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Instructions for a Heatwave
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
One of the U.K.s most beloved writerswith over 1.5 million books in printreturns with a beautiful portrait of family life amid an unravelling crisis The Telegraph Its July 1976. In London, it hasnt rained in months. Gardens are filled with aphids, water comes from a standpipe and Robert Riordan tells his wife, Gretta, that he is going around the corner to buy a newspaper. He doesnt return. The search for Robert brings Grettas childrentwo estranged sisters and a brother on the brink of divorceback home, each with different ideas as to where their father has gone. None of them suspects that their mother might have an explanation that even now she cannot share. A journey back to Connemara, Ireland, brings surprises, insights and revelations, as each confronts the knotty tangle of family life and love. Elegant and compelling, Instructions for a Heatwave secures Maggie OFarrells position as one of the best of the new generation of British writers.
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review
Tamra
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

More family drama! I seem to be reading a lot of it these days. 🤷🏾‍♀️

Messy lives just trying to navigate the world and their relationships with one another.

Cathythoughts Nice review 👍🏻I love family drama. I gave this on kindle .. one day 🤞🏻😁 5mo
jlhammar I really enjoyed this one! 5mo
Tamra @Cathythoughts I hope you like it! 5mo
Tamra @jlhammar good character devo! 5mo
kspenmoll I started this & enjoyed it- got sidetracked. Will return to it. 5mo
60 likes5 comments
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Anna40
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

Set during a heatwave in 1976,3 siblings reunite at their parents house because the father has gone off without a word,taken money from the account before he left.The story moves back&forth between the characters,leaving out the father‘s perspective.Family secrets,resentment&buried hurt come to the surface while the family tries to understand what happened to the father.It took me a bit to get into the story,but I‘m so glad I did.Great writing

Anna40 Highly recommend listening to the audio read by John Lee. 7mo
39 likes1 comment
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Gissy
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

It is a difficult summer in 1976 and Gretta and Robert continue with the same routine since 39 years ago. But this time, Robert didn‘t return to his house, disappeared and the story began when Gretta, who seems to be so emotional contact her two daughters, Monica and Aoife and her son Michael Francis. Then we will know about all these characters in the splendid authors way, their relationships and the family secrets.⬇️

Gissy Another family saga with second chances, personal growth. The end was a little open as well as the what was going to happen with each character so I can understand why maybe this one is not a favorite one but it worked for me. I like character driven novels. 3.7/3.8⭐️

2nd book #AuthorAMonth @Soubhiville
July #BookSpinBingo #DoubleSpin (#18) @TheAromaOfBooks
8mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 8mo
53 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Jas16
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

During the heatwave of 1976, Robert Riordan leaves his London home to get the paper and doesn‘t return. His wife and their three adult children gather at the family home to try to figure out where he has gone and why. While spending time together old secrets are revealed and past hurts are finally faced. I really loved getting to know each character as an individual and in their role in their family. #authoramonth

43 likes3 stack adds
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Megabooks
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

Another great one from Maggie O!! My only complaint with her early books is that the endings leave some unanswered questions, but I truly felt the stifling heat and worry this family felt. Her atmosphere is 💯💯💯! #AuthorAMonth

Britain‘s 1976 heatwave is on, and Robert has just walked out on his wife and left no reason why. His adult children gather with their mom to uncover his secrets and work out a few issues among themselves.

kspenmoll I hope to finish this soon! Nice review! (edited) 9mo
Megabooks @kspenmoll thanks! 😊 9mo
BarbaraBB Great review. 9mo
See All 6 Comments
Cinfhen I can‘t get on with her fiction - MUCH prefer her HF🙌🏻love your review ❤️ 9mo
Megabooks @BarbaraBB thanks! 💜 9mo
Megabooks @Cinfhen thanks! 💜 I love it all! She‘s such a talented writer. 9mo
88 likes2 stack adds6 comments
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Reagan
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Bailedbailed

I love Maggie O‘Farrell but Instructions for a Heatwave and I were not vibing. And it came due at the library so it was sweet knowing you but I‘m going to have to pass.

Saving myself up to fangirl over The Marriage Portrait.

