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JamieArc

JamieArc

Joined June 2017

Bibliophile / Francophile / tea / tiny things / coziness / www.goodreads.com/user/show/5733517-jamie-archer / StoryGraph: jamielit
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Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher
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Vanity Fair by William Thackeray
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JamieArc
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November‘s #BookSpin List. Time to start spending my evenings hunkering down under a blanket to read.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2w
25 likes1 comment
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JamieArc
The Ten Year Affair | Erin Somers
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The next trend in cover art? White outlines with illustration in the middle?

willaful Not a fan, though I find the weird eye drawings an even worse one. 1mo
Ruthiella You called it. It‘s gonna be the next trend. 1mo
BarbaraBB I have to admit I do like that kind of covers. 1mo
JamieArc @BarbaraBB Me too. I just thought it was strange that two months in a row my Book of the Month book had this design 1mo
58 likes4 comments
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JamieArc
Discontent: A Novel | Beatriz Serrano
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🎶 It‘s the most wonderful (reading) time of the year 🎵 October‘s #Bookspin list. I love October reading, especially with the #Dewey 24-hour readathon.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2mo
38 likes1 comment
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JamieArc
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Thank you so much for this very fall swap box 🍁🍂. The books are spot on for autumn reading and I was very excited to see the Irish Cream hot chocolate. It‘s my favorite and hard to find. Thanks again and happy fall to you, Tanya! #fffs

TheBookHippie Yum M&Ms ♥️♥️♥️♥️ 2mo
Avanders 😍🍂🍁♥️ 2mo
Chrissyreadit 🤎🧡❤️💛❤️🧡🤎 2mo
See All 8 Comments
Gissy Is that a booksleeve? Gorgeous 👌 2mo
KadaGul All this screams Fall🤎🍁🍂☕🪵🔥🏈🍎🍫🧡 2mo
JamieArc @Gissy Yes it is! 🎃 2mo
JamieArc @KadaGul Yes! Perfectly fall 🍁🍄‍🟫🍂 2mo
tdrosebud I'm so glad you like it! 2mo
56 likes8 comments
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JamieArc
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My #FFFS package came! I‘m at a conference so I made my husband take a picture. It took a few minutes for him to understand why I needed a photo of a box 😂. Thank you @tdrosebud 🍂🍁🍄‍🟫

tdrosebud So glad it made it! 2mo
Avanders 🍂🍁🧡 2mo
35 likes2 comments
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JamieArc
Autumncrow | Cameron Chaney
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Once again, I forgot to take a picture of my #fffs package before sending it (and it was so pretty!). Package sent, looking forward to opening day!

Avanders 🍂🍁🧡 2mo
Chrissyreadit 💛🤎🧡❤️🧡🤎💛 2mo
47 likes2 comments
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JamieArc
BookSpinBingo | Untitled
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September #Bookspin!

Singout What a beautiful layout! 3mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3mo
JamieArc @Singout PicCollage has some good options for free 😊 3mo
35 likes3 comments
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JamieArc
BookSpinBingo | Untitled
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Trying to figure out which book from my August #Bookspin list to read as I wait to finish Tilt after tomorrow‘s discussion…

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 4mo
36 likes1 comment
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JamieArc
Tilt | Emma Pattee
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This popped up in my Facebook feed. Big Brother must know I‘m reading Tilt 😳🧐

squirrelbrain 😱 4mo
BarbaraBB Scary. Both the message and Zuckerberg (edited) 4mo
AmyG 😬 4mo
Amiable I‘ve read this article! I‘ve been fascinated by the predictions about a giant PNW earthquake since my geology classes in college. This is a good book about it if you‘re interested: 3mo
44 likes5 comments
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JamieArc
Untitled | Unknown
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Today‘s the day! 🎉🎉🎉
Booker Longlist has been announced. Anyone read any of these?

