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TheCuriousHousecat

TheCuriousHousecat

Joined August 2018

I love to read ❤️❤️❤️
review
TheCuriousHousecat
The Electric Hotel | Dominic Smith
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this book but I can‘t get enthusiastic about it nevertheless. Just a good yarn I guess. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a bit.

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TheCuriousHousecat
The World Beneath | Cate Kennedy
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Pickpick

This is the second time I‘ve read this and definitely worth it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

CarolynM I wasn't mad about this one but I loved her short story collection 4y
8 likes1 stack add1 comment
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TheCuriousHousecat
Husband's Secret | Liane Moriarty
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Pickpick

Good to read a decent Moriarty after her latest which was appalling. Enough twists and turns to keep me interested. A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️from me.

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TheCuriousHousecat
Sanctuary | Judy Nunn
Mehso-so

This book could have been edited more thoroughly. Although the story was quite good ( though not realistic) the writing was standard. First Judy Nunn I‘ve read and I‘ll go back for more but listening is likely the best option.

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TheCuriousHousecat
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Mehso-so

So disappointing. I thought I‘d love this book but it was arduous. Yes the mother was a nutter but a lot of religious zealots are. Also didn‘t like the stories running parallel. Were they meant to be like the bible parables? Anyway not for me ⭐️⭐️

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TheCuriousHousecat
Beauty in Thorns | Kate Forsyth
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Pickpick

What better way to learn about history then in the novel format. I really enjoyed this novel probably because of my great interest in art. The crew in this story certainly were an unconventional lot especially for their time. I appreciate the dedication that must have gone into researching this book so I have a better grasp of what possibly was taking part within the characters of the Pre Raphaelite Brotherhood.

9 likes1 stack add
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TheCuriousHousecat
The Heaven I Swallowed | Rachel Hennessy
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Mehso-so

Not a bad story about the stolen generation in Australia. Grace tries desperately to fit in at her local church after her husband abandons her for a Japanese woman after WWII. She instead tells the small congregation that her husband was killed. Taking in a young indigenous girl proves to be difficult. Cruelty and judgement are strong themes in the book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️from me.

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TheCuriousHousecat
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Pickpick

Certainly pertinent in these interesting times of the undoing of feminist ideals. I‘m giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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TheCuriousHousecat
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Pickpick

I‘m not sure about this book. It seemed a bit “try hard” in the beginning. Long winding sentences were uncalled for and too confusing. And then suddenly the spewing of bloated sentences ended and the author settled down into the story. Definitely the funniest part was when Claudia kept blaming everyone and everything for not getting to her studio to create. Admitting that art was probably behind her was too confronting. I‘m giving this ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌜.

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TheCuriousHousecat
From a Distance | Raffaella Barker
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Pickpick

My fave part of this book is the cover. An average read really but giving it a pick because putting it in perspective it‘s written quite nicely and the ice cream creations were divine. But don‘t expect too much. It‘s just a ramble to nowhere but there‘s nothing wrong with that every now and then. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me

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TheCuriousHousecat
Transcription | Kate Atkinson
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Pickpick

There were more twists and turns in this book than a corkscrew. I loved the character of Juliet in 1940. She was so funny with her romantic yearnings. 1950s Juliet was a bit confused as was I the reader. It wasn‘t until the end that it ironed itself out. Three quarters of the way through the book I began to get tired of it. Too many characters and nonsense. I was often referring back in the novel. I‘d give a 4 for the overall vibe but ⭐️⭐️⭐️

rretzler I also felt this book was so-so 5y
TheCuriousHousecat @rretzler I read it for my book group and was looking forward to it. If I hadn‘t got lost about 3/4 of the way through it (found my way again though) I would have given it a pick. Loved the overall tone of it I have to say. 5y
12 likes2 comments
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TheCuriousHousecat
The Mother-in-Law | Sally Hepworth
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Pickpick

I really liked this book to my surprise. The last Hepworth I read had too many characters and was too over the top for me. But this one had complexities making the characters whole. ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌜 from me

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TheCuriousHousecat
Journey to Ithaca | Anita Desai
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Pickpick

So if a westerner ventures off to an ashram in India is that cultural appropriation or appreciation? I‘m not sure but this book takes us into an ashram and probably the sentiment most stark to me was the native occupants contempt for the venturing westerners amongst them. A ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌜from me.

