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sleepy.ash87

sleepy.ash87

Joined September 2020

Books while painting native plants. What more could anyone ask for?
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Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O'Farrell
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Botanical Sketchbooks by WILLIAM F. BYNUM
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sleepy.ash87
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Today is my birthday and two sweet cousins surprised me with this beautiful book. So many of my favorite natives are illustrated - Eastern Columbine, Partridgeberry, Solomon's Seal, Penstemon, Phlox... 🌸🌺🌼

Ruthiella Happy Birthday! 🥳🥳🥳 2y
wanderinglynn Happy, happy birthday! That looks like a neat book. 2y
TheRiehlDeal Happy Birthday! 2y
Avanders Happy birthday! 🎉🎂🎈 2y
sleepy.ash87 @Ruthiella @wanderinglynn @TheRiehlDeal @Avanders --- Thank you so much! It was quite happy! 2y
27 likes5 comments
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sleepy.ash87
Instructions for a Heatwave | Maggie O'Farrell
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I simply couldn't let go of Maggie O'Farrell. I have basked in her stream-of-consciousness writing tonight. The idiosyncrasies of this family have made them lovable and human, even at just 21% into the read. There are hard moments, as can be expected, but I have found myself smiling at funny, awkward moments too. I sense an Irish humor in this novel that reminds me of Frank McCourt. Wonderful!

BarbaraBB She‘s a fab writer! All I read by her I have loved! 2y
sleepy.ash87 @BarbaraBB I couldn't agree more. I can't wait to read her other novels! 2y
22 likes2 comments
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sleepy.ash87
Untamed | Glennon Doyle
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Pickpick

5/5 - I started this book blindly, mostly because I needed something fast and it kept popping up on my library app. I had mixed feelings at first, but was soon won over. Doyle's ability to place complex ideas into layman's terms is strong. She expresses wisdom in so many areas, yet focuses on authenticity, self-love, parenting, social justice, and breaking societal barriers. Enlightening, thought-provoking, progressive.

29 likes1 stack add
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sleepy.ash87
Untamed | Glennon Doyle
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So, I started this tonight and I'm not sure it's right for me. I think it would make a good primer for someone who is new to social constructionism and identity development. I feel that Doyle is trying too hard, however, to be a professor of wisdom? She is the one reading the audiobook and her voice took on a serious Brenee Brown tone when she said she was an expert on shame. I don't know. I am 20% in so I'll listen more before deciding 😬

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sleepy.ash87
No Title | None
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1. Grey Matter Books in Hadley, MA near Amherst is phenomenal and I hope to return one day! I also hope to revisit Bluestockings Cooperative next time I visit NYC.

2. Never ☺️

Thanks for the tag, @Eggs!

Tagging @marleed @Sparklemn and @GinaKButler 👋

marleed Omg - I wish I could go on a bookstore vacation. I‘d visit Powell‘s in Portland, Strands in NYC, NoWhere Bookshop in San Antonio, and Parnassus in Nashville. And with all those sky miles I might as pop over to Shakespeare and Co in Paris! Dang, If only I could purchase a winning lottery ticket! 2y
19 likes1 comment
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sleepy.ash87
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Pickpick

4.9/5 🌟 What an amazing story. Here, Kidd constructs a story that primarily centers upon Sarah Grimke, a true historical figure who left her privileged, slave-owning family to become a Quaker abolitionist in the 1800s. Sarah and her sister, Angelina, are now considered the earliest inspirers of the women's suffrage movement. It also follows the life of Hetty - a slave who was gifted to Sarah when she was a child - and her quest for freedom.

sleepy.ash87 The author is transparent about her alterations of fact and fiction, which I appreciate. Within the story, she includes several details of actual, brutal methods of abusing ("disciplining") slaves that I had never heard about. She also includes cultural practices of African slaves that assisted in their resilience, such as quilt making and storytelling. 2y
30 likes1 stack add1 comment
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sleepy.ash87
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Brainstorming color tonight while listening to this wonderful book. I love how it describes Quaker philosophy and practices. In college, I regularly attended meetings at a liberal Quaker house and found a great deal of solace, connection, and empowerment there. Perhaps I should return 🌟

