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Simona

Simona

Joined March 2016

My digital reading diary
review
Simona
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Bailedbailed

I understand that history books need to be read with a critical distance and you have to keep in mind what the author wants to present...but, Khalidi is a historian and that makes it even harder to overlook how biased this book is. I persisted until halfway through, and I allow for the possibility that the tone of the content may change in the second half.

emz711 It's also on my list and assume I will have a similar critique 4mo
Simona @emz711 I understand his personal experience, but situation isn‘t black or white as is presented in the book … 4mo
Megabooks Agree with this. I bailed as well. 4mo
batsy It is not biased if it states historical facts backed up by archival research and actual things that happened. 4mo
emz711 I got through it! I found him to be a fairly credible writer based on his personal history and his father's history. I don't agree with his points but I think it's as close as I would expect from the Palestinian perspective. 3mo
28 likes5 comments
review
Simona
Yellowface | R F Kuang
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Pickpick

The story of two writers (one very successful, the other not so) offers a satirical insight into publishing, as well as into the creative process of writing itself and highlights the issue of ideas and who has the right to write about specific topics. Fun, interesting... but too theatrical ending for my taste. #audiowalks

BarbaraBB Agree! A fun read but not one that‘s unforgettable! 5mo
LeahBergen I see someone has found a lovely stick. 😆 5mo
Simona @BarbaraBB Actually, I was a little disappointed, because of all the hype … 5mo
See All 7 Comments
Simona @LeahBergen Like most of the small dogs, she‘s a dog with big personality in a small body … and she believes that only the biggest stick in the wood is worth it to fetch 🤷🏻‍♀️ 5mo
BarbaraBB A big personality 🤣, so recognizable for small dogs 🤍 5mo
LeahBergen Just like my Johnny 😆 4mo
LiteraryinLawrence I agree about the ending. 4mo
40 likes7 comments
blurb
Simona
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I have day off!!! It‘s time to do some #audioknitting ♥️

ShyBookOwl Enjoy!! 5mo
emz711 Looks good, what are you making? 5mo
Soubhiville That looks so soft. Love the colors. 5mo
See All 8 Comments
Ruthiella Enjoy! 😃 5mo
Simona @ShyBookOwl @Ruthiella Thank you 😊 I‘m enjoying every free hour at home … always 😁 5mo
Simona @Soubhiville It is angora wool, and indeed, it is soft like a ☁️ 5mo
Simona @emz711 Simple (and relatively quick) cardigan for my friend‘s birthday. 5mo
LeahBergen That looks so pretty! 5mo
38 likes8 comments
blurb
Simona
No? v ?ilu | Roberto Bolao, Mojca Kumerdej
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My carefully curated November list for #BookSpin #DoubleSpin #BookSpinBingo

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 5mo
21 likes1 comment
review
Simona
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Pickpick

This isn‘t typical history book, it‘s a book explaining (and defending) what means to be Israeli, what is Zionism, what is Hamas and why we are here where we are … well researched history events are intertwined with author‘s personal experience/life and that - with her dynamic perspective and narration - makes this book nutritious food for thoughts.

review
Simona
The Witch of Eye | Kathryn Nuernberger
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Bailedbailed

DNF just because of the narrator‘s high pitched voice … 🤷🏻‍♀️

LeahBergen Oh, yuck! 😬 5mo
BarbaraBB Yes that can be so annoying 😀 5mo
Simona @LeahBergen @BarbaraBB One hour was more than enough … 5mo
BarbaraBB Good decision, life‘s too short 😘 5mo
30 likes4 comments
blurb
Simona
The Fawn | Magda Szabo
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It‘s that kind of Sunday morning … reading and a lot of sugar for breakfast 🤷🏻‍♀️

LeahBergen It looks lovely! 5mo
Amiable Yum! 5mo
BarbaraBB Can‘t wait for your review 💕 5mo
See All 8 Comments
charl08 Mmm macarons! 😍 5mo
Suet624 I didn't realize just how many novels Szabo wrote. Apparently I need to do a bit of shopping. 5mo
Simona @LeahBergen @Amiable @charl08 Day after and I still feel the sugar rush 😁 5mo
Simona @BarbaraBB I‘m on 70% and I‘m not completely sure if it‘s pick🤔 5mo
Simona @Suet624 I don‘t know how many of her books have been translated into English, but yes, she was prolific writer. 5mo
47 likes8 comments
review
Simona
MANIAC | Benjamn Labatut
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Pickpick

