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Mandoul

Mandoul

Joined May 2019

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 my superpowers are drinking coffee and reading. Waiting for Marvel to snap me up any day now... www.goodreads.com/chrisoftheeast
review
Mandoul
Death and the Penguin | Andrey Kurkov
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Pickpick

My attention wavered a little with this one, but I was drawn back in by the dark humour and appreciated the role that Misha the penguin played.

☀️☀️☀️🌤

Jari-chan Misha ❤️ 2y
51 likes2 stack adds1 comment
review
Mandoul
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Pickpick

This memoir reflects Maloney's experience of life in rural Japan, having moved there from Scotland. It's well-written and does a good job of avoiding the usual tourist observations about Japan.

It does get a little repetitive towards the end though and, while his humour carries some chapters, it hinders others a little, trying too hard to land a punchline.

I'll read it again and hope some day to follow in his footsteps!

☀️☀️☀️🌤

review
Mandoul
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed watching some of the movies again after reading this book. Created by fans, this is a fun dive in to the history of the company and what inspired the characters, themes and landscapes of each movie. It includes some gorgeous unique artwork too.

Highly recommended to fans of Studio Ghibli 😃

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Mandoul
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A few newbies for the pile 📚 the tagged book will probably be up first.

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

julesG The haul from your London trip? 2y
RaeLovesToRead Ooh, great haul. I've got the penguin and the Aosawa Murders to read too. Have been eyeing up the Nagamatsu and the Johnstone too (but not yet bought them) 2y
Jari-chan Death And The Penguin ❤️ 2y
See All 7 Comments
carolcharityhome Hello are you there 2y
Mandoul It is @julesG I'm quite pleased with it 😊 2y
Mandoul Thanks @RaeLovesToRead I'm trying to keep pace with you 😉 look forward to hearing what you think of those two! 2y
Mandoul I know @Jari-chan that one was coming home with me as soon as I saw it 😁 2y
40 likes7 comments
blurb
Mandoul
Daunt Books - Marylebone | London, United Kingdom (Bookstore)
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Visited the gorgeous Daunt Books at Marylebone this morning, where there was a steady stream of people looking for an Instagram shot. My pic probably doesn't do it justice, but it's a beautiful place to browse. I also made it to Foyles, Forbidden Planet and Judd Books.

Time well spent 😁

Thanks @RaeLovesToRead and @julesG for the tips - I will return to see more!

RaeLovesToRead Amazing! 🥰 Did you get anything? 2y
julesG Did you get any cake? Or just books? 2y
CBee @RaeLovesToRead this is the most important question 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 2y
See All 7 Comments
Mandoul Yes to all of the above @RaeLovesToRead @julesG @CBee . I didn't go overboard though, more due to indecision than self-control! 2y
RaeLovesToRead My solution to indecision is usually just to auto-yes everything 😁 Look forward to seeing your haul! 2y
Meshell1313 😮😍 wowza! Gorgeous!! 2y
Kitta I love daunt books! 2mo
49 likes7 comments
review
Mandoul
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Pickpick

A rare but very enjoyable non-fiction for me. This delves in to the history of some of the Japanese cultural phenomenon that we know today, looking at how they may have shaped our lives.

It's well researched and focused on the people behind these products, which made for a satisfying read. I loved the sections on anime, karaoke and, strangely, Hello Kitty....🤫

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Although I did let it get water-damaged on my way back to the hotel 😖

RaeLovesToRead Ooh, I love Japanese culture! Especially the food and videogames 🥰 Did you buy lots of books in London? 2y
Mandoul Me too @RaeLovesToRead so I had to buy this 😁 I was working but heading out to a few places this morning. I do plan to try and check out the pancake place at Holborn if I can! 2y
44 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
Mandoul
Untitled | Unknown
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I'm heading down to London for work tomorrow, but will be staying on an extra night because... well its London 😁

Hoping to take in as many indie bookstores as I can as while I'm there, as well as a years supply of coffee and cake.

