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Addison_Reads

Addison_Reads

Joined January 2018

"All the reading she had done had given her a view of life they had never seen." Matilda- Roald Dahl
blurb
Addison_Reads
Untitled | Unknown
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I'll be taking a break for a bit from reading challenges and Litsy.

No worries, though, I will return, just not sure when. 😊

I wish you all a wonderful New Year, and I look forward to seeing all the great books you've read when I return.

AnnR Happy New Year to you, too. ❄️🎄(I'm also taking a break from reading challenges for a while.) 3mo
Ruthiella Happy New Year! It‘s a great ideal to take a break, reflect, regroup and recharge . 3mo
Tamra Happy New Reading Year! 3mo
See All 10 Comments
Deblovestoread Happy New Year! Enjoy your break. 3mo
IndoorDame Happy New Year! 3mo
Librarybelle Happy New Year! Enjoy your break! 3mo
MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm Love this quote and 100% support breaks. Have a very Happy New Year! 🥰 3mo
dabbe Happiest of New Years, and enjoy your break! 💙❄️💙 3mo
Reggie As someone who takes about 2 months every year I understand this. Happy New Year and hopefully see you soon! 3mo
BarbaraBB I only read this now, realizing I miss our interactions on the Litsy ToB books. I hope you are doing well and will be looking forward to your return ❤️ 3w
33 likes10 comments
review
Addison_Reads
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Mehso-so

#tob24 long list

Perhaps it's me and not the book because, to be honest, I don't have anything negative to say about this read. It just didn't really resonate with me personally.

I can see the appeal for others with this book, but for me, it has a good premise/story and forgettable characters.

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Addison_Reads
Idlewild | James Frankie Thomas
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Pickpick

#tob24 long list

Give me a story with well-developed characters that allow me to see and experience the world around them, and I am hooked. Idlewild was such an enjoyable read that made me think, made me feel, and even surprised me.

It's a great story about growing up and reflecting, and the 9/11 storyline was very well handled in it.

And, I loved the ending. 😁

squirrelbrain This seems to be a fave with many of us! 3mo
Megabooks The ending was spectacular! 3mo
37 likes2 comments
review
Addison_Reads
Time's Mouth | Edan Lepucki
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Mehso-so

#tob24 long list

Another just okay read from the list for me. As a fan of a sci-fi, time travel, and books about cults, I liked many aspects in this complex story following a woman, Ursa, who can travel back to memories of her past.

This story has a lot to it with trauma, love, and family relationships. In the end, it could have used some editing because all of the different themes become heavy and ultimately get lost amongst each other.

review
Addison_Reads
Sparrow | James Hynes
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Pickpick

#tob24 long list

Sparrow is probably one of the toughest reads I've read all year. My emotions were all over the place with this unflinching story of a young boy growing up in a Roman brothel. It is a wonderfully written historical fiction that will leave you utterly drained yet satisfied when finished.

If you are a fan of books like Shuggie Bain, this book reminded me of that in the way it brutally attacked my emotions.

squirrelbrain I keep borrowing this from the digital library and then returning it unread. I did like Shuggie though… 🤔 3mo
30 likes1 comment
review
Addison_Reads
Dayswork: A Novel | Chris Bachelder, Jennifer Habel
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Mehso-so

#tob24 long list

Moby Dick is one of my favorite books, so when I started this book about someone researching Melville, I was excited.

The good: I thought the story was unique and enjoyed the back and forth between Melville's life and the life of the main character. I was also a fan of how things became more blurred between what was real and what was research as the story unfolded.

The bad: For me, the big turn-off is not knowing what ⬇️⬇️

Addison_Reads information about Melville is actually true and what might have been sensationalized for the overall benefit of the story. 3mo
Graywacke Hmm. I might need a biography first. 🙂 3mo
Megabooks I felt like this was this year‘s ➡️ which frustrated me for the same reasons. 3mo
30 likes3 comments
review
Addison_Reads
The Lost Journals of Sacajewea | Debra Magpie Earling
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Bailedbailed

#tob24

It isn't a normal thing for me to bail, but as time ticked away on this library hold and I found myself unable to connect, and kept having to restart from the beginning each time I tried because I was confused about what was happening, I decided to return it in the hopes the next person would have better luck. 😁

I don't think I'll attempt to revisit this one later. It hurts my head just thinking about it.

