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The Bandit Queens
The Bandit Queens: A Novel | Parini Shroff
A young Indian woman finds the false rumors that she killed her husband surprisingly usefuluntil other women in the village start asking for her help getting rid of their own husbandsin this razor-sharp debut. Shroff captures the complexity of female friendship with acuity, wit, and a certain kind of magic irreverence. . . . The Bandit Queens is tender, unpredictable, and brimming with laugh-out-loud moments.Ta Obreht, New York Times bestselling author of The Tigers Wife Five years ago, Geeta lost her no-good husband. As in, she actually lost himhe walked out on her and she has no idea where he is. But in her remote village in India, rumor has it that Geeta killed him. And its a rumor that just wont die. It turns out that being known as a self-made widow comes with some perks. No one messes with her, harasses her, or tries to control (ahem, marry) her. Its even been good for business; no one dares to not buy her jewelry. Freedom must look good on Geeta, because now other women are asking for her expertise, making her an unwitting consultant for husband disposal. And not all of them are asking nicely. With Geetas dangerous reputation becoming a double-edged sword, she has to find a way to protect the life shes builtbut even the best-laid plans of would-be widows tend to go awry. What happens next sets in motion a chain of events that will change everything, not just for Geeta, but for all the women in their village. Filled with clever criminals, second chances, and wry and witty women, Parini Shroffs The Bandit Queens is a razor-sharp debut of humor and heart that readers wont soon forget.
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BookNAround
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The Bandit Queens and I are off to Boston for the WNBA National meeting (not that basketball one, the book one). Tomorrow night there‘s a presentation of the WNBA award to Eve Bridburg, the founder of Grub Street. I‘ll actually dress-up, something I almost never do anymore. It‘s at Porter Square Books and I‘m probably most excited about seeing a new indie bookstore. 😁

ncsufoxes I love Porter House books. Although I‘ve only been to the one in Seaport, I haven‘t ventured to the one in Cambridge. Have fun, it‘s supposed to be hot here today & tomorrow (well hot for Boston). 1d
Megabooks Have a great trip! 20h
62 likes2 comments
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CatLass007

Well, will wonders never cease? I got my Social Security check today after all. And the first thing I did was buy my Audible copy of the tagged book for #CampLitsy23. I believe I‘m enjoying it and will have all my chapters listened to in time for the discussion this Saturday. Oh, and after all the hand-wringing and finagling by the politicians, the legislation cleared the House and goes to the Senate. I think I pretty much despise all politicians.

BarbaraBB I‘m so glad you did get it! 2d
CatLass007 @BarbaraBB Thank you! I generally consider myself a Progressive, but I can‘t think of a single politician (except maybe Bernie) who gives a rat‘s ass about the people they‘re supposed to be representing. It‘s all about getting and keeping power. 2d
BarbaraBB I agree, your democrats are still very right-wing compared to our progressives. Power is a bitch. 1d
See All 6 Comments
CatLass007 @BarbaraBB It‘s a bitch to the ones who have no power. It‘s an aphrodisiac to people who have even a little bit, and they always want more. 1d
SamAnne Pardon my coarse language, but our U.S. government is a shitshow. 1d
37 likes6 comments
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eraderneely
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Just started this for #CampLitsy23 and it‘s already coming with the zingers! If you can‘t laugh at this, then you aren‘t parenting right.

LaraReads Yes, girl! Sardonic all the way through, and I‘m here for it! Loved this one! 2d
28 likes1 comment
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Books_et_al
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Have read up to chapter 16 so I‘m ready for the first #camplitsy23 discussion!
Initial thought in comments 😏

Books_et_al Must say I‘m not loving it so far. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 3d
CarolynM I didn‘t like it all to start with, but it did improve a bit, still only a so-so from me. There‘s lots to discuss, though, so it‘s good from that perspective🙂 2d
BarbaraBB Second half is better I think. Discussion will be great though, I‘m pretty sure! @CarolynM 2d
22 likes3 comments
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Laughterhp
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Pickpick

As my library hold was only 2 weeks on this, I decided to read it all at once, instead of only reading the first part for the discussion. This book definitely wouldn‘t have been on my radar without #camplisty23! I‘m glad I picked it up.

It‘s silly, I did laugh out loud once. I wasn‘t expecting some of what happened. And it‘s weird cheering on murderers when you think there has to be a better way! Can‘t wait to discuss!

