Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
AvidReader25

AvidReader25

Joined February 2016

LibraryThing member bookworm12

TinyCat library

Coffee addict☕️ World traveler🌎 Theatre lover🎭 Beekeeper🐝 Magazine editor, wife, & mom. avidreader25.blogspot.com LT: Bookworm12
review
AvidReader25
The Unwedding | Ally Condie
post image
Pickpick

15 years ago there was a single-season show called Harper‘s Island. A group goes to an island for a wedding and guests start dying off. This reminded me so much of it! Definitely less gruesome deaths in the book, but the same sort of feel. This one was a little more reflective about past trauma, and the ending felt weak to me, but it was a fun read. I like that despite being a murder mystery there‘s minimal violence & good supporting characters.

Bookwormjillk That was such a fun show! Can‘t believe it was 15 years ago! 2d
AvidReader25 @Bookwormjillk Right! I had to look it up to see when it ran. Such a fun show! 2d
24 likes2 comments
review
AvidReader25
You Are Here: A Novel | David Nicholls
post image
Mehso-so

Meh. It was a mixed bag for me. Things I liked: the banter and humor, the honest way it dealt with hard issues, The descriptions of the countryside, & the author‘s decision to keep the ending messy and not tied up perfectly. Things I didn‘t like: the first third of the book, the fact that Marnie was often dismissed as silly or unimportant by almost everyone, and Michael‘s oblivious and self-absorbed behavior. Didn‘t hate it, didn‘t love it. 🤷‍♀️

review
AvidReader25
Starter Villain | John Scalzi
post image
Pickpick

If Douglas Adams wrote a book about villains, this would be it. It has serious Hitchhiker vibes, everything from the bumbling protagonist to the talking dolphins. If you love that sense of humor (like me), this one should be a fit for you. It took me a minute to feel like this got going, but once it did I couldn't help laughing out loud. I particularly loved Hera and Til, such excellent supporting characters. I'd love to read more from the author.

Ruthiella I especially loved the potty mouth dolphins.🐬😂 1w
AvidReader25 @Ruthiella 🤣 Right! They were delightful. 1w
39 likes2 comments
review
AvidReader25
Unequal Affections: A Pride and Prejudice Retelling | Lara S. Ormiston, Ormiston Lara S Austen Jane
post image
Pickpick

What if Lizzie had said yes to Mr. Darcy‘s 1st proposal? That‘s the premise of this P&P retelling. I didn‘t love Darcy‘s proprietary attitude at the beginning of the book, but I felt both characters had wonderful growth throughout the novel. I don‘t always love Austen retellings, but this one kept with the tone of the original, expanding the interactions between our favorite pair. I loved seeing the way they learned compromise & patience together.

review
AvidReader25
Grief Is for People | Sloane Crosley
post image
Mehso-so

This memoir about the death of a friend & burglary of her home is honest, bitter, angry, & heartbreaking. I love that she didn't shy away from the hard parts of grief. She didn't wrap it up in a tidy bow & give a life lesson at the end. There are layers of pain when it comes to missing someone, being angry they are gone, & feeling guilty for your life continuing. This is a painful book, full of her scorn for those around her, but it's a truthful.

38 likes1 stack add
review
AvidReader25
Lies and Weddings | Kevin Kwan
post image
Mehso-so

**Classic Retelling Alert**

I‘ll be honest, I only read this one because of my deep love for Doctor Thorne. It certainly keeps to the main plot points, though the narcissistic mother and many of the other supporting characters are so obnoxious it‘s hard to stomach. Easy to listen to while working on projects, but I wouldn‘t have sat down and read it. My hope is that it gets someone to go back and read the original Trollope, which is so good!

review
AvidReader25
The Midnight Feast | Lucy Foley
post image
Mehso-so

This one feels like a rewrite of The Club mashed with Foley's own Guest List. It's not bad and there were two good twists, but it felt so familiar. A fancy resort celebrates its opening, but many guests have secrets. The flashback sections of the novel unfold a dark history on the resort's land. I did like the ending and was entertained, but it's not a new favorite.

review
AvidReader25
Sandwich: A Novel | Catherine Newman
post image
Mehso-so

I‘m conflicted, I found myself laughing, reading lines to friends, & getting caught up in the family dynamics. I identified w/ someone caught in the middle of aging parents & raising children, though mine are younger. But the kids felt 1 dimensional. The main character is ripe w/ conflicting emotions & big feelings but her adult kids feel like cookie cutter examples of what parents wish they had. It‘s not their story but it kept me from loving it.

