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ReadingRachael

ReadingRachael

Joined May 2016

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Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
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ReadingRachael
Dog Songs | Mary Oliver
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In honour of national puppy day I had to share a picture of my little guy Hughie. ❤️ If you enjoy poetry and are a dog lover, I would highly recommend the tagged collection by Mary Oliver. #dogsoflitsy

Leftcoastzen Awww! 2h
5 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
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Pickpick

In this YA coming of age memoir, Nikki Grimes has the reader come along with her as she navigates through a childhood that is rife with instability and trauma. She also writes of small kindnesses, moments of joy, and how she summoned courage to remain hopeful for better days ahead. Beautifully written, primarily in verse with snippets of childhood notebook entries throughout. Highly recommend (FYI - many CW apply) #DoubleSpin @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1w
9 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
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Pickpick

I loved this mental romp into theoretical physics, philosophy, history, sociology, and the scientific process. The essays in this collection range from comparing octopuses to extraterrestrials (for studying of the evolution of consciousness), our knowledge of black holes in relation to the nature of time, the toxicity of rising nationalism, and insights gained while using LSD. It is not an easy read, but nonetheless it was fun and rewarding.

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ReadingRachael
Spare | Prince Harry the Duke of Sussex
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Pickpick

I cannot imagine growing up and having to live under such constant scrutiny and public speculation about your every move. The lack of needed mental health support following the sudden death of his mother is heartbreaking. I understand why he would want to tell his own life story himself (from his perspective by necessity). I am happy he has found love, empathy, emotional security, and companionship in Meghan.
I recommend the audiobook version

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ReadingRachael
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Here‘s my #bookspin #doublespin #bookspinbingo list for March !!!

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3w
18 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
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Pickpick

This is a beautiful, moving graphic memoir sharing the journey of the author‘s family through the 10 months following their mother‘s terminal cancer diagnosis. Full of funny, touching moments and memories. It made me laugh, and it made me cry - in that needed pent up grief releasing sort of way. All humans in the book are drawn as birds - the author‘s family as penguins, which I think (perhaps strangely) made them feel even more relatable. ❤️

ReadingRachael Oops!! I forgot to add that this was my #bookspin for February!!! @TheAromaofBooks 3w
TheAromaofBooks Great review!!! 3w
15 likes2 comments
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ReadingRachael
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Pickpick

There is so much valuable and thought provoking info in this book. In it, the author explores the relationship between our toxic consumption driven society, trauma, and illness. Areas receiving special attention include child development, addiction, and epigenetics. I appreciated the author‘s willingness to share his own journey to healing and the effects of his own history of trauma on his family. Valuable read in addition to The Body Keeps Score

SamAnne On my list. 1mo
ReadingRachael @SamAnne I hope you enjoy it! I thought it was excellent 🙂 1mo
17 likes2 comments
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ReadingRachael
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Pickpick

Throughly enjoyed escaping to a hopeful future on the little moon Panga, travelling along side Dex (the Monk) and Mosscap (the robot) as they set out in search of what humans need. This is the 2nd book in the novella series following “A Psalm for the Wild Built.” I think I actually enjoy this one more than the first.

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ReadingRachael
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@LeahBergen Thank you so much Leah! I love all my goodies!!❤️ Everything was wrapped so beautifully.
Looking forward to curling up with my new book while sipping hot chocolate. 😋 (I might need to nibble on a little chocolate too…☺️)
@MaleficentBookDragon Thank you for for hosting the always fun #JolabokaflodSwap

ShelleyBooksie Those snowmen are adorable 3mo
ReadingRachael @ShelleyBooksie Thank you! They were made by my Mom‘s grandmother and always come out at Christmas 💚 3mo
LeahBergen Aww, you‘re so welcome! Merry Christmas to you! 😘😘 3mo
18 likes3 comments
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ReadingRachael
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Yay!! This lovely #JolabokaflodSwap arrived in my mail today!!!

LeahBergen I‘m glad it made it there! 👏👏 3mo
12 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
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My #JolabokaflodSwap package is off and on its way!

