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Yvonnel

Yvonnel

Joined May 2016

Reading is always a good idea
blurb
Yvonnel
Shantaram: A Novel | Gregory David Roberts
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Working my way through this epic story. Don't let it's size deter you - it's a fantastic read!!

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Yvonnel
The Immortalists | Chloe Benjamin
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I finally had time to sit and enjoy this novel and it did not disappoint. I loved the writing style and the Gold family children had such distinct personalities making each section a mini novel unto itself. I particularly enjoyed reading Varya‘s story and without giving anything away, there were moments when I had tears in my eyes. A very enjoyable read. I look forward to seeing what Chloe Benjamin comes out with next!

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Yvonnel
The Immortalists | Chloe Benjamin
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A little knitting and finally a chance to start reading The Immortalists. I‘ve been gazing at it longingly every day but wanted to wait until the Olympics were finished so I could really savour it. Excited!

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Yvonnel
How to Stop Time | Matt Haig
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I wanted something light to read before bed and this little gem was perfect. The main character has been alive for over 400 years posing problems that are both entertaining and heartbreaking. I enjoyed the he parts where he reminisces about the past at the time of Shakespeare or F Scott Fitzgerald having lived it himself. The story gives you pause to think on a life well lived. And in the end, love is always the answer.

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Yvonnel
The Immortalists | Chloe Benjamin
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I‘m excited to start reading The Immortalists. I Have heard so many good things about it. But it‘s hard to read when somebody‘s watching you!

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Yvonnel
The Dry | Jane Harper
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Any book that mentions the dagger award usually comes home with me and this one did not disappoint. Every chapter reveals something that you didn‘t know that changes how you look at what went before. Wonderful storytelling and I actually gasped out loud neat the end. Fantastic. Read it.

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Yvonnel
The Birdwatcher | William Shaw
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This book was a bit of a slow burn but a thoroughly enjoyable police procedural. It felt a little like a Peter Robinson story and that‘s high praise since he‘s my all time fave. I‘d recommend this one.

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Yvonnel
Grist Mill Road | Christopher J. Yates
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This was a terrific read. It‘s like a freight train that keeps going faster. The opening scene is horrible enough to make you feel sorry for the victim but as the story rolls along you‘re not sure who to believe anymore. Lots of twists. Thoroughly enjoyed it

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Yvonnel
House of Spines | Michael J. Malone
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Mehso-so

I was really looking forward to this book as it was reviewed as a mystery thriller. Although it was an enjoyable read, I didn‘t feel it had the suspense I was looking for, and came across as a little hokey. A little disappointing. Has anyone else read this one? Thoughts?

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Yvonnel
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On this Saturday morning I‘m torn between snuggling up with my book and this girl, or catching up on about five book reviews! I‘ve read so many good books that I really need to share them with you before the holidays!🎄❄️☃️📚

Tanzy13 🐶 7y
5 likes1 comment
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Yvonnel
Manhattan Beach: A Novel | Jennifer Egan
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This novel is set in New York at the beginning of the Second World War. It beautifully depicts New York at this period in history with all its glamour and grittiness. The dockyards are very busy preparing for war, but when the men leave to fight the women must step up. A woman diver? Unheard of. This novel focuses on a female character who has the gumption to go after what she wants even though she meets resistance from all angles. Well done.

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Yvonnel
After You'd Gone | Maggie O'Farrell
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I am in love with this writer! Her writing will tear at your emotions and this book is no exception. Without giving away what happens, this story of Alice and Jack will rip your heart out. Beautifully written and capturing emotions like nothing I have read before. I could not stop reading. Sad but so beautifully done!

JillR I adore Maggie O‘Farrell too 😊 I read This Must Be the Place recently and loved it 7y
Yvonnel JillR I read that one too and loved it. Makes me want to go back and read more of her earlier novels. Great writing. (edited) 7y
4 likes2 comments
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Yvonnel
Parting Shot | Linwood Barclay
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What can I say? Linwood is always pure entertainment. This one picks up where the Promise Falls trilogy leaves off, and yet you could read it as a stand-alone. A crazy cast of characters with crazy stuff going on, Linwood always delivers a good ride m

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Yvonnel
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So this happened last night! Attended the IFOA last night where Peter Robinson, my absolute favourite author was speaking and reading from his new book. And I was lucky enough to grab a photo, an autograph and have a little chat. Already looking forward to his next book!

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Yvonnel
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Oh my gosh I can't say enough about this book! I picked it up on a whim (because you know, Costco) and I'm so glad I did! I was completely engrossed in this story and could not wait to get back to it. So beautifully written, with many additional stories within the story, I thoroughly enjoyed it! A brilliant debut. I will be waiting for her next one!

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Yvonnel
Brilliant | Roddy Doyle
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Hey Litsy friends. I am going to an author reading in a couple of weeks with my favourite author Peter Robinson as well as Roddy Doyle. I have not read anything by him. Are there any fans out there who could recommend one of his books as a good place to start? Thanks!