Ruthiella Only Audition! I will probably try to pick up the Susan Choi title. 🤞 4mo
BarbaraBB I am interested in some of them but, at this point, don‘t think I‘ll read them all. I am looking forward to all reviews! 4mo
JamieArc @BarbaraBB Same here 4mo
42 likes3 comments
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JamieArc
You Better Be Lightning | Andrea Gibson
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Oof. This hurts my heart. What a light they left in the world. I first read the tagged book of poems because of Alyisha‘s #ALSpine list and it made me laugh, cry, and feel both seen and exposed. Read their books and watch their videos. It‘s good stuff and a bit heartbreaking that there won‘t be more.

Ruthiella ❤️❤️❤️ 4mo
JamieArc @yourfavouritemixtape I think you read this one from my ALSpine list, right? 4mo
MrsMalaprop Just learnt this news. 🥹💔 4mo
See All 8 Comments
dabbe 💔💔💔 4mo
sarahbarnes 💔💔💔 4mo
TheBookHippie Hurts my heart. So so young. Their words fed me. 4mo
monalyisha I don‘t even know what to say, honestly. I was hoping something profound would come to me but it hasn‘t. I‘m glad we all got to share their words around our community. If you get Andrea‘s newsletter, their wife is continuing it — and stoking the flickering fire of their legacy! 4mo
yourfavouritemixtape @jamiearc yes I did! What sad news… 😔 4mo
45 likes1 stack add8 comments
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JamieArc
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Anyone else nervous to dive into the second half because you‘re afraid it‘s going to feel like watching a train wreck? Can I volunteer to be Zelu‘s publicist? Seriously, why doesn‘t she have one??
#CampLitsy25

TheBookHippie My book is in transit yet 😵‍💫 4mo
JamieArc @TheBookHippie I do the Aardvark book subscription and it was an option a few months ago. Glad I chose it. It‘s making me think about a lot of interesting things. I‘m looking forward to having a conversation about it with a friend who is a professor of Disability Studies. 4mo
TheBookHippie @JamieArc me who put all book subscriptions on hold 🤦🏻‍♀️ 4mo
See All 9 Comments
Bookwormjillk Yes very nervous given the title 4mo
Suet624 Considering the title, I'm curious how she'll finish the story. 4mo
JamieArc @Bookwormjillk Glad I‘m not alone! 4mo
JamieArc @Suet624 Me too, but I think they used that phrase in the story already… just can‘t remember the context. 4mo
TheKidUpstairs @JamieArc @Suet624 the phrase was used in one of her class discussions, referring to the literary theory that the meaning of a book is determined by the readers' responses, not by the author's intentions. 4mo
JamieArc @TheKidUpstairs Thanks Megan! 4mo
52 likes9 comments
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JamieArc
The Safekeep | Yael van der Wouden
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I don‘t want to wish the month of July away, but I‘m also excited to see which books make the list. I‘m sure there will be a few gems, like last year‘s tagged book. Excuse me while I go down the YouTube rabbit hole hearing what others think will make the Longlist….

squirrelbrain I‘m already down that rabbit hole, making a spreadsheet as I go! 😝 4mo
JamieArc @squirrelbrain I knew I could count on you! 😂 I almost tagged you in my post! (edited) 4mo
squirrelbrain I‘m SO predictable! There‘s not many videos yet, but I‘ll keep you up to date once we start getting duplicate predictions. 😜 4mo
See All 9 Comments
AnneCecilie I‘m already down that rabbit hole as well @squirrelbrain 4mo
JamieArc @squirrelbrain @AnneCecilie Please do let me know if you find something promising, or likely contenders! 4mo
BarbaraBB I won‘t make spreadsheets or predictions but I am a sucker for the longlist and am very interested in your predictions 🤍 @squirrelbrain @AnneCecilie @JamieArc 4mo
squirrelbrain Will certainly let you know Jamie! I don‘t usually do my own predictions @barbarabb @AnneCecilie - I rely on other people! 4mo
JamieArc @BarbaraBB I don‘t venture into predictions but do choose some hopefuls 😊 4mo
vlwelser Didn't we just do this? 😂 4mo
53 likes9 comments
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JamieArc
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July‘s #Bookspin list. Really looking forward to the tagged and the #CampLitsy25 reads.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 5mo
34 likes1 comment
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JamieArc
Day at the Beach | Ron Koertge, Gary D Schmidt
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Is this too on point? 😂😂. If you need a summer-themed middle grade read, put this on your list.
📸 Lake Michigan

