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Megabooks

Megabooks

Joined April 2016

Major audiophile 🎧
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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.) 14h
See All 15 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. 12h
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. 10h
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. 9h
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) 9h
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. 9h
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. 9h
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. 9h
Bookwormjillk @Megabooks good point! 9h
Megabooks @Hooked_on_books I‘m glad you enjoyed them both! 8h
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 😉 7h
Megabooks @BarbaraBB I‘m sort of surprised too, but another one in the quarterfinals surprised me even more! 🤯🤯 6h
Readerann I didn‘t love Descend, and am planning to read VC at some point. Just very minimal reading time these days. 😩 2h
47 likes15 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!!! 2d
Megabooks @AmyG thank you!! So excited for having blooms now! 2d
squirrelbrain I found this problematic too…. 1d
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dabbe Daffies! 🤩🤩🤩 1d
Chelsea.Poole I just finished this too! 1d
maich Beautiful picture🌼🌱 1d
Megabooks @Chelsea.Poole I just looked back through your feed and we read SO MANY of the same books! 😂😂 9h
Megabooks @squirrelbrain 💯💯💯 9h
Megabooks @dabbe @maich loving them this year! Thanks!! 9h
Chelsea.Poole Yes we do! 👯‍♀️ 9h
dabbe @Megabooks They're my all-time favorite flower, and they don't grow well in Phoenix. Yours are gorgeous! 🤩😍😃 8h
74 likes1 stack add11 comments
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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.

