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Centique

Centique

Joined September 2016

Is it a book? I‘ll probably like it then. NZ 🇳🇿
review
Centique
The Safekeep | Yael van der Wouden
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This book was loved by so many friends last year that I didnt think it could live up to the hype. Well it more than did that. I‘ll be surprised if this isnt the best book i read this year. Glorious writing and complex characters, a sprawling old house and a spiralling tension. I thought it was PERFECT.

Ruthiella Great review! 👍 2d
BarbaraBB What a review. I loved it too and am hoping it‘ll win the Women‘s Prize 2d
squirrelbrain Great review for a fabulous book! 2d
See All 15 Comments
Centique @Ruthiella @squirrelbrain thank you 😘 I feel like im a bit in love with this book now! 2d
Centique @BarbaraBB me too! 🤞🤞🤞 2d
Bookwormjillk I loved it too 2d
CarolynM Great review. And I see it‘s on the a Women‘s Prize shortlist. I will have to bump it up the TBR😊 2d
Cathythoughts Great review ❤️ I really enjoyed it too and I recommended for our Bookclub… great discussion! 2d
Centique @CarolynM its so good! I hope you love it too. Go in without reading blurbs/synopsis if possible 👍 2d
Centique @Bookwormjillk @Cathythoughts 😘 great company to be in! 2d
Billypar This is at the top of my list this year too. It was also the exact right book I needed for the moment: I've been more distracted lately, and this was one of the few recent reading experiences where I felt truly immersed in the action. 1d
Centique @Billypar i feel very much the same! The start of the year i have struggled to finish books. Just hitting a streak of really good books now which i hope will get my reading mojo back 💕 1d
Reggie This review was PERFECT! Stacked! 10h
Reggie lol I had stacked it already, but I would again if I could. 10h
Centique @Reggie thank you! I was going to add in my comments OMG Reggie you have to read this - but i keep saying that lately! Anyway this book has a lot of feelings - love suppressed feelings getting released 😍 21m
54 likes2 stack adds15 comments
review
Centique
A Little Trickerie | Rosanna Pike
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Very unlike me to be reading something off a prize long list but when i heard it was set in Tudor times I was drawn in. I absolutely loved these characters. Tibb is amazing, foul mouthed and free spirited with uncanny insight. The first few pages of this novel are possibly the strongest and most captivating start to a novel that i have read in a long time. I do have a quibble - i felt the “adventure story” aspect ⬇️

Centique really took over the last part of the book. I do think that makes it more of a page turner however and could get it great commercial success or a tv adaptation - i just wanted something a little different. 1w
BarbaraBB You really make me want to read it (while I wasn‘t very much drawn to it until now!) (edited) 1w
CarolynM Great review. I stacked this when @squirrelbrain reviewed it and I‘m even keener to read it now 😀 1w
See All 10 Comments
squirrelbrain Great review! As @CarolynM said - I loved it too. (And I didn‘t really expect to) 1w
Ruthiella The reviews are giving me a strong Sarah Waters Tipping the Velvet vibes . I definitely want to read it. 1w
Cathythoughts Great review Paula. Stacked. ❤️ 1w
Centique @squirrelbrain and thank you Helen for doing such a great job of reading and reviewing from ALL these prize lists! It helps me so much reading your reviews 🙌 1w
squirrelbrain No pressure then Paula! 🤣🤪 7d
62 likes4 stack adds10 comments
review
Centique
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As others have said this is not the book i expected it to be and it hit me harder because of that. I expected a book about tyranny causing violent revolution but what i got was the way that tyranny with one act unmoors and exiles and causes long term trauma. To me so much of this book is the loneliness of exile, how an 18 year old is supposed to somehow forge a life away from his home and family knowing he is watched, knowing he cannot speak.

Centique The tension in this book is from the reality of how dangerous it is to be an exile, what tyranny will do, not just to those who oppose it, but to anyone who they suspect might stand up or bear witness. This is an incredibly thoughtful book, and quiet - contemplating family, home and friendship. 2w
BarbaraBB What a wonderful review. True words. 2w
squirrelbrain Fabulous review! 2w
See All 12 Comments
Centique @BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain thank you 😘 I am sure it was your reviews that put this high on my TBR! 2w
sarahbarnes Wow, great review. I still haven‘t read this. 2w
TrishB Great review- need to get to! 2w
Cathythoughts Great review! I have it waiting on the shelf ♥️ 2w
Deblovestoread Excellent review! This book has staying power ❤️ 2w
Centique @sarahbarnes thank you 💕 2w
Centique @TrishB i think you will like it! 2w
Centique @Cathythoughts thank you Cathy. Its a quiet thoughtful one for when you need a slower pace 💕 I know you often like those! 2w
Centique @Deblovestoread im sure it will stay with me too! 2w
65 likes5 stack adds12 comments
review
Centique
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This book was SO good. A cross country train in 1920s Canada. A young black man - Baxter - is night porter, fighting a lack of sleep, money & food as he attempts to placate a bunch of white passengers & hide his queer identity from the other porters. This novel puts you square in Baxter‘s shoes & its so full of heart, you will root for him to make it. The cover looks a little romantic but this is very realistic, much more about poverty & racism

Centique Thanks to @TrishB and @Cinfhen for putting this book on my radar a while ago 💕 2w
Centique @Reggie this is such a big hearted novel, i think you would like this! 2w
TrishB It‘s a very thought provoking read ❤️ 2w
See All 6 Comments
Reggie I will check it out! Thanks for the rec. 2w
Trashcanman Hi Paula! I hope you‘ve been well. 2w
Centique @Trashcanman oh my goodness George! I am so happy to see you here! I have thought of you so much but i had stopped looking you up. Had been a bit patchy with Litsy over the last year as life was a roller coaster. More settled now. I hope things have been improving for you? I am sorry you have the politics to contend with. I hope you can keep your head above some of the atrociousness 💕💕 2w
58 likes3 stack adds6 comments
review
Centique
Beautyland: A Novel | Marie-Helene Bertino
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I absolutely loved this. I think because the character of Adina felt very real to me - a loner, an outsider, living near the poverty line w her solo mum, a child who feels alone & alien growing into an adult that struggles to make more than one or two deep connections. Is Adina really an alien? - she faxes her mother planet with her wry and poignant earth observations. Little nuggets of insight that punctuate the story. ⬇️

Centique Adina‘s ups and downs & her attempts to fit in were heart wrenching while the acceptance she feels from her dog & her true best friends - made for golden moments. Love and grief and finding yourself detached from the world ♥️ 3w
Bookwormjillk I think this will be one of my favorite 2025 reads. 3w
CarolynM Lovely review. I hadn‘t been drawn to this one, but I have to stack it now😆 3w
See All 7 Comments
Centique @CarolynM i know some people have found it a little detached maybe? So maybe try a few pages first to see if you like it. 😘 3w
Suet624 I loved this one too and felt very connected to Adina. Great review. 3w
Jas16 I really loved this book too. 3w
69 likes4 stack adds7 comments
review
Centique
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Firstly - this photo is from the Christchurch Art Gallery - not the Met Museum! - but on theme 👍

