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Amsterdam
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
A National and International BestsellerA Globe and Mail Notable Book of 1998On a chilly February day two old friends meet in the throng outside a crematorium to pay their last respects to Molly Lane. Both Clive Linley and Vernon Halliday had been Molly's lovers in the days before they reached their current eminence Clive as Britain's most successful modern composer, Vernon as editor of the broadsheet The Judge. But gorgeous, feisty Molly had other lovers too, notably Julian Garmony, the Foreign Secretary, a notorious right-winger poised to be the next prime minister. What happens in the aftermath of her funeral has a profound and shocking effect on all her lovers' lives, and erupts in the most purely enjoyable fiction Ian McEwan has ever written.From the Trade Paperback edition.
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review
LauraJ
Amsterdam | Ian MacEwan
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Pickpick

Is this supposed to be a dark comedy? I found it amusing and enjoyable.
#AAMIME

Libby1 So did I! 4y
40 likes1 stack add1 comment
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rachaich
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Panpan

Not that great, sadly.
I didn't feel much for either male, finding them unlikable and not drawn to anything about them.
The ending was better, at least had some interest.

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rachaich
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Download from the library last night when I couldn't choose from my towering to read pile! 🤣🤣🤣🤔

Libby1 This is a great little read. I really enjoyed it. 4y
15 likes1 comment
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BarbaraBB
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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#NotBookRelated

For who‘s interested in my empty city these days, have a look at this beautiful short video (“Amsterdam COVID-19”), made by a co-worker of my sister (who is a producer).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89itder8WMU

Lesanne Wow, that is hauntingly beautiful. 4y
Tanisha_A Sooo different from what i saw in 2018. 😍 4y
Librarybelle This is haunting 💔 4y
See All 19 Comments
Tanisha_A Crowded vs deserted! 4y
cariashley Wow, what a great video. 4y
Megabooks Wow! That‘s just crazy but gorgeous! 4y
Leftcoastzen I have always wanted to visit, so beautiful, made me cry just to see it .Thx for posting this.❤️ 4y
hilded Haunting video 💔 One was made for Oslo as well last week, quite sad to watch. Good idea with sharing, I‘ll post it as well. Here‘s the link if you‘re interested: https://youtu.be/w0qNtCUdoi8 4y
squirrelbrain Wonderful, but so sad.... 4y
Cinfhen Thanks for sharing 🧡That was haunting 4y
BarbaraBB @hilded That‘s such a sad video too. Beautiful but sad. What is happening to the world? 💔 4y
BarbaraBB @Leftcoastzen I am so sorry to make you cry. This is such a sad time. And not knowing how or when things will get back to ‘normal‘ whatever that may be 💔 4y
arlenefinnigan I'd love to have a wander through Amsterdam right now with no cyclists trying to kill you. 4y
erzascarletbookgasm Beautiful video but sad. 4y
BookishTrish What a sad beautiful video! Thank you for sharing this 4y
youneverarrived Wow so sad 💔 4y
TrishB ☹️💔😢 4y
Simona 💔 4y
CarolynM Wow! Beautiful and eerie and sad. Lovely film. Thanks for sharing. (edited) 4y
68 likes1 stack add19 comments
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DavidDiamond
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Mehso-so

Okay.
Now I can say I‘ve read Ian McEwan.

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Kalalalatja
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Pickpick

A small pick - The story itself was interesting. But the characters felt oddly flat and without development. We learn Clive and Vernon know each other through a mutual ex lover, and while we get snippets of their pasts, it isn‘t enough to bring depth and history to the two men - like, why were they even friends? The distance and lack of backstory kept me from really getting into it, but the last 50 pages were gripping!

mydearwatson Is it weird I want to read that just because of the binding? 5y
Henrik_Madsen McEwan always has a great idea, but sometimes it doesn`t work. I thought Amsterdam was a disappointment as Well. 5y
BarbaraBB I complete agree with you and @Henrik_Madsen 5y
82 likes3 comments
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GatheringBooks
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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#WanderingJune Day 30: #Amsterdam by McEwan was one of the books we gave away as prizes back i. 2012 for the Award Winning Books Reading Challenge. Here are our other book prizes: https://wp.me/pDlzr-3Ff GatheringBooks is 9 years old this year. We have been bookblogging for quite awhile now.