Just like When We Cease to Understand the World, this book is also a hybrid between fiction and non-fiction. This time focus is on the Hungarian physicist and mathematician, a Jew who emigrated to America John von Neumann, and his contribution to the Manhattan Project and the development of the first programmable computer. The book is divided into three segments, and the narrators are Neumann's colleagues, friends, relatives, wives... 👇

Simona … which gives various perspectives into Neumann's thoughts, his scientific approaches, private life and into his troubled minds. Labatut is a master storyteller who easily connects past and present, scientific facts and cold-blooded intelligence with a frightening view on the development of science. Powerful, scary and excellent! 5mo
Simona The third part of the book is about AlphaGo computer and if you‘re interested in AI this documentary is worth to see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXuK6gekU1Y 5mo
batsy Great review. Loved World and looking forward to this one. 5mo
See All 13 Comments
BarbaraBB Great review. I was super impressed by World. 5mo
Ruthiella I can only echo @BarbaraBB and @batsy! This will definitely go on my list. 5mo
Simona @batsy @BarbaraBB @Ruthiella If you liked World than Maniac is must read. I really admire his sense for narrative arc. 5mo
tpixie Intriguing!!! 5mo
Simona @tpixie It‘s hard to explain why I like his works, but while reading his books I feel that between lines lays such a powerful, explosive emotion and I can‘t understand how he does that …. but that could be the case - me overreading🤷🏻‍♀️ 5mo
tpixie @Simona i just watched the 1st 24 min of the movie. Wow! 5mo
tpixie @Simona that‘s a great feeling. I can‘t find the book World. Did he write that also? 5mo
Simona I know @tpixie It‘s 🤯 That is the third part of the book, the first two are about how we got to self-learning computers. 5mo
tpixie @Simona thanks! 5mo
42 likes2 stack adds13 comments
review
Simona
Beli volk | Irena Svetek
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Pickpick

In this crime novel the main event is when the dead girl is found in the forest with the wolf‘s mask on the face … Second book in the trilogy is still pick, but in comparison with the first book this one is slightly less captivating, just because of the too complicated plot where, at some point, it is hard to be convinced into unfolded events. Still good dynamic, storytelling and writing.

BarbaraBB I‘ll be on the lookout for the first one! 5mo
Simona In general, I‘m not in good terms with Slovenian writers, but the first book in this series is on the level of T.French (in my opinion it is even better), and I‘m always a little bit sad, when I can‘t “offer” translated book. The second is still very good, but the author has tried to much to twisting the plot … she forgot the golden rule that ‘less is more‘ @BarbaraBB 5mo
39 likes2 comments
review
Simona
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Mehso-so

A practical guide on the topic of sexism at the level of microaggression, where the author offers advices on how to act and lead the conversation when we find ourselves in such a situation, which I find rather idealistic and even naive. What did I learn? That I'm a benevolent sexist. #audiowalks

Audiobook is Scribd original and it isn‘t the Litsy library.

review
Simona
Animals Strike Curious Poses | Elena Passarello
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Pickpick

An unusual collection that presents 17 more or less famous animals. What makes this collection unusual is the choice of narrative style - different for each 'essay', which undoubtedly brightens up the entire collection, which otherwise could quickly slip into the zone of boredom … but the collection is interesting, playful and well researched. My favourite story is Vogel Staar - story about Mozart‘s starling. Good companion for #audiowalks

34 likes2 stack adds
review
Simona
Rde?a kapica | Irena Svetek
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Pickpick

This is a crime novel (first book in the trilogy) with interesting and detailed characterization in the foreground, perfectly fragmented timeline with jumps from the past to the present - which, in this case, is an excellent device for building the atmosphere and tension. Plot? A 14-year-old girl is found in the park, beaten, abused and dressed only in the cape of the Red Riding Hood. Very, very good, but unfortunately not translated …

review
Simona
Happening | Annie Ernaux
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Pickpick

In her works Ernaux perfectly connects her personal experiences with social events/atmosphere in the society. In this book, she looks through her diary on the topic of abortion. She elaborates through her painful experience of a abortion with distance, yet very emotional, and builds that intimate experience into wider social commentary. Excellent. #audiowalks

Ruthiella ❤️🐶❤️🐶❤️ 5mo
Simona @Ruthiella She is the happiest dog in the world when she can run😌 5mo
34 likes2 comments
blurb
Simona
Animals Strike Curious Poses | Elena Passarello
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It‘s time to do some #audioknitting

