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Girl Against the Universe
Girl Against the Universe | Paula Stokes
66 posts | 59 read | 68 to read
From the author of The Art of Lainey and Liars, Inc. comes a fresh, contemporary story about one girl s tragic past and a boy who convinces her that maybe her luck is about to change. Perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen or Jenny Han.Maguire knows she s bad luck. No matter how many charms she buys off the internet or good luck rituals she performs each morning, horrible things happen when Maguire is around. Like that time her brother, father, and uncle were all killed in a car crash and Maguire walked away with barely a scratch. But then on her way out of her therapist s office, she meets Jordy, an aspiring tennis star, who wants to help Maguire break her unlucky streak. Maguire knows that the best thing she can do for Jordy is to stay away, but staying away may be harder than she thought."
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mschenk
Pickpick

10/10 -I loved it. Can‘t believe I saved it for last because I thought it would be cheesy. It was real and heartbreaking and lovely and beautiful at the same time. Also I may be biased because my boyfriend is a tennis boy but I loved it.

GondorGirl I didn't expect it to be as deep and heartfelt as it was. This book was a surprise. 🧡 3y
mschenk @GondorGirl I agree! I was totally expecting a cheesy rom com but loved the surprise:) 3y
1 like2 comments
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LiteraryinPA
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Pickpick

I read this for my thesis (on YA books featuring characters with anxiety) and I liked it. A lot of nice side characters and a main character that I was rooting for. Finishing this gave me a little cluster on the bottom left of my #bookspinbingo board.

monalyisha I don‘t know if you were a Rugrats fan, but I caught my husband idly watching this video (re: anxiety & pop culture) the other day & thought it was pretty interesting!: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hcGSaBok-p0 (edited) 4y
LiteraryinPA @monalyisha Whoa, that‘s so fascinating! Thanks! 4y
73 likes2 comments
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blondie
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I can't have nice books because of my cat.

rubyslippersreads Tortitude! 😼 4y
Trashcanman Welcome back! It's nice to see you. But I'm over the ocean. 4y
21 likes3 comments
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nao
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Time doesn‘t heal anything. It‘s like drinking. The best it can do is help you forget, if you‘re lucky.

Paula Stokes, Girl Against the Universe
#paula_stokes
#girlagainsttheuniverse
#currentlyreading

2 likes1 stack add
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GondorGirl
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Pickpick

It's very rare to walk away from a fatal car accident unharmed, but that's what happens to Maguire Kelly. Not just the car accident though... there's also the rollercoaster crash, the house fire... It's enough that Maguire believes she's cursed. Following her therapist's suggestion Maguire sets out to complete a set of goals that might help her live a life without her good luck routines. But what happens is more then she could ever imagine.

GondorGirl And huge thanks to @MatildaBaggins who sent me this book for the #SecretSantaGoesPostal swap. ❤ 7y
MatildaBaggins I‘m so glad you enjoyed it! 😄 7y
66 likes2 comments
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GondorGirl
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Stealing a few minutes of reading before my future in-laws get here. Also- I needed photographic proof of how awesome my eyebrows look today. 😂

Pamwurtzler Looking good! 7y
LA_Mead They DO look awesome! Just curious--what products do you use? (If any) 7y
GondorGirl @LA_Mead They're blond and very sparse naturally. Anastasia brow powder, Essance brow mascara, and NYX brow marker. 7y
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LeahBergen They DO look amazing! 👌🏼 7y
Tadams4 Perfect brows! Enjoy your Holidays! 7y
WarpedSweetness They do look awesome! 7y
Books88 I love them! Come do mine, I need brow help. 7y
[DELETED] 206653737 😂 they look great! 7y
96 likes1 stack add8 comments
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Booksblanketsandahotbeverage
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The tag said 'As Is' and I was pleasantly surprised to find an autograph. 😊

23 likes1 stack add
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book_junkee
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Pickpick

One of my favorite books from Paula. Excellent characters, fantastic banter and swoons, and a realistic look at mental health and treatment.

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KuehlerBookStop
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There's a thing that sometimes happens in your brain when you're the only survivor of a horrific accident. Part of you is happy because you're alive, but the rest of you in devastated. Then the sad part beats up the happy part until nothing is left, until all you feel is terrible sorrow for the people who didn't make it.

