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Red Clocks
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
Five women. One question. What is a woman for? In this ferociously imaginative novel, abortion is once again illegal in America, in-vitro fertilization is banned, and the Personhood Amendment grants rights of life, liberty, and property to every embryo. In a small Oregon fishing town, five very different women navigate these new barriers alongside age-old questions surrounding motherhood, identity, and freedom. Ro, a single high-school teacher, is trying to have a baby on her own, while also writing a biography of Eivr, a little-known 19th-century female polar explorer. Susan is a frustrated mother of two, trapped in a crumbling marriage. Mattie is the adopted daughter of doting parents and one of Ro's best students, who finds herself pregnant with nowhere to turn. And Gin is the gifted, forest-dwelling homeopath, or "mender," who brings all their fates together when she's arrested and put on trial in a frenzied modern-day witch hunt. RED CLOCKS is at once a riveting drama, whose mysteries unfold with magnetic energy, and a shattering novel of ideas. In the vein of Margaret Atwood and Eileen Myles, Leni Zumas fearlessly explores the contours of female experience, evoking THE HANDMAID'S TALE for a new millennium. This is a story of resilience, transformation, and hope in tumultuous-even frightening-times.
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review
Adventures-of-a-French-Reader
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Mehso-so

2.5/5

I feel some parts were better developed than others. I would have liked more developed characters, perhaps more complexity in their personalities.

Also, as for the plot, it's only in the middle of the book that it gets interesting... The writing of the first part seems disjointed.

I must admit being disappointed... It was difficult to get close to the characters. Overall I felt it was superficial and stereotypical...

currentlyreadinginCO I had to bail on this one! 12mo
Adventures-of-a-French-Reader @thereadingreference I understand bailing on this one. I think the choice of writing from the different characters' perspectives didn't work. 12mo
currentlyreadinginCO I had high hopes! 12mo
Adventures-of-a-French-Reader @thereadingreference Haha, me too!!! But I must admit to being a picky reader too (or exigent). 12mo
BarbaraBB I felt the same 12mo
19 likes5 comments
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TracyReadsBooks
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Pickpick

That feeling when you read a story set in a dystopian future that, it turns out, isn‘t really in the future at all but is, in fact, unfolding before our very eyes… Set in a future when abortion is illegal & a Personhood Amendment has been passed, this story follows the lives of four women and what they come to understand about freedom, autonomy, motherhood, identity & more. Well-written, visceral, & thought provoking. Lots to think about…

25 likes1 stack add
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TracyReadsBooks
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Starting this one today…

Donnasmiles I‘ve heard good things! 2y
23 likes1 stack add1 comment
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TracyReadsBooks
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Today‘s #bookmail includes the tagged book which is for my book club and one just because. Not that I NEED to be adding to my TBR pile. 😬🤷‍♀️

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archaeolibrarianologist
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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4 likes1 stack add
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Christyco125
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Bailedbailed

A not-for-me #bookclub pick. I tried but I couldn‘t get into rhythm of the writing and the slow buildup was killing me.

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Kerrbearlib
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Three dystopian books I have read that touch on reproductive right (or lack of them) for people with uteruses.

For all three: tw reproductive rights, reproductive issues

Red Clocks: tw for abortion, infertility

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Eggbeater
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Pickpick

This feminist dystopian written four years ago now, feels more like an imminent News bulletin. In it people with uteruses are being prosecuted as murderers for abortions in the United States and there is a literal witch hunt. I was attached to the characters and their particular circumstances. The book felt very real.

#MarvellousMay #Readathon 2nd book read

@Andrew65

Andrew65 Great 👏👏👏 2y
MicheleinPhilly I read this a few years ago and even then was terrified by how “non dystopian” it seemed. 2y
Alfoster Yes! Loved it too!❤️👊 2y
Linsy Oh no, I have been meaning to pick this one up, now worrying if it'll feel too real. 2y
49 likes4 stack adds4 comments
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Julsmarshall
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Did pretty well on my #January #BookspinBingo ! Read both the #bookspin and #doublespin and 6 bingoes! Just barely missed finishing For the Wolf in time. 13 books off #MountTBR @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! Fabulous month!! I'm reading For the Wolf right now! 2y
Julsmarshall I liked it @TheAromaofBooks but it does take a bit to get through! But worth every minute! 2y
TheAromaofBooks It's my #LMPBC book for January so I'm a bit behind! However, looks like a snow day tomorrow so hopefully I can get some quality reading time in!! 2y
45 likes3 comments
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SaintUrsula
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Pickpick

Lots to unpack here about women‘s roles in society. I really loved this, and found it funny that it had an intersection with my interest in polar exploration- that was unexpected!

