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TheKidUpstairs

TheKidUpstairs

Joined September 2016

She/Her “When I get a little money, I buy books. If any is left, I buy food and clothes.”
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When I Open the Shop by Romesh Dissanayake
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Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively
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Orchid and the Wasp: A Novel by Caoilinn Hughes
review
TheKidUpstairs
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Pickpick

There are so many layers to this short, compelling novel, I feel like I could read it 5 times and discover something new and different each time.

When a woman is found, battered and malnourished, on the side of the road near a small Australian town, she becomes "The Unknown Woman" - a sort of cipher for the fragile hopes of too many who have lost a loved one.

Cont'd in comments

TheKidUpstairs Angie is a freelance journalist in a dwindling marriage who turns her attention to these left behind people in hopes of delivering a story without exploiting this damaged woman. Bev is her long-time best friend and a detective on the rise with Sydney's police force, seconded to the community of Broken Hill to find out where this woman came from. Cont'd in next comment 3d
TheKidUpstairs The result is a lot to pack into a small book; a literary story of loss, the stories we tell, and how society, community, and individuals treats trauma but also strong elements of an investigative thriller. It is, again, a lot, but in the end it all works, delivered with Jones' gift for gut-punch prose. 3d
squirrelbrain You‘ve read some great-sounding books recently! Also stacked. 3d
TheKidUpstairs @squirrelbrain I had such a great run of books at the cottage! The two you stacked were my favourites 😁 3d
CarolynM Must get to this one soon! Great review. 19h
49 likes3 stack adds5 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
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"Geordie never just cried. He wept the uninhibited, noisy tears of filterless mourners, shrieking and thrashing the way the rest of us want to but learn much to early to control."

review
TheKidUpstairs
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Pickpick

I loved every single page of this marvelous book. Reminiscent of some of the best CanLit, I couldn't help but think of Margaret Laurence and Ann-Marie MacDonald while reading.

One November day in 1967, two women disappear from a small community in BC. The book that follows is about the lives lived in the wake of that disappearance. It is beautiful and melancholy, with just enough glimpses of beauty and joy to maintain balance.

Cont'd 👇

TheKidUpstairs This will no doubt find its place on my best reads of 2025 lists, just as Higdon's second book was one of my favourites of 2024! (Tagged) Can't wait to see what she does next! 3d
squirrelbrain Ooh, sounds fabulous! Stacking. 3d
ErikasMindfulShelf Sounds great. Ordered! 3d
54 likes6 stack adds3 comments
review
TheKidUpstairs
Woodworking | Emily St James
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Pickpick

Not much to add to all the wonderful reviews of our latest #CampLitsy25 selection. It was a lovely, quick read about found family and finding yourself, and pushing back against a society that forces people into conventional pigeon holes. I enjoyed it, and loved catching up on everyone's discussions from last weekend!

squirrelbrain 💙💜🩷 3d
54 likes1 comment
review
TheKidUpstairs
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Pickpick

I wanted a light crime novel to bring to the cottage, and Thomas King didn't disappoint. Great lead character, intriguing secondary characters, an interesting enough murder to solve, and a nice sprinkling of humour (to be expected from King!). Will definitely return to this series!

58 likes1 stack add
review
TheKidUpstairs
Christ on a Bike | Orla Owen
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Pickpick

This was very different than I expected, but it left me questioning (in a good way)!

Faced with an unexpected inheritance and some strange accompanying rules, Cerys moves to an isolated house in Wales and is forced to contend with everyone's views on her windfall, including her own. I was expecting a lighter comedy, but this one goes to some darker places. Would be an interesting one to read with a group!

63 likes4 stack adds
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TheKidUpstairs
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Pickpick

Such a lovely read, perfect cottage book. Sybil is such a fabulous character, and I loved getting to know her through her correspondence. The ups and downs of life, the difficulties of aging, and the power of connection 💕📫

Aims42 Reading this now and I‘m loving Sybil 😍 5d
BarbaraBB Glad you loved it too! 5d
80 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
TheKidUpstairs
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This was one of my reading spots for the past week. We were at a cabin in Ontario's Near North, with essentially no internet or phone connections to the outside world. I spent a lot of time on the lake, and a lot of time reading on rocks. 6 books down for the week, all great reads, tagged was one of the best. Reviews to come!

squirrelbrain Perfect! 😍 5d
TheBookHippie Lovely! 5d
ShelleyBooksie Beautiful spot 5d
rabbitprincess Ahhh that sounds like a great time! 5d
sarahbarnes Sounds lovely!! 4d
66 likes1 stack add5 comments
review
TheKidUpstairs
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Pickpick

Love love loved this! From start to finish, I loved all three different layers and levels. This is one that will stick with me for a long time. I'm packing for a cottage trip, will try to be more eloquent at a later date!

