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Versions of Us
Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
#1 UK Bestseller "A joy." -- Guardian "Enchanting." -- People "Triumphant." -- Sunday Telegraph"Stunningly crafted and constantly surprising . . . An utterly convincing love story about two people destined to be together somehow, no matter what." -- Times "One Day meets Sliding Doors." -- ElleA dazzling novel about the ways the smallest decisions give shape to our lives, The Versions of Us charts a relationship through three possible futures. Cambridge, 1958. Late for class, Eva Edelstein swerves to miss a dog and crashes her bike. Jim Taylor hurries to help her. In that brief moment, three outcomes are born for Eva and Jim. As the strands of their lives weave together and apart across the decades from college through wildly different successes and disappointments, seductions and betrayals, births and funerals, joys and sorrows, the only constant is the power of their connection. TheVersions of Us is a tour de force of storytelling. "Barnett renders an irresistible concept in sweet, cool prose -- a bit like a choose-your-own-adventure book in which you don't have to choose." -- Observer "One of the most engrossing novels either of us has read in years." --Richard Madeley, Richard and Judy Book Club "I simply adored this wonderful novel." -- Jessie Burton, author of The Muse and The Miniaturist
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review
RaeLovesToRead
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Mehso-so

I was expecting an emotionally devastating Sliding Doors style lifelong love story, but I didn't really warm to Jim & Eva.

The 3 versions of their lives felt very similar, whether they were together or apart. I was more invested in the alternate histories than their core relationship.

It did, however, explore the inadequacy of a romantic connection when placed in the context of an entire life. Love isn't always enough. Which sucks.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

56 likes1 stack add
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RaeLovesToRead
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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I'm not quite halfway through this book & realised a short while ago that I don't really like either of the central characters very much. They're (in turn) resentful, unfaithful, selfish, & make unwise decisions in whichever reality! The only "positive" is their supposedly fate-like feeling of connection.

I am invested in the Sliding-Doors-style premise. I think a lot about alternate realities & different versions in my own life.

Undecided...

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RaeLovesToRead
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Currently reading! (Not even including audiobooks / books for work 😅)

I seem to be reading all the books.

julesG Moderate pile, IMHO. 14mo
5feet.of.fury Nice! I loved Atomic Habits! 14mo
Ruthiella But it‘s a good mix. 👍 I like to read a number of different genres at once. I‘d say my comfortable limit is five at once, but I have gone higher. 14mo
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reading.rainb0w If this ain't me! 🤣 I've always got at least 5 or 6 books I'm reading at once lol. Good pile of reads! 14mo
BekaReid Solid stack! 14mo
Branwen Ooooh how is Magpie Murders? I've been wanting to read that one! 14mo
RaeLovesToRead @julesG I feel like I have too many tabs open in my brain, though! 😵😄 14mo
RaeLovesToRead @5feet.of.fury It's amazing, but I am still in The Valley of Disappointment... come on, habits! Make me into Rae 2.0 🤣🤣 14mo
RaeLovesToRead @Ruthiella I just kept starting new books to avoid House of Leaves 🤣🤣 14mo
RaeLovesToRead @reading.rainb0w Usually I don't go higher than 4 books on the go at once... and all different genres 🙈🙈 Juggling 6 is... 😵🤣 14mo
RaeLovesToRead @BekaReid Why thank you! 😊😊😁 14mo
RaeLovesToRead @Branwen So far it's amazing. It's like a book within a book and has loads of cosy charm 🥰💕 14mo
Cathythoughts I really enjoyed Such A Fun Age. 👍🏻♥️ 14mo
59 likes13 comments
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RaeLovesToRead
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Here we have a bit of a shelf of shame!

