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Ink and Bone
Ink and Bone: The Great Library | Rachel Caine
In an exhilarating new series, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time.Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantlybut the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his familys spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Librarys service.When he inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human lifeand soon both heretics and books will burn.
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MsRadioSilence
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According to Goodreads, this is my oldest add to my TBR, and it‘s bc I gave this book to a friend who LOVED it, and so I added it. I haven‘t seen it in bookstores in a while, so there is sits.

Thanks for the tag @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks !!

#littenswanttoknow

AprilMae I had a weird obsession with wanting to read this back in the day....still haven't lol 2y
TheAromaofBooks Thanks for the tag!!! 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ❤️❤️❤️ 2y
19 likes3 comments
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Eva_B
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Mehso-so

I would have thought I would love any book that imagines that the Great Library of Alexandria survived . Sadly no. It‘s a good idea for a book where new recruits are educated and trained to serve the Library. But the plot and storyline jumped about too much for me and parts just didn‘t make sense to me. Harry Potter fans might enjoy it though

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Kenyazero
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Mehso-so

A fun dystopian sci-fi that reimagines libraries and how knowledge is kept and accessed. Overall, this seems like a fun book for book lovers. Unfortunately, it never had a wow factor for me, and none of the characters stood out. Each time a character died I found myself trying to remember who that was and why the protagonist should be upset about it. #BooksAboutBooks #AlternativeHistory #Library

Skeeterisme @Kenyazero I read this really recently and had the same reactions! 3y
Kenyazero @Skeeterisme dang! It's always kind of a bummer when a really interesting premise is poorly executed. 3y
20 likes2 comments
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Kenyazero
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Seeing everyone's posts for their #ThingsInCommon challenge has me thinking about similarities between books I'm reading. I thought I'd share this similarity because it seems so unlikely that I would read two books back to back with this: Jewish escape tunnels. #coincidence

Clare-Dragonfly That makes me want to read Ink and Bone! 3y
Kenyazero @Clare-Dragonfly it's been a fun read so far because of its creative reimagining of libraries and books. It hasn't really had a wow factor for me yet, but that's not necessarily a terrible thing. 3y
23 likes2 comments
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Skeeterisme
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Pickpick

👍

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SpeculativeFemale
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Pickpick

Picked this one up from the local library on a whim, and I'm glad I did. What bookworm could resist a world where the Great Library not only still exists, but also rules over everything? So much knowledge and so much power, but how is it being used?

Beautiful world building, interesting characters, and a plot that keeps slowly revealing more secrets make this one a really fun read. Looking forward to getting my hands on the next book!

30 likes2 stack adds
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brittanythebookdragon
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Pickpick

Oh my. I loved this book but is so infuriated me. I never thought I‘d say the words but burn this library to the ground. The corruption and control. Overthrow it all, Jess!!!

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Court7
Pickpick

Good. :)

PhyllisH One of my favorite series. 3y
3 likes1 comment
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youngreadrshelf
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Pickpick

There is a library that through alchemy can distribute any copy of any book anywhere (like using a tablet or kindle, but with paper). Anyone can read and learn but no one can own books. Jess Brightwell‘s family are black market booksellers, but he‘s been accepted into the library's service. He goes off to Alexandria to learn and finds a whole lot more than he expected. Book was Harry Potteresque with a touch of magical Dickens.

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youngreadrshelf
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Bouncing between books.

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The_Whimsical_Bookdragon
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Panpan

Okay...let's talk about this series.
The premise, was great, the setting of a parallel world where the great library wasn't lost, how it effected kingdoms and politics. The idea of 'Knowledge is all,' and the extremes people will go through to be a part of the great library or to get their hands on an actual book to do with what they wish. It's full of action and adventure with elements of steampunk-esque fashion and creations.
Continued below

The_Whimsical_Bookdragon The characters are diverse with their own religions, beliefs and personalities, which is passed over in a lot of books and is shown how essential these aspects can be.
However, I had to fight to get through the series. The MC was very boring, and there was alot of long, never ending paragraphs without any valuable points on what is going on in the current situation.
Rachel Caine has showed the greed that overcomes when given too much power. And what happens to the world order when that power is effected or removed and replaced. She shows the consequences of both sides, what happens when greed rules and what happens in the scramble to make things right once again. I cannot emphasise how much this series can drag, and there's some parts of the book where it should have ended and continued on to the next one. Its not something I would personally recommend, but there are probably people out there that would enjoy this series thoroughly.
I found it only picked up in book 4 when we started seeing things from other characters perspectives, that's where they really shined, and became more relatable, showing their doubts, their strengths and the darkest part of them.
Here I shall end, I'll give the series 2 ⭐ for the points I have mentioned.
4y
8 likes1 comment
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ElspethY
Pickpick

Very engaging read - hooks you from the beginning and doesn‘t let go! Interesting explorations of hypotheticals, and of the influence of corruption at the highest levels of power. Great characters, great writing. Will read the sequel!