Sparklemn @sleepy.ash87 I love learning more about Quaker philosophy. I have family members who attend Quaker Friends meetings and I‘ve always been interested in going. Maybe this book will prompt me to do so. 😊 2y
sleepy.ash87 @Sparklemn Do you really have family who attend meetings? I think that is wonderful. You should visit a Quaker house if you are inspired and let me know what you think! 2y
26 likes1 stack add2 comments
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sleepy.ash87
The Invention of Wings | Sue Monk Kidd
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Working out the dimensions of this native orchid, Spiranthes cernua (Nodding Ladies' Tresses) while continuing this book. The story has been heartbreaking and I can't wait to learn more about Sarah Grimke, a real 19th century abolitionist. I love a strong female historical figure 💃💪

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sleepy.ash87
The Invention of Wings | Sue Monk Kidd
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Experimenting with a new brand of paper while starting a new read. This is my first Sue Monk Kidd book, and I look forward to experiencing her writing. So far, this has been a great story... Though, I wish "poor Sarah" didn't find such distaste for painting flowers! I find painting flowers to be very important, educational, and delightful ?

Clwojick That looks stunning! 😍 2y
BennettBookworm Omg so gorgeous! What kind of paints?? 2y
wanderinglynn Beautiful! 💜 2y
See All 8 Comments
sleepy.ash87 @Clwojick Thank you! 🙏 2y
sleepy.ash87 @BennettBookworm Thank you! I have been using watercolor 😊 This new paper is so good at maintaining the paint's vibrancy! 2y
sleepy.ash87 @wanderinglynn Thank you so much! 🌼🌿 2y
BennettBookworm That‘s so fantastic, wow! 2y
Linsy Beautiful! 🌸 2y
32 likes8 comments
review
sleepy.ash87
The Guest List | Lucy Foley
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Mehso-so

3/5 -- Foley kept me guessing about who the killer was until the end. I liked how everything ultimately unraveled. I enjoyed some of the characters and the audio production was good. I liked that it was set in the Aran Islands. It was slow for me, though. I admire Foley's ability to create anticipation for the reader but it was overdone. I'm a little disappointed!

Ottergirl I liked the story too, and the way you weren‘t quite sure but found the rest of the characters had unresolved stories at the end. That‘s what I found disappointing….. I‘d guessed that Aifoe was Loner‘s sister and that Freddie was his friend, but not that Jonno‘s whiskey business was a dud or that Hannah‘s sister‘s ex was Will. Lots of twists for some people I think but little resolution 2y
sleepy.ash87 @Ottergirl I hadn't any idea about Aifoe being Loner's sister until the end! I did suspect Jonno's business wasn't real and guessed that Will was Hannah's sister's ex once I heard her story of what happened with the photos... They all had reasons to hate Will. I wish Jonno hadn't been blamed for the killing, though! I also wish more had been resolved around Hannah and Charlie's marriage. 2y
Ottergirl @sleepy.ash87 I think i agree about blaming Jonno being a bit of a cop out…. And some of the characters were a bit unnecessary- the bride‘s mother didn‘t seem to have a role in the story after the dinner the night before. All in all it felt a bit like a school essay type ending. She‘s good at building a great story though. I‘ve read The Hunting Party and thought it was a good read too. 2y
28 likes3 comments
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sleepy.ash87
The Guest List | Lucy Foley
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Morning walk with my book. Chilly and peaceful today. 🍁🍂

peanutnine Beautiful ❤️ 2y
sleepy.ash87 @peanutnine We love the pines 🌲🌲 2y
42 likes2 comments
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sleepy.ash87
The Guest List | Lucy Foley
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I finished this Symphyotrichum walteri (Walter's Aster), a September wildflower of North Carolina, while continuing to listen to The Guest List. This novel has been interesting enough, I guess? It has been a little slow... I still like that it is set in the Aran Islands. I'm going to stick with it and see how I feel in the end...