BarbaraBB I won‘t bother with this one 😂 3mo
See All 8 Comments
Ruthiella I rarely bail either, but I often wish I could more often. It‘s such a relief. I think you made the right call! 3mo
squirrelbrain I rarely bail either but I did with this. Or at least I ‘hibernated‘ it and intended to come back to it if it made the short list. Seeing as I‘m reading the Turkey list instead it‘s now a bail! 🤣 3mo
Chelsea.Poole I‘m reading this one now and I‘m intrigued, but I definitely get what you‘re saying, it‘s not one I‘m eager to pick up. 3mo
BkClubCare Oh dear. Mood and timing, sometimes, kills a book experience. At least for me (I could steal this first paragraph for Am Mermaid! I just bailed on it 😢) 3mo
Hooked_on_books Interesting, two bails now, you and Helen. I‘m curious about this one and will probably end up giving it a try, but my expectations will definitely be tempered. @BkClubCare I read AM a while back and wasn‘t impressed. You‘re not missing much by bailing. 3mo
43 likes8 comments
review
Addison_Reads
Sing Her Down | Ivy Pochoda
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Mehso-so

#tob24 longlist

Yet another example of a book from this list that could have been great. I loved the gritty, Western tone; it felt original. Also, focusing on two women recently released from prison was a great premise.

Sadly, though, another book falls short due to poor execution in the end. The book starts strong, then the storyline tries to be too complex and ultimately collapses on itself.

I would read this author again, though.

Ruthiella I‘ve long meant to read her books, but I think I will start with the one that was chosen for Dennis Lahane‘s imprint back in the day. 3mo
See All 8 Comments
MicheleinPhilly @Ruthiella I loved Visitation Street! 3mo
squirrelbrain That‘s the second so-so review I‘ve seen for this - plus it‘s not out for a few months yet over here. 3mo
Hooked_on_books Yeah, I felt the same way. Great premise, lots of potential, but too bad it didn‘t deliver. 3mo
Chelsea.Poole I agree! Such promise but didn‘t live up to the potential. 3mo
Megabooks I listened to a bit of the audio and wasn‘t sold. I think I‘ll skip. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 3mo
37 likes8 comments
review
Addison_Reads
The Prospectors: A Novel | Ariel Djanikian
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Pickpick

#tob24 longlist

I found myself pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this one. There is so much detail in this story. I'll admit that at times, I found myself asking why the author was telling me every miniscule detail of the way something looked or the supplies being used, but it really does all come together to enrich the story.

This book might not be for everyone, but fans of sweeping historical tales like East of Eden will like it.

Suet624 My soul is chock full of stories of greed and I can‘t take any more at the moment but the book does sound interesting. Maybe later. 😊 3mo
See All 9 Comments
BarbaraBB That is quite the recommendation! I loved East of Eden and your review. Stacking again! 3mo
Ruthiella I‘ll keep this in mind for when I feel like reading a sweeping family saga. 👍 3mo
squirrelbrain This was one I didn‘t really fancy but your review has made me change my mind. 🤔 3mo
Deblovestoread Stacked! 3mo
Hooked_on_books Nice! I was looking at this one before the longlist came out and definitely plan to read it. Sounds really good! 3mo
Megabooks Excited to listen soon on hoopla! 3mo
43 likes1 stack add9 comments
review
Addison_Reads
Julia | Sandra Newman
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Pickpick

#tob24

I'm a big fan of this feminist retelling of Orwell's classic. I felt it was really well done and timely. Learning about Julia's young life was fascinating to me. Newman has done something special here; she's breathed new life into a timeless novel while also paying reverence to the genius of the original.

I only wish I had reread 1984 before this one because it's been years since my last read.

