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szainabwilliams

szainabwilliamsVerified

Joined February 2016

Book Riot Contributing Editor. Fairy tales forever.
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szainabwilliams
Fortune Teller | Gwendolyn Womack
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There's a giveaway for this one over at @bookriot - http://bit.ly/2rgdkCa. It seems the perfect sort of book for this chilly gray summer day.

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szainabwilliams
Exit West: A Novel | Mohsin Hamid
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Pickpick

I've been reading (and DNF'ing) so many duds lately, but THIS book. It reads like an instant classic. Allegorical and ancient, of-the-moment and heartfelt. I gobbled it up in the span of a day. An important and unforgettable read. Powerfully magical.

BellaBookNook Oh I'm so ready to read this. I just need to finish my current reads. 7y
ruthemmielang I'm halfway through and it's got me hooked! 7y
25 likes2 comments
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szainabwilliams
Spaceman of Bohemia | Jaroslav Kalfar
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#NowReading Literary Sci-Fi (?) with a Czech/Prague/Space setting and a spider with Rocky Horror lips; it's a delight so far. AND today's the last day to enter the giveaway for the book on @bookriot http://bookriot.com/2017/03/11/weekend-giveaway-spaceman-bohemia/ #spidersinspaaaaaace

21 likes3 stack adds
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szainabwilliams
Marlena | Julie Buntin
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#Bookmail 📮featuring some compelling jacket blurbs, including one from my precious Lorrie Moore.

16 likes1 stack add
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szainabwilliams
Titus Groan | Mervyn Peake
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The Addams Family meets Downton Abbey meets Edward Gorey...meets Monty Python. Simon Vance is a new favorite narrator. #Recommendsday

22 likes2 stack adds
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szainabwilliams
The Bone Witch | Rin Chupeco
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Happy #bookbirthday to THE BONE WITCH by Rin Chupeco!

21 likes2 stack adds
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szainabwilliams
Lincoln in the Bardo | George Saunders
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What a strange strange book. Even my crazed imagination had a little difficulty keeping up. I listened to the audiobook and wasn't sure how so many narrators (166!) would work for my personal reading experience, but in this very special case, it totally did. Lovers of the surreal, the historical, and stark macabre come and get it.

janeycanuck I struggled with the audio. I ended up restarting it about 1/3 of the way through because I wasn't following who was who. (edited) 7y
szainabwilliams @janeycanuck I had to decide I didn't care who was who save the main characters (once I figured out who they were). The rest became atmosphere. It worked for me, but I can absolutely see the experience as migraine inducing. 7y
18 likes1 stack add2 comments
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szainabwilliams
Homegoing: A novel | Yaa Gyasi
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Been kind of ambivalent about social lately...but not about audiobooks! I've been tearing through them. Homegoing was my most recent. And man did it redefine EPIC for me. This book is everything. I have never felt so emotionally satisfied and so torn up. Homegoing is a world apart from anything else I've read recently. Debut novel?!

mllemay I felt the same way when I read it last summer. It's incredible! 7y
szainabwilliams @mllemay I'm so glad the hype was real. 7y
22 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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szainabwilliams
Caraval | Stephanie Garber
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I got this book by 💌 yesterday. THAT COVER THO. Here's the Book Riot giveaway link in case you want a swing at winning it! http://bookriot.com/2017/02/01/giveaway-caraval-stephanie-garber/

18 likes1 stack add
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szainabwilliams
Bright Lines: A Novel | Tanwi Nandini Islam
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My #RiotGrams #shelfie is my reminder to buy more bookshelves (and find room for them).

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szainabwilliams
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Currently reading. I know I know. How did I manage to wait this long? It's a skill I like to call spaciness.

thegirlwiththelibrarybag I've yet to start (and I preordered) enjoy! 7y
Jeanette @thegirlwiththelibrarybag I preordered too and I'm under 100 pages in. I think I just don't want to be done. 7y
thegirlwiththelibrarybag I hate waiting for the next instalment 7y
19 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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"This book is my book." Tabitha is all about feminism. BEST #bookmail, edited by the lovely @Kelly Jensen of @bookriot !!

Kelly Oh a finished copy too!!! 7y
szainabwilliams It's a beaut! 7y
24 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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szainabwilliams
The Prey of Gods | Nicky Drayden
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I am officially INVOLVED.

