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Where the Line Bleeds
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
We are so thrilled by Jesmyn Ward winning the National Book Award for her second novel, Salvage the Bones (Bloomsbury). When the New Orleans Times-Picayune wrote that Jesmyn Ward's first novel Where the Line Bleeds "heralds good things to come," we can only assume it envisioned Ms. Ward's most recent honor. Essence selected Where the Line Bleeds as its book club's recommended read, praising Ward's "lushly descriptive prose" and "prodigious talent and fearless portrayal of a world too often overlooked." The Literary Fiction Review saw her potential as well saying, "Jesmyn Ward's debut novel immediately sets her apart as a young novelist to watch closely." We hope readers enjoy this book as much as we have and begin spreading the word about Ms. Ward's talents. Congratulations again! Vivid from first page to last. A major talent here. --Nicholas Delbanco, author of Spring and Fall and The Count of Concord Starkly beautiful...a fresh new voice in American fiction. --Publishers Weekly (Starred review) Jesmyn Ward is an important new voice in American fiction. Her writing is distinguished by a simple, patient, and utterly focused attentiveness to the physical details of her characters and their lives. The strength and elegance of her debut novel's story is timeless, but made new in the unfamiliarity (to most from outside this region) of the world she creates--country, but contemporary; poor and black, but rural, not urban. Set in a rural town on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the book tells the story of the fraternal twins Joshua and Christophe, who are graduating from high school as the novel begins. Both boys anticipate and dread their lives as adults. Joshua finds a job working as a dock laborer on the Gulf of Mexico, unloading cargo. But Christophe has less luck: Unable to find a job, and desperate to alleviate his family's poverty, he starts to sell drugs. Joshua does not approve, but his clumsy concern fractures the twins' relationship. When their long-missing addict father reappears, he provokes a shocking confrontation between himself and the brothers--one that will ultimately damn or save them. Where the Line Bleeds is unforgettable for the intense clarity of how the main relationships are rendered: the love but growing tension between the twins; their devotion to the slowly failing grandmother who raised them, the obligation they feel to her; and most of all, the alternating pain, bewilderment, anger, and yearning they feel for the parents who abandoned them--their mother for a new life in the big city of Atlanta, and their father for drugs, prison, and even harsher debasements. Jesmyn Ward herself grew up in a small Mississippi town near New Orleans, and this book makes palpable her deep knowledge and love of this world: black, Creole, poor, drug-riddled, yet shored by strong family ties and a sense of community that balances hope and fatalism, grief and triumph.
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Soubhiville
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Pickpick

Another flawless book from Jesmyn Ward. I believe this was her debut? I only have one more of hers to read (Sing Unburied Sing). She‘s an auto buy author for me now.

Some morning RBF from Venkman. 😜😸

EvieBee Hahaha! That face! 3y
LibrarianRyan Babyyyyyy. Looks like they need some stay puff, 3y
tracey38 Love the look! 3y
62 likes1 stack add3 comments
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sprainedbrain
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Pickpick

I finished my April #AuthorAMonth book a day late, but I always feel the need to slow down with Jesmyn Ward‘s books. Like the other two Bois Sauvage novels, Where the Line Bleeds walks the line between sad hopelessness and determined joy. Ward‘s writing is incredible, even in this, her debut. Christophe, Joshua, and Ma-Mee absolutely stole my heart.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

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BeckyWithTheGoodBooks
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Pickpick

I decided to start my reading of Ward‘s Bois Sauvage books with her debut. I was blown away by her writing. Her vivid descriptions of the Mississippi Coast transport you and her unflinching account of life in the Deep South is incredibly moving. I found myself at turns heartbroken, frustrated, and appalled by the choices made by the characters. I will wonder how Joshua and Christophe are fairing for months to come. 4 ⭐️ #authoramonth #april

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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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I am posting one book per day from my to-be-read collection. No description and providing no reason for wanting to read it. Some will be old, some will be new - don't judge me, I have SO MANY books 📚

Day 12

#MMMtbr

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Riveted_Reader_Melissa
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Pickpick

The story of twins that the chances of life take on two very different journeys. Although her debut novel wasn‘t quite as tight as her later books, I still enjoyed the ride through high hopes and expectations as the twins graduate high school to the crushing reality of endless job searches, and the less than ideal choices grinding poverty and desperation can lead to when opportunities are severely limited.

