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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.”
blurb
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! 4h
kspenmoll What a sweet find! 4h
Prairiegirl_reading Oh wow! That is so cute!! 3h
Amiable I love that! 1h
LeahBergen Ooo! 😍 16m
47 likes5 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
2d
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.
2d
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. 2d
See All 11 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.” 😅 2d
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. 2d
BarbaraBB I hear you @monalyisha I feel the same! (edited) 2d
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? 🤣 1d
TheKidUpstairs @monalyisha @BarbaraBB if either of you want to read it without buying it, I'd be happy to send along my copy! 1d
monalyisha @TheKidUpstairs I don‘t want to make you pay for shipping but I also wouldn‘t say no! 21h
TheKidUpstairs @monalyisha no worries, I'll send it your way this week! 5h
monalyisha @TheKidUpstairs Amazing! 🤩 I can Venmo you shipping if you want; just say the word! 4h
51 likes11 comments
blurb
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. 7d
49 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! 7d
Bookwormjillk Good to know! Thank you! 7d
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! 7d
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. 7d
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 😂 7d
BarbaraBB Looking forward to this one! 7d
60 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 2w
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. 2w
BarbaraBB Sounds very good. Stacked. 2w
CarolynM It‘s beautiful. Glad you enjoyed😊 2w
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? 2w
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. 2w
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! 2w
See All 6 Comments
CarolynM 😊😘 2w
sarahbarnes I added this to my TBR following @CarolynM ‘s review as well. Glad to hear you‘re also enjoying it! 2w
TheKidUpstairs @sarahbarnes I finished it a few days ago, it is definitely well worth the read! 2w
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. 3w
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! 📚 3w
49 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? 3w
TheBookHippie Omg!!!! Book people!!!!! Love it. 3w
Bookzombie So cute! Maybe after your favorite author or character. 3w
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! 4w
peaKnit Agree with your assessment, the second part 🤯 look forward to discussion. 4w
BarbaraBB Fab review! 4w
squirrelbrain Great review! ❤️ 4w
kspenmoll Great review. My impression: What did I just read?! Discussion will help. 3w
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 ❤️❤️❤️ 4w
JenReadsAlot ❤️ 4w
TheBookHippie ♥️ 4w
See All 12 Comments
Eggbeater ❤️💔 4w
AmyG This is frightening. Prayers with the resistance in LA. 4w
Deblovestoread Love this message! 💙✊🏼💙 4w
Jas16 ❤️ 4w
kspenmoll ❤️❤️❤️ 4w
lil1inblue ✊🏻✊🏻 4w
Kerrbearlib 💜💜💜💜 4w
Ruthiella Thank you. 🙏 4w
BarbaraBB Well said. And I wish the same 💪🏽 for California and other states 4w
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! ❤️ 4w
Shamzi What is #camplitsy25 4w
AmyG Ooooo I just started this. 4w
See All 6 Comments
BarbaraBB I am so happy you read it and loved it! 4w
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! 4w
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. 3w
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! ⛺️ 1mo
BarbaraBB WDS is so your kind of book! But fist Audition indeed 💝 1mo
Lesliereadsalot I could not put that book down, loved the whole thing! 4w
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🤗 1mo
TieDyeDude So groovy! Thanks for sharing! 2w
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! 1mo
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. 1mo
HeatherBookNerd Great book 1mo
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 😂😂😂 1mo
dabbe 🤩😍🤩 1mo
Suet624 💕💕💕 1mo
See All 7 Comments
lil1inblue 💓 💓 💓 1mo
Aims42 What happens when a reader is reincarnated as a bird 😆🤓 1mo
marleed 😲 1mo
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. 1mo
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! 1mo
Leniverse One of my favourites last year. So informative, and yet so accessible and compelling! 1mo
AmyG Just put a hold on it for the audiobook. Thank you. 1mo
See All 8 Comments
youneverarrived Yeah, this was really informative but also so scary 😟 1mo
TheKidUpstairs @youneverarrived oh my gosh, when the guy created and ordered a brand new chemical weapon to test the system 😱😱😱 Absolutely terrifying, the possibilities. 1mo
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! 1mo
TheKidUpstairs @AmyG she does a great job with the audio narration! 1mo
Chelsea.Poole Agreed! Really appreciated this audio. 1mo
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. 1mo
Avanders 🤗💙 1mo
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! 1mo
Amiable I just started this book yesterday… 1mo
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
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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
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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
42 likes1 comment
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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
60 likes2 comments
review
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
74 likes4 comments
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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
58 likes3 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
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"If a whale's life is a marvel, its death is its legacy."

blurb
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!☀️📚 2mo
BarbaraBB Cool picture 🧡 2mo
dabbe 🤩😍🤩 2mo
69 likes3 comments
review
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... 2mo
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. 2mo
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. 2mo
sarahbarnes A Case of You is definitely my favorite Joni Mitchell song. 💙 2mo
59 likes4 comments
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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! 2mo
Bookwormjillk Lol for some reason I thought he had already won for this book. I guess I just assumed. 2mo
See All 11 Comments
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. 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @Bookwormjillk @CatLass007 right? I had to double check the date on the article 🤣🤣🤣 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @thecheckoutstack nope! I've never read Huck Finn, and still appreciated it! 2mo
Suet624 Hahaha. @Bookwormjillk thought the same thing. 2mo
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)⬇️ 2mo
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?!!! 2mo
Offmybookshelf I loved this book and also thought “didn‘t it already win” 1mo
61 likes11 comments
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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 💜💚💜 2mo
mcctrish A great week 🎉 2mo
thecheckoutstack The Wild lost so now I‘m rooting for the Maple Leafs too. 2mo
49 likes3 comments
review
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!)
2mo
squirrelbrain Great review! ❤️ 2mo
56 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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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!

