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I Am, I Am, I Am
I Am, I Am, I Am | Maggie O'Farrell
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review
IuliaC
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this memoir structured in 17 emotional stories, all focusing on near death events experienced by the author at different ages and in different places. The writing is wonderful and shows the beautiful miracle that is to be alive.

“I swam in dangerous waters, both metaphorically and literally. It was not so much that I didn't value my existence but more that I had an insatiable desire to push myself to embrace all that it could offer.”

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Nebklvr
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Pickpick

O‘Farrell is a great writer who must love causing anxiety in her readers. How can one person have so many near death experiences?

Writeme I loved that book. Led me to read all of her work. ❤️ 3mo
Nebklvr @Writeme I may look into more of her work 3mo
40 likes1 stack add2 comments
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keepingupwiththepenguins
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Pickpick

I Am, I Am, I Am is a riveting read penned by a practice hand. O‘Farrell‘s extensive experience writing acclaimed fiction has clearly served her well in finally sharing her own stories. Sure, some parts might‘ve been better left out, but that‘s just my opinion and I‘m happy to defer to O‘Farrell‘s expertise and wisdom here. Full review: https://keepingupwiththepenguins.com/i-am-i-am-i-am-maggie-ofarrell/

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vlwelser
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Pickpick

This author's writing is so beautiful. She tells stories of her near misses with death. Some are sort of normal and funny. Some are very emotional and they'll pull your heart out. I love her even more after reading this.

#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 12mo
42 likes1 comment
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BkClubCare
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Pickpick

This book was fascinating. Very propulsive reading experience. Does flirting with Death make you feel more alive? Do you always rise to meet the challenges you‘re handed? Interesting questions.

I do disagree that no one cares what degree you got but maybe that only accounts for those truly lucky people who figure out how to actually do (and KNOW) what to do with one‘s life.

Book 85, #NonFictionNovember 2023

47 likes1 stack add
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BkClubCare
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#NonfictionNovember !

While catching up on the zombie rounds of our #ToF Tournament of Favorites (LaRose takes down Hamnet in the Battle of the Dead Children), a comment mentioning the tagged book incites me to get eBook from Libby. The books behind it are up next.

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kellock
I Am, I Am, I Am | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

Brilliant autobiography, very cleverly done. I have not found a book by Maggie I haven't liked

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CBee
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Pickpick

Amy, thanks again for sending me this. Just finished this morning and am blown away - I don‘t normally read nonfic in print, but this read like fiction and I absolutely can‘t resist her beautiful writing 💚 Lovely, beautiful book! @AmyG

CBee @Soubhiville could I count this for #AAM despite it being a different month? 14mo
AmyG I knew you‘d love this. I found it so beautiful, too. 14mo
CBee @AmyG the last chapter though 😭 14mo
60 likes3 comments
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kellock
I Am, I Am, I Am | Maggie O'Farrell
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Very much enjoying this. Not my usual holiday read but Maggie just writes so well.

GatheringBooks What a gorgeous view!! 14mo
IuliaC I love this photo! 14mo
dabbe A Room with A View! 🤩🤩🤩 14mo
12 likes3 comments
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kellock
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Next holiday read . . . A move from fiction but sticking with a reliable author

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Lesliereadsalot
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Pickpick

Reading this book about the author‘s 17 brushes with death, made me remember my own brushes with catastrophes. How close we can come to something horrible happening. The first story and the last story rang so true it was frightening. I was crying at the end reading about her daughter. The stories jump around and I had to keep referring to the year of the first story to know how old she was. Still highly recommend.

