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sarahbarnes

sarahbarnes

Joined May 2018

“Books mean all possibilities.” - Ali Smith
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The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk
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Baron Wenckheim's Homecoming by Lszl Krasznahorkai
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sarahbarnes
Time of the Flies | Claudia Pieiro
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Very excited about this library haul. 😁📚💪🏼

Suet624 Looks great! 3d
squirrelbrain It looks very ToB-ish to me! 🥰 3d
sarahbarnes @Suet624 I have high hopes. ♥️ 3d
sarahbarnes @squirrelbrain oooh, that‘s a fun take I didn‘t think of, but I think you might be right! 😃 3d
BarbaraBB What a great haul! I want to read all of them! 2d
39 likes5 comments
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sarahbarnes
The End We Start From | Megan Hunter
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Pickpick

I found this galley proof of Hunter‘s first novel in the bargain carts at The Strand this summer. I loved The Harpy so it caught my eye. It‘s a slim, sparse account of a climate apocalypse that feels pretty realistic at this point, and the aftermath, told by the narrator who is a new mother. I liked it; a low pick.

BarbaraBB Beautiful cover! 2d
34 likes1 comment
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sarahbarnes
Strange Weather in Tokyo | Hiromi Kawakami
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Pickpick

A slightly bittersweet story of companionship and love. Written in the quirky, quiet style that I love about Japanese fiction. Great descriptions of food and lots of great non sequiturs and frank dialogue. And a lovely story as well. I really enjoyed it. Book 2 for #10BeforeTheEnd.

BarbaraBB This was a fun read. Beautiful photo too 🩷 5d
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB 🩵 It really was. I‘m excited that she has a new book out, which sounds really different from her others I‘ve read. 5d
ChaoticMissAdventures ✅ great job! 5d
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BarbaraBB @sarahbarnes that sounds like a book we‘d like! And like a possible ToB longlisted one 😀 5d
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I agree! 😁 5d
28 likes2 stack adds6 comments
review
sarahbarnes
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Pickpick

A fantastic book - right up there with A Secret History for me. I went in expecting a murder mystery, but really this is a story about childhood when the adults in your life are mostly failing you. Tartt captures the experience of being a child - outsized beliefs and feelings of having no control over what happens much of the time - brilliantly. I‘m counting this as my first book for #10BeforeTheEnd, which I just joined today. 😉

Ruthiella I loved this one too. She‘s due now to publish a fourth book…it‘s been 11 years since 1w
ChaoticMissAdventures So glad you liked it! I am about a third of the way in, and really enjoying it. ✅ 1w
BarbaraBB Yay, glad it worked so well for you too. She‘s a great storyteller 1w
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Cathythoughts Great review 👍🏻❤️ I did love Secret History. I‘ll try this one. 1w
AmyG I loved this one too. 1w
sarahbarnes @Ruthiella you‘re right!! 🤞 That would be very fun. 1w
sarahbarnes @ChaoticMissAdventures I‘m glad you‘re liking it too! 1w
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB she really is. I loved how things slowly unfolded. It felt very authentic. 1w
sarahbarnes @Cathythoughts I hope you like it. 🩵 1w
sarahbarnes @AmyG ♥️♥️ 1w
43 likes4 stack adds10 comments
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sarahbarnes
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I decided this was the perfect season to finally pull this off my shelf and read it.🍂 I‘m loving it so far. The dog is not as convinced that reading is the best use of my time.

Soubhiville What a cutie! 3w
sarahbarnes @Soubhiville his cuteness gets him very far in life. 😅 3w
squirrelbrain Aw, so cute! ❤️ 3w
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dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 3w
BarbaraBB Those eyes. So cute! This is my favorite Donna Tartt! 3w
Ruthiella ❤️🐶❤️🐶❤️ 3w
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB that is good to know! I‘ve had this copy forever and it‘s the only book of hers I haven‘t read. I love it so far. I loved Secret History and not so much Goldfinch. 3w
BarbaraBB @sarahbarnes Me too - but that‘s not surprising 👯 3w
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB agreed! 👯‍♀️ 3w
35 likes1 stack add10 comments
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sarahbarnes
So Much Blue: A Novel | Percival Everett
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Pickpick

Another great book by Everett. I love how different each of his books are and how they always surprise me. In this one he weaves together three events happening in the past and present in such a creative way. The three timelines slowly converge in the book as the events converge in the main character‘s life. I‘m a big fan.

BarbaraBB This was my first Everett and I loved it. You‘re so right about how each book is so different from the other. (edited) 3w
30 likes1 comment
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sarahbarnes
Intermezzo | Sally Rooney
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Pickpick

I am such a fan of Rooney‘s writing, and this book was as exquisite as anything she‘s written. Her ability to capture emotions and human imperfections and interactions on the page is just astounding. I was sad to leave these characters at the end of the book and they are going to stay with me for a long time.

