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HaleyG14

HaleyG14

Joined January 2017

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The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
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HaleyG14
The Collective: A Novel | Alison Gaylin
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Mehso-so

I wanted to like this book more than I did. It was a unique thriller and I did enjoy the twist at the end. However, it was hard to suspend belief of some of the characters actions. Not sure exactly what part of the book kept me from loving it, but it still was a decent read.

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HaleyG14
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this book about two separate children and their paths during the Holocaust. It‘s a long book but the way the story is laid out by jumping back and forth from characters made it feel like a quick read.

16 likes2 stack adds
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HaleyG14
The Heart Principle | Helen Hoang
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Pickpick

If you liked the Kiss Quotient you will also like this novel! It took a bit longer to warm up to these characters but by halfway through I was completely invested and rooting for the two characters. I enjoyed that it covered the insecurities of intimacy and sex not just from the women‘s perspective but a man‘s as well, and how they worked to tackle those insecurities with one another and for one another. Truly beautiful!

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HaleyG14
Only Good Indians | Stephen Graham Jones
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book! This is a novel that focuses on the topics of revenge, culture, tradition, generational trauma/healing all through a fast paced tale of horror/supernatural. It was eerie, it was thrilling, and I couldn‘t put it down.

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HaleyG14
Half Sick of Shadows | Laura Sebastian
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Mehso-so

I enjoyed this book. I like Arthurian tales and this one had an intriguing premise of it taking place through Elaine‘s perspective and her visions of the future. Sometimes the pacing was a bit slow and the going back and forth between visions and reality could be confusing. Overall it was a fun read.

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HaleyG14
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Pickpick

I loved this book! Poppy and Alex are two best friends who every summer go on vacation. The novel jumps from past summers to the current one which adds to the will they won‘t they suspense. This novel is definitely inspired by some of the greatest romantic movies ever made. I just can‘t get over how invested I became with these characters. It kept me turning the pages to find out…will they?

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HaleyG14
This Close to Okay: A Novel | Leesa Cross-Smith
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Mehso-so

This book was ok. There were a lot of things I didn‘t like about it including how as a therapist Tallie seems to be overstepping some boundaries. Also the ending just seemed a bit weak.

17 likes1 stack add
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HaleyG14
The Kiss Quotient | Helen Hoang
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this book. This was a cute but often steamy rom-com with a refreshing take by having an autistic main character and the male character being the escort. Think Pretty Women but add positive Asian representation, woman in STEM, and an autistic woman learning more about her own sexuality.

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HaleyG14
This Time Next Year | Sophie Cousens
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Pickpick

This was a very cute rom com book. I could definitely see this as a movie and I wish it would be turned into one! It was a unique take on the rom com tropes with multiple meet cutes and often in not cute ways. I was invested from the beginning on these characters, and their meetings and what their relationship could become.

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HaleyG14
The Girl in the Mirror | Rose Carlyle
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Panpan

I hated this book. It started off way too slow, the author didn‘t give us enough character development in either the good twin or bad twin partly due to having a self loathing narrator, and the vulgarness of the “sex/rape” scenes made me put down the book a lot. All for the climactic end to be a plot device that has been seen before. What comes to my mind is the Are You Afraid of the Dark episode w/ the Mowry twins. Just watch that, it‘s better.

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HaleyG14
Winter Counts: A Novel | David Heska Wanbli Weiden
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Pickpick

This book was a great thriller with a complex and deeply flawed protagonist at its center. There are twist and turns throughout the novel that hit on social issues that Indigenous people have faced in America. It has all the highlights of a good thriller with a voice only David Heska Wanbli Weiden can bring!

18 likes1 stack add
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HaleyG14
Atomic Love | Jennie Fields
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this book! Rosalind is a physicist who worked on the Manhattan Project who had an affair with her colleague that ended in heartbreak. Years later she is asked to spy and join the FBI to uncover if her ex passed intel to Russia. It‘s an entertaining story fictionalizing two true history facts. A member of the Manhattan Project passed info to Russia and one member was a woman.

19 likes2 stack adds
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HaleyG14
Summer of '69 | Elin Hilderbrand
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this quick read about 3 generations of women from one family in the summer of ‘69. Throughout the novel moments of history are mentioned but the real heart of the novel is the family and the things they individually face that one summer. My favorite parts were probably reading about 13 year old Jessie and her transition from a child to her own strong willed person.

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HaleyG14
Red, White & Royal Blue | Casey McQuiston
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book! It was such a sweet and cute romance novel. I could definitely see this romance of FSOTUS and the Prince of England as a movie. I enjoyed the LGBTQ+ representation in a genre that usually isn‘t focused on those individuals. Even though it is 400+ pages, I found it to be a quick read!

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HaleyG14
Normal People | Sally Rooney
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book and it‘s limited series! An examination of one relationship that evolves and changes throughout the years. Yet each half of the relationship is stuck in their insecurities, past traumas, and inability to effectively communicate that they constantly are stuck in the cycle of being drawn in and away from the other. Sally Rooney is able to write each character where you are rooting for them separately and together.

