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Letters of Sylvia Plath Volume I
Letters of Sylvia Plath Volume I: 19401956 | Sylvia Plath
32 posts | 3 read | 39 to read
Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) was one of the writers that defined the course of twentieth-century poetry. Her vivid, daring and complex poetry continues to captivate new generations of readers and writers. In the Letters, we discover the art of Plath's correspondence, most of which has never before been published and is here presented unabridged, without revision, so that she speaks directly in her own words. Refreshingly candid and offering intimate details of her personal life, Plath is playful, too, entertaining a wide range of addressees, including family, friends and professional contacts, with inimitable wit and verve. The letters document Plath's extraordinary literary development: the genesis of many poems, short and long fiction, and journalism. Her endeavour to publish in a variety of genres had mixed receptions, but she was never dissuaded. Through acceptance of her work, and rejection, Plath strove to stay true to her creative vision. Well-read and curious, she offers a fascinating commentary on contemporary culture. Leading Plath scholars Peter K. Steinberg and Karen V. Kukil, editor of The Journals of Sylvia Plath 1950-1962, provide comprehensive footnotes and an extensive index informed by their meticulous research. Alongside a selection of photographs and Plath's own line-drawings, the editors masterfully contextualise what the pages disclose. This selection of early correspondence marks the key moments of Plath's adolescence, including childhood hobbies and high school boyfriends; her successful but turbulent undergraduate years at Smith College; the move to England and Cambridge University; and her meeting and marrying Ted Hughes, including a trove of unseen letters post-honeymoon, revealing their extraordinary creative partnership.
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TrishB
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https://www.sothebys.com/buy/8f6072f3-d379-4c54-9a6e-8bccfd5ccd3f

If you have a few quid down the back of the couch.
Their wedding rings 😢 find it very sad that their daughter is selling their wedding rings, despite all what happened later. But it‘s not my parents I guess.

vivastory Maybe a museum, or a group of them, will band together to auction on these as they did recently with the Bronte materials 3y
Cathythoughts I think that‘s sad about the rings too 3y
GingerAntics How can you sell your parents‘ wedding rings? That‘s heartbreaking. 3y
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LeahBergen It‘s really quite sad. But… buy it all, Trish! 😆 3y
CarolynM It can't be easy being their children. I feel for them. 3y
TrishB @vivastory that would be good. 3y
TrishB @Cathythoughts @GingerAntics it does feel very sad. 3y
TrishB @LeahBergen I would love to ❤️ but hope a museum, library/uni do so at least people may be able to look at them 3y
TrishB @CarolynM there is only one now 😞 they had a son and daughter but the son died a few years ago. Must be even lonelier being the only one. 3y
Cathythoughts @CarolynM I agree , difficult for their children I imagine 💔 3y
Caroline2 That‘s really sad. 😔 maybe they reallllly need the money?? 🤷‍♀️ and yeah, it‘ll be lovely if it all ends up in a museum. 🤞 3y
TrishB @Caroline2 let‘s hope so 🤞🏻 (edited) 3y
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Branwen
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Post 2 of 2

#nationalpoetrymonth #poetrymonth #poetry

As you can probably tell, Sylvia Plath is one of my favorite poets! 😍📚💕 I've been reading her newest biography recently, and it's phenomenal!

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karasu13
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Pickpick

I cannot even begin to say how important Sylvia Plath is to me. After reading her letters, it‘s official: no other writer knows my soul better than her. Her views on life, men, and the need to write mirror mine to an almost terrifying degree. Spending so much time in her thoughts makes me feel her loss so profoundly. It is devastating to read of all she wanted to achieve while knowing how her life plays out.

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karasu13
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As we say on tumblr, big mood.

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Leftcoastzen
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#31bookpics #BigBooks The top 2 books I am currently reading.Sure,big books cut down on your books read number, but the heart wants what it wants . I read a few graphic novels and slim volumes of poetry so it evens out in in the end.

