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laurenm

laurenm

Joined April 2016

books are like oxygen
review
laurenm
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Pickpick

This is a review about the audiobook. I didn't know anything about Beryl Markham before I started reading this book. She is a remarkable woman, and the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic from east to west. This is one of those audiobooks that I almost wished I was reading instead. There are so many gorgeous, descriptive passages about Africa in the 1920's. This book made me want to read Markham's memoir West with the Night. Read it?

26 likes1 stack add
review
laurenm
Crazy Rich Asians | Kevin Kwan
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Pickpick

I loved this audiobook! It was a perfect bedtime listen. I occasionally grab an US Weekly or People at the check-out as a guilty pleasure....same pleasure here! And just as I was starting to get a bit tired of the superficiality of a lot of the characters (not until about 3/4 through) the author delivered with a pretty deep, satisfying ending. I started a new audiobook tonight, and I am missing this book already. Sequel please!

BookishMarginalia Both books are lots of fun, though I do prefer the first 8y
laurenm @Ebooksandcooks Thanks for telling me!! 8y
21 likes2 stack adds3 comments
blurb
laurenm
Crazy Rich Asians | Kevin Kwan
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Just started listening to this one on audio. I need to keep it real light for bedtime listening, and this fits the bill! A humorous and fascinating peek into Asian cultures and the lives of the super wealthy. Looking forward to getting back to it tonight. 💤

SusanInTiburon I found this an ideal beach read. 8y
ramyasbookshelf I want to read this one. 8y
Librarylady I loved this one. I'm curious to see how it works for you on audio. Lots of characters to keep track of. My audio skills aren't so good so I know I would get confused. 8y
37 likes4 stack adds3 comments
review
laurenm
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Pickpick

I listened to this on audio and really enjoyed it. Solid narration. The character of 9-year old Frank stole my heart. He will steal yours too. Promise. 💜

jessdean I love knowing when books are good to listen to! 8y
laurenm @jessdean me too! good narration is so important. 8y
21 likes2 comments
blurb
laurenm
The Husband's Secret | Liane Moriarty
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Traded The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry for The Husband's Secret. Love my neighbor's little free library. 💜 I want one in my front yard too.

mauveandrosysky What a cool idea! 8y
Cynbalch Wish we had little free libraries in our area of New Mexico. 8y
LiteraryinLawrence I was just thinking about starting one! Sounds like your neighbor's LFL has some great options. :) 8y
natshell What a great idea! 8y
laurenm @mauveandrosysky @Cynbalch @LiteraryinLititz @natshell They are so great, right? I want one too! 8y
38 likes2 stack adds5 comments
blurb
laurenm
The Muralist: A Novel | B. A. Shapiro
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This one seems to have it all - mystery, art, politics, history...In 1940's New York a young artist disappears. 70 years later, her great-niece pieces together the truth about her disappearance. I've also heard good things about the author's book The Art Forger but haven't read it.

MrBook Sounds good! 8y
laurenm @Well-ReadNeck @MrBook Just starting Ch 3 and hooked... 8y
LDavisMunro It does sound like it has it all! 8y
25 likes7 stack adds4 comments
blurb
laurenm
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26 likes1 stack add
review
laurenm
The Tilted World: A Novel | Tom Franklin, Beth Ann Fennelly
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Pickpick

This was a very enjoyable read. The story takes place around the time of prohibition and the great Mississippi flood of 1927. I adored the main character, Dixie Clay. This is a tale of bootleggers, moonshine, saboteurs, revenuers, and unexpected love.

BookBabe Oooh, sounds awesome! 🍸 8y
25 likes5 stack adds1 comment
blurb
laurenm
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This is an inspiring collection of interviews from the Storycorps project on the theme of finding meaning in work. I'm setting a new goal of reading one non-fiction book each month from my TBR list.

jessdean Sounds like a great goal! 8y
laurenm @jessdean Thanks! I think so too. Care to join me? 😉 8y
jessdean Haha, I wish! I finally stopped putting expectations on my reading. I read only what I want to read & allow myself to bail on a book if I feel so compelled😉 but I'll watch out for what u read, it'll prob end up on my TBR😊 8y
laurenm @jessdean Love your attitude! 👍 8y
17 likes1 stack add4 comments
blurb
laurenm
Be Frank With Me: A Novel | Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Next up on audio...

