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erzascarletbookgasm

erzascarletbookgasm

Joined May 2016

review
erzascarletbookgasm
The Tremor of Forgery | Patricia Highsmith
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Pickpick

In the intro Graham Greene called this her "finest novel". One will either agree, or find it rather dry. Because nothing much ‘happens‘ most of the time, no plot twist, no actual murder..but always, there is a feeling of something not quite right. The protagonist deals with his conscience, and isolation in the heat of Tunisia. We hear his thoughts mostly, and a good insight of world politics of the 1960s through all the characters‘ views. ⬇️

erzascarletbookgasm .. I like the detailed descriptions of the place, I could picture the beautiful beaches, the desert, and the locals..and the complex, sympathetic portrayal of the protagonist. 13h
LeahBergen Great review! I haven‘t read this and you know I‘m a Highsmith fan. 😄 7h
batsy Nice review! It's not one of her novels that I've heard a lot about, either. Definitely adding to the list. 7h
erzascarletbookgasm @LeahBergen @batsy Thanks. I‘ll be interested to hear your thoughts whenever you get to it. 😊 3h
36 likes1 stack add4 comments
review
erzascarletbookgasm
The Remains of the Day | Kazuo Ishiguro
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Pickpick

I‘m glad I finally got round to reading this little gem, thanks to #AuthorAMonth . A quiet, subtle piece of work, I love the way Ishiguro unfolds the story little by little. It has many layers, and so much of what is left unsaid is just as important as what is said. Beautiful, skilful writing. As in Never Let Me Go, it leaves me thinking long after I finished it.

dabbe I loved it, too! 🩵❄️🩵 1w
BarbaraBB Me too! 1w
59 likes2 comments
review
erzascarletbookgasm
Home After Dark | David Small
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Pickpick

Set in the 1950s California, this graphic novel touches on the main themes of homophobia, violent bullying, bigotry, abandonment, & isolation. The story is very bleak.The protagonist is going through adolescence phase, & trying to make sense of the world around him, but there‘re times I was frustrated with him for being a coward. The simple black & white artwork is effective in conveying the story..disturbing. TW: animal cruelty, nudity, suicide.

jlhammar Great review! Love David Small. Have you tried his graphic memoir yet? Really good. 2w
erzascarletbookgasm @jlhammar No I haven‘t, this is my first book by him. Thanks for the recommendation! 2w
59 likes2 comments
blurb
erzascarletbookgasm
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“Michiko Aoyama‘s “What You are Looking For Is in the Library” centers on a local library where five Tokyoites are gently guided through personal issues by a kindly librarian”.

This book sounds like a celebration of libraries, the power of books..light hearted and heartwarming, just the kind of book I need now. But it‘s ‘several months‘ waiting time! 😂🤣

ChasingOm It‘s so good and sweet!! 2w
erzascarletbookgasm @ChasingOm Good to know! Look forward to it. 2w
BiblioLitten I just placed it on hold too! 2d
47 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
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Mehso-so

I appreciate the author sharing her emotional experiences as a queer immigrant living in the US, and her strained relationship with her parents, in this comic book, which is a collection from the LGBTQ+ online magazine called Autostraddle (which I just discovered). However, my reading experience was not enjoyable as I was confused in places..it felt disjointed, without a sequence of narrative. It‘s like a diary of random feelings and experiences.

review
erzascarletbookgasm
Lost Among the Living | Simone St. James
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Pickpick

This historical novel about family secrets, war, and its trauma, is the fourth Simone St. James‘ book I‘ve read. The author can tell an engrossing gothic tale with paranormal elements, suspense, and romance. I didn‘t expect how the mystery and family issues played out, but overall it was an enjoyable read. This was supposed to be for last month‘s #AuthorAMonth but my timing is bad.

48 likes2 stack adds
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erzascarletbookgasm
The Fledgeling | Frances Faviel
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Hi #FurrowedMiddlebrowClub folks. Here are my picks ⬆️. Please cast your votes for November 2024 read. ❤️

I hope I got everyone in the list. Please add if I left out anyone Leah. @LeahBergen