4 likes1 stack add
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bibliophilemish
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Are you a fan of lucky charm and rituals? This book might be for you. 💫

[DELETED] 191123340 That cover looks lovely ❤ 7y
1 like1 stack add2 comments
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Transientdrifter
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It's summer! Yeah! Girl Against The Universe is a great summer read. While Maguire's issues and experiences are a little extreme, the story deals very sensitively with teen anxiety and therapy, and I really enjoyed the family and friend relationship developments.

#amreading #readmore #readallthebooks #bookish #allthingsbookish #booknerd #booknerdigans #bibliophile #booklover #yalit #yacontemporary

Utopiyll Alphonse Mucha art 😍 he is literally my favourite artist, such beautiful artwork!! 7y
Transientdrifter @Utopiyll same here. I lived in the Czech Republic for several years, and fell totally in love with his art and architecture. I bought a bunch of calendars while I 7y
Transientdrifter @Utopiyll oops, the send button is in a weird place on this keyboard. Anyhow, I bought them and had the prints laminated for my wedding and now they are hanging on the walls of our hallway 💕 7y
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Utopiyll @Transientdrifter Woah! To see his architecture would have been an experience! I would love to go over there and see/buy what I can, other than just finding his work on the internet! 7y
Transientdrifter @Utopiyll if you ever get a chance to visit Prague, I highly recommend it. There is a great Mucha museum there, as well as several buildings he worked on, and some incredible stained glass at the castle. 7y
Utopiyll Prague is definately on my list! I didn't know there was a Mucha museum though which makes it even more enticing 💕 7y
5 likes1 stack add6 comments
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xcandycesbooksx
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I have wanted to read this book for awhile. The paperback finally came out so I can give it a try!

4 likes1 stack add
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cornreviewsbooks
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Everyone seems to be making an account on here so I figured I would join in and see if I like it better then Instagram. So far I do I like that it's just for bookish people and has no infuriating algorithm but there are a few small things I'm not sure I like.
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#booknerd #yalit #bookish #books #yabooks #reading #bookphotography #bookworm #bookaddict #bibliophile #reader

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MyFriendsAreFiction
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So how are y'all liking Litsy? I'm having so much fun!! These are a look at some of the candles that were in the Wick and Fable Velaris Dreams box. I loooooved the box so much. I'll be sharing a full unboxing soon.

BookBriefs I am seriously super in love with her candles! 7y
aforestofpages Wick & Fable make some of my favorite candles 😍 I can count on them to scent my whole house, which some shops' candles aren't able to do! 7y
Utopiyll Oh my I am loving Litsy!! It's gonna be so hard to keep up with all the photos everyone will be taking though!! Some people are so fast and the photos still look amazing 😍I also need to get me some of these candles! 7y
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EvermoreLiterary Ahh! I can't wait for my luxe Velaris box to get here! Ive loved seeing everyone's unboxings!! 7y
DawnCourt Your photos are always so gorgeous! I love following you on insta, and I'm sure I will here too! I'm still new to the litsy thing. >< also I need these candles omg! They look amazing! 7y
queen.of.fantasy Um this is way too gorgeous I can't even!! 7y
LuniReads I'm enjoying Litsy quite a bit! I like the mix between goodreads and insta and it's nice seeing everyone photos!😊 7y
119 likes3 stack adds7 comments
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Bostonmomx2
Pickpick

Really enjoyed this one. A lot of her past pain and struggles really hit home for me. Definitely recommend.

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Bostonmomx2
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Still reading Cannery row but it's pretty dry so starting this as well.

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BookishMarginalia
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Some YA #OrangeYouGlad covers for @Liberty 👍🏼🤓

Gissy Are you at BookMarkPR? 8y
BookishMarginalia @Gissy We were. 😊 8y
108 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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Minispok
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I have a lot of books in my #TBR with #GirlintheTitle
#ReadJanuary @RealLifeReading

JoeStalksBeck Girl With All The Gifts is amazing! 8y
55 likes1 comment
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Awriterspenandpaper
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Pickpick

This was a beautiful and empowering story of a girl overcoming her fears and working through mental illness. It's s fantastic story with totally made me tear up in some spots. A must have on your to read list.

