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Double Bind
Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
42 posts | 67 read | 42 to read
When Laurel Estabrook is attacked while riding her bicycle through Vermont s back roads, her life is forever changed. Formerly outgoing, Laurel withdraws into her photography, spending all her free time at a homeless shelter. There she meets Bobbie Crocker, a man with a history of mental illness and a box of photographs that he won t let anyone see. When Bobbie dies, Laurel discovers a deeply hidden secret a story that leads her far from her old life, and into a cat-and-mouse game with pursuers who claim they want to save her. In a tale that travels between the Roaring Twenties and the twenty-first century, between Jay Gatsby s Long Island and rural New England, bestselling author Chris Bohjalian has written his most extraordinary novel yet."
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ChrisBohjalian
Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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THE DOUBLE BIND, the first of my books born on a bike, is a novel of psychological suspense about a homeless photographer, a determined social worker, and an obsession with an American classic. Of all my books, none polarized readers like this one.

TheBookgeekFrau I Loved this book!!💕 2y
Read4life I picked it up because of its ties to Gatsby. The story & writing are why I love it! 💙 2y
33 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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marleed
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Pickpick

What!? Oh my goodness, I think I need to reread beginning at page 1 and pay closer attention to all the POVs.

The photos in the book and the story behind them are very cool.

TW, TW, TW for physical assault and rape.

#AuthorAMonth @Soubhiville

CoffeeNBooks I'm just starting this one- my 2nd Bohjalian this month for #AAM. It sounds like a really good book! 2y
marleed @CoffeeNBooks This one kind of blows my mind. This is my 3rd of 4 of his books planned for this month. They‘ve all been so different from each other and it‘s made it all the more interesting. 2y
67 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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Addison_Reads
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Pickpick

Although this is a bit different than the other books I've read by this author, I really enjoyed it.

I truly appreciated that the story delved into homelessness and mental illness and showed the human side of a growing problem in our society.

The mystery side was predictable, but it doesn't take away from the storyline or become annoying. It's weaved together well with a journey through photographs and the world presented in The Great Gatsby.

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PoodleMama99
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
Mehso-so

Better than so so, but not his best.

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Peaceful_Reader
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Pickpick

Laurel is brutally attacked while on a bike ride deep in the woods and her subsequent recovery and work take her back down that ride again when she finds a homeless man, Bobbie Crocker, has a photo of her snapped moments before the attack.

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Lcsmcat
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Pickpick

I‘m not a reader who judges a book based on whether or not I can guess the “twists” or predict the ending. I did not see it coming (well, not totally, only knew something was up) but that‘s not why I loved this book. I loved it for its humanity in portraying the homeless and the mentally ill, and for the quality of the writing. ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lcsmcat I forgot to post that this was my #readwithmrbook #authoronlitsy. @MrBook 5y
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Lcsmcat
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Starting today with a bubble bath and my #readwithmrbook #authoronlitsy selection. Stay calm Littens, and do what you need to do for self care. @MrBook @ChrisBohjalian

Graciouswarriorprincess One of my favorite books by him! Happy reading! 5y
42 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Jerdencon
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Rainy night, so I‘m in pjs and starting this one tonight! Just found this author and this is my 3rd book by him in a month. While his books aren‘t life changing , they are good and super entertaining!

Reviewsbylola I loved The Midwife but have never been impressed by his other books. 5y
TheBookgeekFrau I loved this book! 5y
Coleen_Nieto @Jerdencon Hi Denise! I really enjoy his books. I've been to a couple of his talks, very nice man. I live that his books are all so completely different. The Sandcastle Girls is one of my favorites. 5y
Jerdencon @Coleen_Nieto I loved Sandcastle girls too and really liked the Flight Attendant too! 5y
58 likes4 comments
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ReadosaurusText
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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I just couldn‘t personally do this book. I think it is really important for literature to grapple with issues of sexual assault and gendered violence, but the opening of this book was not something I could get through, and I think could be a serious trigger for some readers.

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SoniaC
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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When you get home from a long days work and have lovely bookmail waiting on you.

