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The Last Romantics
The Last Romantics: A Novel | Tara Conklin
The New York Times bestselling author of The House Girl explores the lives of four siblings in this ambitious and absorbing novel in the vein of Commonwealth and The Interestings. The greatest works of poetry, what makes each of us a poet, are the stories we tell about ourselves. We create them out of family and blood and friends and love and hate and what weve read and watched and witnessed. Longing and regret, illness, broken bones, broken hearts, achievements, money won and lost, palm readings and visions. We tell these stories until we believe them. When the renowned poet Fiona Skinner is asked about the inspiration behind her iconic work, The Love Poem, she tells her audience a story about her family and a betrayal that reverberates through time. It begins in a big yellow house with a funeral, an iron poker, and a brief variation forever known as the Pause: a free and feral summer in a middle-class Connecticut town. Caught between the predictable life they once led and an uncertain future that stretches before them, the Skinner siblingsfierce Renee, sensitive Caroline, golden boy Joe and watchful Fionaemerge from the Pause staunchly loyal and deeply connected. Two decades later, the siblings find themselves once again confronted with a family crisis that tests the strength of these bonds and forces them to question the life choices theyve made and ask what, exactly, they will do for love. A sweeping yet intimate epic about one American family, The Last Romantics is an unforgettable exploration of the ties that bind us together, the responsibilities we embrace and the duties we resent, and how we can loseand sometimes rescuethe ones we love. A novel that pierces the heart and lingers in the mind, it is also a beautiful meditation on the power of storieshow they navigate us through difficult times, help us understand the past, and point the way toward our future.
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IndoorDame
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#InvolvesFuneral This one has literally been sitting on my shelf waiting to be read since an arc unexpectedly showed up at my house 🤦‍♀️ #BookBinge @Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Eggs 💙💚🖤 7mo
JenReadsAlot Omg me too! Lol 7mo
IndoorDame @JenReadsAlot 🤣🤣🤣that totally makes me feel better! 7mo
44 likes3 comments
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rachelk
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Pickpick

I enjoyed much of this family saga chronicling the love between four siblings (initially marked by the early loss of their father) and the unexpected ways their lives unfold. However, I was much more absorbed reading about their childhoods than the frustrating adult years, which made this a somewhat tepid pick.

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peacegypsy
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Panpan

This is a book for someone going through deep, dark grief. For that, I commend it. For me, I wish I had abandoned it early on and avoided the maddening repetition. If you are grieving, however, this book will be of great help.

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peacegypsy
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Listening on audio.

31 likes1 stack add
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MrsBibliophile
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Panpan

Oof... Anyone that follows me, knows how difficult it is for me to hate a book. This book was terrible. I hated the choppy flow, how it jumped from present to past and then changed character views. It felt rushed and forced. The characters weren't very developed and they weren't very dimensional.

I also loathe knowing any authors political views, regardless of what they are... Politics are so ugly and divisive, I read to stay away from them.

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Nikki_E
Mehso-so

Well written but a bit of a slog to listen to.

45 likes1 stack add
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Nikki_E
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1. The Last Romantics, Three Little Words, There, There

2. Crying in H-mart

3. The Killer Across the Table

#weekendreads

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JackieGreco
Pickpick

I loved this book, it made me think deeply about the how life is determined by each decision we make. It also made me think about the connection of family and sharing joint history. This was a thriller of sorts but an enjoyable story through the journey.

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rebbyj
Mehso-so

An interesting story about family.

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bluestocking.book.nerd
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Mehso-so

Today's #BookOfTheDay opens in the year 2079 with a slightly dystopian feeling - sirens and bunkers and the implied restructuring of the government - but transforms into a meandering story about a family. From the childhood tragedy to the quiet continuing of life as separate, but connected, adults, this story is a great #contemporaryfiction #bookclub pick, but personally not a book that satisfies. #BookNerdReads 14/365

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jdiehr
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Pickpick

I liked this one just fine.

That being said, I feel like I won't remember much in a few weeks time.

Still more a 'pick' than a 'so-so.'

23 likes1 stack add2 comments
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SolitaryBookLover
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Pickpick


A beautifully written story about four siblings trying to cope with life after ‘The Pause‘, a time when they are bound together by the freedom and responsibilities forced upon them. This made me think about our roles in familial relationships and how they‘re created. I could definitely relate to the two older sisters who take on the roles of not just care givers but the responsibility of the invisible load, the carrying of the worry for others.

