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#springskies #favbookofmarch

The characters are not interesting and the pacing of the plot is dismal. I really wanted to read something set in Mexico City but not this one.

Mexico. Slow burn start. The fairly tame beginnings veered into brutality and depravity around the midway point. The ending felt like careening off a cliff. Shocked. Disturbed. Repulsed. And yet....the story failed to thrill me.

Perhaps reading so slowly left me too much time to ponder what I wished I knew rather than focus on what was laid out before me? The characters never felt more than pieces being moved through a preordained plot. #40for40

At first I really didn‘t care much for the characters in Velvet was the Night but as the story progressed I found myself engrossed in this tale! A good historic fiction-ish mystery read.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (5/5)

I intended to read this one essay at a time, but the essays flowed so well that I read it in 2 sittings. Excellent, thoughtful writing about maps, language (which was interesting given that I was reading it in translation), reading and books, and more. The writing style at different times reminded me of both Patti Smith and Joan Didion. I will definitely come back to this one, and will certainly read more by Valeria Luiselli.

"Rereading begins in the comments written in the margins, the underlined phrases and scribbled footnotes; but especially in the objects left behind between the pages."
-Valeria Luiselli, Sidewalks, "Return Ticket"

I am loving this book of essays. Chance was on my side for this month's #bookspin.

Finally getting around to posting my #bookspin and #doublespin for March. I'm excited to finally knock Middlemarch off my TBR.

My tbr for March. 19-20, I'm leaving open for mood reads. I had 4 mood reads this month💗 I read a total of 9 books this month.
#Bookspin #bookspinbingo
@TheAromaofBooks

I nodded to indicate that I was happy to be of service.
"Can I get you something to drink?" he added right away.
"Perhaps a little red wine," I accepted out of politeness, "if you'll be joining me."
"I never drink," said the Count, with a theatrical pause, "wine."

☠️

Trying a new book and a new coffee shop tonight 📖 ☕