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I'm Thinking of Ending Things: A Book Club Recommendation!
I'm Thinking of Ending Things: A Book Club Recommendation! | Iain Reid
AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 2016 "I'm Thinking of Ending Things is one of the best debut novels I've ever read. Iain Reid has crafted a tight, ferocious little book, with a persistent tenor of suspense that tightens and mounts toward its visionary, harrowing final pages" (Scott Heim, award-winning author of Mysterious Skin and We Disappear). I'm thinking of ending things. Once this thought arrives, it stays. It sticks. It lingers. It's always there. Always. Jake once said, "Sometimes a thought is closer to truth, to reality, than an action. You can say anything, you can do anything, but you can't fake a thought." And here's what I'm thinking: I don't want to be here. In this "dark and compelling...unputdownable" (Booklist, starred review) literary thriller, debut novelist Iain Reid explores the depths of the human psyche, questioning consciousness, free will, the value of relationships, fear, and the limitations of solitude. Reminiscent of Jose Saramago's early work, Michel Faber's cult classic Under the Skin, and Lionel Shriver's We Need to Talk about Kevin, I'm Thinking of Ending Things is an edgy, haunting debut. Tense, gripping, and atmospheric, this novel "packs a big psychological punch with a twisty story line and an ending that will leave readers breathless" (Library Journal, starred review).
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CindyMyLifeIsLit
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Pickpick

This was . . . different! It was quite a page-turner, though. I couldn‘t put it down. There‘s a high creep factor throughout the mildly bizarre events of the narrator meeting her boyfriend‘s parents. The mildly bizarre ratchets up to really bizarre and the action kicks in. Still not sure I completely understand the ending! 🤔 Great read!

Vansa The wasp factory is by a different author though? 2mo
CindyMyLifeIsLit @Vansa You‘re right! I got my Iains confused! 😁 I edited my review to avoid confusion. Thanks! (edited) 2mo
35 likes1 stack add2 comments
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AnnRaz
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“Anyone can think anything. Thoughts are the only reality. It‘s true. I‘m sure of it now. Thoughts are never faked or bluffed.”

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AnnRaz
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“Maybe that‘s how we know when a relationship is real. When someone else previously unconnected to us knows us in a way we never thought or believed possible.”

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AnnRaz
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“Sometimes post-eating, usually after a large meal, his body makes sounds like a cooling car after a long drive.”

AnnRaz “All things I would have wanted in a husband when I was younger. Checks in all the boxes. I‘m just not sure what any of this means now that I‘m watching him eat cereal and hearing his body make hydraulic noises.” 3mo
7 likes1 stack add1 comment
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AnnRaz
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“Once this thought arrives, it stays. It sticks. It lingers. It dominates. There‘s not much I can do about it. Trust me. It doesn‘t go away. It‘s there whether I like it or not. It‘s there when I early. When I go to bed. It‘s there when I sleep. It‘s there when I wake up. It‘s always there. Always.”

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Cathyloves2read
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Mehso-so

I‘m not sure how I feel about this book. It‘s definitely different. I wasn‘t sure if the way that I interpreted it was correct. I did some googling, only to find out I was wrong. It‘s one of those books. It‘s been made into a Netflix movie which I plan on watching. Something tells me I‘ll be just as confused, if not more so, after watching the movie. it‘d not a bad book, it‘s a very fast read. It‘s just confusing.

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JessClark78
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Pickpick

‘You will be scared. But you won‘t know why...‘

This is one of those stories with unsettling elements hidden between the lines. It‘s like being in a dream where reality is slightly skewed and you can sense something ominous is lurking in the background.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#RushAThon #CandylandReadathon #WinterCosy #ScaryChristmas #Adventathon #20in4 #WinterGames2023 Holiday/Wintery Read +25
#WordSearch (46) +460

+486 points #TeamReindeerGamers

Andrew65 Excellent 👏👏👏 4mo
DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 4mo
Catsandbooks 🍭❄️❤️ 4mo
BookmarkTavern Oh that sounds creepy! 4mo
53 likes1 stack add4 comments
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JessClark78
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Andrew65 A strange front cover. Hope you enjoy it. 4mo
DieAReader 💜💙💜 4mo
Catsandbooks 🙌🏼🍭❄️❤️ 4mo
BarbaraBB Loved it! 4mo
47 likes1 stack add4 comments
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ReadingVampire
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Pickpick

I found this book on a list of thriller/horror books recommendation list. Boy, were they right! I figured out everything pretty early on, but the writing was so good I just couldn‘t put it down. I loved how eerie everything was; it kept a good pace and was very creepy until the end. Also, I do not recommend the movie it was absolutely horrible and had nothing to do with the book.

