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Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch
Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch: A Novel | Rivka Galchen
Drawing on real historical documents but infused with the intensity of imagination, sly humor, and intellectual fire for which award-winning author Rivka Galchens writing is known, Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch is a tale for our timethe story of how a community becomes implicated in collective aggression and hysterical fear. The year is 1619, in the German duchy of Wrttemberg. Plague is spreading. The Thirty Years War has begun, and fear and suspicion are in the air throughout the Holy Roman Empire. In the small town of Leonberg, Katherina Kepler is accused of being a witch. An illiterate widow, Katherina is known by her neighbors for her herbal remedies and the success of her children, including her eldest, Johannes, who is the Imperial Mathematician and renowned author of the laws of planetary motion. Its enough to make anyone jealous, and Katherina has done herself no favors by being out and about and in everyones business. So when the deranged and insipid Ursula Reinbold (or as Katherina calls her, the Werewolf) accuses Katherina of offering her a bitter, witchy drink that has made her ill, Katherina is in trouble. Her scientist son must turn his attention from the music of the spheres to the job of defending his mother. Facing the threat of financial ruin, torture, and even execution, Katherina tells her side of the story to her friend and next-door neighbor Simon, a reclusive widower imperiled by his own secrets. Provocative and entertaining, Galchens bold new novel touchingly illuminates a society, and a family, undone by superstition, the state, and the mortal convulsions of history.
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shortsarahrose
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“Let me say: Perhaps we could have acted otherwise than to convict if we saw some humanity in the defendant. If it were simply that she had strayed, but wanted to return to our loving fold. If she showed some penance. Some emotion. Some consideration. Have we seen a single tear from Frau Kepler? We have not. We say to her, Kath-chen - for some of us have known her since she was a girl - can‘t you show us something of your heart?”

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shortsarahrose
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Starting a new book (recommended by my mom) while enjoying a latte and caprese egg sandwich 😋

vivastory I really liked this one 8mo
39 likes1 comment
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DaniJ
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Pickpick

Interesting read! The prose was a bit hard to get into, but definitely reflected the time period, if in a slightly disorientating way. Witch trials of the 1600s are really todays cancel culture and mean girls.

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TracyReadsBooks
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this story set in 17th c. Germany about the mother of Johannes Kepler (of laws of planetary motion fame) who is accused of witchcraft by a neighbor. Katharina finds herself threatened with ruin, imprisonment, or possibly death. Told in the first person, the occasional official document, as well as the account of her official guardian, the story examines fear, jealousy, greed, superstition, agency & more. An entertaining book.

intothehallofbooks This one is very high on my to-buy list! It sounds so good to me. 1y
Ruthiella I liked this one too. 👍 1y
batsy This was great! And I love this cover. 1y
33 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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TracyReadsBooks
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Started this one yesterday and I am loving it so far!

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TracyReadsBooks
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Went for a walk…picked up some books… 🚶🏻‍♀️📚

#Bookhaul

Cuilin That‘s my type of walk. 1y
36 likes1 comment
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Twocougs
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Mehso-so

I‘m not sure if I would have liked this more if I had read it at a different time. Multiple people said it was humorous, I didn‘t see that at all.

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Pedrocamacho
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book. It is part comedy and part tragedy. At a minimum, it is hard not to love the irreverence of Katherine.

marleed I read her as Frances McDormand playing the role! 2y
Pedrocamacho So smart, @marleed! Definitely strong Frances McDormand-vibes! 2y
12 likes2 comments
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Kazzie
Pickpick

So good! Loved the view into early 17 century Germany. Frustrated at times by the treatment of women, but the lovely, steady character of Kath-chen was awesome

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AllDebooks
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I've had so much fun choosing gifts for my #BasicWitchSwap @AbigailJaneBlog I completely forgot it was a swap until my parcel arrived, lol. So tempted to open early but I waited and waited. Witches on Halloween, be like kids on Christmas morning 🖤🤗🖤
Thank you so much Abi, for all my gorgeous goodies. Actually did a happy dance. Thank you @sprainedbrain for all your organisation. It's been a blast xx

sprainedbrain Lovely gifts! And you‘re so right… it‘s like Christmas morning for witches! 😂 Blessed Samhain! 2y
AbigailJaneBlog Glad you liked it - was very tempted to steal that hot choc for myself! 2y
42 likes3 comments
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this. I thought the epistolary elements added an interesting touch, and I liked that it was based on true events yet didn‘t get caught up in 💯 accuracy.