Cinfhen Amazing 😉 🙌🏻💕 5y
BarbaraBB That is impressive! 5y
53 likes1 stack add2 comments
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BooksForEmpathy
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Our Airbnb in Amsterdam is so thoughtfully arranged and designed and provides so many delightful reading spots. Last leg of our trip!

LeeRHarry I am at Amsterdam airport! 👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻 5y
Libby1 Wonderful! Have fun! I adore Amsterdam. 5y
JacqMac Lovely! Enjoy! 5y
See All 15 Comments
Leftcoastzen It‘s beautiful. 5y
Megabooks Great place to read!! 5y
Crazeedi ❤❤❤ 5y
Lindy Beautiful! I have wondered what it would be like to stay on a houseboat in Amsterdam. 5y
youneverarrived Looks amazing. Enjoy 😊 5y
MaleficentBookDragon Beautiful! 5y
BooknerdsLife That looks amazing!!! 😍💖Have a wonderful trip! (edited) 5y
Kalalalatja Gorgeous! 5y
Gissy 😍❤️❤️❤️ 5y
Toniyesss Houseboat!! 5y
saresmoore This is a bit out of the blue, but I‘ve been thinking of you lately and thought you might have some helpful insight. I‘ve been going through some pretty shitty life & marriage things and was wondering if you could recommend some books on healthy marriage and/or raising tweens. Also maybe a book I could recommend TO my tween to help her make sense of life? Any thoughts & ideas are welcome! ♥️ I hope you had an amazing trip! 5y
BooksForEmpathy @saresmoore Hi! I am so happy you reached out. I think about you too when I‘m on this platform and just thinking about life and would love to help and connect ❤️. I do have some great recommendations and would be open to discussing further through email? Email me, so I have yours and can pass along what has/does help me, and also whatever you have that you can share too! gcdrocco@gmail.com 5y
75 likes15 comments
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CarolynM
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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I've been a #BadGirls buying books again. Spelling OK today, but my grammar has gone to pot 😉
#AnglophileApril

Cinfhen I‘m loving the purchases!! 5y
CarolynM @Cinfhen Readings had a 3 for 2 on Ian McEwen and since I've only read a couple of his books I had to take advantage. The other books just fell into my bag somehow🤔 (edited) 5y
TrishB Great haul 👍🏻 5y
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Cathythoughts These look great 👍🏻 5y
erzascarletbookgasm Liking those Vintage white editions. I still need to read Amsterdam. 5y
Jeg Love Ian McEwen. 5y
Theaelizabet Nice stack. I thought On Chesil Beach was heart-breaking. 5y
emilyhaldi Lolol I love it (edited) 5y
Mdargusch 😂😂😂 perfect! 5y
Reviewsbylola It‘s hard to be good when buying books is involved! 5y
73 likes10 comments
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Jerdencon
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Relaxing before having friends over for a xmas party later on tonight -
Started this one today and so far a fast read
#1001books

Beckys_Books We are, too 5y
78 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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GatheringBooks
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Found some stroopwafels here in Singapore. Litsy friends from the Netherlands, am I doing it right? 🧚🏼‍♀️😂🤣😍💕📚

TrishB I go to Amsterdam quite a bit with work and we always have to bring these back for the office! 6y
BarbaraBB You‘re doing fine with the stroopwafels but don‘t believe all that is said in the book about Amsterdam👍😘 6y
Emilymdxn My boyfriends stepdad is Dutch and always has the most amazing Dutch foods, I really wanna go back and eat more things! Yesterday I had this really thick dark syrup on pancakes that he brought from the Netherlands, it was 💯💯💯 6y
91 likes1 stack add3 comments
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ferskner
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Pickpick

I'm not sure that the ending was entirely successful (although who am I to disagree with the Booker committee?), but I loved getting there. I'm all in for books about the tiny ways we destroy each other. Is that bad?

