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Donnasmiles

Donnasmiles

Joined May 2016

TBR Stacked, Essential Oil educator, I love the world 🌎 and the world loves me!
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Donnasmiles
Beautiful Exiles | Meg Waite Clayton
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I‘m going to pick this one for my July Kindle first...
I‘m all about Hemingway and this looks great!
What‘s everyone choosing?

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Donnasmiles
Never Stop Walking | Christina Rickardsson
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My Kindle First pick for this month...although as someone else said, I find myself excited for the new selections but then never read them. Too many books!

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Found these two today for 1.00 each...Keep feeling like I may have read The Other Boleyn Girl but will see.....I‘m bad that way! I‘ve only ever read one other Sandra Brown.

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The Hiding Place | Corrie ten Boom, Elizabeth Sherrill, John Sherrill
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Been so many years since I‘ve read this but picked by book club this month. If memory serves me it was a good read?

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The Queens Fool | Philippa Gregory

Getting ready to plow through this one for book club...not my thing for sure.
Anyone read it? Loved it?

rubyslippersreads I read it a long time ago and remember liking it (though not loving it). 6y
Smangela I love her books - but admittedly haven‘t read this one 🤷🏻‍♀️ I pretty much devour anything about Tudor family 😂 6y
Donnasmiles Yes, a couple from the bookclub say they aren‘t loving it...500 pages (a lot to endure) ha 6y
8 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Donnasmiles
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Pickpick



Spent some time contemplating what choices we have in life and the differences that our country of origin makes in those choices. Witherspoon likely selected this book due to how the women wrestled with traditional culture, their “normal”, and how they wanted to share and also hide feelings and desires brought about by ingrained tradition. It gives us a glimpse at the life of immigrants, the struggle between modern vs. traditional values.

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Donnasmiles
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Quick read. Interesting premise for a great book...As always, got some looks and comments from the librarian when she reserved it for me....Enjoying and engaging so far.

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Donnasmiles
Bailedbailed

I just couldn't keep going....75% through but the mother in this memoir was literally making me nuts! If you're looking for a sad story...this one is your book. The sexual child abuse, polygamy, and just straight disregard for the humans you bring into the world just broke me down. I know we all contribute to the things that may screw our kids up but this true story was not my cuppa.

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Donnasmiles
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Someone wanted recommendations for a sad book...well here it is. It's a memoir of a polygamist family and all that entails. It covers abuse, poverty, family relationships, and even the love present in all those settings....great memoir.

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Donnasmiles
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After hearing this one is going to be made to video by Reese Witherspoon I downloaded the audio version.
That way I can knit and listen...

16 likes1 stack add
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Donnasmiles
Pickpick

I so loved this book. The story pulled me in and during reading I absolutely had to travel down the rabbit hole for more information on a subject I knew nothing about. The story of "comfort women" who were sent to rape camps to provide sex to the Japanese soldiers during WW II was at times hard to take.
It was a brutal read at times but the story was beautiful.

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Donnasmiles
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Got this one on Libby in audio. I've heard it's a tear jerker but also that Kimberly Williams is a great author.
It's narrated by Kimberly too.
Anyone read it?

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Donnasmiles
Racing in the Rain | Garth Stein
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This is just one of many stacks waiting. Don't even make me show my physical list of those I want to read...#notenoughtime

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Donnasmiles
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Have you read this tear jerker yet? Breezing through.
I'm a sucker for a great memoir and this one is definitely satisfying that craving. Story is about friends who are there for you during life's challenges. This challenge is facing up to a second heart transplant and all that encompasses.Kleenex alert!

jenniferw88 #stacked! I have had a ❤️ transplant so it will be interesting to see if I can relate! 7y
Donnasmiles Oh my...I hope you like it and my wish would be that your support system is a strong one like the author. I recently lost my husband (pancreatic cancer) and I was in awe of how many stepped in to help, encourage, and support both of us. Best wishes to you on your journey. 7y
7 likes2 comments
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Donnasmiles
The Dry | Jane Harper
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Loving this one right now....I heard it will become a movie soon. All reviews say it's a page turner and so far I've agreed.

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Panpan

This book was recommended on another site and I was just not on board with how great the reviews were.
Perhaps if I had done the book versus the audiobook may be better but she just talks fast, way too entertained by herself, and it was just a no go for me.

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Donnasmiles
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Panpan

This book was recommended on another site and I was just not on board with how great the reviews were.
Perhaps if I had done the book versus the audiobook may be better but she just talks fast, way too entertained by herself, and it was just a no go for me.

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Donnasmiles
Born a Crime | Trevor Noah
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What an interesting audio narrated by Trevor Noah himself....learning a lot about apartheid as well. He is very funny and so far the stories have been great.

