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Assembly
Assembly | Natasha Brown
53 posts | 46 read | 47 to read
A woman confronts the most important question of her life in this blistering, fearless, and unforgettable literary debut from "a stunning new writer." (Bernardine Evaristo) "Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway meets Claudia Rankine's Citizen...as breathtakingly graceful as it is mercilessly true."--Olivia Sudjic, author of Sympathy and Asylum RoadCome of age in the credit crunch. Be civil in a hostile environment. Go to college, get an education, start a career. Do all the right things. Buy an apartment. Buy art. Buy a sort of happiness. But above all, keep your head down. Keep quiet. And keep going. The narrator of Assembly is a black British woman. She is preparing to attend a lavish garden party at her boyfriend's family estate, set deep in the English countryside. At the same time, she is considering the carefully assembled pieces of herself. As the minutes tick down and the future beckons, she can't escape the question: is it time to take it all apart?Assembly is a story about the stories we live within - those of race and class, safety and freedom, winners and losers.And it is about one woman daring to take control of her own story, even at the cost of her life. With a steely, unfaltering gaze, Natasha Brown dismantles the mythology of whiteness, lining up the debris in a neat row and walking away.
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thatotherlisa
Assembly | Natasha Brown

I feel. Of course I do.
I have emotions.
But I try to consider events as if they‘re happening to someone else. Some other entity. There‘s the thinking, rationalizing I (me). And the doing, the experiencing, her. I look at her kindly. From a distance. To protect myself, I detach

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Maeve1
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

25th October 2023

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rockpools
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Never quite manage daily posts these days, but as long as no-one minds every other day, I‘m going to attempt @Andrew65 ‘s #12booksof2022

Back in January, Assembly was a short powerful look at racism in the UK.
In February, Short Sentences made me laugh! A new mum moves to a rural community, as the ‘trailing spouse‘ of her boyfriend, and takes up a job as an agony aunt. Subtle and ridiculous.

Andrew65 These both look excellent books. 1y
TrishB Loved Assembly ♥️ 1y
squirrelbrain I loved Assembly too! 1y
CarolynM I thought Assembly was excellent 1y
rockpools @TrishB @squirrelbrain @CarolynM It was so well done, wasn‘t it? But I don‘t think i ever heard much buzz about it 🤔 1y
53 likes5 comments
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Rissreads
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

I‘m always amazed when a small book can have so much to say. Powerful stuff! Loved this! ♥️

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Lauren890
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 I had a hard time getting into this book. I think I struggle with novellas because they give me so little time to get my bearings, and that‘s how I felt with this one. Parts were so powerful. I just feel like I‘d have to read it 3-5 times for it to really click.

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MsLeah8417
Assembly | Natasha Brown
Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Booksandtea23
Assembly | Natasha Brown

Understand that desire is to consume your suffering.

9 likes1 stack add
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Booksandtea23
Assembly | Natasha Brown

“Everything is a trade.”

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Booksandtea23
Assembly | Natasha Brown

“He has a compulsion to make a mark on this world. It‘s been bred into him. He allows himself a sour chuckle at that last quip. ‘It‘s late we should go to bed.‘ He tells me I‘m easy to talk to. That we‘re honest with each other. He says he loves that about me. ‘Ok‘ he says. He‘s going to tell me something. Something honest. Something he‘s never told anyone.”

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Booksandtea23
Assembly | Natasha Brown

“To protect myself I detach”.

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Booksandtea23
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Hazel2019 Let me know how you like it. I‘ve heard so many good things about it! Need to get to this one soon! 2y
Booksandtea23 @Hazel2019 hi so sorry it took so long to get back to you. The book is lovely for such a short story it has a great impact. The themes are prevalent through out the novel and it felt so relatable. I definitely do recommend it. The audio version is about two hours so it‘s easy to get through. 2y
14 likes2 comments
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Santie
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Panpan

This book is about the British colonialist structure and what it is like living in it as a modern black woman. The daily injustices, minor and major. While this is an important book, I wish the author would have given it a more personal and surgical cut. It left me wanting. 2/5 ⭐️

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Nalbuque
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

Holy heck this was good. Beautifully written stream-of-consciousness of a brilliant and very self aware Black British woman. Some bits left me with more of a feeling than proper understanding of the words, but as a whole this book is an important and relevant read (which I‘ll return to in the future, to better absorb all the subtleties). If you‘re looking for short and thought provoking, this one is a 🤘🏽

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Magpiegem
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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I know you shouldn‘t judge a book by it‘s cover but this one got me. In my defense I only had a few moments to choose something with an impatient family waiting for me and I really wanted to support one of my favorite Dorset indies. So I went for something that caught my eye 🤷🏻‍♀️

