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monkeygirlsmama

monkeygirlsmama

Joined August 2016

Home is where the books are. 😉❤️📚
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Butter: Roman by Asako Yuzuki
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The Mole People by Kevin Landt
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The Fragile Ordinary by Samantha Young
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monkeygirlsmama
Butter: Roman | Asako Yuzuki
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Listening to the #audio version of this book. 4+ hours in with 12+ hours to go. I am enjoying it, but also don't feel incredibly engaged. Feeling like if I'm going to bail I need to do it sooner rather than later so as to not just waste time. So, that leaves me with a question for those of you who've read it...

Yay or Nay for sticking it out? Is it worth it and going to pull me back in? 🤷‍♀️

JamieArc Are you reading this for #camplitsy24? A bunch of us will be reading it in the second half of June, so it might be worth sticking it out of you want to be part of the dialogue. 2d
BarbaraJean I'm about halfway through and am finding the ideas more and more interesting as the book goes on. I'm not liking any of the characters, though! I do think it's a worthwhile read (so far) for the way the narrative explores ideas of beauty and socially-imposed female roles. But obviously everyone's mileage will vary... 2d
monkeygirlsmama @JamieArc No, just discovered it on Libby and thought it sounded interesting. 1d
monkeygirlsmama @BarbaraJean That's the problem I've been having. 😝 I'm liking that aspect and enjoy the foodie discussions which is why I'm less inclined to give up. LoL Guess I'll stick with it for now. 1d
28 likes4 comments
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monkeygirlsmama
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Pickpick

Good mystery wrapped inside an awesome cover!

(Enjoyed in #audiobook form.)

23 likes1 stack add
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monkeygirlsmama
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Pickpick

I've never heard of Maggie Smith before- not THAT Maggie Smith, the American one. Being such a lover (and writer) of poetry myself I find it kind of hard to believe that, but it's true.

Picked up this #audiobook based on an online rec, and can say without a doubt that it was worth it. Her writing style and poetry are flat out fantabulous! Really and truly a heartfelt read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

30 likes1 stack add
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monkeygirlsmama
Daisy Darker | Alice Feeney
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Pickpick

I partially guessed this one early on, but that's not to say I wasn't completely blown away by EVERYTHING else that I didn't guess. Wow! Gotta love Feeney's knack for storytelling. Great read! And the #audiobook was very well done and the narrator very enjoyable to listen to.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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monkeygirlsmama
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Pickpick

Didn't initially know if I was going to stick with this one because it wasn't really speaking to me. I was too lazy to do anything about it though so I just pressed on hoping there would be an uptick in the storylines that would put it on a more engaging path. There was, and it did! Turns out to have been a few very good mysteries rolled into one.

Also, the full narrator cast made the #audiobook version a solid choice.

3.5 - 4 ⭐

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monkeygirlsmama
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Pickpick

Started this in print, but couldn't stay focused enough to come back to it. Decided to try picking it back up in #audiobook format since I had just finished what I was listening to. Yay for smart decisions because The Unmaking of June Farrow was an excellent story. Interesting characters with a sweet dynamic.

Originally when I picked this up at the library the cover and blurb gave me Addie Larue vibes, but they are very different stories.

4.5 ⭐

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monkeygirlsmama
Nothing to See Here | Kevin Wilson
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Pickpick

I had no idea what this book was about when I picked it up, but somehow got it into my head that it was a memoir. Listening to the #audiobook I quickly became confused because I thought it was a memoir written by a man and read by him. Then it was a female narrator who started talking about going to an all girls school and I was like, "WTF?" ? ⤵️

monkeygirlsmama ⤴️At this point I realized I was a complete dolt, and decided to settle in for whatever ride I was already started on. And... I loved it! If you're looking for a quick read that's crazy and will still make you smile, check out NOTHING TO SEE HERE! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2w
28 likes1 comment
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monkeygirlsmama
Just Another Missing Person | Gillian McAllister
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Pickpick

Gravitated to the colorful cover. Stuck around for the good mystery and cleverly disguised twists.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#audiobook

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monkeygirlsmama
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Pickpick