BarbaraBB Great review. If it makes the shortlist I‘ll first reread 1984 3mo
See All 10 Comments
Megabooks I‘m really interested in this and may listen to the audio on Spotify. 👍🏻👍🏻 3mo
ImperfectCJ I bought this unread for my spouse, who loves 1984, and I'm very pleased to see your review! (I was sneaky this year and bought each of my family members books that I want to read. I plan to say, "Oh, if you're not going to read this right away, would you mind if I just take a little peek?") 3mo
Ruthiella If it‘s back story, I‘m interested! It‘s been decades since I‘ve read 1994 also, but I don‘t like it when the original novel‘s plot is too heavily referenced or relied upon. 3mo
squirrelbrain I read this as an ARC, so before the ToB list was published. I re-read 1984 first as I hadn‘t read it since I was a teen and I‘m glad I did as there were lots of subtle plot points that I wouldn‘t have picked up on otherwise. I didn‘t feel like it was a re-hash @Ruthiella so maybe give it a go. @BarbaraBB @Megabooks 3mo
squirrelbrain Great idea @ImperfectCJ ! 🤣 3mo
Ruthiella @squirrelbrain Thanks for the tip! 3mo
Hooked_on_books Admittedly, I‘ve never read 1984. 🫣 Sounds like I need to read that first. And @ImperfectCJ , that‘s brilliant! 😂 3mo
48 likes3 stack adds10 comments
review
Addison_Reads
Cold People | Tom Rob Smith
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Panpan

This was one I was excited to read even before the #tob24 long list came out. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me. Great ideas, interesting setting, but ultimately the author has too many unanswered questions and giant cavern sized plot holes.

And don't even get me started on that terrible ending! 🤦‍♀️ I will be surprised if this makes the shortlist.

BarbaraBB I‘ve been interested in this one too. Will let it be for now. 3mo
See All 7 Comments
Megabooks 💯💯💯 agree terribly disappointing!! Don‘t waste your time if it doesn‘t make the shortlist @BarbaraBB 3mo
Ruthiella Yeah, this sounds bad. The reviews I‘m seeing on Goodreads are also pretty negative. 3mo
squirrelbrain I couldn‘t get this and was very disinclined any after @Megabooks review. Then, a couple of days ago, it appeared on BorrowBox so I borrowed it. Still don‘t think I‘ll read it, unless it makes the shortlist! 3mo
Hooked_on_books I read this a while back, as I really liked another book by this author (The Farm), and I agree. Cool premise, poor execution. 3mo
42 likes7 comments
blurb
Addison_Reads
Time's Mouth | Edan Lepucki
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I'm still working on a few from the #tob24 list that I already had checked out, but these are my library holds that I have gotten in the past two days.

Have you read any that you liked from these?

Hooked_on_books I LOVED Vintage Contemporaries. Sparrow is good, but the first half needed some serious editing. The second half is much stronger. Have something light lined up after it, as it‘s heavy. I haven‘t read The Prospectors, but I‘m really interested in it. 3mo
Megabooks Loved VC, idlewild was good. 3mo
Megabooks The lepucki I think I liked and dayswork was just okay. Haven‘t read the others but I have prospectors checked out! (edited) 3mo
squirrelbrain Loved Vintage and Idlewild. I hibernated Sacajawea for now. 3mo
35 likes4 comments
review
Addison_Reads
Brainwyrms | Alison Rumfitt
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Mehso-so

If you've followed me for long on Litsy, then you know that weird, grotesque horror is right up my alley. However, this book pushed some boundaries that left me feeling uneasy. It also still left me with a lot of questions once I finished.

I'm thankful books like this are showing up in the #tob24 though.

If you had trouble reading last year's pick, Manhunt, then you'll probably want to skip this one.

squirrelbrain Ha! I nearly commented that this was like Manhunt but worse. In fact, I bailed on Manhunt but that was because it was on audio, and you can‘t skip paragraphs or skim-read on audio. 3mo
See All 14 Comments
ImperfectCJ Thank you for this review! I was wondering about this one. Manhunt was not my thing at all, and this cover doesn't inspire confidence that this one would be a good fit for me. I still might try it, but I won't prioritize it. 3mo
BarbaraBB I was indeed thinking of you when I read about this on the longlist 😀 3mo
dabbe That cover! Yikes! 😱 3mo
Hooked_on_books Yeah, between you and @squirrelbrain , I‘ll be skipping this if it doesn‘t make the shortlist. So good to know! 3mo
Megabooks Only if it makes the shortlist… 3mo
Ruthiella I love Manhunt, but not for its goriness, but for its ideas and righteous anger. I don‘t typically like gore. So maybe this‘ll work for me if the plot does… (edited) 3mo
RaeLovesToRead I was just casually scrolling down and this HORRIBLE front cover makes me jump out of my skin 🤣🤣🤣 I have the UK version (got it as a blind date with a book). I'm 99% sure I'm gonna hate it. I wouldn't actually be able to read it with this cover 😆 3mo
Addison_Reads @Ruthiella I was a fan of Manhunt, and while I liked the ideas presented in Brainwyrms, I didn't think it was as well-done as Manhunt. I'm interested to see what you think about it if you read it. 3mo
batsy What @Ruthiella said about Manhunt. It's a book I haven't forgotten. Really curious about this one but also afraid of it lol. 3mo
Readerann The cover. Nope. Life is too short. 😳 3mo
Reggie I liked her execution of someone becoming radicalized through fear. The mother, that crazy mother. There was a cult in here right? That kinda springs itself on us near the end. Great review. Have you read her other one? Tell Me Im Worthless? It‘s way better than this one but I still respect this book. 3mo
44 likes14 comments
review
Addison_Reads
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Pickpick