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TheCuriousHousecat
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Pickpick

A psychological thriller that if it hadn‘t have been well written would have been a dud. It certainly kept me wondering but in the end it seems it was a game and unfortunately the woman was the one being played with. It was definitely a story I hadn‘t heard before. ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌛from me.

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TheCuriousHousecat
Specimen Days: A Novel | Michael Cunningham
Panpan

I did not like this book. And I‘m disappointed. This is the second book I‘ve read by this author and the first one “A home at the end of the world” was brilliant. Such a shame. Anyway a ⭐️ for trying.

BarbaraBB I have that same feeling about him and this book. But I loved 5y
7 likes1 comment
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TheCuriousHousecat
Snow Falling on Cedars | David Guterson
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Pickpick

Wow. This book is brilliantly written, provokingly real and stunning in its insight into the drama of the human condition. Captures the chaotic nature of this life. The last lines are poignant and beautiful. Would have to be one of my favourite books. I read this because I was travelling to this part of the world. So thankful for the splendour of meeting the characters in the story along with experiencing the beauty of this part of our world.

Cathythoughts Wonderful review ♥️👍🏻 5y
13 likes3 comments
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TheCuriousHousecat
The Chalk Man | C. J. Tudor
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Mehso-so

It took me so long to read this book that I‘d forgotten some of the characters and plot lines by the end. But I guess that says it all. It was t riveting reading. ⭐️⭐️from me.

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TheCuriousHousecat
The World Without Us | Mireille Juchau
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Pickpick

This book was about grief. Losing a child and it‘s affect on a family runs parallel to the loss of bees from the environment. It‘s a stunning book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌛from me.

5 likes1 stack add
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TheCuriousHousecat
Family Next Door | Sally Hepworth
Mehso-so

This book had so much promise and just turned into a suburban melodrama. There was little reality and lots of overblown plot. Like I said it hooked me in the beginning but quickly disappointed. ⭐️⭐️🌛 for trying.

AntoinetteBuchanan I didn‘t enjoy it either. Have read 3 of hers now and they were all underwhelming 5y
TheCuriousHousecat @AntoinetteBuchanan oh in that case I don‘t think I‘ll bother with any more of her books. I need more from a story than what this book has to offer. 5y
7 likes1 stack add2 comments
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TheCuriousHousecat
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Bailedbailed

I couldn‘t give two hoots how these boring men spend chunks of their lives pursuing women in a dishonest immoral way. Get a life you pack of morons. Bailed for sure.

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TheCuriousHousecat
Pieces of Her | Karin Slaughter
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Panpan

What a tedious pile of pages. I was so looking forward to a Karin Slaughter but her style is not for me. ⭐️⭐️ for trying.

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TheCuriousHousecat
Good In Bed | Jennifer Weiner
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Bailedbailed

I grabbed this book from our local little free library thinking “I loved Jennifer Egan‘s book A Visit from the Goon Squad”. Yes I know. I had my Jennifer‘s mixed up. I worked this out about 70 pages in when I was thinking the story isnt that riveting and the writing nothing special. Anyway I ditched it. So I can‘t very well rate it now.

JacqMac I have done this. I hate it when I confuse my authors. But I‘m so terrible with names. (edited) 5y
TheCuriousHousecat @JacqMac easy done. I won‘t confuse these Jennifer‘s anymore though. Such different writers. 5y
12 likes2 comments
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TheCuriousHousecat
Praise | Andrew McGahan
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Pickpick

A book about substance abuse and easy access to the dole in the 90s. It‘s sure not that easy to get social security benefits anymore in Australia. This is an excellent book if you want to see how a life can spiral out of control. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️from me.

8 likes2 stack adds
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TheCuriousHousecat
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Pickpick

Hilarious ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️from me.

8 likes1 stack add
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TheCuriousHousecat
Amnesia: A novel | Peter Carey
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Pickpick

In future I need to read a Peter Carey novel rather than listening. They‘re too convoluted and plot driven, full of diversions and twists so a light listen is not adequate. Anyway this is a good book about cyber terrorism and what drives the them to do the extreme. I liked it ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌛from me,

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TheCuriousHousecat
The Yoga Body | Lola Berry
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Pickpick

Full of recipes that I didn‘t make but I‘m sure were absolutely fine. I enjoyed the bits about yoga mainly but there‘s also some info about eating well and looking after that body we should worship. On the whole not bad.

