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Leelee.reads

Leelee.reads

Joined June 2016

reader, teacher, learner, explorer, baker of pies
review
Leelee.reads
My Name Is Barbra | Barbra Streisand
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Pickpick

I learned so much about Barbra Streisand, but also felt like I learned about myself and about living life through reading her reflections and observations. What a great memoir! My favorite quote came in the epilogue: “No matter who you are, you can only eat one pastrami sandwich at a time.” :)

JanuarieTimewalker13 Hahahahaha…that‘s a great quote!! 7mo
26 likes1 comment
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Leelee.reads
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Pickpick

I wish I would have read this with a book club, because I had questions and strong opinions that I don‘t see posted in reviews. Looks like I‘m the only one who couldn‘t stand one of the main characters! Despite that, I really liked this book and am glad I finally pulled it out of the TBR pile to actually read.

26 likes1 stack add
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Leelee.reads
The Salt Grows Heavy | Cassandra Khaw
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Bailedbailed

It did spawn quite the convo for book club. Only two in the group managed to finish it, but we all disliked it for various reasons. As this author might say, “The style of verbiage afflicted our orbital sockets.”

Reggie And that‘s why I love her, lol. I haven‘t read this one yet but look forward to it. 13mo
Leelee.reads @Reggie it was the most animated book club we‘ve ever had! “How many mermaid children does it take to devour a kingdom?” “Is a bezoar just a giant hairball?” “How common are bezoars, anyway?” We laughed more during this book club than any other, even though we all hated the book! So it was a win overall I guess! 13mo
Reggie I totally get it. Sometimes it‘s fun to watch a bad movie with your friends. I just finished this and I loved it. Lolol 13mo
21 likes3 comments
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Leelee.reads
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Saw Litsy reviews for this series and picked the first two up for my plane ride to Ireland and back. Perfect vacation reading, so thank you, Litsy! And Ireland was AMAZING. 😍

AmyG Love this series! Glad you had a wonderful vacation. 2y
34 likes1 comment
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Leelee.reads
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Pickpick

First YA History, and I like how easy it was read so much info quickly with this genre. I knew nothing about Arnold except he was a traitor; learned lots about him plus lots of interesting background on the Revolutionary War - much felt like trivia and tidbits, but I love that sort of thing. The impact he had on American history was fascinating.

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Leelee.reads
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Pickpick

The writing for Gone With the Wind was incredible, but I couldn‘t do a thumbs up due to the terrible racism in the content. True Biz is the inverse for me - content (educational and necessary) is a thumbs up, but the writing is not. The pacing, character development, and even parts of the storyline/ending left me disappointed. A bummer, especially since I thought Girl At War was quite well-written and True Biz has such stellar reviews.

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Leelee.reads
Spinning Silver | Naomi Novik
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Pickpick

A winter‘s tale to kick off summer! A fast-paced fantasy through multiple perspectives. A perfect way to start my vacation.

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Leelee.reads
Anxious People: A Novel | Fredrik Backman
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Bailedbailed

I thought the characters, dialogue, narration, pacing - everything - was insufferably irritating. I wanted to like it but bailed. I‘m going to check out the Netflix series instead. You think choosing TV over book version will be a first for me, but I like the concept of the novel a lot…I just couldn‘t take the novel itself!

tapgurl The inane dialogue drove me crazy! 3y
17 likes1 comment
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Leelee.reads
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Pickpick

I think Gyasi is an incredible writer. This novel is as amazing as Homegoing, but totally different. This reads like memoir and there isn‘t really anything in the way of plot. More of reflections, questions and reminiscing. I don‘t think it would be everyone‘s cup of tea (given the lack of driving plot line) but I loved it.

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Leelee.reads
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Pickpick

I enjoyed the stories of the three clients she focused on most, especially since “John” was exactly like a current student of mine - super difficult to deal with, but evoking compassion nevertheless. But yes - everyone in the book is financially privileged, which is ignored. And sometimes the author herself had me rolling my eyes the most. But in the end, it was a great read that I would recommend to anyone.

