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theshrinkette

theshrinkette

Joined September 2016

Point me to the nearest bookshelf. They/them.
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The Removed: A Novel by Brandon Hobson
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theshrinkette
Writers & Lovers | Lily King
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Bailedbailed

Meh. I like me an unlikeable protagonist but I really didn't care for this. Bailed at a 100 pages. Too Franzen-esque for my liking.

marleed I didn‘t connect with this one either. 3y
23 likes1 comment
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theshrinkette
The Water Dancer | Ta-Nehisi Coates
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Pickpick

Obviously this is just my POV but I urge you to read and listen to what Black reviewers, specifically Black women, have to say about the book.

So I'm glad I didn't read this book when it just came out coz I likely would have gotten caught up in the hype. Having some distance from its release allowed for interesting perspective. Coates is undoubtedly a master at beautiful prose and delivers stunning moments in the novel. (Cont'd in comments)

theshrinkette The magical realism parts of the novel did give me pause. Portraying Harriet Tubman as magical, to me, watered down the very real ramifications of her role as a spy and abolitionist. I loved the aspect of conduction that required stories being told for it to work–a wonderful way to pay homage to a culture of oral history. Other aspects of it felt too neatly tied up. (2/3) 3y
theshrinkette Colson Whitehead's The Underground Railroad had a much stronger fantastical construct that honored this important piece of history, so if you're looking for fictionalized work around the Underground Railroad, Whitehead is my recommendation. (3/3) 3y
SamAnne Appreciate this review. Loved Underground Railroad and plan to read this one too. Will check out the commentary around it. 3y
MicheleinPhilly This was my indie‘s book club pick exactly a year ago and sadly, I bailed. I found the prose breathtaking in spots, but I just could not connect with the story. It‘s still on my shelves so never say never, but I don‘t know if I can bring myself to try again. 3y
27 likes4 comments
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theshrinkette
Writers & Lovers | Lily King
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He's upset I'm not giving him my full attention, because just using me as a bed is not enough. #CatsOfLitsy

Leftcoastzen 😻😺Yep, relatable! 3y
rubyslippersreads My cats sit on the iPad to get my full attention. 😹 3y
LeahBergen 😆😆 3y
33 likes1 stack add3 comments
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theshrinkette
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Pickpick

This is one of those books that I picked up for its title, I have no context to the authors or their podcast and other work. In a culture that prioritizes partnerships and romantic love, it was validating to read about this Big Friendship between two people. The vulnerability and honesty was testament to how seriously these women take their relationship. It just made me want to reach out to my Big Friends and give them hugs (lolsob this pandemic).

MicheleinPhilly Oh my gosh - hugs. We see a lot of our friends semi-regularly because we live in the same neighborhood and have dogs. But not being able to hug has been ROUGH. We‘ve lost parents, grandparents, pets, jobs, etc. Standing 6 feet away while making the stupid ❤️ with your fingers just doesn‘t cut it. ☹️ 3y
theshrinkette @MicheleinPhilly So real! And I've been relatively lucky in terms of seeing my family at least on occasion. Ugh just grateful for survival but also TAKE ALL THE HUGS ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 3y
25 likes2 comments
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theshrinkette
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Friendships in my late 20s have been such a pendulum swing, but I've definitely found Shine Theory to be true.

23 likes2 stack adds
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theshrinkette
The Sea Witch | Katee Robert
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Pickpick

I continue to love this series, though I'm reading it mostly out of order. Romance/erotica/kink readers, don't miss out! #24in48

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theshrinkette
Felix Ever After | Kacen Callender
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Pickpick

Okay this book was a rollercoaster of emotions. I just want to hug all these kids, shit. The writing isn't structured neatly, but it encapsulates how messy and angsty and vulnerable navigating this stuff is when you're that age. I don't miss being a teenager one bit, but I am so glad teens have access to books like these. So affirming.

#24in48GroupRead

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theshrinkette
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Pickpick

From music to food to fashion to activism, Jackson expositions just how deeply anti-Blackness and the appropriation of Black culture are entrenched in the zeitgeist. She sticks to examining the American context, but given how widespread the consumption of anything American is, we can't exempt ourselves from this culpability on a global level. I've pretty much highlighted most of the book so I can't pull quotes. Please read it.