66 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!!! 2d
sarahbarnes DYRBB is on my TBR, too! 2d
dabbe HB! 💚💙💚 2d
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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 🤞🏽🤎 2d
squirrelbrain That cover is amazing! 2d
Megabooks @Soubhiville @dabbe thank you!! 💜💜💜 2d
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. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ 2d
Megabooks @squirrelbrain yes! Both these are #coverlove for me!! 2d
69 likes8 comments
review
Megabooks
Appetites: A Cookbook | Anthony Bourdain
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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) 3d
71 likes1 comment
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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! 3d
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) 3d
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) 3d
See All 12 Comments
Librarybelle ❤️❤️❤️ 3d
plemmdog Sometimes there is no harder job. Self-care can be so important, if you can do it. 2d
youneverarrived Sounds like an important read 💜 2d
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.💜 2d
Chelsea.Poole Thinking of you 🤍 2d
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. 1d
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. 1d
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! 💜💜 9h
71 likes12 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????? 🤷🏼‍♀️ 3d
vivastory Did you see that he showed up to the SOTU? 3d
Megabooks @vivastory yes, he‘s a f***ing nutcase!! 3d
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Megabooks @AmyG no, neither opposition nor his own party! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ 3d
vlwelser He's fascinating. I have a thing for ridiculous politicians. But only when they belong to someone else. Like Long Island. 2d
Megabooks @vlwelser right?! I hate them when they‘re in my own backyard. I mean s*** I‘m already stuck with McConnell and Paul. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ 2d
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)⬇️ 2d
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. 2d
Aimeesue Oy. You can apparently get away with a lot of nobody checks your $h!t out. #makeintegrityathingagain 2d
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. 1d
Megabooks @Aimeesue some integrity would be WONDERFUL at the moment!! 1d
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. 1d
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) 1d
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?! 1d
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. 9h
CatLass007 You haven‘t missed anything by not ever visiting Johnson City. 9h
66 likes1 stack add16 comments
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! 😬 2d
Megabooks @squirrelbrain I hope you do if you liked There There. It‘s a worthy follow up. 1d
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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!!! 🎉🎂 1w
AmyG Happy Birthday 🎂 1w
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 1w
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Deblovestoread Happy birthday! 🎂🎈📚 1w
Ruthiella Happy Birthday! 🥳🥳🥳 1w
Chelsea.Poole Lovely gifts! Happy birthday to you!! 🎂 1w
LeahBergen Happy Birthday! ❤️❤️ 1w
Jess Happy birthday!! 1w
merelybookish Happy Birthday!! 1w
squirrelbrain Oh, I loved Pet (it was one of my best of 2023) and I think you will too. ❤️ 1w
BarbaraBB Happy birthday dear Meg 🤍 I hope it will be a wonderful year 🤞🏽 🤎 1w
Bookzombie Happy belated Birthday! 🥳🧁📚💕 5d
Suet624 Pet!!! 3d
Megabooks @Suet624 so excited for that!! 3d
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. ⬇️ 3d
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!! 3d
AmyG Hugs…you got your hands full. I look forward to seeing your haul aka what I should be reading. 🤣 3d
squirrelbrain What @AmyG said… you book guru, you! Hope your day isn‘t too stressful. 3d
73 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! 💛 1w
BarbaraBB ❤️❤️ 1w
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks So pretty 💛 1w
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Megabooks @squirrelbrain @BarbaraBB @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks thanks y‘all! It‘s been wonderful finally having flowers to shoot photos with! 1w
Reggie I hope you meet a reader! 1w
Megabooks @Reggie me too!! 1d
90 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. 🤔 1w
Megabooks @squirrelbrain It really was!! 1w
BarbaraBB I used to be a fan of Dylan 😀 1w
78 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. 1w
Megabooks @BarbaraBB A solid debut for sure! 1w
sarahbarnes Great review! I may have to add this one to my list. 1w
PuddleJumper 🎉🎉 1w
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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! 1w
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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! 1w
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! 1w
vivastory I'm really looking forward to this. Loved Afterparties. 1w
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1w
73 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. 1w
Balibee146 Hope you feel better xx 1w
squirrelbrain Ew, even worse reading this when you feel ill. 1w
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Ruthiella Hope you are soon on the mend. ❤️ 1w
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 1w
BarbaraBB I hope you‘re feeling better 🩷🩷🩷 1w
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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 ♥️ 1w
squirrelbrain Glad to hear you‘re feeling a bit better. 😘 1w
Librarybelle Glad you‘re feeling better! 1w
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sarahbarnes Hope you keep feeling better. 💕 1w
BarbaraBB 🩷🩷 1w
Chelsea.Poole Wonderful to hear you‘re doing better. ☺️ 1w
65 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 🩷🩷 1w
Chelsea.Poole I loved this! 1w
CarolynM ❤️ 1w
72 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. 2w
TheAromaofBooks My goodness!! Glad you are home okay - and hopefully on the mend!! 2w
Jari-chan How terrible! Hope you're ok now 🫂 2w
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Jess Yikes! I hope the pain has subsided and you are feeling better today. 2w
youneverarrived Oh no 😟 feel better soon 🩷 2w
Librarybelle Oh my! I hope you‘re feeling better today! 2w
AmyG Oh no. Ijust hope you are feeling better today. 2w
LiteraryinLawrence I‘m so sorry that happened!! 2w
Bookzombie I hope you are feeling better. 💗 2w
TheBookgeekFrau Damn 😟 Feel better soon!! 💕 2w
Billypar That sounds absolutely awful - hope they can figure it out and you're feeling better soon 💙 2w
squirrelbrain Oh no - hope you‘re feeling better now. 😘 2w
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. 2w
LeahBergen Oh no!! 😥 2w
jlhammar Sorry to hear that. Frustrating and scary. Hope you‘re feeling better soon. 2w
Readerann Sending best wishes! ❤️ 2w
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. 2w
CarolynM I‘m sorry to hear that. I hope you are feeling better today. Glad David Sedaris is keeping you company. Sending love💕 2w
68 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!!! 2w
53 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. 2w
BarbaraBB Two new to me titles. Looking forward to your reviews! 2w
AardvarkBookClub 🫶🫶 2w
CarolynM Thinking of you, Meg. Hope you‘re enjoying reading again💕 2w
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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! 3w
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. 3w
Chelsea.Poole Ooohh I am going to do this one!! Thanks for the tag 😊 3w
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. 2w
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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) 3w
Megabooks @Aimeesue oh fantastic! I hope they enjoy it! 3w
ShelleyBooksie Daffodils!!! I love park ranger books! 3w
70 likes3 comments
review
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. 2w
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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. 💗 3w
Megabooks @LiteraryinLawrence thank you so much!! 💙💙 3w
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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! ❤️ 3w
dabbe 💚💙💚 3w
Bookwormjillk Looks great. I‘m glad you have that reading view. ❤️ 3w
Deblovestoread They look great! So glad you had time to play with your books 💜😍💜 3w
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.♥️ 3w
LeahBergen They look lovely! I‘m so glad you‘re feeling a bit better. ❤️ 3w
BookmarkTavern Wow! They look amazing! ❤️ 3w
Aimeesue So neat and tidy! I‘m jealous. Glad you‘re doing a bit better today. 🩵 3w
Ruthiella Awesome! The shelves look fantastic. 😃 3w
Centique That looks perfect! 🙌 3w
sarahbarnes Looks fantastic. 💕 3w
BarbaraBB So therapeutic, reshelving your books😀. And the result too of course. Glad you felt up to doing this. Take your time dear Meg ❤️ 3w
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. 😘 3w
CarolynM Shelves look great👍🙂 Sending love and hugs 💕🤗 3w
erzascarletbookgasm They look great 👍. Glad you‘re feeling better 3w
TheLudicReader Reorganizing my bookshelves is such a zen activity. I am glad you found some peace in your shelves. ❤️ 3w
AmyG Looks great! Oh how I love David Sedaris‘ grandmother. Happy to read you feel a bit better. 3w
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. ❤️ 3w
youneverarrived Perfect 😍 3w
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. 3w
Gissy 📚📚📚😍👌❤️❤️ 3w
Jess Looking good! Sedaris really is the cure for all. Happy to hear you found something that worked. 3w
Suet624 These shelves look wonderful. I“m so sorry to hear it's a tough time for you. Keep talking to us. 2w
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. 3w
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 💕 3w
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 3w
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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. 3w
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💕 3w
Librarybelle ❤️❤️❤️ 3w
LeahBergen Sending ❤️❤️❤️ to you! 3w
TheLudicReader Sending positive energy your way. 3w
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) 3w
youneverarrived 😞 perhaps a re-read (or listen) of an old favourite might help? Sending love 💜💜 3w
Readerann ❤️ 3w
Jess Many hugs. 3w
willaful Slumps are no fun. I often find genre switch-ups help, or maybe you just need some t.v. time for awhile. 3w
sarahbarnes Thinking about you. 💕 3w
ShelleyBooksie Sending you positive energy!! 3w
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. ♥️ 3w
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 .💜💜 3w
Ruthiella Hope things look up soon. ❤️ I agree with @willaful - just let yourself not read, watch TV or listen to music or podcasts. 3w
Aimeesue Hope things are better for you soon! 💙 3w
Deblovestoread Take good care of you, the rest will follow in time. Sending 💜 3w
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. ❤️ 3w
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 ☺️ 4w
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. 4w
TheAromaofBooks Sometimes a book just isn't the right match. On to the next!! 4w
dabbe #hailthebail! 🤩🤩🤩 4w
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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. 4w
Megabooks @puddlejumper this is also a #roll100 choice for me. 4w
willaful Do you think it would be a good read for someone in college with mental health issues?
4w
Megabooks @willaful It tends to be more about physical illness than mental illness, so I would say no. 3w
willaful @Megabooks Thanks for answering. 3w
79 likes10 comments
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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 😱💛😱 4w
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. 2w
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! 4w
Megabooks @squirrelbrain it sounded that way in the blurb! 4w
britt_brooke Bourdain 🤍🤍 3w
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
See All 6 Comments
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
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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
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Megabooks
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Mehso-so

