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Megabooks

Megabooks

Joined April 2016

Major audiophile 🎧
review
Megabooks
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this look at the dark history of MLMs. Dad got caught up in one after he retired, and it truly tested my parents‘ marriage. The people who run them are insidious bloodsuckers, and I‘d like them made illegal. Marie looks at older ones like Amway, Avon, and Tupperware and how they set legal and business precedents that have allowed later ones like LuLaRoe and Pure Romance to thrive.

MicheleinPhilly SOLD! I love a good MLM expose. 1d
Megabooks @MicheleinPhilly you‘ll definitely like this, then!! 1d
squirrelbrain What @MicheleinPhilly said! Stacked. 1d
See All 9 Comments
BarbaraBB I had to google MLM but I now I know it, I am definitely interested. Your dad caught up in it 😳 1d
Megabooks @BarbaraBB it was awful! Do you have them in the Netherlands or are they illegal? 1d
Megabooks @squirrelbrain I hope you enjoy it! 1d
sarahbarnes I used to know some people who were really caught up in Amway. Scary stuff. 23h
BarbaraBB We had (not any longer I think) but they never grew big or very successful. 21h
janeycanuck Oh, I need to get my hands on this. I loathe MLMs with every fibre of my being. 9h
73 likes6 stack adds9 comments
blurb
Megabooks
Nevada | Imogen Binnie
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This is my choice for the #transrightsreadathon! 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️ Unfortunately, it arrived with weird sticky spots, but I‘m just going roll with it. 🤔🫣

Cathythoughts Roll with it 👍🏻😁 2d
vlwelser I have that. I should pull it out. 2d
Reggie I like how it goes with the plant in the pic. Nice! 2d
See All 6 Comments
Megabooks @Cathythoughts used some rubbing alcohol to clean it…brand new now! 1d
Megabooks @vlwelser I hope you enjoy it! 1d
Megabooks @Reggie thanks! I‘m just glad the violet is finally blooming again. 1d
61 likes6 comments
review
Megabooks
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Pickpick

So this memoir is a bit special to me. Rex is from my hometown and graduated from my high school about 10 years before I did. Every day I saw his picture above the gym held up as one of Kentucky‘s finest playing basketball for UK and then the NBA. He lays bare NCAA corruption and racism. Unfortunately, opiate and gambling addiction caused him arrests and problems in his marriage and family life. Slowly he has rebuilt it sober. Loved this one!

Megabooks Oh and his coauthor wrote for the same college newspaper I did about 10 years before my time there. Crazy coincidence! 3d
Chelsea.Poole Totally not on my radar and I don‘t usually go for sports memoirs but I can‘t resist a Meg approved memoir, so on the list it goes 😊 3d
RebL Six degrees of Rex Chapman! He‘s the only reason I ever visit formerly known as Twitter. 3d
See All 9 Comments
BarbaraBB That is really special 3d
Cathythoughts ❤️ 3d
Megabooks @Chelsea.Poole I‘m not sure whether it‘s my connection to the subject, but it‘s short and interesting. A quick listen! 2d
Megabooks @RebL I did not know he was such an X influencer! Happy for him that he‘s found that and is doing positive things with it. 2d
Megabooks @BarbaraBB it is. It was really nice to read about my hometown and high school. 2d
68 likes9 comments
review
Megabooks
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Pickpick

This was fantastic! McCammon is an exvangelical herself and shares stories from her childhood and young adult experiences as well as her deconstruction journey. She also talks to many other GenX and Millennial folks about their journey of leaving the evangelical church. She paints a very comprehensive picture of this phenomenon and how it‘s reshaping America. A true must listen! 5⭐️

Megabooks Just got a notification that this is on NPR‘s book of the day podcast. 3d
PurpleyPumpkin Stacked!📚 3d
72 likes5 stack adds3 comments
review
Megabooks
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Pickpick

I finally got around to an #AuthorAMonth selection. I started the third in the Falk series and bailed because I realized I needed to read the second. It was a struggle. Not so much because Harper is a bad writer, but I just don‘t think it is a good mystery novel time for me. Low pick.

Falk and Carmen are investigating shady goings on at a financial firm when their key witness goes missing on a corporate retreat. 🕵🏼‍♂️

Cathythoughts I‘ve tried a couple of Jane Harpers , and I know she‘s a very popular writer here on Litsy and with my irl Bookclub.. but these books ( so far ) are not for me 🤷🏼‍♀️ Books.. quirky like people 😁 3d
70 likes1 comment
review
Megabooks
Endpapers | Jennifer Savran Kelly
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Pickpick

I loved this book. Kelly explored gender and sexuality and the weight of history without losing the all-too-important human connections that made this a great novel.

Dawn is a queer, gender fluid person in a relationship with another person exploring their own gender identity in 2001 NYC. When Dawn finds a lesbian paperback cover from the 1950s with a love note on it, she begins a journey into queer history that clears her artistic block.

BarbaraBB Thank you for tagging. I‘ll definitely read it! 4d
Megabooks @BarbaraBB Great! I hope you enjoy it. I think you'll like the parts about their art and visual process a lot. 4d
Cathythoughts Great review, stacked 👍🏻❤️ 4d
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Megabooks @Cathythoughts thanks! I hope you enjoy it! 4d
Megabooks This was my #bookspin @TheAromaofBooks 🎉🎉 3d
Megabooks This is also a #roll100 @PuddleJumper 🎉🎉 3d
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 3d
85 likes4 stack adds7 comments
review
Megabooks
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Pickpick

I listened to this memoir on audio at the same time I read Housewife in print, and they dovetailed nicely.

DeRuiter is a food writer who shot to fame over a viral blog post about Mario Batali and the #metoo movement. Here, she‘s collected essays about feminism and the world of food (both professional and home cooking) and its impact on her life and beliefs.

78 likes6 stack adds
review
Megabooks
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Pickpick

Great nonfiction that looks at the housewife through history from Neolithic times to the supposedly good ol‘ days of the 1950s to the Working Girl 80s. Part 2 looks at the place of the housewife in today‘s America from several perspectives including her place in MAGA mythology and the real pressures faced by families and working moms.

Bookwormjillk I must be officially entering middle age because your fresh fluffed mulch looks really appealing 🤣 (Book and flowers too) 4d
Megabooks @Bookwormjillk Thanks! We just had it put out before that picture was taken. Looks good but smells bad. 😆 😆 4d
80 likes3 stack adds2 comments
review
Megabooks
No Judgment: Essays | Lauren Oyler
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Mehso-so

Hmmm… While I loved her fiction, Fake Accounts, this collection of original essays felt a bit like mental masturbation. 🤷🏻‍♀️ It was okay, but I wouldn‘t say run out and buy it. #BorrowNotBuy

BarbaraBB I didn‘t enjoy Fake Accounts as much as you did so I probably will stay away from this one! Mental masturbation 🤣 4d
Megabooks @BarbaraBB I love that phrase! Lol 😆 😆 4d
76 likes2 comments
review
Megabooks
Annie Bot | Sierra Greer
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Bailedbailed

I‘m just going to go ahead and throw a heavy TW on this one for abusive relationships. I have a strong stomach for dark books usually, but the relationship between sentient sex robot Annie and her owner Doug had me stressed the F out and dreading picking it up again. No thanks!