#CampLitsy25
@Megabooks @BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain

TheBookHippie I found this author while doing #FOODANDLIT Nigeria she‘s such a good writer. My hold for this is finally enroute! 2w
TheKidUpstairs @TheBookHippie I've read a couple of hers and always enjoy them, this is by far her best to date! 2w
squirrelbrain Yay, glad you loved it! Have a great trip! 2w
82 likes3 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
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“Hope, even a small, new hope like mine, can be a heavy weight to carry when you've grown unaccustomed to its heft.“

I'm trying not to spam your feeds with quotes from this one, but some are just too much not to share.

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TheKidUpstairs
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I am two essays/stories into this collection and I just pre-ordered a paperback copy because I just know I'm going to want to revisit this on the regular. I'm reading it through Libby and my fingers are itching to underline and annotate. It's beautiful. Thanks for bringing it to our attention @JamieArc and for seconding that with your review @Chelsea.Poole

JamieArc Love seeing this! I don‘t annotate/highlight in books very often anymore but I did in this one, and have gone back to see what I noted. @monalyisha Another nudge for you to read this one 😁 (Unless for some reason you already have and I just forgot??) 2w
TheKidUpstairs @JamieArc I don't usually do it, either, unless I'm hosting a discussion on the book or back when I had to write essays and the such. But there are just so many lines and sections that I have been reading two or three times before continuing. It just begs remembrance. 2w
monalyisha @JamieArc @TheKidUpstairs You didn‘t forget, Jamie! I haven‘t read it…yet. But it IS waiting on hold for me at work. 😉 The essay collection I‘m currently reading is not fast-going! 2w
Chelsea.Poole This one truly is special. ✨ So happy it‘s reached you too @TheKidUpstairs and looks like @monalyisha soon. 2w
54 likes2 stack adds4 comments
review
TheKidUpstairs
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Mehso-so

Meh. I skimmed the last 1/3. I'm all for this being widely read, if only because they tried to stop it being published. But really, while there's plenty of vile behaviour, there's not really anything all that revelatory. I'm not at all surprised that Meta/FB is run by a bunch of power-hungry children with little to no concept of tact, morality, or diplomacy.

Cont'd in comments

TheKidUpstairs SWW herself doesn't come across all that great, even though she tries to paint herself as the lone voice of morality and decency. I mean, Zuckerberg is clearly a tool, but making fun of him for enjoying Disney karaoke is its own kind of gross. Cont'd below 2w
TheKidUpstairs If you've been on the fence about reading this one, I'd say don't bother. The summary is "FB/Meta is run by people who care about money, power, and adulation above anything else and don't care about people." But if you're in the mood for an incredibly gossipy workplace memoir filled with awful people, it's a quick read! 2w
63 likes2 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
Nottawa Cottage Bookstore | Nottawa, Ontario, Canada (Bookstore)
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Cutest bookstore ever? It just might be! A really good selection, too, for such a small place.

MittenGirlPeach It‘s adorable! 3w
kspenmoll What a sweet find! 3w
Prairiegirl_reading Oh wow! That is so cute!! 3w
See All 7 Comments
Amiable I love that! 3w
LeahBergen Ooo! 😍 3w
Gissy 📚😍👌 3w
Chelsea.Poole So cozy! 2w
85 likes7 comments
review
TheKidUpstairs
Night Swimmers | Roisin Maguire
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Mehso-so

This one is tough to rate, I keep bouncing back and forth between pick and so-so. I loved much of this book, the sense of found family, finding community and healing after trauma, and the beautiful healing power of nature and the sea. But some things were just so frustrating, they take away from my enjoyment. And in the end the frustration wins out. I'll put further thoughts in the comments under spoiler warnings!

TheKidUpstairs First of all, while I loved Grace, it seemed like the author had a hard time drawing a portrait of a 50 year old woman. Honestly, I thought she was at least 75 for much of the book and was shocked when her age was mentioned. It feels like Maguire wrote a book with a much older character, and then altered it when she wanted to insert the love story between Grace and Evan (more on that in another comment).

cont'd in next comment
3w
TheKidUpstairs cont'd from above comment...