21 likes2 stack adds
review
laurenm
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Mehso-so

I'm torn between "pick" and "so-so". I was prepared to give it a great review, until the end. The story line with Sue Lin completely fell apart for me, and things got really far-fetched. For the first 80%, I'll give it one thumb up - light and entertaining. ? Great narration on the audio!

minkyb Appreciate this feedback! 8y
26 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
laurenm
The Tilted World: A Novel | Tom Franklin, Beth Ann Fennelly
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The cat's all cuckoo tonight. Maybe that's a sign that this book will be really good. 😺🔮

review
laurenm
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Bailedbailed

I tried. I really did. Read 6 out of the 9 stories. If you like magical realism, you'll probably really like this collection. Not for me though. Movin' on...

Chessa I liked it overall, but it took me forrrrrrrever to read. And I straight up hated a few stories. 8y
itsbrb Really?! Was looking forward to reading this one! 8y
BookishFeminist @itsbrb Don't let it turn you off--Kelly Link is great but bc of her style, she isn't for everyone. I loved this collection. 8y
See All 9 Comments
laurenm @itsbrb....I think it's purely a matter of taste. As you can see, some people liked it. I'd suggest getting it at the library if you do decide to read it. 8y
Megabooks @itsbrb I enjoyed all but two stories. It's a good collection if you're into or interested in MR. 8y
lpassell Totally agree with @laurenm. I found myself feeling guilty for quitting midway through (it SOUNDED so promising, was I SURE I didn't like it?) but I was like, "this is probably good but it isn't for me." 8y
Haweller Life is just to short to read books that don't speak to you. 8y
MrBook This cover works. It works really well 😊. 8y
19 likes1 stack add9 comments
blurb
laurenm
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Picked up "The Boys in the Boat" at this place - The Bookstore and Get Lit Wine Bar. ??? A friend told me it's a great read.

affyfe Where is this wonderful place?? 8y
BookishFeminist I second @affyfe. This looks wonderful! 8y
laurenm @affyfe & @BookishFeminist It's in Lenox, MA - the Berkshires. The owner is awesome. It's been there a really long time. 💜 8y
See All 6 Comments
BookishFeminist @laurenm Thanks! Going on my list of places to go one day. 8y
marixa Seems like such a cool place! 8y
27 likes1 stack add6 comments
quote
laurenm
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Bernadette, on her anxiety..."I'm lying in bed when the thumping arrives like a foreign invader...it enters my body and releases adrenaline, like a black hole that sucks up any benign thoughts that might be scrolling across my brain and attaches visceral panic to them."

Kllsunshine22 Loved this book! 8y
AKinderman So good! 8y
31 likes6 stack adds2 comments
review
laurenm
Gratitude | Oliver Sacks
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Pickpick

Necessary.

24 likes1 stack add
blurb
laurenm
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Next up - this collection of short stories recommended by my local indie bookseller. From the back cover..."This is art that re-enchants the world. Who needs tediously believable situations? Give us magic; give us wonder." - The Washington Post

22 likes2 stack adds
quote
laurenm
Gratitude | Oliver Sacks
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"I do not think of old age as an ever grimmer time that one must somehow endure and make the best of, but as a time of leisure and freedom, freed from the factitious urgencies of earlier days, free to explore whatever I wish, and to bind the thoughts and feelings of a lifetime together."

mauveandrosysky I ❤️ him 8y
23 likes3 stack adds1 comment
review
laurenm
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Pickpick

Munro perfectly captures the emotional journey of Del Jordan during her transition from girlhood to womanhood. Although it takes place in rural Ontario in the 1940's, I could relate to her experiences of friendship, sexuality, self-discovery, first-love, and to her relationship with her mother.

