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My Name is Lucy Barton
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
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Eggs
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
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1* I like to put up the tree by mid-November and leave it until Epiphany in January.
2* tagged. I can‘t focus on tangible books right now so I borrowed some audiobooks yesterday from Libby.
#two4tuesday @TheSpineView

Play? @Deblovestoread @Vansa

Deblovestoread Thanks for the tag! Thinking of you 💙 2w
dabbe 💙❄️💙 2w
TheSpineView Thanks for playing! Still saying prayers for you! 2w
See All 6 Comments
Eggs @Deblovestoread Thank you 🎄🙏🏻😘 2w
Eggs @dabbe 🖤🎄❄️ 2w
Eggs @TheSpineView Thank you 🎄💚❄️ 2w
42 likes6 comments
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shawnmooney
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
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LiteraryinPA
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Mehso-so

I know that Elizabeth Strout won the Pulitzer Prize and is a great author, but I found this book super bland and boring. I enjoy books that are people stories with little plot, but this was just… so dull to me. For those who like her, can you explain why? I don‘t mean that in a snarky way; I genuinely want to understand who to recommend her books to when my store opens. Thanks!

BkClubCare It‘s okay, we don‘t all have to like the same books; we all can find different styles/messages to relate to. I happen to be one who absolutely “fangirl”s Strout and it started with Olive Kittridge. I don‘t think this would be the best of her books to start with, perhaps, but everyone‘s experience may vary. I love her characters, the introspection, the sly humor. I think Strout is an amazing writer - whatever chord she strikes, it vibrates! 💗 2mo
Lesliereadsalot I love her books because of the character development that flows from book to book. I can live without plot as the characters come to life for me. Also recommend Shannon Bowring to these customers. 2mo
ChaoticMissAdventures I also found it pretty meh. I think Strout gets super hyped up in my circles and she just cannot live up to that. It has been years for me but I wrote - it is well written with good flow but boring and I felt zero connection to caring for these characters. I guess I am not the right person to answer this 😂 2mo
See All 10 Comments
willaful It didn't do all that much for me either. Different strokes... 2mo
MrsMalaprop Originally read Olive K and loved it. Stayed away from the Lucy Bartons because of all the negative reviews. Then had to read one for book club and I fell in love with them. Have now read them all including the latest. As to why I love them, I‘m not sure. I don‘t generally do book series, but these books are like a warm blanket. So comforting and cosy, examining humans in all their frailty. Maybe it‘s because, at 53, I‘m an old lady now myself 😆. 2mo
Readerann So interesting to read these comments. I‘m in the “not a fan” camp. Different strokes… 2mo
jewright It‘s the character development for me. She feels very real. I also like a slower book sometimes because I don‘t always have a ton of time to read, so it‘s nice to have something I‘m not in a rush to find out the ending. 2mo
LiteraryinPA Thank you sooo much for weighing in! I really appreciate the perspective. @BkClubCare @Lesliereadsalot @ChaoticMissAdventures @willaful @MrsMalaprop @Readerann @jewright 2mo
emmasm08 I‘m a fan ! I just love her characters - and her books are about life ! With its highs and lows ! 2mo
PaperbackPirate I felt the same way about Olive Kitteridge. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 2mo
65 likes10 comments
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AnneCecilie
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Pickpick

I raced through this novel, there‘s just something about Strout‘s writing that captivated me

Lucy Barton is looking back on her life and especially focusing on a time she spent in hospital when her mom came to visit even if they hadn‘t spoken in years. Her mom tells her stories about people from her childhood. In between Lucy will tell other stories as well

About mother-daughter relationships and their complexities

BarbaraBB If you have all other Lucy Barton books yet to read you‘re in for a treat! 4mo
Graywacke Fantastic! I don‘t like all Strout novels, but this one i adored. One of my favorite books. 4mo
sarahbarnes Yes! I loved this one so much. And I agree with @BarbaraBB - all the books are so good. 😊 4mo
Ruthiella Like @Graywacke , Strout is hit or miss with me, but I loved this one too. 4mo
emmasm08 I loved this too ! 4mo
57 likes2 stack adds5 comments
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AnneCecilie
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I hope this isn‘t true

37 likes1 comment
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MommyWantsToReadHerBook
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Pickpick

This was so beautiful. It made me very sad in places but I loved it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jeg I loved it too. 5mo
Graywacke Nice to see. One of my favorites. 4mo
35 likes3 comments
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willaful
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I'm really not the audience for delicate, slice of life literary fiction but the first person format made this more relatable, even if still kind of obscure. I may read the sequels because I'm curious about the lockdown story.