Onioons Do you mean by Roddy Doyle? If so, you might have seen the film The Commitments? Or The Deportees is a set of his short stories. He's very funny but in a very Irish context 😊 (edited) 7y
4 likes1 comment
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Yvonnel
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I've been seeing so many great reviews about this one that I decided to give it a shot. The weather is so gorgeous I might even be able to enjoy it on my deck!

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Yvonnel
I'm Traveling Alone | Samuel Bjork
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I thought this book might be a bit disturbing because of the subject matter but it was not an issue. This is more of a crime procedural and the team of investigators is particularly intriguing, including one in particular Mia Kruger, who is wrestling with some demons herself making her a very interesting character. This book has lots of plot twists and ratchets up to an exciting finish. I'll be looking for the next one in the series.

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Yvonnel
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Happy National Dog day to my lovely Maggie #nationaldogday

Tanzy13 🐶 7y
5 likes1 comment
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Yvonnel
I'm Travelling Alone | Samuel Bjork
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I'm about to start this one as recommended by Crime by the Book but not sure if it's a good choice for bedtime reading?😳

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Yvonnel
The Best Laid Plans | Terry Fallis
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Terry Fallis has received the Stephen Leacock for humour and it is obvious why. This book is so witty and well written that I chuckled and laughed out loud all the way through. One of the main characters is a real character himself and a grammar nazi which I thoroughly enjoyed. Although this book had just a little more (Canadian) politics than I normally would like, it is a very enjoyable read.

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Yvonnel
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Every time a pick up a Peter Robinson book it's like getting together with an old friend. The characters are familiar and I love his writing style. I've been reading about Inspector Banks solving crimes for years now and I'm enjoying how he is changing over the years. One day I'll have to go back and read them all again from the beginning! Pure enjoyment as always.

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Yvonnel
The Glass Castle: A Memoir | Jeannette Walls
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This memoir is heartbreaking. It's hard to believe some of the things this family endured. Could a family really live like this? Apparently so. This is a story of resilience while also showing us that no matter how dire the circumstances, love still come through. Crazy good.

lynneamch I had read the book many years ago and just saw the movie. I think they did an excellent job of capturing the complexity of relationships. It is hard to watch as it was to read, yet there is also joy and inspiration. 7y
Yvonnel I would love to see the movie too. Thanks for letting me know! 7y
4 likes2 comments
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Yvonnel
Darktown: A Novel | Thomas Mullen
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Mehso-so

I have to say this book didn't quite do it for me. The storyline of black cops being hired to an all white police force in Atlanta in the 1940's sounded like it would be really interesting and yet it fell flat for me.

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Yvonnel
This Must Be the Place | Maggie O'Farrell
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I have been reading a lot of crime and mystery lately so I was ready for a change of pace. This book was just what I needed! Beautifully written, quirky unpredictable characters, and a story I couldn't wait to get back to. This is great storytelling. Loved it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

KateFulfordAuthor If you like Maggie‘s style, perhaps you could consider my debut? Reviews are saying: “I loved this book more than I initially thought I would. Fulford infuses her characters with intense personalities that are prone to clashing with those of others. I loved Eve from the very beginning..." It‘s been nominated for The People's Book Prize 2018 too!

Learn more via the link in the BIO
6y
5 likes1 comment
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Yvonnel
Mischling: A novel | Affinity Konar
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Devastatingly beautiful is the best way to describe this book. Told through the alternating voices of twins Pearl and Stasha, it tells the awful story of Joseph Mengele's experiments during WWll. The author does an amazing job of portraying this period in history while still showing the beauty of humanity and the power of forgiveness. Beautifully told. 5 stars

3 likes1 stack add
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Yvonnel
The Veins of the Ocean | Patricia Engel
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I loved this book! I grew up on the East coast in Nova Scotia, so I've always been in love with the ocean. Raina's life has not been easy, particularly with her brother in prison. Her story of how she struggles with this part of her life while trying to figure out life for herself is both heart-breaking and beautiful. I loved how the author connects all of it back to the ocean. Beautifully done. 💕

5 likes1 stack add
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Yvonnel
The Veins of the Ocean | Patricia Engel
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Perfect evening snuggled up with my puppy and starting The Veins of the Ocean.

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Yvonnel
Since We Fell | Dennis Lehane
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I really enjoyed this book! I was never really sure what was going to happen next, and I found myself trying to find moments to get back to it. Well written, fun and with enough plot twists to keep you gasping and laughing to the very end. Well done. I'll have to check out some other stuff written by Dennis Lehane.

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Yvonnel
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Baseball Advice is a collection of essays and stories written by a female sports writer. She tackles the obvious problems about being a female fan, and I'm sure others will relate. Who says I don't know about the infield fly rule? She tackles everything from concussions to the art of booing. Although it's focus is on the Toronto Blue Jays, it is sure to please any baseball fan.