This missed the mark for me. Yes, it was cute and lighthearted and looked at a lot of the fun reasons we all enjoy books, but it felt very disorganized, too. I just didn‘t want to pick it up, and it took me three days to finish this 9 hour audiobook. (Typically that length is a 1-1.5 day read for me.) 🤷🏻‍♀️ eh.

julesG I came across it the other day and thought it sounded good. Well, I'll try to get it from the library. 1mo
squirrelbrain It certainly sounds good! I‘ve just started an ARC of Reading Lessons (Carol Atherton) - only read one chapter but I like it so far. It‘s not out until April here so not in the database yet. 1mo
Megabooks @julesG I‘d definitely library it if you can. It‘s a decent #borrownotbuy 1mo
Megabooks @squirrelbrain looking forward to your review of that one!! 1mo
85 likes4 comments
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Megabooks
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Panpan

This moved into ridiculously far fetched territory by the end. I mean just bonkers land, which ended up ruining it for me. I didn‘t bail @dabbe but I should have. 😂😂

An undercover investigator gets word that her estranged, famous sister has died in rehab. She has an addiction problem herself, so she checks into the clinic to investigate the death and finds that they use very strange techniques there! #aardvark

BarbaraBB I just asked about this one in my email but I guess I know the answer already now 🤣🤣 1mo
JenReadsAlot Ugh this was my pick too... 1mo
squirrelbrain Oh no! 😬 1mo
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dabbe #nohailingthebailing 🤩😂😍 1mo
Megabooks @dabbe 😂😂😂 1mo
Megabooks @squirrelbrain it was so stupid!! 1mo
Megabooks @JenReadsAlot I hope you like it more, but I found it laughably preposterous! 1mo
Megabooks @BarbaraBB haha!! Yes, B, I spoiled it for you!! 😂😂 1mo
82 likes8 comments
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Megabooks
Animal Husbandry | Laura Zigman
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Pickpick

Such a cute contemporary fiction way backlist title (1997). Some quotes in the movie based on it (Someone Like You, an old fave) were pulled directly from the book, but the ending was quite different.

