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BarkingMadRead

BarkingMadRead

Joined May 2016

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BarkingMadRead
The Stand | Stephen King
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I realized I never posted this! My #bookspinbingo stack is ready to go, and a little precarious in my front window 🤣 @TheAromaofBooks

Ruthiella One good breeze and it‘s gonna topple! 😆 20h
BarkingMadRead @Ruthiella I keep waiting for my granddog to knock it over! She is so careful of it, though 🤣 20h
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 11h
46 likes3 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Woman in White | Wilkie Colli
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Wilkie Freakin Collins. God forbid he uses actual chapters to make our lives easy 🙄 #thisfreakingguy #anyway take a look at how I divided it up and let me know if this doesn‘t work. I can always spread out some of the longer sections an extra day. For the multiple day chapters… they are divided into sections, so the numbers at the end are how many sections each day. Hope this makes sense. Drop your thought below #hashtagbrigade we start Saturday

Bookwormjillk How dare you Wilkie. 23h
Librarybelle Wilkie was a strange guy. I‘m happy to go with the consensus of the group. 23h
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Ruthiella Wilkie took a lot of opium. Give him a break. 😂 23h
Bookwormjillk @Ruthiella well that bodes well 😂 22h
julieclair I think you‘ve done a brilliant job trying to wrangle dear Wilkie‘s opium-induced non-chapterism into submission! 👍🤪😂 19h
Bklover I actually followed the plan (I think!). Sounds good to me. Oh, and maybe the opium will make this interesting! 19h
KathyWheeler Can I be added to this event? I‘ve owned this book for years and would like to get motivated to actually read it! 18h
kwmg40 Looks good. I'll try to follow as best I can! 18h
TheAromaofBooks Looks great!! Sooo complicated when a book doesn't have just regular chapters!! 11h
Clare-Dragonfly Eep! I‘ll do my best to keep up! 😅 10h
37 likes14 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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mcctrish Loved it ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 23h
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Clare-Dragonfly Bahaha, perfect 😂 I hope Esther goes on to live a happy life! Certainly I hope it‘s better than her creator‘s. 23h
Bookwormjillk Go to hell buddy. She should have let him dig out his own dang car. Thanks @BarkingMadRead for another great read. 23h
Ruthiella Buddy, Buddy, Buddy! Marsha, Marsha, Marsha! 23h
TheAromaofBooks Thank you for hosting!! This is one of those books I always felt like I “should“ read but never have. I didn't love it, but some of the writing was amazing. 22h
Deblovestoread So glad to have finally read this book! 20h
kwmg40 Perfect comment about Buddy. Thank you for hosting! I needed this group read to motivate me to start this book, which had sat on my shelves for a long time, but once I got into it, it was easy if sad reading. 18h
Andrea313 Thanks for hosting! It's always the right time to read The Bell Jar, and I'm so glad I got to read it with this group. ❤️ 18h
ElizaMarie Thank you all again for this wonderful group—especially @BarkingMadRead for hosting. I have wanted to read this book for a while now, and I am glad I experienced it with a group. 7h
dabbe @Ruthiella 🤣🤣🤣 3h
dabbe Esther truly reminded me of Holden in CATCHER IN THE RYE, and both books ended on a hopeful note--both of them hopefully on the road to recovery. I only wish Plath had been able to keep that bell jar off of her for good. 🥺 Couldn't have read this without this fantastic group, and thanks again, @BarkingMadRead, for seeing us through. 💚 3h
41 likes13 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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BarkingMadRead I feel bad using MGGs pic, but he came to when I googled nerdy hot guy in tweed, which is how I pictured this dude 🤣 2d
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ElizaMarie #AllThatBlood - terrifying! And didn't sound like she enjoyed it in the slightest. Ugh. I also noticed how a lot of these chapters end in a #CliffHanger. (I will finish the book now - since I am doing a 12 tomorrow. 2d
dabbe I really missed something because I had no idea Joan was in such sorry shape. Unbelievably sad. 🥺 Was she attracted to Esther and despondent when she found out Esther had slept with a man? I'm sure it goes a lot deeper than that, but wow. And of course, I had to read Ch. 20 right away after that. Definitely more of a page-turner than LARK RISE. 2d
dabbe I love the pic and Spencer from CMs! 🤩 2d
Bookwormjillk @dabbe I don‘t think we‘re supposed to know. Esther is so self centered (I don‘t mean that as a criticism exactly.) But from her point of view we had no clue what Joan was going through. Esther doesn‘t know what‘s going on with herself never mind being able to consider that Joan might have feelings. 2d
Clare-Dragonfly I love the picture of Reid for this chapter 😂 Though I doubt this guy told the truth about being a professor of mathematics—he certainly doesn‘t seem like he‘s actually paid well! I wonder if we will find out what exactly went wrong with Esther. Did her diaphragm puncture something? 2d
mcctrish @Clare-Dragonfly I want to know too! Is she one in a million that bleeds out after sex the first time or is the diaphragm the problem ? Or being ‘tipsy‘? All this mental health care just seems so random and half assed 2d
julieclair @dabbe Joan took me completely by surprise. So sad. 20h
dabbe @julieclair IKR? 😳🥺😔 3h
35 likes1 stack add11 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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ElizaMarie Wasn't sure if we were reading Ch 18 today --- I just finished and commented on 17 - But I am gonna read 18 right now (and adjust my timeline) 3d
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BarkingMadRead @ElizaMarie sorry! Everyone was saying they were caught up so I posted! 🙈 3d
ElizaMarie So - I am proud of Esther here and her doc appointment. Good for her doing what she needs to do to feel confident in her future and falling into a stuck #BabyMommaLife 3d
dabbe I do like this doctor and believe she is helping Esther to get well. Even though she didn't tell Esther the day before about the ECT, she had a good reason--not wanting to have Esther worry all night. Even Esther says that's what she would have done. In hugging Esther “like a mother,“ Dr. Nolan finally provides Esther with the female healer who can deliver the road map into adulthood that Esther has lacked. 3d
Bookwormjillk Glad to see Esther doing something! Seems promising! 3d
julieclair @dabbe Love your thought about Dr. Nolan being the female healer Esther needs. I‘m hoping that turns out to be the case. This is my first time reading this book, and so far, I‘ve been feeling pretty bleak. 3d
dabbe @Bookwormjillk YES! 🙌🏻 3d
dabbe @julieclair I have everything crossed that I can in hopes that Esther gets better. 🤞🏻🙌🏻🤞🏻 3d
mcctrish The dr does seem to be caring and empathetic and thoughtful aka a wonderful dr. The electric shocks seem to be working too and obviously done well ( that first zap was torture not health care) I love that Esther is thinking about the future too now that she‘s been ‘fitted‘ and good on that dr for his caring manner 3d
Clare-Dragonfly The correctly done shock treatments are working! Esther feels the air, she is confident enough to tell Joan what she thinks, AND she resists the urge to tell the doctor a long story to justify herself. You go, girl! 2d
37 likes12 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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Ok, so I messed up somehow, and didn‘t post chapter 15. So, should I not post tomorrow and let everyone catch up? Sorry y‘all, I was in NOLA, the days just ran together!