Megabooks Yes, I think it will be interesting to wrestle with the humorous elements and rooting for murderers. 😳 I‘m so glad you‘ll be joining us! 🏕️👍🏻 3d
BarbaraBB Great review! See you on Saturday 😀 3d
squirrelbrain Great review - look forward to hearing your thoughts at the weekend. 3d
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Bklover
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Pickpick

Oh, how I loved the second half of this book! Don‘t want to say much as we are discussing it June 3rd, but I loved it. Read library version and I‘m going to have to get a copy to keep. ❤️
#CampLitsy

squirrelbrain Yay - glad you loved it! 3d
Megabooks Yay! Happy to have you join our discussion! 3d
BarbaraBB So glad you loved it! And I love your collage 🧡 3d
Bklover @BarbaraBB Thank you! I truly am not very good at collages but I‘m trying to get out of the habit of setting the book on my lap or next to a dog and using that as the pic. 🩷🩷 3d
83 likes4 comments
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Tamra
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Bailedbailed

This is a bail - headed back to the library. I am 3/4 in and finding myself skimming, which isn‘t a good sign.

I‘m thinking it‘s just not the right time.

jlhammar Oh, interesting! Sorry this didn‘t work for you. Probably do have to be in the right mood. It didn‘t blow me away or anything, but I did think it was quite funny and entertaining while tackling serious issues. 4d
Tamra @jlhammar it‘s funny how what you‘ve just read, are going to read, & life circumstances influences our book experiences. 🤷🏾‍♀️ 4d
Cathythoughts I also bailed, yes and skimming too… never a good sign. 4d
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BarbaraBB Sorry the book didn‘t work for you and @Cathythoughts. I can see why though. I am with @jlhammar on it. 3d
Tamra @Cathythoughts @BarbaraBB @jlhammar I definitely agree re: tackling serious women‘s issues, but for whatever reason didn‘t hook me. Onward ho! 3d
BarbaraBB Onward indeed 💕 3d
68 likes6 comments
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Tea_and_Starstuff
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Pickpick

A lighthearted book about domestic abuse and murder! A woman's husband disappears from their small Indian village and everyone figures she killed him. She didn't, but she's enjoying the solitude of her pariah status…until other women decide their husbands need to go too. This book was funny! Far funnier than I expected. At its core is a story of messy female friendship that stressed me out at times, but landed really well overall.

BarbaraBB We are discussing this book on 3 and 10 June. You are very welcome to join! If you want to be tagged I‘ll add you to the #CampLitsy23 list! (edited) 3d
Tea_and_Starstuff @BarbaraBB - oh that's a fun coincidence! Yes, please do add me to the list and thank you so much for thinking of me 3d
BarbaraBB My pleasure, it will be fun to have you join us! 3d
Bklover I loved it too, especially the unexpected humor! 3d
18 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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CBee
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Read through chapter 16 and don‘t want to stop! Very much enjoying this one and so glad I decided to join #camplitsy 😊😊💚💚

AmyG This is a fun one. I‘m enjoying it too. 5d
Megabooks Yay! I‘m glad you‘re enjoying it! It has great characters and a lot for us to discuss. So happy to have you at camp! 🏕️💜 5d
CBee @AmyG it is! It‘s dark at times but balances out with a lot of great humor. @Megabooks thank you! Looking forward to discussing! 5d
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AmyG Yes-it‘s fun and touching, dark and human. I look forward to discussing this too. I especially like Bandit. 5d
LeeRHarry Just started it today - seems promising! 😊 5d
CBee @AmyG oh, I LOVE Bandit. And very much like Geeta! 5d
CBee @LeeRHarry enjoy!! 5d
BarbaraBB Glad you‘re enjoying it! We‘ve come up with some interesting questions we think. Lots to discuss next week and the week after! (edited) 5d
squirrelbrain Glad you‘re enjoying it! Looking forward to the next two weeks of discussions. 5d
CBee @squirrelbrain @BarbaraBB can‘t wait! 😊 4d
Chelsea.Poole Same here! I forced myself to stop but I want to keep reading! 4d
CBee @Chelsea.Poole not to mention chapter 16 ended on a bit of a cliffhanger 🫢😂 4d
77 likes12 comments
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Tamra
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Is there a lot more to this story than a tortured romance for Geeta? My 🙄 alarm just went off.

paper.reveries 😂😂 ruh roh 5d
Ruthiella Ignore your alarm. This is not a romance! 5d
Megabooks This definitely isn‘t a romance!! 5d
CarolynM @Tamra I had exactly the same concern. It‘s ok, she veers away. 4d
Tamra @Ruthiella @Megabooks @CarolynM 😅 okay, I‘ll plug along. 4d
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BarbaraBB
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Pickpick

I finished my first #CampLitsy23 read and I really liked it. It was much darker than I thought. I especially enjoyed the Indian setting, such as Phoolan Devi‘s story and the parts about the Dalits. I also liked the dynamics between the women, their conversations and wittiness. Plenty to discuss next week!