Grateful for recommendations from fellow Littens 🙂

RaeLovesToRead I'm so jealous! I'll see if I can find the article I was going to follow when I go down next month... lots of options there! A trip to London is never complete without Waterstones Piccadilly & Foyles, plus I'm definitely looking forward to visiting Goldsboro books 💕 2y
RaeLovesToRead Also, not book related, but I HIGHLY recommend My Old Dutch pancake house on Holborn. If you go you have to tag me so I can live vicariously! 😊 2y
See All 10 Comments
julesG Can highly recommend Cecil Court near Leicester Square tube station. A small street full of bookshops including Goldsboro and Alice through the Looking Glass. 2y
julesG This bakery café has been recommended by friends: https://jackandbeyond.com/ 2y
tonymp Well, yeah! It‘s a no-duh kind of thing. Enjoy your stay! 2y
Mandoul Thanks @RaeLovesToRead and @julesG for the links and recommendations - I have a plan forming 😁 2y
Mandoul Cheers @tonymp ! 2y
Reggie Wow have fun! 2y
Mandoul Thanks @Reggie ! Hope life is treating you well. 2y
37 likes10 comments
review
Mandoul
The Nickel Boys: A Novel | Colson Whitehead
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Pickpick

Not sure why I took so long to read this, but I'm glad that I did. Such a compact yet powerful and engaging story. Already on my to be re-read list.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Itchyfeetreader This is sitting on my to be read cart 2y
Mandoul It was sitting on mine for ages @Itchyfeetreader . Look forward to hearing what you think of it. 2y
41 likes2 comments
review
Mandoul
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Mehso-so

A disgruntled employee and the daughter of a wealthy CEO conspire to fake a kidnapping. For one it's about money, but for the other it's the thrill of the game.

I liked that this was a quick read and it was engaging in a 'what's-round-the-next-corner?' way. But the characters felt a bit one dimensional and the narration was grating. What could have been a cool plot ended up falling short.

I'm usually a big fan, but this one missed the target.

blurb
Mandoul
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Happy Friday all! These are my mornings for a sneaky coffee and read before leading a health walk in the woods. Beautiful snowy walk for my group this morning.

I should be finished my latest Higashino by tonight. I'm a bit of a fanboy, but going to reserve judgement on this one until I see what's up his sleeve for the last 50 pages.

RaeLovesToRead Sounds perfect 😊 2y
Mandoul It was until I slipped @RaeLovesToRead ! Although everybody else seemed to enjoy that 😂 hope you're well. 2y
RaeLovesToRead I would never dream of cracking a smile 😉😋 Hope you didn't injure yourself! 2y
34 likes3 comments
review
Mandoul
The World We Make | N. K. Jemisin
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Pickpick

I loved, loved, loved the first book in this series, so expectations were high when picking this one up. I was already very invested in the characters and world that Jemisin had built, so no surprises that I did like this, but...it felt a little bit like the story was running out of steam second-half.

3.5 city avatars out of 5 🗽🏢

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Mandoul
The World We Make | N. K. Jemisin
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Life has been colourful over the last year, but it's good to be dipping back in here when I can. I snuck in a few pages of this before heading out in to the woods earlier. Feels like I'm maybe getting my reading groove back... 🙃 hope everyone is well.

Bklover Litsy is a good place to come back to. Welcome back! 2y
RaeLovesToRead Welcome back to Litsy!! 😁 I have this too... I think I gave away my exclusive Waterstones edition of the first one and I'm trying to track it down so I can buy it back 😅😅😭 2y
Crazeedi Welcome back! 2y
See All 6 Comments
Ruthiella Welcome back! 😃 2y
Mandoul Good luck tracking it down @RaeLovesToRead ! 2y
48 likes6 comments
review
Mandoul
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Pickpick

The author covers a year in his life as an anti-social behaviour officer in a very similar style to Adam Kay's accounts of being a junior doctor. His stories range from bizarre and hilarious to some that are desperately sad. I thought he walked the line between compassion and humour very well.

