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Birds of America
Birds of America: A Novel | Mary McCarthy
9 posts | 3 read | 1 to read
A poignant and evocative novel of self-discovery that follows a young man in America and abroad, on a journey into adulthood during the turbulent 1960s It is 1964, and Peter Levi, a young student and bird watcher, has come to Paris to study at the Sorbonne. Shy and innocent at nineteen years old, he arrives fresh from an extended Maine holiday with his vivacious mother, and is determined to live a life free of unwanted complications and unnecessary stress. But this is an era of great change in the world, a time when war is looming in Southeast Asia and social unrest is simmering. There is much to trouble and confuse the young American as he journeys through foreign countriesand feelingsinto adulthood. For Peter, the simplicity of childhood is overand his new life is becoming increasingly complex in a world growing more unrecognizable by the day. Mary McCarthys splendid Birds of America is a moving and surprising coming-of-age tale: the unforgettable story of a young mans awakening, and a stunning evocation of the disorienting change of the 1960s. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Mary McCarthy including rare images from the authors estate.
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Leftcoastzen
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I know I read her first book The Company She Keeps & her most famous,The Group. Not sure I‘ve read this one .Adding to the confusion, Lorrie Moore has a book with the same title I know I‘ve read .Still , when you find a book ,even a book club edition, from 1971 in such good condition for a $1 , you must buy it.
#allthebooks

Ruthiella You must! Other than The Group, I read her memoir (?) Memories if a Catholic Girlhood which I recall enjoying, though it‘s been many years now since I read it. 3y
35 likes1 comment
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Booksnchill
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Ok my New Yorker post for this Sunday is an article on “Spark Birds” and highlights a 13 part documentary series on 2 birder brothers who caught the spark when watching a peregrine falcon out the window of their Bronx homeless shelter. The series is available on topic.com for free and it is fun to watch- called “Birds of North America”. Lovely for Sunday Morning 🦅🦉

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TCLinrow
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Had to flip the pic sideways so you could see it properly but oh well...
1. Display at #Waterstones that I thought might help with #BackpackEurope
2. 20°c/12°c
3. Chicken Fajitas
4. I like handwriting things and all, but 10 times? Tough call.
5. Ice cold white wine, or my Nana's Gin and Juice combo (still haven't worked out which juices she uses🤔)

gina.b.hooked I LOVE that your Nana has a gin and juice concoction! 6y
76 likes1 comment
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Twocougs
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Just got my Penguin Women Writers Series. ❤️❤️❤️ @penguinrandomhouse @PenguinPublishing @Penguinpress @penguinusa

The_Real_Nani Love the covers!! 6y
ChrysFey What‘s the title of the pink one? 6y
Twocougs The Lark😀 6y
33 likes3 comments
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rachaich
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"How can a person be for peace if he's never experienced a feeling of peacefulness? "
Indeed.

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rachaich
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Enjoying this read very much. Whilst the male protagonist comes across as spoilt and in some ways over protected, he narrates a fascinating view if the time. I find the style of writing appealing, and the way the chapters are spaced.

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rachaich
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Looking forward to reading this.
I read The Group some years ago and liked the style of writing as well as the era in which it was set.

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rachaich
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This is one stack from my visit yesterday :)

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ApoptyGina69
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Pickpick

After sitting with it for a couple days after finishing, I'm rating this a pick rather than so-so. It's definitely dated as far as family attitudes and behaviors go (pub 1975, takes place mid-60s), but tackles the same themes we grapple with today: ecology, divorce, political ideologies, racism, philosophy, and it's oddly predictive of current events. Don't rush right out to read it, but page through if you find a cheap used copy.