AmyG Yikes 1w
Megabooks @AmyG yeah, she was going a good, important place with it, but we all have TWs that we can‘t handle. 😢 7d
BarbaraBB You were right to bail then. I won‘t bother to pick it up ❤️ 7d
See All 6 Comments
Cathythoughts Sounds awful! I‘ll be steering clear. 7d
Hooked_on_books I‘ve been questioning if I should read this or not. I‘m still not sure, but this definitely gives me something to think about. (For me, I steer clear of childhood abuse memoirs. They make me boil with rage and I just don‘t need to be doing that. And I was not physically or sexually abused as a child, thankfully.) 7d
dabbe #hailthebail! 🤩🤩🤩 6d
73 likes6 comments
blurb
Megabooks
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Love short stories! Thanks for the tag @dabbe 😁😁

1. Fortune Smiles by Adam Johnson is my favorite short story collection and within it, Dark Meadow is my fave story.
2. Lot by Bryan Washington is another great collection, especially the story Waugh
3. A recent fave is the title story in Delicate Edible Birds by Lauren Groff

I could go on forever about short stories!! #TLT #ThreeListThursday

dabbe You've given me 3 more for the TBR! Thanks for sharing. 💚💙💚 1w
Megabooks @dabbe yay!! Great question! 7d
dabbe @Megabooks 🤩🤗😍 6d
47 likes3 comments
review
Megabooks
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Pickpick

If this doesn‘t make a lot of best-memoirs-of-the-year lists, I don‘t know what will.

Susan‘s mom escaped Vietnam with her older children and made her way to the US. Susan, the first kid born in the US, grows up around her mom‘s nail salons until her mom dies in a tragic plastic surgery accident. Her family is torn apart. This sends Susan on a lifelong quest to understand her mom, why she had the surgery, and what happened during it.

Chelsea.Poole I‘m already on hold and can‘t wait!! Even more excited to hear your endorsement! Thanks for the tag 😊 1w
Megabooks @Chelsea.Poole fantastic! I was pretty sure you would‘ve seen it, but definitely didn‘t want you to miss it! 1w
Deblovestoread Great review! 📚 1w
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squirrelbrain Sounds great - stacking! 1w
68 likes7 stack adds6 comments
review
Megabooks
Fruit of the Dead | Rachel Lyon
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Pickpick

I didn‘t like Lyon‘s sophomore effort as much as her debut (tagged ⬇️). An interesting take on Persephone/Demeter, but I found it a bit unsatisfying.

Cory is a washed up prep school grad working at a summer camp when a father of one of the kids sweeps her up to be their nanny. She signs an NDA and is whisked to a private island where she frequently takes drugs and discovers unsettling feelings about the dad. Meanwhile, her mom searches for her.

Megabooks Her debut, which I loved 1w
BarbaraBB Thanks for tagging! I loved her debut too and didn‘t know she wrote a new one. Should I read it? What do you think? 1w
Megabooks @BarbaraBB I think you may like it more than I did. It‘s worth a shot! 1w
BarbaraBB Thanks for the heads up! Stacking! 1w
66 likes1 stack add4 comments
blurb
Megabooks
The Rachel Incident: A novel | Caroline O'Donoghue
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Final quarterfinal and it‘s a doozy! Shocking your hosts a bit, The Rachel Incident takes the final battle. They were tied going into the final two votes we received, which both went for Rachel. Are you surprised by this result like we were? #LitsyToB24

Now it‘s time to vote in the semifinals, and soon we will announce and bring back the zombies, too! 🧟‍♀️ Who are you hoping to see return? Link to vote: https://forms.gle/Hh3Tr8UNQbrsMmH1A

CatLass007 Yes I‘m surprised. I bailed on Rachel. 1w
See All 32 Comments
Bookwormjillk I didn‘t get to Rachel but I will have to soon! Excited to read the book that took down my favorite! 🤞🧟‍♀️ 1w
BarbaraBB I am surprised too! But I did love Rachel too so am happy with either outcome! 1w
AmyG I am not. While I had some trouble wih the first half, I really think it was due to my age….I lost a bit of patience with the foolishness of youth. But I really liked the bookonce the incident happened. I loved All The Sinners Bleed. All of it. 1w
Ruthiella That‘s the joy of this kind of “competition”! Anything can happen. 😆 1w
Suet624 That‘s quite the contrast!! 1w
Megabooks @Ruthiella exactly! It‘s so interesting! 1w
Megabooks @AmyG I preferred Sinners as well for the same reason. It definitely took me longer to get into Rachel‘s world and appreciate where the author was going. 1w
Megabooks @BarbaraBB 👍🏻👍🏻 I was surprised you liked Rachel as much as you did. 1w
Megabooks @Bookwormjillk I know! We were biting our nails as the votes came in! 1w
Megabooks @CatLass007 it was definitely the most surprising result. 1w
Deblovestoread Loved both books but Sinners got the edge because I couldn‘t put it down. Hope to see it the zombie round. 1w
CatLass007 S. A. Cosby is a new must read for me. 1w
Megabooks @CatLass007 yes! I have a couple saved for #AuthorAMonth later this year! 1w
Megabooks @Deblovestoread it was definitely the more propulsive of the two! 1w
CatLass007 I haven‘t got any for #AAM yet. I‘m trying to use the library instead of buying. 1w
BarbaraBB @Megabooks I think Rachel was the right book at the right time. Sinners I read last summer, I know I loved it but the feeling‘s gone a bit after all this time 🤷🏻‍♀️ 1w
MicheleinPhilly BOO! HISS! I‘m salty about this verdict. 1w
kwmg40 I voted for Sinners so I am a little disappointed and surprised, but I also did like Rachel a lot. 1w
Hooked_on_books The only reason I‘m not surprised by this result is because you hinted at it in a comment on Monday‘s matchup, so I was expecting it. And am still not at all happy about it. 1w
Jas16 Wow. I did not see this one coming. 1w
sarahbarnes I loved The Rachel Incident and am happy with this outcome! 1w
Megabooks @kwmg40 this was definitely the shocker of the bunch, but it wouldn‘t be a ToB without one! 1w
Megabooks @Hooked_on_books I enjoyed both books, but Sinners more for sure. Definitely a surprising outcome given that it was the most picked book on who people thought should win. 1w
Megabooks @Jas16 us either! 1w
Megabooks @sarahbarnes great!! 👍🏻👍🏻 1w
Kristy_K I am surprised by this! I enjoyed Sinners more. The books are so different though, they‘re hard to compare. 7d
KarenUK The final four are all books I really liked! So difficult to vote! 🤦‍♀️💕 7d
64 likes1 stack add32 comments
blurb
Megabooks
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A friend brought us a bouquet from her garden yesterday, and I thought it would look nice with these library holds I‘m very excited about!! 💜📚💐

peanutnine Lovely! 🌼 1w
bookandbedandtea Beautiful! I cannot WAIT for flowers in my neck of the woods. Winter lasts forever here. 🌷🪻⚘️ 1w
Chelsea.Poole Nice stack you have there! I‘m going to read James and hope to get to The Book of Love soonish 👯‍♀️ 1w
See All 16 Comments
REPollock I couldn‘t put down James. I read it nonstop. ❤️ 1w
Billypar Great picks! I'm reading Parasol now and I've got two older ones from Link and Everett on my shelf. 1w
BarbaraBB Oooh! You‘ve got James already! ❤️❤️ 1w
Cathythoughts These all look good. I must look them up 👍🏻 1w
JenP James is great. I hope you love it too 1w
Megabooks @JenP @REPollock it‘s up next after I finish the two I‘m reading! 1w
Megabooks @peanutnine @bookandbedandtea I‘m really enjoying springtime! Thanks!! 😁😁 1w
Megabooks @Chelsea.Poole you and I are so in sync!! 1w
Megabooks @Billypar I‘ve loved almost everything I‘ve read by Everett. Link is hit or miss for me, but I‘m excited about this one. How‘s Parasol going so far? 1w
Megabooks @BarbaraBB yes! It came out this week here! 1w
Megabooks @Cathythoughts always happy to see you! I hope you find one you want to read! 1w
Suet624 You lucky duck. Great books! Can‘t wait to read James. 1w
Billypar @Megabooks I'm liking it so far, but still pretty early at just page 50. Really it feels like catching up with an old friend because her style is so distinctive. 6d
84 likes2 stack adds16 comments
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Megabooks
Wellness | Nathan Hill
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This was the least voted on match (since one didn‘t have to vote in every match), but nevertheless Wellness won on a roughly 60/40 split. Are you happy with this outcome? If you didn‘t read one or both books, was there a reason? Wellness was one of my favorite books of 2023, and Birthday Party was my least favorite of the whole list, so I am happy. 😂😂