BarbaraBB True. Good point. 2w
37 likes1 comment
blurb
AvidReader25
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares | David Levithan, Rachel Cohn
post image

LaGuardia airport in New York City has been completely remodeled recently. It was a dream! My favorite part was a big Strand shop in Terminal B. I had hours to kill and was thrilled to find it.

BarbaraBB Wow! I didn‘t know that. 2w
dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 2w
AvidReader25 @BarbaraBB It was a welcome surprise! 2w
32 likes3 comments
review
AvidReader25
post image
Pickpick

This was the perfect book to read while exploring Greece. I loved Circe, but not every other Greek myth retelling has worked for me. This one was wonderful. The main character is fierce, ambitious, & powerful. She doesn‘t shy away from pain or revenge. Though I knew the details of her story, they felt fresh, and each betrayal or loss cut like a knife. Her story covers years& I loved seeing her mature. TWs abound, but I really loved this one.

BookmarkTavern This one is probably my favorite Greek retelling! ❤️ 3w
AvidReader25 @BookmarkTavern Yes! I thought it was excellent. 2w
34 likes2 stack adds2 comments
review
AvidReader25
Kingdom of Ash | Sarah J. Maas
post image
Pickpick

How do you end a 5,600 page saga? With battles, love, epic goodbyes, & so much more. I‘ve loved reading about these characters & I‘ll miss them. I loved the character growth & felt like they had wonderful arcs from beginning to end. One thing about the TOG series, is that I really didn‘t enjoy the 1st book until the end & it took me a little bit of the 2nd to really get into the series. It‘s totally worth it but don‘t give up on it too soon.

30 likes2 stack adds
review
AvidReader25
The Rom-Commers: A Novel | Katherine Center
post image
Pickpick

Frothy, fun, so much witty banter. The first half just flew by for me on a recent flight. There‘s a hiccup in the middle that I didn‘t love, but you have to have some conflict. Center is a beloved author, but she can be hit or miss for me. This one was a definite win though the title & the cover were offputting. I loved how the main characters found a good rhythm, respecting each other‘s work & challenging each other. A delightful summer read.

33 likes1 stack add
blurb
AvidReader25
National Library of Greece | Athens, Greece (Library)
post image

Found the most incredible bookstore neighborhood in Athens, Greece! The street was filled with bookstores of every kind. This tiny pocket one might have been my favorite. I peeked in and there was a man work on rebinding a book!

BiblioLitten 💜 3w
25 likes1 comment
review
AvidReader25
The Hidden Staircase #2 | Carolyn Keene
post image
Pickpick

Loved the second book in the series. I felt like it had great tension and the audiobook is so good. My daughter and I had so much fun listening. The danger was real for Nancy and her dad as they solve a haunted house case.

review
AvidReader25
Ways to Grow Love | Rene Watson
post image
Pickpick

Continuing this series with my daughter and I think the second one is even better than the first. Ryan learned how to navigate tricky new friendships, church camp, and the impending arrival of her new sibling. She also has continued to develop her scale as a chef and her passion for experimenting with food. I‘m really loving this series for my daughter!

review
AvidReader25
post image
Mehso-so

I read this in anticipation of an upcoming trip to Greece. It‘s a memoir set in Athens around 2004. The author‘s anthropological eye is used wonderfully here to capture her adopted country. I loved learning more about what sets the Greek people apart. It‘s not a frothy read, and focuses frequently on dark things from their history, but I really enjoyed it and felt like I was getting an honest look at the country beyond the tourist borders.

