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Ways to Disappear
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
For fans of Robin Sloan's Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore and Maria Semple's Where'd You Go, Bernadette, an inventive, brilliant debut novel about the disappearance of a famous Brazilian novelist and the young translator who turns her life upside down to follow her author's trail. Deep in gambling debt, the celebrated Brazilian writer Beatriz Yagoda is last seen holding a suitcase and a cigar and climbing into an almond tree. She abruptly vanishes.In snowy Pittsburgh, her American translator Emma hears the news and, against the wishes of her boyfriend and Beatriz's two grown children, flies immediately to Brazil. There, in the sticky, sugary heat of Rio, Emma and her author's children conspire to solve the mystery of Yagoda's curious disappearance and staunch the colorful demands of her various outstanding affairs: the rapacious loan shark with a zeal for severing body parts, and the washed-up and disillusioned editor who launched Yagoda's career years earlier.Idra Novey's exhilarating debut is both a novel of ideas and a novel of intrigue, an innovative combination of mystery, noir, and humor.
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review
Megabooks
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Mehso-so

What did I just read? Was it literary suspense that didn‘t feel suspenseful? An author disappears and her children find out she has gambling debt with a very dangerous, shady character. Her American translator (who is the MC I guess?) comes to Brazil to “help out,” but ends up falling for the author‘s son for no discernible reason. I felt at a remove from these characters and there was no narrative tension for me, but I didn‘t hate it. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Cinfhen I‘ve always liked this cover but…the plot sounds weak 🤷🏼‍♀️ 1y
IuliaC I love this photo, the colors, the contrast! 1y
Megabooks @Cinfhen it is a great cover, but I wished the book were better. 1y
Megabooks @IuliaC thanks! I love that mum each year it comes back! 1y
75 likes1 stack add4 comments
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bookishdawg
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Pickpick

January‘s travels to Brazil... a reclusive author and her persistent translator, the migration of osprey, and some delicious empanadas (internet picture). On to February!! #foodandlit

Texreader Whoohoo!! 3y
Butterfinger Wonderful!!! 3y
24 likes2 comments
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TheAromaofBooks
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Pickpick

I literally don't know how to review this book. It was an odd story, revolving around a character who is absent for almost the entire time. The chapters were very short & I felt compelled to keep turning the pages. It seemed as though I should have felt a lot more urgency than I did. Although I wanted to keep reading, it wasn't necessarily because I was desperate to know the ending as much as I just kept wanting to see the next moment. I didn't ⬇️

Cinfhen I‘m glad my other Brazil pick came in first...I loved it 3y
Andrew65 Well done 👏👏👏 3y
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vlwelser I think I may have read this. But I don't remember a whole lot about it. How's that for a stunning review? 3y
TheAromaofBooks @Cinfhen - I thought about reading that one, but it wasn't at my library!! 3y
TheAromaofBooks @vlwelser - Honestly, there isn't much to remember - this one wasn't strong on plot 😂 3y
Clwojick I love this prompt! I‘ll have to use it on my next deck ♥️ 3y
92 likes7 comments
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TheAromaofBooks
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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@hestapleton is hosting the brilliantly-named #slumpathon this weekend & I'm totally here for it! Not sure what my goals will be yet, but they're definitely going to involve reading the tagged book for #foodandlit

@Chrissyreadit @Texreader

Texreader Ah thanks for reposting. I feel like I‘m in a slump! 3y
Hestapleton Thanks for sharing!! 3y
69 likes2 comments
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Jerdencon
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Finished this today for #foodandlit for Brazil.

It was pretty good.

@Texreader @Butterfinger

Texreader Yay!! 3y
Butterfinger My #foodandlit book is about someone “disappearing“ because they are politically against the dictator's regime. Is this similar? I couldn't really tell from the book's summary. Is it a fantasy. Glad you liked it. 3y
Jerdencon @butterfinger it‘s about a Brazilian author who goes missing and her son, daughter, and American translator try to find her. It‘s actually got some dark turns to it involving loan sharks. 3y
57 likes1 stack add3 comments
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OutAndAbout
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
Bailedbailed

Couldn‘t adjust to the lack of quote marks for dialogue, and just couldn‘t get attached to any of the characters. Moving on.