Tomorrow, I‘ll post the last quarterfinal match and a link to semifinal voting! #LitsyToB24

Bookwormjillk I didn't read either- they weren't on Everand, my library didn't have electronic copies, and I gave up buying new books for Lent. They're on my list for April though! 1w
See All 24 Comments
sarahbarnes I loved both of these books and it was hard to choose! I did vote for The Birthday Party, but I‘m okay with this outcome. 😊 1w
AmyG I loved the last 200pages of Wellness…most of allJack‘s childhood and family. 1w
Megabooks @Bookwormjillk that must be a hard thing to give up! I hope you have a chance to get to them both eventually! 1w
Megabooks @sarahbarnes I expected to like TBP because it was on so many people‘s best of lists last year, but I just didn‘t connect. I‘m glad you enjoyed both! 1w
Megabooks @AmyG that part was really good! Some of the food stuff with the kid wasn‘t as interesting. 😂😂 I‘m with @squirrelbrain on finding the algorithm part interesting. 1w
Kitta I didn‘t read either because I joined in a little late but wellness is on my tbr! 1w
Deblovestoread I had hoped to get both books read but didn‘t make. Read a few pages of Wellness and it sounds promising. 1w
Ruthiella I DNFed The Birthday Party but I did genuinely love Wellness. I didn‘t appreciate the narrow focus and increasing dread of TBP, whereas I did like the broad messiness of Wellness. 1w
BarbaraBB Such a hard choice! I enjoyed them both but voted for The Birthday Party because it was quite unique I think and I wanted to add a little Europe to our tournament 😉 1w
Hooked_on_books I didn‘t like Wellness very much and, despite listening to it recently, barely remember it. Whereas I really liked TBP. I thought it was an amazing book. So, I‘m not thrilled with this result. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 1w
Megabooks @Hooked_on_books yeah, so many people I usually agree with, like you, enjoyed TBP. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 1w
Megabooks @BarbaraBB I know! I voted to include TBP on the list because I wanted a book in translation. I just wish I had liked it more! 1w
Megabooks @Ruthiella I didn‘t like the dread either. the other thing I didn‘t get as an American reading TBP is why they were so scared of the knives. If it had been an American book, they would‘ve burst in with AR-15s or at least a decent handgun. Such terrible thoughts! 1w
Megabooks @Deblovestoread I truly loved wellness and hope you enjoy it, too! 1w
Megabooks @Kitta I hope you love it when you get to it! 1w
Chelsea.Poole Loved Wellness. Would have been top of the year if I had read it in 2023 but I read it in January. TBP was quite different and I appreciated that but it was one-note and a very long note at that 😆 Wellness had SO much to say about so many topics, and somehow managed to pull it all off. 1w
Suet624 I love the author of Wellness. Purchased the book but haven‘t read it yet. 1w
Megabooks @Suet624 yes, the nix was fantastic, too! 1w
Megabooks @Chelsea.Poole both books were long, but wellness didn‘t feel that way. 😁 1w
Readerann I have Wellness checked out from the library, so am hoping to get to it before its due date! 1w
KarenUK I loved Wellness too. I remember reading the first chapter and thinking, well this is going to be on my best of the year list! 7d
60 likes1 stack add24 comments
blurb
Megabooks
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It is a gorgeous day here with buds on the trees but hiding behind this springy exterior is WIND and 46 degree temps! I went to the used bookstore while Mom is at the dentist and sold some books. I wasn‘t going to buy any, but I couldn‘t help but look! F&F and Goon Squad are ones I love and wanted to own. The Uncoupling is new to me.

I keep thinking one day I will not feel like I‘m drowning and have more time for litsy. I miss y‘all! 💜💜

IuliaC What a beautiful, springish feeling this photo gives! 1w
Megabooks @IuliaC thanks! My eyes love it when the trees are budding, but my allergies don‘t lol! 1w
Bookwormjillk Some days you gotta just keep swimming. Hang in there.

(And we have the wind too. I hope it doesn't blow all the blossoms away before I can get out for a walk.)
1w
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BarbaraBB Missing you too. Beautiful photo and weather and books. Hopefully this will give you some joy and energy 🤞🏽🩷 1w
ShelleyBooksie You will never not be crazy busy with your profession but I do.wish you more time.to read as "you time" is so important ♡♡ 1w
Megabooks @Bookwormjillk thank you 💜💜💜 the spring winds can be brutal! 1w
Megabooks @BarbaraBB thank you! I got very lucky parking next to this tree! It was nice to take the time in the bookstore, and it wasn‘t busy, which was nice, too. 1w
Megabooks @ShelleyBooksie it is so important to take me time, and I‘m so bad about it!! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ thank you! 💜💜 1w
77 likes8 comments
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Megabooks
Hello Beautiful | Ann Napolitano
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Hello Beautiful was the overwhelming favorite here with only @Ruthiella @Larkken and @kwmg40 voting for Mobility. I liked both, but the heightened emotional response HB gave me made me like it a bit more. (Plus I love Little Women.) What do you think of the outcome? What swung the vote for you? I appreciate the unique approach Kiesling took to talking about the environment and the part we play in its destruction. Both were great books! #LitsyToB24

AmyG Hello Beautiful checked all the boxes for me…as I love a good damaged character and dysfunctional family. Add a bittersweet ending. This was my favorite book of 2023. 1w
See All 21 Comments
Chelsea.Poole On paper I should have loved Mobility…I‘m not sure if I was in the wrong headspace or maybe should have gone print with that one but I just couldn‘t connect at all. Hello Beautiful made me weepy and though I don‘t think it was a perfect book, it is a memorable story with well developed characters. Side note: Napolitano‘s debut is getting a reprint next month. It was originally published in 2004 and I may give it a try. 1w
Ruthiella Hello Beautiful really rubbed me the wrong way. I felt like the characters were written to follow the plot and to reach the desired bittersweet outcome- not realistic. Whereas Mobility was all too real and subtly so and the better for it. 1w
BarbaraBB I loved and appreciated both for different reasons. HB was engaging and warm from the start (and I didn‘t think of Little Women once to be honest) while Mobility felt raw and real-time. I voted for the one I loved the most (HB) while I now remember much more of Mobility 🤷🏻‍♀️ 1w
squirrelbrain I agree @BarbaraBB - in fact Hello Beautiful made my favourites list of 2023, but now I remember more of Mobility. 🤷‍♀️ 1w
Well-ReadNeck I didn‘t connect to Hello Beautiful initially. I tried it in print, but ultimately read on audio. I was a bit bored at first, but kept listening. Even when I was finished I wasn‘t a resounding fan. But, I kept thinking about it and all the feels it made me feel. When all was said and done, I think it was the book of 2023 that stuck with me the most. 1w
Megabooks @Well-ReadNeck that‘s a good point on it being hard to get into initially. There was quite a bit of set up. I agree with @Ruthiella that she was definitely trying to get to a certain place emotionally but it did feel false or contrived to me. 1w
Megabooks @Ruthiella I do agree that Mobility was subtler. That was a strength. 1w
Megabooks @BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain that‘s interesting. I think specific scenes stand out more for me in Mobility, but the vibe and characters I remember from HB trumps those scenes, although like B, I thought they were both good! (edited) 1w
Megabooks @Chelsea.Poole thanks for the heads up! I‘d like to try that, too. 1w
Megabooks @AmyG it was excellent as far as the portrait it painted of the damaged characters and family. All the feels for sure!! 1w
Suet624 I appreciated feeling emotional while reading HB. I connected with the characters. That's all I ask for. HB did it just right. :)
1w
Bookwormjillk I love a multi generational saga, so I had to vote for HB. However the end of Mobility was a punch in the gut I still think about today. 1w
Megabooks @Suet624 I think that‘s a common theme here: that most of us connected emotionally with HB. 👍🏻💜 1w
Megabooks @Bookwormjillk true! It was a good ending! 1w
Hooked_on_books I really liked HB. Like a few others, the details haven‘t stuck with my but the feelings have. Which was true for me with her previous book, Dear Edward, as well. Whereas I couldn‘t stand Mobility and bailed on it. I thought it was poorly done. So, I‘m happy with this result. 1w
kwmg40 I had read just over half of HB before I had to return it to the library and await my next turn, so I may have voted differently if I'd finished it in time. While I did like it, I found I wasn't totally engaged. I really liked Mobility for its satirical notes and because it made me think a lot about my own life choices. 1w
Megabooks @Hooked_on_books it‘s really interesting that her book is evoking such feelings in a lot of us. I felt the same about 1w
Megabooks @kwmg40 Mobility did make me think, too, especially the second half. 1w
62 likes21 comments
blurb
Megabooks
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Welcome to the #LitsyToB24 quarterfinals! We are another step closer to awarding the first Turkey!

