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Magician's Assistant (Revised)
Magician's Assistant (Revised) | Ann Patchett
Third -- and breakthrough -- novel by an acclaimed American writer with an enchanting, quirky voice. The Magician's Assistant is at once a love story and a brilliant portrayal of reinvention about a magician who dies leaving his assistant/wife to discover he has lied about his past. A magician (with one memorable appearance on the Johnny Carson Show to his credit) takes the name Parsifal. He is gay. He has a Vietnamese lover, Phan. When Phan dies of AIDS, Parsifal marries the woman who has always adored him and who has lived with them both, his assistant Sabine. Then Parsifal himself dies in California, suddenly and shockingly, of an aneurysm. Parsifal always said that he had no living family and that he came from wealthy upscale Connecticut stock. The reality is very different, as Sabine learns from his lawyer. He came from a poor Nebraska family and they are very much alive. Indeed his mother and sister are on their way to California to meet Sabine, the daughter- and sister-in-law they know nothing about. It is bad that her husband has died. What Sabine must now cope with is coming to terms with his horrific past and the reason he divorced himself from his family and roots.
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PaperbackPirate
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Pickpick

Hey Team #Flerken, I finally finished a book this month!
This was my first by Ann Patchett and I‘ll definitely be reading more by her. This was an excellent story of grief, hope, resilience, love, and MAGIC. The characters seem so real to me. I even feel like I‘ve held the rabbit.
Read if you like unconventional relationships, found family, the American dream, and women uplifting women.
🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇

#HauntedShelf

PuddleJumper Brilliant! Sounds like an interesting book 2d
44 likes1 comment
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PaperbackPirate
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🎩 I started this yesterday for my book club on Saturday. That‘s the 5th book I‘ve read part of this month, and I have finished 0 for various reasons.
🪚 Sorry team #Flerken! If there were points for starting a book, reading part of a book, dnfing a book…I would be killing it! 😅
🐇 Enjoying this one so far anyway!
🪄 Taken today in line at a new-to-me vegan bakery that was very cute but medium yum.
#hauntedshelf #alwaysbringabook

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HeatherBookNerd
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Pickpick

A story about love and family in all its forms. I really liked these characters and their unusual family dynamics. Patchett always creates such vivid, specific, interesting characters and relationships.

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Balibee146
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Next on #kindle

Karkar I think I would read this for the cute bunny on the cover! 😍 8mo
rwmg It's on my TBR list so I'll look forward to what you think 8mo
50 likes4 stack adds2 comments
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JackOBotts
Pickpick

This was beautiful - such an unusual storyline in some ways…but beautiful. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Michael_Gee Agree! 9mo
24 likes1 comment
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Butterfinger
Magician's Assistant | Ann Patchett
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#12Booksof2021 @Andrew65

Adored the characters.

#My5Stars2021 @Tove_Reads

Tomorrow When the War Began

Andrew65 Looks good. 3y
37 likes1 comment
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Soubhiville
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Pickpick

I chose this for my #Nebraska book for #readthestates and I‘m glad I did. I really liked it! I think this is only my second by Patchett, but I‘ve liked both of them so I‘ll definitely read more in the future.

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Rachel.Rencher
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Pickpick

UGH I WANTED MOOOORE. I'm in awe of Ann Patchett's ability to literally have ONE chapter break in an entire book and still pull the reader along. I loved Sabine for her patience, tolerance, open-mind, and ability to handle difficult things with grace. This was a beautiful story of grief, exploration of one's identity, love, family, and a little bit of magic. 💕

ChaoticMissAdventures Ann Patchett (especially her older work) is just amazing 😍 3y
sharread Great review. 👍 3y
92 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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Rachel.Rencher
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This was a surprisingly appropriate choice as my first book to read in our new apartment.

Sabine's husband dies, and she finds out that he left behind an entire family in Nebraska. She goes to Nebraska to find answers to questions she didn't know she had, and learns why he claimed they were all dead.

There's a lot of hate toward NE in the book, but I'm enjoying it here so far. 😂

ItsAnotherJen Oh no! Nebraska is a beautiful state, but it doesn't seem to get much love in books or movies.🤷‍♀️ 3y
86 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Skygoddess1
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this Patchett book, I listened to it on audio. I loved learning about Parcifal/Guy along with Sabine when she goes to Nebraska to spend time with his family. I especially loved when Sabine would meet with Phan in her dreams. #AuthorAMonth #BookspinBingo

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 3y
12 likes1 comment
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Addison_Reads
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#CuriousCovers @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

Another book I really enjoyed this month. 😁

Eggs Well done! I enjoyed this one too! 3y
26 likes1 comment
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Eggs
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Pickpick

Read in one sitting. Sabine, after devoting her life to her magician husband, discovers secrets that will lead to her own magical self-discovery adventure 🐇