There are books that translate well to #audiobook formatting, and then there are books that translate PHENOMENALLY to audiobook formatting. This one falls solidly into the latter category! In fact, I'd wager that in this instance the audiobook is even better than the print copy. The narration and sound editing are fire and make it seem like you're really listening to a podcast. Amazing audio concept for this remarkably entertaining story! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sace Looks like I‘m about to burn an audible credit. 😆 2w
monkeygirlsmama @Sace Do it! Do it! 😂 2w
Sace @monkeygirlsmama Oh it was did as soon as I read your post! 2w
monkeygirlsmama @Sace 😂🤣👍😁 2w
28 likes4 comments
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monkeygirlsmama
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Pickpick

💗💚💛🧡💗💚💛🧡 Loved everything about this book right down to the afterward/author's note at the very end. She wanted her readers to cry, and I can 100% say she was successful when it came to this reader - though mostly it was exactly during this portion of the #audiobook.😝😢💙

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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monkeygirlsmama
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Pickpick

This cover had me at HELLLLLLLO! 😍

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Beautiful cover with a wonderful story within the pages! Two timelines and three character perspectives, but all transitions were seamless and easy to follow. Another great #audioread!

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monkeygirlsmama
The Inmate: A Novel | Freida McFadden
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Pickpick

4.5 ⭐

What I love about this author is that no matter how much you think you figure things out, you're always proven wrong. So much so, in fact, that I think this one gave me whiplash! And that epilogue... Brrrr. It gave me legit chills all over!

Side note: Leslie Howard did, yet again, a fantastic job narrating this #audiobook.

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monkeygirlsmama
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Mehso-so

⭐⭐⭐

The beginning intrigued me, the middle rather bored me, and the last third did both.

Interesting story, but not necessarily enough that I would recommend it.

28 likes1 stack add
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monkeygirlsmama
The Lost Girls of Willowbrook | Ellen Marie Wiseman
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Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book gave me such immense anxiety, but wow! An intense and horrifying story that is guaranteed to keep you glued to the pages.

Edited to add: Loved the narrator on this #audiobook.

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monkeygirlsmama
Expiration Dates | Rebecca Serle
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Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I picked this book up on a whim last time I was at the library. Thought the cover was eye catching and the blurb, in turn, sounded cute. Never had read or heard of the author before, but decided to give her a go. So glad I went with first impressions because this book was amazing! With the exception of a quick pause to run to Starbucks with the youngest for a weekend treat, this was a read it one go book. So good I could hardly put it down.

32 likes2 stack adds
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monkeygirlsmama
Expiration Dates | Rebecca Serle
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🧼🚿🧴🧽😹

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monkeygirlsmama
The Burnout: A Novel | Sophie Kinsella
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Pickpick

Such a quick, easy read. It will make you laugh, smile, & maybe even cry. Full of feel good vibes & heart. Like relatable characters who come complete with messy stories, making them all the more relatable? You'll love Kinsella's writing. Love quirky characters who leave you waiting for the other shoe to drop? You'll enjoy Kinsella's writing. Just need an escape from your own day to day drama? You'll find it in Kinsella's writing.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

30 likes1 stack add
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monkeygirlsmama
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Getting up early and spending a few hours hitting up garage sales was how my Jon and I spent our Saturday mornings. We never spent a ton, but we always had a blast and found some good deals. I haven't gone since he died last Summer, but this morning our oldest asked me to go with her. So I did, and it was incredibly bittersweet but fun. I kept seeing things and saying, "Oh, Jon would have loved that!" Which incl the top 2 books in this #bookhaul.

CatLass007 I‘m sorry for your loss. I‘m glad your oldest asked you to go with her. It‘s hard to do things that you used to share with a loved one. My love passed in 2020 and I still can‘t watch Brooklyn 99. I know it sounds silly but he and I are huge admirers of Andre Braugher. I guess now that Mr. Braugher also has passed, my love finally gets to hang out with him. 1mo
TheBookHippie 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍 1mo
25 likes2 comments
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monkeygirlsmama
One of Us is Back | Karen M. Mcmanus
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Listening to this installment as an #audiobook was weird at first because I read books 1 & 2 in print. And it took some getting used to listening to the characters being voiced by the narrators. That said, I appreciated the flow of this book more than book 2, and felt the author made up for the awfully abrupt ending of it. I actually quite liked how all the storylines came together this go round and how the author wrapped them up nicely.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

24 likes1 stack add
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monkeygirlsmama
Anxious People: A Novel | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

My SIL loves Backman, but this was my first time reading him. I opted for the #audiobook and quickly came to understand why she's a fan. I found the back and forth perspective a bit confusing; however, the interaction between characters made it very easy to slip inside the story and become one with them. Brilliant!