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MommyWantsToReadHerBook
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
Pickpick

I loved this! Each character had these layers that kept tripping up my first impressions of them and I loved how it went deeper and deeper. She manages to be funny and profound. Very enjoyable and meaningful for me ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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MommyWantsToReadHerBook
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Picked this up at the farmer's market this morning. I'm having a bit of a panic about feeling like there is so little left that I want to read on Scribd and so much I want to read that's not on there. Alternatives include buying more (secondhand) print books and rereading some stuff on my shelves. Oh and earning lots of money for new print or Kindle books 🤪

RebelReader What‘s on your wish list? Perhaps I can help? I don‘t have as many as I used to, but I‘m willing to pass along any I have that you may want. 😃 1y
MommyWantsToReadHerBook @RebelReader that's so sweet. But it would be an international parcel! On my list is the last 2 Becky Chambers, the new Kate Atkinson, more Agatha Raisin, some Matt Haig, Murakami... I've definitely been so spoiled in the past by Littens but it's a huge ask and I'm not sure I trust our pathetic postal service. 1y
RebelReader I don‘t have any of these, but I will keep an eye out for them in my scavenging. 😃 1y
36 likes4 comments
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MrsMalaprop
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

This is my 7th Maggie O‘Farrell. I adore her work. Every novel is such a treat. This one set in the UK and Ireland in the drought of 1976 tells the story of a family of five. Loved it 😍.

kspenmoll I intend to finish this soon. It‘s my first of her books & I am enjoying it. 1y
MrsMalaprop @kspenmoll Lucky you, just discovering O‘Farrell. Nice to know that if you enjoy it there are so many more to explore 🤗📚. 1y
Anna40 Reading it now and I love it. It‘s my first book by O‘Farrell too. Which one would you recommend to read next? 8mo
MrsMalaprop @Anna40 Not sure you can go wrong with any book you can get your hands on. After You‘d Gone was my intro to her years ago & I loved it. Hamnet was excellent. Enjoyed her latest, The Marriage Portrait too. 😊 8mo
42 likes4 comments
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LapReader
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Wednesday night I did a sewing class at the library. I made a pillow case. I had a great time. I also loved that I was able to squeeze in some op shopping before hand. The books were the bargain price of $1! That doesn‘t happen very often! I spent an hr in this Vinnies. I can‘t wait for the hols in < than a week to enjoy the bath salts & extra reading time. The dinner plate is from a set I‘ve had for around 7 yrs that I still ❤️ like I love tea.

kspenmoll Your pillow case is lovely. Wonderful picture! 2y
BarbaraBB I loved the tagged book! 2y
LapReader Total $60 1y
41 likes3 comments
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kspenmoll
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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#hubbygrills #booksanddinner

I sliced my right thumb with a very sharp knife- all taken care of; steri stripped, etc. I cannot get it wet. Not a drop.
It‘s a challenge! I am grateful for my family who are picking up the slack.

This book. I adore it.

Julsmarshall Oh dear! Sending healing vibes! 2y
Ruthiella Yikes! Hope you heal quickly! ❤️ 2y
See All 9 Comments
CaitZ Hope it heals soon 2y
DanaManiac I hope it heals quickly!! 2y
DivineDiana Oh no! Glad the family was there to help you. ❤️ 2y
mcctrish I‘ve been there ( more often than I should 🤦🏻‍♀️) I hope it heals quickly 2y
Megabooks Yikes! Glad you‘re okay! 2y
kspenmoll @CaitZ @Julsmarshall @Ruthiella @CaitZ @DanaManiac @DivineDiana @mcctrish @Megabooks I so appreciate all your well wishes- I now have a big bandage off.still hurts if i move & i cannot get it wet- trickier than i knew- training my left hand & fortunately my husband & son have stepped in to give me all the help I need. Thank you all so much!!! Your caring means so much. (edited) 2y
70 likes9 comments
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kspenmoll
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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#heatwave
Perfect title for this August weather in CT & elsewhere in the U.S.
#literatibookclub
#alphabetgame #LetterI

52 likes1 stack add
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jlhammar
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

Gosh, Maggie O‘Farrell is good! First-rate family drama. Smart, warm and filled with wonderful observations of ordinary life. Love a good family secret. The perfect read for our current heatwave.