Cathythoughts I just finished it. I am sad to leave these characters too. 💔 4w
Suet624 100% agree. 4w
42 likes1 stack add3 comments
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sarahbarnes
Intermezzo | Sally Rooney
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This book is transcendently good. I can‘t put it down; I never want it to end. It‘s been very good company during my waiting around for ballet to end time this week. 📖

LiteraryinPA What an endorsement! I‘ve never read anything by Rooney. Would this be ok to start with? 1mo
BarbaraBB Such an endorsement indeed. I need to find the perfect circumstances to read it! 1mo
sarahbarnes @LiteraryinPA I think you could start here for sure! I do think it‘s been fun to see the evolution of her writing since her first book (also very good). So you could also start with that. And then her second one is also so good. The one she wrote before this one is the one I liked the least, but still liked. 1mo
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sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I think you will love it ♥️ 1mo
BarbaraBB I liked the third the least too so am very happy this one is one you love again! 1mo
Suet624 Just starting it. Glad to know you are enjoying it. 1mo
sarahbarnes @Suet624 interested to hear what you think of it. 1mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I was a little hesitant about this one because of that, but it is so good. 1mo
42 likes2 stack adds9 comments
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sarahbarnes
Three | Valrie Perrin
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I really loved this book and Perrin‘s talent for slowly revealing a story and its characters layer by layer. There was no way for this to top Fresh Water for Flowers, but it was very very good.

BarbaraBB Gorgeous edition! It‘s not as good as Flowers, I agree but I loved it nevertheless. Forgotten on Sunday equals Flowers imo! 1mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB that one is on my list and I‘m really excited to read it! I remember you loving it. 1mo
Tamra I am anxiously waiting for her latest to be translated! 😅😬 1mo
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Lesliereadsalot I love everything she writes. The Language of Flowers is one of my favorite books ever! 1mo
sarahbarnes @Tamra I was so excited to hear she has a new one, too! Hopefully soon! 1mo
sarahbarnes @Lesliereadsalot she really is so good! 1mo
Cathythoughts I read this during the summer, I really enjoyed it. 👍🏻❤️ 1mo
Cathythoughts Lovely photo 🥰 1mo
sarahbarnes @Cathythoughts ♥️♥️♥️ 1mo
42 likes9 comments
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sarahbarnes
North Woods | Daniel Mason
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Pickpick

Midway through this book it was whisked back to the library and I had to wait to get it back. I was happy to be immersed again in the woods of this story. I love the character of the woods and the house in it and the way its inhabitants‘ lives intertwine across generations. The audio version is particularly lovely and I‘m glad I went that route.

Suet624 Oh boy. What a book. Now you‘ve made me want to listen to it. 1mo
sarahbarnes @Suet624 I love all the narrators they used for different pieces of the story, and the main narrator was great. 1mo
Suet624 OK, it‘s officially on hold from the library. Apparently it will be several months before it comes my way. Thanks for mentioning the narrators. I look forward to listening to it. 1mo
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sarahbarnes @suet624 It‘s a really popular audiobook at my library too. 1mo
BkClubCare Might have to reread with my 👂 ears ! 🎧 1mo
Chelsea.Poole I adore this book 🤍 1mo
Cathythoughts Great storytelling 👍🏻 1mo
39 likes7 comments
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sarahbarnes
Intermezzo | Sally Rooney
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So excited! I‘ve been holding onto a B&N gift card for this. And there‘s a bonus short story included! 🎉

BarbaraBB Exciting. I haven‘t read any reviews of this so far, so can‘t wait for yours! 1mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I‘m very optimistic! 1mo
Suet624 Yippee!!! 1mo
44 likes3 comments
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sarahbarnes
The Safekeep | Yael van der Wouden
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Pickpick

This book blew my mind! So incredibly good. ♥️ The unexpected turns, the almost unbearable tension at times, the sheer beauty of the story. I haven‘t read the full shortlist but would be very pleased to see this book take the prize.

squirrelbrain ❤️❤️❤️ 1mo
Suet624 Perfect review and I agree with all of it. 😊 1mo
sarahbarnes @squirrelbrain @Suet624 ❤️❤️❤️ 1mo
BarbaraBB Great review. I loves it too, especially the way it is written and how Isabelle has been portrayed 1mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB agreed! I loved the way it‘s written and how the story is revealed over the course of the book through the two different perspectives. 1mo
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sarahbarnes
Go as a River: A novel | Shelley Read
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Pickpick

My friend lent me this book and said I had to read it before going to Colorado peach country this weekend. I didn‘t love it, but I really enjoyed the way Read wrote about the land - tending it and living on it. It was interesting to read about this part of the history of the state as well. A light pick for me.

AmyG Palisade peaches? I had NO idea this book was about there. 2mo
sarahbarnes @AmyG it is about that area! The town of Iola (which no longer exists) and Paonia and Grand Junction. The author grew up and lives in that area. 2mo
Suet624 I felt the same way about this one. Didn‘t love it but the nature writing was nice. 1mo
38 likes3 comments
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sarahbarnes
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Pickpick

A great fall read - an often creepy collection of stories that raised the hair on the back of my neck more than once. Some really great stories in here (a few I didn‘t like quite as much). Overall I liked this collection more than her novel, Swamplandia, that I read years ago.

BarbaraBB Great review and I love the sunflowers in the background 🌻 2mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB thank you! The flowers took over this summer, but they are nice to look at. 😁 2mo
BarbaraBB I‘ve never seen that many except for in the fields where they are grown! 2mo
39 likes1 stack add3 comments
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sarahbarnes
Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies | Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
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Pickpick

It‘s difficult to describe this incredible book. It defies everything; it is funny and heartbreaking; it is full of rage and hope. The characters and their stories sucked me in, told in brief snippets that made me laugh out loud or sit in silence in equal measure. This had been on my list for a long time and I‘m so glad I finally read it.