AvidReader25 It got a so-so rating for me, because some parts are very fact heavy, and I think it would only be fascinating to someone who is really hoping to learn about Greek culture. 1mo
21 likes1 comment
review
AvidReader25
post image
Pickpick

There's a lot to process here, but a major take away point is the combined damage of technology dependency, lack of sleep & good nutrition, and almost nonexistent freedom during childhood that is leading us down a dangerous path. We are becoming so stressed that our default mode is to zone out even further.

“We live in a culture that is constantly amping us up with stress & stimulation.”

“To pay attention in normal ways, you need to feel safe.”

Sace Ooo. I listened to Lost Connections by this author and loved it. Looks like I‘ve found my next listen. 1mo
AvidReader25 @Sace I haven‘t read that one! Adding it to the TBR. 1mo
Sace I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 1mo
18 likes1 stack add3 comments
review
AvidReader25
Tuesdays at the Castle | Jessica Day George
post image
Pickpick

My kids and I were completely sucked into the story on a recent road trip. The castle randomly adds or takes away rooms when it wants. The siblings are creative and supportive of each other. Even though they are defending themselves against a siege and someone trying to steal the crown, it never gets too scary. A wonderful adventure story!

blurb
AvidReader25
post image

Visited the Willard Public Library in Evansville, Ind. during a recent road trip. It‘s 150 years old and just absolutely gorgeous! There‘s also allegedly a ghost that haunts the basement. I love seeing these classic old buildings in use. What a gift to the community!

Sace 🥰😍 2mo
Leftcoastzen Beautiful! 2mo
LeahBergen It‘s gorgeous! 2mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Gorgeous 📚 2mo
31 likes4 comments
review
AvidReader25
Landline | Rainbow Rowell
post image
Pickpick

This was fun to reread. When I read it in 2014 I didn‘t have any kids, now I have 2 that are similar ages to those in the book. Either you can embrace the fact that a phone is letting Georgie talk to her 1998 husband or you can't. If you love Rowell definitely read this one. Eleanor & Park is still my favorite, but this novel gives her readers a glimpse into how difficult real marriages can be, although we don't all have a magic phone.

CogsOfEncouragement I liked this one. I‘m open to whatever alternate universe an author wants to create, so I enjoyed the special phone. 2mo
Leftcoastzen What a beautiful salad!🥗 2mo
AvidReader25 @Leftcoastzen It was a delicious treat at a local Brazilian restaurant! 2mo
AvidReader25 @CogsOfEncouragement Completely agree. I don‘t need the science behind why the phone worked, I was here for it. 2mo
marleed I loved this book! 2mo
45 likes1 stack add5 comments
review
AvidReader25
The Labors of Hercules Beal | Gary D. Schmidt
post image
Pickpick

My goodness I loved this one so much. A five star read for me. A boy in middle school is managing a plant nursery with his adult brother after the unexpected death of their parents. A tough teacher assigns him 12 challenging tasks that mirror the mythical labors of Hercules. Throughout the book he learns about the value of friendship, found family, & the ways that we can save ourselves as we embrace a community and care for those around us.

review
AvidReader25
post image
Pickpick

This one reminded me more of One of Us Is Lying more than Nancy Drew, but I‘ve heard the comparison. A fun mystery, but forgettable. I don‘t feel pulled to try the next book in the series. I liked the main character‘s drive, though her motivation was misguided. As is the case with many amateur detectives, she doesn‘t seem to think through her actions before she barrels forward into danger. Good twist and turns though!

28 likes1 stack add
review
AvidReader25
Ways to Make Sunshine | Rene Watson
post image
Pickpick

First book in a series that I started with my daughter. I love the way the author handles trials in Ryan‘s friendships, and frustrations about moving to a new home. She and her brother often pick on each other, but they have each other‘s backs when it matters. I love how encouraging her parents are and the ways that the family connects through traditions. We‘re definitely reading the next book in the series.

blurb
AvidReader25
Dog Songs | Mary Oliver
post image

My reading buddy makes it super easy to turn the pages. 🤣🐾

Sace 😂 2mo
majkia @Sace LOL So long as s/he doesn't drool. 2mo
Sace Good point. But somehow s/he seems to be coming from a place of love. My cats always seem like they are passive aggressively interrupting my reading. 2mo
See All 7 Comments
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 2mo
AvidReader25 @Sace 🤣 definitely trying for attention. 2mo
Ruthiella ❤️🐶❤️🐶❤️ 2mo
LeahBergen 😆😆 2mo
33 likes7 comments
review
AvidReader25
post image
Pickpick