Carolhreads Ah thick books are where it's at I'm reading right now it's huge!!! 6y
Leftcoastzen @CarolineReads I read that this year, it was worth it.In my humble opinion.😁 6y
Reviewsbylola I love stacks of big books! 6y
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mrozzz 😍😍😍😍😍 6y
jveezer I have to get to My Struggle. I have them all on my shelf waiting. Along with a couple other long multi-book series I want to read or re-read. 6y
Leftcoastzen @jveezer I think you will love them.They just hooked me.It‘s a life ,high ego then self doubt,beautiful descriptions of everyday life.He buys too many books and lots of music,I find that relatable .😃 6y
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TrishB
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Pickpick

I‘m done !!!! Feel like I‘ve been reading for ever and it‘s only been 4 days 😁 If you‘re not a massive Plath follower you probably wouldn‘t read this. It‘s so detailed and has so much information - sometimes even a bit over the top for me. I don‘t remember some of the 1950s language so much from the originals I‘ve read. Made me wince a couple of times.
Overall for me though, full of insights and stories that I loved reading. 👇

TrishB I really can‘t make my mind up about this cover..... 6y
Leftcoastzen I have mixed feelings the U.S. cover looks more serious, but I love that photo of Sylvia on the beach they used on the British edition.Maybe they think all Brits long for a sunny beach day!?😎🏖 6y
TrishB @Leftcoastzen I do love the photo and I have read why they used it. Just not sure it‘s the right one for this book! 6y
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EvieBee Four days?!? Wow. I have her journals and haven‘t yet read those but would love to read these along with Virginia Woolf‘s. 6y
Reggie Is her husband the one who took another woman and she also committed suicide? 6y
TrishB @EvieBee The journals probably give you more of a thorough background than just the letters. I enjoyed them 👍🏻 6y
TrishB @Reggie yes, the other woman also killed their daughter. Ted cheated on all the women in his life continually. 6y
Cathythoughts Great review, you really make me want to read it. .. I‘d love to give it a go. But it would take me a much longer time. I‘m thinking I could dip in and out. Maybe see what it‘s like ! 👍🏻❤️ 6y
Cathythoughts And well done 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 6y
TrishB @Cathythoughts I think dipping in is a good idea - the letters are dated so you could do half a year/a year at a time. 6y
Cinfhen Wowza!!! 6y
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Leftcoastzen
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Unlike @TrishB , I am only on page 6 , but wanted to show the old mass market Plath books dug out of my storage stash.

Cinfhen I‘m rooting for you!!! 6y
TrishB Lovely 💕!! I‘m done! 6y
Leftcoastzen @TrishB How was it? 6y
TrishB Just reviewed- I‘m sure as a fan you‘ll love it like me. So much detail though- some I didn‘t think was relevant. I‘ll be ready for Volume 2 by October.... 6y
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TrishB
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#thatswhatilike #getmovin
Actually getting a chance to read at lunchtime!! Past the 1000 page mark, trying to get finished today 😁
Then I think I‘m going on Mastermind as ‘specialist subject - letters of SP!!‘

Cathythoughts Sounds like a plan. I have no doubt you would come out with flying colours 🎉🎉🎉 6y
Cinfhen I can‘t believe you‘ve been lugging that around with you!!!! 😱 6y
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GripLitGrl 👏👏👍 6y
DeborahSmall Jeez that‘s huge xxx 6y
eanderson Man... that‘s a brick!!! Enjoy!!! 6y
Bklover Wow!!!!!! 6y
TrishB @Cinfhen my shoulder can‘t either!! 6y
TrishB @ephemeralwaltz @DeborahSmall @eanderson @Bklover it‘s a bit bonkers that I‘m up 1050 and still have 400 pages to go !!! 6y
Leftcoastzen Wow , I just started it ,page 6.😁 6y
Cinfhen Slacker @Leftcoastzen 😛😘 6y
Leftcoastzen 😂👍I wonder how long it would take at the rate of one letter a day.😉 @Cinfhen 6y
TrishB @Leftcoastzen oh dear lord- you‘d never finish! I‘m not sure how she managed to get anything else done! But I suppose it was the equivalent of social media.... 6y
SandyW Equivalent of social media... 😂😂😂 6y
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TrishB
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#currentbookquote #readingresolutions
Sylvia was one of us 😁
It won‘t let me tag anyone!!