batsy I liked Thalia and this one sounds similar wrt personal family dynamics and angst, so I'm all for it 😁 3w
Jess_Read_This Both sound terrific and I‘ll be happy to read either! My vote due to smiling when I read the blurb goes to 3w
CarolynM I‘m voting for 3w
See All 18 Comments
kwmg40 Both sound good but I‘ll vote for 3w
jlhammar Lovely graphic. Not feeling very decisive this morning, both sound so good. Hmmm, I look forward to reading more Faviell, but I haven't tried Sharp yet so I'll vote for 3w
Kimzey My vote goes to…. 3w
Tamra I‘ll go with 🙂 3w
elkeOriginal I vote Harlequin because I own it! 3w
quietjenn Just checked the first paragraph of both and will vote for the one that made me laugh 😅 3w
rubyslippersreads Like @elkeOriginal I‘ll vote for the one I own: 3w
elkeOriginal @quietjenn I like that method! 3w
catebutler Both sound so fun! But I will vote for 3w
quietjenn @elkeOriginal I like to use it in circumstances like this, when I'm keen on both options! 3w
Ruthiella I‘m going to let my favorite cover decide. I vote for 3w
LeahBergen Like @elkeOriginal and @rubyslippersreads , I‘ll vote for the one that I own: 3w
willaful @Jhammar oh my goodness, you are in for such a treat. She has so many fantastic books. I'm “the library still had a bunch of them“ years old. 😂 3w
julieclair @quietjenn ‘s comment above was a tie breaker for me. I‘ll go with 3w
39 likes18 comments
review
erzascarletbookgasm
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Pickpick

This was a fun trip down memory lane. As a young reader, I remember loving Nancy Drew for her independence and the spirited girl she was. On rereading as an adult, I find the story too predictable but still admire her independence and determination. The fast paced story kept me turning the pages.
Read this for #ChildrensClassicRead2023 and #TBRtarot
Coincidentally it ties nicely with #NancyDrewBR this month. 😊

Librarybelle Totally agree! 1mo
TheBookHippie So agree! It‘s a lovely read! 1mo
CBee Perfect! Love Nancy ❤️ 1mo
Ruthiella I love how second hand furniture was a criminal racket in the‘30s. 😂 1mo
tpixie @Ruthiella lol 😂 4w
59 likes5 comments
review
erzascarletbookgasm
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Pickpick

This historical novel raises the debate about criminality and ‘nature vs nurture‘. Richly woven with details of the Victorian life and times, it discusses themes like mental illness, motherhood, and class. I found this to be an engaging read with interesting twists. A clever debut and worth the read.

review
erzascarletbookgasm
Zero Days | Ruth Ware
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Mehso-so

A woman finds herself the prime suspect in her husband‘s murder, and she turns fugitive, on the run from the law, wanting to find out the truth herself. The story started off strong, fast paced, but later the thrill died off and I found it to be repetitive. Also, I need to suspend disbelief on quite a number of occasions. The reveal was no surprise; overall it was meh for me. It‘s probably just me because many others have loved this tech thriller.

blurb
erzascarletbookgasm
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The recent release of Wes Anderson‘s new short films based on Dahl‘s short stories had me reading up the stories before watching. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, The Swan, The Rat Catcher, and Poison. Henry Sugar has a melancholy effect, the others are peculiar, dark and unsettling. They‘re all fantastic with brilliant performances. Recommended to watch. 👍
#bookstomovie

LeahBergen I‘m looking forward to watching these! 2mo
erzascarletbookgasm @LeahBergen Enjoy! My favourite is The Swan 😊 2mo
CarolynM I was just reading a newspaper article about these films about an hour ago! They sound great. I don‘t know that I‘m a Wes Anderson fan, but I really liked The Grand Budapest Hotel. 2mo
See All 12 Comments
julesG I watched Henry Sugar and didn't know there are three more gems waiting for me. Yeah! Thanks! 2mo
batsy I haven't read the stories but I agree, the short films are wonderful. My favourite is The Swan, too, and The Rat Catcher is up there for unexpected yikes! So memorable. 2mo
rabbitprincess I am definitely watching Henry Sugar! And I agree @CarolynM The Grand Budapest Hotel was great! 2mo
sarahbarnes I need to watch these - I love Wes Anderson! His new film Asteroid City is great. 2mo
erzascarletbookgasm @CarolynM I‘ll be interested to watch Grand Budapest Hotel. My son likes it too. In fact he‘s the one that introduced me to Wes Anderson, I didn‘t know about him before 😆 2mo
erzascarletbookgasm @julesG If you like Henry Sugar and Anderson works, you‘re in for a treat! 2mo
erzascarletbookgasm @batsy I wouldn‘t have read the short stories if not for these adaptations. I‘ve only read Dahl‘s children stories, the popular ones. The Rat Catcher is definitely yikes! 🤮 2mo
erzascarletbookgasm @rabbitprincess I‘m definitely watching The Grand Budapest Hotel then! I hope you‘ll enjoy Henry Sugar. 2mo
erzascarletbookgasm @sarahbarnes Ah, you‘re a fan! I‘m just discovering his works, so quirky and creative. Not sure I‘m a fan yet. 😊 2mo
52 likes12 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
All Done by Kindness: A Novel | Doris Langley Moore
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Pickpick

