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The Clancys of Queens
The Clancys of Queens: A Memoir | Tara Clancy
111 posts | 85 read | 140 to read
Fifth-generation New Yorker, third-generation bartender, and first-generation author Tara Clancy was raised in three wildly divergent homes: a converted boat shed in working class Queens, a geriatric commune of feisty, Brooklyn-born Italians, and a sprawling Hamptons estate she visited every other weekend. This childhood triptych comes to life in The Clancys of Queens, an electric, one-of-a-kind memoir. From scheming and gambling with her force-of-nature grandmother, to brawling with eleven-year-old girls on the concrete recess battle yard of MS 172, to hours lounging on Adirondack chairs beside an immaculate croquet lawn, to holding court beside Joey ODirt, Goiter Eddy, and Roger the Dodger at her Dads local bar, Tara leapfrogs across these varied spheres, delivering stories from each world with originality, grit, and outrageous humor. But The Clancys of Queens is not merely an authentic coming-of-age tale or a rowdy barstool biography. Chock-full of characters who escape the popular imaginings of this city, it offers a bold portrait of real people, people whose stories are largely absent from our shelves. Most crucially, it capturesin inimitable prosethe rarely-heard voices of New Yorks working-class women. With a light touch but a hard hit, The Clancys of Queens blends savvy and wit to take us on an unforgettable strata-hopping adventure. From the Hardcover edition.
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webhau1
Pickpick

Just re listened to this again. Such a great book.

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Hamlet
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Pickpick

Tara Clancy‘s deadpan delivery on the radio is a delight, & her book is just as great. Her characterizations of crazy relatives ring true, & the author‘s own vitality drives the tale. She‘s a defiant and affectionate rogue. This fast-moving memoir was a fun and funny break from my other reading, but it‘s much more. Clancy‘s book is a barrier-breaking, brash tale of a strange childhood and the roots of a strong-voiced woman I admire.

TheBookHippie I so enjoyed this !!! 4y
10 likes1 comment
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Lauren_reading
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Pickpick

Loved this book - her accent on the audiobook made the stories even better! #audiobook #nonfiction #memoir

SarahSaysRead This is one of my favorite memoirs on audio 💗 5y
60 likes1 comment
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Ncostell
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Pickpick

I highly recommend this on audio as it is read by the author and it was a delight listening to her tell her stories of her raucous childhood growing up in Queens. She split her time between her divorced parents, living part time with her Irish American father who was a cop and with her mother‘s large Italian family. I‘m sad that I‘ve finished listening to it, I‘ll miss listening to her during my daily commute!

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LeslieO
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Last summer I tried to be an audio walker and started this one on Audible. I failed. I think I walked twice. (I usually walk with friends) So I tried again, getting back into this book and loving it.

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TheBookHippie
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This is on none of my list ...but it was calling me last night. So far I'm enjoying it, few chapters today and it'll be done. Good cleanser read for me.

Lmstraubie This was great on #audio The author narrates. 6y
TheBookHippie @Lmstraubie that's up next!!! I can not wait!!! 6y
Skybariline Loved this one on audio. 6y
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UnabridgedPod
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Pickpick

Finished listening to The Clancys of Queens today. This one is read by the author, which (in this case) is a real strength. The memoir is funny and poignant, and her voice (both her real voice and her voice as a writer) is vivid and compelling. Tara Clancy‘s movement between her Italian and Irish families in Queens and a totally different lifestyle on the weekend (she‘s picked up by a limo each weekend!) is fascinating. I highly recommend it!

4 likes1 comment
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Jas16
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Pickpick

Audio is definitely the way to go with this memoir. I really enjoyed listening to the author tell stories about her upbringing. As a rambunctious child she split her time between living with elderly Italian relatives, her Irish police officer father, and her mother‘s millionaire boyfriend. Humorous but filled with love, this is a wonderful tribute to the people who shaped Tara Clancy‘s life from her swearing grandmother to childhood best friends.

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MallenNC
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Pickpick

This is a good memoir that is elevated by awesome narration by the author. Her Queens accent really makes the stories better. #nonfiction2018

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janeycanuck
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Pickpick

Delightful and funny and brilliantly narrated by Clancy, herself. Two thumbs way up.