BarbaraBB Wow what a review. Stacked of course! 2mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I hope you like it when you try it! 2mo
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sarahbarnes
The Piano Teacher | Elfriede Jelinek, Joachim Neugroschel
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Mehso-so

One of the more disturbing stories of a mother-daughter relationship I‘ve read, and an intense account of a woman‘s self-destruction. It was a bit too much for me at times, but I do admire Jelinek‘s bold approach. I‘d still like to see the film at some point.

BarbaraBB I bailed on this one when I read it - a long time ago! 2mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I don‘t really blame you. I‘d had it on my shelf forever and felt like I needed to read it. And now I have. 😂 2mo
39 likes2 comments
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sarahbarnes
Tipping The Velvet | Sarah Waters
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Thank you so much for sending this book my way @AmyG ! I‘m very excited to read more by Waters since loving Fingersmith. I‘m so grateful to you for this gift! ♥️

AmyG You are so welcome. Enjoy! 2mo
Cathythoughts This looks good ! I loved Fingersmith too. ❤️ (edited) 2mo
37 likes2 comments
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sarahbarnes
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Pickpick

Ali Smith is one of my absolute favorite writers and this book has so much of her signature brilliance. The word play and meandering monologues that suddenly reveal a key piece of information, characters to fall in love with, and bizarre events that are really about something much larger. The dinner party scene in the book is unforgettable.

BarbaraBB I now want you to reread this! 2mo
vivastory Oh man...whenever I think of an upcoming work conference or social event I really don't want to attend I always think of this book lol BTW: If you haven't read her book Artful, I think that you would love it. (edited) 2mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I‘ve yet to be disappointed by one of her books! 2mo
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sarahbarnes @vivastory that is amazing. 😆 And that is great to hear - I‘ve had my eye on that one! 2mo
Suet624 I have to find this! Sounds great. 2mo
sarahbarnes @Suet624 it truly is! 2mo
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sarahbarnes
Brief Lives | Anita Brookner
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Pickpick

Another stunning Brookner that left me in awe. Her storytelling and character development are truly impeccable. I wanted to shake both Fay and Julia throughout the book but I also understood them so deeply. What a writer. ♥️

BarbaraBB I hardly know Brookner, have only read the tagged one, but now I am very interested in reading more by her! 3mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I loved that one, too. Her writing is just so incredible. 3mo
Centique I love her as well. Ive read four of her books i think and enjoyed every one. Must get to this one! 2mo
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Reggie I have not managed to make my way through a Brookner. Maybe I just picked the wrong one. 2mo
sarahbarnes @Centique I can‘t wait to get to another one by her! 2mo
sarahbarnes @Reggie her books are definitely slow and without much plot, which is kind of my jam but I can definitely see how it might try your patience. 😂 2mo
Cathythoughts I remember loving this one. She‘s a beautiful writer. 2mo
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sarahbarnes
In Defence of the Act | Effie Black
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Pickpick

A very good book that‘s been hard to review. Fiction that reads like a memoir and heavy subjects. But I did really enjoy it. The narrative style is matter of fact as Jessica recounts painful life experiences - as it seems a scientist would do. I think this is what makes the book so creatively interesting despite the tough subject matter.

BarbaraBB I agree , that narrative style made the book standing out. 3mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB thank you for recommending I read it! 🩵 3mo
35 likes2 comments
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sarahbarnes
Possession | A. S. Byatt
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Pickpick

I‘m so happy to have finally read this after years on my shelf. What a book - the layers of stories, the romance, the academic drama. The way Byatt wrote the artifacts of letters and poetry to create the characters is incredible. Thank you @Graywacke for hosting our buddy read!

BarbaraBB Such a great read! 3mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I can‘t believe I waited so long to read it! 3mo
youneverarrived One of my favourites 🤍 3mo
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BkClubCare Loved this book, and though, yes, the book is better than the film, I enjoyed it anyway 😂 3mo
merelybookish So satisfying when a book lives up the hype and anticipation! 3mo
vivastory I read this one many years ago & it has always stuck with me. So glad that you loved it! I currently have her collection “Medusa's Ankles“ checked out from the library 3mo
sarahbarnes @vivastory I found a used copy of another of her books and had to buy it after loving this one 3mo
vivastory @sarahbarnes I was not familiar with that whatsoever! It sounds fantastic though. Adding to my TBR. There is a story from Byatt in the tagged story anthology that I adore (it is overall a terrific collection) 3mo
sarahbarnes That collection looks so great! I need to check it out. 3mo
46 likes9 comments
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sarahbarnes
Bear: A Novel | Julia Phillips
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Pickpick

It was an interesting experience to read this book while in bear country this weekend. I found it hard to put this one down once I started - I was mesmerized. I‘ll leave it there for now. 😁 Looking forward to hearing everyone‘s thoughts on this one! #CampLitsy

squirrelbrain Yes, I agree - difficult to out down. I flew through it. 3mo
BarbaraBB Mesmerizing is the perfect word to describe how Julia Phillips writes! 3mo
sarahbarnes @squirrelbrain @BarbaraBB so glad you both also liked it! 3mo
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sarahbarnes
My Work | Olga Ravn
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Pickpick

