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Girls
Girls | Emma Cline
An indelible portrait of girls, the women they become, and that moment in life when everything can go horribly wrong this stunning first novel is perfect for readers of Jeffrey Eugenides s"The Virgin Suicides" and Jennifer Egan s "A Visit from the Goon Squad." Northern California, during the violent end of the 1960s. At the start of summer, a lonely and thoughtful teenager, Evie Boyd, sees a group of girls in the park, and is immediately caught by their freedom, their careless dress, their dangerous aura of abandon. Soon, Evie is in thrall to Suzanne, a mesmerizing older girl, and is drawn into the circle of a soon-to-be infamous cult and the man who is its charismatic leader. Hidden in the hills, their sprawling ranch is eerie and run down, but to Evie, it is exotic, thrilling, charged a place where she feels desperate to be accepted. As she spends more time away from her mother and the rhythms of her daily life, and as her obsession with Suzanne intensifies, Evie does not realize she is coming closer and closer to unthinkable violence. Emma Cline s remarkable debut novel is gorgeously written and spellbinding, with razor-sharp precision and startling psychological insight. "The Girls" is a brilliant work of fiction. Advance praise for "The Girls" "" "The Girls" is a brilliant and intensely consuming novel imposing not just for a writer so young, but for any writer, any time. Richard Ford Emma Cline has an unparalleled eye for the intricacies of girlhood, turning the stuff of myth into something altogether more intimate. She reminds us that behind so many of our culture s fables exists a girl: unseen, unheard, angry. This book will break your heart and blow your mind. Lena Dunham Emma Cline s first novel positively hums with fresh, startling, luminous prose. "The Girls "announces the arrival of a thrilling new voice in American fiction. Jennifer Egan I don t know which is more amazing, Emma Cline sunderstanding of human beings or her mastery of language. Mark Haddon, "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time""
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Mandycolesings
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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I really enjoyed this book. It was a dark coming of age story set in the summer of the 70's. Very much reminded me of once upon a time in Hollywood. Loved the writing style.

4 likes1 stack add
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youneverarrived
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Pickpick

I‘m conflicted on this one because I really liked the writing and I LOVED the atmosphere, the 60s vibe and the way Cline wrote Evie - I don‘t know if I‘ve read a more spot on depiction of a teenage girl and all the feelings, longings etc that come with that. However, because it‘s based quite closely on the Manson cult and murders I had that in my head as I was reading it so I knew where it was going..

youneverarrived and it didn‘t feel creative at all in that way - & I know historical fiction can be based on crimes and these things are obviously written about but it didn‘t sit quite right with me in this novel 🤔 #titlesandtunes (edited) 1y
Cinfhen I enjoyed this book, I thought it was a fun exploration of the Manson girls but I know many including @BarbaraBB did not care for this book. You make a good point about the lack of creativity or the predictability of the story. 1y
BarbaraBB Yes, that lack of creativity bothered me very much. I was super underwhelmed by this book but I am glad it‘s still a pick for you! 1y
Ruthiella Yes! I loved this book because she so perfectly captured how I felt at 14. I (luckily) didn‘t join a cult… 1y
youneverarrived @Ruthiella same for me! My teenage self could definitely relate. 1y
51 likes5 comments
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guidosophia
Girls | Emma Cline
Panpan

I feel like this book has been on my radar for many years and i was disappointed by finally reading it. The last 50 pages were pretty crazy but besides that it was kinda hard to read. Definitely a very cool concept but I‘m not sure how I feel about the execution

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Kgaudiuso
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
Mehso-so

This story was ok. The problem I have with it, is that no 14 year old girl is as worldly, experienced and intelligent thinking as the one we are to believe is the main character of this story, so that makes me feel this whole book is fake and non-believable. She called herself unintelligent numerous times, yet, she speaks like someone who has lived a long, and well lived life when she is speaking as her 14 year old self. So I‘m quite disappointed.