These are books that I bought long ago in HARDBACK (so desperate was I to read them that I couldn't wait for paperback...) aaaaaaaand they haven't been read yet 😬

The Versions of Us came out over 7 years ago... The Luminaries about a decade ago 🙈

Whoops... So although I'm knee deep in challenges already, I hope I can get through these this year 💪🏻

Any faves here??

sarahbarnes I loved The Luminaries! You‘re in for a treat there I think. 14mo
Ruthiella I also loved The Luminaries. 👍 I found 8 Detectives a little disappointing, but it is a fast read if that‘s what you need. 14mo
MicheleinPhilly I won‘t tell you how many of those books I have on my shelf. “I must have it NOW! On the day of release!” *sits unread for years and years and years* 14mo
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BarbaraBB I agree 💯with @Ruthiella and @sarahbarnes! I loved The luminaries! 14mo
RaeLovesToRead @sarahbarnes @Ruthiella @BarbaraBB Well that's 3 votes for the luminaries so I'd better boost that to the top of the pile!! 14mo
RaeLovesToRead @MicheleinPhilly Go ooooooon... put them all in a pile and show us.... 😁 14mo
bnp The one I've read and loved is Borne. 14mo
MicheleinPhilly It would take SEVERAL posts! 14mo
RaeLovesToRead @bnp Glad you loved it! I think I'll read the Area X trilogy first, but I will hopefully get to it soon 🤞🏻🤞🏻 14mo
RaeLovesToRead @MicheleinPhilly And suddenly I feel better 😊😄 14mo
65 likes10 comments
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TheSpineView
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Klou Good one! 1y
42 likes2 comments
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Hannah_11
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Pickpick

To begin with I found the three versions kind of hard to follow. As the story progressed I started to enjoy it more and more. A very thought provoking book and perfect example of chance and destiny. Worth a read 💜 #TheVersionsOfUs #LauraBarnett #pick #lovedit

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5280reader
Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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This book reminds me of this movie. So far getting into the alternate timelines, but it was a little tricky to start...

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SweetAngst
Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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I just can't with this book. 😐
Long broken sentences drive me crazy.

wanderinglynn Agree! because by the time you get to the end of the sentence, you forgot what was happening. At least that‘s what happens to me. 5y
6 likes1 comment
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SweetAngst
The Version of Us | Laura Barnett
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Still trying to get through this. It's a little hard to follow as the 3 timelines occur semi simultaneously and I can't just sit down and read it all at once. I don't really like the characters either, but at about halfway through I feel committed to finish.

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guinsgirlreads
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Book gifts I got last night at work 😆😊❤️

Zelma Ooh, I love The Rose Garden! 5y
Littlestbookshelf Oohhh I want to read The Rose Garden so bad! 5y
38 likes2 comments
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Christyco125
Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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I have found my #nirvana and it is called 2nd & Charles. I can wander aisles and ogle books and my husband won‘t bug me. He‘s too busy going through the video games.

#bookhaul #moretbr

Readergrrl I see The Elegance of the Hedgehog! One of my all time favorites!!!!! Please tell us how you liked it! 5y
Lcsmcat ❤️ Hedgehog! I hope you do too! 5y
30 likes2 comments
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Oryx
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Finally got round to starting this one, a gift from @Caroline2 - really like it so far, so thank you. #jbuk

Can you tell Daisy has a very hard life? #dogsoflitsy

Reviewsbylola Daisy is so pretty! 😍 5y
valeriegeary Looks ruff. 😁😆🤓 5y
Sleepswithbooks Daisy sits like such a proper lady 😍 5y
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GypsyKat ❤️❤️❤️ 5y
TrishB Definitely a Doggo with a hard life 🐶❤️ 5y
Caroline2 Yay! Glad to hear you‘re enjoying it! 👍🏻 5y
80 likes1 stack add6 comments
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JennyM
Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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7 | #SeptemberDanes

Lots of #DejaVu in this one, with three possible outcomes played out after a man and woman meet. Nice idea, but fell a bit flat for me.