8 likes1 stack add
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Kalalalatja
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Mehso-so

An okay read, but I wasn‘t blown away.it started out pretty good with a group of four siblings coming to terms with their father‘s death, their Mother‘s following depression, and the upheaval of their lives. However, from there it became messy, as the book moved to their adult lives, and all the foreshadowing drove me nuts.

#Doublespin #BookSpinBingo

TheAromaofBooks Great review!! 4y
BarbaraBB A bit of a #meh week for you I guess 🤷🏻‍♀️ 4y
Kalalalatja @BarbaraBB yup, but at least I‘m reading 👍 4y
SilversReviews I did not like this book at all. 4y
BarbaraBB That‘s right, I‘m so glad to have you here up and running again 💜 4y
52 likes5 comments
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CassieT
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Panpan

⭐️⭐️
I barely slogged my way through this book. The characters were boring boilerplates, the storyline was annoying to try to follow, and the author‘s not-so-subtle agendas were irritating. The book was superficial and vapid at times, with a few tiny, bright moments. I gave it two stars because I could see the author is a talented writer and that perhaps this just isn‘t her best work. I don‘t recommend this book. It‘s just...blah.

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canbku
Pickpick

Read this a while ago. A lot stuck with me after I was reminded of the plot when my library suggested it. I like that there was a tension throughout of a family tragedy and it didn't just wallop you with it out of the blue. Loved these siblings and the way they made their lives function out of so much disfunction

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BoleyBooks
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Tackle the TBR 🤓📚 #boleybooks #thelastromantics #taraconklin #booklove #bookbeast #bookclub
What are you reading?😊

BoleyBooks @AmyG I heard it is an excellent book and film...it is on my TBR. 4y
48 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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cassareada
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4 of my favorite things in one photo.

Books, monkeys, the color purple, and Orchid flowers.

Today is a happy day.

JoScho That little monkey is adorable! 4y
cassareada @JoScho thank you!! I painted him myself. 4y
JoScho Well done! 4y
65 likes3 comments
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perfectsinner
Mehso-so

It is okay. I was a bit disappointed because this book had been on my want to reads list for years, but I didn't enjoy it very much. I had a lot of trouble connecting with the characters, and I don't understand what the future setting was supposed to do for the story. I wish I had been able to grab it from the library, instead of buying it.

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Cinfhen
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Pickpick

“We are all or nothing.”
The Skinner siblings forge a deep bond when their father dies during the early years of childhood. With their mother on a “pause”, the skinner siblings are left to their own devices. They come to depend on one another for everything, so when Joe the lone brother falls away from his sisters, they all begin to unravel. 👇🏼

Cinfhen This is a slow drawn out story. If you‘re looking for a plot driven read this will disappoint, but if you‘re craving an intense character rich exploration of family, regrets, longings and loyalties you‘ll be rewarded. ( In honesty, it was a tad too long)
I‘m not sure I would have liked this novel as much in print but as an audiobook it took on a dreamy, mysterious quality.
4y
Megabooks Great review!! 4y
Crazeedi Nice synopsis! And your food looks yummy!💖 4y
See All 9 Comments
Cinfhen I made mini quiches and some guacamole @Crazeedi trying to kick sugar from my diet. That covid19 put some extra pounds on me 😫 4y
Cinfhen You have to be in the right mood for this one @Megabooks but it really spoke to my heart....i think you‘d love it @Suet624 @KarenUK but it is a SLOW BURN 4y
KarenUK It was a bookclub for B&N but was the alternate month when my co-worker hosts, so I didn‘t get round to reading it..... does sound good, thanks so much for tagging me 💕 4y
Cinfhen Miss you my friend @KarenUK so I think of you often 💜 4y
KarenUK Right back at ya my lovely 😘💕 4y
Suet624 Thanks for the shout out. 4y
81 likes1 stack add9 comments
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HeatherBookNerd
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Pickpick

This was between a so-so and a pick. I enjoyed it just fine, and I never felt like quitting, but it was just ok. There were too many moments where I found myself asking questions of the characters that never had good answers. They didn‘t quite feel real to me.

Christine My feelings about this were similar! Great cover, though. 4y
50 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Cinfhen
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So I‘ve listened to over 5 1/2 hours of this audio ~ 6 1/2 to go 🎧It‘s a slow build up, I‘ve JUST now gotten to the plot! But as an audio it‘s perfect , it‘s totally fine if your mind wanders for a bit😁

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Cinfhen
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This is a slow burn - it‘s an elegantly written story of siblings navigating a traumatic childhood. The death of their father and the abandonment of their mother. It‘s very slow paced but I don‘t mind listening, Cassandra Campbell is a wonderful narrator.