13 likes1 stack add
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Jas16
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I keep thinking about this book which makes it the clear winner for July.
#readingbracket2023

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PurpleyPumpkin
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Pickpick

As others have said, this is beautifully written. The audiobook was narrated by Daisy Donovan who did an excellent job bringing the author‘s work to life. Even though the subject matter was intense, it was not without hope. I‘m looking forward to reading more of O‘Farrell‘s work. 4/5⭐️ #AuthorAMonth
(July 30, 2023)

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Bklover
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Pickpick

I have mixed feelings about this book. The writing was simply beautiful. But from the first “event” I couldn‘t connect with this woman. I admire her greatly, yet I don‘t understand her wanderlust. I had a little trouble with the order of the events, as there was much hopping around time-wise, and yet I am so happy that I read it. Lots of conflict, but a wonderfully written book which makes me want to try her fiction. #authoramonth #aam

Soubhiville I hope you will, I really enjoyed her fiction this month 🙂📚 1y
Bklover @Soubhiville I plan on it! Which is your favorite? 1y
Prairiegirl_reading I liked this one too but I have a hard time trusting authors that appear to have such a good memory. Lol! I agree with your review completely! 1y
See All 6 Comments
Bklover @Soubhiville yay! I just checked that out if the library. Gonna try to finish it by tomorrow night. 1y
Bklover @Prairiegirl_reading Me too! In such detail!! 1y
75 likes6 comments
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youneverarrived
I Am, I Am, I Am | Maggie O'Farrell
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Pickpick

I love this book so much. The last story (Daughter) gave me goosebumps. Such a strong, courageous woman and a brilliant writer. It will stay with me. #authoramonth

Soubhiville I‘m looking forward to this one! 1y
youneverarrived @Soubhiville it‘s so good ♥️ 1y
60 likes5 stack adds2 comments
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Jas16
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Pickpick

When this book first came out I was completely uninterested. Essays about near death experiences? Not for me. But when I saw the audiobook was relatively short and available right away while looking for another #authoramonth selection I decided to give it a go and ended up loving it. She writes so beautifully and these essays made me feel a whole range of emotions from teary sadness to wanting to throttle negligent doctors anger.

AmyG I read this one, too. Such a beautiful book. 1y
HeatherBookNerd Great book 1y
69 likes4 stack adds2 comments
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Deblovestoread
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Pickpick

#AuthorAMonth

I had trouble deciding which O‘Farrell to read out of her back list. Chose this one based on length and listened to it in a day and loved it. I think I would be a recluse if I experienced half of what she has. We shared a similar miscarriage experience that was a gut punch. Her words are vivid, intense, and real. You will feel all her emotions.

Suet624 I should read this again. 1y
79 likes1 comment
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Lcsmcat
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Back from a vacation of mountain hikes to the reality of the treadmill. Started this for #authoramonth this morning. @Soubhiville

Soubhiville Nice! Hope you love it! 1y
43 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Amiable
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Pickpick

A memoir told in essays detailing near-death experiences that the author has had during her lifetime. The writing is haunting and poignant, although some of the essays were better than others. While it is ultimately a pick for me, I do think I expected something… well, more, I guess .. based on the rave reviews I‘d seen before picking it up.

#Nonfiction2023
#AuthorAMonth

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Lauren890
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 This was excellent. Gripping at times and also often relatable and human. Each essay jumps around in time, but I think it‘s so well done in that way. The only sad thing is she doesn‘t read the audio herself - which I usually prefer for a memoir - but the narrator did a great job.

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Messiejessie
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Pickpick

Maggie‘s telling of her brushes with death sent a shiver along my spine. Especially the first and last chapters.
Definitely worth reading.

Vansa This was a deeply haunting book to read. And the first chapter is absolutely devastating to think about the lack of trust in women, by law enforcement 2y
18 likes1 comment
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dariazeoli
I Am, I Am, I Am | Maggie O'Farrell
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#AuthorAMonth Kindle deals!

They‘re both from Random House, too, so eligible if you‘re signed up for Penguin Rewards.

See All 12 Comments
Amiable I loved “Isaac‘s Storm”—that may be my favorite Larson so far. 2y
Cinfhen I‘ve been meaning to read this one - thanks for sharing 2y
Lcsmcat Thanks for sharing! 2y
AmyG I second Isaac‘s Storm. Wonderful. 2y
Kristin_Reads Thank you for the heads up! 2y
Andrew65 Thanks ❤️ 2y
Bklover Thanks Daria!❤️❤️❤️ and thanks @Soubhiville ❤️❤️❤️ I just got them both! (edited) 2y
70 likes12 comments
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andrew61
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#12booksofchristmas @Andrew65
My February book has to be this memoir by the wonderful maggie O'Farrell which is honest, revealing, and a moving read at times. The highlight of my literary year was seeing her recently talking to kamila shamsie and i have got huge brownie points by getting hold of 2 tickets for my wife to see Hamnet in May at RSC in Stratford (I am of course benefitting from the present).