(Pic: Cancale, Brittany, France)

rockpools So good! And I love your photo. 5d
batsy Great photo, and happy to hear it's a pick for you! 5d
Cinfhen Yay! Hope you‘re enjoying your long weekend ☺️ 5d
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squirrelbrain Great review! Looking forward to the start of #camplitsy next weekend! 5d
peaknit I‘m looking forward to discuss too! I am enjoying it right now! 5d
Suet624 I‘m so glad you enjoyed it. 4d
Megabooks Gorgeous! Glad you had a great trip! 4d
91 likes2 stack adds7 comments
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CarolynM
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Mehso-so

Once I got into it I found the story entertaining, but I'm uncomfortable about cheering on murderers & also, although it is important to cast light on the issues, about the representation of Indian society as told by an expat for consumption by westerners. Plenty to discuss at camp! #CampLitsy23 @BarbaraBB @Megabooks @squirrelbrain

Megabooks I understand what you‘re saying about trivializing murder. There is plenty to discuss with this one. Very much looking forward to your thoughts! 6d
batsy Interesting review! I haven't started yet but your thoughts will be in mind when I read. 6d
Tamra Echoing @batsy I just checked it out from the library. 6d
TrishB Yes, plenty to discuss! 5d
squirrelbrain Interesting…! We have some great questions for this, so I‘m looking forward to your comments. 5d
73 likes5 comments
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Chelsea.Poole
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I‘ve marked the first section we‘ll discuss for #camplitsy23 but I‘m worried I won‘t be able to stop reading because it‘s soooo good! I‘ll try to save the second section but I may just have to find out what happens to these characters!

BarbaraBB I know what you mean!! 5d
Megabooks It‘s a hard one to put down! 4d
94 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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Magpiegem
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Todays #camplitsy holiday pic from Golden Cap in Dorset. We spent the evening on the beach basking in the glow, paddle boarding and eating amazing pizza.

squirrelbrain You‘re getting such amazing weather; you could be in the Med! 6d
Magpiegem @squirrelbrain we have been sooooo lucky (unlike normal- it usually rains when we are here). The sea even felt a bit warmer today. 6d
jlhammar Gorgeous! 6d
Chelsea.Poole Sounds perfect! 6d
41 likes4 comments
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MaggieCarr
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Pickpick

An unintentional vigilante that I cheered on for 85 percent of the book. She trusted and wasn't taken advantage of for a bit but regained her footing in a country where she's not cheered on for speaking, or thriving.

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Magpiegem
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Todays holiday pic- sandy and ☀️. That‘s my little boy getting ready to dive in in the background. #lymeregis #camplitsy So far I‘m enjoying this book. Although I‘m not getting far (too much rockpooling and fossil finding to do!)

mcctrish Perfect reading spot 1w
BarbaraBB Lovely post, all of it 🥰 7d
49 likes2 comments
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Laughterhp
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Okay, #camplitsy23, I‘m ready! Both are only 2 week holds, so I better get reading!

Megabooks Yay! Excited to have you join us! 1w
squirrelbrain Hooray! Looking forward to the discussions on both of these! 1w
JamieArc I just got both of mine and was relieved to see they are both 3 week holds. 1w
BarbaraBB Yay, ready to go! 1w
68 likes4 comments
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Magpiegem
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Holiday reading begins!! #camplitsy

batsy Fun! "Camp" location is lovely ? 1w
AmyG What a beautiful place to read. Enjoy! 1w
Tamra Wish I was there reading! 1w
squirrelbrain Lovely view! ❤️ 1w
50 likes4 comments
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JamieArc
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My hold came in. Looking forward to starting camp! Birdie didn‘t love being used as a prop but that‘s only because you all aren‘t here to pet her 😊 #CampLitsy23 #dogsoflitsy

Tamra 😘 Virtual Kisses & Pets 1w
dabbe Hello, Beautiful Birdie! I'd LOVE to pet you! 🩵🐾🤍 1w
Megabooks So cute! 4d
59 likes3 comments
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quietjenn
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I may be on my lunch break, but my mind is at #CampLitsy23 😎

squirrelbrain Hooray for camp! 🏕️ 1w
AmyG I am enjoying this one. 1w
Chelsea.Poole It was my lunch break reading today too! 1w
Tamra Anxious to hear what you think of this one! 1w
BarbaraBB Mine too! 1w
67 likes5 comments
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squirrelbrain
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#libraryhaul from the last 2 days and 2 libraries! 😁

Bandit Queens is of course for #camplitsy23, although I read it a few months ago.

The next two are also #blameitoncamplitsy. Biography of X started out quite strongly in the voting and then tailed off. The Nursery was nominated by @youneverarrived and sounds interesting.