Jane works in talent booking at a TV talk show. She starts a steamy affair with a coworker, but when it goes belly up, she loses her apartment and becomes roommates with a womanizer. She starts developing funny, unhinged theories based on these men.

ChaoticMissAdventures I didn't realize the movie was from a novel! I really liked it when it came out. Ashley Judd was such a sweetheart romcom actress 1mo
Megabooks @ChaoticMissAdventures agreed! And Hugh Jackman was at peak hotness. 😍 1mo
BarbaraBB Another great photo! Looks like summer over there ❤️ 1mo
Megabooks @BarbaraBB we‘ve had such beautiful days here. It‘s sunny today, too! 1mo
76 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Megabooks
Golden State: A Novel | Michelle Richmond
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Panpan

Yeah, I didn‘t get this at all. There‘s alternate history dystopian elements (California voting on succeeding from the US), traditional contemporary fiction elements (couple divorcing), and this weird thriller part (ex taking co-workers hostage). It truly felt like three books and the sum was definitely less than its parts. Fusion confusion for sure!! One more #roll100 out of the way!

Ruthiella At least it‘s now off the list! 1mo
BarbaraBB I now know three books with this title! Liked both others though! 1mo
dabbe #hailthebail! 🤩🤩🤩 1mo
PuddleJumper Boo! Oh well 1mo
68 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

Groff can craft a short story like no other. I mean these were simply amazing. Each truly felt like a miniature novel. The title story about five journalists taken prisoner by French Nazi sympathizers will stick with me a long time. If you‘re looking for a book for #AuthorAMonth I highly recommend this!! Plus this cover! 🤩🤩

vlwelser I love this cover. And agreed on the short story crafting. 1mo
squirrelbrain Gorgeous cover! 1mo
Soubhiville Wow, glad you loved it! I‘m partway through the second story and enjoying it. 1mo
E.Bolhafner Oooh another book for my shorts stack 1mo
BarbaraBB That cover indeed 🥰 1mo
94 likes3 stack adds5 comments
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Megabooks
Arcadia | Lauren Groff
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Mehso-so

Groff explores a man‘s mixed feelings about the commune he was raised in as he ages from childhood to 50. While I liked some of the characters, I strongly disliked the first 25% where Bit was a child narrator. Those rarely work for me. His later life as a teen and adult were more interesting, but overall this isn‘t anywhere near my favorite by her.

Sorry I haven‘t been around. Prep for Dad‘s cancer surgery tomorrow has been rough. 🙏🏻💙

Megabooks #AuthorAMonth @Soubhiville I‘m going to try to finish her whole list I haven‘t read. I think I only have this left. 1mo
5feet.of.fury I‘m contemplating DNFing this one, but I am still in the first section…. It‘s not really hooking me 1mo
Megabooks @5feet.of.fury it gets better but it definitely wasn‘t great. 1mo
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MallenNC I‘ll be thinking of you all tomorrow! 1mo
Prairiegirl_reading I hope all goes well tomorrow. 1mo
Librarybelle ❤️❤️❤️ 1mo
Ruthiella Hope all goes smoothly tomorrow. ❤️ 1mo
CBee Thinking of you all and hoping all goes well tomorrow ♥️♥️ 1mo
squirrelbrain Sending love and best wishes for tomorrow ❤️❤️❤️ 1mo
Chelsea.Poole Thinking of you!! Hoping all goes well tomorrow with surgery. 1mo
zuzia Sending best wishes for tomorrow! 1mo
Deblovestoread Sending best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery for your dad. And some relief and peace from worry for you and your mom. 1mo
Jess Thinking of you and your family. Sending tons of positive vibes that all goes well tomorrow. 1mo
UwannaPublishme 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 1mo
Jas16 I didn‘t love the first section either and it took me forever to get through. Will be keeping you and your father in my thoughts. 1mo
willaful Best of luck to your dad.