mcctrish I am caught up now 4d
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CogsOfEncouragement I didn‘t look at the chapter numbers you posted, just read the remarks. The remarks are correct aren‘t they? You just skipped 15, marking it as 16? Yeah? Your photo of a bell jar is perfect for chapter 15, it is just marked 16. 4d
BarkingMadRead @CogsOfEncouragement I think that‘s what I did wrong, but I‘m not sure 🙈 4d
willaful It seems to me you skipped chapter 16. I could be confused though. 4d
CogsOfEncouragement Chapter 15: “…would be sitting under the same glass bell jar, stewing in my own sour air.” and “The air of the bell jar wadded round me and I couldn‘t stir.”
4d
BarkingMadRead @willaful that‘s possible. I know I read it, but I may have forgotten to post and then read the next chapter on the same day! There was a lot of drinking going on 🤣 4d
CogsOfEncouragement I think the Spam photo is better for chapter 17, yes, but to me your hashtags worked for chapter 16. 4d
CogsOfEncouragement AND this is a VERY enjoyable BR, thank you so much for hosting. This is no big deal. I didn‘t even notice, as you see I happily commented today. It‘s all good. ✌🏻♥️📚 4d
CogsOfEncouragement Esther had compared something to Spam. I hadn‘t read chapter 17 yet, so I thought it was a reference to that, not realizing the Spam comparison was actually in an earlier chapter. 🤷‍♀️ Again, soooooo not a big deal. 4d
DieAReader I hadn‘t even noticed😂 All good here to keep going. So close to being done that I might just have to finish it tonight🤭 4d
dabbe Ch. 16 ended with Dr. Nolan telling Esther she will no longer have visitors, especially her mother. This pleases Esther greatly, which is why I ended up liking the doctor at the end of this chapter. I think Ch. 17 is where the spam comes in and other perhaps not-so-great things that the doctor does. I only read to Ch. 16 because that was the chapter for today. No worries at all. I'm tempted to finish the entire book today anyway. 💚 (edited) 4d
Bookwormjillk No worries- whatever works for you. 4d
Ruthiella I didn‘t even notice! 😂 Just keep on keeping on. ✌️ 4d
33 likes15 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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Bookwormjillk She was never so happy as when the doctor said no more visits. 4d
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mcctrish Did I miss a chapter ? I thought today was #16 I just read about the dr saying no more visitors and learning about who the ‘friend‘ is, not a friend, just a fan #goodgrief 4d
mcctrish I‘m not a fan of the dr 4d
CogsOfEncouragement I thought handing Esther the newspaper articles was messed up, but I also thought it was an interesting way to tell us what happened when we have been relying on Esther to give us the scoop. 4d
BarkingMadRead @mcctrish ugh did I misnumber?!? 4d
dabbe I totally see the doctor differently. Esther's mom views everything Esther does as a rebuke against her, which makes Esther feel alienated from the one woman who should serve as her guide into adulthood. When Doctor Nolan realizes that seeing her mother and others only harms Esther and ends the visits, to me she becomes a mother figure to Esther—one who is warmer and more accepting of Esther's conflicts than Esther's real mother. ⬇️ 4d
dabbe Though this may seem cruel to Mrs. Greenwood, it seems to be a necessary step toward Esther's recovery and is evidenced by how relieved Esther is by the doctor's choice. Somebody finally noticed what she needed and willingly gave it to Esther. 4d
mcctrish @dabbe oh I totally think the mom should be banned, Esther doesn‘t need to explain to her why she feels the way she does ( as if she could) I‘m mad at the dr for springing the electric shocks on Esther - I don‘t feel they are on the same page with how “I will let you know if and when we go that route” plays out 4d
dabbe @mcctrish Is Esther in for more electric shock treatment? I've only read to Ch. 16, so my thoughts were based on that. I guess my views will change with Ch. 17. #ruhroh 4d
mcctrish @dabbe I‘m mixed up with the chapters 🤦🏻‍♀️ 4d
dabbe @mcctrish Easy to do; they flow quickly in this one. 🤗 I might even finish tonight. 🤞🏻 4d
Bookwormjillk Ok yeah now I don‘t like that doctor anymore. 3d
ElizaMarie So, #InTheDoctorsDefense I get why she didn't tell her the night before. I think Esther should have a say in if/when she gets shock treatment, but.. in this world/time/hospital she doesn't, so telling her and letting her freak out about it all night could have caused her to hurt herself, whereas springing it on her, is a bit more kind (in a - kind even though we are subjecting you to a treatment you don't consent to kind of way) 3d
BarkingMadRead @ElizaMarie good point! This is one of those situations where you can‘t really win! 3d
Clare-Dragonfly @ElizaMarie That‘s fair, but I‘m still pretty mad at the doctor, because as I see it she broke her promise. She told Esther, but not until Esther had figured it out herself. She should have given her a few days of warning. 3d
37 likes17 comments
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BarkingMadRead
Age of Innocence | Edith Wharton
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Stopped at 6 indie bookstores in NOLA #shopsmall

Ruthiella Nice haul! I thought “The Trees” was amazing. 5d
dabbe THE AGE OF INNOCENCE is my favorite Wharton. Oh, and the movie, too! 💚🩶💚 5d
BarkingMadRead @Ruthiella the blurb sucked me in, I can‘t wait to read it! @dabbe there‘s a movie?!?! 🎥 5d
dabbe @BarkingMadRead Heck ya, there is! It stars Daniel Day-be-still-my-heart Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder. And it was directed my Martin Scorsese! 🤩 5d
49 likes4 comments
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BarkingMadRead
Woman in White | Wilkie COLLINS
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#hashtagbrigade next month‘s book is the Woman in White, drop a comment below if you‘re joining us! Everyone is welcome, but just remember that my hashtags are often ridiculous and always chapter spoilers. You should always read the chapter before you read my post!
We star my reading a chapter a day on March 2!

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Bookwormjillk I‘m in! 5d
Bklover I will be joining for this one! I have been dealing with my oldest daughter‘s health issue so I‘ve been away for a while. She is now on the path to recovery so hopefully I can be here a lot more! I‘ve really missed the #hashtagbrigade 5d
mcctrish I‘m in 5d
Librarybelle I‘m in! This has been on my tbr forever! 5d
BarkingMadRead 😍😍😍 5d
peanutnine I'm gonna skip this month. Have fun y'all! 5d
Sace I have a copy of this book somewhere. If I can find it, I‘m in! 5d
Clare-Dragonfly Yes, I‘m in! 5d
Ruthiella Definitely in! Another re-read for me. 5d
Roary47 Ooo yay! I‘ve been wanting to read that one. 😍 5d
CatLass007 I‘ve already got it in my Audible library. 5d
Deblovestoread I‘m skipping this one. Tried to read a few years ago and bailed. Hope you love it and see you in April! 5d
eeclayton I'm going to sit this one out, but I'm planning to join you for the rest of the year. Have fun, see you in April! 5d
dabbe @Bklover Glad your daughter is recovering, and glad to see you again! 🤩🤗🤩 5d
dabbe Love this book! I'm going to try to reread it again with all of you lovely people, so please include me! Even if I only reread parts, I want to know what y'all think! 🤩 5d
ElizaMarie Found this one free on Kindle. Hopefully, it syncs up well. I plan on joining. @BkLover I am glad to hear your daughter is doing better. 5d
quietjenn Yes, I've been meaning to revisit this for ages. 5d
BarkingMadRead 😍😍😍 5d
Bklover @dabbe @ElizaMarie Thank you! ❤️🩷❤️🩷She finally had surgery last week so at least now we are headed in the right direction. It‘s amazing how young a 38 year old daughter can seem when she‘s sick! 5d
willaful @Bklover no matter how old, they're still our babies. I'm so glad she's doing better.

I'll tentatively join, not sure I'm really up for it.
5d
dabbe @Bklover Or a 66-year-old hubby! 🤣🤣🤣 5d
Bklover @willaful Yes they are!! Thank you!🩷 5d
BarkingMadRead @willaful I can always remove your later, if you want! Added… for now 5d
kwmg40 I'm going to try to join for this one. 5d
KAO Count me in! 5d
KAO @Bklover I‘m sorry to hear that your daughter has been sick! I hope the recent surgery proves to be a total success! Here‘s to a speedy recovery. 5d
BarkingMadRead 😍😍😍 5d
BarbaraJean Please tag me! I can't miss out on re-reading this with Hashtag Brigade commentary! 5d
TheAromaofBooks I own this one, so I'm going to try and join!! 4d
julieclair I‘m in! I have always wanted to read this. 3d
SamAnne I‘m in! 3d
Bklover @KAO Thanks Kathy! Her surgery went really well, and she is feeling really good! 19h
41 likes35 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Stand | Stephen King
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Just a reminder that February‘s #LosersClub read is #theStand Put your library holds in now, search your shelves, or buy a new copy, and check back on or about March 1st, when we begin reading this one. Discussion will be at the end of the month! #StephenKing #StephenKingInOrder #KingFromTheBeginning #ConstantReader #ReadAlong #BuddyRead #BookDiscussion