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Gissy
Pickpick

Lovely book. I think that some people can use it in their healing process, not too deep but it could be a start!

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TheBookmarkPR
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Pickpick

Fantastic @EpicReads #BookClub featuring Paula Stokes' #GirlAgainstTheUniverse !

Chessa I love this! 8y
gibblr Sad I couldn't make it 😢 8y
Victorialeanna Follow for a free copy of Staying Alive Through Twenty-Five memoir 8y
32 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Queen.Angix
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Pickpick

Tomorrow's the big day🌸 Cant wait to discuss this month's bookclub!😜

BookishMarginalia I'm so sad that I have a school event and can't go! I was so looks forward to seeing everyone and participating in the skype with the author! 8y
BookishMarginalia *looking forward 8y
Queen.Angix 😭😭 8y
gibblr The first book I buy and read so I can attend, and I don't think I can make it either 😔 8y
4 likes4 comments
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eek337
Pickpick

Great read - and quite possibly one of the absolute best first kisses I've ever read!

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gibblr
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Pickpick

Enjoyed this one for the most part. A bit too wishy-washy when it came to the girlfriend/boyfriend stuff. Maguire's journey was a successful one over all, but that does not mean everything went perfectly. Once she learns that you can't control the Universe, and sometimes there are no answers, is when she truly begins to heal.

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Dog-sitting for a friend. Mika fell asleep while reading with me today! Reading is hard work 😴

KarenUK He's beautiful! 8y
Yournewfriendsams So cute! 8y
WanderingBookaneer Meeks! 😍 8y
BookishMarginalia Love the Meeks! 8y
38 likes5 comments
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gibblr
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This is exactly why I'm making little to no progress with this book...too tired from getting ready for school to start! First day with my students tomorrow!

BookishMarginalia I know! I've been stuck making little progress with my book because of plans and meetings and back-to-school tiredness. Sorry, 8y
mcctrish I feel for you. School doesn't start here ( Ontario) for 4 more weeks 🎉 8y
gibblr @mcctrish So nice! But I guess that's the price we pay for being out earlier at the end of the year... 8y
19 likes3 comments
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Readasaurus_rex
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I'm on the fence about this one. Has anyone else read it?

BookishMarginalia I enjoyed it. 8y
Gissy I read it! I enjoyed it too! 8y
8 likes2 comments
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Queen.Angix
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Pickpick

Finally got this month's selection for @TheBookmarkPR bookclub!!
SO EXCITED!💕😁

BookishMarginalia It's really good! I'm very much looking forward to book club and skyping with the author. (I 💜 that cover!) 8y
gibblr I'm working on it too and hoping to make it to the book club! It'll be my first one! 8y
Queen.Angix @gibblr hope u can make it! Its very fun❤️🤘🏼 8y
Queen.Angix @BookishMarginalia fingers crossed!!😎🙌🏼 8y
10 likes4 comments
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gibblr
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A sunny day, finally! Some reading and new drink floats for the pool.

WanderingBookaneer Cute! Rachel could have used one of those last night. 8y
BookishMarginalia Excellent picture, Kim! 8y
MrBook Nice pic! 8y
20 likes3 comments
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TheFirst30
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Pickpick

I finished the last page and released a sigh of contentment. 😊 Glad I kept reading on. Stokes addresses an important question my YA readers enjoy exploring: How do you continue after a devastating tragedy? My readers who've enjoyed Schneider's Beginning of Everything or Condie's Summerlost will enjoy this book too, but so will fans of Stone's Every Last Word. Might seem like odd pairings, but somehow it all makes sense around Stokes' Universe.

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Only three pages in and already quote worthy!

