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Pip2

Pip2

Joined January 2020

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Cider House Rules by John Irving
review
Pip2
The Institute | Stephen King
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Pickpick

I did not anticipate enjoying this novel at all. In fact I started it only because I had the copy on the premise that I was going to bail after 50 pages as I am not an avid King fan. But I found this to be an excellent read! I thoroughly enjoyed reading every bit of it and it may have sprouted further curiosity into some of his other writings. Not a dull moment. Great from start to finish! Great if you‘re into government conspiracies.

Reggie Yay for when books surprise you! 2mo
15 likes1 comment
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Pip2
A Haunting in Venice | Agatha Christie
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Mehso-so

Not impressed, kind of a dud really. I found the book lagging at times and honestly was looking forward to completing the novel so I could move on to my next read. The beginning was engaging but the remainder of the novel was a bore but not bad enough to bail. Had I not already bought a few other Christie novels, this would have been a last for me but I suppose she will get a second chance. 6/10

282Mikado Not her best work. Not a good AC to start with. 2mo
12 likes1 comment
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Pip2
Flowers for Algernon | Daniel Keyes
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Pickpick

What a rollercoaster of a book. The ups and downs and emotional upheaval that this story demands is not something I am used to in the multitude of literature I have absorbed over the years. I have never found myself having genuine pity for a character in a while as I have in Charlie Gordon‘s plight. A wonderful story that will assist the reader to see the benefit of being kind to your fellow man and brother as blessings are not congruent.

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Pip2
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One of my favorite gothic horrors received in the mail today, Folio Society‘s version of Frankenstein purchased as a late Christmas gift from my wife! This will have permanent home in my collection. ❤️

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Pip2
The Plague | Albert Camus
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I purchased another Camus book as the first one I read, The Stranger was so though provoking and well done! The title of this one alone is intriguing!

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Pip2
The Stranger | Albert Camus
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Pickpick

Portrays the significance of empathy, love and understanding for one‘s fellow man and other living beings, the importance of showing kindness when it isn‘t asked for. A prime example of how turning a blind eye for personal convenience and being indifferent is contingent in allowing evil to prevail, usually when nobody is looking or notices.

Pip2 None of us are certain of why we are here but if there is an afterlife, or even if there isn‘t, surely it is more beneficial to be kind and caring as opposed to indifferent as that can only lead to chaos and a sad world. 3mo
16 likes1 comment
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Pip2
Love in the Time of Cholera | Gabriel Garcia Marquez
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Pickpick

Pining for someone your whole life that doesn‘t reciprocate is no way to spend one‘s life. Especially if it means being a profligate in the process. Some would find it romantic to spend 53 years waiting for a love, I would say that there is another love out there that will return the sentiment and lead one to a more fulfilling life. I found Florentino to be borderline poignant in this story, as the worst kind of love, is a one sided one.

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Pip2
A Haunting in Venice | Agatha Christie
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My Secret Santa truly gets me. 😊 she even but in the time for a well acquainted gag gift up on top. Maybe I should read it to prove a point 🤣

282Mikado I'm glad you got the ACs. Let me know what you think. They are fun, and usually quick, reads. 3mo
Pip2 @282Mikado I will definitely let you know. I was thinking of starting with A Haunting in Venice! 3mo
282Mikado I don't recall reading that one. Let me know when you plan to start. Perhaps we can read together. Chelsea may want to join as well. She likes AC a great deal. 3mo
Pip2 @282Mikado Let me know when you receive your copy and we will start together! 3mo
10 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Pip2
The Old Curiosity Shop | Charles Dickens
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Bailedbailed

Unfortunately after reading through 50% of the book, the story could no longer hold my attention. I found it difficult to get vested and wasn‘t enamored with any part of the book except a couple of chapters. There are redeeming qualities in the story but it just wasn‘t holding my interest. It was almost a chore to pick it up and move further along. Bail for me. I will gift my copies to my favorite Uncle as he unlike me, loved it.