I absolutely agree with all the others‘ reviews on this book - such a delight! Entertaining, great characterisations, fun plot, and humorous. Two thumbs up!
#FurrowedMiddlebrowClub

jlhammar Yay! I loved that Dr. Sandilands was calling their little dinner party at the end “the conspirators‘ dinner.” 😆 2mo
quietjenn So glad this was a hit for us all 😃 2mo
Cathythoughts That‘s great Jessie 👍🏻❤️ 2mo
See All 12 Comments
Ruthiella Yes, it was a delight! I‘m curious now about the other two novels we‘ve not read yet from her which are also published by DSP. 🤔 (edited) 2mo
LeahBergen We all seemed to like this one! 👏👏 2mo
erzascarletbookgasm @Ruthiella More books to be stacked on our tbr 😁 2mo
erzascarletbookgasm @LeahBergen yes, we all enjoyed it 👍. I‘m so glad my last #FurrowedMiddlebrowClub read for the year was a Pick. I won‘t be able to join in on the Nov read, as I do not have a copy..with BD being closed, it‘s difficult (and costly) to get some books over here. 2mo
LeahBergen Oh, that‘s too bad. Have you tried Blackwell‘s? They ship to Canada for free and they may ship to you for free, as well. 2mo
erzascarletbookgasm I‘ll look them up. Thanks! @LeahBergen 2mo
CarolynM It was humorous, wasn‘t it? I‘m definitely going to read her other FMB titles @Ruthiella Hope you‘ll be able to join in the November read, Jessie😘 2mo
Ruthiella Per the website, Blackwell‘s does ship worldwide for “free” (ie included in the price of the book). I hope this is an option for you and @batsy now that BD is no more. 🤞 2mo
batsy @Ruthiella @erzascarletbookgasm Thank you, yes Blackwells seem to ship for free but the price mark-up is also considerable. I guess BD was kind of "subsiding" books to our part of the world, in a way, and it might have come at a considerable cost elsewhere. It's all a bit broken isn't it, the system. But thankfully FM is available on Kindle and that's been a lifesaver ? 2mo
52 likes12 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
The Lock-Up | John Banville
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Pickpick

1950s Dublin. Pathologist Dr. Quirke and DI Strafford (first appeared in Snow) despite their strained relationship, worked to solve a murder. There‘re glimpses of Irish class tension, the Church domination, feelings of antisemitism, and a little of world politics in this character-driven, slow-burn mystery. The plot was pretty good, I enjoyed the polished prose, and I didn‘t anticipate the twist in the epilogue.

57 likes1 stack add
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erzascarletbookgasm
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Pickpick

An intriguing read told through a pregnancy diary, about a woman who fakes her pregnancy. Once she told the lie, people begin to treat her differently. She plans to follow through the lie, and in the process, she learns to live the life she wants. It‘s a quirky-turned-surreal read, exploring the roles of women in society and workplace, and of loneliness.

51 likes3 stack adds
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erzascarletbookgasm
Seven Empty Houses | Samanta Schweblin
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Pickpick

My first by the Argentine author and I didn‘t know what to expect, reading these collection of short stories, even the blurb did not prepare me for it. They revolve around daily settings in houses where the characters live..though these houses are not ‘empty‘ in literal sense, there‘s an emptiness or something missing in each..awkward relationships, grief, dysfunction family,etc. The stories are a bit strange, dream like, mostly disquieting, ⬇️

erzascarletbookgasm …and some sad. Each story leaves me wanting for more. I like some better than others, but they‘re all brilliant with implied eeriness. 4mo
Cinfhen Sounds good…have you read this @Megabooks ?!? 4mo
batsy Oh, nice! I'm so keen to check this out. I loved this one 4mo
Megabooks @Cinfhen yes! And I agree with Jessie‘s view. Eerie and unsettling and quite good. 4mo
52 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
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Pickpick

In this little gem of a story, a young woman is rushed by her parents into a train bound for a mysterious destination. There‘s lots of imagery and a sense of foreboding during the train journey. The story is thought provoking, symbolic, with many questions unanswered and are left to the interpretation of the reader. A must read for Plath‘s fans.

Read this for July‘s #TBRtarot

erzascarletbookgasm @CBee Cydney, I just realised this could work for August‘s #TBRtarot as well 😂. I have my book picked for August already. 👌 4mo
batsy This sounds good! 4mo
CBee @erzascarletbookgasm you can totally use it for both! 4mo
See All 6 Comments
vivastory I recently picked up the following in the Harper Perennial editions and am really looking forward to it 4mo
erzascarletbookgasm @vivastory I will look it up, sounds good 👍 4mo
Cathythoughts Lovely review 👍🏻♥️ 4mo
62 likes2 stack adds6 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
The Hole | Hiroko Oyamada
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Pickpick

A weird, unsettling novella about a housewife who moved to the countryside when her husband got a job transfer there. Her encounter with a strange creature and her interactions with some odd persons lead her to a sequence of unusual events where she begins to wonder what is real and what is imagined. A surreal story that takes a look at women‘s role in Japan in terms of societal expectations and conformity. If you like uncanny stories,go for this.