BookishMarginalia Isn't that the truth! 8y
gibblr I was thinking of posing this question to the AP kids at the beginning of the year and telling them to let me know when (in the course of the year) they have the answer! 8y
11 likes1 stack add2 comments
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TheFirst30
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Last year, my readers went crazy over Jenny Han's To All the Boys and The Summer I Turned Pretty series, so of course I jumped on this book being billed as perfect for Han fans. After the first 30 pages, I'm not quite there yet: that place where I know my readers are when they think of Lara Jean or Belly. Still, I'm reading on especially knowing my temptation to dive into a Harry Potter book marathon right now could be clouding my judgement. 😂

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BookishMarginalia
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Pickpick

After a string of accidents that left her physically unscathed but emotionally devastated, a teen girl suffers from survivor's guilt --her dad, uncle, and brother died in a crash she walked away from-- and believes herself cursed. She embarks on a series of therapy challenges, with the help of a boy with existential issues of his own. Skim through the tennis, video games, and rock climbing, and focus on the story of courage and resilience. 4⭐️

53 likes7 stack adds
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BookishMarginalia
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This first page just pulled me right in. #currentlyreading

Arcana I believe I had that therapist. 8y
46 likes6 stack adds1 comment
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BookishMarginalia
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The next book club selection at @TheBookmarkPR (skyping with author Paula Stokes on Aug 31st!)

NautiGirlReads That is a wonderful book 8y
gibblr Can't remember if I bought this the other day 8y
49 likes2 comments
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MatildaBaggins
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this one, especially since I could totally relate to Maguire. I have anxiety, carry my good luck charms, play tennis, and rock climb... I was starting to feel like I was reading a bit about myself 😳😂 Another great read from #Uppercasebox! 👍🏼

QueenAnne Love that tattoo 😍😍😍📚📚❤️❤️ 8y
MatildaBaggins @QueenAnne Thank you!!! 😄 8y
gibblr Your tattoo!! 😍 8y
32 likes1 stack add3 comments
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MatildaBaggins
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Time for bed! I didn't make it to 24 hours, but I still got in more reading than I expected! This was so much fun, I hope there are more in the future! Fantastic way to spend my last two days of vacation before going back to work 😄📚💜 #24in48 #readathon

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MatildaBaggins
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Someone's not getting enough attention today... 😂💕 #24in48 #readathon

Eyelit What a sweet faced kitty! 8y
Texreader @MatildaBaggins What a huggable doll!! 8y
AnnieReads Gorgeous cat!! 8y
27 likes3 comments
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MatildaBaggins
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Love this dedication 😍

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MatildaBaggins
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Onto my 3rd book. This is from one of my #Uppercase boxes that I haven't gotten to yet! 👍🏼 #24in48 #readathon

20 likes1 stack add
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alisonrose
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Now reading - this is one of my Uppercase Box books, not one I likely would have picked up on my own but I'm gonna give it a shot 😊

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Irisheyz77
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Pickpick

4🌟 Three Thoughts 1) I didn't mean to start or to stay up until 2AM to finish but I have no regrets!! 2) loved this story & Maguire's journey even if I think her mental health issues were resolved fast but can accept it to get my HEA 3) really loved all the characters & Jordy sweet sweet Jordy 😍

Gissy Agree but writer made excellent descriptions about what a panic attack is. I enjoyed the therapist-client relationship! During our book discussion at Bookmark PR, Paula Stoke said she has background in psychology and you can see it in those therapeutic sessions! 8y
6 likes1 comment
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Irisheyz77
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"People keep telling me that time heals all wounds, but it's been five years and I can't even grow a scab, you know?"
"Time doesn't heal anything. It's like drinking. The best it can do is help you forget."

9 likes1 stack add
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BrandiNB
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Really enjoying this one so far. An incredibly accurate portrayal of dealing with mental illness.

1 like1 stack add
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courtofbooks
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A sweet book package came in the mail on this rainy day :)

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MarriedtoMrT
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Pickpick

A really cute contemporary. I suspect the therapy (and recovery) elements were simplified but it was nice that therapy was normalized. And the romance was swoon-y.

Gissy Agree but it was a good story! 👍😊 I reality, every traumatic experience will take time to heal because is a process. I think that at least the story tells us what are the tools that can help a person to heal: family support, good friends, professional help, introspection, a meaning that gives you the energy to change 😊 8y
3 likes1 comment
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NautiGirlReads
Pickpick

This book was wonderful! I cried happy tears at the end. I think this novels portrayal of relationships is real and I highly recommend it. I loved it 💛

10 likes4 stack adds