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Pip2
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Pickpick

A dramatic presentation and further proof that the soul is connected to the body, you can be vain and desirable on the outside but neglecting on what is on the inside can inhibit one from a life that is meaningful and beyond reproach which can have negative consequences to those around you. Throwing issues under the rug will further perpetuate a toxic complex as your innate self will not be able to disband from an unsettled issue that has meaning.

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Pip2
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Pickpick

This masterpiece displays the relevance to modern day tech and materialism. Beware of man whom is motivated by selfish desires to “advance” the state of humanity as it could lead to the destruction of those he/she wished to advance. Maintain a moderate and healthy balance in life. An example that simplicity while being a good steward, having integrity and being respectful to your fellow man are undoubtedly undervalued in our current society.

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Pip2
A Room with a View | Edward Morgan Forster
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My pick up today at the bookstore after trading in Middlemarch, and Magic Mountain.

282Mikado I'm surprised they didn't make you pay to take Middlemarch off your hands. 6mo
Pip2 @282Mikado that‘s probably why I was only able to get three books with my credit. Had I excluded Middlemarch the original credit may have been double. 6mo
14 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Pip2
Middlemarch (UK) | George Eliot

I read four more chapters of Middlemarch after reading Frankenstein and I can honestly say after reading a good, enjoyable read that Middlemarch is unduly long winded and a bore with no rationale to be so except for the authors own self conceit and pride to prove herself and her mastery of the English language which is an unnecessary feat when writing a novel for personal enjoyment. She should have wrote a text book at this point.

282Mikado “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results“. -Albert Einstien.

Don't go back again, Pip. It won't get better. ☠
6mo
Pip2 @282Mikado what can I say, I‘m a glutton for punishment. Since we last spoke, I have finished another two chapters and I feel the novel has once again regressed into morass of despair and confusion where I now have questioned the publishers intent on bringing out such a calamity for the rest of the public to take in…Eliot I bet was the type that loved to hear herself talk at a party. (edited) 6mo
SamAnne I keep trying to finish Middlemarch and failing. I really just need to DNF. 6mo
Pip2 @SamAnne same. I don‘t recommend wasting your time as it is only taking away from great reads that you will better appreciate. 6mo
7 likes4 comments
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Pip2
Tender is the Night | F. Scott Fitzgerald
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Mehso-so

Started out stronger than I expected but also fizzled out midway faster than I expected. The story became a little placid and the ending was very blasé. This book had a lot of potential but it just wasn‘t up to snuff. Fitzgerald was just going on his name at this point and seemingly just wanted to sell another book, good, bad, or ugly.

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Pip2
Lonesome Dove (Classic) | Larry McMurtry
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Just swung by the bookstore today and found these two gems. Steinbeck I love already, but never heard of this obscure piece, I also thought I would dabble in Western novels and thought this would be a good one to test the genre.

Leftcoastzen Way more than a western, and a favorite of mine. 6mo
Pip2 @Leftcoastzen more than a western? Now I am intrigued even more. I see it‘s a favorite among many. I can‘t wait to read it. 6mo
16 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Pip2
The Wayward Bus | John Steinbeck
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My pickup from my trip to the finger lakes. I like Steinbeck and so far enjoyed what I have read written by him so I thought I would give this one a chance.

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Pip2
Middlemarch (UK) | George Eliot
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Bailedbailed

I‘ve read up to chapter 19, page 167 of this early 19th century provincial plot and could no longer push through another page. I found the premise behind provincial life dull and could not beat any further interest. I am going to start giving a book about 50 pages before I toss it. If it hasn‘t hooked me in that time and the reality is, if the author hasn‘t hooked me at that length, he or she really hasn‘t done their job.

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Pip2
The Magic Mountain | Thomas Mann
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Bailedbailed

Bail, I could no longer read about Hans Castorp‘s perpetual thoughts of sanitarium life. I am on page 440, 61% through and I feel like this book is just a constant continuation of the same theme and idea, prolonged for the author's amusement but nobody else's....I did appreciate some of the authors descriptions on the scenery in the Swiss Alps and believe this could have been a positive read for me had it been condensed 500 pages or so.

