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Cathyloves2read

Cathyloves2read

Joined July 2019

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Cathyloves2read
Unsinkable | Jenni L Walsh
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Pickpick

I read this book because it was this month‘s selection for a book club I belong to. It started out slow. I‘ve recently read so many books about the WW2 time period. This book also involved the sinking of the titanic and WW1. I found the timeline that wrote about the woman on the titanic very interesting. The dual timeline seemed a bit disjointed at times. The best part about this book was the ending. I love how it all came together.

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Cathyloves2read
Weyward: A Novel | Emilia Hart
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Mehso-so

I fell for the hype. I was so excited for this book, but (in my opinion), it didn‘t live up to everything I‘d heard about it. If I‘d stumbled upon this book before the hype, I may have liked it more. It wasn‘t a bad book, just “so-so”. I absolutely love the book art on the cover. I found the relationship between the 3 main characters to be a bit disjointed. I am glad I read this book, even if it bored me at times.

wanderinglynn The cover is beautiful. I‘ve so far resisted picking it up because the last hyped book I picked up was an utter disappointment. 2d
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Cathyloves2read
Small Things Like These | Claire Keegan
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I‘ll admit that I read this book because I needed a book that fit a prompt in the Goodreads challenge. As a plus, it was very short. It was also very good. The moral of the story is neighbors helping neighbors. It also deals with irony and moral dilemmas.The protagonist, Furlog, makes a discovery at a monastery that he has to decide whether or not to deal with. To deal with it may hurt his business in the end. There is a lot to this little book!

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Cathyloves2read
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Pickpick

I highly recommend this book. I did the audiobook, and it was wonderful! I couldn‘t wait to see what happened to little Ruthie, who was kidnapped when she was very young. She was brought up having no clue about her background. She didn‘t even know that she was from the Mi‘Kmaq tribe from Nova Scotia. This story touches on many of the topics that the indigenous people still face today. Family and “finding yourself“ were major themes in this book.

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Cathyloves2read
Annie Bot | Sierra Greer
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This book was like a train wreck.I couldn‘t look away. Not necessarily a bad thing, I read it in record time. What an interesting concept, but if our world ever does come to this, we are doomed. AI is advancing so quickly that I have a feeling we might see something like this in the not too far future. This story did leave me with some questions and a desire to discuss it with someone who‘s already read it. I‘d definitely recommend it.

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Cathyloves2read
How to Say Babylon | Safiya Sinclair
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This book made me wonder why I don‘t read memoirs more often. It was very good. I learned a lot about the Rastafarian way of life. I was surprised by some of what I learned. Before this book, I didn‘t know what the term Babylon meant to the Rasta‘s. I know now, and it‘s not good. Safiya had to endure a tough life under her father‘s rule. I listened to the audio version which was narrated by the author. I highly recommend this book.

Amor4Libros One of my top reads last year. Agree! 2w
SamAnne Loved this one and learned much I didn‘t know. And such admiration for the tenacious author. 3d
14 likes2 comments
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Cathyloves2read
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Mehso-so

What a quick read! Probably the best thing about this book. It jumped from topic to topic. Some topics I was more fond of than others. It just seemed a little disjointed to me, and the ending was anticlimactic. I found it strange that Melanie got into her alter-personalities as much as she did. It didn‘t seem to fit her guidance counselor persona, but who knows? Not a bad book, but certainly not my favorite.

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Cathyloves2read
Immortal Longings | Chloe Gong
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Kudos to the young author! This was quite the story. I‘m not usually into the fantasy genre, but this story sucked me in. I‘m fascinated with the spot where this story was inspired- Hong Kong‘s Kowloon Walled City. I also like the Cleopatra and Antony concept. I‘m also not into the romance genre, but very much liked the love affair that took place between these pages. I am so glad I didn‘t put this book down early. It was worth the read.

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Cathyloves2read
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This book was magical, to say the least. I love the way the author described the little enchanted places where the fairies lived. It makes me wonder if it‘s possible that they live among us, using their little doors to get from realm to realm. This book was part one of a series that I plan to continue. It seemed to have a little of everything, including romance.