A meditation on being a woman, a wife to a husband, and on becoming a mother. Ravn doesn‘t hold back on the darkness and bleakness about the experience of motherhood and I loved it. Anna struggles to maintain herself, her identity, her career, her sanity. Written as a collection of journal entries, poems, excerpts from pamphlets and articles - I love the title of the book as it refers to Anna‘s work as a mother and a writer.

merelybookish You got to read it! Sounds right up my alley. 3mo
sarahbarnes @merelybookish I did! And I think you would like it. 😃 3mo
BarbaraBB Ow it sounds as great as I hoped! 3mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I think you would definitely like it! 😃 3mo
34 likes3 stack adds4 comments
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sarahbarnes
Possession | A. S. Byatt
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Heading home today from our NYC adventure. I‘m glad I have some good reading to entertain me on the flight. And relieved I got all my book purchases into my bags. 📚 📚 😮‍💨

BarbaraBB You‘re all set. I can‘t wait for your opinion on Bear and am interested in the Ravn! 3mo
Liz_M Good luck with the flight 🤞 3mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I like the Ravn so far! And very excited for Bear after your review. 3mo
sarahbarnes Thank you @Liz_M! 3mo
31 likes4 comments
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sarahbarnes
The Alternatives: A Novel | Caoilinn Hughes
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Pickpick

I‘d still rate this a pick overall, but it fizzled out a bit and the ending really fell short for me. Looking forward to another #CampLitsy discussion!

BarbaraBB I felt that way too. The setting up was good, then it fell a bit flat. 3mo
squirrelbrain Looking forward to our discussions next weekend - Littens always add so much to each chosen book. 3mo
Caroline2 Yep agreed. It stopped rather than ended. 🤷‍♀️ 3mo
38 likes3 comments
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sarahbarnes
Sociopath: A Memoir | Patric Gagne
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Mehso-so

Admittedly I don‘t ready many memoirs, but heard an interview of the author and was intrigued. The content at the beginning and towards the end were compelling and I learned quite a bit about the experience of sociopathy. The middle sections grated on me after awhile and the writing was pretty cliche at times.

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks This was creepy 😱 3mo
sarahbarnes @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks it was a little unsettling at times for sure. But sometimes I also just felt annoyed. 😒 3mo
BarbaraBB Okay. Thanks for reading that one. I‘ve had my eyes on it but won‘t hurry now! 3mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB there are some really interesting parts for sure. And then other parts that really wore on me. It was a bit of a mixed bag for me. 3mo
37 likes4 comments
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sarahbarnes
The Alternatives: A Novel | Caoilinn Hughes
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Last week in NYC and I‘m flying through this #CampLitsy selection for next month. I‘m loving it and looking forward to the discussion!

Cathythoughts Sounds good 👍🏻❤️ 3mo
squirrelbrain Glad you‘re enjoying it! 3mo
Hooked_on_books That‘s great! I‘m more than halfway through it and not loving it, so I‘m glad it‘s working better for you. 3mo
BarbaraBB Glad you‘re loving it! 3mo
36 likes1 stack add4 comments
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sarahbarnes
Westsider Used and Rare Books | New York, NY (Bookstore)
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Very fun and successful used book hunting with @merelybookish ! I‘m most excited about one of the Lennons - his first novel and a signed copy. 🤩

merelybookish We did some damage! ie we did our part to support NYC's used bookstore! ❤️ 3mo
Billypar Glad you both did so well! I don't think I've ever been to Westsider before, but I'll have to check it out at some point. @merelybookish 3mo
BarbaraBB Sounds fab! Happy you had such a good time! And those Lennons, wow 🤩 3mo
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sarahbarnes @merelybookish we really did! And I agree - all in the spirit of support the local book ecosystem. 🩵 3mo
sarahbarnes @Billypar it‘s a great one! Books up to the ceiling and a bit of a jumble. A great place for a treasure hunt. 3mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I know! Have you read either of them yet? 3mo
Cuilin Oh you got some good ones. I just recommended “ the Little Stranger”. 3mo
sarahbarnes @Cuilin I just finally read Fingersmith this summer and immediately had to get my hands on another of her books! 3mo
Cathythoughts Great stack 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 3mo
squirrelbrain ❤️❤️❤️ 3mo
BarbaraBB I loved Black Wings and Offshore but haven‘t read the Lennons yet. I think @vivastory recommended 3mo
youneverarrived Some fab books there 😍 3mo
vivastory @barbarabb Yes! The Funnies is a great early one by Lennon. I loved it. Reminded me of The Animators in a great way. Also, @sarahbarnes I love seeing Black Wings etc in your haul. That was a real surprise hit with the NYRB group. Hope it works for you, too! 3mo
sarahbarnes @vivastory glad to hear you loved The Funnies! I‘m excited to read it. And I have to thank @merelybookish for putting that in my hands and recommending it based on the NYRB club loving it. 😊 3mo
BarbaraBB I already thought @merelybookish might have been responsible for adding Black Wings to your haul! 3mo
merelybookish @vivastory @BarbaraBB Black Wings is so good! I thought Sarah would enjoy, especially since it's set in Colorado. 3mo
36 likes16 comments
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sarahbarnes
James: A Novel | Percival Everett
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Pickpick

Another fantastic #CampLitsy selection! I will say that I didn‘t enjoy this one as much as the other Everett novels I‘ve read. But it was very good and his brilliance at subtle satire and storytelling comes through. I look forward to my next read of his!