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Leftcoastzen
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Pickpick

#authoramonth First time I have read Ms.Ward Joshua & Christophe are twins , just graduated high school. It‘s hard to find jobs in rural settings , that‘s why their mom left.They don‘t want to leave their loving grandma Ma-mee who raised them , she‘s virtually blind , now she needs the help.As Joshua finds work,Christophe struggles,& takes paths to make money that are less than legal.Beautiful writing about hard choices & their consequences.

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Skygoddess1
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this story about twins Joshua and Christophe. I liked how Ward made it so the boys would have to spend time apart and experience life without one another in order to finally come to realize that no matter where life takes them, they‘ll always have one another‘s backs. Thank God for their grandmother considering how absent, and one could argue uncaring, their parents were. #AuthorAMonth #BookSpinBingo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Love her ❤️ 4y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
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dariazeoli
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Pickpick

The only other book by the author that I tried (and DNF‘d) was Salvage the Bones - I couldn‘t bear the dog fighting.

Ward writes beautifully. She really makes you feel like you are in her scenes. I wasn‘t so sure how I would feel about this book until I was very near the end. When the climax happened, I held my breath. When things resolved, I exhaled.

So glad this was her debut and that there are more books for me to explore!
#AuthorAMonth

Tamra I had to bail on Salvage too ..... I should try this one. 4y
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Cinfhen
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Pickpick

Although this was Ward‘s debut, it‘s actually the 4th book I‘ve read by her. It‘s definitely an impressive debut but you can see in her later works the maturity and skill she has mastered. A story of twin brothers, who upon graduation take different paths to adulthood, not by choice but by circumstance. It dragged in parts but was still very good. Ward‘s writing is so rich in detail, time & place. Audio narration was excellent. #AAM

SamAnne Agree with your assessment. She has really honed her writing chops and I can‘t wait to see what novel she writes next. 4y
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Cinfhen
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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I have #ZeroWilPower and I give #ZeroFu*ks These rugalech are too delicious 😋 Rugelach (/ˈruːɡələx/ ROO-gəl-əkh; Yiddish: ראָגאַלעך‎ rōgaleḵ and Hebrew: רוגלך‎ rōgalaḵ)[is a filled pastry product originating in the Jewish communities of Poland. Very popular in #Israel and found in Jewish bakeries & eateries throughout the world. This audio is not disappointing, although I know I‘m heading for heartbreak.

JennyM Delish! My office mate is from Poland and she bakes the most amazing pastries and cakes. We alternate who brings goodies to our Monday meetings - it‘s her turn tomorrow and I‘m already thinking of how yummy my morning tea is going to be 😃 Have a lovely Sunday xxx😘 4y
BarbaraBB 😉😘 4y
Cinfhen Yum @JennyM some people are really skilled bakers....I am not one 🤣 4y
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Cinfhen I was supposed to begin my “diet” today @BarbaraBB 😜 4y
BarbaraBB Lol there‘s always tomorrow 😉. I just started another diet. It‘s hopeless but I keep trying! 4y
Cinfhen I start new diets more than some people brush their teeth @BarbaraBB I‘m the worse with setting restrictions 🙄 4y
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Cinfhen
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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I thought I had read all of Jesmyn Ward‘s books @Soubhiville but I missed her debut!!
Just started the audio ~ I‘m hooked!! Narration is fabulous ❤️🎧
#AAM

Soubhiville This one is sitting on my shelf, but I‘m not sure I‘ll get to it this month. I bet you‘ll love it. 🙂 4y
Cinfhen Knowing her NF and her other works, I‘m pretty sure I see where this story is headed but I‘m still enjoying the path she‘s paving @Soubhiville but I‘m also preparing myself.... 4y
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Leftcoastzen
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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#authoramonth For once , all the library holds came at once.Curbside pickup still , but my library plans to open for appointments soon.Hopeful to finish Ward this month , I actually had Price of Peace out before, didn‘t finish,but could not renew so got back in the line! Nomadland has great reviews, I saw the movie first .Anticipating a heavy reading day Saturday or Sunday .😃👏

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vlwelser
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Pickpick

I love this author. It's really not that shocking that I really liked this book. I believe it's her debut novel. I definitely recommend it.