The remaining books are for #readingtheamericas23. @BarbaraBB @Librarybelle

Librarybelle Excellent stack!! 1w
TrishB Brilliant 👍🏻 1w
youneverarrived The Book of Night Women is one of my favourite books! And looking forward to your review of The Nursery 🤍 1w
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BarbaraBB Such a good stack. I am curious how you will continue with X, f it picks up again for you! 1w
sarahbarnes Fantastic stack. I want to look into a few of these! 1w
Megabooks Very interested in what you think about X! 6d
kspenmoll Great haul! Aren‘t libraries the best?! 4d
78 likes7 comments
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LitsyEvents
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repost for @BarbaraBB:

Hi Campers, here is a friendly reminder that #CampLitsy23 is about to start 🥳

Meg, Helen and I can‘t wait to hang out with you all and discuss the tagged book, our first summer read.

On 3 June we will discuss the first half of the book, until chapter 16. On 10 June we‘ll discuss the second half.

So we hope you‘ve got your copy along with some sunscreen and your bathing suits 👙🏕️📖

38 likes2 comments
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BarbaraBB
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Hi Campers, here is a friendly reminder that #CampLitsy23 is about to start 🥳

Meg, Helen and I can‘t wait to hang out with you all and discuss the tagged book, our first summer read.

On 3 June we will discuss the first half of the book, until chapter 16. On 10 June we‘ll discuss the second half.

So we hope you‘ve got your copy along with some sunscreen and your bathing suits 👙🏕️📖

See All 36 Comments
CBee Just picked this up from the library yesterday 😊😊😊 1w
Bookwormjillk Can‘t wait! 1w
squirrelbrain Exciting! 👑 1w
Megabooks Yay camp! 🏕️🎉🎉 1w
Kristy_K Can‘t wait! Starting it this weekend! 1w
Hooked_on_books Oh my gosh, already?!? So exciting! 1w
KarenUK I just got my hold from the library! So perfect timing…. 1w
jlhammar Looking forward to it! 1w
DebinHawaii I‘m excited for this one! Now to just get it started & the first half read by 6/3! 😆 1w
CSeydel I just returned my library copy. I found it a pretty fast read. Lots to discuss! Can‘t wait to hear what others thought 😊 1w
monalyisha Hello! I‘m sure this is more than you want to keep track of but I‘m only planning to read 3: Birnam Wood, Hijab Butch Blues, & (maybe) The Memory of Animals. 1w
AmyG Thank you! I have already begun. So excited. 1w
CatLass007 I was going to get a copy from Audible but it‘s going to depend on whether I get my SSDI. There‘s so much in the news about the US debt ceiling. The people who will be affected the most if the country defaults are veterans, government employees, and anyone who receives Social Security. 1w
Chelsea.Poole I have my copy ready! 👑 1w
Magpiegem I‘m going on a mini holiday tomorrow and it‘s coming with me yay! 1w
Bklover Just checked it out! 1w
Meshell1313 Just got both June books! I‘m ready! Can‘t wait! 🏕️📖 1w
BarbaraBB @monalyisha We‘ll try to remember that in our tags 🤞🏽 @Megabooks @squirrelbrain 1w
BarbaraBB @CatLass007 I don‘t know much about American debt ceiling unfortunately but I definitely hope you‘ll keep your social security 🤞🏽🤍 (edited) 1w
CatLass007 @BarbaraBB Thank you. I‘m trying not to be anxious about the possibility of not receiving it on time. I know that the politicians playing chicken with people‘s livelihoods don‘t really care what happens to us as long as they get our votes and money from the big donors. They‘ll drag this out until the last possible second, come to some agreement, and both sides will claim victory. But it‘s best not to be complacent about it. 1w
BarbaraBB @CatLass007 It sounds utterly unfair in a country as wealthy as yours but as said, I know little about it. I do hope the best for you 1w
CatLass007 @BarbaraBB Thank you. I really appreciate it. 1w
batsy Oh, I'm excited! The library hold is still about a month away I think so I'll try to snag a Kindle copy. 1w
monalyisha Thanks @BarbaraBB @Megabooks @squirrelbrain ! That‘d be great! And if it‘s too much, I get it; no tragedy. 😊 1w
JenniferP Excellent! My copy just became available at the library yesterday. Looking forward to discussing this!
1w
LaraReads Can‘t wait! I just LOVED this book! 🖤 1w
BarbaraBB @batsy I hope you‘ll be able to! 1w
BarbaraBB @JenniferP I just started it and it‘s fun! 1w
BarbaraBB @LaraReads Looking forward to it too! 1w
TheKidUpstairs Loved this book, looking forward to discussing it with you all! 1w
BarbaraBB @GatheringBooks This is the reading schedule for our first #CampLitsy23 book! 1d
86 likes36 comments
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5feet.of.fury
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Mehso-so

The plot itself is great: vigilante justice, women striking back at their abusers, female camaraderie. The setting is one that doesn‘t often make the mainstream, it dives into the caste system, plight of women in India, shitty NGO microloans. All this to say I wanted to like it, it is the sort of thing I like. but the pacing was slow, the characters personalities didn‘t resonate with me, something in the execution fell flat IMO.