Bookwormjillk Last time I read The Stand was February 2020 😳 5d
BarkingMadRead @Bookwormjillk I read this almost every year, I have four copies 🙈 (edited) 5d
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5feet.of.fury It‘s soooo long,but I‘ve wanted to read this one for a long time…. 😩 5d
BarkingMadRead @5feet.of.fury it‘s my favorite book of all time, it‘s so epic! 5d
kwmg40 I'm not sure if, like @BarkingMadRead, I'd call this my favourite book of all time (though I can certainly appreciate readers making that argument) but it's definitely my favourite of the Stephen King books I've read. I'm looking forward to the reread. 5d
bekakins Just discovered this readalong! King is my favourite author so would love to join in! I last read the stand during Covid….. Scarrrryyyyyyyy!!! 4d
BarkingMadRead @bekakins yikes! Not the best timing! I will add you to the tag list! 4d
35 likes8 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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mcctrish I had to Google insulin therapy after reading this to see if it was a thing and it was. I know health care is a science, and science is based on experiments but holy crap with the mental health care. Where are the questions? Where is the talking? 5d
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BarkingMadRead @mcctrish I keep waiting for it, but it seems like they‘re talking to everyone but her! 5d
Bookwormjillk The insulin thing puzzled me too. Her friend that popped up at the end- do we know her? 5d
Ruthiella I also googled Insulin Shock Therapy for treating depression…apparently it was a thing. It‘s been since discredited. 5d
Clare-Dragonfly This place certainly seems better than the last. At least the people who work there are nice to Esther, even if she doesn‘t deserve it. Her unreliability is quite stark in this chapter—Valerie says hello and she ignores her, then she says hello to the other lady and is hurt and paranoid when there‘s no response! 5d
Clare-Dragonfly @Bookwormjillk Joan has definitely been mentioned before. I think perhaps she‘s the one she went on the double date at the beach with? 5d
CogsOfEncouragement Chapter 5 “Oh, I can‘t do that. I‘m up here for the Sophomore Prom with Joan.” I felt like a prize idiot. “How is Joan?” I asked coldly. Joan Giling came from our home town and went to our church and was a year ahead of me at college. She was a big wheel—president of her class and a physics major and the college hockey champion.” 5d
dabbe These therapies were definitely far-fetched and dangerous. However, isn't this what modern day doctors do, too, in a way? “Oh, you're depressed. Let's immediately put you on an anti-depressant medication. Anxiety, too? There's a pill for that also.“ Discussion with mentally fragile patients is so necessary but also probably so difficult. Look at how tough it is just to try to break through Esther's shell. Soooo sad! 🥺 5d
willaful So do all of Buddy's dates wind up with mental illness?! 5d
ElizaMarie When I worked at Oregon State Hospital, they had a museum on their premises (it was where they filmed One Flew Over The Cuckoo Nest), anyway, they had all these articles on mental health treatment and reasons people (mostly women) were sent to live in asylums. It was terrifying! Insulin Shock therapy was one of the horrors. 5d
Clare-Dragonfly @CogsOfEncouragement Ooh, yet another person from her past that she doesn‘t know well or like. Lucky Esther! 5d
32 likes15 comments
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BarkingMadRead
Skeleton Letters | Laura Childs
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When in NOLA, be must read a book that takes place there!! #cozymystery

43 likes1 stack add
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BarkingMadRead
Night Watch: A novel | Jayne Anne Phillips
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It isn‘t a visit to NOLA unless you stop at Faulkner‘s House!

AnnCrystal 🆒📚💝. 6d
43 likes1 comment
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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mcctrish What the fuck happened to Esther ?! She took pills but now she looks like she‘s been in a car accident? They shaved her head? #oneflewoverthecuckoosnest for real! The pendulum has swung completely in the other direction and we just let people self medicate with their poison of choice and give them no care at all 🥲💔 6d
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Bookwormjillk I wish the entire #hashtagbrigade could get in a car and go rescue Esther. 6d
Ruthiella @mcctrish I think the bruises are from the botched electro-shock therapy. (edited) 6d
ElizaMarie #AMirrorReally !? I love how she mentions she knows perfectly well you don‘t serve #BeansWithBeans 6d
Clare-Dragonfly Everyone is awful in this chapter! Why on earth didn‘t the nurse try harder to convince her she didn‘t want a mirror? “You don‘t look very pretty” is a huge understatement. Or the nurse could have held the mirror herself. But also, the old nurse who told her seven years‘ bad luck is making things worse if anything. 🙄 6d
Clare-Dragonfly And the racism makes my skin crawl ☹️ 6d
CogsOfEncouragement So much to take in and attempt to decipher. The beans remark was too funny. The food being gross but Esther finally eating again. There is probably some symbolism there too. 6d
BarkingMadRead @Clare-Dragonfly soooooo bad, I‘m not a fan 6d
willaful Esther is such an unreliable narrator, I have no idea whether people are actually as awful as she thinks they are or not. 6d
BarkingMadRead @willaful I wonder the same, this is all seen through her very unreliable eyes 6d
dabbe @mcctrish 🎯! 5d
dabbe @BarkingMadRead @willaful Excellent reminder of the #1 problem with 1st-person POV. The narrator will always be unreliable. The best thing, though, about 1st-person POV (IMHO) is how much we get to know the character who's telling her story, and if we care about her (which I think we all do), we really become involved in her story and wanting to see her survive. We're behind you, Esther! ❣️ 5d
39 likes16 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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Ch 13: this is so sad! This chapter was giving Better off Dead vibes, so many unsuccessful attempts #cryforhelp #momistryingsohard #daytripswithfriends #volunteeringatthehospital #weknowherlatestattemotwontwork #itdoesnttakeawayfromthetragedyifit #hashtagbrigade

CogsOfEncouragement I thought the EXACT same thing! That movie kept coming to mind. I thought this particular chapter read as a dark comedy, but had to wonder if it was just me. Was I just in a weird mood? I googled it and discovered I‘m certainly not alone in feeling this way. 1w
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mcctrish @CogsOfEncouragement absolutely a dark comedy, just start a conversation with someone “so if you were going to kill your sled, how would you do it?” Not a single red flag flying from that pick up line 🤦🏻‍♀️ 1w
Bookwormjillk Reminded me of a Man Called Ove. I might need to finish this one early. Reading a chapter a day is stressful. 1w
BarkingMadRead @Bookwormjillk I was thinking the same! 1w
DrSabrinaMoldenReads To me, it‘s the most depressing book I have ever read. 1w
CogsOfEncouragement I‘m reading two other very light books right now. The Seven Year Slip is a whimsical rom-com and a book in the Cedar Cove series by Debbie Macomber which is easy reading. Though there is certainly something to be said for not spending too many days with a character that you can tell is dragging you down to the depths. 1w
mcctrish I‘ve got ACOTAR, From Dust to Stardust and Fishbowl on the go while I read this, every one but fishbowl is a Buddy read so it‘s easy for me to stick to a chapter of this and not get overwhelmed, that said we are past the halfway mark and I honestly can‘t see where this is going #couldgetworse #mightgetbetter 1w
ElizaMarie I think the more I read, the more I feel bad for his mother. She doesn't know what to do or how to help. I feel so bad for Esther. She is so lost - and I don't see her getting the help she needs. - I don't know how I would have faired reading this in my late teens/early 20s. I am glad I am reading this now and not then. - I might not have had the perspective. 1w
Bookwormjillk @mcctrish I keep telling myself it‘s first person so hopefully it gets better? 1w
willaful This is really bumming me out. 1w
dabbe One of my students in high school years ago committed suicide. I still think of her often and wish I could have done something--anything. This book is ripping all of us to shreds. I so wish I could hug Esther and tell her how lovely she is and that life does get better--or at least, as you age, perspective helps you grow and get strong. She has NO ONE who is able to reach her! AUGHHHHH!!!! 😞 1w
BarkingMadRead @CogsOfEncouragement I‘ve read them all! 1w
CogsOfEncouragement @BarkingMadRead All the Cedar Cove? I‘m on book 10, so nearing the end of my time with these endearing characters. 1w
BarkingMadRead @CogsOfEncouragement all of Cedar cove and also I‘ve read Seven Year Slip! I was volunteering at a used book store some years back and they had the whole series so I just zipped through them! 1w
CogsOfEncouragement @BarkingMadRead Very cool. I‘m about halfway through Seven Year Slip. I saw Elyse Myers good-crying over it on a reel and it sounded like a good pairing with Bell Jar! 1w
CogsOfEncouragement @BarkingMadRead Oh, wait. Just found out how her aunt passed. I still think Elyse was happy crying at the end of this! 1w
Clare-Dragonfly I also feel the dark comedy of this, but emphasis on the DARK! I so wish Esther had access to modern pharmaceuticals. 7d
ElizaMarie @dabbe you are such an amazing person! I just wanted to say that 6d
dabbe @ElizaMarie You just made my day, week, month ... you are, too, yaknow! 💚🩶💚 6d
38 likes21 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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Librarybelle Definitely a hard chapter to read today. 1w
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Bookwormjillk Yup, a toughie. 1w
kwmg40 Agree with everyone here. This was difficult to read. 1w
mcctrish Does the dr even know who she is ? How much of his medical practice is for profit ? The mom and her “I knew you weren‘t that kind of girl” not “that was fucking terrifying I should have turned you right around when we got here” 1w
Cuilin I got halfway through this chapter and put the book down. I don‘t think I can read this right now. I‘m not in the right headspace or something. 1w
Cuilin @mcctrish oh the mom, she made me so angry. 😠 1w
ElizaMarie That mother!!! Anyway my heart goes out for our girl. She is struggling 😞 1w
willaful I'm tempted not to finish as well. 1w
CogsOfEncouragement I‘m not mad at the mom. I feel like she is worried about her daughter, and this is the medical help of the time. She doesn‘t understand, she wants her daughter better, she is relieved that Esther has said something to allow her to believe she has snapped out of it. Her mom is trying to help. Our mom‘s thought pouring hydrogen peroxide on our scraped knees was helping. 1w
dabbe So hard to read these last two chapters. It's even harder when you know it's Plath who wrote it. 😞 1w
Clare-Dragonfly Oof, definitely hard to read. And unfortunately quite relatable (from my memories—I‘m doing emotionally well these days, thank goodness). It seems like all the electric shock “therapy” did was get her moving, without improving her mental state at all. 1w
TheAromaofBooks @CogsOfEncouragement - I feel bad for the mom, too. This is a time when people didn't understand really even the concept of depression. If you feel sad, stop feeling sad. Her mom is doing what the doctor says, but has no basis to know that what he is saying is complete BS. She knows something is wrong with Esther, but doesn't have any tools to help her. She's struggling in the dark, too. 1w
BarkingMadRead @CogsOfEncouragement @TheAromaofBooks such good points! I think she annoyed me because I‘ve had people react that way to me when I‘ve been depressed. Like I had no right to be and should just be happy 1w
TheAromaofBooks @BarkingMadRead - I definitely can see that!! I think I have seen older family members get bullied by medical professionals so I felt a lot of empathy for Esther's mother. He's a doctor so he must be right, even if it doesn't seem right... my grandma suffered for years because she trusted a doctor who was worse than useless because she was poor and uneducated so he must know what's best. 😞 Esther's mom - and Esther! - seem the same way. 7d
41 likes16 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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Cuilin I‘m not sure I want to read anymore but I will. It‘s triggering something. Can you get secondhand melancholy from a book? 1w
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ElizaMarie The part - “It seemed silly to wash one day when I would only have to wash again the next. It made me tired just to think of it.“ - Made me so so sad for her!