Suet624 Fascinating review. 4mo
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erzascarletbookgasm
Foster | Claire Keegan
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Pickpick

Claire Keegan‘s beautiful prose says so much in less than 100 pages..about the power of love and kindness. Lovely story.

64 likes1 stack add
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erzascarletbookgasm
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Mehso-so

If you‘ve enjoyed The Kind Worth Killing, you‘ll want to read this sort-of sequel. It doesn‘t matter if you haven‘t read the first book, however you‘ll get a better context if you did. But because this was published 8 years after the first book, I couldn‘t remember the details of the first book, which I think affected my enjoyment of this. There‘s no major plot twist, and the middle part was rather boring. The limericks were witty though.

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erzascarletbookgasm
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Pickpick

I enjoyed the psychological aspects of the crime, and seeing how Dr Bickleigh goes about his evil plans, and the desperate measures he has to take. A satisfying read, and what a splendid ending.
#goldenagecrimeclub

Ruthiella Love the ending! 4mo
56 likes1 stack add1 comment
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erzascarletbookgasm
Catwings | Ursula K. Le Guin, Ursula Leguin
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Pickpick

I didn‘t know Ursula Le Guin wrote childrens books. My Libby hold on Earthsea still have not arrived and since this was available, I quickly borrowed it for #AuthorAMonth . It‘s an easy and fun read for early readers with cute and detailed illustrations, about four unusual kittens who were born with wings; and their adventures in the rural areas. Nice read aloud story.

TheSpineView I just bought this book for my granddaughter. Hope she likes it. 6mo
kspenmoll I have hung on to this series because my son loved them so much! 6mo
tpixie Thanks!! Sounds cute! 6mo
See All 6 Comments
CarolynM I‘ve been a bit absent here the last month or so, but just realised I haven‘t seen any posts from you lately. Hope all is well with you. Sending love💕 5mo
erzascarletbookgasm I‘ve been busy ..with many things, except reading 😂. I‘ve finished a couple of books the last 2 weeks or so, but was lazy to review 🙈. All is good, hope you‘re keeping well too. Thanks for thinking of me. ❤️ @CarolynM 5mo
CarolynM 👍❤️ 5mo
60 likes1 stack add6 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
Our Castle by the Sea | Lucy Strange
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Pickpick

A great historical fiction novel set in the beginning of WW2, exploring the effect of war on individuals and families. It highlights the feelings of prejudice and xenophobia, children evacuation, and internment camps. It‘s also part adventure and mystery, as the 12 year old protagonist discovers traitorous spies among the villagers. Well written and captivating.
#TBRtarot #bookbeginswithaprologue
#titlesandtunes #guiltypleasure #middlegrade

Cinfhen Gorgeous cover art and book sounds wonderful 6mo
batsy This sounds lovely! 6mo
CBee Looks great!! 6mo
69 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
The Woman in the Library | Sulari Gentill
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Pickpick

When I picked this up I had no idea it was a story within a story (within a story). An intriguing premise, I liked the outer story better as it was dark (and could be further developed). The inside story is a bit meh..maybe it‘s just a framework or devise for the outer story? I‘m confused now. 😅 It‘s also clever that the author acknowledges certain real life events during which the book was set. Overall parts entertaining, so low Pick.

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erzascarletbookgasm
Our Castle by the Sea | Lucy Strange
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#titlesandtunes #guiltypleasure

Besides murder mystery/detective stories, I love reading middle grade books. I‘ll choose the tagged book as it also fulfill #TBRtarot which I have skipped last month.

I‘m also a fan of the 80s music, quite a number of superstars (with influencing fashion styles!) emerged during the time, and I loved watching them all on MTV. When that song is played, I guarantee you will catch me singing along. 🎤 😉

BarbaraBB Great choices Jessie, thanks for playing 💃 6mo
Cinfhen Yessssss to all things 80‘s!! Every song pretty much brings back a memory 🎶😁🩷 6mo
CBee Love this! I did a dance thing for a talent show in elementary school, set to “We Built this City” 😂🤩 6mo
47 likes4 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
Thunderstruck | Erik Larson
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Pickpick

I thoroughly enjoyed John Boyne‘s fictionalised story of Dr. Crippen and I wanted to read a true crime book about it. This is well researched, and easy to read, the two connected stories of Dr. Crippen‘s life and Marconi‘s life and his passion. It was rather gripping in parts, but I skimmed over some of Marconi‘s part which I got lost. My introduction to Larson, who writes such good historical non-fiction, thanks to #AuthorAMonth for May.

