for me - several books have been set in Toronto
Except the Dying, Maureen Jennings. Set in 1895 Toronto this is the first in the William Murdoch detective series. Jennings describes the city of that time, including the not so great aspects.
This is actually an easy one for me - several books have been set in Toronto
Except the Dying, Maureen Jennings. Set in 1895 Toronto this is the first in the William Murdoch detective series. Jennings describes the city of that time, including the not so great aspects.
A book with a beautiful cover.
The Stone Carvers, Jane Urquhart The illustration is very subtle, so I hope it shows up OK.
The Stone Carvers, Jane Urquhart The illustration is very subtle, so I hope it shows up OK.
November 22, 2025 at 11:35 AM
A book with a beautiful cover.
The Stone Carvers, Jane Urquhart The illustration is very subtle, so I hope it shows up OK.
The Stone Carvers, Jane Urquhart The illustration is very subtle, so I hope it shows up OK.
a book from your favourite series
The Zig Zag Girl, first of the Brighton mysteries series by Elly Griffiths. Her Ruth Galloway series is better known, but I love this series
The Zig Zag Girl, first of the Brighton mysteries series by Elly Griffiths. Her Ruth Galloway series is better known, but I love this series
November 21, 2025 at 4:24 PM
a book from your favourite series
The Zig Zag Girl, first of the Brighton mysteries series by Elly Griffiths. Her Ruth Galloway series is better known, but I love this series
The Zig Zag Girl, first of the Brighton mysteries series by Elly Griffiths. Her Ruth Galloway series is better known, but I love this series
An author no longer alive.
Hard to choose, but went with Canadian author, Timothy Findley (1930-2002), a novelist and playwright.
One of my favourites of his books - Famous Last Words
He also wrote a terrific memoir, Inside Memory: Pages from a Writer's Notebook
Hard to choose, but went with Canadian author, Timothy Findley (1930-2002), a novelist and playwright.
One of my favourites of his books - Famous Last Words
He also wrote a terrific memoir, Inside Memory: Pages from a Writer's Notebook
November 21, 2025 at 4:16 PM
An author no longer alive.
Hard to choose, but went with Canadian author, Timothy Findley (1930-2002), a novelist and playwright.
One of my favourites of his books - Famous Last Words
He also wrote a terrific memoir, Inside Memory: Pages from a Writer's Notebook
Hard to choose, but went with Canadian author, Timothy Findley (1930-2002), a novelist and playwright.
One of my favourites of his books - Famous Last Words
He also wrote a terrific memoir, Inside Memory: Pages from a Writer's Notebook
name in a title
Mrs. Dalloway. I reread it recently and it is an amazing book.
Mrs. Dalloway. I reread it recently and it is an amazing book.
November 19, 2025 at 10:25 PM
name in a title
Mrs. Dalloway. I reread it recently and it is an amazing book.
Mrs. Dalloway. I reread it recently and it is an amazing book.
Congrats to your brother. 👍
I think Persepolis is the only graphic novel that I've read, and I did enjoy it.
I think Persepolis is the only graphic novel that I've read, and I did enjoy it.
November 18, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Congrats to your brother. 👍
I think Persepolis is the only graphic novel that I've read, and I did enjoy it.
I think Persepolis is the only graphic novel that I've read, and I did enjoy it.
award winning book. Hamnet, Maggie O'Farrell
Won the Women's Prize and the National Book Critics, both in 2020.
Won the Women's Prize and the National Book Critics, both in 2020.
November 17, 2025 at 6:44 PM
award winning book. Hamnet, Maggie O'Farrell
Won the Women's Prize and the National Book Critics, both in 2020.
Won the Women's Prize and the National Book Critics, both in 2020.
Will reply here as well.
one word title
Island, by Canadian author Alistair MacLeod. A collection of his short stories. MacLeod wrote both novels and short stories & was a wonderful writer.
one word title
Island, by Canadian author Alistair MacLeod. A collection of his short stories. MacLeod wrote both novels and short stories & was a wonderful writer.
November 13, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Will reply here as well.
one word title
Island, by Canadian author Alistair MacLeod. A collection of his short stories. MacLeod wrote both novels and short stories & was a wonderful writer.
one word title
Island, by Canadian author Alistair MacLeod. A collection of his short stories. MacLeod wrote both novels and short stories & was a wonderful writer.
published in the last 12 months.
I read a few mysteries & novels published in the last 12 months, & enjoyed them. But will choose a non-fiction book, The Warrior, Rafael Nadal and His Kingdom of Clay, by Christopher Clarey. Tennis fans will enjoy it.
I read a few mysteries & novels published in the last 12 months, & enjoyed them. But will choose a non-fiction book, The Warrior, Rafael Nadal and His Kingdom of Clay, by Christopher Clarey. Tennis fans will enjoy it.
November 13, 2025 at 6:19 PM
published in the last 12 months.
I read a few mysteries & novels published in the last 12 months, & enjoyed them. But will choose a non-fiction book, The Warrior, Rafael Nadal and His Kingdom of Clay, by Christopher Clarey. Tennis fans will enjoy it.