Imperial mathematician Johannes Kepler‘s mother has been accused of witchcraft by the wife of a “third-rate glazier”. As the town chooses sides, Hans tries to mount a defense. The townspeople‘s testimonies and Hans‘ letters are shared in addition to Katharin‘s & her guardian‘s stories.

squirrelbrain Great review - I liked this too when I listened to it last year. 2y
marleed I loved this book. As I read it I cast Francis McDormat in the lead! 2y
BarbaraBB I didn‘t like it as much as you did but your review is great. As is the picture 2y
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Megabooks @marleed Frances McDorman would be fantastic! 2y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB thanks! I can‘t believe we have daisies blooming in September! 2y
BarbaraBB Indeed! It‘s almost autumn! 2y
82 likes3 stack adds7 comments
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jlhammar
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“Herein I begin my account, with the help of my neighbor Simon Satler, since I am unable to read or write.”

#FirstLineFridays

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Megabooks
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Now I know why you gave this just 3⭐️ @BarbaraBB 🤨🤣 I rather like the name Barbara!

Cinfhen Hahaha - I gave it 3 stars too!! And I love @BarbaraBB and @BarbaraTheBibliophage xxx 2y
AmyG Ha! 2y
Megabooks @Cinfhen those are definitely two fantastic Barbaras! 😘😘 @BarbaraBB @BarbaraTheBibliophage 2y
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Megabooks @AmyG the storygraph popped her rating up so I couldn‘t resist! 🤣 2y
BarbaraBB Ha! I remember those sentences vividly of course! And to be honest, I felt a bit proud. It‘s kind of cool, right 😉?! @Cinfhen 2y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB it is kind of cool! I love seeing a Meg (and not a Megan)! 2y
BarbaraBB Such a nice name, Meg! I really think so! (edited) 2y
65 likes8 comments
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LauraJ
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Pickpick

Cecil and I are reading something other than textbooks again. I credit this book for getting me back in the groove.
#majorreadingslump

Maria514626 This sounds great! 2y
LauraJ @Maria514626 The perfect book to break my yearlong reading slump! 2y
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Ellen_C
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Pickpick

In 1618 Johannes Kepler‘s mother was accused of witchcraft. This novel imagines how this played out, with special attention to the accused and a neighbor who came to her aid. https://cannonballread.com/2022/08/everyone-knows-your-mother-is-a-witch-a-novel...

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Mitch
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My favs bookseller ( Kate!) recommended this - it has funny in the cover ( which I usually avoid at all costs!) but is also has Margaret Atwood on the cover…. So going to give it a go! 🤞🏼

vivastory I thought it had some humor but I didn't think it was a comic novel 2y
Ruthiella @vivastory Agree. It has a wry tone, but I would not consider it funny. 2y
Mitch @Ruthiella @vivastory that reassures me! 👍🏼 2y
akfreeborn Some humor but not funny. I thought it was very well written, accessible despite its historic tone and was a top ten for me last year. Hope you love it! 2y
Chrissyreadit How was it? 2y
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Jas16
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Pickpick

In 1618 Katharina is accused of being a witch. Katharina Is many things- a widow, a mother, illiterate, a busy body, incredibly fond of her cow. What she is not is a witch. Galchen did her research while writing this book and I think the parts I liked best were the statements made by neighbors that she adapted from historical documents.This book still ended up being #morelikedthanloved. It could be that I am a little over books about witch trials.

marleed I really liked that it was set in Europe vs Massachusetts. I also pictured Francis McDermott as Katharina! 3y
UrsulaMonarch @marleed *inspired* casting!!! 😍 3y
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BeeMagical
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Bailedbailed

Book 41🎧 2⭐️

I‘m throwing in the flag at 75% on this one🏳️

I had high hopes for this one, being about the witch trials, but it just didn‘t grip me. It was missing something?

The book contains a lot of significant research on the authors part👏🏻 but it just find of fell flat for me. Constant BS from various towns people trying to convince the judge that Kat is a witch. (A list of over 40 reasons!)

