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Libertie
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
111 posts | 74 read | 2 reading | 54 to read
Pure brilliance. So much will be written about Kaitlyn Greenidges Libertiehow it blends history and magic into a new kind of telling, how it spins the past to draw deft circles around our presentbut none of it will measure up to the singular joy of reading this book. Mira Jacob, author of Good Talk The critically acclaimed and Whiting Awardwinning author of We Love You, Charlie Freeman returns with an unforgettable story about the meaning of freedom. Coming of age as a free-born Black girl in Reconstruction-era Brooklyn, Libertie Sampson was all too aware that her purposeful mother, a practicing physician, had a vision for their future together: Libertie would go to medical school and practice alongside her. But Libertie, drawn more to music than science, feels stifled by her mothers choices and is hungry for something elseis there really only one way to have an autonomous life? And she is constantly reminded that, unlike her mother who can pass, Libertie has skin that is too dark. When a young man from Haiti proposes to Libertie and promises she will be his equal on the island, she accepts, only to discover that she is still subordinate to him and all men. As she tries to parse what freedom actually means for a Black woman, Libertie struggles with where she might find itfor herself and for generations to come. Inspired by the life of one of the first Black female doctors in the United States and rich with historical detail, Kaitlyn Greenidges new novel resonates in our times and is perfect for readers of Brit Bennett, Min Jin Lee, and Yaa Gyasi.
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Endowarrior21
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Thank you @shortsarahrose I believe it was you that sent me my #FFFS package . I love everything. @Chrissyreadit @Avanders

shortsarahrose Yes, it was from me! Glad you like everything ☺️ 6mo
Chrissyreadit 😍😍😍 6mo
Avanders ♥️🍁🧡🍂💛🍎 6mo
29 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Bookwormjillk
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Mehso-so

This book had a lot of ideas, but for me they never really came together. There were some great themes about freedom in there, and the descriptions of pregnancy were beautiful. However unlikable characters and a storyline that never really took off made it a so-so for me.

#ReadingTheAmericas2023 #Haiti

Librarybelle I have this one through #BOTM …I‘ve seen many mixed reviews. I may just keep it on my tbr for now. 11mo
Ruthiella Yes, I felt similarly. 11mo
59 likes2 comments
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JamieArc
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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I was one of many Littens who came home to a surprise book and note. It‘s been a rough week and a half, so this gesture is so much appreciated. Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️
#LitsyLove

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ❤️❤️❤️ 13mo
49 likes1 comment
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BookNAround
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Pickpick

Inspired by the true story of the first female, Black doctor in the US, this is a novel of strong women, mothers and daughters, and freedom. Full review at http://booknaround.blogspot.com/2022/10/review-libertie-by-kaitlyn-greenidge.htm...

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AmyG
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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@CBee I have been away and just came home to these fabulous books. Thank you so much, my sweet friend. What a wonderful surprise. 🙌🏻😘

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ❤️❤️ 2y
AmyG @Cinfhen oh NICE! Thanks. 2y
CBee Hooray! I figured you must‘ve been out of town. Just glad they arrived 😊♥️ Hope you enjoy! 2y
AmyG I know I will. 😘😘😘 2y
75 likes5 comments
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Larkken
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Pickpick

Already finished tagged book! On a roll! Figuratively only, however, as #roll100 choices are postponed until October since 2/3 were spooky books 😂

PuddleJumper Haha that's a good idea! 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
19 likes2 comments
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HeatherBlue
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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This writing is simply beautiful ❤️

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Butterfinger
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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How fascinating!!! The books I decided to read next are very similar in theme. Two books of a person of Color who has a decision to make - to be someone they're not to get what they humanely deserve or to stay true to their heritage and family history.

Chelleo The personal librarian is really good! 2y
53 likes1 comment
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readingjedi
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Mehso-so

A 'meh' book if ever I read one. Didn't get a sense of time or place from this & found the plot a little sparse. Both mother & daughter were fairly unlikeable & I wasn't really invested in their relationship. There's a lot of ideas in this novel but they feel underdeveloped & messy. Haiti section was better but all too brief. Tone of writing suggests profundity but I failed to grasp it. Liked the ending though & some lovely lines re: childbirth.

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readingjedi
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Today's read. So far this year my reading pace has been very slow (for me.) I haven't even been managing a book a week. My BUYING pace however is like greased lightning!