This book is a lovely contemplative piece by Patrick Bringley about being a guard at the Met Museum, about the impact of art on the soul and about specific works of art and what they came to mean to him. Its also about being a guard, one of so many, and behind the scenes at the museum. Beautifully written and incredibly thoughtful. A joy to read.

kspenmoll I enjoyed this as well. Lovely review! 4w
TrishB I have this on the pile! 4w
CarolynM Sounds interesting. I love the picture😍 4w
See All 10 Comments
Reggie Awwwwww stacked. 4w
Centique @TrishB its wonderful if youre in the museum mood 😍 3w
Centique @CarolynM i love it too - and its so huge! 3w
Centique @Reggie 😘😘 3w
Suet624 Oooh, sounds so interesting 3w
Rissreadswithcats Now this does sound interesting! 3w
Centique @Rissreadswithcats @Suet624 its a quiet book but he writes so thoughtfully - i found it really special. Hope you like it if you read it. 3w
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review
Centique
Sipsworth | Simon Van Booy
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This was a sweet little book and just what i needed. A little bit like A Man Called Ove but a shorter, simpler read. I seem to be reading a lot of books about elderly people finding connections!

Photo: a lot of folk in the water this weekend for Junior Surf Club.

Ruthiella It‘s funny when books thematically arrange themselves like that. Bookish serendipity! 😊 1mo
Reggie That photo looks heavenly. I want to go swimming now. 1mo
Suet624 I went through that elderly connection phase recently too. I thought it was a message to me from my spirit. Apparently not. 😊 3w
66 likes3 comments
review
Centique
Olive, Again | Elizabeth Strout
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Elizabeth Strout can do no wrong. Each chapter is a tiny gem of wisdom. So many characters circling around Olive, their sadnesses, their weaknesses, but also often their ability to connect with each other, redirect themselves after grief or make peace. And Olive herself - irascible but truth loving, blunt to others but hardest on herself - and all the people she has impacted 🙌 - youve got to love Olive!

Centique Plus flowers at a favorite cafe 💕 1mo
LeahBergen Lovely review… and flowers! 1mo
Reggie These books of her from different points of views sound like my jam. I‘ve just never picked her up. Beautiful flowers! 1mo
See All 7 Comments
BarbaraBB Great review. I loved Olive in this book. Much more so than in 1mo
Cathythoughts Great review! I‘m only starting off on the Olive journey 🥰 1mo
Suet624 If I didn‘t have so many books in my house to read I‘d start reading Strout‘s works from the very beginning again. 3w
Rissreadswithcats Olive is a good egg! 3w
52 likes7 comments
review
Centique
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I loved Longbourn by Jo Baker & so i picked up her new book pretty quick. Its an engaging historical fiction set around the Blitz in London. Baker takes what at first seems like a typical English “office girl” (Charlotte) and slowly fills in her background until we realise she is not typical at all. As C goes through the loss of friends & workmates she gets caught up unravelling a mystery and gets into real peril. A good read 3.5 stars

Centique Photo: The Guardian 1mo
Bookwormjillk I didn‘t know she had a new book. I‘ll have to check it out. 1mo
66 likes3 stack adds2 comments
review
Centique
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
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Wow - this book 🙌 I was reading it thinking how sad and harrowing it was to be experiencing Elena‘s Parkinson‘s and her grief at her daughter‘s death. And then Pineiro knocks you out as both Elena and the reader‘s eyes are opened to the underlying truths - the story behind the story. This is the sort of novel where you dont realise how clever it is until the end.
Photo: subterranean tunnel Waiheke Island

BarbaraBB Lovely review. She‘s become a favorite author of mine. Great photo too ❤️ 1mo
TrishB An amazing read 👍🏻 1mo
Lindy I agree. This book is brilliant! 1mo
See All 11 Comments
Soubhiville What a cool and creepy photo! 1mo
Centique @Soubhiville its a cool and creepy place! Theres a big old bunker down there too and they have a grand piano in there and recently had an event with a concert pianist. Apparently the acoustics are great. 1mo
Soubhiville Oh I bet they are! I‘d attend that, I bet you can feel every note. 1mo
Cathythoughts Great review and picture. Excellent book. 1mo
Reggie You, Lindy, TrishB, and Cathythoughts gave it the thumbs up. If I hadn‘t already stacked it I would. And that photo is wonderfully creepy to me. 1mo
Centique @Reggie you will definitely like it i think - and its quite short too! 1mo
Rissreadswithcats I loved this too and she is a must read author for me now. 1mo
Suet624 Oh, Elena. I‘ll always remember her. 3w
64 likes1 stack add11 comments
review
Centique
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I remember first reading the scene with Clytemnestra in the Iliad and thinking WTAF!! 🤬 (i wont say why because spoilers) I couldnt believe that the narrative continued on barely acknowledging the abuse (imo) - so i was always going to read this book. It‘s engaging and propulsive but dark and violent too. Women in the myths were horribly mistreated and misrepresented - I‘m glad to see a retelling that puts Clytemnestra‘s experience first.

Centique It‘s an easy read so dont be put off if you havent read The Iliad. If you enjoyed Song of Achilles you‘ll probably enjoy this too i think. (edited) 2mo
LoverOfLearning LOVED THIS BOOK 📖 ❤️ 2mo
LoverOfLearning @Centique The Song of Achilles is my most reread book. No real reason but I've read it 4 times once each summer. Just love it. 2mo
See All 9 Comments
Centique @LoverOfLearning I really enjoyed it - but as i approached that scene i got a little hesitant about picking the book back up! Worth it though. 2mo
Centique @LoverOfLearning Song of Achilles made me actually weep. So beautifully written 💔 2mo
LoverOfLearning @Centique Yes, every time. 😭 2mo
BookmarkTavern One of my absolute favorite Greek retellings! 2mo
AvidReader25 I read this in Greece this year and loved it! Her fierce righteous anger was incredible. 2mo
Rissreadswithcats How have I not heard of this! Stacked! And yes I remember weeping too in Song of Achilles. I have not read The Iliad yet. 1mo
76 likes2 stack adds9 comments
review
Centique
Toward Eternity | Anton Hur
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Inhaled this book in one day as i found it so interesting. However im not sure its going to stay with me. The form is that of a notebook being passed from one person to the next so you dont stay with any one character for long. In a future world a nanite technology recreates all your human cells so that you can survive a terminal illness. But are you still human? Do you still have a soul and does it wish to remain forever in this ⬇️

Centique immortal body? Lots of interesting questions but i think a longer book would have helped you connect and feel more for the characters. I think Anton Hur is a writer I need to read more from for sure. 2mo
Reggie All the nanite stuff I read goes into the horror/ai becomes too smart and kills us off territory. This sounds good. 2mo
Centique @Reggie yes this goes there too! But it stays pretty cerebral, you dont get up close to any of the carnage. 2mo
Rissreadswithcats This does sound interesting. Stacked 🩷 1mo
62 likes3 stack adds4 comments
review
Centique
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Rachel Cusk wrote this memoir (almost a series of essays) about becoming a mother in 2001. Cusk talks about motherhood in both an intellectual way & a personal way - theres a little humor but theres a lot of distress in here. For me it is the first book ive read that captured some of the trauma & undoing of self that i personally felt going full speed from a difficult birth into a severe lack of sleep & feelings ⬇️