1mo
BarbaraBB Will be thinking of you and your dad of course tomorrow 🍀💚 1mo
youneverarrived ♥️♥️♥️ 1mo
Megabooks @youneverarrived @BarbaraBB @willaful @Jas16 @UwannaPublishme @jess @Deblovestoread @zuzia @Chelsea.Poole @squirrelbrain @CBee @Ruthiella @Librarybelle @Prairiegirl_reading @MallenNC thank you all so much for your support!! Dad is home from surgery, and the doctor said it didn‘t look as bad in the OR as it did in the office. He is resting comfortably and not in pain. Sending tumor off for biopsy and hoping for the best!! 💕💕💕🙏🏻 1mo
Librarybelle Thinking positive thoughts! 1mo
MallenNC @Megabooks I‘m glad things went well and your dad is able to rest. I will keep you all in my thoughts. (edited) 1mo
willaful I'm so glad! Will keep the good thoughts going for the results. 1mo
CBee @Megabooks ♥️♥️♥️ 1mo
Prairiegirl_reading 💐💐💐💐 1mo
squirrelbrain That sounds more positive! ❤️❤️❤️ 1mo
BarbaraBB That is the best news for now ❤️ I hope the waiting won‘t be too stressful 1mo
zuzia That is good news! 1mo
Chelsea.Poole Thank you for the update! The waiting is never fun, but glad to hear it‘s better than they thought initially. 1mo
Centique Best wishes for your Dads results Meg 💕 And i pray his recovery goes well xxx 1mo
77 likes29 comments
review
Megabooks
Come and Get It | Kiley Reid
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Pickpick

I was quite unsure where Reid was headed with this for most of the book. While I enjoyed her unspooling these characters‘ messy connections, I felt the ending was a bit abrupt.

Millie is an RA in an undesirable dorm. She helps a visiting professor interview a few students for a book she has planned. But when that project gets sidetracked, everyone starts making poor decisions: Millie, the prof, the popular students, and a loner with a dark past.

marleed I felt the same way. I did enjoy reading it but it was a bit of a mess! I really can envision those characters in a limited series, though! 1mo
squirrelbrain Great review! I agree @marleed - it was a bit ‘all over the place‘. 1mo
BarbaraBB What a great photo. Where is it? 1mo
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Ruthiella I‘m looking forward to this. I really liked 1mo
Megabooks @BarbaraBB this is the riverfront in my hometown! They just upgraded the fountain. 👍🏻🤩 1mo
BarbaraBB That‘s awesome 😎 1mo
Cathythoughts I enjoyed Such A Fun Age. Stacking this one 👍🏻 1mo
87 likes2 stack adds7 comments
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

Blackstock and her twin followed in their mother‘s footsteps to Harvard Medical School and also in her passion for helping underserved communities in their native NYC. She writes about the problems systemic racism brings to medicine and her disillusionment with academic medicine from her time as a professor at NYU. What struck me most (and made me tear up) was the connection to her mother, who died of cancer before she graduated med school.

97 likes2 stack adds
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

Herold looks at suburbs of several cities, including the Pittsburgh one he grew up in, and paints a picture of how shifting demographics make huge changes. Many suburbs were originally white flight locations from the city, but now white folks have moved further out and left older suburbs with crumbling infrastructure and underfunded schools to BIPOC folks. He follows this trend in several cities and its impact on families.

LoverOfLearning Sounds good!! 1mo
90 likes6 stack adds1 comment
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Megabooks
Station Eleven: A novel | Emily St. John Mandel
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I cannot believe the daffodils are already this high! 🤯

So this is a ridiculously huge #bookhaul! My @AardvarkBookClub choices came! 🎉🎉 I had two to pick up at the library and somehow three more jumped in my bag. 🤦🏻‍♀️😂 Plus I finally have a hardcover copy of Station Eleven! 🤩 Plus three more from Amazon. Kids Run the Show is a #blameiton @Reviewsbylola 🥰👍🏻

