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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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Audition by Katie Kitamura
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Orchid and the Wasp: A Novel by Caoilinn Hughes
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Tomb of Sand by Geetanjali Shree
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Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
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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

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! 4d
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. 3d
HeatherBookNerd Great book 3d
55 likes1 stack add3 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
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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 😂😂😂 4d
dabbe 🤩😍🤩 4d
Suet624 💕💕💕 4d
See All 7 Comments
lil1inblue 💓 💓 💓 4d
Aims42 What happens when a reader is reincarnated as a bird 😆🤓 4d
marleed 😲 4d
59 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. 4d
61 likes1 comment
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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! 4d
Leniverse One of my favourites last year. So informative, and yet so accessible and compelling! 4d
AmyG Just put a hold on it for the audiobook. Thank you. 4d
See All 8 Comments
youneverarrived Yeah, this was really informative but also so scary 😟 4d
TheKidUpstairs @youneverarrived oh my gosh, when the guy created and ordered a brand new chemical weapon to test the system 😱😱😱 Absolutely terrifying, the possibilities. 4d
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! 4d
TheKidUpstairs @AmyG she does a great job with the audio narration! 4d
Chelsea.Poole Agreed! Really appreciated this audio. 2d
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. 1w
Avanders 🤗💙 1w
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! 1w
Amiable I just started this book yesterday… 5d
48 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…🤣😂 3w
TheKidUpstairs @DogMomIrene 🤣🤣🤣 right? But when the plan goes awry, you end up with the best stories, eh? 2w
59 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! 🤪 3w
LeahBergen These editions are so pretty. I can‘t resist them either! 😆 3w
58 likes3 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
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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 3w
42 likes1 comment
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TheKidUpstairs
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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? 3w
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! 3w
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* 3w
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! 3w
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 👏🏻👏🏻 3w
AmyG The cover doesn‘t remotely do this book justice. I, too, loved it. Contemporary fiction mixed with rom com. Such a good read. 3w
73 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 ❤️ 3w
squirrelbrain Aw, that‘s so lovely! ❤️❤️❤️ 3w
mrp27 That‘s so awesome! 3w
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."

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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!☀️📚 4w
BarbaraBB Cool picture 🧡 4w
dabbe 🤩😍🤩 4w
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... 1mo
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. 1mo
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. 4w
sarahbarnes A Case of You is definitely my favorite Joni Mitchell song. 💙 4w
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! 1mo
Bookwormjillk Lol for some reason I thought he had already won for this book. I guess I just assumed. 1mo
See All 10 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. 1mo
TheKidUpstairs @Bookwormjillk @CatLass007 right? I had to double check the date on the article 🤣🤣🤣 1mo
TheKidUpstairs @thecheckoutstack nope! I've never read Huck Finn, and still appreciated it! 1mo
Suet624 Hahaha. @Bookwormjillk thought the same thing. 1mo
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)⬇️ 1mo
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?!!! 1mo
60 likes10 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 💜💚💜 1mo
mcctrish A great week 🎉 1mo
thecheckoutstack The Wild lost so now I‘m rooting for the Maple Leafs too. 1mo
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!)
1mo
squirrelbrain Great review! ❤️ 1mo
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 1mo
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! 1mo
TheBookHippie 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 1mo
Kerrbearlib Good luck! Fingers crossed 🤞 1mo
See All 9 Comments
Ruthiella 🤞🤞🤞 1mo
BarbaraBB Happy for you and the rest of the world with the results ❤️🤍 1mo
DogMomIrene As a PR I‘m so elated with the results. Canadians did not disappoint ❤️🇨🇦🍁 1mo
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! 1mo
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. 1mo
TheBookHippie @TheKidUpstairs I was watching into the night!!! I agree. Relieved. 1mo
41 likes9 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
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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 ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ 1mo
lil1inblue 💓 💓 💓 1mo
JenReadsAlot ❤️ 1mo
See All 16 Comments
Deblovestoread Well done Canada! ✊🏼❤️✊🏼 1mo
BarbaraBB All the praise to Canada and everyone opposing that crazy dangerous man 1mo
Ruthiella Thank you Canada. 🇨🇦❤️ 1mo
Trashcanman Bless Canada! These fake Christians lack morality. $&@$? @&$”!? $&@?@ 1mo
dabbe Bravo, Canada. 🇨🇦 Thank you. 🙏🏻 1mo
Librarybelle Awesome! ❤️ 1mo
squirrelbrain ❤️🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦 1mo
Mimi28 He is crazy. Thank you for the information 🫶🏽🩷😊 1mo
Bette Just one more reason to like Canada. Not that we needed it. 🇨🇦❤️👍 1mo
marleed Omg Canada you are so wonderful 🇨🇦❤️ 1mo
Kerrbearlib Thank you Canada ♥️ 1mo
mrp27 This is wonderful! 1mo
Chelsea.Poole Our lovely neighbors to the north ♥️ 1mo
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. 1mo
TheBookHippie 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 1mo
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! 1mo
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. 1mo
TheBookHippie @TheKidUpstairs it does. I‘m nervous too. It‘s a shit show here. 1mo
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. ❤️ 1mo
TheKidUpstairs @kspenmoll Yay! Look at us, exercising such restraint! 1mo
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! 1mo
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review
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. 1mo
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.“ 1mo
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 ♥️♥️♥️♥️ 1mo
dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 1mo
MaGoose That reminds me of me. 😁😎 1mo
BarbaraBB Love this! 🥰🥰 1mo
Aims42 A good life skill for sure! 🙌 1mo
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. 1mo
sarahbarnes I also loved this one! 😀 1mo
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.