Centique of failure. Cusk had a far longer stint in that hard place than me but im so glad she got the essence of these experiences down on paper. It helps me to remember that time and to empathise with anyone going through that right now. 2mo
Suet624 Did you read Soldier Sailor? I wonder how it compares. 3w
Centique I havent read that yet @Suet624 Ive heard it will make me cry though! 3w
68 likes3 stack adds3 comments
blurb
Centique
Picnic Day! | Wendy Wax, Artful Doodlers
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@CarolynM Today was a beautiful day for a picnic! We got to solve clues & find parts of our picnic at different cafes and bakeries. We did a central city version so we got to spend time in parks and parts of the viaduct that we havent visited for a LONG time. And there were DONUTS 🙌 (i forgot to photograph the food but i found the donuts on insta - will be going back there again!) Thank you so much for the gift that we finally put to good use. 😘

CarolynM Glad it was a fun time💕 2mo
BarbaraBB This looks so wonderful too 😍 2mo
60 likes2 comments
review
Centique
Rental House | Weike Wang
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This is a difficult book to review in that its more interesting than enjoyable. Nate and Keru are a married couple vacationing in a rental house. Her parents stay for one week, his parents stay for one week. We see each person‘s complicated & barbed familial relations & how their partner is affected. Wang contrasts the families and what they strive for - as well as the couple. Can such different people respect each other, ⬇️

Centique can they co-exist let alone understand each other? Is this really the immigrant dream fulfilled? The second half of the book is 5 yrs later and the couple are themselves more estranged, less understanding of each other. Is it possible then to bridge this gap, are they so much the child of their parents? A short quite painful novel which felt very sharp and real. 2mo
squirrelbrain Great review! 2mo
LeahBergen Your photo is making me annoyed with all the snow we had here today. 😆 2mo
See All 14 Comments
CarolynM Beautiful photo and a great review. Stacked! 2mo
Jas16 I want to walk into that photo! 2mo
BarbaraBB Can I come with you @Jas16 ?! 2mo
Centique @LeahBergen @CarolynM @Jas16 @BarbaraBB i forgot to say where i took this photo! This is the little town of Russell in the upper North Island. Probably where i‘d retire to if i didnt care about staying close to family! Its taken just outside the Duke of Marlborough hotel https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qx5erQ7hiFkcFMzW7?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy 2mo
Jas16 @BarbaraBB That would be the only thing that could make it better! @Centique I am ready to book my flight 2mo
CarolynM Adding Russell to my itinerary for when I visit the North Island again 😀 2mo
BarbaraBB That hotel looks fantastic too, I just visited by Streetview! 2mo
Reggie Your post pictures could make up a travel book. I love Weike Wang. 2mo
Centique @BarbaraBB i love using Streetview - its armchair travel! 2mo
Centique @Reggie thank you 😘 Ill be so interested to hear what you think of this. She says such a lot within even a short scene - it probably needs a deeper read than i gave it. 2mo
merelybookish We are in the firm grip of winter so very envious! Also this is my next book club read but haven't started yet. 2mo
69 likes1 stack add14 comments
review
Centique
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Randomly reading this biography from 2000 with one of my favourite bookmarks and then i realised … OH! Well played bookmark gods.

I‘m interested in this period in Hollywood and the studio machinations behind the scenes - and man, Judy Garland was treated so badly. Her mother had her on amphetamines at the age of 10 😱😱 So I really enjoyed this - but it does have its flaws. ⬇️

Centique Clarke muses on Judys motivations and psychology and i think assumes too much at times. Also some of the stereotyping of women at the time is accepted at face value. He decries the fact that Judy‘s self esteem was damaged because her looks were so scrutinised but at the same time he seems to represent certain other actresses as little more than sex symbols. Its still an excellent read if youre interested in Judy Garland. 2mo
EKonrad I‘ll read any books about her. Always interesting to see different biographers takes on her life. Such a fascinating woman! 2mo
Centique @EKonrad agreed! An amazing woman 😍 2mo
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Cathythoughts Bookmark gods 😊 love it. 2mo
Suet624 At 10 years old?? Shit! 3w
Centique @Suet624 i know right? I get they didnt know too much about the consequences but the poor kid was a work horse being pushed past her limits 💔 3w
Suet624 Sarah Pauley writes about the abuses she suffered as a child actor too. So tough on the kids. 3w
Centique @Suet624 yes! That was one of the best books i read last year. So much wisdom in her words 💕 3w
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review
Centique
Unlikely Animals | Annie Hartnett
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This is a quirky feel good kind of book. Emma, a young woman unsure of her future, is called home to a small town bc her father is dying. His brain disease has him acting in strange ways - talking to ghosts, seeing animals in strange places & obsessing over a missing person case. There is a bittersweet humour here & quirks - eg some narration from the ghosts in the local cemetery. I loved the occasional thoughts from the dog and the fox 💕

LeahBergen I love graveyards. 😄 2mo
Cathythoughts I agree with @LeahBergen. Especially the real old ones. 2mo
GingerAntics Narration by ghosts. There just isn‘t enough of that in the world. 2mo
See All 7 Comments
Reggie This sounds lovely. 2mo
CarolynM Sounds good. Stacked🙂 2mo
76 likes2 stack adds7 comments
review
Centique
The Night Watchman | Louise Erdrich
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This is my tenth Louise Erdrich book - and as always i loved her writing. Her characters are so real, and even though there are many characters and i get mixed up between some at times, its an education and an experience to be immersed in this community she creates. Its timely to read this and think about indigenous/First Nations history and treatment. Erdrich also presents plenty of insight into intimate relationships and gender roles here too ⬇️

