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The Mars Room
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
From twice National Book Awardnominated Rachel Kushner, whose Flamethrowers was called the best, most brazen, most interesting book of the year (Kathryn Schulz, New York magazine), comes a spectacularly compelling, heart-stopping novel about a life gone off the rails in contemporary America. Its 2003 and Romy Hall is at the start of two consecutive life sentences at Stanville Womens Correctional Facility, deep in Californias Central Valley. Outside is the world from which she has been severed: the San Francisco of her youth and her young son, Jackson. Inside is a new reality: thousands of women hustling for the bare essentials needed to survive; the bluffing and pageantry and casual acts of violence by guards and prisoners alike; and the deadpan absurdities of institutional living, which Kushner evokes with great humor and precision. Stunning and unsentimental, The Mars Room demonstrates new levels of mastery and depth in Kushners work. It is audacious and tragic, propulsive and yet beautifully refined. As James Wood said in The New Yorker, her fiction succeeds because it is so full of vibrantly different stories and histories, all of them particular, all of them brilliantly alive. Kushner is going to be one we turn to for our serious pleasures and for the insight and wisdom well be needing in hard times to come. She is a novelist of the very first order. Robert Stone Kushner is a young master. I honestly dont know how she is able to know so much and convey all of this in such a completely entertaining and mesmerizing way. George Saunders
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Traci1
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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I went to Barnes and Noble with my two youngest kids (9 and 21). I had a list of 8 books I wanted. They had two of them (Mars Room and The Naturals). The other three were impulse buys, and of course I couldn't leave without a new bookmark (or two). I could have spent all day, and a lot more money, but I was trying to show some restraint.

#bookhaul

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Yuki_Onna
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Eggs ❤️🖤❤️ 10mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🖤🚓🧡 10mo
23 likes2 comments
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Shawna
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Eggs This sounds compelling 👏🏻 10mo
22 likes1 comment
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Centique
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Pickpick

Thank you so much for this book @Cathythoughts I thoroughly enjoyed it! Read a chunk of it on a boat trip up in the Bay of Islands.
I have never read anything that made prison life so vivid and real. Romy‘s story and those of her fellow inmates were compelling. The POV of her prison tutor was interesting too - but the inclusion of sections from Kaczynski (the unabomber) seemed out of place. ⬇️

Centique I can see why the amount of POVs have made it messy for many readers. But for me, the Inmates stories were so, so fascinating, it more than compensated. I‘ll definitely look for more books from this author. (edited) 1y
Rissreads This has been on my tbr shelf for years! I will get to it one day! 1y
Blaire @Rissreads same! I need to bump it up the list 1y
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Ruthiella I really like her writing. I also enjoyed 1y
LeahBergen Look at that water! It looks like you‘re having a lovely holiday. ❤️ 1y
Cathythoughts I‘m so glad you enjoyed it Paula ! Looks beautiful where you are ♥️ 1y
Centique @Ruthiella oh good, I will put that on my TBR too 👍 1y
Centique @LeahBergen it was wonderful! Home again now but hopefully we‘ll get some more good boating weekends this summer 🤞 1y
Reggie This picture makes me want to go swimming. Look at you enjoying your weather! This is is right now-🥶. Lol 1y
Centique @Reggie I wish you could be here and go swimming off an island with me!! We‘d just float and talk about books. (Sometimes we use a pool noodle so we can float and drink a glass of something too!) 1y
ClairesReads Loved this 14mo
80 likes11 comments
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Hooked_on_books
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Mehso-so

This one was a mixed bag for me. I found certain aspects of it and certain characters very compelling. But it felt too disjointed, moving between too many characters, and there was one recurring bit that just didn‘t make sense (it was never clear who was speaking). There‘s a terrific book buried in here, but this unfortunately isn‘t it.

squirrelbrain 🐶❤️ 1y
Leftcoastzen I didn‘t even try this one .Her previous novel if I remember right ,got a big review in the New York Times when I read it ,was very disappointed.it too seemed to be a book of great potential that just wasn‘t hitting the marks 1y
Leftcoastzen So cute!🐶 1y
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BarbaraBB I felt similar about it. 1y
TrishB My review was very similar. Just fell a bit flat. 1y
RebelReader I want to love her books, but I don‘t! 🤷🏼‍♀️ 1y
iread2much Cute doggy! 1y
60 likes7 comments
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peacegypsy
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Mehso-so

This novel shows the ugly side not only of prisons, but also of proverbial sunny California. I didn‘t enjoy the book, but that‘s probably a good thing given the number of reprehensible characters. It sheds light on the “other” America that we must force ourselves to see if real social change is going to happen.