EvieBee I‘m the same way! Like stockpiling those reads you know you‘ll enjoy when you get your mojo back! 2y
BookBr SAME. I‘m calling it a temporary slump… 2y
86 likes2 comments
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TheReadingRaccoon
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Pickpick

Libertie is a historical novel about a young Black woman coming of age in the Reconstruction era. There is not only beautiful prose in this novel but rich historical research.
I highly recommend this beautiful and thought provoking novel for everyone including historical fiction fans and book clubs.
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

17 likes1 stack add
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Cathyloves2read
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
Mehso-so

The beginning and the end of this book were very good. I struggled with the middle. The story seemed to go off on tangents. I loved reading about the traditions and superstitions of Haiti. This author certainly has a way with words. She did a great job on her debut novel.

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TorieStorieS
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Mehso-so

This book got a lot of buzz last year when it was released so I was curious to read it. I really wanted to enjoy this story of a female doctor in the 1860s and her daughter, the narrator and titular character. It‘s really Libertie‘s story as she struggles in finding her place in the world- taking her from NY to OH and Haiti. But I didn‘t connect as deeply with any of the characters as I had hoped to… but I think it‘s a discussion starter!

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Readerann
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Mehso-so

I wanted to like this more than I did. Although there were sections I loved, I felt I couldn‘t really sink my teeth into it. #ToB2022

BkClubCare Ditto 2y
26 likes1 comment
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merelybookish
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Pickpick

It took me a while to adjust to the pacing. Initially, it felt like too much attention was being given to seemingly minor details. Once I realized those details make up the story, it started to come together for me. Libertie chafes against a lot: her mother, school, her husband, any expectation at all. But she is also unapologetic in her belief that she is deserving of total freedom. A radical position! Not my pick for #tob but glad I read it.

thebluestocking I like the way you summarized this. I was exasperated with her by the end, but you‘ve made me see her in a different light. 2y
merelybookish @thebluestocking Thanks! I listened to an interview with the author before reading it which probably influenced my reading. It made me aware of why I might find her character annoying. Still, I think there's something challenging about this book, in style and subject. 2y
75 likes2 comments
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BkClubCare
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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How‘s this for something eerie? Esther and I were #audiowalking when I spotted a penny in the street. Picked it up and the narration mentioned a penny right as I slipped the coin into my pocket! #tob2022 #tryingthisagain Can‘t say I am fond of 11 yo Libertie so she better grow up soon.

AudiobookingWithLeah I've had this happen too...it's super weird. 2y
Ruthiella Weird coincidence! 😨 I didn‘t think that Libertie got really more palatable as she grew older. 😬 2y
44 likes1 stack add2 comments
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ImperfectCJ
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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“...in birth is the freest you can be. You do not have to take your leave of anyone or do anything for anyone. You are even free of deciding for your body how it will go---it is deciding for you.“

This was definitely my experience giving birth at home. (Not so much my experience giving birth in the hospital, although in the end, there were even elements of freedom there, despite the attempts of the system to control me and my body.)

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ImperfectCJ
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Pickpick

This book confused me for a long time. The way the characters related to each other seemed strange, and their motivations didn't make sense to me. I thought my review would be that along with praise for the rich settings Greenidge weaves. But when I got to the last chapter, everything felt like it fell into place. It's not often that I read a novel like that, where things feel opaque only to come clear at the end. It's quite satisfying. #ToB2022

JamieArc And that‘s why I can rarely bail on books. 2y
ImperfectCJ @JamieArc Same here. I'm trying to be more mercenary about it, but if there's anything that hooks me, even a little, I try to tough it out. In this case, the settings are awesome, and I could keep reading for those. And glad I did! 2y
JamieArc This one is on my list 😊 2y
63 likes3 comments
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ImperfectCJ
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Camille helped me take photos of my #gettbr delivery. In case you can't see through my cat, the titles are Crying in H Mart, Ophie's Ghosts, and Libertie. That last I actually started on audio mere hours before the postal carrier delivered the box of books, which was a fun coincidence.