Billypar I loved this collection. Many of the essays are challenging, but the effort pays off, and I really enjoyed how widely the style/form varies. 5mo
Simona @Billypar I‘m halfway through the audiobook, and yes, the most impressive part of it is difference between narration styles. 5mo
30 likes2 comments
review
Simona
Mexican Gothic | Silvia Moreno-Garcia
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Mehso-so

Noemi is on the mission to check up on her cousin, which is married to a man who is very disliked by Noemi family. Big pick for creepy atmosphere and descriptive, vivid prose, but big pan for final reveal of the haunted house.

review
Simona
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Mehso-so

Nazi propaganda was 🤢 … while jazz music was banned in Germany, they have band ‘Charlie and His Orchestra‘, which played popular jazz and swing songs, but they changed original lyrics with very offensive and disturbing texts. Songs were then broadcasted on radio for British and US audiences with the purpose to plant the seeds of doubt in people‘s minds. Audiobook includes some of this songs - and that is the strongest part … 👇

Simona … of the rather superficial narration. It was decent #audiowalks companion, but I was missing more analytical approach. The book is Scribd original and isn‘t in the Litsy library, so I tagged the author‘s different book. (edited) 5mo
batsy 🐕😍 5mo
29 likes2 comments
blurb
Simona
Mexican Gothic | Silvia Moreno-Garcia
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My idea of how to spend free day … I will be on the couch all day with the exception on the afternoon - when I have to pick up my library‘s holds. What a glorious day! Hope your day will be/is nice too ♥️

julesG Enjoy! It sounds wonderful 5mo
batsy Perfect! 5mo
40 likes2 comments
blurb
Simona
The Hunter: A Novel | Tana French
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I‘m not ready to think about 2024, but I‘m looking forward for this book #BBGiveAway

batsy Hello! I've missed you and it's so good to see you ❤️ Thank you for the tag. I've yet to read Tana French and I must 🙂 6mo
Simona @batsy It‘s good to see you too❣️ 5mo
26 likes2 comments
review
Simona
Pageboy: A Memoir | Elliot Page
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Pickpick

Painful, honest and extremely brave … Autobiography, which has structural deficiencies, but this is autobiography where content is much more important than form. #audiowalks

rockpools Hello lovely - so glad to see you! We‘ve missed you! 😘 6mo
LeahBergen Hello again! I‘ve missed you. 🥰 6mo
Simona Thank you @rockpools @LeahBergen I have missed you too ☺️ 6mo
37 likes3 comments
blurb
Simona
Untitled | Unknown
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Two books from previous #weeklyforecast and one new audiobook … In this week I‘m expecting two finish audiobook Anna and ebook Here be Iceberg, The Ink Black Heart is in category wishful thinking …

Cinfhen I love your shelves!!!!! So calming 🥰 1y
BarbaraBB I miss you! 11mo
43 likes2 comments
blurb
Simona
Body Kintsugi | Senka Maric
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October was good reading month, I even have one #bookspinbingo consisting 5 different books! My favourite is tagged book, which is also my #bookspin and #doublespin (I‘m playing one book=two squares), but the most fun I had with was R.Osman‘s The Bullet That Missed.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! Fantastic month!! 1y
26 likes1 comment
review
Simona
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Mehso-so

I appreciate the historical research behind the story, I loved atmosphere in it, but I wasn‘t immersed in the way I would like to be …. I had the same feelings with the Hamnet, and I assume, that something in O‘Farrell‘s writing isn‘t working for me. Nice, rich story, but not for me. 🤷🏻‍♀️

BarbaraBB Ooh that is a pity. I am a fan of O‘Farrell but Hamnet was my least favorite. I have this one lined up for later this week and am curious to see where I‘ll end up! 1y
Simona Looking forward to see your review @barbarabb That was my second book by her, and I will eventually get to her backlist, but I‘m not very eager … 1y
Karisimo I feel the exact same way about Hamnet and this one! 1y
33 likes3 comments
blurb
Simona
Untitled | Anonymous
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My list for November #bookspin #doublespin #bookspinbingo My reading time is still limited, so I‘m playing one book - two squares 🤷🏻‍♀️

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 1y
31 likes1 comment
blurb
Simona
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The Marriage Portrait and The Country of Others are my books in progress, the rest of them are just ‘pile of possibilities‘ for the week … but I have two days off, so who knows 🤷🏻‍♀️
#weeklyforecast