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peacegypsy
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Seeing the less attractive side of San Francisco just a few pages in.

JackOBotts Looking forward to seeing your thoughts! This is a #botmbacklog for me. 2y
40 likes1 stack add1 comment
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ImperfectCJ
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this novel. Through the story of Romy Hall and her path to prison it paints a picture of a California that John Steinbeck or Woody Guthrie would recognize, a place of beauty and opportunity for those who are privileged enough to access it, but a trap, a Catch-22, for those who aren't. It's infused with a mix of hope and existential exhaustion.

Megabooks Yes! Excellent review. 3y
60 likes1 comment
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ImperfectCJ
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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A hike in the morning, a movie later this afternoon, and in between, I get to read and hang with Silo while spouse does homeschool with the children. Not a bad Friday.

sharread Kitty with tongue out so cute. ❤❤ 3y
56 likes1 comment
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Centique
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Look what arrived @Cathythoughts ! Thank you so much. I‘m so excited to read this book, it sounds just like my sort of read 😍 And the CD! Your famous and talented husband. I‘m going to go hang in my sons room and borrow his CD player and listen to it this afternoon. Thank you so much, it is so kind of you! 💕💕

Megabooks Such a great book! Very kind gift @Cathythoughts ! 3y
batsy Lovely 💖 3y
LeahBergen Aww! So sweet. 💜💜 3y
Tanisha_A How sweet! 💕 3y
Cathythoughts Your very welcome Paula! I hope you will enjoy the book & the songs 😘😘 3y
73 likes5 comments
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LapReader
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Mehso-so

Reading this one for my international book club. It‘s a slow burn. Flowers are from my Head Teacher to say thankyou for all the over time I have been doing with the Higher School Certificate this year as a reader and writer for Year 12s that need special provisions.

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sprainedbrain
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Pickpick

This book was a bit of a mixed bag... the writing is really good, but the book gets repetitive at times and doesn‘t seem to have a plot; the characters are well-developed, but not very likable; the story is dark and sad, but has its moments of humor and hope. The great ending, together with the fact it was compelling enough that I couldn‘t stop listening, make it a pick.

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

TheBookHippie It‘s sitting in my TBR pile for the last forever 😩🤦🏽‍♀️ thanks for the review. 3y
KatieDid927 Agreed. I will also add that it‘s not a book that sticks with you. I read it right away as my BotM pick a couple years ago and barely remember it now. 3y
BarbaraBB I felt like I had books like this one a thousand times before. Or watched on tv. Nothing memorable about it. I don‘t remember the ending though 🤦🏻‍♀️ 3y
93 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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NovelNancyM
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Mehso-so

At first the story seems disjointed, but it comes together in the end. The characters and setting are well developed that I found myself emotionally connected to the story. Systemic poverty is so pervasive in U.S. society that it helps keep the prisons full.

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AReedCollett
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Mehso-so

A story about a woman who is sent to prison on 2 life sentences for murder and the surrounding her life before and after her incarceration. Very reminiscent of Orange is the New Black, minus the dark humor. #arrcreads #botm

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Michellesibs
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Panpan

Its neither character or plot driven, the only thing driving this was my determination to finish it.
See my full review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2863580627

j.rye I just bailed on this. I wanted to try to stick it out, but it was so all over the place and boring af. 😑 4y
Michellesibs @j.rye I'm so glad it wasnt just me! 4y
33 likes2 comments
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danibel
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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charl08 Great quote! 4y
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vivastory
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Suet624 Great point. I know a bunch of people in City Hall that I used to work with who have said they wanted out for close to 20 years. Honestly, it's ridiculous. 4y
readordierachel I almost brought this book with me on vacation. I'm regretting that I left it at home now. 4y
vivastory @readordierachel I got about 75 pages in & switched to another book. I definitely recommend it but I'm in the mood for something different now. Will definitely be going back to it though. Safe travels!! 4y
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readordierachel Good to know. And, thank you! 😊 Are you traveling anywhere for the holidays? 4y
vivastory @readordierachel No, most of my family is here in KC. It's nice to now have quiet holidays, but I have good memories of traveling over the holidays when I lived in Minneapolis. 4y
readordierachel That sounds nice. Quiet holidays are lovely. I honestly wouldn't travel during them if I didn't have to. Enjoy :) 4y
54 likes6 comments
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ElizaMarie
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Fits a category :)

Go #TeamNutcracker !!! ❄️ #WinterGames

@Bookworm54 , @Clwojick , @StayCurious

1 point participation ⛄️

#WinterReadsBingo

Running total: 1,040

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ElizaMarie
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
Mehso-so

So for the most part I enjoyed it. It‘s heavy (I can do heavy) but the ended what losing me. Had to relisten a few times... then downloaded the ebook and read the ending to grasp it because it was tuning it out.., the author‘s tone was hard to engage at times) ... pick print over audio.