Lcsmcat I finished it, but found myself screaming “Get over yourself!” frequently. 😂 6mo
Pip2 😆 Yeah, so I was the same way reading Joyce but I am now implementing the fifty rule. If it doesn‘t hook me by page 50 or 12.5% whatever is longer, I am bailing. Life is too short and there are too many wonderful reads to be had! (edited) 6mo
10 likes2 comments
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Pip2
Cannery Row | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

Portrays the true worth of human consumption arguably from a spectral level as those who spend most of their waking hours thinking as “wise” men do, may be cheating themselves from the full honest flavor of experience. Success may be rated on a subjective basis then, as one who is deemed successful one way may be cheating themselves of experience and success another way. The little spot known as Cannery Row in Monterey puts that into perspective.

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Pip2
Of Mice and Men | John Steinbeck
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Pickpick

Engrossed from beginning to end. Steinbeck‘s Of Mice and Men transforms the bond of friendship displaying that the search for happiness is happiness itself with a friendship, even one so inverse as the relationship between George and Lennie. The ending could be thought of as the antithesis of friendship but was depicted on my humble opinion a kindness paid in the hardest way possible.

Leftcoastzen Beautiful edition! 9mo
Pip2 @Leftcoastzen it is an Easton Press edition from 1975, the illustrations are excellent as well! It made the read much more enjoyable. (edited) 9mo
17 likes2 comments
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Pip2
The Woodlanders | Thomas Hardy
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Pickpick

Another truly remarkable book from Hardy. Sauntering into the serene landscapes of southern England meandering through the trails surrounded by Larches, Elms, and the peering eyes of the unknown. Hardy‘s Woodlanders is a masterpiece depicting love, false and true in the midst of false pretense or a loyalty so deep that it spans a lifetime.

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Pip2
The Canterbury Tales | Geoffrey Chaucer
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Panpan

For starters, I am not a big fan of traditional prose, it is tedious, repetitive, and boring in execution, especially when written in Olde Middle English. Also, I can‘t fathom why this work has received such praise when I can think of a hundred other works that far exceed it in execution, storyline, character development, style, class, and especially a much more compelling plot than any of the tales that Chaucer had written. 1/5 at best.

282Mikado I started this many years ago and put it back on the shelf. I could have penned your review precisely back then. You have just confirmed that I need not give it another try. 10mo
Pip2 @282Mikado save yourself the precious time and read something more worthy. I almost bailed half way through but would read it on my lunch breaks at work and for whatever reason decided to get through it. 10mo
11 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Pip2
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Flowers to my lovely wife Garima for our 7th wedding anniversary. The quote I used “I shall do one thing in this life, one thing certain, that is, love you, and long for you, and keep wanting you until I die,” captured me from Thomas Hardy‘s Far from the Madding Crowd. ❤️

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Pip2
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Pickpick

After watching the Tom Hanks and Del Toro versions, I couldn‘t help but wonder at the difference of the motion picture vs the original children‘s classic from 1876. Collodi‘s classic is more geared toward a nineteenth century reader that has scarcer resources, whereby a child has to behave and most likely grow into the trade their parents possessed in order to thrive due to the lack of educational resources at that time. Rating: Book over Movie.

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Pip2
On the Road | Jack Kerouac
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Mehso-so

After finishing this novel, I am reminded of the saying, “you are who your friends are.” This book displays the unhealthy relationship between two men who have not progressed in maturity and have decidedly regressed themselves in debauchery, drugs, and alcohol while traveling back and forth through the country with no real aim in life. What seems to me an empty and hollow life that can be learned from as opposed to being engaged in. 4/10.

282Mikado So what you are telling me is Kerouac could have collaborated with Hemingway and had their joint effort entitled “The Sun Also Rises On The Road“ 😏 (edited) 11mo
Pip2 @282Mikado that is an astonishingly astute title to a joint book effort that they could have made. Funny thing is, Kerouac mentions Hemingway in a positive light in the book… These guy‘s seemingly stick together. 😂 11mo
15 likes2 comments
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Pip2
No Title | None
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Went to PA to visit with friends, after leaving I happened to come across a bookstore. I told myself I wouldn‘t buy another book this year…. I need to start setting realistic goals and expectations for myself.

