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squirrelbrain

squirrelbrain

Joined June 2017

Speed-reader who's trying to slow down...
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squirrelbrain
Untitled | Untitled
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#10beforetheend

Excited to be joining in with this challenge! ALL of these are from the NBA awards longlists. Although some didn‘t make the shortlists I own them now so want to read them anyway…. @Hooked_on_books

My only concern is I‘m going to get distracted by the ToB longlist in the not-too-distant future. 😜 I‘m looking at you as well! @BarbaraBB 😉

Hooked_on_books It‘s so hard when these lists keep bumping into each other! I need more time!! 6d
ChaoticMissAdventures I am also concerned about ToB throwing me off, and Women's prize guesses getting in the mix! Really interested in what you think of For The Sun, it has been on my list. 6d
Suet624 So many books to read! 6d
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BarbaraBB So true Helen, let‘s try to read as many as we can before the ToB longlist is announced 😉. I have Sad Tiger on my shelves to read soon too. 6d
youneverarrived The majority of these I haven‘t heard of 😳 but some intriguing titles! 6d
squirrelbrain I hadn‘t heard of many either @youneverarrived before the National Book Awards longlists came out - you should check the lists out! 5d
57 likes7 comments
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squirrelbrain
The Sitter | Angela O'Keeffe
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Thank you for my surprise gift! @CarolynM 😘

This book sounds SO good - I‘ve been keeping an eye out for it since you read and reviewed it but, you‘re right, it‘s very difficult to find.

I love the coaster too - perfect! 👌

BarbaraBB I have this one stacked too. Probably thanks to @CarolynM as well! 2w
CarolynM 😘 Hope you like it as much as I did. 3d
57 likes2 comments
review
squirrelbrain
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Pickpick

Loved this! I have Vol II on audio, and await the publication of Vol III next month.

I‘m reading Frankenstein at the same time and there are some intriguing parallels; Tara refers to herself as a monster and I‘m just at the part in Frankenstein where the monster is living in an annex and watching the family next door…. Sound familiar?! 🤔

Henry on his one night camping trip, supposed to be two but I have the lurgy so we came home early.

julesG Feel better soon!!! 🫂 2w
Tamra I‘m anxiously waiting 3 & 4 too! Take care. 💙 2w
Ruthiella Wishing you a speedy recovery. 🥴❤️ 2w
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Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Get well soon! 2w
youneverarrived Feel better soon ❤️ 2w
Amiable What a beautiful pup! 😍 2w
Lesliereadsalot Volume 2 is so good! Got volume 3 on order and can‘t wait! Hope you‘re feeling better 🩷 2w
BarbaraBB I have read volumes 3 and 4 already and they keep getting better and more intriguing. Feel better soon ❤️‍🩹 (edited) 2w
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 2w
Hooked_on_books I loved this book (and volume 2) and can‘t wait for volume 3! I would read it anyway, but am delighted it was nominated then shortlisted for translated lit. Hope you‘re feeling better! 1w
squirrelbrain I‘ve just listened to vol 2 @Hooked_on_books (didn‘t take long - one ironing session and one day‘s commute! 😜) and I loved it too. Feeling a bit better now - just a cold, not COVID, fortunately. 1w
69 likes11 comments
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squirrelbrain
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Gifts from Gladstone‘s! (Actually, mainly from @julesG ! 😜)

Jules made us each a cushion cover ❤️ and also gifted me 2 book sleeves! ❤️❤️

Lots of bookmarks (some of which are already in use), a key ring, a pencil etc etc - bookish goodies are my favourite!

julesG You've arranged it all nicely 🥰 3w
BethM Omg those are awesome! 3w
Cathythoughts Gorgeous 🥰 3w
LeahBergen So nice! ❤️ 3w
youneverarrived Lovely 🩷 3w
63 likes5 comments
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squirrelbrain
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Pickpick

It‘s been a busy week since we got back from our #readingretreat at Gladstone‘s so I‘m only just getting round to the final few posts.

These are the books I ‘gained‘ during the trip. The tagged is the book I chose from our Blind Date With A Book swap - thanks Steffi!

The Prophets is from Emma, and I did a book swap with Barbara for The Loft.

The other 3 were purchases I made at West Kirby bookshop on the way there.

Can‘t tag anyone - sorry! 😬

LeeRHarry I love West Kirby bookshop! Hoping to go back next month and see the new shop. 😊 3w
squirrelbrain I never went to the ‘original‘ shop @LeeRHarry but loved the ‘new‘ one and @TrishB says it‘s so much better! 3w
LeeRHarry @squirrelbrain that‘s exciting! 😊 3w
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TrishB @LeeRHarry it‘s more than double the size! The front bit is the fiction section, then there‘s now separate rooms at the back for NF, children‘s books and book merch/stationery. It‘s wonderful 😁 3w
youneverarrived Those Mermaid Collection books are gorgeous. I almost bought Through a Glass the other day but went for Down Among the Women. Look forward to your review when you get to it! 3w
squirrelbrain Yes, I think it may be a new ‘series‘ to collect! @youneverarrived 3w
sarahbarnes I really want to read The Diving Pool! 2w
67 likes7 comments
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squirrelbrain
The Remembered Soldier | Anjet Daanje
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Another 4 books on the National Book Awards longlist. I had no idea the tagged book was such a chunkster until it arrived!

I also have 2 on order from eBay but they‘re not arriving for a few weeks yet.

I‘m reading The Antidote in print - it‘s too early to say what I think yet. I‘m also listening to The Sisters on audio and, goodness me, it‘s long! 😬

AnneCecilie The Sisters is amazing and worth its length 3w
squirrelbrain I‘m quite a long way through it @annececilie and usually I don‘t mind a lot of detail but it‘s just starting to grate on me a little bit. 😬 3w
AnneCecilie @squirrelbrain I love details and have also read several of his previous novels and enjoyed them. 3w
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Hooked_on_books I‘m also listening to The Sisters on audio! I‘m at the 60% mark and so far I‘m a little underwhelmed. I really feel like the first half didn‘t know whether to center the narrator or the sisters and ended up a little disjointed. I don‘t know that I would have made it through in print. And I didn‘t know the tagged was so chunky, either! 😱 3w
squirrelbrain I‘m probably around the same point as you @Hooked_on_books - I‘m struggling with knowing / understanding the timescales as it seems to jump about all over the place. Funnily enough a blurb on the bag of the tagged book says ‘not a moment too long‘ (or wtef)! 😜 3w
BarbaraBB The Dutch one is a chunkster but she‘s such a good writer. You‘ll probably fly through it! 3w
60 likes6 comments
review
squirrelbrain
Culpability | Bruce Holsinger
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Pickpick

Last morning of quiet reading at Gladstone‘s. 😢 we‘re having Sunday lunch then some of us are heading home - some lucky ducks aren‘t leaving until tomorrow.

Loved this book - 17 year old Charlie is in the driver‘s seat of the family‘s driverless minivan when it is involved in a fatal collision.

Weaving human and AI behaviour this is a twisty-turns look at how what we think and say (and what we don‘t say) impacts on all our lives.

squirrelbrain Thank you for sending me this Katie @youneverarrived - I‘m sure you‘ll love it too! 4w
BarbaraBB Ooh that‘s one I want to read too! Great review! And sad we‘ll have to leave in a few hours. Enjoying some sunshine for now! 4w
Chelsea.Poole Agreed—this worked really well for me too. Safe travels home! 4w
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Lesliereadsalot Such an interesting story with twists and turns. So glad you liked it too! And happy you got to spend this weekend at Gladstones. I‘ve been so happy reading all your posts. 4w
Bookwormjillk Safe travels home! I‘ve loved reading all of your posts. 4w
youneverarrived I‘m glad you liked it, and got to read it at Gladstones 😍 3w
91 likes5 stack adds6 comments
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squirrelbrain
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Pickpick

@BarbaraBB gifted me this for my birthday, following Littens‘ recommendations again….and I loved it as much as Barbara did.

We had a nearly-buddyread and then we were trying to discuss what we thought happened next, without spoilering it for everyone else who hasn‘t read it. 😜

I loved the MCs and their complicated relationships and wanted the best for all of them - I just couldn‘t stop reading.

ChaoticMissAdventures Ugg I got this from the library but ran out of time and had to return it. Will have to get back on that list. 4w
LeahBergen After both of your reviews? Stacked! 4w
BarbaraBB Love the photo😍! And the book but you already knew 😂 4w
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BarbaraBB @ChaoticMissAdventures Yes you have to 🤷🏻‍♀️ 4w
squirrelbrain Yes you definitely should, Shawna! @ChaoticMissAdventures 4w
squirrelbrain Yes, we both loved it @LeahBergen and I think you will too! @BarbaraBB (edited) 4w
Lesliereadsalot I knew you‘d love the story and the characters and where the book went! Didn‘t you feel so invested? 4w
sarahbarnes Stacking! 4w
squirrelbrain Yes! Completely invested! @Lesliereadsalot 4w
Cathythoughts Already stacked! Looking forward to it x 4w
78 likes7 stack adds11 comments
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squirrelbrain
Palaver | Bryan Washington
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Pickpick

The latest by Washington (out 1st Jan in the UK) is another look at troubled familial relationships.