Go #TeamNutcracker !!! ❄️ #WinterGames

@Bookworm54 , @Clwojick , @StayCurious

1 point participation ⛄️+ 15 points #TBRRead= 16 points

Running total: 1,039

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danibel
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Currently reading

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onebigshoe
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
Pickpick

I‘d read Flamethrowers, so I thought I had a handle on Kushner‘s writing—but, it would seem that she is a literary shapeshifter. I enjoyed Flamethrowers, but loved The Mars Room. This book is truly a stunning achievement. A lot of research must have gone into this novel, as it feels utterly authentic. Wondering if Rachel spent time in stir. Big love.

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ElizaMarie
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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So this was put on my #TBRRead after #Murderino Georgia mentioned it on #MFM podcast. This isn‘t a Holiday book but it will be my commute to and from book and shower book :)

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heyitsMacall
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Pickpick

This is the kind of poetry I love. This book has been on my TBR list for years!

TheBookHippie Ohhhh I have it on my TBR as well! I‘ll move it up! 4y
Megabooks Love this one! 4y
TheBookHippie @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks well maybe add it!!! 4y
30 likes5 comments
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booksbeersandbars
Mars Room | Rachel Kushner
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Pickpick

We'll written book about the life of a prisoner...end seemed a bit rushed (which I hate), but it was good overall

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Megabooks
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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I called to renew my car insurance today & the customer service rep asked me if I wanted to add life insurance.

I said “No, I couldn‘t. My husband would get someone to kill me for it then he‘d get a dirty cop to kill the hitman then my husband & the dirty cop would get arrested, & he‘d get someone to murder the cop in prison & I just couldn‘t have that blood on my conscience.”

Kidding! 😳😝 Plot line from tagged that I‘m rereading. Not a spoiler

britt_brooke 🤣 4y
KathyWheeler 😂 4y
TheBookHippie 🤣🤣🤣 4y
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OnlyYoo So no to the life insurance then? Lol 4y
Megabooks Thanks for laughing with me y‘all! @britt_brooke @KathyWheeler @TheBookHippie And yes, hard pass 🤣🤣 @OnlyYoo 4y
Reggie Lololol 4y
Reviewsbylola 🤣🤣🤣 4y
86 likes7 comments
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AnneCecilie
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Pickpick

A novel about Romy Hall. We met her as she is driven out the Stanville Women‘s Correctional Facility, and we get insight into her life in prison and her fellow inmates. We also get the story of how she ended up at Stanville.

The novel offers insight into the life in prison and what the inmates to to pass the time.

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AnneCecilie
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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This scene reminds me of “Black Wings has my Angel” and the scene with Virginia.

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AnneCecilie
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner

Did you ever notice that women can seem common while men never do? You won‘t ever hear anyone describe a man‘s appearance as common. The common man means the average man, a typical man, a decent hardworking person of modest dreams and resources. A common woman is a woman who looks cheap. A woman who looks cheap doesn‘t have to be respected, and so she has a certain value, a certain cheap value.

[p. 24/25]

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AnneCecilie
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Next up

I‘m going to an author event on Wednesday where Kushner will be talking about this novel. It‘s probably time to start reading, right?

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IamIamIam
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Finished up that Ruth Ware & grabbed this one to try. I noticed mixed reviews and I'm hoping the author's reading doesn't kill it for me. I know that can be dicey!! I pulled this out of a long list of Debbie Macomber, Jodie Picoult and naked people on covers... LOL, slim pickings if you're just looking for available audiobooks... or I'm a bit of a snob. Either way... 😤

Victoriahoperose I liked this book! I think it‘s a worthwhile one to read. A little different, but interesting. 5y
IamIamIam @Victoriahoperose I might get it in print because this author's voice is killing me!! 😫 It's flat and I feel like I'm in high school again, rolling my eyes through the next paragraph. It's tough going already and I'm only 10 minutes in! 5y
Megabooks I liked it, but I read the print, not audio. 5y
IamIamIam @Megabooks I think that's my new plan. The author was really grating on my nerves! 5y
39 likes4 comments
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Caroline2
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Pickpick

What a heartbreakingly raw read. I can see how this isn‘t for everyone. Romy Hall is serving a life sentence and her story is told in chaotic flashbacks, which can make it an uncomfortable read; but for me it works. Her life is so messed up so the style fits; I was right there in the turmoil with her. This book consumed me; I feel a bit traumatised!!