squirrelbrain Interesting that it‘s your ‘least favourite‘ of Everett‘s - but that bodes well for me as I still have to read most of his back-list. 4mo
AmyG @squirrelbrain Same here. This was a great introduction for me as I have read none of his other books. 4mo
sarahbarnes @squirrelbrain @AmyG I feel like I‘m just getting started with his books! I really liked Telephone. 4mo
47 likes3 comments
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sarahbarnes
Possession | A. S. Byatt
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Getting some reading time in a beautiful setting today while I wait for a glimpse of my partner in the Triple Bypass bike race in Colorado. I‘m glad to be the one sitting here reading. 😂

@Graywacke

Cathythoughts Wow ! Enjoy the read ❤️ 4mo
AmyG Enjoy the beautiful scenery. 4mo
sarahbarnes @Cathythoughts @AmyG it‘s a lovely excuse to sit outside and read. 🩵 4mo
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AmyG Have fun in Vail…that‘s near where I live. 4mo
sarahbarnes @AmyG fun! I live in Denver and get up here as often as I can! 4mo
Graywacke Kudos to your partner… but i‘d rather be reading. 🙊 ( #byattbuddyread ) 4mo
Chelsea.Poole Lovely views! 4mo
42 likes7 comments
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sarahbarnes
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Pickpick

I wanted to read this after enjoying House of Doors and I have to say this one blew me away. The layers of this story, the questions left unanswered, the complexities of the characters and their relationships to one another. I loved the switching back and forth in time as Yun Ling puts down the story of her past.

squirrelbrain I haven‘t read this yet, despite loving House of Doors. It‘s on my TBR list…. But we all know what that means! 🤪 4mo
BarbaraBB Yes!! This one is so good, a solid 5⭐️ read for me. I also loved 4mo
sarahbarnes @squirrelbrain oh yes! 😂 If only I could read books on my TBR as quickly as I add them! 4mo
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sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I‘m not surprised! 🩵 👯 I definitely want to read The Gift of Rain now. 4mo
BarbaraBB 👯 🤍 to be honest I loved House of Doors the least! 4mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I definitely liked this one much more! 4mo
BarbaraBB Then I‘m sure you‘ll love The Gift of Rain too! 4mo
Centique @sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB yes!! Totally loved this one- and much more than House of Doors. Sounds like i need to read Gift of Rain too! 4mo
BarbaraBB @Centique You absolutely do 😀 4mo
31 likes1 stack add9 comments
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sarahbarnes
Strand Bookstore | New York, NY (Bookstore)
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Used book finds (so far) at Strand Books. 📚

merelybookish Pond!! 💚 4mo
sarahbarnes @merelybookish yes! I really liked Checkout 19 and this one has been on my list. 4mo
Liz_M The Strand! 💖 4mo
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kspenmoll Yay for the Strand- you can stay there all day!!! 4mo
Leftcoastzen Nice ! Love 💕 The Strand 4mo
LeahBergen Brookner! 🙌 4mo
vivastory Great haul 📚📚 Liike the new profile pic! 4mo
BarbaraBB Nice! You are in NYC! Enjoy! 4mo
BarbaraBB Also, interested in Pond! 4mo
sarahbarnes @LeahBergen I know! I always look. 😁 4mo
sarahbarnes @vivastory thanks Scott! 😊 4mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB yes! Here for a few weeks while my daughter does a summer ballet intensive. It‘s been great so far! And I was happy to find the copy of Pond! 4mo
Liz_M @sarahbarnes a few weeks? I hope you get a chance to go to the tagged place! Within walking distance there is also a fabulous branch of McNally Jackson and Greenlight Bookstore. 4mo
sarahbarnes @Liz_M that looks amazing! I‘ve been to a few bookstores so far, but none of these yet, and the Center for Fiction looks not to be missed. Thanks for the recs! @merelybookish we should do this when you‘re here! 4mo
merelybookish Absolutely! I can't wait!!! 4mo
sarahbarnes @merelybookish 🎉🎉🎉 4mo
BarbaraBB @sarahbarnes @merelybookish You‘re meeting up? How wonderful!! 4mo
merelybookish @BarbaraBB Sarah and I became friends when I lived in Colorado (because of Litsy) but we haven't seen each other in nearly 3 years..so very exciting! 4mo
squirrelbrain Ooh, I‘m jealous! Have a fabulous time, and how lovely that you‘re meeting up with @merelybookish ! ❤️ 4mo
sarahbarnes Yes @BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain very excited for the chance to see @merelybookish again! 4mo
BarbaraBB That is such a great story, that you‘ve become friends. I didn‘t know that by can totally see why ❤️😍 4mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB ♥️♥️♥️ 4mo
Centique I loved that Brookner! Hope you have a wonderful catch up together @merelybookish 4mo
39 likes24 comments
review
sarahbarnes
Disappearing Earth | Julia Phillips
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Pickpick

I read this in anticipation of reading the author‘s new book for #CampLitsy. I really loved the surprising and subtle ways the storylines connected in the book. The various stories weighed heavily on me for much of the time, but it was very good.