@Cuilin I feel a bit of the blahs too after reading this chapter.
(edited) 1w
BarkingMadRead @Cuilin @ElizaMarie for sure! It‘s gloomy and snowy here in SC and she‘s definitely got me feeling the blues 1w
mcctrish This might not be the best book for February blahs - I went outside for the first time in days today. I was putting on a bit of a protest against winter and left to my own devices I could have held out longer but my husband was grousing that we had no apples left for his lunch. Or bananas. Or berries. Anyways I went to the grocery store and I survived. I feel Esther‘s pain. Adulting is hard. I don‘t think electric shock is the answer 1w
BarkingMadRead @mcctrish we have like zero food in our house 🤣 I have hated the grocery store ever since Covid, I‘m scarred for life 1w
mcctrish @BarkingMadRead I want to know why the cashiers don‘t bag groceries for you anymore?! It just makes me lose my mind with rage! I‘m spending $260 on groceries in a store, I could go anywhere, I‘ve chosen this one, appreciate my business UGH 1w
BarkingMadRead @mcctrish you need to move to SC 🤣 they bag your groceries and will push your cart to the car and unload them too 1w
willaful @mcctrish They found out how much they could get away with during lockdown. 🤬 I'll never forget the gas station that had closed down its public bathrooms “for your safety“ but of course didn't require masks. Security theater, so much of it.

This was definitely a depressing chapter. Esther seems pretty seriously mentally ill to me, but damn, shock treatment is a lot before trying something else, *anything* else!
1w
mcctrish @willaful or how little 😡 1w
Bookwormjillk This chapter was really hard to take. 1w
dabbe How does this doc only see her TWICE before recommending shock therapy? Was that the 1st answer in the 60s? A very difficult chapter to read. She reminds me in so many ways of Holden Caulfield. 😞 1w
Ruthiella @mcctrish The supermarket doesn‘t bag your groceries? They do here in Southern California. We do have to put them on the conveyor belt ourselves. When I was a kid, the cashier also emptied the cart for the shopper. (edited) 1w
mcctrish @Ruthiella 🤯 I‘m conducting a poll on FB of what stores bag or if anyone even cares 🤦🏻‍♀️ my usual store does bag but I went to a store close to home today instead of the one on the way home from school and no bagging, even though I gave her my bins to load 1w
mcctrish @dabbe RIGHT? 1w
ElizaMarie @mcctrish @dabbe @willaful yeah I don‘t think she really needs ECT (I have treated patients pre and post ECT and—- try something first! ) like 2 doc appointments and they already gave up!? (edited) 1w
Clare-Dragonfly Yikes, as I expected—the shrink sucks. Going straight to electric shocks is not wise! Do you really think she‘s going to Chicago? There was something about a stop two blocks from her house. Sadly I just don‘t think she has the chutzpah to do something so bold. 1w
CogsOfEncouragement I finished this chapter after a short walk in the sunshine. Very helpful. 1w
julieclair This chapter made me so sad. Her depression, the shock treatment, the overall feeling of flatness. Just sad. 1w
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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mcctrish All of a sudden the randomness has a Lark Rise vibe #iykyk 1w
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BarkingMadRead @mcctrish it really does 🤣 1w
willaful Man, what a depressing chapter. I hope Esther is going to get some help but I kind of doubt it. :-\ 1w
BarkingMadRead @willaful I‘m worried that she will think she doesn‘t need it 1w
Deblovestoread Mrs. Kravitz! 1w
Clare-Dragonfly @BarkingMadRead Same! Or that the shrink will be terrible… 1w
Bookwormjillk I‘m with you all hoping she gets the help she needs. 1w
tpixie @Deblovestoread 😝 @BarkingMadRead Mrs Kravitz!!! 🧙 I LOVED Bewitched 1w
willaful @Clare-Dragonfly I think it's almost guaranteed that the shrink will be terrible. 😞 1w
Deblovestoread I loved Bewitched, too! @tpixie I was glad the family doc didn‘t just throw more pills at her. Hopefully her referral is a good one! 1w
dabbe Esther has never had anything below an “A“ in her life. She wins contests, too. Not getting into the summer class was her complete undoing. I'm almost scared now to read more.

BTW, do they live in a house in Boston? If so, why do the mom and Esther share the same bedroom? Or am I wrong in that assumption?
1w
TheAromaofBooks Waaaaaayy too casual about eating raw hamburger + raw egg 😂 1w
ElizaMarie Buddy !!! #RunForYourLifeNurse !! Hopefully he doesn't seduce that poor nurse who he “falls in love“ with. I mean. poor girl to be sucked into him! I am #proud Ester put her foot down with that one! 1w
julieclair @mcctrish Maybe the Lark Rose vibe was why Esther got on my last nerve in this chapter! 😂. But then I reached the end of the chapter and felt guilty about her getting on my nerves. She does need someone who can help her. I do hope the psychiatrist turns out to be a good one. But I'm fearful 1w
43 likes16 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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Cuilin I wasn‘t prepared for the assault. Ugh. This though 🤛 👃 🩸 👍 2w
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BarkingMadRead @Cuilin me either, but she was totally badass 2w
mcctrish Absolutely badass and for real she should have stabbed him with the pin 2w
Ruthiella I‘m surprised I don‘t remember this at all from reading this before. It‘s traumatizing ! 2w
dabbe @mcctrish In a place where the sun don't shine! 💪🏻 2w
dabbe That green shirt, skirt, and stocking are giving me total Ali McGraw vibes from LOVE STORY! 💚 2w
mcctrish @dabbe the green doesn‘t make me unhappy and I totally agree with Love Story vibes 2w
tpixie @dabbe yes!! 💚💚💚 2w
BarkingMadRead @dabbe I love green, although maybe not quite this much and also not called bile green 🤣 2w
willaful I loved the line “It was a face that needed soap and water and Christian tolerance.“ 2w
Bookwormjillk @Ruthiella I don‘t remember it either 2w
tpixie @willaful lol great line 2w
julieclair This chapter was rough. I'm impressed by her presence of mind. 👊 1w
39 likes16 comments
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BarkingMadRead
Skeleton Letters | Laura Childs
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We are traveling to NOLA on Friday, so of course I picked my travel books today 🤷🏻‍♀️ am I the only one, who packs books first? I will probably bring my kindle as well 🤣 round trip flights plus down time while the hubby parties with his friends leaves me with plenty of reading time 🤣 I love NOLA, but I‘m not a late night kinda gal…. Unless it‘s reading!