I read a few mysteries & novels published in the last 12 months, & enjoyed them. But will choose a non-fiction book, The Warrior, Rafael Nadal and His Kingdom of Clay, by Christopher Clarey. Tennis fans will enjoy it.
One word title
Island, Alistair MacLeod. Collection of his short stories. MacLeod wrote both novels and short stories. He was a wonderful writer.
Island, Alistair MacLeod. Collection of his short stories. MacLeod wrote both novels and short stories. He was a wonderful writer.
November 13, 2025 at 6:08 PM
One word title
Island, Alistair MacLeod. Collection of his short stories. MacLeod wrote both novels and short stories. He was a wonderful writer.
Island, Alistair MacLeod. Collection of his short stories. MacLeod wrote both novels and short stories. He was a wonderful writer.
Location would like to visit.
Donna Leon's mystery series set in Venice. First one - Death at La Fenice. She has wonderful descriptions of the city.
Donna Leon's mystery series set in Venice. First one - Death at La Fenice. She has wonderful descriptions of the city.
November 13, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Location would like to visit.
Donna Leon's mystery series set in Venice. First one - Death at La Fenice. She has wonderful descriptions of the city.
Donna Leon's mystery series set in Venice. First one - Death at La Fenice. She has wonderful descriptions of the city.
Book that made me cry
Old Yeller, Fred Gipson. I still remember reading this as a child and crying like crazy. Think I would cry if I read it now.
Old Yeller, Fred Gipson. I still remember reading this as a child and crying like crazy. Think I would cry if I read it now.
November 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Book that made me cry
Old Yeller, Fred Gipson. I still remember reading this as a child and crying like crazy. Think I would cry if I read it now.
Old Yeller, Fred Gipson. I still remember reading this as a child and crying like crazy. Think I would cry if I read it now.
Short stories
The Selected Stories of Mavis Gallant. I love short stories and think that Canadian writer Mavis Gallant wrote wonderful stories, and that her work deserves to be better known.
The Selected Stories of Mavis Gallant. I love short stories and think that Canadian writer Mavis Gallant wrote wonderful stories, and that her work deserves to be better known.
November 10, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Short stories
The Selected Stories of Mavis Gallant. I love short stories and think that Canadian writer Mavis Gallant wrote wonderful stories, and that her work deserves to be better known.
The Selected Stories of Mavis Gallant. I love short stories and think that Canadian writer Mavis Gallant wrote wonderful stories, and that her work deserves to be better known.
Canadian Paintings on bluesky posts different images each day.
August 22, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Canadian Paintings on bluesky posts different images each day.
There is a statue of her in High Park, Toronto, near where I live.
June 28, 2025 at 9:28 AM
There is a statue of her in High Park, Toronto, near where I live.
Mistress of the Ritz by Melanie Benjamin
Historical fiction
Novel is loosely based on the married couple who ran the Ritz Hotel in Paris during WWII. They both helped the Resistance & Blanche Auzello did go to prison, escaping execution when American troops arrived. A fascinating story.
Historical fiction
Novel is loosely based on the married couple who ran the Ritz Hotel in Paris during WWII. They both helped the Resistance & Blanche Auzello did go to prison, escaping execution when American troops arrived. A fascinating story.
May 25, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Mistress of the Ritz by Melanie Benjamin
Historical fiction
Novel is loosely based on the married couple who ran the Ritz Hotel in Paris during WWII. They both helped the Resistance & Blanche Auzello did go to prison, escaping execution when American troops arrived. A fascinating story.
Historical fiction
Novel is loosely based on the married couple who ran the Ritz Hotel in Paris during WWII. They both helped the Resistance & Blanche Auzello did go to prison, escaping execution when American troops arrived. A fascinating story.
Fiddleheads are the young fronds of certain ferns, especially the ostrich fern. They are eaten when the are very young and still curled up. Fiddleheads are mild, the way asparagus is, so are best with a bit of acid such as lemon juice. I come from eastern Canada where they are popular.
May 24, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Fiddleheads are the young fronds of certain ferns, especially the ostrich fern. They are eaten when the are very young and still curled up. Fiddleheads are mild, the way asparagus is, so are best with a bit of acid such as lemon juice. I come from eastern Canada where they are popular.
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
Historical fiction
Set after the American Civil War. Story of Capt. Jefferson who is returning 10-year-old Johanna to her relatives after she had been captured by the Kiowa Indians 4 years earlier. During the long journey the 2 become friends. Super book.
Historical fiction
Set after the American Civil War. Story of Capt. Jefferson who is returning 10-year-old Johanna to her relatives after she had been captured by the Kiowa Indians 4 years earlier. During the long journey the 2 become friends. Super book.
May 23, 2025 at 4:28 PM
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
Historical fiction
Set after the American Civil War. Story of Capt. Jefferson who is returning 10-year-old Johanna to her relatives after she had been captured by the Kiowa Indians 4 years earlier. During the long journey the 2 become friends. Super book.
