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At Home
At Home: A Short History of Private Life | Bill Bryson
With his signature wit, charm, and seemingly limitless knowledge, Bill Bryson takes us on a room-by-room tour through his own house, using each room as a jumping off point into the vast history of the domestic artifacts we take for granted. As he takes us through the history of our modern comforts, Bryson demonstrates that whatever happens in the world eventually ends up in our home, in the paint, the pipes, the pillows, and every item of furniture. Bryson has one of the liveliest, most inquisitive minds on the planet, and his sheer prose fluency makes At Home one of the most entertaining books ever written about private life.
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lynneamch
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Different vibes from each Bill Bryson I've been listening to #ByAuthorYourAge. Many memories in 1950sThunderbolt are mine, One Summer was a fascinating, well researched history centered on happenings around 1927. At Home is about the development & innovations, inspired by the Victorian parsonage where his family was living in England. Being iced-in "at home" this week makes this the one to tag for #NewYearNewBooks @eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Eggs Great collection 🙌🏻🙌🏻 9mo
Aims42 These are my favorite Bill Bryson books too 😍 I also loved “A Walk in the Woods” 9mo
Daisey I need to pick up more of his books sometime. All of these sound interesting. 9mo
lynneamch Yes @Aims42 That one made a fan many years ago listening on a road trip. 9mo
33 likes4 comments
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Maude
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We move into our new home next week, I am so excited to get all my books back from storage and on my shelves 🤗

Ruthiella I‘ll bet! Hope the move goes well. 😃 2y
Bookzombie Congratulations! That is a lovely porch to read on. 2y
Chelsea.Poole So cute! 2y
34 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Schwifty
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Pickpick

Bryson delivers another immensely interesting read chock full of wit, observation and historical rabbit holes. My only criticism of the book is that each chapter implies it‘s about a room and how that room was invented and evolved for various purposes, but sometimes that‘s not addressed at all and Bryson recounts the history of monument preservation and archaeology in Britain instead. Still a good read, just not quite what you think it is.

4 likes1 stack add
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jlhammar
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If I‘m being honest, I‘d almost always rather be at home. I loved this book. So fun and interesting. Bryson explores history through the lens of his home, a Victorian parsonage.

#SetInAPlaceYouLove #BookMoods
@Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Eggs I too love my home - a cozy nest 🪺 2y
EvieBee Me too! I‘ll have to pull this off the shelf. 2y
44 likes1 stack add3 comments
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BookishMarginalia
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This week I got a surprise package from my mom with two “lounging sweatshirts.” Today seems like the perfect time to don one. Isn‘t it fabulous? Go mom! 💜💜💜

ShelleyBooksie Fabulous! 4y
HOTPock3tt Love!!❤️🎉 4y
Nute It is fabulous! Way to go, Mom!🙌🏽 AND...super cute photo of you, Ms. Gloria!🙂 4y
See All 6 Comments
Ruthiella Fantastic! Your mom is the best! 😀 4y
Gissy 👌❤️❤️❤️❤️ 4y
131 likes6 comments
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twohectobooks
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A book on the concept of #home from my #TBR. I‘ve been spending more time there than usual, even though I‘m normally a homebody anyway. Maybe I should move this further up the list. #forevernovember

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I‘m also a homebody!!! 4y
18 likes1 comment
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veritysalter
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My home has become my world these last months, I am so grateful and privileged that it is a happy and safe place to be. #StayHomeStaySafe #ForeverNovember #Home

OriginalCyn620 Beautiful! Stay safe! 💚 4y
magyklyXdelish You have a beautiful home 4y
LeahBergen Beautiful! ❤️❤️ 4y
See All 7 Comments
twohectobooks I picked the same book for this prompt! For a similar reason! (edited) 4y
Crazeedi Such a lovely photo, wish I were walking up your sidewalk to have a cup of tea with you!🥰 4y
veritysalter @Crazeedi I wish so too, we start lockdown again on Thursday and I will be longing for company (beyond my husband and children). I hope things are more organised this time around and I‘ll be able to use the Post Office. 4y
Crazeedi @veritysalter big hug my friend ❤ 4y
65 likes7 comments
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MittenGirlPeach
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This sounds like huge fun. I‘ve got some non-fiction on my #BookSpinBingo list and I‘ll add a few more. Looking forward to it! #nfn2020

Clwojick Yay! Happy to see that you‘ll be joining us! 4y
10 likes1 comment
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kwmg40
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This seems like a good way to make the best of a difficult situation. I hope everyone stays healthy!
#StayHome24in48

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veritysalter
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Children dropped off, audiobook on

readordierachel ✅✅ 5y
41 likes1 comment
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Dietz123
Pickpick

Good, but a bit of a slog. You have to be well rested and ready for a lot of historical detail. Nobody brings history to like with the great humor of Mr. Bryson.

