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Cannibalism
Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History | Bill Schutt
Eating ones own kind is completely natural behavior in thousands of species, including humans. Throughout history we have engaged in cannibalism for reasons related to famine, burial rites, and medicine. Cannibalism has also been used as a form of terrorism and as the ultimate expression of filial piety. With unexpected wit and a wealth of knowledge, Bill Schutt, a research associate at the American Museum of Natural History, takes us on a tour of the field, exploring exciting new avenues of research and investigating questions like why so many fish eat their offspring and some amphibians consume their mothers skin; why sexual cannibalism is an evolutionary advantage for certain spiders; why, until the end of the eighteenth century, British royalty regularly ate human body parts; and how cannibalism might be linked to the extinction of Neanderthals. Today, the subject of humans consuming one another has been relegated to the realm of horror movies, fiction, and the occasional psychopath. But as climate change progresses and humans see more famine, disease, and overcrowding, biological and cultural constraints may well disappear. These are the very factors that lead to outbreaks of cannibalism--in other species and our own.
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DGRachel
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Pickpick

This is an interesting look at cannibalism throughout the natural world and different types of cannibalism. I appreciate that the author tried to stay away from sensationalism, particularly around human cannibalism and I now know way more about insect reproduction and reproductive organs than I ever wanted to know. The audiobook is well narrated, too. This is the September selection for the Morbidly Curious Bookclub and my #bookspin.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2mo
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Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

Cannibalism occurs throughout the animal kingdom (and in humans), with instances in various species explored here. Schutt also looks at historical instances or rumors of cannibalism and tries to set the record straight. This book has both fun information and good humor (no really!), and I had a lot of fun with it.

Soubhiville Sounds like a fun read! 3y
vivastory I also enjoyed this one! (Despite the author messaging me on GR & giving me grief about my rating 🙄 😂) 3y
Hooked_on_books @vivastory What?!? No! That‘s so not cool. 3y
vivastory Yeah, I mostly use GR to track my reading &: I use a rating system as part of it. I had written 3.5 ⭐ in my comments and he messaged saying that "3.5 rounded up should be 4 stars" ? This especially rubbed me the wrong way because it was the week of the '20 presidential election, before we found out the results & I read his book to take my mind off unpleasant things in the world 3y
Hooked_on_books @vivastory I‘m sure it‘s hard for writers to resist reading and commenting on goodreads reviews but they need to just not do it. I like Roxane Gay‘s approach, where she uses that platform as a reader, not a writer. After all, that‘s what it‘s for. Plus, it‘s so subjective. I rarely give a 5 star rating, but I also think there are plenty of good 3 star books that are worth reading. And some readers think 3s aren‘t worth it. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 3y
48 likes2 stack adds5 comments
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ElleSkel
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Oh boy! A little cannibalism for Valentine‘s Day!
❤️☠️❤️☠️❤️☠️❤️☠️❤️☠️❤️☠️❤️☠️❤️

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Hooked_on_books
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Technically…#foodonthecover.

😬🤣

Couldn‘t help myself. Hopefully I‘m not the only weirdo.

ljuliel Funny ! Well, there are those that eat frog legs, so I guess this would be food to some people. 🤨🤪 5y
Soubhiville 🤣 I love this choice! I 100% support it! 5y
Copwithabook I loved this book. It was a little outside my norm but strangely informative 5y
See All 7 Comments
Hooked_on_books @ljuliel @Soubhiville I‘m glad you guys get me! 🙃 5y
Hooked_on_books @Copwithabook I actually haven‘t read it yet, but I really look forward to it. 5y
BookNAround That‘s my kind of humor. 😂😂😂 5y
Cinfhen Ha!!! 5y
46 likes1 stack add7 comments
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CuriousG
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Is it bad that I'm reading about cannibalism while baking? (Early) anniversary pineapple upside down skillet cake is in the oven, so I'm ready for some more creepy facts #reallyitisjustcake

Minimalgrl 😂😂😂 6y
12 likes1 comment
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CuriousG
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Love that this book is equal parts history lesson and science. Not really any spoiler here, but thought I should start tagging it this way if I'm posting so many pics of content