Sleepswithbooks That looks awesome! 1y
BarbaraBB I am about to start the O‘Farrell as well! 1y
CaramelLunacy I read the Galbraith recently and it is very atmospheric for this time of year 1y
36 likes3 comments
review
Simona
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Pickpick

If you are interested in cults, than this book is for you. Church of Scientology is institution with horrifying practices, theirs Fair Gaming is upper level of abuse and harassment … you have to wonder how sick are the brains behind this … but, faith is blind sometimes …

DGRachel I‘ve watched the show he did with Lean Remini on Netflix and listened to her memoir earlier this year. It‘s horrifying. 1y
BarbaraBB Intriguing! 1y
Simona @DGRachel I wasn‘t watching the show, but I listen their podcast Fair Game and indeed, it‘s horrifying. 1y
Simona @BarbaraBB If you use Scribd, the audiobook is there. 1y
33 likes3 stack adds4 comments
review
Simona
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Pickpick

Charming and entertaining as were previous books, and I can see that crime/mystery part is evolving with each book in more complicated story. Nice 👌

blurb
Simona
In Search of Lost Time | Marcel Proust
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New on my shelves - I have been waiting for them all year! Reprinted edition with new covers, and I must say that they are gorgeous ♥️

Cinfhen Oh!!!!! They are GORGEOUS 😍🤩 1y
AnneCecilie Beautiful 😍 1y
batsy Aaaah 😍 1y
See All 9 Comments
squirrelbrain Gorgeous! ❤️ 1y
LeahBergen They‘re beautiful! 1y
Aimeesue Wow, lovely! 1y
rockpools 😍 Well worth the wait! 1y
Ruthiella Beautiful! 😍 1y
kspenmoll Gorgeous! 1y
40 likes9 comments
review
Simona
Body Kintsugi | Senka Maric
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Pickpick

This is auto-fictional novel, intimate story of a woman who is struggling with breast cancer, it is the story about patching the body, soul and personal history, story about the moments when life begins to slip between your fingers. Deep, brutally honest, almost, poetic prose, fragmented story, told in second person feels remote, but this remoteness also allows the author to avoid pathetic and self pity.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kintsugi

IndoorDame Wow! I love the cover design! 1y
TheAromaofBooks Great review!!! 1y
Simona @IndoorDame It is the most perfect cover for this story. 1y
39 likes5 comments
blurb
Simona
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The Bullet That Missed is my current read, Leïla Slimani will be my audio-walks companion, and just in case if I manage to finish The Bullet, I have The Marriage Portrait. #weeklyforecast

Cinfhen I loved BOTH the bullet and 1y
Simona @Cinfhen I‘m loving The Bullet (will finish it today), but I‘m not sure about Marriage Portrait, because I saw in one review - accidentally - how it ends … and I have the feeling that end like this can be ‘problematic‘, in the sense if it looks convincing or not. 1y
Cinfhen Hmmmm, I enjoyed the story from start to finish and the ending didn‘t bother me. Ill be curious to hear your thoughts when you‘re done. 1y
45 likes3 comments
blurb
Simona
gua Viva | Clarice Lispector, Benjamin Moser, Stefan Tobler
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Through few years that is my third unsuccessful attempt to read Clarice Lispector ….

BarbaraBB That‘s a pity. I enjoyed her 1y
Simona @BarbaraBB Maybe next time, when my brain capacity will be more strong … I can see the beauty in her sentences, but I can‘t connect with them🤷🏻‍♀️ 1y
BarbaraBB I wouldn‘t even try if I were you. You gave her a fair chance already 😘 So many books out there! 1y
34 likes3 comments
review
Simona
I'm Glad My Mom Died | Jennette McCurdy
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Mehso-so

I had no idea who Jennette is and what she represents in pop culture, but the praises of her book are everywhere and I, of course, have to read it too. Reviewing autobiography is always a problem to me, because readers are judging how/in what way someone has decided to share their private life with the world. I sympathise with Jennette, but … this autobiography feels like a exercise she had to do on therapy, and self-reflection and … 👇

Simona … personal/intimate commentary has been removed for publication. I appreciate brutal honesty without self-pity, but I need more in autobiography. 1y
BarbaraBB I guess I‘ll pass on this one too 1y
rockpools Hmm. Interesting. I might not. How are you doing, Simona? 1y
Simona @BarbaraBB It‘s not bad book, but it is definitely lacking in something … 1y
Simona @rockpools Thank you for asking 😘 I‘m still positive, but fortunately, without any simptoms🤞 1y
44 likes5 comments
review
Simona
Fairy Tale | Stephen King
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Mehso-so

This story about fairytale world and classic fight between good and evil feels like YA adventure story. I was listening audiobook, it was fun experience … but I think that physical book would be DNF for me. Pick for the first part of the book, and pan for adventure part of the book.