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Macnjen
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Very interesting audiobook about the history of homes and their component rooms and structures. LOTS of detail, probably better suited as an eye-read vs. audible if you want to digest the numbers. Bill Bryson has a great voice for a narrator. At times he delved so deep into the statistics I did get lost but that was okay. I learned a lot, don't remember much but enjoyed this history of our dwellings.

MargaretPinardAuthor I‘ve read Winifred Gallagher and witold rybsczinsky (sp?) on the home concept and I still find it so fascinating! Just got bill brysons audiobook about he workings of the body so glad to hear he‘s a good narrator! 5y
23 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Macnjen
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Next up audiobook!

melissajayne Loved this book. 5y
21 likes1 comment
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24in48
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As we get well into day 2 of #24in48, a reminder that getting up and moving in some way can be a great way to reset your energy and power through! Try a new location, go for a walk (if it's not too hot...), stretch. Then check 24in48.com to see if you won one of this hour's door prizes from @littlebrown, and then back to the books. (Image of an open book with text overlay that reads, "Hour 39: Get up and go go go! Time to check in at 24in48.com")

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Kaila-ann
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Kaila-ann
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Pickpick

What an amazingly informative read. This book is full of stories and facts about how we have come to know our homes as they are now. It‘s fascinating how most of the modern conveniences we take for granted took so long to come into everyday use. A truly thought provoking read.

2019 page goal: 13,171/30,000 = 43.9%

9 likes1 stack add
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Kaila-ann
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So many interesting facts in this book.

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Kaila-ann
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Still reading the tagged book - it‘s so informative but it‘s definitely one you have to push yourself through. I may pick up a lighter/quicker read to alternate with this one.

#fridaynightbookclub

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💗💗💗 6y
8 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Kaila-ann
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This book is kind of dense in the sheer amount of information it presents but I am fascinated nonetheless.

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Kaila-ann
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Hanging out at the dealership while they reprogram my key. Due to my own stupidity, the spare was stolen over the weekend and now I get to spend my Monday afternoon at Toyota as my punishment 😜. At least I brought my book and my headphones with me.

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Lcsmcat
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Pickpick

While not his most uproariously funny book, there is plenty of Bryson‘s characteristic humor to be enjoyed. And the sheer breadth and depth of the information astounds. At times rambling, but never boring. And Balthazar approved. #littenkitten #catsoflitsy

Kaye Excellent. Educational without being boring. 6y
Graywacke Have a copy of this...but I like him so much on audio, it‘s hard to think about just reading this. 6y
Lcsmcat @Graywacke I get it. But with him on audio I have to keep going back because I was laughing too hard to hear what came next. 😂 6y
Graywacke @Lcsmcat 🤣🤣 6y
62 likes4 comments
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Lcsmcat
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“John Jacob Astor, one of the richest men in America but not evidently the most cultivated, astounded his hosts at one dinner party by leaning over and wiping his hands on the dress of the lady sitting next to him.”

gradcat How very rude!! 😂 6y
51 likes1 comment
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Lcsmcat
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Rather than spend precious reading time going back and forth about what to read next, I numbered my shelves and used a random number generator to pick one. Then I had to choose a book off that shelf. So here it is. 😀 (large print is because this was my in-laws) #currentlyreading

Aims42 Loved this book! Bill Bryson is an “insta-buy author” for me 6y
Crazeedi I love Bill Bryson! This one I listened to on tape (lol😉) years ago in my car, and I cracked up the whole time 6y
Kaye Really liked this one. So much cool info. 6y
See All 6 Comments
Lcsmcat @Crazeedi We listened to that on a road trip years ago and sometimes could hardly drive for laughing! 6y
Lcsmcat @kaye It is fascinating, isn‘t it? 6y
Kaye It answered the question I‘ve always had. Why have a multiple seat outhouse ? I can‘t think of anyone I‘d want to sit next to on a toilet seat. 6y
66 likes2 stack adds6 comments
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Avatar.of.sonia
Mehso-so

This book is really sounding interesting, and it would have been if it weren‘t for lack of information. I was really looking forward to a fast paced book, with lots of little information about items around the house. Unfortunately I found it to drag around a few items/materials.