I thought I‘d read the original Nancy Drew novels, but I think I‘d only read the reimagine version from the ‘90s. I liked that Nancy solved the case on her own. She didn‘t need to be rescued, she was clever (and sometimes lucky), and she stood up for the underdogs who had been unexpectedly disinherited. I do wish the title didn‘t give away so much of the plot. My daughter and I are both interested to read the next one.

review
AvidReader25
post image
Mehso-so

I had high hopes for this one. It checked so many boxes of things I love. But in the end the characters left me cold. I felt like it couldn‘t decide if it was trying to be whimsical love story via the movie Kate & Leopold or a more serious time travel novel like Dark Matter. It kept switching gears, and so neither story felt as compelling as I wanted it to. Not awful, just disappointing because of my high expectations.

39 likes1 stack add
review
AvidReader25
First Lie Wins: A Novel | Ashley Elston
post image
Pickpick

This twisty read was so much fun! A con woman finds herself in a tricky spot and the plot flashes back & forth with other identities and jobs she's taken over the years. A smart protagonist, tons of surprises, and kept me interested the whole time. It was fun to read and just what I wanted. I cared what happened to Lucca and Ryan. Thrillers often keep me interested in the plot, but not the characters, so I appreciated that.

32 likes1 stack add
review
AvidReader25
Ella Enchanted | Gail Carson Levine
post image
Pickpick

I liked this retelling of Cinderella so much more as I read it with my kids. The emphasis is on standing up for yourself & learning the meaning of sacrificial love & true friendship. I think it‘s a great improvement from the original story that it doesn't rely on a quick fairy godmother fix to solve every problem. Ella is clever & funny & is willing to try & solve her own problems. I love how her best friend Char knows who she truly is & loves her

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Beautiful 💐 2mo
AvidReader25 @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks A friend brought over a birthday bouquet! 😊 2mo
31 likes2 comments
blurb
AvidReader25
post image

My favorite surprise for my birthday this weekend‘s was a handmade, red oak bookcase from my husband. He even included our initials that he carved into a tree before we were married. The tree was hit by lightning last year and destroyed, but he saved the wood that had our initials. 💙

Amor4Libros What a wonderful gift! 2mo
BookmarkTavern Lovely! 2mo
IndoorDame So special ♥️ 2mo
See All 15 Comments
MaureenMc 🥰 2mo
Ruthiella So romantic! 🥰 2mo
Chelsea.Poole So sweet! 2mo
Tamra Sweet! 2mo
Soubhiville Aw that‘s the sweetest. 2mo
dabbe That man's a keeper! 🤩🤩🤩 2mo
LeahBergen That‘s amazing! ❤️ 2mo
Megabooks Wow!! 💜💜 2mo
mcctrish So many levels of awesome (edited) 2mo
CaliforniaCay Aww 🥰🥰🥰 2mo
KadaGul Craftsmanship at its finest 😍🫶 2mo
BkClubCare Very cool 😎 2mo
45 likes15 comments
review
AvidReader25
Bulfinch's Mythology | Bulfinch, Thomas
post image
Pickpick

I‘ve always loved mythology and can‘t believe I didn‘t read this one earlier. It‘s a great starter book for someone just curious about myths. I enjoyed returning to all the old favorites from Greek and Norse mythology & while also hearing some from other cultures that were new to me. I liked how he mentions specific poems and other famous pieces that use mythology as a reference point. I don‘t think I‘ll ever tire of reading about Greek mythology.