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Julsmarshall
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Pickpick

This 100 miles in January goal to raise $$ for cancer research has me blowing through the audiobooks! This one was good, a bit slow at first but the prose was so gorgeous it kept me listening. Mother daughter relationships are so layered and emotionally charged and this book explores that in depth while also considering slavery, colorism, love and pain. Roxane Gay called it a must read and she was right! #BIPOC #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
62 likes1 comment
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Leftcoastzen
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Mehso-so

I really wanted to love it. Liberties mother is a doctor in Brooklyn.Free black women in kings county reconstruction era.While the writing is beautiful, and it spins a tale different from most in the time period, I wanted Libertie not to still struggle so much under others expectations. She only came alive for me when she fell in love with music when away at school. This was my #bookspin this month .

Addison_Reads Great review. I felt this book had so much potential to be greater than it was. I look forward to seeing what this author writes in the future. 2y
Leftcoastzen @Addison_Reads me too! On both counts. 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2y
63 likes3 comments
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thebluestocking
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Mehso-so

Another #tob book that just didn‘t work for me. This story about a freeborn black girl (then woman) with a doctor for a mother around the time of the Civil War should‘ve been right up my alley. But I never felt a connection with Libertie or her choices.

#tob22 #tob2022

Ruthiella Yeah, the premise was so good! But I was also just meh about the execution. 2y
cariashley Spot on. Agree with @Ruthiella too 2y
BarbaraBB What @cariashley says. Spot on indeed. 2y
Suet624 I‘ve decided not to read this one after seeing so many meh‘s. That‘s one TOB off my list! 2y
67 likes4 comments
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cariashley
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Mehso-so

This kept me reading but never fully came together for me. The storyline and the relationships between the characters just felt a little choppy, although I didn‘t mind the second half of the book as much as some others. The Haiti parts were interesting and I would have liked to have gone deeper there. Maybe the author just tried to do too much and it felt like skimming.

Book 4 of #TOB22 done! Got a ways to go 😅

KatieDid927 Agreed. 2y
Suet624 Darn! I keep putting off reading this book because of these so-so reviews. As to the fact that you say you have a ways to go, I just keep telling myself that I have until March to read all of them and that's calming me down a bit. 2y
Chelsea.Poole Same for me. 2y
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Ruthiella Totally agree with your take on the book. 2y
cariashley @Suet624 that‘s a great way to think about it!! And this one was fine, it moves along and isn‘t a slow read, at least. 2y
cariashley @KatieDid927 @Chelsea.Poole @Ruthiella glad I‘m not the only one and that there‘s a consistent vibe on this one! 2y
thebluestocking Well said! I felt the same way. 💙 2y
49 likes7 comments
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Leftcoastzen
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Libertie is my #bookspin Crusader for Justice my #doublespin

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Ruthiella
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Mehso-so

I enjoyed learning about the African American celebration of Pinkster (roughly based on Pentecost) and Fèt Gede in Haiti. But similar to Greenidge‘s debut, which I also read for #ToB, I found the narrative a little too scattered for my tastes. I prefer the historical fiction I read to be more focused and immersive. The voice of Libertie, while an interesting character,felt a bit too modern to me, right or wrong. #ToB2022

Megabooks I‘m picking up what you‘re putting down. 👍🏻👍🏻 2y
Ruthiella @Megabooks I‘ve only got the Ozeki to read next. After that, I have to wait for library holds to come in. 2y
squirrelbrain I think I‘m the only one to have liked this! 🤷‍♀️ 2y
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Ruthiella @squirrelbrain I can see why! She covers a lot of interesting topics in just over 300 pages. 2y
Suet624 It‘s sitting here waiting for me to read but the reviews are not inspiring me to pick it up (edited) 2y
Megabooks @Ruthiella I just finished it this morning. Now I‘m just waiting for Klara from the library and I will have read them all. 2y
Ruthiella @Suet624 Give it a go! I would love to know what you think. 2y
Ruthiella @Megabooks Excellent work! I know we have all the way to March to read these, but I do enjoy trying to read as many as I can between the years when I have time off work. 2y
Chelsea.Poole I totally agree with what you said about Libertie‘s voice seeming more modern than her time period. 2y
Ruthiella @Chelsea.Poole Glad it‘s not only me that feels that way. 2y
thebluestocking Great review. 💙 I‘ve started this in audio and have yet to be sucked in. 2y
Ruthiella @thebluestocking I tried the audio but ended up reading the print. I found the narrator a little too dramatic in her reading. 2y
kwmg40 I've only finished 3 of the ToB books so far and have a few more stacked in front of me, so it will be a while before I get to this one. 2y
Ruthiella @kwmg40 looking forward to reading your review when you get to this one! 2y
Cinfhen Great review- too scattered is EXACTLY RIGHT!! 2y
Ruthiella @Cinfhen Thanks! It was an easy read at least. 2y
Cinfhen Yeah, but I‘m not sure why it made the list??? Other books were definitely better. 2y
Ruthiella @Cinfhen Well, it‘s a matter of taste and opinion, right? I mean, I liked My Sister, the Serial Killer but didn‘t think it was all that, and it won over books (Milkman, The Mars Room) that I thought were stronger candidates... 2y
55 likes18 comments
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Chelsea.Poole
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Mehso-so

