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Queen Sugar
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
A mother-daughter story of reinventionabout an African American woman who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana Why exactly Charley Bordelons late father left her eight hundred sprawling acres of sugarcane land in rural Louisiana is as mysterious as it was generous. Recognizing this as a chance to start over, Charley and her eleven-year-old daughter, Micah, say good-bye to Los Angeles. They arrive just in time for growing season but no amount of planning can prepare Charley for a Louisiana thats mired in the past: as her judgmental but big-hearted grandmother tells her, cane farming is always going to be a white mans business. As the sweltering summer unfolds, Charley must balance the overwhelming challenges of her farm with the demands of a homesick daughter, a bitter and troubled brother, and the startling desires of her own heart. Penguin has a rich tradition of publishing strong Southern debut fictionfrom Sue Monk Kidd to Kathryn Stockett to Beth Hoffman. In Queen Sugar, we now have a debut from the African American point of view. Stirring in its storytelling of one woman against the odds and initimate in its exploration of the complexities of contemporary southern life, Queen Sugar is an unforgettable tale of endurance and hope.
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Blueberry
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Eggs 💚🦋💛 11mo
39 likes1 comment
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sprainedbrain
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Pickpick

This book didn‘t blow me away or anything, but about halfway through I realized I was completely invested in Charley‘s story (and her precarious sugar cane crop). Very descriptive prose, a fascinating and sometimes infuriating cast of characters, and a good story, all narrated really well on audio.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

67 likes1 stack add
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Blueberry
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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1. No. Will check tonight.
2. September > heatwaves and fire season
3. Just finished the tagged book.

@MoonWitch94 #ThoughtfulThursday

MoonWitch94 Thanks for playing 🌠 4y
43 likes1 comment
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Blueberry
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Pickpick

👍, 4 of 5 stars

NataliePatalie Isn't this a TV show also? 4y
51 likes2 comments
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Cinfhen
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Pickpick

I‘d say this book is #LitLite
There is nothing WOW or outstanding about this story but it‘s still a pleasant read with some meaty parts. I thought the setting & place, #Louisiana really did shine through and I enjoyed being transported down south. The narration helped to enhance the author‘s prose. Book was better than I was expecting.
#ReadingUSA2020

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Cinfhen
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Enjoying my #ReadingUSA2020 #Louisiana Narration is adding to the story 🎧Has anyone watched the TV adaptation?? Miss Honey is HILARIOUS 😆

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Cinfhen
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Audible 2 for 1 sale 🥳 #ReadingUSA2020 #Louisiana

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Mdonald
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Pickpick
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Literaturenut
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Pickpick

An engaging story with complex characters. Baszile created empathy and understanding for unlikable characters.

#SugarInTheTitle #PopSugarReadingChallenge #38of65 #audiobook

35 likes1 stack add
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Literaturenut
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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So far I am enjoying this so much more than my first pick for #SugarInTheTitle prompt #CurrentlyListening #audiobook #Libby

42 likes1 stack add
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aliasNayNay
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Pickpick

A debut novel about an African-American woman who struggles to salvage the Louisiana sugar cane farm she inherited from her father.
Queen Sugar is an unforgettable tale of endurance and hope, the author has created a sensual world steeped among the cane fields, although the pace can be as slow as a humid bayou afternoon, it‘s worth the read.

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ColleenIsReading
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Mehso-so

FINALLY finished this one earlier this week. It was a long slow slog and I don‘t know if I‘d recommend it unless you are REALLY Into knowing about growing sugar cane. I wanted to smack sense into half the characters at various points, including Charlie, the protagonist, but especially her awful half brother. The reader on the audiobook was very good. And this takes care of Q for the #litsyAtoZ challenge @BookishMarginalia

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Califlamingo
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book. I listened on audio and the narrator really added to the story by making each character unique. The story about the family dynamics spoke to me. I haven't watched the series yet but plan to do so.

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Lupita.Reads
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Pickpick

Queen Sugar hit me in all my feels. When you pick up the book you stick with it for the plot not typically connecting with an specific character immediately but when you get to the end! Holy smokes! TEARS! In all honesty though- I really want to rate this book a “so-so” because I hated the ending. But that isn‘t fair LOL! Read it and then dive into the TV series which is SO GOOD!

71 likes8 stack adds
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Ajessgirl
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
Pickpick

I really enjoyed it! Great pacing and interesting characters. Just enough detail about sugar cane farming to teach me something new, but not so much to be tedious. A great pick for a book club - lots of potential discussion topics.

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Ajessgirl
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Enjoying Queen Sugar at Paris Baguette, my new favorite Friday lunch spot.