TrishB Oh I‘m very impressed and jealous! That sounds fantastic. 2y
Andrew65 A wonderful book, and a great present. 2y
38 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Emilymdxn
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Pickpick

Such an unusual and moving memoir, told entirely in the near death experiences that make up the author‘s life. I was a bit confused at the beginning by how this was meant to teach us much about her but I ended up absolutely in awe of her writing and feeling like I‘d seen really deeply into her. So surprisingly beautiful

Megabooks She is an amazing writer and this is my favorite by her. If you haven‘t read this on my #ALSpine list I highly recommend it too. 2y
66 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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merelybookish
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BarbaraBB I loved both! 2y
merelybookish @BarbaraBB Both so inventive and moving! 2y
55 likes1 stack add2 comments
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LeslieO
I Am, I Am, I Am | Maggie O'Farrell
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I love her fiction but I but I loved this one even more. #LetterI #AlphabetGame

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💚💚💚 2y
ChaoticMissAdventures One of my favorite books. Her storytelling through out this was gripping and so poetic. 2y
39 likes1 stack add2 comments
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BBooks
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Great narrator for audio version 👏 👌 👍 quick read

2 likes1 stack add
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BarbaraTheBibliophage
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Pickpick

Recently did a review / post about memoirs that use essays instead of straight through chronology. I liked both of these although they‘re wildly different. O‘Farrell titles her with drama, but ultimately it felt gentle in tone. OTOH, Madden has a semi-whimsical title and every essay is a heartbreaking gut punch.

Full reviews https://www.TheBibliophage.com #thebibliophage2022

Chelsea.Poole I loved both of these! 3y
Megabooks Love both!! 3y
83 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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BekaReid
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Karisa I think about that too especially with my younger coworkers now that I‘m a “veteran” teacher. They are so both young and so wise at times too 3y
IuliaC Beautiful quote! I think about that often too 3y
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peacegypsy
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Pickpick

An interesting view of the way in which life could turn out for us should circumstances have been slightly altered; however, I don‘t know that she can claim an especially remarkable life. This was a quick and fairly engaging little read, so I‘ll give her the benefit of the doubt. Finally, her chapter on miscarriage is painful and deep, so she deserves a few extra points for the accuracy of that one in particular. 😢

StaceGhost Ooo! Cheryl Strayed has a book club?! Cool and this sounds like a great read. 3y
46 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Chelsea.Poole
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Pickpick

One that I‘ve been eyeing for quite awhile, which was worth the wait! I love a memoir in essays!! ♥️ and O‘Farrell certainly did not disappoint. Harrowing, but also relatable, these stories of near-death experiences range from medical issues she‘s experienced to violence and even swimming mishaps. Adored Hamnet, which is so different, but makes me want to read her others ASAP. Also, be warned - this can be difficult/traumatic. Read TWs.

Suet624 I liked this one too. Some moving pieces. 3y
Reagan It‘s one of my favourite books. Her writing takes my breath away 3y
Cinfhen I remember being a bit underwhelmed by this one although her writing is gorgeous! Great choice for prompt!! 3y
101 likes2 stack adds5 comments
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peacegypsy
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Quite curious about this one!

Penny_LiteraryHoarders The audiobook was fantastic 3y
41 likes1 stack add1 comment
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ChaoticMissAdventures
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St Paddy's day post.
Love an Irish author, I didn't realize I regularly read so many people from Ireland and Northern Ireland! Maggie O'Farrell is for sure my favorite especially her one I forget to grab for this photo tagged above.