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CuriousG
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This book is 100% blue ribbon worthy. A fantastic mix of hard science and bizarre facts. Reminds me a bit of Mary Roach's style of science based journalism in Stiff (minus the author participation in most of her books) #readinggold #cannibalism #antipeckspecks

julesG Why give the poor chickens more space when you can just get them glasses. 🙈 6y
CuriousG @julesG Apparently an actual product created in tbe 1940s. People think it is only recent farming that has the problems of animals harming each other...goes so much further back! I should note I am a big supporter of farmers and know many that treat their animals incredibly well. But this, is a bit much for me 😕 6y
13 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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CuriousG
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The table of contents alone makes me happy I was gifted this book. 'Placenta Helper'? 🤣

I think I would have added a section called 'Tastes Like Chicken Noodle Soup' #grossbutawesome

julesG Placenta eating is a thing. My midwife told me she had a recipe but hadn't had any of her clients take her up on the offer. She believed though that not all of the placentas that her clients said they wanted to bury in their backyards actually were buried. 😯 I buried mine under a now thriving hazelnut tree. My son complains about my choice of tree for him all the time, he is pretty lean and tall. 😂 6y
CuriousG @julesG I have definitely heard of placenta eating but can't say I know anyone who has done it. Sticking to the strict definition they start with in this book, it does count as cannibalism...guessing the people who do this would define it otherwise though. The chapter title just makes me laugh because it reminds me of the movie baby momma when the one guy talks about it. Lol 6y
julesG Well, momma cats and dogs eat the placenta, probably a bunch of other mammals, too. Why shouldn't humans? (just playing devil's advocate - there are things out there, or within me I don't want to try) 6y
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CuriousG @julesG That seems to be the stance of the whole book - virtually all species on earth participate in it in some form, so more natural than people would like to admit 6y
julesG It probably is natural. I don't judge anyone who does it. I don't want to be on the menue. And, although I understand the scientific reasoning behind it, I don't want to try it. Can't even say I find it gross. There's a chapter on risks, right? 6y
julesG That came out garbled. I find it fascinating. Just don't put me on the menue, or invite me to a grandpa-barbecue. 😉 6y
CuriousG @julesG From the start it goes into the fact that consuming dead conspecifics (i.e. own species) you increase risk of being exposed to harmful and/or deadly pathogens. I'm just on the second chapter and most of it has been animal kingdom (tadpoles, sand sharks, etc) related and not a lot of human yet...think it's working up to that. And I didn't take what you said as judgment - I fall in the same reserving judgment but don't eat me, category 😉 6y
16 likes7 comments
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CuriousG
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Getting a start on one of my Christmas gifts today - could not be more excited! #weirdshitforthewin

CouronneDhiver That cover creeps me out 🤣 6y
CuriousG @CouronneDhiver That just reinforces my belief that I'm creepy - I love this cover! 6y
jmofo Ohh that sounds interesting! 6y
CuriousG @jmofo - it definitely is! It dives deep into animals to start, so if you were looking for human related only, not necessarily the book thpugh 6y
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Zelma
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Settled in for evening with this little snuggler and a book I can‘t put down. Very sciencey and interesting. However, Mr. Z is a bit concerned about my recent reading theme.

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tysephine
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Pickpick

This is much more science-y than sensationalized, which I appreciate. Very good on audio.

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emtobiasz
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Pickpick

An interesting and intriguing #audiobook, although nowhere felt appropriate to listen (at the gym? Walking the dog? Making dinner?). Overall a pick, but I definitely zoned out for parts. Gets much more interesting in my opinion when we moved away from animals and toward humans. 🍽

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LeahBergen
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It‘s a #CruelWorld out there. 😄

#Aprella

Reviewsbylola Lmao. That picture is savage. 😂 🐸 7y
Mdargusch Ha! Good one. That cover though! 🙈 7y
SaturnDoo This reminded me of: my youngest son went to a friend's house for Thanksgiving dinner last year. They have a pet pig in the house. They were feeding the pig leftover ham from dinner. Son was ? and asked," Isn't that cannibalism?" ???? 7y
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emilyhaldi OMG I witnessed this EXACT scene in our backyard when I was 12. We kept catching frogs from a local pond and putting them in the fountain in our backyard. They kept disappearing and we couldn‘t figure out where they went until ONE DAY I walked outside to see the biggest, fattest bullfrog of all sitting on the edge of the fountain with legs sticking out of his mouth!! 😵😱🤯 I will never forget it!!!! @Mdargusch @Reviewsbylola @Meredith3 @AnnieD 7y
Reviewsbylola How did I never hear this story before?!? @emilyhaldi 7y
Meredith3 @emilyhaldi 😫😫😫poor lil froggies 😿 7y
DivineDiana Horrors! 😬 7y
LeahBergen @SaturnDoo That is TOTALLY cannibalism! 😆 Your son is right! 7y
LeahBergen @emilyhaldi OMG. 😂😂 That is a a complete childhood trauma!!! 7y
LeahBergen @Meredith3 So true! But I notice you stacked this book nonetheless. 😂 7y
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MrBook
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What do I use if I want to eat regular food? 😕 #LitsyHumor