50 likes1 stack add
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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 2mo
41 likes1 comment
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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! 2mo
TheBookHippie 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 2mo
Kerrbearlib Good luck! Fingers crossed 🤞 2mo
See All 9 Comments
Ruthiella 🤞🤞🤞 2mo
BarbaraBB Happy for you and the rest of the world with the results ❤️🤍 2mo
DogMomIrene As a PR I‘m so elated with the results. Canadians did not disappoint ❤️🇨🇦🍁 2mo
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! 2mo
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. 2mo
TheBookHippie @TheKidUpstairs I was watching into the night!!! I agree. Relieved. 2mo
41 likes9 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
Untitled | Untitled
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Not book related, but it is an important message to spread far and wide. With Trump threatening and removing funding for LGBTQ+ focused suicide hotlines, Canadian resources are opening up access to those south of the border. This number is for Trans Lifeline, the Canadian number is now toll-free for Americans in need as well.

TheBookHippie ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ 2mo
lil1inblue 💓 💓 💓 2mo
JenReadsAlot ❤️ 2mo
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Deblovestoread Well done Canada! ✊🏼❤️✊🏼 2mo
BarbaraBB All the praise to Canada and everyone opposing that crazy dangerous man 2mo
Ruthiella Thank you Canada. 🇨🇦❤️ 2mo
Trashcanman Bless Canada! These fake Christians lack morality. $&@$? @&$”!? $&@?@ 2mo
dabbe Bravo, Canada. 🇨🇦 Thank you. 🙏🏻 2mo
Librarybelle Awesome! ❤️ 2mo
squirrelbrain ❤️🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦 2mo
Mimi28 He is crazy. Thank you for the information 🫶🏽🩷😊 2mo
Bette Just one more reason to like Canada. Not that we needed it. 🇨🇦❤️👍 2mo
marleed Omg Canada you are so wonderful 🇨🇦❤️ 2mo
Kerrbearlib Thank you Canada ♥️ 2mo
mrp27 This is wonderful! 2mo
Chelsea.Poole Our lovely neighbors to the north ♥️ 2mo
64 likes16 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
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Happy Election Day, Canada. Get out there and vote (if you haven't already)!

janeycanuck We went during advance polls - I‘ve never seen so many people waiting! We went same time as we did for the Ontario election a few weeks ago and there was no one. Really hope this means higher turnout, this is an important one. 2mo
TheBookHippie 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @janeycanuck advance polls in my area had a super high turnout, too. And this morning was the biggest lines I've seen since we moved here (it's a small town, so still not the lines I used to wait in on Toronto, but still nice to see the turnout). It's nice to see! 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @TheBookHippie I'm feeling cautiously optimistic, but will still have a knot in my stomach all day. All elections are important, but this one feels especially so. 2mo
TheBookHippie @TheKidUpstairs it does. I‘m nervous too. It‘s a shit show here. 2mo
57 likes5 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
Runner | Patrick Lee
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Pickpick

Totally over the top, and ultimately it probably won't stay with me for long. But I needed something mindlessly entertaining and engaging, and this certainly fit the bill. And, quite frankly, I could happily listen to Raul Esparza read the phone book for 8 hours. So it gets a pick for being the easy book distraction my brain needed!

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TheKidUpstairs
Blue Heron Books | Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada (Bookstore)
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Happy Independent Bookstore Day! Took my boys to the tagged. I was very good and only bought two books 🎉 The third was a free ARC with purchase.

kspenmoll I only bought 2 as well & got a free ARC. ❤️ 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @kspenmoll Yay! Look at us, exercising such restraint! 2mo
66 likes2 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
Pale Shadows | Dominique Fortier
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Pickpick

What a stunning, thoughtful, exquisite gem of a book. Following the death of Emily Dickinson, the women in her orbit attempt to continue their lives amidst the shadow of grief. They live, love, and find small joys while finding their own ways to honour the woman they loved and admired, and to preserve her singular voice.

cont'd in comments

#CarolSheildsPrizeforFiction #Shortlist

TheKidUpstairs Fortier's beautiful prose (and Mullins' excellent translation) drift through the story like a feather on the wind, alighting on moments in the lives of its subjects, and occasionally in the life of the author herself to deliver a reflective, playful tale of grief, loss, and simple beauty above all things. I adored this book. I think I need to buy a physical bopy so I can mark it up. Highly recommend! 2mo
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TheKidUpstairs
Disappearing Earth | Julia Phillips
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Pickpick