Cathythoughts Great pic 💚 3y
24 likes1 comment
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peanutnine
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Bailedbailed

This was an interesting concept, a memoir told by focusing on moments of near-death experiences. It is beautifully written and very powerful. But check the trigger warnings - I made it just over halfway before I had to stop because my anxiety was too high. There are a lot of medical stories and she does not hold back on descriptions. Also a lot of pregnancy complications and miscarriages specifically

Cathythoughts I bailed too , but for different reasons… I couldn‘t connect and I wasn‘t affected by the stories , I found it a bit unreal (edited) 3y
Cathythoughts And I must add I‘m a big fan of two other books I read by this author 3y
peanutnine @Cathythoughts I did enjoy her writing. I might have to try one of her fiction books instead 3y
44 likes3 comments
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andrew61
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Pickpick

Maggie O'Farrell brings her wonderful writing to reflect upon 17 occasions when ,during her lifetime, death brushes past her. From childhood illness to child birth within the chapters we the readers learn about the writer life which gives insight to her life + work such as Hamnet . A brilliant writer, an interesting book reminding us of the fragility of life
#TitleRepeatsItself #booked2022 @4thhouseontheleft @Cinfhen @BarbaraTheBibliophage

Decalino I loved this book! I still think about it, years later. 3y
lynneamch Oh yes. Loved her since this one many years ago 3y
readordierachel I loved this one too 3y
Cinfhen Wonderful choice!!! She is a prolific writer ♥️ 3y
BarbaraTheBibliophage This is my pick for that prompt. Glad to know you liked it! 3y
49 likes2 stack adds5 comments
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Bookwormjillk
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Pickpick

This book was a little uneven, but the first and last chapters took my breath away.

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Ncostell
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Pickpick

Maggie O‘Farrell and I were born the same year so I was able to relate each of her experiences with where I was at that time in my life. She tells the story of her life through harrowing medical conditions and near accidents. It felt repetitive at times but by the end I was able to appreciate what she was trying to accomplish. Her 17 brushes with death highlight the need to take nothing for granted and live life to its fullest.

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Rachel.Rencher
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Mehso-so

The only reason this isn't a "pan" is because I thought the first few stories were compelling, truly near death experiences. As it went on, the descriptions became lengthy and boring, and some of her experiences weren't that outlandish. I mean, apparently I've had a few brushes with death by her standard although I would've never thought that before. ?

Cathythoughts I gave it a so-so too 🤷‍♀️ I didn‘t get what all the hype was about. I loved Hamnet and The Hand a that First Held Mine. This book didn‘t work for me , but I will look forward to reading others (edited) 3y
70 likes1 comment
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Rachel.Rencher
I Am, I Am, I Am | Maggie O'Farrell
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Good morning! I have a feeling I won't be able to put this memoir down all day. Even though I haven't had near death experiences like she has, her feelings about her life are still completely relatable.

Cathythoughts We read this recently for Bookclub. Mixed reviews 🤷‍♀️ I didn‘t like it as much as her other books I‘ve read. She‘s a good writer for sure ❤️ 3y
Rachel.Rencher @Cathythoughts I'm toward the end, and I see what you mean! I'm not getting sucked in like I hoped I would, and some of her experiences aren't really "brushes with death." 3y
71 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Cathythoughts
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Mehso-so

The morning after the Bookclub, it‘s still dark out here.
A ‘so-so ‘ for me and our gang .. there was a general agreement it was self- indulgent , unrealistic for a memoir, overly dramatic, a bit monotonous… We are a hard crowd to get past 😬. Having said that, everyone liked parts of it. I had great hopes after the appearance of a serial killer! I was very moved by the ending.
I did however LOVE Hamnet , and The Hand That First Held Mine

Cathythoughts I loved the ending, and felt very emotional about her daughter , the book made more sense to me then. It was for her daughter , I felt. Also made more sense & meaning to Hamnet for me. 3y
Cathythoughts One of our ladies said the writing was ‘ a bit too flowery for the subject matter .. and also the woman really needs to learn to stay out of the feckin‘ water ( which is funny but very true ) … wine 🍷 fuelled discussions 😁 (edited) 3y
Ruthiella You can‘t win ‘em all! Good review. 😃 3y
See All 8 Comments
TrishB 😁 great review. I loved this one, I was probably in the mood for the flowery writing! 3y
Cathythoughts @Ruthiella Thanks! You can‘t 😁 we had a fun , interesting discussion 👍🏻 (edited) 3y
Cathythoughts @TrishB 👍🏻😁 3y
LeahBergen I love hearing what your book club thinks about a book. 😊 3y
Cathythoughts @LeahBergen Thanks Leah , it‘s only our 3d real meeting sinse Covid.. it‘s so good to be back together 👍🏻❤️ 3y
54 likes2 stack adds8 comments
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merelybookish
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Pickpick