Centique I get the feeling she has more she could tell us about Thomas and Patrice and Vera etc. Just like in the Love Medicine series how she keeps uncovering more from each family in the community, almost moving from house to house telling the next lot of stories. She is a legend 🙌 2mo
Rissreadswithcats And I haven‘t read one of hers yet! I do have this one and another one sitting on my shelf though. I will try read one this year 2mo
Ruthiella I loved Pixie/Patrice in this book. ❤️ 2mo
See All 18 Comments
CarolynM I feel like I should try another one of her books. I wasn‘t keen on The Sentence, which is your favourite? 2mo
Centique @CarolynM i felt like The Sentence was quite a different style for her. The Love Medicine series is my favourite - but it helps to accept theres going to be a bunch of families you hear about and you‘re not going to get anyones full story in one book. Then again i did love The Round House and thats stand alone. 2mo
Centique Or Love Medicine is the first in the series @CarolynM 2mo
Centique @CarolynM i hope you like whichever one you try 😘 PS i just booked our Amazing Picnic for next week. Very excited thank you! 2mo
Centique @Ruthiella she was amazing - i just wanted to keep following what happens to her! 2mo
Centique @Rissreadswithcats i think you will really like her! This one has two main POVs and one is a little slower paced than the other - so i did have that feeling of wanting to get back to Patrice‘s POV. So often the case with multiple POVs! 2mo
Billypar Great review! I've only read three so far, but I loved them all. I keep forgetting how many Love Medicine books there are - I've only read the first one. But I have to recommend my favorite to @CarolynM - Plague of Doves is on my short list of all-time favorite novels. It's intense all the way through (I still have The Sentence on my tbr shelf, but it sounds quite different based on the description). 2mo
Reggie I have never read her. I wanted to read her haunted bookstore one but never got around to it. Great review. 2mo
Centique @Billypar thank you! Plague of Doves is one i havent read yet so i must get to that one. My favourite is the third book of the Love Medicine series 2mo
Centique @Reggie oh wow Reggie i think you will really like her. Love Medicine will introduce you to some characters you will love! I got my old book club to read it and one woman said “i just cant stand reading about people who keep making bad decisions” 😩 I guess its tough being perfect huh? Nobody writes books about ya? 2mo
Centique @Reggie the haunted bookstore one is also good but i feel like it‘s kind of more genteel. The Love Medicine books are more emotional and darker, harsher realities. 2mo
Reggie @Centique we read Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver for book group and most of them harped on this couple who at the end of middle age were living check to check. The way these people talked about this fictional couple you would have thought they took it personal. Lol I loved the book soooooo much and there are 2 scenes that will stick with me. I‘ll look up the Love Medicine books. Thanks! 2mo
CarolynM Hope it really is amazing 🤩 😂 or at least that you enjoy it😘 2mo
CarolynM Thanks for the particular Louise Erdich recs. You too @Billypar 🙂 (edited) 2mo
Suet624 Love Medicine will remain my favorite book of hers, although all of them are so good. @Reggie (edited) 3w
81 likes1 stack add18 comments
review
Centique
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I finally read an Angela Thirkell and it was such fun!

And i saw this china poodle in a second hand shop which made me think of you Leah - because i think you have a china poodle? Maybe not such a snooty one? 😆

Ruthiella I thought of Leah too when I saw that! 2mo
LeahBergen 😆😆 I DO have a china poodle but she‘s not as saucy as that one! 2mo
LeahBergen @Ruthiella I must have an identifiable aesthetic! 😆 2mo
CarolynM Lovely poodle😍 Glad you enjoyed your first Angela Thirkell. She really is fun. I think my favourite so far is 2mo
Cathythoughts Such a great photo 🤍that poodle is a scream. (edited) 2mo
61 likes5 comments
review
Centique
Three | Valrie Perrin
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I had to post this photo for the gardeners out there - i dont often see a cactus flowering - so i grabbed a sneaky pic of someone else‘s garden 😉

I am probably the last on Litsy to read this book! My second by Valerie Perrin and i thoroughly enjoyed it, got very wrapped up in the “who done it” aspect and read way past my bedtime 😆 Definitely will be reading more Valerie Perrin!

BarbaraBB Glad you enjoyed it too. I loved Forgotten on Sunday, if you haven‘t read that one yet. (edited) 2mo
sarahbarnes Love cactus flowers! I liked this one a lot too and am excited to read Forgotten on Sunday at some point @BarbaraBB 2mo
LeahBergen So pretty! 2mo
See All 7 Comments
Suet624 I‘m with @BarbaraBB - Forgotten on Sunday is a sweet read. @sarahbarnes 2mo
Centique @BarbaraBB @Suet624 I will make that my next Perrin then 🙌 2mo
Rissreadswithcats 2nd last 🤣 2mo
Centique @Rissreadswithcats im glad im not the only one! 😘 2mo
66 likes7 comments
review
Centique
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A slow start to my reading year but I flew through this one super quick. I do just love Ann Tyler. This story of a dysfunctional family all impacted by each others anger or bitterness has a quiet vein of hope throughout. There are some lovely moments where each one (not all but most) finds a spot of peace, love or happiness within their grasp. I do wish we had seen more of the daughter Jenny though as that piece felt a little less resolved.

BarbaraBB And what a great view again 😍 3mo
Centique @BarbaraBB thank you Barbara 😘 Im back up in the Bay of Islands where we go each January for the last few years. Beautiful sunshine at the moment! ☀️ 3mo
Ruthiella This was my first Ann Tyler. My favorite (so far) is 3mo
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LeahBergen Lovely review! Amazingly, I‘ve never read Tyler. 🤫 3mo
TrishB Great review and pic ♥️ 3mo
Centique @Ruthiella i havent read that one! Next time i want a Tyler read i will try it for sure 💕 3mo
KCofKaysville @Centique That was my first Anne Tyler and I liked it. I read several more! 3mo
Centique @LeahBergen you might like her i think! There‘s something a little similar in the ones ive read - messy dysfunctional families but an underlying belief in the human spirit - kind of an emotional pay off for me anyway 💕 3mo
Centique @TrishB thank you Trish 😘 3mo
Centique @KCofKaysville i think ive read four now 😊 More will surely follow. 3mo
CarolynM That looks beautiful. Hope you‘re having a wonderful time💕 I like Anne Tyler a lot too, I think she‘d be your cup of tea @LeahBergen My favourite is 3mo
LeahBergen @Centique @CarolynM Well, I‘m definitely going to have to try her now! 3mo
Reggie I‘ve never read her either. I keep seeing her book with the blue spool of thread. Also, lovely view. 3mo
Centique @Reggie definitely try her one day! I think this is a good one - characters to get mad at, characters to root for, nothings too tidy - if you liked Hello Beautiful i think you‘d like some Anne Tyler too. 3mo
Rissreadswithcats I liked this one too 3mo
Suet624 I believe they made a movie from this book that I watched decades ago. Is it that old? 3mo
Centique @Suet624 published in 1982 apparently. So you probably did! 3mo
Suet624 I just looked it up and I have it confused with another Tyler book, the accidental tourist. Geena Davis was in it. 3mo
Centique @Suet624 oh i remember that movie! It was good if i remember correctly. 2mo
Suet624 I remember enjoying it. 2mo
73 likes20 comments
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Centique
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Well its actually 22 books but lets call it my #top24of24
Top half is literary fiction, bottom left is non fiction and bottom right is SFF. My top 3 are - North Woods, Cantoras and Other People Manage. I think Cantoras needs more readers and lots of Littens will love it. Other People Manage might just be a Me book. 💔