Leelee.reads I just realized I tagged the wrong book - apparently there is a workbook that goes with the book. 3y
17 likes1 comment
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Leelee.reads
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Pickpick

Reading this was like sifting through the contents of a time capsule. I was fascinated by the timeless human emotions and experiences (almost 100 yr old book), but how other parts felt very dated. But then I wondered if the female characters were based on outdated stereotypes, or just the result of being written by a male author who assumed that‘s how women would process experiences. Or maybe both. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Hooked_on_books Sounds interesting. I love the cover! 3y
Tamra Loved this one! 3y
marleed Isn‘t it just a beautiful book! I really do think the reading experience is enhanced by knowing the how and when this book was written going into the story. Here‘s what I played on repeat while reading! https://youtu.be/K32a9bM0tcI 3y
20 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Leelee.reads
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Pickpick

The exposition was bafflingly long - no treasure hunting plot until about halfway through the story. Once the rising action kicked in though it was a fun, lovely read. A pick overall because I love pirate stories and the last half was great.

15 likes1 stack add
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Leelee.reads
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Help me find a gentle, feel-good read? So much heaviness lately and I‘d love help finding a warm, light but thoughtful book I haven‘t read before. Thanks for any recommends!! :)

Clwojick I loved Major Pettigrew. ❤️ 3y
rwmg I haven't read Last Tree but would quite happily read any of the others again. Less seems to get wildly differing reactions so for a safe bet I would probably recommend Gent in Moscow, though I myself would probably choose the Major on the ground that it was the one I read longest ago, 3y
Reggie This one is funny and poetic. Carmen has polio when she is young and ends up with a limp. A teacher introduces her to flamenco and instead of feeling sorry for herself she becomes this woman with an appetite for life! It‘s good stuff. 3y
Leelee.reads @reggie I‘ll see if I can get my hands on it! Thanks! 3y
Leelee.reads @rwmg My post was confusing - I‘m looking for books similar to these :) (I‘ve read these and liked them all.) Let me know if you think of any along a similar vein! 3y
11 likes5 comments
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Leelee.reads
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Pickpick

Want to laugh aloud while also nodding your head at truths being told? Then go ahead and add this memoir to your summer racing list 🙌🏽

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Leelee.reads
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Pickpick

I thought this was a #blameitonlitsy but this is the first review posted, so I‘m not sure how this title was on my radar??… In any case, it was EXCELLENT. Engrossing, well-researched, carefully balanced in perspective, informative, thought-provoking. Highly recommend to anyone interested in Jamaica, history, justice, human nature, the British Empire, or anyone who is just looking for an interesting summer non-fiction.

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Leelee.reads
Year of the Rabbit | Tian Veasna
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Pickpick

All three of these graphic memoirs were exceptional. Year of the Rabbit is likely one of my top 5 reads this year. Most of the violent details are left out, which is even more chilling, given that he is recounting the story of his family and you realize it was too traumatic for them to revisit the most violent parts. What‘s left unsaid became more powerful in this sense. All three are excellent and high recommends!

Riveted_Reader_Melissa I‘ll have to check out Year of the Rabbit, I read the George Takei and really liked it, he did a great job. 4y
19 likes1 comment
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Leelee.reads
Lobizona: A Novel | Romina Garber
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Pickpick

I can have low patience for typical YA tropes, and while this did have some teen angst/Twilighty moments, overall it was fantastic! Loved the writing, the use of dual languages, the idea of highlighting oppressed voices the way the author did, and the fun fantasy side to the otherwise-realistic world.

18 likes1 stack add
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Leelee.reads
Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea | Maggie Tokuda-Hall
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Pickpick

Pirates, mermaids, magic, and high-seas romantic adventure! Quick and fun read. :)

20 likes4 stack adds
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Leelee.reads
Purple Hibiscus: A Novel | Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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Mehso-so

#unpopularopinion Loved Americanah and had high hopes for this one, but the odd pacing and story arc left me unsatisfied (and the “twist” at the end was not a surprise to me...). Everyone else seems to have loved it!