cont'd in next comment
1mo
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. 1mo
monalyisha Ah! What are you writing?! So exciting. Also, excellent taste per usual. 😉 1mo
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 :) 1mo
monalyisha @TheKidUpstairs I love that for you. 💓 1mo
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! 2mo
kspenmoll Love this! 💜 2mo
dabbe I 🎯 to many of your sentiments! Thanks for sharing yourself. The Watterson comic is perfection! 💙🩵💙 2mo
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“ 2mo
monalyisha Oh, hell yeah. Is that an eloquent enough response to such eloquent prose? 😅 STRAIGHT up the TBR line! 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @monalyisha 😂 😂 It's the perfect response! 2mo
48 likes3 comments
review
TheKidUpstairs
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Pickpick

Definitely my favourite of the Brodie series so far. A train derailment, a critically injured Brodie, a missing woman with a past, and a teenager trying to find someone who will listen. I adored Reggie and Sadie :)

Slowly making my way towards @CarolynM's selection for #AuldLangSpine - two more to go until I'm ready for the Rook!

CarolynM Probably my favourite of the series. I adore Louise. 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @CarolynM She is wonderful. The banter between her and Jackson is just perfect. 2mo
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TheKidUpstairs
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Totally cheating here, because I already posted my four nominees for #CampLitsy25 but I just read about this upcoming release and it sounds like such a great one to read with this wonderful group! So if I'm allowed to sneak in a fifth nomination....

@BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain @Megabooks

Jas16 I haven‘t nominated anything so it can be counted as my nomination. 2mo
Deblovestoread I love that readers are rebels! 😂 2mo
squirrelbrain Hmmm…. You may be sent home early from camp! Only joking 🙃! Are you going to nominate @Jas16 - there‘s still loads of time? 2mo
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LeahBergen This sounds great! 2mo
Jas16 @squirrelbrain I think almost everything I was considering has been nominated so likely not. 2mo
mcctrish I think one sounds great 2mo
Bookwormjillk Another one for my TBR! 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @squirrelbrain LOL...uh oh, I might lose tuck shop privileges! 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @LeahBergen doesn't it just? I couldn't resist! 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @Deblovestoread Rebel Without Willpower! 2mo
Prairiegirl_reading @Jas16 I came here to say this as well!! 🤣 2mo
BarbaraBB @Prairiegirl_reading @Jas16 no need to nominate if you don‘t want to. The longlist is going to be loooong and we‘re glad you‘re joining us! 2mo
BarbaraBB @TheKidUpstairs I‘m happy you added this book 😉 (edited) 2mo
Sace The cover and blurb alone grabs my attention. 2mo
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TheKidUpstairs
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Forget Angel vs Spike. #TeamGiles Forever! Library Power!