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BookBabe32
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️

dabbe Da sweetest pup! 💙🐾💚 2y
The.Great.Catsby In love with this picture!!! 1y
7 likes2 comments
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ashw21
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Pickpick

I am so late to the party but I really enjoyed this one! A book about a young girl alienated by her parents and wanting to be seen. The book explores teenage angst and inspired by the Manson murders and the culture around the cult. Love her writing!!

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DimeryRene
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Almost done. I love love love this book.

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elisebarker
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Pickpick

I can‘t believe this only has a 60% here on Litsy!! This was a reread for me but DAMN. Cline‘s writing is just phenomenal. Her writing style sucks you in and it‘s so descriptive you feel like you‘re there. This book also made me realize I could have very easily found myself in a cult at Evie‘s age if I‘d been given the chance 😬

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Coleen
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Pickpick

I *think* I mostly liked this. I‘d read that the plot was similar to that of the Manson murders, but this is more of a background story from the point of view of a young girl exposed to the fringes of a commune. It was not bad, but I was expecting more “action” I guess. The murders in this story were more of an afterthought and mentioned only minimally toward the end.

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Coleen
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Lauranahe
Girls | Emma Cline
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Pickpick

I thought this was actually about the Manson murders, but it‘s BASED ON the Manson murders. Still, very good read. Evie is a young teenager in the summer of ‘69 when she meets Suzanne and is instantly drawn to her. Through Suzanne, Evie is brought into the cult months before the infamous murders. I very much enjoyed the writing, the emotions evoked, the thoughts on being a girl in a man‘s world…highly recommend.

Lauranahe I‘m sorry I haven‘t gotten this out in the mail yet! I‘ll take it to the post office tomorrow or Wednesday. It‘s been a crazy couple of weeks. @magyklyXdelish @Bookish_AF @babyruth2510 2y
Bookish_AF Hahaha omg, as I‘m sure you noticed from my comments, I ALSO thought it was about the Mansons 😅 2y
21 likes1 stack add2 comments
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BeckyWithTheGoodBooks
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Pickpick

Based on the Manson Family Murders, Cline captures the boredom and desperation of adolescence magnificently. Evie is an ordinary teenager growing up in the suburbs when she is spellbound by an young woman in a cult-like group. Evie‘s seduction happens quickly and totally. Missing the novel‘s violent climax only by happenstance, adult Evie grapples with how easily she could‘ve been someone else forcing us to study our own life‘s close calls. 4⭐️

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magyklyXdelish
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed the writing in this book. It‘s definitely maybe a little verbose at times but I enjoyed how the author could make certain unrelatable things feel relatable. I‘m conflicted on how I feel about the end. I feel like it didn‘t live up to the rest of the book. I just don‘t know what to make of the end and can‘t wait to see what the rest of my book club thinks.

#BookSpinBingo

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
35 likes1 stack add1 comment
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magyklyXdelish
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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First read for March is for book club sisters.

Amy I will mail your book from this month out tomorrow 🤗

35 likes2 stack adds
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InkedBookworm13
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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I LOOKED UP because of the laughter, and kept looking because of the girls.

#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

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Christyco125
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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I do love bracketolgy and the idea for a tourney of books. So I say, “Let the battle of favorites begin.”

I gave it some thought. 💭 While The History of Wild Places was beautifully written, The Girls was the one that I just couldn‘t put down. So it‘s filling my January spot on my #2022ReadingBracket.

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andrew61
Girls | Emma Cline
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Pickpick

Starting #booked2022 with my book about a cult but suspect this might be a popular pick. Been meaning to rd this since it came out. Borrowing heavily from the manson theme it is more a story of troubled adolescence and a yng girls vulnerability. Definitely captures time and place well and the feeling of something bad approaching altho the mirroring of a real life event plays a part in that sense.
@Cinfhen @4thhouseontheleft @BarbaraTheBibliophage

TheLudicReader I really enjoyed this one, too. 3y
Cinfhen I liked this one , although other reviewers were less kind. Great choice for prompt 3y
51 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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Magdalenka
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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“Poor girls. The world fattens them on the promise of love. How badly they need it, and how little most of them will ever get.”