Look forward to reading more of O‘Farrell‘s backlist. I have a few left. I liked I Am, I Am, I Am and loved Hamnet and The Vanishing Act if Esme Lennox. Eagerly anticipating The Marriage Portrait (out in September).

julieclair Great pic! It screams Summer! 👍 2y
JamieArc I really liked this one too. 2y
59 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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jlhammar
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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“4) (i)…the only permitted use of water will be for:
(a) Drinking, and or;
(b) The washing of clothes or of the body, and or;
(c) Both public and private toilets.”

#FirstLineFridays

41 likes1 stack add
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Rachel.Rencher
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Good morning! I found the greatest little bakery with drool-worthy apple fritters. I've got a long day of reading ahead of me (for fun and work!) 🤓

What are your Sunday plans?

BarbaraBB That‘s such a fun read! 2y
77 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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keepingupwiththepenguins
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

This one slots into the middle of the Venn diagram of the “popular” and the “literary”, offering a rich family drama with a curious mystery to draw you in. And O‘Farrell does a remarkable job at guiding the reader through. Full review: https://keepingupwiththepenguins.com/instructions-for-a-heatwave-maggie-ofarrell...

Ericalambbrown Oooohh! I loved Hamnet but that‘s the only book of her‘s I‘ve ever read. Stacking this! 2y
54 likes4 stack adds1 comment
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JamieArc
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

While the story revolves around the disappearance of the father of the Riordan family, this is really a story about family and who we are and who we grow to be. It reminded me of Anne Tyler and Ann Patchett‘s writing in the ability to zone in on the details of who we are as human beings while making it interesting to read. What I thought was going to be a slow read had me finishing the second half in one day. #Booked2022 Weather Term in Title

Cinfhen Great choice 😍 2y
50 likes1 comment
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BarbaraBB
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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#12BooksOf2021 I am sharing my almost-favorites of the year. The ones who didn‘t make my #Top21Of21 but are favorites nevertheless. One for each month.

This is my choice for #March. I love almost everything by Maggie O‘Farrell and this one was no exception.

melissajayne I like the cover you have. 2y
TrishB I love her too ❤️ 2y
Andrew65 Sounds good. 2y
See All 16 Comments
Cathythoughts I must read this! She‘s such a good writer 💫 2y
JamieArc Ooh. Good title to use for a #booked2022 prompt! 2y
BarbaraBB @JamieArc Yes! Absolutely! 2y
BarbaraBB @melissajayne I actually have a very boring cover and I did like this one much better when looking for a picture online 🤫 😉 2y
Megabooks I‘ve been meaning to read this! 2y
Cinfhen Maybe I‘ll try her again….I haven‘t done well with O‘Farrell 2y
BarbaraBB @Cinfhen I don‘t know what books by her you read but I was underwhelmed by 2y
Cinfhen I disliked that one and I tried 2y
Cinfhen Ohhhh, but I read and loved 2y
Cinfhen I totally forgot it was written by O‘Farrell 2y
BarbaraBB I loved Hamnet but the Hand and This Must be the Place as well so I‘m not sure she‘s for you #somanybooksolittletime 2y
80 likes2 stack adds16 comments
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sleepy.ash87
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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I simply couldn't let go of Maggie O'Farrell. I have basked in her stream-of-consciousness writing tonight. The idiosyncrasies of this family have made them lovable and human, even at just 21% into the read. There are hard moments, as can be expected, but I have found myself smiling at funny, awkward moments too. I sense an Irish humor in this novel that reminds me of Frank McCourt. Wonderful!

BarbaraBB She‘s a fab writer! All I read by her I have loved! 2y
sleepy.ash87 @BarbaraBB I couldn't agree more. I can't wait to read her other novels! 2y
22 likes2 comments
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rachaich
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

Great read, easy to get through with a range of characters who all added to the story and left me wanting to know more!

Cathythoughts Nice review! I must go back , I abandoned it weeks back 3y
18 likes1 comment
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rachaich
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Grabbed this from the library...
Set in the year I was born!!