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Ajessgirl
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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The train is one of my favorite places to read. Queen Sugar is keeping me company tonight. 📚🚂

alisiakae The train is a great place to read! 6y
Ajessgirl @4thhouseontheleft Agreed! So much more comfortable than a plane, and very little motion sickness risk. Hope your mom‘s recovery week is going okay. Hopefully she‘s up for some binge watching to keep her mind off things. 6y
35 likes2 comments
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thereadingwomen
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Pickpick

I put QUEEN SUGAR on my TBR as soon as I saw the trailer for the TV show directed by Ava DuVernay. It's the story of Charley and her daughter Micah, who move from California to Louisiana to tend a sugar cane farm left to Charley by her dad. But it's not easy. Cane farming has historically been work for white men and slaves – and Charley is an African American woman.⠀

Hear our full spoiler-free review on Ep. 37 wherever you get your podcasts. ⠀⠀

LapReader Is this the one we got you @Miss__astrid ? 6y
Miss__astrid @LapReader no it was sugar money by jane harris. Similar theme though 6y
BloominChick I read this for a bookclub before it was made for TV and before It was an Oprah's pick, and loved it! 6y
87 likes11 stack adds3 comments
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WanderingBookaneer
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Pickpick

This has the feel of a family saga, even though it takes place during one sugar cane season. I have to admit that while I know a lot about sugar cane plantations here in Puerto Rico, I had never thought about sugar cane in the South—which I tend to associate with cotton or tobacco.

There is a certain soap opera aspect to the book as well which is what must have appealed to the show‘s producers. I will go forth and watch the first season.

Liatrek Great review😊 will need to move it up on my TBR list. 6y
EKonrad Love the show! So beautifully shot and great cast! 👍🏼 6y
Zelma I heard the show is a lot of fun, in a soapy kind of way. I keep meaning to read this, as I live in the region she evokes. 6y
121 likes6 stack adds3 comments
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WanderingBookaneer
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Liatrek Are you liking it so far? This has been on my TBR pile for a while. 6y
WanderingBookaneer @Liatrek : I‘m about 60 pages in and I‘m hooked. 6y
MargoCatts Good grief! I didn‘t know there was a book before the TV series, which I LOVE. Adding. Right now. 6y
96 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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SheReads2
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
Pickpick

This story was fantastic! I enjoyed The tone of the book and learning about sugar cane. The ending was unexpected and left me wondering if there will ever be more to the story. Not sure if I want to watch the show on OWN. I loved this story as is and I‘d hate to see it changed. The only downside I have about this book is that the ending felt a bit rushed. Otherwise, this book is great to listen to.

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huntersmom1977
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Littens, I am enjoying my weekend, cross stitching and halfway through Season 1. The TV series is a bit different from the book. Micah being Charlie‘s son instead of the daughter depicted in the novel. And I love how some of the characters mentioned here and there, are getting bigger roles and more exposure. Happy Weekend Y‘all 😊

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huntersmom1977
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Pickpick

A nice easy read. Conquered family issues, addiction and loss. Also learnt a lot about sugar cane farming and how much work goes into owning a farm. Shoutout to all our farmers! Blessings
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chelleo Great book. The TV series is good too but it deviates wildly from the book. And Ralph Angel on the show... 😍😍😍 6y
huntersmom1977 @Chelleo I actually just found out today there is a TV series and found the link on my KODI box!! Excited to watch it this weekend 😊😊 6y
6 likes2 comments
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shawnmooney
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Bailedbailed

The characters were interesting enough, and the somewhat overwritten and certainly overly descriptive prose was bearable enough, but a third of the way in I am still waiting for the story to begin. I shaln‘t wait any more.

Bloomingjen is the tv series based on this book? 6y
shawnmooney @Bloomingjen Sorry, no clue 6y
Bloomingjen i will investigate amd let you know lol 6y
Bloomingjen @shawnmooney the show is, in fact, based on this book 6y
mhillis I bailed on this one too! 6y
49 likes5 comments
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diovival
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Day 5: #rockabye
None of my books were speaking to me so used the power of Google to find one that might pair well with the lyrics of the song. Also heard the TV adaptation is good.

"Single mom Charley Bordelon has the odds stacked against her...No one expects her to succeed...but she's got sheer determination and strength on her side."

#decdays @Cinfhen

Cinfhen Nice!!! Definitely fits the prompt!!! 🏆🙌🏻💕 6y
29 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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PluckyReader
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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This year's One Parish, One Book selection. Can't wait to get into it.

