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BookwormM
Final Goodbyes | Signe Christensen

Hi all due to changes in my life in the offline world I will be leaving social media including Litsy for the foreseeable future.

I am fine this is just the best decision for where I am in life right now.

I have loved the years I have spent talking books on Litsy and I will miss you all.

I will still be reading and continuing my reading challenges but this will be done privately.

I wanted to say goodbye not just disappear so goodbye friends.

Amiable Hope all is well. Hugs to you! 2w
squirrelbrain We‘ll all miss you and your insightful reviews. Hope to ‘see‘ you again soon. Xx 2w
MaureenMc Good luck, and hope to see you again on Litsy. 💗 2w
See All 8 Comments
rockpools We‘ll miss you! 😘 2w
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I wish you well & perhaps we'll cross paths here again in the future. 💕 Take care of yourself. 2w
Chelsea.Poole Sorry you‘ll be leaving, but you gotta do what works best for you. Hope to see you back here sometime! 2w
BarbaraBB I will be missing you! I hope you‘ll be back one day 🩷 (edited) 6d
29 likes8 comments
blurb
BookwormM
Death and the Penguin | Andrey Kurkov
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#ReadAroundTheWorld #Ukraine my book has finally arrived.

You will be pleased to know I am ahead of the game with my choice for Libya which is here already.

35 likes1 comment
review
BookwormM
The Kalevala | Elias Lnnrot
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Mehso-so

#ReadAroundTheWorld #Finland

Epic Finnish poem which shows how similar European myths and legends are.

The hero is set impossible quests to win a bride. Heroes go about fighting other knights , villains or beasts. Women are either beautiful wife material or old hags and witches.

LeeRHarry I was ahead of myself and read the Kalevala last month ahead of being in Finland this month 🥰 1mo
Bookwomble Thanks for tagging me - I'd completely forgotten I'd signed up for this reading challenge! 🤦🏻‍♂️ I'll have to see if I can make trim for it. I love the Kalevala, though having started it many times I've not got more than half way through. I'll have to see about another attempt! 😄 1mo
35 likes2 comments
review
BookwormM
Fathomfolk | Eliza Chan
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Pickpick

#Netgalley #ARC #Fathomfolk #CoverLove

Read this if you want a fantasy take on the refugee situation, an exploration of political manipulation or if you have always wondered what a world populated by myths and legends would look like.

Full review here https://thereadersroom.org/2024/02/18/fathomfolk-by-eliza-chen/

monkeygirlsmama Such a pretty cover! 1mo
BookwormM @monkeygirlsmama the cover is awesome 1mo
40 likes1 stack add2 comments
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BookwormM
The Truants | Kate Weinberg
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Pickpick

This is a solid debut novel and one that has echoes of The Secret History. The opening for me was brilliant it really took me back to my teenage college days, the days when you love your friends with the intensity that only teenagers can, when everything no matter how minor is a matter of life and death and when nothing is so earth shattering as falling out.

Full review here https://thereadersroom.org/2024/02/11/the-truants-by-kate-weinberg/

43 likes1 stack add
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BookwormM
Fake Accounts | Lauren Oyler
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Pickpick

#ARC #Netgalley #FakeAccounts

This is a look at life in the social media where lives are lived more online than in reality, where your news is decided by an algorithm, where who you are compatible with is decided by an algorithm and where it is possible to be whatever you say you are as long as you don‘t expect this to translate to the real world as well.

Full review here https://thereadersroom.org/2024/02/06/fake-accounts-by-lauren-oyler/

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BookwormM
Waking the Witch | Rachel Burge
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Pickpick

#ARC #Netgalley #WakingTheWitch

Think you know about Merlin…think again.

I like the new take on the Merlin legend and I am curious enough to want to know where Burgh will take us next.

I would recommend this to those who enjoy fairy tale retellings, those who believe in white witches and those who have never grown out of the Arthurian myths and legends.

Full review here https://thereadersroom.org/2024/02/04/waking-the-witch-by-rachel-burge/

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BookwormM
Tom Lake: A Novel | Ann Patchett
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January roundup favourite book is tagged do the audio read by Meryl Streep!!