This matchup went clearly for Vintage Contemporaries by about a ⅔ majority. Are you happy with the result? These are two quite different novels set in very different time periods, and in my mind, the authors used very different writing styles. Do you prefer more straightforward or lyrical books? Do you agree with my assessment?

Bookwormjillk This one was hard because they were both so different. In the end I went with VC because Let Us had issues sticking the landing in my opinion. On the other hand Let Us seemed gut wrenching and was probably a major accomplishment to write while VC told me what I wanted to hear. (Not sure any of that made sense- long story short this was a hard choice.) 1w
See All 19 Comments
Chelsea.Poole I really liked both of these novels. Descend was hard to read, both stylistically and in regard to the horrific events of the story. However, I was moved and chose it due to the vivid imagery and scenes that won‘t leave me soon. 1w
Ruthiella I only read VC so can‘t really comment except for I don‘t like Ward‘s poetic writing style and that‘s why I skipped it. 1w
squirrelbrain I‘m surprised at this outcome - personally I voted for VC as I found Let Us Descend a tough read (both subject matter and style) but I thought LUD would win the round. 1w
Megabooks @squirrelbrain @Ruthiella I can only read these very lyrical books on audio and even then, I feel I have to let them wash over me, which doesn‘t always work with a subject matter this heavy. (It only sort of worked in this case.) (edited) 1w
Megabooks @Chelsea.Poole definitely agree there was a lot of vivid imagery that she captured in an interesting style that I wouldn‘t mistake for any other author. 1w
Megabooks @Bookwormjillk I understand what you‘re saying about both. I thought VC was a bit atypical in that its female characters were written so astutely by a man. 1w
Hooked_on_books I loved VC but thought LUD was a near masterpiece, so it got my vote. I am so sad to see it go but also not unhappy to see VC progress. It‘s a wonderful book. 1w
Bookwormjillk @Megabooks good point! 1w
Megabooks @Hooked_on_books I‘m glad you enjoyed them both! 1w
BarbaraBB I wasn‘t too thrilled about both of these. I am surprised that VC won in out tournament but don‘t really mind. I have my 👀 on the next matches 😉 1w
Megabooks @BarbaraBB I‘m sort of surprised too, but another one in the quarterfinals surprised me even more! 🤯🤯 1w
Readerann I didn‘t love Descend, and am planning to read VC at some point. Just very minimal reading time these days. 😩 1w
BarbaraBB @Megabooks I know 😂😂 1w
Megabooks @Readerann same! I‘m not reading nearly as much this year as I did last year, and I have a lot less time to be on litsy and write reviews! 1w
Suet624 I really really didn‘t like VC. I really really liked LUD - if you can ‘like‘ some a heavy and heartbreaking book. It was brutal but had spirits throughout and I‘m always looking for spirits in my life, so, yeah, that would have been my vote. 1w
Megabooks @Suet624 I feel like these were such different books I‘m not surprised that people feel strongly towards one or the other! 1w
60 likes19 comments
review
Megabooks
Piglet | Lottie Hazell
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Pickpick

Having a woman who talks about being large (but probably isn‘t by description) and loves food/cooking then starts binge eating called Piglet was a bit problematic for me. Plus the middle third dragged. Low pick. #aardvark

Just two weeks before the wedding Piglet finds out her fiancee has been having an affair. As she decides what to do about it, she has some issues with binge eating and destroys her life a bit. 🤷🏻‍♀️

AmyG Those flowers are so beautiful. Spring!!! 2w
Megabooks @AmyG thank you!! So excited for having blooms now! 2w
squirrelbrain I found this problematic too…. 2w
See All 11 Comments
dabbe Daffies! 🤩🤩🤩 2w
Chelsea.Poole I just finished this too! 2w
maich Beautiful picture🌼🌱 2w
Megabooks @Chelsea.Poole I just looked back through your feed and we read SO MANY of the same books! 😂😂 1w
Megabooks @squirrelbrain 💯💯💯 1w
Megabooks @dabbe @maich loving them this year! Thanks!! 1w
Chelsea.Poole Yes we do! 👯‍♀️ 1w
dabbe @Megabooks They're my all-time favorite flower, and they don't grow well in Phoenix. Yours are gorgeous! 🤩😍😃 1w
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review
Megabooks
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Pickpick

This was an interesting look at the history of conspiracy theories in America from colonial days until Trump and Qanon. I will admit to having a bit divided attention while listening, but overall a good #borrownotbuy.

70 likes1 stack add
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Megabooks
Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Evansville | Evansville, IN (Bookstore)
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My BN birthday mini-haul! I feel like I have to get a short story collection when I shop in person, and this Nigerian-British one is pretty and sounded good!

DYRBB has that sinister techy SciFi vibe I‘ve been digging lately, so I decided on it, too. There were three others that came close but my library had them, so I‘m going to take advantage of that!

Soubhiville Happy Birthday!!! 2w
sarahbarnes DYRBB is on my TBR, too! 2w
dabbe HB! 💚💙💚 2w
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BarbaraBB Glad you made it to the store! I liked DYRBB‘s cover more than the book itself but chances are you‘ll enjoy it better 🤞🏽🤎 2w
squirrelbrain That cover is amazing! 2w
Megabooks @Soubhiville @dabbe thank you!! 💜💜💜 2w
Megabooks @sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I didn‘t know you had read it, B. Hopefully I‘ll like it more. It had around 4⭐️ on the storygraph, and usually I‘ll fall within a half star either way of their aggregate. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ 2w
Megabooks @squirrelbrain yes! Both these are #coverlove for me!! 2w
Reggie I hope you had some cake! Happy belated birthday! 1w
Megabooks @Reggie thanks Reggie! I finally made blondies Monday night (a week after my birthday 😂) and they were great! 1w
74 likes10 comments
review
Megabooks
Appetites: A Cookbook | Anthony Bourdain
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Pickpick

Why did I read a cookbook cover-to-cover that I can‘t eat 90% of the recipes in? I‘m still not sure, but it‘s Tony. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ Is this going to be your go-to cookbook? No, unless you live in a city with access to a lot wider variety and better quality ingredients than I have in my large town, and you have more speed and fluency in the kitchen than I do. He scores point on not using complicated equipment though. #borrownotbuy on #hoopla!