#24in48GroupRead

28 likes3 stack adds
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theshrinkette
A Cowboy to Remember | Rebekah Weatherspoon
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Pickpick

Oh this was fun! I don't think I've ever read an amnesia trope before, so that was a first. Lots of found family/second chance stuff going on that I throughly loved. Also, made this killer mac n' cheese for #bookanddinner.

It's nearly 4 AM so I'm gonna hit the sack, looking forward to checking out the group reads tomorrow. #24in48

ScientistSam That looks yummy! 3y
theshrinkette @ScientistSam It really was! 3y
29 likes2 comments
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theshrinkette
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Pickpick

Johnson has penned a searing, vulnerable memoir of the joys and traumas of being a young Black queer person. Essays arranged to paint a picture gathering specific experiences that shaped them as a Black queer person, writer, and activist. A valuable book for young queer people navigating their identities and belongingness in the world. (Note: A young trans cousin mentioned in the book is deadnamed and misgendered in one chapter, with context)

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theshrinkette
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🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

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theshrinkette
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I don't think Breeze appreciates me using his butt as a reading stool but it's SO convenient. 😂

26 likes1 comment
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theshrinkette
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Happy @24in48 friends! So glad this #readathon is back. Kicking off my weekend with this book (psssst #Kindle users it's on sale at $2.99) and some coffee in bed.

How about you?

#24in48

JulietReads Cute cup. 😍 3y
theshrinkette @JulietReads Thanks! I have a coffee cup/mug and a coffee problem lol 3y
26 likes1 stack add2 comments
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theshrinkette
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Pickpick

Officially on the Tessa Dare bandwagon and kicking myself for not getting on earlier. She's HILARIOUS. The dialogue and repartee between the main characters was off-the-charts entertaining. I love me a grumpy Duke and a love interest that's more than his match.

Julsmarshall Love her! For all the same reasons 🥰 3y
dylanisreading Yes! She's great! 3y
25 likes1 stack add2 comments
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theshrinkette
Black Buck | Mateo Askaripour
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Pickpick

Askaripour is a bold storyteller and he takes you on a wild ride. It's been advertised as satire but didn't feel like it. Though the story is very dramatic, some of the drama felt very on the nose but it didn't detract too much from my enjoyment of the novel. It's set up as a manual for salespeople, and I love an atypical novel structure done well. The construction was awesome. I'm looking forward to what Askaripour delivers in the future.

36 likes2 stack adds
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theshrinkette
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I've been in Storygraph for a few months now and I'm absolutely in love. The interface is gorgeous, the updates are pretty quick, and they're super receptive to feedback. I really, REALLY hate Goodreads, it's not intuitive at all and the platform has not changed since the beginning. If you're on there, I'm theshrinkette on there as well, add me!

Librariana This is the first I'm hearing of this! What is this beautimous wonder!? 3y
theshrinkette @Librariana Omg Ana it is the best thing ever! Ditch Goodreads, this is so useful and beautiful and you don't get overwhelmed by a shitty UX 3y
Megabooks I hate goodreads too! So glad to be on storygraph! 3y
Readergrrl I‘m intrigued!! 3y
cdreincarnate I just signed up with StoryGraph last month and have really been enjoying it so far. 3y
26 likes5 comments
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theshrinkette
Dark and Deepest Red | Anna-Marie McLemore
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A retelling of Hans Christian Anderson's The Red Shoes combined with The Dancing Plague of 1518 in Strasbourg. It goes back and forth in time and is told from multiple POVs. McLemore weaves a compelling story that not only melds historical events with magical realism, but also tackles colorism, xenophobia, and queerphobia. If you've read any of their earlier work the lyrical style will feel familiar. If this is your first, you're in for a treat.

23 likes3 stack adds
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theshrinkette
Dark and Deepest Red | Anna-Marie McLemore
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Ending the day as I started it.

28 likes1 stack add
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theshrinkette
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Pickpick

Maybe not the best idea to have read this while we're literally in a pandemic? The novel walks a fine line between lit and genre fic, and I had to keep reminding myself it was satire. I devoured it in one sitting but the ending was underwhelming. I'd like to read more of her work though.

BookishMarginalia I also felt it was a mistake to read it during the pandemic. I was quite underwhelmed too. 3y
26 likes1 comment
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theshrinkette
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Anyone else balk at fictional pandemic descriptions or is it just me?

