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The Final Revival of Opal & Nev
The Final Revival of Opal & Nev | Dawnie Walton
135 posts | 104 read | 1 reading | 52 to read
A poignant fictional oral history of the beloved rock n roll duo who shot to fame in the 1970s New York, and the dark, fraught secret that lies at the peak of their stardom. Opal is a fiercely independent young woman pushing against the grain in her style and attitude, Afro-punk before that term existed. Coming of age in Detroit, she cant imagine settling for a 9-to-5 jobdespite her unusual looks, Opal believes she can be a star. So when the aspiring British singer/songwriter Neville Charles discovers her at a bars amateur night, she takes him up on his offer to make rock music together for the fledgling Rivington Records. In early seventies New York City, just as shes finding her niche as part of a flamboyant and funky creative scene, a rival band signed to her label brandishes a Confederate flag at a promotional concert. Opals bold protest and the violence that ensues set off a chain of events that will not only change the lives of those she loves, but also be a deadly reminder that repercussions are always harsher for women, especially black women, who dare to speak their truth. Decades later, as Opal considers a 2016 reunion with Nev, music journalist S. Sunny Shelton seizes the chance to curate an oral history about her idols. Sunny thought she knew most of the stories leading up to the cult duos most politicized chapter. But as her interviews dig deeper, a nasty new allegation from an unexpected source threatens to blow up everything. Provocative and chilling, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev features a backup chorus of unforgettable voices, a heroine the likes of which weve not seen in storytelling, and a daring structure, and introduces a bold new voice in contemporary fiction.
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review
Soubhiville
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Pickpick

I‘ve seen this compared many times to Daisy Jones and the Six, and while it has a similar topic and is written in a similar format, it‘s a very different story.
I liked this one better, as it feels more important. Opal shines as an oddball character I really related to.

I was planning on using the photo of Sietje sleeping with the book, but then Venkman got all dramatic and supermodelesque and I had to add him 🙂.
#doublespin for February.

Soubhiville This is the second Book of the Month (used- I‘m not a subscriber) book that has fallen apart on me- the binding cracked completely off at the back cover. They really scrimp on the quality lately, huh? 1mo
MaureenMc I just finished this book, too! I thought it was very well done. 1mo
dabbe 🖤🐾🐾🖤 1mo
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🐾❤️📚 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1mo
Melismatic I agree! Liked this far more than Daisy Jones! 💖 1mo
PaperbackPirate 😻😍 1mo
Creadnorthey When will this be made into a movie or Amazon miniseries? DJ+6 took relatively no time… hmmm 1mo
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review
MaureenMc
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Pickpick

Ostensibly, the story of a short-lived punk duo told oral history style, mostly through interviews with the duo & many influential people in their lives. At its heart, though, this is Opal‘s story, especially how it intersects with the interviewer‘s story. I really enjoyed this one.

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Soubhiville
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I‘m reading The Final Revival of Opal and Nev, and Venkman gives me a little blep face. 🐈‍⬛🖤

I do often have to try to read around his head. Totally normal, right?

Eyelit I love the expression on his face! (I also loved that book, how are you liking it?) 1mo
Soubhiville @Eyelit it‘s really good so far! 1mo
Hooked_on_books Definitely normal. Lately Bindi‘s been trying to make me read around her head or licking my neck while I‘m reading. Gotta love our critters! 1mo
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Ruthiella Totally normal! 😹 1mo
UwannaPublishme 😹😹😹 1mo
RaeLovesToRead Oh haiiii 😸 1mo
Leftcoastzen So cute! I have Nacho as my reading buddy, so far no blocking moves !😸 1mo
Jari-chan Flem! 😸😸😸 1mo
98 likes9 comments
review
LiteraryinLawrence
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Pickpick

I finished another #AuldLangSpine rec from @Librarybelle and it was superb! I‘m not that into music but through the lens of this pseudo memoir I felt like I was. Opal and Sunny really felt like 3 dimensional people and we got to know them over many years. The racism and other societal problems at the heart of the book were portrayed vividly. I liked the writing style. Overall, I can see why this was on a lot of people‘s lists from last year!

