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Hooked_on_books
Hangman: A Novel | Maya Binyam
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Mehso-so

I think Binyam was attempting social critique here and I appreciate that instinct, but the execution didn‘t work for me at all. While there were a couple places where I chuckled, the main character is so bumbling it just seemed silly and the critique fell flat. I‘m a bit disappointed this made the #womensprize for fiction list.

squirrelbrain This is bottom of my list so far. 1h
Hooked_on_books @squirrelbrain I can see why! It‘s a waste of a spot on the list. 23m
BarbaraBB This is the only one so far I didn‘t like. 3m
24 likes3 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

I loved this book! I went in completely blind and don‘t want to say too much. We follow a character through different parts of her life in nonsequential order and not always from her perspective in North and South Korea. She is dynamic and full of life. Some of what she deals with is absolutely dreadful. I‘m so glad this one is up for the Women‘s Prize for Fiction, as I would likely not have read it otherwise.

BarbaraBB Great review. And encouraging! I‘ll read it soon too. 8h
35 likes1 comment
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

This book is a fascinating look at the 1918 flu, focusing on the US and taking the time to set the stage in politics and medicine before the pandemic occurred. It‘s eminently readable and I didn‘t want to put it down. I do feel like it left a couple threads hanging, but that didn‘t take away from the book for me.

LeahBergen That face! ❤️ 1d
AmyG Someone is wide awake! (And it‘s not you Holly 🤣) 17h
49 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
One Way Back: A Memoir | Christine Blasey Ford
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Pickpick

If you paid close attention like I did to when Dr Blasey came forward in 2018 and testified about BK, there‘s not a lot here that‘s new. But I don‘t think that‘s the point. Rather, it‘s a chance for a survivor who has been treated unacceptably in so many ways to reclaim her voice and her story. And she does so openly, honestly, and fully. It‘s heartbreaking what she‘s been through and I respect her tremendously.

dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 1d
47 likes1 comment
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

There seem to be a string of translated books from Asia featuring bookstore/library settings and I am here for it! This one is from Korea, where Yeongju has opened a bookshop after quitting her job but doesn‘t quite know how to make it a success. It focuses on a few characters in and around the shop, their backstories and relationships. I really liked this! It‘s not twee or saccharine in the slightest.

review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

I think this book is a good example of “most people lead lives of quiet desperation.” We follow the current events of this family while learning the background of several characters during a tragic event. What I actually liked most was the setting that was shown but not remarked upon: the reality of poverty, the removal of women‘s choices, the prejudice of living in a land not your own. Worthy contestant for the Women‘s Prize for Fiction.

59 likes4 stack adds5 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
The Postcard | Anne Berest
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Pickpick

The first half of this book, following a Jewish family as they try to avoid the Russian purges and eventually end up trying to navigate the hell of the Holocaust, is heavy and affecting but definitely something I‘ve read before. The second half, however, is incredible, from exploring being Jewish in our current era to the desperate attempt to find family members at the end of WWII. It‘s a powerful read.

review
Hooked_on_books
The Phoenix Crown: A Novel | Kate Quinn, Janie Chang
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Pickpick

I‘m not really drawn to Quinn but really like Chang, so I wanted to give this a try and am glad I did. It follows soprano Gemma as she arrives in San Francisco in 1906 about 2 weeks before the earthquake strikes and meets Suling, with whom she shares a mutual friend. Overall, I liked the story and characters and thought the authors worked well together, but found a couple of the time jumps abrupt and briefly confusing.

review
Hooked_on_books
Margarettown | Gabrielle Zevin
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Pickpick

In this charming, quirky, bittersweet book, you can see the author who will later write AJ Fikry. A man meets a woman named Maggie who has…a unique kin group. This explores in an interesting way how we all contain multitudes. I don‘t think this one is for everyone, but I really liked it.

review
Hooked_on_books
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Mehso-so

Humor is very individual and I think it‘s safe to say that Notaro‘s humor is largely not for me. This brought me a couple of smiles but more eye rolls or outright looks of horror. She relies too much for my taste on making fun of how other people look and exhibits some of the negative stereotypical Americanisms that I would rather not see. #ReadYourEbooks

Ruthiella ❤️🐶❤️🐶❤️ 6d
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 6d
CBee Doesn‘t sound much like my cup of tea either 😳 5d
49 likes3 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
The Darling | Russell Banks
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Pickpick

This one starts by exploring Hannah‘s life on her farm in upstate NY, in a sort of female enclave, then moves back to her years in Liberia as a younger person as the country moves steadily toward war. She‘s a complex character, which I really liked, and it was interesting watching a white American navigate an African country with all the privilege she retains. (My copy half-eaten by my dearly departed Gunther, but still readable!)