BarbaraBB It‘s a good read, I read it recently too! 3y
rachaich @BarbaraBB oh, good to hear x 3y
15 likes2 comments
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Cathythoughts
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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It‘s a bit early for cake 🤷🏼‍♀️ another Saturday morning in lockdown .. I‘m having cake for breakfast! 😁

TrishB It‘s all acceptable ❤️ enjoy. 3y
Cathythoughts @TrishB Thanks! I did 😁 3y
Ruthiella Cake for breakfast is totally OK in my book! 😀 3y
See All 17 Comments
rockpools The BEST POSSIBLE Saturday breakfast in lockdown! 3y
batsy Never too early for cake! 😁🧁 3y
ofthatilk Tea and cake. Always appropriate. 3y
Cathythoughts @Ruthiella I love something sweet in the morning ❤️👍🏻 3y
Cathythoughts @rockpools it really is 👍🏻❤️ 3y
Cathythoughts @batsy Never !! 3y
Cathythoughts @ofthatilk Always & ever 😁 3y
BarbaraBB I hope you‘ll enjoy the book as much as I did 🇮🇪 3y
rabbitprincess Any time is cake time! 3y
Cathythoughts @rabbitprincess Absolutely any time 😁👍🏻 3y
Cathythoughts @BarbaraBB oh it‘s good. It‘s a page turner from the very beginning... 👍🏻❤️ 3y
LeahBergen I firmly believe in cake for breakfast. 3y
Cathythoughts @LeahBergen Sugar is lovely in the morning ! 3y
Cathythoughts @LeahBergen I gave it up sugar in tea & coffee years ago ... but I always have something sweet 🙄😂 3y
79 likes17 comments
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BarbaraBB
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

Despite its ugly cover this is another wonderful story by Maggie O‘Farrell and exactly what I needed. It‘s a family drama at its best. A mother and her three adult children come together when their father goes missing. Each has their own secrets and stuff to deal with. An intelligent pageturner. Loved it!

#Pop21 #Advanced #UgliestCover

Megabooks Glad the book is better than the cover! ❤️ 3y
Cinfhen I haven‘t had a good track record with Maggie O‘Farell but this sounds good 💕 3y
Cathythoughts I live a good family drama ... I‘m getting this one 👍🏻❤️ 3y
See All 13 Comments
BarbaraBB @Cathythoughts And it‘s so Irish. I actually had to think of you while reading it. 3y
TrishB I loved this one too 👍🏻 3y
LeafingThroughLife That is an unfortunate cover, but I loved this one, too. O‘Farrell captures family drama so well. 3y
BarbaraBB @TrishB I read your review before I started and was glad to see you recommended it! 3y
BarbaraBB @LeafingThroughLife She certainly does. Do you have a favorite? 3y
Kalalalatja Yay for that ugly cover hiding a good book inside 🙌 3y
erzascarletbookgasm I think I have this on my tbr shelf 🤔. That‘s quite a boring cover 😆 3y
LeafingThroughLife @BarbaraBB I‘ve enjoyed every one of hers that I‘ve read, but I think the first one I read is still my favorite - 3y
BarbaraBB @LeafingThroughLife That is one I haven‘t read so I am stacking it right now! 3y
CarolynM Another book on my shelf that I haven't gotten to yet. One day... 3y
81 likes2 stack adds13 comments
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BarbaraBB
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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#WeeklyForecast 09/21

The tagged book‘s cover is one of the ugliest I‘ve come across in a long time but I am always looking forward to another O‘Farrell. The Parable of the Sower will tick off many challenges points but first I have started the slim novel West, which you sent me and I had never heard of but am enjoying 🤍

Kalalalatja I will give you, that O‘Farrell cover isn‘t the prettiest 😅 3y
BarbaraBB @Kalalalatja It isn‘t even retro 😧 3y
Cinfhen The ugly O‘Farrell works for #pop21 #AdvancedPrompts 💕💕and West was really odd but special/ I think you‘ll like it😁❣️🤞🏼 3y
See All 8 Comments
BarbaraBB @Cinfhen That‘s a good idea💡 #pop21 3y
TrishB My cover is nothing like that!! 3y
BarbaraBB @TrishB I didn‘t order this cover, it was a complete surprise 😧😉 3y
squirrelbrain Ha! That cover looks more like an instruction leaflet on how to use a microwave....🤣 3y
BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain hahaha 😜 3y
75 likes8 comments
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MicheleinPhilly
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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UK Kindle users - super sale on all of Maggie O‘Farrell‘s books. #KindleDeals #KindleDailyDeals

Ashley_Nicoletto I‘m so curious about how you became a UK kindle user? 3y
MicheleinPhilly @Ashley_Nicoletto 🤫🤫🤫 Will DM you. 3y
squirrelbrain Repeat after me ‘I don‘t need any more books‘. Dashes off to look at Amazon... 3y
41 likes1 stack add3 comments
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thewallflower0707
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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This book waited for months on my TBR list. The sun finally came back these last days, and I decided it is appropriate to finally read this. Lovely story and well-written, but I feel something special was missing to make this book truly memorable.
I finished it in about 3 hours while sunbathing in jacket, blanket and jeans (it‘s not THAT hot).