Bookworm83 Enjoy!! 📚📚📚 6y
tpixie @Bookworm83 @SoniaC I just saw this!!! How fun! 6y
53 likes2 comments
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DarcysMom
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Mehso-so
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DarcysMom
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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DarcysMom
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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I didn't walk far or fast because there was SNOW! I am in Southern California and this is a serious rarity! ❄❄❄
#audiowalk
#2019kmin2019
#105mileFebruary
#overdrive
💜💜#LitsyWalkers💜💜

wanderinglynn 😲 Snow in SoCal?!? that‘s incredible! 6y
DarcysMom @wanderinglynn I saw more people on my walking route than I have ever seen! And easily triple the cars I normally see. It was very cool. 😁 6y
Hooked_on_books My mom‘s in Carlsbad and mentioned snow. Glad she‘s not hallucinating. 😂 6y
DarcysMom @Hooked__on__books 🤣😂🤣😂 6y
80 likes4 comments
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DarcysMom
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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67 likes1 stack add
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DarcysMom
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Pogue Pretty Mt. what one is that? 6y
DarcysMom @Pogue The San Bernardino mountains, where Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead are. 6y
Pogue @DarcysMom thank you 6y
Kaye 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 6y
DivineDiana Beautiful! 😲 6y
61 likes1 stack add5 comments
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DarcysMom
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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56 likes1 stack add
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ChrisBohjalian
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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It was 12 years ago today that THE DOUBLE BIND was published. So grateful to readers around the world who still worry about Laurel Estabrook; to everyone at Vintage Books and @PRHLibrary ; to Becky Holt and Rita Markley at Cots Vermont for suggesting there might be a story in a once homeless but spectacularly photographer; and to so many booksellers and librarians who championed this novel from day one.

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abookishbutterfly
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Mehso-so

3.5 Stars

The book moved a lot slower than I‘d expected, which was disappointing for a psychological thriller. If I were to rate the book on the creative premise and the shocking twist, it would be a five star book. Unfortunately, the pacing made it less enjoyable than the alluring plot conveyed.

I didn‘t dislike it. I just found it difficult to feel wholly engaged until the last 100 pages or so. I do feel the ending made the read worthwhile.

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Nebklvr
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Mehso-so

An unreliable narrator attempts to solve the mystery of a homeless man who may have had a connection to her own assault. The story is well written. A little “meta” as it incorporates “The Great Gatsby”; however, it is so claustrophobic I can‘t say I enjoyed the experience.

abookishbutterfly I am reading this right now and I am pretty sure it‘s going to be a so-so for me as well. I like Chris Bohjalian but this isn‘t his best work. It just moves so slowly. I am at page 211 at this point and since it‘s a psychological thriller, I am surprised that I am not remotely intrigued or desperate to keep going. (edited) 6y
Nebklvr @Butterflyamore Really enjoyed the Sandcastle 6y
abookishbutterfly @Nebklvr The Sleepwalker and Midwives are good books, too. 6y
See All 7 Comments
Nebklvr @Butterflyamore I think we have Midwives at the library. Currently reading “For whom the bell tolls”. Hemingway might drive me over the edge. 6y
abookishbutterfly @Nebklvr I definitely don‘t care for Hemingway. Look for Midwives! I read it a pretty long time ago but it was my first impression of Bohjalian and it was a good one. 6y
Nebklvr @Butterflyamore I am reading through a bunch of classics J have missed. So far, finding this one lackluster. Loved Moby Dick and A Separate Peace. But, I will prevail. I have never read any Hemingway so thought J should make the effort. 6y
abookishbutterfly @Nebklvr A Separate Peace is my favorite classic! 6y
52 likes1 stack add7 comments
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abookishbutterfly
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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That is a motto I consistently apply to my own life. 😂

Naj Words of wisdom 🙌 6y
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abookishbutterfly
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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“We tend to stigmatize the homeless and blame them for their plight. We are oblivious to the fact that most had lives as serious as our own before everything fell apart.” ~Author‘s note in The Double Bind/Chris Bohjalian

PenguinInFlight This is one of my favorite books of all time. ❤️❤️❤️ 6y
Stphnthescriv This novel sounds great. Thank you (edited) 6y
88 likes4 stack adds2 comments
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Bookish_AF
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Who knew I would find such interesting stuff looking through the bookshelves at my parents house?