#AuthorAMonth
@Soubhiville

#BookSpinBingo square 3
@TheAromaofBooks

Addison_Reads I loved this one too. 4y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa I just started this one today! 4y
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Addison_Reads
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Pickpick

#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks #AuthorAMonth2021 @Soubhiville

I've loved everything I've read by this author. 💚

This book follows two brothers, twins, both who taken different paths in life. Ward, like with her other books, writes beautifully and breaks your heart in the process.

I also love her descriptions of the South. The scenery, and the characters, are all very realistic.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
SamAnne I read this one after Salvage the Bones and Sing, Unburied, Sing. I really enjoyed it, but was also struck by how much she had grown as a writer, as this was her debut. And I can't wait to read what she writes next. And her memoir The Men We Reaped is so good, so powerful. 4y
Addison_Reads @SamAnne I completely agree. I've read Sing, Unburied, Sing and The Men We Reaped. I'm planning to read Salvage the Bones next. 4y
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staci.reads
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Pickpick

She is one of the best writers of our time IMHO. Although this, her first novel, moves a little slower than her others and gets a little bogged down in description at times, it still has that beautiful lyrical quality of hers. She pulls us so completely into her characters' worlds. I will read everything she publishes.

SamAnne She is incredible. This is my least favorite of her novels, but still. I enjoyed reading this as her debut after reading her powerhouse later novels and her memoir. 4y
staci.reads Agreed. I read her other 3 first, so I was able to appreciate seeing the connections to her later novels in both content and style. Looking forward to another novel from her! 4y
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staci.reads
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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My first trip to Barnes and Noble since the pandemic hit! Treated myself to a couple journals, a tumbler, and two books from my tbr list!

Freespirit Wow that must have felt great ❤️ 4y
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Merchgal
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Mehso-so
SamAnne This was her debut novel I think. While I liked it, she really became a better writer with her later books which I loved. And her memoir The Men We Reaped. 4y
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Saving these for a rainy day... she is awesome!!

#Brothers
#MagicalMay

Eggs Perfect 👌🏼 ☔️👏🏻 5y
SamAnne Yes! 5y
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Soubhiville
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Look at the sweet surprise I found in my mailbox! Thank you so much Misty! I don‘t have this one, and it‘s her debut. I can‘t wait to read it, it sounds really good. 💙
#LitsyLove

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I have it too and haven‘t read it 🤦🏼‍♀️ I hope you enjoy it!! Happy fall 😘🧡🍂🍁 5y
MemoirsForMe Great card! 😁 5y
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Plaidsticks
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Pickpick

Now that I‘m thinking in it, I think I finished this before I listened to Savage the Bones, and that‘s what sparked the re-read/listen (not that it needs justification). Ward‘s lyrical writing has always reminded me of Faulkner, and like the characters in Yoknapatawpha pepper various books, so do characters from one book, walkthrough in another books.

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I've got to read all of her books!! I loved Sing! 5y
Plaidsticks @alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Yes! Sing is one of my favorites. Right after I read a copy, I immediately got an audio copy and promptly listened to it twice. 5y
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MsLeah8417
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Pickpick

🌟🌟🌟🌟

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Valeka
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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I love her writing sooooo much and thought I‘d read her first novel.

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Hoopiefoot
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Sunday night porch reading.

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masofia
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Pickpick

Like a twin study in medicine serves to highlight the role of genetics in outcomes, this story shows the twins aren‘t predetermined to the same adult life. The seemingly minor differences in their relationships and experiences start them down different paths even in the first few months of adulthood. This is an intimate story told in the details and routine of their lives as emerging adults.

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EmilyM
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Pickpick

Jesmyn Ward can WRITE! This is the third book I have read of hers, and it is the first in the trilogy that includes Salvage the Bones and Sing, Unburied, Sing. If you have read those two, I HIGHLY recommend reading this one. The grittiness of poverty and drugs combined with the strong bonds of familial love resonate strongly in all of her books, and this one is no exception. I will read anything by Ward. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 👇

EmilyM Interestingly enough, this is the third in her trilogy but she wrote it first. One of the characters mentions a hurricane that is a few weeks away and I wonder if that is Hurricane Katrina, and a reference to Salvage the Bones. 6y
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wellreadredhead
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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My #bookhaul from Book Outlet‘s Scratch and Dent sale (plus two more for a special swap buddy)!