Despite the warmth and humour it is largely written with the subject matter is tough, including real accounts of drug use, homelessness and abuse.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

47 likes2 stack adds
blurb
Mandoul
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Loving this one so far and enjoyed seeing this passage from when the author was talking to a co-worker. It's the exact same 'why would you do that..?' tone that I have had from some family and friends when they hear what I've done with my spare time.

'So you just sat in on Friday night reading a book...and that's it?'

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Mandoul
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I made it down to London to see some friends at the weekend and, despite hoping to get to lots of indie book stores, only had time to visit this one. They were awesome though and promised to post me up a stack of bookmarks when I said I was collecting them.

As always I'm slightly behind the curve, but excited to pick this one up.

coffees I bought this one bc it got good reviews but still haven't read it 😅😅 3y
Mandoul Same here @coffees the reviews were great, plus the cover looks cartoonish cool, which I'm a sucker for 😅 3y
TheSpineView I enjoyed Also collect book marks.💙📖💙🔖💙 3y
See All 6 Comments
katy4peas I loved this one! The audio is wonderful too! 3y
RaeLovesToRead London is great for book shopping 😊 I've got this one on the soon-TBR too! 3y
CoffeeNBooks This is a great book! 3y
67 likes6 comments
review
Mandoul
The Institute | Stephen King
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Pickpick

I was confident that I was going to enjoy this but those first two-thirds blew me away! Fantastic storytelling, which had me picking it up any time I had a spare five minutes (and even sometimes when I didn't).

Sadly the last stretch didn't grip me quite as much, so I lost a little momentum there.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Alora Great picture! Loved this book 3y
52 likes1 comment
blurb
Mandoul
Untitled | Anonymous
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Hope everyone is having a good week so far.

This is the Japan and Korea section of my tbr pile 🇯🇵 🇰🇷 Any recommendations on what I pick up first?

RaeLovesToRead Of these I've only read the Tokyo Zodiac murders - it was good but very grim and gory (you have to have a strong stomach)! I love Murakami, but haven't read these particular ones. Six Four is on my TBR too. Earthlings is supposed to be totally different from Convenience Store Woman (which I loved), I've heard its absolutely brimming with taboo stuff... Looking forward to your reviews! 😁 3y
Reggie Earthlings only if you feel your spirit is so high you feel you need something to bring you down a little. Lol, it‘s a little rough. It‘s good but to me it was sad and disturbing. 3y
Mandoul Thanks @RaeLovesToRead I do normally love Murakami, so those might be easier readsread, but I'm pretty curious about Earthlings! 3y
See All 10 Comments
Mandoul Cheers @reggie good to know what to pick up if I want my spirit sapped 😂 family who visited and saw the cover assumed it to be a sweet uplifting read! 3y
RaeLovesToRead Ha! That cute little deceptive hedgehog 😄 I'm also curious about Earthlings because I loved her first book so much... I may get it when I'm feeling less delicate, haha. 3y
Michael_Gee @Reggie omg, Reggie lol! 😂 3y
EvieBee Not on your shelf, but definitely recommend Higashino. 3y
Mandoul Good shout @EvieBee I've enjoyed every Higashino so far, including that one. 3y
Vansa Tagged book! Absolutely excellent saga that traces Korean history over the last 100 years or so. 3y
Mandoul Thanks @Vansa for the recommendation! Really looking forward to that one having enjoyed other similar books. 3y
48 likes10 comments
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Mandoul
Untitled | Anonymous
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The look on her face very much says 'why did you dump your book on my bed?'

Well Skye, its because I wanted to join in with #dogsoflitsy

BeeMagical Hello Skye!! 🐶 You are about to be doggie mind-blown by this one, make sure to keep your toys close! 😂 (edited) 3y
Mandoul Thanks for the heads up @BeeMagical the last thing she wants to be know as is a Scaredy Cat....🙀 3y
Tera66 Hello Skye!! You are adorable 😍 3y
See All 6 Comments
Reggie We have quite a few dogs that come with their owners to our casino and there‘s a couple who puts their dog in a baby carriage and it looks just like Skye. 3y
MatchlessMarie 😂 🐶 3y
Mandoul I'm sure Skye would love to be carried around like that @Reggie she's a proper diva 😂 3y
56 likes6 comments
blurb
Mandoul
Ark Sakura | K?b? Abe, Abe Kobo
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Quirky little touch from the seller at an indie store in Edinburgh, who was making origami animals at the till. Its hard to see here but this is a frog 🐸 which she thought represented my purchase of the tagged book.