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TheCuriousHousecat
The Wife: A Novel | Meg Wolitzer
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Pickpick

This book by the end made me angry. I wanted Joe exposed for the fraud he was. It didn‘t quite happen like that but in my imagination I have Joan writing and being published long after Joe is dead. An exposure of sorts. You‘ll know what I mean if you‘ve read the book. I haven‘t seen the movie yet but it‘s on my list to watch. I hope it doesn‘t disappoint but alas most movies aren‘t a patch on a brilliant book. I‘m giving this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌛.

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TheCuriousHousecat
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Pickpick

This was one of my lunchtime arty reads. Rather good and learnt a lot. Who knew that Louis XIV had a favourite pair of red high heels. Wish that would come back in fashion for men. Anyway ⭐️⭐️⭐️from me.

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TheCuriousHousecat
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Pickpick

This is a sad book about an unfortunate child who struggles in the world with undiagnosed autism. Bullied from his school days and through his adult life, he responds with guile and childish pranks. The consequence of this behaviour is a devastating bush fire that destroys many lives. Really good. It‘s a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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TheCuriousHousecat
Washerwoman's Dream | Hilarie Lindsay
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Pickpick

Excellent book about adversity. I‘m giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Out There | Kerri Sackville
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Pickpick

Honestly this made the dating game seem futile. If it could be treated like a game all the better for everyone but if not it would be heartache. I listened to this book just because and although the jokes fell flat it was decent enough. I‘m giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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TheCuriousHousecat
The Land Before Avocado | Richard Glover
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Pickpick

This is hilarious. I‘d really recommend the audio book with Richard narrating. He brings out the many nuances. I‘m giving this ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌛

CarolynM Is it intended to be funny? Most of what I've heard about it made me think it was serious. Maybe I just got the wrong end of the stick🤔 5y
TheCuriousHousecat @CarolynM There are definitely serious bits in it. The last section when he delves into statistics is definitely meant to be analysed. But on the whole it‘s a light hearted look at the 70s. His belly flop into the pool was a laugh. I could see those teenagers sitting about the pool. (edited) 5y
12 likes2 comments
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TheCuriousHousecat
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Pickpick

It‘s rather apparent from reading this book that some people have difficult lives. Oh boy! The adoptive parents of the protagonist of this story were despicable. I also realise that although I don‘t particularly agree with the whole Marie Kondo decluttering bug that‘s claimed the world this book has made me want to have a good clean out. Anyway good book ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌛

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TheCuriousHousecat
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Mehso-so

I‘m giving this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the images of Edouard Vuillard‘s paintings. Other than that this book would be going in the op shop bag.

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TheCuriousHousecat
Due Preparations for the Plague | Janette Turner Hospital
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Pickpick

This is a brilliant book. The characters develop along the way, the story is intriguing and the plot just gets thicker. Who ever knows really what‘s fake news? I‘m giving this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌛. Brilliant.

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TheCuriousHousecat
The Lost Man | Jane Harper
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Pickpick

Excellent 3rd book by Jane Harper. Set in the Australian outback this haunting scene is a perfect backdrop. Characters are well drawn, plot races along and the story feels real. Look I think it‘s her best novel yet. I‘m giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌛

Bklover I can‘t wait!!!!! 5y
MyNamesParadise I preordered it on amazon and it will be at my house tomorrow! (The release date in the states). I‘m so excited!!! 5y
16 likes2 comments
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TheCuriousHousecat
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Pickpick

Informative and slightly disturbing. It‘s a mystery the chemicals that go into making a fragrance but this book somewhat enlightens the reader. Lots of alcohol and esters and no wonder some people feel unwell around them. Anyway ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.