Leftcoastzen I‘m about 100 pages of finishing and feeling the same way. 1y
BarbaraBB I‘ll pass 1y
Simona @Leftcoastzen I wasn‘t prepared for YA adventure, but as you said in your review - King is good storyteller. 1y
Simona @BarbaraBB Maybe his next book will be more ‘suitable‘ for us😘 1y
BarbaraBB I am not a fan, so I don‘t think I‘ll try! 1y
32 likes5 comments
blurb
Simona
The Anomaly | Herv Le Tellier
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The way to treat yourself during the covid … I‘m only one chapter in, but already very intrigued.

batsy Hope you're doing OK and the symptoms are mild 💕💐 1y
IuliaC Great book! Hope you get well soon! 1y
rockpools Oh no! Get well soon Simona🌞 1y
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BarbaraBB Wishing you the best! And I am very curious about this book!! 1y
Anna40 Get well soon 1y
Simona Thank you @batsy @IuliaC @rockpools @BarbaraBB @Anna40 I‘m on the lucky side with the coronavirus, I have very mild symptoms, I only feel tired. 1y
Anna40 Glad you‘re ok 1y
39 likes7 comments
blurb
Simona
Fairy Tale | Stephen King
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My life is currently divided between a lack of time and a reading slump, and for that reason, my October #bookspinbingo is adapted to the current situation and I feel that is still too ambitious …
#bookspin #doublespin

BarbaraBB ❤️❤️❤️ 1y
TheAromaofBooks Sometimes you just have to take a little brain break from reading... the books are always ready when you are!!! 1y
UwannaPublishme 🤗🤗🤗 1y
rockpools ❤️❤️❤️ You have some VERY fun books on there, though! 1y
34 likes4 comments
blurb
Simona
Enigma of Room 622 | Jol Dicker
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The tagged audiobook is in progress (so far interesting), the left one is Slovenian translation of Piranesi and the right one is by Slovenian author (autobiographical novel, my translation of the title - At the Creation of the World). I will finished the audiobook, but I don‘t expect to finish both of the ‘real‘ books. #weeklyforecast

Cinfhen Hope you enjoy your reads!! 2y
BarbaraBB I hope your Piranesi experience will be as good as mine was! 2y
Simona Thank you @Cinfhen and I‘m sure that your reading week will be productive as always 😘 2y
Simona @BarbaraBB I‘m still not convinced that this is the book for me, but I‘m willing to try it … 2y
BarbaraBB I know. I wasn‘t either but I thought it was su original and surprising! 2y
48 likes5 comments
blurb
Simona
Ob nastanku sveta | Drago Jancar
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My plan for this cold and rainy evening is simple: knitting a simple shawl, reading the newest book from most beloved Slovenian author, enjoying in tea (black/almond) and dessert (grape pudding with whipped cream). Enjoy in your Saturday 😘

IuliaC Sounds perfect! 2y
kspenmoll Love your cup- chocolate- have a wonderful day! 2y
batsy Perfect plan! Love the Kahlo cup 😍 2y
See All 6 Comments
BarbaraBB Enjoy! 2y
Simona @IuliaC @kspenmoll @batsy @BarbaraBB At the end, I didn‘t read a single page, but I was listening audiobook book and I knitted 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y
IuliaC @Simona which is also wonderful! 2y
51 likes6 comments
blurb
Simona
Body Kintsugi | Senka Maric
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I‘m planning to visit library tomorrow, but here is my #weeklyforecast Audio companion for the walks is in the progress (2 hours from 19) and I really like it so far, later today I‘m starting with tagged book by Bosnian author (autobiographical novel about her experience with breast cancer).