It seemed like inconsistent characterization to me. And I find it hard to believe on a search and rescue mission in a small coastal town, an able bodied 50 year old woman would be shunted to the side like an old lady.
3w
TheKidUpstairs And the aforementioned romance/dalliance/whatever it is between Grace and Evan did not work for me at all. The first time Maguire hinted at it, I almost laughed. I REALLY felt like the book was setting up for a found family vibe, and then that? And then following through with it? It didn't feel earned to me at all. 3w
See All 14 Comments
monalyisha Agh! I want to read this one so much and I‘m SO tempted to read your spoilers! I guess that just means I need to bump it up on my list so I can click “reveal.” 😅 3w
Jas16 I totally agree about the romance aspect but it felt so tacked on to me that I pretty much ignored it and it didn‘t impact my appreciation of everything else. 3w
BarbaraBB I hear you @monalyisha I feel the same! (edited) 3w
TheKidUpstairs @monalyisha @BarbaraBB So far, I really seem to be the outlier on this one. Others either don't have the same issues I did, or like @Jas16 are better able to separate them from the good stuff. Maybe I'm just extra grumpy these days? 🤣 3w
TheKidUpstairs @monalyisha @BarbaraBB if either of you want to read it without buying it, I'd be happy to send along my copy! 3w
monalyisha @TheKidUpstairs I don‘t want to make you pay for shipping but I also wouldn‘t say no! 3w
TheKidUpstairs @monalyisha no worries, I'll send it your way this week! 3w
monalyisha @TheKidUpstairs Amazing! 🤩 I can Venmo you shipping if you want; just say the word! 3w
BarbaraBB That is super kind but I am in Europe so that‘s quite expensive. @monalyisha is much closer! I will be looking out for a copy here 🤍 2w
TheKidUpstairs @monalyisha it's on its way to you! Should be there in a week or so 👍😁 2w
56 likes14 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
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Can someone help confirm for me that I'm not Mandela-effecting my brain right now? I've just started the tagged, and she's recounting the shark attack she survived at 13 (I don't think it counts as a spoiler here, it's in the first few pages). I SWEAR I've read/heard this exact story before. Has she told it elsewhere? In an article or on a podcast or something? Does anyone know?

ChaoticMissAdventures Ohh interesting. I am way way down the list on my library hold list so I haven't read this yet. 4w
50 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
TheKidUpstairs
Tilt | Emma Pattee
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Pickpick

I'm reading ahead for #CampLitsy25 as my holds on this one all came in early! I had a physical, digital, and an audio copy of this one at the same time 😂 Audio is definitely the way to go (if you can do audiobooks and have an option) - Ariel Blake is the narrator and she is fantastic. I didn't find it as effective in digital or print formats. Cont'd in comments

TheKidUpstairs But as an audio it is gripping and intense, following Annie as she tries to make her way through Portland following an earthquake, telling her story to her unborn baby “Bean“. Can't wait to discuss this one with our fellow campers! 4w
Bookwormjillk Good to know! Thank you! 4w
TheKidUpstairs @Bookwormjillk no problem! It's interesting, there is something about this style/format, of a mother talking to her child, that reminds me of Soldier Sailor. And that book I tried in digital and physical formats as welkl and couldn't get into it, but then absolutely loved it on audio. Some books just work best in certain forms! 4w
See All 6 Comments
squirrelbrain Interesting! I loved this one in print anyway, so didn‘t even try on audio but I can see how it would be even more compelling. 4w
TheKidUpstairs @squirrelbrain I may have had better luck with print if I had started that way, but I started on audio and when I switched to other formats they just didn't feel as engaging. I think that Blake just sold it so well as an audio performance, that I just wasn't as good at reading it in my own head 😂 4w
BarbaraBB Looking forward to this one! 4w
62 likes1 stack add6 comments
review
TheKidUpstairs
The Sitter | Angela O'Keeffe
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Pickpick

A thoughtful, beautifully crafted novella that carries a lot in its few pages.

Part One sees a writer working on a book about Hortense Cezanne (wife of the artist), traveling from Australia to Aix-en-Provence to Paris, accompanied by the ghost of Hortense herself. It plays with classical ideas of the muse, as Hortense watches and occasionally contributes to the writer's efforts to unearth the story of the woman behind the famed artist.

Cont'd

TheKidUpstairs Part Two takes on a darker tone as Covid lockdown, a horrible accident witnessed, and illness strike to drive the writer into her own memories. As she pivots to writing a version of her own life, she, Hortense, and is as readers are forced to reckon with her past, with what control over your own life and choices can mean, and how is lack can haunt. Emotional and thoughtful, this is one that will stay with me for a time. Cont'd 1mo
TheKidUpstairs O'Keefe brings to mind Claire Keegan with her ability to do a lot within the confines of a shorter narrative, and to craft a story that will linger long after it's complete. 1mo
BarbaraBB Sounds very good. Stacked. 1mo
CarolynM It‘s beautiful. Glad you enjoyed😊 1mo
54 likes3 stack adds4 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
The Sitter | Angela O'Keeffe
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"It was then that I became aware of the sea. Though not visible through the window, I could smell its seaweed smell, I could hear its roar of outrage - for the sea is a constant agitator for change, for resetting, for rewriting old rules."

