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sarahbarnes

sarahbarnes

Joined May 2018

“Books mean all possibilities.” - Ali Smith
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Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
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Banal Nightmare: A Novel by Halle Butler
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Baron Wenckheim's Homecoming by Lszl Krasznahorkai
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sarahbarnes
Omensetter's Luck: A Novel | William H. Gass
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Pickpick

I‘d had this book on my shelf for years. I probably would‘ve enjoyed it more at another point in my life, when I was more into this type of writing. But, I appreciated the experimental nature of it nonetheless. Mostly I‘m glad that #TenBeforeTheEnd finally motivated me to get it off my shelf and read it. 😁

Suet624 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 3d
30 likes1 comment
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sarahbarnes
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Pickpick

This was a light pick, but a fun listen for my daily commute and really fabulous audio. I didn‘t quite figure out the whole situation until the end, although at times things seemed a little too obvious along the way. Still entertaining.

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sarahbarnes
Time of the Flies | Claudia Pieiro
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Pickpick

I really liked this, but not as much as Elena Knows (hard to top). But this one has the same narrative style and it was often a page turner, although I did figure out the “twist” earlier on. Looking forward to reading more of her novels. Book 4 for #10BeforeTheEnd

ChaoticMissAdventures ✅ great job! 1w
Tamra I agree, not quite as good as Elena Knows. 😁 1w
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sarahbarnes @Tamra it‘s just hard to beat that book. It‘s so good. 1w
Suet624 My library has four of her books but this isn‘t one of them. 🙁 5d
sarahbarnes @Suet624 it just came in at my library, so maybe they‘ll still get it at yours. Mine doesn‘t have All Yours, which I‘m similarly bummed about. 5d
37 likes6 comments
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sarahbarnes
The Empusium | Olga Tokarczuk
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Pickpick

Grief and disgust and fear over this week‘s events make it hard to write a review. But I will say that the art and beauty of fiction have been a comfort. I really enjoyed this book and Tokarczuk‘s spin on the story in The Magic Mountain. It was a relief to escape briefly into this world of mountain sanatoriums, and read her take on the power of nature, the ignorance of men, and the defiance of gender constructs.

ChaoticMissAdventures ✅ while reading is inherently political, it is also an escape, if we can disconnect enough! 2w
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BarbaraBB I feel very encouraged to read this now. Great review, thanks! And I had a hard time reading too, this week. 2w
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I‘ll be interested in your thoughts on it! ♥️ 1w
Suet624 Ah! My library has it! On hold now. Maybe because I'm staying off social media as much as possible I'm finding that books are the only escape I have from this feeling of disbelief and despair. So I've read several books over the past week. I don't know what else to do with these feelings. Phone calls and letters to my reps (who all are in agreement with me) is the only other thing I can do. 5d
sarahbarnes @Suet624 ♥️♥️ Yes. I can‘t handle much news these days. I know my head is in the sand and I‘ll have to face it at some point. But for the moment I can‘t stomach it. 5d
44 likes7 comments
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sarahbarnes
Time of the Flies | Claudia Pieiro
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Very excited about this library haul. 😁📚💪🏼