‘The son‘, a Black gay man has escaped to Tokyo to get away from his homophobic, troubled older brother and ‘the mother‘ who seems to favour the older brother.

When the mother turns up on the son‘s doorstep, they have to work out how to reconcile.

I loved the Tokyo setting - a character in itself. Referring to the son and mother in that ⬇️

squirrelbrain …way through the novel leant a distance to their characters. You may also be frustrated by the lack of speech marks around dialogue, if that annoys you! 😜 4w
squirrelbrain 📸 The beach near West Kirby bookshop on our way to Gladstone‘s. 4w
BarbaraBB A must read, definitely! 4w
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JamieArc Interesting. It sounds pretty similar to an earlier novel of his. Did you read that one as well? 4w
lauraisntwilder I can't wait for my copy to arrive! 4w
Hooked_on_books I started this last night! I‘m only about 20 pages in, but it definitely has me in its grip. And I‘m so envious about Gladstones! 4w
squirrelbrain It‘s similar only that it explores mother / son relationships @JamieArc - the Tokyo setting felt like the main focus of the book to me which made it feel quite different to Memorial. 4w
JamieArc @squirrelbrain Thanks. I was wondering. When I started reading your description I wondered if it was the same book but different title until I looked up the full description. 4w
squirrelbrain I thought the same when I started to hear the ‘chatter‘ about it. @JamieArc For me, this one is the better book. 4w
JamieArc @squirrelbrain I liked but not loved Memorial, but that was in the beginning of his writing career. I‘ll check this one out! 4w
70 likes3 stack adds10 comments
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squirrelbrain
Mother Mary Comes to Me | Arundhati Roy
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Pickpick

This was less tough than I imagined it to be - possibly because the author is very matter-of-fact about her mother‘s behaviour and how it affected her.

There‘s also less about ‘Mrs Roy‘, as Arundhati calls her, than I expected. There‘s more in the first half, during the author‘s childhood, clearly, but the author also talks about her political work, writing her fiction books and non-fiction essays and winning the Booker. All fascinating stuff!

youneverarrived Just saw this one in Booktime magazine and thought it sounded good. Stacking! 4w
squirrelbrain Yes, I think you‘d really appreciate it Katie. @youneverarrived 4w
AnneCecilie I‘m so glad you liked it. I just bought it today and maybe I will even manage to read it before the auth event 4w
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squirrelbrain Yes, I think it would be great to have read at least some of it before you see the author. @AnneCecilie 4w
ferskner Such a great title, too. 4w
squirrelbrain I keep singing in my head every time I see the book though! @ferskner 4w
ferskner @squirrelbrain 🤣🤣🤣 4w
67 likes1 stack add7 comments
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squirrelbrain
A Language of Limbs | Dylin Hardcastle
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Pickpick

Like many others, I loved this, so thank you to the many Littens who have talked about this book over the past few months.

It follow the lives of 2 queer teenage girls in 70s / 80s Australia - one who is outed and joins a queer community and one who hides her sexuality and marries a man.

It did feel slightly patchy in places - I felt I knew ‘limb one‘ better but wanted to learn more about the queer community around her. I also felt the ⬇️

squirrelbrain storyline around ‘limb two‘ and her FiL needed more depth. Perhaps too many (interesting) characters overall that it felt to be skimming over some potentially really interesting details. 4w
BarbaraBB Great review. I wanted a bit more from it too. 4w
Lesliereadsalot As you know I loved it. So glad you liked it and hope you‘re having a blast at Gladstones! 4w
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CarolynM Great review. I liked it a lot but I had the same reservation about the 2 limbs. 4w
LeeRHarry Makes me happy that you enjoyed it - fab review! 😊 4w
squirrelbrain @Lesliereadsalot @CarolynM @LeeRHarry - I love it when a potentially ‘under-the-radar‘ book gets picked up and loved by someone on Litsy, then we all read and love it too! 4w
Lesliereadsalot Yes me too! 4w
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squirrelbrain
A Guardian and a Thief | Megha Majumdar
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Pickpick

A difficult to book to read. Set in a very near future Kolkata where the heat and floods have led to poverty, many residents are emigrating to the US on climate visas.

Ma is one of those and, along with her father and 2 year old daughter she has just obtained their passports to join her husband in the US, when her bag is stolen.

Life gets worse and worse as they mount a desperate search for the thief - a very dark book but also unputdownable.

BarbaraBB That sounds so good too 4w
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squirrelbrain
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A beautiful early morning walk here at Gladstone‘s Library.

The latest Richard Osman book is another fabulous addition to the Thursday Murder Club series - perhaps not *quite* as good as book number 4 but that one was SO good.

BarbaraBB Fab photo 😍 4w
DieAReader Beautiful pic♥️♥️ 4w
julesG You gobbled that one up already??? 4w
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Bookwormjillk So pretty! You almost expect Jane Fairfax to come running up the lane or something. 4w
Lesliereadsalot Hope you‘re having the best time! 🩷 4w
Cathythoughts Beautiful ✨ 4w
Tamra Gorgeous! 4w
Kerrbearlib Beautiful 4w
LeahBergen How lovely! And I‘m sending my envious vibes to you all from here in Canada 😆 4w
squirrelbrain @DieAReader @Bookwormjillk @Cathythoughts @Tamra @Kerrbearlib - it‘s so pretty. And quiet - just a few people and their doggies. 4w
squirrelbrain We‘re having a wonderful time! @Lesliereadsalot 4w
squirrelbrain Wish you were here! @LeahBergen You‘d love it, I‘m sure! 4w
Centique That is a gorgeous view! 4w
Caroline2 Wow! Absolutely gorgeous! ❤️ 4w
youneverarrived 😍😍 4w
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squirrelbrain
Gladstone's Library: A Short History | St. Deiniol's Library
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Too many books for 4 days of reading?!

I bought 2 on the way here at the fabulous West Kirby bookshop, and @MicheleinPhilly doorstepped Waterstones in Liverpool to get the new Osman for me. Ive already read more than half of it though, so maybe not too many books for 4 days!

And can you spy the wonderful Gladstone‘s wallpaper?!

Looking forward to a lot more reading at our retreat this weekend!

Deblovestoread Great stack! Have the best time ❤️ 4w
sarahbarnes Great stack! I‘m excited for Roy‘s memoir. Have fun! 4w
Jas16 So many books I loved in the stack! Have a wonderful time 4w
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BittersweetBooks Never too many books 😜 4w
AnneCecilie Looking forward to hopefully read your thoughts on Roy‘s memoir. I‘m going to an event with her in October talking about. I‘m on the waitlist at the library for the Osman 4w
BarbaraBB I recently read Shark Heart and liked it a lot more than I thought I would 4w
squirrelbrain @AnneCecilie @sarahbarnes - from what I have seen, Roy‘s memoir will be a harrowing read. 4w
squirrelbrain A fair few chosen on your recommendations @Jas16 😊 4w
squirrelbrain Thank you @Deblovestoread - we‘ll all be spamming Litsy with photos this weekend. 😜 4w
Amiable What fun! 4w
Lesliereadsalot Have a great time! Love the wallpaper! 4w
LeahBergen Never too many! 👏👏 4w
CarolynM Enjoy your weekend 💕 4w
Cathythoughts Have a lovely weekend Helen x 4w
Chelsea.Poole Great stack, lovely wallpaper. Happy reading to all at Gladstone‘s! (edited) 4w
Centique Im so interested in the Arundhati Roy! Library here is still waiting to receive it so I guess its not publ here yet. Enjoy your weekend! 4w
squirrelbrain @Centique - I‘m about 2/3 of the way through and it‘s fascinating - I think you‘ll feel the same way. 4w
youneverarrived ❤️❤️ 4w
72 likes19 comments
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squirrelbrain
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Library book haul.

The Antidote is from the NBA longlist.

I‘m not sure Katabasis will be for me, so didn‘t want to buy it. I snaffled an audio copy on BorrowBox but I can‘t hear it properly when driving. (Certain voices / pitches / timbres / whatever just don‘t work for me over the road noise, no matter how loud the volume) I was lucky to not have to wait long for the physical copy.

The other two were on the ‘new in‘ shelf.

kspenmoll I got a haul from the library today too. Libraries are the best! 📚 1mo
Christine A great haul! I really enjoyed Ruth. 1mo
squirrelbrain Oh, that‘s good to hear! @christine 1mo
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Caroline2 I know what you mean with the Katabasis audio. I‘m struggling listening to it too. (edited) 1mo
squirrelbrain I‘m glad it wasn‘t just me! @caroline2 I‘m not my usual type of book, even though I‘m keen to read it, so I don‘t want to have to work even harder! 1mo
JillR I‘m really unsure whether to read Katabasis, and I‘ve felt the same about Babel too. Library may be the answer. 4w
66 likes6 comments
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squirrelbrain
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Pickpick

A terrible indictment of the fostering system in the US. A disproportionate number of children who have been through the system end up in jail or homeless.