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LaraReads
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Pickpick

I absolutely ADORED this read! And I can‘t wait for the #camplitsy23 discussions!

A story about “the resilience of women and the power of sisterhood.” That‘s the description in the author‘s note after the epilogue, and it perfectly describes how I related to this one. I was enamored by these women & their relationships. It was heartwarming & darkly funny. I really enjoyed listening to the audio as well. My favorite bonobo ladies! ❤️

Megabooks So glad you loved it! I‘m excited for the discussions! 2w
Suet624 I‘ve been recommending this book to all of my friends. 2w
BarbaraBB So glad with these recommendations! I‘ll be reading it soon! @LaraReads @Suet624 2w
squirrelbrain So glad you loved it! Can‘t wait for our discussions. 2w
Megabooks Yes! The authors‘ note was great! Can‘t wait to discuss with you and everyone at camp! 2w
44 likes2 stack adds5 comments
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julesG
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Pickpick

#CampLitsy23

@Megabooks @squirrelbrain @BarbaraBB

Geeta didn't kill her husband, but the whole village thinks she did. And since her widowhood helped her turn her fortune, other women want to have what she has. But how do you murder another woman's husband without either of you being caught?

Full review: https://scepticalreading.com/2023/05/self-made-bad-ass-widows/

Read for #GladstonerdsBookClub.

squirrelbrain Looking forward to our #camplitsy23 discussions! 2w
BarbaraBB Encouraging review! I still need to read it! 2w
Megabooks Very much looking forward to this discussion! 2w
80 likes1 stack add3 comments
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CarolynM
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I‘m 10 chapters in and I‘m not feeling it. Does it get better? I don‘t want to bail because it‘s my first #CampLitsy23 book. Any encouragement gratefully received.

Tamra I bailed on the audio because of the narration. I was hoping print is better. 🤞🏾🤞🏾 2w
Cinfhen I loved it!!! But it grabbed me from the start and I ADORED the audio @Tamra 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️so funny how we all connect differently 2w
ChaoticMissAdventures Oh no!! I am with @Cinfhen this grabbed me from the start, but I read the physical book. I don't know, if you are not enjoying it if it gets better....I was just so fascinated with the real life Bandit Queen, and I really liked Geeta. 2w
See All 16 Comments
Hooked_on_books I‘m joining the chorus of being grabbed right away. And I also liked the audio, like @Cinfhen . I say stick with it for longer than you might for a non-camp book, but it may just not be for you. 2w
Ruthiella I read it in print and pretty much enjoyed it from the start. 2w
TrishB It was a borderline pick for me- but I really enjoyed the beginning, it just got a bit ‘samey‘ for me. 2w
BarbaraBB Oh no! I thought everyone loved this book! I hope it gets better, I haven‘t read it yet! 2w
Cathythoughts I tried this awhile back ( in print ) and bailed.. It wasn‘t for me. Very popular book though. (edited) 2w
Cinfhen Oh good 😅 @Hooked_on_books @ChaoticMissAdventures I was starting to question my choice but I‘m so relieved to see both of you liked it too!! If you don‘t like it after ten chapters, Carolyn im not sure you‘re going to like it more. 2w
squirrelbrain Oh no! I‘m one that loved it, in print though. But don‘t feel pressure; if you don‘t like it then bail. #camplitsy is meant to be fun, and I‘m sure you‘ll love some of the other books. 2w
CarolynM @Tamra @Cinfhen @ChaoticMissAdventures @Hooked_on_books @Ruthiella @TrishB @BarbaraBB @Cathythoughts @squirrelbrain Thanks for your input, everyone. I‘ve done another couple of chapters now and it has picked up. I thought it was heading into romance territory with the “nice” alcohol seller but it has veered away and hopefully won‘t go back there. I‘ll stick with it for a while longer. I like the narration so I‘m happy to stay with audio. 2w
Lindy I hope you won‘t regret sticking with this. It certainly has a farcical vibe that doesn‘t work for everyone but I loved it. 2w
Tamra Is this a marmite novel? 😆 I can‘t forget that @Cathythoughts ! @Cinfhen it is both funny & fascinating the differences in what we all like in terms of narration. I‘m anxious to read the print because the premise sounds so good. Anxious to see your final verdict @CarolynM - I hope for my sake too there isn‘t any icky romance. 2w
Ruthiella Oh no, this book is far, far from romance. It‘s more about female friendships. 2w
RebelReader @Cathythoughts I tried it before it was picked and I bailed too. Maybe it was me because I liked Sea of Tranquility much better the second time I tried it. On the fence if I‘ll give this one a second chance. 2w
Suet624 I loved it. 2w
69 likes16 comments
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ChaoticMissAdventures
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#AAPI heritage recommendations
Contemporary fiction edition