AmyG Ha, I did the same. I loved the murder story, Marconi not so much. (edited) 6mo
youneverarrived My exact thoughts on this too! Which Boyne book has a fictionalised Dr.Crippen? Would like to read it 😄 6mo
erzascarletbookgasm @youneverarrived Katie, this! I hope you get to read it. 😘 @AmyG if you haven‘t read it, check it out too 😊 6mo
AmyG Thank you! I have it stacked. Love Boyne. 6mo
youneverarrived Thank you 🥰 6mo
62 likes2 stack adds5 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
This Rough Magic | Mary Stewart
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Pickpick

This was an enjoyable read. I love the vivid descriptions of the idyllic Corfu; the ominous atmosphere; the right amount of romance and suspense; and the references to Shakespeare's Tempest. A great escape read!
#islandvibes #titlesandtunes for May.

Cinfhen I hope you‘re joining us for #TitlesAndTunes #GuiltyPleasure 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 6mo
BarbaraBB Oooh this sounds good! 6mo
batsy Sounds like a fun read! 6mo
64 likes1 stack add3 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
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I‘ve stacked this on my tbr wish list after seeing so many positive reviews here. A copy came in the mail today 😃💃🏻. I think this is from you, Cathy? @Cathythoughts Thank you!
#bookmail ❤️

Tamra Enjoy! 7mo
Cathythoughts It is from me , I hope you will love it as much as I did. Happy Belated Birthday Jessie 💕💕🥳 7mo
erzascarletbookgasm Thank you Cathy, I really appreciate it. ❤️ @Cathythoughts 7mo
51 likes3 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
The Trees: A Novel | Percival Everett
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Pickpick

Such an inventive piece of work. At times I chuckled at the dialogues and dark humour, next, I was silent at the gruesome crime scenes and the all-important, grave issues that Everett is putting across. An unexpected read, a page-turner, and the rousing finale… I want to read more of Everett. 👍

Cathythoughts Great review 👍🏻❤️ I‘m listening to it on audio at the moment and I‘m captivated. 7mo
batsy Yes! It's so good. 7mo
BarbaraBB A favorite of mine. 7mo
See All 6 Comments
Tamra Page turning yes! 7mo
Ruthiella Great review. That‘s it exactly. 7mo
CarolynM Lovely review❤️ 7mo
67 likes1 stack add6 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
The Inseparables | Simone de Beauvoir
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I finally got the book you sent me Barbara! @BarbaraBB
I‘m sorry we were anxious about it, turns out the new owner had taken our mails for safekeeping.
I love coming-of-age stories, and this is said to be autobiographical, “deemed too intimate to publish” during her lifetime..I‘m very interested to read it. Thank you very much! ❤️

batsy Ooh, I recently bought this too! The first page won me over. 7mo
LeahBergen This sounds good! 7mo
BarbaraBB I am so relieved you were able to retrieve it! I have taken note of your new address now! The book was on your Litsy TBR and it sounded so good that I chose this one for you. I‘ve read other books by De Beauvoir and really love her. 7mo
erzascarletbookgasm @BarbaraBB I‘m relieved too! Thank you so much 😘 7mo
51 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
This Rough Magic | Mary Stewart
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Think I‘ll join in the fun of #islandvibes #titlesandtunes hosted by @Cinfhen and @BarbaraBB !

A good time to read my first Mary Stewart novel - mystery, suspense, romance and a lovely setting at Corfu. 🏝️
I pick ‘The Children of Piraeus‘ (a popular song first sung by Melina Mercouri) sung by Aroma, here‘s the video https://youtu.be/ap29bm2ZpEU (English)

https://youtu.be/Ffe3dQQyKOQ (original)

batsy The book sounds fun! 7mo
Cinfhen Yay 😁 so glad you‘re joining in🏝️🎶📖 7mo
Cinfhen I totally forgot about this song ….FUN PICK 🤩 7mo
BarbaraBB So happy you‘re joining 🩷🩷 7mo
47 likes4 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
Lemon: A Novel | Kwon Yeo-Son
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Mehso-so

This novella is told in alternating perspectives of three woman remembering a murder that happened when they were in high school. But the story doesn‘t focus on revealing the killer, though I think there‘re clues everywhere. Chapters read like stream of consciousness, give us insights into the characters‘ minds and I was quite confused with the switching perspectives. The characters are dealing with grief, guilt that haunt them over the years, ⬇️

erzascarletbookgasm …and trying to make sense of life after the tragedy. It‘s also a look at class, beauty, and gender in Korea. I find it a bleak read, and I‘m still not sure who did it. #tbrtarot 7mo
TrishB That‘s some murder mystery! Still not sure. 7mo
squirrelbrain Yes, I wasn‘t sure who did it either. 🤷‍♀️ 7mo
CBee 😊😊 7mo
65 likes4 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
The Franchise Affair | Josephine Tey
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Pickpick

It‘s refreshing to read a mystery/crime novel without a murder. This one has a good pacing that kept me engaged, right up to the climatic court scenes. And it has a nice ending. However, the fact that the protagonist so quickly took the side of the accused, kept niggling at me. Overall it was interesting to see how the mystery unravelled, and putting aside some dated remarks and ideas, my first Josephine Tey is a ‘Pick‘.