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Leelee.reads
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This was a “read in one sitting” book for me - beautifully written, and a quick read, but on a heartbreaking subject. I know Croatia is a huge tourist hotspot lately. Makes me wonder how many tourists visit the region, completely unaware of the very tragic, very recent history.

18 likes2 stack adds
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Leelee.reads
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Pickpick

Finished this lovely, heartwarming book and thought, “This will be one of this year‘s favorite reads!” The book I had just finished was Kindred, a totally different vibe, but which also made me say, “This will be one of this year‘s favorite reads!” March is shaping up nicely for me! Loved both books I read so far.

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Leelee.reads
Untitled | Unknown
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Pretty darn cute little library by my Farmer‘s Market :)

Cinfhen Adorable 5y
Soubhiville So cute! 5y
Texreader Cute!! 5y
27 likes3 comments
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Leelee.reads
Made for Love | Alissa Nutting
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Welp, I loved it. Lots of reviews focused on the dolphin-love, but I thought the dystopian themes of tech-gone-wrong were interesting, too. (Read about Elon Musk‘s brain chip plans the same week I read this book, and how thousands of Swedes are using their hand as a credit card, health monitor and key card via an implanted chip.) Hilarious, disturbing and sweet book all at the same time.

Megabooks I love Alyssa Nutting. She‘s an auto-buy for me! 5y
Reggie Her father and the doll was crazy. The way the dr took out the fixation in Jasper‘s head and made him love her only to break his heart, really angered me. Such manipulation. I get it, men do it all the time. HE did it all the time. Still didn‘t make it right. 5y
Leelee.reads @Reggie Right? Lots of interesting aspects to consider in this book. 5y
21 likes3 comments
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Leelee.reads
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Mehso-so

Bailed on this last summer, picked it up again this summer and pushed through. Just didn‘t do much for me, even though fantasy and kick-ass females are usually my jam. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Soubhiville I love what you did with the stickers 🤣 5y
28 likes1 comment
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Leelee.reads
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Pickpick

The original 1969 cover. A truly terrible cover for a great book. Required a much slower read than I expected, but worth the time for the social commentary and the low-key roasts Fowles delivers. Some of the most humorous character descriptions I‘ve read in a long time.

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Leelee.reads
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Pickpick

Smart, honest YA novel about a teenage girl navigating her dad‘s sobriety after the fallout from his alcohol addiction. The author writes from some of her own childhood experiences, and this authenticity shows. A very human story, handled with sensitivity, humor and heart.

Hollie Sounds awesome, stacked! 6y
37 likes3 stack adds1 comment
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Leelee.reads
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Pickpick

I don‘t work in the corporate world, but this was the best book about education I‘ve read as a teacher and site leader in years. I think parts of this book could apply to any career, and it serves as an inspiring reminder about core values, empathy, gratitude and relationships. Clever quips by author get old, but that‘s my only complaint. Fast, thought-provoking read. 🙌🏽

34 likes1 stack add
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Leelee.reads
Suprise Package | Emily Elliott
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This is how this #restingbookface package arrived - and like the last one, somehow everything was intact (although if something did fall out, I‘d never know 😄). Thank you @Julsmarshall for the hot cocoa mix. @Onioons - hope to read this over winter vacation!

Julsmarshall @Leelee.reads Oh No! And I taped it within an inch of its life! It should have had a book, journal, hot cocoa mix and bookmarks. 6y
robinb Something wanted OUT😳😂 6y
Leelee.reads Lost the bookmarks 😔 But fairly amazing that everything else made it, under the circumstances! 6y
Onioons Thanks @Julsmarshall & @Leelee.reads V excited that the book & journal are still winging their way around the world! Hope everyone had a happy break with lots of bookish gifts 🎁🤞 6y
27 likes4 comments
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Leelee.reads
Suprise Package | Emily Elliott
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You know how they always ask, “Any liquids, perishables...”? Someone‘s extremely sticky liquid perishable broke all over the box - but didn‘t soak down far enough to reach my goodies! 🙌🏽 close call!!! Thank you @JHgotham for a fantastic #feedareader box! Love it 😊