#maggieofarrel #novel

Buechersuechtling What a beautiful sky‼️😍 I dare say you had a wonderful day‼️😃 4y
10 likes1 comment
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rmaclean4
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
Pickpick

3.5 stars for me. I fell in love with Maggie O'Farrell's writing with I Am I Am I Am. This was my first fiction that I have read of hers. Family drama set in England and Ireland. I don't know that I will remember the plot in a few months time but I love how she writes character.

ChaoticMissAdventures I loved The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox. It was beautiful and raw. I have I Am but have not read it yet. 4y
rmaclean4 @ChaoticMissAdventures I will have to add that to the list!! 4y
15 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Blueberry
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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I received a nixle.com alert for excessive heat from tomorrow until Friday night.

@NataliePatalie

thereadingowlvina 😂😂😂 5y
Caroline2 😂 5y
See All 8 Comments
NataliePatalie I'm currently taking a break from cleaning and I'm sitting in front of the fan and air conditioner lol 5y
kspenmoll 😂😂😂love this! 5y
Ddzmini 🤣🤣🤣 5y
NamasteReading hahahaaaHaaaaaaa 5y
70 likes8 comments
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readingjedi
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Gosh, it's a bit warm! Hope all my fellow UK Littens are managing to stay cool and hydrated. It's a great excuse to stay inside and read lots!

I actually love hot weather as long as I can find a bit of shade 🌞😎🌞😎🌞😎🌞

quietlycuriouskate I went for a swim at 7 o'clock this morning: that's the only time I'm going to be a comfortable temperature all day. I do not like the heat: I melt! I burn! 5y
TrishB Same @kathedron I‘m so out my comfort zone! 5y
jenniferw88 Ditto @kathedron @TrishB although some of it can be blamed on my meds! 5y
See All 18 Comments
TrishB @jenniferw88 I‘m blaming some of mine on my age!! 5y
jenniferw88 @TrishB this will make you laugh. My heart hospital says i have to wear factor 50 all year round BUT i also take vitamin D tablets! 5y
TrishB @jenniferw88 🤷‍♀️😁 I wear factor 50 as soon as it looks like the sun is around! 5y
Andrew65 Much cooler in comparative terms in Northern Scotland overlooking the Orkneys, top temperature of 19 degrees. 5y
Andrew65 Stay cool for those in hotter parts of the U.K. 5y
krayoncolorz I‘m in the southern United States where it‘s usually blazing and woke up to high 50s it didn‘t even make it to 80F the last couple days. Stay cool friends! 5y
rretzler @krayoncolorz I‘m in Ohio and I‘ve been amazed at how cool it‘s been the past few days. Today the high is only 79 F (26 C) and it‘s usually in the 90s F (32+C) at the end of July. I guess we‘ll enjoy it while we can! 5y
krayoncolorz @rretzler yep! No complaints here at all. When we left for cross country practice this morning my daughter complained it was too cold 🤣 5y
rretzler @krayoncolorz 🤣 🤣 I can't get my son up for morning lifting (for soccer) - so he's been going in the afternoon. I told him if he can't get up, he can't complain about it being too hot when he goes! 🤣 5y
DPgirl I got slightly burnt yesterday because I was too engrossed in the book I was reading 😳 5y
readingjedi @kathedron I'm weird and actually love that burny, melty feeling! 5y
readingjedi @DPgirl I can't actually read in sunshine - four lines in and I'm 💤💤💤💤 5y
readingjedi @rretzler The temperatures we've been having in the UK are unusual but due to climate change they will soon be our new normal. 5y
readingjedi @Andrew65 A lovely part of the world, lucky you! 5y
rretzler @readingjedi Unfortunately, it's likely, I was just remarking to someone that I could recall when I was young having to put on jeans and a long-sleeved shirt at our summer cabin on a lake (sometimes we even had a fire), and now when we visit my mother there, we wear shorts as it is so hot. The weather patterns certainly have changed here as well, which is why I've been surprised that our weather has been cooler than normal this past week. 5y
82 likes18 comments
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jenniferheidi
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