#tob24

This is a unique story that I really enjoyed. It was fun to read a story where the top literary writers of the time come together to discuss what will happen next for America now. It's set in 1883, but I couldn't help but make connections between societal issues then and now.

Part of why this works so well is because it's short. I feel if it were longer, I would have lost interest.

squirrelbrain I got about halfway through this on audio when I was on holiday last week and I‘m enjoying it. (Haven‘t had much reading / listening time since I got back) 3mo
See All 11 Comments
BarbaraBB You‘ve been reading so much! I am enjoying your reviews a lot 3mo
Hooked_on_books This is one of the longlist books that jumped out at me immediately. Now I‘m even more excited for it! 3mo
Megabooks Very excited about this one! 3mo
Ruthiella Agree with @BarbaraBB ! You are a ToB reading queen! 3mo
Deblovestoread I agree that the short length was a plus. 3mo
Addison_Reads Thanks @BarbaraBB @Ruthiella and @Chelsea.Poole 😊 I'm just trying to keep up with @squirrelbrain and @Megabooks with my tob reads. 😁 3mo
squirrelbrain More likely me trying to keep up with you! 🤣 3mo
38 likes11 comments
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Addison_Reads
Lovesick Blossoms | Julia Watts
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Pickpick

#tob24

Definitely one of my favorites from the long list! 💚

This Sapphic historical fiction swept me up in the story and had me enthralled. Julia Watts paints a vivid picture of life in 1950s Kentucky. Usually, romance isn't my thing, but that is just a small part of this sweeping tale of friendship, acceptance, and learning to be oneself.

Megabooks I think this is up next for me! 3mo
See All 8 Comments
BarbaraBB One of your favorites? I can‘t ignore that! #stacked 3mo
squirrelbrain Glad you liked it too! ❤️ 3mo
Hooked_on_books That‘s great! I‘m looking forward to this one. 3mo
BkClubCare Enthralled! You say? Stacked 😊 3mo
Chelsea.Poole I want to read this one! 3mo
38 likes3 stack adds8 comments
review
Addison_Reads
The New Earth | Jess Row
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Mehso-so

#tob24

This book was a bit of a mess. The ideas presented felt relevant and current, but the length of this book and the way the story is told does not do it justice. I never felt connected to any of the characters, and because of all the different POVs, I was confused a lot about who was talking.

I appreciate what the author was trying to do, but this book needed editing and polishing.

RebelReader I tried reading this earlier this year and bailed. I might revisit it if it makes the short list. 3mo
See All 11 Comments
squirrelbrain Another poor review - @Megabooks didn‘t like it either. It‘s one I can‘t get hold of easily so I‘m definitely waiting to see if it makes the short list. 3mo
Ruthiella I will also only read this if it makes the shortlist. Sounds like a lot of work (and not in a good way). 3mo
Suet624 Thanks for trying so we don‘t have to. 3mo
Megabooks It makes me feel validated that you saw the same flaws I did! This was really a squandered opportunity. 3mo
Addison_Reads @Megabooks I didn't read your review until after I finished, but yes, I agree with you completely. I think it only made the list because of the premise, not the writing. 3mo
Megabooks What did you think of the incest subplot? It didn‘t make sense to me at all. And that weird wheedling in the online forum. The author truly made some bizarre choices with this one!! 3mo
Addison_Reads @Megabooks I kept going back in the book, trying to figure out if I missed something when that came up. I have no clue why that was added, and I almost gave up on the book at that point. 🤷‍♀️ 3mo
Hooked_on_books Between your review and @Megabooks , I will be skipping this one if it doesn‘t make the shortlist. And perhaps even then. 3mo
42 likes11 comments
review
Addison_Reads
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Pickpick

While I did not find this one scary, I still really liked it. It doesn't compare to the foreboding paranoia I felt while reading Shirley Jackson, but Elizabeth Hand has done an incredible job of creating interesting, flawed characters.

