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Year of Yes
Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person | Shonda Rhimes
In this poignant, hilarious and deeply intimate call to arms, Hollywood's most powerful woman, the mega-talented creator of Grey's Anatomy and Scandal and executive producer of How to Get Away with Murder, reveals how saying YES changed her life - and how it can change yours too. With three hit shows on television and three children at home, Shonda Rhimes had lots of good reasons to say no when invitations arrived. Hollywood party? No. Speaking engagement? No. Media appearances? No. And to an introvert like Shonda, who describes herself as 'hugging the walls' at social events and experiencing panic attacks before press interviews, there was a particular benefit to saying no: nothing new to fear. Then came Thanksgiving 2013, when Shonda's sister Delorse muttered six little words at her: You never say yes to anything. Profound, impassioned and laugh-out-loud funny, in Year of Yes Shonda Rhimes reveals how saying YES changed - and saved - her life. And inspires readers everywhere to change their own lives with one little word: Yes.
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Bec_lectic
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Bailedbailed

This a was big no for me. Being someone who can be introverted and say no to a lot of things, I was hopeful this would be an inspirational book & make me feel more inspired to say yes to what makes me uncomfortable. Instead this book revealed nothing to me. I don‘t feel like Shonda truly wrote about herself. She tried to come across as light & fluffy and to me just not authentic. This book was truly boring. I made it half way through then bailed.

dabbe #hailthebail! 🤩🤩🤩 6mo
Bec_lectic @dabbe thanks for the perfect tag 😂😂😂 6mo
dabbe @Bec_lectic 🤩😂🤗 6mo
42 likes3 comments
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REPollock
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Bailedbailed

It‘s not a good time for me to read this. Survived a campus shooting this week and she strikes me as incredibly selfish and self absorbed. Might be great for someone not so recently traumatized. I have no spoons for it rn.

Tamra Such scary times these days. Take care ♥️ (edited) 1y
REPollock Thank you @Tamra 1y
5feet.of.fury Omg how terrifying! I can understand not being in the headspace for rich people problems. 1y
See All 12 Comments
Suet624 Rachel, I'm so very sorry. 1y
REPollock Thank you @Suet624 1y
REPollock For real @5feet.of.fury 1y
batsy I'm sorry to hear that. So glad you're OK. 1y
Anna40 Take care! ❤️ 1y
REPollock Thank you @batsy 1y
REPollock Thank you @Anna40 1y
SamAnne Oh gosh. Sad that there were so many shootings last week I don‘t automatically know which one you are referring to. So sorry. 1y
REPollock Thank you @SamAnne 1y
16 likes12 comments
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CaliforniaCay
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Pickpick

I didn't know anything about Shonda Rhimes before reading this, and I love that it's more of an autobio than purely self help. Maybe not everyone's cup of tea but it was right up my alley. Shonda is surprisingly shy and introverted for someone who is a public figure. Which makes her story of pushing herself to say yes to everything for a year very inspiring and funny. Would recommend to most, especially fans of any Shondaland shows 💙

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LMJenkins
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Read many good books last year! Keeping the same goal for 2023.

wanderinglynn Awesome! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 2y
29 likes1 comment
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FantasyChick
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If nothing else, I accomplished one closet, one dresser and some shelves today. A local Recovery Centre is opening up next week and sent out a request for book donations so I had to deliver. I feel good knowing these will be going somewhere desperately needed and glad that I managed to do something useful today 🥰

#BookUnHaul

Booksblanketsandahotbeverage Nice! How thoughtful ❤️ 2y
Leftcoastzen Worthy project! I love thinking they will help people & find new readers. 2y
ShelleyBooksie Rock on! That is awesome 2y
5feet.of.fury Ooooh! And they are getting some goodies! ❤️ 2y
47 likes4 comments
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Blackink_WhitePaper
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Pickpick

I haven‘t seen much of Shonda Rhimes‘ shows still I could enjoy this one. I could totally imagine the struggles of an introvert ! The best part of the book is author giving a speech in the presence of powerful women peers. strong & uplifting. Audio narration was too fast esp during her speeches,otherwise great narration. I can say it as Interesting & inspiring. 4.5⭐️ #nonfictionnovember #nonfiction2022 #bookspinbingo

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2y
40 likes1 comment
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SanjanaGhosh
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Mehso-so

Yesyesyes

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keepingupwiththepenguins
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Pickpick

It‘s not a memoir, exactly – even though it‘s told through the frame of Rhimes‘ experiment. It‘s not self-help, either – even though Rhimes offers a lot of advice and wisdom gleaned from what she‘s done. I‘d say it's a non-fiction book about the transformative power of being open to new things and overcoming ingrained anxiety, as exemplified by one extraordinary woman. Full review: https://keepingupwiththepenguins.com/year-of-yes-shonda-rhimes/

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JW1108
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@PuddleJumper has rolled us into the new year for the #roll100 challenge! # 49 is Tiny Pretty Things and # 24 is The Year of Yes.