I would have liked it no matter the format, yet I can't help but feel the narrator added something extra special to the experience.

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monkeygirlsmama
The Burnout: A Novel | Sophie Kinsella
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Bahahahahahahahahahahaha 😂🤣😅😆

Also... Ewwwwwwww! 🥤🤢 😝

rwmg 🤣🤣 1mo
19 likes1 comment
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monkeygirlsmama
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Pickpick

4.5 ⭐

Still fresh in the throws of grief, I wasn't certain if I'd be able to get through this. (I didn't know what it was about prior to the trigger warning at the beginning.) Decided I was going to try it anyway, and I'm so glad I did. It broke my heart several times and put me back in that initial loss mindset. I cried. I cried like a fool actually. At my desk. At work. But it was such a good story and so well written. A truly beautiful tale.

rwmg I just got this. Thanks for the warning. Strictly to be read at home 1mo
monkeygirlsmama @rwmg If I hadn't just lost my better half less than a year ago it might not have affected me quite so strongly. As it was, I was good up until, probably, the last 1/4 of the book. 1mo
rwmg Sorry for your loss. I lost my mum at the beginning of this year, so maybe I'll hold off on it fir a while 1mo
monkeygirlsmama @rwmg Thanks 😏 My condolences as well. 😔 1mo
25 likes4 comments
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monkeygirlsmama
The Burnout: A Novel | Sophie Kinsella
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Sitting down to start the tagged book when I notice this page.

Say what?!?! How have I missed ALLLLLLLL of these ones?!?! 😮🤔😵‍💫 Apparently I have much catching up to do. 😄👍📚

monkeygirlsmama And there have been more in the Shopaholic series?! Damn it, I'll be needing to start that one from book one again. Oh woe is me. 🤣😁💗🛍️ 1mo
18 likes1 comment
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monkeygirlsmama
After Death | Dean Koontz
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Pickpick

I haven't read Koontz in several years, though he's been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. Pulled this one from the stacks at the library recently, and dove in head first without any idea what it would be about. It was bizarre, but it was really good too. To that point, I'm not sure I've ever really read anything by him that wasn't.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Edited to add: The banter between Aleem and Kuba was amazing!!!

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monkeygirlsmama
After Death | Dean Koontz
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How awful! 😐🫣😱

Safe to assume none of my fellow Litsy family would do such a vile thing. 😝

wanderinglynn No, no, no! That library would be my nightmare. 😱 1mo
monkeygirlsmama @wanderinglynn Right?! Give me all my beautiful covers, spines, and colors. 1mo
21 likes2 comments
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monkeygirlsmama
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Pickpick

Thought the plot was pretty solid until the big reveal. However, by that point, the main character's dramatics and reasoning felt downright stupid. Without allowing that aspect to negatively color my opinion of the book, I thought it was a fun and fast paced debut. And, despite the leading lady's crazy fueled drama, I liked the direction the story took from there on out.

3.5 stars

I'd definitely read this author again.

24 likes1 stack add
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monkeygirlsmama

"It can be hard to tell where Mum's personality starts and her grief ends."

Moment of self reflection here, but damn I felt that.

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monkeygirlsmama

"It was enlightening to see that you were a proponent of manscaping when you were alive. I'd hate to think you'd neglect it only to spend your time here with a topiary garden in your pants." - Nelson

????Nelson ragging on Wallace does not get old. This guy is by far one of my favorite characters ever.????

CBee LOVED this book 😊😊😊 1mo
monkeygirlsmama @CBee It was on my TBR, but I came into it with no idea what it was about. I'm 60% in now though and I too have been loving it. 1mo
15 likes2 comments
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monkeygirlsmama
The Vaster Wilds | Lauren Groff
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Mehso-so

3.5 ⭐

The Vaster Wilds is a well written, fictional, account of a young girl's escape into the wild unknown. A lonely and rather depressing tale throughout which the girl attempts to put distance between herself and her past, both physically and emotionally. Displaying a wealth of courage and headstrong strength, the girl makes her way across waters and lands trying to find a place of solace and comfort - a place of safety and belonging. ⤵️

monkeygirlsmama ⤴️ This is a story of adventure, though not necessarily a good adventure. Likewise it is not a feel good story, but rather a dismal tale that portrays resilience despite brutality. It did not leave me with a smile on my face for having read it; instead it left me with a feeling of emptiness and sorrow clawing at the edges of my mind. 1mo
21 likes1 comment
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monkeygirlsmama
The Vaster Wilds | Lauren Groff
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"May you drown in a malmsey butt, welsh hag, the girl said." ?

