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Barbara the Slut and Other People
Barbara the Slut and Other People | Lauren Holmes
Named a Best Book of 2015 by NPR, Bustle, Gawker,Lit Hub,Book Riot, Pure Wow, andPublisher's WeeklyHolmes trains a precise lens on the millennial generations mixed bag of manners, mores, and machinations In [these] beautifully brazen stories, worlds collide in fresh, imaginative ways. ElleA fresh, honest, and darkly funny debut collection about family, friends, and lovers, and the flaws that make us most human.Fearless, candid, and incredibly funny, Lauren Holmes is a newcomer who writes like a master. She tackles eros and intimacy with a deceptively light touch, a keen awareness of how their nervous systems tangle and sometimes short-circuit, and a genius for revealing our most vulnerable, spirited selves.In Desert Hearts, a woman takes a job selling sex toys in San Francisco rather than embark on the law career she pursued only for the sake of her father. In Pearl and the Swiss Guy Fall in Love, a woman realizes she much prefers the company of her pit bulland herselfto the neurotic foreign fling who wont decamp from her apartment. In How Am I Supposed to Talk to You? a daughter hauls a suitcase of lingerie to Mexico for her flighty, estranged mother to resell there, wondering whether her personal missionto come outis worth the same effort. And in Barbara the Slut, a young woman with an autistic brother, a Princeton acceptance letter, and a love of sex navigates her high schools toxic, slut-shaming culture with open eyes.With heart, sass, and pitch-perfect characters, Barbara the Slut is a head-turning debut from a writer with a limitless career before her.From the Hardcover edition.
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DimeryRene
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This is a reread for me and I‘ve forgotten most of the stories. I only remember the one told from the dog‘s point of view. My favorites so far this time around are the ones which take place in the sex toy shop and the health clinic.

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CaroPi
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Pickpick

These are some short stories diverse and very nice. I really enjoy my time reading them.

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Hooked_on_books
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this short story collection. It‘s quirky and a touch provocative. Plus, my mom‘s name is Barbara and she was never remotely a slut, so that just makes me chuckle.

Megabooks I love this collection. 3y
49 likes1 comment
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

All I want to do is hang out with my dog and read short stories on my kindle. Maybe make my mom laugh by singing in silly ways. 😂

I realize my problems aren‘t that big compared to some, but I think the most important thing right now is self care when possible for everyone. Read what brings you comfort.

I think this is my third read of this book. It‘s a great collection about the perils of sex and relationships in your 20s. NOT YA! 4.5⭐️

BarbaraTheBibliophage I feel like I should read this even though my 20s were SO long ago, just because of the name. 5y
Megabooks @BarbaraTheBibliophage it‘s a really fun collection. I‘m 18 years past the average character age, and I enjoyed it. 👍🏻😁 5y
BarbaraBB I feel the same, @BarbaraTheBibliophage 😂 5y
99 likes3 stack adds4 comments
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

Loved it the first time. Loved it the second time. Solid, fun, amusing short stories. I wish I had the hardcover from #BOTM 2015! 4.5⭐️

#MonthofRereads

116 likes7 stack adds
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Bananaism
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Pickpick

This book was hilarious and enjoyable! I've never read a collection of short stories before, but it was definitely an experience I enjoyed!

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StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego
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Based on the title I thought this was going to a compilation of feminist short stories, but it wasn't. It was ok, just not what I was expecting. Would probably make a good book club read though. There's lots of subject matter worth discussing.

89 likes1 stack add
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arlenefinnigan
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36 likes2 stack adds
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GeorgeanneD
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed these snippets of the characters lives no matter how long or short of a time I got to spend with them

2 likes1 stack add
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BooksForEmpathy
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Happy Valentine‘s Day, everyone! I have a full heart after opening up my #cupidgoespostal package from @AprilMaesBookHabit and I love everything! I love the tagged book so much + I didn‘t have a hardcover since I listened to it! The other 2 were not on my radar at all and I can‘t wait to give them a read... you were a very careful Litsy stalker 😍. Thank you for my bookish gifts + candy 🍭 as well! Wishing you ❤️ from San Francisco to Minnesota!

AprilMae I'm so glad you liked it all!!❤❤❤ 7y
ReadingEnvy I love the tone of the books here. 7y
mauveandrosysky Oooh The Arrangement sounds interesting! 👀 This looks like such a thoughtful gift package. Happy Galentine's Day! 💕 7y
BooksForEmpathy @mauveandrosysky Yes!! Happy Galentine‘s Day to you too!!! Xoxo. And doesn‘t it sound interesting!? I live vicariously through books sometimes... haha! 7y
Avanders Love it 💋💖🌸 7y
107 likes1 stack add5 comments
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AprilMae
Mehso-so

A collection of short stories, some that I really loved others that down right irritated me. A good quick read but I can only give it a so-so because some of the stories just didn't make me feel anything, which is more me than the book.