Two sisters disappear from a city on the Kamchatka peninsula. Over the following year, the ripples from this event pass ever outwards through the lives of the women of this isolated landscape. This is not a traditional mystery, but rather a study of a place and its people, its women in particular, and the various ways violence - physical, sexual, societal, patriarchal - touch their lives. Beautifully, thoughtfully rendered.

cont'd in comments

TheKidUpstairs I can see why this one is so beloved by so many Littens. It is suffused with the atmosphere of this singular place and its diverse people - cold, strong, lonely, unsettling. I will add my voice to the chorus, highly recommended. 2mo
63 likes1 comment
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TheKidUpstairs
Pale Shadows | Dominique Fortier
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When she thinks of Emily, Gilbert, or her cousin Sophia, who died at age fifteen, Lavinia sees them as they were in the spring or summer of their lives, carefree as puppies. But she knows that the truth is entirely different, more marvellous still; their fragile flesh has broken down, their bones are as smooth as piano keys, their hair is like spider silk, their hearts, their lungs, the whites of their eyes...

cont'd

TheKidUpstairs and the pink flesh of their fingers have returned to the earth; they are feeding the tender grass; they have become willow, linden, sycamore; they are used as homes for birds, and their wide-open arms finally touch the stars in the sky.“ 2mo
50 likes1 comment
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TheKidUpstairs
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When the book is just too good to stop, but you have to leave for school. Teaching kiddo the second how to read and walk safely.

#LikeMotherLikeSon #RaisingReaders

TheBookHippie ♥️♥️♥️♥️ 2mo
dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 2mo
MaGoose That reminds me of me. 😁😎 2mo
BarbaraBB Love this! 🥰🥰 2mo
Aims42 A good life skill for sure! 🙌 2mo
69 likes5 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
Disappearing Earth | Julia Phillips
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#WhereAreYouMonday @Cupcake12

I've been bone watching more than reading lately, my brain is just not up for it, but when I do read I'm loving this one, set on Russia's isolated Kamchatka Peninsula

📷 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky from The Lonely Planet

BarbaraBB I loved this one too. 2mo
sarahbarnes I also loved this one! 😀 2mo
59 likes2 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
Untitled | Untitled
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•What are your favorite genres? I always say Literary Fiction, because it's so vague I feel like I don't really have to decide. I like messy stories, grey areas, and people just trying their best.

•What are a few of your desert island reads? I'm a mood reader, so this is a bit of a torturous question. Becky Chambers' Robot and Monk books, The Bell Jar, Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series, Hamnet, and Never Let Me Go

#BibliologistBio @monalyisha

TheKidUpstairs •What‘s your go-to reading snack? Hummus and Pretzels, cheese and crackers, Salt and Vinegar Chips, tea in the morning, white wine in the evening.

•Weirdest or most interesting place you‘ve read a book? I finished a book in the hospital during the long process of being induced with my third kiddo.

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3mo
TheKidUpstairs •What do you do when you‘re not reading? I'm a full time mom, part time library circulation clerk. Long walks by the lake with my dog. I love to cook and binge watch comfort shows. I write when I can, and am trying to make a better practice of it. 3mo
monalyisha Ah! What are you writing?! So exciting. Also, excellent taste per usual. 😉 3mo
TheKidUpstairs @monalyisha these days it's mostly scraps of stories and mediocre poetry. But I've got an idea for a novel rattling around in my brain and I need to make the time to get it out of my head and onto paper :) 3mo
monalyisha @TheKidUpstairs I love that for you. 💓 3mo
59 likes5 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
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Congrats on your milestone @dabbe so glad to have you as part of this community ❤️

I grounded my mood board with a forest, because that's where I always turn for grounding. And took inspiration from the local beavers who are knocking things down to build something new, the bright and hopeful first flowers of Spring, the wise words of Bill Watterson, and a cursing horse. And always, always tea in my tired hands.

#moodboardcontest #mbc

keithmalek "I'm not in a bad mood. I'm just smart." I love it! 3mo
kspenmoll Love this! 💜 3mo
dabbe I 🎯 to many of your sentiments! Thanks for sharing yourself. The Watterson comic is perfection! 💙🩵💙 3mo
50 likes3 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
Pale Shadows | Dominique Fortier
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“Emily's poems are bolts of lightning, flashpoints on which Susan burns her hands and her eyes. She spends the morning and then the afternoon slowly reading them over, sometimes holding the same lines cupped in her palm for twenty, thirty minutes, squeezing so tight that she feels blood beating in her fingertips.
They form the short verses of a secret gospel. They are magic formulas...

cont'd

TheKidUpstairs ...Speak them in the right order, with the right rhythm, and a dove appears, a flame from a hat, a wreath of daisies; say them backwards and grasshoppers rain down, the sun splits in two, the stars go out in the sky, the world is extinguished“ 3mo
monalyisha Oh, hell yeah. Is that an eloquent enough response to such eloquent prose? 😅 STRAIGHT up the TBR line! 3mo
TheKidUpstairs @monalyisha 😂 😂 It's the perfect response! 3mo
48 likes3 comments