DrexEdit This is beautiful! 💜 2y
sleepy.ash87 @DrexEdit Thank you! ❇️ The little blue petals were so pretty next to all the colors of Fall! 2y
Eggs Exquisitely beautiful 👏🏻🌸 2y
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sleepy.ash87 @Eggs Thank you so much! 🌼🌿 2y
ShelleyBooksie Stunning!!! 2y
sleepy.ash87 @ShelleyBooksie Thank you! 🎨 2y
26 likes6 comments
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sleepy.ash87
The Guest List | Lucy Foley
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I started The Guest List.. I wasn't excited about this read at first because it felt like an odd follow after Hamnet, but I was won over upon hearing the descriptions of Inis an Amplora, a fictional location inspired by the Aran Islands. I spent a week in Inishmaan while in college, and the book has very well described the landscape and it's ghostly feel. As included in the book, the boat ride to the islands is *very* choppy. We were all sick!

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sleepy.ash87
Hamnet | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

5/5 - This was a masterpiece. O'Farrell never uses Shakespeare's name, instead calling him "the husband" or "the father" to make him more human. The reader is transported into the minds of his family members - particularly his wife (who I have fallen in love with) - through a number of challenges, including the death of their son, Hamnet. O'Farrell's writing reminded me a little of Virginia Woolf. A beautiful, award-winning novel!

Becker I couldn‘t agree more 👏 2y
sleepy.ash87 @Becker How will I ever find another book to follow this one?! 2y
Cathythoughts I agree! A masterpiece ❤️ 2y
BookBosomed1 I loved this book! 2y
37 likes4 comments
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sleepy.ash87
Hamnet | Maggie O'Farrell
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Hamnet made my heart heavy last night. It is written with such skill, with an extraordinary focus on the psycho-emotional, internal experiences of its characters. As a mother, there were many moments that I could relate to --- the constant, repetitive check of where your children are... He is in the living room, he is in the kitchen, he is in the yard... This isn't a review but I believe this is a must read for anyone with children!

TheLudicReader Such a beautiful, beautiful book. 2y
sleepy.ash87 @TheLudicReader I just finished. It was perfect! 2y
22 likes2 comments
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sleepy.ash87
Hamnet | Maggie O'Farrell
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I can't believe I am already 40% into this book! I don't want it to end. Also, this is another story featuring a character who loves the natural world as much as myself 🌿 It was such a fun coincidence when I read Mexican Gothic and here I am again 👏 Wouldn't it be wonderful to spend a day with Agnes?

Yuki_Onna Ohh... This is so precious! 💚💚💚 2y
sleepy.ash87 @Yuki_Onna Thank you! 🦋 2y
21 likes1 stack add2 comments
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sleepy.ash87
Botanical Sketchbooks | WILLIAM F. BYNUM
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It came in the mail! This beautiful book is highly recommend by the botanical art community, and I imagine anyone interested in art, the natural world, and "sketchbooking" would love it. Over 280 pages full of examples of sketchbooks kept by famous and ordinary people throughout history. It also includes a plethora of info on techniques and the history of sketchbooks at large!

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sleepy.ash87
Hamnet | Maggie O'Farrell
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I started Hamnet this afternoon while cleaning the kitchen and I'm already hooked! Going to sit down with this pretty Symphyotrichum walteri (Walter's Aster) once my little guy goes to sleep. Excited for more listening and painting!🎨

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sleepy.ash87
The Year of the Witching | Alexis Henderson
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Pickpick

4/5
This was a fun read, especially for Halloween. It was engaging for a long time, then very exciting about 3/4 into the story. I would recommend this book. I don't think there was enough development around many of the characters, though. It was a great storyline and fun, but I think the author could have done better in that regard. I don't know. I'm also only just warming up to fantasy, so...? Send rec's if you have them!

