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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! 7h
34 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. 1d
squirrelbrain I have the ARC of this - just haven‘t had time to get to it. 🙄 1d
Hooked_on_books @squirrelbrain Isn‘t that the story of our reading lives? I can relate! 23h
50 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a tad melodramatic in some respects (certain characters and scenes) and was disappointed to see the author cling to the outdated “rogue shark” concept in her author‘s note.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) 2d
AmyG Close to Shore was a good book. 2d
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 2d
LeahBergen I loved Close to Shore. 👍 2d
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
review
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! 😂 3d
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? 3d
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: 3d
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. 3d
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. 3d
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3d
BarbaraBB Thanks for explaining. Very much appreciated. And now I am stacking 😄 3d
Kristy_K @Hooked_on_books Thanks! I‘ll definitely keep it on my list and read in the day time. 3d
54 likes1 stack add9 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. 4d
AmyG I need to bump this up. 4d
sarahbarnes Wow. Great review. 4d
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. 4d
Hooked_on_books @BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain It‘s brutal. And worth it. It would have been a worthy women‘s prize contender. 4d
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 3d
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! 😃 4d
Leftcoastzen Wonderful! 4d
BarbaraBB So cool 4d
marleed Wow! 4d
Kristy_K I don‘t know who he is either, but I love this! 3d
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
review
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! 🤩🤩🤩 6d
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📚 1w
BarbaraBB Sounds good indeed. 1w
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. 1w
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! 1w
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. 1w
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. 1w
Librarybelle I have this out from the library right now! Hope to get to it soon! 1w
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. 2w
Rissreads Awwwwww. I love your dog! 💛 2w
squirrelbrain Bindi looks a bit fed up with the book too! 2w
See All 10 Comments
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 2w
Hooked_on_books @squirrelbrain Doesn‘t she? That worked out well! 😂 1w
dabbe She just has the SWEETEST face! 🤩🐾🤩 1w
BkClubCare So… the book is rather unsupportive of childless women, is that what you‘re saying? (edited) 2d
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. 2d
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. 🥰 2d
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 2w
Leftcoastzen Wow sounds awful! 2w
BarbaraBB Since all the commotion around his person I decided to skip this author from my to read list 😀 2w
dabbe #fanofthepan! 🤩🤩🤩 2w
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. 2w
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. 2w
Ruthiella But then Kafka said to burn everything…and they didn‘t. It‘s a tricky situation. 2w
BarbaraBB It‘s tricky indeed. It doesn‘t feel good. 2w
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… 2w
Amiable Sorry it was meh! Gorgeous cover, though. (edited) 2w
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? 2w
Hooked_on_books @Leftcoastzen That‘s part of it, yes. He paints a picture of that whole era. 2w
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!!! 2w
Hooked_on_books @Crazeedi Uh-oh, that doesn‘t bode well! 2w
CBee Looks good 😊 2w
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 😊😊 2w
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 2w
Karkar Just loved this one! 2w
Hooked_on_books @vivastory I know you‘re a fan of his, so I tend to think of you when I read his books. 2w
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! 2w
Librarybelle Echoing @squirrelbrain …great review! Your review makes me really want to read this! 2w
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. 2w
Librarybelle Definitely, @squirrelbrain ! I‘ve not read 1984, so I would read that first for sure! 2w
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. 2w
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. 2w
Hooked_on_books @kwmg40 I hope it ends up working better than you had hoped! 2w
Kristy_K Great review! 2w
BarbaraBB Glad you liked it! 2w
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? 😂😂😂 2w
Hooked_on_books @CBee I know, right? 🎨 2w
dabbe #hailthebail! 🤩🤩🤩 2w
CarolynM I‘ll let you know😆 2w
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. 2w
CaitlinR I so agree! Thanks for the review. 2w
See All 11 Comments
ChaoticMissAdventures This is exactly my fear about this book, and why I haven't picked it up. 2w
TheBookHippie I bailed. 🙃 early on … 2w
CBee I read half and took a few months break, then finished. This one wrecked me 💔 2w
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! 2w
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) 2w
KarenUK Great review. I still haven‘t read this one…. Been meaning to forever. This gives me pause for thought…. 💕 2w
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. 2w
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!) 2w
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! 👏👏 2w
Prairiegirl_reading I‘ve already acquired a new book in March so good for you!! 2w
squirrelbrain Yay - well done you! 2w
See All 10 Comments
MaureenMc 👏👏👏 2w
julesG 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 2w
keithmalek The dogs are just going to have to deal with it. 2w
jlhammar Wow, that is impressive! 2w
Ruthiella Very impressive! 👏👏👏 2w
batsy Well done! I didn't buy any in February, either so go us! Lol 2w
BkClubCare Wow 🤩 2w
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) 3w
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. 3w
39 likes1 stack add2 comments
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! 3w
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 3w
See All 6 Comments
squirrelbrain Ooh, I just got this on BorrowBox, thinking it might be a possibility for the Women‘s Prize. 3w
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. 3w
ShelleyBooksie Adorable reading companion. 3w
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… 3w
BarbaraBB I‘m not a fan of her either but haven‘t read this one. (edited) 3w
See All 6 Comments
Ruthiella I love Dideon, but think she‘s an acquired taste, for sure. 3w
TheAromaofBooks Great review!! 3w
dabbe #fanofthepan! 🤩🤩🤩 3w
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! 3w
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. 3w
Librarybelle So good to know! 3w
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! ❤️ 3w
TheSpineView Puppy love!💗 3w
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! 3w
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 3w
squirrelbrain Was it fiction or NF? How did it compare to We Are the Ocean? 3w
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. 3w
squirrelbrain Ah, yes, I recall that story! 😃 3w
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 3w
dabbe I reread this last year and couldn't agree with you more re: the resonance. Too close to reality in 2024. 😳 3w
See All 9 Comments
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! 3w
BarbaraBB It must be interesting to read this book for the first time! 3w
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3w
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. 3w
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. 3w
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. 2w
63 likes9 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