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Readerann
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Pickpick

I love Bryson. His curiosity and humor are right up my alley. The “bathroom” chapter had a lot of “ewww” moments, but it had to be in the book! 😁

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smilingshelves
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Centique I loved this Bill Bryson book! So many “did you know?” moments 😍 6y
vkois88 Ooooh fiber optic tree!! 6y
smilingshelves @Centique Yes! I always learn so much when I read a Bill Bryson book! 6y
smilingshelves @vkois88 It's surprisingly mesmerizing! ☺️ 6y
vkois88 I've always loved them! 6y
31 likes5 comments
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wallacereads
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We are home after a couple of weeks in Italy. As much as I love travelling; it feels so good to be home with my books.

rather_be_reading love your shelves! 😍 6y
Samplergal It‘s true. I love travel, but there really is no place like home. 6y
candority Beautiful shelves! 6y
See All 6 Comments
Mdargusch ❤️❤️❤️ 6y
EllieDottie Happy Returns!!! Also your bookshelves are amazing!!! 6y
67 likes6 comments
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alisiakae
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1. Yes
2. I read more fiction. 13 of my 75 books so far this year have been NF, ~ 17%.
3. I like a variety: scientific, political, historical, social sciences, etc.
4. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle; The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks; Just Mercy; And Lab Girl.
5. Tagged last finished and. Current read is also NF.

#HelloThursday

wanderinglynn Thanks for playing! 😀 6y
75 likes1 comment
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alisiakae
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Pickpick

This was barely a 👍🏽 from me. Although some chapters were fascinating, others were drudgery. I usually like Bryson‘s ramblings, but this was definitely not the book I thought I was getting based on the title. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ #pop18 #microhistory

Happily, I also finish August having met my #Goodreads goal! 🎉🎉🎉

TheBookKeepers Congrats! 6y
Pamwurtzler Congratulations!!🍾🎈🎉 6y
julesG Congratulations! 6y
See All 15 Comments
wanderinglynn Congrats! 👏🏻🎉🙌🏻 6y
Mollyanna Congratulations! 🎉🎉🎉 6y
LoverofLit Whoooo hoooo! You're awesome 💪📚 6y
hes7 Yay! 🎉 6y
Jas16 🙌🏽 6y
Kalalalatja Well done 👏👏👍 6y
Birdsong28 Congrats 🎉🎊📚📖 6y
CoffeeK8 Congrats! 🎉 6y
juliannebenford Congratulations! I also met my Goodreads challenge goal this month though mine was way lower 😊 6y
JoScho 💖🎉💖🎉💖 6y
CoverToCoverGirl 💃💃🎉😊 6y
rather_be_reading congrats! 6y
106 likes15 comments
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alisiakae
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Since @Samplergal kept the #12intwo fairly flexible, I started at 3pm Friday, which means I‘ve hit the halfway point! Fairly pleased with my reading time so far, considering we spent the whole morning at a living history farm.

Finished An American Marriage, and I am 12% through this delightful book that I am reading for #pop18 #microhistory. I love books filled with interesting trivia and etymology!

Aims42 I loved this Bill Bryson Book! Gave it immediately to my Dad to read when I was done 6y
Andrew65 Doing great! 👏 6y
mabell I really enjoyed this one! My husband gave it to me when it first came out, and I loaned it to a friend after I read it. It didn't come back 😭 6y
82 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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Sarah83
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#10booksthatchangedme

This is second section 😍 here you go. @jpmcwisemorgan

@LeahBergen @DeborahSmall @scripturient @Izai.Amorim what are your ten books?

Izai.Amorim The sincere answer is: I don't know. Different books at different times. 6y
Sarah83 @Izai.Amorim that's pretty true 😍 6y
63 likes2 comments
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captainpunchmerica
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The final moving pic of my box mountain of books!

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RinaBrahmbhattBarot
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Pickpick

I'm addicted for the good reason #BillBryson! Have you read or listened to this?

Page55 Try his book A Short History of Everything 7y
RinaBrahmbhattBarot @Page55 thank you! I'll. I'm almost done with this one :) 7y
58 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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Page55

DNF I just couldn‘t get into this one

RinaBrahmbhattBarot Oh I'm listening to this now 7y
BookishMe I have given up trying to understand his humor ;o 7y
4 likes2 comments
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RiaWritten
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May have splurged a little at ThriftBooks for my birthday. Very good #bookmail to return from Philly and find!

Zelma Happy birthday and nice stack! 7y
Purrsistently NIMONA 😻 7y
AmyG Happy Birthday! That alone is reason to splurge. 🎂🎉🎈🎊 7y
Aims42 Happy Birthday!!! I hope you love ‘At Home‘, I really enjoyed it 😃 7y
36 likes4 comments
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No_One
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Mehso-so