The house itself wasn't as big of a character as I would have liked, but Hand still has some great descriptions of it in her writing.

review
Addison_Reads
A Good Family: A Novel | Matt Goldman
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Panpan

I wanted a quick thriller to read, so I grabbed this from the library one night on my way home.

I should have left it there. 🤣 This book was terrible. The characters are superficial, annoying people living in unrelateable scenarios who find themselves caught up in a situation with the Mafia.

Just avoid this one.

BarbaraBB Will do 😉 3mo
Tamra Haha - great review though! 😁 3mo
28 likes2 comments
review
Addison_Reads
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Pickpick

This is an excellent collection of stories. I even discovered some new to me authors. The stories are varied, from horror to sci-fi, with each one showing the injustices still prevalent in our society.

By far, my favorite was Dark Home by Nnedi Okorafor. But there were so many other great ones in this anthology. Horror fans will be pleased.

29 likes1 stack add
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Addison_Reads
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Pickpick

#tob24

Although not a favorite from the long list, I wouldn't be upset if it made the short list. It's a quiet, poetic novel of a woman in her 60s reflecting on her life. She finds herself in a location that allows her to analyze and make changes she might not have otherwise.

The setting has strong symbolism to the story, and even though this book is quite melancholy, it didn't leave me feeling emotionally overwhelmed.

squirrelbrain This is one that isn‘t out here yet so I probably won‘t get to it. It‘s (d8 for a (used) copy on Amazon ? or the paperback comes out next April. ?‍♀️ 4mo
See All 11 Comments
Addison_Reads @squirrelbrain my library had the ebook/audio on Libby. I'll keep my eyes open for any good deals on a physical copy or an ebook sale for you. 4mo
BarbaraBB Another one that really sounds good! 4mo
Chelsea.Poole This is one I wasn't familiar with before the list. Thanks for your review...I knew nothing about it!
4mo
squirrelbrain Thank you Cassie! 4mo
Suet624 Oooh, woman in her 60‘s? Melancholy? Sounds like one I‘d like. 4mo
Tamra @Suet624 me too! 4mo
Suet624 @Tamra 👯 4mo
Hooked_on_books Sounds interesting. I just picked up the ebook of this since the price was reasonable and am excited to dive in! 4mo
49 likes6 stack adds11 comments
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Addison_Reads
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Pickpick

This is a charming read that explores the meaning of life from various points of view. I really enjoyed getting wrapped up in each character's life.

Although I liked this one, I am surprised it made it on the #tob24 long list.

@BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain @Megabooks @Suet624 @BkClubCare @Jas16 @cariashley @MicheleinPhilly @Larkken @merelybookish @batsy @Readerann @Hooked_on_books

squirrelbrain Yes, I wondered too why it was on the #ToB list - not their usual fare. 4mo
BarbaraBB I love that they included it but I was a bit disappointed! 4mo
See All 6 Comments
Ruthiella It‘s the title! How could any book lover not at least want to pick it up? 😂 4mo
Chelsea.Poole @Ruthiella agreed—and as a librarian, our library HAD to have it. That title is a sure fire way to sell copies 😆 4mo
Hooked_on_books Nice! I just picked up my hold of this one today. 4mo
47 likes1 stack add6 comments
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Addison_Reads
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Mehso-so

#tob24

I love weird, and I love fairytale retellings. Kelly Link is a brilliant writer, but there were only two stories in this collection that I enjoyed.