Leelee.reads @tracy.m.ng Your package was mailed yesterday and should arrive tomorrow or Saturday :) 6y
Jgotham Oh I‘m glad it didn‘t get ruined 😱 6y
tracy.m.ng Great gifts :) and thanks @Leelee.reads !! Looking forward to it! 6y
See All 7 Comments
tracy.m.ng Hi all! Merry Christmas :) @Leelee.reads I just remembered; I somehow didn‘t get your lovely package, lol. If you somehow got it returned back to you, don‘t feel obligated to ship it out again, I feel bad you need to pay twice! 6y
Leelee.reads @tracy.m.ng Tracking says it was left with you a week ago. ??? I wonder what happened?! 6y
Leelee.reads @tracy.m.ng Almsot two weeks ago actually - it arrived to you in just a couple days after I mailed it. I wonder if I got the address wrong? 6y
tracy.m.ng Omg!! I can‘t believe US mail lol. Well, you can email me at Tracy.ng4@gmail.com; and I will give ya my address. But don‘t worry about it!! Thank you for your thoughtfulness! 6y
34 likes7 comments
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Leelee.reads
Recipe Box | Viola Shipman
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Thank you @OriginalCyn620 for a fantastic goodie box! These three books were all ones I was hoping to read soon 🙌🏽 And of course chocolate and coffee...😍 #feedareader

OriginalCyn620 Glad you like it! 6y
tracy.m.ng I read Gail Honeyman‘s book and it is great—such a sad but also witty book 6y
44 likes2 comments
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Leelee.reads
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Currently read. Nothing like Obama and Biden teaming up to solve murder mysteries. 😄

LauraJ Like Joe‘s new tats! 6y
Soubhiville The added stickers make this! 6y
BluestockingDuchess @Soubhiville I have to agree! 6y
40 likes1 stack add3 comments
review
Leelee.reads
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Pickpick

A great summer read - quick and entertaining, with interesting characters. Evelyn may seem larger than life, but her motives are at the core, quite simple, just like everyone else. A fun, jaunty read that also has thought-provoking moments.

GypsyKat I loved this book! 6y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Love 💚💚💚 6y
Leelee.reads Also - I should thanks @RiotMom for gifting this one to me in the #feedareader swap! 😊 6y
51 likes3 comments
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Leelee.reads
Zeitoun | Dave Eggers
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@Carleneishere Your #restingbookface pick arrived to me today. (Thank you @Julsmarshall ) No need to keep cover a secret anymore since it will have traveled full circle once I read it and send to you!

Julsmarshall Is this the first one to go full circle? I just finished the next one I received and once I get home, I‘ll send it your way! 6y
Carleneishere Aw, it looks loved! I can‘t wait to read the notebook! 6y
Leelee.reads @Carleneishere haha, yes, it is indeed “well loved!” Books and notebooks in this club seem to have taken quite a beating! 😄 6y
See All 6 Comments
Leelee.reads @Julsmarshall I think one other one made its way back - Handmaid‘s Tale is back with @BookHermit 🙌🏽 6y
Carleneishere My officemate just finished reading this... I‘m so ready for this to come back so I can read all the feedback 6y
Leelee.reads Just finished my contribution to the notebook, and hope to mail it all tomorrow! 😀 6y
34 likes6 comments
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Leelee.reads
Less: A Novel | Andrew Sean Greer
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Pickpick

I felt an unexpected tenderness toward the hapless protagonist of this charming, amusing little story. I know most readers describe it as light and quirky, but I found so many surprising moments of poignancy on life, love, grief, and on both the absurdity and beauty of life, love and grief. Maybe I related to Less and the ruminations of the narrator as someone “middle-aged,” myself 😄 Overall, a charming summer read that I‘ll look back fondly on.

britt_brooke I really enjoyed this one! I agree with your review. 👍🏻👍🏻 6y
40 likes1 comment
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Leelee.reads
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Box #2! What a great way to come home!!! My #coffeebeanbookclub book has come full circle. This was a super fun book club and I‘m super grateful to everyone in the group who made it happen! @cobwebmoth Thank you for everything in the package! Opening your boxes was always such a treat. ❤️ 😊❤️