Avanders …. I often choose a book by its cover! 🫢 See, e.g., what ended up being one of my favorite books: 2y
Magpiegem @Avanders ooh now you‘ve done it. Yet another book added to my TBR! I wouldn‘t have been able to walk past that cover either!! 2y
Avanders 😂 right?! 😎 2y
Tamra I need to get this in print! 2y
Megabooks This is a fantastic cover!! 2y
27 likes5 comments
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CarolynM
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

There‘s a lot to admire about this slim volume, but it‘s another case where I feel unqualified to speak about the subject matter. I‘ll be thinking about it for a while.

Tamra I tried it on audio, but it‘s one I need in print. I‘m finding that is the case with several recently! 2y
CarolynM @Tamra I think it‘s too fragmented to work as audio. You should certainly try it in print. 2y
sarahbarnes I just read this and feel the same way. 2y
61 likes3 comments
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sarahbarnes
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

I loved this short, intense book, which layers the events of a day or two with a powerful depiction of the experience of black women. I hope Natasha Brown continues writing - I‘m excited to see what she does next.

Cathythoughts Great review 👍🏻 2y
26 likes1 comment
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JoyBlue
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

This novella provides a taut, contemporary look at racism and misogyny. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#assembly

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TrishB
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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#kindledailydeal
I‘ve already read this, thought it was very impressive.

Cathythoughts 👍🏻 2y
Tamra I tried this on audio, but I decided it was one I need to read in print. 2y
66 likes2 comments
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Cinfhen
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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#UpNext
The wonderful thing about #ThingsInCommon April challenge is I‘m blowing through my personal backlist of unread books/audio 😁

Clwojick Woohoo! You‘re crushing it! ❤️ 2y
Cinfhen It‘s been fun @Clwojick I‘m literally letting the books guide me 😁and there‘s still another 10 days to go!!! 2y
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BarbaraBB I love your associations! 2y
TrishB I loved Assembly, very moving. 2y
Clwojick I know! I‘m definitely going to have to do this challenge again! I planned most of my reading ahead of time, and it‘s helped me prioritize my NetGalley and Chirp audiobooks. I have a bad habit of hoarding my digital collection just as much as my physical collection. 🤣 2y
Cinfhen I‘m not feeling Assembly @TrishB so it‘s going on pause and I‘m making a new association for Eudora @BarbaraBB @Clwojick - a #NetGalley #ARC #MustRead - and both authors are named Annie 😁 2y
68 likes7 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

Impressive. So much intensity in this slim book that contains fragments of thoughts of a young Black British woman over a course of a day (or so). Loads of insights into Black British identity, class, and gender. Also makes you think about the lasting effects of colonialism for people of colour in Britain..(apparently the history of British Empire is not effectively taught in school curriculum today??) The writing style..⬇️

erzascarletbookgasm …and ending may not be for everyone, but the book is worth a read. Or reread. 2y
Cathythoughts Great review 👍 nice cover on this book. 2y
TrishB I definitely wanted more from the ending, but thought it was a great read and an author with great potential. The whole education system doesn‘t know how to address colonialism ☹️ so just ignore it. Typically British. 2y
readordierachel I loved this one, too 2y
Megabooks Great review! Sold! 2y
70 likes3 stack adds5 comments
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emmaturi
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

This is a very short novel, but packs lots into it. It's told in vignette style. It's narratived by a black British woman and about her life, the racsim in her life in her work and on the street, it talks about British colonial past.

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readordierachel
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Drizzly day, so I made carrot cake while listening to the tagged book. #audiobaking

I was inspired by @Lindy and picked up a copy of Baking With Dorie. This is the carrot muffins recipe with a few modifications. Couldn't find my muffin pan, so here we are.

vivastory Looks delicious! I love carrot cake! 2y
Libby1 I loved this book. 2y
readordierachel @vivastory It turned out really yummy! Different from other ones I've had. Ginger-y 2y
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readordierachel @Libby1 I am really enjoying it so far! The writing is fantastic 2y
SilversReviews YUM….that looks delicious!! 2y
EvieBee Looks so yumm! 2y
batsy That looks really comforting and yummy! 2y
Lindy Hooray! 🥕🧡 Wishing you many happy baking days with Dorie. 😁 2y
readordierachel @EvieBee @batsy It was very warm and delicious 😋 2y
readordierachel @Lindy Thank you for introducing me to her! 💕 2y
62 likes12 comments
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Beachesnbooks
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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My tentative TBR for March, with room for lots of mood reading!