CarolynM Enjoying it? 1mo
TheKidUpstairs @CarolynM very much so! Her writing is beautiful. I love how she plays with the classical idea of the muse, and takes a concept that could be quite hokey but instead gives something quite lovely and thoughtful. 1mo
TheKidUpstairs @CarolynM I've had this one on my shelf for a couple months, but your review inspired me to move it up the TBR, so thank you for the nudge! 1mo
See All 6 Comments
CarolynM 😊😘 1mo
sarahbarnes I added this to my TBR following @CarolynM ‘s review as well. Glad to hear you‘re also enjoying it! 1mo
TheKidUpstairs @sarahbarnes I finished it a few days ago, it is definitely well worth the read! 1mo
48 likes6 comments
review
TheKidUpstairs
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Pickpick

After a horrific act of violence in her teens, Babs Dionne reclaims her power and rules over Little Canada with an iron fist, unafraid to use all those around her as workers, or weapons. She loves her family as best she can with the same fierceness. But some threats are just too big, and things begin to unravel.

Cont'd in comments

TheKidUpstairs cont'd...I loved the first third of this one, absolutely whipped through and couldn't put it down. Then the pacing started to wane, and it felt a bit sluggish, until picking up speed again towards the end. Overall it was still a solid, engaging read, but with a bit of editing this could have been great. 1mo
60 likes1 comment
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TheKidUpstairs
Friends of the Museum | Heather McGowan
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"I should really take a break from borrowing new library books and read some from my own shelves"

Oops!

sarahbarnes It‘s so challenging! 📚 1mo
50 likes1 comment
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TheKidUpstairs
Scugog Memorial Public Library | Port Perry, Ontario, Canada (Library)
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Our Makerspace Associate left to take up a great opportunity at another library, but before he left, he printed us all these adorable little book people. I'm sure mine will be featured in a lot of upcoming Litsy posts! What should I name him?

lil1inblue That's adorable! 😍😍😍 Can you name it after the associate that made it? 1mo
TheBookHippie Omg!!!! Book people!!!!! Love it. 1mo
Bookzombie So cute! Maybe after your favorite author or character. 1mo
60 likes3 comments
review
TheKidUpstairs
Audition | Katie Kitamura
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Pickpick

What a ride of a book! I absolutely loved it, and will be thinking about it for quite some time, just trying to wrap my head around it! The first part is fairly straightforward, but thoughtfully wrought. Then that second part comes in, full of questions and a growing sense of unease. Like many others, I am left wondering WTF exactly just happened, but in a really delicious way.

cont'd in comments

TheKidUpstairs It raised so many interesting thoughts and questions that I can't wait to discuss this weekend with the #CampLitsy25 folks! 1mo
peaKnit Agree with your assessment, the second part 🤯 look forward to discussion. 1mo
BarbaraBB Fab review! 1mo
squirrelbrain Great review! ❤️ 1mo
kspenmoll Great review. My impression: What did I just read?! Discussion will help. 1mo
59 likes1 stack add5 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
Untitled | Untitled
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(I couldn't fit the full image, credit to @Lindss_tastic on X)

To Littens in California and across the US, sending you love and strength for the fight ahead, whatever it looks like for you.

Librarybelle ❤️❤️❤️ 1mo
JenReadsAlot ❤️ 1mo
TheBookHippie ♥️ 1mo
See All 12 Comments
Eggbeater ❤️💔 1mo
AmyG This is frightening. Prayers with the resistance in LA. 1mo
Deblovestoread Love this message! 💙✊🏼💙 1mo
Jas16 ❤️ 1mo
kspenmoll ❤️❤️❤️ 1mo
lil1inblue ✊🏻✊🏻 1mo
Kerrbearlib 💜💜💜💜 1mo
Ruthiella Thank you. 🙏 1mo
BarbaraBB Well said. And I wish the same 💪🏽 for California and other states 1mo
54 likes12 comments
review
TheKidUpstairs
Wild Dark Shore | Charlotte McConaghy
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Pickpick

I'll save the detail for the #CampLitsy25 discussions, but the quick review is this:

I loved it. One of the best I've read this year. And with an ending that is infuriating, and beautiful, and ultimately perfect.