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szainabwilliams
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Pickpick

My first Tamora Pierce! Alanna is fearless, no-nonsense, and so refreshing. Pre-teen me, up to her neck in tropey 80s/90s fantasy would have been shocked and delighted by ALANNA. Adult me continues to appreciate YA sans romance and fearless girl MCs who know what they want and do what they want. This book went by in no time.

17 likes1 stack add
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szainabwilliams
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Pickpick

Between the terrible acne, spousal abuse in the family, and the way the justice system treated his mother, Noah's memoir dredged up a lot of bad memories, but I was all ears. I didn't know much about the author other than his Daily Show hosting, and a few sentences about the book from podcasts, but I don't regret coming to his story mostly fresh and hearing it from him.

Notafraidofwords I get mad every time I think about the justice system and what they did to his mother. 7y
Tammi I loved this! The Hitler anecdote is one of the funniest things I've ever read 😂 7y
szainabwilliams @Tammi OMG I laughed so hard. 7y
33 likes1 stack add4 comments
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szainabwilliams
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Pickpick

Epic and painful. I braced myself and finally read the book. It was as amazing and timely as everyone said, and I'm glad I squeezed it into 2016.

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#Bookmail! The first installment of what is described as a witty new feminist fiction series inspired by the true story of Essex healer Ursula Kemp.

19 likes2 stack adds
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szainabwilliams
Laurus | Eugene Vodolazkin
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🎄🎄🎄 books books books! I have a weakness for gorgeous covers and don't my friends know it. For your consideration, a Russian historical fiction in translation, and a Woolf bio. And a coffee.

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szainabwilliams
The Bone Witch | Rin Chupeco
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Best book dedication.

23 likes1 stack add
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szainabwilliams
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I lost control and now I have a bunch of ARCs to get through.

Matilda Excellent!!!!! I'm dying to reading Waking Gods but I loved the 1st on audiobook so am testing myself to see how patient I can be lol 7y
szainabwilliams @Matilda I loved the audiobook too and did consider waiting, but I obviously fail the patience game. 😆 7y
kdwinchester Me. Too. 😳 7y
Matilda 😂 I will probably soon join you! 7y
Bibliosa Kindred in Graphic novel!! I'm so jealous. 7y
25 likes3 stack adds5 comments
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szainabwilliams
The Shepherd's Crown | Terry Pratchett
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Pickpick

I'm done. It's over. I have a lump in my throat and I feel a bit lost. I usually say you can read a Discworld book in any order, but save this for the middle. It's the right sort of goodbye, and a call to read on.

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szainabwilliams
A City Dreaming | Daniel Polansky
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This book is completely mad and I cannot look away.

11 likes1 stack add
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szainabwilliams
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Pickpick

Lycanthropy enthusiasts unite! What a fun read. This put me in mind of a sort of YA Ghost World meets Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (not just bc I love that movie). A really enjoyable read, def one for older Harriet the Spy fans.

Sourcebooks Love this picture! Thanks for sharing! 7y
21 likes4 stack adds1 comment
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szainabwilliams
Sleeping Giants | Sylvain Neuvel
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Pickpick

Mulder and Scully would have a field day. I rocketed (looool terrible) through this book. It was framed in a really interesting format with files/documents creating the narrative, which complemented its geopolitical sci-fi intrigue slant. I'm sure I'll pick up the next book.

Matilda So good and fun! 7y
24 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Roads & Kingdoms #bookmail from @HarperCollins !! And it just so happens I love Spanish cuisine.