Science writer Gabrielle Walker reveals #Antarctica, from the human history/present to the animals to the science being done on land, underwater and from space. This was a totally fascinating book sprinkled with good humor (as well as some harrowing happenings) that I absolutely loved. So glad I finally got to it!

#ReadingOceania2024 #ReadYourEbooks (14)

Librarybelle Sounds wonderful! 3w
CBee Sounds great 😊 3w
53 likes4 stack adds2 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

I‘m so glad this was one of the NYT‘s top 10 of 2023, as I‘m not sure I would have found it otherwise and it‘s superb. Rosen explores the recent history and current state of mental health care in the US by telling the story of his friend Michael. They grew up together as friends and competitors, until in their 20s Michael developed schizophrenia and headed toward tragedy. It‘s a tough book but really well done.

51 likes5 stack adds
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

It‘s been a while since I read a Nordic Noir, and I enjoyed this! We know from the start who the killer is and parts of the why, then watch the cat and mouse game unfold alongside the rather gruesome deaths. This is my second read from Mankell and I would read more.

Leftcoastzen I have a couple of his books, need to get to them!🐶 3w
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 3w
batsy 😍 3w
51 likes1 stack add3 comments
blurb
Hooked_on_books
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The problem with eating snacks while reading…

UwannaPublishme 😁😁😁 4w
dabbe 😂🐾😂 4w
vlwelser That face tho. 4w
See All 13 Comments
TheBookHippie Same… 4w
Librariana Dog math = if Mom is having a snack and I am the GOODEST pupper... you multiply it by the amount of love she has for me.... add tax.... subtract shipping and handling... adjust for inflation... I should *easily* see about 42 treatos 4w
Hooked_on_books @Librariana Yeah, that sounds about right! 😂 4w
Soubhiville @Librariana 😆🐶🦴. I love that face. 4w
Librariana @Soubhiville There is some beautiful deep thinking going on there! Very serious doggo work 4w
CatLass007 What a beseeching look. 4w
Texreader So doggone cute!!! 4w
BarbaraBB So cute 🥰 4w
batsy Soulful yearning 😁 Too cute! 4w
IndoorDame Those eyes!!! How could you resist?! 😂🥰 4w
56 likes13 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

In Dead Weight, the author combines her own history with eating disorders, the lived experience of other sufferers, and scientific studies to reveal an unflinching, searing look at these diseases and how we fail those who have them. It‘s quite good, with the caveat to skip the final essay, which is a total mess and an attempted critique of feminism, which the author demonstrates she does understand.