I couldn‘t do the “gossip”🤷🏼‍♀️😕

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Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

I was intrigued by this one when it hit the TOB longlist, so I thought I‘d give it a try. On the surface, it‘s the novelization of Johannes Kepler‘s mother being accused of and tried for witchcraft, and is frankly a little odd at first. But, ultimately, this is a book about fear, the desire to blame something or someone for things we don‘t understand, and the willingness of humans to malign others. Really good book.

batsy I really liked this one, too. An odd little gem. 3y
Addison_Reads I enjoyed this one too. Several on the ToB Longlist have been better selections for me than the shortlist. 3y
Hooked_on_books @Addison_Reads Isn‘t that always the way? 3y
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Pinta
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Pickpick

Historical aside developed into compelling plot in wry, straightforward prose: Johannes Kepler‘s mother accused of witchcraft. Narration shifts from Katharina to neighbor Simon to townspeople‘s testimonies. War. Plague. Crop failure. Explanation for accusation=? Jealousy? Greed? False flag? Societal anxiety turned on individual? Stubbornness of accused? Healers as criminals. Mob mentality. Fear of female strength. Quiet but suspenseful. 2021.

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Addison_Reads
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Pickpick

I found this a fascinating new technique for historical fiction. The writing style was creative and I loved the humor mixed throughout.

The author definitely did extensive research about witch hunts, and I enjoyed that this book felt more modern.

I can't say that I loved this book when I finished it, but it's very readable and entertaining with great characters.

readordierachel This sounds great 👍🏼 3y
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Larkken
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Mehso-so

This fictionalized witch hunt based on a historical witch trial gave me anxiety 😰
I can see where there is satire, and the narrative is extremely clever, but the pure accumulation of spite against an old woman wore on me anyway. So, #unpopularopinion here, I think. Anyone feel like trying to win me over?

Ruthiella Often I feel that way about books too when the plot or characters make me too anxious. But I liked this book on the whole. I may have checked on Wikipedia first to make sure Katerina wasn‘t burned at the stake. 😬 3y
Larkken @Ruthiella ooh I definitely do this too. Even if the outcome is sad or what I didn‘t want to happen, waiting to find out about it can be way worse. And this is why I mainly watch cooking shows on tv… 😅 3y
17 likes2 comments
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monalyisha
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Pickpick

#NewYearWhoDis #NYWD22 @TheKidUpstairs

A fresh voice, especially for historical fiction. It felt very different somehow. Modern but not at all anachronistic (for its early 1600‘s setting). Still, I wasn‘t *totally* enraptured. I think the narrative gets a trifle slow in the middle, where we lose Katharina‘s voice & just get the testimonies against her, accusing her of witchcraft. 👇🏻

monalyisha 1/2: Some of the testimonies are funny - ridiculous in their baselessness & strong in their character portrayals of weak people. The format is interesting & the preponderance of them is effective…but they became repetitive & I missed Katharina in the meantime, with her balance of sweetness & caustic wit. (edited) 3y
monalyisha 2/2: The message about witch-hunts and how it relates to our current sociopolitical climate is clear. The message about how women (especially women who speak their minds) were (& are) perceived & treated is equally strong. The undercurrent of plague sickness & loss also felt familiar (though not crushingly so, for anyone who‘s worried about reading *this* *now*). I was left with an overwhelming desire to name a pet Chamomile. 🐄 🌼 (edited) 3y
monalyisha Also, shoutout to Rodrigo Corral for book design. It‘s a beautiful physical object. My first #NYWD22 read down! Thanks, @TheKidUpstairs 🎉! 3y
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squirrelbrain Great review. I enjoyed this too, but felt it was a bit repetitive in places, like you did. 3y
monalyisha @squirrelbrain I know the repetition is effective in building a case against her *and* in showing how groupthink works…but it‘s not enjoyable to read. Kind-of a shame that it‘s a common complaint because it seems like it could‘ve been so easily rectified! But Katharina was great. And Gertie. She was a favorite, too, with her love of dill & her 1600‘s equivalent of a True Crime obsession. 😅 3y
TheKidUpstairs Great review. I'm glad it was a pick in the end. I get the complaint against the repetitive testimonies. I think what won me over on them was the fact that she pulled so much of them from the historical record, and then created a few whole cloth, and she had decided to let the reader decide which they think are which. 3y
monalyisha @TheKidUpstairs Thanks! I think there‘s some stellar writing in there. And I‘m sure an interview with her, where she details her process, would be fascinating! But as a reading experience, I think the wealth of them just weighs the narrative down. Still, it was definitely a pick! I may post some bonus quotes. 😉 3y
Ruthiella I liked this one too and agree that it felt modern without feeling anachronistic. 3y
85 likes8 comments
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monalyisha
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“Heinrich didn‘t like to be corrected, or admonished, or disagreed with, or disliked, or, really, instructed or supervised; sometimes he didn‘t even like being spoken to.”