LeahBergen It looks like you might‘ve had one arrive today, too? 😉 3mo
ReadingRachael @LeahBergen lol! Yes I did!! 😂😄 3mo
LeahBergen 🤣🤣 3mo
12 likes3 comments
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ReadingRachael
Richard Wagamese Selected | Richard Wagamese
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(1) I always have multiple books on the go BUT rarely read more than one fictional book at a time.

(2) I have to name a few as favourites
“What Comes from Spirit” - Richard Wagamese
“Bless the Daughter Raised by a Voice in He Head”.
By Warsan Shire
“Transcendent Kingdom” - Yaa Gyasi
“The Body Keeps Score” by Bessel Van Der Kolk

I can‘t think of any I panned …thanks Litsy!

#wonderouswednesday

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ReadingRachael
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Pickpick

This is a great collection of 9 essays aptly described on the front interior flap of the book as exploring “the absurdity of living in a world that has grown fluent in the language of social justice but doesn‘t always follow through” (I would say usually doesn‘t). Isen is from Toronto and therefore includes some excellent Canada specific content. I would still strongly recommend this book everyone though (not just Canadians.)

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ReadingRachael
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Pickpick

I am so glad I decided to take the plunge and read this. I found it very beneficial to me on a personal level as well as professionally. Dr Van Der Kolk writes in a manner that is humble, curious, non-judgemental, and compassionate. I found the final 3rd of the book (Part 5: Pathways to Recovery) especially interesting, beneficial, and hopeful.

Note: As others have stated, the book contains HARD content that could be very triggering.

13 likes1 stack add
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ReadingRachael
Fight Night | Miriam Toews
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Pickpick

I quickly fell in love with both 9-year old Swiv (the novel‘s narrator), and with her feisty and loving grandmother. I laughed out loud on multiple occasions reading this, but I also ached for the pain of these women, and all the after effects of trauma they were fighting through. Plenty of beauty amongst the brokenness here.
(TW - especially for suicide)

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ReadingRachael
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Pickpick

This short novel in translation tells the story of Reverend Pearson and his teenage daughter (who travel for Pearson to evangelize throughout the Argentinian countryside). When their car breaks down they end up being the temporary guests of a mechanic and a teenage boy who goes by the name Tapioca. Definitely character-based. Philosophical. Reminds me of the US “Southern Gothic” genre. A lot to reflect on in just 124 pages.

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ReadingRachael
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Pickpick

By turns beautiful and heart-rendering this is easily one of the most moving poetry collections I have ever read. The collection is so so well crafted too. In these poems, Warsan Shire gives snapshots of moments in the lives of refugees and immigrants, especially the experiences of women and girls from Somalia. Highly recommend. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

8 likes1 stack add
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ReadingRachael
Home Body | Rupi Kaur
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Pickpick

Rupi Kaur is able to pack so much punch into just a few words. I could physically feel so many of these poems. I am grateful to her for being willing to share her journey through trauma towards hope, healing, and self compassion. (Please know that strong trigger warnings apply here)

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ReadingRachael
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My May #BookSpinBingo Yay!!

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 11mo
2 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
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@ShelleyBooksie Hughie is curious if there might be something else for him in the #litsylovesanimalsswap 😂 He loves his new toy Shelley ❤️ Thank you!!!

DinoMom He is so sweet! 11mo
ReadingRachael @DinoMom Thank you! He always has a way to make me laugh and lift my spirits….at 1 1/2 he is still very much an endlessly curious puppy 🐶 11mo
ShelleyBooksie He is adorable!!!! 11mo
13 likes3 comments
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ReadingRachael
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@ShelleyBooksie Hughie loves his new toy from the #litsylovesanimalsswap

ShelleyBooksie He is so adorable. I love that he loves his toy ❤️❤️❤️ 11mo
11 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
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Shelley, @ShelleyBooksie Thank you so much for all my goodies!!! I love them all and I definitely feel very spoiled too! Hughie loves his new toy (I will post a separate picture ❤️). The little fox bracelet is so cute, the socks made me laugh, and I am excited to read the books. Everything was so beautifully wrapped. Thank you so much! #litsylovesanimalaswap