The author follows 6 former foster kids, of varying ages and backgrounds, as well as looking at work done to improve the system, showing a glimmer of hope in the darkness.

If you appreciated Invisible Child, tagged below, then you‘ll feel the same about this book.

Leftcoastzen State of AZ department of Child Safety averaged 20 deaths a year ! How is this possible? 1mo
squirrelbrain There‘s a lot in this book where you think ‘How? Why?‘. @Leftcoastzen 1mo
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Hooked_on_books This book is so well done and I really hope a lot of policymakers and judges read it to see what we‘re doing so very wrong. My one quibble is that I noticed the males she profiled largely had better outcomes than the females. I wonder if that‘s indicative of the greater situation or a male bias; I was disappointed that she didn‘t explore that (which makes me think it‘s a bias she didn‘t recognize). 1mo
squirrelbrain Yes, that‘s really interesting @Hooked_on_books - in my mind it‘s down to the way that females have more that can ‘go wrong‘ in their lives, being subjugated into sex work, for example. Of course, that can apply to males too, but it‘s not as prevalent. And, of course, females bear the brunt of childcare or of getting their children taken off them. It would have been good for the author to explore more, though. 1mo
Roary47 I was a foster parent of three about 5 years ago. I fought hard for the kids in my care to have counseling and they nit picked everything I did. Like these kids need help and resources… provide them. Never again. I‘ll have to support fosters from afar. Being that close to the system was disheartening. 😔 1mo
squirrelbrain Gosh, that must have been tough @Roary47 - and sad that the system list someone like you due to *their* failings. 1mo
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squirrelbrain
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Both of the author‘s sons died by suicide, as teenagers, 6 years apart. The author talks about how to keep on living afterwards. You would imagine this book to be terribly emotional, but it‘s not. It‘s also not cold-hearted.

It‘s very difficult to find the words to describe this book - it‘s poetic, beautiful, clear-eyed and somehow hopeful.

Hooked_on_books It‘s such a remarkable book. I can‘t even imagine that experience. I‘m glad she wrote about it—I have no doubt there are parents who really need a book like this. 1mo
BarbaraBB That sounds so sad. How can it be not emotional? You‘ve made me curious! 1mo
squirrelbrain It‘s isn‘t unemotional @BarbaraBB - it‘s very difficult to explain but she‘s quite factual and straightforward, without being cold. Of course, I don‘t have children so it may be a much more difficult read for those that do. 1mo
kspenmoll On my radar… 1mo
BarbaraBB It just sounds so sad, going twice through someone you love committing suicide! I‘ll look out for it! 1mo
59 likes1 stack add5 comments
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squirrelbrain
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Love this! 12 year old Kaitlin spent the 6 weeks of her school summer holiday visiting all 42 libraries in North Yorkshire (my county). North Yorkshire is the biggest county in the UK so she travelled over 900 miles to do this.

Also, Kaitlin has already read 156 (library) books this year - a Litten-in-training! ❤️

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0r45z7k75o

Cuilin It gets a little dark here, so I really appreciate the feel good story!! 🫶 Well done Kaitlin!!! 1mo
TheBookHippie Oh this is just lovely!!! 1mo
Rome753 Very cool 1mo
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LeeRHarry How fab! 1mo
lil1inblue 😍 😍 😍 😍 😍 What a heartwarming story! 1mo
Suet624 Delightful 1mo
dabbe 😍🤩😍 1mo
julesG What a great holiday project! 👏 1mo
LeahBergen How cool! 1mo
youneverarrived That‘s amazing 💕 1mo
68 likes10 comments
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squirrelbrain
The Wilderness | Angela Flournoy
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Checking out options for reading books from the NBA longlists - this is my only option currently for The Wilderness! How much?! And, seeing as I haven‘t had a CD player for over 10 years, I don‘t think so! 🤣

I‘ve purchased two physical books from the Translated Literature list and used two gift credits on Libro.fm for two NF books (thank you, Holly! 😘) I may also get Sad Tiger on Libro.fm but think I‘d rather have that in print.

ravenlee 😲 1mo
BarbaraBB A cd?! I can buy two in the Netherlands all others haven‘t been published yet! 1mo
julesG Maybe you can get the ebook once it's been published. I'd offer to order the book for you, but my luck with pre-orders is abominable this year. 1mo
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ChaoticMissAdventures I am so tired I read this as the American National Basketball Association and was so confused why you were tracking down sport ball books! I am surprised to see Flashlight on the list, it is getting such mixed reader reviews. 1mo
squirrelbrain If you want me to get you anything @BarbaraBB, just let me know. (Although there‘s not many more published in the UK. 🤷‍♀️) 1mo
squirrelbrain I‘m hoping there‘ll be more options in the next few days @julesG , once the book is published here. 1mo
squirrelbrain LOL! @ChaoticMissAdventures - I really liked Flashlight, but can see why it gets mixed reviews. 1mo
Hooked_on_books Holy cow! Yeah, I would never pay that much. Though I think I can play CDs on my computer. We‘re lucky to have Blackwell‘s as an option for UK books. I‘m sad there‘s no reciprocal going the other way but somehow unsurprised. The US is the only place that matters to many people here, which I find sad and stupid. 1mo
BarbaraBB Thanks Helen, I‘ll wait a bit for your reviews! 1mo
Suet624 @ChaoticMissAdventures Susan Choi really inspires a so-so reaction from me but I'm going to check it out. 1mo
ChaoticMissAdventures @Suet624 I have yet to read her, but I put this one on hold from the library. The wait is long though. 1mo
46 likes11 comments
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squirrelbrain
Saying Thank You | Monisha Vasa
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Just arrived back from our camping trip to two more lovely gifts!

Thank you very much @robinb for No Two Persons - I haven‘t read it before! I‘ve read and really enjoyed The Scent Keeper so I‘m really looking forward to it.

And Culpability is from a secret squirrel Litten! 🤔 I‘ve seen so many great reviews for this on Litsy recently *and* it‘s a Europa Editions book - yay!

BarbaraBB Culpability seems great. Really want to read it too! 1mo
youneverarrived That would be me 🙋‍♀️ it sounds fab, I hope you like it. And hope you had a lovely time camping. 1mo
squirrelbrain I thought it might be you, Katie @youneverarrived ! 😜 Thank you so much! 😊 1mo
robinb Yay! I‘m glad it arrived safely. I really enjoyed that one and hope you do too. 😘 1mo
squirrelbrain I‘m sure I will! @robinb 1mo
62 likes5 comments
review
squirrelbrain
Edenglassie | Melissa Lucashenko
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Pickpick

Written by a Goorie (Aboriginal) author this covers two timeframes.

In 1854 Mulanyin tries to build a life and a marriage against the backdrop of colonial violence. I found this part of the book fascinating, learning about how the different tribes lived and worked together, and how they were treated by the incomers.

The more modern story was of less interest to me, perhaps because the historical fiction was SO good it drew me away from it.

squirrelbrain 📸 The view from our campsite in the Lake District, early one morning, before the moon set. 1mo
AmyG Beautiful view. 1mo
Suet624 Gorgeous! 1mo
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BarbaraBB That‘s gorgeous 😍 1mo
LeeRHarry I can‘t believe you got to this before me! Actually I can! 🤣I have a copy gifted to me by the lovely @CarolynM Glad you enjoyed. 😊 Lake District 💕 (edited) 1mo
CarolynM Glad you liked it. The historical story was so evocative and instructive. In many ways the modern story was a reflection of the historical, exploring the different attitudes on how to deal with us in comers. Melissa Lucashenko has a generous heart as well as being a great writer. Her previous book was just wonderful 1mo
CarolynM @LeeRHarry You‘ll get to it one day 😘 1mo
LeeRHarry @CarolynM I loved the tagged too. 😊 1mo
squirrelbrain I didn‘t dislike the current storyline @CarolynM - it just didn‘t have the same impact for me personally. And I did think Winona was very abrasive, but perhaps that was deliberate on the author‘s part? 1mo
squirrelbrain I‘ve heard really good things about Too Much Lip - I shall add it to my list! @carolynm @LeeRHarry 1mo
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squirrelbrain
The Two Roberts | Damian Barr
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Loved this! It‘s a fictionalised tale of two real-life Scottish painters, Robert Colquhoun and Bobby MacBryde who meet at Glasgow School of Art in 1933.

Taking us from poverty to their college years, then the war years, then fame and famous friends, it‘s a tale of passion, debauchery, forbidden love and devastation- I couldn‘t put it down.

