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Jess861

Jess861

Joined June 2019

Mom-Wife-Dog Lover-Slow Reader-Cold Tea and Coffee Drinks...little time to read but sneak it in where I can.
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Jess861
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Our guy is learning to build a teepee at Cubs tonight and I'm spending this gorgeous evening by the water with a book while I wait. I'm enjoying it so far but it isn't really connecting emotionally for me. Hoping I can finish it tonight!

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Jess861
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Trying to get a bit of outdoor reading time in before it starts to rain. I know little about the Spanish Civil War and the Children of Morelia. I expect this will be a hard read but I'm looling forward to learning about this part of history.

#BookedInTime @Cuilin

Cuilin I‘m looking forward to your thoughts on this one. 3d
39 likes1 comment
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Jess861
The Girls | Lori Lansens
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Lori Lansens has written a few books and one of my favourite things about her is every book is different. Many authors stick to similar topics when they write fiction, but with Lori Lansens each book is so unique.

Did you enjoy reading Lori Lansens? Would you read any of her other books?

Ruthiella I would consider reading more from Lansens, though I don‘t know if I would actively seek it out. I‘m not sure I jive with her writing style. It was a little detail heavy in ways I don‘t often like because I don‘t see the point of it. Like the car sickness, or the Merkels, etc. 5d
Jess861 @Ruthiella That makes sense - she is very detail oriented in her writing style. If you ever do pick up another of hers I would recommend Rush Home Road. 3d
kwmg40 This is my first book by Lori Lansens and I would certainly consider reading another of her books. 3d
6 likes4 comments
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Jess861
The Girls | Lori Lansens
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To live life as a conjoined twin would bring challenges - yet Ruby and Rose are such strong characters that live their life. One of the most beautiful things about these characters is that they are glad they are joined together forever in life. Uncle Stash and Aunt Lovey are also something.

What did you think of the characters in the book? How do you think you would feel if you had to live every part of your life alongside someone?

Ruthiella The life of conjoined twins is something I‘ve never considered and I appreciate how the book provides some insight into how it might feel. The separateness of the girls, how they manage this, how others come to realize it. Definitely this is a character strong novel. There is a plot, and some of what happens is momentous-but it‘s not a plot driven book, IMO. 5d
Jess861 @Ruthiella Agree - definitely a character driven book. Being a conjoined twin was never something I'd considered before reading this book either. I wouldn't say character driven books are usually what I read but this one captured me since it was coming from such a different point of views. 3d
kwmg40 I liked the characters in this book. They all had their flaws but were still admirable in many ways. The author succeeded in making Rose and Ruby relatable, which I expect is difficult for characters that are conjoined twins. 3d
5 likes4 comments
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Jess861
The Girls | Lori Lansens
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The Girls by Lori Lansens - A fictional book about conjoined twins told in their voice. Different, strong personalities for each twin in their own way.

Thoughts on the book and the autobiography style the author chose to use? Did you find the story flowed well? Any general thoughts on the book?

Ruthiella I thought the autobiographical approach worked well and especially the switch between Rose and Ruby. I liked seeing the same events from different perspectives. Which one is true or is there a version in between these which is more accurate? I like books that make me ponder this. 5d
Jess861 @Ruthiella I think both views are accurate as to how each twin experienced the event. It's neat to think that one event in this world can have so many truths by all who experienced it. 3d
kwmg40 I too thought the structure of the book, which presented both points of view, worked well. 3d
6 likes4 comments
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Jess861
The Forgotten Home Child | Genevieve Graham
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May 1st brings us the start of the next #OhCanada Book Club read. This is a bi-monthly read so feel free to read at your leisure over the months of May and June. Will post some discussion points at the end of June for those that wish to participate. All are welcome to join this very relaxed book club! Enjoy everyone!!

Side note: I will be posting discussions on our last read over the weekend.

#Canada #BookClub #BuddyRead @LitsyEvents

Ruthiella Perfect. I‘m a little behind and need to catch up. Hopefully I will be done with The Girls on Sunday. 🤞 (edited) 1w
Jess861 @Ruthiella Perfect - I'm not exactly sure when I'll post discussions this weekend as it'll be whenever I get some time free from the kiddos. I don't expect a lot of activity on this book and jumping in anytime works of course :) - I'll make sure to mark as a spoiler if there is anything given away in the discussion point! 6d
35 likes3 comments
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Jess861
Untitled | Untitled
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Same book cover #BookSpin and #DoubleSpin I've been doing all year. Have missed reading the books a couple of months so far but really enjoy this way of participating!

@TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1w
38 likes1 comment
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Jess861
The Girls | Lori Lansens
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A very windy, but still sunny and warm day to spend the afternoon at the playground with the kiddos. Going to try and get a few chapters in before I get my workout in with a game of tag!

dabbe W🤩WZA! 2w
58 likes1 comment
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Jess861
The Girls | Lori Lansens
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Spending the evening re-reading The Girls by Lori Lansens for #OhCanada . Going to snack on some pita and hummus as well. Such a great way to spend a Friday evening!

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Jess861
Daughters of Rome | Kate Quinn
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Pickpick

I went with a pick for this book because the last third of it was so good - but if I had based it on the first two thirds it probably would have just been ok. It just felt like a bunch of women gossiping and not much happening even though so much was happening. The last third is full of action and I couldn't put the book down! The ending was fitting for all the characters. I'll definitely be reading the third book in this series.