20 likes2 stack adds
blurb
laurenm
Acts of God | Ellen Gilchrist
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You know she's a good friend when, for your birthday gift, she checks out your TBR list on good reads. 💜

CherylDeFranceschi Happy Birthday! 8y
16 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
laurenm
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Pickpick

Do you want to feel empowered, confident, less anxious, happier? Strike a pose! A power pose, that is. Apparently, our body language has a HUGE impact on our thoughts and emotions. Curious? Check out her TED talk: https://www.ted.com/talks amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are?language=en

SusanInTiburon Mmmmmaybe ... 8y
Megabooks I meant to do this before my job interview and forgot! 8y
laurenm @Ebooksandcooks Hope the interview still went well! I'm really inspired to try power posing having read this book. So much interesting research to support it... 8y
18 likes1 stack add3 comments
quote
laurenm
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Megabooks Yes! 8y
21 likes1 comment
quote
laurenm
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"We do not need to tell women to be like men. But we do need to encourage girls not to be afraid to express their personal power...you deserve to adopt open, comfortable postures and take up your fair share of space regardless of your gender." ?

16 likes1 stack add
blurb
laurenm
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Yay! I can participate in Fun Friday. On vacay and only brought a few books (7 to be exact), and I just started this one. Thanks Ange44 for mentioning in your post that Alice Munro is Canadian! 😊 Happy Canada Day!

shawnmooney This is her only novel, and quite early in her career. It's great! Her style and literary technique evolved a lot later on and I encourage you to someday read some of her later stuff too! 8y
laurenm @shawnmooney Thanks, I didn't realize it was an earlier book. I will definitely read more of her writing. What is your favorite work of hers? 8y
16 likes2 stack adds2 comments
blurb
laurenm
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Love that feeling of anticipation while a new audiobook is downloading! Think I'll climb into bed and get started...🛌

Chessa I enjoyed this audio SO much! 8y
laurenm @Chessa SO good, right? 8y
Chessa I laughed out loud through the whole thing!!! She nails Seattle. 8y
22 likes3 stack adds3 comments
review
laurenm
The Turner House | Angela Flournoy
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Pickpick

This was such an enjoyable listen. Wonderful narration. I'm amazed at how one person can play so many characters and pull it off. I'm going to miss the Turner clan now that it's over. 😢

itsbrb Can't wait to read this one! Maybe I will try it in audio, as well! 8y
laurenm @itsbrb Definitely give the audio a try! 8y
22 likes3 stack adds2 comments
review
laurenm
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Pickpick

Real. Powerful. Intense. Important. Devastating. I bow down to Lilith and all the night women.

ramyasbookshelf Have you read his 'brief history of seven killings'?? 8y
laurenm @ramyasbookshelf I haven't read it, but I want to now. Do you recommend it? 8y
ramyasbookshelf @laurenm I haven't either but I have both books and can't decide which one to read first :) 8y
laurenm @ramyasbookshelf Tough call, but I don't think you can go wrong either way - not with this author. 8y
LyndseyReads Yeah, this one is sooo good. 8y
21 likes3 stack adds5 comments
review
laurenm
The Boston Girl | Anita Diamant
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Pickpick

A thoroughly enjoyable read...for when you're in the mood for something a little on the lighter side.

18 likes4 stack adds
blurb
laurenm
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Picked this up on the Staff Favorites table at Three Lives books in NYC. It's the story of Lilith, a Jamaican slave woman.

denise My favorite bookstore :) 8y
LyndseyReads I'll be reading this soon! It's my book club's next pick. 8y
laurenm @denise It is? Not surprised. I just stumbled upon it. I'll definitely be back. 8y
laurenm @LyndseyReads You may get to it before I do so I'll look forward to hearing what you think. 8y
14 likes3 stack adds4 comments
blurb
laurenm
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No trip to NYC would be complete without a trip to the Strand. Think I recall Simon and Thomas of the Readers talking about Alice Munro. Something tells me I'm late to the party...

