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Robotswithpersonality
The Broken Road: A Novel | Richard Paul Evans
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Mehso-so

Major caveat here: if I didn't have a vague idea of how this trilogy ended, I wouldn't be continuing to the next book. At the moment, I deem it worthwhile to continue, because I think having the full story told in this manner will add to the catharsis/emotional impact of the ending. But, from a 'single book' perspective, Evans has made a bold choice in making the entire work background for the narrative 1/?

Robotswithpersonality 2/? that is hinted at continuing in the next book, in the prologue. You know how I feel about cliffhangers. There are multiple timelines, lead up to an important event, flashbacks, and backstory, but you're not only JUST getting the set up, you're getting ALL of the ways life has been shitty for this character. 1w
Robotswithpersonality 3/? When this was pitched to me, I thought my biggest issue would be the mistakes, the choices the main character has made and how they've affected other people, but as it turns out, those pale in comparison to all the horrible things that happened to this character growing up. What makes me so damn sad is how much of the experiences related mirror the life story of so many abused and disadvantaged people. 1w
Robotswithpersonality 4/? It just puts the idea of highlighting one character who found a second chance in a strange fairy tale, chosen one light that I think could be more mocking than escapist to those who've had to deal with real trauma and it's aftermath without that kind of luck. How close do the books as a whole come to the huckster self-help vibes of the sales seminar narrative, live your dreams, change your life, etc? 🤨 1w
See All 10 Comments
Robotswithpersonality 5/? I know this author is famous for Christmas books - do they also follow the 'I have wacked your thumb with a hammer (emotionally upsetting background) now here's a chocolate bar (happy/hopeful ending) now don't you feel grateful and joyful (the ache of endorphins and the thrill of sugar)' formula? 1w
Robotswithpersonality 6/? Skilled emotional manipulation is a cornerstone to a number of different kinds of narratives, but when the story really doesn't have more plot than just everything these people have gone through, it makes the message conveyed that much more crucial, and I worry that I will rate the latter books in this trilogy higher based on how they make me feel, (an accomplishment in itself) even if the story itself is...lacking. 1w
Robotswithpersonality 7/? By which I mean I'm looking for a message that isn't too tired and I'm not sure I've glimpsed it yet, and if you're going to spend nearly 300 pages making me sad, there really should be a damn good reason, beyond life lessons I figured out a decade ago. 1w
Robotswithpersonality 8/? I also admit to being on shaky ground with the amount of God/Bible references - it really does feel like those who are lapsed from a religion are in some ways closer to it or at least never fully separated - and the simple moralizing that always seems to follow in its wake. 1w
Robotswithpersonality 9/? Also feeling a little odd about proposed end goal of the trip - that's a lot of years to suddenly decide on a need to resolve that particular issue - I think a journey for personal growth/redemption/reflection/planning for a different future, without relying on absolution from a particular individual, might be a healthier mindset, but love makes you do the wacky. 🤷🏼‍♂️ 1w
Robotswithpersonality 10/? So given all that, why would I continue? Because a smart reader who recommended this to me started with the third book in the series and then went back, so I still have hopes for where the story goes. And since I read the first book first, why not read the second book, second? Thanks goodness the full trilogy is out, I'd lose my shit if I had to wait after this ending. 1w
Robotswithpersonality 11/11 P.S. I don't know if Evans shares the main character's Mexican heritage or OCD, but that rep is in here.
⚠️suicide, child abuse, racism, racist-based violence/hate crime, assault
1w
8 likes10 comments
blurb
Kerrbearlib
Lessons in Living | Susan L. Taylor
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Didn‘t sleep well, so I read some of this book & then I stretched. Lorelei tried to steal the yoga mat again 😆😆😆

wanderinglynn She‘s “helping” and “supervising”. That‘s what my Jasper does. 😹 She‘s beautiful ❤️🐱 1w
Kerrbearlib @wanderinglynn thank you ♥️ Jasper sounds awesome! 1w
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 1w
AnnCrystal 💕😻💝. 1w
18 likes4 comments
blurb
Eggs
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“This is what one thirsts for, I realize, after the smallness of the day, of work, of details, of intimacy - even of communication, one thirsts for the magnitude and universality of a night full of stars, pouring into one like a fresh tide.”

#Gift #25Alive

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

44 likes1 stack add
quote
acid
The Power of I Am | Joel Osteen

“instead of saying I am ugly, I am weird, say I am smart, I am beautiful. Things you say will always come back to you“

mrferro88 Cool quote! 2w
3 likes1 comment
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TheBookgeekFrau
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dabbe I love these books! 🩶🖤🩶 3w
TheBookgeekFrau @dabbe I've only read two of them, but both times they helped when I was feeling unsettled. It's nice to read uplifting words of people in similar situations and know you're not the only one. 🩵🩵 3w
dabbe @TheBookgeekFrau #truth Some could get a bit preachy (I'm not very religious), but I loved most of them. Plus, they usually were short, sweet, and made me feel better! 🩶🖤🩶 3w
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Eggs I‘ve enjoyed a few of them ❤️ 2w
39 likes1 stack add6 comments
blurb
AnnCrystal
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There are so many in the USA who are facing chaotic weather and natural disasters.

Prayers and Good Vibes for my neighbors and my neighbor's neighbors (whether neighboring houses, towns, or states).

Extra Prayers and Good Vibes for all the First Responders, National Guard, and Helping Neighbors 💝🦸💝🦸‍♂️💝🦸‍♀️💝.

🫂🙏🐻🇺🇲🦅🇺🇸❤️🤍💙💝.

May Mother Nature Calm Herself Soon 🙏💝.

#quotessharedbycaliforniananncrystal

#californiananncrystal

bthegood 💕💕I needed to read this today...look for the helpers! Thank you. 1mo
AnnCrystal
😘🫂💝 @bthegood one of my favorite qoutes by Mr. Rogers 💝🙏💝.
(edited) 1mo
28 likes3 comments
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Purpleness
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blurb
Coffeymuse
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I try to select a fairly quick, one-day read that's positive, inspiring, or poetic for the first day of the new year. A book to clean the palate from the past year and start fresh with positive energy.

I thinking having the book and dipping into it once in a while or over a month would be a better idea that reading in a day. I rate this as a meh read.

However, I am inspired to start looking for my own little pieces of hope.

julieclair What a lovely idea! 1mo
26 likes1 comment
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Purpleness
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