Librariana This one is, of course, on the TBR along with 3y
Librariana My last post about "The Dreamers" is from several months back when the pandemic had been declared and I had to take a break from art imitating life! 3y
24 likes3 comments
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theshrinkette
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Vacation has officially ended. Over the last couple weeks, I've rekindled the habit of starting off my day with reading. I'm hoping to keep this up. Just this hour to myself, when I'm feeling relatively fresh, before my calendar takes over my day.

MatchlessMarie I used to start my day reading for an hour too. It‘s a great habit that I never should have stopped. 3y
theshrinkette @MatchlessMarie Same! 2019-2020 got away from me in big ways so I'm eager to keep this going now. 3y
Suet624 Yes, I do the same way. Coffee and a book in bed for an hour. 3y
BarbaraBB I have introduced that habit too since a few years ago. It‘s the best way to start the day! 3y
Curiouser_and_curiouser If I can wake up early enough, I'm finding it certainly is the best way to begin the day 😊 3y
38 likes1 stack add5 comments
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theshrinkette
Betty: A novel | Tiffany McDaniel
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Pickpick

"A girl comes of age against the knife."

Holy shit was this a gorgeous, engrossing story. A coming of age story honoring the author's Cherokee heritage, a story of survival in the midst of poverty, racism, and the violence faced by women across generations. Absolutely heartbreaking, but I couldn't put it down. McDaniel's writing is stunning.

cleoh I‘ve heard amazing things about this one! Currently on hold at the library. 3y
Librariana Janani! Good to have you back in this neck of the woods 😊 3y
theshrinkette @Librariana Ana! Yup, committing to spending more of my social media time here than anywhere else this year ☺️ 3y
27 likes4 stack adds3 comments
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theshrinkette
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Pickpick

I've only ever read about experiences similar to ones in this book in works of fiction. Not only are the details mindblowing, but they are also aided by Macintyre's masterful narrative style. I was hooked from the first page, and by the third section, I was on the edge of my seat. James Bond doesn't hold a candle to Oleg Gordievsky.

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theshrinkette
Bookworm | Karen Emigh
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How's social distancing treating y'all, Littens? Get any reading done?

BookishTrish My brain is mush so I get maybe a short chapter read every other day 4y
27 likes1 comment
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theshrinkette
Our Wayward Fate | Gloria Chao
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I wonder if Asians have our own special brand of shame generational trauma or if this is a universal experience. I felt so much of this book. 💙 #StayHome24in48

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theshrinkette
The Memory Police | Yoko Ogawa
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Surreal. Superb. I have no other words at the moment.

#StayHome24in48

30 likes2 stack adds
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theshrinkette
All This Could Be Yours | Jami Attenberg
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Story of the domino effect of toxic masculinity.Attenberg weaves a compelling story around distinctly flawed and unlikeable characters, wherein the reader cannot help but empathize /sympathize with them.

TW: Domestic violence

#StayHome24in48

33 likes2 stack adds
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theshrinkette
Red at the Bone | Jacqueline Woodson
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This book is TIGHT. Oof. #StayHome24in48

BarbaraBB Loved it 💕 4y
36 likes1 comment
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theshrinkette
The Book of Lost Saints | Daniel Jos Older
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An evocative story of the spirit of a woman who lived through the Cuban Revolution trying to trace her life via her nephew. Loss, generational trauma, family, freedom are the themes explored by DJO, who has done a stellar job with this book.

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theshrinkette
Summer Bird Blue | Akemi Dawn Bowman
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Akemi Dawn Bowman has penned a gorgeous novel that tackles the messiness of grief. I instantly connected with the main character, her arc and processing of her loss were poignant.

Breeze doesn't understand why I'm crying so hard right now.

LeahBergen Breeze is lovely! ❤️ 4y
Leftcoastzen Kitty!😻 4y
25 likes1 stack add2 comments
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theshrinkette
Catch and Kill | Ronan Farrow
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Jesus this book. It was incredibly hard to read how power and corruption can kee the priarchy in place. My heart goes out to these women. Now down the rabbit hole of Ronan Farrow interviews.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

27 likes1 stack add
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theshrinkette
Catch and Kill | Ronan Farrow
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A reminder that we lost one of the good ones. #RIPBourdain

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theshrinkette
Catch and Kill | Ronan Farrow
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Quiet Saturday evening with this boy. This is after he knocked my kindle off my lap to settle in. #catsoflitsy