ShelleyBooksie I'm so glad that you and Houghie enjoyed the package :) 11mo
8 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
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This lovely #LitsyLovesAnimals box arrived a couple days ago from @ShelleyBooksie and I forgot to post 😬 Thank you Shelley!
Thanks for hosting @DinoMom and @ShelleyBooksie

ShelleyBooksie Yay!! Glad it arrived. 12mo
8 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
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On its way to New Brunswick for the #LitsyLovesAnimals Swap!!!
Thanks for hosting @DinoMom and @ShelleyBooksie

ShelleyBooksie Yay!!! Yours should arrive any day now if it's not there already @ReadingRachael 12mo
ReadingRachael @ShelleyBooksie Oh gosh, sorry! It has arrived 😃!!! It has been crazy week as I am finishing up a course and my brother was visiting from Portland, Oregon, so I completely forgot to post 😬 Thank you!! I love all the cute stickers 💕 I had fun putting your box together! 12mo
8 likes2 comments
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ReadingRachael
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Pickpick

Written in an unpretentious conversational tone “Cultish” is interesting, informative, and well referenced, with added bits of humour that keep it from feeling too heavy. The central theme of the book is the use of language by cults (and cultish groups) for influence and control. Montell shares how to recognize and question problematic language (for example gaslighting / language that encourages you not to trust yourself.) Really enjoyed this one

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ReadingRachael
The Lumberjack's Dove: A Poem | GennaRose Nethercott
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Pickpick

This is easily one of the most unique books I have ever read….and unique in a good way! I think one way you could describe it would be that it is a bit of a mashup of narrative poetry, folklore, philosophical psychology, and “choose your own adventure book.” It left me reflecting on life, loss, change, and how we have come to be who we currently are. Would highly recommend!
Thanks @DinoMom for this #JolabokaflodSwap

DinoMom It intrigued me when I saw it on your TBR but now I think I need to read it. Glad you enjoyed it. (edited) 1y
ReadingRachael @DinoMom I would definitely recommend it if it sounds like something you might like. It prompts personal reflection in such an unusual way. I don‘t do a lot of rereading, but this is one I know I‘ll come back and dip into again 1y
9 likes2 comments
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ReadingRachael
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Pickpick

I‘ll give this a pick but with caveats. This book covers the timely subject of how information is gained, vetted, and knowledge established in society. It has lots of important “food for thought,” however, I was disappointed by the author‘s discussion of the concept that words are not violence, they don‘t hurt you, other than perhaps your feelings (and people need to toughen up.) In my opinion, he fails to properly address ⬇️

ReadingRachael ….that it is words that insight violence, and it is words that lead people to discriminate. I wonder his viewpoint on this is, in part, due to the safety that comes from not being a “visible” minority and therefore not having experienced violence and discrimination from total strangers based on appearance alone? I wish this subject was better addressed as the book left me at times saying but…..but…..but…. 1y
7 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
The Lumberjack's Dove: A Poem | GennaRose Nethercott
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Thank you so so much for these beautifully wrapped gifts @DinoMom ! I‘m excited to try the chocolate (I‘ve already received sharing requests too 😂) and am looking forward to curling up with my new poetry book and my pup! 🎄🐶Thank you @MaleficentBookDragon for hosting the #JolabokaflodSwap ❤️

CBee I love your cute little snow people ♥️ 1y
ReadingRachael @CBee Thank you! They were made by Great Grandmother 😊 They are kind of a family tradition. Mom would put them in the tops of my siblings and my stockings. I being the eldest, had the largest snowman in the top of my stocking 😂 1y
CBee @ReadingRachael what a lovely tradition ♥️♥️ 1y
15 likes3 comments
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ReadingRachael
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@FantasyChick Your #JolabokaflodSwap seems to be travelling the Country for some reason 😕 That tracking is still saying it will arrive yesterday, and that it was processed in Richmond, BC on the 18th (it was sent by me on the 8th from Hamilton, ON.) I am so sorry it is taking so long and pushing it so close.

