The Five Wounds: A Novel | 
@AmyG ... what a wonderful birthday gift! I've had this book on my TBR for a while, and now I have it in the flesh to read! 🤩 Thank you for thinking of me; you are a wonderful person and friend. I'll be sending something your way soon! 🩵💙🩵
#LitsyLove
My review of this book says it all - this is a story of redemption. Amadeo especially redeemed himself throughout the story. Fantastic book!! #themedthursday @dabbe
pickHow can I describe this book? It is at its core a novel about redemption. The five wounds refer to those that Jesus suffered during his crucifixion and play a big part; at the beginning we see a broken man, who truly believes that his embodiment of Jesus during the procession, and even the taking of the nails, will “fix” his mediocre life. He doesn‘t want to do the work and expects something miraculous. What he discovers throughout the book ⬇️
Look at this gorgeous package from @monalyisha for participating in #NYWD22! It‘s so lovely that I didn‘t want to open it.
But of course I did. Thank you so much, Alyshia! 🙂
pickI enjoyed listening about the Padillo family. There are three POV‘s; Yolanda, her son Amadeo, and his daughter Angel. Their lives are complicated and honestly, all three of them kinda pissed me off with their choices. At times I thought, are people really this bad at getting through life, then thought, if I was in their situation, would I choose or adult any better? I have empathy for most of the characters, and a final happiness for the Padillo‘s
pickThe Five Wounds follows a somewhat fractured family as each member is facing a major life change. I started this almost begrudgingly, wanting something lighter after Stephen King, but my loan was running out and it turned out to be a wow (though definitely not light).
pickI had no idea what to expect going into this book. I really enjoyed the different story lines and how the author weaved them together.
A nice morning to start new audiobook and walk to work! Happy Saturday!
Trying to pick my next digital read, @monalyisha I've got time for one more from your list this month - which of these should I choose?
#NewYearWhoDis #NYWD22
pickI'm giving this a pick because the characters in the book annoyed me so much that the writing is obviously that good that the author drew me in enough that I felt things and had opinions about their life choices. This was tough for me to read. The characters are very real.
#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks
Reggie!!! Thank you so much for wonderful presents! Books and chocolate (especially Reese‘s) are my favorite things and you chose three books I am so excited to read. I cannot thank you enough!
Should I be putting ribbons on presents? Yes, but the hubby is on shift & the puppy is chewing quietly, so I am going to read my book.
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 33 year old Amadeo Padilla is living with his mother and trying to find his way when his pregnant 15 year old daughter, Angel comes to live with them. The book follows the family for a year. The characters are really well written—flawed and sometimes making questionable decisions, but I liked and rooted for all of them. Really enjoyed this book.
Hit the bookstore today and picked up my new #myTBR picks (Five Wounds & Gold Diggers). I also couldn‘t resist picking up TJ Klune‘s new book. And then, because I‘m a sucker, the step kids got a few too. Definitely a good haul!
pickThis story was at times excruciating to read, because everyone kept making terrible choices. I felt so much empathy for everyone, it was like holding my heart in my hands as I read. Near the end I really thought I‘d have to throw the book across the room but the ending is actually okay.
pickA wonderful character driven story of five generations of individuals just trying their best. And sometimes not trying at all. Throughout the book I kept thinking of Luis Alberto Urrea‘s book, House of Broken Angels. In fact, one of the main characters in this book is named Angel and Urrea writes a recommendation for the back of the book. It‘s a long read, but the characters were so close at hand that I didn‘t want it to end.
pickI just finished both of these books & they‘re both going on my “Best Of” list(s) for 2021. One is about a teen pregnancy & a reenactment of the Passion play (Christ‘s trial, suffering, & death on the Cross), set in a drug-addled town in New Mexico. But it‘s hopeful & modern & quick, sometimes earnest but more often irreverent — realistic & tender but not irrevocably depressing. Somehow??? The other is a “lesbian time travel subway romance.” 👇🏻
pickWow. Stayed up almost all night last night to finish this one, it‘s absolutely incredible
pickDon‘t be fooled by the quasi-earnest piousness of the first chapter. The Five Wounds is a drama without the gloss or glamour, just a three-dimensional view of real life. Amadeo really got up my nose – I enjoy an unlikeable character as much as the next girl, but sheesh! – and yet, I couldn‘t help but find myself strangely moved and deeply touched by this family saga. Full review: https://keepingupwiththepenguins.com/new-releases/
pickThis was so good. Really excellent. I almost buried it in my shelf because I found the cover kind of off-putting but I'm so glad I flipped it open.
pickYear in the life of five generations of the Padilla family outside Española, NM. Humor & grace in a family saga with teen mom Angel, baby Connor, father Amadeo, grandmother Yolanda, Tío Tíve. Memorable, well-drawn characters. Pacing feels a little off. Novel expanded from short story. Family love, disappointment, striving, forgiveness. 2021
pickOne of my favorite reads so far this year. Beautiful, heart breaking, and honest portrayal of complicated and flawed family relationships. Very much a 5 star read for me!
pickHoly Hell. This book is really phenomenal. I‘m not sure why it isn‘t all over every one of the medias, but this book deserves ALL kinds of the praise, notoriety, and publicity. I read the last few chapters feeling so much emotion for these characters (and with teeny tiny tears in my eyes). Character driven perfection and writing that shines. 🗣🗣🗣I LOVE this book!🤩🏆💯 10/10 would definitely recommend!
pickSuch a beautifully written, empathetic, character-driven story. Looking forward to the Decatur Book Festival virtual event in late June!!!
A quarter of the way through this one, and it‘s really picking up. I already feel like this library copy might not be enough, and I need a copy of it on my shelves 🤩🙌📚🤓
I actually picked this up because the people in the book are from a fictional small village outside the town I live in. And this rings true for me. When I first moved to Española 12 years ago my parents gave me the newspaper and the headline in the Rio Grande Sun was 37 dead to overdose since the beginning of the year. It was dated April 1st. The newspapers from back home are more like 4 local youth set to compete in district 4H competition. ??
