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Paris Library
Paris Library | Janet Skeslien Charles
Based on the true World War II story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris, this is an unforgettable story of romance, friendship, family, and the power of literature to bring us together, perfect for fans of The Lilac Girls and The Paris Wife. Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet has it all: her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal. Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. As Lily uncovers more about her neighbor's mysterious past, she finds that they share a love of language, the same longings, and the same intense jealousy, never suspecting that a dark secret from the past connects them. A powerful novel that explores the consequences of our choices and the relationships that make us who we are--family, friends, and favorite authors--The Paris Library shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest of places.
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Reggie
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

I read this for bookclub next week. 2 timelines, Odile starts work at the American Library in Paris right before the German occupation of Paris. We find out what the staff of the library went through to keep it open while helping and protecting patrons. Then there is Odile in 1989s Montana living next door to coming of age Lily who just lost her mother. I enjoyed both timelines but I‘m not sure they fit in the same book. This was also a lovely👇🏼

Reggie story about books and what they offer to the world, what libraries offer to the world. How important they are. It could be twee at times but ultimately I liked it. Pick! 10mo
Centique It sounds like its full of heart even if imperfect. 💕 Ill be interested to hear what your book club thinks! 10mo
Suet624 This doesn‘t seem like a typical pick for you! 9mo
CoverToCoverGirl I really loved that final twist at the end- a knock on a door can really change a life. 7mo
73 likes4 comments
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BookishBelle
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

🎧 This was really good. Epic story in two timelines. Paris during WWII / Nazi occupation and Montana during the 1980‘s. There‘s some bookish fun and a library but there‘s so much more to this story. It does not shy away from talking about the realities of war so be aware, if you‘re sensitive to that.

CoverToCoverGirl I loved how the ending came full circle. It was stunning and so moving. 1y
17 likes1 comment
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TheEllieMo
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Mehso-so

#SummerEndReadathon @TheSpineView
#Rushathon @DieAReader @Andrew65 @GHABI4ROSES premise of this book, based around the real story of the American Library in Paris which stayed open through the German occupation of France in WW2, sounded good, but I don‘t feel the author delivered. Too much of the book was taken up by an irrelevant 1982 timeline, while the wartime storyline took far to long to develop, and the characters felt a little flat.

TheEllieMo The wartime narrative is already a saturated market, and for me, this doesn‘t do enough to stand out melee 1y
DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 1y
TheSpineView Great job! 1y
Andrew65 This sounds excellent, well done 👏👏👏 1y
26 likes4 comments
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mandarchy
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

I spent a year in Paris, and it was at the ALP, when I realized I needed to be a children's librarian. I took the 28 from Rue Duroc to school & the library. It would no longer serve Odile's address, but the line in the book hit a chord. From my bus stop, you can see the Hôtel des Invalides. My apt was in a modern building amongst the Haussmann buildings. I was so young, I didn't appreciate the history of the library, but it was my sanctuary.

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Hannah_11
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

Never underestimate the true power of books 📖 #pick #parislibrary

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marleed
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

The effort to keep a public library open, to honor its patrons (all of them), for the collection to not be controlled by government or politics - so interesting. Odile‘s WWII story here was compelling. She then lived her next 40+ years in a tiny area in NE Montana until discussing her experiences - I‘m sure that happens to so many people who‘ve had harrowing experiences. But I can‘t imagine my headspace if I had to lock my life away.

Suet624 I‘ve been kind of avoiding this one but you‘ve piqued my interest. 2y
marleed @Suet624 It may have sat unread a couple more years on my shelves except for a sister who will be visiting nearby next weekend. Since air travel is not the involved I realized I should use March to read as much 1940s HF as possible so I can regift her a generous stack of her favorite genre and time. Each book, I thought, not another one, and then surprised myself with good reads. This was an aspect I had not known and found it interesting. 2y
78 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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Marquis784
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick


This is a beautiful story based on true WWII heroic librarians at the time. In particular, the American Library in Paris where Odile and her fellow librarians work with the Resistance to move books from the library that might otherwise be destroyed. They contrive a way to send books to the soldiers and bring books to Jewish people no longer allowed in the library. In the midst of war, they find love and friendship but also secrets and betrayal.

