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Setting Free the Kites
Setting Free the Kites | Alex George
From the author of the lyrical and compelling (USA Today) novel A Good American comes a powerful story of two friends and the unintended consequences of friendship, loss, and hope. For Robert Carter, life in his coastal Maine hometown is comfortably predictable. But in 1976, on his first day of eighth grade, he meets Nathan Tilly, who changes everything. Nathan is confident, fearless, impetuousand fascinated by kites and flying. Robert and Nathans budding friendship is forged in the crucible of two family tragedies, and as the boys struggle to come to terms with loss, they take summer jobs at the local rundown amusement park. Its there that Nathans boundless capacity for optimism threatens to overwhelm them both, and where they learn some harsh truths about family, desire, and revenge. Unforgettable and heart-breaking, Setting Free the Kites is a poignant and moving exploration of the pain, joy, and glories of young friendship. From the Hardcover edition.
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Cinfhen
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#RedRoseSeptember #SetYouFree One of the first books I stacked when I joined Litsy... still on my virtual #TBR @AlexGeorge is an original Litten ~ back from prehistoric times 😜

Ruthiella Good one! 😀 5y
Cathythoughts That‘s fab ! I love a kite ♥️ 5y
TrishB Great pick 👍🏻 5y
arlenefinnigan Good choice! 5y
87 likes4 comments
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ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled
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Pickpick

Definite PICK
A unique coming-of-age story in late 70s Maine. Two friends, one introverted and alone, the other extroverted and fearless, both dealing with family tragedy. Loved this one!

JennyM Sounds really good - #stacked 😘 5y
ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled @JennyM Enjoy! I listened to the audiobook and it was really well done. 5y
64 likes4 stack adds2 comments
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AlexGeorge
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The paperback of SETTING FREE THE KITES is out on January 9! Isn‘t it pretty??

BookishTrish It is! And such a great read too. 6y
jlondon1963 I really enjoyed this book! 6y
24 likes2 comments
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BookishTrish
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One of my early favourites for #2017 is @AlexGeorge quirky, moving novel @BarbaraBB #giveaway

AlexGeorge Yay! Thank you! 6y
Tanzy13 🐱 6y
BarbaraBB This novel sounds amazing, thanks for the shout out! 6y
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BookishTrish @AlexGeorge Back at you! I really loved this one - John Irving-flavoured but still fresh. 6y
Bookzombie 💕🐱 6y
Carolyn-HHI Oh! That looks wonderful. Adorable cat. I had two torties for 20 years! Love them. 6y
79 likes1 stack add6 comments
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merelybookish
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So this broke my heart a little bit. In a good way. Not a flashy story but it really packs an emotional punch. I listened to it because @Well-ReadNeck said it was good. She wasn't wrong.

61 likes1 stack add
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GlitterGirl
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I love THE KITE RUNNER!!!!!!! And SETTING THE KITES FREE is going to the #add2TBRpile
It sounds wonderful!
#Kites #VoicesOnTheWind

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EllieDottie
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I got this for a gift! I haven't heard much about it, but it looks really good! #kites #voicesonthewind

Suet624 Alex is on Litsy. 7y
EllieDottie @Suet624 that is awesome!! 7y
AlexGeorge Hope you enjoy it! 7y
62 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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quietjenn
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Pretty great so far. I didn't think I was really going to #litsypartyofone this weekend, but I guess maybe I am?

Yournewfriendsams This sounds so good! Just ordered! 7y
quietjenn @Yournewfriendsams I liked it quite a bit! 7y
59 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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Well-ReadNeck
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You guys!!!! I loved, loved, loved @AlexGeorge 's novel Setting Free the Kites. And, today, when I was looking for an audible book (my new credit is begging to be spent), I see that the audiobook is narrated by The Amazing Ari Fliakos!!!!!! OMG!! If you are an audiobook listener, 🏃🏾 to get this one!!!!