I was rather unimpressed with Migrations, so i went in with low expectations. I'm so glad camp convinced me to give this one a try!

squirrelbrain Hooray! ❤️ 1mo
Shamzi What is #camplitsy25 1mo
AmyG Ooooo I just started this. 1mo
See All 6 Comments
BarbaraBB I am so happy you read it and loved it! 1mo
TheKidUpstairs @Shamzi #CampLitsy25 is a fun reading event hosted by @squirrelbrain @BarbaraBB and @Megabooks - six books were chosen to read as a group and discuss, 2 each for June, July and August. Discussions are hosted on the weekends, and at the end of each month we vote on our favourite of the month (at the end of the summer we then vote for our overall favourite). June's books are Audition by Katie Kitamura, and this one. Anyone is welcome to join! 1mo
Megabooks Great review and great summary of camp for @shamzi! I loved Migrations, but only liked WDS. But I loved how the island and the environment was so woven in as another character. She's definitely a super talented author. 1mo
67 likes1 stack add6 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
Audition | Katie Kitamura
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Super excited for the first weekend of #CampLitsy25! Read (and loved) Part One of the tagged, so I'm all ready for this weekend's discussion.

There's a big hold list for Wild Dark Shore, so I'm reading ahead to get through it before it's due back. I'm about 50 pages in, and so far, it's fantastic. Definitely better than I was expecting after being disappointed in Migrations. But isolated islands are always my jam!

squirrelbrain It‘s nearly time for camp! ⛺️ 2mo
BarbaraBB WDS is so your kind of book! But fist Audition indeed 💝 2mo
Lesliereadsalot I could not put that book down, loved the whole thing! 2mo
58 likes3 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
Untitled | Untitled
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A couple days of warm weather has me turning on the summertime #TuesdayTunes

Childish Gambino and Brittany Howard - Stay High https://open.spotify.com/track/1bwDF6AU1iWPp8h6gDS8Ps?si=70Uok-byTlyenE00ntgDUg

Billy Ocean - Red Light Spells Danger https://open.spotify.com/track/557cxXIeiwh03kI2F2jKdh?si=8Z9Ri__oR2Sa0IKixkYjVQ

Pure Sunshine-y vibes 🌞

@TieDyeDude

uncommonlycozies so happy to have stumbled upon this new music! you might like Still Woozy! try the songs Habit or Goodie bag🤗 2mo
TieDyeDude So groovy! Thanks for sharing! 1mo
37 likes2 comments
review
TheKidUpstairs
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Pickpick

The short review: @monalyisha you were right ✅️ I loved this.

The longer review: I read this slowly over the last month, and it was a joy to do in and out of. This is a beautiful, thoughtful, poignant, emotional, fascinating, joyful, sorrowful, hopeful collection of essays. Imbler explores the lives and unique attributes of, often misunderstood, sea creatures, and....

Cont'd in comments

TheKidUpstairs ...parallels those fascinating stories with moments and elements from their own life growing up non-binary, queer, and a the child of a Chinese mother and white father. It is beautifully crafted, highly recommend! 2mo
monalyisha Love the short review 😅…and the long one! I read this a full year ago and I still think about it all the time. “Crafted” is the exact right word for it — not in the sense that it feels artificially constructed but their skill and talent is just so immediately apparent. The cover still gets me every time, too! A rare instance when the stunning outside and the stunning insides match. 2mo
HeatherBookNerd Great book 2mo
56 likes1 stack add3 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
Untitled | Untitled
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When I say I've got a little bit of everything on my bookshelves, I do mean EVERYTHING!

ETA: I was able to gently catch this little fledgling and release it outside safely. Didn't seem injured in any way, just a bit freaked out from being trapped inside!

Ruthiella 😂😂😂 2mo
dabbe 🤩😍🤩 2mo
Suet624 💕💕💕 2mo
See All 7 Comments
lil1inblue 💓 💓 💓 2mo
Aims42 What happens when a reader is reincarnated as a bird 😆🤓 2mo
marleed 😲 2mo
60 likes7 comments
review
TheKidUpstairs
My Friends | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

Backman has an amazing ability to tap into my emotional core, laughing and crying in the same sentence. His latest is no different, a story about finding your people, the ones who will stand with you always, who make it okay to not always be okay.

It is far from a perfect book, I had some issues with the pacing in the first half, and there was some convoluted trickery towards the end -

cont'd in comments

TheKidUpstairs there is one section that l which felt like emotional manipulation rather than exploration. But there is so much truth about the beauty of friendship that it is easy to forgive. 2mo
64 likes1 comment
review
TheKidUpstairs
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Pickpick

This was a selection from last year's Women's Prize NF Longlist, I think I've been on the hold list for at least 8 months for the audio! Pleasantly surprised at just how worth the wait it was!