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Cinfhen
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Just started this book. It‘s on my #BookSpin list but I think it might be #16 😜I‘m not quite following the designated order 🤫 Anyway, I know this has mixed reviews but so far I‘m liking it.

squirrelbrain You rebel! 4y
TrishB 😂😂 4y
Cinfhen I‘m not a good rule follower @TrishB @squirrelbrain 🙈 4y
See All 6 Comments
Bookzombie 😂😂 4y
Cinfhen I‘m a mood reader @Bookzombie I couldn‘t stick with the program.... I did read my #BookSpin & #DoubleSpin though 💜 4y
Bookzombie @Cinfhen I understand. I‘m enjoying my fourth book on the list but I keeping eyeing the rest. 😆 4y
76 likes6 comments
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Lauram
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Pickpick

I won this ages ago in a Goodreads giveaway. It‘s just slightly better than a so-so. As I read this book, I often thought about the relationship I have with my sisters and the ways in which certain people and events brought us together.

64 likes1 stack add
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kspenmoll
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#februaryfeels #spinepoem2

The Last Romantics
A Constellation of Roses
The Atomic Weight of Love
Love and Ruin
When All is Said
How to Walk Away.

Eggs Well done❣️❣️ 4y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Pretty ❤️❤️ 4y
kspenmoll @Eggs I enjoy figuring out spine poetry. Thanks!!!💕 4y
Eggs Yes @kspenmoll it is a worthy challenge 4y
Tanisha_A Very nice! 4y
70 likes5 comments
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Redwritinghood
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Mehso-so

This lengthy family saga seemed to go in so many different directions. The story mainly revolves around three sisters and how they dealt with their brother, collectively and individually. I would have preferred to see more between the sisters. There were numerous side plots and details that pulled the reader away from the central story, though. Also, as a CT resident, I often found the sections on CT geography a little confusing. 🤔 3⭐️ #hoopla

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canbku
Pickpick

This was a great family narrative of four siblings who dealt with the absence of their mother during what they call "the Pause", an episode of depression for their mother, by becoming close and reliant on one another. The effects of this time in their life have reverberations as they become adults. I enjoyed each of the characters of the siblings and the sensitivity and love shown to the mother.

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cathysaid
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Pickpick

Recent reads. Tagged book revolves around family drama, dysfunction and buried secrets. Another solid Irish crime/thriller from McKinty. And one of Jewell‘s better showings, IMO. Standard fare from Mayor. And a new to me author in Barclay! Good ‘ol fashioned fast paced crime novel. Thanks @Hooked_on_books !

Hooked_on_books You‘re so welcome! I‘m glad you enjoyed it. 4y
42 likes1 comment
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mcbeth528

It didn‘t matter how great a mother you tried to be; eventually every child walked off into the world alone.”

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Margot0817
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Mehso-so

Overall, this book has a steady rhythm to it-too steady I think. I enjoyed reading about a family's journey with grief over many years from an outside POV but I wish the good and bad was more deeply contrasted. I was decently happy with it, nothing life changing but decently satisfied with it until the last few chapters. To be blunt, I thought they were a joke. She should have wrapped up a long time ago but instead stretched it with filler.

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Margot0817
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My husband and I have two book shelves. One (not pictured) is solely devoted to Bibles and theology while this one is dedicated to everything else. 😜 Only the best books ever (in my opinion) and the TBR are allowed here. The rest are donated to HBP 😊📖

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Margot0817
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Well, guess I'll read later...😂

brit91 Awwww😻😻😻 4y
15 likes1 comment
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Margot0817
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Just a girl reading to one of her many cats 📖😻💕

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Margot0817
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Okay guys, what's next? 🤔

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Sharpeipup
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Afternoon snack and book.

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Sharpeipup
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1. Tagged plus 5-6 more
2. After I Do
3. The gifted school
#weekendreads @rachelsbrittain

26 likes1 stack add
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HeathHof
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Starting the last #lmpbc pick for round 6 tonight!! Loving this cover 🤩
@suvata @Kaila-ann @Hooked_on_books

48 likes1 stack add
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Lauram
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suvata
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Pickpick

Read for Litsy Markup Postal Book Club (#LMPBC) Round 6 - Group B.