Read for #tob22 #tournamentofbooks and I‘m sad to say it wasn‘t a great one for me. Historical fiction isn‘t my genre, so it‘s partially on me but I just felt like I was trudging toward the end. I will say, the narration was great in the audiobook and the character development was a high point.

Ruthiella I‘m reading this now. So far, so good -1/3 of the way through- but it‘s not settling my pants on fire or anything. 2y
Chelsea.Poole @Ruthiella I think it was fine, but I expected more. Hopefully it works for you! 2y
BarbaraBB I felt the same about this one. 2y
80 likes3 comments
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alisiakae
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Mehso-so

One of the few times I disagree with one of Roxane Gay‘s recommendations. This was one of her book club books earlier this year, but I had a very difficult time staying engaged with the story. I‘m just glad to finally finish it.

#tob22 #tobshortlist

Ruthiella Bummer it didn‘t quite work for you. Either it or the Ruth Ozeki will be the after I finish 2y
Suet624 I'm feeling a little bummed out that this year's TOB is falling a bit short. 2y
alisiakae @Ruthiella I‘m debating between Trees or this one next 2y
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alisiakae @Suet624 oh no! I‘ve only read two so far. I hardly had any time to read this month. 2y
sarahbarnes I loved Trees for what it‘s worth! And sorry this one fell short, that seems to be a theme in the reviews here. I may skip it. 2y
Cinfhen Yeah, this book was a bit of a slog. I think you‘ll appreciate Trees. And it‘s a quick read. 2y
squirrelbrain I think I‘m the only one who has liked this book! 2y
BarbaraBB I felt underwhelmed too. 2y
alisiakae @sarahbarnes @Cinfhen looks like Trees it is for my next #tob read! I definitely need a quick read right now, I‘d love to squeeze one more in before the end of the year. 2y
Cinfhen It‘s quick but impactful 2y
81 likes1 stack add10 comments
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BarbaraBB
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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#BookReport 50/21

Two disappointing #tob22 reads but Fresh Water for Flowers made up for that ❤️❤️

FelinesAndFelonies I did not care for The Matrix either. 2y
TrishB Fresh Water is a lovely read ❤️ I‘m reading you‘re going back into full lockdown ☹️ take care, sending love and hugs ♥️ (edited) 2y
BarbaraBB @TrishB Thank you, it‘s tough indeed 🥲😘 2y
See All 7 Comments
CarolynM Sorry to hear about your return to lockdown ☹ So hard, especially the timing. Hang in there. Sending love💕 2y
BarbaraBB @CarolynM Thank you my friend, it is a bit of a downer to say the least. I try so hard to stay positive but that‘s quite challenging at the moment. However I hope to escape the country a bit during Christmas. I hope we are still allowed to travel within Europe. Not sure, everything changes daily thanks to governments without a plan 🤷🏻‍♀️😘 (edited) 2y
BiblioLitten Fresh Water for Flowers has been on my TBR forever. Eager to get to it🙂 2y
BarbaraBB @BiblioLitten Do read it. I honestly think you‘ll love it 2y
66 likes7 comments
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andrew61
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Pickpick

There seems to be a very mixed response to this bk but I really enjoyed it. I heard the author on the virago podcast then saw her bk in the library so decided to give it a go. Libertie, dtr of a black female Dr in civil war UsA, grows up with weight of her mother's high expectations and her life story covers the war, university, and marriage in Haiti. I understand the qualms but I found Libertie a fascinating character and this a very readable bk.