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HiMyNames_Alyssa
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Mehso-so

This book. How to I put it? Was intriguing and disappointing. Beautiful and infuriating. Not a one-sitter but interesting enough for me to pick it up daily. Worth it, though.
I'm putting a content rating of Mature for sex and language.
Also a TRIGGER WARNING: in/fertiliy, reproductive rights, abortion

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Julsmarshall
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Pickpick

This strange story follows the lives of 5 women at various stages of their lives coming to terms with a world where women have little agency and their worth is seen only in relation to men or children. While the world encounters a climate crisis, the US focuses on banning women‘s medical procedures. Dark and ominous, this book is well written with an unique format and pace. #Bookspinbingo #roll100 @PuddleJumper #Booked2022 #ecofeminist @Cinfhen

readingjedi I absolutely loved this one ❤ 2y
Suet624 I have this on my shelf and keep forgetting to read it! Thanks for the reminder. 2y
PuddleJumper Wahoo! 2y
Cinfhen Fabulous choice 🙌🏻❣️ 2y
78 likes4 comments
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Addison_Reads
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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#BeginsWith @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

A dystopian novel where abortion is illegal that I've kept putting off because it felt more like current events than fiction.

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Perfect 👍🏻 2y
42 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Julsmarshall
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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My #roll100 books, the tagged book is #24 and #49 is Under the Whispering Door. Love the idea for this challenge @PuddleJumper !

PuddleJumper Yay! Hope you enjoy them! 2y
58 likes1 comment
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Julsmarshall
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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My #BFC22 goals include: listen to 3 audiobooks a month while walking/exercising; 10,000 steps a day, weight training twice a week. 2021 was a great year for me health wise and I plan to continue that in 2022. Happy New Year all! @wanderinglynn #BFC

wanderinglynn Great goals! 🙌🏻 2y
32 likes1 comment
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FelinesAndFelonies
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Pickpick

A timely address of the anti-abortion/anti-woman policies that are spreading across the nation. This book follows five women in the not-so-distant future in an America where abortion is illegal, only couples can adopt, & IVF is not an option. Given the current climate, it is a frightening warning of the future that could lay before us. Uniquely structured, the alternating viewpoints provide a holistic view of the issues of womanhood & fertility.

Riveted_Reader_Melissa I remember when I read this one, it might be time for a re-read…sad that it‘s becoming more relevant/timely. 3y
FelinesAndFelonies @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Reading this book this week could not have been more appropriate timing. It felt maddening, scary, frustrating, & unfortunately, precient. 3y
69 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Jaimelire
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Pickpick

Took me a while to get into this one, but once I did I finished it quickly. Unfortunately this novel is uncomfortably too close to current reality.

Alfoster Soooo true!😱 3y
31 likes2 comments
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Amiable
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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I suppose there are worse ways to spend a Sunday afternoon when your spouse is inside doing homework for his graduate classes. 🤷🏻‍♀️

AlaMich Oh, your pool looks heavenly! 3y
Amiable @AlaMich With the horrible humidity we‘ve had lately, it‘s one of the few things that‘s keeping me sane right now. 😖 I am an autumn girl —give me a crisp October day over this crap any time! 3y
AlaMich @Amiable Me too! The humidity saps me of any desire to do anything besides stay in the AC and read. (edited) 3y
68 likes3 comments
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Amiable
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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That feeling you get when you‘ve just finished a book and you‘re debating what to read next and at that exact moment a notification pops up from Libby with the news that a book you‘ve had on hold for weeks is available. And you yell “Yes!!” and pump your fist in the air and feel triumphant like you‘ve somehow been entirely responsible for the exquisite timing of it all. 👍🏼👊🏼👸🏻🦸🏻

Ruthiella That‘s awesome! 😀 3y
britt_brooke The BEST feeling! 3y
Amiable @britt_brooke RIGHT?? Like I won a contest that I didn‘t even know I‘d entered. 😀 3y
58 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Lesliereadsalot
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
Mehso-so

We‘ve got four women in the future where abortion is illegal and only couples can adopt. Not enough character development for me, but an interesting story.

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Amateur.Book.Addict
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Pickpick

Such an amazing read, funny but poignant and sad, I can not recommend this book enough!

readingjedi I loved this one too ❤ 3y
6 likes1 comment
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peanutnine
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Pickpick

This book really hit home in an uncomfortable way. Such a relevant topic in today's world. It probably wasn't the best idea to read during this anxiety-provoking election period, but it made me even more grateful of the outcome. Hopefully our country can avoid this all-too-real dystopian future 😬
Overall it was a wonderful read. I love books that are written from different characters' points of view, yet are all connected.