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TheCanuckReader
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#GIVEAWAYSTORIES
Pick lil ol me @Liberty :)

43 likes1 stack add
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LauraBeth
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I walked by the B&N sale shelf and got these three 😬

valeriegeary Well I can tell you the Book of Speculation is worth your money. 👍 7y
Yellowpigeon Barbara the slut was great! 7y
LauraBeth @valeriegeary it's a Litsy favorite! So I need to read it 😀 7y
See All 23 Comments
LauraBeth @Yellowpigeon short stories are my jam so I'm excited to read it! 7y
Laura317 So Bitsy's bits are copyrighted? Who knew?? 7y
Ashley_Nicoletto Barbara the slut was pretty good! Hope you enjoy! 7y
LauraBeth @Laura317 ?? nah - that's a holdover from my corporate days when I had to have everything ©®™ 7y
LauraBeth Thanks @Ashley_Nicoletto - I'm looking forward to reading it! 7y
Captivatedbybooks @Laura317 😂😂😂😂😂 7y
Soubhiville 🤣🤣🤣 the copyright symbol! 7y
DiruVamp Oh the Book of Speculation is soooooooo goooooooood!!!!! 7y
Bette Bitsy!! 🐶❤️😂😂😂 7y
BarbaraTheBibliophage You know I need that Barbara book! 😜 7y
RealBooks4ever They were on sale! That means you have to buy them. 😆😆😆 7y
LauraBeth @Captivatedbybooks, @Soubhiville and @Laura317 I'll tell Bitsy I copyrighted her bit parts 😀 7y
LauraBeth @DiruVamp I can't believe I haven't read it yet! 7y
LauraBeth @Bette in her usual Friday night position 😂 7y
LauraBeth @BarbaraTheBibliophage you must! 😂😂 7y
LauraBeth @RealBooks4ever it was like I got three books for one price! 😂 7y
Laura317 @LauraBeth If you do, she demand royalties (or whatever it's called)! 7y
LauraBeth @Laura317 I'll pay her in cheese 🧀 7y
Lmstraubie Don't you mean you were pulled into the vortex of B&N and those 3 books jumped into your arms??? 7y
LauraBeth @Lmstraubie 😂 yes! Why does that always happen? 7y
143 likes2 stack adds23 comments
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wellreadredhead
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Finished my first book right past the three hour mark! #24in48

66 likes1 stack add
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wellreadredhead
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Pickpick

I'm not usually into short stories but these were amazing. I typically have to read a story and come back and read another awhile later. I read this book straight through. All of the stories pulled at my heart strings. Highly recommended.

LeanneAslin I listened to this on audio and really enjoyed it, such good storytelling x 7y
Karkar @collegecatlady I felt the same way. I usually do not like short stories but I enjoyed this collection a lot! 📚📚 7y
78 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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NeeSwee
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Yay! Got this lovely little stack from the library book sale!! 😍

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Well-ReadNeck
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#riotgrams #bookishtees

Got this last year as a gift from good friends ... who know me well! 😂

AmyG That's the BEST kind of slut. 😳 7y
Zelma I am loud and proud of my book sluttiness! 😂💕 7y
diovival Fun shirt! 7y
134 likes1 stack add4 comments
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charl08

Direct stuff. One of those titles I could imagine raising eyebrows on the train...

30 likes4 stack adds
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arlenefinnigan
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Pickpick

Great dark fun. Really enjoyed this.

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arlenefinnigan
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Hahahahaha.

julesG 😁😁 8y
17 likes1 stack add1 comment
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TheBookStacker
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Pickpick

A few of my favorite collections of short stories and tales. #READATHONSTORIES I really love short stories, if anyone has any recommendations I would gladly accept them!

24 likes3 stack adds
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Sickforfiction
Mehso-so

I grabbed this because I liked the colors and it was on sale. It's a real quick read, just a collection of short stories. It was just entertaining enough. I read it while I was waiting for my car to get an oil change and then when I was waiting to pick up a lunch I ordered- and it was perfect for that.

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arlenefinnigan
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Mother's day seems like a good day to start reading this. My mum's name is Barbara.

23 likes2 stack adds
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arlenefinnigan
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#GuiltyPleasures #MarchIntoReading
Guilty because my mum is called Barbara.
@RealLifeReading

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SuperPunkNinja
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Ummm... pink pink pink... sorry, this is all I could find. #pinkcovers #riotgrams

TheBookStacker Love those stories though 8y
arlenefinnigan I've been pestering my family to get me this the last two Christmases but my mum's called Barbara so they won't 😂 8y
64 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Linda906
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Pickpick

Quick, entertaining collection of short stories about the challenges of youth and sexuality. The themes of the stories were subtle but engaging. A fun, enjoyable read to end #24in48!!