Bookwormjillk Clothes are just clothes. Books make the whole trip, 2w
rachelsbrittain Gotta pack the books! I always overestimate the number of physical books I could possibly get through, especially since I always bring my kindle too 😂 2w
46 likes2 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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TheAromaofBooks Why is everyone in this book so unlikable 😂 2w
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BarkingMadRead @TheAromaofBooks seriously! She‘s an asshole magnet 🤣 2w
Cuilin @TheAromaofBooks thank you for saying that I wholeheartedly agree! 2w
Cuilin The line let me fly with you would have been very sweet and cute if the question had not been “how would you like to be Mrs. Buddy Willard?” and completely erasing her. 😣 2w
BarkingMadRead @Cuilin everything about this chapter made me want to scream 🤣 2w
Bookwormjillk Usually I‘m annoyed with her but firmly on Team Ester in this chapter. Was that jerk happy she broke her leg?? 2w
BarkingMadRead @Bookwormjillk I totally got that vibe, like he was glad to be able to do some doctoring 🙄 2w
Cuilin @Bookwormjillk seemed like a metaphor for breaking her, now doesn‘t get to run away!!! 2w
mcctrish First how does one get well in such an absolutely disgusting sounding place, second who the hell trusts someone to teach them to ski who doesn‘t know how?! Who stepped in front of her? Buddy? Honest to god Ester, stay away from this dumbass (edited) 2w
Bookwormjillk @mcctrish I read it twice and couldn‘t figure out who stepped in front of her 2w
mcctrish @Bookwormjillk it was the man saying “you were doing fine until the guy stepped in your path” not skied, stepped made me think it was Buddy (edited) 2w
willaful I was kind of caught in wondering why Esther seemed more upset about Buddy's hypocrisy than about what happened in this chapter. But maybe she's letting herself realize things slowly because they're so freaking awful. 2w
Clare-Dragonfly Wow, Buddy is an idiot! He shakes her hand when she comes in, tries to give her an ashtray he made, and then asks her to marry him in the most unromantic way possible?! Not to mention the skiing failure. Esther said in the last chapter that she broke her own leg but Buddy clearly broke it! 😂 2w
CogsOfEncouragement I‘m enjoying the reading and all of your comments. This is my first time reading, and I‘m glad I‘m among friends to do so! 2w
ElizaMarie Ugh!!! Buddy Buddy Buddy —- He is such a pompous man. 2w
AnishaInkspill @BarkingMadRead thanks for tagging me into these posts, this is brilliant as I don't have the to read this this year but i could never get tired of reading this and what always comes to mind is Esther's dry wit. 2w
DieAReader @TheAromaofBooks 💖I thought I was alone in not liking anyone😂 2w
dabbe @CogsOfEncouragement 🩶💚🩶 2w
dabbe This part teared me up: “I felt my lungs inflate with the inrush of scenery--air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, 'This is what it is to be happy.' I plummeted down past the zigzaggers, the students, the experts, through year after year of doubleness and smiles and compromise, into my own past.“

Wow, can she write.
2w
43 likes23 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Women: A Novel | Kristin Hannah
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Omg I‘m broken now. This book broke my heart, I actually borrowed it from the library just to read the end, I‘ve been listening to it on audible. So beautiful. So tragic.

Bookwormjillk Even though some parts were a little too unbelievable for me, I‘m really glad she wrote this book. I thought the ending was great. 2w
52 likes2 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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mcctrish Some of the things she can‘t do I figure she could if she put her mind to it - winning all the prizes must mean she can memorize shit like a boss ( I‘m not talking about shorthand - she can write her own letters) the white, black and yellow men comment was 😳 2w
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BarkingMadRead @mcctrish so 😳 the things people said back then 🙄🤮 2w
willaful @BarkingMadRead @mctrish Not to mention the “suspiciously thick lips.“ 😬 2w
Cuilin @mcctrish talk about a lack of belief in yourself!! The homemade rug made me think about the current conversation about trad wives. Some podcast bros think their grandmothers were perfect not understanding they didn‘t want to stay home or have their lives controlled too. Some had less options. 2w
mcctrish Ah the podcast bros who know everything @Cuilin 2w
Clare-Dragonfly The famous fig tree metaphor! And then on the next page she goes “oh, maybe I was just hungry.” 😂😂😂 I love it. 2w
dabbe As I go deeper into this story with Esther, I want to rush to her NYC hotel, give her a hug, and tell her that it'll be alright. 💚 2w
tpixie It was funny reading about the rug- a coinkydink- my kindergartner granddaughter was reading a reading assignment that mentioned a rag rug. I was explaining to her what a rag rug was. The next day I read this chapter! That sure was another weird date! (edited) 2w
36 likes10 comments
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BarkingMadRead
Onyx Storm | Rebecca Yarros
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I wore my fourth wing sweatshirt to Starbucks…..

peaKnit Love it!! 🐉 2w
BarkingMadRead @peaKnit we both fangirled over the books, it was awesome 2w
AnnCrystal 👏😎🆒📚💝. 2w
Meshell1313 🙌🐉💛 2w
51 likes4 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Women: A Novel | Kristin Hannah
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I‘m listening to this on audible whenever I‘m in the car. I‘ve sat in a LOT of parking lots 🤣 I still have 5 hours to go, and I‘m worried about the ending 🤣 this girl cannot catch a break, she needs a shrink to help her with her ptsd, and she has the worst luck with men! Her parents also suck. Everyone sucks. Ugh! It‘s so good

mcctrish She really can‘t and all the people do suck! I wanted to scream for her 2w
BarkingMadRead @mcctrish I‘m irrationally angry about it 🤣 I hate the way she was treated when she came back from Vietnam, and the double standards, and her parents, and just everything. I may have to binge listen this weekend and finish it 🤣 2w
mcctrish Her dad especially! Just 🤬🤬🤬🤬 2w
50 likes3 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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Cuilin Perfect meme!! 😆 plus, I don‘t care for buddy, but seriously “a double life”. I know it was a different time. 2w
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BarkingMadRead @Cuilin for real. But also. Every time period had people having random sex, I always wonder why people are so shocked 🤣 especially when it‘s a guy (the old double standard) 🙄 2w
Cuilin @BarkingMadRead I for real thought he was going to say the baby was his!! Now that‘s a double life. (edited) 2w
BarkingMadRead @cuilin 🤣🤣🤣 2w
Bookwormjillk I liked her more in this chapter. 2w
dabbe I can't believe how many times I've laughed out loud at Plath's wit as shown through Esther. I'm sad as all hell, too, but laughter does come in the darkest of places sometimes. 2w
mcctrish Esther really does give zero fucks 2w
Clare-Dragonfly Plath twisted it around on me again! I think Esther‘s reaction is a bit over the top but I love that he gets TB so she doesn‘t have to deal with him 😂 2w
ElizaMarie Love the description of his junk!!! How lackluster that was!!! Also- I had to assist in deliveries for nursing school — not a date activity at all!!!!! 2w
tpixie @Clare-Dragonfly who knew how convenient TB could turn out to be! @Cuilin I was thinking the baby might be his, also! @ElizaMarie what a weird way to strip!! @BarkingMadRead not my kind of date! 2w
tpixie @BarkingMadRead I‘m glad Ester said no to Buddy! 2w
51 likes13 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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Cuilin I wouldn‘t mind a tour of the UN 🇺🇳 2w
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tpixie @Cuilin Yes! The UN would be fascinating 🧐 2w
Bookwormjillk I also wouldn‘t mind a tour. Or a sandwich actually. 2w
mcctrish I am curious about the baby. And I‘d love for someone to make me a sandwich 2w
BarkingMadRead @mcctrish the first time she mentioned the baby, my mind went into so many dark places 🤣 pretty sure I jumped to major conclusions though 2w
mcctrish Oh me too. I thought she‘d had a baby and he blew her off or he‘s impregnated someone or fainted at the sight of blood or vaginas 2w
willaful We are getting to the *one* thing I remember from this book when I read it at 12ish. At the time, I thought I was scarred for life!

Honestly, at this point I've prepared to believe Buddy didn't do a blessed thing wrong, because Esther is such a Diva, but we shall see.
2w
Bookwormjillk @willaful Buddy delivered a bay with one hand and made her a sandwich with the other and he is THE WORST. His name isn't even interesting. 2w
Clare-Dragonfly I initially thought he had impregnated and abandoned another woman. But now I think the baby thing is probably a med school thing and it‘s totally banal. I am very much prepared to believe Buddy didn‘t do a blessed thing wrong @willaful 😂 2w
Clare-Dragonfly I also thought all this “everyone thinks Buddy and I are getting married” was because they grew up together and their parents are friends, and that Esther didn‘t find him appealing at all, but she had a huge crush on him! Plath is certainly twisting my expectations. 2w
CogsOfEncouragement What killed me was the casual: Of course, our mothers were good friends. They had gone to school together and then both married their professors… 2w
BarkingMadRead @CogsOfEncouragement right?!? That‘s so normal?! 2w
Andrea313 @CogsOfEncouragement YES! Never ceases to make me do a double take! 2w
ElizaMarie Also tipping culture is so difficult to understand! I get this! But yeah, poor Buddy with his boring name! 2w
32 likes17 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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Bookwormjillk I should not have saved this chapter to read during lunch. Nice of Doreen to not leave her in the hall. Feeling bad for the cleaning staff who have had to clean puke several times in just a few chapters. 2w
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dabbe I can't think of a book I've read where there's so much 🤮 in the first few chapters! 🥴 2w
tpixie Nothing like reading about 🤮 during lunch 🥗! 💚💚💚 2w
Cuilin @Bookwormjillk why did I read it before breakfast? I need to take medication with food. I risked it with a couple of bites of toast after reading this I couldn‘t stomach anything else. Ugh nasty 2w
BarkingMadRead @Cuilin @tpixie @Bookwormjillk I was eating breakfast, it was berry oatmeal, it was pink, and now it‘s in the garbage 2w
mcctrish I knew the food was bad!! The descriptions yesterday of it and her shovelling it in made me queasy. I feel bad for everyone who had to clean up all the vomit 🤮 2w
Deblovestoread So I made the mistake of reading all this before I‘ve started today‘s chapter. I‘m afraid, very afraid! 2w
willaful Glad I leave my daily chapter for bedtime!