ReadingRachael I‘ll just add that I double checked the address in the picture I took before mailing and that looks to be correct… 1y
FantasyChick Lol No worries! I know how crazy Canada Post is right now. Thank you for the update 😊 1y
ReadingRachael @FantasyChick My hopes for your swap package arriving today are dimming. 😬😕 I‘m sorry about this, Canada Post tracking is now saying “item delayed, stay tuned for updates.” The tracking number is: GD 008 161 825 CA I hope you have some other books and goodies to get cozy with tonight ❤️🎄 1y
FantasyChick That's OK! It will be a good surprise when it shows up. There's nothing better than a random package in the mail 😊 My night is so busy I haven't even had time to open anything yet anyway so it's all good! Hope you have a great Christmas 😘😘 1y
7 likes4 comments
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ReadingRachael
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It‘s off and on it‘s way!!!!! #JolabokaflodSwap

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ReadingRachael
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Yay!!! My #JolabokaflodSwap arrived, thanks @DinoMom !!!

DinoMom Yay! 1y
13 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
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Maybe I‘ll have my first #BookSpinBingo this month???
2021 has not been the greatest reading year for me (unless I count all the reading I‘ve been doing for my course work.)😂
Thanks for hosting @TheAromaofBooks
#BookSpin #DoubleSpin #BookSpinBingo

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! Looks great!!! 1y
6 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
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“Chaos is his element…” My pup decided to grab a hold of my book yesterday while I was reading on the porch 😂

8 likes1 stack add
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ReadingRachael
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2021 Has not been a stellar reading year for me….hoping to do a little better this month. Here‘s my September #Bookspin #Doublespin. #BookspinBingo attempt!!

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! Good luck!! 2y
Librariana Looks fantastic! 2y
7 likes2 comments
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ReadingRachael
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Here‘s my May 🌺🌷🌸
#BookSpin #DoubleSpin #BookSpinBingo

Zoes_Human I really enjoyed Anxious People! 2y
TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 2y
SamAnne Great list. Loved Overstory. 2y
ReadingRachael @Zoes_Human I am looking forward to this one as I love the humanity Backman brings to his characters. 2y
ReadingRachael @SamAnne Excited to read The Overstory as it has been sitting on my TBR for far too long.😬 My sister in law then moved it up near the top of my list when she sent a copy to me for Christmas saying that it is some of the most beautiful writing she has read 🌿 2y
10 likes5 comments
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ReadingRachael
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1. This is a beautiful, intimate, and humane love story to the spirit of everyday life in NYC and a moving tribute to the author‘s late partner Oliver Sacks.

2. Although not technically a genre, I love nature writing. Some of my favourite authors include Richard Wagamese, Terry Tempest Williams, and Mary Oliver

3. I read mostly non-fiction so I have so many 😂, Kay Redfield Jamison, Ibram X Kendi, Isabel Wilkerson...

Thanks @Eggs for the tag!

Eggs Well done❣️ Thanks for joining in 👏🏻📚👍🏼 2y
6 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
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Hello April! 🌷☂️ 🤓
Here‘s my #BookSpin #DoubleSpin #BookSpinBingo

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2y
10 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
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Pickpick

“It is a danger to the species and to the planet to have this depth of unexamined grievance and discontent in the most powerful nation in the world.”
Isabel Wilkerson has made a compelling argument that the US operates (and has operated since its founding) on a caste system in this wise, heart wrenching, but ultimately hopeful work of non-fiction. She is a brilliant researcher and engaging storyteller. I cannot recommend this highly enough. 5🌟

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ReadingRachael
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March #BookspinBingo board is ready to go!
* Marks my #Bookspin for the month
** Marks my #DoubleSpin

Thanks for the fun @TheAromaofBooks !