Wow, I feel called out. 😆

I don‘t think I‘m *that* bad. But I also don‘t think I‘m supposed to identify with Heinrich. 🙈 Ahem. Oops.

shanaqui Oh, oh no, it's me, too... 3y
TheKidUpstairs 🤣🤣🤣 I totally identify 3y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Yep I'm being referenced here and I don't like it. 🤣 3y
71 likes4 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
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#12Booksof2021 #August

Katherina is one of my favourite characters of the year.

MerlinTheSlightlyAwkward What a character! I've taken some mental notes on the er... strength of her feelings on the world around her ?. "... looks like an unwell river otter in a doublet" was a genuinely endearing line 3y
68 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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monalyisha
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1. Everyone Knows Your Mother is a Witch by Rivka Galchen (off of my #NYWD22 list from @TheKidUpstairs )

2. On Monday, I start my new position at work. Other than that, I don‘t really know what the year holds! Covid makes planning a tad difficult. 🙈

3. The past few years, I‘ve always resolved to “read more nonfiction.” I‘ve finally gotten to a point where I just do so naturally now! So, I‘m following #SundayFunday for ideas to steal. 😉

TheDaysGoBy Good luck with your new job! 3y
monalyisha @TheDaysGoBy Thanks! It‘s the same Library, just a new role (which they created specifically for me 💓). When I started, I accepted a FT Circulation job to escape a toxic environment at a former Library - but Circ‘s never been my forte. Children‘s is where I shine - & now I get to do it FT. ✨ I‘m so happy & relieved. I‘ll also be heading up the Teen Department, which will be new for me. Hopefully they‘ll think I‘m weird but will like me anyway. 😅 3y
squirrelbrain Good luck with the new role- sounds exciting! 3y
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BookmarkTavern Thank you for all you do as a librarian! ❤️❤️ And thank you for sharing! 3y
monalyisha Nice of you to say, @ozma.of.oz ! 3y
monalyisha Thanks @squirrelbrain! I hope it‘s both exciting & dull, each in the best way. 😅 3y
53 likes6 comments
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monalyisha
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TheKidUpstairs Love the choice, love the shirt, love it all. I hope you enjoy. Katherina is one of my favourite characters of the year 3y
rachelsbrittain Such a good one and such a good shirt! 3y
MerlinTheSlightlyAwkward Just started this, great share! I'm hooked so far 3y
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Chrissyreadit Happy Litsyversary!!! And awesome shirt! 3y
monalyisha Thanks @Chrissyreadit! You knew before I did. 😅 Love it. 💯🙌🏻 3y
megnews Love that shirt. Can‘t wait to read the book. 3y
DivineDiana Love, love your shirt! 💜 3y
monalyisha @DivineDiana Thank you! It was a #Bestof2021Swap gift from @Amandajoy . She got it from Out of Print! 3y
DivineDiana Thank you! Will explore! 3y
101 likes5 stack adds9 comments
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monalyisha
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Happy New Year, everyone! ✨ And Happy First Day of #NewYearWhoDis #NYWD22!