#goldenagecrimeclub

CarolynM I love Josephine Tey 8mo
Mitch Glad it was a positive start ! See you Sunday 7mo
58 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
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#bookmail
A gorgeous-looking book arrived in the post today. 😍 Book Depository took its time, I guess they‘re flooded with orders before closure. Who is the generous sender? 🥰 Thank you so much, I love it!

batsy So pretty! 8mo
RaeLovesToRead 😍😍😍 8mo
LeahBergen That‘s from me! Happy (belated) Birthday! 😘😘 8mo
erzascarletbookgasm Thank you so much Leah! ❤️ @LeahBergen 8mo
54 likes5 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
A Death in Tokyo: A Mystery | Keigo Higashino
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Pickpick

The latest in the Detective Kaga series offers a good police procedural. There‘s a strong sense of place as Higashino describes the streets of Tokyo, and it was an interesting look at the culture. If you‘ve enjoyed Higashino‘s other books, do not give this a miss. Not my favourite of his books, but it was engaging to follow Detective Kaga solves the case, and it has a satisfactory conclusion.
#serieslove2023

sisilia It‘s been a while since I read Higashino 8mo
batsy This sounds good. I've been meaning to read Higashino for the longest time! 8mo
TheSpineView Fantastic! 8mo
BarbaraBB I had this one stacked already. I love this series! 8mo
Andrew65 Excellent, a series I must get to. 👏👏👏 8mo
66 likes3 stack adds5 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
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@batsy Thank you, Suba for the book! I love the genre and look forward to reading it. Lovely gift, thank you so much ❤️😘

batsy I hope it's a fun read! Happy birthday 😘 8mo
Cathythoughts Lovely gift ! Happy Birthday Jessie 🥳 I‘m a bit late with my gift , but it‘s coming 😘 8mo
erzascarletbookgasm Thank you Cathy ❤️🤗 @Cathythoughts 8mo
erzascarletbookgasm Thanks Suba 🤗🫰 @batsy 8mo
69 likes4 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
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Pickpick

👍
-fast read, suspenseful.
-unreliable narrator with anxiety problem (whom I found exasperating later in the story).
-use of social media to heighten suspense.
-uncertainty over what happens after the final pages.
👎
-long list of names made difficult to follow (weak characterisation).
-cliche after cliche.

Overall, a fun (& forgettable) diversion from my stress of moving house. I think her later novels are better.

#AuthorAMonth

AmyG Perfect review. I read this, too and totally agree. Good luck with your move. 8mo
Cathythoughts Great review 👍🏻❤️ I hope you will be all settled in soon. X 8mo
LeahBergen Happy Birthday!! I hope my little gift arrives soon. 😘 8mo
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batsy Happy birthday, Jessie! Have a fantastic day! ❤️🎈🎂📚 8mo
BarbaraBB Happy birthday Jessie! I sent you something by BookDepository, I hope it‘ll arrive soon! 😘 8mo
erzascarletbookgasm @LeahBergen Thank you Leah! I look forward to it! 🥰😘 8mo
erzascarletbookgasm @batsy Thanks Suba! I got your gift, will post it up soon! 🥰❤️ 8mo
erzascarletbookgasm @BarbaraBB Barbara, thank you for thinking of me! I have recently moved, I‘ll send you my new address. Same email address, right? I hope you‘re able to notify them? 🙏 8mo
BarbaraBB @erzascarletbookgasm oops. I now remember that you moved but I sent it to the old address. How stupid. I‘ll try to notify them but I sent it weeks ago 🤞🏽 8mo
erzascarletbookgasm @BarbaraBB yikes. I‘m sorry for the trouble. I can go back to check at my old address if it‘s too late. 8mo
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erzascarletbookgasm
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Pickpick

A wonderful collection of works from the author and women poets from 1910s to the 1930s. Taking certain lines from each of the featured poems, Grimes interestingly recreates her own. The poems talk about womanhood, black history, nature, etc. I like getting to know the poets introduced (bio in afterwards), some poems more striking than the others, and I love the gorgeous illustrations, varied in style, by different artists.

