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Marrying the Ketchups
Marrying the Ketchups: A Novel | Jennifer Close
38 posts | 32 read | 41 to read
An irresistible comedy of manners about three generations of a Chicago restaurant family and the private jokes, ancient grudges, broken hearts, and deep, abiding love that feeds them all. Here are the three things the Sullivan family knows to be true: The Chicago Cubs will always be the underdogs; historical progress is inevitable; and their grandfather, Bud, founder of JP Sullivan's, will always make the best burgers in Oak Park. But when, over the course of three strange months, the Cubs win the World Series, Trump is elected president, and Bud drops dead, everyone in the family finds themselves suddenly doubting all they hold dear. Take, for example: Gretchen, lead singer for a 90s cover band, who has been flirting with fame for a decade, but beginning to wonder if she's too old to be chasing a childish dream. Or Jane, Gretchen's older sister, whose husband has become obsessed with fitness, is suddenly working late, and hiding the screen of his phone. Is he having an affair? Would he be so obvious about it if he were? And Teddy, their steadfast, unfailingly good cousin, is nursing heartbreak and confusion--his boyfriend dumped him but keeps showing up for lunch at JP Sullivan's, where Teddy is the manager. How can any of them be expected to make the right decisions when the world feels sideways--and the bartender at JP Sullivan's makes such strong cocktails? A novel both outrageously funny and perfectly timely, Marrying the Ketchups is a delicious confection by one of our most beloved authors.
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review
CBee
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Pickpick

Loved it, loved it, LOVED it. If you like a family drama - especially with (my favorite) dysfunction - this is the book for you. @AmyG have you read this? If not, I‘m sending to you along with another one I recently read that I think you‘ll love. #TBRtarot gifted by @BookBosomed1 (thank you, Lindsey ♥️)

AmyG I did read this. But Thank You for always thinking of me! 😘 2w
CBee @AmyG always 😊♥️ 2w
69 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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JenReadsAlot
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Mehso-so

I really did not enjoy this like I thought I would...

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 1y
33 likes2 comments
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JenReadsAlot
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My #bookspin and #doublespin picks for September @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Enjoy!!! 1y
KLyn1 I have this if you want to borrow... 1y
JenReadsAlot @KLyn1 I bought it as a Kindle deal awhile back, but thanks! 1y
27 likes3 comments
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Caroline2
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I am loving the TV show The Bear. Can anyone recommend a good book about a family run restaurant please?? (I‘m more interested in the family run business drama side of things than the cooking side 😉)

julesG @TrishB recommended Marrying the Ketchups 😁 1y
Caroline2 @julesG Got it. 👍 1y
TrishB @julesG @Caroline2 I recommended in the art of mime 😁 1y
See All 13 Comments
julesG @TrishB 😁😁😁 1y
Itchyfeetreader Not a restaurant but there is. A restaurant in the family run hotel in 1y
Larkken Have you tried Manansala‘s mystery series? Lots of family drama in these with much description of yummy Filipino food! 1y
peaKnit I was going to mentioned the tagged book. 1y
jlhammar Such a great show! 1y
jlhammar Have you tried J Ryan Stradal yet? All of his books are about food and family. His latest features a family-run supper club 1y
Tamra Loving the show! 1y
Caroline2 @Itchyfeetreader oh this sounds perfect, thanks. 😀 1y
Caroline2 @Larkken I‘ve added to the list, thanks. 👍 1y
Caroline2 @jlhammar I haven‘t but this sounds great, thank you! 😁 1y
64 likes1 stack add13 comments
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TrishB
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Pickpick

Enjoyed this one- some funny, light relief after a few heavy, dark ones.
Fun, heartfelt, funny, family chaos.

julesG Was that what you said about the book earlier tonight? 🤪 1y
TrishB @julesG 😂😂😂 you‘ll never know!! 1y
101 likes1 stack add2 comments
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JenReadsAlot
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Lots of kindle deals today... stopped at 3 and feeling proud of myself!

TheBookHippie South to America is so good. 1y
JenReadsAlot @TheBookHippie Good to hear! 1y
Aims42 I enjoyed “Marrying the Ketchups” a lot more than I thought I would. You‘ve got some great reads and showed great restraint 🤩 1y
Leftcoastzen I‘m with @Aims42 on the Ketchups ! 1y
21 likes5 comments
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BookishShelly
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Pickpick

I really liked this book.

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staci.reads
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this story of family, relationships, restaurant ownership, and a world that can change faster than any of us are usually prepared for. Good characters and an author who embraces midwestern regionalism and her love of her hometown, Chicago.