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sleepy.ash87
The Sandcastle Girls | Chris Bohjalian
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Pickpick

The Sandcastle Girls was such a great read that I couldn't stop listening and sketching until it had ended. Set in Syria during the Armenian Genocide, this novel sheds light on love, cultural identity, courage, trauma, and perseverance. The reader is anchored by another character exploring her Armenian heritage in 2012. An important read, as there aren't many books that focus on Armenian culture and history. Beautiful, emotional!

sleepy.ash87 Also, just to add - The depiction of trauma is very well done in this book. Also, the narrators were absolutely exceptional. I love the narrator for Laura Petrosian's character! 2y
24 likes1 comment
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sleepy.ash87
The Sandcastle Girls | Chris Bohjalian
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I finally finished my study of Chrysopsis gossypina (Cottonleaf Golden-aster) while diving deeper into The Sandcastle Girls. Feeling all the emotions of this beautiful and difficult story while broadening my awareness of Armenian culture and history.

GondorGirl This is beautiful! 2y
Linsy Beautiful!!! 🌼 2y
23 likes3 comments
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sleepy.ash87
Hour of the Witch | Chris Bohjalian
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Pickpick

This book was phenomenal. A Puritan woman in 1662 Boston fights for a divorce from her abusive husband while navigating a world of religiosity, suspicion, and gendered hierarchy. I applaud Bohjalian's construction of this story, which shows the historical roots of sexism in our country. It was also a rollercoaster; I was on the edge of my seat. It was tough to tell how it would end!

27 likes1 stack add
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sleepy.ash87
Mexican Gothic | Silvia Moreno-Garcia
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Pickpick

This book was incredible! I was disappointed to start a new story last night after finishing this one. A privileged young woman in 1950s Mexico visits her sick cousin, who lives in a dilapidated mansion with her husband's mysterious family. It was a horrific and unique narrative. I generally don't swing toward horror, yet this one has inspired me to read more of this genre!

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sleepy.ash87
Mexican Gothic | Silvia Moreno-Garcia
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I have been working on these as a palette cleanser after spending long hours on a final piece. I started them long before I started reading Mexican Gothic, which has a fun fungi theme throughout... What a coincidence, yes?

JenniferEgnor Whenever I see mushrooms now, that book is all I can think about. I loved it so much! 2y
Ruthiella Love book coincidences like that! And your art is beautiful! 😍 2y
sleepy.ash87 @JenniferEgnor I loved it too! I almost want to read it again because I haven't stopped thinking about it. You are always reading excellent books. Can you think of one that is similar? 2y
sleepy.ash87 @Ruthiella You are so kind! Studying plants and painting them brings me so much peace and fulfillment at the end of the day. 🌿🎨 2y
JenniferEgnor @sleepy.ash87 I haven‘t come across one like this yet, but I do love reading about poisonous plants. However…I‘m sure that Book Riot will definitely be able to recommend something similar to this! 2y
33 likes5 comments
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sleepy.ash87
Mexican Gothic | Silvia Moreno-Garcia
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I hadn't read but a few reviews of this novel before starting it yesterday. It is the perfect October read for me, as it is *very* spooky! I also find it fun that one of the characters, Francis, is interested in botanical illustrations, just like me 🍄🌼 Here is a study I have painted tonight while listening to this tale, part of a larger work in progress!

Sparklemn The picture looks great! (edited) 2y
sleepy.ash87 @Sparklemn Thank you! This is a cottony goldenaster. She is quite a woolly thing, as though wearing a sweater! 2y
Sparklemn @sleepy.ash87 You can really see the woolly texture. Lovely! (edited) 2y
sleepy.ash87 @Sparklemn 😊♥️ 2y
26 likes4 comments
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sleepy.ash87
The Stationery Shop | Marjan Kamali
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Pickpick

I was floored by the power and heartbreak of this beautiful novel last night. It is primarily a story of Roya, a girl from Tehran, and her lost love. However, it is also about so much more. It depicts Iranian culture, especially via food and traditions, and how it differs from American culture; women's rights in the US during the 50s and 60s; child loss and mental health; the flow of life transitions, decisions, and outcomes. I was in tears!