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HaleyG14
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Pickpick

I am excited to hear this book will be adapted to a limited series.I thought it was a thoughtful examination of race and identity through generations. The young Vignes twins witness the horrendous murder of their father, and when they grow up one twin decides to leave everything behind to pass as white. The author is able to write the characters in a way that makes you understand their struggle with themselves so all you can feel is empathy.

angieinwonderland I didn't love it as I wish I would have but I am intrigued by an adaptation. 4y
HaleyG14 HBO won the rights and I feel like they will do a good job with the story...hopefully. Maybe one of the rare times the adaptation will be better than the book. 4y
14 likes1 stack add2 comments
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HaleyG14
We Were the Lucky Ones | Georgia Hunter
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book. The book is a fictional retelling about a real Jewish family and the real horrors they faced during the Holocaust. It is a heartbreaking story written by one of the family members own granddaughter. Even though it is a heavy topic, I think it‘s definitely worth the read.

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HaleyG14

...everyone younger had every right to blame him and everyone older for every unnatural tragedy that befell them; just as she even in her grief, was to blame for every man-made misery that landed on her kid sister and on all other children behind her. Someone had to do something sometime....and somebody had to stand up sometime to try and break the lousy chain of inherited habit that was imperiling them all.

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HaleyG14

It was almost no trick at all,he saw, to turn vice into virtue and slander into truth, impotence into abstinence, arrogance into humility,plunder into philanthropy,thievery into honor,blasphemy into wisdom,brutality into patriotism, and sadism into justice. Anybody could do it; it required no brains at all. It merely requires no character.

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HaleyG14
A Good Neighborhood | Therese Anne Fowler
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Panpan

To say I hated this book would be an understatement! The narration kept pulling me out of the story, and the writing of these characters fell flat. They all were one dimensional even though they seemed promising in the beginning. The plot didn‘t add anything to the message I think the author was trying to make. Instead it all just seemed exploitative. If you want a book w/ representation and a sincere discussion on class and race, this ain‘t it.

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HaleyG14
Lethal White | Robert Galbraith
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Pickpick

Another of the Cormoran Strike mystery novels. I enjoyed this one like I did the last. I‘m glad Robin finally got rid of her horrid husband. That‘s one pet peeve that someone so strong and smart sticks around so long with a douche. I am ready for Robin to get with Cormoran already since we all know that‘s where the future is heading!

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HaleyG14
Nine Stories | J D Salinger
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this quick read. Nine different stories all told with different narration techniques. The way the stories are told add context to the meaning of each tale. All commenting on war, post war life, ptsd,memories and nostalgia, and most importantly humanity.

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HaleyG14
All the Bright Places | Jennifer Niven
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Pickpick

I really liked this book. I do have a soft spot for stories that take place in my home state. But I liked the characters and the story even though it was sad. I was weeping by the end of the book.

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HaleyG14

You are like a chestnut burr, prickly outside, but silky-soft within, and a sweet kernel, if one can only get at it. Love will make you show your heart some day, and then the rough burr will fall off.

4 likes1 stack add
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HaleyG14
Mehso-so

I liked this book but I think I had anticipated reading it for so long that when I finally did it left something to be desired. I‘m not sure if maybe my expectations were too high. I did really enjoy learning about how the Worlds Fair was brought together.

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HaleyG14
Pride and Prejudice | Jane Austen

There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.

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HaleyG14
Two Can Keep a Secret | Karen McManus
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Pickpick

This is the second book of Karen McManus that I have read, and have enjoyed! Again it mixes two of my favorite genres crime and teen drama. Kept me reading to find out what happened and how it was all connected.

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HaleyG14
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Pickpick

I love true crime and I loved that this novel focused on the lives of the five women killed by Jack the Ripper and not the killer or crimes itself. I have never read a book that went into so much detail about the lives of victims of crime. It was way overdue to showcase how these women were humans, daughters, mothers, etc not just victims of a man society has glorified.

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HaleyG14
Brat Pack America | Kevin Smokler
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Pickpick

This was a very interesting read. I love 80s movies and I loved reading about analysis of the films. Why the location in teen films were important and how they added to the film. Plus how the current events of the time explained why certain films were popular and/ or fit with peoples beliefs of that time.

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HaleyG14
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Pickpick

I enjoyed John Douglas‘ Mindhunter but I think I enjoyed this book even more. This seemed to be able to go deeper into killers psyche‘s since it focused on a few specific cases but also related the case to other known killers and cases. If you have an interest in psychology and what makes people do what they do, I would recommend this read!

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HaleyG14
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this read. I knew this story but not all of the details. It was interesting to learn how the prison employees not following the rules and being susceptible to being used by the manipulative inmates aided in their escape. I was also fascinated to learn how the town was basically shut down and people were in fear. I‘ve read about prison escapes but I hadn‘t thought about those affected due to proximity. Now to check out the TV show...

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HaleyG14
One of Us Is Lying | Karen M. Mcmanus
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Pickpick

I absolutely loved this book! Two of my favorite genres combined true crime meets teen romance. Even though the end wasn‘t completely unpredictable, I could not put this book down. There were things that kept me surprised and turning the page to the very end!