Librarybelle Yay!! So glad you liked it! I‘m hoping to read Legends and Lattes later this week before I have to return it at the library! 2mo
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julieclair
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My favorite book of July was The Final Revival of Opal & Nev, which was the June selection for #LiteraryCrew. (I was a bit late to the discussion!)
@Librarybelle #12BooksOf2023 @Andrew65

Librarybelle My July pick too! 3mo
Andrew65 Looks a good addition. 3mo
julieclair @Librarybelle @Andrew65 I was really surprised I liked it as much as I did. It‘s not my typical kind of read. But the books you choose for #LiteraryCrew are always excellent, @Librarybelle ! 3mo
Librarybelle ❤️❤️❤️ 3mo
25 likes4 comments
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Librarybelle
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I finished this one in #July , and I loved it! Another #LiteraryCrew pick, this one had so many Daisy Jones vibes but is in a class of its own. The narrative dives into class and race issues and the struggles a female artist has in a male dominated industry. So good! #12BooksOf2023

Andrew65 This is on my TBR, I just need to get to it. 3mo
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mjtwo
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Pickpick

21-4 Nov 23 (audiobook)
Faux history documenting the early punk duo of Opal (a fiercely original Black woman from Detroit) and Nev (a red-haired British misfit). Despite the title, the central characters are actually Opal and SarahLena, a Black journalist with a personal connection to the story.
Similar in style to Daisy Jones but tackles issues such as misogyny and racism in the music industry, Black Lives Matter and the integrity of journalism.

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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

This book lifted me up and infuriated me (on behalf of the characters) in equal measure. What an accurate portrayal of the music industry and how Black women have to work twice as hard to be half as liked. Opal and Sunny have my heart! #oralhistory #contemporaryfiction

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Librarybelle
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Thanks for the tag, @Eggs !

1 and 2. I loved the tagged book - Daisy Jones and the Six, with a bit of an edge, as it delves into much deeper topics. Maybe I like the interview-style novels??? It‘s a bit slow in the beginning, but then…wow!

3. I should probably say the UK, because I seem to read quite a lot of books set there. 😂 I enjoy both historical and contemporary settings as well.

#WondrousWednesday

Eggs Awesome responses - thanks for joining in 🥳 8mo
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Librarybelle
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Pickpick

Oh my…I loved this one! Definite Daisy Jones vibes, and it starts off slow, but the interview-designed narration, and the revelations made, are just powerful. It‘s an amazing work on the disparities between male and female artists, and White and Black artists. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

#52BookClub23 #AFashionableCharacter

LaraReads Yes! To all that you said! 9mo
Cinfhen This one was really good 😊 9mo
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LaraReads
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There were so many emotions that this book brought me, took me down the rabbit hole of the juxtaposition of white artists wanting the soulful black sound as backup on their records all while taking the credit as front men, or still flying their confederate flags and singing their southern rock anthems. Merry Clayton added her beautiful vocals and epic scream to one of the most famous rock songs-The Rolling Stones‘ Gimme Shelter. ⬇️⬇️

LaraReads She suffered a miscarriage the day after recording it. She then decided to record her own version. She also added the “Boo Boo Boos” to Leonard Skynard‘s controversial anthem Sweet Home Alabama. A song that was a clap back at Neil Young‘s Southern Man (that Merry Clayton also recorded a version of). A band (like The Bond Brothers of the book) that is well known for flying the confederate flag for decades. ⬇️⬇️ (edited) 9mo
LaraReads In her own memories of it, she states she chose to use her voice in it as a sort of protest. So I‘m recognizing Opal and Merry in this month‘s #titlesandtunes #sexdrugsandrocknroll https://open.spotify.com/track/318Vrl9zzFT7zT8BYKNhgP?si=exeZ9cXTQomplvBnTBM1AA (edited) 9mo
Cinfhen PREACH 🙌🏻💗🤘🫶🏼all the LOVE for your choice 9mo
rockpools Wow on both counts! Stacking and listening. 9mo
Rissreads This sounds brilliant! Stacked! 9mo
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janeycanuck
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Pickpick

This has gotten so many comparisons to Daisy Jones and sure, it is - on the surface. But this has more depth and deals with more complicated issues. Such a great book!

Thank you to @Librarybelle for hosting this #literarycrew buddy read!

Book 3 for #14books14weeks2023

Librarybelle Completely agree - lots of Daisy Jones vibes but much deeper. Thanks for joining! 9mo
LaraReads Yes! Totally agree! I had no idea going in how deep it was going to be. I hadn‘t really been excited about it for that reason. Thought it would be another Daisy Jones. But it was so good! @Librarybelle thanks again! 9mo
Sargar114 Agree! It definitely starts with that feeling but it delves much deeper into racial and political issues. It was very good! 9mo
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mcctrish
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Finally starting June‘s book on July 1 #literarycrew

Librarybelle Hooray for having an opportunity to begin!! I‘m still working on it 9mo
Sargar114 It started off slow for me but really ended up enjoying it. Hope you like it! 9mo
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Librarybelle
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It‘s time for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead discussion! I have questions posted under spoilers that can be found on my feed, the book‘s feed, and by searching the above hashtags. Join the discussion whenever!