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Hooked_on_books
Argylle: A Novel | Elly Conway
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Pickpick

I hope Conway got a big chunk of money for this, because while I was entertained by it, there is no way for it to live up to the hype. It also has a ludicrous climax and the audio is poorly done—the narrator is flat and has so many British pronunciations in her “American” accent that it‘s tremendously distracting. But I thought it was a fun book! (I went in with zero expectations.)

ChaoticMissAdventures Oh good to know! I watched the movie and it sounds like they were pretty faithful, the last 40 minutes were totally over the top silly (too much for me and my partner). 4w
julesG Agree, the narration was off. 4w
Larkken Heh. I spent the first half of the book wondering what the “amberroo“ was 2w
Hooked_on_books @Larkken I get that accent work can be hard, but wowza! 2w
5feet.of.fury I‘m about a third of the way in and the narrator is throwing me for a loop too. She mispronounced “Semper Fi” …. …. 2w
53 likes1 stack add5 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
The Librarianist: A Novel | Patrick DeWitt
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Mehso-so

I‘m a bit flummoxed by this one. I enjoyed it immensely but I also feel like it really doesn‘t hold together as a whole. Almost a third of the book is dedicated to a childhood story of the main character, Bob, and it‘s completely enchanting, but it doesn‘t fit into the rest of the book and even carry a consistent characterization of Bob. So I can‘t quite give it a pick. But it would be a great book club book and I want a whole book about Linus.

catiewithac I'm liking this for the dog 😍 4w
Librariana It's lovely when we have those feelings about side characters... that they could've gotten their own book. Sounds like Linus was a well-rounded one! I always appreciate the way you share your opinions of a book 😊 4w
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dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 4w
squirrelbrain This didn‘t quite connect for me either - stories that could almost have been separate books. 4w
Hooked_on_books @catiewithac I‘ll be honest—there are some posts that I struggle to read at all because I can‘t take my eyes off the dog! So, I get it. And appreciate it! 4w
Hooked_on_books @Librariana Aw, thanks! I appreciate honesty in reviews from others so I can assess a book well, so that‘s what I try to do. Linus is an old guy in a wheelchair with absolutely no filter who will blaze right over the top of anyone if he lets them. He‘s a hoot! 4w
Hooked_on_books @squirrelbrain That‘s it exactly! Great writing, great stories, but not a novel. It just felt like 2 different ideas smashed together that really didn‘t have anything to do with one another. 4w
59 likes8 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
Ladies' Lunch | Lore Segal
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Pickpick

I both enjoyed and appreciated this short book of stories by an elderly writer focusing on elderly characters. There is much clear-eyed awareness in it of the inevitability and proximity of death, which also makes it a bit melancholy.

66 likes3 stack adds3 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

I saw this on a couple of best of 2023 lists, so I thought I‘d give it a try. It is quite good, but looonnnggg and dense. I would never have made it through in print. Also, the author was equating the history of the Silicon Valley area as a microcosm of the world but didn‘t really do enough to explore that argument. So, a qualified pick.

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Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

This book follows the life of Tauilopepe in his Samoan village as he strives to build a great plantation. We see the lives of his son and grandson as well. It‘s terrific and gives an interesting look at Samoan village life. The end is searing.