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JamieArc
Happy Litsyversary! | Special Events
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8 years! I remember that I joined after a surgery with 6 weeks to do nothing but read and discover this new app that was all about BOOKS! I really appreciate whoever does the work to post this everyday 👏🏼👏🏼

Ruthiella Happy Litsyversary! 🥳🥳🥳 5mo
TheKidUpstairs Happy Litsyversary!!! 5mo
Mollyanna Happy Litsyversary! 🎉 5mo
See All 24 Comments
Jas16 Happy Litsyversary 🎉📚🙌🏽 5mo
AnneCecilie Happy Litsyversary 🎉📚🎉📚 5mo
Jari-chan Happy Litsyversary 🎉🥳 5mo
AmyG 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 5mo
Librarybelle Happy Litsyversary! 5mo
BarkingMadRead I think I‘m at 8 years but I‘ve never been tagged in a post 5mo
BarkingMadRead Happy LitsyVersary 🎉🎉🎉 5mo
Deblovestoread Happy Litsyversary 🎉 5mo
dabbe HL! 🤩🤩🤩 5mo
BarbaraJean Happy Litsyversary!! 📚🎉💜 5mo
JessClark78 Happy Litsyversary! 🎊📚🎉 5mo
mrp27 Happy Litsyversary! 📚🎉📚🎉 5mo
squirrelbrain Happy Litsyversary! 🎉🎉🎉 5mo
TieDyeDude 🎉 🎉 🎉 5mo
Ddzmini Happy Litsyversary 🎉🎊🥳📚 5mo
mariaku21 Happy litsyversary everyone 🥳🎉🎊 5mo
Reggie Happy Litsyversary!!! 5mo
AnnCrystal Happy 8 year Litsyversary plus 6 days and counting 🥳👍🏼📚💝. 5mo
MemoirsForMe Happy Litsyversary! 🎉📚🎉 5mo
JamieArc @BarkingMadRead We need to get you connected to the Litsy Powers That Be to get you on the list! 4mo
JamieArc Forgive me for not taking the time to tag you all, but in case you see this - thank you! I have really loved being here and connecting with others. 4mo
57 likes24 comments
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JamieArc
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I haven‘t read the book, but I really loved this film that just came out in the US. So many great things about it, including Shakespeare and Company bookstore being featured.

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JamieArc
Thwonk | Joan Bauer
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June‘s #Bookspin list. Summer reading has officially begun.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 6mo
BkClubCare What a list- haven‘t heard of many. But I have read two, so… 👏 5mo
JamieArc @BkClubCare It‘s turning out to be a great reading month! 5mo
36 likes3 comments
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JamieArc
Notes from the Road | Mike Ingram
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I love a good road lit novel. My college English capstone course was solely road lit and I loved it. This small book took me back to that course, referencing others in the genre. Witty and reflective, a young man drives across the US thinking about his life, as one does. The format and book as an object were really interesting too. Another one that wouldn‘t have been on my radar if not for #AuldLangSpine

Billypar Glad you liked it! I thought it was a clever way to tell his story, given how much time you have with just your thoughts on a solo cross-country road trip. It wouldn't have been as interesting if it were just a conventional day-by-day structure. And I love the physical book too, a little pocket guide with real photos from the trip behind the front & back covers. 6mo
56 likes4 stack adds1 comment
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JamieArc
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Pickpick

I‘m combining #TuesdayTunes with my review because this book is a collection of song lyrics sung by Stacey Kent with accompanying art that is beautiful. Ishiguro was a song writer before a novelist. Reading while listening while looking at art was such a fun experience. Romantic and sentimental, beautiful sadness if that‘s your thing (it‘s mine). A QR code in the book takes you to the playlist in YouTube. I have one below for your pleasure.