Nute Welcome to Litsy! It‘s a warm and friendly community. I know that you will enjoy yourself here. I‘m looking forward to getting to know you!🙂 3y
peanutnine @Nute thank you! 🥰 3y
rather_be_reading welcome to litsy 📚☕📚 #litsywelcomewagon 3y
9 likes3 comments
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8little_paws
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
Mehso-so

Upon further reflection I am bumping this down a star even more, the language this author used just did not work for me whatsoever, though she certainly did envision a VERY realistic reality if abortions are deemed illegal here again, I could absolutely see this world playing out exactly as written. But I wish I could have connected with the characters.

Megabooks I‘m rereading this later this month. I‘m wondering what I‘ll think. 4y
32 likes1 comment
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8little_paws
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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So, review to come and tbh i didn't care for this book, but i did really love it's analysis on the word "important".

MeesesPieces I'm glad I'm not alone! I didn't care for this book either. It was confusing and did not draw me in to like any of the characters. 4y
8little_paws @meesespieces I just couldn't get past the tone of some of the characters--Gin in particular calling everyone “Bitches“ 🙄 and the use of the term “Scabbard“ etc. It was just so overdone. 4y
23 likes2 comments
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Mogoeg
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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So #LMBC I just started this today and February is over tomorrow - Urp!

I'm really sorry - I've been traveling a lot & traveling light, just carrying my ereader so no actual books. I probably won't finish this until mid-to-late March. I'm sorry about that! I'll send it back and close the circle just as soon as I'm done!

@MeesesPieces @Hazel2019 @Hestapleton

PaperbackPirate My book club almost picked this book this month! I hope you like it! 4y
Hazel2019 I wouldn‘t worry about it. I‘m in the same boat with Waste Tide 😊 4y
JenniferEgnor I loved this book. 4y
76 likes1 stack add3 comments
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ElleMNOpe
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Mehso-so

Definitely underwhelmed. This was nothing like I expected it to be. It was written much more like a literary fiction novel than a dystopian in terms of tone and perhaps that threw me. There was nothing overtly bad about it -- though some pieces were unnecessary and/or just plain weird -- but there also wasn't anything really powerful, intriguing, or impactful either. Good concept, but not a good enough execution for my taste.

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rather_be_reading
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Bailedbailed

Ok I bailed! 🤦‍♂️ I wanted to like this one so much and I remember there being alot of buzz about this one. It reminded me Handmaids & Vox but it just didnt do it for me. I tried to skim ahead to see if it got better and it just did not. I mean it took 30 pages in to barely find out what was going on! I was so lost!

Come-read-with-me @rather_be_reading Oh no!!! It seemed promising this morning!! 4y
rather_be_reading @Come-read-with-me haha i thought so but nope 👎👎 4y
79 likes1 stack add2 comments
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rather_be_reading
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Not gonna lie...this is just not catching my attention. Whats the end game?! Been considering bailing. What do you guys think?? Keep going or Dnf??

Andrew65 I did finish this but didn‘t give it a very high rating. (edited) 4y
Amiable Life's too short to force yourself through books you aren't enjoying.
4y
BlackCat13 I agree with @Amiable, life is too short and there are way too many good books to stick with a mediocre one! 4y
See All 6 Comments
JenniferEgnor I loved this book. 4y
Panic70 I like to switch books before I decide. If I keep passing it over for other books, it just isn‘t the one for me. 4y
TheLibrarian I didn‘t really enjoy this book so if you aren‘t feeling it I‘d bail. 4y
68 likes6 comments
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rather_be_reading
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Book 18 of 2020
#tbrlist

Amor4Libros 18?! Girl, you‘re killing it!! 🙌🏼 4y
maich Wow😍 I'm reading 4th novel. I also read some children books and 1 audiobook. 4y
Bookwm85forever You go!! 4y
diovival 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 4y
72 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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MeesesPieces
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas

I am so sorry I am running behind on this one! With all the craziness of Christmas and my birthday I got behind in my reading. I‘ll send out as soon as I finish! @Hestapleton @Mogoeg @Hazel2019 I am sooo sorry everyone!

Hestapleton I‘m also running VERY BEHIND. I slump hard at holidays. I‘ll get it out when I can. 4y
2 likes1 comment
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Ubookquitous
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Pickpick

Five women, living in a world where abortion and IVF have been outlawed. Timely, powerful. 2019 no. 10

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WorldsOkayestStepMom
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Pickpick

A novel about an America that has outlawed abortion in any form for all 50 states. The author writes from 4 main perspectives: the biographer, the wife, the daughter, and the mender to weave a powerful narrative. Highly recommend for fans of Atwood's Handmaid's Tale! I definitely want to read more from this author.

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WorldsOkayestStepMom
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Mood. 🤷‍♀️ #MommingAintEasy

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Hestapleton
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Mehso-so

Just finished this #LMPBC and it‘s off to @MeesesPieces tomorrow! It‘s a ⭐️⭐️⭐️ book for me, but still really interesting and I‘m excited to see what everyone thinks!