Don‘t forget to post your stacks, tag me, & tag your match! Personally, I can‘t wait to get reading. I just have to decide which one to pick up first…

I‘ve also downloaded The Art of Leaving from Audible. My white whale is Blaze Island. My favorite research Librarian is on the case! She‘s doing a country-wide search & I‘ve even agreed to pay shipping! 🐋

@TheKidUpstairs

Amiable I‘ve got my first #NYWD22 book from @singout queued up on my e-reader to start today! (edited) 3y
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Chrissyreadit My #bookspin board is my #newyearwhodis list except for 2 books- but I will be reading from that list all year for sure. 3y
MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm Waiting on my books to arrive from bookshop.org, but I‘ll post a haul pic as soon as they come in! ❤️ 3y
monalyisha And @lou.reads.a.lot & @RainyDayReading, too! 💓 3y
Cinfhen Super excited to begin reading my list from @MallenNC I think I‘m starting with this one 3y
TheKidUpstairs Love this stack, such great choices. Blaze Island was from a small, East Coast Canadian indie publisher so I'm not surprised it's hard to find. Three cheers for reference librarians! Hopefully your white whale surfaces and is worth the hunt! 3y
BookBosomed1 Hamnet is so beautifully written! And “Eleanor Olphiant is Fine” is one of my favorite books. I keep waiting & hoping that the author will write another book. (edited) 3y
BkClubCare Great list! I enjoyed all that I read (all except Ghost one - will go see what that is about.) 3y
monalyisha @Cinfhen Looks fast-paced - & like it has a potentially contentious ending! Hope you enjoy! ✨🤞🏻 3y
monalyisha @BookBosomed1 High praise! Gotta do justice to this excellent list! Pressure‘s on. 😅 3y
monalyisha @BkClubCare That might be the one I‘m most interested in! The description sounds intense but *so* unique! 3y
monalyisha @TheKidUpstairs I was totally game to buy it for myself but I can‘t find a copy for under $45! 😅 I‘ve just become more & more determined… I feel like Lost‘s John Locke: “Don‘t tell me what I can‘t do.” 3y
Chelsea.Poole Great stack! I‘m so excited to get started on mine from @Mitch 😊📚 3y
squirrelbrain Great stack…I‘ve already started on two of mine from @LeeRHarry - Tiddas and Other Words For Home. 3y
CocoReads I downloaded Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover for my first choice last night. As soon as I‘m done with my book group book for Monday, I‘ll be starting that from my list from @CharityBlee 3y
Mitch Cant any wait to get going @chelsea_pool ! 3y
monalyisha @squirrelbrain The hustle! 😍🏃‍♀️ 3y
Simona Happy New Year 🍾🥂 3y
TheKidUpstairs @monalyisha let me know if your reference librarian isn't able to track it down. If she can't I can send you a copy! 3y
Gissy I did it already! Did you see it? Let me know🤗 3y
Megabooks I‘ve already started my first, but two of mine are audio, so I don‘t have much of a stack. I like yours, though! 3y
Singout @amiable That's an excellent one to start with! Moving, inspirational, informational. I learned a lot. I just started The Plot last night: very intriguing, especially as my roommate is just starting a university creative writing course...
3y
Nute Happy New Year, Alyisha!💜🥳💜 I have ordered and received two books from Kay‘s list. I don‘t know how these two books didn‘t find their way onto my own future reading list as they are perfect selections according to my interest!🙂 3y
monalyisha @Nute Thrilled to hear it. Happy New Year! ✨🎉 3y
115 likes1 stack add29 comments
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LittlebearReads
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Went to B&N for “Everyone Knows…,” saw the “50% off all hardcovers” sign, and was immediately overcome by the urge to spend all my holiday cash like a tiny book goblin. It‘s the little things in life.

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Deblovestoread
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I‘m late posting my goals for November #20in4. After sitting down for the last time Thursday after pie time I informed the hubby that from the end of work Friday to Monday morning not to expect much in the way of movement from me. Naps and books are my only weekend agenda. I‘d like to finish all 5 books shown.

Ruthiella Good luck! 👍 3y
Andrew65 Have a great reading weekend. I look forward to hearing what you think of A Tale of Two Murders, I enjoyed 3y
50 likes1 stack add2 comments
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akfreeborn
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Pickpick

I wanted to read this for October but got delayed. Just finished and this one was a tremendously creative and clever book based in history related to mathematician Kepler‘s mother and the trials and tribulations of her being accused a witch in the 1600s. Europe was full of witch hunts for all sorts of reasons and the author did incredible research! Accessible language, funny, sad and scary. Five stars for me!

monalyisha My IRL Book Club is reading this in the coming year & I‘m so looking forward to it! It looks so amazing & is right up my alley! 3y
akfreeborn @monalyisha I hope you love it! 3y
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DivineDiana
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Pickpick

