pickThis book could be triggering to those that struggle to read medical content, including sickness & birth. The entire story takes place over the course of 3 days and reads a lot like Call The Midwife but in a hospital setting. Societal norms not so distant in our history.
pickMostly measured and sensible, though often defensive. I think she downplays the risks of long COVID too much, particularly in the afterword, and she didn't foresee the rapid end of vaccination campaigns and the ridiculous prices of vaccines for those of us who don't fit into the UK government's narrowly defined categories.
pickPale Rider, by Laura Spinney (2017)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Premise: An exploration of the origins, epidemiology, and lasting impacts of the 1918 influenza pandemic.
Review: This is an exceptional—and disturbingly prescient—book. So much of this felt like it was written in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and yet it was published years before. ⬇️
pickJay is an artist; lives his life as one (many?) experience-immersed art project/s. When Covid hits, he is in NYC just barely surviving when he delivers groceries to a wealthy enclave — he comes face 2 face with his lover Alice from 20+ years past who had run off with his best friend. I liked it mostly for amazing sentences but the drug use was extremely off-putting to me. Lots of interesting thoughts on “what IS art?” 🖼️ Low pick #Aug2025 #ToF
pick#roll100 plus book club read for this month. Really enjoyed this - although some pretty harrowing sections about Covid/Floyd George which made for difficult (but important) reading. I‘m looking forward to discussing this one!
Plus, first time I‘ve come across a dog in a book with the same name as mine!
“There was a pie and mash shop and a butcher.”
#piemention #litpie #pieandbooks #booksandpie #ILovePie #BlackPloutPie
pickI wouldn't have chosen a pandemic novel at this point but it's what was available on BorrowBox.
I enjoy how Ali Smith plays with words and story, so it's a pick, but could I tell you what it all *means*? I'm not sure I could. Definitely feels like she's more interested in raising questions than answering them. That's fine by me, but what the hell was going on with the Pelf family?!
The vividness of these radishes provoked me to take this picture, continuing my habit of posing my books with gardens, plants, flowers, produce. This is my last book for #ToF and it is already capturing my attention; page 10. This will be my 3rd by this author. I expect it to be interesting, philosophical, culturally relevant.
