Started the #BookClub selection, listening to the #Audiobook old school style with CDs 💿!
pickA fun enemies to lovers romance, with mild spice. The title is misleading, this is a story about two elementary school teachers who have competed against each other since college. The characters are likable, even neurotic Emily. Book #87 in 2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
panThis book was so frustrating. I wanted to know how it was going to end, but I was also so put out with the characters‘ choices. Joe might be an absolute jerk, but nothing he did would have been possible without her enabling him. I‘m not someone who needs likable characters to enjoy the book, but for me, the plotting was slow and the resolution left me cold. Based on Joe‘s actions, I couldn‘t figure out any real motivation for Joan‘s choices.
Recent acquisition for our personal library.
2020 rating: ★★★★★
I loved this modern Hardy adaptation first published as a serial in The Guardian 2005-07.
pickLeft my kindle at home so picked this up at the airport and ended up all but finishing same day. I really liked the main character and the premise of the book. I also thought. It shows great writing skill that so much of the novel is ‘tell‘ vs show because Margaret is narrating her family history but it‘s still compelling. Could have done without the forward love story - Margaret and Alice were enough for me
In case anyone is interested they have up the design for the 2026 Independent Bookstore Day on Bonfire. It comes as a shirt, long sleeve, or crewneck. I‘ll put the link in the comments! #independentbookstoreday
Started this doorstop of a book today. Rom Chernow is one of my favorite authors. #MarkTwain #history #biography #RonChernow
pickThis is my 2nd book by this author & I loved it. I think I enjoyed Practice Makes Perfect more, but I identified with this main character. After her parents die, Emily raised her siblings and worked hard to make sure everyone in her life is taken care of. It‘s enemies to lovers, and a lot of deeper issues like grief and loneliness, and struggling with abandonment issues. The dynamic between the siblings is definitely one of my favorite parts.
Mark Twain joined The Quaker City, a ship heading for a tour of Europe, the Mediterranean, & the Middle East. His trip was paid for by the Alta California, in exchange for 50 letters. Many of the Quakers on board were “wounded” by his irreverent take on all things religious. #familieswhoreadtogetherstaytogether #familybuddyread
*sorry for the shitty camera skills*
It's a foggy morning here in upstate NY. Great day to curl up and listen to a murder mystery which is my current read.