OSChamberlain Went there for the first time in December. It was overwhelming and breathtaking. I wish I worked there 😩 8y
laurenm @OSChamberlain It's pretty magical. 🦄 8y
shawnmooney Never too late to discover Alice! 8y
See All 7 Comments
laurenm @shawnmooney So I was right. 😉 Looking forward to being introduced to her... 8y
minkyb Love the Strand. So glad the bus was late so we could meet and talk books! 8y
laurenm Me too!! So glad we're book buddies now. 8y
laurenm @minkyb that last comment was for you! 8y
19 likes1 stack add7 comments
blurb
laurenm
The Boston Girl | Anita Diamant
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Next up...The Boston Girl. That's me. 😉Funny how the colors in this book cover perfectly match the bedspread in this hotel room. Not sure the photo does it justice.

giveitupforlentmom One of my favorite books I read last year!!! Still trying to replace it! 8y
laurenm @giveitupforlentmom Great to know! 8y
minkyb Enjoyed this. A quick read. 8y
laurenm @minkyb Ha! I'm reading this one right now several rows behind you on the bus. 😀 8y
13 likes2 stack adds4 comments
review
laurenm
Blood on Snow | Jo Nesbo
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Mehso-so

Not impressed. I recall liking some of his other novels so much more.

melrailey I agree. I listened to this two weeks ago and it didn't capture anything like the Harry Hole novels did. 8y
laurenm @melrailey Exactly. 8y
minkyb I agree it is not Harry Hole but there was something beautiful about the setting. And I admit to liking Ulf. 8y
laurenm @minkyb I know what you mean. He is likeable, for an assassin. 😉 8y
6 likes1 stack add4 comments
blurb
laurenm
The Turner House | Angela Flournoy
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Searching for my next audiobook, I remembered Ann Kingman from the BOTNS podcast saying how much she enjoyed this one. Hope I do too!

itsbrb Love that podcast! 8y
laurenm @itsbrb I do too. Sad it's ending. 😢 8y
Cynbalch Loved this audio. 8y
See All 6 Comments
laurenm @Cynbalch I am enjoying it immensely so far. 8y
minkyb This was a wonderful book. 8y
laurenm @minkyb I'm loving the audio. Takes me forever to get through audio books cuz I only listen before bed. 💤💤💤 8y
16 likes5 stack adds6 comments
review
laurenm
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Mehso-so

I expected more from this one. The storytelling fell flat at times, and I didn't feel any emotional investment in the characters. The story in it's essence is moving, but how it's written doesn't do it justice.

CouchCrewChief I hate when authors get in the way of good books. 8y
laurenm @CouchCrewChief Well said. 8y
4 likes2 comments
blurb
laurenm
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Just saw the movie "The Winding Stream: The Carter's, the Cashes and the Course of Country Music" ??. I hadn't realized how much this family influenced the trajectory of country, folk and bluegrass music - an interesting slice of American history...can't wait to learn more...

review
laurenm
East of the Mountains | David Guterson
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Pickpick

The main character has decided to hike into the mountains and commit suicide to spare himself and his family the pain of his imminent death from cancer. The descriptions of the country in Washington state, his encounters with others, and his insights along his journey are beautiful and poignant.

14 likes2 stack adds
review
laurenm
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Pickpick

In a NY Times review of one of Ellen Gilchrist's more recent books, the reviewer wrote "Her style can be an acquired taste. If I were you I'd acquire it." I agree. This is an enjoyable collection of short stories.

pageturnersnook That looks like an amazing reading corner 8y
laurenm @lauraturner It was! Not my house though. I was at an inn. 😊 8y
11 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
laurenm
Blood on Snow | Jo Nesbo
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Rough day at work, so I did some book shopping therapy at lunch time. This should do the trick. #lovemesomejonesbo

8 likes2 stack adds
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laurenm
Medicine Walk | Richard Wagamese
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Just downloaded...The reader reviews that convinced me: "I recommend this book to those of us who enjoy Native American stories and realistic fiction." And "Characters you can really care about." ?

review
laurenm
Doc | Mary Doria Russell
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Pickpick

This is a review of the audio book. I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction about the American West. The storytelling drew me in night after night. I enjoyed listening to all 16 hours. Really good narration. Can't wait to start the sequel, Epitaph.