CSeydel I had no idea! Checking it out now - thanks for sharing! 6mo
TheBookHippie Oh!!! How fun is this! 6mo
See All 7 Comments
KathyWheeler Interesting— I never knew Ishiguro was a songwriter. 6mo
Tkimsal Definitely checking this out! 6mo
JamieArc @CSeydel @TheBookHippie @KathyWheeler @Tkimsal I was hoping a few others would be interested 😊 6mo
TheBookHippie @JamieArc I love it!! Reminds me of sitting in a jazz bar in Chicago. 6mo
55 likes1 stack add7 comments
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JamieArc
The Summer Book | Tove Jansson
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May‘s #Bookspin list. May my reading zoomies continue 🤞🏻

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 7mo
33 likes1 comment
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JamieArc
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I love this and know you will too.
From author Cate C Wells
List of books: (sorry the link didn‘t copy well!)
https://media.defense.gov/2025/Apr/04/2003683009/-1/-1/0/250404-LIST%20OF%20REMO...

julesG Amazing!! 7mo
AmyG I read this. I, too, thought it was amazing! 7mo
Deblovestoread I saw this, too! The world can change one person at a time. 7mo
See All 6 Comments
lil1inblue 💓 💓 💓 💓 💓 7mo
dabbe 👏👏👏 to your mom! 7mo
lynneamch I love this! ❤️ 6mo
50 likes6 comments
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JamieArc
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1. Yes, I put them in the mail this morning. Only because I couldn‘t stand writing a check to the federal government. I literally shed a few tears thinking about where my money was going and where it wasn‘t.
2. Reflective
#Two4Tuesday

dabbe I feel your pain! 😭 7mo
TheSpineView Thanks for playing! 7mo
JamieArc @dabbe I figured someone would! I appreciate you saying so. 7mo
dabbe @JamieArc 😍 7mo
27 likes4 comments
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JamieArc
Bombshell | Darrow Farr
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Okay, so I couldn‘t choose just four, so I threw in an extra. When I was researching options, I wasn‘t blown away, so I‘m really surprised at all the books everyone else is posting that I hadn‘t already seen. Looking forward to another great summer camp! #CampLitsy25

Chelsea.Poole I am looking forward to the new John Green. 7mo
BarbaraBB I haven‘t read any of these, they look so good! Thanks for nominating! 7mo
squirrelbrain That‘s cheating! 🤣 Only kidding…. Great choices! 7mo
Megabooks Fantastic picks!! Glad you‘re joining us again! 7mo
sarahbarnes Oooh, these look good! I‘ve been interested in Isola. Checking out the other ones! 7mo
63 likes5 comments
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JamieArc
The Sirens: A Novel | Emilia Hart
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April‘s #Bookspin list. A lot of shorter books/graphic novels, and I‘ll be starting the tagged right away.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 8mo
38 likes1 comment
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JamieArc
Hungerstone | Kat Dunn
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Pickpick

Wonderfully gothic and atmospheric. I wanted to recommend this to all of you who have been reading The Woman in White. The author cites that as part of her inspiration. I read this in 2 days, which is rare. The build up is a little slow, and then doesn‘t stop. Identity, desire, hunger, rage, revenge.

sarahbarnes Sounds intriguing. Stacking. 8mo
56 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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JamieArc
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I finished this a month ago. And I put it as a blurb because I‘ve been thinking this whole time how to review it and I just can‘t figure it out! The title says it all. Strange things indeed. I feel like a lot passed over my head but I had to keep reading to figure out where the story was going to go. I can‘t say I‘m as enamored by Link as others seem to be, but I want to read more of her. #AuldLangSpine

JamieArc I really wish I had read this with others to talk about. Also, I really loved the Nancy Drew-ish cover. 8mo
sarahbarnes I like her short stories better than her novel. I liked Get in Trouble a lot. I‘m going to add this one to my list. 8mo
JamieArc @sarahbarnes Thanks for that rec. I will put it on my TBR. 8mo
Billypar Get in Trouble is probably my favorite too of the three I've read @sarahbarnes (I haven't read her novel yet). Her style is very unique and dreamy @JamieArc - when I finish one of her stories, I immediately wish I could discuss it! Definitely not for everyone though. My fav from Stranger Things is the opening story, Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose. 8mo
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JamieArc
FML #4 | Kelly Sue DeConnick
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Pickpick

If you‘re looking for a new comic to read, this one is fun. A group of friends make a band. A riot grrl mother. Strange goings-on. Apparently it‘s the year of the punk rock girl for me 🎸

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JamieArc
BookSpinBingo | Untitled
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I‘ve been a reading beast lately. I‘ve been patient and haven‘t peeked the numbers yet for March‘s #Bookspin list. Excited to find out what I‘ll be reading this month.