BarbaraBB ❤️ 1w
51 likes1 comment
review
Hooked_on_books
James: A Novel | Percival Everett
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Pickpick

Unsurprisingly, this is a very satisfying read. Everett explores some familiar themes from his other work (racism, stereotyping) and turns the light on the horror of slavery as well. He makes some choices here that are likely to seriously piss off hard right folks (which I frankly loved). Excellent addition to his bibliography.

lazydaizee Sounds interesting. 1w
jlhammar Can‘t wait to read this! 1w
Follow.my.read Just picked this up yesterday!!! Cannot wait to read it! 1w
See All 14 Comments
AmyG Good to know as I just got the ebook. 1w
Ruthiella Wow, you tore through it! 😃 1w
JenP Wow. you read that quickly 1w
Deblovestoread Got the audio yesterday. Do you think it‘s a good idea to revisit Huck Finn first? 1w
squirrelbrain That was quick! 😃 Although, it didn‘t take me long either… once you start you just can‘t stop! 1w
Megabooks I have both audio and print rn. Suggestions on format? 1w
Hooked_on_books @Ruthiella @JenP I literally dropped everything when the hold arrived! And I listen to everything at high speed, so a lot of books are quick listens for me. 1w
Hooked_on_books @Deblovestoread I didn‘t and I loved the book. I‘m familiar enough with the HF story, and I just wanted to focus on this book. But I think it depends on what kind of reading experience you‘re looking for. 1w
Hooked_on_books @Megabooks I thought the audio was really good, but I can‘t comment on the print, since I haven‘t seen it. I don‘t know if I‘m missing anything that‘s in the print book. 1w
Hooked_on_books @Deblovestoread Just a teeny bit more info. I just listened to the Poured Over podcast interview with Everett. The host read James then reread Huck Finn and read James again and said she firmly believes a HF read isn‘t needed. 7d
Deblovestoread Thanks for the update, Holly! 💜 7d
61 likes4 stack adds14 comments
blurb
Hooked_on_books
James: A Novel | Percival Everett
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MY HOLD IS IN! MY HOLD IS IN! 🎉🙌🏼🤩💃🏼

Ruthiella 🥳🥳🥳 1w
BarbaraBB Wow! So looking forward to it, can‘t wait for your thoughts! 1w
squirrelbrain Yay! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. 1w
43 likes3 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
Wandering Stars | Tommy Orange
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Bailedbailed

I really want to like Tommy Orange. But I‘m afraid I just don‘t. I managed to get to the 21% mark of this one, but each time I have to force myself to pick it up and read a few more pages. I‘m glad people love him, but I‘m afraid he‘s just not for me.

vivastory I think it's fantastic that you can admit that although if it's not for you, others love the author. I see a lot of reviews on social media (not really on Litsy) where the creator will not only slam the book, but also the readers who have left positive reviews. (edited) 1w
squirrelbrain I also have an ARC of this. Haven‘t got to it yet though, due to #womensprize lists. 1w
Hooked_on_books @vivastory I won‘t lie, there are authors (I can think of one at the moment) who people love and I think are terrible, but I‘m certainly not going to slam those readers. After all, I don‘t want someone to slam me for my taste. And I do love seeing authors from marginalized groups succeeding, whether their books are for me or not. The more who succeed, the more the door will be open for others. 1w
54 likes3 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
Western Lane: A Novel | Chetna Maroo
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Pickpick

The description and cover suggest this short novel is all about squash and, while it is, it‘s also about grief, connections, and trying to find your way after major loss. Gopi is 11 when her mother dies, and she and her father cling to the game they both know, steeping themselves in it, as they try to cope with going forward without her. I really liked this and, frankly, didn‘t expect to.