janeycanuck Thank you for hosting, @Librarybelle - this was the push in the butt I needed to pick up the book after it has sat on my shelf for years. I really enjoyed this one - so much more going on than Daisy Jones! 9mo
Librarybelle @janeycanuck I‘m so glad you joined us!! 9mo
Sargar114 @janeycanuck SAME!!!! I was worried at the beginning that it was going to be too similar but it ended up being such a different and more unique story. 9mo
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Sargar114 @Librarybelle thank you so much! Sorry for the late response, was getting ready and hosting a kids bday this afternoon. 9mo
Librarybelle @Sargar114 No worries!! So glad you could join in! 9mo
julieclair Thanks for hosting @Librarybelle ! I really enjoyed this book, and had to keep reminding myself that it was fiction. At times, it felt like I was reading a documentary film. @janeycanuck @Sargar114 9mo
Librarybelle You‘re welcome, @julieclair !! 9mo
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Librarybelle
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6. How were Opal and Nev‘s rises to fame different because of their races and genders? Why does Nev find more success later in his career than Opal? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

janeycanuck I mean… a white British dude vs a black woman? There‘s no way she was going to have more success than him, especially since she was outright political. He was just pandering to the masses, she was trying to use music to affect change. 9mo
LaraReads @janeycanuck 100% agreed with that. Their careers went the same way as so many similar duos in the past. Most notably in my recent memory is Janet Jackson/Justin Timberlake after the “wardrobe malfunction.” As a black woman, she was made to take the blame and shunned as opposed to the white man who was forgiven and his career took off. Nearly 20 years later he felt the need to apologize. 🙄 (edited) 9mo
Sargar114 @janeycanuck exactly! Good comparison @LaraReads! 9mo
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Librarybelle Oh! Great comparison, @LaraReads ! That exactly fits. And yes, @janeycanuck …totally agree. @Sargar114 (edited) 9mo
julieclair @janeycanuck @LaraReads I totally agree. 💯 9mo
mcctrish There is no comparison @janeycanuck @LaraReads had it in one 9mo
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Librarybelle
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5. After a startling revelation in the middle of the narrative, the issue of complicity comes to the forefront. In what ways is the act of complicity demonstrated by Opal and Nev as individuals and as a pair? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

janeycanuck Well, Nev certainly got things going at the showcase and again at the final concert. I‘m not recalling where Opal was, thought. 9mo
Sargar114 @janeycanuck @Librarybelle I would say her complacency was at Bob Hize‘s funeral when she refuses to acknowledge Sunny‘s information about Nev and even further so when the article about Sunny‘s “mental breakdown” and behavior there comes out. 9mo
Librarybelle Agreed, @Sargar114 ! I was so angry over that scene. @janeycanuck 9mo
mcctrish Honestly this news, Nev‘s involvement with the riot, it‘s HUGE! It shows betrayal on many and massive levels, I don‘t think anyone could process that epic kind emotional tsunami quickly. The waves would keep hitting and you‘d need therapy to cope - it‘s every level of Opal‘s relationship with Nev, her career, her life, their fan base 9mo
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Librarybelle
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4. In an Editor‘s Note, Sunny describes the visceral experience of hearing Opal and Nev‘s records for the first time as a 14 year old girl. Think back to the music you listened to at that age. Which songs and artists left the deepest impression on you? Do you still look at those in the same way? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

janeycanuck Oh man… My partner and I have just spent the last couple of hours going down rabbit holes of music from our youth! That was probably around the age I was when I started getting into the Hip, which is still my favourite band. (edited) 9mo
LaraReads Nope! My musical tastes were more embarrassing at that age! 🤣🤣 I was definitely a top 40 girl back then. Innocent & fun. Thank goodness I got a lot “cooler” in my old age. 😬 9mo
mrp27 I enjoy music and I still listen to some of the same music I did at 14 as I do now. 9mo
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Sargar114 Music has a funny way of bringing you back to those feelings. I know when I listen to music of that time in my life I mentally and emotionally get brought back and feel all those feels 9mo
Librarybelle Admittedly, I‘m still listening to the same music I did in high school, but not from when I was 14, which could be a little eye rolling now! 😂 But, I love how hearing a piece of music that embodies a time or setting can really take you back. @janeycanuck @LaraReads @mrp27 @Sargar114 9mo
julieclair @LaraReads Me too… Top 40 all the way at age 14. 🎶🎸🥁 9mo
mcctrish I read something recently that talked about the music you listen to when you are a teenager/young adult hits harder and forever because of all the things you emotionally and physically go through in that time, so imagine the power of listening to music at that time but it‘s your deceased father and it has all the musical/cultural/political lore tied into it 🤯🤯🤯 9mo
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Librarybelle
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3. What is symbolic of the legendary photo of Opal riding on Nev‘s back out of the chaos of the Rivington Showcase? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