AlexGeorge Ari is amazing. He did a fabulous job!!! 7y
Well-ReadNeck @AlexGeorge Dream Team! 🙌🏻 (edited) 7y
AlexGeorge Awww. Thank you!! 7y
92 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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bookaholic1
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Pickpick

I won this book off goodreads (my first) and today I got serious about reading it, I just finished it and it was beautiful. Beautifully written with characters that take you on an emotional ride...I highly, highly recommend reading this book, You will not be disappointed I promise!!!

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SMM
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rjsthumbelina
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Pickpick

I'm unsure how to feel. Very lyrical and also pretty meaningful. Pretty sad, I think it needs to be said that many die throughout, but its a book about a boy growing up - deaths happen. Most times, I actually found the deaths to be underplayed almost to the point of being unrealistic. Thought I think it makes sense bc its the narrator looking back on his life. Also, some very bizarre things happen involving a mongoose, and later a mini-golf course

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rjsthumbelina
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How lovely. ❤

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rjsthumbelina
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Another interesting image!

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rjsthumbelina
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How beautiful is this imagery?? Really enjoying this book (despite deaths early on)

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rjsthumbelina
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Hopefully this feels more like what I want to read. Having trouble getting into anything lately. Here goes nothin!

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Karen3
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My new job at the library is destroying my TBR pile. I can't stop myself from bringing home all these pretties 😳😳😳. #bookhoarderproblems

Notafraidofwords Start with The Hating Game! It's awesome. Read it in 48 hours. 7y
Ehbooklover Welcome to my world! 😂 7y
Lindy I was surprised at how much I liked 7y
Kaylamburson Perfect Days is soooo creepy and amazing. You'll finish it so quickly. Exit, Pursued by Bear is really good, too. I just finished it last week 7y
67 likes4 comments
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Bluzygrl
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Starting this book after Tonks marks it as her's.

Jhullie My Tonks does the same 😻 7y
Mimi28 Aaawwww!!! 😻😻😻 7y
Bluzygrl @Jhullie most of my books have tiny fang holes from kitten years, she is getting better at just marking them as hers. 7y
19 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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emilygatlin
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Good Morning, Littens! I'm super excited today because I get to see one of my most favorite people ever tonight in my happy place! Alex George is coming to Oxford, MS to do Thacker Mountain Radio Hour! If you're unfamiliar with TMRH, it's worth a Google. Think Prairie Home Companion with authors and blues music + Southern jams.

LauraBeth Sounds like a wonderful evening 😀 7y
AlexGeorge The. Best. Time. Love you guys. x 7y
11 likes1 stack add2 comments
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jlondon1963
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jlondon1963
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jlondon1963
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Pickpick

Funny, heartbreaking and just a powerful story. I read this in an ARC format and so glad for the opportunity. Will go and read his other book. This is a must have to read again.

11 likes1 stack add
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AlexGeorge
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So, today this wee beastie makes its way into the world. I'm looking forward to meeting readers old and new as I zip about the country in the next couple of weeks to talk about it. Would love to see you on the road!

LauraBeth Can't wait to buy and read 😀 7y
Allietaylor16 I loved it!!! 7y
Suet624 Congratulations. 7y
BookishTrish I really loved this book and wish you all sorts of success with it! 7y
AlexGeorge Thanks, everyone!!! 7y
40 likes4 stack adds5 comments
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Lissa00
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Pickpick

Really liked this book. Immensely readable and makes me want to check out his other works.

cathysaid I really enjoyed A Good American 7y
MicheleinPhilly A Good American is FANTASTIC. 7y
Lissa00 @cathysaid @MicheleinPhilly Thanks for the recommendation! 7y
109 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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Penny_LiteraryHoarders
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Pickpick

Of course. Of course Mr. George would give me another gift of a wonderful story with gorgeous storytelling. Any hesitation I felt in opening was quickly banished! I was swooning just a few pages in. There is a lot of sadness and tragedy inside, but so much joy and happiness too. And music!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Loved it. Now anxious for the next one!!