Zelma This was quite good, though I didn‘t love the scenes toward the end. It just didn‘t quite work for me. 5y
Caroline2 @Zelma yeah, it seems to be a love it/hate it kinda book. 🤷‍♀️ 5y
jhod I loved this too xx 5y
101 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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Caroline2
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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I‘ve heard mixed reviews but I‘m looking forward to reading this one next. 👍🏻 #prison #letstravelaugust

OriginalCyn620 This was my choice too! 5y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Pretty photo!! 5y
Caroline2 @OriginalCyn620 Great minds! 😉 5y
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Kimberlone I ended up really liking this book even though it wasn‘t what I expected 5y
Caroline2 @Kimberlone oh that‘s good to know! 👍🏻 5y
77 likes6 comments
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OriginalCyn620
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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The last book I read that takes place in a #prison. #letstravelaugust
👮🏻‍♀️⛓

Megabooks I really liked this book. 5y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks How was this one?? 5y
OriginalCyn620 @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks It was okay. Something fell flat for me and I‘m not quite sure if I liked the ending. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 5y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @OriginalCyn620 I have it... on the shelf lol 5y
50 likes4 comments
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JSW
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
Pickpick

I could not put this one down. Riveting and heartbreaking and raw. Such tragedy surrounds us in people‘s lives.

readordierachel I just started this one! I definitely see what you mean. 5y
21 likes1 comment
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GloVerdino
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Apparently I just can‘t help myself at a used book store sale!

AmyG Hahaha. Who CAN? 5y
GloVerdino @AmyG Very true! 5y
25 likes2 comments
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Megabooks
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Pickpick

@britt_brooke I did like it! I thought Doc‘s storyline was superfluous but interesting. As someone who used to watched Locked Up and now watches Girls Incarcerated, this was kinda up my alley. I like the voice and perspective jumping. That‘s my thing, too. 4⭐️

#bfc #bfcr2 #goteam Managed to up my walking downtown tonight! Book 27/28

Going to start Rainbirds next, I think. #botmbacklog lol!

britt_brooke So happy you liked it, too. Nice review! 5y
Charityann 👍🏼😊 5y
wanderinglynn Way to go! 🙌🏻 5y
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TheEllieMo Excellent progress! 5y
Emilymdxn Your amount of reading is genuinely so inspiring!! 5y
Megabooks @britt_brooke Thanks! 😊😊 (edited) 5y
Megabooks @wanderinglynn Thank you!! 5y
Megabooks @TheEllieMo Thanks!! 👍🏻👍🏻 5y
Megabooks @Emilymdxn You‘re doing pretty well yourself!! And thank you! 😊😊 5y
94 likes3 stack adds10 comments
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Megabooks
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Reading this #BOTM from last year. At least I have my sushi book mark! I think those two are my favorites. 💜🍣💜

RaimeyGallant Great bookmark. Great book, too! 5y
Megabooks @RaimeyGallant Thanks! I‘m enjoying it. 👍🏻 5y
britt_brooke This one is pretty dark and somber, but I really liked it. Far exceeded my expectations. 5y
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Megabooks @britt_brooke I‘m 50ish pages in and definitely getting that vibe. I like it so far. Good for my mood reading! 5y
Reviewsbylola I still haven‘t read this one! 5y
Megabooks @Reviewsbylola I can‘t tell if it‘s going to be a pick or a so-so. We‘ll see! 5y
Clwojick That bookmark! 😍 5y
Megabooks @Clwojick Thanks!! 5y
103 likes3 stack adds8 comments
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ReadUntilYourEyesAreRed
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Mehso-so

I loved this book although the change of perspectives was almost a bit unnecessary, I wish it had followed Romy all the way through in a way as Doc didn‘t add a lot. Overall all a very good read ,comes across as almost non-fiction. P.S. lovely to get back to Litsy for summer hot tub reads after the busy exam season :)

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Readerann
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Pickpick

Even if we don‘t love a book, I think we often feel better for reading it because it takes us to some knowledge and understanding of lives different from our own. #ToB

Suet624 Exactly. 5y
16 likes1 comment
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jillannjohn
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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I started this book while waiting for my mom at the hospital. What I really needed was a light read. I don‘t know what I was thinking, this is a depressing book. Still going though...