44 likes2 comments
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Jess861
Untitled | Untitled
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Not book related at all but so proud of this kid for placing 3rd in Piano during his first ever Music Festival.

#NotBookRelated #ProudMom #Piano

robinb Congratulations! 🎉 2w
Ruthiella Awesome! 👏👏👏 2w
Jess861 @robinb @Ruthiella - thank you! He was so nervous in the morning so we are so proud he still went up there and had fun 😊 2w
TheBookHippie 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 2w
LeahBergen Yay! 👏👏👏 2w
44 likes5 comments
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Jess861
The Girls | Lori Lansens
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Just over a week left and I'm excited to discuss with those who are interested. I'll post a few discussion points in the afternoon of Saturday, May 3rd - which gives everyone a few extra days. Weekdays are too busy with the kiddos - so going forward I'll post discussion points on the Saturday after month end if that works for everyone. If there is anything specific you are interested in discussing please feel free to comment here. #OhCanada

Blueberry Oops, I've been reading one of the May/June books. But it's good. 😀 2w
Jess861 @Blueberry 😆- at least you know you'll finish it for June, lol 2w
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Blueberry Yup, 😆 2w
CarolynM I‘ll try to read this in the coming week🙂 2w
Jess861 @CarolynM I'll be re-reading it this weekend - it's probably been about 15 years since I read it and I can't even remember yesterday 😆 2w
36 likes6 comments
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Jess861
Daughters of Rome | Kate Quinn
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Haven't done much reading the last few weeks....not really a slump but just felt like doing some puzzles and such with my free time instead. Looking forward to spending the evening getting back into this book with a grilled cheese and some orange juice.

tpixie I‘ve wanted to try her older (Italian in think) historical novels… 3w
Jess861 @tpixie This is her second book (and the second book in the Empress of Rome series) - might be the books you are thinking of. 2w
tpixie @Jess861 yes! Are you enjoying them? 2w
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Jess861 @tpixie Definitely! They are a bit more brutal then what I'm used to but I find it fitting as the stories are about Ancient Rome. I'm only about half way through this book and I have to say I enjoyed the first book in the series more - but this book is starting to pick up a bit - so we'll see how it finishes. 2w
tpixie @Jess861 great thanks! 2w
Read-n-Bloom Looks delicious and interesting! 🙂 2w
47 likes6 comments
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Jess861
The Forgotten Home Child | Genevieve Graham
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By a slim margin, The Forgotten Home Child is the May/June book pick for the Oh Canada Book Club. A historical fiction book based around a British Home Child being sent to Canada. Excited to read this book with you all and have more readers discover another great Canadian author!

I promise to try and find time to make a more appealing template for these posts 😆

All are welcome to join! Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list!

41 likes1 comment
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Jess861
Boo the Library Ghost | Becky Paige
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Rainy day trip to the book store with the kids. Grabbed two books each. The library ghost is such a cute little book!!

#RaisingReaders #KidsBooks #EarlyReaders

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Jess861
Daughters of Rome | Kate Quinn
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Can't believe we've gone from snow and freezing rain to a random day at 20 Celsius!! Heading back down to colder temperatures tonight though ☹️. Staring this one for #authoramonth . I enjoyed the first book in this series so thought I'd give book 2 a read. Looking forward to journeying into Ancient Rome! @Soubhiville

Butterfinger I loved the Mistress so much. 1mo
44 likes1 comment
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Jess861
The Instrumentalist | Harriet Constable
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Read some good books in March - but The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable takes top spot for the month. I knew nothing about this book as it was a gift so definitely a nice surprise!

Note: Not my template - off Pinterest.

#ReadingBracket #ReadingBracket2025 #BookBracket2025 #BookBracket

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Jess861
Oh, Canada! | Per-Henrik Grth
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I thought we could explore Genevieve Graham as an author for the next #OhCanada read. She has written a number of books with many of them being Canadian historical fiction set around war times. She went to school to be a musician and only started writing books at the age of 40! She also has a new book coming out in April 2025. Please vote if you'd like to and if it is a tie I will flip a coin. All are welcome to join this low key read.

Ruthiella Like Mary Lawson, another Canadian writer who started publishing in middle age. I‘m fine with either title! 1mo
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kwmg40 Both titles look good to me, so I‘ll leave the decision to the rest of you. 1mo
bookaholic1 Read both and both are very good 1mo
CarolynM Either title fine with me too🙂 1mo
Jess861 @Kitta Thanks! Noted. 1mo
Jess861 @Ruthiella @kwmg40 @bookaholic1 @CarolynM Thanks for the feedback 😁 1mo
Blueberry The Forgotten Home Child is my first choice but Bluebird also looks good. 1mo
PurpleyPumpkin I‘m happy to read either title. They both sound good! 1mo
lauraisntwilder I think they both look good, but I'm leaning towards Bluebird. 1mo
Jess861 @PurpleyPumpkin Thanks for your jnput 🙂 1mo
39 likes13 comments
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Jess861
The Instrumentalist | Harriet Constable
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Pickpick

While probably more fiction than historical fiction, this book captured me. A story about Anna Maria della Pieta and her journey with music. There is not much known about her but I think the author did well in writing a story around what is known about her. It is mainly a story about her and how she sees, feels and senses her music. The descriptions of colours blended with music are inspiring.

#DoubleSpin @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1mo
45 likes1 comment
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Jess861
Untitled | Untitled
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Continuing on with book cover colours for #BookSpin and #DoubleSpin in April.

@TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1mo
40 likes1 comment
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Jess861
The Instrumentalist | Harriet Constable
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Continuing this book while our littlest attends her first birthday party without me 😭. She is quite shy so staying near by in the car in case she wants to leave early. And yes the snow has been gone for a couple of weeks and now this is what it looks like after last night's dumping 🙁

I'm loving this book so far. The descriptions of how she sees music are beautiful! I've been fully transported into the book and I just want to keep reading!

BooksandCoffee4Me I totally understand the tears. I pray she‘s having fun and meets someone kind. My son had adhd/Asperger‘s and didn‘t make friends easily. During the ninth-grade orientation social, I also waited in the parking lot anticipating his desire to leave early. BUT as the social wound down, he still hadn‘t come to the car. Finally, he opened the car door, exclaimed “I have a friend!” and the following Friday night I was crying as he was invited over!💛 (edited) 1mo
Jess861 @BooksandCoffee4Me This makes my heart happy - I'm so glad your son had such a good experience at 9th grade social! 9th grade is terrifying, lol.

These parents, bravely, invited the whole class so she knew the kids but is just shy in new situations. She ended up having a blast for the entire party!
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BooksandCoffee4Me @Jess861 👏👏👏 1mo
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Jess861
Oh, Canada! | Per-Henrik Grth
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Just wanted to put this out to those who are participating (or thinking of) - is there a particular genre you'd like to read next and if you like voting on the next pick or would rather I just pick one book? I'm happy to go any way - want to pick books that people are interested in reading! I was thinking another historical fiction for the next read and then maybe something lighter in the summer. Always love hearing from you all 😊!

@LitsyEvents

mcctrish I am following this - I just have a stupid TBR that I‘m trying to tackle 1mo
Jess861 @mcctrish Lol - of course.....sooo many books to read!! 1mo
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kwmg40 I don‘t have any particular preferences and will be happy with whatever is chosen. Being Canadian myself, I‘ve read a lot of Canadian books but I don‘t mind rereading I book I‘ve enjoyed before if one is selected. 1mo
Jess861 @kwmg40 Awesome - thank you so much for the feedback 😊!! (edited) 1mo
lauraisntwilder I don't know enough about Canadian literature, really, so I'm happy to go along with the group. 1mo
Tamra Following too! 😁 1mo
CarolynM I'm happy to read whatever you choose. I joined this group because I want to explore Canadian literature beyond the already internationally known authors, so I've been very happy with your first two choices. 1mo
Ruthiella Like @CarolynM I‘m here for the discovery! If you want to mix it up with genre, it‘d be fine with me. I want to expand my knowledge of CanLit. 1mo
Teresereading I'm interested 1mo
Blueberry I'm open to all but nonfiction. 1mo
Kitta I like having a few to vote on but also happy with whatever you choose! 1mo
Jess861 @Blueberry Awesome, I had no plans for non fiction for this group so that works 🙂 1mo
Jess861 @Kitta Perfect - I'll keep the voting going then. I'll probably post soon for May/June read 1mo
JuniperWilde I‘m open to any genre. Including non-fiction. I have Suzanne by Anais Barbeau-Lavalette on my list. Translated from French. 1mo
39 likes16 comments
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Jess861
The Instrumentalist | Harriet Constable
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Tonight seems like a great evening for a book and snack. Going to start the tagged book with some buttery herb and garlic pretzels and an orange juice. Nothing beats a book and a snack when your heading back into winter weather after getting a tease of spring weather! I don't know much about this book but fingers crossed it's a good one.

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Jess861
Ninth House | Leigh Bardugo
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Bailedbailed

Going to #HailTheBail on this one @Read4life . I think this is more a me thing! I got half way through and just couldn't get into this book. I guess ghosts and secret societies are not for me. I wasn't a fan of back and forth time periods in such a short span. I also didn't feel like the book really progressed at all for the entire first half. May pick it up again in the future but on to other books for now!

#AuthorAMonth @Soubhiville

vonnie862 I had to bail as well! 1mo
Read4life Those were my thoughts exactly!! Maybe in the future, but there are so many more books that just grab me from the beginning. #hailthebail 1mo
Jess861 @Read4life So many books, so little time! 1mo
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Jess861
Ninth House | Leigh Bardugo
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About half way into this book and struggling to get through it. I guess ghosts and secret societies are not my thing. I'm going to see how much I get through this weekend and then make a call on continuing. I just can't seem to get into it and couldn't care less about what happens to the characters for some reason. I think if I don't finish I might try at a later date because maybe it's just my current reading mood.

Read4life I bailed. But I think it could just be my mood right now. I‘ve left it on my TBR but it‘s not getting read this month for #AuthorAMonth. @Soubhiville #hailthebail (for now anyway 😉) 2mo
Soubhiville I couldn‘t get into this one either. 2mo
54 likes2 comments
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Jess861
Ninth House | Leigh Bardugo
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Spring weather is finally here!! This evening I'm starting Ninth House for #authoramonth while I munch on some aged cheddar cheese on baguette with a side of olives. I'm not really sure if I'll like this book - horror just isn't for me - but I'm going to give it a try.

willaful I'm not much for horror and I really loved it. 2mo
Jess861 @willaful That gives me hope 😊! 2mo
53 likes2 comments
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Jess861
The Lost Bookshop | Evie Woods
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Pickpick

A quite enjoyable book about characters finding themselves after horrible situations and a search for the lost bookshop. It was a good mix of magical realism with some historical fiction blended in. I do think the characters were a bit surface level and I feel like more could have been done with the magical portion of the plot but it was a good escape from the world at this current time.