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rmaclean4
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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February 2022 Wrap Up
4.5 🌟
Assembly: Natasha Brown 📖
4 🌟
Moonstone: The Boy Who Never Was : Sjon 📖
A Girl is a Body of Water: Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi 📖
Fruit of the Drunken Tree: Ingrid Rajas Contreras 📖
3.5 🌟
The Performance: Claire Thomas 📖
Goodnight, Nobody: Michael Knight 📖
The Sea, The Sea : Iris Murdoch 📖
3🌟
The Lincoln Highway: Amor Towles 🎧
2.5 🌟
The Book of Form and Emptiness: Ruth Ozeki 🎧


17 likes2 comments
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rmaclean4
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

Amazing writing! Condensed, poetic writing. I read this book in one sitting. Powerful. Highly recommend!! 4.5 🌟 I hope it is eligible for The Womens Prize.

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Beachesnbooks
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Going to try to finish these 3 books that I'm currently in the middle of before the end of the month...wish me luck!
#20in4 @Andrew65

Andrew65 Great to have you with us, good luck. 😊👍 2y
24 likes1 comment
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Santie
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Oh what book to read first 🧐🤔

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SW-T
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

Wow. For such a short book, there was a lot packed inside. The writing was crisp, insightful, and packed a punch. Brown now a must-buy based on this one. Look forward to seeing more of her work in the future.

AkashaVampie The cover looks amazing 2y
SW-T @AkashaVampie LOL! It definitely caught my eye. 2y
AkashaVampie @SW-T does the cover have to do with the book? 2y
SW-T @AkashaVampie In the book, the narrator kind of peels back layers of her life as you go along, so it kinda matches. Sort of like…this happened, then this, then this. Hopefully that makes sense! 😂 2y
AkashaVampie @SW-T it does hun!!! 2y
38 likes1 stack add5 comments
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rockpools
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

Wow.

I guess Natasha Brown is an author to read then.

A powerful, deeply uncomfortable look at Britain through the experiences of a ‘successful‘ (exhausted) young Black woman. For such a slight book, it contains a lot. Very strong pick.

Thanks for the recommendations @TrishB @squirrelbrain

TrishB It‘s an awesome read isn‘t it. So powerful. 2y
Oryx Oooh - you have my interest. Going to have to give this one a read 2y
rockpools @Oryx Yes, yes - do! 2y
73 likes4 stack adds5 comments
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TrishB
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

I‘m not sure how the author manages to fit in a whole critique of race in todays Britain in 100 pages and for the reader to immediately be drawn into her story. I definitely wanted more, but what there is packs a sad punch.

rockpools Wow. 2y
Cathythoughts Great review Trish 👍❤️ stacked 2y
TrishB @rockpools @Cathythoughts it has definitely made an impression! 2y
squirrelbrain Great review of an amazing book! 2y
TrishB @squirrelbrain even more impressive that she manages to do it in less than 100 pages! 2y
81 likes1 stack add5 comments
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Brimful
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

A short sharp devastating critique of Britain from the perspective of a successful black woman who has to constantly defend her life choices to the extent that her will to live is undermined. A must read!

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SW-T
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Think I‘m set for a while! Received several books as Christmas gifts, and Barnes & Noble was having a half-off hardback sale, so I used my gift cards. Ready to start my 2022 reading adventures! 😁

#bookhaul

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squirrelbrain
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

Oof, this was a tough one that will stay with me for a while. It certainly packs a punch for such a small book.

We hear the internal dialogue of an unnamed black woman who has had to battle for everything that she has achieved, and is now facing her biggest battle.

I do think the narrative could have been expanded in places, to give even greater impact, but this is such a good debut.

TrishB I have on the pile, but decided on a little break from the very serious small books! Looking forward to it though. Great review 👍🏻 2y
Itchyfeetreader Great review have me intrigued 2y
Ruthiella I keep hearing amazing things about this one! Stacking. 2y
CarolynM Great review. Stacked 🙂 2y
72 likes5 stack adds4 comments
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swynn
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

(2021) Oof, this one is tough: internal dialog of a black woman who has risen to success in the banking industry ... and still has to justify her existence every day to every one. Then, facing a health crisis, has to justify it to herself. Lean, direct, and powerful.

Ruthiella Second positive review I‘ve read on Litsy today. It‘s turning into a must read! 2y
34 likes1 comment
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Chelsea.Poole
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

Not a single ounce of happiness in this one 😖
Super short but no less impactful.
Black and British, our narrator is part of the 1% because of her hard work but cannot escape the pervasive racism I. Her life which she recounts while preparing to attend her boyfriend‘s family‘s garden party.
What struck me most is spoiler territory so it‘s hidden in the comments.

