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We Are Called to Rise
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
54 posts | 51 read | 85 to read
An accessible, beautifully crafted and heartbreakingly topical novel about PTSI and the unseen effects of global conflict on ordinary lives. Beyond the bright lights and casinos lies the real Las Vegas, a forces town. In the predawn hours, a woman's marriage crumbles with a single confession. Across the city, Bashkim, the young son of an immigrant family, observes how they are struggling to get by in the land of opportunity. Three thousand miles away on the other side of the United States, a soldier, recently returned from active service in Iraq, wakes up in hospital with the feeling he's done something awful. In Laura McBride's heartbreaking and authentic novel, these disparate lives are brought together by one split-second choice; this is a story about families, the ones we are born to and the ones we choose to make. Faced with seemingly insurmountable loss, each person must decide whether to give in to despair, or to find the courage and resilience to rise. 'A powerful story of the way in which war detonates far from battlefields, exploding lives in a single irrevocable moment. We Are Called to Risereverberated long after I'd put it down. I can't stop thinking about it' Sarah Blake, The Postmistress 'A haunting and unforgettable debut' Marie Claire 'Compelling, emotional and heart-breaking' Sun 'Packs a raw, emotional power' Sunday Mirror 'Like Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch, it strips a layer of gloss off the Las Vegas myth by moving to the families populating suburbia' Grazia
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JacintaMCarter
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Pickpick

#2021Book110
Books with multiple narrators often run the risk of having a few strong storylines and a few that aren't as interesting. In this book, however, all four narrators have compelling stories, and I loved how they all started to fit together as the story went on. The conflicts presented in this book were very timely and, unfortunately, all too realistic. But the ending, while perhaps a bit idealistic, gave me some hope.

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ErikasMindfulShelf
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Pickpick

I absolutely loved this book. I couldn‘t put it down. Heartbreaking in so many ways, but still some hope in the end. 5 stars.

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BarbaraBB
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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#BookReport 46/19

This week I finished two great books: We are Called to Rise and Too Much Lip.
I also managed to make a start with this month‘s choice for the #NYRBBookclub.
And I am still reading the Wells. I am not enjoying it at all and just able to read it in very small portions.

Cinfhen Kudos for sticking with Wells 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 4y
BarbaraBB @Cinfhen Oh man it‘s hard working 😅 4y
68 likes1 stack add2 comments
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BarbaraBB
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Pickpick

Las Vegas, city of opposites, where glamour and wealth seem never far away from poverty and harshness.
A refugee boy, a lonely wife, a war veteran with PTSD, another veteran in rehab, and a social worker. I‘d like to read more about each of them.
But this book is about the tragedy that interweaves their storylines. A tragedy that represents the major themes of current times. It is sad with a glimpse of hope. I loved it.

#ReadingUSA2019 #Nevada

Kalalalatja Great review! 👏 4y
JennyM Fantastic review - and sounds totally my type of read. Thanks for sharing #stacked 😘 4y
MicheleinPhilly I just went to stack this and then thought, “This sounds familiar.” On Kindle. 🤦🏻‍♀️ 4y
See All 13 Comments
Librarybelle Great review! 4y
Cinfhen Beautiful review! So glad it was a pick❣️I‘m always a little worried when I recommend a book. You‘re almost there 🙌🏻 4y
BarbaraBB @Cinfhen Most of the time we‘re in sync 💕 4y
Cinfhen True @BarbaraBB 👯‍♀️ 4y
Jee_HookedOnBookz I love this cover! But I think I saw a different one in BN. Great review! ❤️ 4y
BarbaraBB @Jee_HookedOnBookz Thanks! It‘s the UK edition I think. I bought it from BookDepository. 4y
BarbaraBB @MicheleinPhilly I hope you‘ll get to it soon! 4y
Reggie This sounds great. Stacked! 4y
68 likes4 stack adds13 comments
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Emfn
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Mehso-so

Quite enjoyed this as a short read and something a bit different from what I usually read.

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Cinfhen
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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#AllRise I read this book a few years back and I remember being amazed at how well the separate stories crystallized into a singular plot. Achingly beautiful but terribly brutal, this story was an emotional gut punch. We meet a woman who‘s marriage is imploding, an Iraq war veteran, a case worker, a young immigrant from Albania and his pen pal, a man recovering from an attempted suicide all residing in glittering but fading Las Vegas.

peaKnit This makes me want to read it again! 5y
Cinfhen I think this was her debut @peaknit I‘m curious if she‘s written something new since this book was published?! 5y
peaKnit I think you are right, I may have to investigate. 5y
86 likes5 stack adds4 comments
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DGRachel
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Bailedbailed

I‘m so sorry #LMPBC GroupR, but I just can‘t with this book. I can‘t handle the abuse and the sadness and I‘m only 45 pages in. Forgive me for bailing, but I just can‘t cope with the negative emotions right now. @LauraBeth I will try to get this is in the mail this weekend.