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szainabwilliams
I Shall Wear Midnight | Terry Pratchett
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Pickpick

Comic fantasy joy! Tiffany knows how to take care of herself, the needy and ailing, and even the impossible Nac Mac Feegle. But when an evil blows into town, inspiring fear and hatred of witches in the very people she's dedicated her life to helping, sassy britches Tiffany decides it's time to level up again. Only one more of these to go--happens to be Pratchett's final book. 😭😭

22 likes2 stack adds
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szainabwilliams
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My new profile. #cookiesandmilk

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I saw this book via @Liberty and it was one of those moments where I thought it'd disappear immediately if I didn't get it now now now. I have it as an ebook from the library. Mind you, I will have a hardcopy SOON. #cakesandwine

Liberty 💗💗💗💗 7y
18 likes1 stack add1 comment
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szainabwilliams
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#Bookmail from @Sourcebooks 📚 A mystery in a sleepy town sounds just right. I'll be over here reading and guzzling hot tea. ❄️

26 likes3 stack adds
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szainabwilliams
This Savage Song | Victoria Schwab
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Pickpick

I got my monster fix with the Corsi, Malchi, and Sunai. And I didn't have to suffer a love triangle. A fun read with MCs that reminded me of Kell and Delilah from Schwab's other series, SHADES OF MAGIC. I hope the next book gives us some diversity though. There's one POC plunked in the background sometimes and that's it.

rachelm There was definitely some pushback against her for the lack of diversity, but I do love her world building. I haven't picked this one up yet, though. 7y
MrBook Wow! Great pic! 😊👍🏻 7y
23 likes1 stack add2 comments
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szainabwilliams
George | Alex Gino
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Pickpick

I'm so late in talking about so many books! 😓 This one made me cry. So sweet and sad. I wanted to duck into the book and give the MC a big hug. Also, a super quick read.

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szainabwilliams
Serpentine | Cindy Pon
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My planner tells me I have stuff to do, but I'm reading so be quiet. 🙉📚

MrBook 😻😻😻😻 7y
21 likes1 stack add1 comment
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szainabwilliams
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Pickpick

Children of England's blitz are evacuated to a Scotland haunted castle governed by a shady woman (played by Cate Blanchett in my head). This turned out to be a great rainy day read, which would've been perfect if it ever rained here. A bit of a popcorn read. All the anticipated themes and elements I like in creepy YA castle books.

thegirlwiththelibrarybag Hehehe, Cate Blanchett can be super creepy! Love the cover.... 7y
BeththeBookDragon Sounds good! 7y
13 likes1 stack add2 comments
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szainabwilliams
Listen, Slowly | Thanhha Lai
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Pickpick

I was nearly driven crazy by hunger, but I persevered, frequented my local pho shop until they knew my order by heart, and got through this funny, beautiful book. I loved the voice of whip smart Mai, and her story made me chuckle as I recalled memories of visiting my family in Singapore as a teen.

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szainabwilliams
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Pickpick

I had so much fun laughing and screaming "YES" at my phone. And I'm so glad I was convinced to listen to the audiobook version, narrated by Phoebe. Funny and smart from start to finish.

Matilda Yes! And the Jessica Williams foreword left me wanting a memoir from her too. 8y
Bibliosa I have to pick this up! I've heard so many good tithings. 8y
szainabwilliams @Matilda I loved that foreword! 7y
szainabwilliams @Bibliosa I highly recommend it! 7y
18 likes4 comments
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szainabwilliams
Uprooted | Naomi Novik
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Pickpick

Gorgeous. That's what this book is. A wonderful female friendship, a strong-willed (sometimes stubborn) protagonist who knows who she is and doesn't care what you think, and a rich, brooding setting. Also a couple of pretty, ahem, spicy scenes in here. I highly recommend Uprooted for readers who enjoyed Howl's Moving Castle. 🐲

Notafraidofwords Loved the spicy 🌶 scenes 😂 8y
24 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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szainabwilliams
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I just want to keep reading and will the rain to come and have a hot cocoa with marshmallows and bourbon. ☕️

12 likes2 stack adds
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szainabwilliams
The Weird: A Compendium of Strange and Dark Stories | Jeff VanderMeer, Ann VanderMeer
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It's still disgustingly hot in L.A. but I'll get my shivers wherever I can.

23 likes1 stack add
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szainabwilliams
Half World | Hiromi Goto
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Pickpick

I read this book imagining the story of Melanie Tamaki's grotesque field trip into the broken limbo that is Half World as animated by Studio Ghibli. I know I'm not alone. A visually compelling story in many ways (Jillian Tamaki woot). A reluctant hero. Disturbing imagery. Animal companions!