#BookSpin @TheAromaofBooks

Jess861 Had no idea it was set in Ireland when I decided to read this book this month #FoodAndLit @Texreader @Catsandbooks 2mo
Texreader Well I have to read it now!! 2mo
Jess861 @Texreader I should say the majority is in Ireland - there are a few chapters scattered in other countries. 2mo
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TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2mo
Catsandbooks 👏🏼🇮🇪 2mo
MeJeMiller I have this sitting in my book room somewhere waiting to be read 1mo
55 likes1 stack add6 comments
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Jess861
The Lost Bookshop | Evie Woods
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Coffee and a book on this cold winter morning. My dream last night was of me in an unknown bookstore shopping for books - so I thought it would be fitting to start this book next. I'm really unsure as to what to expect with this book so I'm excited to see what it is all about!

BethM This is a perfect picture! 2mo
BooksandCoffee4Me Loved it! 2mo
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Jess861
Corsair | Tim Severin
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Pickpick

This book is definitely a pick! A strong historical fiction book set in 1667 that follows a kidnapped Hector Lynch as he is sold into slavery. It is written well and about such an interesting time period. I learned a lot about this time from reading this book. Slaves seemed to be sold and captured everywhere and by everyone. Felt like Hector was a little too lucky at times but a great book. I'll definitely be continuing this series!

Jess861 @cuilin - Great historical fiction book to learn about Corsairs and Slavery during this time period! Thanks again for the #bookedintime prompt for this one! 2mo
Cuilin ✔️ 🏴‍☠️ 🎉 2mo
46 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Jess861
Corsair | Tim Severin
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I am really enjoying this book. I wasn't sure I would as I had it in my brain that it would be filled with too much gore (no reason why I had this in my head). But this book is just like many other historical fictions books I read with many accurate description and scenes of the time. 1600s are such an interesting part of history! It is well written and makes you want to keep reading. I'm hope to finish this weekend and really enjoying the author.

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Jess861
The Girls | Lori Lansens
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The second pick of the #OhCanada Book Club is underway and it is The Girls by Lori Lansens. This is a bi-monthly read so feel free to read at your leisure over the months of March and April. Will post some discussion points at the end of April for those that wish to participate. All are welcome to join this very relaxed book club! Enjoy everyone!!

#BuddyRead @LitsyEvents

43 likes4 comments
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Jess861
Indian Horse | Richard Wagamese
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No surprise that Indian Horse was the best book I read in February and that it topped West with Giraffes. The rest of the books I read in February were just ok and while West with Giraffes is good - Indian Horse is in a class of it's own.

Note: Not my template - off Pinterest.

#ReadingBracket #ReadingBracket2025 #BookBracket2025 #BookBracket

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Jess861
Corsair | Tim Severin
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A book, a blanket and a grilled cheese is how I'm going to spend a #hyggehour tonight. Need to escape to another time before the chaos of the week takes over. Not sure how many pages I'll read because I could fall asleep at any minute but I'm going to try amd get through the entire hour.

#HyggeHourReadathon @TheBookHippie @Chrissyreadit @AllDebooks

Aims42 Grilled cheeses and PB&J‘s are still my dinner go-tos 😋 2mo
Chrissyreadit ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 2mo
AllDebooks ❤️ 2mo
Jess861 @Aims42 So good - I could eat grilled cheese for every meal and be perfectly fine with it! 2mo
53 likes4 comments
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Jess861
The Lost Bookshop | Evie Woods
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I didn't post my colour list as I'm using the same one each month - probably boring to see it posted each month, lol. Here are my March #BookSpin and #DoubleSpin picks. I had quite a few books I could pick from with both these prompts which was a nice change from some of the previous colours. It's been really fun doing colours of covers - allows for more freedom in selections which is working well for me.

@TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Enjoy!! 2mo
36 likes1 comment
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Jess861
Indian Horse | Richard Wagamese
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Saul is such a strong character. I don't think many would make it through what he goes through at such a young age and then all through childhood. To have such focus on a sport while he is being abused and his culture and way of life have been completely ripped away from him shows a strong will to survive.

Thoughts on Saul?

Pictured is a Birch Bark Canoe - one of the main forms of transportation for the Ojibwe.

