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Red at the Bone
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
An extraordinary new novel about the influence of history on a contemporary family, from the New York Times-bestselling and National Book Award-winning author of Another Brooklyn and Brown Girl Dreaming. Two families from different social classes are joined together by an unexpected pregnancy and the child that it produces. Moving forward and backward in time, with the power of poetry and the emotional richness of a narrative ten times its length, Jacqueline Woodson's extraordinary new novel uncovers the role that history and community have played in the experiences, decisions, and relationships of these families, and in the life of this child. As the book opens in 2001, it is the evening of sixteen-year-old Melody's coming of age ceremony in her grandparents' Brooklyn brownstone. Watched lovingly by her relatives and friends, making her entrance to the soundtrack of Prince, she wears a special custom-made dress. But the event is not without poignancy. Sixteen years earlier, that very dress was measured and sewn for a different wearer: Melody's mother, for her own ceremony-- a celebration that ultimately never took place. Unfurling the history of Melody's parents and grandparents to show how they all arrived at this moment, Woodson considers not just their ambitions and successes but also the costs, the tolls they've paid for striving to overcome expectations and escape the pull of history. As it explores sexual desire and identity, ambition, gentrification, education, class and status, and the life-altering facts of parenthood, Red at the Bone most strikingly looks at the ways in which young people must so often make long-lasting decisions about their lives--even before they have begun to figure out who they are and what they want to be.
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kspenmoll
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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These books are my #hopesanddreams for February- some my go into March. 6/9 are #buddyreads; the other 3 are my choices.
#TBR #readaway2024 #serieslove2024 #seasonalcozies #February #NancyDrewBR #litsylovereads #nunlit #Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent #naturalitsy #buddyread #February
I must be dreaming…

Librarybelle Good luck! 9mo
DieAReader Looks good!🤓📚 9mo
TheSpineView Lookin' good!📚📚📚 9mo
See All 7 Comments
julieclair Hopes & Dreams! Love it! That describes me just about every month. 🤪 9mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🩷🩷🩷 9mo
DieAReader Great stack🤓📚 9mo
AllDebooks Fab stack x 9mo
48 likes7 comments
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SarahBookInterrupted
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

This was another book with many different perspectives from the 5 main characters. I really like it when an author does this. This book was so sad at times and so hopeful at others. It was a short book but it definitely didn‘t feel that way. I liked how complicated the relationship‘s were in this book, but still there was so much love. If you need to choose a book for your end of year book goal this is one.

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Honeybeebooks
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

Beautiful, poignant, arresting, touching and surprising, this novel delves into the lives of Melody, her parents and grandparents. Melody is celebrating her coming of age, but the stories of the past cast a long shadow on the present. The narrators were superb. One of my favorites this year. This pick is four plus stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+

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andioop
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
Pickpick

I definitely want to read more Woodson. There‘s a slight twist at the end that was risky and I found it a little odd, but her characters are fascinating, and the voice of this novel is so distinct. I read this in like two days.

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CollapsingLibrary
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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My next pick of my #blindbookdate and I‘m slowing devouring the pages. I was supposed to start dinner a while back but got lost in a book. Nothing my boyfriend isn‘t use to though!
Currently enjoying all the different perspectives. At first I thought the narration was going to stay on the same day and kind of wished I could see that. But the time skips are offering a good perspective too

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ChaoticMissAdventures
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

#Reread
In 2023 I am rereading a favorite book each month.
I love the way Woodson writes. Her books on the surface are very sparse. Under 200 pages and the writing itself feels surface level when you begin but the more you read the more you understand that people can write deep, thoughtful, beautiful stories with minimal words.
I still love this story.

marleed I read it for the first time this month - loved it! 2y
ChaoticMissAdventures @marleed I am so glad you loved it! I had not remembered the talks about Tulsa and 9/11 and love how she worked those in. 2y
marleed @ChaoticMissAdventures Yes, I‘m ashamed that‘s it‘s only been in the last 5 years that I‘ve learned of the Tulsa tragedies. 2y
ChaoticMissAdventures @marleed it just isn't taught! I only know because my boyfriend is a Black man from Tulsa. I don't think most Americans know about it. 2y
31 likes4 comments
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marleed
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

What a beautifully written story this is, and I find myself yearning to know about Melody‘s life today. I was not expecting the story to weave in such a way that I found myself heartbroken over Aubrey‘s story.