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Born.A.Reader
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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My daughter and I went to the #FOTL book sale today, our first visit of the year. And what a haul we found! She was so excited by her finds! 🤩 📚 #raisingreaders

DogMomIrene That‘s an impressive stack!🤩 2y
Suet624 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉 2y
21 likes2 comments
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Librarybelle
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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I read a couple of really good books in September, but the tagged book really stood out for me. Librarians fighting against the bad guys in their own quiet way…well, you can kind of guess why this holds a special place in my heart! This was also an unique look at WWII, how citizens worked against the German occupation of Paris. For those who loves books that talk about other books - this has a nice sized list! #12BooksOf2022

Andrew65 Stacked, sounds excellent. 2y
76 likes1 stack add1 comment
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staci.reads
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

I enjoyed learning about the American Library in Paris during WWII, and I always love reading about book lovers. I also enjoyed Odile's adult character in the more modern of the timelines. This was a definitely a good book, but I think I'm burnt out on the historical-fiction-dual-timelines genre.

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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Thank you so much my bestie!! I love everything! I am definitely spoiled!!! Love the mug and the candle smells sooo good! The diary is gorgeous! Lol the socks! I‘ll definitely have to wear those to work!! Love the towel and decorations! And the books 📚 ❤️ You know how to make an old girl feel special on her 39th birthday 😂🤣🤫

Love you lots!!

Eggs 😘😘😘 2y
marleed Happy Birthday! 2y
MoonWitch94 All the Missing Girls is SO GOOD. ✨📖✨ 2y
kspenmoll Happy Birthday Misty! 2y
66 likes4 comments
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brushlo
Paris Library | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

i love libraries and this book shows the power and community in libraries during the darkest hours of war. great and easy read. the use of the two time periods was an interesting twist but glad the author spent more time in the 30/40s in paris.

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tpixie
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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The American Library in Paris was on my bucket list, but we stumbled upon it as I was looking for ‘The Prettiest façade of Paris 1901”. The librarian was delightful. An extra treat was the owner of the bookstore,The Red Wheelbarrow, was there supporting an author event! Unfortunately I could not attend since it was in progress, & I had my husband & son with me. Tomorrow I hope to visit the bookstore ?
#Paris! #France ??

JamieArc Do you follow the American Library in Paris book award? They recently (well, maybe a few months ago) announced their shortlist. I try to read a few of those every year. (edited) 2y
tpixie @JamieArc No! I‘ll look into this. Thanks 😊 2y
Amiable Gorgeous shot! 2y
tpixie @Amiable thanks! My son is our camera man/ videographer! 😊 2y
69 likes1 stack add4 comments
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CogsOfEncouragement
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

I had not heard of this. A friend read it, loved it, and thought I would enjoy it too. She was right, and I always like books that provide two stories in one. I learned a bit about Paris during WWII as well.

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Arvena
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Mehso-so

The characters were flat and the story - slow and boring. I just didn‘t connect with the characters. Overall - meh. Although, the authors notes were moving.

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Librarybelle
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

This ranks as one of my favorite reads in 2022…I had to keep reading and basically ignored all household chores to get it done! Librarians fighting against German-occupied Paris…how much better can it get? Told in a dual timeline, this narrative embodies the power of words and knowledge, and dare I say, the importance of reading. I loved all of the book titles mentioned in this book - so many great books!

CoverToCoverGirl I loved it this one.. the ending was very moving and powerful. All the feels. 2y
CogsOfEncouragement I started this a few days ago on the recommendation of a friend. 2y
94 likes7 stack adds4 comments
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DarkMina
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 📚❤️📚 2y
16 likes1 comment
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LadyCait84
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

A good pick for fans of historical fiction, dual timelines, & those who like stories about the power of reading and the bonds books can forge. It keeps many of the horrors of WWII at a distance, with only scattered mentions of battles, prisoners, the camps. Instead it focuses on the intimate wear & tear of relationships as ordinary people make choices that suddenly have enormous consequences in Nazi-occupied Paris.