#litsyatoz @BookishMarginalia

68 likes1 stack add
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jillannjohn
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Shamelessly using Scooby as a book prop. Just getting started on this one. #1001books #1001travelingbookswap

RadicalReader @jillannjohn what an absolutely gorgeous cat!!! 6y
ladym30 Such a sweet face! 6y
jillannjohn @RadicalReader @ladym30 Thanks! He‘s the sweetest! 😻 6y
49 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Hannah_11
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Spring is here 🌷 time for a new book! #ianmcewan #amsterdam #spring #reading #dayoff #flowers #bookworm

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Simona
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Maja, kot sem ti že napisala, to je resnično in nepričakovano presenečenje, ki mi je zagotovo polepšalo praznike❣️ Hvala ti za knjigi (Amsterdam je knjiga, ki sem jo želela naročiti prejšnji teden, pa sem potem pozabila) in vse dodatke, ki jih bom z veseljem uporabljala (čokolada je že načeta 😋 in svečka prižgana, cimet je eden izmed mojih priljubljenih vonjev). Tisočkrat hvala in ostani še naprej takšna pozitivka ❤️😘❤️😘❣️

Simona This year I didn‘t participated in the #secretsantagoespostal exchange, but nevertheless, I did receive the package from a very nice and hearty litten @maich Thank you for kindness and generosity 😘😘😘 Litsy and Littens are truly the best ❤️❤️❤️ 6y
Texreader That‘s awesome! Way to go @maich ! 6y
batsy 💕 6y
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maich @Simona me veseli, da sem izbrala knjigo, ki si jo želela.😊 Tudi moj najljubši vonj je cimet. Obožujem ga😍 Si ga pa vedno posipam v kavo ali pa v mlečni riž. Uživaj v branju, čokoladi in ostalih stvareh... In vesele praznike❤🎄 6y
Simona Tudi tebi @maich in tvojim najdražjim vesele praznike in še enkrat - hvala za resnično presenečenje❣️😘🙏 (edited) 6y
LeahBergen Lovely! 💕💕 6y
Simona @LeahBergen It‘s lovely, nice surprise😄 6y
77 likes7 comments
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BarbaraBB
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Off topic but just a show-off of my city. I have to admit, as beautiful as tonight it hardly ever is. So white and silent instead of the usual noise and tourists! #nofilter

Tamra So pretty! 6y
JenP Beautiful! 6y
LeahBergen 😍😍😍 6y
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TheWordJar Oh, that is lovely! 😍 6y
BookMaven407 😍thanks for sharing ❄️ 6y
Ole Hmm! I‘m flying to Schiphol tomorrow, but heard there were snow troubles today ...🤔 6y
MicheleinPhilly Gorgeous! 6y
BarbaraBB @Ole O yes, it was on the news tonight, KLM cancelled many flights. Tomorrow should be better though. I certainly hope so for you. Where are you coming from? 6y
Simona It‘s beautiful 😍😍😍 6y
Ole Flying from Copenhagen, continue to Taipei 6y
BarbaraBB @Ole I hope you‘ll have some transfer time in case the first flight is delayed. Anyhow, great to go to Taipei! 6y
MinDea 😍😍😍 6y
Kalalalatja 😍😍 6y
Eggs Serene😍😍 6y
Leftcoastzen Wow, that is so beautiful and exactly when I would want to be there.😍 6y
Christine11 Gorgeous! 😍 6y
AmyG Beautiful. 6y
Ms_T Very pretty 💕 6y
gossamerchild Oh, so beautiful 😍😍 6y
mabell 😍 6y
enidkeaner It‘s so beautiful! 6y
drokka Gorgeous! I love your city. 6y
mrozzz Gorgeous! ☺️ 6y
Tanisha_A Honestly, I want to live in Amsterdam for a while! 6y
batsy So beautiful. I can almost hear the soft, muffled quiet of a snowy winter's night... 6y
BarbaraBB @Tanisha_A You‘re welcome 😘! 6y
Tanisha_A @BarbaraBB So sweet! 💌 Hopefully one day! 6y
youneverarrived Gorgeous 😍😍 6y
EvieBee 😍😍😍 I miss this! 6y
95 likes30 comments
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No_One
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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I went to Amsterdam for the first time! Beautiful city, and so much cheese! 🙂. I was thinking about this book by Ian McEwan. What a crazy ending. Excellent book.

Maike They have an outlet store for English books somewhere 😉 7y
No_One @Maike oh!! Hahaha! Good thing I am back home now! 🙂. Next time I will look for it. 7y
LeahBergen One of my favourite cities. ❤️ 7y
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Reviewsbylola I'd love to go to Amsterdam some day! 7y
julesG 😂😂 No one went to Amsterdam. Sorry, this is cracking me up. I'm silly. 7y
No_One @julesG 😂😂😂 7y
Izai.Amorim I liked it a lot. Unfortunately only 24 hours there. If you have time check the Sephardic synagogue. Unique. 7y
No_One @Izai.Amorim I was only there for 2 days for a meeting and I was very sick the whole time, so maybe next time. Thanks for the tip! ☺ 7y
OrangeMooseReads I only saw the airport in Amsterdam 😭 7y
No_One @OrangeMooseReads it's a nice airport! 🙁 Hopefully you will make it for a real visit soon! 🙂 7y
149 likes4 stack adds10 comments
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BarbaraBB
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Well, obviously #ThisIsNotAmerica! I thought I‘d show you some Amsterdam. This is a painting by George Hendrik Breitner of the street where my office is located. #SeptemBowie