LeeRHarry Sounds fab! 😊 1mo
CarolynM Sounds right up my street! Stacked! Makes me sad for the loss of the beautiful Glasgow School of Art too😢 1mo
squirrelbrain @leerharry @carolynm Yes, I think you‘d both enjoy it. 1mo
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Caroline2 I think this is on 99p kindle deal at the moment 1mo
squirrelbrain Really?! @Caroline2 -it only came out a week ago! 😮 1mo
JillR This one‘s on my list too 1mo
squirrelbrain Right up your street, I think! @JillR 1mo
Caroline2 Oh yeah…. 🤦‍♀️ I must have dreamt up that 99p deal. 😂 1mo
Cathythoughts Great review and stacked. 1mo
65 likes5 stack adds10 comments
review
squirrelbrain
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Pickpick

Catching up with reviews of books I‘ve read whilst we‘re on our hols.

Only 3 books though, despite the rain, as hubby bought me some crossword books for my birthday so they‘ve been distracting me!

I spotted this in a charity shop just after I‘d read Margo‘s Got Money Troubles and only just got round to reading it. I liked it a little more than Margo, I think - it felt a little more expansive and I liked the girls more than those in Margo.

Suet624 This might be the only one of hers I haven‘t read. I‘m glad to see you liked it. 1mo
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 1mo
BarbaraBB I‘ve read another one by her and that one as well as Margo are books I forgot all about soon after finishing them, even though I liked both. 1mo
71 likes3 stack adds3 comments
blurb
squirrelbrain
Untitled | Untitled
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Birthday book haul! Top and bottom books are from a non-Litsy friend, and puzzle books are from hubby, for the campervan when it‘s raining outside. ☔️

Thank you to all my lovely Litten friends - @jhod @Caroline2 @quietlycuriouskate @Oryx @Cathythoughts and to @TrishB @julesG @MicheleinPhilly for the vouchers and @Hooked_on_books for the Libro.fm credits.

You‘re all wonderful! ❤️❤️❤️

julesG ❤️❤️ 2mo
mcctrish Happy Birthday! Looks like a wonderful haul 2mo
Cathythoughts Lovely Helen. I loved The Weekend. Happy Birthday to you xxx 🎂 😘 2mo
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Ruthiella Happy Birthday! 🥳🥳🥳 2mo
quietlycuriouskate You are very welcome! These should keep you going for...how long? About a fortnight? 😉 2mo
squirrelbrain Maybe 3 weeks?! @quietlycuriouskate 😜 I‘ve been wanting to read Shark Heart for aaages and nearly bought it so many times so thank you! 2mo
squirrelbrain @Cathythoughts I‘m sure I will love The Weekend too, if you did. Thank you so much for Shy - I‘m intrigued that you said they‘re making a film about it. 2mo
Chelsea.Poole Great stack! Happy birthday! 2mo
Hooked_on_books Nice haul! Happiest of Birthdays! 🥳 2mo
Bookwormjillk Happy birthday 🎂 2mo
Deblovestoread Happy birthday! 🎂🎈🎉 2mo
TrishB Fabulous gifts! Have fun reading ❤️ 2mo
AmyG Wonderful. I loved Shark Heart. Enjoy your gifts! 2mo
squirrelbrain Thank you! 😘 @Deblovestoread 2mo
squirrelbrain Thank you! I‘m a very lucky girl to get so many fab books! @Chelsea.Poole @Hooked_on_books @TrishB @AmyG 2mo
squirrelbrain Thank you! 😘 @Bookwormjillk 2mo
BarbaraBB Such a wonderful haul! Great friends. And I too love to puzzle when on vacation 🙂. Have fun! 2mo
Lesliereadsalot Ooh…Shark Heart!! And happiest birthday 🎉🎁🥳 (edited) 2mo
TheLudicReader Happy birthday. 2mo
squirrelbrain Thank you @BarbaraBB - I might be doing lots of crosswords…. We arrived 2 hours ago and the weather is terrible! 🌧️💨 😬 2mo
Velvetfur Happy belated birthday! I hope you had a fantastically nutty time, in keeping with your username 😁 ❤️ 2mo
BarbaraBB That‘s a pity. We do have an extremely sunny weekend (28°C) but from tomorrow temperatures go down. I hope for you it will be dry at least 1mo
squirrelbrain Thank you @Velvetfur - I had a fabulous day! 1mo
squirrelbrain @BarbaraBB - my FiL is in The Hague and I thought he was joking when he told us how warm it was! 🤷‍♀️ 1mo
youneverarrived Happy belated Birthday Helen ❤️ that‘s a fab stack! I‘ll be sending something out to you 😘 1mo
squirrelbrain Aw, thank you! Katie @youneverarrived 😘 1mo
81 likes27 comments
review
squirrelbrain
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Pickpick

Peter is a workaholic asylum lawyer in NYC, hooking up with men on occasion but with no close relationships, including with his mother. She is a former church minister who runs a women‘s retreat.

The retreat parts of the book offer a quiet contemplative space, that contrasts with the violence and rending of both Peter‘s work and his past, as we slowly uncover what has led him to now and to the estrangement from his mother. Loved it!

BarbaraBB Good to know. I just bought this one too 2mo
Lesliereadsalot I love this author! His first book Imagine Me Gone is one of my all time favorites. 2mo
Cathythoughts Stacked 👍🏻❤️ 2mo
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squirrelbrain I shall have to try that one too! @Lesliereadsalot 2mo
TheKidUpstairs Can you email me your address? I've got something I want to send you, and it was going to be a fun surprise but now I can't find where I had your address 🤦‍♀️ megansbrady @ gmail.com 2mo
squirrelbrain Oooh exciting! @TheKidUpstairs I‘ll email you now. 😘 2mo
quietlycuriouskate @squirrelbrain Hi, Helen. Just to let you know, there should be an Amazon parcel from me arriving tomorrow. 2mo
squirrelbrain Aw,thank you Kate! 😘 @quietlycuriouskate 2mo
squirrelbrain @quietlycuriouskate - your parcel arrived, thank you! I‘m saving it until tomorrow…. 2mo
61 likes5 stack adds9 comments
blurb
squirrelbrain
Endling | Maria Reva
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It‘s definitely a book-related post, even though it may not look like it!

A rare ‘lefty‘ snail is one of the main characters in the tagged book, longlisted for the #bookerprize. 😝

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/27/campaign-find-love-left-spiralling...

CBee I hope Ned finds love! 🐌 2mo
Cathythoughts 🥰 2mo
charl08 Aw. Poor Ned. 2mo
See All 11 Comments
Jas16 We‘re rooting for you Ned! 2mo
BarbaraBB I have no clue what you‘re talking about but I guess I‘ll find out! 2mo
Suet624 No way!!!! 2mo
Suet624 @BarbaraBB it‘s a major character in the book Endling. 2mo
CarolynM Any in your garden @Centique ? 2mo
squirrelbrain You‘ll see when you read the book! @BarbaraBB 2mo
Centique @CarolynM ill have to look! 2mo
Dralex090 L I have never seen app like this . As a book lover I am excited to be in this app.I am new here. Nice to meet you dear 2mo
71 likes11 comments
blurb
squirrelbrain
The Booker Prize | Booker Prize
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Aaand…. I‘ve finished the #bookerlonglist!

Above is my list, in approximate order. I‘m disappointed that, while I enjoyed a lot of these, none will make my best of the year as I‘d always hope to find 1 or 2 absolute gems on a prize list.

The first 4 were all at the same level, but I just don‘t think the Markovits is a Booker book. Oddly, I‘d substitute in Misinterpretation, despite it being lower down the list than others. ⬇️