Centique Memory Piece made it in because it stuck in my brain even though i didnt love the last section - but probably a better book for that side slap it gave me 😂 3mo
squirrelbrain Great list! I *really* need to get to North Woods. I have Memory Piece borrowed from the library now so will start it very soon. 3mo
bibliothecarivs I want to read A Month in the Country. What did you think? 3mo
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sarahbarnes Such a great list! I really loved Cantoras. And Remote Sympathy and Sorrow and Bliss too. 3mo
Ruthiella Fantastic group of fiction and nonfiction and genre! Yet another reminder for me to pick up 3mo
Centique @squirrelbrain i noticed so many people have North Woods on their list last year or this year. I hope you like them both. 3mo
Centique @bibliothecarivs its a beautiful book - enjoy! 3mo
Centique @sarahbarnes thank you Sarah 😘 3mo
Centique @Ruthiella i listened to the audio by Meryl Streep. I think thats a large part of why i loved it. Her voice was just wonderful 😍 3mo
TrishB Screenshot to have a closer look 👍🏻 3mo
TrishB So close a look I brought 3 😁 3mo
Centique @TrishB oh wow! Which ones? 😘 3mo
BarbaraBB Wow, such a great list! I loved some and want to read a lot of these! 3mo
TrishB Cantoras, Memory Piece, Other People Manage ? got used ‘excellent‘ hardbacks for just less than Qd each. 3mo
CarolynM Screenshotted. I‘ve got a few of these on my TBR shelf. Hopefully this year will be a better one for getting them read😬 3mo
Centique @TrishB oh great! What a good deal 🙌 Will be interested in your reviews when the time comes 😘 3mo
Centique @CarolynM heres to a calmer healthier 2025! Good that we have good books to look forward to. (And id wish for a more hopeful political scenario as well but cant even fathom what that wish would be 😬) 3mo
Rissreadswithcats I loved a few of these, have some looking at me and as always have added more to my list! 🤦🏼‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤣 3mo
Rissreadswithcats I realised on my top books of 2024 I forgot to add Tom Lake. I gave it 4.5 stars! Think I‘ll add it now. (edited) 3mo
Centique @Rissreads i know right, every year i add hundreds to my list! 🤪 3mo
Rissreadswithcats I also loved Tomorrow and Tomorrow. Probably should have been on the list too! 🤣 3mo
66 likes21 comments
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Centique
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Pickpick

This is a ROMP. Basu says in acknowledgements that he started off retelling the Aladdin story in a spec fic setting but it ended up as something else. You have a city in poverty & crime ruled by colonisers, oligarchs & crime lords, then the family of a disappeared revolutionary find a piece of alien tech. Lots of battles, lots about political systems and the difficulties of revolutions & just fantastic world and character building. ⬇️

Centique Hope he writes a follow up to this. 3mo
Ruthiella Sounds fantastic! 3mo
62 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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Centique
Nearlywed | Nicolas DiDomizio
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Really enjoyed this story of Ray and Kip, both divorcees, now engaged to be married, going on an earlymoon (a pre wedding honeymoon). Id call this a relationship novel rather than a romance, because rather than wondering “will they get together?” you are wondering “will they break up?” as over their holiday all their differences get exposed. I got SO mad at one of them, wanted to slam some doors myself! 😂 Thank you for the great read @Reggie

Centique Photo is from our holiday rental on Waiheke Island. 🌞⛱️ 3mo
BarbaraBB Beautiful scenery 🤩 3mo
CarolynM Looks heavenly😍 Enjoy! 3mo
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Centique @BarbaraBB @CarolynM thank you 😘 3mo
Reggie I‘m so glad you liked this. I wanted him to leave but near the end he kinda explains that you can forget the 80% compatibility for the 20%. But yeah if I was denied by my bf at our early moon because he wants to keep up appearances I would be pissed! Happy New Year, Paula! 3mo
Centique @Reggie happy new year Reggie! And my god yes, i have no tolerance for that stuff - but hopefully Kip changed his ways. I just devoured this in one day 🙌 3mo
Rissreadswithcats Thanks for the casual buddy read! 💙 3mo
Centique @Rissreads thank you Nerissa! 3mo
Suet624 Stacked! 3mo
68 likes1 stack add9 comments
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Centique
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Finally had a chance to finish this after a hectic Christmas Eve/Christmas morning. I enjoyed this - I liked the fact that Espach takes what is essentially a rom-com/commercial fiction set up but treats it in a more contemplative way. I think appreciating Phoebe‘s “awakening” to her own power to decide, to act or influence others, is the crux of liking or disliking this. Without that some of the unrealistic elements would have put me off a little.

MrsMalaprop Merry Christmas from Western Australia. Hope you get some more reading in on Boxing Day, which is certainly my plan 🤓. 3mo
Centique @MrsMalaprop merry christmas to you too! We are off to a local island this afternoon and hopefully some good reading time will ensue! Hope you get some good reading time too. 3mo
CarolynM Looking forward to this one even more now I know you liked it😀 3mo
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Centique
Limberlost | Robbie Arnott
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Thank you so much for the Christmas gift @Rissreads This is the cutest Christmas card 💕The little fox! I am excited for both of these books and the bookmark is exquisite. You have spoiled me 😍 I hope you have had a lovely day and maybe spent some time with that cute kitten Earl! Merry Christmas!

tpixie Lovely 🥰 Merry Christmas 🎁🎄📕 3mo
Rissreadswithcats Sorry I read your post and got distracted and realised only now that I didn‘t reply! I love gifting books, especially ones I‘ve loved and want to share. Yes Earl is keeping me busy! I forgot how time consuming they are. Just like a baby! Happy reading x 3mo
51 likes2 comments
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Water | John Boyne
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Merry Christmas everyone! And thank you for this wonderful gift @CarolynM 💕 Look how gorgeous this bookish glasses case is! Brave New World and 1Q84 on there 😍 And i have been so keen to start the John Boyne series too. The soap smelt so good i have already started using it so it didnt make the photo 😂 Thank you so much and I hope you have had a lovely Christmas Day.

LeahBergen Omg! I love that glasses case! 🥰 3mo
Centique @LeahBergen so so cool! 3mo
andrew61 Merry Christmas, Paula. 3mo
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CarolynM 😘 3mo
Centique @andrew61 merry Christmas to you too Andrew! 3mo
quietlycuriouskate Merry Christmas 🎁 3mo
Suet624 Merry Christmas! 3mo
peaKnit Gorgeous case! And I do hope to start this series soon also! 3mo
Ruthiella Happy Holidays! 🎄 3mo
IuliaC Merry Christmas! 🎁❄️✨️ 3mo
Rissreadswithcats I do love that glasses case! ♥️💚 3mo
55 likes11 comments
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Centique
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Cant reach my book without disturbing a Very Important Cat 😂😂

rubyslippersreads There‘s nothing you can do. 😹 3mo
TheSpineView Nothing like a VIC! 😹 3mo
LeahBergen 😂😂 3mo
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dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 3mo
Ruthiella 😻😻😻 3mo
Rissreadswithcats Our kitten will look like your cat when he‘s bigger! 🐈‍⬛ 3mo
Centique @TheSpineView and he sure knows it! 3mo
Centique @Rissreads awww 😍 whats his name? This one is Echo. 3mo
Rissreadswithcats Earl! It‘s my sons‘s cat 3mo
CarolynM 😻 3mo
59 likes11 comments
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Centique
Sandwich: A Novel | Catherine Newman
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Spent most of today reading this on the sunny deck (sun has gone now!) Felt like being on holiday myself. Newman writes in a conversational style that is easy to read and i felt a lot of similarities (age, an adult child). So this telling of a family vacation where she is sandwiched btw one generation and the next while going through menopause was a delight. It also delves into some serious stuff so potential for a few shed tears here too.