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JamieArc
Untitled | Untitled
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I couldn‘t resist doing this either! I‘m not sure about Blanche and Coffee Girl, but I very much identify with the top row and especially Audrey with a “What‘s going on…” face while eating a croissant. See @TheBookHippie ‘s post if you‘re curious about this 😊

TheBookHippie 😂♥️ the look on her face 😂 9mo
TheBookHippie My daughter got 4 Marilyn Monroe one powder puff girl and Audrey smoking 😂😵‍💫 9mo
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TheBookHippie @JamieArc she‘s like I‘m 35 should I be concerned -when did Marilyn die?!?!?! 9mo
TheKidUpstairs I got the top row, too! 9mo
TreenaReads Who doesn‘t want to be a Blanche? 😆(says me, a Dorothy) 9mo
JamieArc @Treena Reads I agree - I‘d like to be a Blanche, but I‘m totally a Dorothy! 9mo
48 likes7 comments
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JamieArc
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I feel like I‘ve been through more book slumps than normal in the past year or two. I do two things.
1. I read the first paragraph of like 5 different books that appeal to me and see if any of them immediately suck me in.
2. Graphic novels or middle grade reads that I can read quickly usually help a lot. Finishing something helps me get my reading mojo back.
#SundayFunday

BookmarkTavern Graphic novels are a great option! Thanks for posting! 9mo
Hanna-B Totally with you, hard to get going for me too 9mo
35 likes2 comments
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JamieArc
Iron Flame | Rebecca Yarros
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My office is exchanging Valentine cards today and this was from my supervisor. We were both reading Iron Flame at the same time. The poem made me smile and laugh - an essential for a long Friday work morning. It deserves to be shared 🌹💙 Please also note my Dewey‘s Dilemma book puzzle in the background 🤓

kspenmoll Great boss! 💖 9mo
dabbe 🩶🩷🩶 9mo
62 likes2 comments
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JamieArc
Convenience Store Woman | Sayaka Murata
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Pickpick

I have been curious about this book for a while and am glad I had an impetus to finally read this. What a great little book exploring the life of a neurodivergent person. A lot of great ideas were explored including what it means to live your best life in the space of societal expectations. I was surprised to find myself often tense, wanting the best for Keiko. Another great one for #AuldLangSpine. I continue to read the list as promised!

Billypar I was also on edge, hoping things would work out for her! It's a great character study - Keiko feels like a real person, not some kind of case study like she might be in a lesser novel. 9mo
Reggie The part where she couldn‘t hear the store anymore killed me. I felt so bad for her. 9mo
Cathythoughts Such a good , lovely book. ❤️ 9mo
sarahbarnes I‘ve been wanting to read this one. Great review. Stacking. 9mo
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JamieArc
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Pickpick

I finished this at the end of January completing 5 books from my #AuldLangSpine list. This was as great as expected and really interesting to explore loneliness through different lenses with art that complimented the text. I hope Radtke keeps her graphic novels coming.