Doreen is kinder to her than she was to Doreen. She seems to be a kind of nasty person in fact. Deliberately stomping on people's feet. Admittedly she was very sick.

So this is weird: Ptomaine poisoning is a myth. Did anyone know that?
2w
dabbe @Bookwormjillk Pretty much anything beats #thebros, right? 😂 2w
tpixie @BarkingMadRead lol 😝 bye bye oatmeal 🥣 2w
tpixie @willaful yes, Doreen treated her kindly. She did seem to take glee and stomping on their feet. I read that it was a myth too. That was surprising. 2w
Clare-Dragonfly There has been a LOT of vomiting in this book considering we‘re less than 50 pages in! @willaful I knew that… once I googled it to find out what it was 😂 2w
ElizaMarie I find her super mean spirited. Like she isn‘t a kind person at all. 2w
TheAromaofBooks @ElizaMarie - I agree, she's SO self-absorbed. All of her actions seemed based on “what will people think about me“ 2w
40 likes18 comments
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BarkingMadRead
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KAO I love the title! 2w
BarkingMadRead @KAO I‘ve read one other by this author, it looks fun! 2w
Crinoline_Laphroaig I think I've read this one or another from series 2w
AnishaInkspill title, that's funny and clever 2w
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BarkingMadRead
Monster's Kiss | C D Gorri
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If you‘ve read any of these and need to finish the series, they are all 99 cents on Amazon right now! I got the half that I haven‘t read and now I‘m set!

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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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Deblovestoread Oh to be young again and eat whatever I want😂 but I don‘t think I want avocado with claret sauce 😬 2w
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BarkingMadRead @Deblovestoread yeah that would be a hard pass for me, too 🤣 2w
Bookwormjillk The whole avocado pear terminology confused me for a hot minute. Then they put grape jelly in it and then I was really confused. Moving on.

As a teen I probably sympathized with Ester but I think I'm Jay Cee years old because man it frustrates me to supervise people who just want to be brilliant but not actually work. Good for her eating that caviar though.
2w
Cuilin @Deblovestoread I also was wistful for the eat whatever I want days. 2w
Cuilin I think chemistry formulas made me dizzy too. 2w
Cuilin @Bookwormjillk the grape jelly really threw me. 🥴 2w
mcctrish The eating made me feel sick 2w
dabbe Am I such a hard-ass that I'm finding it difficult to be sympathetic with her as she eats caviar while having an all-expenses-paid trip to NYC, and she's still not happy? She reminds me of Hubbell Gardner from THE WAY WE WERE, whose 1st line in his college creative writing class that was read out loud was the following: “In a way, he was like the country he lived in. Everything came to easily to him.“ 2w
Bookwormjillk @dabbe nope, I‘m with you 2w
BarkingMadRead @dabbe I‘m definitely with you on that 2w
JacqMac @dabbe Right? 2w
dabbe @Bookwormjillk @BarkingMadRead @JacqMac ... thanks, ya'll! 🩶🩷🩶 2w
Clare-Dragonfly I wonder if the other apprentices are getting lectures from their bosses. It doesn‘t seem like it! 2w
Clare-Dragonfly At least we got some confirmation that Doreen actually likes Lenny and isn‘t traumatized! 2w
Andrea313 @dabbe The all-expenses paid trip and loads of caviar seem to signal her being spoiled but I think there's also a sense of alienation there from her more modest upbringing- she never ate in a "proper" restaurant before this trip, and her grandfather works as a waiter. She benefits from proximity to wealth, but doesn't fully inhabit that world and is trying to make sense of it all. I'm feeling a lot of empathy for this 19 year old kid- anyone else? 2w
willaful I may be biased because of knowing about Plath's life, but I think Esther is likely clinically depressed. 2w
dabbe @Andrea313 Agree 💯. Thanks for reminding me of these things, too. The fact that she's 19 says a lot, too. The cynical way-older me got in the way of seeing the world through her eyes. 🩶🩷🩶 2w
Andrea313 @dabbe And I think Esther believes she's old and world-weary, too. Part of what I love so much about this book is the way that her experiences are given a very adult gravity, despite her youth. Being in those "on the precipice of your future but not quite there" years can be really overwhelming. But I'm also a biased reader- I've loved this book for years! It's been fun to read everyone's comments, especially folks reading it for the first time. 2w
dabbe @Andrea313 I'm so glad you're sharing such excellent thoughts with us. You've also reminded me that POV is so important--not just through the character or author's eyes, but the reader's as well. I'm way past the precipice of my future and am now looking back. But there's still the young me who remembers. Thanks for that reminder. 2w
Andrea313 @dabbe Thanks for the discussion and the lovely comments! I love what you said about "the young me who remembers". I am a big re-reader and love to both confront and appreciate the young me's who explored the stories I love. This one takes me straight back to being 17- maybe more than any other novel! 2w
40 likes22 comments
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BarkingMadRead
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Lucasken1 Cute 🥰 3w
Sparklemn Love love love this movie! 🎹 👒 3w
AnishaInkspill brilliant movie, I've seen it several times 2w
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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Cuilin Is this a first time read for anyone? The bath bit was so real. (edited) 3w
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BarkingMadRead @Cuilin this is a first time read for me 3w
mcctrish 43 by 5 blocks is a lot to walk. I love that she was no worse for the wear shoe wise afterwards and that she knows a bath cures everything. I feel like letting Doreen in would have been a bad idea but leaving her outside the door in a puddle of her own vomit is a level of No fucks to give I need to aspire to 😳 3w
mcctrish First time for me 3w
BarkingMadRead @mcctrish 🤣🤣🤣 3w
Cuilin @mcctrish @BarkingMadRead oh good, I had heard of it, of course, but I didn‘t really know much about it and it‘s turning out to be completely different than what I thought. I‘m intrigued. But also worried. 😟 3w
Cuilin @mcctrish I don‘t know I could‘ve left a friend with a Lenny!! 3w
mcctrish @Cuilin I love it so much - after udolpho and the bros and Lark Rise it just feels like the words are precise and measured and specific and the story just zips right out and grabs me ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 3w
mcctrish @Cuilin Doreen has a bit of Mike Tyson in her, I think she‘s going to be fine 🤣🤣 (edited) 3w
willaful @mcctrish Not so much in New York. Long walks are easy there.