Rissreadswithcats This sounds like my life sometimes! Stacked! 🥪 3mo
elkeOriginal I have heard good things about this one! 3mo
64 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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Centique
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this novel for its super interesting concept (time travel tested by bringing a handful of people from the past into the present) and its depth of characterisation. It has been described as a combination of romance & sci fi mystery/thriller. For me the romance/introspection portion got a bit bogged down and the thriller plot happened too quickly with not enough detail. But there is such good material here ⬇️

Centique - it could have been a 5 star book. I understand there will be a movie or TV series - that could be something special 🤞 4mo
CarolynM You‘re kinder than I am. It really frustrates me when I feel like there‘s a better book struggling to get out and I end up hating the book even if there are good things about it. 4mo
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SilversReviews Love the clocks!! I haven‘t read this book. Thanks for sharing. 4mo
Centique @CarolynM i know what you mean! I feel like that about The Goldfinch. But this one i was really enjoying parts of it, i just got a little bored in the middle. Not a Carolyn book though! Possibly @Ruthiella might like it? 4mo
Centique @CarolynM PS your gift turned up yesterday! The postal gods are working in our favour 😂 Thank you so much, i will save it for Christmas Day opening. Xxx 4mo
CarolynM 😘 4mo
Rissreadswithcats Not The Goldfinch! I loved that book! It‘s one of my all time favourites! ♥️ 3mo
Centique @Rissreads oh its because i was in love with the first half that i got cross that the second half didnt work out like i wanted! 😂😂 3mo
Rissreadswithcats 🤣🤣🤣 3mo
elkeOriginal I agree this was interesting but not perfect. I was shocked to see it on so many Best of 2024 lists. It did not reach Best of status imho 😉 3mo
63 likes11 comments
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Centique
The Old Silent | Martha Grimes
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Sunny here while i read a snowy winter mystery set in Yorkshire. I love these Richard Jury mysteries even though there are tropes aplenty - usually a beautiful gentlewoman stoic & tragic, a feisty and friendless girl child, multiple women caving & telling all in the face of the good looks and quiet kindnesses of Richard Jury. But Grimes does settings so well and a ton of interesting side characters. Catnip for me!

Texreader Beautiful!! 4mo
BarbaraBB Gorgeous photo 4mo
Cathythoughts Wonderful review ❤️ 4mo
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LeahBergen What a pretty tree! 4mo
sarahbarnes Beautiful! 4mo
CarolynM Sounds like a fun series. I might need to try one🙂 4mo
CarolynM Do you have a current address for Reggie? I only seem to have his old one 4mo
Centique @CarolynM hi Carolyn. I will email you the last address i have for him. I havent heard from him via email though so i hope he hasnt moved! 4mo
CarolynM 👍 Thank you! 4mo
Suet624 Love the review and the photo. And I miss Reggie. 4mo
64 likes10 comments
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Centique
Annie Bot | Sierra Greer
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I loved this - it made me so mad but also exposed some important truths. Annie is basically a sex robot, designed to be compliant & attuned to her owners emotions. As she becomes capable of independent thought her relationship with her owner becomes fraught. This book holds up a mirror to coercive relationships & issues of dominance & compliance (could be triggering for some) An innovative way to capture the experience of being dominated/coerced.

BarbaraBB Great photo 🤩 and I loved the book too! 4mo
Centique @BarbaraBB yes! Love a good bit of graffiti art 😍 4mo
Suet624 I‘ve been avoiding this one for some reason but you‘ve made me reconsider. Stacked. 4mo
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Centique @Suet624 the sex scenes can be very uncomfortable but IMO worth getting through for the realisations 👍 4mo
Reggie Omg when he unplugged her for all those weeks I was like, you have to kill him AnnieBot. lol and I don‘t know if you have watched Terminator 3 where Skynet just straight up tells all bots to kill humans, she doesn‘t realize it but she was so close at one point. The part that tripped me out was when she‘s on the phone talking to fake relatives. Like was this real? Was it? I loved the ending in here. 3mo
Centique @Reggie im so glad we both had this in our best of the year. It was So Good! And yes i wanted to see him get punched in the face or something! I havent seen Terminator 3 sounds like i need to. Have you seen Ex Machina? I loved that movie - thought this might go in that direction. Yes the bit when shes on the phone i was wondering if it was some kind of AI actually growing into the role and developing personality maybe? 3mo
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Centique
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Read this in one day - just a fun page turner. Cordelia Black is a pharmaceutical sales rep with perfectly coiffed hair, high fashion clothes and bags, meticulously gelled nails. A woman like that couldn‘t possibly be suspected in the rash of missing men in South Louisiana could she? This is a light toned book despite the amount of blood and you‘re rooting for Cordelia as her perfect planned life suddenly goes awry.

squirrelbrain I got the ARC of this but, of course, didn‘t read it before it was published. 4mo
Centique It would just be a quick light read if you were in the mood for a palate cleanser. Not a must read IMO. 👍👋💕 4mo
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Centique
Day | Michael Cunningham
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Thank you for the gift of this book @CarolynM 💕Oh it broke my heart. Have you read it yet? Michael Cunningham is definitely one of my favourite authors. His insight into the human experience, interior thoughts, quiet but intense emotions - there are so many sentences that are divine. I did wish for a little more of the children‘s POV here as their changing characters were so fascinating. Just a beautiful book.

Centique Photo is a path to a swimming hole in Kerikeri, Northland. 4mo
CarolynM I don‘t know if I should be saying I‘m glad you liked the book, or sorry for causing the heartbreak 🤣 I haven‘t read any of his books, maybe I should start. Great photo, by the way😍 Is it swimming hole weather there? It‘s been horribly humid here, although we‘ve had a few nice days. 4mo
Centique @CarolynM no need to be sorry! 😂😂 This photo was from earlier in the year but we had our first warm day yesterday - only got to 24 officially but it felt hotter than that putting up my christmas tree 😂 Humid too! Oh do try Michael Cunningham, The Hours or A Home at the End of the World. So good 🙌 4mo
Suet624 Robbie. 💕💕 4mo
63 likes4 comments
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Centique
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Just been in Christchurch visiting friends & then on the plane home a wonderful thing happened. I was reading a book & the woman next to me was reading a book. She then started a conversation with me about my book which she had already read & then we talked for 90 minutes about books!! And i told her all about Litsy so hopefully she will turn up here one day. We even exchanged phone numbers so we can meet up and talk books some more 😍

Centique I have zero real life book worm friends in my city so im totally thrilled about meeting a book worm on a plane. #bookwormsonaplane 4mo
CarolynM That‘s wonderful! I hope your new friend will join us here🙂 Love those Christmas photos too🎄 4mo
BarbaraBB That is wonderful! The kind of meeting we all dream of. I hope you‘ll stay in touch! 4mo
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Centique @CarolynM thank you Carolyn. Its a lovely city 😍 4mo
Centique @BarbaraBB i know right? I always have wished to find someone reading something interesting and strike up a conversation. I struck gold - she reads all sorts of literary fiction, thrillers and sci fi and nonfiction 🙌 4mo
Ruthiella That‘s so cool! That rarely happens to me- meeting readers “in the wild” like that. 4mo
squirrelbrain How lovely! Hopefully she will find us on here. ❤️ 4mo
sarahbarnes I love this story! Such a rare gift to find a fellow reader in real life and one that has tastes that are interesting to you! 4mo
Graywacke Fantastic story. I once had a book conversation on a plane with the guy next to me. What a fantastic conversation we had. So inspiring. It was a cross-ocean long flight. And having the conversation seemed so normal. Then we got off the flight and went separate ways. 4mo
Centique @Ruthiella its like finding a unicorn! 4mo
Centique @squirrelbrain i hope so too 😍 4mo
Centique @sarahbarnes thank you Sarah! 💕 4mo
Centique @Graywacke wow, sounds like a bookish kindred spirit! It would be great if your paths crossed again 🤞 4mo
PaperbackPirate Friendship Meet Cute! 💙📚 4mo
Suet624 It‘s like a Christmas miracle! 4mo
58 likes15 comments
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Centique
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Pickpick

Thoroughly enjoyed this humorous look at the kings and queens of England up until the end of the Tudors. It‘s a solid bit of history - Mitchell has a degree in history as well as his career as a comedian (bright spark isn‘t he?). I learnt a lot and had plenty of laughs. I wished some parts were longer so i might start differentiating a few more Henrys and Edwards - but it‘s a long period to cover and he‘s done a great job.