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Christyco125
Girls | Emma Cline
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Pickpick

This reminded me of a more adult version “Go Ask Alice.” It was a read quick and kept me interested all the way through. #Pantone2022 #SuperSonic #Booked2022 Cult or religion #2022Book3 #christyread

Christy2318 Oooooh I hadn‘t thought about the Go Ask Alice feel but yes, it does have that vibe! 3y
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Christyco125
Girls | Emma Cline

Got in a couple of hours of reading before the family woke up. That was a nice treat on this gray and wet day day. More of the same tomorrow. I was looking forward to no snow in winter living in GA. But now I‘m wondering if the rain is really worth the trade off. At least in CO it would snow and then the sun ☀️ would come out. #randomthoughts #weatherblues

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Kimberlone
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Starting a couple days late, but here is my #BlueandRed cover for #CuriousCovers Day 1! Will catch up in my next posts with Day 2 & 3.

This one has been on my TBR since one of my first #BOTM boxes several years ago. I will get to it some day!

Eggs Perfect! ❤️💙❤️ 3y
singsweetseraphim Oh my gosh, it‘s SO GOOD! It‘s been a few years since I read it, but there was a season of the podcast “you must remember this” that was researching Manson that came out only a year or so before the book. It compliments it so well! 3y
Kimberlone @singsweetseraphim I am obsessed with that podcast,and that season is especially amazing. I know the book is right up my alley because I do really enjoy that time period, so I know I will need to listen again when I eventually read the book! (edited) 3y
64 likes3 comments
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TheSpineView
Girls | Emma Cline
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#CuriousCovers @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs
Prompt: Blue and Red cover

I have not read this one yet. The reviews are all over the place and I don't want to waste time on a book I don't like. Has anyone read this? Your thoughts?

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Perfect choice for the prompt! I didn‘t care for the book though 🤷‍♀️ 3y
TheSpineView @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thanks for your thoughts. I think it is one of those books you either love or hate. I might take it off my TBR list. 🤔 3y
Eggs I bailed on it a couple years ago 3y
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Eggs 👏🏻❤️💙❤️👏🏻 3y
TheSpineView @Eggs Yeah, I think I am going to take it off my list. 3y
MaureenMc It‘s dark and disturbing, but I loved it. 😁 3y
TheSpineView @MaureenMc Thanks for the info!😊 3y
Ruthiella I loved it for its spot-on portrayal of awkward teenage-hood. I didn‘t join a cult, thank goodness, but I understood that main character‘s thought process. 3y
TheSpineView @Ruthiella I don't think I have heard that before about this book. Thanks for the insight. 3y
56 likes9 comments
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ChaoticMissAdventures
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Mehso-so

Breaking out my meh mug for this. It was fine. I recommend reading it if you are on vacation and it was left in the room you are renting.
I don't really understand why if she wanted to write about the Manson Girls she didn't just do it? But this story line was fine. I didn't like the modern day flashes, they didn't add to the story. And I agree with other reviews that overall it was overwritten. But I thought readable.

Leftcoastzen Love your meh mug! 3y
BarbaraBB Love the mug, kind of hated the book. 3y
ChaoticMissAdventures Thanks! I love this mug too, got it on Etsy. The reviews of this book are across the board! Hate to total admiration. I think if I had not read a truly bad book before this I might have been more critical. 3y
SamAnne LOL I love this review. And I want that mug. (edited) 3y
19 likes4 comments
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ChaoticMissAdventures
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 4y
19 likes1 comment
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TheSpineView
Girls | Emma Cline
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TheKidUpstairs ❤📚🔥 I want to read this one 4y
TheSpineView @TheKidUpstairs Me too! On my TBR list! 📚📚📚 4y
54 likes1 stack add2 comments
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ChaoticMissAdventures
Girls | Emma Cline
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TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
22 likes1 comment
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j.rye
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Soubhiville Everything you need! 4y
wanderinglynn Is the little book on the bottom left a e-reader cover or a notebook? Either way, I really like it! 😍 (edited) 4y
j.rye @wanderinglynn e-reader!! 4y
43 likes3 comments
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magyklyXdelish
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Obsessed with this #bookhaul 😍 I love when the hubby takes me book shopping!