Ruthiella My heart broke for him. I did like, however how the book opens with him already on a healing journey because reading the rest and not knowing if he‘d make it through would have been tough. 2mo
Jess861 @Ruthiella I agree. I also like how Wagamese subtly hinted at the abuse but didn't confirm it until closer to the end. It really made you think again at the end of the book about everything he'd been through. 2mo
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Jess861 Birch was critical to the Ojibwe lifestyle. It is interesting to read about if you are interested. Another interesting fact is that Birch Bark Canoes were a great transportation form for the inland waterways. It is thought that the Europeans would not have been able to discover and explore much of the land without this type of transportation. The boats they had weren't made for inland waterways. 2mo
Tamra The revelation was startling, even though there were hints, but they were easily dismissed. 😔 Speaks to the survival strategy of victims and craft of Wagamese‘ writing! (edited) 2mo
Kitta @Ruthiella agreed, I liked having the certainty that he would pull through. I missed or dismissed quite of few of the hints that abuse was occurring tbh. I even thought partway through the novel that it was strange other kids were being abused but not Saul 😆 2mo
DogMomIrene Saul was so real. Agree that the opening pages help me cope with the set up that this character will survive. I had the same thought “strange he‘s not abused” and dismissed it. Makes me think that may be Wagamese‘s point in hinting at abuse. I think people, me included, tend to not see abuse and dismiss the hints, even when we shouldn‘t. I want a sequel, even just a short story, to know that Saul‘s okay. 2mo
Jess861 @DogMomIrene Sadly, Wagamese passed away in 2017 so we will never get a sequel. 2mo
kwmg40 Saul was a great character. I love how Wagamese makes us care so much about characters who are usually marginalized or disdained by society. I loved his novel Ragged Company about four homeless people. 2mo
12 likes9 comments
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Jess861
Indian Horse | Richard Wagamese
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Another major part of the book is hockey. Saul manages to find an escape through hockey although it only masks the suffering he is going through. It isn't until much later in life that he digs deep into that past so that he can truly heal.

Thoughts on the hockey portion of the book? Did you know this book was originally only supposed to be about hockey?

Ruthiella I have to say, as beautiful as the writing was, it lost me with hockey ! 😂 I‘m not a sports person at all. 2mo
Jess861 I enjoyed the hockey portion of the book as I find Wagamese can write about anything and it's still magical. I think a bit less hockey would have been ok with me though.

The fact that Saul finds an escape through hockey and then manages to bottle away his abuses for years is quite something. Sad that he didn't realize he was using hockey for something else as he did seem to love the sport.
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Jess861 @Ruthiella I agree, a bit less hockey would have been ok with me! 2mo
Tamra I was surprised at the hockey middle section. I‘d didn‘t mind too much because it was well written and personable. Had it not moved on to post hockey life, I would have been disappointed. 2mo
Jess861 @Tamra I agree, the book wouldn't have been as complete if it had ended with hockey. I really felt like we went on the journey of Saul's life in this book. 2mo
CarolynM I loved the hockey part of the book, but I wondered how much it would alienate people who weren‘t familiar with the sport. I can imagine some readers outside Canada just switching off from it, which would be a shame as I think the way it makes Saul feel, in both positive and negative ways, is really important to his journey. It‘s a reminder that, although similar in some ways, our countries each have cultures of their own. 2mo
Kitta I am not a sports person except for gymnastics and I actually loved the hockey part of this, I am Canadian though and familiar with the rules and gameplay which must have helped. I think the intricate detail spent on discussing the hockey was a way for Saul‘s mind to switch off from the abuse and purposely forget about it or ignore it as much as possible. He had to dive into a passion to distract himself. 2mo
lauraisntwilder I loved the hockey parts. My son played hockey for years. We're originally from TN and follow the Nashville Predators. This book made me think about former-Pred Jordin Tootoo, the first Inuk player in the NHL, and how he also played for the Blackhawks. (Imagine wearing that jersey.) I also remember watching a game on TV where Boston fans were yelling the n-word at PK Subban. There are still people who think of it as a white man's game. 2mo
Jess861 @CarolynM Agree - I can see how the hockey portion could turn off a reader who isn't into hockey or sports because there are so many chapters that are just hockey. But it was critical to the book so hopefully most aren't turned off by it. 2mo
Jess861 @lauraisntwilder I remember Jordin Tootoo as well and got to see him play a time or two in Canada. Even though he was a 'fighter' he was quite skilled at the game. 2mo
lauraisntwilder @Jess861 In Nashville, fans loved Tootoo. They would bring train whistles to the games, a play on Tootoo rhyming with "choo choo" that I sincerely hope didn't bug him, and they'd blow them whenever he was on the ice. It was a special cheer, just for him. And they continued to do it after he was traded, but came back to play on opposing teams. 2mo
DogMomIrene I‘m not a sports person, but I loved the hockey section because it was serving as his escape. I wondered if Fr. Hockey Coach had been abusing him, but thought “why would he let him go?” But when Saul refused to fight, then blew his chance at a pro-career, I knew. That was the most heart-breaking part for me. This beautiful skater who played the game with skill & grace who should have had every hockey success had that ripped from him bc of abuse. 2mo
kwmg40 I loved the hockey part. I grew up in Montreal, and my father, a Chinese immigrant, completely embraced the hockey culture (as a spectator if not a player). I grew up watching Hockey Night in Canada every week. In Quebec, it was really a sport for everybody, rich or poor. 2mo
13 likes14 comments
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Jess861
Indian Horse | Richard Wagamese
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A Residential School is a big part of this book. Saul is sent to one after losing both his siblings to them, his parents to grief and his grandmother to the cold. Due to his hard work and skills in hockey he manages to find a way out but not until he has suffered from many abuses. This will require him to take his own healing journey.

Thoughts on Residential Schools and/or that aspect of the book? Crazy that 1996 was when the last one was closed!