282Mikado Dude, it's only April! Not buy another book this year? 😂 11mo
Pip2 @282Mikado yeah… that comment and “stick to it iness,” lasted about three days. 😂 11mo
10 likes2 comments
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Pip2
Playing for Pizza | John Grisham
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Pickpick

I picked this up on a whim at a habitat for humanity down in Pittsboro, North Carolina a couple years back and honestly did not expect to like it. A bit simple throughout but I couldn‘t help getting vested in the characters and the story as a whole. I enjoyed the pieces of Italian history, architecture, and opera throughout and I would say overall that this was a fun and enjoyable read.

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Pip2
No Title | None
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Well! It was tough, but I did it! I sold 13 books to my local bookstore for store credit and walked out with three that I have been wanting to read for some time.

Dilara Those 3 books are very different in style! Looking forward to reading your posts on them 😁 11mo
Pip2 @Dilara I didn‘t even notice that when picking them out. 😆 I have always wanted to read Zola which is in the genre that I would normally read. Kerouac was a recommendation from Ben McEvoy who is a guy I follow on Hardcore Literature, and Native Son I thought may be enlightening. Now that you mention this, I kind of want to get started on them right away. 11mo
12 likes2 comments
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Pip2
No Title | None
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Quick question for all my readers out there, to donate or not to donate? That is the question. I have read all of these amongst other works. These in particular I did not enjoy and have decided to sell them to my local bookstore at a loss and whatever they do not want, I would donate to the local library. I had a hard time letting go, but came to the conclusion that I would never reread them, and it would be better in someone else‘s hands.

Alfoster Yes! Donate to those who can‘t afford to buy! 11mo
13 likes1 comment
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Pip2
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Panpan

After reading Dante‘s trilogy of the Divine Comedy I am ready to mail my copy to my cousin who enjoyed the inferno. He has not read Purgatorio and Paradiso yet and I hope he will better appreciate the other two as much as the Inferno. I for one enjoyed very little and wanted to know from my fellow readers, Do you you keep books you read and disliked? I did for some time but have started to keep only books that I have enjoyed and will reread again.

tpixie I‘m trying to purge as many as I can after I read them. 3w
12 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Pip2
Wessex Tales | Thomas Hardy
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Pickpick

I have to say that I really enjoyed Hardy‘s short story compilation. Different themes throughout and even an unexpected witch story that I would most definitely reread. Highly recommend, perfect for a road trip or a train ride on the pacific coast.

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Pip2
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Mehso-so

I‘m not a strong advocate for the writings of William Faulkner, as it is clear that the authors close minded views are developed within the framework of his work. Racially biased and strong stereotypical attitudes are often purported throughout, but also have a contradictory and opposite effect on what the author was trying to portray of displaying how short sighted the post civil war south was, ie segregation, Jim Crow, & the lack of humanity.

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Pip2
Aeneid | Virgil, Vergil
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Pickpick

Displays how fate can be all powerful, that when one is destined to a certain end, that end will be met no matter how divergent the alternate path may be. The Aeneid portrays destiny but also portrays the human animal spirits lust for war and constant imperialism throughout the ages. In every civilization, no matter how powerful, will irrevocably dwindle back down to their pre-imperial state or worse. “Only the dead have seen the end of war.”

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Pip2
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Pickpick

Another one of Hardy‘s books that do not disappoint. This was a short story but still had some depth. After reading several of his novels, you can see this being one of his earlier works as he has developed further as a writer as time passed on between novels. I really enjoyed the antiquated, hardy characters set in the pastoral English scene, painted by the author in a way that no other could match.

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Pip2
Ulysses | James Joyce
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Panpan

I am sorry to say that was the worst book I have ever read from cover to cover. Never again will I reread this monstrosity. This novel does not deserve the acclaim that it receives. Disjointed in perpetuity whereby the common tongue throughout the book was gibberish. Reading this novel according to literary reviews can be life or mind changing, the only thing that this novel has changed was my opinion of the author.