#aardvark

britt_brooke Love this photo! 1mo
AmyG Oooooooo 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 1mo
dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 to the books and daffodils! 1mo
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Aims42 This is one gorgeous looking photo!! Happy Reading!!! 1mo
marleed Those daffodils give me hope! And all the books! 1mo
monkeygirlsmama I frequently have that problem. Such sneaky, bag hopping books! 🤭 1mo
BarbaraBB Kids run the show is so good! What a great haul 🥰 1mo
squirrelbrain I agree with @barbarabb - Kids is so good! 1mo
sarahbarnes I‘m excited to read Kids Run the Show due to @BarbaraBB ‘s review! 😁 That is a great haul! (edited) 1mo
youneverarrived 😍😍 I have Kids Run the Show waiting to be read - hopefully soon! It sounds really good. 1mo
Megabooks @BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain didn‘t realize you had both read and enjoyed kids! Yay!! 🎉🎉 Steph recommended it to me over on instagram, too! 1mo
114 likes11 comments
review
Megabooks
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Mehso-so

This graphic adaptation was a bit of both: great and terrible. The artwork was great in that it captured the unsettling nature of the girls‘ relationship, but it was terribly creepy, too. I think this would be best for readers who love the book already because this adaptation only provides the broad strokes of the story. I felt a bit lost never having read the actual book. At the same time, it didn‘t make me more likely to pick the full book up.

BarbaraBB That is too bad. I enjoyed the series but I can see why you wouldn‘t. I wouldn‘t reread them either. Hope you are doing okay considering the circumstances. I still need to write back but I‘ve been crazy busy with work. 😘 1mo
Megabooks @BarbaraBB I‘m sorry you‘ve been so busy!! Look forward to hearing from you when you have time!! 💜💜💜 1mo
85 likes2 comments
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

This book really pissed me off the first time I read it nearly 10 years ago. I just couldn‘t process the abrupt shift from the kind largesse of Lotto‘s story in fates to the downright cruelty in Mathilde‘s story in furies. Groff proves to be wonderfully frustrating and evocative of emotion from me. She‘s truly a brilliant writer. I have to give the reread 5⭐️. Looking forward to getting to two more by her this month!

Note ⬇️

Megabooks Ann Patchett announced the other day on instagram that Groff is opening a bookstore soon in Gainesville, FL. She plans to focus on banned books (big deal there), emerging voices, and writers from marginalized groups. I am a huge UF gymnastics fan, so there is definitely a future goal to see the team compete in the O Dome and go to Groff‘s store!! 1mo
MicheleinPhilly My niece is a pre-vet major at UF. ☺️ 1mo
AmyG Good for Groff and her opening a store. 🙌🏻 And yes, this book pissed me off, too. I loved one half and hated the other. (edited) 1mo
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Megabooks @MicheleinPhilly fantastic!! 🎉 1mo
Megabooks @AmyG right?! Such an interesting read. Which half did you dislike? 1mo
Jess I just started this one today. Great review. 1mo
Soubhiville I love that your review flipped so much! I was also frustrated with it, but still liked it. I think her point of view is unique. I‘m excited to hear about her store. I don‘t foresee myself in FL anytime soon, but you never know. Love the concept. 1mo
Megabooks @Jess I hope you enjoy it as well! 1mo
Megabooks @Soubhiville it‘s crazy because I think I gave it 3⭐️ before. Sometimes that happens when I‘ve read more of an author‘s catalogue and appreciate their pov more. It happened in 2022 with Jennifer Egan and Manhattan Beach. I read her whole backlist that year, and really appreciated more that one I‘d given 3⭐️ to previously as well. I don‘t know when/if I‘ll make it to Gainesville, but I hope her store does well! (edited) 1mo
AmyG @Megabooks I read this so long ago but I wasn‘t crazy about the first half and really liked the second…the wife‘s. 1mo
Megabooks @AmyG I loved the first half more the first time, but the second half edged it out a bit this time. The change in tone between the two was stunning. 1mo
89 likes2 stack adds12 comments
review
Megabooks
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Pickpick

Fantastic stories that meditate on death and loss without being morbid. One with a car accident survivor really resonated with me (unsurprisingly). Each word, each scene was careful and deliberate, which I appreciate in a tightly written story, and they clearly served the characters and world she created in just a few pages.

Forgot to take a picture before I returned it to the library. Ran it down to the last day! 😳

93 likes3 stack adds
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Megabooks
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My up-next shelf is overflowing!! 😂🤦🏻‍♀️ My #bookspin and #doublespin aren‘t even on there because I started both today. Unfortunately, I‘m unsure of both. I‘m not really enjoying the art in the MBF adaptation. It‘s truly unsettling in a way I don‘t like! (It works well with the story but v creepy!) Invisible is more aimed at women in their 20s. I bought it in my 30s, but finally picking it up in my 40s the advice skews a bit young. We‘ll see!