#authoramonth2021 @Soubhiville

#bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks

Michael_Gee I loved this one! 3y
Eggs @Michael_Gee yes such great characters! 3y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
68 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Addison_Reads
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Pickpick

#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks #AuthorAMonth2021 @Soubhiville

Loved this one. 💚 It's a slow build dealing with relationships, family, loss, and secrets. Patchett has a unique way of writing about human connections in a beautifully heartbreaking way that I really appreciate.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
39 likes1 comment
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Butterfinger
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Pickpick

What a lovely book. All the characters, except for the abusive bastard, were all so lovable. And the love that the characters showed for one another just gutted me. I didn't want to finish reading. Thank you @BookishBelle for the recommendation. I loved it and it will probably be on my 2021 list for #NewYearWhoDis @monalyisha

BookishBelle Yw! What a lovely review. Such a good book. 4y
monalyisha Oh good! I want to read this one & am psyched to see such a positive review. 💯 4y
38 likes2 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
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Two, very important, questions:

1. Why do cats love to lie on/near our books?

2. What's the proper name for two cats snuggling? A Cuddle of Cats? A Tangle of Tabbies?

#CatsofLitsy #OtisandArethaSayHi

Lauram Cuddle puddle! 4y
quietlycuriouskate They're gorgeous! ❤️ 4y
Jari-chan A caddle! 4y
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lazydaizee They look very comfortable, what are their names? 4y
TheKidUpstairs @Carolyn60 Aretha and Otis 😸 4y
TheKidUpstairs @Lauram @Jari-chan I love both cuddle puddle and caddle! 😂😂 4y
TheKidUpstairs @kathedron thanks 😊 4y
84 likes7 comments
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MommyWantsToReadHerBook
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Thanks for the tag, @Trashcanman!

🍁 I'm grateful for lovely weather we're having - birds in the garden, my girls being able to be outside lots. And for friends that are loving and supporting while I'm going through a difficult time.

🍁 A deep, committed, selfless love.

@Eggs #wondrouswednesday

I tag @JNSibanda @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick @Jeg

Eggs Beautiful summary 📖! Thanks for joining in ❤️🌟👏🏻 4y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Thanks for the tag! 4y
JNSibanda Thanks for the tag! I'm massively late though 😅 4y
35 likes3 comments
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Crysboehne
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Pickpick

While I wasn‘t blown away, I enjoyed the calm sweetness and unexpected love. A dreamlike story to remind us that regardless of who you are, you deserve love, always.

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MommyWantsToReadHerBook
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Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This book was just utterly beautiful. It broke my heart but it was completely wonderful.

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TheSpineView
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Scochrane26 This was the first Patchett I read, & I didn‘t love it. 4y
Lcsmcat Don‘t stop with this one. It‘s not representative of her work. I‘d recommend 4y
rabbitprincess I am here mainly for the bunny on the cover 🐰😻 4y
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Ruthiella @Scochrane26 I didn‘t like it either but I‘ve enjoyed every other book I‘ve read from her! 4y
TheSpineView @Scochrane26 A lot of people have said the same thing. 4y
TheSpineView @Lcsmcat I've not read Run yet. Good to know. Thanks! 4y
Scochrane26 @Lcsmcat @Ruthiella @TheSpineView I was hesitant to try her other books, but then I read The Dutch House in Jan & loved it. I‘ll try another of hers soon. 4y
Eggs Cover Love 🐰 4y
TheSpineView @Eggs ❣📚❣ 4y
TheSpineView @Scochrane26 Good to know! Thanks! 📚📚📚 4y
63 likes1 stack add12 comments
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BookishBelle
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#FriYayIntro @4thhouseontheleft @howjessreads

1. We got these from a friend who has been making them with her Mom. Gave her a loaf of homemade bread to say thanks.
2. 2. Tagged fave. Took me forever to read it but I‘m still thinking about it.
3. Reading the book haul I got in today! All mysteries!
4. Fried catfish! Yum!

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BookishBelle
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Starting this one today. #lunchtimereading #bookandlunch

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Lcsmcat
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“Anything that was not about a girl‘s love for her horse.” 😂

jewright I remember refusing to read anymore books about horses. Black Beauty was so traumatic! 5y
Lcsmcat @jewright When I was about 12 my mother and I were waiting somewhere and she didn‘t have a book with her. I offered her mine, about a girl who loses her horse, and Mom said she‘d rather not because the girl would just get the horse back. 5y
43 likes2 comments
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Lcsmcat
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Starting this today. I hope the rabbit‘s face isn‘t indicative of things to come. 😁🐇

Texreader That is a scary rabbit 5y
Lcsmcat @Texreader I‘m only 60 some pages in, but so far Rabbit is sweet. 5y
41 likes1 stack add2 comments
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abookishbutterfly
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TBR book: The premise is definitely a matter of #fooledyou and I am looking forward to reading it. #springintoreading @vkois88 @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ❤️❤️ 6y
vkois88 Sounds interesting! 6y
80 likes2 comments
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JeffreyK

I'm about halfway through this book, my first Ann Patchett, and I'm loving it.