Equal parts fascinating, infuriating, and sometimes downright terrifying, Murgia dives into the possibilities, perils, and pitfalls of our growing use of AI technology.

Cont'd in comments

TheKidUpstairs She offers a clear and balanced view of how this type of tech can work for us, but also how it can be used as a tool of control and exploitation. In the end she leaves the reader with a serious of important questions to consider as we move forward in this modern age. Very timely, and highly recommended! 2mo
Leniverse One of my favourites last year. So informative, and yet so accessible and compelling! 2mo
AmyG Just put a hold on it for the audiobook. Thank you. 2mo
See All 8 Comments
youneverarrived Yeah, this was really informative but also so scary 😟 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @youneverarrived oh my gosh, when the guy created and ordered a brand new chemical weapon to test the system 😱😱😱 Absolutely terrifying, the possibilities. 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @Leniverse I was very impressed by the accessibility. I had worried it was going to be too dense, but it wasn't at all! 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @AmyG she does a great job with the audio narration! 2mo
Chelsea.Poole Agreed! Really appreciated this audio. 2mo
60 likes5 stack adds8 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
Taskmaster | Alex Horne
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#MentalHealthMonday

1. Overall, rather anxious and disregulated. Having a hard time focusing on much at all. But the sun is shining, so that's something.

2. Binge watching Taskmaster Series on YouTube. There is very little that makes me cry tears of joyous laughter as readily as that.

@Kerrbearlib

Jari-chan Taskmaster has helped me through a lot of hard times. And good ones too. 2mo
Avanders 🤗💙 2mo
38 likes2 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
My Friends | Fredrik Backman
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Still reading the tagged, and it has provoked both tears and uncontained laughter in public spaces.

#SundayFunday @BookmarkTavern

BookmarkTavern Sounds like a good read! Thanks for answering! 2mo
Amiable I just started this book yesterday… 2mo
49 likes2 comments
review
TheKidUpstairs
The In Crowd | Charlotte Vassell
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Pickpick

This one recently won the Edgar Award and was available on Libby, so I thought I'd try it out. A solid, engaging mystery - not a gory thriller, but not too cozy and cute - with great characters. The second in a series, I'll definitely be going back to check out the first one!

50 likes1 stack add
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TheKidUpstairs
My Friends | Fredrik Backman
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"Not to brag, but Louisa did have a perfect plan, it wasn't the plan's fault that she didn't stick to it. Because sometimes Louisa is a genius, but sometimes she isn't a genius, and the problem is that the genius and the non-genius share a brain. But the plan? Perfect."

DogMomIrene This kind of sounds like every vacation I‘ve ever taken. The plan was perfect…🤣😂 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @DogMomIrene 🤣🤣🤣 right? But when the plan goes awry, you end up with the best stories, eh? 2mo
61 likes2 comments
blurb
TheKidUpstairs
Happenstance Books & Yarns | Lakefield, ON, Canada (Bookstore)
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My mom and I decided to meet for lunch today in a small town halfway between our homes. I got there early and went for a stroll along the river and then through the downtown and - oops! - found the lovely local bookstore (and yarn shop!), Happenstance. Charming little shop with a wonderful selection. I was a very very good little bookworm and only added one to my collection. Can't resist these McNally Editions - will tag in comments.

squirrelbrain Oops indeed! 🤪 2mo
LeahBergen These editions are so pretty. I can‘t resist them either! 😆 2mo
58 likes3 comments
blurb
TheKidUpstairs
Untitled | Untitled
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In other incredibly cool music news for #TuesdayTunes, one of my favourite rap artists/MIT professor Lupe Fiasco found inspiration in the “plein air“ artistic movement to record music in outdoor settings, allowing for the ambient sounds to inspire and collaborate with the music. https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/may/01/lupe-fiasco-new-art-project

@TieDyeDude

TheKidUpstairs The first music has been recorded in conversation with the MIT public art collection and can be found here (I think - I'm at work so I can't listen to confirm the link, but pretty sure it's the right one): https://listart.stqry.app/1/tour/55310 2mo
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TheKidUpstairs
Untitled | Untitled
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#TuesdayTunes @TieDyeDude

Just in time for Tuesday I discovered this initiative from the Museum of the United Nations - UN Live. Sounds Right brought artists into the studio to record songs using nature sounds, and Nature gets an artist credit. Nature's artist royalties (and donations) are then directed to conservation and restoration projects.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX7C5zJGrQEji?si=RbNCww-SRrqL3eQLJvev...

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TheKidUpstairs
The Golden Doves: A Novel | Martha Hall Kelly
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We'll see how long this moment of peace lasts...