About the tagged book, I didn‘t like it very much because of the biased way McEwan describes the Netherlands.

wanderlustforwords What a gorgeous painting! 7y
AceOnRoam Lovely. I've visited Amsterdam 3 times and hope to come again! 7y
Cathythoughts Beautiful painting ❤️ 7y
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Libby1 A part of my heart is in Amsterdam. ❤️ 7y
TheBookStacker Wish I lived in Amsterdam 7y
Reggie I must have Halloween on the brain from watching a double feature of Annabelle: Creation and It but when I first saw the lady in black on the left I thought she was a demonic angel because the people in the background made up her black wings. Lol too early in the morning for me. 7y
BarbaraBB @Reggie Lol, I see it too now - and will from now on 😂 7y
DivineDiana Thank you! This is beautiful! 🎨 7y
BarbaraBB @AceOnRoam @Libby1 @TheBookStacker How nice that you like this city so much. I am surprised and feel suddenly also a little proud! 7y
andrew61 I saw this painting in the rikjsmuseum this summer and was totally hypnotised by the image - what a beautiful city, i can't wait to revisit. 7y
Cinfhen Planning a trip to Amsterdam with my daughter!! Need to pick your brain....what a gorgeous city❤️ 7y
Cinfhen 😂😂😂😂 @Reggie 7y
BarbaraBB @Cinfhen Do! Visit Amsterdam and pick my brain! 7y
61 likes2 stack adds13 comments
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Readerann
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Pickpick

I have mixed feelings about the ending, but this goes in McEwan's 'hit' column for me (there are a couple in the 'miss' column). This guy can WRITE - see example. #1001books

6 likes1 stack add
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Readerann
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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And working on this as the bell rang for end of #readathon . It was great fun hanging out with you Littens. Can't wait to do it again! ❤️👍👏👏

LauraBrook Congratulations, you were awake at the end! Will head over to your blog in a bit for your final stats. What was it like, reading with an afternoon start/finish? 7y
10 likes1 comment
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My_novel_obsession
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Mehso-so

Two friends meet at the funeral of a women they were once involved with. You are also introduced to her husband and her current lover. None of these people are likeable including the deceased woman. Both friends face a moral dilemma and being who they are make a predictable choice. Consequences ensue. I enjoyed the writing style and want to read more McEwan but not sure I would recommend this one to everyone. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cinfhen Nice honest review 💚 7y
46 likes1 stack add1 comment
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My_novel_obsession
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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A little lunchtime reading. I'm giving Mr. McEwan one last shot to win me over-my history with him and trying to get through his books hasn't been a positive one....

MicheleinPhilly Have you read 7y
LeahBergen I second what @MicheleinPhilly said. 👆🏻 7y
saresmoore And I shall reiterate what @MicheleinPhilly & @LeahBergen said because they convinced me to read Atonement and it did not disappoint! 7y
See All 8 Comments
Cinfhen Fries won me over 🍟 🍟 🍟 7y
Zelma Hmm, Amsterdam might not be the book to win you over. 😬 I love McEwan but didn't particularly love this one. He is really hit and miss with me; hits are incredible but the misses are annoying and slow. 7y
My_novel_obsession @MicheleinPhilly @LeahBergen @saresmoore @Zelma you've convinced me - no matter what happens with this one I will definitely try Atonement. It's been sitting on my shelf forever looking way longer than most McEwan novels so I've been a little nervous 🙄 7y
My_novel_obsession @Cinfhen Sweet potato fries are my downfall 😋 7y
Brona Atonement is the one to try or Enduring Love (although it does drag a bit in the end). 7y
46 likes8 comments
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Karenmartinreads
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
Pickpick

A book where the title city doesn't appear until the denouement. Review at karenmartinreads.blogspot.com

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shawnmooney
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Panpan

A dry, mean-spirited little story, with hateful, amoral male characters. This is what happens when straight white male writers of a certain generation exclude women from their stories. Yuck!