33 likes2 stack adds
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theshrinkette
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Pickpick

As a behavior analyst and someone who is in therapy,I thoroughly appreciated this book. Does a great job peeling back layers to the therapist-client relationship,
offering valuable insights to the reader.I would caution people who're in therapy & want to read this book—it might shatter your perception of your therapist,especially given that Lori does show a lot of of being a therapist one might not typically see/envision/want to think about.4/250

34 likes1 stack add
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theshrinkette
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Also Littens, please meet my new reading buddy, Breeze. #catsoflitsy

Suet624 ❤️❤️❤️ 4y
MeganAnn 😻😻😻 4y
emtobiasz So cute!! 4y
25 likes3 comments
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theshrinkette
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As a psych grad and a person in therapy, I'm really enjoying this book.

19 likes1 stack add
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theshrinkette
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Pickpick

This was lovely and messy in the best possible way. Talia Hibbert never disappoints. (2/250)

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theshrinkette
Jackpot | Nic Stone
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Really enjoyed the character-work, especially Rico. Money/finances are such complex subjects to tackle (yay capitalism), even more so in YA, and Nic Stone does a solid job. Confused about how I feel about the ending but I think that's the intention, because it makes the reader have to confront their relationship with money, value, wealth, humanity as it exists in a capitalist structure. Any clean ending would have felt disjointed. 1/250

20 likes1 stack add
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theshrinkette
Jackpot | Nic Stone
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2020 is off to a promising start. #nowreading

24 likes1 stack add
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theshrinkette
Reading Challenge | Casey Malarcher, Andre Janzen
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Bring it on 2020. To a new decade of more books,pals. Happy new year. 🍾🎉🙌🏽

Suet624 Yowzer! 4y
Curiouser_and_curiouser Woah! Good on you 😍 3y
28 likes2 comments
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theshrinkette
Trick Mirror | Jia Tolentino
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I'm making my way through this one slowly and it is honestly one of the best books I've read this decade.

jhod Wow! Can't wait to try 😊 4y
LeahBergen Happy birthday! 📚📚 4y
31 likes1 stack add2 comments
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theshrinkette
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Its a slow Monday at the office, and I forgot my kindle at home. Bless the digital age and the ability to read on a laptop.

29 likes1 stack add
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theshrinkette
Readathon: Occasional List : Geleentheidslys | Gauteng (South Africa). Education Media Service
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Hey there!I'm hosting @DeweysReadathon over on Twitter for the next couple of hours. Come say hi! #readathon

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theshrinkette
My Father's Garden | Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar
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Two books down. This was a lush and heartbreaking read. #readathon

Cinfhen Beautiful cover 4y
28 likes1 comment
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theshrinkette
Sabrina and Corina: Stories | Kali Fajardo-Anstine
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Happy @DeweysReadathon friends!First up! #readathon

Kalalalatja Pretty cover! 4y
27 likes1 comment
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theshrinkette
Ducks, Newburyport | Lucy Ellmann
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Okay y'all. I'm doing it.

cdreincarnate Let me know how it goes. It looks interesting, but it‘s such a doorstop I don‘t know when I‘d have time to read it. Going with the ebook seems like a solid choice. 4y
24 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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theshrinkette
Beloved | Toni Morrison
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“He licked his lips. ‘Well, if you want my opinion-‘
‘I don‘t, ‘ She said. ‘I have my own.”

RIP Toni.💔

I've been crying a lot since the news. This week has been horrendous, but this was the hardest blow.

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theshrinkette
Lanny: A Novel | Max Porter
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This is a strange magical realism book that's about this kid, told from the perspective of the primary adults in his life as well as a fantastical bogeyman. I honestly don't have a very good description and can't quite explain to you why it works but it does. Excellent contender for the Booker.

34 likes1 stack add
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theshrinkette
Lanny: A Novel | Max Porter
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Pickpick

This is a strange magical realism book that's about this kid, told from the perspective of the primary adults in his life as well as a fantastical bogeyman. I honestly don't have a very good description and can't quite explain to you why it works but it does. Excellent contender for the Booker.

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theshrinkette
Readathon: Occasional List : Geleentheidslys | Gauteng (South Africa). Education Media Service
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Happy #reversereadathon everybody! It's 5.30 AM here in India. Imma need some coffee to begin, but right now I'm a bit too cozy. Happy reading!