Alfrazier21 I loved No Exit!! Great haul!! 4y
34 likes1 comment
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rachelk
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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I know the Manson/Manson-like cult subject has been done to death (bad pun) but what really stands out is the coming of age aspect of this story. This book took me back to my 1970‘s childhood in California. Her descriptions of being a girl in that time and place are spot on. Cline wasn‘t even born until 1989. How did she get it so right? Amazing!
👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻
#24b4Monday #Deweys24Readathon #deweysreadathon #snacktime

Jeannineth I loved this book. 4y
Ruthiella Yes! It was her depiction of being an unsure teenager in the 70s that clinched it for me! 4y
rachelk @Jeannineth @Ruthiella I think her observations and prose are outstanding. I‘m really surprised this wasn‘t a ‘pick‘ for more Littens. Maybe it‘s the Mansen-like cult aspect that people reacted negatively to? (edited) 4y
41 likes1 stack add3 comments
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kindalim
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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the feel of a physical book is so satisfying. ❤️

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Ruthiella
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Three books loosely based on true stories. I wanted to find books that were not memoir or nonfiction but rather books that took a real life event as an inspiration. I haven‘t read Women Talking yet, but I have read the other titles.

#3books

Crazeedi Great idea, I should have done that! 4y
thebluestocking That was my goal too. It was a little tricky but then I found a handful I had read. 💙 4y
Ruthiella @Crazeedi it‘s fun to see how I can make up my own small guidelines within the prompts! 😀 4y
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Ruthiella @thebluestocking It was a little bit of a challenge. I also wanted to avoid books obviously based on the author own life which was yet another constraint. 😀 4y
OriginalCyn620 The Girls was one of my choices too! 4y
Ruthiella @OriginalCyn620 I noticed that! I like it when an author only uses the inspiration but tells a wholly original story. 4y
36 likes6 comments
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bookishunicorn
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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I read an article recently about this young author, and realized this was her book. I've seen this book EVERYWHERE, but really had no clue what it was about. Now, that I've finally read the description, I can't wait to check it out! ✌🏼

#tbr #crimereads #goodreadslist

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ChaoticMissAdventures
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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September #Bookspin

A weird combination of classic, newer, non-fiction, YA, and interesting no sci-fi/fantasy.

Librariana I want to do this!! I've never done this!! I see everyone else participating and it makes me wanna be part of the club, too! 4y
ChaoticMissAdventures @Librariana you should! Especially if, like me, you have a stupid long TBR list. This just lets me pick 20, and then the 2 that @thearomaofbooks picks I make it a goal to read that month. I don't usually do the Bingo part - where you try to get a bingo card of your 20 picks, because I usually have a different pile outside of my 20 to read! 4y
TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Great list!!! @Librariana - anyone is welcome to join, all you have to do is post your list of 20 books & tag me when you do!! If you want more info, I created a master post which you can read here - https://www.litsy.com/web/post/1989556 - and just let me know if you have any questions!!! It's a flexible challenge where you can set your goal for however many books is going to work for you!! 4y
20 likes3 comments
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Samary
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Pickpick

I loved this book. I am endlessly fascinated by cults and I enjoyed reading this. Heavily influenced by the Manson Murders (the movie Charlie Says is good, you can see a lot of parallels) and a hint of David Koresh.

Not for everyone! Some difficult things to read about be aware of your triggers.

#thegirls #emmecline #cults #1960s #debutauthor

10 likes1 stack add
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Samary
Girls | Emma Cline
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Holy crap this book grabbed be from the beginning. It almost plays out like a movie in my head. I can see it and feel it. It is not for everyone. But this is right up my alley!

#thegirls #emmacline #cults

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Macnjen
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Mehso-so

Not my favorite. For some reason I could not connect with some of the writing style, though I can‘t pinpoint why. The story unfolds sort of as expected; unhappy teen girl gets involved in Mansonesque cult group. No real surprises here, perhaps my expectations were too high. Not sure I‘d recommend and I won‘t reread.