The others felt lackluster in comparison. I do appreciate that she explored fairytales not commonly known. Some of the connections to the original tales were too loose, which made it difficult to follow.

squirrelbrain You‘re having a #ToB review-fest! 🤣 Says me, just about to post another one…. I don‘t think many of us have liked this one so far. 🤔 4mo
See All 9 Comments
Addison_Reads @squirrelbrain I think I have two more and I'll be caught up... for now. 🤣 4mo
BkClubCare I did! I liked this one! 😁 @squirrelbrain I just am horrible at reviewing short stories but I enjoyed this. 4mo
squirrelbrain Oops sorry @BkClubCare 😃 I may even go back to it yet, it‘s a library book that‘s still waiting at home for me when we get back from our hols. 4mo
Suet624 I‘m thinking I may skip this one altogether. 4mo
Chelsea.Poole You‘re on a roll too! 👏 4mo
Hooked_on_books This didn‘t really hit for me, either. I thought the idea was really clever and a couple stories were intriguing, but it wasn‘t for me overall. 4mo
41 likes9 comments
review
Addison_Reads
The Red-Headed Pilgrim | Kevin Maloney
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Mehso-so

I listened to this one, and I'm glad I did because I might have bailed on it as a book. It's another short read on the #tob24 long list.

I really don't have much to say about this one. Overall, it was just okay for me. I think had I read this in my 20s, I might have connected with it more.

Perhaps I'm too old and jaded now to fully appreciate the wanderlust of this journey. 😁

39 likes4 comments
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Addison_Reads
Mobility | Lydia Kiesling
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Pickpick

#tob24

I loved this book! It helps too that I grew up in the Golden Triangle area of Texas that is a huge part of this story because of the oil/gas industry there.

Kiesling tackles climate change, geopolitical issues, social injustices, and more. We see the problems of the world through Bunny's view. As she ages, we see her question her role in these problems.

This is a rich novel that will leave you contemplating it long after you finish.

squirrelbrain Another great review! I have this one on Scribd / Everand audio. I might listen to it next, after I‘ve finished The Auburn Conference. 4mo
See All 8 Comments
Addison_Reads @squirrelbrain The Auburn Conference is what I'm currently reading too. 4mo
BarbaraBB Such a great review. This will be my next book. Can‘t wait! 4mo
Ruthiella I really loved The Golden State, so this is definitely on my TBR whether it makes the shortlist or not! 4mo
Chelsea.Poole Great review! 4mo
Hooked_on_books This is good to hear! I was a little unsure about this one, but after this and another recent good review, I look forward to it more. 4mo
41 likes1 stack add8 comments
review
Addison_Reads
This Other Eden | Paul Harding
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Mehso-so

#tob24

I wanted so much more from this book. Paul Harding has presented a heart-wrenching story with beautiful prose. I have enjoyed other books by him previously, but the vast time frame with the large cast of characters did not feel fully explored for my tastes in this short read.

I do love that Harding introduced me to something I knew nothing about before reading this book. Now I plan on researching more about Malaga Island.

squirrelbrain Great review - I didn‘t much like this one either, when I read it as part of the Booker long list. 4mo
See All 7 Comments
Suet624 I liked this a lot. The writing and especially the historical aspect of it which I was unaware of made it a pick for me. 4mo
BarbaraBB It was a so-so for me too. 4mo
Chelsea.Poole I felt the same when I read this over the summer. 4mo
Hooked_on_books I loved the premise of this one but didn‘t feel it delivered. I gave it a so-so, too. 4mo
41 likes7 comments
review
Addison_Reads
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
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Pickpick

I have loved Carlile's music for a long time. This was a beautifully written look into the artist's life.

Bonus: I had no clue that she sang on the audiobook!

#NonfictionNovember

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Addison_Reads
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Pickpick

Loved it!

I know Friends had its issues, but like Miller talks about in the book, watching the show is like comfort food.

There was a lot in this that I already knew, but there were also some things I had no clue about. Either way, listening to this was bittersweet, but also brought up a lot of warm fuzzy feelings.

#NonfictionNovember

38 likes1 stack add
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Addison_Reads
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Pickpick

#NonfictionNovember

Coming from a family with a history of schizophrenia, I was very interested in this book. Fans of Hidden Valley Road should definitely read this one.

The Genain sisters have a tragic story, and the author did a great deal of research to ensure the reader fully understood the world in which these quadruplets grew up in.

Difficult, but informative read.

46 likes4 stack adds
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Addison_Reads
Worthy | Jada Pinkett Smith
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Mehso-so

I didn't love it; I didn't hate it. It was just okay overall for me.

Jada is open about many things, and I appreciate her taking responsibility, but something in her style with this memoir just didn't connect for me.