This is my first completed book for November, a carryover from witchy October. I was introduced to this on Litsy, and the title was intriguing. At first, this story of a 74 year old woman, a mother of three, was not capturing my attention. Thought it might be the time(1618) or the place(Germany). Slowly as I continued, it struck me how easy it is for people to spread rumors, and how difficult it is to explain the truth. Based on a true story.

marleed This book fascinated me. I always think of Massachusetts when it comes to witch trials so it was interesting for me to read this in a European setting. 3y
megnews I had this on my tbr last month and didn‘t get to. Definitely want to next October. 3y
DivineDiana @megnews I saw so many books on Litsy that I thought would be good for next year! 3y
59 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Deblovestoread
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My November #BookSpinBingo list. November‘s list is focused on group reads and gifted books from swaps.

Love the 2nd day of the month!

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 3y
49 likes1 comment
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Deblovestoread
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OMG, Meagon! Everything is so perfect! I hugged Dani with Binx and am so thrilled to add her to my Halloween decorations. The candle smells amazing! I‘ll be using the mug with my afternoon tea today with a snickers or two on the side. And the books! Saving the Redmond for #WinterGames. And starting the tagged today. It was one of my most wanted books. You spoiled me rotten and I love it! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Deblovestoread Thank you, Lynn, for hosting this wonderful swap. I received what my dad would call an embarrassment of riches and I am so grateful. Happy Halloween! 🎃 @wanderinglynn 3y
Deblovestoread And the Harry Potter bookmark stitch kit didn‘t make it in the pic but I love it 🧡 @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm (edited) 3y
wanderinglynn Awesome! 🎃🧡 3y
MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm So glad you liked everything!! I‘m not a Pop collector, but when I saw teeny Binx with Dani, I‘ll admit I was very tempted to buy a second one for myself. 😅❤️ 3y
44 likes4 comments
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rachelsbrittain
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Didn't finish up the last two books I was trying to get through but still a pretty good reading month. 21 in total, including some short comics.

Favorites: There's No Such Thing as an Easy Job and Light From Uncommon Star

Gissy Absolutely amazing!📚📚📚📚👏👏👏👏 3y
DivineDiana Incredible month! 3y
48 likes2 comments
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AlizaApp
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Pickpick

A funny and original historical fiction, about what happened when the mother of Johannas Kepler was accused of being a witch. What this book proposes is: what if instead she was just a bit annoying and kind of a busybody? The narration was fun!

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Suet624
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I‘m going to keep my eyes peeled for people with overexpressive hands!

Ruthiella 😂😂😂 3y
marleed Hahaha! I had a hs teacher who made me sit on my hands to speak. Apparently, my hands drove her crazy! Well, that and a few other things ;). She also told me with a certain disgust that I‘d smile at anyone who‘d look at me. Who says that to a 16 year old girl!? 3y
Suet624 @marleed ummm, seems pretty harsh for a teacher to do/say those things! 3y
39 likes3 comments
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Suet624
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Younger girls walking into their bloom, toward the center of their lives, and an elderly woman walking to the end of her life, toward her own perimeter. Occasionally I get a glimpse of this in my own life.

Jeg Well said. That‘s where I‘m going. 3y
BarbaraBB 🤍 3y
Reggie ❤️lovely and sad. 3y
batsy This passage 💔 This book has so many lines worth savouring 3y
Suet624 @batsy You‘re so right. 3y
50 likes5 comments
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rachelsbrittain
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Pickpick

Looking for some witchy historical fiction this fall? Look no further. An elderly woman is accused of witchcraft by conniving neighbors and recounts her tale through a neighbor acting as her guardian. Told in a casual and familiar voice that makes the whole story feel quite endearing despite its difficult subject matter and the threat of torture and death the protagonist faces.