Cinfhen Well done 😀 and great graphics 6y
Kalalalatja That is an interesting premise for a book, but it really need to be well executed! 6y
56 likes2 comments
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read.run.travel
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Pickpick

This one took me a while to get into. The multiple storylines had me confused at time, but I eased into it after about one third of the book.
I ended up loving this! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved the messages and the intertwining of the characters‘ lives over the span of 60 years

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whatrebeccasread
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Panpan

A clever concept but a difficult read with underwritten story lines and characters. I‘d give “The Versions of Us” a miss and will rate it 2 stars.

See my full review on my blog! 📚

kstadt929 I completely agree! It sounded so good and I was very disappointed with this one as well. 6y
83 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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aquariusnat
Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Pickpick

This has an interesting approach to a love story. A young couple meet by accident on a college campus in 1958 , then there's 3 different versions of their relationship that play out. I enjoyed this novel .

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Oryx
Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Thank you so much for the book @Caroline2
After a long day at work (working late on a Friday is the worst) this was a lovely treat to come home to. It sounds really good. I'm going to save this one for my holidays. 🏖️

I love the your Litsy stickers on the package! So cute 😍

#jbuk

TrishB Lovely 💕 6y
tammysue 💗💗💗 6y
Caroline2 I‘m glad it cheered you up and I hope you enjoy the book! 😉 6y
80 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Lmstraubie
The Version of Us | Laura Barnett
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Pickpick

I liked this story, even though it was some work. There are 3 versions of the lives of the two main characters. The book continually switches between the 3 lives. I had to keep reviewing to make sure I knew which version I was in. I probably should have just read all version one first, then two, then three. It might have been easier.

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Lmstraubie
The Version of Us | Laura Barnett
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I figure I should finish my reading of books with the same story told in multiple versions and start tackling all the ebooks I've downloaded 😏

38 likes2 stack adds
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BestDogDad
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Pickpick

As I‘ve said before, I‘m fascinated with these “what if” novels. I think we all have moments in life where we make a pivotal decision which sets our future path, and we wonder after the fact what if we would‘ve made a different choice?
I would definitely recommend this book but I think it would be much easier to follow with the paper version. This is a very ambitious work with an interesting premise and I think Laura Barnett really pulled it off.

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BestDogDad
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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I‘m almost done with this and like it so far. I‘m fascinated with “what if” stories and this novel is based on three versions of Eva‘s life.

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aquariusnat
Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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These are the two newest additions to my physical TBR pile !

ShookBelf This is such a great read. 6y
10 likes1 comment
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JulAnna
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Pickpick

Good concept- a little hard to follow at first on the Kindle as it went back and forth between three storylines (maybe a better paper read?) There were a few too many affairs for my liking, but overall an interesting look at life and the different paths it may take.

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JulAnna
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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It‘s a little chilly, but definitely bearable. The sun is out and I am able to be reading on the porch! Finally some spring weather 😊

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JulAnna
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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This is good so far. A little difficult to follow at first, with three parallel storylines, but an interesting concept.

TheBookgeekFrau I liked this book. Such a cool story concept 6y
JulAnna @C.Perone Have you tried Paul Auster‘s -very similar concept 6y
TheBookgeekFrau I have not, but just stacked it! 6y
33 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Sweettartlaura
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Pickpick

Ohhhh, this book!
Read this one with a book club or as a buddy read, because you WILL want to talk it over with others as you read it/right after.
Barnett walks us through 3 different versions of Eva & Jim‘s romance. In all three it is inevitable. But in none is it without a lifetime of complications & difficulties.
I still can‘t decide which version I prefer. I think I‘ll be thinking about it for a while to come.
Read this book!📚
4.5⭐️

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Sweettartlaura
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Started this one today. So far it‘s a little weird to get into. But I‘m hopeful 🤞