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Cathyloves2read
Yellowface | R F Kuang
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Mehso-so

I‘ve seen this book recommended in many forums, & have been wanting to read it. It drew me in from the start. If you‘ve read it, you know what I mean. I wish the entire book had been as good as the beginning.It‘s definitely a quick read. I can‘t say that any of the characters were likable,nor I don‘t think they were supposed to be.It‘s hard to believe that this is the same author that wrote Babel. The 2 books were so different.

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Cathyloves2read
Storm and Fury (Original) | Jennifer L Armentrout
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Mehso-so

First, I‘d like to thank Goodreads for gifting this book to me. Although it wasn‘t my genre of choice, it wasn‘t bad. It was definitely written for the younger generation, with most of the characters begin teenagers. It dealt with angels, demons, protectors, etc. There were a lot of fight scenes, which also isn‘t necessarily my thing. This book is part one of a series that I most likely won‘t continue.

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Cathyloves2read
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Mehso-so

I can describe this book in one word… CREEPY!! A house haunted by puppets and dolls? Hell, no!! I‘ve always been a huge horror buff. Parts of this book were very good, and parts seemed a little “hoakie”. I enjoy this author‘s witty writing style, but I definitely enjoyed “The southern book clubs guide to slaying vampires” more. I hear it‘s being made into a tv series, which I look forward to watching.

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Cathyloves2read
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Pickpick

This was our April 2024 bookclub selection. The story was of a midwife who lived and worked in the 1700s. Parts of the novel were action packed. It contained a murder and a mystery. Learning about the legal system in its infancy was enlightening. People (mostly men) got away with a lot back then. I particularly enjoyed the authors note at the end. I like hearing how she developed her story. I‘m glad that my bookclub recommended this book.

emz711 It was so amazing 1mo
16 likes1 comment
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Cathyloves2read
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Pickpick

I liked this book more now that it‘s finished than I did while I was reading it (if that makes any sense). It‘s a story that you have to let sink into your head. It‘s a very magical story, and the setting where it takes place is beyond words. Ironically, my husband and I are planning a trip to Italy this fall. The Amalfi coast and Positano are great possibilities! I‘d love to stay at the Hotel Poisiden. I recommend this magical book.

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Cathyloves2read
Yours Truly | Abby Jimenez
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I read this book because I absolutely had to read the Book of the Month 2023 book of the year. I enjoyed it, even though romance isn‘t one way favorite genres. I can‘t say it‘s one of the best books I read in 2023, but it was entertaining. It was pretty typical for a romance novel. It dealt with many issues, focusing on trust. The author made it personal by also focusing on organ donation. I‘m glad I read this book.

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Cathyloves2read
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There is a lot more to this story than meets the eye. Many of the driving points can be found in the long “notes critical and historical” chapter at the end of the book. I read this book because the movie trailer intrigued me. I look forward to watching the movie. I admit that I the last few chapters of the book confused me at first. I had to re-read and perform google searches in order to fully understand the end. All in all, I enjoyed this book.

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Cathyloves2read
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Is it possible to like a book when your views in a specific topic are totally opposite? Well, apparently it is. Although the main character and I have a difference of opinion, I really liked him! The world would be a much better place if we could all agree to disagree. I‘m not a huge romance genre fan, but this book was worth the read. I‘d like to thank Goodreads for the ARC.

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Cathyloves2read
11/22/63: A Novel | Stephen King
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By the time I was old enough to understand that President Kennedy was assassinated,I was very surprised to learn that it happened before I was born.It was a big part of my life as a child.There were paintings of John John and Caroline as children at their father‘s funeral hanging on my bedroom wall.Stephen King‘s alternate version of this story is brilliant. I absolutely loved this book, and have a feeling I‘ll carry it in my heart for a long time

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Cathyloves2read
Crow Mary: A Novel | Kathleen Grissom
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This is the 2nd book I‘ve read by this author and each was as good as the other. Crow Mary was such a heroic, strong woman who was very dedicated to her Indian family. She married a white fur trader, who she tried to be dedicated to as well. She had to fight many evils in her lifetime, including her husband‘s severe alcoholism. I did a mixture between the audio and the written version. The narrator was very good. I recommend this book.