Megabooks I enjoyed this too! 2y
65 likes1 stack add1 comment
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LeslieO
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A recent read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️s #generations #MayMontage

Eggs 💗📚👍🏼 2y
paper.reveries Love that cover!! 2y
43 likes1 stack add2 comments
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LeslieO
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BINGO! Woo-hoo! First time in a long time, it helps when #BookSpin and #DoubleSpin are in the same row.

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! Fabulous month!!! 2y
30 likes1 stack add1 comment
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CaitZ
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Pickpick

In this family saga, you get a glimpse of the messy, complicated lives of #three generations of the Sullivans as they run their restaurant in Chicago's suburbs. It was an enjoyable story. #Booked2023 @alisiakae @Cinfhen @BarbaraTheBibliophage

Cinfhen I liked this one too 🫶🏼 2y
36 likes1 comment
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Chelsea.Poole
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Pickpick

I‘ve been sitting on this review for a bit. I love these types of stories: family sagas/dramas, often dysfunctional. Love books with lots of grown siblings where dynamics of childhood bleed into adulthood. This is that type and I had high hopes. Though I enjoyed this read, I‘ve seen it done better which I‘ll tag in the comments below. The family runs a restaurant in Chicago, which many pivotal moments take place in, which added to my enjoyment.

Chelsea.Poole Also reminds me of many by J. Courtney Sullivan, notably 2y
See All 7 Comments
Chelsea.Poole Recently read this which somewhat fits 2y
Chelsea.Poole I‘d even compare it to 2y
CSeydel I love that theme as well! Have you read 2y
90 likes7 comments
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Aims42
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Pickpick

“Marrying the Ketchups” by Jennifer Close told a great story of the Sullivan family and all their drama. It checked all the boxes for me (based in Chicago, lots of Chicago Cub mentions, and family restaurant drama!) and really could be summed up with this quote: “They were a pressure cooker of drama, an Instant Pot of insanity. It was only a matter of time.” -Chef‘s kiss-

Leftcoastzen I really enjoyed this one! 2y
Aims42 @Leftcoastzen I totally got sucked in 🤪 2y
Sparklemn An Instant Pot of insanity...love it! 2y
Aims42 @Sparklemn That was one of those sentences I re-read a few times because it‘s just perfect 🥰 2y
43 likes1 stack add4 comments
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TrishB
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#bookmail
Thanks Cindy ♥️ another lovely parcel from you. Look forward to reading.

Cinfhen I‘m always amazed at how quickly mail gets to you!!!! 2y
TrishB @Cinfhen there seems to be a very quick corridor from Israel 😁 especially given we‘ve also got post strikes on. 2y
73 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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Cinfhen
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Pickpick

You were right @MicheleinPhilly this book was delightful!! Meet the Sullivan‘s, a large Irish family who own a bar/ restaurant in Chicago. Sometimes families implode and the Sullivan‘s are about to burst 💥 My third book by author Jennifer Close and another heartfelt read. #BOTMbacklog My October #DoubleSpin @TheAromaofBooks 🎃❣️🥳

Cinfhen I think you‘ll enjoy this one @TrishB I‘ll pop it into the mail next week xx 2y
MicheleinPhilly 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Glad you enjoyed! 2y
TrishB Thank you ? much appreciated! what others do you recommend? There are some cheaper ones on kindle but not all of them ?‍♀️ one hardback is 7f0!! 2y
See All 6 Comments
Cinfhen I liked Girls in White Dresses and this one @TrishB 2y
TrishB 👍🏻 one of those is on kindle. 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2y
76 likes1 stack add6 comments
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Cinfhen
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Im LOVING my time with the Sullivan Family. They‘re messy, loud, meddling but mostly marvelous ♥️ My houseguests are visiting family today so im taking a mental break 😉 Still celebrating Sukkot 🍋#LifeIsGood 😎

KT1432 I still really want to read this! I heard it gives great Chicago vibes lol. 2y
Cinfhen Lots of love for Chi-Town and the Cubs @lele1432 - it‘s such a fun read!!! 2y
77 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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Cinfhen
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Starting this #MessyFamilySaga while my IPad recharges 😊This is also my October #DoubleSpin @TheAromaofBooks ♥️