Ruthiella Crazy that they closed so late and yet, not. They still exist in the US though attendance is not compulsory as far as I know. 2mo
Jess861 I can't even begin to imagine having my kids ripped away from me and never seeing them again. These were babies! I also feel that this portion of the book shows exactly what happens when the Church is put in charge of schools. Absolutely disgusting! 2mo
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Jess861 @Ruthiella Really? I'm surprised they still exist at all. That is sad. 2mo
Ruthiella @Jess861 I think it‘s now more a case that reservations don‘t have local schools so children go to boarding schools run by the BIA more than forced assimilation but I don‘t really know. 2mo
Tamra Isn‘t Canada still struggling with how to deliver education to rural First Nations people? 2mo
Jess861 @Tamra Yes, it is a huge struggle. While the Residential Schools are gone the government still lacks in understanding that the First Nations deserve a curriculum more in line with their culture and identity (just my opinion). In general, I also don't think kids education should just be about sitting at a desk all day and there should be more hands on learning. 2mo
CarolynM It is horrifying to me that both Canada and Australia engaged in the shameful practice of taking indigenous children from their families until so very recently. In Australia we call them the “stolen generations” and some (inadequate) effort has been in the last decade or so to redress the harm done. The callousness of the system is heartbreaking and so well illustrated in this book. 2mo
Kitta @Ruthiella wow they still exist in the US? I don‘t know what the answer is in terms of education for First Nations children, but the system we have currently isn‘t working. 2mo
lauraisntwilder What I find especially sad is how few non-Indigenous people seem to know about residential schools. As a Caucasian of mostly European descent, living in the US, I only know about them because of specifically seeking out diverse books, movies, and TV shows. I was never formally educated that they exist -- and they did (and still do??) while I still in public school. 2mo
Jess861 @lauraisntwilder I could be wrong but I think now most Canadians understand these existed. That is only because of a recent movement which brought the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. I was not taught anything about them in school but they do talk about it in schools now days. Our son is in grade 3 and has learned about the Residential Schools the last few years. Last year was the year he really understood. 2mo
lauraisntwilder @Jess861 Yeah, definitely a different situation in Canada! I don't think the US has ever been good at owning up to its mistakes. 2mo
Jess861 @lauraisntwilder I wouldn't say Canada has been good at owning up to their mistakes but it is progress. Many issues still exist today. But the fact that it is being taught in schools brings me hope that the younger generation will know and understand the history and hopefully learn from it. 2mo
lauraisntwilder @Jess861 I hope that's the case, too! 2mo
DogMomIrene The National Day for Truth & Reconciliation brought awareness to me as a PR. I looked up the Truth & Reconciliation Commission to see what data they had. There‘s several reports. I read the summaries and they‘re horrific. Not sure I could make it through the reports. Saul escaping the school through hockey is a great plot device, but I‘d guess most kids didn‘t have a way out until they aged out. 2mo
DogMomIrene We moved from BC (progressive) to PEI (conservative) for slower pace, but sometimes I question our decision. There‘s a local councilor who posted a sign on his personal property “Truth: mass grave hoax”. He was suspended, fined, and told to apologize. He refused. He applied for judicial review (late). Case may go before the PEI Supreme Court as a freedom of expression case. https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7452388 Curious if judge will allow case to move 2mo
Jess861 @DogMomIrene I agree, the government only recognized this day because there was enough pressure. However, even though I don't believe the government necessarily had true intentions with this day - I believe it has brought more awareness about Residential Schools. When our son came home from grade 2 last year he truly understood what a Residential School was. He does not necessarily know about the full abuse but understands kids died because ofthem 2mo
kwmg40 @Jess861 @DogMomIrene I too had wondered about the effectiveness of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission and National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. However, I'd recently finished a memoir by Marie Wilson, one of the commissioners and feel more optimistic about these efforts. 2mo
Jess861 @kwmg40 Thank you so much for the recommendation - I'll have to pick that book up! 2mo
kwmg40 You're welcome. I hope you will find it interesting. 2mo
DogMomIrene @Jess861 I love that your son is learning a more complete history. That‘s tricky to navigate too. When I taught the Holocaust in the States, we had to adjust curriculum to student age. And the awareness is a good first step. As a PR, I see much more education aimed at adults, like books and documentaries, than I think I would see in 🇺🇸 2mo
DogMomIrene @kwmg40 That one‘s on my list with Murray Sinclair‘s book. 2mo
Jess861 @DogMomIrene So tricky, I was kind of surprised that at the age of 7 he understood that the kids were taken from their families and that some died. I would have waited until he was a little older but he handled it well and asked smart questions about it. I'm not sure every 7 yo would be ready to learn about this topic and I'm not sure that every kid in his class understood in the same way he did. Still, I was impressed that school taught it though 2mo
DogMomIrene @Jess861 Smart boy! Whenever students ask those really good clarifying questions, it gets even trickier. I‘m not going to lie to a student, but there were times when I would say that those details would be covered in HS curriculum, and encourage the student to ask parents if they wanted more info earlier. Found I had to be more careful closer to my last years of teaching than earlier years in conservative Arizona. 2mo
kwmg40 @DogMomIrene Thanks for bringing to my notice Murray Sinclair's book. Adding that to my TBR list! 2mo
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Jess861
Indian Horse | Richard Wagamese
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Constantly moving to try and keep your kids from being kidnapped - all while trying to preserve your culture, faith and beliefs. Multiple generations damaged by stealing and abusing kids, trying to destroy an entire peoples and pushing them to live on a Reserve. Many battling addictions due to their suffering.

These are all topics throughout the book - general thoughts on the book?