Inexplicably, I‘ve made it to 2019 before reading any Maggie O‘Farrell. I didn‘t know what I was missing! Really good, solid storytelling with complex but believable characters (I loved Aoife so much in this novel) and family dynamics in which to get completely absorbed. I can see she‘s going to be an author I go back to.

Lcsmcat Sounds interesting! 5y
8 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Emilymdxn
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

I adored this book so much. It was everything I want in a novel - vivid, complicated, interesting people interacting with tenderness but also with weakness and massive problems. So everyday but also so sad and so beautiful. What else should I read by this writer?? I haven‘t heard of anything else by her but I need to read more

ephemeralwaltz Oooh nice-stacked! I've only read this one I'm tagging by her. It was fantastic! 5y
30 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Emilymdxn
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Another one where I can‘t quite remember why I downloaded it but I‘m excited to start it now! I feel like I‘ve heard someone say Maggie O‘Farrell is good? Can‘t even remember who said that now but it‘s good so far. I always like books about people feeling lots of things through hot lazy summers.

BookNAround I‘ve liked all of hers I‘ve read although I‘ve not read this one yet. (edited) 5y
37 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Samplergal
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this well written book. It‘s been on my shelf for a few years. A family story about secrets and lies. Ms O‘Farrell is a lesser known author worth reading. I‘ll likely read her new one I Am, I Am, I Am.

JillR I‘ve loved everything I‘ve read by Maggie O‘Farrell 😊 5y
Samplergal @JillR I think I‘ll be reading more. 5y
JennyM Me too, O‘Farrell is a great writer 5y
tonyahoswalt I read a book by her years ago and loved it, and have been meaning to read more of her work. 5y
80 likes1 stack add4 comments
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coxy
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
Mehso-so

I liked this but the ending was a damp squib. Title doesn‘t bear any resemblance to what the story is about really.

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JennyM
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Cinfhen Clever!!! 😜 6y
BarbaraBB Ah nice! Is this a good one? 6y
See All 6 Comments
JennyM @BarbaraBB it‘s not her best but a good read. She gets in her usual insight about family dynamics 6y
BarbaraBB I only read the tagged one, but I want to read more by her! 6y
Cathythoughts I‘ve only read The Hand That First Held Mine & loved it so much. Must read more ... she is such a lovely writer 6y
57 likes6 comments
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Christine89
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Dewey Readathon photo challenge day 6: In the Wild. It has been so hot here lately that I haven‘t been able to read outside at lunchtime and it is making me cranky 😡 #deweyjuly #readathon #reversereadathon

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Andrea4
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Stopped in Killaloe today for some Service Ontario stuff and found this gem of a "free little library."
Isn't it adorable!?
#canadianbooks #canadiantrees ???

CatLass007 Clever! 6y
Ingerella So cool! 6y
Kaye Isn‘t that neat. What‘s it made out of ? I‘m on my iPod so the pic is too small. 6y
See All 9 Comments
Andrea4 @Kaye it's basically like 5 trees, probably just sections, presumably attached to an inner tree or wooden structure of some kind. 6y
Jess7 Sooo cool! 6y
Kaye I thought it looked like some sort of tree bark but not the same kinds on all sides. Very clever. I bet it took a lot of work. 6y
Andrea4 @Kaye well, they got lots of skilled woodworkers up here! 6y
Soubhiville Wow that‘s neat! 6y
Nerdgirl_Ms_Sorrells that‘s awesome! 6y
52 likes9 comments
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Grrlbrarian
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Hoping for some practical tips, but I‘ll settle for a good story. 😜 I am sitting directly under our window A/C to read this.