#BookmoryApp

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BookwormM
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Pickpick

Magic, mayhem and murder = delicious fun.

I love the developing relationships, the in-house arguing, the witty one liners and of course all the “weirdy bollocks” throw into that an adorable but formidable new character in the form of Brian and my heart was happy.

Full review here https://thereadersroom.org/2024/01/27/relight-my-fire-by-c-k-mcdonnell/

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BookwormM
The Abbotsbury Ring | Margaret Greaves
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Pickpick

Revisiting a childhood favourite that I haven‘t read in probably 30 years. Pleased to say it still held up for me.

Enjoyed Selina‘s journey to becoming a better person and learning that shared language doesn‘t really matter when talking to animals.

This took me right back to childhood holidays in Devon I could hear the peacocks scream and everyone know a Patch.

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BookwormM
The Beholders | Hester Musson
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Pickpick

#aRC #Netgalley #TheBeholders

This story is deliciously dark. We have a master the world seems to love. A mistress who seems to be unstable. A house populated with good looking servants, although their tenures tend to be short. And of course the baby. But what is the true story behind the body in the river?

Love gothic fiction - go for it!

Full review here https://thereadersroom.org/2024/01/20/the-beholders-by-hester-musson/

BarbaraBB You‘ve convinced me! Stacking! 2mo
BookwormM @BarbaraBB hope you enjoy when you get to it 2mo
46 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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BookwormM
Tom Lake: A Novel | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

My first Patchett but it won‘t be my last. Really enjoyed this story of a mother reminiscing with her daughters. I love cherries 🍒 so I was jealous of the setting.

Listened to audio read by Meryl Streep it was amazing definitely the way to go.

DocBrown Traverse City is gorgeous! All of northern Michigan really! 2mo
52 likes1 stack add1 comment
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BookwormM
The Hothouse | Wolfgang Koeppen
Mehso-so

I finished reading and cannot remember a single thing about it, literally nothing has stuck with me. I think this could be because it is the middle book in a trilogy of which I have not read the first.

Personally I gained nothing from reading this book and I am blaming me not the author. At some future point in time I will acquire the full trilogy and read as a set for now it is going back on the bookshelf.

BarbaraBB I read it too and don‘t remember a thing… 2mo
31 likes1 comment
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BookwormM
The Blind Light | Stuart Evers
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Pickpick

#ARC #Netgalley #BlindLight

One word review - Ohhhh

Read this if you are interested in the dynamics of male friendship, if you have an interest in the impact of living through the Cold War and if you like a different take on the family saga.

Full review here https://thereadersroom.org/2024/01/14/the-blind-light-by-stuart-evers/

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BookwormM
The Saga of Gosta Berling | Selma Lagerlof
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Mehso-so

#Reading1001 #ReadAroundTheWorld #Sweden

Interconnected vignettes with forgettable characters but great descriptions of nature. The book encompasses folklore, myth, legends and historical stories.

Great descriptions of rural Sweden you can really feel the chill and smell the forest.

BarbaraBB Such a good read! 2mo
48 likes1 stack add1 comment
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BookwormM
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Pickpick

Lincoln Rhyme this was scariest not for the murders but for what it revealed about data mining about how much someone can know about you from your online interactions, your credit card purchases and any government held details. Also how do you prove you are not what a computer system says you are? Timely in light of the current post office scandal all over the news.

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BookwormM
The City of Stardust | Georgia Summers
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Pickpick

#Netgalley #ARC #CityOfStardust

One word review – enchanting

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kitty Parker and this made for a magical experience I was swept up in a world of curses, of magic, of star people, of lovers wronged, of vengeance and most importantly of all a world where family is everything. The narration was spot on and I enjoyed every minute.

Full review here https://thereadersroom.org/2024/01/13/21652/#more-21652

42 likes3 stack adds
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BookwormM
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Pickpick

#ARC #Netgalley #TheCourtOfMiracles
I have read Les Mis don‘t go into this expecting anything like that, This is a bad marketing ploy. This is set in the same city, same time period and uses some of the same names but this is a YA Fantasy story and not a detailed social commentary if you read this book for what it is chances are you will enjoy the ride.