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TheCuriousHousecat
Autumn | Karl Ove Knausgeard
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Pickpick

This is an excellent read. Although it‘s only a few weeks into the new year it will have to end up on my fave list for the year surely. I‘m giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌛

12 likes4 stack adds
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TheCuriousHousecat
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Mehso-so

Preaching to the converted is the outcome of this book. But it‘s worth a read if you want to go down the second hand track. I‘m dubious about whether the upcycled clothing actually gets worn or ends up in landfill. Some of it just looks cumbersome like jean dresses. It has inspired me to make some of my own clothing without a pattern though. I‘ve done this before with varying degrees of success. Anyway ⭐️⭐️⭐️from me.

SailorMoon If you are interested in the subject of fashion awareness, I'd suggest you read "Overdressed", a book I reviewed on my page (so you can check the author, because I can't remember her name). It tells the real story of what's hidden behind let's say the t-shirt you are probably wearing: is it ethical? Does it really cost what we pay or don't pay for it? Who worked to realize the finished product? It's such an interesting reading, in my opinion. 5y
TheCuriousHousecat @SailorMoon I‘ll look into that book. It‘s daunting what we‘re to this planet on so many levels. The fashion industry is just too ridiculous. Thank you for letting me know about ‘overdressed ‘ 5y
4 likes2 comments
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TheCuriousHousecat
Cousins | Salley Vickers
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Pickpick

Has to be a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ because of all the great references and messages. Possessions possess the possessor is just one of them I loved.

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TheCuriousHousecat
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Pickpick

I‘m not a believer in karma. I know that if you‘re nice to people more than likely they‘ll respond nicely in return but as far as the universe rewarding you for a life well lived, well that‘s hilarious. It‘s all random and chaotic. And this book reiterates that in a rather readable way.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️from me.

MrsMalaprop 👍 I‘m with you on the karma. 5y
7 likes1 comment
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TheCuriousHousecat
Sing, Unburied, Sing | Jesmyn Ward
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Fave books of 2018.

7 likes1 stack add
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TheCuriousHousecat
Exit West: A Novel | Mohsin Hamid
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Pickpick

This book needs to be read by those of us in our comfortable western lives who are dogmatic about who should come to our country and how. It‘s truly a beautiful book. A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌛from me. #LitsyLove19

BarbaraBB I agree with you, a great book about an urgent subject 5y
LazyDays Thanks for entering and good luck!💜 5y
TheCuriousHousecat @BarbaraBB my only lament is the ones that should have a read of this book probably won‘t. 5y
BarbaraBB You‘re probably right 😬 5y
15 likes4 comments
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TheCuriousHousecat
Berthe Morisot | Jean-Dominique Rey
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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TheCuriousHousecat
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Mehso-so

Not my cup of tea but it is well written. I‘ve wanted to read it for a while and have now but probably won‘t go back to read the rest in Rice‘s vampire series. It‘s a ⭐️⭐️🌛 from me.

12 likes1 stack add
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TheCuriousHousecat
Adultery: A novel | Paulo Coelho
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Panpan

A dud as far as I‘m concerned. Didactic and instructional with a couple of really awkward sex scenes thrown in. ⭐️⭐️

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TheCuriousHousecat
Love in a Cold Climate | Nancy Mitford
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Pickpick

This book is hilarious, ridiculous and indeed intent. An old classic of course that I would definitely recommend. I‘d give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Here‘s an image I‘ve drawn with the book of CDs featured in it. Have a great Christmas 🎄🎄🎄

8 likes1 stack add
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TheCuriousHousecat
Becoming O'Keeffe: the early years | Sarah Whitaker Peters
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Some of my top picks for 2018. Also have to include “Sing unburied sing”, Alias Grace, All the Birds Singing, The Beach, My name is Lucy Barton, Lincoln in the Bardo, Choke, The Rain Queen, A Visit from the Goon Squad and Seven Types of Ambiguity.

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TheCuriousHousecat
Nine Perfect Strangers | Liane Moriarty
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Panpan

This really was a stupid story. I‘m giving it ⭐️⭐️ for effort but really I think I‘m done with Liane Moriarty. Junk!

Purrfectpages Couldn‘t agree more. Welcome to Litsy! 5y
Book_Fairy_Mary Agreed! I was SO disappointed in this stupid mess of a novel! 5y
Purrfectpages I gave it one star, and I felt like that might have been generous! 5y
10 likes3 comments
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TheCuriousHousecat
Rain Queen | Katherine Scholes
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Pickpick

This is a really good book. I learned to much about Africa. I‘d give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️