#LitsyAtoZ #TheLetterB

20 likes2 stack adds
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Linda906
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I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....#24in48

asiriusreader So so close!! You got this! 8y
Godmotherx5 Hang tough. You can do it! 8y
Megabooks 😃😃👍🏻👍🏻 8y
28 likes3 comments
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Linda906
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Think I'll finish up #24in48 with a collection of interesting short stories.

Megabooks I really enjoyed this. 8y
22 likes1 comment
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CherylDeFranceschi
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Here what I've stacked from Litten-envy to my TBR. It doesn't help that I have a stack of galleys for work or mountains of backlist TBR stacks. But- yay! Books! #lastbookstacked #seasonsreadings2016

CherylDeFranceschi @Ebooksandcooks Of course I stacked it because of you! 🎂 8y
Megabooks lol! Yay!! 🎉🎉 I hope you enjoy it!! 8y
93 likes1 stack add3 comments
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SuperPunkNinja
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Yes, I have this book sitting on my desk at work. 😀
#hotdrinkandabook #seasonsreadings2016

48 likes4 stack adds
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LLindsey
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Can't wait to see what all Santa brought me!

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LLindsey
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Pickpick

LOVED this collection! I've never been big on short stories and I really don't know what made me pick up this collection, but I am so glad I did. Holmes creates wonderful snapshots of these characters' lives. I really hope she writes more.

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LLindsey
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I might be procrastinating on studying for that last final, just a little bit...

SeeJulieRead I loved this collection! 8y
7 likes1 comment
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JAMZ
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Pickpick

Slow to get off the ground, but once it did, I loved it. The short stories have the effect of creating an angry thrum in your ears--you know these characters, or you've been one of them yourself.

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AshleyS
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Pickpick

Not a lot happens in these stories, but I still liked it a lot. Each story is like a little glimpse in to someone else's life. The only one I couldn't tolerate was My Humans, told through the point of view of a dog. I skipped that one about halfway through.

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Hooked_on_books
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So, I wasn't planning any more #latestbookishbuys after I went a little nuts at Wordstock earlier this month. But then I had to hear about the BookOutlet 30% off sale and I really enjoyed the latest story in Season of Stories (which is in the listed book) and madness ensued. I won't show you the whole receipt--it's too embarrassing. And it wouldn't fit on the screen. 😳 #BlameitonLitsy

LeahBergen 😂😂😂 8y
vivastory But 30% off! No guilt! (I have been accused of being a terrible book enabler, I don't see it, hmm...) 8y
Librariana I saw your comment on @RealLifeReading 's post and had to come share some emotional support. I too created a divide between my wallet and some (digital) greenish-slips of paper (thank you for your sacrifice, debit card!) Two of my 6 purchases are gifts... so I'm reminding myself of this so as to not feel bad about the other 4. Then we went to Barnes & Noble this afternoon where I also had to make use of a 30% off coupon... You are not alone! 8y
Hooked_on_books @librariana It's so good to know I'm amongst my people! I'm currently trying to hold fast and resist the Powell's 20% off plus free shipping. Doing well so far. 8y
Megabooks I really enjoyed this one! 8y
61 likes1 stack add5 comments
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DocBrown
Pickpick

This was the perfect palate cleanser and respite from all the literary books I'd been reading lately. No artsy-fartsy types among these characters. Just normal people doing and saying normal things. It's a book about relationships -- not just sexual but also very much familial. A poignant reminder of how the two affect and are affected by the other.

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bookandcat
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Pickpick

This is what I wish Sweetbitter could have been, albeit in short story form. These short stories have the snap and personality and sharp observations you expect from an MFA grad, without as much pretension. Each character felt real to me. Enjoyable read.

6 likes1 stack add
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moarbookspleaze
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Pickpick

#Recommendsday I loved this story collection I got from #botm. If you are into short stories check it out.