Wow, wow, wow, this was so gripping! From the first story onward, O'Farrell describes in such compelling detail, the various times she has brushed/faced/confronted death. Inevitably I started thinking about how death has shown up in my own life. It is simultaneously thought-provoking, poignant, and entertaining. The only other book I've read by O'Farrell is Hamnet and reading this gives me new perspective on that as well. Just a fabulous read!

HeatherBookNerd Terrific book! 3y
sarahbarnes Oohhh, sounds intriguing! I loved Hamnet. 3y
Cathythoughts Great review! Reading this just now for Bookclub.. I loved Hamnet 👍🏻💔 3y
See All 11 Comments
merelybookish @HeatherBookNerd Yes! On so many levels! 3y
merelybookish @sarahbarnes I was going to recommend it to you! I think you'd enjoy it! 3y
merelybookish @Cathythoughts A fun book for boo club! I hope you enjoy it. I liked it better than Hamnet! 3y
Flaneurette I loved this one too! it was really good in audio and i don't even like audiobooks! 3y
BiblioLitten I loved Hamnet. Stacked! 3y
merelybookish @Flaneurette Yes I enjoyed it on audio...made some of her experiences so vivid 3y
merelybookish @BiblioLitten Reading this made me understand/appreciate her interest in a story about a parent losing a child. 3y
Megabooks I‘ve read this at least six times. It is fantastic!! 3y
68 likes5 stack adds11 comments
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JGadz11
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A riveting read - her prose is wonderful, and I found this to be really beautiful. Highly recommended✨

Cathythoughts I am reading this one at the moment for Bookclub… good 👍🏻❤️ 3y
10 likes1 comment
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HeatherBookNerd
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Pickpick

Totally fascinating collection of personal essays about the many ways the author has witnessed and experienced the closeness of death. O‘Farrell‘s prose is stunning. She has a remarkable ability to illuminate these life-altering moments for the reader. What a fierce, unusual, interesting person.

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HeatherBookNerd
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Loving this book.

Megabooks It‘s one of my all-time favs! 3y
24 likes1 comment
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TheKidUpstairs
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Hey #LMPBC ladies! Here's four I grabbed from my shelves that looked like interesting picks for this round. Any thoughts? I'll tag the other three in the comments!

@StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego @Tianarose @DinoMom

See All 6 Comments
DinoMom This all look like great choices ! I am game for any of them 3y
Tianarose Great picks. All look interesting. 3y
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego Those all sound intriguing. 3y
61 likes6 comments
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Kristin_Reads
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Mehso-so

I was really looking forward to this because I love Maggie O‘Farrell‘s writing. Perhaps it was the narration but I found the stories to be too melodramatic. She‘s such a talented writer but this one just didn‘t work for me.

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Kazzie
Pickpick

Great! Really obsessed with Maggie O‘Farrell! Interesting reflections on the body and on life

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Megabooks
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1. I have worn out my copy of this!

2. Probably memoirs. David Sedaris is amazing, especially as far as constantly having new material. I also love short stories. Adam Johnson has the most in my top 10, but I also love Ottessa Moshfegh.

3. Gosh, lots. Lindy West, Samantha Irby, Cheryl Strayed, Dave Cullen, David Sedaris, Roxane Gay, Rebecca Solnit, Mary Roach, Anthony Bourdain (RIP), Stacey Abrams. I can‘t pick just one!

#wondrouswednesday

Crazeedi Great answers!! 4y
Megabooks @Crazeedi thanks! 4y
Eggs Thanks for playing 🌺💗🌸 4y
Megabooks @Eggs 💜💜 4y
73 likes4 comments
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Jeg
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Pickpick

Fairly sure I‘ve read this before. What a life. So many brushes with death.
#joysbooks2021
@MrsMalaprop