PuddleJumper Wahoo! 3y
5feet.of.fury Nice! I read Year of Yes a few months ago and really enjoyed it! 3y
7 likes2 comments
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Kris10H
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Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐
I don't watch Grey's Anatomy, but I must have heard Shonda Rhimes' name spoken in tones of reverence enough times to encourage me to give this book a try. Year of Yes gives insight on Rhimes' personal growth following a decision to step out of her comfort zone. I have built extra walls around my own personal comfort zone over the past year and a half. Maybe I need to step out?

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5feet.of.fury
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Pickpick

I wanted to read this book after hearing about it in How to be Fine. idk why.. I‘m not a big Shondaland fan & if I did “Year of Yes”, I‘d end up broke and drunk on a tropical island (no one is going to ask me to go on Jimmy Kimmel, give a commencement speech or play with my nonexistent kids)
Similarly, she did have to reframe topics ie “Saying Yes to Saying No”. Fave chapters include “saying Yes to your weight” and “Saying Yes to Real Friends”.

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5feet.of.fury
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audio booking this morning 🤗 enjoying this listen so far. I‘m finding it really satisfying because I don‘t often see highly successful people.. who are also introverts and steaming piles of anxiety (like me). Maybe that‘s because, like Shonda (and me) we are doing everything possible to come across as a rational person, and many times that involves staying in the comfort zone and saying “no” to new things. What can happen if you say “yes”?

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DebinHawaii
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#JulyJourneys

Being a Grey‘s Anatomy fan, when I think about #dance I can‘t help think about how the cast would always “dance it out”— especially Meredith & Christina. That led me to this part memoir, part self-help book by Shonda Rhimes with the tagline, “How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person.” I listened to this a few years ago & really enjoyed it.

TrishB I haven‘t read this read and have had in my tbr for ages! I love Grey‘s too. 3y
Catsandbooks My favorite show!! This is on my TBR. Christina will always be my favorite! 3y
DebinHawaii @TrishB If you get a chance to listen to the audiobook, I recommend it since Shonda narrates it. 🤗 3y
DebinHawaii @Catsandbooks Me too! Christina is the best! 😍 3y
Eggs On my Litsy tbr list for a long time!!!! 3y
46 likes1 stack add5 comments
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JulieAly
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Pickpick

I loved this! It was a great mix between autobiography and inspirational with some comedy thrown in. Shonda was so honest about her life make it feel like she‘s a friend and very relatable.

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Kaarin
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Pickpick

The right book at the right time. Rhimes talks about the process of re-engaging with her life. Listened to the audiobook and they put in clips of her speeches. Also it was just fun to hear her tell her own story.

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megnews
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I haven‘t read the tagged book but I‘m going to assume it‘s good since I caught this fellow reader in the wild during my grandbaby‘s first visit to America‘s Roller Coast. So good she couldn‘t put it down and had to finish those last few pages. Was the book‘s message successful in that she at least said yes to Cedar Point? 😂 🎢

Lauram It‘s been a really long time since I‘ve been out there! I hope you all had fun! 4y
megnews @Lauram we had a blast! Thanks! 4y
38 likes1 stack add2 comments
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FantasyChick
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Pickpick

I followed along with the #audiobook for this and thought it was great. I know this book has gotten some bad reviews but I think it's a fun little memoir about finding yourself and I could listen to Shonda Rimes' stream of consciousness narrating for hours.

#bookspin pick for the month too!

7hrs #LittenListen
#JuneHolidayTheme #NationalPenDay
#bookspinbingo #readyourway

@aperfectmjk @TheAromaofBooks @Eggbeater @kimmypete1 @MidnightBookGirl

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
Eggbeater Nice job! 👏👏👏 4y
46 likes1 stack add2 comments
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FantasyChick
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I'm not setting goals in stone. This weekend I would like to complete 3 books. Any 3 books. Probably ones I've already started. But it's supposed to be nice out so we'll see how it goes!

Who's joining?