Chelsea.Poole The cancer diagnosis and her refusal to receive treatment just cut me to the bone. 😭 THATS what I‘ll remember most. 2y
S3V3N I loved this one. 2y
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S3V3N
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this audiobook. Short, yet jammed packed with a touch of everything honestly. Deep.

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NovelNancyM
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

At what cost does one take to “have it all“? This is the question the main character wrestles with in this short novel that weaves in issues of race and class. Well written, concise yet dense. Likely a novel I will think about for a long time.

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Kazzie
Assembly | Natasha Brown
Pickpick

I will reread. It is packed with truth and insight, and is sad and honest

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Abailliekaras
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

A small gem. Says so much in so few words, perfectly pitched, complex characters and so many themes explored, organically and in beautiful prose, all within 100 pages. Packs a punch. We discuss this on our latest episode of ‘Books on The Go‘ podcast up now. Annie‘s favourite book of 2021 so far! 🎧

TrishB This sounds really interesting. But I‘ll wait for an offer as I‘m definitely too mean to pay (c8 for 112 pages! 2y
Abailliekaras @TrishB I‘d say it‘s worth it, but if not hopefully the library will have it. 2y
31 likes4 stack adds2 comments
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Well-ReadNeck
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

A powerful short novel about a Black woman in finance in Britain. Tackles wealth, class, race, gender and the physical toll dealing with all of the above takes. Brilliant. #ARC #Audiobook #Netgalley

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Litsi
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick


A 103 page masterpiece
A+
I have settle down to write a review but don‘t wait for me - read it!

Book 32

10 likes1 stack add
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Nute
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Because I woke up early and watched BookTube.

Only on page one and I‘m already mad, upset, angry and disgusted by circumstances.

This already feels necessary.

Deblovestoread You got my attention! Looking forward to your review. 3y
Trashcanman Hi Kimberley, I hope you are well ❤️‍🩹 3y
Nute @Kdgordon88 This is so immediate, I might have something to say by the end of the day.😳 3y
See All 8 Comments
Nute @Trashcanman George! I miss you, Friend!!! I am well. How are you? 3y
EvieBee Yes! I checked this out from the library. 💕 3y
Trashcanman @Nute I'm glad you are well. I'm the same, taking it day by day. Someday are worse than others. All I want to do is sleep. 3y
Nute @EvieBee Keep me posted as you get on. 3y
Nute @Trashcanman Taking things day by day is a good way to measure out balance. 3y
81 likes8 stack adds8 comments
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CindiB
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

A deep internal dialogue through race, class, expectations, belonging, health, and hurt. This was wonderful. A short novella of 100 pages. I loved the flickering internal dialogue between health, work, and a country house weekend. Questions of what to do, the exhaustion of trying to hide from the brutality of never being allowed to belong. Stabbing ignorance and thoughtless righteousness. This novella packs a punch. 5/5

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AnneCecilie
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

Our protagonist is on her way to meet her in-laws at their estate. At the same time we get glimpses of her workplace.

A book that focuses on class, race and gender

58 likes1 stack add
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AnneCecilie
Assembly | Natasha Brown

In his playful moods, my boyfriend tells me I‘ve got lots of money. Much more than him. He says I‘m the one per cent.
Well, money is one thing. He has wealth. Tied up in assets in trusts and holding companies with complicated ownership arrangements. Things he pretends to refuse to understand. Compounded over generations.
What‘s the difference? he asks. I tell him. One of us goes to work at six a.m. each morning. The other sits browsing the papers

AnneCecilie at the cafe down the road. 3y
Reggie Chris Rock talks about this in one of his stand ups where he and Shaq, the basketball player, is rich but the man signing his checks is wealthy. 3y
52 likes2 comments
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Twocougs
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

Injustice, colonialism, race, misogyny. Stunning and profound writing. Please, please write more novels!

25 likes1 stack add
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TheBookHippie
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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3.5 books read 2.5 to go 📖

KatieB Oh that Tucci book looks interesting! Love him! 3y
TheBookHippie @KatieB I love him too I can‘t wait to get into it! 3y
66 likes2 comments
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Simona
Assembly | Natasha Brown
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Pickpick

Race, micro-aggressions and British colonisation are the main themes in this short novel, which is written in a very spare, precise prose and detached, fragmented style, but with heavy punch and a lot of thoughts to think about it. Humiliate, assimilate, eradicate …

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Awesome photo! 3y
Simona Thank you @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thanks to the ☀️ 3y
57 likes1 stack add2 comments