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The_Whimsical_Bookdragon
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Now that I've finally finished rereading #ACOTAR, I going to stop procrastinating and finish the Novels of the Great Library. First things first, #reread Ink and Bone

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dgingo
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Pickpick

In this alternative universe, postulants head not to Hogwarts but to (the library of) Alexandria to be trained and tested to become Scholars, Archivists, or the High Garda soldiers who protect the Library‘s interests. The Library is far more nefarious and dangerous than in our world, and people are willing to die and kill for books. Jess, the novel‘s protagonist, and his family sell them on the black market, but at great cost.

23 likes4 stack adds
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bookishbitch
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I love reading about libraries and other bookish worlds. Who else? Also, how long as we sharing our tbr pile? Because I can go quite a while with this particular challenge. #tbrpile

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Fortifiedbybooks
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"Remember, losing one pint of blood's an accident. Losing two is carelessness."

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PrinceNatilus
Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book! It held my attention from the first page. The main character had conflicting roles between his passion and his family, and I feel that both were explored thoroughly. The magic and world-building were amazing! Rachel Caine has seriously outdone herself. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

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OutsmartYourShelf
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#12BooksOf2020 @Andrew65

I didn‘t expect to enjoy this one as much as I did. A great fantasy adventure read.

Andrew65 Shame we lost this author this year. 4y
31 likes2 comments
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MrsBibliophile
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book! I liked the level of violence, suspense and intrigue. The story takes place in a world governed by The Library where books are monitored closely for content and reading isn't free. I will definitely read the next book in the series.

I recommend this book for anyone looking for a whimsical adventure.

📖📚Happy Reading!📚📖

onceuponanelderberry Loved this book! 4y
MrsBibliophile Have you read the entire series yet? 4y
7 likes2 comments
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humouress
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So, looks like I‘m back in Egypt again (after Crocodile on the Sandbank)

humouress Juggling 3 books at the moment: ‘Ink & Bone‘, ‘Artemis Fowl‘ & ‘Swallows & Amazons‘ 4y
6 likes1 comment
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Pageturner1
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RIP Rachel Caine, passed November 1, 2020. There is a nice post on Facebook with a post from her husband.

https://preview.mailerlite.com/x6r7e1

MoonWitch94 I was so sad to hear this. I love her stories 😢 4y
Pageturner1 I learned about her books here on Litsy. I have her books on my TBR list. I was sad to hear she went into Hospice not to long ago. I followed her story on Facebook. 4y
aperfectmjk Nooooooo! Damn you cancer, and damn you 2020! 4y
Gissy 😢 4y
38 likes4 comments
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esurient
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esurient I'm not well-read in Caine. I tried her weather mage and vampire series(es) and was so turned off by the egregious cliffhangers that I never ventured more. But this library series seems highly recommended. 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage 😓😓 I‘ve just been devouring her Stillhouse Lake series. Knew she was ill, but still this is so sad. 4y
esurient @BarbaraTheBibliophage She seemed a prolific and adventurous writer. 😔 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @esurient She does. I will def try her other adult series. I‘m not typically a YA reader. 4y
13 likes4 comments
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SW-T
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Penguin Random House is giving away three fantasy novels. Entry form below. Good luck!

(I‘ve read The Invisible Library and Ink and Bone and enjoyed both. Archive of the Forgotten is the follow up to Library of the Unwritten, which was also a good read.)

https://sweeps.penguinrandomhouse.com/enter/magical-library-sweepstakes

Mischaosity Omg I am so happy to see this! I really want to read the invisible library! 4y
28 likes1 comment
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bookandbedandtea
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#20series20days Day 13
The Great Library series
A world run by a library sounds wonderful! Except it isn't. This series follows a band of young Scholars who discover that The Library isn't benevolent at all. Soon they're trying to stay alive while they work to break The Library's supremacy.
This series contains a diverse cast, some magical elements, a reluctant teacher & a world very similar to, yet very different from, ours.
@Andrew65

julesG Loved this series! 4y
Andrew65 Stacked! 4y
26 likes1 stack add2 comments
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OutsmartYourShelf
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Pickpick

The book starts off slowly with lots of detailed world-building, but from about a third of the way in the pace picks up.