Suet624 Looks great! 3w
squirrelbrain It looks very ToB-ish to me! 🥰 3w
sarahbarnes @Suet624 I have high hopes. ♥️ 3w
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sarahbarnes @squirrelbrain oooh, that‘s a fun take I didn‘t think of, but I think you might be right! 😃 3w
BarbaraBB What a great haul! I want to read all of them! 3w
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I‘m very grateful to have this comforting stack of books in my house this week. 2w
BarbaraBB Yes, it is much needed I guess, especially this week. 2w
41 likes7 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! 3w
Suet624 Oh gosh... I have another grandchild coming in February and I don't think I could possibly read this one. :( 5d
37 likes2 comments
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sarahbarnes
Strange Weather in Tokyo | Hiromi Kawakami
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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 🩷 3w
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. 3w
ChaoticMissAdventures ✅ great job! 3w
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BarbaraBB @sarahbarnes that sounds like a book we‘d like! And like a possible ToB longlisted one 😀 3w
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I agree! 😁 3w
30 likes3 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 3w
ChaoticMissAdventures So glad you liked it! I am about a third of the way in, and really enjoying it. ✅ 3w
BarbaraBB Yay, glad it worked so well for you too. She‘s a great storyteller 3w
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Cathythoughts Great review 👍🏻❤️ I did love Secret History. I‘ll try this one. 3w
AmyG I loved this one too. 3w
sarahbarnes @Ruthiella you‘re right!! 🤞 That would be very fun. 3w
sarahbarnes @ChaoticMissAdventures I‘m glad you‘re liking it too! 3w
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB she really is. I loved how things slowly unfolded. It felt very authentic. 3w
sarahbarnes @Cathythoughts I hope you like it. 🩵 3w
sarahbarnes @AmyG ♥️♥️ 3w
Suet624 I still haven't read a book by this author ... I know, it's unconscionable 5d
sarahbarnes @Suet624 I‘d recommend this one or A Secret History. I didn‘t love The Goldfinch. 5d
Suet624 @sarahbarnes Ha! I read The Goldfinch. Totally forgot she wrote it. 4d
45 likes4 stack adds13 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! 1mo
sarahbarnes @Soubhiville his cuteness gets him very far in life. 😅 1mo
squirrelbrain Aw, so cute! ❤️ 1mo
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dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 1mo
BarbaraBB Those eyes. So cute! This is my favorite Donna Tartt! 1mo
Ruthiella ❤️🐶❤️🐶❤️ 1mo
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. 1mo
BarbaraBB @sarahbarnes Me too - but that‘s not surprising 👯 1mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB agreed! 👯‍♀️ 1mo
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) 1mo
Suet624 I gave this a “pick“ but I don't remember any of it. But I do know I love Percival's writing and how often he surprises me. 5d
31 likes2 comments
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sarahbarnes
Intermezzo | Sally Rooney
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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. 💔 1mo
Suet624 100% agree. 1mo
sarahbarnes @Cathythoughts @Suet624 ♥️♥️♥️ 1mo
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? 2mo
BarbaraBB Such an endorsement indeed. I need to find the perfect circumstances to read it! 2mo
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. 2mo
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sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I think you will love it ♥️ 2mo
BarbaraBB I liked the third the least too so am very happy this one is one you love again! 2mo
Suet624 Just starting it. Glad to know you are enjoying it. 2mo
sarahbarnes @Suet624 interested to hear what you think of it. 2mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I was a little hesitant about this one because of that, but it is so good. 2mo
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! 2mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB that one is on my list and I‘m really excited to read it! I remember you loving it. 2mo
Tamra I am anxiously waiting for her latest to be translated! 😅😬 2mo
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Lesliereadsalot I love everything she writes. The Language of Flowers is one of my favorite books ever! 2mo
sarahbarnes @Tamra I was so excited to hear she has a new one, too! Hopefully soon! 2mo
sarahbarnes @Lesliereadsalot she really is so good! 2mo
Cathythoughts I read this during the summer, I really enjoyed it. 👍🏻❤️ 2mo
Cathythoughts Lovely photo 🥰 2mo
sarahbarnes @Cathythoughts ♥️♥️♥️ 2mo
Suet624 Just seeing this post - how did I miss so many of your posts??? To add to the Perrin conversation, I liked Forgotten on Sunday just a touch more than Three, but Fresh Water for Flowers will always and forever be my favorite book of almost any book I've read. It's the one I consistently recommend to others. 5d
sarahbarnes @Suet624 it happens to me all the time with people‘s posts. I‘m looking forward to reading Forgotten on Sunday at some point soon. And I agree with you 💯 on Fresh Water. 5d
43 likes11 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. 2mo
sarahbarnes @Suet624 I love all the narrators they used for different pieces of the story, and the main narrator was great. 2mo
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. 2mo
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sarahbarnes @suet624 It‘s a really popular audiobook at my library too. 2mo
BkClubCare Might have to reread with my 👂 ears ! 🎧 2mo
Chelsea.Poole I adore this book 🤍 2mo
Cathythoughts Great storytelling 👍🏻 2mo
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! 2mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I‘m very optimistic! 2mo
Suet624 Yippee!!! 2mo
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 ❤️❤️❤️ 2mo
Suet624 Perfect review and I agree with all of it. 😊 2mo
sarahbarnes @squirrelbrain @Suet624 ❤️❤️❤️ 2mo
BarbaraBB Great review. I loves it too, especially the way it is written and how Isabelle has been portrayed 2mo
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. 2mo