Jadams89 The lack of quotation marks drove me crazy! 3y
Butterfinger You tried. 3y
23 likes2 comments
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Megabooks
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Well @Jerdencon reminded me that I‘ve meant to read Ways to Disappear (tagged book) for years. I‘m going to see if I can find it or maybe a travelogue for #brazil.

And thank you to @Catsandbooks for reminding me (on grocery order night) of @4thhouseontheleft ‘s food suggestion. I‘m always excited to find a new gluten-free treat! #foodandlit

Catsandbooks Enjoy!! 🧀 3y
Kimberlone These are so good! 3y
Megabooks @Catsandbooks thanks!! 👍🏻 3y
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Megabooks @Kimberlone yay!! I hope the grocery has them. 3y
Kimberlone @Megabooks I‘ve always bought them at Costco...not sure how easy it is to find at a regular supermarket. I hope you are able to find them and enjoy! 3y
Megabooks @Kimberlone unfortunately I live in a small town, and there‘s no Costco nearby. We have two grocery stores that carry different items. This one says they have it, so 🤞🏻🤞🏻 they do! 3y
Butterfinger That makes me so happy that you are joining us on our journey. 3y
Megabooks @Butterfinger I‘m a little nervous about being able to find/make gf foods in my small town, but I‘m going to try! 3y
Butterfinger What can I do to help? I can tag you to @Texreader post of her Pinterest board. She has pinned vegan recipes and I am sure there may be some gluten free. 3y
Laughterhp I‘m in the same boat. I doubt I‘ll be able to find any gluten free foods for all these different countries. 3y
Megabooks @Butterfinger I‘m not on Pinterest, so I‘m not sure if that will help, and we have limited international groceries here other than Latinx. I think I‘ll just have to go along as best I can. I‘m trying not to be hardcore about challenges this year. But thank you. 💖💖 3y
Megabooks @Laughterhp yes, and that‘s unfortunate because I love fun foods, but I have to be super careful due to celiac, EOE, and something else that causes GI problems even when I‘m treating those two. ☹️ 3y
Butterfinger @Laughterhp @Megabooks if I see something that I can send to you, I will. I have the address for @Laughterhp - I found a Brazilian something or other that could be sent through the mail. 3y
Laughterhp @Butterfinger I actually found that I can buy the brazi bites things at my local Whole Foods. So next time I go there I‘ll buy some! 3y
77 likes14 comments
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Jerdencon
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Starting this one for #bookandlit Brazil
@Texreader @Butterfinger

Butterfinger Love that cover. 3y
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Jadams89
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Pickpick

I must admit, I‘m not a fan of Emma. Raquel, on the other hand, is my favorite. That being said, this is a beautiful novel on language and translation and writing. I would read every single one of Beatriz‘s books!

There‘s also a lack of quotation marks which sometimes made it hard to pick up on dialogue, but I got used to the style eventually.

This is my #Doublespin for January and another #foodandlit read.

Texreader You are rocking it!! 3y
Butterfinger Wow! I'm so glad you liked it. 3y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! This is my pick for #foodandlit as well so I'm glad you enjoyed it!! 3y
29 likes1 stack add3 comments
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rachaich
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Mehso-so

Not convinced by this book.
I didn't connect with any of the characters. Found the storyline odd and tricky to read with a flow.
I did like one of the final chapters, told by missing author, about the gaps.

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rachaich
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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My book club have chosen this. Frustratingly, my copy has only just arrived... book club is Wednesday 😄😅😱. Intense reading needed!

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Blueberry
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Mehso-so

What's up with that ending? Can anyone explain?

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Jennick2004
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
Panpan

Eh...there wasn‘t enough to this story for me. Nothing was really resolved, and I didn‘t enjoy it too much 🤷‍♀️

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Jennick2004
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Snow day snuggles and reading!
#catsoflitsy #littenkitten #snowday

MicrobeMom Doing the same but with my pups! Enjoy! 5y
45 likes1 comment
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Jennick2004
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Who else is guilty?! 🤣

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MPick
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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I have five pages left. Five. Please stop. Biggest pet peeve. 🙄 #readingproblems #imsoclose #steepedinstories

19 likes1 comment
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MPick
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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#bookmail !! About to dive into our LAST book in this swap! Where did the #steepedinstories time go?! 😥

I‘m intrigued by these tropical tea blends to accompany the latest read too!