squirrelbrain I admire it a lot more than The South, The Land In Winter and One Boat. I enjoyed all 3 of those but they were all rather ‘plain‘, not daring or different, whereas Misinterpretation certainly was, even if I felt the author didn‘t nail the ending. 2mo
AmyG Wow! Congrats! 2mo
BarbaraBB Congrats on finishing so fast! However, it doesn‘t sound like the best experience. I‘ve read only a few and so far, agree with you. Nothing stand out yet but I have a lot more reading to do! 2mo
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Susanita 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 2mo
Jas16 Woah! Well done. I am still slowly making my way through but given how lackluster everyone seems to be finding the majority of the list I wish I had waited for the short list. (edited) 2mo
ChaoticMissAdventures Wow great job! Sorry it is a bit of a disappointment year. I still haven't cracked any open but I am interested in a couple of them. Seascraper for sure. 2mo
charl08 Really interesting to hear. I think I'll probably only get to five or six before the shortlist is announced (depending on the library books that turn up). 2mo
Chelsea.Poole Nicely done! I am looking forward to Seascraper, for sure! My next up will be Flashlight and Endling, so I'm happy to see they're on the top of your list. 2mo
Tamra I haven‘t felt compelled to read any of them. 😒 Thank you for sharing your thoughts - it helps me decide whether I should read any of them. (edited) 2mo
Amiable Nice work! 2mo
ImperfectCJ I am impressed! I have three of them arriving in the mail today and several I'm nearing on the library holds list, so hopefully I'll have a few more finished soon (only two done so far). 2mo
Ruthiella Amazing! 👏👏👏 Glad to see Endlings and Flashlight fairly high. Those are the two that interest me the most. 2mo
Leniverse Well done! I have holds on almost everything, but I can't say that I'm feeling too impatient to get to most of them. I just started The South, and I think it might be one of those books that there's nothing wrong with but it just doesn't grab my interest. You know? I'll give it a bit longer though. 2mo
Graywacke Congrats on finishing. I‘m having a good Booker experience, but then i‘m also in deep love with Audition. I‘m on book 8 right now 2mo
Lesliereadsalot Way to go! Sorry this group wasn‘t better! 2mo
JamieArc I‘m impressed! I‘m not as eager to read them this year but I‘m following posts and will be reading a few soon. 2mo
squirrelbrain @ChaoticMissAdventures - Seascraper is one I‘d recommend for sure! 2mo
squirrelbrain I hope you enjoy those that you read! @charl08 @ImperfectCJ 2mo
squirrelbrain @Chelsea.Poole @ruthiella - those two are definitely worth the read - I look forward to hearing your thoughts. 2mo
squirrelbrain @Graywacke - it‘s not that I had a bad experience, just not a stellar one! But you‘ve liked the books that I didn‘t, so hopefully your experience will continue to be great! 2mo
TheKidUpstairs Congrats on finishing the list! I've rather enjoyed my Booker reading this year, but have been pretty selective with what I'm reading from the list. I seem to be the only one who loved The South, it really struck a chord with me. I would also put Flashlight and Endling on my short list, both multi layered and impressive reads. I'm not going to be a completist this year, but I've got a hold on the Desai and I've got Seascraper pre-ordered. 2mo
squirrelbrain @TheKidUpstairs - I think you‘ll really enjoy the Desai and Seascraper. I think I‘d probably have loved South if I‘d have read it in print. 🤷‍♀️ 2mo
JenP Congrats on finishing the list! My order so far is pretty different from yours but nice to see all your reviews 2mo
squirrelbrain I can see that your order so far is quite different @JenP but that‘s the beauty of the Booker - it‘s never easy or predictable! 2mo
75 likes25 comments
review
squirrelbrain
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Pickpick

A very long, epic story, but one that kept me engrossed throughout. Sonia and Sunny have both left India for the US, and are both lonely in their different ways.

This detailed, immersive book follows their lives and those of their meddling families as they‘re all drawn together and apart over the years.

There was a small amount of magical realism, which I didn‘t like and a bit too much introspection on occasion, but overall a fabulous read.

Deblovestoread I am first in line on library hold when they receive their copy. Your review makes me so glad I am! 😍 2mo
squirrelbrain It takes a lot of commitment @Deblovestoread but it‘s worth it - I kept being drawn back to it. Also, I usually read a few books at once but this one just took over, in a good way! 2mo
Cathythoughts Great review! Stacked ♥️ 2mo
70 likes6 stack adds3 comments
blurb
squirrelbrain
A Language of Limbs | Dylin Hardcastle
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Thank you Barbara for my lovely gifts!

As you know, the tagged book has been on my radar for some time after all the Aussie Littens read it and raved about it!

And Slanting Towards The Sea is a fairly new addition to my wish list, having seen stellar reviews from @Jas16 @Lesliereadsalot .

I‘m looking forward to reading both at the same time/ similar time to you - maybe even a #buddyread at Gladstone‘s?!

Lesliereadsalot Two wonderful books! You will love them! 2mo
youneverarrived These both sound fab! 2mo
Jas16 So excited for you to read them both! 2mo
See All 20 Comments
TrishB Loved the tagged one! 2mo
ChaoticMissAdventures I have been wanting to read Language of Limbs, I hear great things! 2mo
LeeRHarry Can‘t wait for your thoughts on the tagged book! I really hope you love it. 😊 2mo
BarbaraBB Happy I made the right choice but I was fairly sure this time! I‘d love to do a buddyread at Gladstone‘s 😘 2mo
BarbaraBB @Lesliereadsalot I bought them both because of your reviews! Copies for myself too 🤪 2mo
Lesliereadsalot @BarbaraBB I‘m still thinking about Language of Limbs weeks later. My favorite book of the year.. 2mo
BarbaraBB @Lesliereadsalot That‘s quite the recommendation! I‘ll read it next month! 2mo
squirrelbrain Wow, that is some recommendation! @Lesliereadsalot 2mo
squirrelbrain I‘ll try not to read one or both of them before Gladstone‘s then! 😜 @BarbaraBB 2mo
BarbaraBB Fun! Just adding to the anticipation of that weekend! 2mo
Lesliereadsalot @BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain OK you two! What‘s Gladstone‘s because I‘m jealous whatever it is! 2mo
BarbaraBB It‘s a library annex hotel in Wales where some Littens spend a few days each September. Last year I went for the first time. It‘s great. It‘s reading all day in the most gorgeous surroundings and catching up likeminded bookish people. Am I forgetting something Helen? Anyway, you‘re very welcome to join us Leslie 😀 2mo
squirrelbrain No you‘re not forgetting anything @BarbaraBB apart from perhaps cake! You‘d be more than welcome to to join us @Lesliereadsalot - there‘s 11 of us this year, from the UK, Germany, the US and of course B from The Netherlands. It‘s in a month‘s time so maybe a bit short notice this year, but we‘ve already booked our slot for next year! https://www.gladstoneslibrary.org/ (edited) 2mo
Lesliereadsalot @BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain Now I‘m really jealous! It sounds amazing. When are you going this year and next year? Is it Gladfest? 2mo
squirrelbrain @Lesliereadsalot - it‘s Thursday 25th Sept until the Sunday. It‘s not actually Gladfest - we do our own thing. 😊 Next year will be roughly the same weekend. I hope you will think about coming! (edited) 2mo
Lesliereadsalot @squirrelbrain Thanks for all the info on Gladstone‘s! I wish I could come this year, but I‘ll definitely try for next year. 🩷 2mo
60 likes1 stack add20 comments
blurb
squirrelbrain
Untitled | Untitled
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I finished #14books14weeks! 🎉🎉🎉

I substituted 2 books - I replaced Audition with Small Boat, as I‘d read Audition before we even started! 🤦‍♀️ And I had a digital ARC of The Mobius Book that turned out to only have 3 pages 🤷‍♀️, so I replaced that with Gabriele as I joined in the June buddy read for that.

A real mix of books - some that I loved and a few that were not so good!

Thanks @Liz_M for hosting such a fun challenge!

kspenmoll Yay! I have one more week to go. It has been fun-at least 14 more books off my TBR Towers! 2mo
Deblovestoread Well done! 🙌🏼 2mo
LiteraryinPA Major congrats! 2mo
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BarbaraBB Lol you joined against your will 🤪 and are probably the first to finish 😘 2mo
squirrelbrain Although I wonder how many books I added to the tower in that time! 🤣 @kspenmoll 2mo
squirrelbrain You know me @barbarabb - I can‘t #resistthelist! 🤣 2mo
CarolynM Well done 🎉 I'm a third of the way through no.13. Still hoping to get it done! 2mo
squirrelbrain You‘ve got this! 😝 @CarolynM 2mo
Liz_M Amazing! I too love the lists and the extra bit of motivation provided (not that you needed it) 😊 2mo
57 likes9 comments
review
squirrelbrain
Flashlight | Susan Choi
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Pickpick

#bookerlonglist #12

I loved this epic, character driven chunkster. Louisa goes walking on a Japanese beach with her father one night. Sometime later Louisa is found, barely alive. Her father is never found.

We look back at their lives, and those of other peripheral characters, & also at the post-war history of Japan / Korea and China, a period of time I don‘t know much about and found fascinating.

At the top of my list, alongside Seascraper.

TheKidUpstairs Great review! I've got this one lined up next 👍😁 2mo
BarbaraBB Sounds like a book for me too! 2mo
JamieArc I just got Seascraper today! It was out for a little while after the Longlist was announced so I‘m glad to finally get it. 2mo
See All 11 Comments
squirrelbrain I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! @TheKidUpstairs 2mo
squirrelbrain Yes, I think you‘d really like it @BarbaraBB 2mo
squirrelbrain @JamieArc - I‘m sure you‘ll enjoy Seascraper - looking forward to hearing your thoughts. 2mo
Cathythoughts Great review Helen , I like the sound of this one. Stacked. 2mo
squirrelbrain I think you‘ll really like it @cathythoughts (edited) 2mo
Chelsea.Poole I have this one checked out. Happy to hear it‘s a winner for you! 2mo
Hooked_on_books I was originally going to avoid this one, as I HATED her last book. But this sounds completely different and also interesting to me. I have it on hold, so we‘ll see where I land on it! 2mo
squirrelbrain @Hooked_on_books - I haven‘t read any of her authors so can‘t compare. I hope you like it! 🤞 2mo
62 likes3 stack adds11 comments
blurb
squirrelbrain
Untitled | Untitled
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I don‘t play computer games, but this sounds really cute - run your own bookshop recommending books to people!

https://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/aug/11/tiny-bookshop-review

Even better - hubby says he‘ll build me a real one out of a horse-box or an ice-cream van! 😝

Anyone want to join me?! We could have a little fleet of Tiny Bookshops on wheels - visiting the seaside, eating cake and talking about books!

robinb How wonderful that sounds! 💚 2mo
BarbaraJean I love this so much!! 2mo
Lands I might get a used Switch to play it on. 2mo
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Tamra Ideal retirement gig! 2mo
Cathythoughts Sounds great Helen 🥰 2mo
julesG When do we start this tiny empire? 2mo
Lesliereadsalot I‘m in! 2mo
wildwoodreads I‘m in! When do we start? 😂 2mo
squirrelbrain It would be perfect wouldn‘t it?! @robinb @barbarajean @tamra 2mo
68 likes10 comments
review
squirrelbrain
Albion: A Novel | Anna Hope
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Mehso-so

The Brooke family gather together in their country pile to bury their husband / father / unfaithful philanderer. They‘re all nearly as unlikeable as he is, and all out for what they can get.