BarbaraBB I loved this one. My expectations for Bear are so high based on that but I have a feeling I should temper them. 4mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I feel like perhaps I should, too… 4mo
Suet624 I‘ve thought of this book so often that I feel like I should reread it. 3mo
sarahbarnes @Suet624 it was so captivating. 3mo
37 likes4 comments
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sarahbarnes
192 Books | New York, NY (Bookstore)
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This won‘t be my last trip to this bookstore this summer! Amazing inventory in this small indie bookstore.

BarbaraBB 🤩 4mo
vivastory Hey, Sarah do you by chance listen to the Mookse & Gripse podcast? 4mo
sarahbarnes @vivastory I haven‘t heard of it! What is it? Should I be listening? 4mo
vivastory It's an informal podcast that airs twice a month. One of the co-hosts lives in Colorado & he had mentioned in a recent episode that he had recently started volunteering at a new indie bookstore. I think in Denver. It's a great podcast, they usually focus on themes rather than authors but their topics tend to be pretty far ranging 4mo
32 likes4 comments
review
sarahbarnes
Fingersmith | Sarah Waters
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Pickpick

I can‘t believe I waited so long to read this book. It was phenomenal. So many twists and turns and as much as I tried to anticipate what would happen, it kept me guessing. So dark and so compelling. As a bonus, I really hoped for a certain ending and I got it. 😁

Ruthiella Yes! Love this book. It was the second one I read from her, but this one made me a her number one fan. 4mo
sarahbarnes @ruthiella I can‘t wait to read another of her books! Is there another one you really enjoyed? 4mo
Ruthiella @sarahbarnes My second favorite is Affinity. The first one I read was 4mo
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Amor4Libros I‘ve read so many good reviews about this book, need to check it out! 4mo
youneverarrived She‘s a brilliant author 🩵 4mo
sarahbarnes @Amor4Libros I highly recommend it. 😁 4mo
sarahbarnes @youneverarrived I‘m now very excited to read more of her. 4mo
sarahbarnes @Ruthiella very good to know! 4mo
BarbaraBB Great review. I loved this one too! I still have A Little Stranger by her waiting for me. And I loved (edited) 4mo
vivastory I have read only one book by Waters but loved it and plan on reading more! 4mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB very glad to have another of hers that you recommend! 4mo
sarahbarnes @vivastory which one did you enjoy by her? 4mo
vivastory I liked Tipping the Velvet 4mo
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sarahbarnes
All Fours | Miranda July
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Pickpick

I liked this one very much. It spoke to my soul and I‘m looking forward to the #CampLitsy discussion in July!

kspenmoll That‘s good to know! I plan to read it in July. 4mo
sarahbarnes @kspenmoll I will be interested to hear what you think of it! 4mo
squirrelbrain Good to know - going to read this soon. 4mo
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youneverarrived I‘m really looking forward to reading it! 4mo
sarahbarnes @squirrelbrain @youneverarrived very much looking forward to your thoughts! 4mo
BarbaraBB Oow exciting! My bff loved it and after your review I am sure I will too! 4mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I hope you like it! I‘m looking forward to hearing what you think. 4mo
43 likes7 comments
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sarahbarnes
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Not the outcome I was hoping for the Tattered Cover Bookstore. 😔 Definitely feels like the end of an era.

Aimeesue Oh, my. That is astounding. 5mo
BarbaraBB So disappointing. On the other hand, it‘s still books. It could have been fast food or Chinese cars (which are taking over my city center). 5mo
vivastory I thought of you when I saw this headline. I'm glad that B&N has not gone the way of Borders; I will be curious to see what becomes of their local events bc I know that they were a big draw. 5mo
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sarahbarnes @vivastory yes, I‘ll be very curious to see how this goes. B&N isn‘t evil, but we already have a lot of them here and now, no strong indie bookstore. We do have some great smaller used bookstores, but one of the other indie stores also closed last year. 5mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB that‘s a good point. I‘m sorry to hear that‘s happening there - so disappointing when cities start to lose some of their character and what makes them unique. 5mo
sarahbarnes @Aimeesue I know. I was shocked even though maybe I shouldn‘t have been. 5mo
29 likes6 comments
review
sarahbarnes
The Remains of the Day | Kazuo Ishiguro
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Pickpick

I‘ve wanted to read this book for a long time, and listening to it on audio was a wonderful experience. Not surprisingly, Ishiguro expertly crafted this beautiful, devastating story, told with a level of restraint and stoicism that would be so true of the main character. I loved it.

Aimeesue One of my all time top ten reads. It‘s just brilliant 🖤 5mo
sarahbarnes @Aimeesue it really truly is. 🩵 5mo
emmasm08 It‘s a good one ! 5mo
37 likes3 comments
review
sarahbarnes
Clear: A Novel | Carys Davies
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Pickpick

I loved this #CampLitsy pick. What a beautiful story. Can‘t wait to discuss the second half. 🩵

kspenmoll Me too 🩵💙💛 5mo
squirrelbrain Looking forward to the discussion too! 5mo
BarbaraBB So glad you loved it 5mo
42 likes3 comments
review
sarahbarnes
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Pickpick

Such a brutal, poignant portrait of grief. Grief due to loss, difficult relationships, mental illness. Very heavy but beautifully written. I loved the short vignettes that moved back and forth in time. The style felt like it mirrored the way the mind might process the grief in the story.

BarbaraBB So well said. I felt the same. 5mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I‘m not surprised to hear we felt similarly. 🩵🩵 5mo
JenP Sounds good! 5mo
38 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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sarahbarnes
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The most well-known bookstore where I live in Denver has had a tough past few years. Now it‘s in bankruptcy and up for auction. I really hope it can rise from the ashes with a new owner. I miss having a good bookstore here.