MicheleinPhilly I loved this book. 2y
Cinfhen I can see why @MicheleinPhilly - it‘s a good blend of humor and drama 🎭 2y
TrishB This one is silly prices here! 2y
See All 12 Comments
Cinfhen Im happy to share/ send @TrishB xxx 2y
Balibee146 @TrishB you made me curious so I had a look at the retail here 😱😱 2y
TrishB If you think I‘d like it 😁 that would be lovely as always. No rush ♥️ xxx 2y
TrishB @Balibee146 cheapest I found was (d5! For one book. 2y
Cinfhen Ok 😊I‘ll keep you updated as I read more @TrishB xx 2y
TrishB Thank you 😘 2y
Cinfhen Thanks so much @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💕💕💕 2y
TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Good luck!! 2y
62 likes1 stack add12 comments
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LeslieO
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Let‘s go October! Some carry over books I‘d really like to get to plus spooky books for the season. 🎃👻📚#BookSpinBingo

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! Looks fabulous!! 2y
24 likes1 comment
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MyNamesParadise
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At #NatBookFest and just got out of this great panel with authors Jennifer Close and Eleanor Brown. I may have to check their books out now!

MyNamesParadise @Leftcoastzen oh great! I‘ll have to give it a try! 2y
BookNAround I have both their new books. I have really enjoyed Eleanor Brown‘s novels in the past and hope this one is good too. 2y
27 likes3 comments
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BittersweetBooks
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She made a wish because she was lucky enough to wish for things and think they might come true ✨

Leftcoastzen ❤️ 2y
Leftcoastzen 😄👏❤️ 2y
20 likes1 stack add2 comments
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BookBosomed1
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Pickpick

Told from multiple POV, this book enveloped me with its sometimes laugh out loud dialogue, the relatable angst that accompanies a close-knit family, and the vivid descriptions of its characters. By the end of the book, I felt a little saddened at the thought of having to leave JP Sullivans and all the characters that inhabit it. Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58537243

22 likes1 stack add
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BookBosomed1
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Yesterday‘s Happy Hour Patio Read. Im enjoying this book about a family living in Chicago following Trump‘s presidential win and the Cubs win of the World Series. It‘s one big family drama mess told from multiple POVs, and I‘m here for it.

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kspenmoll
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Pickpick

A novel full of whimsical,endearing,comical,at times frustrating characters,who love Chicago, the Cubs, & food.The restaurant of home cooked comfort food, JP Sullivans, is owned & operated & staffed largely with family. The book centers around the restaurant.The families lives are intertwined with its rhythms,food,& stature in the city.Coming from a large Irish,once Catholic family, I could relate to many parts of this novel.A fun read with depth.

65 likes2 stack adds
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kspenmoll
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Sill listening to Ice Blue, but started and finished the other 2 books for #20in4. 721 pp. & 7 chapters of listening.

Andrew65 This is great, well done 👏👏👏🙌🍾🥂🥳 Thanks for playing along. 2y
48 likes1 comment
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kspenmoll
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When I was young, I did not understand this family narrative & would talk about that elephant. With looks, just plain avoidance of a topic & words, my parents made me feel I was totally wrong & imagining things. But deep down I knew I was right, & struggled to honor my perceptions. I could read feelings, emotional atmosphere in a room. Keeping a journal was a saving grace, as well as therapy later in life.

44 likes1 stack add
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kspenmoll
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#weeklyforecast
Only started Ice Blue so far. Feel hot & frumpy today. Did get my early morning walk in though.

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kspenmoll
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#20in4 #readathon

My tentative ideas for this #readathon starting this coming Friday.

Andrew65 Good luck 😊👍 3y
47 likes1 comment
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MicheleinPhilly
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Pickpick

This book pressed ALL my buttons. Big, messy, Irish family drama taking place largely in the family pub/restaurant in 2016-2017. It hit that humor/pathos sweet spot and I absolutely LOVED it.

kspenmoll I have this; now your review has me wanting to read it sooner rather than later! 3y
EvieBee Ohhh! I‘ll have to check it out! 3y
TrishB Stacked! Only available in hardback here for (d3!! 3y
Megabooks Great review! 💯💯 3y
59 likes7 stack adds4 comments
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Leftcoastzen
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Pickpick

They had me at Oak Park & the Cubs! Sullivan‘s Pub is an institution,the family is shocked that Grandpa Bud dies before the Cubs win it all.As their world changes the cousins are questioning their futures.Jane observes her husband pulling away, Gretchen , chasing fame as a musician, wonders if it‘s time to give up & Teddy , suffering from a bad break up retreats to manage Sullivan‘s though his cooking goals are more gourmet.Enjoyed it very much !

marleed Yep, I loved the setting! 3y
Megabooks This is a great book! 3y
Leftcoastzen @marleed @Megabooks It was a really good read ! I got invested in the family , the setting, and the Cubs .Huge that they won it all. 3y
50 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

This comedy of manners was so fun. The Sullivan cousins are a bit nuts but would be great to have a beer with!🍻

Bud Sullivan, the owner of JP Sullivan‘s and patriarch of a large Chicago family, dies days before the Cubs win the pennant in 2016. With changes afoot in the family and the US, his three grandchildren end up back in the family business. They fight, laugh, and help each other in equal measure through 2017.