Full review here https://thereadersroom.org/2024/01/07/the-court-of-miracles-by-kester-grant/

rockpools Ugh. Hate it when the marketing is just plain misleading. It really sells the book short. How annoying. 2mo
45 likes1 comment
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BookwormM
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Pickpick

#ARC #Netgalley #MaryOrTheBirthOfFrankenstein

Monstrously good!

Well researched fiction that feels believable and really brings Mary to life. A book that has made me want to read more about Mary and that is the best thing a book can give you a desire to read more.

For gothic fiction fans, fans of superstitions and anyone interested in Mary Shelley.

https://thereadersroom.org/2024/01/06/mary-or-the-birth-of-frankenstein-by-anne-...

BarbaraBB That‘s quite the recommendation! 2mo
49 likes4 stack adds1 comment
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BookwormM
Amadis of Gaul | Garci Rodriguez De Montalvo
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Mehso-so

#Reading1001 lots of knights and knighting behaviour. Amadis is the best, the greatest, the most honourable etc etc. His love is the most beautiful, most loyal, most loving etc etc.

Does get repetitive.

Hooked_on_books Oh dear. Love your review, though! 😂 3mo
BarbaraBB Kudos for picking it up and finishing! 2mo
Daisey Yep, just finished this today and I completely agree with your review. 2mo
BookwormM @Daisey congrats on finishing 2mo
50 likes1 stack add4 comments
blurb
BookwormM
Public Burning | Robert Coover
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#Reading1001 book haul from eBay 4 more books in need to read 🤣🤣

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BookwormM
North Woods | Daniel Mason
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My year in books shortest My Evil Mother by Margaret Atwood longest Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

Favourite is tagged book.

Gissy Spectacular 📚📚📚🎉🎉🎉🥳👏👏👏 3mo
Cuilin Wow 🎉🥳 congratulations 3mo
Nutmegnc 🤩🤩🤩 3mo
37 likes3 comments
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BookwormM
First Lie Wins: A Novel | Ashley Elston
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Pickpick

#ARC #Netgalley #FirstLieWins

One word review - Twisty

Fun twisty suspense story where you can literally trust no-one and nothing is as it seems.

I was completely hooked by Evie‘s story and as the twists kept coming my head was reeling. I had no idea where this was ultimately heading or what the payoff would be but I totally enjoyed the ride.

39 likes1 stack add
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BookwormM
The Last Flight | Julie Clark
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Pickpick

One word review - Intense

This is a paced thriller that maintains the tension throughout there were points where I was hiding behind the pillow hoping Claire would be safe.

Then the ending ripped my heart out and stamped on it. You will have to take my word on that as I am not saying anymore.

Who would like this? Like a fast paced thriller with strong female characters this is for you.

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BookwormM
The King of Warsaw | Szczepan Twardoch
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Pickpick

#ReadAroundTheWorld #Poland

I chose to visit Poland via The King of Warsaw by Szczepan Twardoch. Starting in 1937 this is an intriguing story with an unreliable narrator telling the reader about his past in Poland when he got caught up with Jewish boxing hero Jakub Szapiro and the work he does as an enforcer for a local crime lord. Work that included the murder of the narrators own father.

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BookwormM
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Pickpick

#ARC #Netgalley #StormWeMade #ReadAroundTheWorld #Malaysia

Be careful what you wish for…

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, anyone who loves complicated characters and anyone with an interest in learning more about Japanese occupied Malaysia.

Full review here https://thereadersroom.org/2023/12/26/the-storm-we-made-by-vanessa-chan/

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BookwormM
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Pickpick

Clearing the TBR fast paced kidnapped thriller featuring a troubled child, an alcoholic, an opportunistic bad guy and a critique of the American dream.

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BookwormM
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#ReadAroundTheWorld continues for 2024 with our randomly selected countries shown above so you can start planning now.

There are a few toughies in there.

Let me know in comments if you want to be tagged.