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Pip2
Bhagavad-Gita As It Is (Revised and Enlarged) | A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
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Pickpick

Praphupada‘s purports if anything makes one contradict the actual teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, also the translators lifestyle contradict the teachings of goodness. Furthermore how does one in 15th century England or any other residing country in that time have the ability or linguistic capacity to have the knowledge of the Gita? That person would not have the opportunity, therefore it makes me further skeptical of the teachings as a whole.

9 likes1 stack add
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Pip2
Mrs Dalloway | Virginia Woolf
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Mehso-so

Intimate in that the reader is able to view a first person perspective in a thought by thought analysis of the main characters and their psychological response to their environment , thoughts, and people around them. By getting into the everyday minutiae and the innate response of the mind depending on one‘s psychological makeup displaying differing emotions, perspectives, and mindset or diagnosis for that matter. That being said,

Pip2 I can‘t say that I really enjoyed the novel enough to pick it up again, but if your one that enjoys getting into the heads of others, this one is for you. 1y
19 likes1 comment
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Pip2
The Professor: A Tale | Charlotte Bront
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Pickpick

Published posthumously as it was Charlotte‘s first and not well received work. After reading The Professor, I am baffled that it was not published straight away. I find this one of the better books out of the three sisters, having now read them all. I would rate this right up with Jane Eyre, but only more condensed. I enjoyed the narrators character and the many principles that were instilled in the novel. Highly underrated and undervalued. ❤️

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Pip2
Villette | Charlotte Bront
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Pickpick

Well! That was an ending that I was not anticipating. One in which could be interpreted in a variety of ways. I would give you my interpretation but wouldn‘t want to spoil the novel for you. Overall, I enjoyed the book, some chapters could have benefited with being less redundant and more concise. I found it engaging but having read all of the Brontë sister works other than The Professor, I would say Jane Eyre is the greatest overall. 2 Paws Up!

Leftcoastzen 👏🐶 1y
batsy Aww! 😍 1y
16 likes2 comments
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Pip2
No Title | None
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Estate Sale book haul! A friend from work came to be about an estate sale nearby my house, whomever the inhabitants of the house were, they were arduous readers and had one of the most prolific collections I have laid eyes on! Antique books dating back to the mid 1800s, I picked up a collection of George Elliott from 1904 along with various other early edition paperbacks. I also purchased a tote from the sale to haul my booty!

AnnR Oh wow! Middlemarch, too. 1y
Pip2 @Ann_Reads yes, I have not read It yet, did you? If so, how did you like it? 1y
AnnR @Pip2 Yes, I read Middlemarch about 15 years ago and I liked it at the time. It is well written with a lot of historical details inserted into the story. I think the religious undertones might be offputting to some readers though. 1y
AnnR Actually, @Graywacke is reading Middlemarch right now and he always has insightful comments. 🙂 1y
12 likes4 comments
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Pip2
Franny and Zooey | Jerome David Salinger
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Pickpick

Franny & Zooey, what can I say but definitely worth the time reading. Delves into the conscious of the young adult finding him and herself and the building of self awareness and the self itself. Not recommend for younger audiences as the language can be a bit profane at times. The dialogue in this story was first rate in the way it was written, it places you right there, in the story. Would be a good play or movie, if it hasn‘t already been done.

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Pip2
No Title | None
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Book haul from my birthday trip to the Hudson River valley and Ithaca, NY. Not that it was necessary for an excuse to buy any new books, but having one made it that much more fun!

282Mikado At your age it's good you have a more sedentary hobbie. 😁 1y
Pip2 Maybe I should give up my gardening hobby then? 😂 1y
10 likes2 comments
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Pip2
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Panpan

As a part of my yearly goal to read all of the works of the Brontë sisters, Shirley was apart of my required reading for the year. A far cry from Jane Eyre. I found Shirley lagging in plot, and difficult to imbed oneself into the story as I usually do in most of the books I read. To be fair it was well written but not to my taste, I would have shelfed it earlier if it was not a personal goal of mine to complete this novel in its entirety.