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Heaven | Randy Alcorn

Just started this book. My husband is battling Stage IV Pancreatic cancer and even though we are believers I'm curious about Heaven. A friend who lost her husband recommended it.

My_novel_obsession Sending positive thoughts from Texas for you and your husband 💐 7y
Gayan Sending healing thoughts to you and your husband. 💞 7y
Tanner Sending positive vibes and healing thoughts your way. 7y
LeahBergen 💗💗💗💗 7y
12 likes4 comments
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Donnasmiles
Pachinko | Min Jin Lee
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I started this one today and I'm already so sucked in!
I think I'm going to love it.

cathysaid I did! ❤️ 7y
Donnasmiles Great minds think alike. 7y
26 likes2 comments
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Donnasmiles
The Nightingale | Kristin Hannah
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Bailedbailed

I feel so conflicted....I really don't think I've read one review that is less than stellar for this book. It may just not be the right time for me to enjoy this one? I seldom bail but just can't get into it.

britt_brooke Finally!!👏🏻 Someone else who didn't love this book. I read it for book club and I was not a fan. Way too Nicholas Sparks-y for me. Hope that makes sense! 7y
Coleen I keep trying with Kristin Hannah, but I can't make myself really like/love her novels. I thought this one was "okay", but not worthy of the hype. So you're not the only one. I agree with @britt_brooke re: Nick Sparks-y. 7y
britt_brooke @Coleen 👍🏻👍🏻 7y
20 likes3 comments
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Donnasmiles
Universal Harvester | John Darnielle
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I got the first copy! Squeee...I can't wait to dive in. I heard the author interviewed this morning and I got all feels...it's a tiny book so it should be quick.

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Eileen: A Novel | Ottessa Moshfegh
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Pickpick

Ok, it's difficult to express my ride with this book....I felt dirty reading it. The story is perverse, weird, troubling, and unlike anything I'd ever read. The main character (Eileen, duh?) is for sure psychologically disturbing....her thoughts (mostly negative) kept me reading at pace speed. Great read!

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Eileen: A Novel | Ottessa Moshfegh
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Just got this one....it's strange, dark, negative so far BUT I like it.

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The Chaperone | Laura Moriarty
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Want to read a great book? It will make you think!
It's set in the 20's and beyond and covers many of the movements that changed the world...Prohibition, The Great Depression, and many of the issues of women's rights that changed the world as was known then. I loved how the author blended the past, present, and future and allowed us to see how some women were finally allowed to shatter the boundaries for the possibility of change. Top 10!

rubyslippersreads I bought this a couple of years ago--I'll have to move it up my TBR list. 7y
Chelsea.Poole I read this with my book club and we really enjoyed it. Lots to discuss! 7y
[DELETED] 2111265813 This one is good! 7y
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Donnasmiles @rubyslippersreads it had been in my stack for a year! I just loved it and especially enjoyed the little bits of history that I could reference... 7y
Donnasmiles @Chelsea.Poole there is so much depth in this book. Have you read anything else by her? 7y
Donnasmiles @SecondRunReviews So great! Seems like I've gotten stuck in this era of time in my reading lately. 7y
Chelsea.Poole @Donnasmiles this is the only one of her's I've read. 7y
26 likes3 stack adds7 comments
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These are the two I'm in the midst of...Loving The Chaperone and have just been skimming different stories in The Residence. Enjoying both!

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Stumbling on Happiness | Daniel Gilbert
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Anyone read this one? I was listening to a podcast this am and the speaker said it was one of his favs...I will let you know...looking forward to it.

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Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐This book would make such a great movie! Characters are well developed. My empathy for Helen was overflowing...Friendships can be elusive, deceptive, and complex. Could you be bought with money.

20 likes2 stack adds
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Mehso-so

⭐️⭐️⭐️Based on others reviews, I so wanted to love this book! I guess it was just too scattered of a story for me. The characters were well developed, the interlocking mysteries of family relationships were difficult to keep up with. Just not the beautiful read I was expecting. Back to the library with it today so someone else can put their eyes on it!

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Just got this from library. Ready to dig in after a great review. It's a heavyweight for sure. Drawback...print is soooo tiny.

15 likes2 stack adds
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Yep, grabbed both of these at downtown Fort Worth Library yesterday....so excited to read both. Heard @Liberty talk about it on a podcast. Sounds great!

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Pickpick

Ok, I'm obviously on a cookbook phase! I will blame it on my library and the new book shelf filled with so many recently released cookbooks. I like this book and the emphasis on regional cooking....yummy. I'm trying a few of the recipes for my family Christmas get together. I just wish Batali would give up the orange Crocs and ponytail....