This book was okay. I thought I'd be listening to new facts about the THINGS in a home, but it was more about the PEOPLE who created/invented/popularized the rooms in our homes and how they are used, and many many side stories that are only tangentially related. Bait & switch Bill Bryson!!! Oh, and why so many book cover designs? 🤔

ferskner I felt the same way, but luckily I really enjoyed all the tangents so it worked out okay. :) 7y
No_One @ferskner I will give another of his books a try! I also liked most of it the details. Now I know what to expect and I'll be mentally prepared. 😊 7y
No_One @ferskner also, he really seems to be the kind of guy I'd love to sit and have a drink with. I should probably drink a little while listening to his books... 🤔 7y
ferskner Hahahaha! 7y
76 likes3 stack adds4 comments
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Aims42
Pickpick

Fascinating!!! I will admit I skipped a few sections because, well, to be frank, bedroom habits and child rearing practices during the Victorian age just doesn‘t interest me lol Overall though, a very interesting read!! 4/5 stars Ugh, now to wait for my next books to be delivered 😞

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Aims42
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At home, reading ‘At Home‘. (Guys, I‘ve been reading this book for almost a week and waited until now to post that pun. That‘s restraint 🧐💪🏼😂) The Book is beyond fascinating!!

Kaye Loved that book. You learn so many neat things that you‘ve probably never even thought about before. 7y
Aims42 @Kaye It‘s very interesting! I‘m at ‘The Garden‘ now and cannot put it down. Another favorite Bryson Book for me 😃 (edited) 7y
33 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Aims42
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My parents are moving soon (anyone looking for a house in the western suburbs of Chicago??) and this just rang true LOL 😂😂😂

Suet624 Oh boy. Guilty as charged. Carried too many boxes of baby clothes from place to place. 7y
Aims42 @Suet624 No judgement from me! 👍🏻😂 7y
18 likes2 comments
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Aims42
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Happy Daytona 500 Day to my fellow NASCAR fans on Litsy! My Sunday ritual of race watching and reading are back, YAY!!

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rabbitprincess
Pickpick

Calling this a Pick even though I didn't finish the audiobook. Interesting framework and plenty of jumping-off points for discussion. Should reread this in print sometime!

22 likes1 stack add
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rabbitprincess
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BF, earlier: "Are you OK with doing the dishes? There's a lot of them." (He does meal prep on weekends and had just made all of his lunches for the coming week.)
Me: "That's what audiobooks are for."

Finished Disc 9. Four more to go!
#24in48

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TheHeartlandBookFairy
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Pickpick

I've been listening to this unique book by Bill Bryson for the last 6 weeks in my car. 10 minutes one day, maybe a half an hour another little my little I've enjoyed this absolutely fascinating history!

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annalibris
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Pickpick

This isn‘t my first time with this book, since Bryson is one of my favorite authors, but it does make for such excellent reading as I drive back-and-forth to work. He finds the most interesting information about the most mundane details of our lives, and writes about it so beautifully.

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Aims42
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Headed outta town tomorrow, so I wanted to post my annual “Christmas Present Books” today. So excited to dive into these 😍 I hope everyone had a great Christmas!!

Grrlbrarian Love the book-stack: and the chair it‘s in! Hope you had a great Christmas! 7y
emilyhaldi Nice!👏🏻📚🎁 7y
Aims42 @Grrlbrarian Thank you!! I had a wonderful Christmas, busy but good 😄 I hope you did too!! 7y
Aims42 @emilyhaldi Thanks!! ☺️ 7y
29 likes4 comments
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rabbitprincess
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#audiobaking with Four and Twelve. Scones for the team Christmas party tomorrow 😊

Laura317 Can‘t go wrong with TWO Doctors helping. 7y
julesG Two Doctors and magic powder! 7y
rabbitprincess @Laura317 They did admirably. I ate three scones for quality control purposes 😋 @julesG It's like a Potter/Who crossover 😉 7y
tpixie Yum! 7y
rabbitprincess @tpixie Indeed they are yum! 7y
33 likes5 comments
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rabbitprincess
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Getting ready to do some #audiochristmascardwriting. I have a spreadsheet to keep track of who's received what design in previous years so that I don't duplicate cards 🤓

rubyslippersreads What a great idea! (Both the spreadsheet and listening to an audiobook while addressing. 😊) 7y
LeahBergen Sunday Crosswords. 👍🏻👍🏻 7y
rabbitprincess @rubyslippersreads My BF teases me a bit about the spreadsheet but it works really well! The audiobook was fun too 😊 @LeahBergen Those are the BF's. He keeps them on the kitchen table for the odd weekend. He actually times himself doing the crossword 😆 7y
27 likes3 comments
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UnabridgedTomes
Mehso-so

Bryson explores the history of his English country house. Every. Single. Infinitesimal. Detail. Concept-wise: I‘m all *grabby hands*, but in reality, meh.

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smilingshelves
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Nonfiction is my go-to #genre when I want to #exercise my brain. Represented in this stack are three of my favorite nonfiction authors. #30daysofreadathon