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Cathyloves2read
The Wharton Plot: A Novel | Mariah Fredericks
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Mehso-so

I‘m giving this one a very generous rating of 3 ⭐️s. It just didn‘t do it for me. The mystery wasn‘t all that much of a mystery. I had to reread the last few chapters to ensure I did t miss a twist in the plot that I thought would be there. None of the characters were particularly likable. On the plus side, the story kept me reading at a quick pace, as I really wanted to know who dun-nit. I can‘t say I‘d recommend this book.

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Cathyloves2read
Hotel Nantucket | Elin Hilderbrand
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This book had a bit of everything I love. Mystery, scandal, a beautiful setting, likable characters, and even a ghost! It inspired me to visit Nantucket someday, where some of the establishments told of in the book actually exist. This story had a nice ending. This is the second book I‘ve read by this author. I intend to read more.

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Cathyloves2read
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This was such a strange, different, good book. Who would have thought that a story about a man who changed into a shark would be this good? The story wrote of all different types of love. It also spoke of the ability to carry on and love again after a huge loss. I put off reading this book for a while. I figured I wouldn‘t like it. Boy, was I wrong!

AmyG I finished it yesterday. It‘s not what I thought it would be….but I loved it, too. 3mo
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Cathyloves2read
It Starts with Us | Colleen Hoover
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Mehso-so

I am glad that Colleen Hoover wrote this follow up book. I did like “It Ends Wish Us”better, but “It Begins With Us” tied things up nicely. Most of the characters were very likable, especially Atlas. He did seem a little too perfect at times though. I suppose Lily deserved that agree she had to deal with Ryle.

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Cathyloves2read
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First,I‘d like to thank Goodreads for picking me as a winner to receive a copy of this book.Second-I‘ve decided to try really hard to never read the book reviews before I read a book.The reviews on this book almost had me convinced not to read it.I‘m so glad that I took a chance,because I ended up really enjoying it.It‘s a story about growing and leaning.Its about hitting rock bottom and bouncing back.This author did a great job on her first novel

blurb
Cathyloves2read
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Because books, the good ones, the ones you hold on to and come back to, they never disappoint. They're the best kind of escape because, instead of leading you away from your-self, they end up circling you back to yourself, nice and easy, helping you see things not just as they are, but as you are too.

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Cathyloves2read
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Mehso-so

How does one rate a book like this? I read it at the suggestion of a friend.The authors political views are the polar opposite of mine,but this book got me thinking.After reading it,it‘s hard to decide what to believe. The author seems very knowledgeable and definitely made a point. I‘d like to read a book telling the story from the opposite point of view. It‘s definitely going to be a crazy time between now and the ‘24 election!

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Cathyloves2read
The Women: A Novel | Kristin Hannah
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I love Kristin Hannah books,& this one didn‘t disappoint.I finished reading it through tears.I was young during the Vietnam war,but I remember seeing coverage.My step father was a Vietnam vet who served in the Navy,He told me stories as well. This book was well written.I liked the references to the music of the time.I have the utmost respect for our veterans,& am very happy for this opportunity to learn more about the women who served in Vietnam.

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Cathyloves2read
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Mehso-so

I did it again, read a thriller when it‘s not my go-to genre. It was this month‘s book club pic. It was well written, and it wasn‘t a bad book, but it just didn‘t draw me in. If you like thrillers, you would probably love this one. I did like the setting. Nothing better than an old house on a cliff next to the ocean. Not much else to say about this one. It just wasn‘t for me.

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Cathyloves2read
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Mehso-so

I may have missed the point of this book. I thought it was going to be funny. Although the stories were cute, I didn‘t find most of them funny. Each chapter tells a different story about an event that happened in this man‘s life. There was no rhyme or reason to the order on which these stories appeared. They weren‘t in order by date. They were just pretty random. I won this book on Goodreads, and thank them for that.