#BookSpin #DoubleSpin #BookSpinBingo

Also read from my #BookSpin list: Horizon, Some Desperate Glory, Wonder Engine and The Operator (DNF)

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 7mo
28 likes1 comment
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MysticFaerie
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Pickpick

4⭐️/5⭐️

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Erynecki
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
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Pickpick

I liked Oh, William! so much that I went back to read this book, which came first. I don‘t feel like I read them out of order. It didn‘t really matter. It‘s a quiet book. It‘s not so much about plot as it is about family and the unspoken issues families navigate as they try to come to terms with themselves, each other, and their shared histories.

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VRM1975
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
Pickpick

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BiblioLitten
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Pickpick

Thanks to a slow week at work I managed to finish a book in four days, something I haven‘t done in a long time.

I really liked the MC, the book has so much depth. It‘s sad but also not. I really don‘t know how to describe it other than I liked it a lot. It made me reflect a lot on Strout as a writer.

merelybookish I loved this book! 11mo
Kristin_Reads Love the Lucy books! 11mo
sarahbarnes Lucy! ♥️♥️♥️ 11mo
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Cortg
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
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Pickpick

I‘ve read Olive Ketteridge and I‘ve been looking forward to meeting Lucy Barton! I enjoyed Lucy‘s life and the way Strout chose to tell her story. It‘s a sad story but I really enjoy her characters, relationship dynamics and storytelling. #Pop23 ~a book you bought from an independent bookstore #ReadHarder23 ~read one of your favorite author‘s favorite books (Taylor Jenkins Reid)

BarbaraBB I loved this one and all the ones following it! 12mo
Cortg @BarbaraBB I‘ll have to make my way through the series! Thanks! 12mo
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DHill
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
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@Victoriahoperose and @KadaGul I chose…poorly.

It didn‘t feel like this book explored any topic deeply enough for me to understand if there was supposed to be a point.

Now, on to American Gods.

KadaGul @DHill I had that problem ⚠️ w/ Susan Orlean's #RINTINTIN #Librarybook. I felt like she published her dissertation. 😣😖😣 1y
Victoriahoperose Oh no!!! Bummer. I hate when that happens. I really hope you like American Gods. It‘s long which can be intimidating and it‘s very weird, but I loved it. Bonus - they also made a show about it a few years ago and it was pretty good!! 1y
44 likes2 comments
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MrsMalaprop
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
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Pickpick

Oh gosh. Just lovely 🥰. A book club friend has chosen the latest Lucy Barton for us to read this month. I was sure I already had a couple of books in the series on my #tbr shelves…
And there this one was, patiently waiting for me 🤗👏.
I‘m delighted to have read it & will now get onto the next one, Anything is Possible, which is also on my shelf.
Winning 🙌

BarbaraBB You‘re in for a treat. Lucy is one of my all time favorite characters 🤍 2y
julesG What @BarbaraBB said. 2y
51 likes2 comments
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Bookbuyingaddict
Pickpick

Pretty much read this great little book in one day , again I can‘t believe it has such a low rating on this app ! It‘s an extraordinary book ! So full of human observations , behaviours and wisdom. I adored it and can‘t wait to dive into the whole series !

jlhammar I love Strout‘s Lucy books so much. I still have Lucy by the Sea waiting. Hope to get to it soon. 2y
19 likes1 comment
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Bookbuyingaddict

Sarah Payne the day she told us to go to the page without judgement , reminded us that we never knew, and would never know, what it would be like to understand another person fully. I see more and more she had to tell us that.
We think we always think.what is it about someone that makes us despise that person? That makes us feel superior? 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

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Bookbuyingaddict
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Yes mollie and I have a lazy morning and oh my goodness ! What a book 📖 loving 🥰 it ! Is it me or does Lucy ring bells with Middle Aged ladies . Yep that‘s me 😆

BkClubCare Lucy is a memorable character. 2y
34 likes1 comment
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Bklover
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Well, I wanted to like this book, but I have to admit my favorite thing about this photo is my sweet MaciGrace, who is laying on top of me under the covers. I just was underwhelmed. I feel somewhat guilty for not loving it, but just didn‘t connect.
#TBRTarot. #bookspin