Cinfhen Beautiful photo and it sounds like you have 2 great reads in progress 💕 enjoy your library visit 😁 2y
Simona Thank you @Cinfhen 2y
42 likes2 comments
blurb
Simona
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New in my library - beautiful collection, and first time translated into Slovenian language❣️ If I have to make the list of my favourite books, I always include Durrell‘s Alexandrian Quartet as one of them … but till now, I never thought to read his Avignon Quintet.

rockpools They are beautiful! He‘s not an author I‘ve ever considered… what should I start with? 2y
batsy Oh my, the description on Litsy makes it sound so good! These editions are lovely. 2y
wanderinglynn Lovely editions! 2y
See All 10 Comments
erzascarletbookgasm So pretty 2y
LeahBergen These are lovely! 2y
Simona @rockpools I love Alexandrian Quartet and those are the only books by Durrell that I have read so far … sorry, but I can‘t help you with recommendations, and he was so prolific author that just looking at his opus is overwhelming experience 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y
Simona @batsy @wanderinglynn @erzascarletbookgasm @LeahBergen Just looking at them is very pleasant 😘 2y
kspenmoll So pretty! 2y
shawnmooney I loved most of the experience I had reading the complete Alexandria Quartet. Certainly the first two volumes knocked my socks off. I‘m not sure if I would ever read anything else he's written but I‘m gonna see how you get along with this other one. :) 1y
Simona @shawnmooney This is my winter project! I know what you mean, his detailed descriptions quickly becomes tiresome and at some point repetitive. Well, at least my experience is like that … but why not torture myself, this time even with a more volumes? 1y
41 likes2 stack adds10 comments
blurb
Simona
The Colony | Audrey Magee
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Although, I haven't been able to read the entire longlist this time, I can't to miss #BookerPrize2022 prediction party. I finished 8 books, After Sappho and Nightcrawling have the current status ‘in the progress‘, Case Study and Booth are on the waiting list, while for Glory - I‘m not sure if I'm going to read it at all. So here's my shortlist …

squirrelbrain Great choices! Looking forward to seeing the *actual* list! 2y
BarbaraBB Glad you‘re sharing your favorites. Mine are quite similar though I haven‘t read Trust yet. I have high expectations though! And I‘m not interested in Glory either 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y
Simona I‘m quite excited for actual list too @squirrelbrain I absolutely loved Trust @BarbaraBB especially very interesting structure of the book. I‘m looking at my shortlist, and today I‘d switch Case Study with the Seven Moons … 2y
46 likes3 comments
blurb
Simona
Untitled | Unknown
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My current reads are ebook Death Comes for the Archbishop (will finish it today) and audiobook Insomnia. Everything else is pile of possibilities for next week. #weeklyforecast

Graywacke Hoping you enjoy the Cather. I think that one is my favorite by her. 2y
BarbaraBB We missed you at the Seven Days in June discussion! Hope all is well 🤍 2y
rockpools Hey Simona, hope you‘re doing well. Reserving your energy for Booker madness? x 2y
See All 7 Comments
Simona I‘m fine now @BarbaraBB @rockpools I just needed a break. Thank you for your kindness ☺️ 2y
rockpools Lovely to see you back - we missed you 🤗 . Sometimes a break is very much needed. Hope you‘re doing well. 2y
BarbaraBB Thanks for getting in touch, I hope you are feeling well and I am very happy you‘re back! 2y
Simona @rockpools @BarbaraBB Thank you very much 😊 I feel good and I‘m almost back into full reading mood. 2y
41 likes7 comments
review
Simona
Young Mungo | Douglas Stuart
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Pickpick

It's hard not to compare YM with SB because the basic story is the same - a dysfunctional family, a complicated relationship between an alcoholic mother and children, in this book - Mung's older brother, who is brutally violent, a sister who sees a way out to the better life - but this means giving up Mungo in a way, and ultimately Mungo himself - with his sexual identity and all the problems posed by homosexuality, queernes in a very toxic … 👇

Simona … and masculine environment.
The structure of the story is divided into two timelines - the past, where we learn about the relationships and dynamics of the family, then more broadly - social problems, the male-female relationship, and of course the relationship to homosexuality. 👇
(edited) 2y
Simona The timeline that takes place in the present - is terrifying, shocking and brutally raw, but author succeeds in avoiding too melodramatic touches in the prose/scenes, and this is the component of his writing that makes his stories even more powerful. 2y
squirrelbrain Great review! I bought this the day it came out but still haven‘t got round to reading it; need to get to it soon. 2y
Simona Thank you @squirrelbrain If you liked Shuggie Bain, I am sure that you will like Young Mungo too … 2y
Megabooks Excellent review! I‘m trying to read lighter books this summer but am looking forward to this in the fall. 2y
39 likes1 stack add5 comments
review
Simona
Defenestrate | Renee Branum
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Pickpick

Double review: One book by #Czech writer - set in France, and one by American author - set in Prague.
I‘m not Milan Kundera fan, although I find his books good, especially on the level of the individual sentences, but his overall writing style is too philosophical for me … and this book isn‘t exception. In this story he is playing with the idea of personal/intimate identity, the identity of partner/husband, how perception can reverse with the … 👇