….Excuse the unrelated background but this title, this morning, as I head out to the Superbowl parade! I just had to trade out my previously snapped pic!

67 likes1 stack add
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hissingpotatoes
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

3.5/5⭐ I adore how Woodson can say so much in so few words. There are tons of themes explored in this book that require chewing on long after the end: class, race, sexuality, teen pregnancy, love, motherhood, religion, education, trauma. It's a beautifully constructed book, but somehow the sum is not greater than its parts for me.

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MyNamesParadise
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

Read this for work as it‘s 1 of the Top 11 for One Maryland One Book! I listened to this last year & didn‘t care for it much, but physically reading it i understood the connections between the characters & their stories. It tells the stories of a 16 year old Melody & generations of her family. It features issues involving sex, race, class & the impact of making decisions before you fully understand them.

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paisleyjess
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
Pickpick

I loved the way this story is told from every character's POV. It is very emotional. The story of how family fits together and overcomes obstacles.

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rachaich
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

My goodness, that was a fantastic read. Full of poetry and yet so concise.
It's rare to be in awe of both the writing style and the story but definitely so with this.

17 likes1 stack add
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rachaich
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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This seems to have some really worthwhile and interesting messages

BarbaraBB It‘s so good!! 2y
11 likes1 comment
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BarbaraBB
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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“As the orchestra lifted into "Darling Nikki," I took small breaths to keep tears from coming. I had not expected this --to feel the close of a chapter. The girlhood of my life over now.”

ChaoticMissAdventures Jacqueline Woodson is one of my top favorite authors. I am constantly amazed at how her writing can use so few words to create a vivid and emotional story. 2y
BarbaraBB @ChaoticMissAdventures This is the only one I read but I should read more by her of course. Any recommendations? 2y
ChaoticMissAdventures @BarbaraBB she has 2 other adult books Before The Ever After is an emotional and heartfelt book about a football player and his family and how his CTE affects them all. I got a lot out of that one. And her other is a about siblings and growing up in the south and in Brooklyn in I think the 70s. I really liked both 2y
BarbaraBB @ChaoticMissAdventures Thank you so much. I‘ll check them out! 2y
46 likes4 comments
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MyNamesParadise
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Mehso-so

I may be in the minority here, but I didn‘t like this book. It was short & that may have been a detriment. I didn‘t feel a connection with the characters & tried to keep track of everyone as it went back & forth in time. I would still read a book by Woodson but won‘t for a while.

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WorldsOkayestStepMom
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

I liked the characters and the different perspectives through the book. It's a short book, but has a lot of story in it!

Chelsea.Poole I loved this one!! 3y
WorldsOkayestStepMom @Chelsea.Poole it was so good! 3y
Amandajoy I love your handle! I also fall into that category 😊 3y
48 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Angitron
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

Wow! I‘m late to the party, but this book had been on my TBR for awhile, and I‘m so glad I finally got around to reading it. The book moves deftly back and forth through time to tell a multi-generational tale about one family. It is absolutely stunning and I was left in awe by how much she was able to accomplish in such a small book. Highly recommended.

BarbaraBB I loved this one too. 3y
Angitron @BarbaraBB The way that she brought everything full circle blew my mind! 3y
19 likes1 stack add2 comments
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HPBookBug
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

Favourite book Read in July! A quick read. Excellent audiobook production...

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Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

The book opens at a coming-out ceremony for 16 year old Melody. Have you ever met a character and wondered how she came to be? Me neither! But we get to find out here. 🤣
I listened to this on audio, & despite having a full cast of narrators, it was still a little difficult to keep track of the POV & time hopping happening here. Woodson tells an interesting story of how teen pregnancy affects this family but some parts left me wanting more. ⬇️

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
Prairiegirl_reading I think when the major complaint is that it‘s too short that‘s pretty good. 😄 it was my only complaint on this one. 3y
Cinfhen It‘s funny, I read this book awhile back and LOVED it but when I recently reread but this time on audio, I too found the story lost some of its magic for all the reasons you mentioned above. I thought a multiple cast narration would be helpful but even then it was difficult to follow the story ( and I had already read the book)!! I would like a follow up to Melody‘s story☺️ 3y
alisiakae I also had a hard time keeping track of the POV on audio. I think it‘s one of those best read in print. 3y
51 likes5 comments
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Cinfhen
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

I realize now, how little of this book I remembered. It‘s still excellent, even on the re-read, I just wish it was a bit longer, maybe went a bit deeper. I‘d LOVE LOVE LOVE a sequel. There‘s still SO much of a story left to tell. #AAM Thanks @Soubhiville if it wasn‘t for your challenge, I never would have picked this up again.