janeycanuck I‘m not smart enough for this question 😂 9mo
LaraReads @janeycanuck agreed! 🤣🤣 Maybe that Nev is the white night in this scenario when the exact opposite turns out to be true. He wasn‘t actually fighting for or saving anybody. 9mo
mrp27 Sadly I didn‘t really get to this part. I DNF‘d at exactly the same point in audio. It‘s a great story, the writing I good but I was disconnected from the characters and I was just bored. I think it was the format. 9mo
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Sargar114 @mrp27 I absolutely understand. It was very slow to start but I actually think this is the point at which the story really picks up. This was also the point in which it deviates from being too similar to Daisy Jones and the Six 9mo
Sargar114 I worry that the message is for a black female to survive in life or the music industry she needs to “be carried” by a white male. I really wish this book had “photos” accompanied with it. Everything was so visual and I really wanted to “see” this photo @janeycanuck @LaraReads @Librarybelle (edited) 9mo
Librarybelle I really wish there was a photo too, @Sargar114 ! It seems like even the characters in the book have different interpretations. Having a visual would probably make it easier for me to answer this one! @janeycanuck @LaraReads @mrp27 9mo
julieclair @Sargar114 I agree about Daisy Jones… both books were so very similar to begin with, but this one delivered a more poignant message by the end. 9mo
mcctrish @Sargar114 you on bang on with the white knight scenario! And @LaraReads you are too with Nev being the exact opposite @mrp27 this is the perfect example of a book that becomes worth it at the end ( I feel like I‘ve been slogging with it forever but now I‘m like OMG this book ❤️❤️) 9mo
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Librarybelle
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2. Bob Hize, who produced Opal and Nev‘s first record, recalls that Nev “needed to be pushed, needed to be surrounded by fresh sorts of influences that would take him unfamiliar places.” Why do you think Opal was that “fresh sort of influence” Nev needed? ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

janeycanuck I think Nev was always drawn to the different but I‘m not convinced she was what he needed - he was just in a mood to be contrary when they saw the sisters perform. 9mo
LaraReads @janeycanuck Man, I was really rooting for Nev in the beginning. I thought he was different & looking for a kindred spirit. I thought he would be so beneficial for Opal and stand by her side & stand up for her because he truly believed in who she was. I wanted this to be a different kind of story. But it turns out he was just the villain of this story. Heartbreaking for Opal. I really liked the way it ended up going. Felt more true to real life. 9mo
mrp27 I was rooting for Nev too. Was hoping he just saw the passion and fire in Opal but I think too it was just a decision he made in the moment. 9mo
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Sargar114 Rey true @LaraReads I think to start Nev really was looking for a presence he didn‘t have which was definitely Opal, being a somewhat unique individual himself he was likely more drawn to the eclectic. While it‘s a bit sad on how he turned out agree that it‘s probably more true to life. @janeycanuck @mrp27 @Librarybelle 9mo
julieclair Opal was so very different from never. Her culture and background as an American Black woman growing up in Detroit are far removed from Nev‘s background growing up white in middle class England. He used her almost as his Muse, but basically betrayed her when she really needed him, and never owned up to it. So sad and disappointing. 9mo
Librarybelle @janeycanuck @LaraReads @mrp27 @Sargar114 @julieclair I liked reading Nev‘s perspective until about the middle of the book, when the possibility of his involvement with Jimmy‘s death came out. Then, I thought back about his interviews and decided he was not as forthcoming or honest with how he saw Opal. Poor Opal. I am glad of the way the book ended…Opal got to go out her way. 9mo
julieclair @Librarybelle I agree. I was definitely a Nev fan until we learned about him asking where the flag was. And I thought the ending was very satisfying. 9mo
mcctrish I liked Nev until Opal came back from Paris and he had a suck attack over her staying too long. WT actual F baby man! He was checked out for most of the previous tours and had to go through 2 rounds of detox and she was just supposed to SIT THERE until he felt ready? Which could have been never. All I wanted from that moment on for for karma to bite his skinny ginger ass hard 9mo
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Librarybelle
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1. Opal Jewel comes of age in Detroit, with the Vietnam War, the popular success of Motown, and resistance to police brutality as a backdrop. How do you think that shaped her personality, personal style, and life of protest? Compare and contrast Opal and Nev‘s upbringings and how they influenced their actions later in life. ~from Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