Ruthiella Good to hear a positive review! I will try to keep an open mind. I didn‘t love her debut but the historical fiction parts of it were my favorite. 2y
44 likes1 comment
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Megabooks
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Bailedbailed

Life is too short to read books you‘re not enjoying, even if they‘re on the #ToBshortlist! I skipped this when it came out, and that was the right choice. Bailed on #audiobook at 41%.

Ruthiella Fair enough! I‘m definitely going to read it in print. 2y
marleed It‘s disappointing when the contents are not as interesting as the cover! 2y
sarahbarnes I was thinking about skipping this one, and based on your thoughts I‘m going to stick with that choice for now. 😊 2y
See All 16 Comments
Megabooks @Ruthiella the audiobook narration was great, but it was a weird combination of a long buildup and just not being invested in the MCs. 2y
Megabooks @marleed so true! 2y
Megabooks @sarahbarnes I think my original decision to skip was right for me too, and I‘m glad it was a library book. 👍🏻 2y
squirrelbrain I think I‘m the only one who has liked this so far! 2y
BarbaraBB Wise woman! 2y
Soubhiville I bailed on this audiobook too. 2y
Cinfhen Good call ☎️ still wondering how this one made it into the sweet 16?? 2y
Megabooks @squirrelbrain to each her own! 2y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB 😁😁 2y
Megabooks @Soubhiville I was not feeling it for sure. 2y
Megabooks @Cinfhen I have no idea!! 2y
Mindyrecycles It was just okay to me. 2y
Megabooks @Mindyrecycles I think only one person in our group has liked it so far. 2y
73 likes16 comments
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BarbaraBB
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Mehso-so

This book started out strong with the arrival of Ben Daisy in Libertie‘s live, a liberated slave who keeps searching for the lost love of his life. Libertie is small at the time. When she grows up she goes to college in Ohio. When she is grown up she marries the Haitian Emmanuel and follows him to his country. The story loses pace however and I found it hard to stay engaged. In the end I was just glad I was finished, I‘m sorry to say. #ToB22

Ruthiella I was only so-so about Greenidge‘s debut We Love You Charlie Freeman. 2y
rmaclean4 Good to know, i have been looking at this book for a while. 2y
squirrelbrain No-one else seems to like this as much as I did! 🤷‍♀️ 2y
See All 16 Comments
BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain I had expected to like it, based on your review, but I thought it a bit boring instead 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y
sarahbarnes Thanks for this review. I don‘t know if I‘ll get to this one, good to know your take on it. 2y
BarbaraBB @sarahbarnes Are you reading the shortlist again? 2y
sarahbarnes Yes, I‘m working on it! There are a couple I may skip, and I‘ll admit I‘ve been on the fence about reading this one. 2y
Cinfhen Right? It just fizzled and faltered??!! It‘s funny, because I didn‘t care for the mystical elements & I agree, certain parts of the book were very dry 2y
BarbaraBB @sarahbarnes Cool. Any favorites yet? 2y
BarbaraBB @Cinfhen I didn‘t care much for the mystical elements nor for the Haitian part unfortunately. Dry is the right word. (edited) 2y
BarbaraBB @Ruthiella I didn‘t read that one at the time because it didn‘t appeal. This one is okay imo, not sure why it made the shortlist. 2y
Megabooks This is up next for me from the shortlist. I don‘t have high expectations. 2y
sarahbarnes So far, I‘ve really liked the Lockwood, The Trees, Subdivision. I just finished Nervous System and I feel like that one will stay with me for awhile. How about you? Any favorites? 2y
Mindyrecycles I‘m listening to it and not finding the narrator great. The story is okay at this point but I have a way to go. 2y
BarbaraBB @sarahbarnes I still have a lot to read but so far The Trees, Intimacies and the Lockwood. Looking forward to Subdivision and Nervous System now! 2y
BarbaraBB @Mindyrecycles Okay is the right word 😀 2y
62 likes16 comments
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BkClubCare
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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I have to put this aside and try again later; just can‘t seem to get into it.
#tob2022
(Anyone else on Untappd?)