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UwannaPublishme
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Pickpick

Oh Tara, what an engaging storyteller you are! And she's got plenty of crazy stories to tell from her wild childhood bouncing around three distinct environments, learning life from a bunch of colorful family and friends. For anyone, including this half-Italian NJ girl growing up with relatives from Queens, this book is a quirky and hilarious page-turner with plenty of heart. I laughed my butt off!
Thanks #Goodreads for this awesome giveaway.

tammysue This sounds like must read! Stacked 6y
UwannaPublishme @whatshesreadingnow It's soooo good! 😁 Tara is a hoot. And I gotta #blameitonLitsy 6y
AceOnRoam There's nothing quite like Barilla, unless you make your own. 6y
UwannaPublishme @AceOnRoam 😁😁😁After reading this, I had a craving for my grandmother's pasta. This was the next best thing! 6y
41 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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Julsmarshall
Pickpick

Loved loved loved! ❤️❤️❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chrissyreadit Now I have to read to see how it compares to my life growing up in Queens. 6y
41 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Julsmarshall
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Hilarious! Loving this on my commute! Thanks for the suggestion, @Liberty !

Jerdencon Loved this! And part of it takes place 1 mile away from where I Iive! 6y
Kaye A great audiobook. I love her accent. 6y
Julsmarshall @Kaye it is the best! 6y
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Equinm
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Pickpick

This is an absolute MUST listen to audiobook! The author, with her thick NY accent, adds much to this memoir. The beautiful description of the self-described rough & tumble author‘s relationship with her demure best friend brought me to tears. There is one incident I will remember forever (having to do with school recess). In the audio version, as she reads thru the end credits, the author‘s voice cracks with emotion and I just sobbed. All the ⭐️s

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Skybariline
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Pickpick

The audiobook, narrated by the author, is very entertaining. The story itself is fun, and the author manages to make her experiences growing up in Queens relatable.

BkClubCare Whoa - I remember hearing an interview with the author months ago! Thanks for the reminder. 6y
24 likes1 comment
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ReadingEnvy
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Pickpick

This is a book you must get the audio for, because her accent makes the stories even better. I was giggling in the car for several stories. I think I've heard her on The Moth before too.

Jerdencon Loved this! And when she lived with her grandparents it's in the neighborhood I live now. My son will be going to the same middle school she did! I read it but may need to listen to the audio now. 7y
ReadingEnvy @Jerdencon oh how fun!! 7y
webhau1 I sooo agree about the audiobook! 7y
78 likes4 stack adds3 comments
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biblio_ginger
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@Liberty #BIRTHDAYSPACE
My bedtime read! I'm loving it so far! 😊

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stacybmartin
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Pickpick

This book was HILARIOUS - I highly, highly recommend the audio. The author narrates it and she is wonderful. I found myself snickering in the lab, in the store, and on my commute. I loved her grandma so much. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

RanaElizabeth Oh, man. This book was so great. 7y
webhau1 Incredible audiobook! 7y
56 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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Billypar
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I just finished this excellent memoir from Tara Clancy where #BeYourself is definitely a key theme. Although Tara had a normal life growing up in Queens, she also had the not so normal experience of visiting with her mother's millionaire paramour in the Hampton's ever other weekend. Tara finds that being herself can fall somewhere between both lives. Funny, touching, and honest, and I definitely recommend the audio version. #JuneTunz @Cinfhen

Cinfhen Can't wait to read/listen to this memoir! Thanks for putting it back on my radar❤️ 7y
18 likes1 comment
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leslieisreading
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Pickpick

Tara Clancy is such a great storyteller. She's had some fantastic stories on The Moth, so I knew I needed to get this one on audio. That was definitely the right call! I found this memoir to be poignant and hilarious, and I just can't get enough of her heavy native New Yorker accent.

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leslieisreading
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Almost to the end of this one! Since I switched to using Overdrive on my phone I am going through audiobooks so much faster and I'm loving it!

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leslieisreading
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I adore Tara Clancy's thick Queens accent. 😍

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leslieisreading
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I absolutely loved Tara Clancy's story on The Moth (The Moon and Stars Talks, though I'm pretty sure she's done more), so I was excited to start listening to her memoir today. 😁

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Chassie
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Pickpick

Get it. Stick it in your ears. If you're not someone who listens to audiobooks, please just try this one. It's hilarious, heart-warming, honest, and feels like you're taking a peek at a funny love letter to one of the most entertaining casts of characters ever. I want the Clancy's to adopt me.