ashsbookmarks 😂😂 7y
ashsbookmarks Zombies only, please 🧟‍♀️🧟‍♂️ 7y
kamoorephoto 😹😹😹😹😹 7y
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KatColmer I knew commas save lives, but clearly full stops do too! 7y
kidamy Can I use a table if I bring my own person to eat, or do I have to eat one of that customers? This is why I don't leave the house much; I'm always worried about socially screwing up. 7y
Eggs 😂🤣😂 7y
melbeautyandbooks 🤣🤣🤣 7y
tpixie 🤣😜🤪 7y
BarbaraTheBibliophage Perfect for cannibals! 7y
BookBabe 🤣🤣🤣👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 7y
153 likes11 comments
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RedMudNessa
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She sleeps, with one eye open, while I read.
My husband is out of town this week and I plan on getting through my library books and hopefully start on the tbr stack that's staring at me, waiting.

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danibel
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SOURCE??

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BeththeBookDragon
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My next read... Just the chapter titles make me chuckle.

Sydsavvy Wow! 😂😂😂 7y
BekahB I really enjoyed this book! The animal kingdom info was super interesting. 7y
EricaReads Loved this book! 7y
50 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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RedMudNessa
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So this book is just kinda my thing. First chapter starts with info about Arizona's spadefoot tadpoles which my mother goes out and searches for in monsoon season, she has some amazing photographs of the frogs. Then I'm happily reading along and read a footnote and holy shit that incident was why I wasn't able to go to the Sea of Cortez for a third year when I was in college. It occurred a few months before our trip which was then cancelled.

minkyb I remember @Liberty ‘s excitement discussing this on All the Books! 7y
RedMudNessa @minkyb yes, I knew I needed to read it right away. 7y
9 likes2 comments
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RedMudNessa
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Really excited to get into this book.

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danibel
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Nice

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danibel
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Somasis
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Pickpick

I picked this up for the #readharder challenge, it fits the task for a #bookaboutnature. Overall it was fascinating, I loved the broad scope Schutt takes to his subject covering everything from wildlife, dinosaurs, cultural practices, and diseases that result from cannibalism. Super interesting!

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iamjillsid
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History's worst ever case of the munchies.

DebbieGrillo 😂😂😂 7y
3 likes1 comment
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iamjillsid
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Females for the win.

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SmallUniverse

Mom: “What book do you want from Barnes&Noble ?”
Me: “a book about Canabalism”
Mom: (gives a weird look)
Me: “It‘s a historical account not a how to book!”

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susanw
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Pickpick

Fascinating stuff. A very thorough look into all types (yes there is more than one type!) of cannibalism! And all different species, from spiders and insects to bears and humans. What is real and what is lore. And the why it happens. #NonFictionNovember

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JPeterson
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Started a new book during the flight last night, right after they served some complimentary red wine. Obviously this book was the right choice. 😜🍷

“With this in mind, why not grab a glass of red wine, and let‘s get started.”

*sorry for the bad photo quality, the lights on the plane were already turned off.

susanw Reading this now! Fascinating stuff! 7y
84 likes1 comment
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thegreentealibrarian
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Mehso-so

It was interesting but I wasn't a fan of the organization and structure.

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SkeletonKey
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Pickpick

So, obviously I'm going to recommend this one to you all since I've been posting about it enough. 😂

Very interesting, scientific take on why and how cannibalism happens. There were so many things that he barely touched on that could have been expanded into entire chapters. Luckily there's also an extensive book recommendation list at the end for further reading!

#nonfictionnovember #cannibalism #science #anthropology #culture

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SkeletonKey
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Today I learned that China's relationship to cannibalism is way more complicated than I realized. Whoa.