This chapter was disturbing and I kind of wished I was back in Candleford. Doreen could easily have died.
3w
Cuilin @mcctrish The writing style is so much more accessible, it‘s fabulous because we can focus on the plot, oh and it has a plot. Looking at you Lark Rise. 👀 3w
mcctrish @Cuilin 🤣🤣🤣 3w
BarkingMadRead @Cuilin @willaful I 💯 agree, I don‘t think I could have left her there. She was obviously not in a position to make any kind of decision or to fight back! 3w
mcctrish @willaful sensible shoes for the win 3w
Cuilin @BarkingMadRead @willaful She also asked her not to leave her alone with him!!! (edited) 3w
Librarybelle My first time reading this too, @Cuilin , and it‘s different than what I anticipated. I‘m not sure what I thought this would be, but it‘s just different. However, I‘m liking it so far! 3w
Cuilin @mcctrish I hope so 🤛 3w
Cuilin @Librarybelle I had images of a domestic setting for some reason 🤷‍♀️ 3w
Bookwormjillk I wouldn‘t have left Doreen there, but also I probably wouldn‘t have left the hotel in the first place and just skipped right to the bath. Lenny- what a goof ball. (edited) 3w
Bookwormjillk Also I read this as a teen, so my memory is only foggy and I might be getting details confused with a Christopher Pike book. 3w
DieAReader 🙋🏻‍♀️First time for me. 😱😳Never would‘ve left Doreen like that. I also think leaving her in the hallway like that was both dangerous & irresponsible. The whole situation kinda pissed me off tbh🤬🤷🏻‍♀️ 3w
dabbe This is my first read, but I know a bit about it. Plath died just one month after its publication in the UK. 😟 And it's semi-autobiographical. I'm already noticing so many allusions to death and dying just in the first two chapters. And I'm worried, too, @Cuilin. 😱 3w
tpixie @dabbe @cullin it‘s my first read also. This book is bringing on a lot of feels!! 😅🥺😳 3w
TheAromaofBooks Could you add me to the tag list, please? My copy came from the library - I've never read this one so I have no idea where it's going! 3w
Clare-Dragonfly This is a first-time read for me, too. Our girl is making a lot of bad decisions but she is very young! 3w
ElizaMarie @Cuilin First time read for me --- and The bath bit -- yes! #Truth! 3w
ElizaMarie I mean, I get that Doreen asked her not to leave her - but... also, Doreen is not a good friend either. I mean, leaving your friend and putting your friend in that position to leave you --- it just is all messy! 3w
CogsOfEncouragement My first read. What was in those drinks? I‘m not necessarily holding it against her that she left, because it seems something else was at play. When she was seeing her drink was below the design on the glass, then above it. What was real? Did Doreen really bite his ear? She is super groggy when she leaves Doreen in the hallway, just hungover? or something more? Anticipating not getting answers to any of these questions though. 3w
BarkingMadRead @CogsOfEncouragement so many unanswered questions! We are scarred from previous books 🤣 #zerotrust 3w
tpixie @CogsOfEncouragement that drink level made me think Lenny was over pouring her… 2w
48 likes33 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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Bookwormjillk I‘m worried for our girl. Hard to stop at one today! (edited) 3w
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mcctrish It sure was a fast start 😬 3w
BarkingMadRead @Bookwormjillk @mcctrish more happened in this chapter than the whole last book 🤣 It was hard to stop reading! 3w
TheKidUpstairs One of my all time favourite books, with one of my all time favourite first lines ❤ 3w
BarkingMadRead @TheKidUpstairs it is truly an epic first line! 3w
Clare-Dragonfly What @Bookwormjillk said! 😱 No, no, getting out of the cab to hang out with some guys in a bar is always a bad idea, and going with them to a second location is a worse one! 3w
CogsOfEncouragement This is my first read, and that first line had me googling the Rosenbergs before I moved on to the next. @TheKidUpstairs Such a great opening. I agree @Clare-Dragonfly @Bookwormjillk theater traffic is a much better choice. eek 3w
willaful Very nervous.

Anyone else finding the sense of time off? Not quite sure how to describe it but she's apparently in the present at some points and in the past at others and I seem to have missed the transitions. Might be careless reading on my part.

There was some recent news about Ethel Rosenberg's son trying to prove her innocence....
3w
dabbe @BarkingMadRead #truth 😂😂😂 3w
Cuilin @dabbe @mcctrish something tells me we‘re not in Lark Rise no more!!! (edited) 3w
mcctrish @Cuilin 😂😂 3w
tpixie @willaful interesting about the son. I was just wondering if they were scapegoats or really guilty…. @BarkingMadRead thanks for the article. (edited) 3w
tpixie @willaful thanks! 3w
dabbe @Cuilin Hell no! 😱 3w
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BarkingMadRead
The Bell Jar | Sylvia Plath
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#hashtagbrigade I know there‘s no break, but tomorrow we start this one!! Anyone is welcome to join us, just know that my hashtags are often ridiculous and always chapter spoilers, so don‘t read the post until you‘ve read that day‘s chapter. We read a chapter a day!

mcctrish I‘m in 3w
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Bookwormjillk See you tomorrow! 3w
Ruthiella I‘m in. This will be a reread for me. I even have my own copy! No need to wait for it from the library. 3w
Librarybelle Looking forward to starting this! 3w
bumpinthenight What a beautiful edition! 3w
BarkingMadRead @bumpinthenight it‘s so pretty! I love unique covers! 3w
DieAReader 🤗So excited to be reading this!! 3w
Deblovestoread My copy has been in my shelf for years. So glad to be reading along with you. 3w
JenlovesJT47 I‘ve read The Bell Jar a few years ago (and loved it) but I didn‘t get to the January pick in time so I‘m going to read that one this month.🙃 3w
MatchlessMarie This is the edition I am reading too, but on kindle. 🩷 3w
Clare-Dragonfly Yay! I just picked up my copy at the library! 3w
peanutnine I'm ready! Haven't read this since college so excited to revisit 3w
tpixie @BarkingMadRead yay!! Thanks! I‘ve also have the 50th anniversary addition from Libby! As well as the audiobook. 🦋🩵🦋 3w
JacqMac I‘ve been looking forward to this one. It has been years. 3w
ElizaMarie Need to get this one off my shelves! I'm excited to read this one. I have been meaning to for YEARS!!!! 3w
Graciouswarriorprincess @BarkingMadRead Please tag me. How are we reading it? Chapter a day? 3w
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BarkingMadRead
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Cuilin That ending was a bit underwhelming. I would also give it a soft pick as a novel, but the amateur historian in me #FullSend I‘m definitely gonna check out the TV series. 3w
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mcctrish I am happy to be out of this #underwhelmedonallcounts what happened to Laura? Not even flora cares 3w
Ruthiella I really liked this book a lot! I didn‘t mind that it was slow and plotless. 😆😍 3w
Bookwormjillk I think this would probably be a better TV show. Was afraid to watch before I finished so I wouldn‘t spoil the ending…but there was no ending? Anyway I would read the phone book with you all so I still enjoyed it for all my complaining. 3w
rubyslippersreads @Bookwormjillk @cuilin The TV show is great. I‘m still working on the book. Like @Ruthiella I don‘t mind the lack of plot, but I‘m marveling at how they made a series out of this. (edited) 3w
Bookwormjillk Also Miss Lane gives Misery vibes and I would have liked to hear more about that. #ImYourBiggestFan 3w
BarkingMadRead @Bookwormjillk omg she 💯 does! 🤣🤣🤣 3w
willaful Also a soft pick for me.

I was just reading some of Flora's history... not only did her favorite brother die in WWI but her son died in WWII. 😭 It was a hard time to be alive.
3w
Deblovestoread Glad to have read it chp a day. I don't think i would have finished otherwise. I would have liked an epilog with how the rest of Laura's life went. I loved the show and am looking forward to a re-watch starting tonight. 3w
KAO I really did enjoy this—though I would not likely have made it through without the daily accountability and all of your comments! Thank you! I just started watching episode 1 of season 1 of the 2008 series from PBS—and I can completely understand your frustration if you had seen the series before reading the book! So much drama in episode 1 already! Whoever wrote the script had modern audiences in mind, I‘m sure. 3w
TheAromaofBooks I did like this but I do wish some of it had been a bit more focused on Laura, as those were my favorite parts. But it was all very interesting - although I'm not sure I would have finished if it wasn't for this group!!! 3w
dabbe We got the most detailed explanations for pretty much every single thing in Lark Rise and Candleford--plus extreme details for every little thing Laura did, every flower she saw, every game she played, ... yet we don't know why she just up and leaves? #wth? The ending made me go 🤯!!! 3w
Bklover I actually enjoyed this somewhat, and I‘m glad we read it. Particularly enjoyed reading it with the #hashtagbrigade ! However I will admit that the idea of watching the show now is painful! 😂 3w
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BarkingMadRead
Deep End | Ali Hazelwood
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Fangirling over this month‘s probably smut book!

mcctrish I‘ve got it in a cart 3w
52 likes1 comment
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BarkingMadRead
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mcctrish This was a wonderfully fast chapter, from workplace harassment to the greatest mansplained romance of all time 👍🏻👍🏻 #dontletthedoorhityouonthewayout (edited) 3w
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Cuilin I feel a little guilty knowing Mrs Macey‘s business. 🤫 as to Mr Phillip #ILoveTheSoundOfMyOwnVoice White, good for Laura saying thanks but no!!! 3w
BarkingMadRead @Cuilin ahhhhhhh I totally left that out! That was so sad, and I liked it better thinking he was off traveling 3w
willaful I was half-expecting you to use the “why are men?“ meme for this chapter. 😂 Thank goodness Laura didn't let herself get caught up in that! I wonder why she didn't stay at the post office though.... will we actually find out, or will it just end with her tombstone? 😂 3w
KAO I was stunned that we actually got the mystery regarding Mrs. Macey‘s absent husband solved—but what a sad turn of events there! (edited) 3w
KAO I‘m so relieved that Laura didn‘t settle for Philip White. No, thank you, but your egotism has been amusing anyway, Sir. 3w
dabbe @willaful My lips are sealed. Until tomorrow. 😂 3w
Bookwormjillk I finally finished this chapter, and it‘s close enough to midnight so I might as well finish the book. I had to chuckle when Laura pictured herself happy in the cottage but then realized Phillip would be there too #recordscratch 3w
42 likes12 comments
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BarkingMadRead
The Women: A Novel | Kristin Hannah
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I showed up for a prescription just after they closed for lunch 🙄 so now I‘m waiting in line after sitting in the parking lot for 30 minutes 🤣 this book is killing me