@BarkingMadRead Maybe it‘s the name. 😏😕😉

CaseyTheCanadianLesbrarian I was very underwhelmed by this book too! 2y
Bklover @CaseyTheCanadianLesbrarian Oh good!! That does make me feel better. Just wasn‘t my thing, I guess. 😉❤️ 2y
TheEllieMo I was the same, it just didn‘t connect with me at all. 2y
See All 13 Comments
ShelleyBooksie Adorable photo 2y
Sleepswithbooks My heart melted at your sweet girl 🐶🥰 2y
Soubhiville Lucy is a tough character. She‘s not my favorite either. 2y
Leftcoastzen Awwww! 2y
BarkingMadRead 🤣🤣 2y
CBee This was definitely a slow burn, more of a like not love for me 🤷‍♀️ Glad you finished a couple of challenges though 👏🏻 2y
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 2y
IndoorDame It‘s an especially cute pic of MacieGrace 🥰 2y
RebelReader Anything is Possible is waaay more enjoyable. I love Strout, but some are just better than others 2y
Bklover @ShelleyH @Sleepswithbooks @Leftcoastzen @IndoorDame Thanks for the MaciGrace love! She is definitely my punkin!❤️❤️ 2y
80 likes1 stack add13 comments
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Bklover
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Well, this never happens! This is my #bookspin for December and it has a blurb starting with “It”. How cool is that?!

#TBRTarot

CBee Wow!! That‘s amazing luck! I enjoyed this book 😊😊 2y
Cinfhen 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2y
58 likes3 comments
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DisneyFan
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Pickpick

Lovely, just lovely! I adored Olive Kitteridge and now I‘ll be thinking about Lucy for awhile. Looking forward to read sequels.

#bookspinbingo
#litsylovereads

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CBee
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Pickpick

I adore Lucy and her outlook on life. I remember LOVING Olive K, and didn‘t love this quite as much - BUT I know these are two very different characters and I can‘t really compare them. Anyway, I‘ll continue the series for sure - very much invested in Lucy now ♥️

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brushlo
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Pickpick

As a stand alone book i am unsure of how much i would recommend. as part of the two part series - i highly recommend. i loved the olive series so much and this was not that…so took a bit to adjust.

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Graywacke
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
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Pickpick

“Sarah Payne said, If there is a weakness in your story, address it head-on, take it in your teeth and address it, before the reader really knows. This is where you will get your authority, she said, during one of those classes when her face was filled with fatigue from teaching.”

I adored Lucy Barton and her Pearl Tull mannerisms, her juxtapositions, and hospital-bed views. A wonderful lead-up to Oh William! for the #Booker2022 longlist.

Graywacke Pearl Tull is Anne Tyler‘s main narrator in 2y
Graywacke For what it‘s worth, I really didn‘t like Olive Kitteridge and have avoided Strout since. So it was an especially welcoming surprise to find myself enjoy this so much. 2y
Deblovestoread I have been curious about the Lucy Barton books as I am not a fan of Olive as well. This gives me the push I needed to try Strout again. Thanks 😊 2y
See All 7 Comments
Graywacke @Deblovestoread The free sample on Amazon covers 3 chapters and is quick reading. I used it to see if I really wanted to read the book (I obviously decided yes 🙂) You might try it when you‘re ready. 2y
BarbaraBB You should also read 2y
BarbaraBB There‘s a bit of Lucy in there too and it‘s great too. 2y
Graywacke @BarbaraBB i definitely will! I‘m working my way to Oh William, and with more enthusiasm now. ☺️ 2y
43 likes1 stack add7 comments
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Graywacke
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
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Graywacke
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
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Started this today. Part of my path to Oh, William! on the #Booker2022 list.

I didn‘t like Olive Kitteridge and I haven‘t read Strout since then, so I was worried I would hate this. I‘m relieved at how much i enjoyed the 1st 25 or so pages.

Ruthiella I also didn‘t love Olive Kitteridge but I loved Lucy Barton. Clearly Strout is hit or miss with me. I also really liked Abide With Me. 2y
BarbaraBB I love anything Lucy - more than Olive! 2y
Graywacke @Ruthiella interesting. I‘m glad it‘s not just me. @BarbaraBB noting! I have at least two more for the Booker, and a new one is out. (fwiw: I liked the character Olive, it‘s the book i had issues with) 2y
40 likes3 comments
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TheEllieMo
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Mehso-so

This is a hugely popular novel, so I must assume it‘s me and not the book, but I found Lucy an underwhelming narrator.