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! Looks great!!! 2y
7 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
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Pickpick

I have eagerly awaited Allie Brosh‘s follow up to Hyperbole and a Half and this didn‘t disappoint. She (the author) so deftly and poignantly explores the dark and light, heartbreaking and humorous times in life. Her openness makes me feel less alone.
#doublespin

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
16 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
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Happy March!!! Here‘s my picks for this month‘s #bookspin #doublespin #bookspinbingo

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
13 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
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Here‘s my #bookspin list for February!!!

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 2y
7 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
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❄️Here‘s my December❄️
#BookSpin #DoubleSpin #BookSpinBingo
Thanks! @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2y
8 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
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November was a slow reading (or at least completing) month but I did manage to complete and throughly enjoy my November #bookspin Ross Gay‘s unique poetry collection “The Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude.” Would definitely recommend it if you‘re looking for poetry that veers away from the common themes of falling in love and out of love/heartbreak.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! Great month!! 2y
8 likes1 comment
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ReadingRachael
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This beautiful little book is full of so much wisdom. In it, the author shares many of the lessons taught to him by his grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi, during the time he spent living at his grandfather‘s ashram (starting when he was 12)

Nute Stacking! 1y
ReadingRachael @Nute I really enjoyed this! I liked how the author (Gandhi‘s grandson) wrote about how he perceived his grandfather as a child (he lived with his grandfather for a period of time) and then later as an adult. Lots of wisdom as well as gentle humour. 1y
Nute I bet that this provides great insight to Gandhi, the kind that can only be obtained from familial relationships. Looking forward to the shared wisdom. 1y
6 likes3 comments
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ReadingRachael
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TheAromaofBooks Looks fantastic!! I love your flowers!! 2y
readordierachel Wow, this looks like a great reading month! 2y
ZoeJane620 Wish I had your handwriting! 2y
ReadingRachael @TheAromaofBooks and @ZoeJane620 Thank you! I admit that I wrote the titles in pencil first and then went over them with marker....otherwise they would not look nearly as neat lol 😂 2y
ReadingRachael @readordierachel Yes, I'm really excited to read a lot of these! 2y
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ReadingRachael
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TheYankeeIrregular I have Caste on my List too! Hoping it's one of my numbers so I can read it right away! 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2y
See All 7 Comments
ReadingRachael @TheYankeeIrregular and @SamAnne

I've heard that both “Caste“ and her other book “The Warmth of Other Suns“ (which is also on my TBR) are excellent, so I am very interested in reading them both.
2y
SamAnne @ReadingRachael I‘ve read Warmth and it is excellent. 2y
TheYankeeIrregular @ReadingRachael @SamAnne I've started the Warmth of Other Suns previously. Something about the cover on Warmth that draws me to it. I'm really into book covers. Is that odd? I'm glad you mentioned it, now I can use it for one of my free space books or put it on next month's list! 2y
ReadingRachael @TheYankeeIrregular I don't think it's odd at all! I am the same way - a book's title really draws me in.....such as “The Warmth of Other Suns,“ or “On Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous“ and “My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologises“ which I think is sold in the US under the title “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry.“ 2y
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ReadingRachael
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Pickpick

This is a brave, moving, and hopefully empathy building collection of poems on the refugee and immigrant experience by an extremely talented group of young writers. In their courage to share, they beautifully illuminate our joint humanity as well as the fear and pain caused by racist and nationalistic rhetoric. Highly highly recommend (Although this is technically classified as YA I would recommend it equally as much to adult readers)

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ReadingRachael
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Pickpick

Ross Gay writes this collection of musings about everyday delights occurring in his life with humour, insight, and gentleness. I love that he regularly turns the reader‘s attention toward our joint humanity, and operates from the vantage point of presuming the best of others. Reading this was such a breath of fresh air. Highly recommend

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ReadingRachael
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Pickpick

Enjoyed this short collection of reflections on life, change, uncertainty, and our common humanity. The essays are very current as they reflect on how our lives have changed and perhaps how we see the world has changed since the onset of Covid-19. I especially liked the essays “Suffering Like Mel Gibson” and “Screengrabs.”

Sparklemn Mel Gibson was my favorite essay as well. 3y
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