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sleepy.ash87
The Stationery Shop | Marjan Kamali
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@GinaKButler --- I am beyond grateful to you for recommending this read. It is one of the better novels I have read in a long time!

Also, just an image of what I have been staring at for hours tonight as I process all the emotions and wisdom of this book. I hope it ends with just as much triumph as this silly goldenaster, throwing her stems to the sun!

GinaKButler I‘m so glad you loved it! Last year I made a real effort to find historical fiction not set during WWII and came across this book. It was just lovely. She has a new one out, but I haven‘t read it yet. 😊 2y
23 likes1 comment
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sleepy.ash87
The Address | Fiona Davis
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Pickpick

Thank you, @marleed for recommending this book! It was a quick, entertaining read. I briefly worried it would become a Snake Pit (1948 film) type story... I don't want to give anything away, but I thought Fiona Davis did an excellent job tilting my perspective and trust in the characters. An interesting historical context, as well!

marleed Oh my gosh, I‘m glad you liked it. In my fantasy life I own a penthouse on Park Ave so I love that her books are centered on an historic building in NYC. 2y
sleepy.ash87 A penthouse on Park Ave would be sweet! I still need to look up the actual building it's focused on... There is so much history in NYC and I love how she focuses on the effort that was placed into the architecture and design of the city! 2y
FelinesAndFelonies She's one of my favorite authors! 2y
26 likes3 comments
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sleepy.ash87
The Address | Fiona Davis
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I started The Address while finishing up this bit of advocacy for switch cane. I am already hooked on the story and *love* that one of the narrators is Saskia Maarleveld!

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sleepy.ash87
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I just finished The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and officially need help finding a new title! Any historical fiction recommendations that have strong female characters and not set during WWII? (I have just read a lot of WWII novels this summer and want a change of pace.) Photo of my messy workspace. To make art and audiobook = heaven!

marleed I suggest Chanel Cleaton. She‘s written 4 books and I really like books 1,3, and 4. It‘s historical fiction for Cuba and America. I‘ll tag her first book. 2y
marleed Oh, or anything by Fiona Davis. Her HF books chose a historic NYC building and build a story from there. 2y
GinaKButler Rules of Civility is so good! I also really liked The Stationery Shop. If you don‘t mind a male main character, read The Heart‘s Invisible Furies. (edited) 2y
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sleepy.ash87 @marleed and @GinaKButler -- Thank you so much! I have Rules of Civility pending and picking up The Address! I will keep coming back to these suggestions and feel free to leave more! 2y
GinaKButler I just finished The Incredible Winston Browne...it is set in the 1950s in the panhandle of Florida (I live in central Florida). It will definitely be one of my top favorite books for 2021. Highly recommend! 2y
sleepy.ash87 @GinaKButler I immediately went to my library app to see if I could borrow it but it isn't in the database 😭 Do you know of any free apps where I might find it? I am going to stack it here, though, as a reminder! FL is wonderful, by the way. My family is from south AL and Phillips Inlet has been a destination point of ours for generations. Please, more book recommendations! You have great taste! 2y
GinaKButler @sleepy.ash87 I listened to it on Hoopla for free. I hope you can find it...it‘s fantastic! 2y
25 likes7 comments
review
sleepy.ash87
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Pickpick

I have not dappled in fantasy in quite some time, and I can't say I have liked the genre in years. Yet, I enjoyed this novel. It wasn't overwhelmed with so much fantasy that I felt removed from the story. I can see how it was used to fuel communication around complex, existential emotions. There were a few elements that I found too anxty but overall it was pretty good. It was worth the read and a great escape. 👻👹♥️

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sleepy.ash87
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Pickpick

Wingate powerfully depicts the trauma experienced by children who were stolen from their families and placed in the Tennessee Children's Home Society, an adoption agency headed by the child trafficker, Georgia Tann, from the 1920s-1950s. I admit I had to shut off the narrative and play meditation music a few times just to get through. How is it that I had never heard of this horror? Right here, in America, not that long ago 😭

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sleepy.ash87
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Pickpick

This was a great read! Very entertaining with a wonderful description of female bonds, love, survival, and finding hope through empowerment and perseverance.