ju.ca.no 💕💕💕 6y
Ddzmini 🤣🤣🤣 yes 6y
AlaMich “Clots of philosophy”...😂 6y
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LeahBergen 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 6y
Caroline2 Yay!!!! 👏🏻 😂 6y
Cathythoughts A Bibliomaniac ! Yes she is one of us 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 (edited) 6y
103 likes6 comments
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TrishB
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Picture from holiday that I think is cool and has lovely memories associated with it.
Reading tagged book- lots of letters from American poet
Historical fiction - fav is Middle Ages, very fussy as to time period and quality
15 and grey and cloudy
FA Cup Final and visiting a luxury dog hotel where Sansa will be going (hopefully!) when we go in holiday.
#humpdaypost

Cathythoughts Beautiful place 💙❤️ 6y
Cinfhen Only THE BEST for Sansa 😍 6y
britt_brooke Beautiful! 6y
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TrishB @Cathythoughts @britt_brooke it is , it‘s Starcross in Devon. 6y
TrishB @Cinfhen it‘s massively expensive - but no kennel and their own room/nanny......with CCTV we can check up on her.... 6y
LeahBergen The CCTV idea is brilliant 👍🏻 6y
TrishB @LeahBergen that‘s what‘s worth the cost really - and put my daughters mind at rest. Assuming we don‘t log on and she‘s whining all day 😔!! 6y
Cinfhen How fabulous 🤗a dog nanny 6y
94 likes8 comments
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TrishB
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I have passed the half way point 😁
SP didn‘t half write some letters!!

Andrew65 😂😂😂 6y
Melissa_J I‘m impressed! That didn‘t take you very long. 6y
LeahBergen Wow! You‘re speedy. 👍🏻 6y
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BethFishReads 👍👍👍 6y
Tanisha_A Ok, that book is thickety thick! 😀 6y
TrishB @Melissa_J @LeahBergen it doesn‘t feel like! Have to remind myself that‘s 750 pages so 2 or 3 normal books!! 6y
TrishB @Tanisha_A it certainly is 😁 6y
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TrishB
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Sylvia - letter 1952. This thought obviously stuck with her.

LeahBergen Cool! 6y
Cathythoughts Makes one think 👍🏻 6y
109 likes2 comments
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TrishB
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Ploughing through! Due to a few family dramas today didn‘t get as much read as I‘d have liked - but such is life! Bed now! This is a very uncomfortable book to read as it‘s that heavy- reading in the bath didn‘t last long today!!

Melissa_J That is a brick! 6y
SandyW Didn't you replace your broken kindle? (I've been in the real world lately and may be confused) 6y
TrishB @SandyW I did- but have hundreds of books on the pile and this one was a gift. And didn‘t want to pay another (d0 on kindle!! Shall soldier on ? 6y
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TrishB @Melissa_J it certainly is! 6y
Cathythoughts It looks like a lovely book to have 💕 6y
Caroline2 I always read in the bath too! 😉 it‘s my favourite pastime/escape away from the kids!! 👍🏻 6y
TrishB @Cathythoughts it definitely is 👍🏻 6y
TrishB @Caroline2 absolutely 😁 6y
Caroline2 That is a massive book tho Trish!! 😲 how many pages is it??? Ps I‘ve chosen His Bloody project for the whodunnit so don‘t read it yet!!! 😆 6y
TrishB @Caroline2 it‘s 1424 pages with an additional 30 page introduction !! Ok- that‘s on my pile! I have a letter to finish and get in the post to you - at least they won‘t be getting mixed in with #whodunnituk now! We‘ve all got new people I think. 6y
Caroline2 Wow!!! That‘s big! But it does sound interesting! Cool, no rush! 👍🏻 yeahhh how awesome does the reading list this time round sound....!!!! 😲 I‘m well chuffed! 😃 6y
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karasu13
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Now this is a tome. I can‘t wait to dive into this 1,400-pager!