#NonfictionNovember

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Addison_Reads
The Woman in Me | Britney Spears
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Pickpick

I graduated high school in 1999 in Louisiana, so Britney was a huge part of my memories that year and my first year in college. While I wasn't a fan of her music, I still thought she was very talented.

This book was full of so much heart. Like others have said, I'm thankful she is finally being seen and getting to tell her story.

#NonfictionNovember

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Addison_Reads
Cold People | Tom Rob Smith
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I might have a problem. These are my current library checkouts for #ToB 2024.

I think I'm starting the tagged book first.

AnnR Wow! Good luck. 4mo
BarbaraBB So many! Can‘t wait for your reviews! 4mo
jlhammar Ambitious! 4mo
35 likes3 comments
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Addison_Reads
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Mehso-so

#NonfictionNovember

I was let down by this book. Aside from reading, playing video games is a favorite hobby of mine. Most of the games mentioned I have played. Perhaps knowing the stories for these games kept me from enjoying it more. I felt like it was just a synopsis of popular games and not really a look at the extensive storytelling I expected.

This book is written for teen readers, though, so it might work better for a younger crowd.

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Pickpick

#NonfictionNovember

I've been binging celebrity memoirs recently, and this one was a great audiobook read by Jennifer Grey.

The 80s nostalgia in this was a lot of fun. Grey gives insights into both her acting career and her personal life, and through it all, she felt "real" and honest. It was much more candid than I expected it to be, but that's what made it so entertaining.

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Great YA nonfiction!

This is a brief look into authors who have contributed to making the horror genre great. It may be short, but the details and authors featured were all well-researched and presented in an accessible way for readers both familiar and unfamiliar with the authors.

It would make a perfect gift for a budding horror fan.

#NonfictionNovember

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#NonfictionNovember

Having read her sister's book first, this one was enjoyable but echoed thoughts from that one, so I couldn't help but spend my time comparing them.

Although Jinger's journey to separate herself from her family takes a slightly different path than her sister's, it hits on key points from their childhood of the control used to keep the family in line.

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Fascinating read! I loved this one.

I'm not a hiker, but I can understand the pull of those seeking connection with the natural world. Andrea Lankford did a thorough job with her research about three missing hikers and the search to find out what happened to them. She delves into the culture around the hiking world and doesn't shy away from discussing the terrible accidents that can easily claim a hiker's life.

#NonfictionNovember

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Wellness | Nathan Hill
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#ToB24

I've read 13 of the 58 books listed this year for the Tournament of Books Long List (https://www.tournamentofbooks.com/the-year-in-fiction-2023).

The bigger the picture above, the more I liked it. I am pleasantly surprised with the horror books featured this year. That's not normally a genre you see many of in this tournament.

Ruthiella 13! 😮 I‘m very impressed! I‘ve only read a measly three. 😆 4mo
BkClubCare @Ruthiella - ditto! Very impressed, and I too , have read 3 4mo
BarbaraBB Great graphic! And impressive indeed. I am also glad with the obscure choices on the longlist 4mo
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TheBookHippie 9! I‘m actually shocked 🤣 4mo
Chelsea.Poole I‘ve started this and then somehow life got in the way. I need to get back to it because it really grabbed me. (By the throat har-har 😉) 4mo
Chelsea.Poole Also I‘ve read the description of the tagged and I‘m curious but also so scared to read it. Sounds painful. 4mo
Addison_Reads @Chelsea.Poole Monstrilio isn't an easy read. It's quite dark, and the journey through the main character's grief is a key element in the story, which at times is overwhelming. However, it is unlike anything I've read before and I was deeply engaged from the beginning to see how everything would come together. 4mo
jlhammar Wow, 13!! 4mo
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666 Gable Way | Dani Lamia, Frederick H. Crook
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Mehso-so

I was drawn to this book because the house involved is called "The House of Seven Gables." That made me think this was going to be a gothic haunted house story. But, it wasn't.

Instead, this book is a fast-paced more modern haunted house tale where ancient powers lay hidden both in the house and in an "ancestor" attached to the house. It read like a made for TV horror film, with enough to keep me entertained, but no lasting power.