janeycanuck Well, she was quite vocal about the injustices she saw. I think she had grown up seeing so much that wasn‘t right and she felt she had to use her voice for good. 9mo
LaraReads I definitely think growing up in Detroit vs the American south helped her to be more vocal about injustices because she likely saw resistance every single day. Although, with Opal I think she was just BORN to be outspoken. Her sister Pearl did not seem to feel the same way. 9mo
LaraReads I‘m not good at compare & contrast, but the most blatant difference is that Nev expected everything to come easy to him & be given because of who he was in his privilege whereas Opal knew she had to fight tooth & nail for every opportunity. 9mo
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mrp27 Agreed with all of the above. Not only did Opal bare witness to injustice it was also directed at her. Nev on the other hand never really had to deal with it. 9mo
Sargar114 Agree with everyone here. I‘d also add that when push came to shove Nev wasn‘t prepared to handle the outcry and violence in response to the injustice (especially when he may have been the spark that ignited it) and ran away or turned to drugs. Whereas Opal who has been more exposed to it could handle it much better. @Librarybelle @janeycanuck @LaraReads @mrp27 (edited) 9mo
julieclair This was the first time period where Black people were finally able to freely voice their opinions (at least in the North). It was also the first time period in American history where people were encouraged to be individualistic. “Do your own thing.” Both of these cultural aspects allowed Opal to live into her personal opinions and style, even though she still experienced prejudice. 9mo
Librarybelle Agree with everyone! @janeycanuck @LaraReads @mrp27 @Sargar114 @julieclair Their backgrounds are so different, and I think that made Opal more aware, more sure of how to proceed in life. 9mo
mcctrish Honestly I don‘t even know how Nev and Opal could be as close is they were and he didn‘t have more of an awakening of what the reality was! Maybe it was the time still perpetuating the cis gendered male supremacy but all anyone said was “she‘s too angry” and how could she not be. She was constantly put in her place 9mo
8 likes8 comments
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Librarybelle
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#LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead participants: tomorrow is discussion day! I have an early morning meeting, so I will not be able to post questions until the evening, US East Coast time. But, they will be posted!!

LaraReads That works great! The job always tries to interfere with my book fun anyway! 9mo
Cinfhen Can‘t believe it‘s almost the last day of the month! 9mo
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick One of my colleagues quit, and I was sucked into the exit transition to cover until she's replaced. I'm swamped with work, and I likely won't get this done until next week. I may answer late if you all don't mind. It's incentive to actually read a book on my shelf. 🤣 9mo
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mcctrish @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I will be the same! I saved it to read late in the month so it is fresh in my mind but I‘m swept up in the end of the school year ( today is last day with kids, tomorrow last day for us) I‘m going to start tomorrow #happysummerholidaysfinally 9mo
Librarybelle Work always seems to get in the way! 😂 @LaraReads 9mo
Librarybelle @Cinfhen I cannot believe July is so close…where did the year go??? 9mo
Librarybelle @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick @mcctrish Join the discussion whenever you can! I won‘t have the book finished by tomorrow, either…only about halfway through. 9mo
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LaraReads
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Pickpick

I have really enjoyed reading this one & the #sendsyoudownarabbithole effect it had on me. I have loved reading about all the people the characters were based upon. Can‘t wait for the #literarycrew #buddyread discussion tomorrow!

Librarybelle So glad you liked this one!! 9mo
TheKidUpstairs Loved this one. Dawnie Walton made an awesome Spotify playlist to go with it, it's worth checking out! 9mo
LaraReads @TheKidUpstairs yes! I‘ve been listening to it! That was part of my rabbit hole! 🤣🤣 It‘s great! 9mo
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AllDebooks
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#JoysofJune #Readathon #Bookreport

Had a great weeks reading in the sun. 🌞
* Over halfway through George III.
* Finished Brotherless night and 21 things to do with a tree arcs for #Netgalley #Summersmashup
* Finished 2 non-fiction audiobooks
* Started the tagged and love it so much, I'm 3/4 thru
* Continued with #NaturaLitsy #buddyread - Islands of abandonment

@Andrew65

Andrew65 That‘s brilliant 👏👏👏🙌🥳🍾🥂😁 9mo
31 likes2 comments
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Librarybelle
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Check in time for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead ! We are a smidge over halfway through the month…any thoughts to share? Don‘t forget that the discussion will take place on June 30th!

July‘s book is The Paris Bookseller by Kerri Maher…graphic to come soon!