BarbaraBB I liked this much more than I thought I would too - probably because of the mixed reviews. 1w
52 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

Seventy-seven year old Jenny has a lifelong love of baking. As she approaches her 60th wedding anniversary with Bernard, she feels like she wants to have made something of herself, so she applies for a spot on Britain Bakes. This is a bit treacly at times and a bit heavy-handed at others, but it‘s a fun story with some nice relationships.

dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 1w
53 likes2 stack adds1 comment
review
Hooked_on_books
The Hunter: A Novel | Tana French
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Pickpick

The latest Tana French is an extremely satisfying read! It follows the events of The Searcher and does contain spoilers for that one, but I also think this could be read on its own and be a perfectly good read. I found this book very Irish in the best possible way. ☘️

BirdLaVie I can‘t wait to get into this one! 1w
52 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
Hooked_on_books
Grief Is for People | Sloane Crosley
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Pickpick

One month after a home invasion with theft of jewelry (meaningful items she had received from family), Crosley‘s best friend died by suicide. She moves through these losses and what they mean in concert. Thoughtful and moving, but of course laced with her signature humor. Excellent book.

AmyG I really loved the audio. So well-written….and heartbreaking. 2w
squirrelbrain I have the ARC of this - just haven‘t had time to get to it. 🙄 2w
Hooked_on_books @squirrelbrain Isn‘t that the story of our reading lives? I can relate! 2w
52 likes1 stack add3 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

In 1916, there were a series of fatal shark attacks along the Jersey shore. This book fictionalizes those events. I found it a tad melodramatic in some respects (certain characters and scenes) and was disappointed to see the author cling to the outdated “rogue shark” concept in her author‘s note. But it was otherwise a fairly quick, entertaining read. A low pick. The NF Close to Shore is far better.

#ReadYourEbooks (2)

CBee Definitely going to research this as I didn‘t even know about it 😳🤦‍♀️ (edited) 2w
AmyG Close to Shore was a good book. 2w
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 2w
LeahBergen I loved Close to Shore. 👍 2w
49 likes4 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
The Fox Wife: A Novel | Yangsze Choo
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Pickpick

I was a little distracted by unrelated things while listening to this, so I missed a bit at the start, but overall thoroughly enjoyed it. I like that we get to know this character who is a fox spirit but in human form while also having a mystery storyline alongside. And there‘s a buoyancy to the story that‘s appealing.

57 likes2 stack adds
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Hooked_on_books
Nightwatching: A Novel | Tracy Sierra
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Pickpick

While checking on her kids one night, a woman sees a man in their house. She hides with them in a hidden room (it‘s an old home), trying to keep them quiet as they hear him move about. Initially I didn‘t find this scary (though I purposefully listened to it outside during the day), but as it unfolded, I definitely said “oh shit!” out loud a couple of times. Really good suspense writing with some infuriating bits.

Librarybelle Sounds like an excellent one for the prompt; I‘m a little too squeamish to try it myself! 😂 2w
Kristy_K I‘ve had this one on my radar, but I wasn‘t sure if it‘d be too intense or not. Sounds like it‘s not? 2w
See All 9 Comments
BarbaraBB This is definitely a personal phobia for me 😮. Love you review but I wonder if I should read the book because your review reminds me of this one - which I hated: 2w
Hooked_on_books @Kristy_K Parts of it are intense, but then it eases off. I think if you give it a try, start it during the day or with bright light, as I do think it would be spooky to read in a dark house, but once it settles in it should be ok. 2w
Hooked_on_books @BarbaraBB That one was straight thriller, whereas this one is a bit more literary. After the opening thrillery scenes in this one, you get a lot of backstory and learn about the family relationships. I think this one would work much better for you than FK. 2w
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2w
BarbaraBB Thanks for explaining. Very much appreciated. And now I am stacking 😄 2w
Kristy_K @Hooked_on_books Thanks! I‘ll definitely keep it on my list and read in the day time. 2w
54 likes2 stack adds9 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
The Reformatory | Tananarive Due
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Pickpick

This book is exceptional. I am blown away, wrecked, and in awe. I both didn‘t want to put it down and had to take breaks from the brutality. Due honors every boy abused, tortured, and/or murdered in schools of this type. This is my first read from her. It won‘t be my last.