Ruthiella Books like this are important because they show that genocide is not only extermination camps but also an accretion of unfair policies and actions taken by those in power. 2mo
Jess861 This books is such an important book for Canadian history. What happened and in my opinion continues to happen is absolutely disgusting. I can't even begin to imagine as to what it feels like to have entire generations destroyed by such horrendous actions. Every country seems to have a story like this - just enacted in different ways. May we learn to be better people from this book! 2mo
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Jess861 @Ruthiella - That is such a great way to put it. This comment is so accurate. Canada has a dark history that is hidden behind policies and red tape. Sadly, it still goes on today and I can only see it getting worse with the current political climate. 2mo
Jess861 Pictured is an Ojibwe Spirit Horse - they are endangered and Canada's only Indigenous horse breed. 2mo
CarolynM @Ruthiella Hear, Hear! 2mo
Kitta @Ruthiella absolutely!!! @Jess861 Agreed this type of novel should be required reading in school (books selected age appropriate of course) in my opinion 2mo
lauraisntwilder @Ruthiella That is it exactly. 2mo
Jess861 @Kitta When reading books in English in middle school and high school - I wish it was more about reading books that teach us histories or lessons and less about what does the colour yellow symbolize in a particular book. Not every book because I feel it's important to read a variety of texts but there wasn't enough of it. That was my experience in English class anyways. It may have changed though, that was a long time ago! 2mo
DogMomIrene @Ruthiella 100% And as a former MS English teacher who taught in 🇺🇸, I remember dozens of HF books about the Holocaust. I‘m sure that took years to get to that point. Authors see schools building curriculum. Museums are curated. Guest speakers sharing their stories. I hope more people start listening to more voices to recognize that suppression & extermination happen under unfair policies. Build a new momentum that‘s more inclusive. 2mo
kwmg40 I found it impressive that Wagamese could cover all the themes that you'd listed and interweave them into a really compelling story in such a short novel. He really was a very gifted writer. 2mo
Kitta @Jess861 agreed! And school was a long time ago for me too - maybe things are changing? I was at school in Canada and I felt we didn‘t learn about this at all. We did symbolism to death for 1984 when I was in school and it almost ruined it for me. 2mo
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Jess861
Corsair | Tim Severin
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Continuing this read while the car is in for an oil change. Nice little morning break from work! I'm enjoying it so far but I'm not that far in yet. Won't get it finished today for #bookedintime but I'm glad I was led to this book by the prompt!

@Cuilin

Cuilin How amazing, I read The Brendan Voyage by Severin years ago. This also seems a good choice for September‘s prompt 2mo
LeeRHarry @Cuilin I read this this month, definitely enjoyed it and will be continuing the series. 2mo
Jess861 @Cuilin Thank you for the suggestion - I just might have to pick that book up for September! 2mo
Jess861 @LeeRHarry Good to know - I'm about 100 pages in and I like it so far. 2mo
38 likes4 comments
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Jess861
Indian Horse | Richard Wagamese
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Pickpick

This book is just as good as a reread. Wagamese is masterful when it comes to writing - you are truly transported into the time and place of the book. He even makes hockey sound magical. I could have done with a little bit less hockey - but that's not a big deal. Truly terrible that any of this was allowed to happen but I'm so glad he wrote about it as it is important to remember and know this part of history.

#DoubleBookSpin @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 2mo
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Jess861
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For our 'special reading time' our 8 yo and Fire Raptor went with a Magic Tree House comic. It's too bad only 7 of the Magic Tree House books have been made into comics. He is capable of reading chapter books but his confidence isn't quite there yet so he much prefers to read comics. It's safe to say he'd enjoy many of these books because of the nonfiction blend. Hoping he gets into the chapter books eventually for this reason.

#RaisingReaders

Texreader Awwww! He‘ll get there! 2mo
DogMomIrene Oh he will with help from Fire Raptor! Please tell me you have other elemental raptors… 2mo
Jess861 @DogMomIrene @Texreader - Thanks! We know he will - just wish they had a few more comics out right now for him! 2mo
Jess861 @DogMomIrene I believe he has an Ice Indominous Rex as well, lol. 2mo
DogMomIrene @Jess861 Going to need visual confirmation of that species of reading buddy😂 2mo
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Jess861
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Mehso-so

I debated between giving this book a pick or a so-so. It is an extremely quick read and I did enjoy the end and how it brought everything together. I also enjoyed the setting of a wintry, 19th century Iceland. I was a bit confused by all the characters but the end wrapped it up nicely and the pieces all fall into place. I'm glad I read this book but just feel a little underwhelmed by it. Probably won't stick with me, but it was worth the read.

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Jess861
Indian Horse | Richard Wagamese
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Just over a week left and I'm excited to discuss with those who are interested. I'll post a few discussion points in the afternoon of Saturday, March 1st. I'm thinking I'll post one overall discussion about the book and then a couple more specific questions about topics in the book or the book itself. If there is anything specific you are interested in discussing please feel free to comment here. #OhCanada

Ruthiella I just want to thank you for the introduction to Wagamese! This is why I wanted to take part. There‘s so much out there that I don‘t know about. 2mo
Jess861 @Ruthiella Oh, you are too kind. I'm so glad you enjoyed Wagamese! He is such an amazing author! I'm not sure other books will quite live up to his writing but so glad we got to kick off with one of his books! 2mo
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CarolynM Echoing @Ruthiella I just finished the book last night - so good. I‘ll post a review later. Looking forward to the discussion. 2mo
JenlovesJT47 I am behind on everything this month but will try to start this tomorrow! 2mo
DogMomIrene I‘ve been on and off Litsy randomly for a couple weeks now, so if I‘m not on here March 1, I‘ll definitely read the conversation and see if I have anything of quality to add… because this book was so good. 2mo
Jess861 @JenlovesJT47 I hear you, such a busy month! 2mo
Jess861 @DogMomIrene Of course - the only reason I'm posting Saturday afternoon is because I figure it is the only time that I can get a bit of time away from the kiddos 😆. 2mo
46 likes8 comments
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Jess861
All of Us in Our Own Lives | Manjushree Thapa
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Mehso-so

This book was ok bordering a thumbs down for me. While there are many important issues touched on, none are fleshed out. International aid, gender inequality, human trafficking, and classes are just a few that come up - but only on the surface. The story could have focused on fewer issues and gone deeper into those. Too many characters and the stories feel disjointed - although they did tie together in the last few chapters.