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Smartypants
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Love the premise of the book—different versions of the story but wondering if I should have read this in book form as it‘s hard to keep up with all the versions. LOL. #litsyhumor #britlit

jhod It's hard reading it too, so must be a nightmare on audio! 6y
Smartypants Right? @jhod I‘m currently confused as to if she is with Davis or Jim. Which one is her man??? 6y
jhod Both at different times I think! Jim appears in all three versions, I'm not sure David does... sorry not to be more help! 6y
Smartypants Okay, that makes sense! 6y
7 likes4 comments
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Clare_Riley
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Pickpick

This was a little confusing to get in to at the start, but once I'd separated the three story arcs, it got easier. A story of two people, and the different ways their lives went, based on one decision. If you'd asked me my opinion a third of the way through, I would have given a very different opinion to the one I have now! I enjoyed it. Very much so. And the ending may have required some tissues 😥

17 likes2 stack adds
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bpatman
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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tinuzza95
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Pickpick

My first ever post on here goes for a book that was written for everyone who, like me, wonders what would happen if they made a different choice. It builds up, taking you on a journey of a love story that feels real, giving you all the feelings and emotions any real relationship would give you. Worth a read, and maybe a thought on how chance and making a decision could change your life forever.
#bookofthemonth

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ChloeTallis
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett

Can anyone recommend any holiday books? Last year I read The Versions of Us and it was the perfect holiday read. What are your favourites?!?

JillR @ChloeTallis how can we have not discussed this IRL?! I'll get my thinking cap on before the morning ;) 7y
ChloeTallis Thanks @Dragon will check it out!! 7y
ChloeTallis Hahah I know @JillR very unlike us! Need to get thinking 💭 7y
JillR Me right now 🤔 📚😃 7y
6 likes1 stack add5 comments
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Cosyreader
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Pickpick

Gosh I'm glad I stuck with this one. It's a bit of a #slowread but worth it - even though the characters make such terrible decisions! Loved them still. It's like Sliding Doors but so much more 😭💛

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christineandbooks
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Pickpick

Quiet, poignant, reflective story - or stories really - about a man and woman and their lives together and apart. The book traces their relationship in three versions of what might have been. Their relationships are never perfect, never smooth, they are not even always together. But it was a beautiful depiction of how easily things could be different and I loved how the author wove together the similar details of each storyline. Really good read.

Cinfhen Great review💗 7y
christineandbooks Should mention that I listened to this on audio which was a little confusing at times in terms of keeping the versions straight. But the narration was good overall...A man and a woman reading the different versions, British accents, quiet and easy to listen to voices. I plan to check out the book from the library just to get a visual for how the versions were set up. 7y
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readinginthedark Interesting! Like the movie "Sliding Doors!" 7y
christineandbooks @readinginthedark I haven't seen that movie but I keep hearing that comparison. I guess I need to watch it! :-) 7y
57 likes3 stack adds6 comments
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Equinm
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Mehso-so

I LOVED the premise of this book! However, the characters were so unlikable. In each version we followed selfish malcontents who made their lives miserable by only focusing on what they didn't have rather than the many blessings surrounding them. It was tough to finish this book.

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christineandbooks
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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I started this book on audio recently. I'm only a little way into it but I am having a little trouble keeping the various stories of Jim and Eva straight. I think listening to it might be making it more confusing. Has anyone else listened to it? Did you get the stories straight after a bit? Or maybe should I try it in print instead?

grandma_loves_books That's happened to me on several audios. I find if I can get a copy at the library to read, things start to make more sense. Then I'm able to keep up with the audio. 7y
Lmstraubie I can only listen to certain types of books on audio otherwise I get lost. I do best with memoirs. 7y
42 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Jerdencon
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Hoping to start this before I have to get ready for my sons family birthday party later today. This is his 3rd celebration 🎉 this week at our house for his 8th bday and I'm pooped.... really want to just stay in my pjs and read! Lol... spoiled 8 year old! 😀

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AmyLarge
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
Pickpick

Kind of like 'Sliding Doors'. Takes a bit of concentration to remember which characters are in which time stream, but that does get easier so bear with it. An interesting study of how, even with the two same people, even small changes in events can result is big changes in outcome. I didn't always like the characters, but I felt invested in every single version of them.