Books, magic, & adventure - what more could one want? 5🌟

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BookmarkTavern
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Pickpick

The Library of Alexandria was never destroyed, and is now an ever present force in the world. Jes, coming to train and spy in the Library for his book smuggler family, will learn the dangers of a world where one organization decides what is truth and values knowledge over everything.

A slow start with amazing world building and great diversity in characters. But once things got started? Wow! I‘m really looking forward to the next one. 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑

68 likes4 stack adds2 comments
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BookmarkTavern
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Happy World Baking Day! 🍪🎂🍪

#audiobaking #worldbakingday

Branwen Yummy! 😍 5y
Clare-Dragonfly 😮 I didn‘t know it was World Baking Day yesterday. I had such a bad day of baking. My bread was overproofed/under-developed gluten and my pizza stuck to the peel so that it was a weird blob instead of a circle. This feels like a bad omen! 😓 5y
74 likes1 stack add2 comments
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BookmarkTavern
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1. Tagged 🎧, Sense and Sensibility 📗
2. The Rule of Names by Ursula K Le Guin
3. Ummm... probably A Conspiracy of Truths by Alexandra Rowland

#weekendreads @rachelsbrittain

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bookandbedandtea
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Pickpick

A world run by The Library?? Yes please! A world run by a corrupt library with no value for human lives? Ok, maybe not. 😬

I loved the world building in this and I fell in love with several of the characters. I finished this audiobook on the way to work and bought the next in the series as soon as I got there. I'm already eager for Monday's commute. Never thought I'd say that!

brilliantglow I read this one when it first came out and loved it so much I had to wait for the other 4 books to get published so I could binge read them all ❤ 5y
bookandbedandtea @brilliantglow I'm so glad all the books are out! I'd hate to have to wait for one. 5y
BookishMe I should return to the series! 5y
29 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Schnoebs
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Pickpick

4⭐️

Really interesting, futuristic story when the documents of the Library of Alexandria never got burnt. This allowed for the Library to hold a power over everyone else in a manner that was extremely unexpected and very interesting. With only a hint of magic within this world, we see what could have been. It kept my engaged the entire time.

#audiobook #scribd #thegreatlibrary

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bookandbedandtea
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Only another hour until I can get back in my car and listen to more of this. I'm really enjoying it!

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bookandbedandtea
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Started this today. Thank goodness I gave audio books a chance. They make my long commute almost a pleasure. 🎧💙📖

HOTPock3tt Same here about audiobooks! 5y
bookandbedandtea @HOTPock3tt They've been keeping me sane! No road rage.. minimal frustration.. I (mostly) just relax and enjoy my story. 5y
27 likes2 comments
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JaimeDawn
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Ok. I already have a favorite character and I‘m getting way too stressed they may not be here when I get to the next book. I‘d be pouring the wine if I weren‘t at work.

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umbrellagirl
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Thank you @thebluestocking 💙
So excited to start reading this tonight! And you chose some of my favourite chocolates. #jolabokaflodswap

thebluestocking Happy Christmas!! 💙 5y
umbrellagirl @thebluestocking Thank you again! The book was excellent. 5y
thebluestocking You‘re welcome! Did you read it already?!? 😳💙 5y
46 likes3 comments
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Ash.on.the.line
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My next read. I‘ve been trying to organize my reading a bit after a busy couple of months and I finally feel caught up. Holiday season came faster than expected just like all the previous years 😂😂 hope all my Litsy people are doing good!
Excuse my messy desk please! 🤫😬😂

43 likes1 stack add
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hes7
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Pickpick

It took me a while to get around to finishing this book, but that‘s entirely my fault. It‘s a fascinating dystopian surrounding the Great Library of Alexandria, and I‘m looking forward to continuing the series.

Book 3 of #24b4Monday ✔️
Time: 11h36m

MrT I'm up to book 3 5y
Andrew65 Great time, and I need to read this. 👏👏👏 5y
CaramelLunacy I sped right through this one - need to get hold of the sequels! 5y
80 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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LilMrmd79
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FINALLY got the hammock I‘ve been dying for. (Been waiting for the price to go down). And of course it‘s getting a little too chilly to stay out too long. Guess now it‘s time to get a small heater or fire pit so I can stay out longer.

