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Lucky
Lucky | Alice Sebold
Enormously visceral, emotionally gripping, and imbued with the belief that justice is possible even after the most horrific of crimes, Alice Sebold's compelling memoir of her rape at the age of eighteen is a story that takes hold of you and won't let go.Sebold fulfills a promise that she made to herself in the very tunnel where she was raped: someday she would write a book about her experience. With Lucky she delivers on that promise with mordant wit and an eye for life's absurdities, as she describes what she was like both as a young girl before the rape and how that rape changed but did not sink the woman she later became.It is Alice's indomitable spirit that we come to know in these pages. The same young woman who sets her sights on becoming an Ethel Merman-style diva one day (despite her braces, bad complexion, and extra weight) encounters what is still thought of today as the crime from which no woman can ever really recover. In an account that is at once heartrending and hilarious, we see Alice's spirit prevail as she struggles to have a normal college experience in the aftermath of this harrowing, life-changing event.No less gripping is the almost unbelievable role that coincidence plays in the unfolding of Sebold's narrative. Her case, placed in the inactive file, is miraculously opened again six months later when she sees her rapist on the street. This begins the long road to what dominates these pages: the struggle for triumph and understanding -- in the courtroom and outside in the world.Lucky is, quite simply, a real-life thriller. In its literary style and narrative tension we never lose sight of why this life story is worth reading. At the end we are left standing in the wake of devastating violence, and, like the writer, we have come to know what it means to survive.
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Cathyloves2read
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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Mehso-so

I read this book as part of a challenge where we were asked to read a book that was banned.It was a memoir,not my usual genre.I had to google to find out why this book was banned,and found out that a man had been falsely convicted of rape.He spent many years in jail based on this false conviction. Parts of the memoir weren‘t easy to read, and parts dragged on in my opinion.I do feel bad for what the author had to endure,it changed her entire life.

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KristiAhlers
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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Mehso-so

For publishing year 1999 I decided to read a Non-Fiction read. This book is disturbing on several levels. The author was raped and hurt when she was 18 and with her help her rapist was arrested, convicted and put in jail for 16 years…for what turned out wasn‘t his crime. He was fully exonerated. There is nothing mentioned in the memoir about this part. And it‘s disturbing the actual rapist was never arrested. #19822022 @Librarybelle

Librarybelle Another year complete! 3y
47 likes1 comment
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LibraryCin
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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Pickpick

This was a compelling read and Alice does not hold back in her detailed account of the rape and she goes into detail about what happens after and the trial. She was tough. She immediately knew she wanted to find the man and have him sent to jail. It was unfortunate – some of the decisions she made as she got older, but I guess that could be chalked up to PTSD

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SusanLee
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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This may not be a popular choice after the recent overturned charges but I remember disliking the #courtroom drama though it was a heartfelt memoir 😅 That‘s why I rarely read such genres so no Grisham and the likes 🤭
#savvysettings @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

Eggs Sounds like a tough read 😔 3y
SusanLee @Eggs it was for me so I‘ve speed read it 😅 3y
7 likes2 comments
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Jee_HookedOnBookz
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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My #MysteryMessageSwap package is here! And am I lucky or what!! It's from the one and only @TheReadingMermaid!! Woot woot! 💃🏽🎉🎉

Thank you for hosting this wonderful swap Tamara! ❤️ ❤️ 😘

BeansPage You are most welcome sweetheart! I can't wait to see you open it!!! 5y
thebluestocking I can‘t wait for Saturday!! 💙 5y
Jee_HookedOnBookz @thebluestocking me too! 🎉🎉💃🏽 5y
40 likes4 comments
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Macnjen
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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Pickpick

Wow. True accounting of the author's rape at 18 and her struggles through the aftermath and her life beyond. Powerful, brutal, raw but engaging. Worth the read.

18 likes1 stack add
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Macnjen
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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Newest Book Club choice. I'm excited to see it gets 100% positive feedback from Litsy.

On another note, I'm THRILLED about the web version of Litsy!!!!

12 likes1 stack add
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blondie
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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24 likes1 stack add
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JuliaTheBookNerd
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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#LuckyYou 🍀 #LiteraryLuck 🍀💚📚

#BookNerd 💙📚🤓

SexyCajun Mmmmmm 🤤😋 6y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Great choices!! 🙌🏻❤️ 6y
LaraReads This is my kind of LUCKY! 🤗😆💚🍀 6y
vkois88 🔥🔥🔥 6y
82 likes4 comments
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NeverEndingStory1
Lucky | Alice Sebold

"You save yourself or you remain unsaved."