EricQiao LOL love this review. 7y
TrishB Great review! 7y
shawnmooney @GuiltyFeat I went back and looked up the comment you made when I first bought this book. Were you ever right!! :-) 7y
See All 7 Comments
LeahBergen I just laughed! 😂 7y
saresmoore Oof. Glad to know this! 7y
Dragon Oh I think I might own this book. Won't be reading it though. Thanks for the heads up 🐉 7y
GuiltyFeat Cheers! 7y
55 likes7 comments
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AshleyHoss820
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Pickpick

McEwan has a knack for creating very human, very frustrating characters. His writing, for me, keeps me coming back for more. I wish I could remember specifics about this one, but I know it redeemed McEwan to me after Enduring Love. 5/1,001 #1001Books

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shawnmooney
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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tpixie We are icebergs 7y
35 likes1 comment
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shawnmooney
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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saresmoore Brilliant! I think this quote is as much about a specific set of people as it is about everyone. McEwan's writing seems to be informed by both astute (almost clairvoyant) observation and an abiding, critical self-awareness. 7y
vivastory I agree with this point. Dylan Thomas? Ouch, he's a favorite of mine. Still, point made. Just update it & replace Dylan Thomas with Bob Dylan. 7y
28 likes2 comments
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shawnmooney
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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shawnmooney
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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BkClubCare Recently read this. Interesting story 7y
Gulfsidemusing I read this with @BkClubCare not too long ago... good story, but not even close to my favorite McEwan. 7y
27 likes2 comments
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shawnmooney
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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shawnmooney
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Picked this up – my first McEwan – after bailing on another one I wasn't enjoying. It sure is starting out great!

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MrBook
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Yesterday's #libraryhaul from sales. $4 for 4 books 😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻!!! All 4 sound incredibly intriguing! One can never go wrong with Ian McEwan. Wally Lamb always provides big & meaty material. Van Lustbader took over the Jason Bourne book franchise after Ludlum's passing, so I'm curious about his pre-Bourne works. And Atkinson's seems attached to another of her books, so I'll tackle that one last. So excited 😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻!!!

KarenUK Love Ian McEwan and Kate Atkinson...Nice Haul! 👍😊 7y
BookishBlonde12 Loving the plaid backdrop! 7y
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Balibee146 A God In Ruins is amazing, as is the companion novel Life after Life 7y
CherylC I loved A God in Ruins as well as Atkinson's Life After Life. I read Life After Life first. I think either way you read them will make for an interesting experience. In fact, I'm imagining what that would have been like. Both are so thought-provoking. Hmmm. 7y
Graciouswarriorprincess Great finds!! 7y
Gulfsidemusing The Hour I First Believed is a great read!👍 7y
129 likes3 stack adds7 comments
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Sapphire
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan

In a strange turn events, My husband, my daughter, and I may be spending 5 days in Amsterdam come March. Other than the McEwan, which I am ordering now, The diary of Anne Frank,The Fault in our Stars, and the Girl With The Pearl Earring which I have already read, what do you all recommend I MUST read before we go? I think the first quarter reading of 2017 will have a theme!

ReadingEnvy Isn't The Goldfinch set there partially? 7y
Sapphire @ReadingEnvy oh, yes. A little. I loved that book. 7y
Sapphire I am thinking something Van Gough, I think I have something on my shelf about the bicycle culture. Dutch Masters is good. But I am dreaming of some kind of mystery or Dan Brown kind of quasi historical romp through holland. Hmm. My appetite is whet! 7y
See All 19 Comments
Sapphire Maybe I need to read something about the political or economic history... 7y
MyNamesParadise I read a really good psychological thriller called Girl in the Dark by Marion Pauw & it takes place in Amsterdam/The Netherlands. The author is from there. Also I believe The Dinner by Herman Koch takes place there but that was more of a So-So for me. 7y
MyNamesParadise And Amsterdam is beautiful and will be lovely in March!! Have a great time!! If you're walking around, stay out of the bike lane! They WILL run you over & swear at you in Dutch! ☺️ 7y
Dragon Another book about WW2 7y
Carissa-Green-Reads The McEwan is about a friendship between two men, not the city. I would look for a history of the tulip industry that came out a decade or so ago. I'm so sorry I can't remember the title🤔 7y
Carissa-Green-Reads No matter what you choose have a great time 7y
Lynnsoprano Trying to remember if The Miniaturist is set in Amsterdam. 7y
Sapphire @Lynnsoprano it is and it looks perfect! Thank you. 7y
Sapphire @Carissa-Green-Reads I will look for that. And, thanks, I suspect we will. Getting excited. 7y
Sapphire @Carissa-Green-Reads tulipomania by M. Dash? 7y
minkyb I love that you are doing this. When we travel I try and do the same thing. It made our Scotland trip and Netherland trips even more wonderful. I have not been to Amsterdam other than to change planes so I have no offerings. 7y
Carissa-Green-Reads Yes! Tulipomania. I confess I haven't read it but heard so many good things back in the day 7y
LitHousewife I loved this one! Have a great time on my dream vacation! 7y
kspenmoll Like minds- I do the same when I travel. YA novel The Girl in the Book Coat ( Monica Hesse) is also set in Amsterdam in 1943. Enjoy your trip; Anne Frank was indescribably moving. 7y
Seshat The Coffee Trader by David Liss. 7y
Sapphire @Seshat Thanks! 7y
27 likes19 comments
review
Gulfsidemusing
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Mehso-so