This book is a very intense family drama. I liked it quite a bit. A small part of this book takes place in the year 2079. It hints at a dystopian future that I really would have liked to learn more about. Although I was eager to learn more, this book really wasn‘t about the future so, I can‘t blame the author for that – just my curiosity.

Hooked_on_books I wanted more of the future, too! I‘m also glad she changed the personality of the characters. In the extra chapter, I thought the oldest sister was awful. She‘s much better in the finished book. 5y
suvata @Hooked_on_books I totally agree with you. 5y
68 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Megokline
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Mehso-so
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suvata
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Hooked_on_books 👏🏼👍🏼 5y
55 likes1 stack add1 comment
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KRancourt
Pickpick

Loved the relationships between the characters, especially the way everyone deals with trauma and grief differently.

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catebutler
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The last couple of weeks have been a bit trying. So, this weekend there will be rest, reading, a little baking & plenty of downtime. I need it, & hopefully, I‘ll be able to recharge & start next week & month w/ a fresh perspective.

This evening, I‘m starting my final read for August. I received a beautiful review copy from @WilliamMorrowBooks It‘s also on MMD Summer Reading Guide, which I‘ve been making my way through this summer.

Lreads I hope you have a restful and lovely weekend! 🌹☺️ 5y
catebutler @QuietlyLaura Thank you, Laura! I hope you do too! 🌾 5y
Tamra Ditto! 5y
55 likes4 comments
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Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

A family saga following a single generation from childhood to each of their deaths, The Last Romantics details how the lives of each sibling are altered by tragedy. There were some small details I didn‘t like, but overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a slower read, demanding to be put down for a time after certain segments to allow for digestion.

It‘s headed to Florida tomorrow.

#LMPBC #groupB

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suvata
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I can‘t believe I read the entire #MMD Modern Mrs. Darcy Summer Reading Guide. I left off The Last Romantics because my bookclub is reading it in September. Yay me!

kspenmoll Congratulations! What an achievement! And some great books! 5y
suvata @kspenmoll They were all very good books. Every one of them got 3, 4, or 5 stars from me. (edited) 5y
kspenmoll @suvata I own 4 but have not read them yet!!! 5y
See All 12 Comments
suvata @kspenmoll Well I hope you enjoy them when you finally get to them. 5y
Hooked_on_books Wow, nice job! 5y
suvata @Hooked_on_books Thank you 😊 5y
thea-block If you had to pick your top three, which would they be? 5y
Crazeedi Great job! Congrats!!🎉🎉 5y
MaureenMc 🙌 5y
Jillylovesbooks That‘s a great accomplishment! 5y
suvata @thea-block Unmarriageable, Gravity is the Thing, and The Gown. 5y
thea-block @suvata That‘s awesome! I‘ll have to take a look at those :) 5y
66 likes1 stack add12 comments
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Cinfhen
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TrishB Not even available on kindle here! How weird. 5y
Mdargusch I‘ll be anxious to see how you like this one. Our #darguschmarkupbookclub was divided on this one. 🤔 5y
Cinfhen I didn‘t see your reviews @Mdargusch need to scroll through and check them out 5y
Cinfhen ThTs super annoying @TrishB 5y
85 likes4 comments
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Hooked_on_books
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My round 2 book for #LMPBC has arrived! Thanks, @Kaila-ann ! @suvata , I‘ll be dropping Miracle Creek in the mail to you tomorrow. #groupB

Kaila-ann Yay! 5y
50 likes1 comment
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Kaila-ann
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The Last Romantics is on its way to Hawaii as part of the #lmpbc. Hope you enjoy it!!

Hooked_on_books Hooray! I‘ll keep my eyes peeled for it and post when it arrives. 🎉📚📬 5y
Kaila-ann @Hooked_on_books 👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻 5y
Hooked_on_books @Kaila-ann 👍🏼 5y
25 likes4 comments
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Books88
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Mehso-so

This one was just so so for me.
The story is told over several decades, but my connection to the characters was just not there. I felt like nothing was spurring me on to continue save for the hope that it would somehow get more interesting since this was a huge book club pick. 🤷🏻‍♀️

emilyhaldi Agreed!! The character behaviors were not realistic to me and I felt no connection to them. (edited) 5y
Books88 @emilyhaldi absolutely! They felt very flat to me. 5y
81 likes1 stack add2 comments