AlexGeorge Yay!! 7y
RadicalReader @Penny_LiteraryHoarders how do you do the stickers on the picture? 7y
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Penny_LiteraryHoarders @RadicalReader they are on the app when you upload the picture - you can pick from a bunch of different stickers under the "stickers". 7y
RadicalReader @Penny_LiteraryHoarders is it under the review upload, blurb upload or quote upload? 7y
Penny_LiteraryHoarders @RadicalReader it should be available under all three? 7y
RadicalReader @Penny_LiteraryHoarders thanks so much for the wonderful assistance 7y
Penny_LiteraryHoarders @RadicalReader hope it made sense? Was helpful? 🙂🙂 7y
RadicalReader @Penny_LiteraryHoarders made a lot of sense and incredibly helpful 7y
Penny_LiteraryHoarders @RadicalReader 👍🏻 great! Happy stickering!! 😁 7y
48 likes1 stack add10 comments
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Penny_LiteraryHoarders
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So I opened this just now. Then closed it. I loved A GOOD AMERICAN so much that I'm worried SETTING FREE THE KITES won't live up to all of my anxious expectations. I'm going in! Wish me luck!

Theresa Good luck! 7y
BookishTrish I found this book really touching. I read it in January and can totally see myself rereading it. 7y
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Penny_LiteraryHoarders @BookishTrish excellent news! Thanks!! 7y
AlexGeorge You think *you're* anxious! Hope you enjoy it! 7y
Penny_LiteraryHoarders @AlexGeorge 😁😁😊😊😁😁 I'm sure I'll love it! 🤣 7y
56 likes6 comments
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BethFishReads
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So happy I didn't start this in the hospital waiting room. Brewed tea this afternoon and sat down to read. I was so caught up on the story I forgot to drink my tea. Am halfway done and have switched to wine. @AlexGeorge has stolen my heart again. His characters are so incredibly real to me. I'll be back after I read some more.

AlexGeorge *swoons* 7y
Suet624 I just realized my library has his first book. How did I not know that? I guess I'll be trudging over in the snow tomorrow to grab it. 7y
Bookladylinda My library has both of his books - which New should I read first??? 7y
BethFishReads Not a series. So just grab one 7y
55 likes7 stack adds5 comments
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BethFishReads
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Although we've never met in person , I consider @AlexGeorge to be one of my friends. I loved his A GOOD AMERICAN, and his new novel is next on my print stack. I have high high high expectations, and I know in my gut they'll be met. From Putnam, a super imprint of @penguinusa

Rhondareads I also loved A Good American recommended to friends.Excited to read his new book, 7y
AlexGeorge Thank you!! All extremities crossed!!!! 7y
BethFishReads @AlexGeorge 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊 7y
46 likes1 stack add3 comments
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AlexGeorge
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Following up on the VERY SAD photo of the dog-destroyed book I posted a few days ago, here is another picture of an uneaten copy which arrived yesterday. Much better!

Eridau Pretty cover. That would definitely catch my eye on a shelf. 7y
Suet624 💕💕 so happy you got another copy so quickly. 7y
BethFishReads 👏💫👏💫👏💫 7y
42 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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BookishTrish
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16 books this month, including four rereads. Favourites: The Kingdom of the Film Stars and Setting Free the Kites

Cinfhen Great month 💜💚❤️ 7y
Reviewsbylola Great month! 7y
59 likes5 comments
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BookishTrish
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So far so good #bestofJanuary

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AlexGeorge
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Well this is a bit tragic. Finished copies of the hardback of SETTING FREE THE KITES are finally here, and my editor sent me one. Unfortunately the neighbors' dog, Mabel, got to it first.

Lindy Waaaah! 🙁 7y
britt_brooke 😱😱😱 7y
Suet624 Boooooo 7y
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Hooked_on_books Yikes! My dogs chewed some of my books several years ago but thankfully they only had a taste for the spines, so all are still readable. 7y
DebinHawaii Oh wow! 😱 Mabel did quite a number on it! 😰 7y
lynneamch Ah yes. A teacher friend of mine had to apologize for not being able to grade her students papers because her dog ate their work. 😕 Our dog ate my piano music. 7y
Theresa Maybe that's a sign of good luck, like rain on a wedding day. 🤞🏻 7y
jgeraedts I guess Mabel freed the kite words? 7y
35 likes9 comments
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Allietaylor16
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Pickpick

This is one of the best books I've read in a very long time. Beautifully written and moving, I couldn't put it down. I'm going to do everything I can to make it a best seller in my store!