Megabooks Also, it‘s a bit sad reading a family friendly cookbook when we now know his marriage was crumbling and he had started to date Asia, who was a problematic girlfriend at best. And Ariane, who is pictured without showing her face, is growing up without a dad. 😢 (edited) 2w
75 likes1 comment
review
Megabooks
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Pickpick

I‘ve been open here about the challenges I‘m facing caring for two elderly, disabled parents, and this book was wonderfully validating and helpful. Applebaum‘s dad was 60 when she was born, so she always knew she‘d be caring for him as a young adult. She also is a psychologist who works with the families of cancer patients. She draws on these experiences and her training to share tips for coping with the difficulties of caregiving. ⬇️

Megabooks Our morning aide is finally back from being sick, so I‘m really happy about that. Last week was difficult, but I survived. Sometimes that‘s all you can ask of yourself! 2w
AmyG I was a caregiver for my Mom. Yes, sometimes it‘s just one step in front of the other. Always find time (if you can) for yourself. (edited) 2w
Megabooks @AmyG I‘m sure that was difficult for you. It is just all consuming some days. Fortunately our night aide stepped in late Thursday morning, and I got a few hours off. (edited) 2w
See All 12 Comments
Librarybelle ❤️❤️❤️ 2w
plemmdog Sometimes there is no harder job. Self-care can be so important, if you can do it. 2w
youneverarrived Sounds like an important read 💜 2w
CatLass007 @Megabooks @AmyG I lost my Mom to Alzheimer‘s in 2018. I had help from aides in being her caregiver, but it still seemed like there was never enough of me to go around. I hold both of you in my heart.💜 2w
Chelsea.Poole Thinking of you 🤍 2w
Megabooks @CatLass007 I am so sorry! 💔💔 I am fortunate to have help from outside aides a few hours each day, but yes, still quite difficult. It is so true how thinly one gets spread. 2w
CatLass007 Thank you. I think Mom was blessed by not experiencing any personality changes. My entire life she was kind, loving, forgiving, and sweet. Which means those around her were blessed. My Dad didn‘t have dementia but as he got older he did show personality changes. He was angry all the time. But I believe that they are together now and dancing the jitterbug again. 2w
Megabooks @CatLass007 unfortunately my dad‘s vascular dementia has changed his personality a bit. He was very gregarious and easygoing but now he‘s frequently sullen and stubborn. I try to take each day as it comes and remember that‘s not who he is in his heart. He just has an illness. Some days are easier than others. I hope your parents are happy again together in the afterlife too! 💜💜 1w
75 likes1 stack add12 comments
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

Oh Lordy that George Santos. What a mess! Chiusano, an NYC area reporter, traces the myriad of lies and schemes from Brazil to New York and speaks to his friends and victims. He also delineates the perfect storm that allowed his election to Congress. An interesting read!!

AmyG This guy is a serial liar. And that nobody vetted him????? 🤷🏼‍♀️ 2w
vivastory Did you see that he showed up to the SOTU? 2w
Megabooks @vivastory yes, he‘s a f***ing nutcase!! 2w
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Megabooks @AmyG no, neither opposition nor his own party! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ 2w
vlwelser He's fascinating. I have a thing for ridiculous politicians. But only when they belong to someone else. Like Long Island. 2w
Megabooks @vlwelser right?! I hate them when they‘re in my own backyard. I mean s*** I‘m already stuck with McConnell and Paul. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ 2w
CatLass007 @Megabooks @vlwelser I‘m listening to Make Trouble by Cecile Richards. One factoid I heard today was that Americans could only knew the names of three governors: Ann Richards, Mario Cuomo, and their own. I live in Tennessee which starts as blue in the west (Memphis), shades to purple moving east toward the middle (Nashville), and shades to a most depressing shade of red in the east, where I live. I can‘t remember the name of the governor (cont)⬇️ 2w
CatLass007 most of the time. I think I just have a mental block about all the Republicans in office in almost every state. Meg, I do not envy you the politicians you are saddled with. Even worse, I shudder to think who my neighbors are because, for the most part, they are Trumpers. 2w
Aimeesue Oy. You can apparently get away with a lot of nobody checks your $h!t out. #makeintegrityathingagain 2w
Megabooks @CatLass007 yes! I used to live in East Tennessee and totally agree with your assessment. I try to block out how many of my neighbors still believe 45 is a good leader, including people in my own family. Fortunately, we have a great governor in Kentucky now, Andy Beshear, but our congressional delegation leaves a lot to be desired. 2w
Megabooks @Aimeesue some integrity would be WONDERFUL at the moment!! 2w
Aimeesue @Megabooks I feel like your Gov, Beshear, has that. I watched him quite often during the pandemic (despite not having lived in Kentucky for decades) and I was very impressed. 2w
CatLass007 Where did you live in East Tennessee? I‘m in Johnson City. It‘s not rural but rural is not far away. Remember the Tennessee Three? Two young Black men were ejected from office by the Republican majority and a white woman was not ejected. It‘s all about free speech! And racial prejudice. The two young men were appointed by their local government as interim legislators and then were re-elected in a special election. Such a waste of (cont)⬇️ (edited) 2w
CatLass007 time and money! Now the House State Government Committee has voted to bring legislation to the floor that prevents expelled members from returning to the legislature. The committee‘s own lawyer advised that it is in violation of the Tennessee Constitution. Could their hatred of those who are different in any way - party, race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation - whatever floats their boat, BE anymore blatant?! 2w
Megabooks @CatLass007 that expulsion was shameful. Just downright wrong. I watched it on the national news live. I used to live in Knoxville for about 5 years. I have a friend who grew up in Johnson City, but I‘ve never been there. 1w
CatLass007 You haven‘t missed anything by not ever visiting Johnson City. 1w
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review
Megabooks
Wandering Stars | Tommy Orange
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this follow up to There There. The audiobook production was great!

Orange first goes back in time tracing the lineage of Opal, Orvil, et al through the violence wrought by colonialism. Then he travels back to Oakland 2018 and follows the family after the shooting at the PowWow and the lingering effects of PTSD.

squirrelbrain I have this as a #netgalley ARC….just no time to read it at the moment! 😬 2w
Megabooks @squirrelbrain I hope you do if you liked There There. It‘s a worthy follow up. 2w
81 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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Megabooks
The Marriage Act | John Marrs
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Thank you to my wonderful cohosts of all things ToB for the great birthday presents!!

Molly loves her toy, and I love the portraits of rescue dogs, Helen!! Such a cute bookmark (though upside down in the photo 😂).

Barbara, I‘m so excited for Pet, which has been on my TBR for awhile, and a Marrs you loved!! The incense smells good, too.