AllDebooks I am really enjoying this and love the format. Untangling stories from multiple pov and interviews is fun 9mo
janeycanuck I finished it last night! I agree with @alldebooks on the format - it's great. I kinda wish I had listened to an audio and I DEFINITELY should have been listening to the Spotify playlist when reading. 9mo
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I haven't started it yet, but I'm looking forward to it. 9mo
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Jerdencon I haven‘t gotten around to this - I started it but need to get back to it 9mo
Librarybelle I haven‘t started it yet, but hope to get to it this week! @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick @Jerdencon 9mo
57 likes6 comments
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Sargar114
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Pickpick

This was a very good book. It‘s a bit slow to start in introducing our main characters, but once you get into the story it is hard to put down. It is sprinkled with some factual people to make it feel like it could have happened. It‘s an interesting look at American culture and how we view women and minorities. I wish it had “pictures” as so much of it is visual, but it‘s very well written that you can picture the scenes and outfits.

Librarybelle Yay! So glad you liked this one! 9mo
23 likes2 comments
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TheEllieMo
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I am posting one book per day from my extensive to-be-read collection. No description and providing no reason for wanting to read it, I just do. Some will be old, some will be new. Don‘t judge me - I have a lot of books. Join in if you want!

#ABookADay2023

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LitsyEvents
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repost for @Librarybelle:

I forgot to post this on the 1st!

June‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead is the tagged book. We‘ll read at our own pace during the month, and I‘ll post periodic checkins. Discussion on the 30th.

If you would also like to be tagged in this month‘s post, comment below! All are welcome!

original post:
https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2595195

Librarybelle Thanks for reposting! 10mo
30 likes1 comment
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Librarybelle
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I forgot to post this on the 1st!

June‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead is the tagged book. We‘ll read at our own pace during the month, and I‘ll post periodic checkins. Discussion on the 30th.

If you would also like to be tagged in this month‘s post, comment below! All are welcome!

janeycanuck I have taken the first step and taken the book off the shelf! I have a couple of library books due this week I need to get to but I think I‘ll be starting sometime this week. 10mo
julieclair I‘ll be starting the audiobook this week. Looking forward to it! 10mo
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Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick This is on my physical TBR. If I can fit it in, I may join you. 10mo
Sargar114 Already a little more than halfway through. It was a bit slow to start for me but gets really good about halfway in! 10mo
Librarybelle @Sargar114 Glad it has picked up a bit in the middle! 10mo
57 likes8 comments
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LitsyEvents
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repost for @Librarybelle:

I‘m extremely late posting this, but the June selection for #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead is the tagged book.

All are welcome to join! I will post periodic checkins throughout the month, with discussion questions posted on June 30th. Comment below if you would like tagged!

original post:
https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2591704

Librarybelle Thanks for reposting! 10mo
21 likes1 comment
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Librarybelle
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I‘m extremely late posting this, but the June selection for #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead is the tagged book.

All are welcome to join! I will post periodic checkins throughout the month, with discussion questions posted on June 30th. Comment below if you would like tagged!

Tagging those who have expressed prior interest!

Librarybelle @Cinfhen @BethM @PurpleyPumpkin - are you able to join us next month? 10mo
AllDebooks I got my copy ready 😊 10mo
See All 19 Comments
mcctrish I‘ve got my copy 10mo
julieclair Looking forward to it. I have my audio copy ready to go! 10mo
Cinfhen I‘ve read this already so I might pop in for discussion- it‘s a good book!!! 10mo
mrp27 I tried this on audio a while back and I couldn‘t get into it. Going to try again but in print. Hopefully that works for me. 10mo
Librarybelle Sounds good, @Cinfhen ! 10mo
Librarybelle I hope print works better for you, @mrp27 ! 10mo
Sargar114 I‘ve had my copy for a while, so looking forward to dusting it off and joining in! 10mo
Jerdencon Just downloaded it - been so busy haven‘t had much time to read but hope to get to this 10mo
janeycanuck Looking forward to this one, it‘s been on my shelf for ages! 10mo
Librarybelle Hope you can get to it too, @Jerdencon ! 10mo
LaraReads I‘m in this month! Now that my daughter‘s graduation is done I may finally be able to get back on track with reading! 🥳 (edited) 10mo
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Karisa
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Hurray for #Blitsy and @Chelleo and @Readergrrl ! It was so much fun to open my Black History Month swap boxes of carefully chosen books, beautiful postcards of brave Black women (each is a mini artwork!), and yummy snacks. I‘ll take a photo of my cool poster once I put it on the wall at school. 😉 I can‘t wait to get reading once back at home. Thank you!!!

