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avalinah

avalinah

Joined May 2017

I blog books at AvalinahsBooks - https://goo.gl/o56WKR and try to read on #diversity, #disability, but also fun - #scifi, #fantasy. Also? CATS.
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Middlemarch (Revised) by George Eliot
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When the English Fall by David Williams
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avalinah
The Sundered | Ruthanne Reid
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The Sundered completely got me. It's genius. It's unique, it's about huge things. And it draws you in straight away. Full review: http://bit.ly/2xhSYxM

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avalinah
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Mehso-so

Five Steps to Happy is an uplifting story about a stroke of really bad luck with huge consequences and getting up from the ashes after it all. It also has #disability rep. Read an excerpt here: http://bit.ly/2XBMXuB

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avalinah
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What people think #bookblogging is VS what book blogging can actually be - the greatest book blogging myths I've encountered: http://bit.ly/2YU4hIs

Bookartbookmarks Someone asked me how to get into the book world and I explained it. They said “woah, that‘s a lot of work.” 😂 5y
avalinah @Bookartbookmarks yeah! Very true 😂 5y
10 likes3 comments
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avalinah
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Mehso-so

Bunyan's Guide to the Great American Wildlife has a hard, but important story to tell – it's a family tragedy, but also a personal tragedy that drags in everyone around it and eats them whole: http://bit.ly/2XdLmM2

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avalinah
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So what are the best books I've read this year so far? Come check them out and share your recommendations: http://bit.ly/2ZYpocG

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avalinah
Have You Seen Luis Velez? | Catherine Ryan Hyde
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It isn't often that I pry myself away from a book in an attempt to get some sleep already, and yet fail to fall asleep because I keep thinking PLEASE MAKE THIS BOOK A BESTSELLER, GOD, PLEASEEEEE: http://bit.ly/2FdICDn

7 likes1 stack add
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avalinah
The Hike | Drew Magary
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Wow. Two things. First, The Hike is high as all hell on something. Second, its absolutely bloody brilliant: http://bit.ly/2Ij283i

The.Intentional.Reader Definitely one of the best books I've ever read 5y
11 likes1 stack add1 comment
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avalinah
Three Days Breathing | Mike Maguire
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Three Days Breathing is a great critique of privilege and class in our society and how harmful it is to those who can't really do anything to save themselves from it: http://bit.ly/31Ax3j4

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avalinah
Stay and Fight: A Novel | Madeline ffitch
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Things I learned from Stay and Fight:
- people are mean
- people are even meaner to you if you're different
- and even more so if you're also poor or any kind of minority
- but it's still alright to be different

Full review: http://bit.ly/2ZYpocG

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avalinah
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The Design and Construction of the Nautilus is a love song to Jules Verne's masterpiece, and he would surely be overjoyed to know that someone has taken so much effort to bring the Nautilus to life: http://bit.ly/2X4cvRE

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avalinah
Managing Bubbie | Russel Lazega
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Managing Bubbie was a fast and very enjoyable read. The story is masterfully written – I couldn't pry myself away. It's told in a very sober, light tone, so its an exceptional read: http://bit.ly/2WjBIap

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avalinah
Oracle Year | Charles Soule
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My first thoughts after finishing The Oracle Year: wow. That was a ride. Agreed, the book can be somewhat slow burn at first, but when it gets going, it just keeps on going. I couldn‘t pull my face away from the page for the last third of the book! Full review: http://bit.ly/2XlZHSH

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avalinah
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Mehso-so

I'm so conflicted about The Path Keeper – it's an okay book, and yet I struggled to get through the first half of it. Might be personal reasons, really – so here's a list review: http://bit.ly/2KtTmRJ

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avalinah
The Test | Sylvain Neuvel
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Sylvain Neuvel is an amazing writer, and The Test is an incredible book. I don‘t understand how you can put this much tension in merely around 100 pages!! Just take my word on the fact that you should absolutely, definitely read it! Full review: http://bit.ly/2JRJmSy

16 likes1 stack add
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avalinah
A Random Act of Kindness | Sophie Jenkins
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A Random Act of Kindness is a wonderful book. It's not one of those 'big' books about some big idea or theme – more like it's a slice of life story, which is easy to relate to, genuine and warm. Full review: http://bit.ly/30oD2Hb