annahenke This one broke my heart. But in a good way. I also learned a ton! 3w
BarkingMadRead @annahenke it‘s so sad! There are so many things I didn‘t know about, as well. I‘ve been listening a little each day, I think I‘m only halfway through 3w
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BarkingMadRead
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willaful I knew you'd find an interesting pic for this chapter! 3w
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TheAromaofBooks It was kind of interesting to hear about the Oscar Wilde trial from someone of the same era, but completely disconnected from it, kind of like we are with any Hollywood drama that comes up. 3w
BarkingMadRead @TheAromaofBooks yes! That‘s a perfect comparison, I felt the same way! 3w
Bookwormjillk The laundry parts were soothing to me and got me to finally put away the towels that have been sitting in the basket for two weeks. Loved the little hidden treasures from her mom. 3w
Cuilin @Bookwormjillk the letters from her mom 💗 “ they deserved a wider public than that one young daughter” So sweet. 3w
Cuilin Also, what is wrong with the word Plimsolls? 3w
mcctrish My complete takeaway from this chapter :
Ta rah rah boom de ay
I met a girl today
I paid her fifty cents
To go behind the fence
Her mother was surprised
To see her tummy rise
Her father jumped for joy
It was a baby boy #isangthisandimnot100yearsold
3w
BarkingMadRead @mcctrish 🤣🤣🤣 3w
dabbe @Cuilin I marked that quote as a keeper to go in my reading journal! 🩶🩷🩶 3w
dabbe @mcctrish I so needed this today! 😂😂😂 3w
mcctrish @dabbe pretty sure it was the inspiration for 🎶Jack and Diane🎶 3w
BarkingMadRead @mcctrish thanks for the ear worm 🤣🤣 3w
dabbe @mcctrish OMG, you almost made me pee my pants. Translates to: you almost made me read the Pirates of Penzance. 🤩😂🤩 3w
mcctrish @dabbe 🤣🤣😆 3w
mcctrish @BarkingMadRead one ear worm begets another 3w
willaful I was sad about the two men who lived together being harrassed. What's that line about history rhyming? 😒 3w
40 likes20 comments
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BarkingMadRead
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Bookwormjillk A lot happened today. None of it was related to anything. But you‘re right- a whole darn season. 3w
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Cuilin @Bookwormjillk a season I‘d watch with popcorn!! 3w
willaful Team Susie! 3w
mcctrish I‘m behind because of my obsession with Fourth wing/Iron Flame and then I read this chapter - opening with a death roll, poor choices, pig wash theft ( I don‘t even know what it is but for shame), then spousal abuse and a forerunner for todays political arena where if you yell lies loud and long enough people believe them #goodgrief 3w
BarkingMadRead @mcctrish I‘m reading Iron Flame right now, although I‘m not getting through it as fast as I‘d like! 3w
mcctrish @BarkingMadRead I read Fourth Wing basically in a day with a break for sleeping - I‘m taking longer with this one and I‘m almost at the end and now I have slowed down because I‘m afraid of a cliff hanger. I grabbed Onyx Storm from Costco but I have ACOTAR to start and irl book club too so I have to push OS out 3w
45 likes10 comments
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BarkingMadRead
Valentines | Olaf Olafsson
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Ignore my messy shelves! The first batch of valentines from the Litsy swap hosted by @TheBookHippie
Thank you to @KadaGul for the lovely note 🥰
And to @Catsandbooks @Butterfinger @Cuilin as well!!

TheBookHippie Yay!!!!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ 3w
Butterfinger 😉 3w
Catsandbooks Hooray! 💖 3w
KadaGul L👀King Good 🩷🥰💜 #Happy🩷Day 3w
55 likes4 comments
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BarkingMadRead
PUCKED | Helena Hunting
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I totally bought this book because it‘s so pretty! And then the 20 ish something guy who rang me up, told me that it was really steamy and seemed really embarrassed 🤣

Ruthiella Well, he brought it up! 😂 3w
BarkingMadRead @Ruthiella right?!? 🤣🤣 3w
KadaGul @BarkingMadRead Talk about providing “Great Customer Service”. 3w
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CoverToCoverGirl ☺️🤣🤣 3w
Reggie A friend and I went into a Barnes and Nobles because she was looking for Fairy smut and let me tell you. The 2 girls we asked gave her like 30 recs. Those girls were amazing. 3w
BarkingMadRead @Reggie I love that for you! 3w
55 likes7 comments
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BarkingMadRead
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Cuilin What happened in India Ben?? Why do I suddenly want to work in the post office? 3w
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Bookwormjillk I could relate to getting caught reading on the job. 3w
willaful I actually liked this chapter! Such a sweet story about the man whose wife had a secret child. And notice how the true complaints against immigrants haven't changed, just who they're directed against.... 3w
mcctrish Thank goodness they let the ‘ooomen ride the bicycles now 3w
45 likes6 comments
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BarkingMadRead
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The terminology being used is so cringey. I know it‘s time period “appropriate”, but damn.

46 likes3 comments
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BarkingMadRead
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Cuilin This chapter helped me understand how they made a tv show. Tommy and Mr William seem good sorts. The Baker family with their 8 kids, Ruby and Pearl! 4w
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Ruthiella @Cuilin I‘ve not seen the show but have wondered what they might have pulled from the book, what they might leave out, what they might embellish… 4w
TheAromaofBooks The story about the guy just wandering off for a YEAR?! I need MORE DETAILS on where he was and on poor Mrs. Macey's sketchy missing husband 😂 4w
willaful Maybe I was spoiled by book 2 but I'm having so much trouble getting interested in this one! Just dying for it to be over already, 4w
KAO @TheAromaofBooks Agreed! Where in the world was this man for an entire YEAR?! And the mystery of Mrs. Macey‘s husband off with “his gentleman” is very suspicious. I‘m betting we never find out more about these, but I hope I‘m wrong! 4w
willaful @KAO Any other author, we definitely would. For this one, odds are against us! 4w
mcctrish Me too @willaful also the abrupt way of introducing characters and then writing “but never fear dear reader, he‘s dead and buried in South Africa “ so I get whiplash 3w
BarbaraJean @TheAromaofBooks @KAO YES! I have so many questions!! @mcctrish All the death previews are grating on me 😆 3w
38 likes10 comments
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BarkingMadRead
Lark Rise to Candleford | Flora Jane Thompson
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AllDebooks Me too. Imagine the suspence waiting for the next installment 🫣 4w
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Cuilin @AllDebooks i laughed when she said that Dickens books were available at the library, but nobody wanted to read them, they were a society ready for radio. Cute. 4w
Bookwormjillk I really want to go to one too! 4w
mcctrish The Heart of the Midlothian ❤️❤️ I have just inhaled Fourth Wing and now I‘ve come back down to earth with this nonsense 4w
BarkingMadRead @mcctrish I‘m reading Iron Flame right now! 4w
Bklover @BarkingMadRead Me too- just started it! 4w
36 likes9 comments
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BarkingMadRead
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Pack Darling is also my #readordonate and the Bell Jar is the next #hashtagbrigade book! @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Enjoy!! 4w
MatchlessMarie How does #hashtagbrigade work exactly? This is going to be my first round with y‘all. Do we just make up unhinged hashtags that go with each chapter? 😂 looking forward to the reread. TBJ is one of my favorites. 3w
BarkingMadRead @MatchlessMarie we read a chapter a day and I post each day using hashtags that are often ridiculous and always chapter spoilers. Y‘all are welcome to comment with hashtags as well, unhinged especially 🤣 3w
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BarkingMadRead
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Librarybelle Hooray!! 4w
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BarkingMadRead
Iron Flame | Rebecca Yarros
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I sent my sister a video and she made me this! It‘s so cool! #itsthelittlethings #wherewilliputit

AnnCrystal 🤩 That is EPIC 🐉💝💝💝. 4w
mcctrish I just started Fourth Wing 4w
AllDebooks I really need this in my life. Does your sister ship internationally? 🤔 4w
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BarkingMadRead @AllDebooks I can ask her 🤷🏻‍♀️ or you can email her, her email is overstockitems@yahoo.com 4w
AllDebooks @BarkingMadRead thanks. I get the feeling her inbox is gonna get busy. 😍 4w
BarkingMadRead @AllDebooks she would love that 🤣 4w
AllDebooks @BarkingMadRead I've sent my request. 😊 4w
overstockitems Thank you!!!! 4w
BarkingMadRead My sis just joined Litsy 🤣 @overstockitems 4w
PuddleJumper Stunning! 4w
Deblovestoread 😍😍😍 4w
Clare-Dragonfly Wow!!! 4w
kspenmoll It‘s gorgeous! 4w
dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 4w
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick That's awesome! 4w
50 likes16 comments