CarolynM I must get around to reading this one soon. Glad to hear you enjoyed😊 5mo
LeahBergen This sounds like my cup of tea ! 5mo
Centique @LeahBergen @CarolynM it is a fun one - hope you both enjoy it when you get to it. 💕 5mo
squirrelbrain What @CarolynM said! Great review, and it‘s on my physical TBR pile…. 5mo
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The Outrun | Amy Liptrot
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I cant give you a photo of wild islands and massive shipwrecks but heres a yacht that ran aground locally for you! 😂
Like @Cathythoughts i saw that this is now a movie and thought i‘d read the book 💕 Amy returns to the Orkney islands as a recovering alcoholic. She explores nature while she contemplates her past life and possible future. Sometimes meditative writing can leave me cold but i just loved this.⬇️

Centique The balance of self examination, scientific tidbits and nature writing was just right. I ended up reading a chapter or two a day before sleep and it was really calming. There are some beautiful sentences in here, some simply put but profound thoughts. Definitely a case of the right book at the right time. 5mo
LeahBergen Great pic! 😆 5mo
Suet624 Sounds delightful. 5mo
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Centique @LeahBergen i thought it was quite handy of the guy to ground his boat in such a picturesque way! (Apparently he was being a pillock at the time so we dont have to feel too sorry for him!) 5mo
andrew61 Great review Paula. I've seen the film and it is excellent, I'd really recommend seeing it if you can. 5mo
CarolynM 🤣 Not feeling sorry for him at all, then 5mo
Cathythoughts Great review ❤️ I‘m looking forward to the movie too. X 5mo
Centique @CarolynM 😂😂 5mo
Centique @andrew61 @Cathythoughts Im looking forward to it! Thanks for the recc Andrew. 5mo
64 likes9 comments
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Centique
The Cricket on the Hearth | Charles Dickens
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A few of them have inscriptions - one from 1831 (but its in French and pretty faint).

Ruthiella Beautiful 😍 5mo
Suet624 Lovely! 5mo
Graywacke This is amazing 🥰 4mo
56 likes3 comments
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Centique
The Cricket on the Hearth | Charles Dickens
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My husband‘s parents just dropped off some family heirlooms for us to look after, including some antique miniature books. They‘re so sweet! (Some title pages to follow)

CarolynM Lovely! 😍 5mo
Meshell1313 Gorg! 😍 5mo
Cuilin Beautiful 😍 5mo
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MaureenMc 😍 5mo
kspenmoll Lovely! 5mo
Graywacke Wow. Gorgeous! 4mo
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Rumor Has It | Cat Rambo
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Book 3 in the Disco Space Opera series (which starts with You Sexy Thing)
A joy to be back with these characters. The last book was high octane but here we take a slow pace, the team needs to regroup and rebuild. This one is about relationships & back story & setting up for future books… could have been boring but it was delightful.
If you want Becky Chambers feels but more of a series, ongoing adventure style of book this could be for you.

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Centique
Christmas: A Biography | Judith Flanders
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Its not too early is it? I try and get a christmas history book from the library in Nov but theyre all booked out - so i grabbed this one early! Its a nice thorough little history - everything i wanted to know in 245 pages, without getting bored by too much detail. It was interesting to see how secular Christmas has been & how different periods have created a nostalgia for ancient traditions that are actually not old! ⬇️

Centique I liked that Flanders points out the consumerism & capitalism in a couple of places so that its not a saccharine read but a balanced one. 5mo
Ruthiella Halloween hasn‘t even happened yet! 🤣🎃 5mo
CarolynM Sounds interesting🙂 I‘ve sent you an email. 5mo
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Centique @Ruthiella i know right? 😂😂 I really was more interested in the nerdy history aspect than trying to get into the Christmas spirit! 5mo
Rissreadswithcats Yeah. I feel like giving Christmas a miss this year. I just can‘t be bothered! Think I‘ll treat it as just another day this year. 🤣 5mo
Centique @Rissreads fair enough! Or make up your own christmas tradition that is something you want to do for yourself. 💕😘 If this book taught me anything its that communities/media/monarchy etc have all changed the way we celebrate Christmas over the years to suit current “cultural” priorities anyway - like the focus on children and presents is relatively new. 5mo
Rissreadswithcats Really the only tradition we have is a swim at the beach in the morning. 5mo
Suet624 Ugh. I have to get through thanksgiving first. Then I have to figure out how to tell my kids that I‘m basically going to buy gifts just for my grandkids. But ice skating, hot chocolate, goofy movies and lots of laughter and hugs is my idea of a great Christmas. 5mo
Centique @Suet624 fair enough! We told the grandparents years ago to only buy for the grandkids. I hate to see the waste from too much spending and also the burden it can become. Much better to focus on doing things together. Your idea of a great christmas sounds wonderful! 5mo
Centique @Rissreads that sounds like a lovely tradition! We started a tradition that we have a platter of cheeses and salmon and bread and things just for 2 ppl for either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Nice bits and pieces without having to cook! 5mo
54 likes10 comments
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Centique
Four Squares | Bobby Finger
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We follow Artie, a gay writer in New York, with alternating chapters when he is 30 yrs old in 1992 and in 2022 when he is 60. In the first timeline Artie is starting a relationship and has a bunch of friends - in the second he is feeling very alone. There‘s a lot to love in this book - found family & wonderful insights & reflections - but i felt it was trying to fit in a lot of characters & didnt have the space to make them all feel fully formed⬇️

Centique One of those books where it has all the ingredients but felt a bit misshapen. 3.5 stars from me - but if you need a book with a movement from melancholy towards new beginnings this is quite sweet and thoughtful. 6mo
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Centique
The Clackity | Lora Senf
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This was such a fun read. Thank you @Reggie for this great MG horror. Evelyn moves to Blight Harbour to live with her witchy aunt after the loss of her parents. She struggles with PTSD and panic attacks. This book sets her on a paranormal quest to best a nasty spirit but aided by some more helpful ghosts and witches. An alternative to Coraline this spooky season 🧙👻🎃 Pictured are my ginormous witchy cats!