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avalinah
Maddy Alone | Pamela Brown
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Oh, how I loved Maddy Alone! I knew the author must have had plans for Maddy. Did she ever! This book is ALL about Maddy – just as the title suggests – and it's all very exciting. What a whirlwind! Full review: http://bit.ly/2LMR2rg

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avalinah
Angie | K a Tremblay
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Angie is one of those books that grips you to the heart, and you just somehow know it won't exactly end well. Poignant is all I can call it! ★★★★✬ 4.5 stars, full review: http://bit.ly/2Q9auNj

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avalinah
The Heavens | Sandra Newman
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The Heavens is a story spanning a lot of centuries and it touches upon the ideas of how easily the world can crumble, how perishable our own realities are and how it feels when nobody else believes your reality, and instead thinks you just have an addled mind. It's magical and vast: http://bit.ly/2WDqzgH

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avalinah
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The life of a bookworm with dyslexia – an interview: Jen, a book blogger with dyslexia, tells us how it feels to read when you... Can't quite do it: http://bit.ly/2XPNQwD

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avalinah
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I wish more space books had the lively and descriptive attitude of Moon Mission. I felt transported. Moon Mission puts you right into the shoes of an astronaut! ★★★★★ 5 stars: http://bit.ly/2UYieY9

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avalinah
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You're not supposed to feel anger when YOLOing: and finally, a travel book that doesn't hide the true emotions. Walking to the End of the World is a wonderful Camino de Santiago pilgrimage memoir: http://bit.ly/2GIFKhA

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avalinah
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First released in 1941, The Swish of the Curtain talks about timeless things such as ambition, talent and... your parents not letting you do what you want with your life: http://bit.ly/2CAVWR7

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avalinah
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If I could, I would give The Boy Who Steals Houses 15 stars. Of gold. Because it's just that good. It's a quick read, and you will just not go to sleep until you've read it in one sitting! Very recommended.
Full review: http://bit.ly/2TuPm42

8 likes2 stack adds
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avalinah
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The Forty Rules of Love is poetic, and yet – really simple to follow. Fans of The Alchemist will love it, and yet, fans of more down-to-earth spirituality won't roll their eyes either. Full review: http://bit.ly/2UeChwU

11 likes1 stack add
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avalinah
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If you've ever struggled with mental health, if you've ever felt different or singled out, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine might also be a book that speaks to your very soul. If not – it will still most likely make you both laugh and cry, and will leave your heart full after you've finished reading it. Needless to say that I think this is an absolute must-read. Full review: http://bit.ly/2SR79lz

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avalinah
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I really enjoyed The Haunting of Tram Car 015! It was a quick evening's read that was very rich in setting, diversity and had a good plot. I can't wait to find out if there will be sequels, or at least other books set in this amazing world! If you want to find out what I loved about it, here‘s my full review: http://bit.ly/2tXrMCL

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avalinah
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The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a complex story of love, magic, devotion and kindness. It's about a lot of untraditional lives, lived in love and appreciation (and sometimes danger!) It's also about a lot of secrets kept – even secrets from your own self. And, of course, it's about little girls, witches, dragons and, of course, MAGIC. Full review here: http://bit.ly/2J1LjMK

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avalinah
The Spec Set | Taya Okerlund
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The Spec Set is not your typical YA. It's a unique bird, a true genre bender. But if I had to find a couple of words to characterize The Spec Set, I would say... Fast, surprising... Explosive. Both literally and figuratively! Full review: http://bit.ly/2tf4GY4

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avalinah
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Most top review websites/papers feature male writers more often than female writers with an average of 7 out of 10 reviews being for male authors. Maybe it's time for change? Read more: http://bit.ly/2GFW8lD

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avalinah
The Secret of Dinswood | Ellen Alexander
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I really really enjoyed this story. The Secret of Dinswood is somewhere in between of mysteries for children with young detectives and young adventurers looking for treasure. It was just the right kind of amusing, cozy mystery with a great ending. I enjoyed it very much and will be impatiently waiting for the sequels! Full review: http://bit.ly/2UOBYbZ

9 likes1 stack add
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avalinah
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The body is a whole. And looking at it like that, periods are also part of the whole. Heavy Flow is a good resource to take the first steps towards understanding yourself as a whole and taking steps to connect to your femininity. I can definitely recommend it, and I think it's required reading for every female out there. I will certainly be recommending it to all of my friends. Full review: http://bit.ly/2RnwZgA