BarbaraBB Intrigued by your review. It seems a harsh read. 2w
AmyG I need to bump this up. 2w
sarahbarnes Wow. Great review. 2w
See All 6 Comments
squirrelbrain This was rumoured for the Women‘s Prize. Guess I need to read it anyway, although it sounds very tough. 2w
Hooked_on_books @BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain It‘s brutal. And worth it. It would have been a worthy women‘s prize contender. 2w
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 2w
52 likes3 stack adds6 comments
blurb
Hooked_on_books
Da Book Joint | Chicago, IL (Bookstore)
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I have no idea who this guy is, but I love this story!

https://hiphopdx.com/news/vic-mensa-chicago-book-store-rent

Ruthiella Nice! 😃 2w
Leftcoastzen Wonderful! 2w
BarbaraBB So cool 2w
marleed Wow! 2w
Kristy_K I don‘t know who he is either, but I love this! 2w
38 likes5 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
Kastom: Arts of Vanuatu | Crispin Howarth
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Pickpick

Kastom looks at art from #Vanuatu as collected for the National Gallery of Australia. I found the art and materials used (often, tree ferns) quite interesting and found there to be a whimsy to much of the art.

#ReadingOceania2024

55 likes5 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

Sociologist Klinenberg looks at the first year of COVID from a macro and micro perspective, by exploring what happened and the human response, alongside the individual stories from people in NYC. It is comprehensive and a bit dense, though not at all dry. I think this book is superb, but not sure how many will want to read it just yet in the midst of our collective PTSD.

46 likes4 stack adds
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Hooked_on_books
Summer Sons | Lee Mandelo
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Pickpick

Just as Andrew was to join his lifelong friend Eddie in a graduate program, Eddie apparently dies by suicide. But Andrew is convinced he‘s been killed. He works to embed himself in Eddie‘s life to try to get to the truth. There‘s also a supernatural element shared by the two which adds an interesting layer to the story. The ending was a bit messy (both too drawn out and too short), but otherwise I really enjoyed this.

54 likes4 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
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Bailedbailed

I should love this book. It‘s historical fiction set in Scotland that centers women. Sounds fabulous! But, I‘m just not connecting with it. I gave it almost 40% and that‘s enough. Not sure if it‘s me or the book, though, so don‘t let me dissuade you.

dabbe #hailthebail! 🤩🤩🤩 2w
51 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
Hooked_on_books
The Secret River | Kate Grenville
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Pickpick

After being sentenced to death for stealing wood, William‘s sentence is commuted to banishment to Australia. His wife is permitted to join them and we see their world turn upside down as they try to make their way in this new place. And while we definitely see the abhorrent way the Aboriginals are treated by the white Europeans, I wanted more of a character arc along these lines for William. A low pick for me.

43 likes3 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

Carter is a bit bored by his job until he suddenly finds himself in a time loop. Then he meets Mariana, who ends up in the loop alongside him. A lovely relationship builds almost without them noticing as they get to know each other and work to try to end the loop. I‘m so glad I found Mike Chen‘s books. He writes relatable characters in a sci-fi setting and does bittersweet so well.

Deblovestoread Nice review. Sounds like something I would enjoy. Stacked📚 3w
BarbaraBB Sounds good indeed. 3w
55 likes7 stack adds2 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

This fascinating book is a look at the life of George Orwell‘s wife Eileen as well as a critique and full-throated denunciation of patriarchy. I was fully engrossed and engaged the entire time despite half expecting to bail early. Also, the audiobook is really well done. I‘m so glad the women‘s prize put this one on my radar, as I never would have read it otherwise and I would‘ve missed out!