BarbaraBB It looks so beautiful. I hope someone will take over. 5mo
squirrelbrain Shall we get a collective together and buy it?! 5mo
Ruthiella Hope if can rise from the ashes. It‘s a tough world out there for brick and mortar businesses. 🤞 5mo
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Ruthiella @squirrelbrain That‘d be the dream! 👍 You can do the accounting m. Barbara can do PR. I can…make coffee and dust the shelves! 😂 Sarah, what job do you want? Buyer? Work the register? Customer service? (edited) 5mo
squirrelbrain You can choose the books @Ruthiella and I‘ll make lots of spreadsheets about them! @BarbaraBB would be great at the PR. ❤️ 5mo
sarahbarnes Omg yes @squirrelbrain @Ruthiella @BarbaraBB this would be the dream! I‘ll bet we could get @merelybookish in on it too. 😁 5mo
Amiable I‘ve worked in marketing and PR for my entire career! I‘d love to put my skills to use for a cause I actually love. 😄 5mo
LeahBergen Oh no! I loved this store when I visited it (and the airport version, too)! 5mo
Lesliereadsalot My college self wanted to own a bookstore. I think my much, much older self still does. 5mo
squirrelbrain @Oryx - have you seen this? It‘s only a few weeks since you visited. 😞 5mo
Oryx Oh no, I had such a lovely visit there 🙁 @squirrelbrain 5mo
sarahbarnes @Lesliereadsalot same here! 🩵 5mo
sarahbarnes @LeahBergen I‘ve loved it too! I really hope it can survive. 5mo
sarahbarnes @Amiable 🩵🩵🩵 5mo
merelybookish What a loss this would be to Denver! All those author readings they do. I guess that's what I could take over when we buy it.😉 5mo
sarahbarnes @merelybookish I know. Mona Awad was just there recently. I‘m really counting on something good happening.🤞 5mo
vivastory That's terrible news. Hopefully they find a buyer with good intentions. I always hoped to visit. 5mo
33 likes18 comments
review
sarahbarnes
How It Works Out | Myriam Lacroix
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Pickpick

This was a mind-bending maze of a book, the story of the characters constantly evolving and turning back on itself. A fascinating approach to a story about trying to make a relationship work. I was sucked in and really enjoyed it, wanting to know what the next iteration of their story would be. I‘ll admit I‘m not sure what happened at the end, but a pick nonetheless.

33 likes1 stack add
review
sarahbarnes
Butter: Roman | Asako Yuzuki
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Pickpick

I read this while I had it from the library. Looking forward to discussing it at #CampLitsy. A slow simmer of a book in true Japanese style. I will say I enjoyed the second half more than the first. Overall a pick. 🧈

batsy Nice! Glad to see it was a pick for you 🧈 6mo
BarbaraBB Glad it was a pick although you don‘t sound too thrilled 🤨. I‘ll read it soon! 6mo
squirrelbrain Glad it was a pick - hopefully we‘ll get some good discussion from it. (Sometimes Asher when it‘s not universally loved! 🤣) 6mo
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sarahbarnes @batsy @BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain very much looking forward to your thoughts. And agreed @squirrelbrain I think it will lead to some good discussion! 5mo
Megabooks I‘m wondering if I‘ll like this. 🤔 excited to discuss it with you! 5mo
Suet624 It just keeps going and going. 😒 …. 5mo
sarahbarnes @Megabooks likewise! I‘ll be interested to hear what you think. 5mo
sarahbarnes @Suet624 I did feel like that at times. I liked the second half better. 5mo
46 likes8 comments
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sarahbarnes
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Pickpick

I quite enjoyed this entertaining thriller and am glad I read it after the review by @Reggie - very fun! My only complaint is that the audio narration was…not great. The right amount of crazy and unpredictable enough most of the way through to keep me listening.

batsy I thought it was quite fun, too! I wanted it to be more OTT 😆 6mo
sarahbarnes @batsy 🤣 I did think it was more OTT than I saw coming towards the end! 6mo
Reggie I‘m so glad you liked it. Roza Vallo was soooo crazy. (edited) 5mo
sarahbarnes @Reggie bats**t! 🤣 5mo
35 likes4 comments
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sarahbarnes
James: A Novel | Percival Everett
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I was very happy to buy a copy of the tagged book at this fantastic bookshop in New Orleans for #CampLitsy.

BarbaraBB What a fantastic photo! Enjoy New Orleans 😍 6mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB it was pretty fabulous! Thank you! 😊 (edited) 6mo
41 likes2 comments
review
sarahbarnes
Under the Storm: A Novel | Christoffer Carlsson
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Pickpick

A smart page turner of a crime novel. I think actually my first Nordic Noir? I‘ll definitely read his other book, and may have to add this genre into the mix more often. 🧐 Thanks @batsy for the #CampLitsy nomination!