LauraBeth 😘 5y
ItsAngel @DGRachel I finished it only because of y‘all. lol I didn‘t enjoy it. 5y
suvata That is perfectly OK. As Anne Bogle likes to say: “Not all books are for all people at all times”. Reading is supposed to be enjoyable! 5y
81 likes3 comments
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Chili
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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@ItsAngel It arrived today! #LMPBC

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BekaReid
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Pickpick

Told from multiple POVs against the backdrop of Las Vegas, this book tugged at my heart repeatedly as I journeyed with each of the characters as they encountered and dealt with the ordinary and the extraordinary circumstances of life, of love, of family, of war, of PTSD. Definitely recommend!

MaggieCarr Agreed! I listened to the audio while Christmas shopping a few years bag. I was definitely red faced, and sobbing while passing along Santa photo opt. I was so absorbed it wasn't until in hindsight how that must have looked lol 5y
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BarbaraTheBibliophage
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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1. Laura McBride or Joan Didion
2. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms (favorite from this year so far)
3. 5‘8” and shrinking
4. Depends on type and time of day (coffee w/ cream in a.m. but black if I‘m having with dessert. Etc.) I am coffeebiguous. Same for tea.

#sundaysurvey @alisonrose

alisonrose Joan Didion is a great choice! Thanks for playing! 6y
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hollyann321
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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"The way I see it, nothing in life is a rehearsal. It's not preparation for anything else. There's no getting ready for it. There's no waiting for the real part to begin. Not ever. Not even for the smallest child. This is it." ❤

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Figgy
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Pickpick

I loved this. My book crush of the summer. Thank you @gibblr for letting me borrow it!

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Figgy
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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I put this book down when I first started it because I was looking for a light read and this wasn‘t it. I‘ve since picked it back up and I love it. Read it through the line at DTOP (DMV) and everything. This quote stood out to me.

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PrezBookster
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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If you didn‘t like this book I would be shocked! Sooo good!

RebelReader This is an awesome book! 6y
57 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Soubhiville
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this multiple point of view fiction. I cared about the characters and I thought the story moved well. I mostly really wanted to help the kids. Misunderstanding plays a big part in the plot, as well as cultural differences.

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Godmotherx5
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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I was excited to find time to visit an Indie bookstore, The Writer‘s Block, while out of town. The staff recommended local authors I couldn‘t resist. The irony was when a friend posted a link to the same store the very same day. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/travel-tips-and-articles/11-authors-recommend-u...

RaimeyGallant Fun coincidence. :) 6y
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PrezBookster
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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1/3 of the way through and it is very interesting!!!

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Soubhiville
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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My May TBR. On the right are my kindle and audiobooks. Add to this my May Owl Post when it arrives, and it‘s looking like a good month! Plus the hubby will be traveling, so more reading time for me!

Oh yeah, Rage by Stephen King should be in there too, for the #LosersClub!

#readingresolutions

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Soubhiville
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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My surprise Iris started blooming @tpixie ! I found a patch of Iris in the insanely overgrown weedy garden beside my new house when we cleaned it up in the fall. They were so strangled by weeds I didn‘t expect them to bloom this year, but they have started to 😊

I started this book today. Four chapters in and I can tell I‘m going to love it. Thanks Book People‘s half price rack!

Mommamanzi Beautiful! 6y
tpixie Oh! Isn't she pretty and elegant!!! Thanks for sharing! Ours have not started blooming yet. I think we probably have a couple more weeks before they do. it‘s been so cold here until recently. 6y
Eggs I love irises 😉 6y
RebelReader That‘s a great book! ❤️ 6y
BarbaraTheBibliophage Lovely iris and a great book. Sounds like a good day! 6y
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MMFinck
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Pickpick

Book club pick. Really enjoyed it. Military-caused PTSD in multiple forms, never preachy. Fascinating depiction of Vegas as a hometown.

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erzascarletbookgasm
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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This is a tale about families, the ones we have and the ones we make. A tale about how ordinary people have the resilience and #power within them, can rise to the challenge.
#aprella #werise
#readingresolutions

emilyhaldi Sounds cool!!! 6y
sudi Definitely stacking this 👍 6y
Cinfhen I forgot about this book~ it was really good @emilyhaldi @sudi 6y
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sudi @cinfhen placed an order on amazon already 😁 6y
Cinfhen That was quick #BlameItOnLitsy 6y
Mdargusch 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 6y
Reviewsbylola This sounds great! 6y
Kalalalatja #stacked 👏👏 6y
96 likes4 stack adds8 comments
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Pemberley
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Pickpick

This book BROKE me. And I would do it again in an instant. I normally do not enjoy books that jump between points of view.... I‘m so glad I didn‘t let that deter me from reading this. One of the most inspiring and thoughtful books I‘ve read in a long time. Don‘t read it in public if you‘re not prepared for ugly crying.