squirrelbrain I was waiting to see if this made the shortlist as I know I few people didn‘t like it…now, after your review, I‘m not so sure. 🤔 I have a (digital) print copy though, not the audio. 3w
Hooked_on_books @squirrelbrain I say give it a try. I was pulled in immediately, so if you try a chapter or two and aren‘t grabbed by it, you can set it aside for another time. Or of course you can always wait for the shortlist, as it won‘t be too long! 3w
TrishB I just didn‘t gel with this one. I didn‘t like the made up bits and or feel she actually had enough info for the ‘facts‘ she was putting out there. I really like some of the authors other books though. 3w
Hooked_on_books @TrishB I completely understand that. For me it worked just because I felt she was trying to flesh out Eileen‘s humanity, and I take it all with a grain of salt. But there are definitely books that do that and it really bothers me. 3w
Librarybelle I have this out from the library right now! Hope to get to it soon! 3w
49 likes3 stack adds5 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

While this book is interesting for what it is, the title and subtitle are deeply misleading. It‘s really about how families are structured across history and cultures and the pressure on all women, mothers or not, regarding choices around children. In fact, the childfree women in focuses more on are unfortunate stereotypes. So, maybe I shouldn‘t give this a pick?

lazydaizee Your dog is lovely. 3w
Rissreads Awwwwww. I love your dog! 💛 3w
squirrelbrain Bindi looks a bit fed up with the book too! 3w
See All 10 Comments
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 3w
Hooked_on_books @squirrelbrain Doesn‘t she? That worked out well! 😂 3w
dabbe She just has the SWEETEST face! 🤩🐾🤩 3w
BkClubCare So… the book is rather unsupportive of childless women, is that what you‘re saying? (edited) 2w
Hooked_on_books @BkClubCare It did ultimately come across that way, yes. I think what the author was trying to do was demonstrate the many reasons why women don‘t have children other than simply not wanting to, but she bent over so far that it felt like she was making a negative statement about women who don‘t want kids. 2w
BkClubCare @Hooked_on_books - well, that‘s too bad. The blurb sounded promising. I will skip this one. Tho, I have lived the experience and don‘t really think a book would bring any new light to it. 🥰 2w
52 likes1 stack add10 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
End of Story | A. J. Finn
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Panpan

Oh, what a mess. For the first 60% or so, this book just farts around. Sure, it‘s “laying the stage,” but a couple pages would have done the trick and this is more than half the book. And while I liked the idea of some of the reveal at the end, it wasn‘t done well and I was just so over it by that point. Major sophomore slump.

vivastory Will def sit this one out. I didn't think too much of Woman In the Window 3w
Leftcoastzen Wow sounds awful! 3w
BarbaraBB Since all the commotion around his person I decided to skip this author from my to read list 😀 3w
dabbe #fanofthepan! 🤩🤩🤩 3w
48 likes4 comments
blurb
Hooked_on_books
Until August | Gabriel Garcia Marquez
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I wanted to share this piece. I know it will factor into the decisions of some of us on whether to read his book or not.

https://www.npr.org/2024/03/06/1236246186/gabriel-garcia-marquez-novel-until-aug...

ChaoticMissAdventures I always feel so conflicted about this sort of thing. I would like to believe I wouldn't do it to someone I loved. It often feels like a money grab. 3w
Librarybelle I agree, @ChaoticMissAdventures . If the author said not to publish a manuscript, then what is the motivation to go against their wishes??? It‘s sad. For me, after reading Alan Rickman‘s diaries and not finding anything as yet to indicate he wanted them published posthumously, it‘s left a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth. 3w
Ruthiella But then Kafka said to burn everything…and they didn‘t. It‘s a tricky situation. 3w
BarbaraBB It‘s tricky indeed. It doesn‘t feel good. 3w
40 likes4 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
The Last Russian Doll | Kristen Loesch
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Mehso-so

This book had a fairly promising start, with a young woman in 1991 looking for answers, and two people coming together during the Russian Revolution. While it‘s a fairly quick, mostly entertaining read, there are too many dangling plot lines and the ending is a combination of unsatisfying and just silly. But I have my BOTM backlist down to 2 books!

kspenmoll I am impresses with just 2 BOTM books left to read! I paused my membership to attack my backlog. Nit doing to well… 3w
Amiable Sorry it was meh! Gorgeous cover, though. (edited) 3w
49 likes2 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

This book looks at an era in American history filled with requirements of loyalty, vicious anti-immigrant rhetoric, jailing (or attempting to jail) those with different political opinions, censorship of written materials certain people don‘t like and more. Sounds awfully familiar, doesn‘t it? But it‘s about the era starting in 1917. While my attention to this did wane in places, overall it‘s an interesting, topical book.