42 likes1 stack add5 comments
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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. 2mo
40 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
Suet624 Well jeepers. Now I have to find it. 5d
35 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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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! 3mo
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. 😂 3mo
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! 3mo
Cathythoughts This looks good ! I loved Fingersmith too. ❤️ (edited) 3mo
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! 3mo
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) 3mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I‘ve yet to be disappointed by one of her books! 3mo
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sarahbarnes @vivastory that is amazing. 😆 And that is great to hear - I‘ve had my eye on that one! 3mo
Suet624 I have to find this! Sounds great. 3mo
sarahbarnes @Suet624 it truly is! 3mo
40 likes2 stack adds6 comments
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sarahbarnes
Brief Lives | Anita Brookner
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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! 3mo
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Reggie I have not managed to make my way through a Brookner. Maybe I just picked the wrong one. 3mo
sarahbarnes @Centique I can‘t wait to get to another one by her! 3mo
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. 😂 3mo
Cathythoughts I remember loving this one. She‘s a beautiful writer. 3mo
40 likes1 stack add7 comments
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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! 4mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I can‘t believe I waited so long to read it! 4mo
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. 4mo
BarbaraBB Mesmerizing is the perfect word to describe how Julia Phillips writes! 4mo
sarahbarnes @squirrelbrain @BarbaraBB so glad you both also liked it! 4mo
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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. 4mo
sarahbarnes @merelybookish I did! And I think you would like it. 😃 4mo
BarbaraBB Ow it sounds as great as I hoped! 4mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I think you would definitely like it! 😃 4mo
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! 4mo
Liz_M Good luck with the flight 🤞 4mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I like the Ravn so far! And very excited for Bear after your review. 4mo
sarahbarnes Thank you @Liz_M! 4mo
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. 4mo
squirrelbrain Looking forward to our discussions next weekend - Littens always add so much to each chosen book. 4mo
Caroline2 Yep agreed. It stopped rather than ended. 🤷‍♀️ 4mo
38 likes3 comments
review
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 😱 4mo
sarahbarnes @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks it was a little unsettling at times for sure. But sometimes I also just felt annoyed. 😒 4mo
BarbaraBB Okay. Thanks for reading that one. I‘ve had my eyes on it but won‘t hurry now! 4mo
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. 4mo
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 👍🏻❤️ 4mo
squirrelbrain Glad you‘re enjoying it! 4mo
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. 4mo
BarbaraBB Glad you‘re loving it! 4mo
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! ❤️ 4mo
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 4mo
BarbaraBB Sounds fab! Happy you had such a good time! And those Lennons, wow 🤩 4mo
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sarahbarnes @merelybookish we really did! And I agree - all in the spirit of support the local book ecosystem. 🩵 4mo
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. 4mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I know! Have you read either of them yet? 4mo
Cuilin Oh you got some good ones. I just recommended “ the Little Stranger”. 4mo
sarahbarnes @Cuilin I just finally read Fingersmith this summer and immediately had to get my hands on another of her books! 4mo
Cathythoughts Great stack 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 4mo
squirrelbrain ❤️❤️❤️ 4mo
BarbaraBB I loved Black Wings and Offshore but haven‘t read the Lennons yet. I think @vivastory recommended 4mo
youneverarrived Some fab books there 😍 4mo
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! 4mo
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. 😊 4mo
BarbaraBB I already thought @merelybookish might have been responsible for adding Black Wings to your haul! 4mo
merelybookish @vivastory @BarbaraBB Black Wings is so good! I thought Sarah would enjoy, especially since it's set in Colorado. 4mo
36 likes16 comments
review
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
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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! 🤪 5mo
BarbaraBB Yes!! This one is so good, a solid 5⭐️ read for me. I also loved 5mo
sarahbarnes @squirrelbrain oh yes! 😂 If only I could read books on my TBR as quickly as I add them! 5mo
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sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I‘m not surprised! 🩵 👯 I definitely want to read The Gift of Rain now. 5mo
BarbaraBB 👯 🤍 to be honest I loved House of Doors the least! 5mo
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
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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!! 💚 5mo
sarahbarnes @merelybookish yes! I really liked Checkout 19 and this one has been on my list. 5mo
Liz_M The Strand! 💖 5mo
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kspenmoll Yay for the Strand- you can stay there all day!!! 5mo
Leftcoastzen Nice ! Love 💕 The Strand 5mo
LeahBergen Brookner! 🙌 5mo
vivastory Great haul 📚📚 Liike the new profile pic! 5mo
BarbaraBB Nice! You are in NYC! Enjoy! 5mo
BarbaraBB Also, interested in Pond! 5mo
sarahbarnes @LeahBergen I know! I always look. 😁 5mo
sarahbarnes @vivastory thanks Scott! 😊 5mo
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! 5mo
