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Family Lore
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
28 posts | 29 read | 18 to read
"Sisters Matilde, Pastora, Camila, and Flor thought they knew each other well, until Flor-inspired by a documentary her daughter Ona made her watch-decides she wants a living wake, a party to bring her family and community together and celebrate the long life she's led, while she's still around to enjoy it. She's not ill, as far as anybody knows, but Flor does have a gift: she can predict, to the day, when someone will die. Has she foreseen her own death, or someone else's, or does she have other motives? She refuses to say. But Flor isn't the only person with secrets. Matilde has tried for decades to cover the extent of her husband's infidelity, but she now must confront the true state of her marriage. Pastora is typically the most reserved sister, but Flor's wake motivates this driven woman to attempt to solve her sibling's problems. And the next generation, cousins Ona and Yadi, face tumult of their own: Yadi, reuniting with her first love, who was imprisoned when they were both still kids; and Ona, married for years and attempting to conceive. Ona must decide whether it's worth it to keep trying-in having a child, and in the anthropology research that's begun to feel lackluster. Spanning the three days prior to the wake, FAMILY LORE traces the lives of each of the Marte women, weaving together past and present, the Dominican Republic and New York City. Told with Elizabeth Acevedo's inimitable voice, this is an indelible portrait of sisters and cousins, aunts and nieces - one family's journey through their history helping them better navigate all that is to come"--
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Another book from the #tbr shelf! ❤️🪑💙

#Chair
#CoverLove

💛💙💛

Eggs Perfect 🪑 4mo
54 likes1 comment
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Susanita
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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It‘s here! Thanks again to @ImperfectCJ

ImperfectCJ Thank you for playing...and for letting me know it arrived! 5mo
36 likes1 comment
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Larkken
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Pickpick

Tagged is my favorite read from April - but I had four other 5-star reads, which is impressive!
Acevedo's first book for adults, in all its magical realism glory, was just too moving. I appreciated the breadth of female and immigrant experiences in this book about 4 magical sisters from the D.R. and their families. As ever, Acevedo's own narration in her audiobooks is not to be missed.
Oh! And my first #bookspinbingo of 2024! @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Fantastic month!!! 7mo
25 likes1 comment
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MsLeah8417
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Nessavamusic
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Bailedbailed

Bailing at 27% The writing is very pretty and I love generational family stories, however there are too many POV‘s and the non-linear timeline is very hard to follow. It may just my current reading tastes, so I may attempt at a future time.

This month is so the month of DNF‘s but chipping away at that #roll100 backlist! #hailthebail

dabbe #hailthebail! 🤩🤩🤩 8mo
47 likes1 comment
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OneCent76
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Panpan

This book just wasn't for me. I read it for a book club I'm in.

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BookishTrish
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Pickpick

Acevedo is an excellent storyteller and very good at creating memorable characters. Despite the predictable ending, I enjoyed this one.

thewallflower0707 I really liked all her YA novels, haven‘t read her first adult novel yet! 11mo
48 likes1 comment
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GidgetsTreasures75
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Pickpick

12-16-23: My 99th finished book of 2023! Flor and her 3 sisters, Matilde, Pastora and Camila, have gifts. Flor can predict when someone will die. When she decides to hold a living wake for herself, her sisters, niece and daughter, pitch in to make it a memorable affair but have many questions. The story goes back and forth in time, telling how the 4 sisters upbringing took them from rural Dominican Republic to the capital and finally to NYC.

GidgetsTreasures75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️📖#️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ 11mo
10 likes1 comment
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monalyisha
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Mehso-so

Typically, I love Acevedo‘s books. I was excited to listen to her first adult novel. Unfortunately, this didn‘t work as well for me. I‘m sure the blunt physicality & sexuality of the sisters‘ stories was meant to feel empowering (or at least FULL & true). Instead, I felt unexpectedly uncomfortable. I can‘t tell if my response was due to social conditioning or her writing. The dialog didn‘t always read naturally. The end was circular & predictable.

GondorGirl I gave the book a soft pick, because I really loved the story, but I was with you on the sex bits. The way they were presented just felt a little cringy for me. At least I wasn't listening to the audio book. 😅 14mo
monalyisha @GondorGirl I can see giving it a soft pick! If I hadn‘t come in with the expectations I did, maybe that would have been the case for me too. We‘ll never know! For the record, my favorite of hers is Clap When You Land (followed closely by The Poet X). 14mo
54 likes1 stack add2 comments
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NovelNancyM
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Pickpick

Acevedo is one of my favorite YA authors and this is her first adult novel. It was complicated and a bit messy as families often are. Great character development and beautiful writing.

57 likes1 stack add
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MegCaldwell
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Pickpick

My first read on the kindle. I love Elizabeth Acevedo anyway but I absolutely loved Family Lore. The way sisterhood, and motherhood, and daughterhood all braided together gave me chills.