Leftcoastzen I‘m glad you reviewed it , one I wanted to check into but forgot to write it down , Palmer raids , right? 3w
Hooked_on_books @Leftcoastzen That‘s part of it, yes. He paints a picture of that whole era. 3w
38 likes3 stack adds2 comments
blurb
Hooked_on_books
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Here are my books that correspond to the numbers drawn for #ReadYourEbooks this month. Hopefully I‘ll read more than 2 this time, and I should definitely get to Washed Away, since it was picked last month, too!

Crazeedi I started 'washed away', but I see I never finished it!!! 3w
Hooked_on_books @Crazeedi Uh-oh, that doesn‘t bode well! 3w
CBee Looks good 😊 3w
39 likes3 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

After leaving general practice in rural Scotland, Dr Tom Smith went to work for a pharmaceutical company then embarked upon a writing career. Here, he anecdotes from those times in his life alongside the locums assignments he did to keep a foot in medicine. He‘s a delightful storyteller and I enjoyed this completely.

50 likes3 stack adds5 comments
blurb
Hooked_on_books
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Here‘s my list for the next number draw of #ReadYourEbooks. I read two (ok, well, I bailed on one) of the books from the numbers drawn and a third because it was calling to me. I‘ve added in new titles in those slots but otherwise kept the list the same. I look forward to seeing what numbers get drawn!

CBee Bailing counts 😊😊 4w
36 likes1 comment
review
Hooked_on_books
Night of the Mannequins | Stephen Graham Jones
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Pickpick

A group of teens finds a mannequin and decides to use it for a prank. The aftermath goes sideways to dark and unexpected places. I really liked that I didn‘t see where this novella was going. It was an entertaining, quick read. #ReadYourEbooks

vivastory This is one of my fave SG Jones' novellas 4w
Karkar Just loved this one! 4w
Hooked_on_books @vivastory I know you‘re a fan of his, so I tend to think of you when I read his books. 4w
58 likes3 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
Julia | Sandra Newman
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Pickpick

This was fascinating to read just after 1984. I really like how it fleshed out that book. It stayed close to the story, but in a way that had movement and breathed, instead of being stiff, like I find many retellings. It adds an extension at the end and I felt it meandered a bit there, but then it really stuck the landing at the end. Great pairing! #LitsyTOB24

squirrelbrain Great review! 4w
Librarybelle Echoing @squirrelbrain …great review! Your review makes me really want to read this! 4w
See All 10 Comments
squirrelbrain I would read / re-read 1984 first @Librarybelle - it made a huge difference to my appreciation of the re-telling. 4w
Librarybelle Definitely, @squirrelbrain ! I‘ve not read 1984, so I would read that first for sure! 4w
Hooked_on_books @Librarybelle I had never read 1984 before and it‘s absolutely fascinating reading it from our current moment. Plus, it‘s a fairly quick read. 4w
kwmg40 Thanks for the review. I started this and it didn't grab me right away, so I've been debating whether to continue or not, but your review convinces me that I should keep going. 4w
Hooked_on_books @kwmg40 I hope it ends up working better than you had hoped! 4w
Kristy_K Great review! 4w
BarbaraBB Glad you liked it! 4w
65 likes1 stack add10 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
In Certain Circles | Elizabeth Harrower
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Bailedbailed

I‘m 25% in and reading this book is like watching paint dry, so I‘m out! I hope it works better for you, @CarolynM ! #ReadYourEbooks (18) #unshelved

CBee You mean you don‘t like watching paint dry? 😂😂😂 4w
Hooked_on_books @CBee I know, right? 🎨 4w
dabbe #hailthebail! 🤩🤩🤩 4w
CarolynM I‘ll let you know😆 4w
46 likes4 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
A Little Life: A Novel | Hanya Yanagihara
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Mehso-so

I am beyond frustrated by this book. Yanagihara is a superb writer, creating terrific characters and molding the story in an incredibly engaging way. But there is NO balance, especially in the second half. It becomes misery porn, giving me compassion fatigue and I wanted so badly to continue to feel for these characters. A reader needs time and room to breathe, and this book doesn‘t allow that.