Thanks so much for a fun swap ladies!
@drokka @TheKidUpstairs @BookishTrish

I know I‘ve enjoyed everything so far!

drokka I know, right?! I really enjoyed this tea carousel. And while I drink a lot of different teas, the number of options out there is just...wow! 6y
MPick It was such a great idea! Loved the variations on both teas and genres while still keeping us reeled in with a theme. Great great idea @TheKidUpstairs 6y
17 likes2 comments
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DebinHawaii
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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#Aprella #Brazil I went on a hunt for books set in Brazil as I don't seem to have any in my stacks (besides The Lost City of Z on my #TBR list) but I just added this one because a "noirish literary mystery" set in Rio sounds interesting. I love the cover! ❤️?

Update: I just saw @Reggie 's post about Perfect Days, also set in Brazil with a suitcase on the cover & now the suitcase on this cover is not quite as charming as it was before! ??

emilyhaldi I just went down a rabbit hole reading posts on this book. @shawnmooney was particularly entertaining!!! 6y
DebinHawaii @emilyhaldi Hah! I didn't go down the 🐰hole--I just looked a the first few posts. You are right--pretty entertaining. 🤣 6y
Cinfhen I love a good @shawnmooney bail 😂😂😂😂😂 @emilyhaldi 6y
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Cinfhen I also see I‘ve previously stacked this book...#maybeoneday 6y
Mdargusch Oh dear @shawnmooney 😂😂😂 6y
Notafraidofwords I loved this one. 6y
101 likes5 stack adds6 comments
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charl08
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Wonderful tricky book about translation and other misunderstandings...

batsy I've been meaning to read this for some time! I like the feel of it from that quote. 7y
Nittnut I feel like I have this on my kindle... 7y
charl08 @batsy @nittnutt hope you can fit it in - I really liked it. 7y
30 likes3 comments
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charl08
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Set in Rio. Can't think of another novel I've read based there!

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brennareadsbooks
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Picked up this book again after setting it down for awhile -- I love the writing style.

Notafraidofwords I loved this one ! 7y
charl08 Another fan here! 7y
34 likes2 comments
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Robothugs
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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This song reminded me of this book. #LaIslaBonita #JuneTunz

Cinfhen I've heard so much about this one....love the cover! Need to read it😬🙏🏻 7y
Robothugs Guilty of buying from the cover! But I did enjoy it! @Cinfhen 7y
51 likes1 stack add2 comments
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mauveandrosysky
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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A good day for book mail, including "Ways to Disappear" all the way from Japan! Thanks for sending it my way, @shawnmooney ! ?

Notafraidofwords Oh, I love the ways to disappear. One of my favorite books last year. 7y
rachellayown Excellent haul! 7y
shawnmooney Woo hoo! I'm glad it finally arrived and hope you enjoy it more than I did! I look forward to your review. And hey, I started Stephen Florida yesterday and it's already got me completely mesmerized! 7y
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mauveandrosysky @shawnmooney oooh so good to hear, I'm super excited to start that one! 7y
mauveandrosysky @rachellayown right? Very excited about all of these 7y
mauveandrosysky @Notafraidofwords awesome! Its been on my TBR forever I'm looking forward to finally reading it 7y
40 likes1 stack add6 comments
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chavalah
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Pickpick

The 2017 Sami Rohr winner was my favorite of the contenders I read. About a famous Brazilian writer who disappears, leading her children and US translator to attempt to find her. Well written, poetic style, with some interesting quirks like chapters comprised of emails. My fave were the dictionary entries that tied into the story. Literary drama about never fully knowing a person. But also had a suspense/thriller plot. Lots to like! #JewLit

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BookishMarginalia
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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A translator has lost her author. So it begins...

Nafiza This sounds so fascinating! 7y
Notafraidofwords Gosh, love this book. 7y
susanw You can tell the author is a poet. It's beautifully written, enjoy! 7y
Lesliereads What a great beginning! (It is the beginning, right?) 7y
BookishMarginalia @Lesliereads Actually, the start of the second chapter (but it should have been the beginning!) 7y
112 likes6 stack adds5 comments
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SeeJaneRead
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Pickpick

Really beautifully written. I get the "Where'd you go, Bernadette?" comparisons but it's not, at its core, a breezy, funny novel in the same way. Which isn't a bad thing! Whimsical writing, grim subjects. ??