Pip2 Added: As a result, this book took me four times the length of time as another book would have with the same length and difficulty. 1y
282Mikado Congrats on finishing. I gotta give you one for stick-to-it-ivness. based on earlier comments I would have bailed. On to better things. FYI Dombey is good. A couple characters I definitely gravitate towards. Not CDs best, but good. 1y
9 likes2 comments
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Pip2
Persuasion | Jane Austen
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Pickpick

Finis. This is my second Austin novel that I have completed and faired much better than my first, Emma. Emma had the effect of disrepute and almost affected my to not read another Austin novel again. After admittedly watching and enjoying the Sanditon series and hearing of the release of Persuasion, I thought I would give Austin another chance, and I am very glad I did, the protagonist Anne has a tenderness one can‘t help finding admirable.

Kristin_Reads Persuasion is my favorite of all the Austen novels! 2y
Pip2 @Kristin_Reads I can see why. It was a really enjoyable read. It has rekindled my opinion of Austen and has motivated me to read another one of her novels later in the year. I was thinking Sense and Sensibility. 2y
19 likes2 comments
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Pip2
Untitled | Untitled
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Thank you for the tag @EadieB

1. In some areas of my bookshelf, they are placed in a decorative manner… If that counts? I also read what I decorate with though 😉

2. My dog and my wife, I love them both but definitely my two biggest distractions in that order.

Can you play? @batsy @282Mikado @marleed @Dilara @Sparklemn @Kimberlone @staci.reads

batsy Thank you for the tag! 🙂 2y
10 likes1 comment
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Pip2
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Mehso-so

About a young Chinese American woman trying to find herself and sharing her experiences with three other women who had a close and personal relationship with her recently deceased mother. At times I found the authors writing a little unorganized but also she has kept me engaged enough to want to finish the book. I will watch the film next and compare notes.

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Pip2
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Pickpick

A book that takes you through the stages of the characters lives. Some ebbing and flowing between good and bad but most stay within their fixed characteristics. Lord Lorborough was the most relatable character who was associated with the wrong sort at an earlier part of this life, proof that you are who you associate yourself with. But Arthur was graced with his karma in the end. I would have never predicted the ending in the beginning.

282Mikado Is the barbed-wire topped fence in the background meaningful in any way with regards to the book? 2y
Pip2 @282Mikado I guess there are points in the book where it is like a prison lol. My work borders the Airport but work can be like prison sometimes, that is, without all the other unpleasantries. 2y
13 likes2 comments
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Pip2
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Wildfell Hall, same initials as Wuthering Heights, coincidence or intentional? Similar to Wuthering Heights as the narrator is within the story telling the story to someone within the story. Except this is by letter. As per Wuthering Heights, the surrounding landscape deteriorates the closer you get to Wildfell Hall. Symbolism of the deprivation upon reaching proximity of the property enclosure. Some notes of similariity to sister Emily‘s work.

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Pip2
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A good beginning, I am already invested in the story and am looking forward to seeing what happens next. Anne‘s writing has definitely improved from Agnes Grey to Wildfell Hall. It saddens me to not be indulged with other great works from these sisters. Such a cultural travesty death can bring at times. Michael Millward the reverend: Reminds me of Mr Pomblechook from Great Expectations. Arrogance and sternness and lack of empathy being heightened

Pip2 qualities whereby as a reverend is a disservice to his parishioners.
Richard Wilson sounds like a nice young man, someone I would befriend, at least in these earlier stages. Gilbert Markham is a little gossip and is a hypocrite in the sense of calling Robert one, and it sounds like his brother Fergus is not far behind. Jane Wilson sounds like a materialistic gold digger. And who prey tell is Halford? And why is Gilbert in debt to him?
2y
1 like1 comment
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Pip2
King Henry VI | William Shakespeare
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Panpan

If I am being honest, this was not a very enjoyable read for me. A lot of back forth in changing hands of leadership from Lancaster house to York house, a stabbing here and there and not the greatest dialogue. It is Shakespeare‘s first play but I most definitely prefer Ibsen as a playwright.