AlexGeorge I'm so thrilled you liked the book! Thank you! Where is your store?? 7y
Allietaylor16 Hi Alex!! I work for Barbara's Bookstore in Chicago!! 7y
Allietaylor16 @AlexGeorge If you are ever in Chicago, you should stop by! 7y
AlexGeorge I will for sure! Thank you!! 7y
3 likes4 comments
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florinda3rs
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Pickpick

Reviewing this for Shelf Awareness in February. Reminded me a little of John Irving. Everything terrible happens to these kids! And yet, this is a warm and moving novel of the friendship between two teenage boys in 1970s Maine.

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florinda3rs
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Weekend reading. So far, these people have PROBLEMS! (ARC, pub date 2/21)

Also: is it me, or is every other book cover using this font lately?

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BookishTrish
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Pickpick

If you like nostalgic stories of friendship that are sad and absurd in equal measure (like I do) I highly recommend this book #bonuspointsfortheMainesetting #outFeb17 #judgebycover #LRC17 #edelweiss @AlexGeorge @PenguinRandomCa

BookishTrish Made me want to reread an old fav 7y
AlexGeorge Thank you so much!!!! So happy you enjoyed it. That's made my day! 7y
48 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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Penny_LiteraryHoarders
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#2017mostanticipatedreads These are the 11 books I've put on hold at the library. It's not all the books I'm looking forward to in 2017, but it's a start and I needed to cool the trigger finger down - because what happens if they all show up at once? 🤣 ( and dang it - cut off books!)

See All 7 Comments
Suzze Idaho was fabulous! And they will come in all at once. Guaranteed. (edited) 7y
Penny_LiteraryHoarders 😂😂 Thanks @Suzze!! Awesome too to hear that Idaho is a winner. 😊 7y
Reviewsbylola Looking forward to Idaho! 7y
Penny_LiteraryHoarders Hmmmm Idaho is also very good to slot in for "I" in #AtoZLitsy! @Reviewsbylola ? 7y
55 likes7 comments
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BookishTrish
This post contains spoilers
show me
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Best line ever?

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BookishTrish

Santa should go to sleep, but is glued to this moving story of a childhood friendship instead. Ho Ho Yaaaaawn.

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AlexGeorge
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I did a reading/talk about SETTING FREE THE KITES this afternoon at my local Barnes & Noble as part of a fundraiser for the Unbound Book Festival. The store manager gave me this - those of you who have already read the book will get it. I'm taking him on tour with me in February!

33 likes1 stack add
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JodyS
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Pickpick

A well written story about friendship, family and loss. So many lines from his story have stuck with me and have caused me to reflect on my own family and friendships. This book was definitely a change of pace for me from my normal thriller reads, however i devoured it as if it was. Thank you you First to Read for providing me this book 😃📚

60 likes2 stack adds
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JodyS
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Puppy ✅ book✅ Christmas lights on ✅ perfect night ✅

Penny_LiteraryHoarders Cannot wait for this one!!!! 7y
Beckys_Books Add football here and it is perfect. 7y
JodyS @Beckys_Books football is on here too...just too bad my team isn't playing 😃 7y
62 likes1 stack add4 comments
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AlexGeorge

Tonight's job is to listen to different possible narrators for the audiobook of SETTING FREE THE KITES. Always a strange experience. What does my narrator sound like, anyway? Am I going to recognize him when I hear him??