27 likes1 stack add
review
AvidReader25
post image
Pickpick

Oh my goodness I love this book! I reread it this week and was reminded why this simple story is so powerful. It‘s the real story of a woman writing letters back and forth over two decades with a bookseller in London. But it‘s the human connection over an ocean that is beautiful. Their shared love of literature and genuine kindness was so refreshing. I can‘t recommend it enough. It‘s just lovely. Definitely going to reread the sequel next.

slategreyskies I didn‘t know there was a sequel! I love this book too! 🥰 2mo
BarbaraBB Loved the book and love your photo 2mo
Ruthiella Definitely a favorite of many readers. I loved it. 2mo
See All 6 Comments
LeahBergen It‘s just so good! 2mo
AvidReader25 @slategreyskies Yes! It‘s called Duchess of Bloomsbury and she finally gets to go to London. 😊 2mo
38 likes1 stack add6 comments
review
AvidReader25
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley | Lauren Gunderson, Margot Melcon
post image
Pickpick

This conclusion to a trilogy of plays (set at Pemberley at Christmas) was just the icing on the cake. It even flashes forward in the second act so we can see how everyone is doing six years in the future. Pairing up Georgiana and Kitty as best friends was such a perfect fit for the story. It has serious Persuasion vibes and I loved every second of it. Now if only I could see them performed in person!

review
AvidReader25
post image
Pickpick

This sweet read with my daughter was a bit darker than I was expecting, but I loved the message in the end. DiCamillo has such a gift for bringing a scene to life, and I won‘t soon forget the treks into the dungeon.

blurb
AvidReader25
Cat's Cradle: A Novel | Kurt Vonnegut
post image

I went to a book embroidery class at my location independent bookstore today! I loved getting to learn a new hobby and had so much fun talking books with the other attendees. 📚 🧵 🪡

booklover3258 How hard is it to put the needle through the cover? 2mo
AvidReader25 @booklover3258 Before you start with the needle you use a different tool to poke all the holes. After that it wasn‘t too hard at all! 2mo
booklover3258 Ahhh thanks! 2mo
37 likes3 comments
review
AvidReader25
Last Night in Montreal | Emily St. John Mandel
post image
Pickpick

This was a fever dream of a novel. Lilia, a young girl, is abducted by her father and they spend the next decade crisscrossing the country to evade a detective. The plot flashes backwards and forwards as the story unfolds. It‘s haunting and beautiful. So many broken people with overlapping lives. The detective‘s daughter and Lilia live parallel lives of loneliness. I loved the slow reveal of the story, though the middle lagged for me.

SheilaChew I love this author, but haven‘t read this book yet. I need to read it! Thanks for the review! 1d
41 likes3 stack adds1 comment
review
AvidReader25
post image
Pickpick

Rereading this with my daughter was wonderful! The magic of running away to live in the MET still resonated, but I loved Claudia's journey to understand herself even more than I did as a child. I loved how the differences between Claudia and her brother Jamie helped them grow as their different personalities taught them to compromise. Her exploration of her own motivations will stay with her much longer than her week in the museum.

IndoorDame Such a fun one to revisit!!! 3mo
BarbaraJean One of my favorites!! 💜💜 3mo
AvidReader25 @BarbaraJean @IndoorDame It was so lovely! 💙 3mo
35 likes2 stack adds3 comments
review
AvidReader25
post image
Pickpick

Standing Bear was a Ponca chief who fought for the rights of his tribe. Despite continuously being moved from place to place, with no control over where they were sent, he was a calm and steady prescience for his people. They wanted to work the land in peace & he was able to fight for that right in court. It's an incredible & heartbreaking story. If you want to learn more about the Trail of Tears and what it was truly like, please read this one.

24 likes2 stack adds
review
AvidReader25
Funny Story | Emily Henry
post image
Pickpick

This book‘s subtitle should be: everyone needs therapy. Also, I loved it! Realistic & healthy relationships, actual character development & honest conversations. Supporting the idea that you need friends and a community, not just one “perfect “ person. Miles & Daphne were a delight with buzzing chemistry. The supporting characters added so much especially Julia & Ashleigh, & the descriptions of Michigan were just the chef‘s kiss. My #1 or 2 Henry.

review
AvidReader25
post image
Pickpick

The first half of the book is really about the Civil War in Missouri, but that history of division and its creation of the bushwhackers is what led to James' life of crime. The author does an incredible job unpacking the story. I loved learning the story behind his eventual crime spree. This was my Missouri nonfiction book and it's perfect for the category. I'll certainly be reading more from this author as well.