TrishB I‘m not a fan either. 2y
TheKidUpstairs I felt so-so about it to. It was a good read, but largely forgettable. 2y
27 likes2 comments
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Anna40
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Pickpick

I think this novel works so well for me because of the narrator‘s kindness and empathy, because she opens up and shows how vulnerable she is. But also because the character evolves. I loved this book very much. Even though there is no indication of it in the book, I wonder if Lucy imagined her mother‘s visit.

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ClairesReads
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
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Pickpick

My adoration of Strout continues with this second experience reading her work. Lucy Barton engaged me in many of the same ways Olive Kitteridge did. The writing here is measured, and pitch perfect, the observations of human nature and the human psyche incisive and nuanced. Here, I felt Strout dug into complex familial relationships in a different way than she does with Olive, but in a way that is equally captivating. I was delighted with this read

BarbaraBB I love Lucy Barton! You‘re in for a treat with the rest of the series! 2y
ClairesReads @BarbaraBB can‘t wait! 2y
41 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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ClairesReads
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
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Addison_Reads
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
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Pickpick

I really loved this short book centered around Lucy. Books that are character driven are often some of my favorites and there was a lot with Lucy I could connect with, especially the relationship with her mother. 😕

I'm looking forward to reading the other books with these characters.

jlhammar I love this Amgash series so much. So glad this worked for you! 2y
36 likes1 comment
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mjtwo
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
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Mehso-so

31 Jul 22 (audiobook)
My initial reaction to this was quite lukewarm. I decided to listen to it in preparation for Oh William, which is on this year‘s Booker longlist. I found the stories frustrating - most seemed to be only half-told or a bit dubious. I did not understand Lucy‘s relationship with her mother. Or why the writer constantly repeated this was not the story of her marriage.
Now listening to Anything is Possible and finally understand.

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rmaclean4
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Pickpick

Read this in one sitting. She has such an ease in her writing. I am looking forward to the next 2 books in this series. 4.5 🌟

jlhammar I love this series. Can‘t wait for the fourth this Fall. 2y
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Christine
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
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Pickpick

I believe this was my first Strout, and I remember thinking it was just okay. I‘ve read her lots since and love her now, so I‘ve wanted to reread this before reading Oh William! As suspected, I liked this a lot more the second time around. (And now I must check out the audio production of the play with Laura Linney!) An unintentionally well-timed reread bc of the complexity of mother/daughter relationships that comes up for many today.

53 likes2 stack adds
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

Thank you for this book, Barbara. You know how much I love character-driven novels, and this was an excellent one!

Lucy is sick and in the hospital for weeks in NYC. Despite their issues, her mother comes to stay for a few days, and they finally connect as adults over stories of people in Lucy‘s rural hometown. There are strong themes of martial difficulty in both women‘s lives and in the stories her mother shares. Enthusiastic pick!

BarbaraBB Just commented on this on your instagram. Happy it was a pick for you 🤍😘 (edited) 3y
jlhammar Loved this one and her other Amgash novels, Anything is Possible and Oh William! I think we may be getting a fourth in September - Lucy by the Sea. 3y
Cinfhen Woohoo!!!!! @jlhammar I‘m still MOST in love with Olive but I‘ve come to appreciate Lucy‘s journey as well!!! Elizabeth Strout is an auto-buy author for sure!!!! 3y
See All 12 Comments
sarahbarnes I need to read something by her soon! 3y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB 😘😘 3y
Megabooks @jlhammar I definitely want to continue! I can‘t believe I‘d never read her @Cinfhen 3y
Megabooks @sarahbarnes yes definitely! I‘m so glad I finally did 👍🏻 (edited) 3y
BarbaraBB @jlhammar That is good news. I love Lucy! 3y
Cinfhen YOU MUST listen to the audio for 3y
Cinfhen BOTH were 5 stars 3y
Megabooks @Cinfhen I think I actually have it on audible. Maybe when I start reading my own books instead of the library‘s. 😜 3y
87 likes3 stack adds12 comments
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LeslieO
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
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TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! Looks fantastic!! 3y
37 likes1 stack add1 comment
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LeslieO
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
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Here we go! Hoping to read more than last month. So many I want to get to on this board. #BookSpinBingo