I am still sore that the tagged didn't make the Women's Prize short list. From what I can see it was an audience favorite. Such a great book..
Tomorrow x3 you have seen it everywhere but have you read it??
All My Rage - Tahir is a wonderful writer. This one of hers is sad, taking on grief and struggles, but the relationship between our main characters was a sweet delight to read.

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Suet624
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The first paragraph perfectly describes what was completely wrong with Bolla, the book I read right before this one. Bolla was unrelenting. This book was delightful in the telling of so much that is troubling but you aren‘t beaten into a bloody pulp with the info. The second paragraph is just a reminder to us all that female friendships are absolutely necessary, otherness is not real, and I need to read more about Phoolan Devi.

Deblovestoread 💜 all of this! 3w
TrishB I think back to pandemic lockdowns and how much I just missed sitting with my close friends. Although zoom had its place I missed their personal closeness. I never under estimate that closeness! 3w
Suet624 @TrishB so true. 3w
See All 7 Comments
sarahbarnes Yes!! I just finished this one and loved reading the author‘s note as well. 💙 3w
BarbaraBB Extremely looking forward to this one. Great thoughts and quotes 🤍 3w
Suet624 @BarbaraBB I think you‘ll like this one. Because the book came from the library I had to read it before the “official” camp date. 3w
54 likes1 stack add7 comments
review
sarahbarnes
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Pickpick

A great read! I went in expecting an entertaining romp, and it was that, but it‘s also a page turner with social commentary on the caste system and gender. Looking forward to discussing this one at #camplitsy! Pictured here with the dog that lives in our house and who has a lot in common with Bandit in the book. 😁

BkClubCare So looking forward to this! 3w
Megabooks I‘m excited to discuss it too! 3w
BarbaraBB Ooh so glad you liked it! I must get to it soon! 3w
sarahbarnes @BkClubCare @Megabooks @BarbaraBB a great camp pick I think! 🏕️ 3w
55 likes4 comments
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TheBookHippie
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Whelp… library hold came in EARLY 😂🤦🏻‍♀️

CSeydel Mine too! And through some kind of glitch in the system, the library had TWO copies held under my name! 😆 3w
TheBookHippie @CSeydel 😂😂😂 3w
Ruthiella I also just got it on Libby for 7 days as a “skip the line borrow”. I find it a little discombobulating when I expect to wait weeks and WHOOPS, there it is! 😅 3w
See All 8 Comments
Leniverse I've already read Bandit Queens, as part of the Women's Prize longlist. And my library holds of The Memory of Animals and Romantic Comedy have come in early, and I bet other people will have holds so I'll have to read them quickly. This is throwing off my entire Camp Litsy summer reading! lol 3w
Suet624 I was delighted to find my copy sitting on the library shelf apparently just waiting for me to show up. 3w
TheBookHippie @Leniverse it says number 32 and then oops here it is 😂🤷🏻‍♀️ (edited) 3w
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angieinwonderland
Bailedbailed

I had so much hope for this story, but it couldn't even call me to it. I wanted to get into this so bad. I would say I will try again, but I have way too many books to read in my lifetime.

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ImperfectCJ
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Pickpick

This veers a little into "farce" territory at points, but overall I find it to be a clever, hilarious, and insightful look into relationships between women. May we all be bonobos to one another.

rockpools Hear hear! 4w
Soubhiville Yes! 4w
BarbaraBB Looking forward to reading and discussing it! 4w
ImperfectCJ @BarbaraBB Definitely looking forward to the discussion! I had several things I thought about saying in the review that I opted to save for #camplitsy23 ! 4w
BarbaraBB @ImperfectCJ You‘re the best! 4w
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rockpools
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Pickpick

As we all know, the first rule of book club… And the second rule… Oh well - let‘s break all of them!

A thoroughly entertaining tale of misogyny and murder, full of dark humour, great characters and the daily expectations of being a woman in India. I went in with low expectations, but I really liked this.