BarbaraBB Just finished this one. I am glad I did since I had a hard time to! 2y
tokorowilliamwallace I'm on untappd but I have to get a new phone since many of my apps aren't working. 2y
34 likes2 comments
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teresareads
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
Mehso-so

I liked the first part of this, although I think I might have liked a book about Libertie's mother even more. But I think the last half of the book was too rushed. I wanted more time spent fleshing out the characters in Haiti. #tob21

thebluestocking Agree about Libertie‘s mother being the more interesting of the two! 💙 2y
7 likes1 comment
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alisiakae
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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@mdm139 Ironically look what my daughter just walked in the door with!

Pictures alongside my next book for #tob22 #tobshortlist

TEArificbooks @4thhouseontheleft 😂 I wasn‘t expecting the cookies and happen to be reading an egg nog book and my husband walked in the door with egg nog and then the delivery driver brought the cookie all in the same 5 minutes. I took it as sign that a Litsy picture had to be taking. 2y
alisiakae @mdm139 I love when those moments happen! I was also not expecting cookies to walk in the house, my daughter won it at a school raffle following her friend‘s dance performances. 2y
78 likes2 comments
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Cinfhen
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Pickpick

I feel like this book hit some really high notes but also reached some low notes, too. A soft pick buoyed by fantastic narration. A coming of age story set post civil war, Libertie is raised by her mother, one of the first black women‘s doctor in NYC taught to behold her mind over her body. This book touches on feminism, freedom, family,success, colorism, sexuality, magic, medicine, education,mental health, marriage and religion. #ToB22ShortList

Megabooks Sounds really interesting. You know I‘m iffy on historical fiction, so I‘m hoping I‘ll like this. I just got it from the library, so it‘s up soon. (Probably after I hit 500.) I think a random book is going to end up being 500 anyway, though. We‘ll see!! Great review!! 💜💜 2y
Cinfhen It wasn‘t consistent @Megabooks which was my biggest gripe. I think you‘ll like it enough to get through it. Its good but not my favorite from the shortlist. 2y
BarbaraBB Great review. I‘m about to start it too. 2y
See All 12 Comments
squirrelbrain Great review Cindy! 2y
Cinfhen Thanks @BarbaraBB I think you might like the Haiti connection 2y
Cinfhen I know you really liked this one @squirrelbrain but sometimes I fell really out of the story 🤷🏼‍♀️ 2y
squirrelbrain I read it as a physical book Cindy, so perhaps did my usual trick of skim-reading the less interesting parts so didn‘t even notice they were there! 😁 2y
Cinfhen Yeah, I hear that @squirrelbrain ☺️🙌🏻 2y
Ruthiella I‘ll be accessing this as an ebook. We‘ll see if I also note the lows... 2y
BarbaraBB I was triggered by the Haiti storyline indeed! 2y
Megabooks @squirrelbrain see…I can only skim on audio. If I‘m reading print, I read much more closely! 2y
squirrelbrain How interesting @Megabooks ! If I‘m studying anything or reading for work, I have to take notes to stop myself skim-reading; I just can‘t stop myself. 📝 2y
69 likes12 comments
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Cinfhen
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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At 75% I‘m much more captivated with this novel. The first half was ok, at times disengaging but once Emanuel Chase makes his appearance, the story picks up….it also gets a little steamy 😉 Narration is very good. #ToB22ShortList #Hoopla

Lindy The book‘s description didn‘t grab me so I‘m glad to hear it‘s worth picking up. I did enjoy her 2y
Cinfhen There‘s a lot going on in this book. More than meets the eye @Lindy I think you would enjoy it. 2y
Lindy @Cinfhen 👍 2y
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Cinfhen
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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#HooplaAudio #ToB22ShortList Enjoying the narration & story 🎧A freed black woman who practices medicine in NY, in the 1800‘s and her daughter & apprentice Libertie. Gorgeous cover 😍