Cinfhen I might use this for #Booked2021 #SomethingAbout911 3y
BarbaraBB I hope you‘re not sorry you sent me your copy 😉. I loved it too!! 3y
Cinfhen No, not at all!!! Im so happy it‘s on your beautiful shelves @BarbaraBB 3y
Megabooks I didn‘t even think about it for that booked prompt, but it‘s a great idea! 3y
Cinfhen Ha! I feel like there are probably better choices @Megabooks but just in case it‘s a good backup 💕🤓 3y
70 likes5 comments
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alisiakae
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

It‘s a pick, because it‘s Jacqueline Woodson, and her writing is beautiful. The narrators do an incredible job. I did, however have a difficult time following the POV on audio, and the chronological jumps. Despite the slim size of this novel, I grew to love all the characters quickly.

Cinfhen I just reviewed this today too!! I think it was better in print, as I listened to audio this time as a re-read. 3y
Cinfhen Do you think I could use this as #RelatedTo911 ??? 3y
See All 8 Comments
alisiakae @Cinfhen I think you could! 3y
alisiakae @Cinfhen I might go back and reread it in print. 3y
Cinfhen Ahhh, I didn‘t realize Woodson is one of the narrators. She‘s such a gifted writer/ storyteller. I hope she writes a sequel to this book. 3y
Cinfhen 👍🏻#Booked2021 3y
BarbaraTheBibliophage I read this in print and LOVED. 3y
82 likes8 comments
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DHill
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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DivineDiana
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

Multiple narrators enhanced the story of 3 generations of a family in Brooklyn, NY. Ultimately, it was a story of motherhood and its many faces. Iris, the main character, chooses to escape to Oberlin,far away from Brooklyn. Much to ponder. Beautiful writing for most of the book. Although at times, I felt disappointed, there is no doubt that Jacqueline Woodson is a star. #authoramonth #jacquelinewoodson @Soubhiville

44 likes1 stack add
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Melismatic
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

This. Was. Fabulous. Emotional & tender, nuanced and complex - but also so real. I can‘t wait to read more from this author.
#AuthorAMonth @Soubhiville

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Skygoddess1
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book and it‘s story about a family and how they have been shaped based on the people and places around them. I found that I enjoyed Iris‘s parts the most in part because I found her to be the most intriguing with her flaws, and the myriad of decisions she made throughout the story and the ramifications they had on her and her family. #AuthorAMonth #BookspinBingo

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
24 likes1 comment
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Riveted_Reader_Melissa
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

I loved the multi-generational story telling, how everyone thinks their life is the most complicated, but each is complicated in its own unique way, but still similarities pop up in the most unusual ways. So much great history woven into this family‘s story.

Never think you really know someone else‘s story, because you don‘t really unless you‘ve lived in their shoes. ⤵️

Riveted_Reader_Melissa I really liked this one, but with a qualification. I started it on audiobook and just couldn‘t connect with it, so I switched to the ebook version and then I was sucked right in. (edited) 3y
MallenNC This was one of my top books the year I read it. (Last year? Time is fuzzy for me!) 3y
See All 7 Comments
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @MallenNC Book-wise it gets very fuzzy for me, I read a lot and placing how many years ago I read something is sometimes difficult. 3y
MallenNC @Riveted_Reader_Melissa It really does for me. I think that‘s common when you read a lot, especially if you read fast. 3y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @MallenNC It‘s weird, but the ones I can place specifically are usually ones I read during hard times. So the ones we‘ve read this last year, we‘ll probably associate with lockdown, and therefore 2020ish. 3y
alisiakae I just finished this on audio, and had a hard time following when the POV changed. (But the narration was fantastic) 3y
63 likes1 stack add7 comments
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vlwelser
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

I really liked this. And it's full cast audio which always adds to the #audiobook experience. I'm really digging this author. Oddly enough, this was my first experience with her fiction.