MeesesPieces @Hestapleton yay can‘t wait to read it! 4y
Hestapleton @MeesesPieces weekend got away from me! I should have it in the mail Wednesday! 4y
MeesesPieces @Hestapleton take your time no worries!! 4y
MeesesPieces @Hestapleton I received the book yesterday!! I‘m so excited to read it! 4y
68 likes4 comments
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BookNAround
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Mehso-so

A US where abortion is illegal, embryos have been granted “personhood,” and single people cannot adopt. Terrifying, right? Zumas doesn‘t quite pull off what she‘s trying to do: address women‘s erasure and their roles in this scary dystopia, but props for trying. Full review at https://booknaround.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-red-clocks-by-leni-zumas.html

KathyWheeler I wanted to like this book a whole lot more than I actually did. I was underwhelmed by it. 4y
BookNAround @KathyWheeler There was so much promise, right?! 4y
KathyWheeler @BookNAround Yes! It was really annoying to me that it didn‘t live up to that promise. Your review on your blog is spot on. (edited) 4y
BookNAround @KathyWheeler Thanks! I love hearing I got it right. 😂 4y
56 likes4 comments
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rachelm
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Pickpick

This was worth waiting for. A well woven narrative, a lot to think about here about women, bodies, choices we make and choices that are made for us. I‘ll be checking out Zumas‘ other work for sure.

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rachelm
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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#weeklyforecast is looking good! I accomplished most of the goals from last week, except to get to my ARC reading (need to do that!!)

Plans:
📕Finish Invisible Cities
📖Start A Good Neighborhood

🔈Finish Red Clocks
🔈Continue Wanderers

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rachelm
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas

I‘m crazy busy this weekend but trying to get as many hours of reading and listening in as I can. I‘m already five hours into this and just started yesterday. I have so many thoughts. Loving it so far.

Megabooks I love this book! 4y
30 likes1 comment
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Soubhiville
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Pickpick

I liked this a lot! The audio narrators were excellent. I really connected with the topic and the characters, especially Gin. I‘ll be recommending this one!

ChasingOm I didn‘t get into this one in print, maybe I should try the audio... 🤔 4y
Hooked_on_books I‘m so glad you liked this! I loved this one. I read it in print and thought it was chillingly real. 4y
rachelm Just started this on audio and I‘m already hooked 4y
63 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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BarbaraBB
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Pickpick

Told from the perspective of four women, Red Clocks re-imagines what the US would be like if abortion was once again illegal and criminalized while also outlawing single parents from adopting. The women in this novel each deal with this new reality in different ways. Zumas did a good job in creating four wildly different characters whose paths cross and who all in their own way are so strong and authentic.

rambiepaige This is such a great book! ❤️ 5y
65 likes1 comment
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Hestapleton
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Hazel2019 Yes! 5y
Mogoeg Yes! Thank you! 5y
MeesesPieces @yes awesome thank you! 5y
See All 11 Comments
Hazel2019 @Mogoeg @Hestapleton @MeesesPieces hi! For those of you that have done this before...when we send the book on at the end of the month what‘s the expectation...send just the book?, throw something else in? I was looking at some other posts and couldn‘t figure that part out hmm 🤔 4y
Hestapleton @Hazel2019 it varies! I usually send just the book because money is tight and I‘m usually late in sending it lol. But I‘ve been sent socks and post its, just little trinkets. Totally up to you! 4y
Hazel2019 Thanks @Hestapleton Makes sense. 4y
MeesesPieces I‘ve received little trinkets like candy or bookmarks. I usually throw a little something in for the first time. But it‘s really up to you. Just sending the book is fine also 😊 4y
MeesesPieces @Hazel2019 @Hestapleton @Mogoeg I sent you all a library book pouch thingy for your books through snail mail. 😊I also sent an email about it but I‘m unsure if you received it because I didn‘t hear anything. No worries if you didn‘t. Just wanted to let you know 😊 4y
Hazel2019 @MeesesPieces @Hestapleton @Mogoeg can‘t wait for the library book pouch! I‘m all done reading my book at this point (it‘s under 300 pages). How much do you guys mark up? I didn‘t really mark up a ton. 4y
Hestapleton @Hazel2019 I just mark up anything that sticks out to me that‘s funny or interesting or worth taking about. Some books it‘s more than others. Follow your heart. :) 4y
MeesesPieces @Hazel2019 I do exactly what @Hestapleton does as well! 😊 4y
44 likes11 comments
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BookNAround
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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From dog poems to feminist dystopia, my reading is a little all over the place this weekend.

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The.Intentional.Reader
Red Clocks: A Novel | Leni Zumas
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Nothing like a little dystopia for Tuesday. Just what the doctor ordered.

Megabooks Great book!! 5y
23 likes1 comment