JenReadsAlot Oh I think I have that wine glass - Banff? 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @JenReadsAlot this one's from French River, but I have a feeling the same pattern is probably sold at a lot of souvenir/ trading post style shops in Canada with just the name changed! 2mo
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TheKidUpstairs
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Pickpick

Unsurprisingly, given all the Litsy love for this one, I loved this book! I love how Espach took contemporary comedic fiction tropes and found genuine humanity underneath. The day drinking mother of the bride, the uptight sister of the groom, the perfectionist verging on bridezilla? They are all wrestling with their own vulnerabilities and trying to get through their days.

Cont'd

TheKidUpstairs And an ending that's not "happily ever after" but rather "let's remain open to happiness" that is just *chef's kiss* 2mo
TheKidUpstairs Also, the banter is perfection, and there are plenty of genuinely laugh out loud moments. I happily add my voice to the chorus of love for this one! 2mo
CBee Really great review! I didn‘t think I‘d like this book and it ended up being a favorite of the year thus far 👏🏻👏🏻 2mo
AmyG The cover doesn‘t remotely do this book justice. I, too, loved it. Contemporary fiction mixed with rom com. Such a good read. 2mo
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TheKidUpstairs
Books Galore and More | Port Perry, ON, Canada (Bookstore)
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Reason 654 to love independent bookstores. Yesterday my son went to our local indie (tagged), armed with a list of books I was interested in. Unfortunately, they didn't have any of them in stock. So the clerk helped him pick out a few titles, let him bring them home without paying to double check that they weren't on my shelves, then being them back to the store and decide which to pay for.

Cont'd

TheKidUpstairs Because he was buying them himself, she also directed him to the gently used shelves rather than the more expensive new books. So thank you to wonderful local businesses for helping kids build independence ❤️ 2mo
squirrelbrain Aw, that‘s so lovely! ❤️❤️❤️ 2mo
mrp27 That‘s so awesome! 2mo
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TheKidUpstairs
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"If a whale's life is a marvel, its death is its legacy."

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TheKidUpstairs
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It's a beautiful day to read outdoors!

PurpleyPumpkin it really is the perfect weather for reading outdoors today. Enjoy!☀️📚 3mo
BarbaraBB Cool picture 🧡 3mo
dabbe 🤩😍🤩 3mo
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TheKidUpstairs
Deep Cuts | Holly Brickley
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Pickpick

My feelings on this one are complicated and still a bit muddled. While overall I really enjoyed reading it, and deep diving into a lot of the music talked about, a lot of the time I just really didn't love Percy and Joe themselves. Percy's college age/post college self absorption was often grating, but it did feel very genuine, and there was just enough self awareness (and side characters willing to call her out on her BS) to shake it off. cont'd

TheKidUpstairs I'm left wondering just how much of my enjoyment was because of the book itself, and how much was pure, heady nostalgia. I was in university in 2000, throughout the timeline of this book I was living in Toronto, going to indie gigs multiple times a month, camping out at music festivals, dating a music snob/drummer. I love Fiona Apple, A Case of You is my favourite Joni Mitchell song. So I may have related to this more than I was engaged by it... 3mo
TheKidUpstairs One thing I did love was the ending, which was a delightful surprise. For most of the book, I was thinking “if these two are together at the end of this I'm going to be pissed.“ But then she brought them together in a really pitch perfect way. I think it was the attitude of “this is not a happy ever after, this is a thing that works for now.“ That kept it from being too trite for my tastes. 3mo
monalyisha This is a totally fair assessment! The characters are, undoubtedly, flawed. Typically, you know that‘s not my thing! Nostalgia‘s a powerful force. 3mo
sarahbarnes A Case of You is definitely my favorite Joni Mitchell song. 💙 3mo
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TheKidUpstairs
James: A Novel | Percival Everett
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In perhaps the least surprising book news of all time: James by Percival Everett has received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction! https://bookriot.com/here-are-the-winners-of-the-2025-pulitzer-prize/?fbclid=IwY...