DMorgan I loved the narrator as well. He also does the first story in The Ancient Minstrel by Jim Harrison to great effect. 8y
16 likes3 stack adds1 comment
quote
laurenm
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"I don't buy group guilt. Or any of that politically correct bullshit. Most of the people in the world are doing the best they can with whatever knowledge they have managed to attain or been fed by whatever myths they were raised under." Amen.

blurb
laurenm
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Just looking over my pre-Litsy "Read" list from earlier this year. This is one of my favorites - maybe of all time. It's a moving and quietly beautiful story about what it means to love as we grow old. Simply beautiful. I listened to the audio version. Highly recommend it.

SarahK I loved this book so much! 8y
Cobscook I loved it as well. So different from my normal reads and I loved the perspectives of older people. 8y
15 likes8 stack adds2 comments
blurb
laurenm
East of the Mountains | David Guterson
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Another used bookstore find. From the author of "Snow Falling on Cedars". The main character has terminal colon cancer. "Accompanied by his two hunting dogs, he sets out through the American West - sage deserts, yawning canyons, dusty ranches, vast orchards - on his last hunt."

9 likes1 stack add
blurb
laurenm
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I can't resist a used book store. Especially when I happen to stumble upon it while visiting a quaint little New England seaside town. This collection of stories about "passionate women who live well", and the sound of the waves are keeping me company this evening. ?

review
laurenm
El Deafo | Cece Bell
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Pickpick

What a lovely introduction to graphic novels! This was an honest, authentic account of how the author experienced growing up deaf. I chuckled out loud more than once. Really well done. I will definitely be reading more graphic novels.

itsbrb Glad you liked it! I actually want to have this one on the shelves for when we have kids one day. 8y
laurenm @itsbrb I really did! I found myself thinking about who I could pass this on to next. It's a great read for adults and kids. Think my next graphic novel will be Lumberjanes. 8y
itsbrb I keep hearing about that one! I will have to look for it! 8y
14 likes3 stack adds3 comments
blurb
laurenm
El Deafo | Cece Bell
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If it wasn't for the Litsy reviews, I wouldn't have considered reading a graphic novel. There is a graphic novel store right in my neighborhood and I've never gone in, until today! The owner recommended El Deafo, a memoir about growing up deaf. Feels like a new adventure...

itsbrb I loved this one! Just started recently with graphic novels and I'm surprised at how much I enjoy them. 8y
laurenm @itsbrb Good to know! I'm surprised I bought it, but I'm keeping a completely open mind. 😊 8y
11 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
laurenm
Girl on the Train | Paula Hawkins
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Mehso-so

This book fulfilled my desire to read something absorbing. I wanted to keep reading and reading to find out what happened. The ending was pretty weak though. Overall, it's a quick, easy, fairly entertaining read.

anwade88 I felt exactly the same about this one! 8y
Haweller But the characters are so totally unlikable and masters of their own pain. 8y
15 likes8 stack adds2 comments
blurb
laurenm
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Realizing I really need a page-turner I can get absorbed in. Hope this one fits the bill...

DMorgan The audiobook performance just won an Audie Award. 8y
Jstelmach Really enjoyed the audiobook. 8y
CoronationCorgi I agree, the audio was excellent. 8y
laurenm @Jstelmach & @CoronationCorgi I opted to read this one instead of listening to the audio. I'm hooked so far - about halfway through. Looking forward to the movie! 8y
15 likes8 stack adds4 comments
review
laurenm
Lila: A Novel | Marilynne Robinson
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Mehso-so

I almost bailed on this one, but I managed to hang in there. While some of the writing was beautiful and poetic, I felt like the author was writing in circles - saying the same things only slightly differently throughout the whole book. Loved Housekeeping, but Lila, not so much.

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laurenm
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Lunch break. Switching it up with a little non-fiction. I heard Gretchen Rubin speak about creating habits, and it inspired me to get her book.

ramyasbookshelf Have your read her first book ? 8y
laurenm @ramyasbookshelf I haven't read it. Do you recommend it? 8y
ramyasbookshelf Huge topic for debate @laurenm I bailed out after reading about 60% of the book.. But it's a super hit phenomenon and many folks are crazy about it and her.. 8y
laurenm @ramyasbookshelf That book didn't appeal to me really. However, I'm interested in the subject of habit-making/goal setting/behavior change both personally and professionally. Will write up a review of this one when I finish! 8y
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