17 likes1 stack add
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Smangela
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Pickpick

I started listening to @Liberty and Rebecca Schinsky's #AllTheBooks podcast and was encouraged and inspired to broaden my reading horizons! A book of short stories was something I really had not ventured into and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The stories were unique and diverse and new to me. #Day29 #SomethingForSept #SeptPhotoChallenge #ShortStories

16 likes1 stack add
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gibblr
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Only one more day visiting my mom and dad. Today I couldn't help but stop by the local bookstore, Innisfree Bookshop, to check out the selection. I ended up with a few more books, on top of my previous consignment shop haul, and had to ship a box of books home! These guys had a Shop Indie poster in the window, but I couldn't get a good shot with the glare. #getindie #shopindie #eatsleepreadlocal #shopindiebookstores #indiebound #BKlovesLitsy

SusanInTiburon I could get lost there for a while! 8y
64 likes1 comment
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BookishBlonde12
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Pickpick

Law school grad takes a job selling sex toys in San Francisco. Another woman realizes she prefers the company of her pit bull rather then continuing a foreign fling. A few of the fun, fearless, and candid short stories that make up this book! Such a great read. Two thumbs up!

gibblr I regret not buying this the other day! 8y
26 likes1 stack add1 comment
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BookishBlonde12
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Finally broke 1,000!! Litsy has become my favorite social media platform, everyone on here is awesome and so friendly. I've read more books this year then I ever have in my life! Thanks to you all with your great recommendations, happy reading!! 🤗🎉

Lauren_reading Congrats!! 🎉 8y
megt Hooray! Congrats! 8y
MrBook WOOHOO! Congratulations 😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻🙌🏻! 8y
See All 12 Comments
BookishBlonde12 @LaurenReads @megt @MrBook Thanks you guys!! 😄💕📚 8y
moranadatter Yay! Congrats!🎉 8y
BookishBlonde12 @kmdartist Thanks! 🎉💕📚 8y
britt_brooke 🙌🏻🙌🏻 Awesome! 8y
LauraBeth Yay 🎉🎉📚 8y
Smrloomis 🎉👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 8y
pppooraikul Well done! 😁🎉🎉👍 8y
Carol Congrats! 📚🎉💪 8y
31 likes12 comments
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deefig
Pickpick

An immensely readable collection of short stories. Darkly funny and at other times just sad. This is a quick read that will leave you slightly melancholic at the end.

5 likes1 stack add
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BookishBlonde12
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So happy to come home to my #BOTM mail after a stressful day at work! 🎉😁🎉

brendanmleonard Yay book mail! 8y
Reviewsbylola I kind of wish I had added on The Couple Next Door. 8y
Inked.and.nerdy The couple next door 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 8y
MrBook 😁👏🏻🙌🏻 8y
24 likes4 comments
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subwayreads
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Pickpick

Refreshing and funny. It has a frank-witty-dry tone. Like if Tina Fey and Hemingway had a literary child. I read it a year ago and loved it.

Bought it today on a "quick trip" to the Strand. They need to change their tag line to "killing your bank account one mile at a time."

Anyway- Barbara the Slut! You won't regret it.

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BookishBlonde12
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Yay! Yay! YAY! Can't wait to receive these great reads in the mail! #BOTM

Reviewsbylola Great choices! 8y
BookishBlonde12 @Reviewsbylola Thanks! I've been dying to read both. #BOTM for the win, once again! 😁 8y
25 likes2 comments
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Megabooks
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So you do the orange quote - you don't settle in college and then you wind up wondering the pink quote in your 30s. 😂😂😂

LeahBergen Ha!! 8y
BookishFeminist 😂😂 8y
Hazel0303 Omg that is so true. When I think about what color eyes, how tall, what color hair, and blah blah blah I wanted in a husband and then as I approached 30 I kind of started to think that if the person was educated, worked hard and treated me well that that is more important. 8y
See All 13 Comments
Hazel0303 Because girls, it's scary out there 8y
Megabooks @Hazel0303 Exactly. 8y
MeganAnn 😂😂 8y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa Hahahaha! I ditched both and am going for the happily single life. The crazy cat lady on the hill/spinster aunt/old maid used to be a put down when I was young...now I think staying single may be the smartest decision I ever made. Because it is scary out there, and sometimes being single is the smartest choice. 8y
Megabooks @Riveted_Reader_Melissa I'm 36, single, and not looking right now. My family thinks I'm crazy. I think I'm completely normal. I may start looking, I may not, but either way happiness is most important! 8y
Laalaleighh Single > settled for the wrong person. 8y
Laura317 Nothing wrong with single! 8y
Megabooks @Laalaleighh @Laura317 Absolutely to both!!! 8y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Ebooksandcooks Agreed! I did the single thing for a long time, and then did the dating thing (even scary online dating) for awhile....but I never meet anyone who made me feel so great being with them, that I wanted to give up my alone time. So I'm with @Laalaleighh ... Single is always better than settling for the wrong person. 8y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Laura317 Exactly! Sometimes it's the best choice. 8y
59 likes2 stack adds13 comments
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megfab
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Pickpick

Tempted by its fabulous cover and urged by @Liberty to give it a try I dove in, despite my hesitation to read short stories about angst-ridden millennials. I'm happy I did! Holmes has a sly wit that gave each story its own flavor. You should definitely pick this one up.

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WendyL
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Hmm interesting