Librarybelle Great review! I have this on my to read list, but I am not in the right head space for it. 4w
CaitlinR I so agree! Thanks for the review. 4w
See All 11 Comments
ChaoticMissAdventures This is exactly my fear about this book, and why I haven't picked it up. 4w
TheBookHippie I bailed. 🙃 early on … 4w
CBee I read half and took a few months break, then finished. This one wrecked me 💔 4w
marleed Sometimes ii have to put a book down and read a tropey HEA in between chapters! Remarkably it does the pallet cleanser job for me! 4w
BarbaraBB Did you read the book for the first time just now? I am surprised, you‘re always so on top of new books 😊! You probably just waited out the hype around it! I read it in the midst of the hype and loved it but I think that if I read it now I wouldn‘t be as swept away either. There is no balance indeed. (edited) 4w
KarenUK Great review. I still haven‘t read this one…. Been meaning to forever. This gives me pause for thought…. 💕 4w
sarahbarnes I know what you mean. Like @BarbaraBB I read it during all the hype around it and loved it, and also felt like it took me months to recover from reading it afterwards. 4w
Hooked_on_books @BarbaraBB Yes, I‘ve never read it before! I did want the hype to clear away but I was also less on top of new books back when this came out. (Though I was certainly aware of this one!) 4w
59 likes11 comments
blurb
Hooked_on_books
Amazing | Steve Antony
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I acquired zero physical books in February. Zero. Zilch. Nada. I think this is an accomplishment! (I‘m looking toward a move, no idea when it will happen, and am trying not to acquire more stuff to move.) My mother is unimpressed. (“Good for you.” she says.) I‘m very impressed! I know you all will understand!

LeahBergen Wow! 👏👏 4w
Prairiegirl_reading I‘ve already acquired a new book in March so good for you!! 4w
squirrelbrain Yay - well done you! 4w
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MaureenMc 👏👏👏 4w
julesG 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 4w
keithmalek The dogs are just going to have to deal with it. 4w
jlhammar Wow, that is impressive! 4w
Ruthiella Very impressive! 👏👏👏 4w
batsy Well done! I didn't buy any in February, either so go us! Lol 4w
BkClubCare Wow 🤩 3w
46 likes10 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

USGS geologist Wendell Duffield was assigned to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory 1969-72. Here he gives a little history of the HVO, some of his personal stories, and very accessible vulcanology. He shows how studying the extremely active Kīlauea has helped scientists better understand other volcanoes. Fascinating and fun book!

Graywacke I like your globe thingy 🙂 (edited) 4w
Hooked_on_books @Graywacke Thanks! I was very excited to find it. It‘s a lava globe rather than a snow globe. It makes me smile. 4w
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review
Hooked_on_books
Leaving: A Novel | Roxana Robinson
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Pickpick

Sarah and Warren were college sweethearts but fell apart. Now 60, they meet again; he is married, she divorced. They embark upon an affair that reverberates across their lives and families. This is an intimate portrait of family and how decisions impact other people. It started in a way I expected but went somewhere I didn‘t. Well done and quite sad.

Librarybelle Stacking! 1mo
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 1mo
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squirrelbrain Ooh, I just got this on BorrowBox, thinking it might be a possibility for the Women‘s Prize. 1mo
Hooked_on_books @squirrelbrain I would love to see this one on the list. It pretty much knocked my socks off. I didn‘t want to put it down. Plus, Sarah has a dog and their relationship is very sweet. 1mo
ShelleyBooksie Adorable reading companion. 1mo
65 likes4 stack adds6 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
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Panpan

So many people have read Didion but I‘ve never been drawn to her. How can anyone possibly live up to all those superlatives? She certainly doesn‘t for me here. She seems to approach the South as an alien place and there‘s a hint of judgement in her evaluation of it. Then her West section is really just musings on her very privileged (yet this is not truly acknowledged) upbringing. No thanks.