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TwoPeasInALibrary
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Pickpick

10/10 would recommend. But go into it with no prior knowledge about it. #iainreid #imthinkingofendingthings #quickread

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keepingupwiththepenguins
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Mehso-so

This is a really creepy read! I had to read it all in one night, because I *definitely* would have had nightmares if I‘d put it down halfway 🫣 You might have to google “I‘m Thinking Of Ending Things ending explained” after you‘re done, though, which is a shame - I like my mysteries completely solved, if only so I can get a good night‘s sleep afterwards 😅 Full review: https://keepingupwiththepenguins.com/im-thinking-of-ending-things-iain-reid/

batsy Haha, yes! The resolution for peace of mind. Hence why I love a good detective Golden Age mystery 😆 12mo
59 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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xyikoxyirl
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Pickpick

This book was wild. This read was psychologically fucked up and had me on edge almost the entire time.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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AlysonCB
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Mehso-so

Kept me guessing to the end. And I defintely don't think I would have gotten the twist if I hadn't read a very similar book this year about the same subject matter. If you like twisty books that are a bit weird and at the end you're still not sure what happened, then this is for you 😂

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karasu13
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Mehso-so

It‘s been snowing here in Seoul, and I‘m quarantined with covid, so I picked a good time to read this. There were some unsettling moments, but overall I thought this one was just okay.

BarbaraBB I really liked this one. Didn‘t know it‘s on Netflix! 1y
11 likes1 comment
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Cazxxx
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Pickpick

Between a so so and a pick for me. It was a little unsettling in places but not enough for me to be creeped out. I felt it was a bit overwritten but overall I enjoyed the weirdness and I still feel like I‘m trying to figure things out!

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BarbaraBB
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#AlphabetGame Letter I

This is the kind of book you want to start read again directly after you‘ve finished it. Such a WTF ending!

batsy I was a bit annoyed with how the big reveal panned out, but it's such an atmospheric book. Out of nowhere I will occasionally remember the bits that made me have goosebumps. 2y
TheLudicReader Love this one. Total mindfuck. 2y
See All 6 Comments
BarbaraBB @batsy Right? I Can still feel them! I mailed Chandelier today, hope it‘ll travel fast and safe! 😘 2y
Megabooks Agreed! 2y
56 likes2 stack adds6 comments
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Outofcontroltbr
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Pickpick

This was interesting. A bit confusing at first but the ending wasn‘t quite what I was expecting. Short book but really worth it. Now to watch the movie adaptation.

vivastory I know the adaptation is divisive, but I loved it 2y
Outofcontroltbr @vivastory I just finished watching it and I really enjoyed it. 2y
vivastory Since David Lynch hasn't released a movie in yrs, it felt like the closest thing to one of his that I have seen 2y
11 likes1 stack add3 comments
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reema
Pickpick

Great atmosphere. You grow more and more unsettled as you read.

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ElizaMarie
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Pickpick

This was a very quick #AudioCommute /#AudioChore book. I went into it blind, had no clue what to expect, and wow I love how blindsided i was with this one.

It was weird, but not a bad weird, just a weird, I am currioud what the Netflix show looks like (might check it out soon)

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HeatherBookNerd
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Pickpick

Unsettling and tense. I did sort of have an idea where this was heading, but it was an interesting trip nonetheless. A good quick creepy read.

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Bookgirl
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Pickpick

Whoa. Did not see that coming. I read this in about 2 hours. Couldn‘t put it down. I‘m seeing some negative reviews were confused by the book. I didn‘t find it confusing at all. It‘s a mystery, yes, and suspenseful, but I liked the eerie “what the heck is happening” vibe. It kept me guessing right up until the reveal, which was powerful and clear. Great read!

Megabooks This was fantastic! 2y
BarbaraBB What @Megabooks says! 2y
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GraveyardNeko
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lenaars
Pickpick

.