KellyK I ❤️ Lucy Barton - Oh William is on my TBR. (edited) 3y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! Looks great!!! 3y
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Erinreadsthebooks
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Pickpick

This novel is a deep dive into the details and nuances of the normal lives and the attempt to just be okay. Lucy Barton is everyone who has faced difficulties and searched for the kindness that eluded them in childhood. I loved it! ❤️

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Erinreadsthebooks
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Just some more Elizabeth Strout magic 🤩

Soubhiville Yes! Great quote! 3y
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Erinreadsthebooks
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I just don‘t think there‘s a more talented writer out there than Elizabeth Strout. I‘m looking forward to diving into her backlist. She‘s the bees knees! 🤓🤗

marleed That‘s a great paragraph! 3y
47 likes1 comment
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squirrelbrain
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Pickpick

I started to read ‘Oh, William!‘, from the #ToBlonglist, and it kept referring to a previous novel (the MC, Lucy Barton, is an author) so I decided to read this one first. Luckily it was immediately available on Libby, and I read it in a day.

I love Strout‘s writing, it‘s all the little nuances and feelings that she notices, describes and brings to life. Looking forward to ‘Oh, William!‘

Ruthiella I loved this book. My favorite Strout. 3y
Caroline2 I‘ve had this in my shelf for agesssss. Sounds like I need to move it up the pile. 👍 3y
73 likes3 comments
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violabrain
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Pickpick

Exactly what I needed after inadvertently reading a string of books with misogynistic men as the main characters.

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Brimful
Pickpick

Loved this novel about the messiness of life the imperfections of love and the persistence of trauma. Highly recommended!

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Brimful
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I have said before: it interests me how we find ways to feel superior to another person, another group of people. It happens everywhere and all the time. Whatever we call it, I think it is the lowest part of who we are, this need to find someone else to put down.

BkClubCare Love Strout 3y
Brimful Me too! 3y
BarbaraBB A favorite of mine! 3y
11 likes3 comments
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Soubhiville
My Name is Lucy Barton | Elizabeth Strout
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Pickpick

What is it I love so much about Elizabeth Strout‘s writing? It‘s hard to name. I think it‘s the simple truths she sees in every character. With very few words she gets to the heart of each situation, leaving my heart feeling stripped.

I liked this very much, as I did Olive Kitteridge, and I‘ll read her other books at some point I‘m sure.

AmyG Olive is such a great character. 3y
Lesliereads Each time I read a book by Elizabeth Strout, I feel personally gifted by the emotional truth in her character portrayals. 💕 3y
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Kristin_Reads
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Pickpick

5⭐️ || I‘m not sure why people are either Team Lucy (this book‘s main character) or Team Olive (Olive Kitteridge) because I love them both. This is tender and reflective. I‘m looking forward to her new book out this fall... Oh, William!

BarbaraBB I loved them both too though if I have to choose, I choose Lucy 🤍 3y
Kristin_Reads @BarbaraBB I completely get it! 3y
Christine I want to go back and read this one again! I think I rushed through it and would appreciate more upon reread. LOVE both Olive books. 3y
Kristin_Reads @Christine Agreed! I love the Olive books too! 3y
58 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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TheLudicReader
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Pickpick

...”we all only have one story” says Lucy Barton and hers, a story of poverty and abuse and love and family, is quiet but compelling. #bookspin #doublespin @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
39 likes2 comments
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amyf0x
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Pickpick

Lucy recalls various moments growing up in poverty, weaving them together with her long stint in the hospital when her mother came to visit.

Read December 23-26
Rated 3/5 ⭐️
Book 57/60

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BookBosomed1
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Pickpick

This book was beautiful. It‘s simplistic, yet skillfully executed, focus on the rawness of human emotions kept calling me to it. If you need a book that honors the complex authenticity of feelings but does so it a way that is accessible, read this book.

BarbaraBB I loved this one too! 4y
BookBosomed1 @BarbaraBB I think I finished it in an afternoon. I devoured it. 4y
BarbaraBB I loved more of Strout‘s books but none as much as this one! Did you know Lucy reappears in 4y
BookBosomed1 I didn‘t! I haven‘t read that book. Going on the TBR 4y
11 likes4 comments