TheBookHippie He has the best books on his list!!!! 9mo
JamieArc @TheBookHippie He really does! I‘ve enjoyed them because many were not even on my radar. 9mo
Billypar Glad you liked it! I do need to try another from Radtke given the amazing blend of artwork and exploration of a topic like loneliness. And I've enjoyed #AuldLangSpine so much, even if I need to extend it past January due to my reading pace, lol. I'm excited to have started the Brandi Carlisle memoir - I can tell from the first pages that this is an artist I need to know more about. 9mo
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Billypar @TheBookHippie I visited Northampton, MA recently, and i realized Amherst is nearby. So I definitely want to return in the spring to visit Dickinson's home: I still think about that book from your 2024 list on her gardening. With times we're in, it makes for good mental imagery to reduce anxiety! 9mo
JamieArc @Billypar I read the tagged some years ago. I don‘t remember liking it as much as this one but I want to revisit it because I think I might appreciate it more now. And no pressure to read more from my #ALS list! 9mo
TheBookHippie @Billypar I hope you get to visit it!!! Dark Times indeed. I‘ve been reading gardening books, art books and decor books for anxiety reduction🤪… I just keep remembering my grandma telling me you always must live in community and we will survive them. ♥️ 9mo
Billypar @JamieArc That was the one of hers I was thinking of picking up. I really like the title. 9mo
Billypar @TheBookHippie Those are some wise words from your grandma: really important to keep in mind now 🙏 9mo
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JamieArc
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If any of you don‘t know, @catiewithac is the most generous Litten. Thanks so much for this birthday package. It felt comforting/distracting after a terrible inaugural week. It was fun to open up every little thing - and I loved that the puzzle was from NPR/Invisibilia 😊. Lastly - great wrapping! (For those who can‘t see the little glass vial is matchsticks and says Burn Candles, Not Books)

dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 9mo
sarahbarnes Happy Birthday! ♥️ 9mo
AmyG Happy Birthday! 9mo
Mollyanna That is wonderful! Happy birthday 🎂 9mo
catiewithac I‘m so glad you liked it! Take care 🫂❤️ 9mo
49 likes5 comments
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JamieArc
BookSpinBingo | Untitled
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Excited to see what February‘s #Bookspin brings us!

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 9mo
42 likes1 comment
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JamieArc
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Pickpick

I continued my cathartic badass female trajectory with this one. I admit I knew little about Riot Grrl and nothing of Kathleen Hanna. I really appreciated learning about this corner of punk/feminism. While it was hard to follow her life‘s story, I really appreciated her growth and willingness to examine herself and create a life that made her feel best. I will be listening to Bikini Kill, Le Tigre, & the Julie Ruin nonstop the week. #AuldLangSpine

JamieArc @Billypar Thanks again for introducing me to books that were not on my radar but were really great. This will be the last for January but I definitely will keep reading your list. I started to check out Questlove‘s episode with her and look forward to making time for the whole thing. 10mo
monalyisha It was neat to see all your reviews back-to-back like that (and to get a glimpse of a list I almost snagged but didn‘t)! Thanks for the fun. 💖 (edited) 10mo
JamieArc @monalyisha It was a great list. I‘m looking forward to continuing it. 10mo
Billypar What a wild life, right? She had to fight a ton of adversity to get to where she did. Glad you enjoyed the list! I'll be getting one more review in for January and then getting to a couple more next month 🙂 10mo
62 likes3 stack adds4 comments
review
JamieArc
The Change: A Novel | Kirsten Miller
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Pickpick

One of those books where I want to say “why did I wait so long to read this” but I actually read it at the exact right time. I read this to revisit an #AuldLangSpine list from a couple years ago. 3 women of menopausal age have powers and give some terrible men their comeuppance. Nonviolence is a strong value of mine but this just felt good to read, especially this last week.

monalyisha YES. 10mo
Julsmarshall I loved this and agree on all counts! 10mo
JamieArc Also, I‘ve been recommending this book left and right this week! 10mo
5feet.of.fury This is one of my faves. 10mo
ferskner I don't get why this book didn't take off like crazy. It's so good and satisfying! 10mo
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JamieArc
Passion | Jeanette Winterson
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Pickpick

France and Italy. War and love. Passion and obsession. Storytelling and fact. A fever dream of a book. What's not to love? Winterson goes such an interesting direction with this historical fiction book that takes place during the Napoleonic wars. She uses a unique voice that I would never associate with a story part war, and characters just as unique. I think I will be thinking about this book for a long time. #ALSpine #AuldLangSpine

monalyisha Great review! 10mo
Billypar Glad you liked it! I love how it starts as a strange sort of war story that picks up fantasy aspects as it goes. And I will be forever haunted by the gambler story told by Villanelle 😨😨😨 10mo
Freespirit Oh I have put this on my list to read!! 10mo
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JamieArc
Butter: Roman | Asako Yuzuki
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Mehso-so

Remember when we read Butter for Camp Litsy? Yeah. I‘ve been reading it ever since. I just couldn‘t bail. I loved the concept, but I had a really hard time with other aspects. The translation felt off to me. And I think there are probably cultural differences that kept me being able to get over some things. The views of weight for one. The one highlight: discovering that rice with butter and soy sauce is so good! Between so-so and pan.