monalyisha I may or may not have written my MLIS grad school application essay about Buffy. 😏 2mo
Ruthiella Absolutely! 👍 2mo
lil1inblue 🙌 🙌 🙌 I need to rewatch this show. 💓 2mo
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TheKidUpstairs
Disappearing Earth | Julia Phillips
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Waiting on a washing machine repair tech (5 people in a house with a broken washing machine - the piles are taking over!). "Sometime between 9 and 1." I know I could be doing other chores, but it feels like if I start on something, I could be interrupted right away, so instead, I read.

monalyisha Oh, I loved this one. 🩵 2mo
BarbaraBB Me too! 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @monalyisha @BarbaraBB I'm loving it so far. The style of it, a catalytic event rippling out through the lives of a community, reminds me of one of my favourites from last year: 2mo
monalyisha @TheKidUpstairs Adding Falling Animals to the TBR now! 2mo
BarbaraBB That means I should read Falling Animals! 2mo
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TheKidUpstairs
Goddess Complex: A Novel | Sanjena Sathian
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Super excited for another year of #CampLitsy25 Thanks to the always wonderful hosts @BarbaraBB @Megabooks and @squirrelbrain

I was prepping my list earlier this week (it was a VERY quiet night at work), so I'm all set to go! Tagged one, will tag the others in the comments! Happy Camping! Can't wait to see what everyone nominates, apologies to my overloaded TBR 🤣🤣🤣

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squirrelbrain I‘ve only heard of the Goddess Complex, but that‘s why we love camp so much - it brings so many new books! I loved Fault Lines by Itami so definitely going to check that one out. 2mo
Ruthiella Interesting selection! 👍 2mo
BarbaraBB I haven‘t heard of any of these but I trust your choices and am so excited to check them out! 2mo
Suet624 I don‘t know how you all know of these books! So many I‘ve never heard of. 2mo
Deblovestoread These all sound fantastic! 2mo
sarahbarnes What @BarbaraBB and @Suet624 said! Thank you for adding to my TBR! 😁 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @squirrelbrain I loved Fault Lines, too. I was so excited that she's got a new one coming out! 2mo
Megabooks I don't have any of these on my radar! Thanks for nominating them! 2mo
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TheKidUpstairs
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"Somewhere, in some Utopian nowhere, women walked without fear. Louise would sure like to see that place.

Give medals to all the women."

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TheKidUpstairs
Killer Potential | Hannah Deitch
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I had a rough day. So hubby is taking care of dinner with the kids, and I'm starting a new book with a giant tea... I might even have to go back for a second cup...

LeahBergen You deserve it! 2mo
BarbaraBB 🤍 2mo
LiseWorks Tea cures everything 2mo
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Suet624 I hope things turn around for you. 2mo
CarolynM Hope today is better💕 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @LiseWorks it is a special kind of magic! 2mo
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TheKidUpstairs
The Followers | Rebecca Wait
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Pickpick

What a book. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. Wait has a gift for crafting complex and engrossing stories that really get under your skin and make you think and feel deeply.

Single mother Stephanie gets drawn into the fold of a self-proclaimed "Prophet" and brings her daughter, Judith, to live with his isolated cult. Cont'd in comments...