Beautiful prose, as always, but ultimately not a satisfying read. Didn't like that ending either. Now I understand why some call his work 'uneven'. This is my least favorite McEwan. #damalong

Soubhiville Pretty teacup! 8y
Gulfsidemusing @Soubhiville Thanks! One of my favorites 😍 8y
Seshat Nutshell was much better. Very nice teacup. 8y
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Gulfsidemusing @Seshat looking forward to Nutshell... after a little McEwan break😉 8y
BkClubCare Interesting- I have had one friend tell me to avoid Nutshell! @Seshat @Lakesidemusing 8y
Brona Nutshell is one the modern Shakespeare stories. I believe it's Hamlet...as a foetus! Just found a great review in The Guardian that says "Trapped in the womb rather than his dreams, this Hamlet suffers his story in reverse: he wonders if he should be born rather than if he should die." Might not be everyone's cup of tea ?☕️ 8y
Gulfsidemusing @Brona not sure if that's for me... 8y
readingonarainyday Oh boy... I am still yet to start Part 2. 😞 Haven't held a print book in my hands in days. 8y
Gulfsidemusing @readingonarainyday No worries! McEwan's books are short, but far from quick reading. Unfortunately this was not a favorite for me... 8y
readingonarainyday Bummer! That makes it harder to go back to the book. 8y
Gulfsidemusing @readingonarainyday I totally understand (and even encourage you) if you decide not to finish! I much preferred On Chesil Beach, The Children Act, and Atonement. I don't want you to get a bad impression of McEwan. 8y
AvidReader25 @Brona @BkClubCare @Lakesidemusing I've always struggled with McEwan. I've read at least six of his books and it's very hit or miss for me. 8y
32 likes12 comments
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Brona
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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...the house was a history of an adult life, of changing tastes, fading passions and growing wealth. #damalong

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Brona
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Is it too late to join in your readalong @Lakesidemusing ? #damalong

Gulfsidemusing Not at all! @BkClubCare has finished, but we just got home last night & I'm starting part II. I think @readingonarainyday is still reading, too. 😀 8y
Gulfsidemusing Nice cover! I've never seen that one😊 8y
readingonarainyday Yes, I am just starting part 2 as well. We are going on a road trip tomorrow, so we'll see what it does to my reading. @Brona 8y
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Gulfsidemusing @readingonarainyday Road trips are the best!! Where are you guys heading this time? 8y
readingonarainyday @Lakesidemusing Heading to Boone in North Carolina. Going to relax in the mountains this weekend. I just hope it doesn't rain the entire weekend. 8y
Gulfsidemusing @readingonarainyday Fingers crossed for you! 8y
Brona @Lakesidemusing @readingonarainyday @BkClubCare my cover is the 1998 Vintage cover - released in Australia after it won the Booker. I'm very curious about the photo of the Victorian duel on the front & wondering how it will fit into the story. We've been having lots of rain & flooding in NSW too. Hope you're all safe. 8y
BkClubCare I mentioned you in my post today. Hope you are safe - Hurricane Matthew is sending lots of rain but we should be just fine. 8y
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Gulfsidemusing
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Maybe a few minutes of reading before another day of exploring Cape Cod? [My bookmark is from Persephone. It matches the endpapers of Heat Lightning by Helen Hull, which I have not read.] #bookmarks #booktober #damalong @RealLifeReading