Amen, Alice. I am living this mantra.

RaimeyGallant Interesting! And welcome to Litsy! #LitsyWelcomeWagon Some of us put together Litsy tips to help new Littens navigate the site. It's the link in my bio on my page in case you need it. Or if you prefer how-to videos, @chelleo put some together at the link in her bio. @LitsyWelcomeWagon 6y
Chelleo Welcome to Litsy! 6y
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego Welcome to Litsy 📖💖 6y
See All 6 Comments
CoffeeNBooks Welcome to Litsy! 📚 6y
Eggs Welcome to Litsy 🤗 6y
AlwaysForeverReading Welcome to Litsy!!! ❤️♥️💜💙💚💕🧡💓 6y
5 likes6 comments
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OriginalCyn620
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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Pickpick

I‘ve had this book forever and have just never picked it up, probably because of the tough subject matter. But it is a gripping look at Sebold‘s life before and after her rape, and her journey to bring her rapist to justice. #nonfiction2018

Kaye Really good book and a necessary one. It tells firsthand what the victim goes through. 6y
49 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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JuliaTheBookNerd
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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112 likes3 stack adds
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rightasrain13
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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"No one can pull anyone back from anywhere. You save yourself or you remain unsaved." -Alice Sebold, Lucky #feministlit #mentalhealth #recovery

4 likes1 stack add
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Blueberry
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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I added these three books to my tbr list after listening to an old podcast episode of "What Should I Read Next". The Alice Sebold one sounds intense. It's an autobiography. The other two are young adult fantasy. The Knife of Never Letting Go is dystopian and will be a movie next year.

MinDea The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking Series) is quite good!! 7y
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego Read Lucky. I guess it's intense. If you have difficulties with triggering subject matter. 7y
46 likes1 stack add2 comments
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SusanLee
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Pickpick

An intense and harrowing read. Truly applaud Alice for her bravery and optimism, baring all for everyone to read! Such a well written book with an eye opening exposure.

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JuliaTheBookNerd
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🍀💚🍀💚 7y
vkois88 I don't think I've read that one! 7y
76 likes1 stack add2 comments
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dkingneece
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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Mehso-so

This book deserved an editor. It could have been good, but instead reads like a stream of consciousness that never really hits its mark. So much unnecessary detail given to conversations and interactions, so many characters introduced for no apparent reason...it felt simultaneously rushed and stagnant. Read for #popsugarreadingchallenge - true crime.

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wallacereads
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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The holidays just became so much brighter. Thank x 100! @KassKho

MrBook Ooh! 😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 7y
Melissa_J I really enjoyed Somewhere in France. 7y
KassKho I‘m glad you liked it! Actually having Jackaby on your list made me pick it up too so if you ever want to have a buddy read let me know :) 7y
CouronneDhiver Nice! 👍🏽 7y
Avanders 💖💖 7y
42 likes5 comments
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wallacereads
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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I have no words...this was so incredibly thoughtful. @mabell - you are amazing. Thank you to @cobwebmoth for organizing.

LeahBergen 😍😍😍 7y
Zelma Those scissors! 😍 7y
TheKidUpstairs I need that tote in my life!!! 7y
See All 7 Comments
idrinkandiknowthings Love the tote! 7y
FantasyChick Those are the coolest scissors ever!!! And that bag 😍😍 7y
mabell You are welcome! ❤️ 7y
batsy That tote is amazing 😍 7y
37 likes1 stack add7 comments
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Lcsmcat
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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Sebold‘s memoir may not be as famous as her novel, The Lovely Bones, but it is a powerful read that shows that there are different ways of being lucky. 🍀 #emojiNov @RealLifeReading

Cinfhen Well done 7y
DebinHawaii I want to read this one. 📚👍Stacking. 7y
Bambolina_81 I remember this being a tough read 💔 7y
42 likes1 stack add3 comments
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April2
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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#OctoberRoundUp

Books on my #TBR list - 4
Books Read - 5 (I‘m still reading number 6)
Favourite Book - Lucky Alice Sebold

I‘m quite surprised that I beat my target for the month... I‘d love to read loads more but work & life means that I can‘t.

#OctoberTBR #Halloween #Books #OctoberReads

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wallacereads
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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I popped by the library to pick up a travel book for our next trip and came across a mini library book sale. How could I resist?!

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SconsinBookyBadger
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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Alice Sebold book haul.