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PassportBooks
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
Pickpick

There was a lot going on in this book, perhaps a little too much. A father leaves his California born and raised daughter, Charley, a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. The book touches on a variety of issues - race, drug abuse, mental illness - touches but doesn't explore them in much depth. Queen Sugar is a debut novel. It was good not great, good enough that I'd give the author's next book a try.

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MrBook
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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#TBRtemptation post 2! This debut novels looks at an African-American mother-daughter story of reinvention. Charley's father left her 800 acres of sugarcane land in Louisiana. So her and her daughter, Micah leave Los Angeles and learn the ways of the South: her grandmother says it's only a white man's business; her brother is bitter and troubled; Micah grows homesick; & she learns to endure & hope. Inspired a tv series. #blameLitsy #blameMrBook 😎

LeeRHarry Sold again! You're crippling my TBR pile! 😩😏 7y
monkeygirlsmama I like the tv series. In it Micah is a boy though. Wonder why they made that change? 7y
LitsyGoesPostal 😊👍🏻 7y
79 likes9 stack adds3 comments
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alisonrose
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
Mehso-so

So...for a while I thought this was definitely a 4 star book, possibly a 5? I loved the writing and the imagery, loved Charley and Micah, and learning about cane farming was fascinating! But, I loathed Ralph Angel and the whole "Hey this guy is a massive dick but it's okay because reasons" thing. And the ending.....wtf. It got so rushed and felt like, wait what why. If the last maybe 15 pages were different....... 3/5 ⭐

ReadingEnvy I definitely ended this one feeling like I needed it to be longer. 7y
18 likes1 comment
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alisonrose
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile

Um, I just got really thrown by this book. There's a male character named Alison. Now, props to the author for spelling it right 😉 But I've had this name for almost 37 years and I've never ever once heard of a man who shared it. Have any of you?? I know there are names that have become gender neutral in recent years, but this is a new one on me, and I'm extra curious since, you know, it's my name.

Texreader Seems a very odd choice for the character's name. Maybe that's going to be part of the story? 7y
Lindy I know a male Alison. I also know a male Ashley. 7y
alisonrose @Texreader Nope, it was just there. 7y
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alisonrose @Lindy I've definitely heard of Ashley as a man's name, think it used to be almost always that way. But that's interesting that you know a male Alison, you're the only person I've heard from who has! 7y
Lindy @alisonrose My mom wanted to name me Alison, but my dad said no because he hated someone with that name. Then she was going to name me Marie, but she was afraid that anglophones would pronounce it 'Mary,' a name she hated. I'm happy with Lindy. (edited) 7y
alisonrose @Lindy Haha! My mom liked the name Bonnie....but that was my dad's ex-wife's name soooooo...didn't happen, lol 7y
20 likes6 comments
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alisonrose
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile

Occasionally, as they rolled down the headland, a rabbit darted across their path, or swallows, like kamikaze pilots, swooped in front of them, while a hot breeze kicked up from the south, romancing the young cane on either side of the road.

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alisonrose
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Finally getting to this one after planning to read it "next" for months ? #nowreading

18 likes1 stack add
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shelf-improvement
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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We're moving next week so this month's TBR is almost entirely digital--I suspended all 37 books in my library hold queue except for the Sedaris. Way too excited for that one. #JuneBookBugs

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crhealey
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Pickpick

"She was bound to this place, this small patch of earth; it was she and she was it."

I love an author who can really transport the reader to the place they are writing about. Reading about the swampy Louisiana summers helped take me away from this freezing MDW in MA.

Now onto the show, perhaps?

P.S. Note how Goodreads has the title wrong....?

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Pelican71
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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1. Louisiana ⚜️, living in MS, former Navy brat
2. Americanah ⬆️of the list, I ❤️ it!
3. Don't have one
4. Too many
5. Toss up between The Blacklist & House of Cards
6. No favorites now, Prince during the teen/young adult years
7. Red
8. Mystery/Psychological Thriller
9. Reading Intervention and after school tutor in the local school district
10. 🐶 Cooper, our peek-a-poo

This is so much fun!
#meettheLittens

kricheal House of Cards! 7y
maich Hy! 😘 7y
Zelma Waves from South Louisiana! 👋 7y
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Pelican71 Hey 👋🏾 @Zelma !! 7y
rustoryhuf Hi from a former MS girl. Of all the places we've lived, Hattiesburg/Mississippi is my favorite. 7y
Nat_Reads Americhana!! 7y
Pelican71 That's where I am @rustoryhuf 😊! #SMTTT 7y
Pelican71 All the feels for Americanah @Nat_Reads 7y
BekahB I love The Blacklist and House of Cards! I'm behind on The Blacklist. I need to catch up. I'm so excited for the new season of House of Cards! 7y
Pelican71 Me too @BekahB I haven't watched the finale yet. ❤️ Red. 7y
57 likes10 comments
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Conservio
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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I really enjoyed this book. I hope there is a sequel and Natalie Baszile did an amazing job with characters. I didn't like the protagonists brother, Ralph Angel, but she did a terrific job with him