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Cathyloves2read
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Mehso-so

My opinion of this book is “middle of the road “. Parts of It seemed far fetched to me. There are so many times I thought to myself that I‘d never have met things go that far. The characters had me a bit confused as well. I know who the “bad guy” was, but I didn‘t really buy in to the idea that the “good guy” was genuine. This story left me with many unanswered questions.

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Cathyloves2read
Echo of Old Books | Barbara Davis
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This book reminded me of a fairy tale. There was a bit of magic, and a touch of love. Some of the characters were kind, and some were evil. It was two stories that came together to make one. It may or may not have ended happily ever after (no spoilers!). As an added plus, this book was about books. Want kind of a reader wouldn‘t love that! I am glad I selected this book from Amazon‘s First Reads.

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Cathyloves2read
Echo of Old Books | Barbara Davis
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“The number of lives we are capable of living is limited only by the number of books we choose to read.—Ashlyn Greer, The Care & Feeding of Old Books”

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Cathyloves2read
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Mehso-so

The first 1/2 of this book was just scary.This book was published 3 years ago. I wonder what has happened technology-wise in those 3 years.Probably a lot.The 2nd half was just strange.The author and I are on totally different ends of the spectrum politically. The points he made were valid,but just totally different than my way of thinking.I did tell Alexa that I loved her per a suggestion made in the text of the book. Her response was hysterical.

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Cathyloves2read
Echo of Old Books | Barbara Davis
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To lose oneself in the pages of a book is often to find oneself. —Ashlyn Greer, The Care & Feeding of Old Books

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Cathyloves2read
Saving Noah | Lucinda Berry
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This story is powerful. So many emotions! I did the audio version, and found parts of it bizarre. The subject matter was very dark, and I didn‘t always find this reflected in the narrators voice. The things this family (especially the mother) had to deal with were mind blowing. My heart went out to almost all of the characters. Warning -There are many triggers in this book, so it‘s not for everyone.

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Cathyloves2read
The Maidens: A Novel | Alex Michaelides
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Mehso-so

I like this authors writing style. I love the shorter chapters. It made for a quick read.
The story kept me interested, and I definitely didn‘t see the end coming. But this book confirmed what I already knew. I‘m really not into thrillers. I didn‘t find any of the characters likable. I did find the setting fascinating. I love reading about the old schools in England. All in all, find book was just middle of the road for me.

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Cathyloves2read
The Kitchen House: A Novel | Kathleen Grissom
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This book was complex and brought about so many emotions. I had never heard of an indentured slave before. The relationships between the characters described in this book were amazing. I found that there was mostly love where I would have thought there would be hate. Some of the characters were deplorable, as you would expect in this type of an environment. I will be reading more by this author.

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Cathyloves2read
The Kitchen House: A Novel | Kathleen Grissom
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This book was complex and brought about so many emotions. I had never heard of an indentured slave before. The relationships between the characters described in this book were amazing. I found that there was mostly love where I would have thought there would be hate. Some of the characters were deplorable, as you would expect in this type of an environment. I will be reading more by this author.

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Cathyloves2read
Go as a River: A novel | Shelley Read
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I loved this book! It drew me in from the beginning, and kept me interested until the end. This author has an amazing ability to describe situations and scenery. I googled pictures of some of the mountain ranges in the story, and they were just as I envisioned them from the authors words. The women in this story were so strong and resilient. I admired the two main characters very much. I highly recommend this book. I am so hungry for a peach now!!

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Cathyloves2read
The Prospectors: A Novel | Ariel Djanikian
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First, I‘d like to thank Goodreads for this book that I won on their app. I found it very interesting. The topic is the Klondike gold rush fascinates me. I liked learning about the Barry, Bush and Lowell families. The story gives a true example of what comes around goes around. I have very strong feelings about one character in particular who I found to be very evil. I won‘t say more,
So as to avoid a spoiler. I highly recommend this book.