Well-ReadNeck I think you will. I heard his voice very clearly as I was reading my ARC!! ... Oh, and if not, pick Ari Fliakos, he's an amazing narrator. 😉 7y
AlexGeorge He's one of the people I'm listening to!!! 7y
LitHousewife There are so many good narrators out there! I can't wait to find out who you choose. Mark Bramhall and Will Collyer are both excellent. 7y
BookishTrish @LitHousewife I'm a Bramhall fan too! 7y
Desha Reading your ARC right now! ☺️📚📚📚 7y
35 likes5 stack adds5 comments
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KT_Scarlett
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Pickpick

I read this as part of Penguin's First to Read.
This is a story of memories and grief and love and friendship set in a small town in Maine, complete with a family run amusement park. This alone sounded very interesting to me & I was not disappointed. It was beautifully written with a cast of interesting characters. I didn't think that I would be that drawn into the story, but it really sucked me in & I felt like I never wanted to stop reading.

AlexGeorge So happy you liked it! Thanks for such a kind review!! 7y
14 likes1 comment
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JodyS
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Not how I imagined spending my evening but here we are at urgent care with my oldest daughter. 😞

Alisnazzy Sending good vibes! 7y
hyacinth Keeping your family in my thoughts. ❤️❤️ 7y
mrsbatman85 I hope all is ok! x 7y
See All 17 Comments
LauraBeth Hope all is ok 💕 7y
Shemac77 Hope she's ok! 7y
RiotMom Oh no! I hope everything is ok! 7y
Grrlbrarian Oh no! Hope she's feeling better soonest! 7y
LeahBergen Oh no! Hugs. 💗 7y
Megabooks Oh dear! I hope she feels better soon! 7y
NatalieR Hoping she's okay. 😱 7y
stacybmartin Hope she is better soon!! 💜 7y
youngreadrshelf Feel better! 7y
Lindy Best wishes. 🌻 7y
JodyS Thanks everyone she was in a car accident this afternoon and is doing okay...she is just going to be really sore for a few days. 7y
CherylDeFranceschi Glad she's safe! Hope she feels better soon. 7y
Dragon Hope the pain and stiffness passes quickly and thank goodness she's okay. 7y
brilliantglow So glad that she's okay. 7y
44 likes17 comments
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JodyS
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Spending a peaceful Sunday night with my pup and enjoying our Christmas tree. I love these kind of night.

MrBook 😻 7y
DGRachel 😍😍 7y
Zelma Very pretty and peaceful looking! 💕🎄 7y
See All 6 Comments
Posemn Ahhhhh..... I feel more relaxed already. 😊 7y
Suet624 💕💕 7y
NatalieR 😍🎄 7y
79 likes6 comments
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MicheleinPhilly
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SQUEEEE! Thanks First to Read! Folks, if you haven't read A Good American, you're missing out!

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Liberty
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Shelf weasel. #catsoflitsy

annkuch13 😻💜 7y
LitHousewife I'm looking forward to his new book! 7y
8little_paws Lol I read this as"setting free the kitties" 7y
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Aseleener @8little_paws I totally did too and didn't realize the mistake until I saw your comment! 7y
MyNamesParadise Love the kitty!! 7y
Robothugs Beautiful kitty! 7y
ValerieAndBooks @8little_paws @Aseleener I thought the very same at first 😂! 7y
DebinHawaii 🐱❤️ 7y
166 likes7 stack adds8 comments
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BethFishReads
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Awesome promo swag from one of my favorite authors. Here's the first line: "Nathan Tilly gave me the story I'm going to tell, but it was the old paper mill that set my memories free." @penguinrandomhouse @AlexGeorge

DebinHawaii Fun! I haven't had Cracker Jacks in ages! 😀👍 7y
Cinfhen Great photo and book sounds awesome 📸📚 7y
BethFishReads @Cinfhen thanks -- and add this book to your list 7y
Cinfhen I added it a few days ago but I like that it keeps popping up in my feed💞 7y
60 likes3 stack adds4 comments
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emilygatlin
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Having a Treehouse readingventure today. Sometimes my friends let me play with their early drafts, and then the drafts become real live books. SO EXCITED! Haven't read it since the early draft. (Also, I'm kind of on the other side of a really rough patch here, and the B&W filter makes me feel human.)