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EmilyChristine
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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So trying to find a book for #SEEWHATIHAVEWON made me realize I really do not read true crime. These three are the closest I could find. Lucky is a memoir by the author of Lovely Bones, and is about her rape. Hunting Hitler is about Hitler and the rumor that he escaped Germany, seriously a crime. And Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - what happened to her, the way she was treated, I consider that criminal. I should try and read more true crime.

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suvata
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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Started this chilling autobiography last night. Alice Sebold is the woman who wrote The Lovely Bones. This is her memoir.

Josie I loved this book! Alice Sebold is an amazing writer 8y
suvata @Josie I'm only about a third of the way through and I can't put it down. 8y
Josie @suvata it's just that good!! Her story alone is so powerful. I remember just crying and crying. I can't wait to see what you think after you finish :) 8y
monkeygirlsmama Read this years ago. Don't remember anything about it. Think I might need to reread. 8y
26 likes4 stack adds4 comments
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lisakoby
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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My fav #memoirs for #booktober

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BookishFeminist
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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Happy birthday to Alice Sebold! She is a brave woman & powerful writer. Her memoir, Lucky, is a book that's stuck with me over the years. She is a survivor of a violent rape, and her memoir chronicles her trauma and recovery. Her fiction books explore pain, trauma, sexual violence, and memory as well. Thanks for standing up and sharing your story with us, Alice, so others can find strength to understand their pain. 🏵

#BookishBirthdays #ReadWomen

brendanmleonard (Even though Lovely Bones is one I read the first 30 pages of and was like "no, not for me right now." I really love every interview I've read with her/her essays, though.) 8y
BookishFeminist @brendanmleonard She's such a lovely person- I hope I get the chance to meet and speak with her one day. I enjoy her essays and interviews as well. I read and enjoyed The Lovely Bones but it was a hard read. IMO her memoir is better. 😊 8y
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brendanmleonard @BookishFeminist i have heard phenomenal things about lucky; ty for reminding me to read it! 8y
PenguinInFlight I've loved all her books! She's an amazing and inspiring woman. ☺️ 8y
shawnmooney Wow, I didn't know any of those biographical details - details is not the right word. Can you believe I've never gotten around to reading Lovely Bones? It was one of those books that there was too much buzz about at the time, and I put off reading it for that reason. A decade or more later, it should finally be time for me to have a go! 8y
Chessa @shawnmooney Same with me on all counts! But I might opt for her memoir instead. 8y
116 likes8 stack adds8 comments
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Juneofthemoon
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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Pickpick

"But it is later now, and I live in a world where the two truths coexist; where both hell and hope lie in the palm of my hand." A gut-wrenching read about the powers of perceptions and womanhood and surviving. The latter part of the book in dealing (or not dealing) with the aftermath is insightful for any trauma survivor. Sebold is one incredible woman.

5 likes1 stack add
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Juneofthemoon
Lucky | Alice Sebold

"No one can pull anyone back from anywhere. You save yourself or you remain unsaved."

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Juneofthemoon
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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Diving in to this memoir tonight. Tough subject matter, but I can't read enough about strong women in their own words. Reminds me that I'm not alone in my own battles and that females are strong as hell.

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sherrynuts
Lucky | Alice Sebold
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Getting ready to start this one. Has anyone else read it? Thoughts?

BookishGal It's good but sad, I think it's what inspired her to write The Lovely Bones 8y
LitHousewife I agree with @BookishGal. It was very good but hard to read in parts. I'd definitely recommend it. 8y
HardcoverHarlot This book will hit you right in the feels. 8y
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Kaylamburson I definitely agree with what everyone said. Such a powerful read, but it will be difficult in parts. I listened to it on audio and loved it. 8y
Victoriahoperose I like this book a lot. It's really well written but it is a tough read as it is a memoir and based on her life. I would definitely recommend, though. 8y
sherrynuts @BookishGal @LitHousewife @HardcoverHarlot @Kaylamburson @Victoriahoperose Thank you for your thoughts! I'll have my Kleenex ready and be prepared for a good but tough read. 8y
18 likes8 stack adds6 comments
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Josie
Lucky | Alice Sebold
Pickpick

The author of The Lovely Bones changes pace by writing her own memoir. Sebold was raped as a college student, and this is the story of her life before and after. The journey she takes to bring her attacker to justice is harrowing. Sebold tells it like she felt it.

Donnasmiles I absolutely loved this book and had read it so long ago that memory makes me think it's time for a revisit. She's a great writer. 8y
7 likes3 stack adds1 comment