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sleepy.ash87
The Four Winds: A Novel | Kristin Hannah
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Pickpick

This was an extraordinary read with an incredible, powerful ending. Now I know what everyone has been raving about! Kristin Hannah is officially on my favorite list 🌞

readwithcori Kristin Hannah is so talented! Just started this one last week! 3y
sleepy.ash87 That is great! I hope you enjoy. I finished it a few days ago... Then, I jumped into The Giver of Stars.. 3y
sleepy.ash87 (cont.) The Giver of Stars was a great book too but it's so hard to find an equal read after Hannah! 3y
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kplovesbooks My eye's been on this one since it came out!! I should be starting it next month. 🤞 3y
sleepy.ash87 @kplovesbooks Have you started it yet?? 2y
sleepy.ash87 @corireadslife Have you finished? The ending!!!! 2y
readwithcori @sleepy.ash87 I have and ughhh!! I hate it but also love it lol You are right, so hard to find an equal read to Hannah. What did you think? 2y
sleepy.ash87 @corireadslife Just the same! 😭😍 It was really the best way that Hannah could have ended it, though. It brought so much meaning and power to her character and the overarching message. It was, perhaps, the best ending of all her novels! 2y
kplovesbooks @sleepy.ash87 I have!! I'm a third into it and it's so good!! 2y
21 likes1 stack add9 comments
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sleepy.ash87
The Nightingale | Kristin Hannah
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Pickpick

This was an extraordinary read and I am so excited for the movie! Another historical fiction novel set in WWII France; Two sisters go down differing paths in response to the crisis of war. True to Hannah's style, the reader is pulled into the depths of a terrifying environment and witnesses the empowerment and strength of her female characters. I was in tears!

31 likes1 stack add
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sleepy.ash87
The Four Winds: A Novel | Kristin Hannah
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I am already so impressed with Hannah's ability to capture complex experiences. This book speaks to me because I, too, am living on my husband's family's farm with our son and five other family members. Every day has meant waking up early, working hard, staying in tune with the heat and seasons. I have grown to love this land and this family in ways I find difficult to describe -- Hannah very well articulates it in this novel. Wonderful!

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sleepy.ash87
The Four Winds: A Novel | Kristin Hannah
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Starting another Kristin Hannah! I have heard great things!

22 likes1 stack add
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sleepy.ash87
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Pickpick

5/5
Wow. I am so glad I took the time to finish this book!
This novel is inspired by the true story of Louise de Bettignies (Lili), a French spy during WWI. Lili is an important character in the novel, though the main protagonist is Evelyn Gardiner, who joins Lili's spy network. Chapters cover Eve as a young woman and 30 years later with new friend Charlie. I love the focus on heroism and female friendship in this piece!

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sleepy.ash87
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Our last day at the beach. This morning, I made my sister promise not to remind me that our time here is ending.

I made a dribble castle with the kids and helped them decorate it with seaweed. They used a shell for a flag.

Still, very little time for books! I'll make up for it on the ride home.

Also, I'm liking this read but it feels a little slow at times... I'm still trying to pinpoint what's missing. Does anyone else feel this?

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sleepy.ash87
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"We had sand in the eyes and the ears and the nose,
And sand in the hair, and sand-between-the-toes."

Another gorgeous day. I can hardly move, I'm so tired. Julian has started talking to the characters in his books, which I think is a skill we can all learn from. I am about to dive into my book before sleep... Unless it keeps me up!

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sleepy.ash87
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Another day enjoying the Gulf. This is usually a time for reading, but I made little progress on my book today. My little one and I woke up before the rest of the family and visited the beach for a few minutes to ourselves. We admired an osprey diving into the ocean for her breakfast.

My baby was a surprise too, Charlie, and something that I once thought to be "my little problem," but now he is my everything. I wonder how her story unfolds!

review
sleepy.ash87
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Pickpick

These poems are fabulous! They are very entertaining for both kids and adults. We had such fun listening to them in the car!