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Blair_Reads
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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🍦 ice cream and night reading 📖

josie281 Halo Top is the best! 7y
Robothugs I've never had that, but I want some. 🤤 7y
PrezBookster Halo Top Chocolate Almond Crunch is sooooo good! I can't wait to try Mint Chip! My store didn't have it this week! 7y
See All 7 Comments
Lidia How is this book? I got the e-book recently 7y
stargazerblue49 Mint chip is really good! I can't wait to try more! 7y
Blair_Reads @Lidia I'm enjoying it lots. As long as you pay attention to the names of chapters and the versions and dates it all makes sense and is easy to follow. I'm about a third the way through and would recommend it :) 7y
asiriusreader I tried the mint chip over the weekend! Tasty!! 7y
131 likes1 stack add7 comments
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Blair_Reads
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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I had to giggle and post. This is my life. Books and caffeine all the time 😂💜 it's a great life. Really happy to start this book!

vivastory It's important to love your life. Coffee & books is also my life. Wouldn't change it for anything. 7y
Blair_Reads @vivastory yes 🙌🏻 books coffee and oxygen. All you need 😉 7y
82 likes2 comments
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sumaiyya.books
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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I'm finding it a bit hard to get into this story, or to care about the characters. Did anyone else feel this way?

Bookscatsandcountry I felt the same. I had to keep notes so I knew which version I was reading which kept pulling me out of the story. 7y
44 likes1 stack add1 comment
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literarymermaid
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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They are my #lastboikstacked. Yesterday was Top Ten Tuesday on the blog and these are just some of the books that others had considered the nest of 2016 and piqued my interest. I hope I get to them in 2017! #seasonsreadings @RealLifeReading

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Megzdavies93
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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BookishMarginalia Welcome to Litsy! It's a great place to be! 👍🏼 7y
MrBook Welcome to @Litsy ! We hope you enjoy your stay 😊👍🏻. 7y
6 likes1 stack add2 comments
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cecilhoney1988
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Love reading by the light from the Christmas tree 🎄

6 likes1 stack add
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BittersweetBooks
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Because he is old enough now to know happiness for what it is: brief and fleeting, not a state to strive for, to seek to live in, but to catch when it comes, and to hold on to for as long as you can 🍂

Penny_LiteraryHoarders Great picture!! Do you like this book? I was thinking of putting it out as a suggestion for our book club meeting this week. 7y
BittersweetBooks @Penny_LiteraryHoarders I really liked it!! One of my favorites of the year. I thought the concept was creative and really well done. If you pick it, let me know what you think! 7y
18 likes1 stack add3 comments
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BittersweetBooks
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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This #Thanksgiving, I'm #thankful for books, time off to read them, and pumpkin pie 🦃🍁📚

BittersweetBooks @Michelle_mck can't wait, it's next on my list! 7y
20 likes1 stack add2 comments
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EmilyVA
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Sliding doors type fiction, well done. Sometime joyous, sometimes reflective, sometimes heart wrenching.

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Ogasalda
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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How often people feel this way?...

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LauraBeth
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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One couple plus three possible futures? I'm in! I will check you out of library jail, hug you, read under the covers tonight with you, the cat will sleep on top of you and I shall have my morning coffee with you. Same goes to you To The Bright Edge Of The World ❤️

Schuhbox When I read this, about 100 pages in, I realized that I was having problems keeping the versions straight and was not enjoying it as much. So, I started reading version 1, then 2 and 3. I liked it so much more that way. It went a lot faster too! 7y
LauraJ Every book should be so lucky! 7y
LauraBeth Thanks @Schuhbox - I may try reading it that way and see if that's better for my brain 😀 7y
131 likes8 stack adds4 comments
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LadyBrik
The Versions of Us | Laura Barnett
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Rainy afternoon reading. ☔️💦🌧 #bookclubpick