MinDea I enjoyed Wool! I have the other books but haven't gotten to them. I also remember liking Abarat! 6y
MicheleinPhilly Great haul! 6y
LeahBergen Wow! 6y
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2BR02B Marlena ❤ 6y
suvata Wool was so good 😊 6y
Cspen113 All the Ugly and Wonderful Things and Wool are both fantastic! 6y
SledgeReader Massive!!! 6y
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CoffeeK8
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Thank you so much @Chelleo for your wonderful gift! I love the socks, but as a born Clevelander I was especially excited to see the buckeyes! What incredible gifts! #sockswap thanks to @JPeterson for organizing!

Chelleo Gotta love Buckeyes! I hope they didn‘t melt. I was a little worried about that. 🤗 6y
CoffeeK8 @Chelleo they were perfect! 6y
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Nitpickyabouttrains
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Pickpick

I liked this book. Very tonal, as her writing often is. A story taking place in the south and is very much of its location. The summer after twin boys graduate from high school, they look to get jobs and find their way in the world.

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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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My collection is almost complete! After some confusion with ThriftBooks I finally got this book and for free!! Has anyone read it?! 💙💙

Christine11 I so need to buy all these after reading Sing ! 😊💗 7y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Christine11 I‘m obsessed now!!! 💗💗 7y
bibliobliss I have yet to read her! *shame face* 7y
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Readage 🤭 lol!! I‘ve only read Sing, but I can tell she that will be one of my favorite authors!!! ❤️. AND she‘s also from a small town in Mississippi!! 7y
minkyb Pretty books! 7y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @minkyb thank you!!! I‘m obsessed 😳😱 7y
JaclynW Nice! 7y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @JaclynW thank you!!! ☺️ 7y
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SaraBeagle
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Arrggh! Only 40 pages to go! I just want to get home to finish this, it‘s so good!

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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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#Newautobuyauthor
#Febinbooks18

I will definitely be buying everything she writes!! I‘m waiting on the tagged book to come in the mail 📪

jillannjohn I just finished Sing and actually bought Salvage the Bones first but haven‘t started it yet. Looking forward to it. 7y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @jillannjohn I love her writing... 💗 7y
kspenmoll Just bought Salvage the Bones thru #BOTM - dame here; want to read her books! 7y
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @kspenmoll I‘m totally obsessed!!! 7y
MichelleScott_author Never read her before, but have heard great things. 7y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Coffeeshopreviews yay!!!! If I come across one at goodwill I‘ll pick it up for you!!! 7y
CaitlinR Can I give her (and you) multiple likes? 7y
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andytbarnes
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Pickpick

@Jas16 woah what a challenge to pick fav all time literary siblings! That may be too daunting for me so I stuck with the last book which I thought handled the sibling relationship (twins no less!) with grace and expert care as it tracks these twins‘ diverging paths as adulthood looms. I loved this debut which marked Ward as a talent to watch and she hasn‘t let readers down yet (Sing, Unburied, Sing was 1 of my favs last year). #jasuary16

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I just ordered this one!!! 7y
Jas16 I really need to read this one. Thank you for entering! 7y
lauralovesbooks1 I just picked this up -- glad to hear you enjoyed! 7y
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suvata
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Before I knew it, I had four ARC‘s waiting to be read. I had better get movin‘ ...

AmyG Lucky! 7y
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suvata
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Thanks, www.NetGalley.com for these two ARC‘s.

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Kathrin
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Mehso-so

Ward is an incredible writer and I have so far enjoyed all her books. Unfortunately this one is me least favorite... Even in her debut novel she brings the characters and their surroundings to life, but in this book I was missing an arc of suspense, the trail that is leading me through the story.

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Carleneishere
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Every other Jesmyn Ward novel was checked out in my whole library system, so I snagged her debut. Reading it from my job at the Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, overlooking the shipyard, while my main character work in the docks on the Gulf of Mexico. #ambiance

Carleneishere Update: in one of the field trips we offer, we teach the kids that bauxite (an ingredient in aluminum) and frozen poultry are major exports in the Port of Mobile. Jesmyn Ward mentions both casually in the novel! A+ for research and accuracy! 7y
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libchristina
Where the Line Bleeds | Jesmyn Ward
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Re-reading all of Jesmyn Ward's books before the release of her newest book in September!! I'm reading one a month in the order they were released.

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