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MegCaldwell
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Pickpick

This was my first time reading on my iPad and I‘m surprised at how much I didn‘t hate it. It helped that I was so engrossed in the book! I loved the way it talked about girlhood, there was something haunting and even maybe shameful about it. Not shameful of being a girl but the shame that is bestowed upon girls. Happy my book club girls picked this one.

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JenReadsAlot
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Pickpick

I'm going with a pick but didnt love it. #doublespin
@TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Sometimes I feel like we need a choice that is something like “pick...ish“ lol 5y
35 likes1 comment
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Cathythoughts
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Thanks so much Caroline , this arrived today & im looking forward to it. Hope you are keeping well. Thankyou X Cathy 🙏❤️❤️❤️

Tanisha_A Photograph is 👌🏽! 5y
Cathythoughts @Tanisha_A Thanks! Really excited for the book , so pleased with it 👍🏻❤️ 5y
Caroline2 I hope you like it and sorry it‘s so late. 💖 5y
Cathythoughts @Caroline2 I think I‘ll love it ... there‘s no “ late “ ... you are very good 😘Thankyou X 5y
59 likes4 comments
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Oryx
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Cookie? 🐾

squirrelbrain Yes please! 😁😘 5y
TrishB Awww 😍 5y
erzascarletbookgasm 😍 the 🐾 and 🍪 5y
AlaMich That couch looks like it was made for her! 🐶❤️ 5y
Oryx @AlaMich She agrees! 5y
73 likes5 comments
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Kav138
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
Pickpick

I quite enjoyed this . I am not sure it lived up to the reviews, yet a well down first novel .

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CuriousG
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Wasn't sure originally if I would, but think I'm going to give this one a shot

15 likes1 stack add
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BookNightOwl
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Pickpick

Coming of age story about a 14 year old girl who comes from a broken home. When she meets a group she wants everything to do with them. This book had me absorbed on every page. Trigger warnings for sex, drugs and language. This book is an adult book.

87 likes1 stack add
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Kappadeemom
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Finished this book while on my camping trip and I‘m leaving it in the LFL. Great idea for campgrounds 🥰

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Kappadeemom
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Weekend plans 🛶🚍🐕❤️

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squirrelbrain
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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Well, I finally caved in @Caroline2 ! (And you weren‘t much help either @Branwen with your encouragement 🤣🤣).

Thank you so much for thinking of me Caroline - I‘ve been intrigued by this one for a while,,,,😘

I love the Harry Potter card too - very Litsy-appropriate 🦉

I‘m so grateful to have a friend like you ❤️

Caroline2 Whey! I‘m glad you like it. 😀 its an interesting read....😬 see what you think! I‘m very grateful to have a friend (and loosey-goosey buddy!) like you too! 😘 ps I stillllll haven‘t finished the Romanovs yet!!!!! 😂 5y
squirrelbrain I‘ll let you know what I think @caroline2.... And have one last push at The Romanovs - the end is definitely the best bit! 5y
youneverarrived This has been on my shelf for ages! I‘ve gone to read it a few times but always put it back for something else. 5y
66 likes3 comments
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MrBook
The Girls: A Novel | Emma Cline
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This was tonight‘s selection for my library‘s #HughesUnitedBookClub 😁! It received *very* mixed reviews! Some members loved it, some didn‘t even finish it, some thought it was meh. *That* makes for a fun and dynamic book club conversation 😂👏🏻! Good times.

#LitsyLovesLibraries

Pogue Our book club read it and I thought it was Meh too. I thought that it would be more about the women in the story. 5y
Rachel.Rencher What did you think? I really liked it! 5y
MrBook @Rachel.Rencher , I gave it 4-stars! 5y
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CaroPi This is one of my few DNF books. I don't feel any desire to finish it 5y
TheLudicReader I really liked this one. 5y
Peddler410 I‘m in the didn‘t even finish category 5y
59 likes6 comments