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Cathyloves2read
Home Front | Kristin Hannah
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I can‘t even imagine going through what these families experienced.I was a military wife whose husband was deployed to the Middle East.Many of the occurrences described in this book could have happened.Thankfully they did not.I liked how the husband and wife‘s lives came together in order to get Jolene the help that she needed.This story is inspirational.It talks of deployment from a different angle.Reading it helped me to bette understand PTSD

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Cathyloves2read
Fox Creek: A Novel | William Kent Krueger
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Another good book by William Kent Krueger. This wasn‘t one of my favorites by this author, but it was very good. The settings he described were beautiful. The mystery portion kept me guessing until the end. It wasn‘t so much “who did it” as it was “why”. I will certainly be reading more if this authors books.

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks What are your favorites by this author? 4mo
Cathyloves2read This Tender Land is my absolute favorite so far. 4mo
12 likes2 comments
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Cathyloves2read
Lightning Strike: A Novel | William Kent Krueger
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I love every book I‘ve read my this author.This book did not disappoint.I feel like I know many of the characters personally.Cork seems like such a great kid!I can‘t wait to read the next book in this series to see how he becomes as he matures.I love this authors unique ability to describe the settings where this story takes place.It sounds like such a beautiful area.I highly recommend this book.It‘s also a good mystery that kept me guessing.

lynneamch Yes Yes. YES. 4mo
15 likes1 comment
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Cathyloves2read
Bridge to Terabithia | Katherine Paterson
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I read this book because I read on Facebook that it was a real tear jerker. It didn‘t disappoint. If you‘re looking for a sad story, this is it. Al thought it was originally written for young adults, I didn‘t find the writing too young for me. I think that this is one that I‘ll pass on to my granddaughter to read. I plan on watching the movie next, and hope it‘s as good as the book. This book was written in the 1970s, but I found it ageless.

TheBookHippie My daughter‘s favorite book of all time. (She‘s 35) 5mo
9 likes1 comment
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Cathyloves2read
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Pickpick

I liked parts of this book.I‘ll admit that other parts were just outside of my grasp of understanding.Parts seemed very deep,and I‘m sure there was more to them than what I read into them. I have a feeling this is one of those books that needs to be read more than once. I did find it darkly magical. I was looking for a good Christmas read. Not sure I found it in this story. I think I‘d have understood it more if I knew more about the Nutcracker

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Cathyloves2read
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Mehso-so

This was a quick read. I read it because I heard that it was terrifying. I love to be afraid, but it takes a lot to get me there. While the idea is this story was scary, the actual story itself didn‘t do it for me. It wasn‘t a bad book, I just didn‘t find it all that scary. It also ended strangely and abruptly in my opinion. This book was just ok.

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Cathyloves2read
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I guess I saved the best for last? (Or almost last anyhow). I really enjoyed this book. It astounds me to learn of the way females were treated during the Ming Dynasty. Foot binding? No way!! This is a book that I just didn‘t want to end. The author has a way of making you feel as though you‘re right there in the scenes she‘s describing. This is the second book I‘ve read by Lisa See that I‘ve absolutely loved.

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Cathyloves2read
The Woman in Me | Britney Spears
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Mehso-so

I did the audio version of this book. I can‘t say it was a bad story. After all, it‘s someone‘s life story. It is what it is. I also can‘t say I learned anything new about Brittany after reading this. It seems that she was pretty open about everything as it was happening. As far as her and Justin are concerned, this is her version of the story. I‘m k not saying it‘s not true, but there are always 2 sides.

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Cathyloves2read
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Mehso-so

I‘m not sure how I feel about this book. It‘s definitely different. I wasn‘t sure if the way that I interpreted it was correct. I did some googling, only to find out I was wrong. It‘s one of those books. It‘s been made into a Netflix movie which I plan on watching. Something tells me I‘ll be just as confused, if not more so, after watching the movie. it‘d not a bad book, it‘s a very fast read. It‘s just confusing.

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Cathyloves2read
Again and Again | Jonathan Evison
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I finished reading about a minute ago, and am typing this review with tears in my eyes. The book ended so beautifully. The story made a lot of twists and turns in its way to the end. It wasn‘t all happy, some parts were very sad and disturbing. This man, Gino, lived quite a life (or lives?). I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more by this author. I highly recommend this read.

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