I just don‘t think this was the right book for me right now - too much anger and angst and, while I often enjoy reading about ‘bad‘ people, this time it just felt too much.

There was also one aspect of the story that wasn‘t covered in enough depth.

BarbaraBB You do have time for other books beside the Bookers? I‘m in awe! 2mo
squirrelbrain I‘m not sure how at the moment with so much time at work, @BarbaraBB but you know how fast I read! 😜 2mo
LeeRHarry I recently DNFed the tagged book - I wasn‘t in the mood to read about a bunch of friends in their 20s and then 30s and all their problems. 2mo
See All 7 Comments
squirrelbrain I remember you saying you were going to read a book by the same author @LeeRHarry - I wish I‘d DNFd this one, particularly as it‘s a library book, but I find it so tough to bail. 🤷‍♀️ 2mo
BarbaraBB Yes. Can‘t wait to watch you and @TrishB race through those pages at Gladstone‘s! 2mo
TrishB @BarbaraBB I‘m so looking forward to some proper reading time! 2mo
TrishB I‘m glad I got this on a 99p. 2mo
65 likes7 comments
review
squirrelbrain
Endling | Maria Reva
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Pickpick

#bookerlonglist #11

I found the first half of the book really compelling and intriguing, with the mix of marriage-bureau and saving the snails. (sounds odd but kind-of works!)

I also liked the meta-fiction elements, where the author inserts her own thoughts on the Ukraine war into the storyline.

Later on, it all started to get a bit dis-jointed and I didn‘t think the author quite nailed the ending.

squirrelbrain It still deserves a place on the shortlist though for its sheer breadth and inventiveness. 2mo
ChaoticMissAdventures So the Endling didn't Ending well? 🤣 2mo
Hooked_on_books This was on my radar before the Booker list came out and its inclusion pushed me over the edge to get it. I‘m looking forward to it! And @ChaoticMissAdventures I was going to make a similar pun! 😂 2mo
See All 14 Comments
TheKidUpstairs Just finished this one today, will post my review soon. Short version: I loved it 😁👍 2mo
TheKidUpstairs I really liked the slightly disjointed ending. It seemed to fit with “The Author“'s inability to make sense of art and war, and her increased need to find a way to save her grandfather, even if only on the page, knowing she would never be able to do it in reality. 2mo
monalyisha Totally thought the pun was going to be that she didn‘t quite “(s)nail” the ending. 🐌😅 2mo
BarbaraBB Curious about this one after reading @TheKidUpstairs review too. 2mo
squirrelbrain @ChaoticMissAdventures @Hooked_on_books @monalyisha LOL - it was a bit *startling* in places too! 🤦‍♀️ 2mo
squirrelbrain Holly - I had the ARC a few weeks before the longlist came out - I just hadn‘t had chance to read it. 2mo
squirrelbrain I think you‘ll love it @BarbaraBB 2mo
squirrelbrain I liked the grandfather part, @TheKidUpstairs - I felt that the introduction of Pasha and his storyline at the end, was either not enough depth or too much distraction. I know that doesn‘t make sense - it just felt a bit ‘tacked on‘ to me. 2mo
monalyisha @squirrelbrain Love it. 🤩😅 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @squirrelbrain yes, I agree that the Pasha as artist part was unnecessary. I think my brain just glossed over that because I loved the rest so much! 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @monalyisha 🤣🤣🤣 2mo
63 likes14 comments
blurb
squirrelbrain
Untitled | Untitled
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Popped into the library after my supermarket shop this morning, to pick up two holds from my Booker predictions spreadsheet (top 2)

I saw the author of the 3rd book speak at the Crimewriting Festival recently, liked the sound of the book, but not enough to want to buy a hardback copy 😬 so I was glad to see it on the ‘new in‘ shelf.

And then there was a book sale….. oops! I‘m doing my bit supporting local libraries, of course!

tpixie Amazing book haul! 2mo
BarbaraBB Good haul! I‘ve been very curious about 2mo
CSeydel Impressed that your library already has People Like Us! It just came out this week! A book club I‘m in picked it for our next meeting and none of my local libraries have it yet 2mo
See All 11 Comments
squirrelbrain Yes, they even had 2 copies @CSeydel ! My reservation had arrived but when I went in, it was on the ‘new‘ shelf so I thought they hadn‘t put my reservation aside, but they had. 🤷‍♀️ 2mo
CSeydel Sweet! 2mo
ChaoticMissAdventures Excited to hear what you think of the Jason Mott, it is on my list! I loved the Viola Davis biography, it is heartbreaking but her resilience is awe inspiring. 2mo
Suet624 I look forward to reading Mott‘s book. 2mo
TrishB A good morning‘s activities! 2mo
squirrelbrain I‘ve been wanting to read the Davis for some time, having seen so many stellar reviews @ChaoticMissAdventures 2mo
JillR My library hasn‘t got anything from the Booker yet - I was quite puzzled and wondering if I‘m searching correctly! I fancy quite a few this year (although as usual I might wait and see what you think haha) 2mo
squirrelbrain @JillR - my library (N Yorks) has a few and a lot of them appeared on BorrowBox in the last week. I‘m halfway through number 12 now and there‘s a few good ones but nothing stellar. Seascraper is my favourite still. 2mo
70 likes11 comments
review
squirrelbrain
The South | Tash Aw
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Pickpick

#bookerlonglist #10

I did really like this but struggled with the audio at the start. Definitely a case of me though, not the book. Listening on my commute and having lots of work-related stress meant I was very distracted and kept losing the thread. Although I don‘t think the constant changing of POV and from first to third person helped.

The ending was very sudden, but to be expected when it‘s the first in a series of four. I will read more.

ChaoticMissAdventures This is one of my most anticipated on the list! Glad to hear you enjoyed it.
2mo
Graywacke Yay! Ten down. I have it in hardcover, so I‘ll avoid audio 2mo
squirrelbrain Yes, I wished I‘d read it in hard copy. @ChaoticMissAdventures @Graywacke 2mo
63 likes3 comments
review
squirrelbrain
Rest of Our Lives | Benjamin Markovits
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Pickpick

#9 from the #bookerlonglist and one that I really enjoyed.

I get the Strout comparisons, from the POV of a monologue that goes off at tangents about random people from the past and present. However, it‘s definitely not the ‘male All Fours‘ - not even remotely. That‘s just a lazy comparison because the protagonist takes off on a road trip without telling anyone, in this case having just dropped his daughter off at college.

BarbaraBB Great review 2mo
TheKidUpstairs Great review! I was put off by the All Fours comparisons, because while I loved that book I have zero interest in reading anything like it from a male POV. So I'm glad to hear that's lazy marketing (I HATE lazy comparisons) rather than actual vibes. 2mo
Graywacke Interesting! It‘s on order. Has shipped… 2mo
See All 6 Comments
squirrelbrain Thanks @BarbaraBB @TheKidUpstairs - yes, definitely lazy marketing, Megan. 🙄 2mo
squirrelbrain Hope you enjoy when it arrives! @Graywacke 2mo
Caroline2 Yay! So glad you enjoyed it. I really liked it too. 👍 and it‘s defo not a male all fours. 2mo
68 likes6 comments
review
squirrelbrain
Flesh: A Novel | David Szalay
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Pickpick

This is #8 from the #bookerlonglist and another one I wasn‘t overly excited to pick up. There‘s a lot of (inappropriate) sex at the start and I really dislike that on audio ?.

As the book continued, though, I grew to like and appreciate the MC, István, even though he remains monosyllabic throughout a life that just seems to happen to him.

Currently, this would make my shortlist, albeit from a longlist where nothing is standing out yet.