Historical fiction
Set after the American Civil War. Story of Capt. Jefferson who is returning 10-year-old Johanna to her relatives after she had been captured by the Kiowa Indians 4 years earlier. During the long journey the 2 become friends. Super book.
Non-fiction books in May
Shakespeare the Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench
In a series of interviews Dench discusses the Shakespeare plays she acted in and her various roles. Also brief chapters on topics such as failure, rehearsals, critics, audiences.
#SomeHistory #BookSky
Shakespeare the Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench
In a series of interviews Dench discusses the Shakespeare plays she acted in and her various roles. Also brief chapters on topics such as failure, rehearsals, critics, audiences.
#SomeHistory #BookSky
May 16, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Non-fiction books in May
Shakespeare the Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench
In a series of interviews Dench discusses the Shakespeare plays she acted in and her various roles. Also brief chapters on topics such as failure, rehearsals, critics, audiences.
#SomeHistory #BookSky
Shakespeare the Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench
In a series of interviews Dench discusses the Shakespeare plays she acted in and her various roles. Also brief chapters on topics such as failure, rehearsals, critics, audiences.
#SomeHistory #BookSky
Non-fiction books in May
The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival by John Vallant
A wild tiger gets its revenge, and you are definitely on the side of the tiger.
#SomeHistory #BookSky
The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival by John Vallant
A wild tiger gets its revenge, and you are definitely on the side of the tiger.
#SomeHistory #BookSky
May 14, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Non-fiction books in May
The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival by John Vallant
A wild tiger gets its revenge, and you are definitely on the side of the tiger.
#SomeHistory #BookSky
The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival by John Vallant
A wild tiger gets its revenge, and you are definitely on the side of the tiger.
#SomeHistory #BookSky
Just finished The Bookbinder by Pip Williams. A remarkable novel, it tells the story of young Peggy Jones who works in a book bindery in Oxford during WWI, but dreams of going to university. Peggy & the other characters are vibrant & engaging. Williams also wrote The Dictionary of Lost Words.
📚💙
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May 10, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Just finished The Bookbinder by Pip Williams. A remarkable novel, it tells the story of young Peggy Jones who works in a book bindery in Oxford during WWI, but dreams of going to university. Peggy & the other characters are vibrant & engaging. Williams also wrote The Dictionary of Lost Words.
📚💙
📚💙
May Book Challenge
In the Garden of Beasts, Love Terror & an American Family in Hitler's Berlin by Erik Larson
non-fiction
The story of the American ambassador to Germany, William Dodd and his family in the 1930s. Based on primary sources the book is intriguing & dramatic.
#SomeHistory #BookSky
In the Garden of Beasts, Love Terror & an American Family in Hitler's Berlin by Erik Larson
non-fiction
The story of the American ambassador to Germany, William Dodd and his family in the 1930s. Based on primary sources the book is intriguing & dramatic.
#SomeHistory #BookSky
May 7, 2025 at 11:59 AM
May Book Challenge
In the Garden of Beasts, Love Terror & an American Family in Hitler's Berlin by Erik Larson
non-fiction
The story of the American ambassador to Germany, William Dodd and his family in the 1930s. Based on primary sources the book is intriguing & dramatic.
#SomeHistory #BookSky
In the Garden of Beasts, Love Terror & an American Family in Hitler's Berlin by Erik Larson
non-fiction
The story of the American ambassador to Germany, William Dodd and his family in the 1930s. Based on primary sources the book is intriguing & dramatic.
#SomeHistory #BookSky
Non-fiction books in May
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
An absorbing novel based on a spy network during WWI.
I would like to reread it.
#SomeHistory #BookSky 💙📚
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
An absorbing novel based on a spy network during WWI.
I would like to reread it.
#SomeHistory #BookSky 💙📚
May 5, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Non-fiction books in May
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
An absorbing novel based on a spy network during WWI.
I would like to reread it.
#SomeHistory #BookSky 💙📚
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
An absorbing novel based on a spy network during WWI.
I would like to reread it.
#SomeHistory #BookSky 💙📚
Non-fiction books in May
The Devil in the White City
Erik Larson
Set at the 1993 Chicago World's Fair, the "White City", the book also tells the story of a serial killer. Although non-fiction it reads like a novel.
#SomeHistory #BookSky 💙📚
The Devil in the White City
Erik Larson
Set at the 1993 Chicago World's Fair, the "White City", the book also tells the story of a serial killer. Although non-fiction it reads like a novel.
#SomeHistory #BookSky 💙📚
May 3, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Non-fiction books in May
The Devil in the White City
Erik Larson
Set at the 1993 Chicago World's Fair, the "White City", the book also tells the story of a serial killer. Although non-fiction it reads like a novel.
#SomeHistory #BookSky 💙📚
The Devil in the White City
Erik Larson
Set at the 1993 Chicago World's Fair, the "White City", the book also tells the story of a serial killer. Although non-fiction it reads like a novel.
#SomeHistory #BookSky 💙📚