I‘m so pleased it‘s up for Camp Litsy next month as well. Obviously the Women‘s Prize judges were wrong! (Not that I‘ve read any of the others)

TrishB Great review 👍🏻 4w
CarolynM Great review! Looking forward to reading this and discussing it at Camp🙂 4w
squirrelbrain This should be great to discuss at camp! And I agree with you about the Women‘s Prize judges…. Bad judges! 🤣 4w
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Lindy
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Pickpick

An amusing revenge novel that cleverly encompasses commentary on serious social issues affecting village women in India, such as gender, religious and caste discrimination, personal safety, plus deep misogyny. Too bad this Women‘s Prize longlisted title didn‘t make the shortlist.

Hooked_on_books I read this shortly after it published when it popped up at my library and had zero expectations going in. I was completely delighted by it! I wish it had made the short list, too. 4w
Lindy @Hooked_on_books I‘m glad you enjoyed it too. 😊 4w
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Lindy
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Wary, he took a step back. “Please don‘t make my bowels boil and fall outta my butt!”
She would have rolled her eyes, but she hadn‘t heard that one before. She could appreciate imagination. “Fine. Your bowels will remain as is.”

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Lindy
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“Why doesn‘t he go to the school at home?” Saloni asked.
Khushi shook her head. “He did once, long time back, but the teacher just had him cleaning toilets. I mean, I sent him to school so he doesn‘t have to clean toilets. Ay-ya, I should have charged the school for the labour, but he was five—didn‘t do a great job.

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Lindy
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Years later, Geeta knew she hadn‘t joined the chant out of any acute hate, but neither had she possessed enough compassion to abstain. Bystanders shoulder their own blame, and Geeta was now shamefully puzzled as to why a tiny act of bravery had been so beyond her.

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rmaclean4
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Pickpick

I found this book charming. I learned a lot about India. A fun read. #womensprize. Great debut novel.

BarbaraBB We‘ll discuss it during #CampLitsy23 in the first half of June. I hope you‘ll be there! 1mo
rmaclean4 @BarbaraBB i do t k ow about #CampLitsy23 is there a link to an overview? 4w
BarbaraBB Yes! I‘ll tag you! 4w
rmaclean4 @BarbaraBB thank you! 4w
31 likes4 comments
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LitsyEvents
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repost for @BarbaraBB:

Hi Campers! Are you ready to start preparing for our #CampLitsy23 trip? We will read and discuss half a book each week. On Saturdays we will post some questions to discuss the part we‘ve read.

I‘ll be your camp leader in June, when we will read the books above. Meg will post our July schedule, Helen does August. You find Junes‘ schedule in the comments below!

LitsyEvents See original post for schedule:
https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2583508
1mo
BarbaraBB Thanks again 😘 1mo
41 likes2 comments
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Soubhiville
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The Bandit Queens takes first place for my April fiction #2023ReadingBracket. But it couldn‘t stand up to The Mercies from last month, or the winner for the year so far: Black Sun. 📚🖤🌞

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LitsyEvents
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repost for @Megabooks, @squirrelbrain, @BarbaraBB

Thank you all for voting for your favorites on the #CampLitsy23 longlist!
Helen, Meg and I are excited to share our winners!
We think it's an excellent collection of books to read while camping this summer!

Our June reads will be The Bandit Queens and Birnam Wood. We'll share a reading schedule for all months soon.

We are looking forward to go camping with you next month!

squirrelbrain Thanks for reposting! ❤️ 1mo
bthegood What if there were a Camp Litsy for kids - no pool or lake, just cabins, a mess hall, and a cozy reading lounge. Walk in the morning before breakfast, eat, read, walk again before lunch, eat, read, short walk, dinner, and discuss books - omg -my young self would have gone to a camp like that and loved it!! - 🏕️ 1mo
43 likes3 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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Starting this one!! I‘m excited I‘ve heard it‘s really good! Have you read it?! 💜💙❤️🧡💛

TheBookbabeblog84 This is on my summer list ❤️ 1mo
jlhammar Fun read! Enjoy! 1mo
Garabrandtreviews Loved it! 1mo
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ChaoticMissAdventures
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So work has been a mess and I missed posting my wish list for the #womensprize short list.
I have seen the list but still wanted to post what I had hoped would be on there.

*** Big asterisk
I am only 1/3 through Trespasses which I am enjoying but having a hard time picking up with how busy I am. I have not gotten my hands on Fire Rush or Dog of the North, so those three I didn't consider.