Bambolina_81 I love Persephone books! I haven't had a new one for ages though 😢 That is a gorgeous view! 8y
Reviewsbylola Amazing view!! 8y
readingonarainyday Yes, gorgeous view! Which part of Cape Cod are you staying in? 8y
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Gulfsidemusing @Bambolina_81 Persephone books are the best!📚😀 8y
Gulfsidemusing @Reviewsbylola I'm loving this place!❤️ 8y
Gulfsidemusing @readingonarainyday We are staying in Chatham. Ventured up to Provincetown yesterday and to Hyannis today. Loving it here, but heading home tomorrow. 8y
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review
BkClubCare
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Pickpick

Three things: 1) I love how IMcE strings words together. I fall into his books like fluffy pillows and fleece blankets by a fire. 2) The women in this book are minor characters yet they seem to hold all the power. I still have to think about this. And 3) the descriptions of music, thought not my forte (music knowledge), were captivating. Looking forward to discussing this with @Lakesidemusing and @readingonarainyday #damalong

Gulfsidemusing Not much reading on this trip, but we'll be home Wednesday night. High hopes for progress on Thursday! @readingonarainyday 8y
readingonarainyday Wow, I am impressed that you are done. I am only past the first chapter. Being a slow reader, I could be at it for a while. 😀 I love his writing though. Definitely falling in love with it. 8y
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BkClubCare
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Ok Brit-Littens, explain exactly what is a grated cheese sandwich?
I'm imagining some kind of shredded cheese with mayo mixture maybe? That would make it spreadable? Thanks
#damalong

MrBook Hmmm, me too. Sounds different. 8y
britt_brooke Sounds like pimento cheese, maybe? 8y
Bookworm-Bobbie It's literally just grated cheese, as apposed sliced cheese, put between two slices of bread. 8y
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BkClubCare Well, huh. @Bookworm-Bobbie , that sounds not that great. And that it might fall out easy! 8y
BkClubCare Oh, and thank you. Also, sounds like a skimpy sandwich for a hotel to pack for a hike... 8y
Bookworm-Bobbie @BkClubCare haha. I actually prefer grated cheese, you get a more intensive flavour when it's grated. Put a bit of mayo in it and you don't have too much escaping either. It is a bit of basic sandwich though. 8y
Laalaleighh @bookworm Bobbie. I'm going to try this haha. 8y
BkClubCare It does sound intriguing, actually. Thanks again! 😊🧀🍞 8y
BethFishReads I always asked for the chutney too when I lived in UK. No mayo tho. *shudder* 8y
BkClubCare Grated cheese and chutney on white bread? @BethFishReads 8y
BethFishReads Usually a bakery roll of some sort. 8y
23 likes11 comments
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readingonarainyday
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Yay! Finally starting this book. Two days later than I planned. I hope @Lakesidemusing and @BkClubCare have not finished reading it yet. 😆 #damalong

BkClubCare I'm at the half way mark. I got questions... Am loving the mood and vibe so far and I think, at this point, I am Team Clive. (Plus, I love the name Clive.) I've been tweeting... 8y
Gulfsidemusing I'm only on the second chapter! On an impromptu road trip to Cape Cod now, but brought the book with me. Who knows, I may even read a little 😊 @BkClubCare 8y
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Gulfsidemusing
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Two former lovers of Molly Lane stood waiting outside the crematorium chapel with their backs to the February chill. It had all been said before, but they said it again.
"She never knew what hit her."
"When she did it was too late."
"Rapid onset."
"Poor Molly."
"Mmmm."

And so it begins...
#wildfridaynight #hellooctober #damalong

MrBook Nice pairing I see here 😎👌🏻 8y
Gulfsidemusing @britt_brooke @MrBook Dreaming Tree Chardonnay #cheers 😊 8y
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BkClubCare And so it begins.❤️❤️ 8y
Posemn Looks like a great start to the weekend! 8y
Gulfsidemusing @Posemn 👍🏻😀📚🍁🍂 8y
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BkClubCare
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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"A dark tour de force, perfectly fashioned." -The New York Times
Just letting @Lakesidemusing and @readingonarainyday know I am ready. Let my McEwan lovefest continue.
Oscar reluctantly assisting.