Jas16 I am so curious about this one. I don‘t think I will like it but would love to be surprised. 3mo
AnneCecilie I loved his previous book that was on the Longlist a few years ago and have high hopes for this one 3mo
squirrelbrain I thought the same @jas16 but the MC evokes a curious kind of sympathy. (Or at least he did in me) I thought it might be all about toxic masculinity and it felt a bit like that at the start, but it did change as the book went on. 3mo
See All 9 Comments
squirrelbrain @AnneCecilie - I haven‘t read anything else by this author.I may try the previous Booker-nominee. 3mo
BarbaraBB I had high hopes of this one because I loved some of his other books. I will now temper my expectations 3mo
Cathythoughts I was going to steer clear of this one, but now your review is making me curious , I‘ll give a go. I may have to skim over some of the sex though 😅 3mo
squirrelbrain I actually did like it @BarbaraBB - I‘m sure you will too if you like his other books! 3mo
squirrelbrain It‘s easier to skim in print @Cathythoughts - which is why I don‘t like sex scenes on audio…you can‘t skim-listen! 3mo
Caroline2 Hmm I‘m on the fence on this one. I‘m on the waiting list at library. Think it‘s defo a borrow not buy book for me. 2mo
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blurb
squirrelbrain
Untitled | Untitled
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Of course I still needed to borrow more books from the library, even though I‘m reading the #bookerlonglist.

And of course I‘m still waiting for another 6 holds to come in - these are all books that I reserved ‘just in case‘ they made the longlist and that I still want to read anyhow! 🤦‍♀️😜

Jas16 It is good that I did not make any public Booker predictions because none of the ones I put on hold anticipating their inclusion made the list. I am also still going to read them so my library holds are out of control. 3mo
squirrelbrain I made my first ever ‘public‘ prediction @jas16 and it was rubbish! 😜 I‘m sure I‘ll find many more books I will think *should* have been included. 3mo
Jas16 @squirrelbrain complaining about what *should* have been included is half the fun. 3mo
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LeeRHarry Expectation by Anna Hope is my next read! 😊 (edited) 3mo
squirrelbrain Is that an older one than Albion? @LeeRHarry I don‘t *think* I‘ve ready any from this author before. 3mo
LeeRHarry @squirrelbrain it is - it was a recommendation by someone, I don‘t remember who, as is often the case. 😄 3mo
squirrelbrain I hope you enjoy @LeeRHarry - I need to read Albion soon as someone else has it on hold at the library. 🙄 3mo
Caroline2 Oh I have Albion and Boys too. Can‘t wait to hear what you think of them. 👍 3mo
squirrelbrain I‘ll let you know if / when I get to them @Caroline2 - the amount of hours I‘m working, Albion will be due back at the library before I can get to it. 🤷‍♀️ 3mo
Caroline2 Yeah library books do put the time pressure on don‘t they! 3mo
65 likes10 comments
review
squirrelbrain
Misinterpretation | Ledia Xhoga
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Pickpick

#bookerlonglist book 7

Another one that I wasn‘t overly enthusiastic about but I really liked the first part. The narrator is an Albanian translator in NYC who gets too involved with her clients, leading to misunderstandings with her husband, and even danger to herself.

I thought this would likely make my shortlist but then the final third got really confusing, with no loose ends tied up and too many unanswered questions.

A soft pick.

Jas16 I am about a third of way through this now. 3mo
Hooked_on_books I read this several months ago and it hasn‘t stuck at all 🤷🏼‍♀️ 3mo
ChaoticMissAdventures Too bad. This year's list has been rough! 3mo
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blurb
squirrelbrain
The Booker Prize | Booker Prize
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The (UK) Times newspaper has published its thought on the #bookerlonglist, including 2 word summaries at the end of each review. They think the overall theme this year is ‘quietness‘ and their winner is Flesh.

My thoughts on these:

1. Everyone else but me seems to adore Love Forms.

2. I‘m not sure we should trust a reviewer that hasn‘t got an ARC of Sonia & Sunny and therefore hasn‘t read it! 🤣

What do you think of these 2 word synopses?

ChaoticMissAdventures How did the Times person not get an ARC of S&S? Even I have one over here across the pond! 3mo
BarbaraBB It is kind of funny yet one dimensional. I still have no clue which books to read except for the ones you recommended! 3mo
Cathythoughts What !?! I started a sample of Flesh … but I wasn‘t ready or in the mood to continue… Very interesting 🤔 3mo
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TheKidUpstairs Hard to know, because I haven't ready many as of yet. But "probably divisive" is definitely in line with our #CampLitsy25 reviews. And I'm about halfway through The South, it is definitely a quiet book, and so far I agree with "yes please" - I'm loving this one! 3mo
Cathythoughts I‘m drawn to The Land in Winter. 3mo
AnneCecilie I find them interesting. And Audition is probably true, which has me believing the other two words reviews (edited) 3mo
squirrelbrain I have one too! @ChaoticMissAdventures Clearly they are not ahead of the game when it comes to books - I requested mine ages ago! 3mo
squirrelbrain Yes, Flesh is, um, interesting at the start @Cathythoughts - there‘s a LOT of sex! I think you‘ll like The Land in Winter though. 3mo
squirrelbrain Yes, the Audition comment is definitely true, isn‘t it?! @thekidupstairs @annececilie 3mo
squirrelbrain I‘m glad you‘re enjoying The South @thekidupstairs - I have it lined up on audio when I‘ve finished Flesh. 3mo
Chelsea.Poole I actually like these two words—helps me keep them separate in my mind like “oh that‘s the masculine mystery one” lol 3mo
TheKidUpstairs @Cathythoughts @squirrelbrain I don't know what it is about Flesh that just doesn't appeal to me at this point 🙃 I had it out from the library, but with so many others I'd rather read on the pile I brought it back. I may try again if it's shortlisted! 3mo
squirrelbrain Yes, it‘s not a ‘pleasant‘ read / listen @TheKidUpstairs @Cathythoughts - I can see the value in it but can‘t say I‘m enjoying it. 3mo
squirrelbrain That‘s the only one that‘s descriptive though @Chelsea.Poole - the others are opinions,one of which doesn‘t agree with me so they must be wrong! 🤣 3mo
Leniverse I thought the "who knows" comment was really funny. Whether or not they could get a review copy, it's a nice dig at how late in the game it's being published 3mo
CarolynM I‘m intrigued by the response to Universality. I‘m planning to read it very soon because I liked her first book a lot. The rest of them are not really on my radar yet. 3mo
sarahbarnes Like @CarolynM I‘m intrigued by the review of Universality. Just got a copy of that one from the library. I‘m not interested in all the books on the longlist but a few are catching my eye - Misinterpretation, Endling, The Land in Winter, One Boat. And I did really like Audition so happy to see it on the list. 3mo
squirrelbrain @sarahbarnes - you might have seen from my reviews that I liked One Boat and Misinterpretation started well but fizzled out. I read Winter some time ago and liked it. Just started Endling. 😊 3mo
46 likes18 comments
review
squirrelbrain
One Boat | Jonathan Buckley
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Pickpick

#bookerlonglist book 6

I chose this one first from the hard copy Booker books that I have as it has the lowest GR score on the longlist, but I really liked it!

It reminded me very much of Deborah Levy‘s August Blue, not only for the Greek setting, but also for its introspective nature.

It did veer a little bit towards didacticism on occasion, around the subject of philosophy, but they‘re only short passages in an otherwise interesting book.

JamieArc I think I have this one arriving soon. It‘s one I keep seeing popping up with positive reviews. 3mo
BarbaraBB Interesting! I purchased this one too, one of the few. I don‘t think I‘ll read the whole longlist. For now that is 😇 3mo
youneverarrived Loved August Blue - stacking 🤍 3mo
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ChaoticMissAdventures Good to know, I wasn't initially drawn to it, but Fitzcarraldo always does things that will make you think. So I might try it if I can get it from the library.
3mo
TrishB I will use your reviews to decide which to read! 3mo
Graywacke Yay. Fantastic 3mo
AnneCecilie Interesting that you are comparing it to Deborah Levy which makes me want to read it more 3mo
Chelsea.Poole I still need to read August Blue, thanks for the reminder and the review for this one! 3mo
squirrelbrain Yes, I think you‘ll like it @youneverarrived 3mo
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review
squirrelbrain
The Axeman's Carnival | Catherine Chidgey
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Pickpick

I adored this - one of my faves of the year so far. I think it‘s one worth listening to on audio, although I now can‘t get the bird out of my head! Miaow.

Tama, a magpie, is rescued by Marnie and becomes a social media star as he can talk. Marnie‘s husband is the local celebrated ‘axeman‘ but is also an angry man and takes it out on Marnie.

It was quite obvious where the story was going but, OMG, it was still so tense towards the end.

TrishB Sounds good 👍🏻 3mo
BarbaraBB Glad you loved it - as expected ❤️❤️ 3mo
CarolynM A contender for my book of the year too😊 3mo
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blurb
squirrelbrain
One Boat | Jonathan Buckley
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Why, yes, I did just spend considerable time choosing bookmarks to match my weekend reads!

The cream book is an undressed ‘The Homemade God‘.