10 likes1 stack add
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Laura317
Mehso-so

This book is a so-so for me because the action didn‘t start until the last 1/4. I am not sure I will continue the series.

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Eggs
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I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape. Something waits beneath it; the whole story doesn't show.
-Andrew Wyeth

#bone
#quotsyoct19
@TK-421

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Laura317
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Starting this Audible book next. The premise sounds awesome!

25 likes1 stack add
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CaramelLunacy
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Started this one on a plane last night and am fascinated - the world is interesting and a twisted dystopia for booklovers with an apprenticeship system with shades of Harry Potter/Draco and maybe a bit The Magicians (but Jess irritates me less). I am tearing through it apace, and expect I'll be snagging the sequel soon!

julesG I absolutely loved this series. The final/fifth book was recently released. 5y
CaramelLunacy @julesG Good to know they are ready for bingeing! 5y
14 likes2 comments
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Myhusbandhatesreading
Pickpick

This one was pretty good, not sure I‘ll check out the next one in the series though.

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Myhusbandhatesreading
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Riding means reading!!

52 likes1 stack add
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BarbaraJean
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Pickpick

This has been on my TBR forever. I *tried* to buy it from Book Outlet, but accidentally ordered Ink & Bone by Lisa Unger.🤦🏻‍♀️ Libby to the rescue! And I loved this so much. Books! Alchemy! Automatons! Book smugglers! Apprentice librarians at the Great Library in Alexandria!😍Add in a secretive/dystopian library system—this pretty much checks all my boxes. I loved the world-building, I loved the characters, and I immediately bought the sequel.😁

Johanna414 I thought this was a lot of fun too! 5y
ScientistSam I've been really enjoying this series! 5y
Daisey I really enjoyed this as well, but I have yet to get around to the rest of the series. 5y
49 likes3 comments
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BarbaraJean
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1. New Suns and Ink & Bone
2. First line of the first story in New Suns: “When Galactics arrived at JFK they often reeked of ammonia, sulfur, and something else that Tavi could never quite put a finger on.”
First line of the story proper in Ink & Bone: “‘Hold still and stop fighting me,‘ his father said, and slapped him hard enough to leave a mark.”
3. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik and Inspired by Rachel Held Evans

#weekendreads

33 likes1 stack add
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sparrowssavvy
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Pickpick

What a unique concept! I absolutely love the creative idea of the Library as world power, almost like religion! I am so intrigued and want to know more! It had a few whiffs of Harry Potter for me, which I utterly adore, but it was still very much its own series. I love the bits of an alternate world history with an all powerful library in control. I am super eager to read the next book now!

12 likes1 stack add
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hes7
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It‘s a beautiful day, so I can‘t resist some (Samoa cookie) ice cream with my reading. #24b4monday #25infive

BeansPage Oh my, who could resist that??? 🍨 6y
Andrew65 Great combination. 👏 6y
96 likes2 comments
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TheSpineView
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#weekendreads @rachelsbrittain

📙 A book of poetry The Heart's Necessities, The Innocent Bystanders and Ink and Bone.
📙 One of my current reads, Ink and Bone, is an audio book.
📙 The Last Romantics

rachelsbrittain Thanks for joining in 💜 6y
47 likes1 comment
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Jas16
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Thank you so much Jee for this wonderful surprise!!! The book has been on my TBR for what feels like forever and I am so excited to finally have it in my hands. I love the bookmarks and card too. You really made my day.

Crazeedi So sweet!! 6y
Jee_HookedOnBookz Yayyyy glad it arrived! Hope you enjoy the book! I've never heard of it until I saw it on your TBR ☺️ 6y
BethM Great book! 6y
57 likes3 comments
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kaleidoscope.reader
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This AMAZINNNNN Cloud Macchiato is saving me today. Three nights of being up til 3 am reading has me half asleep.😂🤪

Coffee is my saving grace today.

#bingereading #coffeeandbooks #nightreader #coffeeaddict

Lauram I‘ve been meaning to get one of those for the last few days. 6y
kaleidoscope.reader @Lauram It tastes delish! I love the foam. I like an extra pump of vanilla. 6y
38 likes2 comments