TheKidUpstairs Flipping back and forth between their time at The Ark and Judith's life as a young adult trying to live with the aftermath of a horrific event that has sent Stephanie to prison, The Followers builds stream towards a chilling and powerful conclusion. Highly Recommend. 2mo
squirrelbrain Ooh, this is one of hers I haven‘t read….tries not to rush off to buy it! 2mo
Jas16 Loved this one too 2mo
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TheKidUpstairs @squirrelbrain and I just found out she's got a new book coming out in July in the UK 2mo
Suet624 I really liked this one too. 2mo
ErikasMindfulShelf I loved I‘m Sorry You Feel That Way. Definitely have to read more by her. 2mo
BarbaraBB One of my favorite authors! Can‘t wait for her new one, thanks for bringing it up! 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @ErikasMindfulShelf I'd definitely recommend this one, and Our Fathers was one of my top reads of 2024! 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @BarbaraBB she's just so good, eh? I don't know how she does it, but both of hers that I've read just suck you in from the very first page! I was so happy to hear she's got one coming out. 2mo
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TheKidUpstairs
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In my quest to catch up to Death at the Sign of the Rook before years end, I'm starting on the third Jackson Brodie title. So far, so good, but I have to ask: what's with all the 'J' names? Jackson, his ex wife Josie, his ex girl friend Julia, now Joanna (and her late siblings Jessica and Joseph). They're all a jumble in my brain!

5feet.of.fury That drives me crazy in books! Could have named them anything at all 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @5feet.of.fury right? It probably doesn't help that the MC in one of my other current reads is names Judith 😂 2mo
Ruthiella I never noticed that! 😂 I do love this series though. 2mo
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sarahbarnes I‘ve been wanting to start this series! 2mo
TheKidUpstairs @sarahbarnes I really like them. Not your typical fast paced mystery-thrillers. They're more slow paced character studies of people caught up in, and haunted by, tragic events. I had read the first (Case Histories) years ago and always meant to read more, so when @CarolynM put the latest on her #AuldLangSpine list it seemed like a great excuse to catch up with the series. 2mo
monalyisha Ha, a “j”umble. I see what you did there! 😉 (Realizing I haven‘t been diligent about checking in on the #auldlangspine tag recently!) 3d
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TheKidUpstairs
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Pickpick

"... the personal, intimate parts of people's lives matter every bit as much as the famous, dramatic, narrative defining ones."

Another wonderful selection from the #wpnf25 long list. An interesting, engaging history of the Viking Age told through everyday objects and everyday people. Barraclough's narration is excellent, I highly recommend the audio!

TheKidUpstairs I can understand why it wasn't shortlisted - those books all feel very timely and necessary for the current moment - but I'm so glad to have read this one. Kudos to the Women's Prize Nonfiction judges for highlighting such a wonderful selection of books this year. 2mo
charl08 I loved this one. She writes so engagingly about a topic I knew very little about. 2mo
Chelsea.Poole I agree--I was so engaged! 2mo
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TheKidUpstairs
The Persians | Sanam Mahloudji
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Mehso-so

This book has such potential. I was fully invested in the beginning, in what seemed to be a family story of a group of complex women who have been taught to strive for wealth and position over genuine human connection and love. But the book seemed to stall after the first half. It just never went anywhere, there was not really any character development (and what was there, wasn't earned). In the end, I just don't get the purpose. #wp25

BarbaraBB I agree wholeheartedly. It could have been so much better. 2mo
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TheKidUpstairs
Wild Hope: A Novel | Joan Thomas
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It was a good day to stop at Dollar Tree!!!

TheSpineView Score! 📚📚📚 2mo
AmyG 🙌🏻 2mo
Aims42 Nice!! I love that you never know what books you‘ll find at Dollar Tree, it‘s like a treasure hunt 👑⚱️💎📚 2mo
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TheKidUpstairs
The Persians | Sanam Mahloudji
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"I watch the four women I work with and it is like an epiphany, discovering a waterfall during a walk in the woods, witnessing a secret smile. The men pretend not to notice, but I take pleasure in it, better than any party. There is beauty in small but radical exposures. I remember the women at Kian's - those long-haired revolutionaries."

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