Crystalblu Sounds good to me! 7y
Chassie @Crystalblu I hope you love it as much as I did! 7y
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Listener15
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Pickpick

Fantastic book! It had me laughing out loud and Tara Clancy, who read her own book, was amazing. I loved her impression of her grandmother and her strong accent. I highly recommend listening to this book instead of reading it. Anyone who enjoys the stories people tell about their crazy family must pick this up. Highly recommended!!!

arlenefinnigan Wish they'd make this available on Audible in Britain. 7y
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Ashley_Nicoletto
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Mehso-so

I didn't love this or hate it. Based on reviews I was expecting more laughs.

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ErikasMindfulShelf
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Pickpick

3.5 🌟

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bio_chem06
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I feel like I say this all the time....

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HardcoverHearts
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I've seen people loving this on Litsy so I'll give it a try! #blameitonlitsy

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booksbaconglitter
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Pickpick

Might be the best audiobook I've listened to this year. Started and finished in one day. Made my run at the gym extra fun. #readathon

Reviewsbylola I always hate when books like that are over! 7y
zsuzsanna_reads Read by the author! 😍 7y
23 likes2 comments
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booksbaconglitter
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I could listen to Tara Clancy talk for hours... and that's actually how I've spent my morning. Already 78% done so I'll definitely finish before the end of the day. ☺️ #readathon

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JennaRoot
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Another great listen on #Playster. I think the audio should be required for this book, so great so far!!!

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LeslieO
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Just took an #audiowalk, started this one. As an Italian by marriage I can relate to many of the stories Tara tells.

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Iindseyo
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Beautiful, sunny day calls for Sonic happy hour. Making a cameo appearance: my library book bag. 😎

Karkar I love Sonic's Cherry Limeade 🍒 7y
Megabooks Nice! 7y
31 likes2 comments
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cariashley
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Pickpick

As an Irish Catholic Queens girl with my own crazy NY family, there was no way I wasn't going to enjoy this, but I really loved it. Listening to her narrate was like hearing one of my cousins tell a story. Funny with so much heart and very real.
[I took this photo of the Queensboro bridge at my cousin's wedding in 2009]

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cariashley
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Started this because I wasn't thrilled with my other audiobook and am loving it. She sounds JUST like my crazy aunts. As an Irish girl who grew up in Queens, it's pretty much guaranteed I'll enjoy this.

ReadingEnvy Oh yeah I heard her on a podcast and knew audio would be the way to go! 7y
38 likes1 comment
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EclecticReaders
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Looking for something to help you get over a case of the Mondays? Check out our interview with the hilarious Tara Clancy! Listen on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/eclectic-readers/id1006545606?mt=2&i=1000382... or on our website eclecticreaders.fireside.fm/32

Lmstraubie This was a great interview! Love Tara Clancy ☺ 7y
EclecticReaders @Lmstraubie So glad you enjoyed it! 😃 7y
37 likes2 comments
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Lmstraubie
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Marla
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I'm really enjoying this a lot.

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ErikasMindfulShelf
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Does anyone have playster? I just signed up for a free 90 day trial to listen to audiobooks, but it seems like I can only listen at normal speed. Does anyone know if there is a way to change the speed. Now when I'm used to listening at faster speed I can't go back!!!

Jess I'm also in the trial period. While the unlimited aspect is great, the player doesn't have any features. I contacted customer service last week about playback speed and a sleep timer. They said these features may be in upcoming app updates. I really like the service so far and their customer service was super fast but the speed issue may be the deciding factor on whether I sign up. You? 7y
ErikasMindfulShelf Thanks for the info @Jess They have a great selection of audio books, but listening at regular speed is not something I want to do now when I'm used to the faster speed. I will definitely use it for the trail, but probably won't pay for it if they don't update the player. Maybe I'll call too so they know it's a concern more than one person has. 7y
29 likes2 comments
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TieDyeDude
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Caldor! Ha!