BarbaraBB That shelf 😍😍 so many I don‘t know but I notice various Groff again (you really are a fan!) and I hope you‘ll love A Little Luck if you get to it. Have a great month, Meg ❤️🤍 1mo
TheAromaofBooks I'm having similar issues with my up-next windowsill! 😂 1mo
marleed Interesting stack! My fingers are always pinching out the next up stack of Litten‘s. I never realized I was so nosy! 🧐 1mo
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Megabooks @BarbaraBB Groff this month‘s pick for #authoramonth. I‘m about to finish up a reread of Fates and Furies on audio. That book just evokes such strong feelings in me! I wasn‘t as sympathetic to Mathilde last time as I am this time. 🤨 1mo
Megabooks @BarbaraBB hoping to read A Little Luck soon. I love paperbacks for doctor‘s offices, and unfortunately, I‘ll be in a lot of those soon! 1mo
Megabooks @TheAromaofBooks the struggle is real!! 1mo
Megabooks @marleed I am nosy that way too!! 1mo
Chelsea.Poole Betty 😍😭 And I agree—just based on the cover of the GN it looks creepy! 1mo
Megabooks @Chelsea.Poole I hope to get to Betty soon, but I‘m reading a lot less this year than last. Unsure if that will turn around or if I just want to have a lighter year. The GN is just so creepy. I just want to finish at this point!! Probably won‘t read the other books if they‘re adapted. 1mo
BarbaraBB That‘s interesting, your feeling towards Mathilde! 1mo
73 likes10 comments
review
Megabooks
Birthday Party | Laurent Mauvignier
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Panpan

Oh how I struggled with my final #LitsyToB24 book!! The type was too small, the book was too stiff, the plot was too slow, the overly descriptive writing was annoying, and the twist was obvious. Hard pass!! Only because I‘m a completist and I‘m in charge of this event did I finish this. Yuck!! 😡🙄

Note: this is definitely an #unpopularopinion!

squirrelbrain Oh no, sorry you struggled so much, but I understand why! 2mo
dabbe #hailthebail! 🖤🩶🖤 2mo
Tamra Oh shoot - onwards & upwards! 2mo
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BarbaraBB We hardly disagree on books, yet I really loved this one. Despite the font… too small indeed. On the bright side: you completed our shortlist 🙌🏽❤️ 2mo
Megabooks @squirrelbrain yeah, not for me! 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ 2mo
Megabooks @Tamra right?! My next book, The Wonder, was so much better! 2mo
Megabooks @BarbaraBB so excited I finished it!! I‘m glad you enjoyed it. I‘m definitely in the minority as far as other readers of it. 2mo
Megabooks Oh yes, and this was my #bookspin @TheAromaofBooks !! Glad it‘s done!! 👍🏻 2mo
TheAromaofBooks Oh dear, well congrats are completing the list! I will say that small print immediately prejudices me against a book. WHY. 1mo
Chelsea.Poole Great job on finishing it all! I was frustrated with this too, at times, but ultimately ended up liking it. Though I must admit, it was a relief to finally be done! lol 1mo
Hooked_on_books Totally agree about the font. It made me feel old! 👵🏻 1mo
Megabooks @Hooked_on_books yes! Such a poor choice! 1mo
Megabooks @Chelsea.Poole yes, such an odd little (big) book. If I‘m initially frustrated, it‘s hard to climb out of that hole as far as my feelings towards the book. I think that was the problem here. 1mo
Megabooks @TheAromaofBooks why is the question!! Evil perpetrated on readers!! 😜 1mo
81 likes14 comments
review
Megabooks
The Wonder | Emma Donoghue
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Pickpick

A #roll100 winner! I was surprised by the hopeful ending and many of the turns in the final 50 pages. It was wonderful to pick up something fast after struggling with The Birthday Party!

A young girl in 19th century Ireland claims not to have eaten anything in four months. Two nurses are hired to watch her around the clock to see if it‘s a true miracle. As she deteriorates, one nurse is determined to save her life at any cost.