Totally deserved! But so unsurprising that when I saw the article, I honestly thought, "Didn't it already win?"

kspenmoll I just posted this as well-fabulous book! 3mo
Bookwormjillk Lol for some reason I thought he had already won for this book. I guess I just assumed. 3mo
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thecheckoutstack Question, do I actually need to know the story of Huckleberry Fin before reading this? I‘ve put it off because I don‘t really. 3mo
TheKidUpstairs @Bookwormjillk @CatLass007 right? I had to double check the date on the article 🤣🤣🤣 3mo
TheKidUpstairs @thecheckoutstack nope! I've never read Huck Finn, and still appreciated it! 3mo
Suet624 Hahaha. @Bookwormjillk thought the same thing. 3mo
CatLass007 @thecheckoutstack @TheKidUpstairs @Bookwormjillk I have read Huck Finn. It was when I was in junior high, I think. It wasn‘t for a class. The biggest objection I think most people have is the use of the n-word. I am actually in pain when I hear it or read it. And I have so conditioned myself that I can barely think it. Mark Twain does, through Jim, make some compelling observations about slavery and the relationships between the races. (cont)⬇️ 3mo
CatLass007 The thing that is most objectionable to me is the way Huck and Tom convince Jim to behave in obviously foolish ways. It is gratifying in the end to learn that when his “owner” died she made him a free man. But why the fuck did she wait?!!! 3mo
Offmybookshelf I loved this book and also thought “didn‘t it already win” 2mo
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TheKidUpstairs
Deep Cuts | Holly Brickley
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"I was wearing the plain black T-shirt and skinny jeans that I had started wearing every day and would wear some version of for the next several years, having decided that my bangs could do the heavy lifting in signifying the existence of a personality."

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TheKidUpstairs
Cat Kid Comic Club | Dav Pilkey
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It has been a rough couple weeks, but there's still lots of joy for #5JoysFriday

1. Independent Bookstore Day! Always a favourite 😍
2. A beautiful Sunday in the city with the kids to watch Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical, followed by patio beers with good friends
3. Canada voted 🗳 🇨🇦
4. My washing machine FINALLY got fixed
5. Maple Leafs are through to the second round!

@DebinHawaii

dabbe 💜💚💜 3mo
mcctrish A great week 🎉 3mo
thecheckoutstack The Wild lost so now I‘m rooting for the Maple Leafs too. 3mo
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TheKidUpstairs
Saltus | Tara Gereaux
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Pickpick

A mother and her child come to a small town in Saskatchewan, desperate for help. Their presence sets off a shock wave through the town and its residents.

A story about finding one's place, even within one's own body. About honouring each other and respecting everyone's lives and struggles, even when you don't understand them.

Cont'd in comments

TheKidUpstairs This is a quiet story that nevertheless walks on a razors edge of intensity. Gereaux's greatest strength is the incredible compassion she has for every character on these pages, even the ones who themselves are unable to look past their own experiences to find compassion and understanding for those who need it.

Thank you @monalyisha for bringing this gem to my attention (and @JamieArc for bringing it to hers!)
3mo
squirrelbrain Great review! ❤️ 3mo
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TheKidUpstairs
Code Noir | Canisia Lubrin
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Code Noir by Canisia Lubrin won the 2025 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction yesterday, beating out some incredibly strong competition. Definitely boosting it up my TBR!

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TheKidUpstairs
Pale Shadows | Dominique Fortier
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1. I have books everywhere in my house! I wish I had one room that could be a purposeful library, but I'll take shelves wherever I can get 'em! I don't have a count, but there must be over 1000.

2. Tough call. I didn't read as many books as usual this month, but I read some excellent ones. Runners up: Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips, and The Followers by Rebecca Wait.

#Two4Tuesday @TheSpineView

TheSpineView I too wish for a library room. Thanks for playing 3mo
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TheKidUpstairs
Oh, Canada! | Per-Henrik Grth
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It is Election Day here in Canada, and I've been oscillating wildly between cautiously optimistic and absolute bundle of nerves weighed down by the boulder of dread in my stomach. I may or may not sleep tonight. Wish us luck!

#MentalHealthMonday @Kerrbearlib

Cortg 🇨🇦 had been in my mind all day today! 3mo
TheBookHippie 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 3mo
Kerrbearlib Good luck! Fingers crossed 🤞 3mo
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Ruthiella 🤞🤞🤞 3mo
BarbaraBB Happy for you and the rest of the world with the results ❤️🤍 3mo
DogMomIrene As a PR I‘m so elated with the results. Canadians did not disappoint ❤️🇨🇦🍁 3mo
TheKidUpstairs @BarbaraBB @DogMomIrene 🎉 I'm so relieved. And I'm glad they were able to call it early so I could actually get a good night's sleep! 3mo
TheKidUpstairs @Cortg @TheBookHippie @Kerrbearlib @Ruthiella thank you all for your good wishes and crossed fingers! While we didn't get the Liberal majority I would have liked to see, I'm still relieved by the results. It looks like lots of strategic voting took place to keep the politics of division and distrust from winning. 3mo
TheBookHippie @TheKidUpstairs I was watching into the night!!! I agree. Relieved. 3mo
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