RebelReader I loved this book! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 6y
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Morgan7r
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Pickpick

This was the best book I have read in a while. It made me question my own rating system, but I rarely give 5 stars and this one deserves it.

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Morgan7r
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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One that‘s been on my TBR list for a long time! #ReadingResolutions #PolkaDots

RebelReader I've actually read this twice because I had my bookgroup read it. Definitely a pick for me! 😍 6y
Morgan7r @RebelReader Good to know!! I‘m excited to read it soon! 🤗 6y
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SailorJohn
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
Pickpick

Took a little while to get caught up in storyline but then I didn‘t want it to end.

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WanderingBookaneer
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Up next #MountTBR

Soubhiville Oh, I'm interested to hear what you think. This is on my TBR shelf too! 7y
BarbaraTheBibliophage I quite liked this one, but can't speak to the audiobook. 7y
83 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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Kathrin
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Pickpick

The story follows the lives of people with very different backgrounds and how their lives collide because of one freak event. I liked how the author tied the separate storylines together in the end. It was heart breaking, but also hopeful. The other layer of the story was the effect of war on soldiers and while it was central to the story, it wasn't smack over the head obvious.

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Kathrin
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Greetings from this morning's walk with the pooches.

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Kboltz
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Pickpick

Found this book out of the blue. Love it. Bashkin and his family live in Las Vegas. They own an ice cream truck and are trying to be true Americans. The author then winds the stories of three others into what happens when a tragedy takes place. It's just a good book and is very relevant in today's society.

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BarbaraTheBibliophage
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Pickpick

Reading this book proves that bookseller recommendations are vital to the world of reading. If it hadn't been for the guy who suggested it, I doubt this would have crossed my radar. McBride writes about fear, grief, and loss but she gives her story soul and hope. All in the quirky desert town we call Las Vegas.

Full review http://thebibliophage.com/book-review-called-rise-laura-mcbride/

Cinfhen Yay! So glad you enjoyed this story! Great review 😊 7y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Cinfhen Thanks! Now I want to read her second novel, which was published this year. 7y
Cinfhen I'm not sure I knew that...will check it out 7y
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MicheleinPhilly @BarbaraTheBibliophage @Cinfhen If I manage to read the ARC of Round Midnight I have before July 30, you 2 can flip for it. 😉 7y
Cinfhen Barbs can have it first and then she can loan it to me...how's that @BarbaraTheBibliophage 😉thanks for the offer @MicheleinPhilly 😘 7y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Cinfhen Aww. Aren't you sweet. 😘 7y
MicheleinPhilly Sharing is caring! Also, I have a dim memory of you wanting a copy of The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon, yes? 7y
Cinfhen Ha!!! Good memory, I own it but my darling daughter still has it....I'm not in such a rush to read it...thanks for remembering 💗💗💗hope you're having a wonderful day and a brand new week @MicheleinPhilly (edited) 7y
92 likes2 stack adds9 comments
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BarbaraTheBibliophage
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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I am really loving this book. The author uses language in just the right tone and cadence, especially considering the diversity of the character points of view.

MicheleinPhilly I've had this on my Kindle for ages. Maybe an "M" choice for #LitsyAtoZ. 7y
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BeverleeWitvoetAbell
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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It all matters! What a beautiful book. So many gems!!

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BarbaraTheBibliophage
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Book and a pedicure. My toes needed help!! 💕😎📚

Kathrin This is on my TBR for ever! How do you like it so far?? 7y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Kathrin I'm "taking a nap" right now so that I can read. It's that good. ? 7y
97 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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BarbaraTheBibliophage
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Vacation book shopping! Picked this one up at an indie bookstore today. I like to ask the booksellers for local author recommendations. This wasn't on my radar, and I think I'm going to put other books aside to read it. It gets great rating here and on GR. #happybibliophage

Cinfhen This was a really well crafted, well written story. Definitely go for it! 7y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Cinfhen Done! Starting it tonight! 7y
Cinfhen 😊 keep me posted! 7y
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BarbaraTheBibliophage @Cinfhen I will - promise! 7y
BekaReid Sounds interesting. 7y
My_novel_obsession I loved this one so much that I bought her new one 'Round Midnight in hardcover the other day without knowing anything about it. 7y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Anovelobsession Thanks for your take! I started it last night and can't wait to pick it up again this morning. 7y
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BoldCityBooks
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
Pickpick

One of my all time favorite novels, this book takes multiple story lines and beautifully twists them together in an ending that is sheer perfection. Tragedy, triumph, and moments of laughter and heart break, this book has it all.