BarbaraBB Nice! I‘ll jump in when I can and of course I have tons of suggestions for the Netherlands 😀 3mo
LeeRHarry Please tag me - Finland in Feb is perfect as that‘s where I‘ll be. I think the Stans could be a bit tough. 😊 3mo
See All 8 Comments
Kristy_K I‘m going to try to participate in at least a few of the months! 3mo
rockpools Gah! I thought I‘d replied - I must have wandered off mid-sentence to contemplate Ukrainian authors. I‘d like to join you again please - I‘m back from my stay-at-home ‘gap year‘ and am ready to start booky travels again. (And I have my Finland book lined up already 😁). 3mo
Bookwomble Yes, please 🙂 3mo
TorieStorieS Hoping to do better with this one in 2024! Still have five countries to go from this year… and I don‘t think I‘ll make it! But please keep tagging me! ❤️ 3mo
Currey Me too! 3mo
30 likes8 comments
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BookwormM
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Pickpick

Romantic murder mystery not fast paced but interesting enough with an intriguing array of characters good and bad

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BookwormM
Pickpick

#Reading1001

This is an interesting take on the love triangle and the traditional ideas of family. It explores friendship, love and loss as well as acceptance, moving on and the changes a child can bring to the best laid plans.

This is a book about character rather than a fast paced plot and part of the joy of reading this is watching the characters grow and change.

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BookwormM
Pickpick

#Reading1001

Really enjoyed this story following the life of one fatherless man as he tries to make his own way in the world.

Fogg makes good friends and bad decisions but it seems fate my have more of a hand in what is going on than anyone would expect.

The joy of reading this book is the Eureka!! Moments when events and outcomes are revealed to the reader, some we may have already guessed and others that come completely out of the blue.

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BookwormM
The Mantis: A Novel | Kotaro Isaka
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Pickpick

I love the world of Bullet Train so every time Isaka decides to take his readers back to this world I am there for the trip.

This is a much slower paced novel than I have come to expect from Isaka but it was still highly entertaining while at the same time exploring the human side of professional killers.

Full review here https://thereadersroom.org/2023/12/07/the-mantis-by-kotaro-isaka/

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BookwormM
Calico (Main) | Lee Goldberg
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Pickpick

This is a quirky little mystery with dual timelines and there is not much more I can say without spoilers. So if you want to know what is really happening in Calico I suggest you get your hands on a copy of this book!

Who would like this? I would recommend this to those who like things weird and wonderful in their fiction.

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BookwormM
The Future | Naomi Alderman
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Pickpick

Having previously loved the glorious F**k the patriarchy that was The Power I was looking for more of the same, sadly this book didn‘t live up to my expectations and I think that is because it was trying to do too much.

If you like wondering about what the end of the world will look like and how those with money would handle it give this a go.

Full review here https://thereadersroom.org/2023/11/26/the-future-by-naomi-alderman/

squirrelbrain My thoughts too! The Future was one simple idea; there was just too much going on here. 4mo
37 likes1 stack add1 comment
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BookwormM
The Woman in Me | Britney Spears
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Pickpick

Really enjoyed this audiobook.

Britney has been through so much and the people in her life especially family are horrible glad she is free now.

The conservatorship sounds like the old excuse of getting a woman sectioned for having her own opinion unbelievable that this could happen today and to someone so famous completely in the public eye 😱

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BookwormM
Here Comes the Sun | Nicole Dennis-Benn
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Pickpick

#ReadAroundTheWorld #Jamaica

Great debut novel focussing on the women of one family and what they feel they need to do to survive in this tourists paradise.

Family secrets ✅
Illicit love ✅
Ambition ✅
Seedy underground ✅
Told using Patois ✅

Would recommend this for a look at female societal issues and pressures.

rockpools This is the very first book in my Litsy stack 🫤. One day! 4mo
BookwormM @rockpools this is the perfect month 😉 4mo
41 likes2 comments
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BookwormM
Project Hail Mary | Andy Weir
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Pickpick

Brilliant story and a fantastic audiobook I feel the science and math could be overwhelming in print but when listening in feels right.

Is there anyone who has read this that doesn‘t love Rocky?

Interesting take on global warming, first contact. Communication, survival and friendship.

This book has it all Weir is a great writer and Ray Porter is a fantastic reader.

Highly recommend this book.