14 likes1 stack add
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szainabwilliams
Tiny Pretty Things | Sona Charaipotra, Dhonielle Clayton
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Pickpick

These books sent me back to my teens, i.e. I recklessly read into the wee hours instead of being a responsible adult and saving some for the morning. This series about a group of students clawing their way to the top at a prestigious NY ballet academy is full of page-turning scandal, mean girls, and ballet drama. Loved it!

20 likes1 stack add
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szainabwilliams
White is for Witching | Helen Oyeyemi
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Pickpick

Speaking of WHITE IS FOR WITCHING, I wish I had saved this book for October! So haunting and visually arresting, I had to draw it. I wish I could capture the dread and the stark terror that made this story so compelling. Serious talk through the supernatural.

Chessa This is awesome! 8y
librariankris @szainabwilliams Wow - gorgeous!! 8y
25 likes5 stack adds4 comments
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szainabwilliams
HEX | Thomas Olde Heuvelt
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Mehso-so

I was so ready to be scared and it just didn't happen for me! :/ I found WHITE IS FOR WITCHING more frightening. HEX felt a bit Stephen King, which I liked, but I think I had high expectations. I wasn't a fan of the narration on audiobook either so that might have been part of the problem.

Matilda Yeah I currently have a mystery book that is being ruined by the narrator. 8y
mauveandrosysky I was so underwhelmed by this one. I also had a really hard time finding a rhythm with it. Possibly an issue with the translation. 8y
szainabwilliams @Matilda Audiobook narration truly is a sacred trust. It's traumatic when done poorly! 8y
szainabwilliams @mauveandrosysky Yeah, it's hard to tell with a translated work. I'd be interested in hearing the thoughts of someone who read both the Dutch and English versions. 8y
Matilda Glad I saw this bc I'm excited for the book and will go for the eyeball reading version. 8y
19 likes5 comments
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szainabwilliams
In the Woods | Tana French
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Possibly not the most appropriate pick for a relaxing picnic.

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szainabwilliams
The Hike | Drew Magary
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Pickpick

Well. I don't know what to say. Speechless. I loved this book. So many twists and turns. I feel like I've witnessed an incredible, surprising journey. I need more Magary.

Matilda Yeeees. 8y
26 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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szainabwilliams
Mr. Splitfoot | Samantha Hunt
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It has the right level of couchant creep so far.

susanw I just downloaded the audio from the library, glad it hold up. 8y
szainabwilliams @susanw Me too! This is actually my first ever library audio download. 8y
15 likes1 stack add2 comments
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szainabwilliams
The Hike | Drew Magary
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I got a pre-birthday gift!

susanw Get ready for a crazy ride. Go with it and enjoy! 8y
thelizflynn I love the cover! 8y
szainabwilliams @susanw I heard it's insane! 8y
18 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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szainabwilliams
Hausfrau: A Novel | Jill Alexander Essbaum
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Never say no to a pretty book cover at the library.

Misanthropester I loved this novel & Jill is a wonderful poet as well 8y
JessReads I love this cover SO MUCH MORE than I like the paperback version 8y
Liberty @JessReads I hate-bought the paperback because it's a dumpster fire. 8y
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susanw I loved this book too! 8y
Jeanette Adored this book and its PJ Harvey references. 8y
szainabwilliams @JessReads @Liberty I was admittedly alarmed when I saw the generated cover here. 8y
23 likes4 stack adds6 comments
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szainabwilliams
Skim | Mariko Tamaki
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Pickpick

I want to read graphic novels by the Tamakis all day every day. Their ability to capture the ethereal spirit of growing up makes me feel inadequate and I can't even hate them.

16 likes3 stack adds
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szainabwilliams
Bestiary: Poems | Donika Kelly
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Pickpick

My #Recommendsday pick! I haven't read poetry in probably a decade, but Bestiary sent me on a poetry quest. Gorgeous imagery (nature fans rejoice) and heartbreak. This collection is as deep as it is magical.

MrBook Nice review and pic! 😎👍🏻 8y
19 likes1 stack add1 comment
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szainabwilliams
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Pickpick

I'm not 100% on the privilege train aspects of the artisanal movement present, but I loved reading the stories of people who took a chance to make exceptional food, and learning about some of America's earliest food processes. The only prob with this book is that I wanted to eat all the bread, cheese, and BBQ. #nonfiction #food #history #dontreadwhilehungry

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