55 likes2 comments
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Jess861
All of Us in Our Own Lives | Manjushree Thapa
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It is slow goings to get through this book. I don't hate it and still glad I picked it up but I'm finding too many characters with stories that only kind of intertwine. Alot of acronyms for aid in Nepal being thrown around and I'm struggling to see where this story is going. It's a short book and just over 100 pages to go. We'll see how the rest is.

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Jess861
The Girls | Lori Lansens
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Excited to announce that our second pick for the Oh Canada Book Club will be The Girls by Lori Lansens - a fictional book about conjoined twins. I flipped a coin because the vote was tied. This book club will run every two months, so this will be the March/April book. Excited to continue the Canadian book journey!

All are welcome to join! Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list!

#OhCanada #BuddyRead #BookClub #Canada @LitsyEvents

kwmg40 Looking forward to this one! 3mo
Ruthiella Awesome. Another totally new author for me! Exciting! 3mo
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cjk One of my favorite books. 😍 3mo
CarolynM New author to me too. I‘m enjoying Indian Horse so far 🙂 3mo
DogMomIrene 👏🏼 New author to me too! 3mo
Jess861 @kwmg40 @Ruthiella @CarolynM @DogMomIrene - I'm so happy that new Canadian authors are being discovered! I am truly surprised that Lori Lansens isn't more well known. I can't wait to see what everyone thinks of The Girls!! 3mo
Jess861 @cjk Right?! Such a good book! 3mo
JuniperWilde Pls add me. Thanks 🇨🇦 3mo
Jess861 @JuniperWilde Added and welcome 😊 2mo
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Jess861
All of Us in Our Own Lives | Manjushree Thapa
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Reading the tagged book for #FoodAndLit #Nepal. I've realized I'm awful at taking food pictures so I will probably just grab pictures of the recipes I try off the internet 😆. Nepal Cucumber Salad (Kakra ko Achar) is what I am eating tonight while I continue this book. I left the cucumber skin on because I like it - and it was good. I also didn't put much Chilli on as I'm not big into spicy food.

@Texreader @Catsandbooks

Texreader I had to look it up because yum! I don‘t do spicy so I‘ll leave off the chilli peppers 3mo
Jess861 @Texreader And by 'big into spicy food' I meant 'not big into spicy food' lol....it was still good with a lot less spice (chilli)! (edited) 3mo
Catsandbooks That's great! 👍🏼🇳🇵 3mo
50 likes3 comments
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Jess861
Mistborn: The Final Empire | Brandon Sanderson
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Pickpick

I read this book 4 years ago and just read it for a second time for the #CosmereBuddyRead. If anyone knows me, you know that I don't remember anything about it if it was longer than a few months ago, 😆! I loved it just as much as the first. The descriptive world, using metals as powers and even though it's fantasy, it feels like this world could exist. It is easy to follow for those of us that aren't as much into fantasy as others.

Elizabeth2 My memory is the same. 😂 This is one of my bonus daughter‘s favorites - fav author and fav series. She loaned me her copy and it was so well-worn. It‘s her comfort re-read. ❤️ 3mo
DogMomIrene Feeling like this world could really exist - so true! I kept wondering if they were on Earth, but then I was nah, it‘s a planet similar to ours, but not actually Earth…unless I‘m wrong. Sanderson actually has an FAQ about the Earth question on his website. I guess that‘s a downside of writing a world that feels so real! 3mo
Jess861 @Elizabeth2 Hopefully it sticks with her as a comfort read into adulthood! I still have the books I enjoyed when I was younger that I comfort read. 3mo
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Jess861 @DogMomIrene - Not yet, definitely could be a world full of ash and mist down the line though - we just won't have any powers to survive it 😆! 3mo
CozyBookworm I‘m not (typically) into fantasy, but one of my students talked me into reading this and I‘m hooked! 3mo
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Jess861
West with Giraffes | Lynda Rutledge
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I'm trying hard to read multiple books a month this year and hopefully I'll be able to follow through so I can complete a book bracket. It will be a small amount of books to pick from a month but still fun none the less. West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge was my favourite read in January. I will never forget the characters from this book.

Note: Not my template - off pintrest.

#ReadingBracket #ReadingBracket2025 #BookBracket2025 #BookBracket

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Jess861
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Here are my February #BookSpin and #DoubleSpin picks. It's been a while since I read a non-fiction book so I'm going with What An Owl Knows for brown on the cover. Definitely had to look through some book covers to find one with brown on it - funny enough both from last month had brown. I am reading Indian Horse for OhCanada anyways and it has green on the cover.

@TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Enjoy!! 3mo
BookNAround Indian Horse is so good! 3mo
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