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I'm Glad My Mom Died | Jennette McCurdy
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#NonfictionNovember

I never watched Jennette McCurdy's show, but I was familiar with its popularity. When I started this one, I wasn't sure what to expect. She's so vulnerable with her writing right from the beginning that I instantly felt an emotional connection. The pure honesty of this, mixed with humor through the darkness she faced in her life made me appreciate her story and made me hope for healing and brightness for her future.

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I have to admit, I only recently watched this show. I was busy with life when it originally aired, but I have now binged all seasons and needed more. 😁

This book is written in interview style, which I personally loved. It gives so much information on how the show came together, the writers, the actors, and even the struggles.

It was fun to revisit one of my favorite sitcoms and all those who made it great.

#NonfictionNovember

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Panpan

Another book in the Paperbacks from Hell collection.

This book just didn't work at all for me. I love creepy, and I love weird, and this book has both of those things, but nothing makes sense, and it all is too absurd with minimal character development.

The cover is the best part of this book.

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I highly recommend listening to this one. The audiobook was so well done.

I'll admit, I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. It ended up on my TBR, and I couldn't remember why. However, I'm thankful to #NonfictionNovember for pushing me to read it.

This collection of essays is eye-opening, beautifully written, and addresses many different topics. The combination of social commentary with popular music was pure genius.

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Amazing! 🤩

I can't sing enough praise about this book. It is written in free verse with gorgeous illustrations on every page. The way the words and the graphics come together are flawless.

I borrowed this from my library, but I will definitely buy myself a copy for my shelves.

#NonfictionNovember

StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego This book is gorgeous. 4mo
JenniferEgnor I loved this one! It was so beautiful. 4mo
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#NonfictionNovember

Growing up, my parents worked in a funeral home, so I had a different view of death than others around me at the time. Reading about other jobs that deal with death on a daily basis was fascinating, and I thought the author did a great job choosing a varied group of people and jobs to explore in this book.

This book is difficult at times to read. Even the author has trouble at one point, and I appreciated her honesty.

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Iron Flame | Rebecca Yarros
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Pickpick

Working at the library means I get to take books home before they go on the shelves, and I was excited to read this one last week.

This book isn't perfect or groundbreaking, but like the first book, it pulls you into a fun, action-packed fantasy world that reads like getting lost in a well-done movie.

I still love the dragons the most. 💚

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Although I had heard of Jeanne Villepreux-Power, I was unaware of her history and all the amazing contributions she made to marine science.

This is written for teen readers, but it's still a fascinating read for adults interested in this subject.

The author did a great with the visuals; it added to my understanding and appreciation.

#NonfictionNovember

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Nightblood (Paperbacks from Hell) | T. Chris Martindale
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My local library on Libby recently acquired some of the horror novels re-released in the Paperbacks from Hell series.

Nightblood is a campy vampire story set in a rural town full of secrets and small mindedness. The main character, led by the ghost of his brother, hunts down the undead.

This book had everything I love in an old-school horror read. It was fast-paced, entertaining, and had a few good jump scare scenes.

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Counting the Cost | Jill Duggar
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#NonfictionNovember

I've never watched the show, but I will admit to being intrigued by this family for a long time. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Jill offers a candid look into what it was like growing up a Duggar. She also opens up about breaking free of her family. How she was able to still be around her father after realizing the control he had over her for years really shows maturity and strength on her part.

melissajayne Watched the show and have watched the Prime miniseries “Happy Smiling People“ that Jill and Derrick are the primary focus of. 4mo
sblbooks This one's on my TBR. I enjoyed reading Jinger's book for nonfiction November. 4mo
Addison_Reads @sblbooks I have that one on hold on Libby. I'm excited to read it. 4mo
bookishbitch I 100% knew at least one of them would grow up to write a book. And that it wasn't going to be all roses and butterflies. With that many kids how on earth do you have quality time as a parent with each? 4mo
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Mehso-so

Mary Shelley has such a tragic story, and yet through that, she created Frankenstein at such a young age that it leaves me in awe.

This is a YA nonfiction (#nonfictionNovember) and it was a tad dry and focused on Percy Shelley more than Mary.

It's a good introduction for readers who might not know anything about her life.

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The Assignment | Liza Wiemer
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This YA fiction book based on true events was such a powerful read.

Two high school students protest an assignment about Hitler and the Final Solution. The impact this has on not only the school, but the community around it shows how important it is to stand up for what's right.