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guidosophia
Pickpick

woaaahhhhh crazy plot twist. made my heart beat real fast

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la_rose_noire
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I've been stuck on another novel for a while and decided to start a new one instead this morning. I'm so glad I did! This is so good! ❤

Cathythoughts I enjoyed this one & .. Yes ! Sometimes switching novels is the best thing to do 😁👍🏻 2y
41 likes1 comment
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adamkrisk
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Mehso-so

If you like creepy thrillers this book is great for you. The book is about a girl who wants to break up with her boyfriend, Jake. This book takes a twist, however, because now she has a stalker that can‘t stop calling her, but she doesn‘t want to tell anyone. This book is full of eerieness and suspense and is great for people looking for an adrenaline rush.

MissYaremcio Thank you for the review Adam! I was just missing your POV and how it is established. 4/6 2y
7 likes1 comment
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ImperfectCJ
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Panpan

Ohhh...kay...

This novel is way too precious for me (and Camille). Cool idea, I guess, but too performative, too self-consciously clever. I don't like to see the strings the author is pulling.

I started with the audiobook but it was hard to follow that way. Switched to the hardcover early on, so not counting for #LittenListen, only for #screamathon and #bookspinbingo

So, theme read, 3 hours, 2 readathons = 75 for #TeamSlaughter #scarathlon

Ruthiella I‘m with you and Camille. I thought it was gimmicky. It‘s not the first book that I‘ve read with that twist and I dislike it every time. 2y
56 likes1 comment
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AFrostCauseReads
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Pickpick

I really liked the writing in this book. I could feel how every word, phrase, and anecdote was chosen with precision to add up to something later. And it sure did. Some super creepy moments, but overall more weird than anything. Movie also did an excellent job adapting what happened (though with major differences)

I read this for #screamathon and watched the movie tie-in
I‘d also consider this R.I.P. for #RoaringWolf
Also #wickedathon

22 likes1 stack add
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Angitron
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Pickpick

It‘s so nice when you find a book that hits your spooky bone in just the right way during Spooky Season! I blew through this one in a single afternoon and loved it! Highly HIGHLY recommend (if you want to read it) that you don‘t read anything about it beforehand and do the audiobook version because…wow! 😱😱😱

BarbaraBB Agree 😱😱 2y
28 likes1 stack add1 comment
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mrddorsey

This book is slow. ½ way through I was still trying to figure out what was going on. I went along with the set up. It didn't get going until the ride home, and then it felt like a completely different book. I get it, but it just felt like they took the long way to the point. I may have to reread it, for clarity.

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BiblioLitten
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I‘m on a book-to-movies binge. I just watched Where‘d you go, Bernadette. Now onto Hillbilly Elegy and when I finish my tagged read, I‘ll watch the movie on Netflix. 📚▶️📺

#currentlyreading

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RaeLovesToRead
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Mehso-so

This was a weird one and I'm conflicted.

I can see how it could be mind blowing, but similarly, I can see how it could be disappointing. It's a mix of existential ponderings, creepy mind meanderings and late night snowy wanderings.

Try it! It might captivate you, it might baffle you.

⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars

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RaeLovesToRead
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Bizarrely, I was talking about this very subject with somebody just yesterday. How much you can know about somebody else; how many of our thoughts we share.
This book was full of existential questions and ponderings.

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RaeLovesToRead
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Reading in the garden with Pickles.

It's a bit of a bright and sunny day to be reading such a creepy and atmospheric book!

I should probably stop taking pictures of the cat and get on with it 😅😅

#catsoflitsy #picklescat

Leftcoastzen So cute!😻 3y
rubyslippersreads You can never have too many cat pictures. 😹 3y
BookishMarginalia Pickles is quite photogenic! 💜💜💜 3y
RaeLovesToRead @Leftcoastzen @rubyslippersreads @BookishMarginalia She's adorable 😄❤ She had been at the rescue for months when we adopted her. No one wanted her because she was so timid... you'd never believe she's the same cat now (years later) 🥰🥰 3y
41 likes4 comments
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RaeLovesToRead
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Starting a new one this evening. From the blurb I'm hoping it'll have Shining vibes, but from the tepid Goodreads reviews (that I haven't read yet, in case of spoilers) I'm not going to get my hopes up too much.