There's one I haven't heard before. ?

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monkeygirlsmama
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Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I found nearly every character annoying and their behaviors idiotic. I found them obtuse and bordering on insipid. Truth be told, I was constantly bi!tching at them. 😆 And yet, somehow, I enjoyed the book overall and the story development. 😝

#audioread

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monkeygirlsmama
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🤣🤣🤣Oh my god, Nelson [chapter 4] is frigging HILARIOUS! #currentlyreading #audiobook

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monkeygirlsmama
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Pickpick

My second #audiobook by this author and narrator combo, and again a wonderful one indeed! The storytelling is beautifully crafted so as to draw you in and make you, the reader, think you're figuring things out early on when in fact the author has taken a far more diverting and unforeseen direction. Several "oooh, I didn't see THAT coming" moments in this book that are bound to keep you guessing. Incredibly entertaining!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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monkeygirlsmama
The Time Traveler's Wife | Audrey Niffenegger
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Yes, I've met Audrey Niffenegger and Nicholas Sparks both at their book signings. Same with The Pioneer Woman, though she's not really in the same category of author. I have pictures somewhere, but they're not on my phone so can't share. #SUNDAYFUNDAY @BookmarkTavern

BookmarkTavern How fun! Thanks for answering! 1mo
14 likes1 comment
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monkeygirlsmama
Touched | Walter Mosley
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Panpan

No idea what I just read. No idea how to really review it. Might be worthy of 1 star or 2, maybe 5. I'm going with 1. Very weird, and not my cup of tea.

monkeygirlsmama @dabbe I only finished it cause it was short. LoL 1mo
dabbe @monkeygirlsmama 🤩🤗😀 1mo
15 likes3 comments
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monkeygirlsmama
Horrorstor: A Novel | Grady Hendrix
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Pickpick

This book has been on my TBR list since I first heard about it shortly after publication, yet for some reason I only just read it. Took me long enough, but once I had my hands on a copy I couldn't put it down. Hilarious and Terrifying! What a brilliant idea Hendrix had when he brainstormed this horrifying novel of craziness. I loved all the blatant nods to Ikea and how there were illustrations, product fliers, and ads throughout the book. ⤵️

monkeygirlsmama ⤴️ All of this added to the story's ambience or vibe of the setting which drew me into the story more than making me a silent observer. And I thought it was genius how as the story progressed and evolved so did the products being advertised. No longer standard knock offs but instead ones devised solely for the sake of the story. So good; so creepy! 1mo
Hooked_on_books Love him, love this book! 1mo
CaroPi I love him! His books have a great mix between horror and humor so they are easy to enjoy. I have in my TBR the latest one 1mo
monkeygirlsmama I don't know anything about what else he has out, but I'm going to have to investigate. @CaroPi 1mo
26 likes4 comments
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monkeygirlsmama
Ugly Love: A Novel | Colleen Hoover
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Mehso-so

Falling somewhere between a so-so and a pick for me, this #audiobook had a couple of decent narrators. The guy who read for Myles sounded so familiar and/or reminded me of someone, but I haven't a clue who. I think it's going to bug me for a bit. 😝

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monkeygirlsmama
A Flicker in the Dark | Stacy Willingham
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Pickpick

So good! Kept me guessing and second guessing. Will for sure read more by this author. #audioread #audiobook

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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monkeygirlsmama
Touched | Walter Mosley
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Today's #libraryhaul. 😁📚

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monkeygirlsmama
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Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Don't walk- run to your nearest bookstore or library, and get your hands on a copy of this book! While you're at it, grab some wine and tissues cause you're gonna need them. Because, wow! Just wow. Such a wonderful, incredible, amazing story this was.