8 likes1 stack add
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avalinah
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To the Edge of the Sky explores the depth of human existence in hardship, and it does it in such a down to earth way that you won't be able to pry yourself away. I couldn't! Full review here: http://bit.ly/2WcGpPi

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avalinah
Enchanted April | Elizabeth Von Arnim
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Elizabeth von Arnim's talent in The Enchanted April is plain to see – to be able to put yourself in so many people's shoes, to describe and explain their experience so thoroughly – one must be nothing short of a genius. Full review: http://bit.ly/2Mqgkrz

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avalinah
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I was skeptical when I first started reading Calling Major Tom, and had a hard time getting into it. But it turns out, I shouldn't have worried! Calling Major Tom turned out to be amazing – it had me sighing with contentment after I finished it (literally – it was so wholesome!) Here's the full review: http://bit.ly/2HywAbp

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avalinah
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Have you ever wondered why you read books? These are my reasons why, and they've been different over the years: http://bit.ly/2RoqX4b

Slajaunie I loved be them! 😊 5y
10 likes1 comment
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avalinah
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Hey #bookbloggers! I need your help. Would you recommend me some new releases I totally need to stalk? Here's why and how you can weigh in: http://bit.ly/2D72CqB

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avalinah
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avalinah
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All the things we keep getting told we have to do to be successful bookbloggers? Being organized, posting more content, getting more ARCs? Little Red Reviewer has taken those out of her 'backpack' a long time ago. Read her guest post about it: http://bit.ly/2ArZCn1

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avalinah
List of 13 | E.A. Comiskey
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Don't judge a book by its cover. I did, at first, but little did I know that as soon as I was going to start List of 13, I would try to read in portions, only so as to make the time I spend with this book become longer. It's one of my best reads of 2018!
5 reasons to love this book: http://bit.ly/2E7hVkf

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avalinah
Winter of the Witch | Katherine Arden
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I feel like this has been the strongest book in the entire series. And how lucky I feel to have had such a beautiful review copy!
Reasons why I loved Winter of the Witch:
bit.ly/2Flggb8bit.ly/2Flggb8

IndyHannaJones That cover is so cool 5y
avalinah @IndyHannaJones I know! I love it. 5y
9 likes2 comments
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avalinah
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It sure wasn't easy to pick only 23 books in various genres as my best reads of 2018, but I did it! Come and see which #books you must ABSOLUTELY add to the TBR for 2019:
http://avalinahsbooks.space/best-books-2018/

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avalinah
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We're living in a world that severely lacks kindness. From doors having to be locked to ensure safety to the cold shouder given to a stranger who needs help – we do not practice kindness often enough. But kindness is not weakness – on the contrary! Then why don't we practice it more often? These questions are answered and discussed in this book, along with recommendations on how to become kinder. Full review: http://bit.ly/2CIbKlv

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avalinah
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This book is both funny and serious at the same time, and it's already breaking my heart a little. Can't pry myself away!

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avalinah
Going Widdershins | Sherrye Cohn
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One of my favorite indies of the year, a story of #womens struggle Going Widdershins is FREE till Jan 2 on Smashwords! Please use this wonderful chance - I promise you'll shed tears. It's unforgettable!

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avalinah
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What are the most common mistakes #bookbloggers make, when requesting a title on #Netgalley, #Edelweiss or through email? A real publicist answers, with examples:
http://bit.ly/2BZ1Qvo

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avalinah
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Starting with the gorgeous cover to flaunt in public and ending with relevant stories to bolster your self-confidence, What Would Boudicca Do? is a good companion for any contemporary woman's nightstand: http://bit.ly/2A2EClI

TrishB I love that cover! 5y
15 likes1 stack add1 comment
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avalinah
The Eleventh Trade | Alyssa Hollingsworth
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The Eleventh Trade is one of those books you want to shout from the rooftops about, and especially thank the author sincerely for writing it and making the world a better place: http://bit.ly/2QEiYeU

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avalinah
Redemption Song | Craig Schaefer
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😂😂😂

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avalinah
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Have your ever finished a book and realized you're missing it already? Here are 5 ways you can miss books + what to do about it:
http://bit.ly/2PBArqY

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avalinah
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Molly Tanzer succeeds wonderfully in giving young women a voice - her female characters are diverse and the driving force of the story lies in their hands. A few reasons why you'll want to read Creatures of Want and Ruin: http://bit.ly/2CZgaF2