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shawnmooney
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Bailedbailed

Idra Novey is a fantastic writer, and I'd maybe be up for trying another very different novel by her down the road. But I quit this one in disgust at the 60% mark: it was relying increasingly on mystery novel conventions, which I loath more than just about anything in my reading life. Hate hate hated where this book was going. I feel ill from those last few pages, and am so glad to have bailed.

LeahBergen I could just FEEL a bail coming on! 😂 7y
shawnmooney @LeahBergen How lovely to have a friend so deeply attuned to me! 😍 Or am I just completely predictable? 7y
LeahBergen Nope, not predictable! I was reading your posts and really thought this would be a "bail" for you. ? 7y
40 likes3 comments
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shawnmooney
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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shawnmooney
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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shawnmooney
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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shawnmooney
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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shawnmooney
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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shawnmooney
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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LeahBergen That photo! 😂 7y
shawnmooney @LeahBergen I KNEW it'd bring back memories for ya! 😜 7y
LeahBergen Ha!!! 7y
33 likes3 comments
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shawnmooney
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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LeahBergen 😳 7y
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shawnmooney
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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This book! 💜

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shawnmooney
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Art (yes, it is a painting) by Vincent Kohler (http://melissaeastondesign.com/steak/)

saresmoore I love this idea of testing for density. 7y
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shawnmooney
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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29 likes1 stack add
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shawnmooney
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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31 likes1 stack add
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Taylor
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Pickpick

I found this novel LUXURIOUSLY comforting, from beginning to end. Novey doesn't use any tricks, but dazzles naturally.

10 likes1 stack add
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kalinichta
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Pickpick

I barely put this book down from the moment I brought it home from the library. A novel that is a study in disappearing - or, perhaps, in ways of seeing, of being seen. What do you let be seen? Who sees you? Is one person's vision of you more correct than another's? Is any person ever fully seen? How does one lose sight of oneself?

A short, quick read dotted with lovely turns of phrase and turns of ideas.

13 likes1 stack add
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rachelm
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Novey talks about playing with genre in her work. Every review platform titles this book as something else: thriller, experimental fiction, literary fiction, a mystery. She tells her students that she hopes they bring in work they cannot categorize and that makes them question the notion of genre.

54 likes1 stack add
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shawnmooney
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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This came in tonight's mail. It's gotten quite mixed reviews, but I want to give it a try; if it works out I'm going to use it for the verb category for the #EclecticReaders challenge.

britt_brooke Love the cover! 7y
Notafraidofwords Oh I loved this one!! 7y
46 likes1 stack add2 comments
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spinesvines
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Mehso-so

🍷🍷🍷Cheers! Not highly climatic or full of complicated plot twists. This book is like a lazy river with gentle ripples & a few rough under currents. I enjoyed the simplicity of this novel, format & poetic beauty of the author's words. The cover & title can mislead the reader to think of disappearing in only a physical sense. As you delve more into the story you discover the many ways one can disappear via their soul, mind, spirit or emotionally.

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kalinichta
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Now this seems like a year-end list worth paying attention to (though I may be biased as I used to be a bookseller). http://lithub.com/the-years-best-overlooked-books-according-to-booksellers/

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AlexGeorge
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Pickpick

I loved this novel. Novey writes with beautiful economy, and this gorgeously improbable tale is beguiling and surprising. A treasure.

Suet624 I'll have to try it then! 7y
Theresa I really liked this one too! 7y
25 likes4 stack adds2 comments
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JesNel
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Pickpick

Finished this gem ahead of my book club next week. Very quick and engaging read. I find myself drawn to books that detail a life change, and this definitely fit that requirement (like the title story in Paris for One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes).

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Theresa
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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💜💚❤️

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susanw
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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About a Brazilian author who disappears and her translator who tries to find her. Idra Novey is a poet, and the prose in this book proves it. Beautifully written. #booktober #bookssetinsouthamerica @RealLifeReading

britt_brooke Such a lovely cover! 7y
Notafraidofwords Loved this book! 7y
Theresa I met Idra Novey at the Decatur Book Festival over Labor Day weekend. She was really nice. (A fellow Pennsylvanian. 😁) Alas, this book is still on my TBR pile, but it's due up in November. 😄 7y
73 likes5 stack adds3 comments
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theotherkait
Ways to Disappear | Idra Novey
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Pickpick

I bought this at the airport on my way home from boston and finished it on the flight. It was so good I ignored the man sitting next to me who was trying to start a conversation with me.
#waystodisappear #brazil