Leelee.reads @CoffeeCatsBooks I have your box ready to go - I missed the post office opening hours before my trip and so it is severely delayed! I‘ll mail to tomorrow though! Apologies for how late it is! 6y
cobwebmoth It's been fun!❤ 6y
CoffeeCatsBooks No worries! You‘ve been a great book club buddy! 6y
Leelee.reads @CoffeeCatsBooks Just checking in; my package should have arrived for you last week. 🙌🏽 6y
CoffeeCatsBooks @leeleereads It probably did. A friend has been picking up my mail and said I had 2 packages 😀 6y
41 likes5 comments
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Leelee.reads
Recipe Box | Viola Shipman
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I spent almost this whole week on a road trip by myself to see some National Parks a couple states over. This was waiting for me today. Honestly, I had trouble fitting everything into one photo. @RiotMom you outdid yourself - this is AMAZING. Also you might be my soulmate because every single thing in this box was absolutely perfection. You had me at “brown sugar bacon biscuits.” Seriously, thank you so much. 😍😍😍

RiotMom Yay! I‘m so happy everything made it to you. I had so much fun going shopping for this one! ❤️❤️❤️ 6y
33 likes2 comments
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Leelee.reads
Recipe Box | Viola Shipman
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@JHgotham @OriginalCyn620 @RiotMom I‘d love anything off my TBR, but have been wanting to read Tin Man; Bluebird, Bluebird; and Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows, so they might be top picks. I have a tiny place and don‘t need any kitchen gadgets or bookish related gifts, but love and appreciate coffee and high quality chocolate :) #feedareader

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Leelee.reads
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My last #coffeebeanbookclub cozy mystery arrived! Next round our own books will have circled back. This box was packed with goodies as usual! Thanks @cobwebmoth ! Side note- the box was marked with “lock n lube” which I had not heard of and so decided to look up. I accidentally typed “lick n lube” into my phone. Different product. 😳😂

cobwebmoth 😆 My husband uses boxes from work for my packages, lol. 7y
Kshakal Is this really our last round already???? 7y
36 likes2 comments
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Leelee.reads
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On its way @CoffeeCatsBooks #coffeebeanbookclub This has been a fun reading group, and has run super smoothly! Can‘t believe it‘s winding down in a couple rotations!

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Leelee.reads
Home Fire: A Novel | Kamila Shamsie
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Pickpick

I agree with @Jas16 about the ending of this one. The story went off the rails in the last 3 chapters due to the Antigone parallels, which hobbled an otherwise OUTSTANDING novel. The first 3/4 took my breath away. A necessary and powerful story with fascinating perspectives.

Jas16 Great review. Glad to know I am not alone in wishing for a different ending. 7y
37 likes1 comment
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Leelee.reads
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Pickpick

If you‘re in the mood for serious themes treated with a sensitive, often humorous touch, this is a good pick. It has a (too) tidy, feel-good ending, but was a quick read and a lovely story overall.

Leniverse The title speaks for me. 7y
51 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Leelee.reads
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Got my next installment for #coffeebeanbookclub, complete with goodies from @cobwebmoth ! Time to dive into another cozy mystery!

cobwebmoth Hope you enjoy! 7y
33 likes1 comment
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Leelee.reads
The Book Club | Marjolijn Februari
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#restingbookface #coffeebeanbookclub Packages sent out today! @CoffeeCatsBooks (I ended up repacking yours in a different box) and @Carleneishere

Carleneishere Hooray! 7y
Carleneishere I got it today and it looks so interesting! 7y
39 likes2 comments
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Leelee.reads
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The saga continues! Saw this article in a local news journal. Sounds like the whole situation is pretty sketchy - no one can answer how money is being spent, what the plans are, what the foundation president is actually paid to do, why certain random donors have given grants...or when it will be open to the public instead of sitting as an empty mansion.