Simona … doubts, and how the brain can creates its own reality. So-so for me 🤷🏻‍♀️
In Defenestrate we fallow twins (brother in sister) and their search for identity heavily burdened by a religious mother and by family legend(s) about the different ways of falling … the story slowly unravels through vignettes when at the end realisation hits hard. It was pick for me.
2y
Librarybelle Awesome! I have to start researching my reads for the 1980s…I don‘t have too many on my shelves from that decade 2y
51 likes4 comments
blurb
Simona
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I can‘t … 15 hours was enough 😔
#AuthorAMonth

vivastory I love Highsmith's fiction, but I have heard that she herself was an unpleasant person 2y
EvieBee She‘s…A LOT! 2y
Soubhiville 15 hours is plenty! Good job getting through that much. Did you learn anything that made those hours worthwhile? 2y
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Simona @vivastory I don‘t know where I have read, that she was hard-core introvert and maybe because of that, she gave that impression. I reached the point where she was around her twenties, deciding what to do with the life and she was starting to explore her writing voice … and she was definitely a lot. @EvieBee Very free spirited, opinionated, but she was also very sharp observer and thinker. @Soubhiville I‘ve never read any of her books, but …👇 2y
Simona … I‘m hoping to change that soon. 2y
vivastory I think you would like Edith's Diary (a novel). I read it last year & I thought about it for months. I don't know if you listen to Backlisted Podcast, but they did an episode about it:
https://www.backlisted.fm/episodes/106-patricia-highsmith-ediths-diary
2y
Simona Thank you @vivastory for recommendation! I listen Backlisted, but I don‘t remember that episode, for sure that will be my bad story tonight. 2y
38 likes7 comments
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Simona
Untitled | Unknown
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I‘m playing for #BookSpinBingo #BookSpin and #DoubleSpin and I‘m quite pleased with my June selection.

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 2y
EvieBee Your handwriting is beautiful! 2y
Simona Thank you very much @EvieBee You're literally the first person who told me that. Everyone complains that my handwriting is difficult to read because the letters m,n,u are written the same. 2y
37 likes3 comments
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Simona
Untitled | Unknown
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May was good reading month for me, although no #BookSpinBingo but I did manage to finished #BookSpin and #DoubleSpin book. I DNF one book (P. Highsmith: Her Dairies and Notes), and my favourite was Maršalinja by Zora del Buono.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! Great month!!! 2y
38 likes1 comment
review
Simona
A Fish Caught in Time: The Search for the Coelacanth | Samantha Weinberg, Fourth Estate
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Pickpick

I never thought that I will like book about fish … but I did. Till 1938 scientists were convinced that Coelacanths were extinct. Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer was curator in the small museum, always in the hunt for unusual species, and as soon as she saw to her unknown fish, she contacted the ichthyologist JLB Smith… and the treasure hunt has begun. Surprisingly readable, even a tense story about the fish that is supposed to be a missed link 👇

Simona … between fish and humans, a fish that has possessed quite a few people and caused some international conflicts. 2y
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Librarybelle Your review really makes me want to read this! 2y
Simona @Librarybelle It was the only book that I could find for Comoros and I wasn‘t interested in it at all, but what a surprise. Well research, well written and not at all boring. 2y
rockpools *in very small letters* I think I read about 3 pages of my Comoros Book. I‘m doing REALLY badly at this! Glad you enjoyed this one though - always nice to get a good surprise! 2y
BarbaraBB I remember @Hooked_on_books enjoying this book too. I am definitely reading it for Comoros as well! 2y
Simona @rockpools I feel you … although, I already finished book for Czech Republic, and now I only have to read for Solomon Islands and I‘m back on track 😁 Are you saving your power for Booker Prize marathon? 😘 2y
Simona @BarbaraBB If you need it, I can send you the book. It is used book with yellow edges, but still in ok condition. 2y
Hooked_on_books Yes, this one took me by surprise, too! What a great story! 2y
rockpools @Simona Definitely not! The reason I get through the IBP is because translated books are so nice and short…. 🤔… Oh, wait…! No, seriously, one prize list a year is enough. I‘m going to do #campLitsy though. And true to form, haven‘t even started Saturday‘s reading yet! 2y
BarbaraBB That is such a kind offer but I ordered a secondhand copy already. Thank you so much 🤍 2y
Kitta Ooh I love fish and fish science, this seems right up my alley. 🐟 2y
Simona @rockpools You still have enough time 😘 2y
Simona @Kitta Oh, than you definitely need to read it. 2y
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Simona
Catherine of Siena | Sigrid Undset
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P. Highsmith, Her Diaries and Notebooks is audiobook for #AuthorAMonth , Death Comes For the Archbishop by W. Cather is from Jenny‘s GR to-review shelf #rememberingJenny , How High We Go in the Dark is my current read (and I love it) #campLitsy , and Katarina Sienska isn‘t for any challenges, but just because …. #weeklyforecast