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sleepy.ash87
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"If you were a bird, and lived on high,
You'd lean on the wind when the wind came by,
You'd say to the wind when it took you away:
"That's where I wanted to go today!" #3

I am *loving* this book of poetry!

Today was full of travel and nature. We went hiking at our favorite state park, enjoyed the lodge, thought about alligators, manatees, strange birds, and Spanish moss. We then drove to the ocean and jumped in fully clothed!

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sleepy.ash87
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The little guy and I have been traveling south these past few days, stopping to visit family along the way. We'll finally make it to the beach this afternoon, but first we'll swing over for a riverboat ride at our favorite nature spot.

I have started listening to this exciting book while Julian sleeps in the car. Already, I am captivated by this story! Going to give it another listen before the kiddo wakes up. 🌞

19 likes1 stack add
review
sleepy.ash87
Home Front | Kristin Hannah
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Pickpick

5/5

A remarkable story of a military family after a mother is deployed to Iraq. Hannah put a "mammoth" of research into this novel so she could accurately portray the emotions and experiences of her characters. I am left feeling such admiration and empathy for our warriors and their families!

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sleepy.ash87
Home Front | Kristin Hannah
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"I love you to the moon and back."

I might have to steal this saying for my little one.

We read his new highlights magazine before bed. I love our snuggle sessions. It didn't take long for him to doze off this time.

Now, I'm off to bed and reaching for my earbuds. The last Hannah novel I read, The Great Alone, had me quite the same!

How are y'all tonight?

rjsthumbelina My son's room is done in "love you to the moon and back"! 3y
sleepy.ash87 @rjsthumbelina Oh, my heart! That is adorable and I might just have to borrow it! After reading this book, especially - so many feels! 3y
rjsthumbelina ❤️ it's so cute. There's actually a lot of room decor for it, too! Plus, he has spaceships all over his room to match it 🚀 3y
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tpixie Love all the kids books you have read. I wish their was a different ‘ stacked‘ set for kids books to separate them! 3y
sleepy.ash87 @tpixie Yes, I actually think about that pretty often. It would be much better! 3y
tpixie @sleepy.ash87 💖 3y
12 likes6 comments
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sleepy.ash87
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I've enjoyed my audiobooks so much recently that Julian has started showing interest in listening to his own. Good thing, too, since we'll be traveling in a few days! The little guy was receptive to hearing the poetry and we worked together to understand it's witty connections and humorous lines.

Do you guys have any audiobook recommendations for a 3 year old?

tpixie Great idea! 3y
14 likes1 stack add1 comment
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sleepy.ash87
Home Front | Kristin Hannah
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This book is teaching me. It's incredible how a person can know without really knowing. I grew up close to a military base, I went to school with kids of military families, I've dated military men, some of my closest girlfriends are military wives. When I was working as a mental health counselor, I had veteran clients suffering from crippling PTSD and TBI's. I have heard their stories, yet nothing has grown my awareness quite like this book. Whew!

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sleepy.ash87
Blackbird House | Alice Hoffman
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Bailedbailed

I am so sad! The writing is beautiful, the story is fanciful and emotional... There really aren't many reasons for me to bail on this book except that it just isn't quite my cup of tea.

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sleepy.ash87
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Pickpick

5/5

I would recommend this historical novel to anyone, especially those who have grown up in the south. Wingate's writing encapsulates two stories, the first of Hannie, a freed slave embarking on a life changing quest to find her people in the year 1875; the second of Miss Silva, a teacher seeking to educate and empower students in a low-income school system in 1987. Both stories link beautifully at the end. I was so moved!

sleepy.ash87 Also, my experience of this book in audio form was largely positive. I thought the narrator for the 1875 storyline did a beautiful job with both southern Black and Creole accents. Her attempt at an old Irishman accent was not very strong, though it was not a large part of the story, so I could overlook it. The narrator for the 1987 storyline was fine enough, though I occasionally felt they could have chosen a different voice to suit her character. 3y
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