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TrishB
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Quote from Frieda Hughes to start this book. Finally started this - my shoulder will be aching carrying this about this week!! It‘s a rather large book.
#bigbookmonitor

Cinfhen Oh God!!! It must be #SuperChunky if you are calling it rather large 😂 (edited) 6y
LeahBergen That quote. ❤️ 6y
TrishB @Cinfhen 1424 pages 😁 and an additional 30 page introduction!! 6y
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TrishB @LeahBergen sometimes I need to remind myself that they were someone‘s parents 😔 It‘s easy to look in from the outside and be fascinated. Living with that legacy. 6y
Leftcoastzen Wow incredible quote, getting ready to start this brick as well. 6y
TrishB @Leftcoastzen been on the pile for a while and today suddenly said hello read me!! 6y
Cinfhen 😱😱😱😱😱 @minkyb 6y
batsy Such a poignant quote. 6y
Centique Wow! I thought I had read this but it turned out mine was the edited down version. Would love to hear what you think of this huge edition! 6y
TrishB @Centique I‘ve read the previous version too- hadn‘t realised how edited it was until I got this one! 6y
Centique @TrishB that‘s so interesting to hear! I‘m going to have to read this I see 👍 6y
minkyb I love that Trish is posting her own #BigBookAlerts. 1,400 pages of Sylvia Plath is heavy indeed! 6y
TrishB @minkyb it definitely is! 6y
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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I guess I‘m on a Sylvia kick today... #chunkster 1,424 pages!!! 😳😳 Who has read this?! I want it also!!

#ReadingResolutions

ReadingEnvy I haven't but there are a few letters in 6y
IamIamIam I've skimmed it because there's a lot of information! 6y
Leftcoastzen I bought it but am trying to get through a few library books before I start 6y
LeahBergen I want to read it! 6y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @ReadingEnvy @IamIamIam @Leftcoastzen @LeahBergen I love books with letters and journals and this one will be especially interesting... 6y
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Betty_Bookworm
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Pickpick

Almost done with volume one. And this part just killed me. 💔

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bibliobliss
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• this ONE book is the HAUL! it‘s MASSIVE! Sylvia was a prolific diarist. turns out she had a lot to say about the people in her life and life in general...sad part is I don‘t think anyone in her life was really listening 😔 she was incredibly damaged but endlessly talented •

#library #libraryloot #newin #newreleases #letters #journals #SylviaPlath #womenwriters #massivebooks #doorstoppers

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bibliobliss
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• oh dear god in heaven I found a brand new copy this morning at uni library! it weighs as much as a small dog and clocks in at 1,388 pages including the index. I could lift it and build some muscle, but why would I do that when I can read it instead? 😝 I am endlessly fascinated by Sylvia Plath and my copy is from 2000 so I‘m glad to read an updated version. more pics to follow! 🤗💗 •

#library #libraryfinds #massivebooks #doorstoppers

No_One Wow! That is going to be one interesting read! Enjoy. 🙂 6y
bibliobliss @No_One I cannot wait! 6y
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emilyhaldi
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After reading a book about Plath last year, I really #desire this book 💗 Especially now that I‘m finally reading The Bell Jar! Might have to be a birthday present to myself.
#nuyear

Cinfhen I think @TrishB got this for Christmas 6y
LeahBergen Oooo! 😍 6y
Mdargusch Looks very interesting. 6y
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TrishB This is sooooo worth a read and the journals 👍🏻 6y
Leftcoastzen Want this book! 6y
BarbaraBB Great picture as well. I loved her journals after reading the Bell Jar. 6y
Bookalong I got this for Christmas....looking forward to it!! 6y
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Bookalong
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"I write only because
There is a voice within me
That will not be still"
Sylvia Plath, Letters
So excited to have received this for Christmas!
???
What book are you most excited for that you got this month?
#sylviaplath #sylviaplathletters #bookish #booklover #bookworm