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Jari-chan
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Mehso-so

I knew that this story is not really for me, but since it's Elizabeth Acevedo, I just had to give it a try. Still, my feeling was right. Not story for me. The changes happen way too fast to get into each character enough, at least for me. Acevedos voice is nice to listen to, but at some point I just let the story happen without following it too closely. I did like the ending, though. But I still prefer the author's YA novels way more.

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Reading_E
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Mehso-so

Very disappointing, given all the hyped up reviews. The story line is too hard to follow and the excessive reference to bodily functions is unnecessary and does not add to the story. For a lover of Isabelle Allende and magic realism, it was very sad to read something that sounded like a similar genre, but in the end was a huge disappointment.

LiteraryinPA I agree. Have you read any of her others? I‘ve liked everything else by her. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 1y
6 likes1 comment
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Hooked_on_books
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Bailedbailed

I gave this a good try, starting it twice, but it is just so flat. I thought maybe it was the audio narration, but I see others who read it in print saying similar things, so it‘s clearly the book. Not for me.

LiteraryinPA Yeah, I almost bailed too. I finished, but you‘re not missing much. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 1y
Reading_E I bailed too. So disappointed! 1y
50 likes2 comments
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LiteraryinPA
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Mehso-so

I have loved Acevedo‘s previous books, but this one fell short for me. The structure of the book, including some weird layout choices, didn‘t work for me. It felt disjointed. I did like the sisters and hearing about their histories and special abilities. I felt there was an overemphasis on sex that I personally didn‘t enjoy reading. The ending felt rushed. Overall I was disappointed.

AvidReader25 I‘m so glad to hear I wasn‘t alone in this one. I loved her other books, but I made it halfway through and finally stopped. It just wasn‘t clicking at all. 1y
DivineDiana I am sorry to hear this. The synopsis sounded perfect for me, and I too have loved her writing. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 1y
Amor4Libros I felt the same way. I was so looking forward to reading it and was disappointed. 1y
BookwormM I enjoyed this one so hopefully things can only get better for me with her other books 1y
Hooked_on_books I started the audio a few days ago and stopped about 45 minutes in. I‘m going to try again, since my timing may just have been off, but I‘ll keep your review in mind when I do so. 1y
88 likes1 stack add5 comments
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Susanita
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Elizabeth Acevedo being interviewed by Jason Reynolds. #NationalBookFestival

wanderinglynn ❤️ 1y
Chrissyreadit 🙌🙌🙌🙌 1y
behudd Wow amazing duo!! 1y
See All 6 Comments
SamAnne Oh, wow. 1y
DivineDiana What a fantastic experience! ❤️ 1y
Susanita @Chrissyreadit @wanderinglynn @behudd @SamAnne @DivineDiana The picture doesn‘t do justice to how beautiful the coat/jacket was, especially in motion. 1y
52 likes6 comments
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Cinfhen
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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And once again #Scribd has removed a book from my current borrows🙄
Honestly, WTF?

Jas16 I would love to see them succeed but I cancelled my Scribd subscription. I have had a annual membership since they started and they kept the amount really reasonable until this year. I couldn‘t justify spending three times what I had been paying for something I didn‘t use as often anymore because of issues like you are having. I am lucky to have a great public library system I can use so I honestly don‘t miss them. 1y
Jess Sorry you are having issues with Scribd. I couldn‘t take it and cancelled. Shortly after I quit Scribd I found that the Queens library has a membership option for nonresidents. It was cheaper than scribd and gives me a whole other (fantastic) library system to check out audiobooks in Libby. Also love that I‘m supporting a public library. Not sure if that would work for you but it is another option. 1y
Read4life This is getting ridiculous. I‘m seriously considering canceling. Every time I open the app my fingers are crossed that my current read hasn‘t been removed (again) while I‘m reading it. 1y
See All 12 Comments
Cinfhen Hmmmm, I think it‘s time I explore other options - thanks @Jess @Jas16 @Read4life !!! 1y
Read4life If you find something, please let me know. 1y
Cinfhen Will do @Read4life 😁 1y
rwmg Those looking for an alternative might want to try the Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/books?tab=collection

It has a good collection and it's free. The only disadvantage is that you can only borrow most of the books for one hour at a time, though you can renew them when the hour is up. In theory a book may not be available because somebody else has borrowed it but I've never found that to be the case
1y
rwmg Sorry, I should also mention that you are basically streaming the books, so you have to stay on line while reading. 1y
rwmg You can see some of the books I've borrowed from the Internet Archive over the past couple of years here: https://pics.cdn.librarything.com//picsizes/2f/cd/2fcd8d23bbc8b06636c43323477437... (edited) 1y
Cinfhen Interesting suggestion @rwmg thanks for sharing! 1y
rwmg @cinfhen @Read4life Most of the books I was interested in that disappeared from Scribd have now reappeared and there have also been some changes to the overall look of the website, so it might be worth trying again in case it was just a temporary glitch while they were installing some new design features. (edited) 1y
Cinfhen So interesting @rwmg ! It seems like it was just certain new release titles that I was having difficulty accessing because I‘ve been able to borrow several other new releases in the past few days 😁❣️ (edited) 1y
51 likes12 comments
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ErikasMindfulShelf
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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I had a great time meeting Elizabeth Acevedo tonight. Can‘t wait to read her book!