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Merethebookgal
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To kickoff our new #EclecticReaders website, we released a special author interview #podcast episode today! Tara is a hoot, and if you listen to the episode you'll understand why I enjoyed this memoir so much as an audiobook! 😉 eclecticreaders.fireside.fm/32

kspenmoll Sounds great!📚 7y
TieDyeDude Saw her at Book Riot Live. She was great, this is on my TBR list. 7y
Merethebookgal @kspenmoll She's really funny, and her memoir is a lot of fun, too! 7y
Merethebookgal @GoodForCirculation That's where one of my cohosts and I met her, too. We probably walked by each other or sat in the same panels and didn't know it! That was a fun event, and we got to record some live interviews for our podcast with Charlie Jane Anders, Ken Liu, and Valentine DeLandro, which was awesome! I'd definitely recommend getting Tara's memoir on audiobook, she's so funny 😂 7y
TieDyeDude @Merethebookgal I look forward to BRL 2017. Ken Liu was certainly a highlight. I'll look for the podcast. Tara has such a unique voice, I'll certainly check out the audio! 7y
79 likes5 comments
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EclecticReaders
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To celebrate rolling out our new website today we released a special #podcast episode! @Ruri_kaichou & @Merethebookgal interviewed the hilarious & awesome storyteller, Tara Clancy, about her memoir. If you haven't already read it (or listened to the audiobook, which we recommend) this episode will probably help nudge it up your TBR😉. And if you've read it you know you're in for some fun! Listen at eclecticreaders.fireside.fm/32 #EclecticReaders

Laney1733 The audiobook performance is wonderful!. I highly recommend it. 😎 7y
EclecticReaders @Leo1733 Yes, it's so good! She reads an excerpt from the book during the episode, so it'll give those listeners who haven't read it a taste of the audiobook 👍 7y
Lmstraubie Looking forward to listening to this! I really enjoyed the audio book. 7y
See All 9 Comments
Ruri_kaichou @Leo1733 if we could, we would have probably had her read for the whole interview! 😂 7y
Ruri_kaichou @Lmstraubie hope you enjoy the episode! 7y
Laney1733 She did a really great reading! If I hadn't already listened to the audiobook, that reading would have encouraged me to do so! I was also thrilled to hear that there would be a second book. 7y
Merethebookgal @Leo1733 Her storytelling abilities are just amazing, and, I agree, I was excited to hear that she's working on a second book! 7y
EclecticReaders @Lmstraubie We hope you enjoy the interview! We had fun recording it 😃 7y
EclecticReaders @Leo1733 Glad to hear you enjoyed the episode! 7y
42 likes9 comments
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Lmstraubie
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Not nearly as impressive as some of you littens, but a definite improvement for me! My goal was one "adult" read, one audio book, one middle grade & one free choice. I definitely improved on that! Favorite? Either The Clancys of Queens, Better Nate Than Ever or The Bookshop on the Corner. (I can never choose ?)
#bestoffebruary #feistyfeb #februarywrapup

JoeStalksBeck 👏👏👏👏👏 7y
mcipher I'm there with you - I read in Feb. short month so I say good work to both of us! 👏 7y
Lmstraubie @GoodallBookHaul @mcipher Thanks Ladies!! 🙃 7y
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RanaElizabeth
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Pickpick

Absolutely freaking fabulous. One of the best memoirs I have read in a long time, funny and sad and just normal (sorta). A great reminder that everybody's life is interesting and we all have stories worth telling. I would definitely read more, memoir or fiction, by this author.

Laney1733 I just started this today 😋 7y
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Lmstraubie
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Pickpick

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Loved this book!!! I think this one is definitely an #audiobook choice. Hearing Tara read it herself really makes the story.

Sjo_m Ooh will keep an eye out for this...I'm loving audible at the moment!! 7y
Lmstraubie @Sjo_m Her Queens accent brings a great tone to the book. 7y
24 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Lmstraubie
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ValerieAndBooks
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Mehso-so

Seems like most of the "pick" ratings here are from audiobook listens, which is not an option for me (Deaf). The print copy had many interesting parts, and I was compelled enough to read to the end. But this book is actually more in-between a pick and so-so for its uneven approach in writing. I do see potential in the author and hope she writes more. ARC received, and reviewed, for the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.

MrBook Nice review and pic! 7y
MrBook And a #TBRtemptation selection 😎👍🏻. 7y
8little_paws Yes I felt the same. I ended up giving it a "pick" but it was really a soft pick, more btwn so so and pick that I rounded up. I also felt it was uneven. 7y
ValerieAndBooks @MrBook thanks! I didn't expect my Starbucks cup to coordinate as well as it did 😊. This book is a good #tbrtemptation choice actually. 7y
ValerieAndBooks @8little_paws I had such a hard time deciding which rating to give it here but ultimately decided on this because I gave it a 3 on LibraryThing. I hope #Litsy adds a rating for in between pick and so-so in the near future 😊! 7y
74 likes5 comments