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Donnasmiles
Turn of Mind | Alice LaPlante
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Loved this one and it's a quick read since it's written in conversational style. I sunk into the frenzied mind of a prominent physician who is losing everything due to dementia. The family and back story (which is a murder) unwinds as you read. I loved it! It's a great first novel for the author too.

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Appetites: a Cookbook | Anthony Bourdain
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Oh my....had the kids at the library and saw this book on the new book shelf. I love all things Bourdain! This book is beautiful and as is Bourdain's way many recipes I might never cook but plenty I would. The pictures and his writing cracks me up. Would be a great gift for anyone who appreciates his style.

Laura317 That cover is brilliant! Love all things Bourdain, too. 7y
Donnasmiles @Laura317 would love to meet him! 7y
Laura317 @Donnasmiles Me, too! I would love to just sit and listen to him talk of his foodie travels. 7y
12 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Donnasmiles
Turn of Mind | Alice LaPlante
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Breezing through Turn of Mind. It is a trip and at times makes me feel like I am inside the mind of the main character. I won Under The Influence in a Litsy giveaway. I was so excited! It's my next up.

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Donnasmiles
Turn of Mind | Alice LaPlante
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Anyone reading this presently? I ordered it from the library after I read a great review from an author. I'm excited to read it...sounds like the perfect blend of suspense and medical facts...

cathysaid And it's a #debutnovel which also intrigues me. Let us know what you think when you read it! 7y
7 likes2 comments
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Well, I felt odd when I checked out these four from my local library... Complete silence from the librarian.

beagle.mama That's awesome! 7y
14 likes1 comment
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Donnasmiles
Lucky Us: A Novel | Amy Bloom
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Just started this one in the car pick up line...
I'm enjoying so far. Sometimes the narration is irritating but this one is great!

10 likes1 stack add
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Donnasmiles
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Pickpick

I so enjoyed this book written by the author of The Glass Castle. It took place in Arizona in an area that I had lived in so I could picture the area with its vast plans, beautiful topography, and difficulty that was faced with ranching. Was a great retelling of life on the range mixed with city life and the tenacious, headstrong, and hard center of the story Lily.

Notafraidofwords Loved this book. I love her. 7y
12 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Donnasmiles
The Husband's Secret | Liane Moriarty
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My library picks for today...

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Donnasmiles
Big Little Lies | Liane Moriarty
Bailedbailed

Just kept seeing all the great reviews so started this on Monday....had to bail yesterday. It just lacked depth, too back and forth between simple characters.
Not my thing for sure. Glad there are books for all of us!

Bakingbookworm I really liked it but often it depends on when you read a certain book and expeditions play a huge roll with me and books. Like you said, luckily there are books for everyone out there!! 👍🏻 7y
Onceuponatime I almost bailed, too, for the same reasons! I did stick it out and the the story and characters gained a lot more depth. I ended up really liking it, but it took a while for me to get invested. 7y
LukkiAnn Thanks for you review. I felt the same about her "what Alice Forgot". Almost bailed it in the middle and was disappointed at the end 7y
9 likes3 comments
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Donnasmiles
Bailedbailed

I just couldn't dig this shallow book....not a fan and I really think it has been done over and over again. I got half way. Characters were weak,except Maya/Insara.

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Mean Streak | Sandra Brown

I'm enjoying it! Never been a fan of Sandra Brown but I'm enjoying the audio version....

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My reading time is being compromised by my desire to finish a gift for a soon to be graduate. I should have gotten the audible version. Great read!

12 likes1 stack add
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Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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I had to move a stack of my TBR's and some re-reads out of my bedroom....the stack was about to topple. If you haven't picked up books written by Bohjalian you're missing out!

14 likes1 stack add
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Donnasmiles
The Human Comedy | William Saroyan
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Going to read this little book. Saw an interview with Meg Ryan and she has directed a new movie based on this book called Ithaca.

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Donnasmiles
Coming Clean | Kimberly Rae Miller
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Pickpick

Finished this one today. Hoarding...a memoir that was so sad, humiliating, and life changing for this only child of parents who just could not change. I experienced this with a distant cousin after he passed and I have always wondered how or why this befalls a person. Didn't know there was also a genetic component? Sad.

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Donnasmiles
Coming Clean | Kimberly Rae Miller
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Enjoying this one with narration. School starts this week so I will listen during my wait time. A memoir about hoarding...sad

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Absolutely drawn in to the story and characters. It's a great read so far.

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Donnasmiles

Absolutely drawn in to the story and characters. It's a great read so far.