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Yvonnel
Lilac Girls: A Novel | Martha Hall Kelly
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The Lilac Girls is based on a true story about the "rabbits" - women in concentration camps who were victims of experiments. Told through three voices in Poland, Germany and New York, the book tells the story about the women who were victims, and the amazing women who fought to find justice for them. Another one of many WWII stories that needs to be told. If you liked The Nightingale, you are sure to enjoy this one.

christineandbooks Just finished and loved The Nightingale. This is up soon on my TBR list! Heard so many good things! 8y
6 likes1 comment
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Yvonnel
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I love crime novels and I really enjoyed this one. A retired FBI agent, Brigid comes to help a former partner on a case for a guy who is on death row. Her partner think she didn't do it. Brigid has her own issues to deal with that make you really connect with her as a character. Well written, great pacing, interesting characters, I will be reading more of Becky Masterman. Oh and then I find out that there are TWO novels previous to this one!

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Yvonnel
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This was a lovely book! There were so many beautiful moments where I was smiling to myself. This gem of a book will have you believing in love, romance and special friendships all over again. Oh and books! ❤

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Yvonnel
Mississippi Blood | Greg Iles
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Absolutely brilliant! I decided to binge read this trilogy back-to-back and loved it. The characters are well developed and the courtroom scene was one of the best I have ever read. Greg Iles is an amazing writer and he just never lets up on the pace. Literally un-put-downable. I highly recommend this series. Don't let the size of the books intimidate you - you will fly through the pages

MaryAnn1 Because of this review, I must follow you. I wholeheartedly agree. Love Penn! 8y
5 likes2 comments
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Yvonnel
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Just finished The Bone Tree, the second book in the Natchez Trilogy. At over 800 pages each I wish I could read faster! Even my dog is looking for attention. LOL. This book was even better than the first. I was already hugely invested in these characters so I couldn't wait to see what happened next. No spoilers but OMG this series is good. Onto Mississippi Burning.....

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Yvonnel
Natchez Burning | Greg Iles
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I have been binge reading this fabulous series like a Netflix tv show! This book was fantastic. Amazing characters and so well written. Just when you thought it all made sense, another piece of the puzzle falls to the floor. Ok I'm hooked!

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Yvonnel
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I loved this book. The main character has so much wrong going on in her life, you wonder how she will ever get through it. Then a relationship develops that seems wrong in so many ways, and yet couldn't be more perfect. I couldn't wait to get back to reading this book. Beautifully told.

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Yvonnel
The Wonder | Emma Donoghue
Mehso-so

I have to say I have mixed feelings about this book. I have loved all of Emma's historical fiction but this one seemed a little strange. I almost bailed a couple of times but I was intrigued enough to find out what happens and her writing is always good. I am glad that I did and I enjoyed the ending but I'm still not sure that I liked it. Anyone else feeling this way?

swishandflick 🙋🏽 I felt that way, glad to know I'm not alone amongst the glowing reviews, haha 8y
Pelican71 Good to know. I'll be starting this book sometime this week. 8y
5 likes2 comments
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Yvonnel
The Wonder | Emma Donoghue
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Starting this new one by Emma Donoghue. Excited!

BooksTeasAndBookishThings What a beautiful edition!!! 😍 8y
6 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Yvonnel
Small Great Things | Jodi Picoult
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Once you start a Jodi Picoult novel, you are completely engrossed in the story. This book is no different. I love that Jodi is not afraid to take on issues that are relevant and important. In Great Small Things a black delivery nurse is accused of murder in the case of a white baby. Jodi is able to show all sides of the racial issue through those characters. But this story is much more than that. It. will make you pause and think. Well done.

Pelican71 Loved, loved, loved this book! 8y
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Yvonnel
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I have read ALL of Peter Robinson's books and he just keeps getting better! It's so enjoyable to pick up a book and be immediately involved because you know the characters already. In Music you alternate between the two cases they are trying to solve. Peter weaves an intriguing story leaving you wondering how the pieces will all connect, and who really did it! Love all of his books!

3 likes1 stack add
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Yvonnel
Three-Martini Lunch | Suzanne Rindell
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This book is about the publishing industry in early 1900's New York. Suzanne Rindell has a lovely way of writing that is at once intriguing and enjoyable. Her. characters are interesting and she does a great job of setting you in the time period. Very enjoyable read and would also highly recommend her first book The Other Typist! I will be reading more of her books!

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Yvonnel
The Muse: A Novel | Jessie Burton
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After reading The Miniaturist I was excited to get my hands on The Muse and it did not disappoint. The focus is on a painting but it is SO much more than that. The story alternates between two time frames creating two separate stories and you can't wait to see how they connect. Well done! Loved it.

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Yvonnel
Church of Marvels LP | Leslie Parry
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I accidentally came across this little gem while aimlessly browsing the bookstore. This book had all the charms of a circus story while drawing you into the gritty era of 1800's New York. The characters are fascinating and the story is a mystery that comes together beautifully as the story evolves.

Stephanie-Anne Love historical fiction! 8y
5 likes2 stack adds1 comment