55 likes2 stack adds
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SheilaChew
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Clearly, I‘m enjoying my summer.

20 likes1 stack add
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Coleen
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

I liked this for the most part, mostly due to the historical fiction aspect. The dual timelines sort of worked, though I was much more into the WWII timeline than the 1980‘s one, surprisingly. I felt like it was missing something, though can‘t put my finger on what exactly.

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Maallen
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Mehso-so

Found the premise somewhat interesting the the friendship between generations endearing, but a little predictable and slow to pick up momentum.

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Eggbeater
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I would imagine any lover of libraries and books, especially classics, would fall for this book set during the Nazi occupation of Paris. The characters were rich and alive and the feeling of books bringing community together was palpable. The story will stick with me.

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Hillea2
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
Pickpick

I like when stories trade between characters, and this one did both that and went back-and-forth between the timelines of the protagonists as well. Would definitely recommend as a historical fiction of WWII

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NovelNancyM
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

A well-written historical novel. I liked the back and forth of time and narrators between chapters. The plot was compelling and made me want to keep reading. The characters weren't necessarily endearing, but they grew and developed in the story.

20 likes1 stack add
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Zoe-h
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
This post contains spoilers
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Mehso-so

I was intrigued by this one. I had never heard of the American Library of Paris nor did I know that that was a thing countries did. However much I enjoyed that aspect it though, I didn‘t understand why it was necessary to add 80‘s Orile‘s story in, much less told through a different person‘s perspective. Not to mention the horrid amount of slut-shaming that took place throughout the book. “Oh she‘s wearing furs when people are starving? What a ⬇️

Zoe-h ⬆️ slut.”It just made no sense it the contexts it was frequently used in. I think the majority of the characters could have handled their problems better, or at the very least not take their anger out on others. 3⭐️ 3y
2 likes1 comment
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Creadnorthey
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Panpan

Hardly worth the read. The characters, Odile and Lily are almost too naive to stomach- only the book about books aspect of this kept me going and then only just barely. The author herself sums this book up best for me when one of her characters states “the lines: too true, too sentimental”. And again later another character says “though I practiced, the sentence sounded stilted.”- read at your own peril.

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Jjaxn95
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
Pickpick

Amazing book, thought provoking and intriguing from beginning to end.

BookDadGirlDad I just finished this book a couple days ago. So powerful. 3y
8 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Karkar
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

Well I was not really wanting to read this, but the book club picked it so I started it. And then I was pulled in.

Lynnsoprano I thought this looked really interesting. Must move up the TBR 3y
SilversReviews I enjoyed it!! 3y
49 likes2 comments
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BookDadGirlDad
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

I am truly beginning to love books such as this one. I really want to visit the real ALP now. This is a story courage, friendships, love, and the library that centered it all. Based on real people and events, this is a fantastic, cozy read.

SilversReviews Enjoyed this book!! 3y
BookBabe great review! I could go for a nice cozy read. Stacking! ☺️ 3y
62 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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BookDadGirlDad
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Knocking off that #tbr! Based on the true story of the librarians at the American Library in Paris during WW2. This should be excellent.

DarkMina Loved it! 3y
KellyK Read this for book club last year - it is really good. 3y
56 likes1 stack add2 comments
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mirnas
Paris Library | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Mehso-so

Odile's dream comes true when she becomes a librarian at the American library in Paris. But her life, as well as those of her family members, friends and collegues, soon becomes extremely difficult, after the occupion of France. Decades later, her teenage neighbour Lily would like to know why Odile moved to Montana after the WWII.

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Eggs
Paris Library | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

#doublespin #bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks
The Paris Library was sumptuous WW2 HF!