TW: mentions of anti-semitism and period-typical sexism

46 likes3 stack adds
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TheKidUpstairs
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Pickpick

Inspired by true events, Katherina Kepler is an elderly widow who dotes on her cow, loves her children, and has very few f**ks left to give. Small town politics and gossip in 17th century Germany mean that, of course, she must be a witch. A trial ensues, neighbours either stand by or join the frenzy and pile on, and Katherina just tries to continue living. 👇

TheKidUpstairs Filled with wry wit, but not shying away from the realities of life at a time when war looms, superstition abounds, and death is a constant fact of life. I loved every page. One of my favourites of the year so far. 3y
Read-y_Picker This looks so good! 3y
TheKidUpstairs @Read-y_Picker it really was! It's gotten a lot of so-so ratings on here, so I guess it doesn't quite work for everyone, but I loved it. Would totally recommend! 3y
BarbaraBB Happy you liked it so much! 3y
monalyisha I was just complaining to my husband about how tough it was to succinctly review this novel! But you did it! 😅💯 Brava! 🙌🏻 3y
66 likes3 stack adds5 comments
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AnneCecilie
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Mehso-so

Katharina Kepler tells her story to her neighbour Simon. Her story is about being accused as a witch. In between we get Simon‘s story and the testimonies.

A story about how rumours get out of control and escalates.

I can‘t quite put my finger on, but for me something was missing in this story.

#CampToB

BarbaraBB There was something missing indeed. It felt very detached. I never felt for Katharina! 3y
Chelsea.Poole I felt the same way 😔 3y
55 likes2 comments
blurb
BarbaraBB
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By reading the second half of the tagged book, we‘ve come to the end of #CampToB. Now it‘s time to vote for this one or Peaces. The winner (I have a feeling!) will be up against both other winners: Whereabouts and No One is Talking About This. I will make another post when it‘s time to make your final vote. For now let me know which of these two ⬆️⬆️ gets your vote!

KarenUK Wasn‘t fond of either really, but easy vote 3y
Cinfhen Witch it is 🤩 3y
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squirrelbrain Hmmm, let me think…. 🤔 only kidding! 3y
Chelsea.Poole I didn‘t read the other, so default goes to Witch. Is that cheating?? 🤔 3y
BarbaraBB @Chelsea.Poole Of course not, no one knows 😉 3y
AceOnRoam Witch 3y
AnneCecilie I never read the Oyeyemi, so my vote goes to 3y
Well-ReadNeck Didn‘t love either, but since I didn‘t finish the other, I‘m voting for 3y
48 likes11 comments
review
KarenUK
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Mehso-so

It‘s witty and clever, but I found it a bit repetitive. Based on true events from 1618 Germany, an old woman(and mother of a famous astronomer) is accused of witchcraft by townsfolk.Told through fictionalized trial testimony interspersed with an imagined account told to her neighbor Simon, it dragged a bit in the middle. But it was a sharp look at how gossip and scaremongering and “fake news” with a big dash of misogyny is not a new thing at all.

BarbaraBB Great review, exactly my thoughts! 3y
KarenUK @BarbaraBB 👯‍♀️😂💕 3y
BarbaraBB Of course 👯‍♀️ 🤍 3y
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review
batsy
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Pickpick

Galchen reimagines the story of Katharina Kepler, astronomer Johannes Kepler's mother, who was accused of witchcraft in 1615. It's a bleak, horrifying subject, but Katharina & her neighbour Simon's voice are suffused with wit, dry humour, & intelligence. I kept highlighting every other line. Most of all, I appreciated the expansive, generous view of humanity during a particular historical period minus the sentimentalism or romance. #CampTOB

TrishB Great review 👍🏻 3y
vivastory Wonderful review! Did you read all of the #camptob selections? Which one is your favorite? 3y
batsy @TrishB Thank you! 3y
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batsy @vivastory Thank you! I've read them all except Peaces, and I think this one is my favourite of the lot :) 3y
vivastory @batsy I will def read it then! 3y
squirrelbrain Fab review! 3y
batsy @squirrelbrain Thanks! 🙂 3y
nathandrake1997 Brilliant review ❤️ 3y
batsy @nathandrake1997 Thanks, friend 💜 3y
rubyslippersreads Your review definitely makes me want to read this! 3y
batsy @rubyslippersreads I hope you enjoy! 3y
Puig Loved this book. 3y
batsy @Puig So good! 3y
97 likes7 stack adds13 comments
review
BkClubCare
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Pickpick

I love purple. I see no monsters. How to review this last book of the #TOBSummerCamp? I have never been captivated by “Camp” as this year. I read them all! ✔️ I don‘t think I‘ve participated since Fever Dream year. Anyway, THIS book. I am German by heritage; Lutheran by religious upbringing and THIS was a delightful listen!! For those reasons. Humor ✔️ my kind of humor ✔️ science! Women being awesome! Family support!!! GOOD STUFF