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TrishB
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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#sunshine #marchintooz
Plenty of sunshine in this one. Set in 1976, which for those of us old enough to remember it was actually hot, for a long time in the UK 🌞

Cinfhen We were still babies @TrishB 😉😉 6y
rwmg I remember it well 6y
TrishB @Cinfhen absolutely 😘 6y
TrishB @rwmg I do - if only because it was so bonkers!! 6y
Balibee146 I remember it too 👍👍 6y
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Ashley85
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

I ❤️ stories about families and secrets, call me a drama queen. This one has alternating viewpoints and timeframes, sometimes within the same page, that would have annoyed me but the author somehow makes it work. I wasn‘t too satisfied with the ending which is why I‘m only giving it a 4 ⭐️ rating. A quiet read but really dives into some tough issues. 👍🏾

TrishB I got this in a charity shop for a £ last year and it made me read all her books ?? 6y
Ashley85 @TrishB yes I definitely plan to read more of her work! 6y
39 likes2 comments
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Ashley85
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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That‘s why I go to the library, to get my exercise on 📚💪🏾😜 #buzzfeed #bookhumor #libraryhaul

Chelleo 🤣😂🤪 6y
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MallenNC
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Here are a few of my books that are set in countries other than the US (at least in part) so for me they are #foreignreads I haven't read any of these yet! I'd like to read more from other countries and especially books in translation. @Jess7

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Onioons
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Gotta love a bargain that's this good a story! "She phoned her parents occasionally, from New York, but they tend to view long-distance calls as an indulgence verging on illegal. They treat them as a form of telegraph, exchanging the barest essential information before hanging up..."

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Balibee146
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Got these for free at a work book exchange. They are rather well loved so that's a good sign. I enjoyed her first novel too. #TBRsomeday

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Ncostell
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

This was my pick for #writtenbysomeoneyourage for the Litsy Bingo Reading Challenge and was the first book that I've read by Maggie O'Farrell. It's the story of a disjointed family reunited over the disappearance of their father, bringing to light each character's long held secrets. I will definitely search out her other works after reading this one. Image is from Goodreads.

MrsMalaprop Love her books 👍. 7y
TrishB I read this last week and it was my first by her and definitely not my last. 7y
Ncostell @MrsMalaprop, @TrishB I've had this on my TBR pile for a long time, hopefully it won't take me as long to get to her other books! 7y
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TrishB
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

Not read any Maggie O'Farrell before, this was £1 in a charity shop. What a buy! It was a lovely book - basically about families, the things you love and hate about them. All the secrets etc. The writing was amazing and truly did bring a smile to my face several times.
Set in the heatwave in the UK in 1976 which some of you (like me!) may remember!

Cathythoughts I'm on audiobook with Maggie O'F and The Hand That First Held Mine. Yes, about families & relationships, I really like it & so far I can't say why , only that it pulls me back in everytime I go back to it. A good sign 👍 7y
candc320 I absolutely love all of her books! 7y
TrishB @Cathythoughts I read in a couple of hours today 👍 7y
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TrishB @candc320 I shall be buying more! 7y
andrew61 You are in for a treat, id go backwards to 'the vanishing act of esme lennox' and 'after you'd gone'. 7y
Olivia306 I love her writing. "The Distance Between Us" is one of my favourite books. ? 7y
TrishB @andrew61 @Olivia306 thanks 😀 will give those a go! 7y
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TrishB
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Soooo many times 😀😀 mostly love my brothers and sisters but this does happen, being number 6 out of 7 means that you're always one of the young ones!

Cathythoughts This is so true. I go back even further , maybe a 4 year old. Families 🙄 (edited) 7y
readordierachel Yep. It's a couple hours tops before I hear myself whine "Mo-om. Stop!" Like a teenager. ? 7y
kspenmoll So true! 7y
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Books_Wine_Repeat
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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Thank you so much to @Matchkim --loved the summer theme and all the books! These are spot on! My son was so excited to open everything. ❤️

Thanks also to @BookishMarginalia for organizing all these great exchanges! ❤️

#summersoliticeexchange #summersanta #summersecretsanta #secretsanta #mounttbr

Matchkim So glad you love!!! It's always scary to pick books for other people. 7y
Matchkim Your son is ADORABLE! 7y
bitterbear Sunlight pilgrim was amazing... Kind of slow definitely sad... So excited for you!!! 7y
Books_Wine_Repeat @Matchkim Thank you! ☺️ @bitterbear Can't wait to get to it!! 7y
100 likes4 comments