Gulfsidemusing 🎉🎉🎉 I'm starting later today (after I write a Germinal blog post!) @readingonarainyday suggested #damalong hashtag. @Brona is reading with us, too! 8y
BkClubCare Oh goodie @Brona !! 🤓📚🍂🚲 8y
readingonarainyday Yay! I am stuck at an auto shop so finishing my current read here. I should be starting Amsterdam tomorrow! #damalong it is! 8y
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Gulfsidemusing
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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#TBRTuesday Amsterdam is up next!@readingonarainyday and I will start in a few days... join us? Eileen and LaRose are from the library.

Suzze Such a good book! Enjoy. 8y
Gulfsidemusing Thanks @Suzze ...I've read several of his novels and love his writing! 8y
readingonarainyday Almost halfway through my current book. Should be ready for Amsterdam by end of this week! 8y
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Anbolyn I read Amsterdam years ago and really enjoyed it. I hated Eileen but LOVED LaRose. ❤️ 8y
Brona I should be able to start Amsterdam on the weekend - looking forward to it😊 8y
Gulfsidemusing @readingonarainyday Great! Me, too😊 8y
Gulfsidemusing @Anbolyn I'm sending Eileen back to the library... not what I'm in the mood for now. LaRose looks great, but this checkout may be more of a preview for later. 8y
Gulfsidemusing @Brona So glad you're reading with us!😊 8y
readingonarainyday Do we need a hashtag? #damalong? #readingamsterdam? I can't think of anything clever. 8y
Gulfsidemusing @readingonarainyday Hmm... will think about it, but I like #damalong 😀 What do you think, @Brona ? 8y
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readingonarainyday
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Just picked my copy of Amsterdam from the library. @Lakesidemusing have you started reading the book? How about you, @BkClubCare - did you get your copy yet?

Gulfsidemusing Haven't started yet, but I'll get on it this weekend if you're ready! 😊 8y
readingonarainyday @Lakesidemusing There's another book I am still reading but I'm ready to start Amsterdam too! This weekend it is! 8y
BkClubCare Arghhh! I tried to buy it today but they didn't have it (and just haven't had my id/pswd on hand/memory to see if library has a copy... #excusesaremeaningless 8y
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BethFishReads Arghhhhh hated it. But then I hate McEwan. @Lakesidemusing @BkClubCare 8y
BethFishReads Hope you all love it tho. @Lakesidemusing @BkClubCare 8y
BkClubCare I have a giggly girl swoon adoration for McEwan... @BethFishReads 8y
BethFishReads @BkClubCare 😊😊😊😊😊 8y
readingonarainyday @BethFishReads Lol! I have no experience with McEwan so I am very curious to see what my reaction to his book is going to be. 😃 8y
TriniCapini Wait! Another readalong? I've had this one languishing on the shelf for years. 8y
readingonarainyday @TriniCapini You know you have to join us! 😁 It's a very slim book too. 8y
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shawnmooney
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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KOENJI USED BOOKSTORE FIND #1 of 6

Saturday afternoon I couldn't stop myself from going back to this little known, out-of-the-way Japanese language philosophy store that has a great selection of dirt-cheap used English books on a large shelf outside. All of these books were between a dollar and three dollars.

I've never read Ian McEwan. This sounds like a great place to start!

Hooked_on_books Ian McEwan's fantastic! Enjoy! 8y
GuiltyFeat It's quite a mean-spirited little book. I would go on and read Atonement after. 8y
quirkyreader Wonderful finds. Thank you for sharing. 🐸🐙 8y
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ReviewsandReadathons
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
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Some of my many #bookstacks at the moment. #augustphotochallenge

Godmotherx5 @Simplerevelry Do you separate what you have read from your TBR? 8y
ReviewsandReadathons @godmotherx5 not really. That one little bookshelf and an end table with some shelves are all the book storage I have. I do keep my library books separate. So it all gets kinda mushed in together. I am working on getting some more shelf space though! 8y
Godmotherx5 I noticed books you mentioned on your blog & was just being nosey. I know space can be a premium. 8y
ReviewsandReadathons @Godmotherx5 space is hard. Especially when I buy books that look interesting and then keep them for years without reading them. And it's OK to be nosey! ;) 8y
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review
ReviewsandReadathons
Amsterdam | Ian McEwan
Pickpick

While I didn't love it as much as I loved Atonement, this book has just as much devastatingly beautiful prose as it tells the story of two old friends who allow the world, aging, and withheld feelings to possibly destroy them both.