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. 5mo
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! 5mo
merelybookish Absolutely! I can't wait!!! 5mo
sarahbarnes @merelybookish 🎉🎉🎉 5mo
BarbaraBB @sarahbarnes @merelybookish You‘re meeting up? How wonderful!! 5mo
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! 5mo
squirrelbrain Ooh, I‘m jealous! Have a fabulous time, and how lovely that you‘re meeting up with @merelybookish ! ❤️ 5mo
sarahbarnes Yes @BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain very excited for the chance to see @merelybookish again! 5mo
BarbaraBB That is such a great story, that you‘ve become friends. I didn‘t know that by can totally see why ❤️😍 5mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB ♥️♥️♥️ 5mo
Centique I loved that Brookner! Hope you have a wonderful catch up together @merelybookish 4mo
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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. 5mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I feel like perhaps I should, too… 5mo
Suet624 I‘ve thought of this book so often that I feel like I should reread it. 4mo
sarahbarnes @Suet624 it was so captivating. 4mo
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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 🤩 5mo
vivastory Hey, Sarah do you by chance listen to the Mookse & Gripse podcast? 5mo
sarahbarnes @vivastory I haven‘t heard of it! What is it? Should I be listening? 5mo
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 5mo
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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. 5mo
sarahbarnes @ruthiella I can‘t wait to read another of her books! Is there another one you really enjoyed? 5mo
Ruthiella @sarahbarnes My second favorite is Affinity. The first one I read was 5mo
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Amor4Libros I‘ve read so many good reviews about this book, need to check it out! 5mo
youneverarrived She‘s a brilliant author 🩵 5mo
sarahbarnes @Amor4Libros I highly recommend it. 😁 5mo
sarahbarnes @youneverarrived I‘m now very excited to read more of her. 5mo
sarahbarnes @Ruthiella very good to know! 5mo
BarbaraBB Great review. I loved this one too! I still have A Little Stranger by her waiting for me. And I loved (edited) 5mo
vivastory I have read only one book by Waters but loved it and plan on reading more! 5mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB very glad to have another of hers that you recommend! 5mo
sarahbarnes @vivastory which one did you enjoy by her? 5mo
vivastory I liked Tipping the Velvet 5mo
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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. 5mo
sarahbarnes @kspenmoll I will be interested to hear what you think of it! 5mo
squirrelbrain Good to know - going to read this soon. 5mo
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youneverarrived I‘m really looking forward to reading it! 5mo
sarahbarnes @squirrelbrain @youneverarrived very much looking forward to your thoughts! 5mo
BarbaraBB Oow exciting! My bff loved it and after your review I am sure I will too! 5mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I hope you like it! I‘m looking forward to hearing what you think. 5mo
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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
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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
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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
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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. 6mo
sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I‘m not surprised to hear we felt similarly. 🩵🩵 6mo
JenP Sounds good! 6mo
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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. 6mo
squirrelbrain Shall we get a collective together and buy it?! 6mo
Ruthiella Hope if can rise from the ashes. It‘s a tough world out there for brick and mortar businesses. 🤞 6mo
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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) 6mo
squirrelbrain You can choose the books @Ruthiella and I‘ll make lots of spreadsheets about them! @BarbaraBB would be great at the PR. ❤️ 6mo
sarahbarnes Omg yes @squirrelbrain @Ruthiella @BarbaraBB this would be the dream! I‘ll bet we could get @merelybookish in on it too. 😁 6mo
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. 😄 6mo
LeahBergen Oh no! I loved this store when I visited it (and the airport version, too)! 6mo
Lesliereadsalot My college self wanted to own a bookstore. I think my much, much older self still does. 6mo
squirrelbrain @Oryx - have you seen this? It‘s only a few weeks since you visited. 😞 6mo
Oryx Oh no, I had such a lovely visit there 🙁 @squirrelbrain 6mo
sarahbarnes @Lesliereadsalot same here! 🩵 6mo
sarahbarnes @LeahBergen I‘ve loved it too! I really hope it can survive. 6mo
sarahbarnes @Amiable 🩵🩵🩵 6mo
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.😉 6mo
sarahbarnes @merelybookish I know. Mona Awad was just there recently. I‘m really counting on something good happening.🤞 6mo
vivastory That's terrible news. Hopefully they find a buyer with good intentions. I always hoped to visit. 5mo
33 likes18 comments
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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.

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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! 6mo
Megabooks I‘m wondering if I‘ll like this. 🤔 excited to discuss it with you! 6mo
Suet624 It just keeps going and going. 😒 …. 6mo
sarahbarnes @Megabooks likewise! I‘ll be interested to hear what you think. 6mo
sarahbarnes @Suet624 I did feel like that at times. I liked the second half better. 6mo
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) 6mo
sarahbarnes @Reggie bats**t! 🤣 6mo
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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
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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
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