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erzascarletbookgasm
Tortilla Flat | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

This is so unlike Of Mice and Men and East of Eden that I‘ve read. But it‘s quite a comical story of camaraderie among the sympathetic characters living a simple life. And plenty of wine drinking. I like the descriptive titles and straightforward storytelling.
#AuthorAMonth

Soubhiville Nice! 8mo
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erzascarletbookgasm
The Black Stallion | Walter Farley
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Mehso-so

I‘ve not read any horse stories as a kid, I can say I‘m not a horse person. This book started off well, promising of adventures, even though there‘re incidents of stereotypes and many coincidences. Maybe reading it as an adult, I find the story lacks emotions and the characters unrealistic. I guess a horse-loving person, especially a child will like it, especially the bonding between Alec and ‘the Black‘.

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TheBookHippie @Suet624 @erzascarletbookgasm I never read horse books as a kid -we‘ve read a few with my children‘s classic reads, Black Beauty is my favorite. I really loved that book! 8mo
batsy I don't feel particularly motivated to read this one! And since the month is almost over, oh well... 😉 8mo
LeahBergen I still need your new mailing address, Jessie. 😄 (edited) 8mo
51 likes6 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
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Pickpick

Such a fun and entertaining story. The author introduces us to Ada (Lovelace), daughter of Lord Byron, and Mary, daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft, who formed a detective agency together. Though some aspects are not historically accurate, like the girls are actually aged 18 yrs apart in history, the historical bits are enjoyable. The mystery itself is not very clever, but I loved the appearance..

#serieslove2023
#middlegrademarch

erzascarletbookgasm …of several historical figures, and references to books. Hopefully the next instalment has a more exciting mystery. 9mo
Andrew65 Sounds a great series. Well done 👏👏👏 9mo
TheSpineView Sounds like a good series! 9mo
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erzascarletbookgasm
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Pickpick

This is an honest depiction of teenage life struggles in urban Japan that is relevant in the 90s when it was first written, as well as today. Bullying, education ‘rat race‘, pornography, ‘love hotels‘, suicide. In her afterword, Mori said she wanted to write a novel “that will allow young people who are tired of living to have a break from their own lives.” She wrote about these serious subjects with a little comical touch in..
#TBRtarot February

erzascarletbookgasm ..hope to appeal to them- about becoming a different person and living life all over again. Worth a read. 9mo
CBee Awesome 👏🏻 9mo
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erzascarletbookgasm
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Mehso-so

A moving story set in Kabul during the Taliban rule. A 11-yr old girl has to disguise as a boy to seek work to support the family, after their father was imprisoned. The illustrations are good, but the narrative feels rushed, some scenes like ‘chopped off‘ (feels like some pages missing), and the ending is abrupt. However it‘s a good eye opener for young readers. Perhaps the original novel and the animated film adaptation will have more depth.

Blaire My son read the full novel for class and really enjoyed it. It felt fully developed. 9mo
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erzascarletbookgasm
A Murderous Relation | Deanna Raybourn
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Pickpick

This 5th book in the Veronica Speedwell mystery series has Veronica and Stoker on a dangerous mission to prevent a royal scandal, with Jack the Ripper murders terrorising London as the backdrop. I‘ve enjoyed the witty banter and chemistry between the duo all along, however I‘m not sure how I feel about them now. It was fast paced, engaging, and fun though.
#serieslove2023

TheSpineView Fantastic! 9mo
Andrew65 Well done 👏👏👏 Love the cover. 9mo
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erzascarletbookgasm
Evidence of the Affair | Taylor Jenkins Reid
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Pickpick

I didn‘t realise this is a short story when I started. I liked the letters format, written between two strangers whose spouses are having an affair with each other. Very engaging, and the ending…I was surprised by it.
#AuthorAMonth

AvidReader25 This one caught me by surprise as well! 10mo
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erzascarletbookgasm
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Pickpick

Thanks to @batsy who put the author into my radar. I couldn‘t find ‘Arthur Who Wrote Sherlock‘ but found the tagged book instead. This is an illustrated biography of Mary Shelly, adapted for children. It tells of the early life of Mary, and how ‘Frankenstein‘ was written. An inspiring story for young readers (and readers of any age) with great illustrations that complement the story.

batsy Ooh, this looks good too! 💜 10mo
Cinfhen Hi!!!!!!! 10mo
erzascarletbookgasm Hi! Cindy! How are you doing? 💕 @Cinfhen 10mo
Cinfhen All good😌How about you, Jessie? 10mo
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erzascarletbookgasm
Exit | Belinda Bauer
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Pickpick

An elderly widower, who is with a volunteer group that helps terminally ill people ‘take their own lives‘, finds himself on the run from the police. Although the subject matter is a serious one, there is much humour in the novel. The characters are likeable and endearing, especially the older ones. If you‘re a fan of The Thursday Murder Club series, you‘ll enjoy this.
Thanks @TrishB for sending me this copy some time ago. 😅😘