35 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
Leelee.reads
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Pickpick

This was a longtime TBR I‘ve been looking forward to, so maybe my expectations were unrealistic. Not an author who believes in “show, not tell” -messages are about as subtle as a whack on the head. Also some “white (wo)man to the rescue” (literally) issues. But it‘s a touching story, has some lovely scenes, and offers a narrative on Apartheid that is seldom heard here in America. I appreciated it even more having already read Born A Crime.

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Leelee.reads
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Pickpick

YA is hit or miss for me, and there‘s a little too much going on in this story, but there‘s lots to love. It‘s the story of so many of my own high school students - mental health struggles, finding your place in the world or even within your own family, coming to peace with secrets vs. honesty, immigration issues, sexuality, and simply trying to find happiness. Authentic, and I loved the mix of Spanish/English in dialogue and narration.

47 likes1 stack add
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Leelee.reads
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My face when a book club package arrives! I couldn‘t find a way to take a photo without giving away the book (if other #restingbookface members see this), but it‘s here, with a bunch of goodies! @Julsmarshall My girls LOVED the squishies and immediately stole them. 😄

Julsmarshall Yay! 7y
44 likes1 comment
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Leelee.reads
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It‘s been awhile since I‘ve even had time to read anything, let alone check out books. Logged in today and discovered I‘ve been blocked!!! My offense -owing $1.75 in fees! 😂 My library is hardcore!

JoScho They don‘t play! 7y
EllieDottie Wow!! Intense!! 7y
britt_brooke 😆 7y
See All 15 Comments
Reviewsbylola 😂😂😂 that‘s a bit much! I owe almost $6. My library doesn‘t block until $10 but they actually stopped fining for overdue materials about a year ago. 7y
Chelleo Seriously! That‘s has to be the lowest threshold I‘ve ever seen. Ours blocks at $10 7y
Zelma $1.75? 😱 You criminal! 😉😂 7y
alisiakae Wow!! Ours blocks at $5. 7y
CouronneDhiver Naughty! 🤣 7y
aeeklund Whaaaaaat 7y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🤣🤣🤣 7y
tammysue No way!! 7y
TheWordJar Whoa! I just got blocked for a $6 fine (max is $5). My previous library let it go until $20. It took me a while, but I did get there. 😬 7y
Mimi28 I always end up going into the quarters for my laundry with overdue library fines, lol. Luckily the laundromat and the library are right next to each other, and I only do laundry every couple of weeks, which is why my books are always late, or I do them both the day before the send back my holds, lol. $1.75 is nothing though, that‘s hard core. Sorry you have to go through all that. 7y
BookishMe As long as a fine (15 cents for each day late) is incurred, even renewal is not allowed here - oh well 7y
ReadingSusan Funny. Mine is $10 7y
64 likes15 comments
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Leelee.reads
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Totally spoiled as usual by @cobwebmoth for our #coffeebeanbookclub . I just got back from a 4 days chaperoning a group of students out of town and this was waiting for me. ☺️ the perfect “Welcome home”!

Leelee.reads @CoffeeCatsBooks I wasn‘t organized enough to send the next round to you before I left town - I have it ready to send tomorrow though! I‘m sorry it will be late! I‘ll throw in some extra goodies for you 😉 7y
cobwebmoth 7y
CoffeeCatsBooks No worries! I was late too, lol. 7y
37 likes3 comments
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Leelee.reads
Pachinko | Min Jin Lee
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Mehso-so

This was between a pick and a so-so for me, and it prob ended up with the so-so because it was such a let down after how hyped up I‘d been for it. It was one of my most anticipated books of last year (finally got to it now after months) but I didn‘t buy in emotionally like I thought I would. Still, a book with lots to offer - especially if you haven‘t been exposed to this history - and I can see why others enjoyed it.

Leelee.reads I feel like the “so-so” is harsh. Sigh. I didn‘t love it though. 7y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I totally agree with you... I wanted to love it and I just couldn‘t! I struggled to finish and this is usually my kind of read!!! 7y
mrozzz Well said. I felt the same. 7y
45 likes3 comments