BarbaraBB So good!!!! Enjoy 😱 3y
RaeLovesToRead @BarbaraBB Thank you ❤ I'm about a third of the way through and so far I'm not sure what to think! 3y
33 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Tiffiney
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Panpan

What did I just read?? That was terrible. So much rambling dialogue and a funky ending...thankfully it was a short read...that's the only reason I finished...⭐

The_Heeler_Booklife I‘ve heard awful things about this book. 3y
Tiffiney @The_Heeler_Booklife believe them 😆 3y
diovival Hahahaha 😂 I had a very similar reaction. 3y
40 likes1 stack add3 comments
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gnarbear
Pickpick

At no point in this book did I know where it would take me. Reid truly masters the art of simple suspense throughout the whole novel, making it truly difficult for me to put down the book and stop turning pages... The end of the book is such a simple, fast-paced culmination of information that immediately upon finishing, I had to go back and reread the last 20 pages or so to fully appreciate the masterful delicacy of writing. Book club material!

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Smlambert725

“Sometimes a thought is closer to truth, to reality, than an action. You can say anything, you can do anything, but you can‘t fake a thought.” #April2021

6 likes1 stack add
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LibrarianChels
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Pickpick

Oh my. I couldn‘t put it down. It started off a bit funny and then it took a turn in the last half. It was nice to read a suspenseful novel that wasn‘t predictable.

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Steph.Titus
Pickpick

I never really knew where this book was going, but after reaching the end it made me want to read it all over again with a new perspective. A quick read that I couldn‘t put down. #March.3.11

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Djspens
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Pickpick

I just finished reading I‘m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid. It started out a pretty normal book and then took a quick turn into weird! Now I‘m watching the movie to see if I can make more sense of it lol but I did like the book!!

starlight97 I think the movie was awful. I loved the book though 3y
Djspens @starlight97 😂 what did I just watch?? I think I‘m even more confused now!?! 3y
starlight97 @Djspens I know what you mean 😂 but I think the point is that the janitor was thinking about committing suicide and his mind conjured the two characters to argue for or against it 3y
34 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Djspens
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When it's 4:30 am and you can't sleep...move to the couch and read 😁 lol at least one of us can sleep 🐶

Leftcoastzen 🐶cute! 3y
46 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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kissmehardy
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Pickpick

I DON'T KNOW IF READING THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA BUT MY COWORKER WANTED TO TALK ABOUT IT ON OUR NEXT PODCAST SO HERE WE ARE. #thrillers #ohgodsendhelp

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j.rye
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Pickpick

So. I went into this book without reading the book-blurb or any reviews. I grabbed it based on its cover really. I don‘t know what I was expecting, but it wasn‘t this. Once I got into it, I finished it pretty quickly. The unnamed girlfriend, Jake, the brother I‘m still not sure exists 😳 it‘s a crazy, but good read. I think I‘m going to have to read it again to get all the details I missed.

NataliePatalie I definitely missed some details but I don't know if I have it in me to read it again 😂 3y
34 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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j.rye
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I‘m anxious because of the blizzard. Yeah. The one I was excited about yesterday. But I didn‘t have to go anywhere yesterday and I do today. ANYWHO. So Taco Riccardo and I are curled up in our burrito blanket reading at 4 am. 😒 he doesn‘t seem to mind at least.

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StuckOnChapter13
Mehso-so

Okay, I'm going to say something that might be controversial...

This might be the exception of the book is better than the movie rule!

NataliePatalie I wasn't in love with either, BUT the movie helped me understand the "twist" a bit better! 3y
StuckOnChapter13 @NataliePatalie That's what I thought! When I was reading, I could just imagine the background music and I think the visualization would make the car scenes less boring or confusing. 3y
paulfrankspencer I think they're different. I liked them both differently and think they tried to say different things. 3y
StuckOnChapter13 @paulfrankspencer I can understand that! 3y
7 likes4 comments
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Hilary427
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Pickpick

This book is hard to put down...I read it in two sittings over two days! An anxiety and dread producing thriller. I didn‘t LOVE the ending but I always like my books to end wrapped up with a bow, with everything making perfect sense 😆 can‘t wait to read Reid‘s next book!
⭐️: 4/5