Zoes_Human Really loved this one! 4mo
44 likes1 stack add1 comment
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BookwormM
Troubles | J.G. Farrell
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Pickpick

#Reading1001 a novel set after the war at the start of the Troubles in Ireland. A decaying hotel owned by an eccentric English family provides a metaphor for collapse of English rule.

Newspaper stories are interspersed throughout the narrative to show what is happening outside the walls of the Majestic in the Irish countryside which provides an interesting insight into events for main characters as they are isolated in the hotel.

40 likes1 stack add
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BookwormM
The House of Fortune | Jessie Burton
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Pickpick

Follow up book to the miniaturist taking place years after the events of the first book.

I liked this for the story but as a sequel it didn‘t work for me. The miniaturist is seen even less than book 1 and the reader has no more idea at the end of this book how she gets her knowledge or why she targets the family.

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BookwormM
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Pickpick

This is a quiet, slow paced, character driven novel where the peace of the cemetery conflicts with the town and the world around.

I would recommend this to those who like quiet stories with not a lot of action but a whole lot of heart.

Full review here https://thereadersroom.org/2023/11/11/the-caretaker-by-ron-rash/

TheSpineView 💜 Ron Rash books 4mo
BarbaraBB Another recommendation for this book in just a few days time. It‘s a sign! #stacked 4mo
plemmdog Ron Rash never disappoints 4mo
38 likes1 stack add3 comments
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BookwormM
Yellowface | R F Kuang
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Pickpick

One of the most unlikeable characters I have read but the book itself raises interesting questions about the publishing industry, online censorship and the question of who has a right to write what and if we censored writers how long until we censor reviewers and readers.

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BookwormM
Pickpick

Love this series and the characters but 😭😭

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BookwormM
Exquisite Corpse | Marija Pericic
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Pickpick

Grotesque yet compelling.

The title suggests where this book is going and yes it does go there but not in a gratuitous way the reader needs to read these sections to understand exactly what is going on behind the façade. That said it does mean this is not a book you can recommend to everyone.

Full review here https://thereadersroom.org/2023/11/05/21455/

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BookwormM
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Pickpick

#ReadAroundTheWorld #Egypt

First in Cairo trilogy this is a family saga about a Muslim family living in Cairo during the early 1900s under the English protectorate.

We follow the strict Muslim father who imposes strict rules at home only to go out drinking and carousing, his obedient 2nd wife, his 2 sons & 3 daughters.

I really enjoyed this and intend to finish the trilogy.

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BookwormM
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Pickpick

#ARC #Netgalley #ILovedYouInAnotherLife

I would recommend this to readers who enjoy stories about strong friendships; about forgiveness and love; and most importantly about family biological and found. Those who want an in depth story about previous lives and finding love again may I suggest Katherine Kerr‘s Deverry series.

Full review here https://thereadersroom.org/2023/10/29/i-loved-you-in-another-life-by-david-arnol...

BkClubCare “Found family” is my jam. Stacked 5mo
43 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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BookwormM
Wildacre | Philippa Gregory
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Pickpick

F**k the patriarchy and outdated inheritance rules that turn the squires daughter from the darling of the people to the witch of Wideacre.

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BookwormM
The Hive | Camilo Jos Cela, John Michael Cohen, Arturo Barea
Pickpick
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BookwormM
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Mehso-so
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BookwormM
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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#ARC #Netgalley #ParisLibrary

Don‘t ban or burn books – Read Them!

Based in Paris during the German occupation you just know that this book will have more than its fair share of tragedy. What I didn‘t appreciate before going in was how much hope, love and courage would also be found in the same place and at the same time.

Full review here https://thereadersroom.org/2023/10/24/the-paris-library-by-janet-skeslien-charle...

42 likes2 stack adds
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BookwormM
West Heart Kill: A novel | Dann McDorman
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Pickpick

I have to say I feel I lack the mental power for working out whodunits in general and this one specifically.

If you enjoy murder mysteries, have an interest in the history of the genre and like pitting your wits against an author who is trying to hide the crimes in plain sight I think this book will definitely give you a run for your money.

Full review here https://thereadersroom.org/2023/10/22/west-heart-kill-by-dann-mcdorman/