Centique Note: may be a bit too scary for some kids 6mo
sblbooks 😻 6mo
dabbe They are gorgeous! Those green eyes! 🖤🐾🐾🖤 6mo
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LeahBergen Oh, your kitties!! I had a ginormous black cat when I was younger … my much adored Gordie. 🖤 6mo
Centique @LeahBergen oh he sounds very special and beloved!💕 They are such good company 🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛ 6mo
Jeg I just love your cats. We had a cat called Milly who was very similar. 6mo
Centique @Jeg thank you Joy! These two are real characters. I used to have a cat called Milly but she was a tortoiseshell 💕 6mo
CBee Ooo! Lovely kitties 🥰🥰 6mo
Suet624 Beautiful cats! 6mo
Reggie I haven‘t read this but it‘s stacked now. I don‘t read a lot of MG horror. I need to fix that. 3mo
Centique @Reggie it was pretty amazing for MG - maybe more 12-14yo - the concept of how she interacts with/gets close to the horror creature really sticks in my brain with visuals now. You could absolutely do an adult version of this and dial it up. 3mo
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Centique
Real Americans | Rachel Khong
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I really enjoyed this - my first novel by Rachel Khong. She takes a three POV structure for a “three generations of an immigrant family” style story - but makes it intriguingly different from other such novels with a little sci fi twist. I did wish she had amplified that aspect more, but i was won over by how well Khong writes familial relationships. I enjoyed being in each of the POVs even when not a lot was happening.
Pic: spring at the library

Centique As good as this was, i think the three POV book ill remember most at the end of the year is my previous read - even though it partly frustrated me 6mo
54 likes1 comment
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Centique
Memory Piece | Lisa Ko
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I think a lot of people are going to dislike this book. I didnt entirely like it - BUT i keep thinking about it. It‘s an “idea” book, rather than driven by plot or character development. Three Chinese American girls meet in their early teens. Each one is very driven by a passion which will steer their lives - art, technology, activism. I think many readers will want to get into their heads & emotions but this is more about their achievements ⬇️

Centique their impact. As the 1990s roll through we look at their lives, their accomplishments, during the growth of consumerism and corporate greed - then a violent jump 50 years ahead and into a dystopian reality that is never fully explained. Messy but in parts its brilliant and thought provoking. If im still thinking about this book at the end of the year then ill need to up my GR rating! 6mo
squirrelbrain Great review! I‘ve picked this up at the library a couple of times but never borrowed it but your comments make it sound intriguing…. 6mo
Ruthiella Your description ot the book makes me think of this book read for #CampLitsy24 where early sister seemed more to represent a way of living than be a real person (edited) 6mo
Centique @squirrelbrain i‘m going to be so interested to read other peoples reviews! On GR there has been some negativity but it may be because its so different to The Leavers. 6mo
Centique @Ruthiella the blurb for that really does sound similar! I might try it just to compare. 6mo
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Centique
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This book is super sweet - thank you @Reggie for your review which put this on my radar. Its 1950s New York - Mark is a journalist grieving the death of his partner, Eddie is a new trade to a famous baseball team who arent speaking to him because of a tirade he made to the press. Two unhappy and very different men living in an era where homosexuality is a dangerous secret. Lovingly drawn characters, a hug of a book, medium heat.

Jas16 Loved this book. Really hoping there is a third book in the series. 6mo
Centique @Jas16 and youre the one that sent it to @Reggie so thank you to you too! I didnt realise it was in a series until i logged it into GR - now i have to read the first one! 6mo
CarolynM I read the first one recently and loved it. I‘ve been meaning to post a review (and of a few other books, although I‘ve not read much these last couple of months). (edited) 6mo
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Centique @CarolynM i was thinking that you would like this! 6mo
Reggie You know what‘s crazy is that I‘ve read a lot stellar gay romance just like this one but they didn‘t make my top ten this year. It does make me wanna go to a real live baseball game though. 3mo
Centique @Reggie its hard for a romance novel to stand out i reckon. My only contemporary one that really stands out for me is 3mo
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Centique
Winter's Gifts | Ben Aaronovitch
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Pickpick

It‘s always a delight to be back in the Rivers of London world. This novella we jump over to the US to adventure with FBI Special Agent Kimberley Reynolds who was a side character in an earlier book. Kimberley is quite new at the magical stuff and she has to figure it out without back up when she‘s snowed in at a small town in Wisconsin with a large malevolent problem. Lots of fun and i cant wait for the Spring novella to be released.

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Centique
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Pickpick

Sometimes you need a side trip to the sixteenth century to solve a few murders. Loved being back in this world with Matthew Shardlake. Just realised there is a buddy read of this happening right now so i wont breathe a word more about it! 😂 Enjoy guys

Photo: WW2 tunnels at Fort Stony Batter. NZ never got invaded but it was a possibility so we built some defences like this one.

dabbe Feel free to join us if you like! Let me know if you'd like to be added to our list. #ShardlakeSeriesBR 😊 7mo
Centique @dabbe sounds like a good idea! Ive just been reading the posts 👍 7mo
dabbe @Centique You're on it! Welcome! 🤗 7mo
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Centique
Grief Is for People | Sloane Crosley
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Pickpick

How to say that you enjoyed a grief memoir? This is almost a memoir in essays or thought pieces. Sloane moves from a burglary, to a friend‘s death & into the pandemic in New York. It is as much a memoir about not moving on - the memories that don‘t leave, the conversations with the person that isnt there anymore, the illusions you have of turning back time & saving them. Very much the internal workings of Sloane‘s grieving and beautifully done.

Centique Photo is flowers from a friend last week. 7mo
Suet624 Gorgeous flowers 7mo
Librarybelle I completely agree with your review! I read this recently, and it still sticks with me. 7mo
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Centique @Librarybelle I‘m going to have to read more by this author - she captured so many thoughts in a way that really spoke to me. 7mo
Librarybelle I‘ve read this collection by her, which I found quite humorous overall (it was written years ago, and I read it years ago, so I‘m not sure how true the observations are anymore): 7mo
CarolynM Hope everyone is doing well 💕 7mo
Centique @CarolynM we‘re doing so much better thanks Carolyn! 14yo is back at school and wound is 70% healed i think. Im excited to use your kind gift once hes 100%. 💕 How is your holiday going? 7mo
CarolynM Glad to hear that 🥰 We‘re having a wonderful time. One week to go. I‘ve not been reading much but I might post a few reviews with photos when I get home😊 7mo
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Centique
Subdivision: A Novel | J. Robert Lennon
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Absolutely loved this weird twisty little novel! Thank you to @BarbaraBB for putting this on my radar a couple of years ago. I LOVE a novel where your brain is busy trying to figure out what is going on - and thats all i can say about this one without influencing the next person‘s reading experience. Except to say if surreal or fantastical isnt your thing, then this isnt your thing. @Reggie have you read this? I devoured it in one sitting.

Centique Photo: i cant give you an omnipresent crow but here is a NZ fantail. A very friendly flitty little bird 🐦‍⬛ 7mo
CBee What a lovely bird 🐦 7mo
Ruthiella I loved figuring this one out too. 👍 7mo
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BarbaraBB Glad you loved it! I felt exactly the same. Quite the read! 7mo
sarahbarnes Ah, I loved this one so much! 7mo
Reggie I haven‘t but will keep a look out for it. 7mo
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