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HaleyG14
No Exit: A Novel | Taylor Adams
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book! It was so hard to put the book down, so I rarely did. The pacing of this novel is perfect. While reading I thought this is like reading a movie. It‘s paced perfectly for it to be a film. Not surprised to read that Taylor Adams studied screenwriting and has worked in the film industry. This book has so many twists and turns that every second something hits you that you didn‘t see coming!

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HaleyG14
The Silkworm | Robert Galbraith
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Pickpick

Another interesting who-dunnit by JK Rowling. The MO was very unique and I wasn‘t close to guessing the criminal. My only complaint is that I was wishing for something more with Robin and Strike. I know where that relationship is leading but I hope there‘s more substantial build up before that happens.

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HaleyG14
Nine Perfect Strangers | Liane Moriarty
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Mehso-so

There were definite aspects to this book that I enjoyed. I enjoyed the variety of characters, and there dynamics with one another. However, the plot was a bit out there and the ending left me wanting something more...or different?

5 likes1 stack add
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HaleyG14
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Pickpick

I didn‘t know what to expect from Hank Green‘s first novel, but I am glad I picked it up. It perfectly depicts how social media has become a way for notoriety, fame, and projecting a brand instead of the true person behind the profile. It also displays how it can ban groups of people together for a cause, even though it almost always connects a group in opposition. I just hope there is a sequel, because the ending leaves you hanging.

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HaleyG14
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Pickpick

This story was definitely over the top, but I enjoyed the interesting mash up of genres. It is like The Devil Wears Prada meets Gone Girl.

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HaleyG14
A Judgement in Stone | Ruth Rendell
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this book! Even though we know what will happen by the end of the novel, it was interesting to find out what happened leading up to the end. And a very unique way to examine how one‘s life can be altered based on their education or lack thereof.

ShansMousey I'm glad you enjoyed it! 6y
3 likes1 comment
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HaleyG14
It | Stephen King
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Pickpick

I remember watching the 90s It movie when I was a kid and enjoying it, but the book was so much better. It was a little daunting to start reading due to the shear volume of pages but I never felt like it dragged on. Stephen King always finds a way to scare us through monsters or the supernatural, yet deep in his stories you can find the truly scary aspects of real life, and It was no exception.

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HaleyG14
How to Walk Away | Katherine Center
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this book. I kept thinking I could see this as a movie while I read.

Dr._Who_number10 This book sounds amazing!!😱 6y
HaleyG14 It definitely kept me reading! 6y
6 likes2 comments
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HaleyG14
Then She Was Gone | Lisa Jewell
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Mehso-so

I thought the characters and story were intriguing but the mystery aspect wasn't there for me. My favorite part about mysteries is that you have to work to figure out what happened. It's pretty clear from the start what happened that there weren't any major surprises.

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HaleyG14
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"She wept when they gave birth to daughters, knowing that to be born a woman meant a life of humble hardship." And yet all the women in this novel are strong despite their hardships.

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HaleyG14
Not That I Could Tell | Jessica Strawser
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this book. It was a quick, easy read. Coming to the end of it, I couldn't help picture this as a movie.

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HaleyG14

Crazy that I just finished this book last month and now they have the Golden State Killer in custody by DNA match! I know authorities have said that it had nothing to do with Michelle's book. Maybe nothing from the content of the book, but I choose to believe her determination, and keeping this case in the public eye helped ensure that even after 40 years that it wouldn't stay cold. Them using the moniker she coined gave her credit...

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HaleyG14
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Pickpick

This was the best true crime novel I ever read. The way she was able to plot out the crimes, make us feel for the victims, and relate to her obsessive attitude towards true crime - this crime in particular. It was sad to read the parts that Michelle's loved ones had to write after her passing. But this story and Michelle's work was fascinating to read.

6 likes2 stack adds
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HaleyG14
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Pickpick

I loved this book. It was such a cute and sweet story. This is how you write teens. Every character had depth, and I absolutely loved every part.

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HaleyG14
Still Me | Jojo Moyes
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this book even though I hadn't read any of the others. It was a quick read, and I became very invested in Louisa. I was rooting for her the whole way through and am happy at the ending.

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HaleyG14
Anna Karenina | Leo Tolstoy
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Pickpick

This was actually better than I had expected, I was worried since it is such an old novel that it would be hard to get through but it wasn't. I love that Tolstoy let us into the heads of his characters so we would know their motivations and struggles, and could come to understand their actions.

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HaleyG14
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Pickpick

I saw the movie and loved it so I had to read the book too. And I loved the book just as much!! Aciman writes beautifully about the process of falling in love for the first time, discovering your true self, and the heartache that can come with both. Many of the lines in the book I had to underline because everything was said so elegantly, that I know I will want to go back through and enjoy them a second time.

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HaleyG14
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Pickpick

As a true crime fanatic and an Indiana native, I really enjoyed this book. These crimes from years ago are explained with evidence from old newspapers and historical collections. This collection of crimes gives an interesting glimpse into the people from the past and the crimes they were involved with.