Megabooks This is up soon for me as well. I need to come up with a review for 2y
Cinfhen I‘m happy I‘m listening via #Hoopla @Megabooks because narration is great but story is a little odd 2y
Megabooks Her debut was odd as well 2y
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Cinfhen I vaguely remember hearing about that book !! I‘m sort of surprised Libertie made the shortlist 🤷🏼‍♀️ @Megabooks (edited) 2y
BarbaraBB I have my copy of this book too! First Matrix, then Libertie! 2y
Megabooks Her debut was thought provoking but I wouldn‘t say I liked it. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y
Megabooks I‘ll be surprised if I love this. 2y
Cinfhen Yeah @Megabooks at this point it‘s more background noise / I‘ll be curious to hear your thoughts @BarbaraBB when u get to it!! 2y
Cinfhen It‘s actually getting better @Megabooks / the beginning had magical realism which I don‘t like but now it‘s becoming more historical fiction, and I‘m liking that 2y
Megabooks Then I‘m not sure you‘ll like this re: magical realism. I‘m enjoying it so far. 2y
alisiakae I‘m reading this next, after I make it through my back-up #bakedgoodsoncover book since I bailed on the first one! 2y
Cinfhen It‘s not my favorite from the #ToB22ShortList @4thhouseontheleft @Megabooks but the audio is well done. 2y
KarenUK It is such a pretty cover 😍 2y
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Hooked_on_books
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Pickpick

Libertie grows up free at the side of her mother, a doctor who can pass for white, and who plans to groom Libertie to join her in practice. This is a novel of family, expectations, and failures to communicate, as Libertie and her mother don‘t quite see one another clearly. I enjoyed seeing this part of history through Libertie‘s eyes, but found the book a little forgettable, so a soft pick for me.

BarbaraBB Just bought this one - for #ToB22 2y
squirrelbrain I wonder if it worked slightly better in print? I can see how you thought it was slightly forgettable and I do wonder if I might not have enjoyed it as much on audio. 2y
Hooked_on_books @squirrelbrain I didn‘t get that sense while listening, but it‘s altogether possible! 2y
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squirrelbrain
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Pickpick

I loved this novel, told from an unusual perspective; Libertie is a black girl who comes of age at the end of the American Civil War, but who was not from an enslaved family.

I didn‘t realise until afterwards that both Libertie and her mother are based on real people; Libertie‘s mother is a famous women‘s doctor.

I‘m pleased that this book has made the #ToBshortlist. Fab cover too!

Please tag anyone else who is playing along with #ToB.

KarenUK Sounds so interesting. Looking forward to reading it….💕 2y
Cinfhen I hope to read/listen to this book, this week!! 2y
Ruthiella Including @Mindyrecycles Looking forward to this. History fiction is a favorite for me. 2y
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MicheleinPhilly I haven‘t decided if I am playing along yet. I own so many unread books from the longlist and would have to acquire nearly all of these. I may just be a spectator this year. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y
squirrelbrain @MicheleinPhilly - luckily I can get most of them for ‘free‘. I may need to purchase 1 or 2 but I‘ll keep checking…. 2y
MicheleinPhilly I haven‘t even looked at library availability yet. Given that I‘ve been hoarding books like people were hoarding toilet paper in the early days of COVID, I should probably try to make a dent in them. ☺️ 2y
BarbaraBB I‘m looking forward to this one too. I just was able to buy a cheap copy! Great review 2y
squirrelbrain Yeah, I planned on reading off the TBR shelf this year @MicheleinPhilly but failed dismally…. There‘s always next year! 🤷‍♀️ 2y
MicheleinPhilly I tell myself I‘m doing that every year. Never happens! 2y
Megabooks I need to check this out from the library! 2y
Hooked_on_books I just finished this today, too! We‘re book twins! 2y
squirrelbrain We could have done a #buddyread @Hooked_on_books, had we known! 2y
Mindyrecycles I have it to listen to on Hoopla. 👍🏼 2y
thebluestocking I didn‘t know that they were based on real people. That‘s cool. I would‘ve loved more about the mother. 💙 2y
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Chelleo
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Thank you so much, @GirlMeetsBook for the lovely birthday #bookmail! Looking forward to getting started on this one. #LitsyPenPals are the best (even though I suck majorly lately).

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SconsinBookyBadger
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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FriYay‘s book and noms pairing of Libertie with burrito, street corn, and oh so tart prickly pear limeade.

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GreenGrl87
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Pickpick

Recently read and really enjoyed this book- it‘s on Kindle sale today for $2.99

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GFN3PX4/ref=nodl_?ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.3J94XXYSQO5...

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mdemanatee
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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I have been in a slump of sorts—in that I have been ready very slowly and only able to focus on romance. But I am seeing my Mom this weekend and had told her I‘d give her this book when I am done.