batsy So pleased to see this worked for you and @Cathythoughts ❤️ I need to get on it! 6mo
Cathythoughts I thought it was great ! Thankyou @batsy I trust your taste in books completely ❤️ 6mo
BarbaraBB You and @Cathythoughts loved it and @batsy nominated it? Sounds like a must read for me! 6mo
sarahbarnes I agree with you @Cathythoughts! 😊 @BarbaraBB I think you would like it. @batsy I think you‘ll find you made a great recommendation! 6mo
41 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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sarahbarnes
In Defence of the Act | Effie Black
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Weekend book haul. 😁 Lots of my holds came in at the library at the same time (as they do) and I found a couple of books on my TBR at at used bookstore. And I splurged on a copy of the tagged book since I can‘t get it at the library yet.

vivastory Great haul! The Sarah Waters has been lingering towards the top of my TBR for awhile now & I have been wanting to try Penelope Lively 6mo
Ruthiella I loved Fingersmith and Alias Grace. Not read that Lively title, but I loved everything else I‘ve read from her! 6mo
Cathythoughts Great ! I loved Fingersmith and Alias Grace too ( especially Fingersmith ) … and I‘m interested to read In Defence of the Act (edited) 6mo
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batsy Great stack! Really want to read the Olga Ravn and Effie Black ones. Loved both Alias Grace and Fingersmith. 6mo
squirrelbrain Great stack! In Defence is likely to be in my top books of the year. I just found Disappearing Earth on Everand, in advance of Bear for #camplitsy24 6mo
BarbaraBB Such a great haul! I loved all the ones I read! 6mo
sarahbarnes @vivastory same on both fronts! I‘ve read Moon Tiger which was very good. (edited) 6mo
sarahbarnes @Ruthiella that‘s great to hear on all fronts! I‘ve only read Moon Tiger and loved it. 6mo
sarahbarnes @Cathythoughts I‘ve wanted to read it for awhile and that‘s very good to hear. 6mo
sarahbarnes @batsy that is great to hear! They‘ve been on my list for awhile. 6mo
sarahbarnes @squirrelbrain that is high praise! I‘m really excited to read it. @BarbaraBB also highly recommended it. 6mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB that is great news! I was convinced to get In Defence of the Act from your review! 6mo
BarbaraBB That one is so good! But so are Fingersmith and Alias Grace and Disappearing Earth 😀. You‘ll love them and need to read a lot before they are due back 😉 6mo
BarbaraBB Oow and What I‘d rather not think about too! 6mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I know - how am I going to read them all before they have to go back?! 6mo
43 likes15 comments
review
sarahbarnes
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Pickpick

The second collection of Link‘s stories I‘ve read, and I really enjoy her brand of strangeness. Like, casually the characters in a story are superheroes, or aliens, or there are ghosts or magic, but the fact of these things brilliantly isn‘t the focus of the stories, it just makes them even more interesting. I had my favorites in this collection, but overall a strong pick. Thanks @IuliaC for the reminder that I wanted to read this. 😊

vivastory What was the other collection you read? Last month I read “Magic For Beginners.“ It was my first book that I've read by her & there's certain stories that I just can't stop thinking about! 6mo
sarahbarnes @vivastory that‘s the one I want to read next! I read Black Dog White Cat, also very good. (edited) 6mo
vivastory @sarahbarnes It's incredible. It took me 3 weeks to read but it's honestly one of the best short story collections I've read so far this year. You really nailed it that the horror in her stories is not the supernatural phenomenon that is happening, but it is what is happening in the periphery or the subtext of the story. So brilliant. (edited) 6mo
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IuliaC Great review! I'm glad you enjoyed it 👍I love your photo 😍 6mo
BarbaraBB I‘ve never read her but now I definitely want to! 6mo
batsy I've only read the one collection but remember really enjoying it! 6mo
sarahbarnes @IuliaC thank you! 😊 6mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I think you would like her! I know she has a new novel out and I don‘t know how that is, but I really like her short stories. 6mo
sarahbarnes @batsy good to know you liked that one! I‘m excited she has two other collections out that I haven‘t read yet. 6mo
Reggie Is this the one where the girl is going to meet someone at a dentist/superhero convention but then you find out about her sister…. I cried so hard on that one and I couldn‘t even tell you why, lol. She‘s a superb writer. 6mo
sarahbarnes @Reggie yes!! That one was so good. Also the first one in the collection about the girl who has to stay and look after that house. She really is an incredible writer. 6mo
38 likes1 stack add11 comments
review
sarahbarnes
Kids Run the Show | Delphine de Vigan
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Pickpick

I couldn‘t put this book down once I started - both the story of the missing girl and the disturbing world of parents who put their kids on social media were hard to look away from. This definitely makes me want to read more books by the author.

squirrelbrain It‘s so good, isn‘t it?! 6mo
BarbaraBB I was completely hooked too while reading this. I also enjoyed 6mo
sarahbarnes @squirrelbrain so good! I tore through it. 6mo
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sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB thank you for the recommendation! Stacking. 😊 6mo
yourfavouritemixtape This is next on my tbr (edited) 6mo
sarahbarnes @yourfavouritemixtape thanks for the recommendation! I want to read more of her books and will add this one to my list. 6mo
39 likes1 stack add6 comments
review
sarahbarnes
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Pickpick

I loved this quietly sad, unsettling book that on the surface is about a tragic death, but is really about ordinary human failings. Parents failing children and adults failing each other and themselves. And at the end, a small glimmer of hope that felt well-proportioned to the story.

BarbaraBB Beautiful review. Such a sad great read 6mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB a sad, great read indeed. 🩵 6mo
34 likes1 stack add2 comments