I am now even more curious to read it, which I guess means she has done her job very well!

BookNAround I love that! 3y
42 likes1 comment
review
Mandoul
Checkpoint | JOE. DONNELLY
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Pickpick

3.5 ⭐ Worth a read if you enjoy video games or have an interest in how they link to mental health. The author tells his own story, while doing some mythbusting and raising valuable awareness of indie games that have been designed with mental health in mind 🎮

Despite finding it interesting there were an awful lot of typos. I can normally tune those out, but they came in way too thick and fast on this occasion.

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Mandoul
The Institute | Stephen King
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Thanks for the tag @RaeLovesToRead !

1. No, I'm nowhere near organised enough and work is providing enough scares for October, so my reading time will be a wee bit limited.

2. The tagged book is sitting on my shelf and is going to get picked up next. It's been a while since I've read anything by him, but looking forward to this one.

#Two4Tuesday

Consider yourself tagged if you haven't been already 🙃

RaeLovesToRead Nice! I'm making my way through IT at the moment... it's very hefty 😅 3y
Mandoul Better get some coffee @RaeLovesToRead 😅 I wrote my school book review on IT but totally underestimated how long it would take to read, so had to cheat and watch the movie, which is actually a bit different. Oops... 3y
RaeLovesToRead Haha 😂🤣 The beginning would have been a lot creepier if I hadn't seen so many clown-in-a-stormdrain memes 😄 3y
26 likes3 comments
blurb
Mandoul
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Thanks @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks . I'll admit I wasn't feeling all that positive this morning, so it has done me some good to do this!

I have a habit of comparing myself to others, or a fictional version of myself, so this one really stuck with me. The tagged book has had the biggest impact of any on how I see myself.

Tagging anyone else who feels like joining in 🙂

#ThinkPositiveBePositive

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I hope you feel better ❤️ I have this one and need to read it! 3y
Mandoul Thanks @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks feeling better this evening! I found Quiet so helpful, hope you enjoy it too 🙂 3y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I found it and it‘s on my nightstand! Hopefully I can start it tonight! 3y
Nute We probably all have some better version of ourselves tucked away somewhere within. It‘s great when we get to realize that we are enough just as we are without major modifications. I think this book is very helpful with delivering that OKAY TO BE YOU message!🙂 3y
Mandoul Totally agree @Nute ! 3y
41 likes5 comments
review
Mandoul
The Mobster's Lament | Ray Celestin
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Pickpick

Solid pick ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I enjoyed the cocktail of jazz, duelling mob factions and post-war communism hysteria that wove it's way through this story, the third in a series following private detective Ida Young.
Its ultimately crime fiction, but some of the characters and events are real, adding a few interesting sub-stories around the evolution of jazz music and the emergence of acts like Charlie Parker.

45 likes2 stack adds
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Mandoul
The Battle of Prestonpans 1745 | Martin B. Margulies
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This morning was the annual recreation of the 1745 Battle of Prestonpans, just a few hundred yards from my house. Outlander fans might recognise the name from an episode in season 2 (which sadly wasn't filmed here).

Even cooler than that though is what might be a Jacobite uniform button, which my daughter dug up at school.

She's really proud of her streak of petty vandalism on school property, which I'll choose to ignore for now 🙃

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Mandoul
The Mobster's Lament | Ray Celestin
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Looks like this is my first post in around two years. It doesn't feel like I had dipped out for that long, but it's nice to be back soaking up the bookish vibes again!

Part way through this one, which is the third in Celestin's series and so far the most enjoyable, pitching in cameos from a wearied Louis Armstrong, among others.