Chelleo Love it! Those postcards are a fave....It's hard sending them out into the world because they are all so pretty....like you said, artwork! 13mo
Readergrrl @Karisa I‘m so glad you liked everything! This is one of my favorite swaps of the year! Thank you @Chelleo for hosting again!! 13mo
TheKidUpstairs Great books! Sleeping Car Porter was one of my absolute faves last year! 13mo
49 likes3 comments
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JillR
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Pickpick

We meet Opal and Nev in their very different childhoods and watch them begin to forge their musical career in the 1970s, and the fallout that follows. Their story is interspersed with that of Sunny, a female music journalist trying to figure out their past. This covers early punk, racism, white privilege, feminism and a woman trying to make her way in a man‘s world. I couldn‘t tear my eyes away from the ending, the final revival.

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Laughterhp
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Pickpick

So, I was super nervous to pick this up because I hated Daisy Jones (found it so boring and bailed🤷🏻‍♀️) #sorrynotsorry

However, this book was so much more interesting! I‘m so glad I picked this one up. I‘m using it for about a band or musical group #pop22

It‘s an oral history of Opal and Nev starting in the 70s and working to the present/2016.

#novelnovember - book 2 finished

Cortg Glad you liked this one! 1y
Megabooks Another one closer to finishing #pop22! 🤩 (edited) 1y
Laughterhp @Megabooks I think I have 5 left! 1y
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HOTPock3tt I didn‘t like daisy jones either 😂 glad you liked this one 1y
Cinfhen Great choice!! This book had more of an hf aspect too. I though DJ was fun but this book felt more solid. 1y
BarbaraBB I haven‘t read this one but DJ was boring indeed! 1y
squirrelbrain Nearly there - you got this! 😁 1y
Andrew65 Stacked! Well done 👏👏👏 1y
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Brooke_H
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My new staff pick

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Melkyl
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Pickpick

This book was good but not the greatest. I really feel like I would have liked it better had I never read Daisy Jones. This was just too similar to that one, and I found it to be more realistic. This is good, though. I liked Opal as a character. She would be very interesting to be able to know in the real world.

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AlizaApp
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Pickpick

I love oral histories, and this fictional one, about the rise and fall of a proto-punk duo, was excellent. Opal is a young Black American and Nev is the British singer who picks her from obscurity to balance out his music. But what if they were never what they seemed, either separately or together?

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SW-T
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Bailedbailed

I loved the cover and the blurb. Format wasn‘t for me. It sounded good, but I just couldn‘t get into it. Maybe the print copy isn‘t the right medium and perhaps one day I‘ll try the audio. As it is, time to move on.

#unpopularopinion

ChaoticMissAdventures Oh, yeah, try it on audio! Like Daisy Jones the format is much better on audio, it has a multi cast and they are all great. 2y
SW-T @ChaoticMissAdventures Good to know! Thanks. 🙂 2y
23 likes2 comments
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BrightGreenInk
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Pickpick

Hi! It's been a minute! In fact it's been 5 years, 4 moves, and 3 states!

I recently finished The Final Revival of Opal & Nev and immediately added it to my favorites corner on my small bookshelf, taking its rightful place next to Daisy Jones and the Six. A must read for people who love 70s music and culture. Interview style fiction is quickly becoming of favorite of mine. I also cannot recommend the full cast audiobook highly enough

#bookshelf

marleed Welcome back! 2y
BrightGreenInk @marleed Thank you! 2y
7 likes2 comments
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emmaturi
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book, which sadly didn't make the shortlist for the Women's Price for Fiction. I liked the format of interview style and thought Opal was really fantastic. I enjoyed the history of how the band got together and the family relationships too.

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AnneCecilie
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Pickpick

In the 70s Opal and Nev were THE Punk duo. A fierce African American woman and a white British male. This is their story to fame and potential reunion.

Looking at racism, sexism, white male entitlement and doing what you believe is right.

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AnneCecilie
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#BookReport

I finished Summer, read The Final Revival of Opal & Nev and have just started Flamingo.

Not much reading done this week, but on Tuesday I was at a Whitney Houston tribute and Thursday my work had its Spring Party. Sometimes you have to be a little social too.

Cinfhen Sounds like a great week 😁and yes, sometimes you need to people 😂 2y
60 likes1 comment
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TaraTLK
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Totally understandable why this won the Audie award. The full cast reading is perfect for a story told as an oral history about a music duo who lost a band member to racial violence at an event and the different ways that affected their lives.

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emmaturi
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The tagged book already started and loving it. Next will start The Great Godden, it is a short read.