@Oryx - recognise the lilac bookmark? 😊

Cuilin I approve the time, energy and art that went into this. 🔖 3mo
TheKidUpstairs Well matched! Glad I'm not the only one who does this 🤣 3mo
Aims42 Love matching bookmarks & books!!! 3mo
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AmyG Priorities! 3mo
squirrelbrain Thank you @Cuilin @TheKidUpstairs 😊 - hubby thinks I‘m crazy, but then he uses the SAME BOOKMARK for every book. 🤷‍♀️ 3mo
LeahBergen I love choosing my bookmarks 😆 3mo
TrishB Great stuff 👍🏻 3mo
Oryx Perfect match 3mo
BarbaraBB Time spent with books is always worth it 3mo
Cathythoughts Very nicely done 👌🏻 3mo
Chelsea.Poole Why is it so satisfying having matching bookmarks!? Love your selections. 3mo
youneverarrived Love it! I would do the same 😆 3mo
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review
squirrelbrain
Love Forms | Claire Adam
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Pickpick

Book 5 of the #bookerlonglist

This is only just a pick - it felt clunky and basic to me.

Not sure how much of that was the ARC and it was improved in the final copy. In my version the MC has posters on her wall of A-ha, Bon Jovi and Duran Duran, in 1980. 🤔 I checked the Kindle sample and that had been changed since, but to ‘The posters showed music bands that were popular at the time‘. A bit awkward, no?

Definitely not a Booker book!

squirrelbrain I think it was meant to sound like the MC is chatting to a friend, but that included explaining what a terraced house is and how to pronounce Niall. (Nile) 🤷‍♀️ 3mo
ChaoticMissAdventures Ohh that does sound really awkward, how bizarre they chose this! I know a lot of people were upset Nesting wasn't chosen so I feel like everything has to be better than that read 3mo
Leniverse I wasn't feeling drawn to this one in the first place. Think I might wait and see if it makes the shortlist (I assume not). 3mo
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squirrelbrain Oh, it‘s nowhere near in the same league as Nesting @ChaoticMissAdventures 🤷‍♀️ 3mo
squirrelbrain You can read it on my Kindle at Gladstone‘s if you wish! @Leniverse 3mo
BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain @ChaoticMissAdventures Nesting doesn‘t deserve to be Booker longlisted, nothing special about is. So this book must be extremely below average 😀 3mo
ChaoticMissAdventures @BarbaraBB I was surprised with how many readers I saw mad it did not make it! I thought it was fine but agree with you it isn't Prize special. 3mo
Leniverse @squirrelbrain Thanks. We'll see if I actually wish it 🤣 3mo
LeeRHarry I‘ve ordered this one as the premise sounded interesting to me , oh well we will have to see how I get on with it - not gonna lie, it not being a Booker book has me more interested! 😏 3mo
Graywacke Have you seen the controversy about this one? Bummer. Also bummer because i feel the need to read it anyway. 3mo
BarbaraBB @Graywacke 😀😀 3mo
squirrelbrain @barbarabb @ChaoticMissAdventures -I really liked Nesting but it wasn‘t Booker material and this one definitely isn‘t! 3mo
squirrelbrain @LeeRHarry - I hope you like it more than I did! 3mo
squirrelbrain @graywacke - I hadn‘t seen that until you said. Makes me think I should have given it a so-so rather than a light pick! 3mo
Chelsea.Poole Oh no. Is the controversy the SJP connection to the author? @Graywacke 3mo
ChaoticMissAdventures @Graywacke oh I have not seen anything what is the trouble with this? 3mo
Graywacke @Chelsea.Poole @ChaoticMissAdventures Sarah Jessica Parker is a judge, published Adam‘s 1st and is involved in the movie. The Booker has said conflicts like this are common and they manage them. That is SJP essentially recused herself from this book. But there is still some controversy (edited) 3mo
Chelsea.Poole @Graywacke thanks for filling me in! 3mo
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squirrelbrain
Untitled | Untitled
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Another great day at the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival, including Halle Rubenhold, Paula Hawkins and Kate Mosse who, according to Paula, had been dancing the night away with Val McDermid*, amongst others.

Also on the various panels was an author who is also a police coroner (formerly a CSI investigator), a former Detective Chief Inspector, a forensic anthropologist, and one author who‘d flown all the way from the Falklands.

squirrelbrain * Val also sings in the ‘house‘ band, the Fun Lovin‘ Crime Writers, alongside Mark Billingham, Luca Veste, Chris Brookmyre, Doug Johnstone and Stuart Neville. 3mo
Deblovestoread How fun! 3mo
TrishB Sounds fabulous! 3mo
BarbaraBB Sounds fab Helen 🥰 3mo
charl08 One day I'll get there in person! 3mo
61 likes5 comments
review
squirrelbrain
The Girls Who Grew Big | Leila Mottley
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Pickpick

I really liked the authors debut novel and this one is even better, you can really see how the author has matured.

This one follows a group of teen mothers (The Girls) who live in a dead-end beach town in Florida. They have all of the usual teen angst - friendships, boys, parent issues, mixed in with bringing up their kids in the right way in a town that thinks they‘ve already failed.

I loved all The Girls and rooted for them all the way.

Chelsea.Poole I loved this and those girls too! I need to post my review. (edited) 3mo
squirrelbrain Looking forward to seeing your review! @Chelsea.Poole 3mo
Hooked_on_books It still amazed by how young Motley is. She shows so much emotional intelligence and maturity in this book. 3mo
squirrelbrain It‘s amazing isn‘t it? @Hooked_on_books - really looking forward to what she does next. 3mo
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squirrelbrain
Guide Me Home | Attica Locke
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Today‘s book haul from the Harrogate Crimewriting Festival - ‘only‘ 3 books but two more days to go! 😜

I also evangelised about Litsy and persuaded @CarysTec to join us, so please say hi 👋! Tagging a few people below for you to follow, Carys.

Carys is really into crime fiction (obvs!) and my mind has gone blank 🤦‍♀️ (really, just tagging those who have recently read King of Ashes) so please tag anyone you know who is also a #crimefictionfan.

Susanita Welcome @CarysTec ! 3mo
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TrishB Good haul 👍🏻 hi 👋 @CarysTec 3mo
SamAnne Welcome @carysTec! 3mo
julesG Hello @CarysTec 👋 3mo
Eggbeater Welcome to Litsy, @CarysTec ! 🌻 3mo
Texreader Thanks for the tag!! Welcome @CarysTec ! I‘ve followed you and look forward to your posts! 3mo
AmyG Welcome to Litsy! 3mo
LeahBergen Hello, @CarysTec ! 👋 3mo
BarbaraBB Hi @CarysTec you‘re in the best of company (with Helen I mean!). Welcome to Litsy! 3mo
CarysTec Thanks to @squirrelbrain / Helen for the intro & you all for the welcome 😊Looking forward to delving into Litsy and discovering many more new books 📚 3mo
JessClark78 Welcome to Litsy! @CarysTec 🙂📚 3mo
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blurb
squirrelbrain
Guide Me Home | Attica Locke
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Wow! Attica is just fabulous. A wide-ranging interview at the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival, of course covering her Highway 59 trilogy, but also a lot about US politics.

She lives in LA and spoke about ICE, Trump and, in general, what it feels like to be living in the US today.

Looking forward to the rest of the weekend!

LeeRHarry Enjoy! 3mo
BarbaraBB Sounds super interesting. Enjoy 💖 3mo
sarahbarnes Sounds incredible. 3mo
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review
squirrelbrain
The Book of Guilt | CATHERINE. CHIDGEY
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Pickpick

All the stars! 🤩

Vincent, William and Laurence are triplets growing up in the UK in 1979 in a (slightly) alternate history.

They are the only children left in a home, where the other kids have all gone away to the promised land of Margate. They are cared for by Mother Morning, Mother Afternoon and Mother Night. Their dreams are recorded in the Book of Dreams, their misdeeds in the Book of Guilt.

I shall say no more, other than read it!

LeahBergen Great review! 3mo
BarbaraBB I will!! 3mo
sarahbarnes Another Catherine Chidgey? I‘m in! 3mo
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Lesliereadsalot This sounds great! Already had it on order from my library so I‘m #1 when it arrives. 3mo
squirrelbrain @LeahBergen @BarbaraBB @sarahbarnes @Lesliereadsalot - I‘ve been trying to compare it to Pet and it‘s certainly as good, and possibly slightly better! 3mo
sarahbarnes OMG! Now I really want to read it. 3mo
Cathythoughts Just starting it Helen. I loved Pet. Slightly better you say ! That‘s something x 3mo
squirrelbrain Hope you like it as much as I did! @Cathythoughts 3mo
Centique What a review! Im pushing it higher up my TBR 😍 3mo
Oryx Just bought this, so delighted to see you are a fan. 2w
squirrelbrain @oryx - yes, I loved it. I read this one afterwards by the same author which was even better! 2w
Oryx @squirrelbrain I just saw it on Kindle for 2.99 so I've ordered it. 2w
Oryx I've just started this now, and I am loving it. Instantly hooked. I'm getting strong "never let me go" vibes so I'm intrigued to see where it goes. 2w
squirrelbrain Yes, you‘re right with the vibes @Oryx - and it hooked me immediately too! 2w
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