Librarybelle Bindi also looks a bit unsure about the book. I‘ve yet to read anything by Didion… 1mo
BarbaraBB I‘m not a fan of her either but haven‘t read this one. (edited) 1mo
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Ruthiella I love Dideon, but think she‘s an acquired taste, for sure. 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Great review!! 1mo
dabbe #fanofthepan! 🤩🤩🤩 1mo
52 likes6 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

In 1978, LA cop Bryan Vila went to #Micronesia as it was transitioning to independence to train the local police forces. This could have been a testosterone-fueled meathead of a book, but Vila clearly approached each of the 12 cultures with respect. There are also some quite funny moments. Highly recommend. Also works for #Palau and #MarshallIslands

#ReadingOceania2024

Librarybelle Love the quote! 1mo
Hooked_on_books @Librarybelle Me too! And it really exemplifies the book and his attitudes. He was such a good choice for this role, to get the policing of these new countries off on the right foot. Really respectful guy. 1mo
Librarybelle So good to know! 1mo
39 likes2 stack adds3 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

This utterly delightful book follows nonagenarian sisters Penny and Josephine in the current day as they are honored for their WWII service as we also learn about each of their pasts. I thought it would lighthearted throughout and while it‘s not, it‘s well balanced emotionally and the characters are terrific. I‘m hoping for more from this author.

Catsandbooks Puppy cuddles! ❤️ 1mo
TheSpineView Puppy love!💗 1mo
52 likes2 stack adds2 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
Tales of the Tikongs | Epeli Hau'ofa
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Pickpick

This slim book of short stories focuses on how outside pressures like development, religion, and more put stress on and encourage the alteration of island cultures. It‘s told with sly good humor. I read this slowly and think it might get a bit repetitive if read at a quicker pace.

#ReadingOceania2024 #PapuaNewGuinea

Librarybelle I see other reviews comment on the repetition. Good advice on reading slowly! 1mo
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 1mo
squirrelbrain Was it fiction or NF? How did it compare to We Are the Ocean? 1mo
Hooked_on_books @squirrelbrain We Are the Ocean is far better. This one is fiction and the last story, about the guy who is trying to do good work but hamstrung by what the aid organization wants to give him, is in both books. Several of the other stories have that same sly humor. 1mo
squirrelbrain Ah, yes, I recall that story! 😃 1mo
46 likes5 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
1984 (School & Library) | George Orwell
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Pickpick

While part of me wishes I had read this sooner, it is utterly fascinating from a 2024/post-2016 lens and I think it thus resonated much more deeply than it would have otherwise. Overall, I thought it was fantastic, though the book within a book section disrupted the momentum; I wish that had been done in a different way.

Librarybelle I‘ve yet to read this, but it‘s definitely on my to read list 1mo
dabbe I reread this last year and couldn't agree with you more re: the resonance. Too close to reality in 2024. 😳 1mo
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Kristy_K I‘m due for a reread as it‘s been years since I last read it so I‘m curious to read it again after the last few years. I have Julia to read so perfect for these prompts! 1mo
BarbaraBB It must be interesting to read this book for the first time! 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1mo
Bluebird @Hooked__on__books and @Kristy_K I‘m also thinking to read these for the pairing. I read 1984 before 1984. Lol. I will definitely have a different perspective this time around…I‘m a bit scared to read it. 1mo
Hooked_on_books @Bluebird I‘ll be fascinated to see what you think of it now compared to back then. Being in our current moment definitely adds an interesting layer to the book. 1mo
BkClubCare Yowza - reading this for the first time. I, too, read this nearer to 1984 than later. I think fondly of my experience subbing at a HS English class, when I was asked to read aloud- I could barely (Failed, actually) keep it together- was crying! While reading. I have no idea what those kids thought of me; but I trusted the teacher to explain. 3w
63 likes9 comments