#AnyWayYouReadathon
@kimmypete1 @Eggbeater @MidnightBookGirl

Reecaspieces I might! I have to make a run out of town this morning. But this sounds like a plan. And I may do your goals...3 books! I have two in process. So that would be great! Ok...talked myself into it! I am joining in. I have not done a readathon in a while! I am in! Whoop 4y
Eggbeater Don't worry, this is a really laid back readathon, you can just see how it goes. Thanks for joining! 4y
kimmypete1 Thanks for joining! 4y
MidnightBookGirl I believe in setting goals in sand... right on the water's edge... 4y
23 likes4 comments
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FantasyChick
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Got my #bookspinbingo board all ready to go!

I'm already down one book this month and my reading mood is high!

#bookspin Year of Yes
#doublespin The Widow of Pale Harbor

@TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 4y
31 likes1 comment
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alisiakae
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this read! I‘ve long been a Shondaland fan, especially Scandal, the early years of Grey‘s Anatomy, and now Bridgerton. But you don‘t have to watch Shonda‘s shows to enjoy her memoir about a year of saying yes to the things that she‘s been holding back on.

I read this while doing the Year of Yes fitness class collection on Peloton, which was an incredible combination!

#nonfiction2021 : POC author

alisiakae And yes, that is my spouse getting ready to climb an 18 foot ladder at the edge of our yard to hang an 🦉 nest box. 😳 4y
KristiAhlers I LOVED that book 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa This was a good one, I enjoyed it on audiobook too. 4y
AmyG Ha! About the owl nest box. 😳indeed. 4y
PurpleTulipGirl This book hit me hard. I now refer to it as The Book of Shonda, and I recommend it every chance I get. 4y
117 likes2 stack adds5 comments
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alisiakae
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I love this. 💭💜

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alisiakae
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I had a pretty crappy day at work today, so spending the evening with Shondaland. Starting a rewatch of Bridgerton, and Year of Yes reading!

AmyG Hope tomorrow is better! 4y
DrexEdit biblio-therapy! 🙂 4y
Andrea313 Sounds like the perfect cure. Sending hopes for a better tomorrow. 4y
TrishB Enjoy ♥️ 4y
94 likes4 comments
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PurpleTulipGirl
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Pickpick

#WeeklyForecast

I 💜💙💚 this book by Shonda Rhimes. Successful but unhappy, she began to say yes to things that scared her. She learned how to live a happier, fuller, more authentic life because of it. I might just get it on audio for days when I need to hear her words of encouragement.

marleed Oh, I did this one on audio and left bed hearing her own narration. 4y
22 likes1 comment
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PurpleTulipGirl
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I think I‘m going to have to buy a copy of this book and keep it by my chair. It is the best kind of inspirational—not preachy, not holier-than-thou. It‘s more “look, here‘s an embarrassing and/or funny story of a mistake I made or how I believed a lie that society tells us. Don‘t believe the lies. Be your own kind of awesome and be good to yourself and be true to who you are.”

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PurpleTulipGirl
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Using Libby has really helped me read more. I like being able to support my local library, but I prefer getting books on my tablet, where I can increase the font as needed.

Show me your #LibbyList !!

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SarahBookInterrupted
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book. I didn‘t know much about Shonda Rhimes before reading it and I adore her now. I also relate to many of her thoughts and feelings. She is very genuine in this book and self aware. It‘s refreshing. I would recommend it.

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WonderLibrarian
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Nute Preach!👏🏽 4y
7 likes1 comment
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WonderLibrarian
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WonderLibrarian
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GlitterGirl
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What beter way to start a new year...😎😍
I am so so so excited to read this and so happy it is our 1st book for #readingwithfriends

Happy new year to one and all!!! 💃😎💪🌠

CarolynM Happy New Year 🎉 4y
38 likes1 comment
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marleed
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Pickpick

This is just a really good book to read if you want some inspiration to recognize and claim yourself for the amazing being you are.

71 likes2 stack adds
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MaleficentBookDragon
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This book is all about discovering what you can accomplish if you are open to trying .
#DailyTarot
Two of Clubs - Discovery

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NAM99
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Pickpick

I found Shonda Rhines to be inspiring. The way she approached things and reflected on what she had done and what she had changed were so interesting to listen to. It also made me reflect on my own choices.

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Smarkies
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Pickpick

I was surprised with this. I thought it was going to be alot more self-helpy. But the fact that it wasn't made me enjoy it a whole lot more.
Word of caution: you will need to have watched Grey's Anatomy to get some of the Christina references.

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thebluestocking
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#3books written by a POC

I loved all three of these lovely books for different reasons.