AmyG There‘s Netflix movie was pretty decent. 2mo
Megabooks @AmyG cool! Thanks for the heads up. 👍🏻 2mo
squirrelbrain I haven‘t read this one yet…. Stacking. 2mo
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BarbaraBB I enjoyed this one too. 2mo
Megabooks @BarbaraBB yes, I generally enjoy donoghue. 👍🏻👍🏻 2mo
Megabooks @squirrelbrain oooo…I think you‘d like it! 2mo
79 likes2 stack adds6 comments
blurb
Megabooks
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My February @AardvarkBookClub picks! Both sounded good, and my library had neither. I would‘ve gotten Come and Get It, too, but I already have a library copy AND may get to go see Reid at Parnassus Saturday if I‘m not too tired. 🎉 Looks like it will be a great month!! #aardvark

BarbaraBB You‘re going to Parnassus again? Lucky you ❤️ 2mo
Megabooks @BarbaraBB I hope so if I‘m not too tired! The drive back is in the dark in the winter, so I want to make sure I won‘t fall asleep. 2mo
BarbaraBB Yes please do not fall asleep. Maybe some RHCP on the speakers will work 😂 1mo
Megabooks @BarbaraBB not going. 😩 woke up with a lot of nerve pain in my arms and neck and can‘t make the drive. 1mo
BarbaraBB That doesn‘t sound good. You shouldn‘t go indeed but I hope you can take some rest today 🤍 1mo
68 likes5 comments
blurb
Megabooks
BookSpinBingo | Untitled
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The end of January was a bit crazy. In addition to Dad‘s hospitalization with pneumonia, he‘s been diagnosed with a recurrence of his bladder cancer and fell yesterday. I am beyond exhausted, but I‘m still looking forward to tomorrow‘s draw.

Thanks for making this challenge a highlight of my reading month @TheAromaofBooks !! 💜💜 #bookspin

AmyG Oh no. Sending a hug. 2mo
Megabooks @AmyG thank you! 💜💜 2mo
Dilara So sorry for you and your dad. 🌻 2mo
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Jari-chan Lots of strength for you and your dad ❤️ 2mo
zuzia Sending strength to you and to your dad. 2mo
Megabooks @Dilara @Jari-chan @zuzia thank you all so much! 💕💕 I cried on the way home from his bladder scope. It just looked so much worse. He is being so tough, but I know he has to be scared. I am v frightened for him. 😢 2mo
squirrelbrain Sorry to hear this. Sending love to all of you. ❤️ 2mo
Bookwormjillk ❤️ 2mo
Julsmarshall Sending love and healing thoughts to all of you. 2mo
TheAromaofBooks Oh my goodness!!! That's a lot to get hit with all at once. Praying that you all get some rest and to spend some happy times together, even though things are tough. ❤ 2mo
willaful I'm so sorry. I hope things calm down soon and your dad does better. 2mo
BarbaraBB So sorry for you! Read your email and will write back soon ❤️ 2mo
Reggie Stay strong, Meg! 2mo
MallenNC Sorry for all the challenges you‘re dealing with lately! 2mo
Bookzombie I‘m so sorry. 💕💕 2mo
Megabooks @Bookwormjillk @Julsmarshall @TheAromaofBooks @willaful @Reggie @MallenNC @Bookzombie thanks so much to each of you for the support!! 💜💜 I wish things would calm down health-wise for my family, but that doesn‘t seem to be in the cards!! 👎🏻 2mo
Megabooks @squirrelbrain thank you for the email!! I will try to write back on your day off tomorrow (or today your time). I‘m so excited you‘re taking a bit of time for yourself!! You deserve it. 💜💜💜💜💜 2mo
Megabooks @BarbaraBB it seems like you, C, and I are definitely going through it with our parents!! I look forward to hearing back! 💕💕💕💕 2mo
mabell Oh I am so sorry! I hope things turn around for you both! 2mo
Chelsea.Poole Oh no, so sorry for the bad news. It's so tough when you know they are trying to be tough but must be so scared. I always struggle with how to talk about illness when it is clear there are worries. Wishing you the best during this difficult time! 1mo
Centique Oh no Meg. I am so sorry to hear this 💕 Absolutely feel for you and your parents and how scary this is. I hope there are surgery and treatment options available for him. 🙏 1mo
Megabooks @Centique thank you so much! Nervous about next steps, but trying hard to support dad and mom. 💜💜💜 (edited) 1mo
Megabooks @Chelsea.Poole thank you! 💕 Yes, it is difficult to discuss. There‘s a lot of worry in the house now. 😢 1mo
Megabooks @mabell thank you! 💙💙 1mo
64 likes24 comments