Hope you all enjoy your Friday and have those feet up early this evening. Thats what I'm aiming for 😃

Ruthiella Welcome back! 3y
Nute Welcome back to Litsy!🙂 3y
30 likes3 comments
review
Mandoul
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Pickpick

I havent read much non-fiction recently, but this is one that will stick with me. Kay's accounts of his time as a junior doctor in the NHS are revealing and often had me either in shock or laughing out loud on public transport. Such a good read 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Hope the week is treating you all well.

Crazeedi I may have to read this, I'm all about books concerning medicine! 5y
Mandoul There is some clinical stuff in there @Crazeedi although he tends to focus on the practical and emotional elements of the job. Hope you enjoy it if you do get to it! 5y
Nute I am into books like this including the clinical aspects! I think that I put this on my Kindle so its an upcoming selection. 5y
Yuki_Onna Thank you for the follow and welcome back! 🙏🖖🧡 (edited) 3y
52 likes3 stack adds4 comments
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Mandoul
Untitled | Unknown
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This is great @Alora Thanks for the tag @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

1. I ran an ultramarathon, I am missing a rib, I am vegetarian
2. I wouldn't say I really disliked it, but I did feel let down by American Gods..
3. Terry Pratchett, Chuck Palahnuik and Christopher Brookmyre.
4. I'm one of those oddballs who really likes the cold side of the bed 🙄

Hope everyone is having a good Saturday 📖

#Litsylearn

Alora Thank you so much for reposting!! 💙💙 5y
Alora I am going to guess the lie is that you‘re a vegetarian?! 5y
coffees HMMM, idk which of the three is a lie xD I think my guess will go with missing a rib... 5y
See All 10 Comments
Mandoul Sorry @Alora I've been veggie for around 20 years now 🍅 🍇 🍍 5y
Mandoul I am missing a rib @Crimson613 another odd quirk to add to the list 😂 5y
coffees @Mandoul oh snap! I was going to say the most normal one was right but that marathon one is also so unexpected. are there any plans to make that one a reality? 5y
Mandoul I did want to a few years ago @Crimson613 but now I would need to most extensive Rocky montage ever made 😂 5y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks You‘re a vegetarian?? Is the lie?? 5y
jillrhudy You MET TERRY PRATCHETT OMG OMG 😱 5y
37 likes10 comments
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Mandoul
Untitled | Unknown
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Thanks @Eggs. Appreciate the tag @JessClark78 @veritysalter @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Balibee146 @TheLibrarian
1. No, but I enjoy trying (and failing) to guess the meaning of -phile words!
2. It depends a lot on setting and story for me. My favourites are Discworld and Lonesome Dove, both very different 😄
3. I write short stories. Going to do #LitsyLove too, which should be fun.
4. If you are interested @Crimson613 @cleoh
#wondrouswednesday

cleoh Thanks for the tag! ☺️ 5y
Balibee146 number 1.....good hobby 😁😁 5y
28 likes2 comments
review
Mandoul
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Pickpick

I grew up a fan of Sherlock Holmes and it is believed that James McGovan's book provided some early inspiration for Conan Doyle. Set in Victorian Edinburgh this series of short cases demonstrates a different kind of fictional detective at play - dry, witty and working class. McGovan is armed with grit and logic as he chases less exotic brands of criminal mastermind, which made it all feel authentic as well as enjoyable. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

39 likes3 stack adds
review
Mandoul
Imaginary Friend | Steven Chbosky
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Mehso-so

After the first 50 or so pages I thought I was reading a horror classic. After 400 it was on course to be a pick - good story, characters worth investing in and growing suspense with each page. Then he started to lose me. I wasnt a huge fan of the direction that the plot took towards the end and it all started to feel too drawn out. I do see why some people loved this though and can imagine it making a good TV adaptation.

Godpants The end is not good, but I did like the extra twist. 5y
Mandoul Yep @Godpants ditto! 5y
30 likes2 comments
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Mandoul
Untitled | Unknown
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Thanks @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 😃

1. Curse of Lono by Hunter S. Thompson and Part two of The Black Room by Luke Smitherd.
2. “That finished that. Ralph limped away in a funk and even the bartender got weird“.
3. A very rock n roll fruity chamomile tea combo

Hope everyone is having a restful page-filled Sunday!