TrishB I got this one too ❤️ 6y
Bookalong @TrishB 👍Awesome enjoy!! 💕 6y
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MatchlessMarie
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Honestly this was all I really wanted this year. 😁 #BookishGifts #SeasonsReadings2017

TrishB Me too 👍🏻 think there‘s a few of us got this. Will be working my way through it in the New Year. 6y
Cinfhen It‘s a chunkster or #chunkylite if you‘re @TrishB #BigBookMonitor @minkyb 6y
TrishB @Cinfhen it is a big book! And heavy 😮 I suspect it‘s not a read in one sitting book! 6y
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Chab256 Omg...jealous!! 6y
[DELETED] 3803335244 Love Sylvia 6y
emilyhaldi Omg me too!!!!! Jealous 💕 6y
mrozzz That‘s a TOME. I am also jealous. ENJOY 😊 6y
Bookalong 💕Plath...I got this for Christmas so excited! 6y
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Bookalong
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Merry Christmas Everyone!! 🎄🎅🎉🎁❄📚
This is some of my Christmas Book Haul.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day!
#bookstack #bookpile #merrychristmas #bookish #sylviaplath

BookishMarginalia Great books and lovely mug! 🎄 6y
TrishB I got the Plath book too 🌲 6y
emilyhaldi I want that Plath!!!! 💕 6y
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Bookalong @TrishB Awesome! Enjoy! I haven't read her letters before. This was on the top of my wishlist 🎅🎄🎁 6y
Bookalong @emilyhaldi Its lovely I can't wait to read it! It was on the top of my wishlist 🎅🎁😊 6y
16 likes6 comments
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everlocalwest
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Branwen
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Over thirteen hundred pages of glorious Sylvia Plath. Be still my heart. Best Friday night ever! ♡

batsy I want that 😍 6y
Libby1 @Branwen - your sweet cat. 😻 6y
Branwen @batsy You should pick up a copy! It's a pretty penny but totally worth it! Most of the letters have never before been published! :-) @Libby1 Thank you! :-) She's such a sweetheart and absolutely my best friend! 6y
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rubyslippersreads 😻📚😻 6y
mrozzz I was startled at how huge it is! 6y
Branwen @mrozzz Right?!? So was I! It's crazy huge! :-) 6y
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MatchlessMarie
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Just dropped on Tuesday. Who has ordered their copy? Amid the cover controversy I still can‘t decide on which cover to order but I‘m leaning towards the UK version. Thoughts?

Cinfhen I like the one on the left and I'm pretty sure @TrishB will be getting this book 💘 7y
MatchlessMarie @cinfhen I think it‘s kind of humorous that the UK cover image was taken in the US and vice versa. I kind of like seeing a more playful Plath in her Monroe cover since we are so used to seeing the buttoned up and brooding image of her all the time. (edited) 7y
TrishB @Cinfhen excited about this 😀 but can't buy any newly released books not already pre-ordered until after my birthday - as ordered by the family! But prefer cover on the left! 7y
MatchlessMarie @TrishB That‘s hilarious! I have a birthday coming up next month. No interventions over here yet though 😂 7y
TrishB I've got a week to go!! 7y
29 likes2 stack adds5 comments
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NotAJot
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Saw this on Twitter and had to share it :)

69 likes1 comment
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MatchlessMarie
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#LetsTalkAboutBooksBaby
1. San Antonio, TX
2. I've read a lot of good ones but I'm gonna go with Torn by Justin Lee.
3. Finding God in the Waves by Mike McHargue aka Science Mike
4. The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids & Encyclopedia Brown series.
5. Memento & The Jacket
6. Letters of Sylvia Plath Vol. 1 coming in October.