sarahbarnes Happy Birthday!!! 🎉🎂 2w
AmyG Happy Birthday 🎂 2w
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 2w
See All 18 Comments
Deblovestoread Happy birthday! 🎂🎈📚 2w
Ruthiella Happy Birthday! 🥳🥳🥳 2w
Chelsea.Poole Lovely gifts! Happy birthday to you!! 🎂 2w
LeahBergen Happy Birthday! ❤️❤️ 2w
Jess Happy birthday!! 2w
merelybookish Happy Birthday!! 2w
squirrelbrain Oh, I loved Pet (it was one of my best of 2023) and I think you will too. ❤️ 2w
BarbaraBB Happy birthday dear Meg 🤍 I hope it will be a wonderful year 🤞🏽 🤎 2w
Bookzombie Happy belated Birthday! 🥳🧁📚💕 2w
Suet624 Pet!!! 2w
Megabooks @Suet624 so excited for that!! 2w
Megabooks @sarahbarnes @AmyG @dabbe @Deblovestoread @Ruthiella @Chelsea.Poole @LeahBergen @jess @merelybookish @squirrelbrain @BarbaraBB @Bookzombie thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes!! This week has been a bit of a nightmare with a new aide calling in one shift then being a no-show the next. Finally on Thursday I got to take my birthday trip to shop in Evansville and spend my BN gift card and get 2 spring tops at the mall. ⬇️ 2w
Megabooks I‘ll hopefully have time on the weekend to show my BN haul. Dad‘s cancer treatment was this morning and mom has a hair appointment in an hour. 😬😬 it never stops!! 2w
AmyG Hugs…you got your hands full. I look forward to seeing your haul aka what I should be reading. 🤣 2w
squirrelbrain What @AmyG said… you book guru, you! Hope your day isn‘t too stressful. 2w
75 likes18 comments
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Megabooks
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Thank you to #HachetteBooks for sending me this #arc about dating while chronically ill! I‘m starting to stick my toe in those waters after a decade away, so I‘m really looking forward to this one! US pub date July 9. #HBSocialClub

squirrelbrain Such a pretty picture! 💛 3w
BarbaraBB ❤️❤️ 3w
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks So pretty 💛 3w
See All 6 Comments
Megabooks @squirrelbrain @BarbaraBB @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks thanks y‘all! It‘s been wonderful finally having flowers to shoot photos with! 3w
Reggie I hope you meet a reader! 3w
Megabooks @Reggie me too!! 2w
92 likes6 comments
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Megabooks
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Mehso-so

This is an odd one. I think the author didn‘t quite have enough material for a full biography of the very private Luke Perry, so she included a dual narrative of her own story, which strangely never really crosses with his. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ I loved that she talked to so many friends and cast mates of Luke, but I‘m not sure I quite got what she was going for. Audio narration is good, but 💯 a #BorrowNotBuy imo!

squirrelbrain Sounds a bit odd that their paths never crossed. 🤔 3w
Megabooks @squirrelbrain It really was!! 3w
BarbaraBB I used to be a fan of Dylan 😀 3w
80 likes4 comments
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Megabooks
Im a Fan | Sheena Patel
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Pickpick

I‘ve been meaning to read this #roll100 since last year‘s Women‘s Prize announcement, so I‘m glad I finally got to it, especially because I love a novel about a woman obsessed!

The MC has become fixated on a married man, whom she‘s slept with several times. He juggles many affairs including an American he just can‘t get to love him, so the MC becomes obsessed with her too. The tighter she holds on the more he slips away.

BarbaraBB I liked this one too. 3w
Megabooks @BarbaraBB A solid debut for sure! 3w
sarahbarnes Great review! I may have to add this one to my list. 3w
PuddleJumper 🎉🎉 3w
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

This is a fun collection of brief science presentations from Nerd Nights around the world. Nerd Nights, which I had never heard of, are Moth-type events with fun but informative short science presentations — anything from biology to astrophysics. A good #BorrowNotBuy!

Chelsea.Poole Stacked! 3w
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

So‘s untimely death at 28 left a hole in the Cambodian-American literary community. This collection of essays and parts of an unfinished novel is far from perfect but worth a #borrownotbuy to read the last of his unique voice. I very much wish the world had heard more from him! #doublespin

kspenmoll Are those your flowers?! We are no where near blooms- just daffodil shoots! 3w
Megabooks @kspenmoll these are miniature jonquils! They are the first to bloom and had already peaked when I took this photo a few days ago. The last few years have been so warm our whole yard of daffodils peaks in the first week or so of March! 3w
vivastory I'm really looking forward to this. Loved Afterparties. 3w
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3w
74 likes4 comments
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Megabooks
The Glutton | A. K. Blakemore
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Pickpick

Another interesting one to read while battling a GI illness!! Based on a French fable, Blakemore takes a unique approach to writing about the French Revolution!

Tarare is borne into struggle. Kicked out of his home as a teen in 1700s France, he falls in with a group of grifters headed to Paris. When they discover his talent for eating literally anything, they exploit him for financial gain.

kspenmoll I hope you feel better soon. 3w
Balibee146 Hope you feel better xx 3w
squirrelbrain Ew, even worse reading this when you feel ill. 3w
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Ruthiella Hope you are soon on the mend. ❤️ 3w
mdemanatee Hope you feel better! I need to get back on the library holds for this one as I didn‘t get to it fast enough the first 3w
BarbaraBB I hope you‘re feeling better 🩷🩷🩷 3w
vivastory I just finished this one! I loved it! 5d
76 likes1 stack add7 comments
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

Fantastic essay collection that examines eating disorders through the lens of literature and women and NB folks who have suffered with them. Clein herself has fought anorexia and bulimia and points out gaps in the US healthcare system that cost lives.

Interesting one to read while battling my GI illness. I‘m doing better today following some fasting and diet changes. 🤞🏻 I can be around for more next week. I 💜 the support I‘ve received! 🙏🏻

CBee Glad you‘re feeling a bit better, Meg ♥️ 3w
squirrelbrain Glad to hear you‘re feeling a bit better. 😘 3w
Librarybelle Glad you‘re feeling better! 3w
See All 6 Comments
sarahbarnes Hope you keep feeling better. 💕 3w
BarbaraBB 🩷🩷 3w
Chelsea.Poole Wonderful to hear you‘re doing better. ☺️ 3w
66 likes2 stack adds6 comments
review
Megabooks
Greta & Valdin: A Novel | Rebecca K Reilly
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Pickpick

Fantastic book from NZ that touches on family, queerness, immigration, and being biracial all through the lens of a couple of rather lighthearted love stories.

Brother and sister Valdin & Greta navigate complicated romance while trying to stay close to their older brother and parents. She‘s looking for a woman who understands her while he pines for an ex-boyfriend in Argentina.

BarbaraBB Stacking. Of course 🩷🩷 3w
Chelsea.Poole I loved this! 3w
CarolynM ❤️ 3w
73 likes4 stack adds3 comments
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Megabooks
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Well, I ended up in the ER yesterday with 9 out of 10 pain in my stomach/esophageal area. Of course, still no one knows what‘s wrong with me, but there was no acute obstruction, so I guess that‘s good.

Anyway, here are my #bookspin and #doublespin (finally) plus my up-next shelf. I‘m a few reviews behind but hopefully I can catch up when I‘m feeling better. 💜💜 I started my DS a few days ago, and it‘s good so far!

Bookwormjillk Oh no! I‘m so sorry to hear that. 4w
TheAromaofBooks My goodness!! Glad you are home okay - and hopefully on the mend!! 4w
Jari-chan How terrible! Hope you're ok now 🫂 4w
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Jess Yikes! I hope the pain has subsided and you are feeling better today. 4w
youneverarrived Oh no 😟 feel better soon 🩷 4w
Librarybelle Oh my! I hope you‘re feeling better today! 3w
AmyG Oh no. Ijust hope you are feeling better today. 3w
LiteraryinLawrence I‘m so sorry that happened!! 3w
Bookzombie I hope you are feeling better. 💗 3w
TheBookgeekFrau Damn 😟 Feel better soon!! 💕 3w
Billypar That sounds absolutely awful - hope they can figure it out and you're feeling better soon 💙 3w
squirrelbrain Oh no - hope you‘re feeling better now. 😘 3w
BarbaraBB The ER?? That sound terrible. Will there be any follow-up to monitor you or did you just go home and that‘s it? So sorry for you, hope you‘re feeling better soon. 3w
LeahBergen Oh no!! 😥 3w
jlhammar Sorry to hear that. Frustrating and scary. Hope you‘re feeling better soon. 3w
Readerann Sending best wishes! ❤️ 3w
marleed Oh no! I‘m so sorry and hope this gets resolved. 9 out 10 pain is scary and I hate you moved through that. 3w
CarolynM I‘m sorry to hear that. I hope you are feeling better today. Glad David Sedaris is keeping you company. Sending love💕 3w
69 likes18 comments
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Megabooks
BookSpinBingo | Untitled
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Now that I‘ve chosen my Aardvark box, here‘s my #bookspin list!