Ruthiella Fair. I struggled with this one also. 10mo
TheBookHippie I bailed. Also butter is the answer for every dish 🤣🙃. 10mo
Prairiegirl_reading I really liked it but it did go off the rails. And yes butter makes everything better! 😂 10mo
See All 8 Comments
Deblovestoread I bailed but was happy it introduced me to rice with butter and soy sauce. Was surprised by how yummy it was. 10mo
BarbaraBB Kudos for finishing it! I kind of liked it for it being so incredibly Japanese and for the recipes of course! 10mo
willaful Huh! I love rice with butter and I love rice with soy sauce, but I've never thought to combine them.

I also bailed.
10mo
squirrelbrain Gosh! Well done for persevering! 10mo
Suet624 I made so many bowls of rice with butter and soy sauce during and after reading this book. 10mo
61 likes8 comments
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JamieArc
City of Clowns | Daniel Alarcon
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Pickpick

I‘m so glad you put graphic novels on your list, @Billypar I love them but it‘s been awhile. I was surprised to find this was fiction. Weaving together the narrator‘s life growing up with his current work as a journalist, this is a compelling story. I do wish there were more about the clowns - it felt there was more to their story. I found the art really interesting and took a lot of time examining them. Overall a great choice! #AuldLangSpine

Billypar Glad you enjoyed it! I often forget to pick up graphic novels. I found this one by going to the library and trying different options until I came to my favorite artwork. Alvarado's illustrations won - I was drawn in instantly. 10mo
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JamieArc
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Christine! Thank you so much for this! It‘s very kind of you ❤️ It just came and I thought, “Oh no. What book did I order and forget about?” 😂😂. This will be a great one to turn to this year when some hope is needed. Happy New Year to you!

TheBookHippie ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️😘 I thought you may need a pick me up ♥️& a birthday treat. 10mo
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JamieArc
Passion | Jeanette Winterson
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I love my chill Saturday coffee shop time. Next up for #AuldLangSpine is the tagged book. The writing style so far is great.

Billypar Nice! This might be my favorite read of 2024 🫀 Right now, I'm still loving Tom Lake on audio, and I just started Safekeep, which has a very intriguing opening setup. Seems like disaster is unavoidable 🫣 10mo
monalyisha Absolutely love that cover art! 10mo
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JamieArc
Castle | J. Robert Lennon
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Pickpick

This was my first from @Billypar #ALSpine list and it was a great first read of 2025. I won‘t say much about it. Knowing less going in is more. Really atmospheric modern gothic psychological thriller. Foreboding and tension. The story unfurls in a masterful way. At halfway through I couldn‘t put it down. This book is about a lot of interesting things and makes you think but that would give some things away. Check Vinny‘s great review for more!