#AuthorAMonth with @Soubhiville

#BookSpinBingo square 5
@TheAromaofBooks

DivineDiana I‘m listening to it now! 🎧 3y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
41 likes2 comments
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DivineDiana
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Starting new audiobook. Begins with discussion of motherhood. Perfect choice for today! #authoramonth @Soubhiville

BarbaraTheBibliophage I loved this one! 3y
DivineDiana @BarbaraTheBibliophage Hello! So far, so good! 👍🏻 3y
55 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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staci.reads
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Mehso-so

This is my 3rd book from this author. The writing is lovely, but the constant change in narrators and in the timeline became frustrating and felt random at times, especially toward the end. Because it is so short and the perspective is constantly shifting, I didn't feel I had enough of any character to really feel invested. I'm sure there was a purpose to her organization, but it didn't work for me. #AuthorAMonth @Soubhiville

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sprainedbrain
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

Woodson is a master at saying a whole lot with few words. This is a powerful, absorbing story, and fantastic audiobook.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#authoramonth

Megabooks Totally agree! 4y
Currey I agree also. Loved this one. 4y
BarbaraBB So good. 4y
erzascarletbookgasm Very good read. 👍 4y
vlwelser I just started this one. 😊 4y
88 likes1 stack add5 comments
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Megabooks
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

I feel flayed by this. Just absolutely gutted. Excuse me while I go cry over some fictional characters and remember why I mainly read nonfiction. Really fantastic book. #aam #authoramonth

And this is great as an #audiobook. Excellent use of a full cast.

Addison_Reads One of my favorite reads from last year, but so emotional. 4y
BarbaraBB A favorite of mine too. So so good 4y
mom2bugnbee This is next up for me for #Authoramonth! Yay! 4y
See All 8 Comments
Megabooks @Addison_Reads it‘s been awhile since a book made me that emotional! 4y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB yes, it‘s excellent. (edited) 4y
Megabooks @mom2bugnbee I hope you enjoy it! 4y
erzascarletbookgasm Really good read. This one is very good too, which I loved ❤️💔 4y
Megabooks @erzascarletbookgasm thanks for the recommendation! I‘m looking forward to reading more by her. 💜 4y
105 likes2 stack adds8 comments
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Jadams89
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

What a powerful story of family, loss, and love. The audiobook was so good!

I‘m glad I have a lot more Jacqueline Woodson checked out for #AuthorAMonth!

This is my May #bookspin.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
33 likes1 comment
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Tomigirl44
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

Beautifully and creatively written - honest, powerful and intense. I‘m not sure what age it‘s written for, but I appreciated it as an adult, reading it practically in a single day (less than 24 hours).

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Tomigirl44
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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What I‘m reading today.

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BookChicken
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
Bailedbailed

Didn‘t love it.

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readordierachel
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

Woodson touches on many themes in this short novel. POVs shift, time jumps. Some parts were very moving, had me holding my breath. Others I wanted more from, more of. It was like flipping through an artist's sketchbook, admiring their incredible pencil sketches, longing to see them painted in full color.

Jas16 Great review. Very well put. I really liked this book but I know exactly what you mean. 4y
Librariana Fantastic way of illustrating the appreciation for the "work" along with a desire to delve a little deeper... to learn more. A true compliment to the author's skill! Excellent review ? 4y
BarbaraBB I looooved this one ❤️ 4y
89 likes2 stack adds5 comments
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GreenGrl87
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Day 9: There are just so many to choose from for books that transcend into a total experience, but I decided to go with Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson because I love the way that she handled shifting between different characters‘ perspectives to the point where you really become immersed in their lives and ways of thinking even though they are all so very different. I also love the opening scene! #Blackliteracyisrevolutionary

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WhiskeyMistress
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

Fantastic read. Lyrical, almost musical. In a relatively short amount of pages, these characters get wonderfully developed, to the point where I felt each and every one of their stories. Absolutely fantastic.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟 out of 5 stars.
Read date: 2/4/2021

34 likes1 stack add
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sjpolk
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
Pickpick

✨✨

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Emilymdxn
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

I really liked this - for a book that skipped about in time and covered such painful themes I was really surprised by how easy to read it was, and that I never felt lost among all the characters. It‘s rare for a book with such a wide cast of characters to all feel equally real and deep.