ChaoticMissAdventures All 6 of these I really enjoyed, and thought were creative (I loved the mix media of Homesick), and/or really delved into a topic that I feel we don't hear enough about - Wandering Souls & Black Butterflies
I just adored Bandit Queens, and hope it is made into a movie or TV show!
1mo
jlhammar So many good ones! Fun to see your top 6. 1mo
Hooked_on_books I wish Bandit Queens had made the short list. I was so delighted by it! 1mo
ChaoticMissAdventures @Hooked_on_books same! I am shocked Pod made it and Bandits didn't. I don't get it. 1mo
31 likes4 comments
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Soubhiville
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Pickpick

I had a blast listening to this. These characters are fun, and I couldn‘t help supporting the ladies as they planned the downfall of the abusive men in their lives. I‘d definitely recommend the audio, terrific narration!

AmyG Thanks for posting. I was going to read this but just placed a hold for the audio. 1mo
Hooked_on_books I listened to this not long after it published and knowing very little about it. It‘s so much fun! I found it completely delightful. Glad to hear you enjoyed it, too. 1mo
Prairiegirl_reading Since I mistakenly paid for an audiobook instead of using a credit like I had planned, I have an extra credit. I think I will get this one. Thanks for the review! 1mo
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Melismatic
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Pickpick

This was fantastic: richly written, human women striking back at injustice complete with dark humor. TW for mentions of r*pe and assault.

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Leniverse
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Pickpick

It might not have made the #WomensPrize shortlist (as it should have), but for me this wins the "Book I Would Most Like to be Adapted to the Screen" Award. Thoroughly enjoyable black comedy.

Susanita Who would you cast as Geeta? 1mo
Leniverse @Susanita No idea! I'm no good at the casting game. 1mo
rockpools Really enjoying this too! Thanks to whoever suggested we read it. And yes, this would be great on screen. (edited) 1mo
See All 8 Comments
julesG Shush!!! You're breaking both bookclub rules. 1mo
rockpools @julesG Sorry! Didn‘t say a word😶. 1mo
jlhammar Yes, exactly what I thought! This could be a fantastic movie or limited series. I was rather shocked that Pod is on the shortlist instead of this one. 1mo
Tamra I‘m anxious to read this one! 1mo
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TheKidUpstairs
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Pickpick

I raced through this one from the #WomensPrizeLonglist23 in two days. I loved the blend of humour and deep subject matter, as Shroff confronted gender issues, caste discrimination, domestic violence, and women's agency in a patriarchal society.

Cinfhen I think it‘s my top contender from the longlist 🙌🏻 1mo
TheKidUpstairs @Cinfhen I've been so impressed with the list this year (at least with what I've been able to get my hands on so far). Very eagerly anticipating tomorrow's shortlist announcement. I think my favourite so far is Trespasses, but if you ask me in an hour I'd probably have a different answer because there have been some great reads! 1mo
Cinfhen It‘s so true 😊I‘ve enjoyed every book I read except I haven‘t tried Glory again, I had bailed earlier in the year and I bailed on Tresspasses on audio but will 💯 try again in print 💖 I haven‘t read 4: Pod, Bread, Fan & Butterflies- which I still want to read and Fan too! 1mo
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BkClubCare
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Vote Time 🗳️ for #CampLitsy 🏕️
Look for #CampLitsy2023 post today by @BarbaraBB for the list and the form. I wanted to record the books I considered and voted for - based on very limited research… 🤔🤩 I own the tagged book and included authors/titles already on my radar:

The Bandit Queens, Endpapers/Kelly, Burst / MaryOtis, I Have❓ – Rebecca Makkai, Postcard/A.Berest, Memory of Animals /Claire Fuller

Also interested in 👇
(See comments)

BkClubCare Community Board - Tara Conklin
Games & Rituals - K Heiny
1mo
BkClubCare And a big THANK YOU to @squirrelbrain, @Megabooks, and @BarbaraBB for all the heavy lifting 👏 1mo
BarbaraBB I had a hard time voting too and I am happy with your choices. So excited to see where we‘ll end up! 1mo
See All 6 Comments
squirrelbrain Your choices are some of my favourites too! 1mo
BkClubCare @squirrelbrain - such a long list! I refused to be overwhelmed and just went on instinct or … something 😂 1mo
BkClubCare @BarbaraBB - I chose Burst for its cover. And that it elicits this emoji!💥 1mo
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Cazxxx
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This is my wish list for the women‘s prize shortlist, not my prediction but my personal favourites with The bandit queens being my overall winner

jlhammar Great to see your favorites! Looking forward to the shortlist announcement. 1mo
ChaoticMissAdventures It is so interesting to see everyone 's favorites list. They seem very different Demon Copperhead is cropping up a lot. I personally also loved Bandit Queens 1mo
Cazxxx @jlhammar I‘m looking forward to it too! 1mo
Cazxxx @ChaoticMissAdventures I would love The bandit queens to win but I don‘t think it will! 1mo
49 likes4 comments