(That‘s a banyan tree in the background of my pic. 😬)

#ReadingOceania2024 #Samoa

julesG Samoan life sounds interesting, because it is so far away. I once had the pleasure of spending a few days with people from Oceania and I learned so much about the different islands and their cultures. Banyan trees remind me of Bali. Some of the old ones had red checked sashes wound around them. 1mo
Hooked_on_books @julesG The Oceania reading challenge has been fascinating because the cultures in the region are truly interconnected despite the islands being so far flung. It‘s cool, because it feels like each book builds on the others. I live not far from Hilo in Hawaii, where I took this picture, and there‘s a street there called Banyan Drive, lined with the trees. They are beautiful. 1mo
Librarybelle That is so awesome capturing the banyan tree in the picture! 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 1mo
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blurb
Hooked_on_books
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Albert Wendt is a Samoan author and considered to be a giant of Oceania literature. Really interesting info about him here:

https://www.anzliterature.com/member/albert-wendt/

#ReadingOceania2024

review
Hooked_on_books
First Lie Wins: A Novel | Ashley Elston
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Pickpick

This is a wholly entertaining but largely forgettable thriller that I can already barely remember despite listening to it today. I was all in during the listen, though, which is what I was looking for, it‘s definitely cinematic so it fits as a Reese pick.

50 likes1 stack add
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Hooked_on_books
The Perfect Body | Frankie Bow, Bow
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Pickpick

Book 8 of the Professor Molly series sees the death of a well-known character in the series, but was it murder? Plus the university has some new buildings and Molly is getting a new office. I look forward to seeing what kind of shenanigans the new spaces will bring in future installments! This is such a fun series—I highly recommend it.

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Hooked_on_books
Long Division | Kiese Laymon
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Pickpick

I really liked the themes of this book—racism, black life, family, life choices. But the execution didn‘t fully work for me. It‘s split into two parts. I really liked the first part and wanted to like the second part, but I felt like it went off the rails a bit. There‘s a lot to like here, so I‘ll give it a low pick.

Librarybelle I like the cover! 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 1mo
See All 9 Comments
ChaoticMissAdventures His biography is really exceptional, he tackles a few different topics, and his writing is so good. Highly recommend 1mo
Ruthiella It went off the rails for me too. I think he reissued a revised version of it, did you read that one? 1mo
Hooked_on_books @Librarybelle What‘s cool is that the cover in on the back, too. The first part starts as books usually do, then you flip the book over and start the second part from the second cover. Unique packaging. 1mo
Hooked_on_books @ChaoticMissAdventures I completely agree! That book is just marvelous. It‘s what prompted me to pick up this one, in fact. 1mo
Hooked_on_books @Ruthiella I think so. This definitely doesn‘t have the original cover and I picked it up maybe 2 years ago as a new book. I have no idea what revisions were made to the text. I just feel like the time travel came across as silly, like he didn‘t quite commit to it. Though the messaging was really good. 1mo
Librarybelle That is cool about the cover! 1mo
61 likes9 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
North Woods | Daniel Mason
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Pickpick

I had decided against this one when it first came out but then I figured I‘d try all the NYT‘s top books of 2023, and I‘m glad I did! It‘s really good! (I know, a lot of you know this already.) There were a couple spots that I felt dragged just a bit, but generally speaking it was a really satisfying story.

The_Book_Ninja Another review that really makes me want to give this book a go. Thank you 1mo
Hooked_on_books @The_Book_Ninja You‘re welcome! I‘m so glad I went for it! 1mo
BarbaraBB Glad you decided to pick it up! 1mo
The_Book_Ninja @Hooked_on_books Seems it‘s not out in paperback until August in UK🙄 1mo
HeatherBookNerd I loved it too 1mo
52 likes3 stack adds5 comments
review
Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

Anthropologists Anne and Keith Chambers spent several years on Nanumea, an atoll of #Tuvalu, across 3 decades. They discuss the community and culture here. I learned a lot from this book and found it really interesting. It‘s dense in places but not overly academic.

#ReadingOceania2024

Librarybelle Hooray! Good to know it is not overly academic! 1mo
squirrelbrain Sounds interesting. 1mo
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 1mo
49 likes3 comments