Plus, fantastic narration on this #audiobook. 💗👍

Suzze Ooh, I have that. Moving it up on the pile! 2mo
monkeygirlsmama @Suzze Girl, I happened on this one by chance on Libby, and I am so freaking happy I did! I don't typically do historical fiction, but always have a soft spot for those centered around the holocaust. No idea why, but damn. This was so good. Hope you enjoy it! 2mo
AmyG I have this audiobook on reserve. Good to know how wonderful it is! 2mo
26 likes3 comments
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monkeygirlsmama
The Fury | Alex Michaelides
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this one though I had the first big surprise figured out well before it was revealed. The rest of them that followed snuck up on me however! A good story with nods to age old classics like Christie, and certainly worth the time. Not my favorite read, but an all around fun whodunnit/whydunnit.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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monkeygirlsmama
A Court of Thorns and Roses | Perfection Learning Corporation
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I had zero interest in reading this series, despite all the hype. Now, based solely on this mid rating review I feel like I simply MUST read it. 🤣🤣🤣

slategreyskies omg haha! I love this! 🤣 2mo
Shemac77 The best review I‘ve ever seen and bang on. I wanted to throw a party when I finished the series. It was terrible. 2mo
26 likes3 comments
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monkeygirlsmama
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Pickpick

Went in blind on this one, knowing nothing about it other than I'd seen it recommended by a total stranger online. Three cheers for recs from randos because this book was quite good! Lots of mystery and raw tension that worked itself out in the end.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Also, for the record, this was great on audio. Will be looking to see other titles this woman has narrated. 👍

Kristy_K Love Marin Ireland as a narrator! She does a lot of Fredrik Backman‘s audiobooks. 2mo
25 likes1 comment
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monkeygirlsmama
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Mehso-so

I'm unable to quite describe my feelings about this book. It was weirdly beautiful; however, it was equally just plain weird. Plus I found both of the main characters, Benny & Annabelle, incredibly infuriating & annoying. The Bottleman was my favorite character by far, so full of colorful personality & wisdom. ... ⤵️

monkeygirlsmama ... ⤴️ Definitely a good book on audio because the narrator had a great voice. I do wonder though if I would have hated Benny & his mom less if the narrator had made them less whiny. Cause, despite everything they both had going on mentally and emotionally, I feel like neither would have been so infantile in the way they talked and pitched fits. Fits & frustrations? Sure, I just don't think they'd sound so childlike; that's what rubbed me wrong. 2mo
Suet624 That‘s too bad about the voices. 2mo
monkeygirlsmama @Suet624 The narrator did amazing with other character voices so maybe he read it the way the author intended, but I know if I had read it I wouldn't have made these two so over the top. Guess it just depends on the vibe of the reader. 🤷‍♀️ 2mo
CindyMyLifeIsLit I just bought the physical book yesterday, so hopefully it will be better without the voices! 2mo
monkeygirlsmama @CindyMyLifeIsLit Will be interested to hear what you think. Happy Reading! 2mo
30 likes5 comments
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monkeygirlsmama
The Fury | Alex Michaelides
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My neighbor's doormat and my #currentread. I couldn't pass up this photo op. 😃

AmyG Ha! Amazing. 2mo
AkashaVampie The freakingly awesome! 2mo
32 likes2 comments
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monkeygirlsmama
Goldfinch | Donna Tartt
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Suet624 Great quote. 2mo
Cathythoughts Love this quote ❤️ 2mo
26 likes2 comments
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monkeygirlsmama
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Mehso-so

I didn't love this and I didn't hate it. You could say it fell solidly in the middle somewhere. I didn't really connect with the characters, but I thought the concept of the story was intriguing. However, the ending, while acceptable, seemed lacking.

⭐⭐⭐

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monkeygirlsmama
Untitled | Unknown
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#WonderousWednesday @Eggs I'm a day late... 😝

📖 Hardback
📖 Fiction
📖 Eh...
📖 Recent release
📖 Coffee
📖 Physical
📖 Print

That said, I am an equal opportunity reader who will gladly read paperback or a hardback or even an ebook. And I love listening to audiobooks when I can't read a printed book (ie at work, when driving, etc). I love coffee and tea both, but default to coffee. 📚🎧📱☕🍵🧋🫖☺️

Eggs 🩷💜🩷 2mo
17 likes1 comment
review
monkeygirlsmama
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book gets all the stars!!! I absolutely loved Tova and Marcellus! ❤️ Truly, a wondrous story that is unlike anything else I've read. 😁

Side note: The narrator had a great voice which made listening to this #audiobook very pleasant.

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Yes!! All the stars ⭐️ 🐙 2mo
29 likes1 comment
blurb
monkeygirlsmama
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Only just starting this, but that prologue! Eerie! 😱🏚️🌲