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks The tea sounds yummy 😋 5y
21 likes1 comment
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Mandoul
Untitled | Unknown
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Decided to sign up for my first Litsy games, thanks @Clwojick and @StayCurious for organising!

This means ditching my occasional December Grinch act and harnessing my inner Buddy the Elf 🎿

Looking forward to it 😃 #WinterGames

Clwojick Thank you so much for sharing. We're thrilled to have you join us! 🙌 5y
StayCurious Yay! It'll be Elf-tastic! 5y
Scochrane26 I am also a grinch at christmas, but I like the games & fun. And I like to work on my tbr anyway during December. 5y
Mandoul Glad it isn't just me @Scochrane26 ! Hoping to do the same with my tbr 5y
27 likes4 comments
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Mandoul
Untitled | Unknown
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1. I used to love (and apparently throw many tantrums) playing Boggle
2. Japan has been there for a while. I just need that lottery win.....
3. I'm 5 books away (58/63), so it's tantalisingly close to being met!
4. JK Rowling. Finally read my first Harry Potter this year and enjoyed it 😁
5. You inherit a lot of money. Do you use it to fund a public library or open your own book store?
Thanks @howjessreads #friyayintro

TheLibrarian Open my own bookstore. That's a dream of mine. 5y
ljuliel I‘d give the money to my library. They‘ve given me free books all my life and libraries need funding. 5y
TheBookHippie Bookstore!!!!! 5y
See All 15 Comments
Bklover Bookstore!! 5y
ImperfectCJ That's a tough question! Maybe use the money to do some vigorous lobbying for continued ample public funding for the library so it's not reliant on a bolus of cash from one person, and then I can maneuver myself to have a significant role in the library store. 5y
wanderinglynn Hm, that is a tough question. I would love to open my own bookstore, but libraries are so important and need help. Let‘s hope I‘d inherit enough to do both! 😉 5y
Jerdencon Library! 5y
Balibee146 Library 📚 5y
Reggie Lol #2. And the library. 5y
Scochrane26 Library 5y
gradcat I wish I would answer library, but I fear for the loss of the small, non-chain bookstores—they‘re becoming way too scarce! So if I could just spend without having to make my livelihood with it, I‘d have to open a small bookstore. Maybe I‘d have some left over for the library? 🤷🏽‍♀️ 5y
coffees Realistically speaking, there's a high chance a bookstore might not work out (esp in the long run) so I think I'd go with a library. at least there you'd also get some sort of state or gvt funding (low as it may be) and donations and it's a feasible long term project. Plus, it has the potential to give you the same benefits of a bookstore and benefits the community 5y
Mandoul Thanks for taking the time to answer @Scochrane26 @Reggie @Balibee146 @Jerdencon @Bklover @TheBookHippie @TheLibrarian @ljuliel @ImperfectCJ @wanderinglynn @gradcat I would be so torn, but would probably end up going for library for similar reasons to @Crimson613. Libraries can be a big part of a community and are very much open to all. I guess if I'm bored on weekends I could have a small book store too...…. 😉 5y
marleed I think I‘d go with a bookstore. Hopefully I inherit millions and can run the store without profit to me but could higher book lovers at a living plus wage with benefits. Actually, I wish some millionaire book lovers would do that. Anne Patchett is an example! 5y
Mandoul @marleed yes absolutely 😀 5y
24 likes15 comments
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Mandoul
Untitled | Unknown
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Thanks @ljuliel !
1. Connecting with people like me from around the world. Its a positive, encouraging place to share bookish things. Love it 😁
2. Not yet!
3. The ability to enable direct messaging, for users who want that feature.
4. Around 5 times a week. I do want to post more, but, you know...life...trying my best to comment more.
5. Have only tried questionnaires so far, which I enjoy
6. Remove the need to tag books, unless reviewing

ljuliel Thank you very kindly for replying 💕 5y
27 likes1 comment
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Mandoul
Indecision: A Novel | Benjamin Kunkel
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Just like any other normal person, I spent some of my Saturday afternoon categorising the books in my tbr pile.

