Edgar and Lucy | 
Impulse buy at Dollar Tree, because it was the only thing remotely appealing.
Most often than not, I‘ll choose a book simply because I love the cover. And if I‘m being truthful, this method barely ever lets me down. After spending my morning surrounded by books, I found numerous contenders for #CoversThatPullYouIn and make you want to get lost in the depths of their pages. This was the first of today‘s adventures.
I have claimed this book, human. Do not even try to read it (when he‘s feeling imperious he doesn‘t use contractions. It‘s more intimidating that way) 🐈😼😼
pickA reluctant pick. Pros: This book was really hard to put down. The story is compelling and the characters are complex and the plot is unique. Cons: Although the book was hard to put down, I never wanted to pick it up. I was filled with anxiety at every plot turn. The writing is not my style. For example, Lodato changes from 3rd-person omniscient over lots of characters (including the pet dog in one chapter) to 1st-person around p500. Why?
Wow!! My heart is so full right now. Thank you @Ajessgirl for the surprise box of goodies! It really made my day. The book sounds fascinating! I‘m going down to FL next week to help out during post-chemo week, and I can‘t wait to share the orange and cinnamon tea with my mom!
Your kindness means so much! Thank you!! 💖💖💖
pickEdgar is an albino. He is bullied, suffers from family problems and wants to be loved. I listened to the audio version read by the author, whose voice drew me into the story. Was not enjoying it at times, particularly because of graphic sex scenes. Held out to the end to reach an opinion. Interesting conclusion with much to consider.
so-soI couldn‘t decide if I liked or disliked it, which is a quandary in a reader‘s world. So, so-so.
Reading this yesterday and bingo, a book for this prompt! Funny how the brain won‘t let go! Don‘t want to give any spoilers. But Lucy‘s husband has a plan! #Idieyoudie #nuyear *image from deviant art
First Playaway of the New Year!
I took on chance on this one. I rarely chose to buy books that have blurbs from reviews taking up most of the description. It‘s a pet peeve of mine. I want to know what the book is about, not how fabulous reviewers from magazines, etc. think of it. I prefer reviews from Amazon or a Litsy. It‘s mixed here but it was $2.99 so it might be worth it.
Made a quick stop at Books-a-Million on my way home this afternoon and picked this up from the bargain section. I‘ve seen rave reviews on #Litsy, but I mostly bought it because I love the cover 😝 #bookhaul #bookishconfession
37 books at our library book sale for $31. Woohoo. I was looking for Christian Fiction or to complete series I own. Love book sales. Tomorrow I work it so will probably will find a few more.
pickThis epic follows mother Lucy, her son Edgar and their other dysfunctional family members back and forth through time and between life and death. I think what I loved most about this book is that each character is flawed so deeply, sometimes through their choices and sometimes because of choices made for them, that it makes choosing a hero difficult. Excellent, beautiful prose. 10/10 recommend!
so-soIt's impossible not to love Edgar, but the story began to drag when it focused on Lucy, his perpetually angry, terrible mother, and I think it could have used a good trimming. It's about 100 pages too long. And a sudden shift to first-person at the end (only to go back to third) made me groan.
so-soThis book was sort of confusing and all over the place to me. It felt like the author refused to take anything out so it is jam packed with words... It wasn't a bad read and I had to finish it. It wasn't my cup of tea but was interesting for trying a new author.
One of those books where it seems the author refused to cut anything out, even if it doesn't move the story or offer insight into its main characters. Way too many pages given to tertiary characters that just make the novel feel bloated. A hundred pages from end and it's barely holding my interest when it should be compelling me to race through its pages.
We ate going to try something different this time. I have never read anything by this author so I hope it is good.
pickI'm very surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. The beginning was slow for me but it picked up in the middle. Towards the end all I wanted was for Edgar to be reunited with his mom! 🌟🌟🌟🌟
8 hours of reading, not too bad! It's only 8pm here but I still need to get a workout in and and prep for the work week. Looking forward to the next #24in48 😀
picktbh, the endorsement from Lena Dunham almost turned me away, but, oh! worth all 533 pages! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
The characters in this book all have different obsessions that influence their lives (and also frustrates the reader) #obsession #MayBookFlower @RealLifeReading
pickI really enjoyed the writing in this strange story about a strange little boy and his family. The family seems to be followed by bad luck - mental illness, abuse, medical conditions, child abduction - but they persevere. I really enjoyed this one on audio. The author did a pretty good job with the narration.
A close up of the three #Booktopia book stacks. These were the books being presented at the event by the authors.
Since only 90 people are permitted to attend, I managed to have many conversations with some of them, including the lovely Victor Lodato. (More on that later.)
These were all purchased in advance to be read before the event, other than The Leavers, which came out 3 days before the start.
I can identify with Edgar. I feel like this on most days. 😊😋
Starting this new audiobook. Read by the author so first thought - Oh, no.
I think that about half of the books I've read in the past year are because of this wonderful community, but this is the most recent! #GRABBYHANDS @Liberty
pickThis book is SO good! Original, affecting and engrossing. Lodato's storytelling is so clear and honest I feel like it will stick with me for a long time. Don't miss an opportunity to pick this book up. Your heart will weep for Edgar, you'll likely feel anger, pity and loathing for almost everyone else, while unable to tear yourself away from their struggle with life's disappointments.
I think this would be an awesome read in print. I'm slogging thru in audio for a freelance assignment. This is why I almost never listen to author-read audios. Stilted, almost unvarying cadence. UGH. Yet I can still tell there is probably a beautiful novel here. Read this in print. Trust me.
In case my Secret Santa is lurking, if you look on my Goodreads lists, the one titled "don't own yet" is....well...just that! ? I have been accumulating for my pal. So exciting!
pickI can't believe that this book was almost a bail for me! It was really such a beautiful story and I'm so glad I powered through the slow start. I listened to the audiobook and I wish I could redo it in print, I think it would be even more moving to see the words on the page.
I love it when I go to the library and they're giving away old ARCs! Free books!! 😆
Another rainy day on the east coast, so I'm curled up with a book and cat. I love this book, I'm depressed by this book. The characters are complicated in a way that I can't fall in love with them. I'm almost half way in, so I'm hoping this changes.
pickYou are pulled in slowly until you are knee deep and unable to turn away from the depth of the characters and story.
Edgar & Lucy & Titus
I finally hit a stride with this one and was enjoying it, had about an hour and a half left and then…
"Edgar and Lucy" and "Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk" are some of our current favorites, so we are very excited to have Victor Lodato and Kathleen Rooney here tonight at 6:30!
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#citylitbooks #logansquare #chicago #bookstagram #book #signing #author #reading #igreads #makeamericareadagain #tonight
I'm having a lot of trouble getting through this audiobook. I'm only about a fifth of the way through and I have to keep going back to the reviews to remind myself that people think this is a good one. Maybe it's the authors narration, or maybe the story just isn't for me. What did you think? Is it worth muddling through?
pickFinally finished this! In the end I really loved it. There were times where I was super frustrated with the characters but I think it all came together nicely for me. After a slow start I was super engaged the rest of the time, especially for a book this long. Would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys fast paced books and doesn't mind putting some time in for some good back story.
Book, lavender tea, and a comfy couch. Nothing could be better! #happysunday
pickWow. This was a big, messy book that I loved in a big, messy way. It explores grief, memory, how we understand our lives and the lives of those we love, all while being TRULY unpredictable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My full review is here: http://bit.ly/2nGw6C2
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