Day 1 of #marvellousmarchreadathon @Andrew65
Finished 3 today: 1 audio, 1 physical bk, 1 ebook

DarkMina I loved The Paris Library. 3y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! Looking great!!! 3y
Andrew65 Well done 👏👏👏 Looks a must read. 3y
Eggs @Andrew65 ❤️❤️ 3y
59 likes1 stack add5 comments
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Ncostell
Paris Library | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this book and learning of the role of librarians from the American Library in Paris during WWII. It has a dual timeline structure and as usual I found the older timeline more compelling. However I appreciated how the themes and experiences of the first timeline complemented those of the later timeline. I have read a lot of WWII historical fiction but was not familiar with this piece of that history which the author brought to life.

SilversReviews A good read!! 3y
Ncostell @SilversReviews I agree! I always appreciate seeing a different perspective from this time period that I have already read so much about. 3y
59 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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Curvybookgirl
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great story based on a real library and real people. Their stories are told within the pages and it‘s a great thought provoking read

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rachelk
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Mehso-so

This historical fiction novel moves between the story of Odile at The American Library in Paris during WWll and a lonely teenaged girl in Montana during the 1980s. While I loved reading about real life book- saving heroes and in some ways identified with the main characters, I did feel the story was a bit rushed. In terms of WWll novels set in France, I preferred ‘The Nightingale‘.

53 likes1 stack add
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thecaffinatedreader
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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February Book Haul. All but one are thrift store finds! I‘m halfway through “Th Paris Library” and loving it!!

Which one should I read next?

rachelk I love a good thrift store book haul! I‘m currently reading & enjoying ‘The Paris Library‘ too. Your whole stack looks great but I also recommend (edited) 3y
22 likes2 comments
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Kshakal
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Eggs Perfect 👍🏼 🤩 3y
30 likes1 comment
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thecaffinatedreader
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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I lost my Dad the day before I turned 11 years old. This quote resonated with me deeply. It truly is a “go at your own pace” life experience. Those who have known grief understand.

Some days are just harder than others.

#theparislibrary #grief

Elizabeth2 I feel this. I lost my Mom 10 years ago, and my Dad 2 and a half years ago. Losing him changed me and the grieving was/is so different. Not sure if it‘s because of losing my second parent or because he was my hero. ❤️ I‘m sorry you lost your dad at such a young age. That must have been so very difficult. 💕 3y
thecaffinatedreader @Elizabeth2 I am so sorry. Losing both parents is very difficult. Sending you a virtual hug and always here if you need someone to talk to. 3y
Elizabeth2 @thecaffinatedreader ❤️ We were lucky to have him for as long as we did. I‘m truly sorry you missed out on having your Dad with you as you grew up. Sending you virtual hugs back, and with them a reminder that on those hard days to give yourself grace. 💕 3y
15 likes3 comments
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BookDadGirlDad
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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This is my Friday #bookhaul from.the popup $1 bookstore. I destroyed their Baldacci stock. The thinner paperbacks are mainly Newberry authors. I do believe we are returning tomorrow.

SRWCF 🤑🤑🤑💯💯💯 3y
megnews Awesome!!! 3y
Aims42 Good score!! 🙌👍 3y
tokorowilliamwallace There have been massive collection drop-offs at my local resale charity shop of Jack Higgins, Ed McBain, Joseph Wambaugh, and Mickey Spillane. I've picked up a handful in the past. 3y
64 likes4 comments
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thecaffinatedreader
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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A quote we should all live by every day. The world would be a kinder place for sure.