#newyearwhodis @alisonrose @monalyisha

ChaoticMissAdventures I absolutely love Woodson's writing. I bought all her adult books for my mom for her birthday and she also loved them. The way the writing is both simplicity and incredibly deep is a rare writing gift. 4y
70 likes1 comment
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Emilymdxn
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Starting the new year with my first #newyearwhodis book from @alisonrose ‘s list. I‘m trying to be kind to myself this year and read more slowly and mindfully rather than just racing through books I don‘t even expect to like so I have something to do while stuck at home! This is an excellent one so far and a great first pick of the year. @monalyisha

monalyisha That‘s a great goal! ✨🎉 4y
BarbaraBB Such a good one! 4y
Blaire I loved this one! 4y
alisonrose Yay!! I absolutely loved this, she‘s definitely a fave author 4y
73 likes4 comments
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BarbaraTheBibliophage
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

Jacqueline Woodson does it again with Red at the Bone. In my opinion, there‘s no other living author that imbues so much emotion and grace into so few pages. This story is all about family and self-realization at any age. Woodson winds the stories and voices together like bells in a gentle breeze. First, we hear one tone, then the wind blows, and we hear another. Soon it‘s a melody.

Full review http://www.TheBibliophage.com #thebibliophage2021

dragondrool I will read ANY Jacqueline Woodson book.
4y
Caryl I loved this one. You‘re right—Jacqueline Woodson is wonderful. 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @dragondrool Right there with you! 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @Caryl She is so unique in her style and stories. 😀 4y
kspenmoll Love the word choices, images in your review! 4y
83 likes5 comments
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Lauren_reading
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Pickpick

This book was pure, heart wrenching poetry. It‘s so beautifully written and the full cast audio was amazing. It‘s a story of family and choices and love. But especially the joy and pain love brings.

39 likes1 stack add
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Nebklvr
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Mehso-so

Love hurts. It is a beautiful pain. That seems to be the theme of this story. The multiple shifting points of view were often confusing and I felt no one got their due. Especially CathyMarie.

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Emilymdxn
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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I am so excited to start my #newyearwhodis books in January! I just did a bit of kindle shopping from @alisonrose ‘s magnificent list! There were a couple I‘d already read and one not available in the UK kindle store yet so I‘ve preordered it for March! Red at the bone is the first one I‘m gonna go for it‘s been on my list SO long

@monalyisha

monalyisha Hooray! I saw that you had some repeats but you seemed so well-suited otherwise that I hoped there was plenty left to choose from! 🎉🥳🙌🏻💕 4y
alisonrose Yay!!!!! You picked GREAT ones!!! 4y
61 likes2 comments
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Graciouswarriorprincess
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Book 157 of 2020. #bookly #audiobook

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Graciouswarriorprincess
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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Finished this audiobook while doing a half marathon.

PurpleyPumpkin Amazing, good for you!🎉 4y
MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm Congrats! 🤘😆🤘❤️ 4y
TrishB Amazing 👍🏻 4y
See All 13 Comments
Elizabeth2 Amazing accomplishment! 4y
valeriegeary Who hoo! 🙌🏻🙌🏻 4y
Nute Right on!🙌🏽 4y
LiteraryinPA That‘s awesome!! Congrats!! 4y
Gissy Congratulations! 🏃🏻‍♀️🥇👏👏👏👏👏 4y
56 likes13 comments
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ChaoticMissAdventures
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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#AlphabetTitles #LetterR.
I recently read Rules of Magic and I am sad I waited so long. I started the series this summer with Magic Lessons and I am excited to tackle Practical Magic next. I really enjoyed hanging out with the Owens clan.
Jacqueline Woodson is one of those authors I will always pre-order. I have very vivid memories of the exact coffee shop I was in while reading this her language is spot on, every single line.

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alisonrose
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
Pickpick

Jacqueline Woodson is 2 for 2 now. Gimme all of her books! Loved this as much if not more than Another Brooklyn. The writing is exquisite, like poetry reshaped into prose. Short but substantial, all the characters‘ POVs were distinct & so *human*. You understand them & forgive their flaws b/c you care about them enough to want to. Woodson is such an astute observer of human nature & relationships. This was awe-inspiring from start to finish. 5/5🌟

ravenlee I‘ve only read Brown Girl Dreaming (and a couple of her picture books) but it was amazing. 4y
22 likes1 stack add1 comment