I have not read this author before but The Flight Attendant is on my TBR (on the library wait list for it!) I recognized his name and pulled these two books off the shelf.

Turns out, one of them is signed! How cool!

tammysue Nice! 👍🏼 7y
BookBridget The Double Bind is amazing 6y
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TheBookgeekFrau
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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#emojimadness 🚲

One of my favorite @ChrisBohjalian books, not to mention a great modern twist on #TheGreatGatsby

PenguinInFlight One of my favorite books ever, and my favorite Bohjalian novel to date. 😍 7y
31 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Bookworm83
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Had such a great time seeing @ChrisBohjalian tonight with @CaitMobley ! I‘m stoked to read his new book, but even more excited that he signed my copy of The Double Bind (one of my all time favorites). He is such an incredible storyteller and easily one of my favorite contemporary writers. Not to mention, he is such a genuine and gracious person and takes the time to talk with each of his readers.

Louise What a beautiful thing he wrote to you! 7y
Bookworm83 @Louise Isn‘t it lovely? He‘s so kind. (edited) 7y
minkyb Just makes me like him even more! 7y
76 likes3 comments
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BookNerd9906
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Pickpick

As an advocate for victims of sexual assault and a Gatsby lover, how could I not love this book?!?!?!

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ChrisBohjalian
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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It was 11 years ago this month that THE DOUBLE BIND was published. My thanks to Vintage Books and to so many readers who used the novel as a tool to raise awareness of homelessness -- including Vermont's amazing Committee on Temporary Shelter.

TheBookgeekFrau Loved this book! Can‘t believe it‘s been 11 years since I read it😱 how is that possible?! 7y
Mlfoley012 Loved this book! 7y
BookNerd9906 My favorite! ❤️❤️❤️ 7y
52 likes4 stack adds3 comments
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PenguinInFlight
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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1. 34 (35 in July)
2. Yes, a younger sister. She‘s 31 (32 in May).
3. Just the furry, 4-legged variety. 🐶😺
4. Retreading Sue Grafton‘s books. I‘m on D.
5. So many! But the tagged book is one of my favorites.
6. 🤦🏻‍♀️
7. Plethora
8. That I have 2 tattoos.
9. Both!
10. Tea
11. Fangirl
12. @PolaroidPoet ☺️
#hallowhoareyou @Gyldholm

monalyisha Are your tattoos bookish in nature? 7y
PenguinInFlight @monalyisha No. I would very much like a bookish one, though!! I have a penguin on the right side of my lower back, and a mallard feather with my dad‘s signature underneath it on my right ankle (he was a wildlife artist, and passed away very unexpectedly in 2007 due to a brain aneurism). 7y
monalyisha Those sound like great tattoos! The mallard feather sounds beautiful (in concept & design). Sorry to hear about your dad‘s passing. What an amazing job/life! 7y
36 likes3 comments
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melrailey
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Great meeting @ChrisBohjalian at the Southern Festival of Books today!

IamIamIam AAAAAH, I love this!!!! 💜💜💜💜 7y
lynneamch So sad we didn't do a litsy meetup today in #Nashville. So many good choices! Who else did you see? 7y
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melrailey @lynneamch I saw Julia Dao, Wiley Cash, Nina Lacour, Kathleen Rooney, Lisa Maxwell and Victoria Schwab (may have fangirled a little there). I‘ll be there tomorrow still. 7y
lynneamch Oh gosh. I saw Cash & Rooney, too. Won't be there tomorrow. 😔 Maybe next year. 7y
melissajayne I like your t-shirt 7y
128 likes6 comments
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readingallthetime
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Just in from my library through the Cloud Reader app. Not that I don't have hundreds of books on my Kindle.

readingallthetime I ran out of time and decided to return the library book for the next reader. 7y
3 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Lmstraubie
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Here is the book I ended up getting. I actually had my original pick "stolen," but was happier with my second choice. ? #mysterybookexchange

christineandbooks Ooo, this is a fantastic book! 7y
tpixie This book is so incredible!! Enjoy!!! Love @ChrisBohjalian 7y
Bklover Loved this book! 7y
SilversReviews OOOO...DOUBLE BIND is one of my favorites of his. 7y
45 likes1 stack add5 comments
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Born.A.Reader
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Rather ambitious June #tbr, but considering I read 17 in May, I don't think it's too far-fetched.
Starting today with the tagged book, my first by @ChrisBohjalian
#junemostanticipated
#Junebookbugs
@RealLifeReading