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RobinGustafson
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Deborah42
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Pickpick

Sabine has been Parsifal‘s assistant for many years. Though he‘s gay and uninterested in her as a romantic partner, he finally marries her after his beloved dies. When Parsifal dies unexpectedly, Sabine discovers that his family is not dead (as he told her) but alive and on their way to visit her in Los Angeles.

I absolutely love Patchett‘s writing. My only complaint is that her endings are so abrupt. I wanted more!

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Lcsmcat
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A stack of #red books from my and my husband‘s TBR. #readingResolutions @Jess7

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ErinGoBragh1011
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Bailedbailed

So i ditched this book in the middle of the first chapter. I just couldn't get into it. I was so bored I didn't want to pick it back up to read it.

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ErinGoBragh1011
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IndyHannaJones Hmm I've thought of reading this one... 7y
ErinGoBragh1011 @IndyHannaJones I am not really sure jow I feel about it yet. It was free in Kindle Unlimited and I jeard good things about it. Its too soon to tell. I am only 60pgs in. 7y
7 likes2 comments
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Aseleener
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This popped up on my FB memories today from 3 years ago. Pretty much the worst typo I've ever seen in a professionally published novel. 💩 😮 #typo

TrishB Ouch....that‘s a bad one! 7y
rabbitprincess 😂😂😂💩 7y
26 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Penny_LiteraryHoarders
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Book mail from Book Depository. 😊 Always fun to receive “Royal Mail” 😊😊😊 I HAD to have The Magician‘s Assistant with this cover! Had to. It‘s perfect for the weather outside right now too.

62 likes2 stack adds
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violabrain
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Pickpick

I love everything I've read by Ann Patchett and this book was no exception. I'm always so sad to leave her characters behind when the book ends!

RebelReader I just read this too and loved it!❤️ 7y
11 likes1 comment
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RebelReader
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This is my #libraryhaul today. I started the above mentioned book on audio, but unfortunately I didn't finish it in time so I had to pick up a hard copy. I have read all of Patchett's books except this one and The Patron Saint of Liars which is still on my #TBR list. In my defense, I did return 4 books. 😜

mcipher This is my favorite Patchett!! Now I want to read it again. 7y
RebelReader @mcipher I'm just at the point where she goes to Nebraska. I'm enjoying it so far! 👍 7y
30 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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BkClubCare
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Current audiobook. It is great having a job I get to travel and listen!

scripturient I still owe you a letter. It‘s coming soon, I promise. 🙂 7y
BkClubCare @scripturient - no worries; no pressures; all fun 💌📝 7y
BkClubCare @scripturient - I'm still listening to this book... it's odd and strangely fascinating. Patchett is a wonder 7y
29 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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Michael_Gee
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My Deronda interlude between Meeting Streams and Maiden's Choosing: a story of discovering a family connection you didn't know existed. Difficult to put down. But oh my--what a corny cover!

5 likes1 stack add
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Kelly
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I'm not really a crier when I read but the book on the left is one I love so much it makes me cry thinking about it and the one on the right is one that made me laugh-cry more than a few times. #riotgrams

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MissKatie
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Help! An hour in and not really feeling it. . .

If you've read it, what do you think:
keep going or give up now?

🐰 🎩 #hoopla

rubyslippersreads I'll be interested in seeing what people say, because this is one I keep wondering if I want to read or not. 8y
22 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Jeg
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Op shop buy today. $1! I've read Bel Canto and right now reading Commonwealth. So sometime soon I'll give this a go. Have you read it @MrsMalaprop ?

MrsMalaprop Oh wow! Such a bargain. And no, the only Ann Patchett I've read is Bel Canto & State of Wonder. Look forward to your review. 8y
4 likes1 comment
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LaLove
Mehso-so

Ugh, I loved this book until the end. Felt forced and didn't fit.

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LitDrivenGirl
Magician's Assistant | Ann Patchett
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When they fill the window with cast off books & you go in looking for the window realizing it is the books they considered worthy not to find 😉. Small used bookstore we found after our weekend knitting session & had to leave after a short visit b/c once again my body decides no more! I'm tired of being sick 😝. I did, however, stumble upon an Ann Patchett book. I don't know if this is where to start with her, but I'm game. #weekend #annpatchett

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forbirdsandtea
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Just started my first Ann Patchett book - loving it so far! Thanks Litsy for the introduction! #annpatchett #amreading #libraryrental

2 likes2 stack adds
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ApoptyGina69

I read this as an e-book in the dark under the covers during a bad bout of insomnia. Ha! Don't read such a fantastic book if you're trying to doze off. I was riveted.

1 like1 stack add
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makeworkproject
Magician's Assistant | Ann Patchett
Pickpick

My favourite book. Gorgeous.