I honestly have no idea which one to go for next...

Balibee146 Nod is a quick read... Nothing exceptionally new but good solid dystopia and mayhem 😁 5y
Mandoul Thanks @Balibee146 good shout. I need a few quickies to hit my Goodreads target. A bit of dystopian mayhem never did any harm either! Hope you're having a good one 😀 5y
throwmeabook This one was excellent! Great, quick read. 5y
35 likes3 comments
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Mandoul
Imaginary Friend | Steven Chbosky
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Finally delving in to this one tonight. Hope you all have your feet up as early as possible.

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Mandoul
Untitled | Unknown
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Thanks @howjessreads Happy Friday all 😁
1. Coffee ice cream. I have a problem with that stuff.
2. Just starting to! Looking forward to having them while I'm walking at weekends.
3. Some long overdue time off work and attempting to tackle tbr mountain.
4. I honestly lost count. It wasn't pretty 😂
5. Feel like I'm a green kinda guy this month.
#friyayintro

howjessicareads That‘s how I usually am with candy on Halloween! But I‘m just getting over the stomach flu, which helped with self control this year. 🤣 5y
Mandoul I guess thats one way to avoid the sugar monster @howjessreads 😂 hope you're on the up this week! 5y
33 likes2 comments
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Mandoul
Dead Man's Walk | LARRY McMURTY
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The tagged book arrived today, which finally finishes my Lonesome Dove collection. I have mixed feelings about this period in history, but it'll be great to complete the story.

I've somehow managed to read this series backwards. Has anyone else read a series this way before?! Does this make me my own worst spoiler? 😂

ljuliel A very nice looking set of books. I‘ve read 3 out of the 4, none in order. I really don‘t think it matters too much with these. I think most people start with LD , so you sorta have to go out of order from there anyhow. The story lines don‘t interconnect so much that you‘re spoiling anything in each book, I don‘t think anyhow. 5y
Mandoul I agree @ljuliel these are four stories linked by common threads and characters. 5y
Balibee146 ive been really tempted by these for some reason 😁 5y
Mandoul Its a great series @Balibee146 Give me a shout if you want any👍 5y
Balibee146 Cheers will need to give it a go...prob next year 👍 5y
23 likes5 comments
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Mandoul
The Fog | James Herbert
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Loved this spooky commute to work, through a park blanketed by fog with other people appearing as dark, blurry shapes in the distance.

I would never have survived more than 5 minutes as a character in the tagged book, but coffee and a muffin-related sugar rush gave me the courage I needed on this occasion 😁

Reggie That is pretty creepy. 5y
Gina WHOA... that is super eerie 5y
Lreads Great pic! Muffins definitely make life better. ☺️ 5y
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PurpleyPumpkin Ooh, love this picture! Very atmospheric. 👍🏽📸 5y
Balibee146 this place looks really familiar and I see you are somewhere in Scotland too....arghhhh brainfog! 😂😂 5y
Mandoul Its Meadows Walk in Edinburgh @Balibee146 i live a bit down the coast in East Lothian (Scotland's Riviera 😂) where are you? Yep, brainfog is a daily occurence for me 😂 5y
Balibee146 Lol.... I'm from West Lothian originally... Knew I recognised it. Now based in Hamilton... Didn't roam far. Cool pic 👍 5y
Mandoul I guess that makes me one of those pesky east-coasters then @Balibee146 😂 have a good one 5y
Balibee146 😂😂😂 @mandoul you too 👍 5y
30 likes9 comments
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Mandoul
Places in the Darkness | Chris Brookmyre
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Hope the week has started well for everyone. I had some Monday luck, picking up this bargain on the way home.

Brookmyre is one of my favourite authors, and this book has been on my wish list for a while. Looking forward to getting stuck in!

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Mandoul
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Thanks to the many people on here who have systematically brainwashed me in to this with their photos over the last week - my first ever pumpkin spice latte.

It tastes like all three courses at once 😂 i'm still not sure if thats good or bad!