#nonfictionnovember #nonfiction #cannibalism

IamIamIam Hey now!!!! 7y
SkeletonKey @IamIamIam - No offense meant, I just didn't know the history involved!! It's been fascinating in every culture though. 7y
IamIamIam LOL, no... I totally didn't mean it that way!!! More like an eye opening comment than a "watch it, buster" comment!!! Sorry! #footinmouthsyndrome Can that be a thing? #keyboardinmouth? 7y
See All 6 Comments
SkeletonKey @IamIamIam - Oooooh, LOL. I think that's definitely a thing, but only because tone is so hard for me to read online 😂 No harm done! 7y
TricksyTails 😳 Every time you post about this book, I get curiouser and curiouser to read it! 7y
SkeletonKey @TricksyTails - It's worth a read! 7y
16 likes6 comments
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SkeletonKey
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The fun pen I found at a Halloween store sale is a little too on the nose right now.

#cannibalism #twd #cannibals #nonfictionnovember #nonfiction #horror #science #nature

TricksyTails Awesome pen! Again, perfectly fitting! 😆 7y
13 likes1 comment
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SkeletonKey
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Usually I read on the couch but I'm curling up in bed with blankets tonight. Needed more comfort and less News.

TricksyTails Is that a bookmark? Goes perfectly with the book you're reading! 😆 7y
SkeletonKey @TricksyTails - Yes! It was a random grab off my desk but it turned out to be pretty appropriate 😅 7y
15 likes2 comments
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SkeletonKey
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I've got everything I need for a lovely #litsypartyofone morning. Ziggy is all cozy by the fire with Mr Moose and I've got my book & tea.

In a few hours I'm going to DINOSAUR LAND and I'm pretty excited about that. Also going to see Loving Vincent afterwards. It's gonna be a great day.

Hope everyone else is enjoying it!

#dogsoflitsy #partyofone #fire #tea @Ambrosnazzy

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SkeletonKey
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SkeletonKey
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"...close encounters of the bitey kind" is my new favorite cannibalism description.

#cannibals #cannibalism #nonfiction #science

PirateJenny I need to read this book 7y
SkeletonKey @PirateJenny - I'm definitely enjoying it! Little descriptions like this break up more scientific explanations so it's a really nice balance. 7y
12 likes2 comments
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SkeletonKey
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Starting up this one before work! Really good so far. This isn't a sensationalist take on cannibalism but a real down and dirty scientific study of why and how it happens. 💀💀💀 Happy Halloween!!

#cannibalism #horror #happyhalloween #science #nonfiction

bitterbear I've been reading this too... 7y
SkeletonKey @bitterbear - Oh, nice! Can't wait to hear your thoughts. 7y
TricksyTails I'll be waiting for your thoughts on this! 7y
14 likes1 stack add3 comments
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JPeterson
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I have been eyeing this book for way too long.

I mean, I still might need the hardcover version to read in public. 😉

Shvonne It looks like a good October book. 7y
60 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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irregularreader
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Good news! My #unboxing of The Nocturnal Reader's July box (The Feast) is up for your consumption (ha) at www.theirregularreaderblog.wordpress.com!

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MrsAlexanderHamilton
Pickpick

Love. Funny. Accessible. I devoured it. Pun intended.

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MrsAlexanderHamilton
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You're telling me.

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MrsAlexanderHamilton
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SeeJaneRead
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Lol. Is it though? #CloseButNoCigar

Saknicole 😂 haha nice find 7y
4 likes1 comment
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MrsAlexanderHamilton
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I'm stoked to start this.

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SeeJaneRead
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That's one way to win an election

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Leigh0906
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Today's #bookhaul from the #library. I'm a little upset because five minutes after I got home, I got a call from the library letting me know I had a hold available. I guess I'll drive back out there tomorrow.

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SeeJaneRead
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Indeed.

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SeeJaneRead
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Yo is it hot in here or is it just me? #palpalboxing #epignyalscraping

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amckiereads
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Pickpick

This was my (Canadian) long weekend read while cottaging with extended family (my sister and her husband, his brother and sister in law, two of their friends). It was hilariously excellent for sharing anecdotes, and was a lot of fun to read. Thanks to @Liberty for the recommendation!

Liberty 🍴 7y
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h_harrison
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yeesh

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h_harrison
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i'm embarking on a wild journey 🍴🍽🍴🍽😬😬😬