squirrelbrain Glad you‘re loving How High! I also really liked the Cather. 2y
Cinfhen Some lovely reads 🧡 2y
BarbaraBB I wanted to type the exact same message @squirrelbrain did! 2y
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Simona @Cinfhen I'm not even halfway through Highsmith's book and I'm tired already … and I don't know if I've already mentioned that I'm listening to audiobooks at normal speed 🙄 2y
Simona @squirrelbrain @BarbaraBB I didn‘t know anything about the How High We Go in the Dark, so the main theme is really surprise for me, a little bit uncomfortable to read, but I think that is also a little bit prophetic …. 2y
Cinfhen I bailed on my Highsmith and I‘m also listening to audios at a lower speed late,y!! I‘m not sure why 🤷🏼‍♀️I hope this week‘s books surprise you in a good way xx 2y
56 likes6 comments
blurb
Simona
Defenestrate | Renee Branum
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My Saturday afternoon - ebook and cherry pie with vanilla sauce. The main theme in my current read is family legacy through stories and its effects … sad story, but perfect for rainy day. #weekendReading

Andrew65 A perfect way to spend an afternoon. 2y
UwannaPublishme Yum! Love cherry pie! 2y
batsy That pie looks delicious! 2y
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CaramelLunacy Pie looks so nice! 2y
youneverarrived The pie looks so good! 2y
Tamra So summery! 😋 2y
Simona @UwannaPublishme @batsy @CaramelLunacy @youneverarrived Cherry pitting is time consuming, but worthy for delicious homemade pie. 2y
Simona @Tamra Very summery pie, but unfortunately we have rained weekend … 2y
55 likes8 comments
review
Simona
I Am a Girl from Africa | Elizabeth Nyamayaro
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Pickpick

The author describes in these memories, both her growing up in Zimbabwe, as well as traditions, believes and the problems/obstacles that she had to overcome to achieve her goal - work for the UN and to create changes in society/world. This book is a perfect example of strong will, determination and what it means to live with purpose. #ReadingAfrica2022 #Zimbabwe
#NonFiction2022 #Survivor

Leftcoastzen 🐶 2y
LeahBergen The daisy! 🌸 2y
Librarybelle I have this stacked from @Texreader ‘s review…it sounds really good! 2y
Texreader It‘s such a good book and inspiring too! 2y
Simona @Librarybelle @Texreader It‘s a sad story, but very uplifting. 2y
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review
Simona
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Pickpick

Justin Alexander Shetler was restless soul, determinant to find deeper meaning of existence through nature and eastern philosophy. He went to India, Parvati Valley, where numerous adventures went missing … and that's what happened to Jastin too. Very detailed, well written, compelling story about young man on the way to live differently.
👇

Simona … My only complaint is - nonlinear timeline … for sure - that makes the book more tense/interesting, but in this case, that is also a very manipulative element which gives the story a whole different subtones. 2y
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Cinfhen I love an exploration/ adventure story but it‘s hard when the author jumps around. Still, Sounds good! 2y
LeahBergen I love your photo. 🐕 2y
Simona Thank you @LeahBergen My wild beast in wilderness. That is my favourite part of the hiking trail where I go almost every weekend. 2y
Simona @Cinfhen I usually like that, but I think that in this case chronological timeline would be better and the end result would be more profound. But that is just me being meticulous. It is good story. 2y
Leftcoastzen 🐶awwwww! 2y
UwannaPublishme Great photo! 🐶❤️ 2y
Simona @UwannaPublishme Thank you 😊 2y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa Gorgeous pictures you‘re posting lately, are the all near where you live? And if so where is that, I need to visit there someday 😉 2y
Simona @Riveted_Reader_Melissa My home is 5 minutes away from the hiking trail. I live in the suburbs of Maribor, the name of the place where I live is Limbuš, and state is Slovenija. You are very welcome 😘 2y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Simona well it is gorgeous, just beautiful. 2y
54 likes1 stack add13 comments