BkClubCare I have been fascinated by the discussion— was this a “typical witchhunt narrative” ? Um, no idea. I haven‘t ready many if any to know. I mean, yea — I “know/get” the witch trial story concept. What‘s the problem? I think I want to read everything this author gives us. 3y
Ruthiella Congratulations on reading them all! I liked this one a lot. I particularly enjoyed its dry humor. 3y
BarbaraBB Great review. I am glad it resonates so much with you as it does. 3y
30 likes4 comments
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batsy
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This book is lowkey striving for #spinsterlit status and I respect it 🧙🏾‍♀️

#CampTOB

saresmoore THIS IS WHAT I‘VE BEEN SAYING 🙃😜 3y
Lindy She‘s such a great character! 3y
Suet624 Darn it. Now I have to read it. 3y
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batsy @saresmoore I know right 😅 3y
batsy @Lindy She's fantastic! I enjoy being inside her head. 3y
batsy @Suet624 Yep! 😆 3y
Cathythoughts Brilliant 3y
batsy @Cathythoughts I love the writing! 3y
71 likes2 stack adds8 comments
review
BarbaraBB
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Mehso-so

I can‘t pinpoint why I didn‘t enjoy this book more than I actually did. The subject (based on real events), the different voices and pov‘s, the style, the wittiness of Katharina herself: all appeal to me. And yet it didn‘t really work for me. #CampToB

Megabooks Sometimes it‘s weird like that. I hope you had fun out on the boat! 3y
Tamra I started the audio and bailed. Just didn‘t connect at the moment. 3y
marleed I have moods like that. Sometimes it‘s the right book but just the wrong time. 3y
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BarbaraBB @Megabooks It‘s a bit different from the Mediterranean (I just watched an episode of Below Deck, those crew people 🙈) but nice as well 😉 3y
BarbaraBB @Tamra @marleed This was such a case of the wrong book at the wrong moment. I was too impatient too fully invest in it. 3y
Megabooks So glad you got to see those BD antics! It‘s one of my favorite reality shows. And you‘d probably agree with me that river, lake, or sea, a day on a boat is a fun one! 💜 3y
BarbaraBB @Megabooks It is. I remember you‘re living close to a river as well. Do you spend time on it once in a while? 3y
Megabooks Not recently, and I‘ve spent more time on lakes than in rivers. There is boating on the Ohio, but it is such a large, fast flowing river that most people prefer to boat elsewhere. There are a couple of smaller tributaries nearby, but most of us go to Land Between the Lakes, which is two large lakes and some recreational areas. 3y
Megabooks My favorite lake that I‘ve boated on is Lake Geneva in Wisconsin. So bougie. It‘s a really upscale area, and it was the nicest private boat I‘ve been on. The lake was cold and refreshing. Great day! 3y
BarbaraBB I‘ve Googled them. Looks fantastic! 3y
Megabooks 😀😀 3y
BkClubCare It worked for me! Until the ending. I don‘t know what happened! But I am still thinking it was my fave of Camp. Detransition, Baby and Whereabouts, too. SO DIFFERENT, right?! 3y
BarbaraBB @BkClubCare Completely different! I like that so much about the #ToB 3y
AceOnRoam I'm reading it, not very far in but not really enjoying the writing. I thought it would be right up my alley 😏 but unfortunately not. 3y
AceOnRoam I'm so jealous of your day out on the boat, where was this picture taken? 3y
BarbaraBB @AceOnRoam this is in Amsterdam on our own little boat but I just got back from sailing in Greece again, which was so so good! 3y
Suet624 Uh oh. This may be the first time we have different opinions. 3y
BarbaraBB @Suet624 oh no 😉, that can‘t be true. You‘re loving it? 3y
Suet624 Except for the fact that it seems to be too close to the present day experience (referring to Texas where people can rat out their neighbors who may be seeking an abortion and receive $10,000), I really liked the style and humor of the book. 3y
BarbaraBB @Suet624 You‘re serious about betraying abortions in Texas 😱? That sounds medieval indeed (edited) 3y
Suet624 Ban on abortions after 6 weeks in that state. And yes, I‘m serious. 3y
77 likes21 comments