1 like1 stack add
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Yeah_I_Read
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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#maybookflowers #startswithq

I've been slacking on my photo challenges 😵

stargazerblue49 Movie adaptation?? 7y
Bookzombie @stargazerblue49 It's a TV series. I noticed it was available on Hulu recently, but I didn't know it was book. Thanks, @Yeah_I_Read 🙂 7y
ReadingEnvy I didn't care for the tv series but really liked the book. 7y
Yeah_I_Read @ReadingEnvy yeah I don't watch a lot of tv but they updated the cover on my nook which I actually think is really annoying 7y
83 likes1 stack add5 comments
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Liatrek
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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#maybookflowers Here are the two books I have that starts with the letter Q. They are both TBR books.

Nutmegnc Hee hee. It doesn't start with q , but yours reminds me of this one! 7y
Liatrek @Nutmegnc I've seen this one but haven't picked it up. Is it a good book? 7y
Nutmegnc @Liatrek it is! Although, I think I like Garden spells better. She lives in my state and I've heard her speak. Very nice lady. Not a fan of her recent work, however. Not sure if it's her or me. 7y
Liatrek @Nutmegnc I will have to add to my TBR pile 😊 7y
Nutmegnc @Liatrek 😻😻😻 7y
27 likes1 stack add5 comments
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sprainedbrain
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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#MayBookFlowers #StartsWithQ

This one is on my tbr, to borrow from a friend who loved it.

BestOfFates I enjoyed it but I read it after falling in love with the show, so it really threw me how different it is! 7y
sprainedbrain @BestOfFates I haven't seen the show... maybe I should do book first. 7y
BestOfFates @sprainedbrain Maybe for the best - but after I highly recommend the show, it's great! 7y
127 likes4 stack adds3 comments
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Conservio
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Picked this up at the library. First heard about it on @ReadingEnvy podcast. #library #may #south

ReadingEnvy I'll be interested in what you think! I tried the tv show too but didn't care for it. 7y
5 likes1 comment
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LDuffN
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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My readin' spot for the next couple of days!!! #springbreak2017 #whatchareadin📚📖📰📜

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Iindseyo
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Driving from Nashville to Memphis for a friend's birthday which I was enjoying until I hit a 10 mile stretch of stop and go traffic. 🙄 Only bright side is more time with my audiobook 🤷‍♀️ #LitsyAtoZ #LetterQ

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LDuffN
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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What I'm readin now!! #whatchareadin📚📖📰📜

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JanJan
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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15 likes1 stack add
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Liatrek
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Yay for 50% off half price books coupon 😊❤️

Donna_sBookMinute Penumbra! Yayyyy! A wonderful read. Haven't read Queen Sugar yet. 7y
17 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Kerouacthedog
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
This post contains spoilers
show me

Alright. I feel like I'm supposed to feel empathy for Ralph Angel in spite of his being an ENORMOUS ASS TO EVERYONE.. But I just can't do it. What. A. Douche.

Chelleo Agreed. The tv show character is a lot easier to sympathize with. 7y
Kerouacthedog @Chelleo I agree. The show makes him much more rounded and full as a character than the novel does. 7y
9 likes2 comments
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jlondon1963
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Pickpick

This is one of those rare books that makes you feel empathy especially for the character that is being a total asshat! You find yourself yelling at the book quit Angel you are your own worst enemy. Raw and deeply moving I can see why Oprah grabbed the film rights for this one! #blackhistorymonth #LitsyAtoZ challenge this takes care of Q @BookishMarginalia

9 likes1 stack add
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donnalyy
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile
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Absolutely loving the character development in this story. While the plot is moving slow, I'm enjoying discovering what makes each person tick. I'll always be more attuned to paper books, but I'm not mad at reading on my iPad. I'm actually in bed early and can read before I have to sleep. The little things make all the difference.

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donnalyy
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile

Because life should be as simple as a bucket of fish caught a few miles offshore and a van full of produce bought at a roadside stand. It should be as sweet as a cube of melon the color of your heart.

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donnalyy
Queen Sugar: A Novel | Natalie Baszile

Sitting in the dentist chair, but he is in high demand, running around serving all his patients. Luckily, I have some e-books on my phone. Diving into this one! Was excited to find out the author is a UCLA alum. #gobruins