Reading the tagged book. Nothing new but may interest people who enjoy his tv work. The book has a slightly different feel, revealing a little more of his own personal insecurities.

wanderinglynn I love PSL! Even better with a pumpkin bagel with pumpkin spice cream cheese. 🧡🎃😂 5y
Mandoul Thats a lot of pumpkin @wanderinglynn 😂 5y
25 likes2 comments
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Mandoul
Untitled | Unknown
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My first time doing one of these - better late than never!
> April 2019 which makes this my 6 month anniversary 😃
> I googled 'cool apps for book lovers'!
> A little more, so thanks for the motivation 😉 tbr is growing rapidly though
> crime, thriller, fantasy and anything set in Japan
> I haven't posted enough yet, but have enjoyed following lots of people including @Reggie, @Birdsong28, @Jas16, @DGRachel & @suzie.reads
#wondrouswednesday

suzie.reads You will always have a tbr list thanks to Litsy! 5y
DGRachel Happy 6-month Litsyversary!! And yes - your TBR list will grow faster than you can keep up. Welcome to the glorious madness. 😆 5y
Jas16 ❤️❤️❤️ 5y
Eggs Thanks for playing 📚👏🏻🤗 5y
Eggs @DGRachel Love “glorious madness”!!! 5y
29 likes5 comments
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Mandoul
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New indie bookshop joy part 2! So happy to see these places pop up near me and just hope they can survive then thrive in the years to come 📚🤞

#happinessisbookshaped

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Mandoul
Evil Emperor Penguin: Strikes Back | Laura Ellen Anderson
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Pickpick

This is a fun read for the kiddo's, as well as adults, like me, who never really grew up. It's full of short 6-8 page mini stories in comic book form about his many hapless plots to take over the world.

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Mandoul
How Not To Be a Boy | Robert Webb
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Pickpick

This was a joy to read. Webb, a writer and comedian, grew up in a working class Lincolnshire village, having very clear notions of what it means to be a man drummed in to him from an early age. This book explains how that upbringing shaped his future actions with humour, honesty and humility. He managed to take me with him the whole way, highlighting his greatest mistakes while never losing sight of his privilege as a man 🌟🌟🌟🌟

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Mandoul
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Mehso-so

This a compact little thriller, which i felt was too short for any real depth. Although it was a mostly solid read - Nesbo is a good writer - I found parts of it quite predictable and the whole 'formidable-yet-flawed male hero wants to save repressed female' angle just felt way past its sell by date for me personally. 2.5 / 5.

Reggie Oh man, have you read his Harry Hole detective series? I had to quit because the sexism was a bit much. 5y
Mandoul I did @reggie many moons ago now! I know what you mean. 5y
12 likes2 comments
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Mandoul
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Reasons to drink coffee at 10.30pm:

1. I promised myself that I would read 100 more pages today
2. I may as well just finish the whole book at that point
3. I live by a strict moral code, called Bookido, which requires me to start the next book in the pile straight away.
4. Coffee will give me good dreams. Ask any scientist.
5. I have a work assignment due tomorrow morning. That can probably wait though...

Reggie Bookido calls to me but out of respect for the book I just finished I make myself wait until the next day. Lol 5y
Mandoul A more noble man than me @Reggie 😉 5y
17 likes2 comments
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Mandoul
The Curse of Lono | Hunter S. Thompson
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The king of gonzo journalism and home-made banana loaf - two things i did not expect to be mentioning together!

I do love Ralph Steadman's artwork, even better in big hardback.

overtheedge @Mandoul I really liked this, such a great pairing. 5y
Mandoul Yep totally agree @overtheedge Steadman's style was perfect for Hunter's world! 5y
16 likes2 comments
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Mandoul
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Jo Nesbo and a flat white courtesy of an extended lunchbreak ☕ really hoping the week continues like this 👍 hope your week starts off well too!

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Mandoul
The Mapmakers | John Noble Wilford
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Pretty happy with this free mini haul from a local book swap. I now have 5 books about maps in my tbr pile and will absolutely hang my head in shame if i ever get lost again 🗺 #turnsoutimamapgeek