ErikasMindfulShelf It's on my shelf. I need to read it! 7y
11 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Chelsea.Poole
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Painting baby brother's room today! 🙌🏻👶
I'd really like to be reading, but I'm so excited to get the room done! Ready or not, he'll be here in 4 weeks or less!! 🤰🏼❤️ We will be raising another reader! #raisingreaders 📚#libraryhaul

Ps...has anyone read We are Called to Rise?

Lmstraubie So exciting to be welcoming a new little one into your family. 💕💕 7y
Cinfhen I did and it was really good. Very timely- such an exciting time for your family💗💙💚💛❤️ 7y
Megabooks 👍🏻👍🏻💖💖💖💖💖 7y
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LauraBeth 💕💕💕 7y
Caroline2 Oh I love The Honest Toddler! So funny! Bunmi cracks me up! I follow her on Facebook too, her status up dates always make me laugh and make me feel better! 7y
BittersweetBooks Me!! Really great book, I recommend 👍🏻 7y
Chelsea.Poole @caroline2 thanks! I was wondering about that one too. :) 7y
Chelsea.Poole @Cinfhen @BittersweetBooks thanks! There's a high rating here as well! I will add it to the list..just gotta find the time to get to it! 🤓 7y
Chelsea.Poole @Lmstraubie @Booksandcooks @LauraBeth thank you all for the positive vibes! ☺️ 7y
96 likes4 stack adds9 comments
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Lets_Talk_Books
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Pickpick

Love the book. Ready to read Laura's next book 'Round Midnight release soon (March, I hope)

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Bibliogeekery
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I enjoyed how the author wove together disparate stories of PTSD from various global conflicts into a handful of intersecting characters who live in Las Vegas. There is an improbable, fantastical element to parts of the story but it leads us to a feel good place in spite of some fairly gut wrenching material so it worked for me in this case. Loved the setting! Gave me a different take on Las Vegas! Thanks @Alicia 💗

Alicia Yay!! I am SO glad you enjoyed it!!! ❤❤ 7y
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Bibliogeekery
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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💗💗💗

Alicia Love that quote! 7y
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Bibliogeekery
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Starting this one! Thanks @Alicia

67 likes3 stack adds
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Kirstyb
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Pickpick

I loved this book--converging stories of families connected by the most tentative ties. The Las Vegas setting provided a novel perspective. I loved the way different threads were tied together at the end, bringing real characters, unique but united in their humanity, together, with a message of hope. I cried.

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Kirstyb
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Bibliogeekery
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Look at the lovely "extra" my #qgp2 pal @Alicia threw into the package for me. Not only have I not read it I haven't even heard of it but it sounds perfect for me! Thanks so much! ???

Alicia Yayyy!!! I loved it and I hope you do too! 😁📚 7y
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451Degrees
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Doing a bit of #spinepoetry for #24in48 ☺ We Are Called to Rise
Into Thin Air, A Breath of Snow and Ashes
Circling the Sun, The Fault in Our Stars
Through my Eyes, This is Where I Leave You
No Place to Hide, The Infinite Moment of Us

BookishMarginalia 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 7y
britt_brooke 👏🏻👏🏻 And some great books in there! 7y
Sjo_m Brilliant!! 👏👏 7y
See All 7 Comments
Little_Reader Beautiful! 7y
CherylDeFranceschi 👏👏 7y
DebinHawaii Excellent job! 📚👍 7y
84 likes1 stack add7 comments
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SarahL
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Enjoying the holiday break by cozying up with a good book and a new bookmark from a friend!

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Alicia
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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Pickpick

So I lent this to a friend before reading it and she was not a fan. But I loved it! I just love something about books where different people's lives converge at the end. Also it was overly cheesy, but I love unrealistic happy endings so it was perfect!

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Ais
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
Mehso-so

A solid 3 out of 5 stars from me! It was well written and there was some absolutely gorgeous phrases (and obviously the title being taken from an Emily Dickinson poem means instant kudos from me), but unfortunately I'm a bit of a cynic, so I was a bit sceptical about some parts!

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Ais
We Are Called to Rise | Laura McBride
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I started this book today, and let's face it - we are all going to be called to rise also, called to show love and compassion and to stand together to prevent racist, homophobic, misogynistic, bigoted attitudes from gaining any more prevalence. To rise and stand together in the face of deeply uncertain and frightening times.❤️❤️

Bibliogeekery 💓💔💓 7y
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