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 4w
54 likes1 comment
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Megabooks
Piglet | Lottie Hazell
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So excited for this month‘s @AardvarkBookClub picks!! Piglet was on my TBR anyway, and most of their SciFi picks have been winners for me, so I wanted to try Baby X. I‘m already in line for Wandering Stars at the library, but it sounded good, too. 👍🏻👍🏻 #aardvark

vlwelser Baby X was my second choice and I totally agree about the sci fi selection. 4w
BarbaraBB Two new to me titles. Looking forward to your reviews! 4w
AardvarkBookClub 🫶🫶 4w
CarolynM Thinking of you, Meg. Hope you‘re enjoying reading again💕 4w
60 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

Holy sh!t is Lyz a bitter divorcée! But her thoughts on the patriarchal implications of modern American marriages were quite interesting. As much memoir as sociology, I didn‘t like that she seemed to look down on women who felt differently about marriage than she does. However, many of the reasons she listed for her divorce and continued singledom are why I‘ve never been a fan. ??‍♀️ Be ready to have OPINIONS!

BarbaraBB Intrigued somehow! 1mo
ImperfectCJ I read her opinion piece in the Washington Post, and while I agreed with a lot of her points, I'm not keen on how she looks down on women who stay married. The best quote from the article, imo, is (as something she would tell a woman trying to make a marriage work): "If they raise the bar and it breaks, that‘s okay." I very much agree. If the marriage can only survive if one partner is miserable, then that's probably a sign to end the marriage. 1mo
Chelsea.Poole Ooohh I am going to do this one!! Thanks for the tag 😊 1mo
Suet624 Do you read her substack posts? I've kind of avoided her marriage posts but her other posts often make me chuckle, especially Men Yell at Me posts. 4w
71 likes4 stack adds4 comments
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

This moved a bit slowly for me, and I didn‘t enjoy it quite as much as The River or The Guide, but a door was opened for another story about Ren, the Yellowstone park ranger, and I‘ll probably read it.

Someone is setting illegal animal traps in Yellowstone, and one seems to purposely ensnare a person. REN must race to save both the animals and the people who watch them. Plenty of tourist drama, too!

Aimeesue Ha! My daughter is a park ranger and her boyfriend is a park LEO. I‘m going to pick up a copy for them! 😁Thanks for the review! (edited) 1mo
Megabooks @Aimeesue oh fantastic! I hope they enjoy it! 1mo
ShelleyBooksie Daffodils!!! I love park ranger books! 1mo
71 likes3 comments
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

We had a massive storm overnight that often kept me awake, so I read and eventually finished this. I thought NB was my least favorite of Tony‘s books, but I enjoyed this much more than my recent reread of Medium Raw. Do not skip the short reflections on each essay at the end of the book. I think the Tony who died in 2018 was a more world weary unhappy guy than here. It was a bit joyous to read his (relatively) youthful enthusiasm.

Suet624 We had a massive windstorm the same evening. The wind and the house groaning kept me awake all night. 4w
76 likes1 comment
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Megabooks
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Thank you to all my dear Litsy friends who have reached out during this difficult time. 💕💕 I took a lot of your advice, and relistened to my favorite Sedaris book while I did a fun redo of two bookshelves when a friend was able to help me unload. I spent today enjoying rearranging until they felt right. It was really therapeutic, and I‘m happy with the results!! They‘re the ones I look at when I read before bed, so I wanted them perfect! 😁😁

LiteraryinLawrence These are so beautiful! It‘s great that they feel right now. And good for you for doing something proactive during this hard time to bring you some joy. I agree with everyone who said that the books will be here when you‘re in the mood for them again. Just take care of yourself however you can on any given day. 💗 1mo
Megabooks @LiteraryinLawrence thank you so much!! 💙💙 1mo
See All 26 Comments
Librarybelle What a great bookshelf redo! It‘s good you were able to revisit an old favorite and find some joy during this time. We‘re here for you! ❤️ 1mo
dabbe 💚💙💚 1mo
Bookwormjillk Looks great. I‘m glad you have that reading view. ❤️ 1mo
Deblovestoread They look great! So glad you had time to play with your books 💜😍💜 1mo
Chelsea.Poole Lovely shelves! Also, I hope you don‘t feel the pressure to write back if you‘re not up to it. you‘ve got plenty on your plate as is.♥️ 1mo
LeahBergen They look lovely! I‘m so glad you‘re feeling a bit better. ❤️ 1mo
BookmarkTavern Wow! They look amazing! ❤️ 1mo
Aimeesue So neat and tidy! I‘m jealous. Glad you‘re doing a bit better today. 🩵 1mo
Ruthiella Awesome! The shelves look fantastic. 😃 1mo
Centique That looks perfect! 🙌 1mo
sarahbarnes Looks fantastic. 💕 1mo
BarbaraBB So therapeutic, reshelving your books😀. And the result too of course. Glad you felt up to doing this. Take your time dear Meg ❤️ 1mo
squirrelbrain I know how much you love David Sedaris, so that was a great idea! And your shelves look fabulous- makes me want to sort mine too! 🤓 Look after yourself. 😘 1mo
CarolynM Shelves look great👍🙂 Sending love and hugs 💕🤗 1mo
erzascarletbookgasm They look great 👍. Glad you‘re feeling better 1mo
TheLudicReader Reorganizing my bookshelves is such a zen activity. I am glad you found some peace in your shelves. ❤️ 1mo
AmyG Looks great! Oh how I love David Sedaris‘ grandmother. Happy to read you feel a bit better. 1mo
MicheleinPhilly Great job! Want to come sort my shelves? They are a hot ass mess! Don‘t feel any pressure to respond individually. Do what you need to do to take care of yourself. ❤️ 1mo
youneverarrived Perfect 😍 1mo
ShelleyBooksie So glad you are feeling some positive vibes. It was 9 Celsius today here and sunny and I wanted to run around bursting into song. I never realize how down the season gets me until the sun and warmer weather comes back. 1mo
Gissy 📚📚📚😍👌❤️❤️ 1mo
Jess Looking good! Sedaris really is the cure for all. Happy to hear you found something that worked. 1mo
Suet624 These shelves look wonderful. I“m so sorry to hear it's a tough time for you. Keep talking to us. 4w
88 likes26 comments
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Megabooks
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I am about 5 seconds and 5 pages away from a slump! I have never bailed on this many books I was 200 pages or 3-5 hours into in a single month. I just can‘t seem to focus on anything, especially on audio, which is strange for me. Usually I‘m a book a day person and I‘ve only read 18 so far this month. Idk. I‘m not in a particularly good place mentally or physically so that‘s probably it. 🤷🏻‍♀️😢