CaitlinR As an aging feminist, I really wanted to love this book. Tried it in paper; tried in as audio. Bailed on both. 5y
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Macnjen
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Audiobook. I'm impressed, this novel sounds like non-fiction. This is a story of a young woman sent to prison and her story. First heard of list from Anne Bogel's “What Should I Read Next“ podcast. Not for the weak of heart in some places. Glad I listened, it's a quick story. The narrator's voice wasn't my favorite but it did remind me the protagonist is a young person, which was good.

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Macnjen
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Next audiobook.

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Cathythoughts
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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#MayMovieMagic #SpaceOddity I do have this book at home .. but I‘m not that inclined to pick it up 🤷🏻‍♀️

TrishB Not a fav for me. 5y
batsy I'm not sure why, but I don't much feel like reading this one either (or any of her previous books 🤷🏽‍♀️) 5y
Cinfhen It wasn‘t worthy of any of the hype, IMHO #JustSayin 5y
55 likes3 comments
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Reviewsbylola
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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BOTM used to get #allmylove. Along with the #botmchallenge, I also had multiple accounts and constantly raves about the service. Sadly, it‘s gone downhill, and I have canceled my subscription multiple times. This is my current collection, which includes favorite titles and TBR. #anglophileapril

Mdargusch I still love my collection ❤️ 5y
mdemanatee I got my mom a six month subscription for XMas so she could try new things and I got to see some of her editions when home for Easter and definitely understood your critique of the binding. 5y
Cinfhen You were Queen of #BOTM 👑sorry they let you down☹️ @bitterbetty 5y
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Gissy 📚📚📚😍❤️❤️❤️ 5y
swishandflick I'm so salty that they started this whole "BOTM BFF" loyalty program right after I quit after being a member for two years! 5y
Reviewsbylola It‘s such bullshit!! I‘ve ordered 38 boxes thru my main account over the last three years but because I canceled recently, it shows that I‘ve only ordered one box on the BFF page. 🙄 @swishandflick 5y
emilyhaldi Get it together BOTM!!!!!!! 5y
95 likes8 comments
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youneverarrived
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Mehso-so

I wish this had stayed with Romys perspective. It started off really strong but then I didn‘t think the chapters from Doc or Gordon added anything at all. I love that it shows how effed up the prison system in the US is & the themes of choices, crime etc. but there was a disconnect for me in that I felt barely anything for the characters. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ #womensprize

Cathythoughts Interesting review! I have this on my shelf.. it may be There awhile ..... 5y
youneverarrived @Cathythoughts yeah, I‘d say there‘s better books to be reading. Be interested in what you think when you get to it though. 5y
65 likes2 comments
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DocBrown
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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Mehso-so

A whole lot of What, not as much How, and very little Why. I found the premise interesting and was hoping that the story would actually go somewhere. But no. Just bleak vignettes of life in a California women‘s prison. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Naj This book was unbearable. I couldn't even finish it. 5y
tammysue Thanks for your honesty, will def remove from tbr. 👍🏻😊 5y
britt_brooke I liked this one, but you‘re right, very bleak. 5y
67 likes3 comments
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DocBrown
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
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‘To work at IHOP, you first go to Walmart or a place like it to get work shoes. Where you see if you didn‘t already know, that most of the adult-size shoes they sell are for working on construction sites, or in hospitals, prisons, restaurants, and schools. And the children‘s shoes are starter versions of the same. Waitress shoes and medical assistant shoes and work boots. Cheap factory knockoffs for people whose choices are to work these crap...‘

DocBrown ‘jobs, or crack up and go to a much lower grade of a low grade shoe made by prison industries.‘ 5y
Paula3 Wow 😎 5y
Christine This passage has stuck with me, too! 5y
Suet624 Truth. 5y
63 likes1 stack add4 comments
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teainthelibrary
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner
Mehso-so

I‘m not sure how to rate this book - I liked it and thought it was interesting. But it took me weeks to finish and thought it dragged a lot. I appreciated the honest depiction of life in prison and the often brutal nature of it. I felt for so many of the characters, I just wish the writing would have allowed me to enjoy their stories more.

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BramBresseleers
The Mars Room: A Novel | Rachel Kushner

"Sometimes what other people want is wantable, briefly, before dissolving in the face of your own wants."