Bookworm83 The Double Bind is my favorite Bohjalian. Enjoy! 7y
35 likes1 comment
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ChrisBohjalian
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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"A term came to her that they used on occasion at the shelter: the double bind...They used the expression in much the same way that they would a term like catch-22." -- from THE DOUBLE BIND, because May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

52 likes3 stack adds
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ReadingManda
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Having a nice relaxing Easter with my mom. And of course a good book.

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ChrisBohjalian
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. So begins The Double Bind: "Laurel Estabrook was nearly raped the fall of her sophomore year of college. Quite likely she was nearly murdered that autumn."

riversong153 Please review, I'd love to get more opinions on this one before picking it up! 8y
Bklover I loved this one! 8y
KarenUK Love this book... one our favorite book club picks we've had... 8y
christineandbooks Fantastic book... 8y
bookchickdi This is a wonderful book 8y
50 likes4 stack adds5 comments
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ChrisBohjalian
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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This is a quote from THE DOUBLE BIND, envisioned in this photo by Dashawn Harry of Syracuse, NY. He took the photo as part of the Central New York Reads community read of the novel. I love the photo. Thank you, Dashawn!

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ChrisBohjalian
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Please note that due to the blizzard, my two events in Syracuse, New York tomorrow, Tuesday, have been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 28. Please mark your calendars and join me then. I promise to be extra charming!

51 likes3 stack adds
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ChrisBohjalian
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Ten years ago this week THE DOUBLE BIND was published. Happy Anniversary! My thanks to everyone at Vintage Books -- and to Becky Holt and Rita Markley who suggested once upon a time that I write an article for the Burlington Free Press about a very talented, once homeless photographer. (Also? Just for the record, I do still worry about Laurel Estabrook.)

tammysue Happy 10th Anniversary!🎉 8y
kspenmoll Library hold on your book stated there were 80+ people ahead . Sigh. 8y
kspenmoll Happy anniversary ! 8y
See All 6 Comments
Reecaspieces This was the first book I read by you! It is still my favorite! Bur I love all your books! (edited) 8y
jessdean Wow! 10yrs! I loved this book. Happy Anniversary📚 8y
Bookworm83 My favorite of all your books so far! 8y
53 likes6 stack adds6 comments
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Bookworm84
Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Pickpick

A daring book by a gifted author. Could have been executed better, but I will remember this book for a long time. I have enjoyed Bohjalian's historical fiction very much, and I was engrossed by this foray into the land of psychological thrillers. Some will feel betrayed by this book, but you can't claim it is predictable.

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Amandajoy
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Thank you @PenguinInFlight I love all these wonderful gifts! I don't think I've ever read a book where the protagonist has my name! And the bookmark was the perfect inspirational message I needed this morning! #wintersolsticebookexchange #secretsantabookexchange @BookishMarginalia great idea & awesome job coordinating!

PenguinInFlight I'm so glad you like it! ☺💜💜💜Happy Holidays! 8y
Reviewsbylola Yay! 🎅🏼🎁 8y
LeahBergen Nice!! 8y
65 likes3 comments
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Bookworm83
Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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By far my favorite Bohalian and definitely one of my top ten books of all time. #couldntputitdown #somethingforsept

Alfoster Oh yes, loved this too! 8y
asiriusreader So good!!! 😍 8y
50 likes10 stack adds2 comments
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Donnasmiles
Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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I had to move a stack of my TBR's and some re-reads out of my bedroom....the stack was about to topple. If you haven't picked up books written by Bohjalian you're missing out!

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BritanyA
The Double Bind | Chris Bohjalian
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Mehso-so

Biking incident gone brutally wrong, a homeless man dying and leaving behind an incredible picture collection and The Great Gatsby?!?! Too much?? I think so. ⭐️⭐️⭐️