Ruthiella Awesome! 🤩 1y
Cinfhen Wow! Elizabeth Acevedo looks SO YOUNG!!! I bet she was awesome 😎 1y
LiteraryinPA That‘s so cool!! 1y
See All 6 Comments
Gissy So nice, lucky girl perfect photo👌📚❤️ 1y
TieDyeDude Very cool! 💪 1y
DivineDiana Fantastic! 💖 1y
45 likes6 comments
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Catsandbooks
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Library haul!! 📚

SamAnne Ducks was one of my best reads this year. Original. Dark humor. Devastating. Beautiful graphics. 1y
Catsandbooks @SamAnne Ooo that makes me more excited to read it!! 1y
57 likes2 comments
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licia.reads
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
Mehso-so

I didn‘t like this one as much as her others, but I hope this isn‘t her last adult book.

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licia.reads
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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I was super excited to read Elizabeth Acevedo‘s first adult book, but I‘m about 80% of the way through and its not working for me. I‘m still going to finish it.

LiteraryinPA Interesting. I am also excited to try this (once my library gets it) since I‘ve loved her other books. What‘s not working for you? 1y
licia.reads Because there are 6 POVs, it has been difficult to follow the audiobook. I usually love her books and her audiobook narration. (edited) 1y
6 likes2 comments
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everlocalwest
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Pickpick

This is definitely a pick, though not as strong of one as her novels in verse.
When you consider this as not only an adult debut but a prose debut as well, it is truly a strong novel. I just went into with too large expectations.
Ultimately, a satisfying family novel with a lovely ending.

Also, I misplaced my ARC today (rearranging my office 🤦‍♀️), so please enjoy my favorite picture of Bernard.

TrishB Awww 🐶♥️ what‘s not to enjoy! 1y
everlocalwest @TrishB I know, right?! He's a perfect doggo. 🥰 1y
Cinfhen He‘s sooooo sweet🖤adorable 😍 1y
See All 8 Comments
Cinfhen And I‘m looking forward to this novel - did it feel YA? 1y
AmyG A handsome guy! 1y
Tamra Cutie! 😍 1y
everlocalwest @cinfhen definitely check it out! I enjoyed it, just wasn't as strongly moved by it as her novels in verse. Definitely did not read as YA. 1y
Cinfhen Thanks 😁 1y
37 likes8 comments
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Amor4Libros
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Mehso-so

3.5⭐️ After reading and loving Acevedo‘s previous work, I went into this book with too many expectations. I saw where she was trying to take me with her story, but I just had a little bit of difficulty getting there.

That being said, I did have a good time with this book (will admit that some of the women‘s feelings REALLY resonated with me), and will continue to read anything she writes.

Pub Date: 8/1/23

#NetGalley

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Matilda
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Pickpick

Another 5 star+ from Acevedo—forever an instant buy and always in audiobook if she narrates!

Cinfhen Good to know!! 1y
LiteraryinPA How did I not know about this? Stacked! 1y
Matilda @LiteraryinLawrence there is so much constant bad news that all the exciting news is hard to see 1y
35 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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vonnie862
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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My anticipated read for 2023 is Elizabeth Acevedo's book, Family Lore. I've loved every book that I've read of hers and I'm excited to see that she has written an adult fiction book. It comes out in August.

#EasterOMC #picturechallenge
@Clwojick @LadyKatrina

Clwojick This one sounds good! 👏🏻 2y
Soubhiville I love her too! Looking forward to this release. 2y
29 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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vlwelser
Family Lore: A Novel | Elizabeth Acevedo
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Pickpick

This author normally does YA novel in verse. So this is a bit different. Adult contemporary about a family full of women with unique gifts. One sister knows the truth, one can dance, one dreams of death, and one is in tune with nature. I like it.

#DoubleSpin @TheAromaofBooks

Pub date is 8/1/23
#ARC #Netgalley

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
Jebpix So glad you posted this. Did not know this was coming; now, third in line at the library. Woo hoo! 2y
vlwelser @Jebpix I am surprised they let you line up so early or that 2 others beat you. But definitely enjoy this one! 2y
52 likes3 stack adds3 comments