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TiminCalifornia
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Pickpick

Strong pick for me. Really unique organization of the novel, from POV of MC who‘s an investigative journalist. Refreshing approach when you read as much as I do. Walton excels at suspense, twice building towards a pivotal scene, tension so taut I read late into the night. Such a good story and one that puts a spotlight on black and white personal and professional relations over the course of 40 years.

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RealLifeReading
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Book and breakfast: pulut hitam (black glutinous rice) with a drizzle of coconut milk. And this book about a fictional interracial Afro-punk band. I‘m still waiting for my hold on the audiobook to come in but thought I‘d start reading the ebook first. What are some books about music and musicians that you‘ve loved?

AWahle I loved Daisy Jones & the Six. I really couldn‘t get into Opal & Nev, but I am in the minority. 2y
UwannaPublishme Loved Daisy Jones plus many memoirs by women who rock like Carole King, Tina Turner and Cyndi Lauper. 🎸🎼 2y
ChaoticMissAdventures I really enjoyed Opal and Nev! The audio is so good. I don't read a lot of fiction of music/bands but I loved Elton John's 2y
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rwmg Now I'm feeling hungry 2y
VioletBramble I loved Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau. 2y
JamieArc I second the tagged book. I enjoyed the audio of it. 2y
Kitta I have Opal and Nev on my TBR! Glad to hear it is good from others in the comments here. I‘d recommend (edited) 2y
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Sophronisba
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The Women's Prize longlist was released this morning _and_ the Morning News Tournament of Books starts and still, for some reason, this is not a national holiday and I must go to work.

This is an outrage, obviously, but for now here is the Women's Prize longlist:

* The Bread the Devil Knead, Lisa Allen Agostini
* Salt Lick, Lulu Allison
* Careless, Kirsty Capes

(continued)

Sophronisba * Remote Sympathy, Catherine Chidgey
* The Paper Palace, Miranda Cowley Heller
* Flamingo, Rachel Elliott
* The Sentence, Louise Erdrich
* Build Your House Around My Body, Violet Kupersmith
* Sorrow and Bliss, Meg Mason
* The Exhibitionist, Charlotte Mendelson
* The Book of Form and Emptiness, Ruth Ozeki
* This One Sky Day, Leone Ross
* The Island of Missing Trees, Elif Shafak
2y
Sophronisba * Great Circle, Maggie Shipstead
* The Final Revival of Opal and Nev, Dawnie Walton
2y
charl08 Why is it not a national holiday? Why? 🤣😱 2y
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Chelsea.Poole Also outraged 2y
BkClubCare 🥰😍❤️🙋‍♀️💪 2y
marleed Indeed - a holiday is needed! And can I just scream The Island of the Missing Trees! 2y
14 likes6 comments
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Lindy
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Pickpick

Opal, the Afro punk singer at the heart of this novel, is an unforgettable character. Utterly unique and ahead of her time. If you enjoyed Daisy Jones and the Six, check this out because it‘s even BETTER! Multiple viewpoints are interpreted in the audio production by a full cast of 17 readers, with Janina Edwards and Bahni Taupin narrating the lead roles.

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Lindy
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I relied greatly on audiobooks, graphic novels and picture books this month, since I'm still having vision issues from a concussion in December.

Penny_LiteraryHoarders I managed 3 books in February! That‘s it! I started and stopped so so many. But Heather O‘Neill‘s was a great one. Truly wondering if it‘s the kind of book this year‘s crop of Giller judges will put on the Longlist? 2y
Lindy @Penny_LiteraryHoarders Sorry to hear that February wasn‘t a satisfying reading month for you, but also happy to hear that Heather O‘Neill‘s is great. You‘ve spurred me on to pick it up today! 2y
Penny_LiteraryHoarders @Lindy it‘s definitely classic O‘Neill in my opinion. 2y
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AvidReader25
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Pickpick

It's impossible not to compare this one to Daisy Jones if you've read both. Whichever one you read first (Daisy for me) will stick in your mind as the more original. I felt like this one delved deeper into serious issues, race & addiction, but wasn't as fun to read as Daisy. Taken on its own, I liked this one, but I think it could have been edited down a bit. The plot gets bogged down, but I loved the character of Opal and her journey to maturity.

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Suzze
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I have the worst memory! I hit an online book sale in July. When the box came I pushed it into a corner unopened. Guess what? I just opened it! Glad I hadn‘t bought any of these again in the meantime.

StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego 😆 That's a fun surprise. 2y
Suzze @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego It was! I wondered about the box a couple of months ago. Then got busy and forgot again. 2y
Kangaj1 Fun! I really liked Pretty Things. 2y
kspenmoll What a wonderful surprise! Some great choices there! 2y
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