Cathythoughts Nice review! I really enjoyed this one. 10mo
jlhammar One of my favorite audiobooks last year! Really enjoyed it. 10mo
TrishB We always get to them eventfully 😁 10mo
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erzascarletbookgasm
Moving House | Anne Civardi
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The packing has begun. Top priority to pack first are my books of course! 😂 And I‘m quite overwhelmed, staring at the number of unread books😬. I‘ll probably donate some of them, books that I no longer have interest to read now.
With all the stress of moving house, I‘m hardly in the right state of mind to read. But I‘ll try to finish up a couple of books I‘ve started. Happy Sunday!

squirrelbrain Good luck with the move! 🤞 10mo
CarolynM Ugh! Moving is a horrible task. Hope the destination makes it worth it🙂 Be sure to let me have your new address once you get there. 10mo
ju.ca.no I hope the move will be quick and without problems🤗 10mo
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batsy All the best on the move, J! I know, books are the absolute best until moving day 😆 Hope it all goes smoothly. 10mo
TrishB Hope it goes well! As @CarolynM says- let me have your new address once you‘re settled. 10mo
rockpools Happy Sunday, and hope the move goes well! 10mo
Cathythoughts Moving house ! Wow Jessie, good luck with it all ♥️ 10mo
julesG All the best for the move! 10mo
Librarybelle Good luck with your move! 10mo
Tamra Moving is both exciting & exhausting! 10mo
Suet624 Best wishes on the move. 10mo
Bookzombie Hope the move goes smoothly! 10mo
Ruthiella Good luck with the move! 👍 It‘s exhausting but also a good occasion to sort and cull, for sure. 10mo
BarbaraBB Good luck Jessie 💕 I‘ll need your new address 😉 10mo
LeahBergen Oh, yuck to moving! I hope all goes smoothly. I‘ll need your new address, too! 😘 10mo
quietjenn Good luck with everything! 10mo
erzascarletbookgasm @Tamra It is! By the time I‘m done with packing just my books, I didn‘t have the energy for anything else😄. (edited) 10mo
erzascarletbookgasm @Ruthiella Thanks. Lots to get rid of 😬 10mo
Reggie Oh no, I hate, HATE, moving. I hope it goes quick and easy for you! 10mo
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erzascarletbookgasm
Exit | Belinda Bauer
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Not much reading done recently, as I have been binge watching some TV detective series. Marcella, a British nordic noir series, kept me at the edge of my seat - but I stopped at season 2, too much grimness and violence to continue). Then Happy Valley, absorbing and fantastic - I highly recommend!

Anyway started the tagged book. Hope it‘s good, as I liked Rubbernecker and Snap.

Happy Monday!

batsy I loved the first season of Happy Valley! I should catch up on the following seasons. 10mo
erzascarletbookgasm @batsy Please do! Season 3 last episode (finale) just released earlier this month. Very good! 10mo
Cathythoughts I really enjoyed Exit ! 10mo
MyNamesParadise I loved Happy Valley!! I don‘t have the streaming service the new season is on though. 10mo
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erzascarletbookgasm
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My book from @wanderinglynn ‘s #300kBirthdayGiveaway has arrived. What a gorgeous copy! Thanks again Lynn! ❤️

batsy Fabulous! I'm interested to read this, as well. 10mo
ju.ca.no Love the cover! 10mo
wanderinglynn I‘m so happy it finally arrived! 💜 10mo
69 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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erzascarletbookgasm
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Panpan

Another children‘s book I‘ve never read when I was young. As an adult reading it for the first time, I find this not funny. I don‘t know what the author is trying to tell..Babar, whose mother recently got killed by a hunter, escapes to town, met a kind, old, rich lady who gave him lots of money to spend, and Babar suddenly feels the need to get fancy clothes and assimilated to society. And when he returns to the forest, he..⬇️

erzascarletbookgasm …is made King for his ‘new‘ ways. 🤔 Sorry, I do not feel amused. I‘m glad I did not read this to my children when they were young.
#ChildrensClassicRead2023
10mo
batsy What an interesting review! I wonder how I'll feel about it. Somehow I never read it as a kid or an adult, though I've heard it referenced so many times. 10mo
Suet624 You‘re so right. 10mo
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TheBookHippie Isn‘t it fascinating what we find and what memory can do if we‘ve read it before? I‘ve not read it before but was told it was satire for colonialism so I‘m anxious to start this today. 10mo
KathyWheeler I read it as a kid and loved it but I never read it to or bought it for my own kids. I‘m not sure what I‘d think about it now. 10mo
batsy I just read it and I completely agree! 10mo
erzascarletbookgasm @batsy It‘s a weird read, isn‘t it. 10mo
55 likes7 comments