Calla lilies have popped!

slategreyskies They‘re beautiful!! 3y
squirrelbrain Sounds like a fun read! Beautiful lilies. 🌸 3y
See All 16 Comments
Megabooks @squirrelbrain it was! And thank you! They‘re some of my favorites in the yard. 3y
IuliaC Nice review and lovely photo! 3y
Cinfhen Ahhhh!! They are gorgeous 🌸🌺🌸and book sounds super fun 🤩 I chose it from #BOTM 3y
sarahbellum Pink calla lilies! 😍 When I lived in San Francisco, I had a gigantic calla lily (a regular white one) growing outside of my bedroom window that always made me smile 3y
BarbaraBB I love the flowers and the book‘s cover! 3y
Suet624 So lovely. 💕💕 3y
Megabooks @IuliaC thank you on both counts!! 😁 (edited) 3y
Megabooks @Cinfhen yay!! I think you‘ll love it! Thanks re: flowers! 3y
Megabooks @sarahbellum how nice! They are so beautiful. They grow like weeds around one side of our house. Such wonderful “weeds” to have! 3y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB I like both as well! Thanks! 😘😘 3y
Megabooks @Suet624 thank you!! 💜💜 3y
Centique Oh they‘re gorgeous! 3y
Megabooks @Centique thank you!! 😘 3y
108 likes5 stack adds16 comments
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Leftcoastzen
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#20in4 @Andrew65 #readathon this is what is on tap for a reading weekend . The Reef is a buddy read , so not set on finishing it.I have a Christie on the Kindle , Not sure if I will go to library or grab something from the home TBR , but it‘s already Az hot on this holiday weekend in U.S. reading inside in the hottest part of the day is the logical choice!

Andrew65 Good luck, great to have you playing along. 😊 3y
42 likes1 comment
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Leftcoastzen
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Didn‘t post my #BOTM selections earlier this week cuz I‘m so far behind , I‘m first!?!? 🤦‍♀️

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peaKnit
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First deck read of the year. My happy place ❤️

Tamra Definitely a happy place! 3y
26 likes1 stack add1 comment
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peaKnit
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My brain power is on low lately. I‘m hoping for sugary sweet books, can‘t wait to dig in to some enjoyable reading.

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LeslieO
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#ThisWeekinNewBooks #BOTM #ShelfSubscription #Independentbookstoreday
(Not pictured because it was cut off at the bottom: Breathless)

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marleed
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Pickpick

Hey, Chicago what do you say! I couldn‘t read a bingo‘s worth of family sagas in a row, but I like placing them in the mix. I loved the Fall 2016 World Series Oak Park setting here and mapped its distance from both Lake Forest and Wrigley Field. It wasn‘t a super exiting book but the family dynamics of the extended Sullivan clan and their 3-gen restaurant was fun to read. Go Cubs Go! ↓

marleed And how have I reached this decade in my life with never learning marrying the ketchup was a thing, let alone a term!? 3y
Megabooks I‘m excited for this! 3y
marleed @Megabooks I really enjoyed this family. They are neither overly dramatic or unbelievably humorous, but still fun to be a fly on their wall for a while. 3y
EvieBee Oooh! Sounds great. I‘m first in line at the library for this one. 3y
68 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Lauren.Archer
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Pickpick

This really is just a fun family read. I did not walk away with anything grand, but just enjoyed the time I got to spend with this family, where love is in abundance, but everyone has their own quirks.

jlhammar This is a #BOTM add-on for May. Sounds good, but I need to get past the title. I worked at a diner in high school and the task of “marrying the ketchups“ always grossed me out for some reason. 3y
Lauren.Archer @jlhammar I had no idea what that meant until it was finally mentioned half way through. It is just in there for a moment and so easy to miss. 3y
59 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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nitalibrarian
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Nice batch of books out this week! Cataloging them today, so they are ready for tomorrow's release day.

charl08 I want to read the Julie Doucet. Do love a shelfie 😍 3y
19 likes1 comment