20 likes1 stack add
review
AvidReader25
post image
Mehso-so

A quiet reflection on being willing to reevaluate things you participate in throughout your life. I like the way the author encourages you to reflect on the good that came from each role even after you leave it. She provides some tools, but as she explains it's much more about feeling than action steps, which is probably why I liked, but didn't love it. It will make me think critically about my job/church/boards I serve on, etc. as I move forward.

review
AvidReader25
The Hunter: A Novel | Tana French
post image
Pickpick

I love French's ability to create atmosphere & this one is stifling. The intense heat, the building tension, it all feels like it's about to boil over. This sequel is best if you've read the 1st book. I loved returning to Cal's tiny Irish town. Trey is now 15 & she's figuring out who she is as she grows up. It feels a lot like The Dry, which I loved. It moves very slow, but it works & I always stayed interested. Don't expect a fast-pace thriller.

Kimzey Sounds good! Stacked! 3mo
36 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
AvidReader25
post image
Pickpick

I don‘t think I‘ve ever read a book so achingly vulnerable before. The author is so honest about his personal failings, this dark period in his marriage, & the humility it took to stay together. When his wife asked for a divorce & reveals she‘s having an affair, he‘s beyond shocked. He shares this account not to shame her, but to reflect about how hard marriage is & how much work it takes. It sounds contradictory, but it‘s also so darkly funny.

29 likes2 stack adds
review
AvidReader25
Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma | Claire Dederer
post image
Pickpick

A meditation on how the personal lives of artists impact our view of them as fans. Once we know horrible things about a person (Picasso, Cosby, etc.), how can we still enjoy their art? The author questioning both herself and others in the way to process the hardest contradictions. It‘s complicated and doesn‘t shy away from the conflicting things we feel. I was fascinated and left thinking about the debate for days.

CaitlinR It sounds fascinating, 3mo
Texreader Oh wow. Yea I wonder about that a lot, especially writers. 3mo
AvidReader25 @Texreader @CaitlinR Yes! She gave voice to a lot of thoughts I‘ve had and struggle with. 3mo
charl08 Such an interesting read. 1mo
AvidReader25 @charl08 I‘m still thinking about it! 1mo
28 likes5 comments
review
AvidReader25
Tress of the Emerald Sea | Brandon Sanderson
post image
Pickpick

What a delight! It‘s a Princess Bride story where Buttercup searches for Westley & instead of believing he‘s dead. What follows is a wild pirate adventure where Tress discovers her own strength & ingenuity as she travels on the seas of spores.

“Enjoy memories, yes, but don't be a slave to who you wish you once had been.”

“Even small actions have consequences. And while we can often choose our actions, we rarely get to choose our consequences.”

dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 3mo
Leftcoastzen 🐶 3mo
29 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
AvidReader25
Yellowface | R F Kuang
post image
Pickpick

This was like watching a car crash. I couldn‘t look away. Almost every character involved was self-serving and driven by an absolute narcissistic desire for success, but the author was so good and you are so invested in what happens next. The whole plot is really digging at a deeper issue of cultural history and authorship. The ever present threat of social media‘s ire gave it and added weight. Lived up to the hype for me.

Suzze Same. I really enjoyed it. 3mo
Sarahreadstoomuch Love this book! And now I have one of my library book groups reading it 😉 3mo
Anna40 Great review! 3mo
AvidReader25 @Suzze @Anna40 Such a fascinating book! 3mo
AvidReader25 @Sarahreadstoomuch I love that! This is such a perfect book to fuel great discussions. 3mo
39 likes1 stack add5 comments
review
AvidReader25
post image
Pickpick

This was a favorite of mine when I was young, and I loved reading it with my daughter this month. As an adult, I was struck by how determined, resourceful, and brave Karana is. I also researched the true story behind the book a bit and was fascinated to learn more about the history. There are some dark moments, but it led to great discussions.