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CarolynM
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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This month's selection from #WellRead plus some interesting looking add-ons. Lucky I decided to go for them this month since the bookshops are closed again☹️

Tonton Nice😎❣️ 3y
Cinfhen Lovely!! Not the lockdown situation but your subscription service is wonderful 😁 3y
TrishB Looks like a great selection 👍🏻 3y
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LeahBergen Closed again? Aww, that sucks. 3y
Megabooks Wow! Y‘all have had A TON of lockdowns. 💜 yay for books, though. 3y
Lizpixie The whole bloody country is gonna be in lockdown soon. I blame the PM for not getting enough vaccines and for letting in overseas flights from known hotspots. How‘s your lockdown in Melbourne going? Sucks up here with the 5km radius still on. Plus my 30week pregnant daughter was in a covid location and is in 14day isolation. Fingers crossed she was lucky🤞 3y
CarolynM @Tonton 🙂👍 3y
CarolynM @Cinfhen It's great. They chose really good books🙂 3y
CarolynM @LeahBergen @Megabooks We did really well over Summer and most of Autumn but it's been lockdown on and off since the end of May☹️ I think it's probably going to continue like this for a while. 3y
CarolynM @Lizpixie The Feds started well in the pandemic but then let us all down. The vaccine rollout has been a complete dog's breakfast, they've completely abrogated their responsibility for quarantine and their policies on people coming in and out of the country are indefensible. I hope your daughter is ok. That's so worrying for all of you. Sending love and hugs❤️ 3y
Lizpixie Thanks lovely. I‘m actually more worried about the two housemates she‘s living with, pregnancy hormones and two weeks of close quarters with no respite is driving her a bit loopy! 3y
Jeg Hang in there. On tender hooks here in Perth. Bound to happen again here. I‘ll be fully vaccinated this week. 👏. 3y
CarolynM @Jeg Thanks Joy😘 The cases in NSW are just going to keep climbing so there's no hope of keeping it out of here even if we squash it this time ☹️ The distance is a blessing for WA at the moment. I'm booked in for my second jab on Thursday. 3y
Jeg My second jab is Thursday too I‘ll be thinking of you. 😊. 3y
erzascarletbookgasm Lockdown again in Melbourne? ☹️ I‘ve completed vaccination..situation here is out of control, daily new cases are not slowing down; vaccination campaigns not aggressive and targeted. And only yesterday our govt decided to open up most sectors!! Stay safe, my friend. 💕 3y
CarolynM @erzascarletbookgasm As difficult as lockdown's are, I'm glad we're taking that route and not letting the case numbers keep mounting up. I'm sorry your situation is so bad. It's good that you've been able to be vaccinated. Take care😘 3y
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ChaoticMissAdventures
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Pickpick

Another pick with reservations. A easy read, with good writing. I liked the storyline, but many of the moves and changes of feelings by the characters didn't make much sense, there was a lack of reasoning for the amount of whiplash changes of moves and feelings of the characters. And storylines that had no resolution, they were just abandoned. Would love a spinoff of The Graces.

IuliaC This photo is so beautiful! 3y
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Aims42
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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The face you make when it‘s the PERRRRRRFECT outdoor reading weather, but it‘s 6:40PM and you‘re the one in charge of dinner tonight. Stupid adulthood. 🙄

AmyK1 😂 3y
Alfoster Been there…!😳😫 3y
Tamra Agreed! 3y
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vlwelser
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Pickpick

This is a great book but somehow I always end up disappointed with this author's books. Maybe it's all the hype that she got for this one. This is really just a coming of age story with some (a lot of) racism thrown in. That said, the #audiobook is pretty awesome. The narrator sings and speaks Creole and I was impressed with the performance.

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booklover3258
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Pickpick

My review of this book can be found on my Youtube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/UB3GR2u7H9o

Enjoy!

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DanaManiac
Libertie: A Novel | Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Pickpick

4.75 ⭐️

Libertie was such a wonderful read. It took me awhile to get through it because I wasn't "in the mood" to devour the themes covered in the novel, but I loved the characters, their development, & seeing a diff view of life in Brooklyn. Greenidge covers colorism, sexuality, mental illness, sexual abuse, feminism, autonomy, religion & spirituality and mother-daughter relationships in this novel without explicitly feeling like it.

DivineDiana Wonderful review. I want to read this. Stacked. 3y
DanaManiac @DivineDiana Thanks- I hope you enjoy it! ☺️ 3y
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