DrexEdit Beautiful quote! 💜 Welcome to Litsy! I hope you like it here. 👋 3y
tokorowilliamwallace Yep, can't go wrong with giving people space to show themselves more slowly than we're used to, or by seeing them with a little more understanding, knowing they are more than our social impressions of them. We should live by it when we gather and meet people.I hope you find community here, that you can come and talk, and find some reading challenges which suit you! Let me know where else you are and we can connect. 3y
Itchyfeetreader Interesting quote - welcome to Litsy 3y
28 likes3 comments
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thecaffinatedreader
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Graywacke Welcome to Litsy! 3y
BookDadGirlDad Welcome to Litsy!!! There are A LOT of great people on here to follow!!! @thearomaofbooks runs a challenge every month with the possibility of winning a book at the end of the year. It's the #bookspin / #bookspinbingo. Check it out!!! There are TONS of reading challenges and recommendations. Enjoy!!! 3y
TheAromaofBooks Thanks for the tag @BookDadGirlDad !!! And welcome to Litsy @thecaffinatedreader !! Some other great people to follow - @Clwojick @Cinfhen @Chrissyreadit @wanderinglynn @LibrarianRyan @Soubhiville @TheSpineView @Andrew65 and so many more!!! Also check out @LitsyEvents for fun upcoming readalongs, challenges, & other fun stuff!!! 3y
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LibrarianRyan Ello and Welcome! 😁 3y
TheSpineView Welcome to Litsy! 🤗 Thanks @TheAromaofBooks for the tag! 😊 3y
wanderinglynn Thanks for the tag @TheAromaofBooks 💜 And welcome to Litsy @thecaffinatedreader 👋🏻 3y
Clwojick Welcome! 3y
Cinfhen Welcome to the wonderful world of Litsy!!! Thanks for the shoutout @TheAromaofBooks and definitely follow @LitsyEvents !!! That‘s the 411 you #NeedToKnow 😉 3y
Andrew65 @TheAromaofBooks Thanks fir the tag @TheAromaofBooks 😍, welcome to Litsy @thecaffinatedreader 🤗 3y
26 likes9 comments
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tpixie
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Such a lovely book! Loved the inclusion of the Dewey Decimal System.
Libraries, librarians, & books are so vital to our cultures!
🇫🇷📚 📚 📚 🇫🇷

EvieBee Didn‘t know that this book was based on history. I‘ll have to check it out! Lovely photo! 3y
tpixie @EvieBee yes, the Countess, Boris, Peter & Helen are real. I think there‘s probably more story in real life than what was done in the book but I did enjoy the book. 3y
tpixie @EvieBee oh! That‘s my map of Paris I‘ve had for several years fantasizing about traveling there! It has a nice sturdy plastic coating so it doesn‘t tear. 💚 (edited) 3y
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mabell Love your photo! 3y
tpixie @mabell thanks! 💚💛🧡 3y
peacegypsy A map of Paris with a BOOK about Paris - what a wonderful picture! ❤️ 3y
tpixie @peacegypsy it was fun using the map as a reference! 3y
65 likes7 comments
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BethHagey
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
Pickpick

****

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Kshakal
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

I loved this book and it was probably the best historical fiction book I have read in a while! Set in a library in Paris during world war 2 it is a great depiction of how books can get you through even the hardest of times!

DarkMina I loved it too! (edited) 3y
44 likes1 stack add1 comment
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shannasbookshelf
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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My #libbyapp loan of the #audiobook of #janetskesliencharles‘s #theparislibrary is sadly ending in a day or two, and I‘m unable to renew it this time around for whatever reason. I placed another hold on it of about 6 weeks, so I‘m not sure if I‘ll be able to finish this book in November, but we‘ll see!

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shannasbookshelf
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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review
emmaturi
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

I loved this book. Set mostly in Paris, it tells the story of how the American library in Paris managed to stay open and send out books to soldiers, POWs and people who is were essentially banned from visiting the library. It's also true and nice to learn this bit of WWII history. The characters are all so interesting, it makes me want to visit Paris again!

squirrelbrain I loved this one too! 3y
emmaturi Yes it's a great story! @squirrelbrain 3y
26 likes2 comments
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emmaturi
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Numbers floated round my head like stars.

#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

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Jody3
The Paris Library: A Novel | Janet Skeslien Charles
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Pickpick

This is an unforgettable story of how the power of literature brings us together. How friendship, family, forgiveness, the bond of books, and betrayal are all blended together in this really stellar novel. The author was asked what she wished a reader would take away from this novel and she said “books are bridges and they bring us together” and I couldn‘t agree more.

Suet624 Lovely review. 3y
8 likes1 stack add1 comment