emz711 This is my "I don't remember the title but it was blue" book 3mo
TheBookHippie I love this book. 3mo
See All 7 Comments
AvidReader25 @TheBookHippie It was such an important one for me when I was growing up. I feel like there were rarely books about a girl surviving on her own. 3mo
TheBookHippie @AvidReader25 I agree -it was a favorite of mine as well, I read it several times back then! 3mo
BkClubCare You are an awesome mom! 👏 3mo
AvidReader25 @BkClubCare I love seeing my girls discover their own love of reading! 3mo
35 likes7 comments
review
AvidReader25
Demon Copperhead: A Novel | Barbara Kingsolver
post image
Pickpick

This loose retelling of David Copperfield explores life in Lee County through the eyes of a young boy nicknamed Demon. From his addict mother to the cruel injustices of the foster care system & drug addiction, the book will break your heart. But it's also so beautifully written & the voice feels so authentic, that you don't care. I wish I‘d read it sooner instead of dragging my feet.

“As a kid, you just accept different worlds w/different rules.”

Tamra I can smell those lilacs through my screen! 💜 3mo
AvidReader25 @Tamra my absolute favorite flower! 3mo
BkClubCare Ok, realizing that life and “so many books,etc” WHY did you drag your feet? Just curious 3mo
See All 6 Comments
AvidReader25 @BkClubCare A few reasons, one was SO much hype. Another is that David Copperfield is my favorite Dickens and I was worried it would park in comparison. Instead, I felt like it was a completely unique story that stood on it‘s own. 3mo
BkClubCare @AvidReader25 😎 (I felt the misery was relentless. Not a fan of the book myself) 3mo
AvidReader25 @BkClubCare Oh man, it was! It was a hard book but I was definitely invested in the characters. 3mo
36 likes6 comments
review
AvidReader25
Glaciers | Alexis Smith
post image
Pickpick

One young woman in the Pacific Northwest is fascinated by old photos and vintage items. This little novella gives us a glimpse into the reasons behind her obsession. Her path crosses with a coworker and former soldier, and they have a sweet connection. Brief but beautiful. The scene where everyone at a party has to tell a personal story was particularly memorable.

27 likes1 stack add
review
AvidReader25
post image
Pickpick

A boy takes his Bubbe Rosa around Brooklyn and Manhattan as they shop for ingredients for dinner. She struggles with seeing new things in the place of old and her memories flood their conversation. It‘s a short read about a Jewish woman in the city, and I love the glimpses of her when she is young and her interactions with an old baker she‘s known for years.

dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 4mo
KadaGul @AvidReader25 Your Dog 🐕‍🦺 is saying Mom im right here what are you looking 👀 @ and whose picture 📸 are you taking #petslife 4mo
AvidReader25 @KadaGul He‘s here for it! 4mo
27 likes3 comments
review
AvidReader25
Gift from the Sea | Anne Morrow Lindbergh
post image
Pickpick

I‘ve read and reread slim nonfiction book over the years. Each time I find new things that speak to me. Lindbergh compares different stages in a woman‘s life to various shells she finds on the beach. The shells aren‘t the point; it‘s what they represent that carries the weight of the work. She touches on maintaining your individuality as a woman despite marriage and motherhood, a difficult balance to find.

AvidReader25 Con‘t…I can‘t think of a single woman I wouldn‘t recommend this to. It‘s a lovely reminder to appreciate whatever stage you‘re in at the moment. I always fill my days with a million commitments and small tasks and this was a wonderful reminder to slow down and just enjoy the bliss of doing nothing sometimes. 4mo
Suet624 I always think of my mother when I see someone post about this book. This was one of my mother's two favorite books. 4mo
kspenmoll My mother loved this book & so admired Anne Morrow Lindberg. She gave copies to her 4 daughters & 3 daughter- in- laws when they married into the family. Your review is wonderful! 4mo
See All 6 Comments
AvidReader25 @Suet624 oh I love that! It makes me wonder what my kids might one day remember as my favorite books. 4mo
AvidReader25 @kspenmoll that‘s wonderful! There is so much wisdom in this tiny book. It‘s definitely one I‘ve given as a gift as well. 4mo
kspenmoll @AvidReader25 My mom was a voracious reader! This discussion made me decide to reread this book in summer when I visit my sister on Cape Cod.❤️ 4mo
36 likes6 comments