AmyG Oh no. I feel this, too. I‘m listening to an audiobook and all I know is a lady is missing. Hugs…I hope things ease up a bit. 1mo
Centique Youve got a lot on your plate and its perfectly understandable for your reading to feel different 💕 All your friends here love and support you whether youre reading heaps or reading a little. I hope you can find something else that entertains you - maybe catch up on some movies? Much love and best wishes for your parents too 💕 1mo
BarbaraBB Don‘t ask too much of yourself dear Meg. Like @Centique says you‘ve got a lot on your plate and reading should be fun or distracting. Try some palette cleanser instead of the serious chunksters I notice above ❤️❤️ Take care xxx 1mo
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squirrelbrain Don‘t put too much pressure on yourself - sometimes books can add to the stress rather than acting as a balm. You‘re having a tough time as it is so just roll with it for a few days and hopefully the right book will present itself. 1mo
CarolynM I‘m sorry you‘re struggling. Forget the challenging reads for now and go for something light and fun, or go back to an old favourite that makes you feel good inside. Look after yourself💕 1mo
Librarybelle ❤️❤️❤️ 1mo
LeahBergen Sending ❤️❤️❤️ to you! 1mo
TheLudicReader Sending positive energy your way. 1mo
vivastory Maybe do a radical genre switch? I know you are a big fan of short stories but maybe dipping into a collection of poetry. Also New Directions has been releasing some truly lovely short oversized “storytime“ books that you might be interested in. They are meant to be read in a sitting. While at the bookstore yesterday I noticed new ones in the lines from Ginzburg & Ingalls. Hope you bust the slump! 💙 💙 (edited) 1mo
youneverarrived 😞 perhaps a re-read (or listen) of an old favourite might help? Sending love 💜💜 1mo
Readerann ❤️ 1mo
Jess Many hugs. 1mo
willaful Slumps are no fun. I often find genre switch-ups help, or maybe you just need some t.v. time for awhile. 1mo
sarahbarnes Thinking about you. 💕 1mo
ShelleyBooksie Sending you positive energy!! 1mo
Chelsea.Poole I can totally relate. When I‘m worried I can‘t read like I normally do and usually end up disliking/lost with what I am reading. This too shall pass. ♥️ 1mo
Leftcoastzen Sometimes nothing seems to work , it‘s hard to break through worries sometimes to enjoy reading. Hugs . A re-read of a comfort book can help. sending calming wishes .💜💜 1mo
Ruthiella Hope things look up soon. ❤️ I agree with @willaful - just let yourself not read, watch TV or listen to music or podcasts. 1mo
Aimeesue Hope things are better for you soon! 💙 1mo
Deblovestoread Take good care of you, the rest will follow in time. Sending 💜 1mo
MicheleinPhilly I feel you. I haven‘t even read 18 books this year. Do what you need to do to take care of you, the books will still be there when you‘re ready. ❤️ 1mo
72 likes21 comments
review
Megabooks
My Side of the River: A Memoir | Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez
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Pickpick

I‘m usually anti very young people (she‘s only 28) writing memoirs, but I was pretty impressed with Gutierrez‘s thoughts on her life thus far as a first-generation Mexican-American. Her parents eventually had to return to Mexico with her younger brother then once she graduated college, she raised her brother in the US alone. She didn‘t make it too long (6.5 hours audio) and chose a good angle. I really enjoyed her writing style and narration, too.

Chelsea.Poole I‘ve had my eye on this one! I‘m going to listen to this! Thanks for the tag ☺️ 1mo
87 likes3 stack adds1 comment
review
Megabooks
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Bailedbailed

I‘ve been struggling with my #doublespin all month, and I‘m bailing halfway through. It‘s just written for a much younger audience (folks in their 20s), and I‘m in my 40s and not relating well. I think for college-age and just out of college women and NB folks, it could be a good resource on navigating love, work, and friendship while chronically ill. My life is just very different at this point. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

marleed I can often adjust my head for a fictional story written for a younger audience, but much harder to do with real nonfiction advice for a younger audience. 1mo
TheAromaofBooks Sometimes a book just isn't the right match. On to the next!! 1mo
dabbe #hailthebail! 🤩🤩🤩 1mo
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Megabooks @marleed Yes, rn I'm reading fiction featuring a college student, and it's fine, but nonfiction advice directed at them just isn't as applicable! At least I supported a feminist bookstore in buying this. 1mo
Megabooks @dabbe YAY! 1mo
Megabooks @puddlejumper this is also a #roll100 choice for me. 1mo
willaful Do you think it would be a good read for someone in college with mental health issues?
1mo
Megabooks @willaful It tends to be more about physical illness than mental illness, so I would say no. 1mo
willaful @Megabooks Thanks for answering. 1mo
79 likes10 comments
review
Megabooks
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Pickpick

This book is exactly the title. Kelleher looks at the beautiful things she loves from silk to makeup to marble and how the history of their use and modern means to produce them sometimes has ugly consequences. She has interesting ideas about how to sustainably and ethically have these beautiful items in your life. I definitely enjoyed this essay collection!

GlassAsDiamonds Adore that art piece 😱💛😱 1mo
Suet624 When you start looking at the toll that consumerism and some of your favorite things take on the world it can just stop you in your tracks. 4w
81 likes5 stack adds2 comments
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Megabooks
The Glutton | A. K. Blakemore
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Things have been busy already this week, but I was able to slip out to the library on Saturday. I picked up a Harper for next month‘s #AuthorAMonth, and I picked up The Glutton before I saw it in your email today @squirrelbrain . Def sounds weird!

I‘ve been rereading Bourdain‘s books slowly and hadn‘t read these two since I lost my original copies in an apartment flood 15 years ago. I‘ll make a larger post about my thoughts soon.

squirrelbrain Yes, it‘s a bit grim in places! 1mo
Megabooks @squirrelbrain it sounded that way in the blurb! 1mo
britt_brooke Bourdain 🤍🤍 1mo
80 likes3 comments
review
Megabooks
Beautyland: A Novel | Marie-Helene Bertino
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Pickpick

Bit of snow on the daffies this weekend!

This is my favorite book so far this month! It‘s a beautifully sad story about feeling alienated yet finding those who care told through a unique lens.

Adina is an alien born to a human mother. She communicates with her home world by fax and through her dreams. She finds a connection with a brother and sister but often feels uncomfortable in other situations. A wonderful coming-of-age novel.

Megabooks This is an adult novel, not YA imo. 1mo
jlhammar Happy to read your positive review! Really looking forward to this. I loved 1mo
squirrelbrain Sounds intriguing…. 1mo
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Ruthiella Bertino was on the podcast So Many Damn Books promoting this recently and she was delightful. http://www.somanydamnbooks.com/ 1mo
BarbaraBB Intrigued! 1mo
Reggie Tia sounds amazing. Stacked. 1mo
86 likes1 stack add6 comments
review
Megabooks
Exit Interview: A Memoir | Kristi Coulter
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Pickpick

I‘ve been bailing on a lot of books this month, but I took a chance on this with an Audible credit. I‘m so glad I did!

Coulter gives a wryly humorous and enlightening account of her 10 years at Amazon. That company is completely crazy, and I‘m not sure how anyone could survive there as long as she did! She worked in their copywriting department, publishing arm, corporate training and a few others. Equal parts fascinating and funny!

Chelsea.Poole Great review! The cover is striking…I‘ve seen it around and now after your post I‘m intrigued 😊 (edited) 1mo
Megabooks @Chelsea.Poole I think you'd enjoy it! 1mo
squirrelbrain Ooh…stacking! 1mo
BarbaraBB This sounds great 1mo
79 likes7 stack adds4 comments
review
Megabooks
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Bailedbailed

Reading in the car right now, but not this one anymore! I made it 257 pages in, but just couldn‘t imagine reading another 400 pages. Entirely too long! And what does he have against periods and question marks!? So weird!!

First major bail of the year in the books. 😂😂

dabbe #hailthebail! 🤩🤩🤩 1mo
TrishB You got further than me! Think I managed about 120 pages. 1mo
MicheleinPhilly Wait, there‘s no punctuation??? 1mo
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vlwelser I made it to 40% and then the library decided we were taking a little break. So I went back on the hold list. 😂 I probably should just move on. 1mo
Megabooks @MicheleinPhilly no!! Just capitalization. So weird. 1mo
sarahbarnes I bailed on this one too. It felt too long and I wasn‘t getting into it. 1mo
MicheleinPhilly Unstacking! Good grief with these writers/editors. 🙄 1mo
BarbaraBB I liked it but yes, it could have done with a lot of editing! 1mo
85 likes8 comments