OriginalCyn620 👍🏻📚👍🏻 4y
56 likes2 comments
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TheBookStacker
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I‘m a little overwhelmed at the moment. So much is just bad lately so I‘m taking a breather and checking out this audiobook I just got from my library. Needing a little inspiration at the moment.

katy4peas 😘 sending hugs! 4y
MicheleinPhilly This book will do the trick. I found this so uplifting and inspiring. ❤️ 4y
35 likes1 stack add2 comments
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monkeygirlsmama
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Loved loved loved this!!! Got this in a free promotion last month, and tore through it in two days at work. Such a good MUST READ book!! 5 Stars ⭐

Added note: I had never seen a single episode of Greys Anatomy or Private Practice before reading this. Now, not even a month later, I've binge watched my way clear through the first 2 seasons of GA and am already on s3. 😁

20 likes1 stack add
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FantasyChick
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A little more #SurpriseBookMail today 🥰🥰🥰

Thank you so much @PurpleyPumpkin 😘😘

I've had this one on my radar for a while now and right about now I think is the perfect time for this one!

PurpleyPumpkin Yay! Glad it got there for your birthday. 🎉🎂🎁I really enjoyed this book, so inspiring. I hope you enjoy it too!💜 4y
PurpleyPumpkin Hope you had a fantastic birthday!🥳 4y
Pageturner1 Happy Birthday 🎈 4y
44 likes3 comments
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annahenke
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Starting a new one!

GardenJess This is one of my favorite audiobooks. I‘m totally due for another listen. 5y
annahenke @GardenJess I‘m loving all the quotes from some of my fave Shonda shows! 5y
GardenJess Definitely. Which is your fave? 5y
See All 7 Comments
annahenke Oh I‘m a scandal girl! @GardenJess (edited) 5y
GardenJess Oh and that‘s the one I‘ve not seen! 5y
annahenke @GardenJess you must! 5y
GardenJess On it! 5y
85 likes2 stack adds7 comments
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rather_be_reading
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Pickpick

Loved it! Anyone listen to it and just picture Bailey from Greys the whole time?

Lisebo I love bailey ❤️ I‘ll add this to my next reading list 5y
rather_be_reading @Lisebo ull love it 5y
68 likes2 comments
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rather_be_reading
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Book 93 of 2020
#audiobook #scribd

63 likes3 stack adds
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alessandrafn
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First of 2020.

3 likes1 stack add
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princesspeanutsmommy
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Current audiobook

8 likes2 stack adds
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beautifulcrevice
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Mehso-so

took me several months to finish but was an enjoyable read. i love her voice. she‘s a great writer all around! 😍 side note: glad i binged grey‘s anatomy this year or i wouldn‘t have understood all the cristina yang references! 👩🏻‍⚕️💉 #yearofyes #yearofshonda

5 likes1 stack add
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TsundokuAleax
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It was a weird summer and the show didn't help in terms of me keeping up on here or with my life. Thanks for checking out my book dump from this summer. Here's to hoping that my pace is a bit more manageable this fall. 🤞

MicheleinPhilly Gorgeous photo! 5y
TsundokuAleax @MicheleinPhilly Thank you. I may be terrible at posting but I do love taking picture of books for later. 5y
28 likes2 comments
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hes7
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Pickpick

There were times Rhimes seemed to lose focus, but still, overall, I enjoyed this celebrity story.

Book 12 of #SummersEndReadathon ✔️
Time: 51h35m

#bfcr3 #smallsteppers

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ATB
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#24in48 #challenge. I am giving my eyes a rest with Year of Yes on audiobook. I can only do memoir on audiobook specifically read by the author. I space out too much with fiction and miss too much. I get all my audiobooks from the Library and play them on Libby.

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beautifulcrevice
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YAAASSSSSS!! this has been sitting on my shelf for a while aaaand i‘ve been needing something to lift me up from I‘ll Be Gone In The Dark ☠️

10 likes1 stack add
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KarenUK
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#LilithJuly #DontDreamItsOver
I‘m not usually much of a Personal Growth/Self-Help reader, but as a total ‘Greys Anatomy‘ fan girl, I picked this one up by Shonda and really enjoyed it...
This little nugget of practical advice has stuck with me.... (oh, and if you‘re feeling crappy, Dance it out! 💃🏿🎶💕)

Cinfhen Sometimes you need to dance it out💃🕺🏻💃🕺🏻💃🕺🏻💃 5y
Cathythoughts I‘m all for dancing it out too 👍🏻♥️💃🏾 5y
54 likes2 comments