JamieArc Check trigger warnings if you have any. This story gets a bit dark. 10mo
JamieArc Photo of mine taken at Musée d‘Orsay because I love it ? 10mo
BkClubCare Great pic 10mo
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BarbaraBB I loved this one too. So atmospheric! 10mo
JamieArc @BkClubCare Thanks! 10mo
JamieArc @BarbaraBB I do love an atmospheric read! 10mo
Billypar It sounds like you liked it as much as I did! 🙂 Definitely one to go in blind on. Which is true for me and Tom Lake - for all the attention it got, I realized I actually knew zero about the plot. I just started it today after finishing a holdover from 2024, but I'm already hooked. 10mo
Billypar If you're interested, below is the podcast episode with Lennon that first introduced me to him. @BarbaraBB I can't remember if I already shared this with you? https://open.spotify.com/episode/4G0fISU2x6iD8h0V7M0asn?si=zg2puYAgSLaD2rreu8q_a... 10mo
JamieArc @Billypar Thanks - I‘ll check it out. I‘m from Michigan and Tom Lake reps MI well. I vacation where it takes place and that‘s probably part of why I liked it. Glad you are liking it too! I hadn‘t heard of Lennon and probably wouldn‘t have read this, so I‘m really glad it was on your list. I plan to read more so if you or @BarbaraBB have recs, send them my way! 10mo
BarbaraBB @Billypar No you didn‘t. Thank you so much, I will certainly listen to it. 10mo
BarbaraBB Jamie, I loved the tagged one and it made me want to read all of his backlist. All his books are completely different but you can‘t go wrong I think . 10mo
Billypar I also read Subdivision first, and it's the only other one I've read so far, but I certainly plan to read more. It is a very different novel, but I liked it even more than Castle (it's even stranger if you can believe that, lol). 10mo
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JamieArc
Castle | J. Robert Lennon
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Having a very peaceful 1st day of the year with my first #AuldLangSpine book of the year.

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JamieArc
Passion | Jeanette Winterson
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January #Bookspin List! Featuring mostly #AuldLangSpine books, both past and present. Thanks, Sarah, for hosting this for another year. I love a low-key challenge like this. Looking forward to another great reading year 🥂📚

TheKidUpstairs Hamnet is possibly my top book of the last five years. And I'm listening to Rebel Girl right now, the audio is excellent! 11mo
CoffeeK8 Hammer is on my list as well 11mo
5feet.of.fury The Change 💜 11mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 11mo
JamieArc 3,17 10mo
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JamieArc
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I‘ve curated my January choices from @Billypar ‘s #ALSpine list, and I‘m looking forward to having a great reading month. As always, I will most likely not read all of these (though with a few graphic novels, maybe I will), but will endeavor to keep reading them throughout the year. Happy New Year to you, Vinny (name taken from your Litsy profile 😊)!

yourfavouritemixtape Kathleen Hannah 11mo
JamieArc @yourfavouritemixtape Really looking forward to that one! 11mo
sarahbarnes I really want to read that Lennon! 11mo
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JamieArc @sarahbarnes When I started reading first paragraphs to decide which to read first, that‘s the one I didn‘t want to stop reading! 11mo
sarahbarnes 🤩🤩🤩 11mo
Billypar Happy New Year, Jamie! Glad you got your picks together: this is a great stack. The Lennon was definitely tough to put down - good choice to kick off the new year. Happy reading in 2025! 11mo
kspenmoll Great stack!!! 10mo
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JamieArc
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Pickpick

I forget how fun it is to get so engrossed in a story that you don‘t put it down until it is finished. Short chapters work well for me in that way too. If you‘re looking for another book to sneak in before the new year, this is a good choice. Loved the Knives Out/Rom Com with great female characters. I too would read another with this couple.

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JamieArc
Winter Solstice | Rosamunde Pilcher
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It‘s the most wonderful time of the year! Jolabokaflod of course 😊. A happy night of reading to you all 📚

TheBookHippie Happy chocolate & books to you! ♥️🍫📚 11mo
catiewithac Happy hygge holiday! 11mo
dabbe Happiest of holidays. 💙❄️💙 11mo
44 likes3 comments
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JamieArc
Let It Glow | Marissa Meyer, Joanne Levy
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Great choice of book, @Jadams89 🎄🕎. I was trying very hard to resist buying this in case I received it and I‘m so glad I did 😂. I hope you have a wonderful evening celebrating Jolabokaflod 📚 Thanks again @MaleficentBookDragon for hosting the #Jolabokaflodswap ❤️

MaleficentBookDragon Happy Jólabókaflóð! That cover os so cute. 11mo
JamieArc @MaleficentBookDragon Isn‘t it? I‘m a sucker for a good cover. 11mo
MaleficentBookDragon @JamieArc Me too. I have a shelf on Goodreads devoted to book covers I like that sucked me in. 11mo
JamieArc @MaleficentBookDragon That is a great idea! 11mo
57 likes4 comments