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read in audio

188 books.

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A Bride Most Begrudging

by: Deeanne Gist
Ave. Rating: 3.94
Pages: 350
Year Published: 2005
Date Read: 07/01/2020
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How to Walk Away

by: Katherine Center
Ave. Rating: 4.08
Pages: 302
Year Published: 2018
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"This was sappy and sweet and silly (although some of the content was definitely serious and treated with respect). Chick lit that is entertaining and at times thought provoking but not life-changing."
- katelynn
11/07/2019
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Before We Were Yours

by: Lisa Wingate
Ave. Rating: 4.37
Pages: 342
Year Published: 2017
Date Read: 07/31/2018
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The Prince and Betty

by: P.G. Wodehouse
Ave. Rating: 3.52
Pages: 220
Year Published: 2004 (1912)
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"As always, Wodehouse is a delight! This is not the first time I've read this one, but I enjoyed it just as much. He develops such hilarious and lovable characters - Smith was my favorite in this novel. One minor note, the small bits of racism and sexism, although prevalent in the culture of the day, are hard to breeze past."
- katelynn
10/12/2016
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Their Eyes Were Watching God

by: Zora Neale Hurston
Ave. Rating: 3.96
Pages: 219
Year Published: 2006 (1937)
Date Read: 01/01/2004
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My Name Is Lucy Barton

by: Elizabeth Strout
Ave. Rating: 3.52
Pages: 193
Year Published: 2016
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"This falls Into the category of books for me that I can tell are good but I don’t know why. I just didn’t get it."
- katelynn
03/04/2019
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The Sea of Tranquility

by: Katja Millay
Ave. Rating: 4.3
Pages: 449
Year Published: 2012
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"This was riding along at a 2 star until the last few chapters which ended up being somewhat redemptive. But not quite enough to get above 3 stars. It was just too crass and all the characters too unlikable for my taste."
- katelynn
12/19/2019
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Our Souls at Night

by: Kent Haruf
Ave. Rating: 3.91
Pages: 179
Year Published: 2015
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"Sweet and sad. A lovely, quiet story. I think I will appreciate it even more at a different stage of life."
- katelynn
11/20/2019
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Greenglass House (Greenglass House, #1)

by: Kate Milford
Ave. Rating: 4.02
Pages: 376
Year Published: 2014
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"This book was so much fun! I absolutely love the imagination and adventure that characterizes a good middle-grade book. This one swept me away. The main character was fantastic: sweet and brave and considerate and clever, but also uncertain and flawed. Although there were some predictable twists, most of the mysteries were entirely unique and so fun. The setting was really atmospheric and different. Overall, the book was a great mix of adventure and sentiment and reflection."
- katelynn
02/08/2018
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Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians, #1)

by: Kevin Kwan
Ave. Rating: 3.87
Pages: 403
Year Published: 2013
Date Read: 04/30/2019
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The Miniaturist (The Miniaturist, #1)

by: Jessie Burton
Ave. Rating: 3.61
Pages: 400
Year Published: 2014
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"I wish I could give this book more stars. This was everything that historical fiction should be: it gives you a glimpse into another time and another culture without sacrificing characters or story. The plot was so intriguing and the heroine was just superb. I chose to read this book because the cover made me curious, knowing nothing about it. What a pleasant surprise! I'll look for more from this author."
- katelynn
11/12/2015
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The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World

by: Melinda French Gates
Ave. Rating: 4.3
Pages: 273
Year Published: 2019
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"I forced myself to read this (using my random book-picking method I use for audio), but I am so glad I did! I read it in two days and really devoured the content.

I was amazed by Melinda Gates' humility and wisdom. I feel so inspired! There's so much in here to chew on and process."
- katelynn
04/23/2020
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The Light Princess

by: George MacDonald
Ave. Rating: 4.02
Pages: 0
Year Published: 2004 (1864)
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Calypso

by: David Sedaris
Ave. Rating: 4.08
Pages: 273
Year Published: 2018
Date Read: 08/03/2018
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Red: The Heroic Rescue (The Circle, #2)

by: Ted Dekker
Ave. Rating: 4.28
Pages: 400
Year Published: 2005 (2004)
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"This affected me so so much, even in a reread. The Gospel is so beautiful!"
- katelynn
02/28/2021

The Good Sister

by: Sally Hepworth
Ave. Rating: 4.2
Pages: 309
Year Published: 2021 (2020)
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Kindred

by: Octavia E. Butler
Ave. Rating: 4.27
Pages: 264
Year Published: 1997 (1979)
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"Wow, this 5 star was ... unexpected. It starts off really simple. I was not impressed with the initial setup of characters and the time travel theme. But, boy, does Butler ratchet up the tension and complexity! I ended completely overwhelmed. There's so so much to consider and discuss. She does not back down from any difficult ideas or grey areas. She faces them head on, showing human brokenness and defending dignity."
- katelynn
12/04/2019
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Searching for Sylvie Lee

by: Jean Kwok
Ave. Rating: 3.66
Pages: 336
Year Published: 2019
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"This book did a lot of waffling for me - 3 stars? 4 stars? 5 stars? It certainly kept me engaged - I flew through this to the very end.

What made this book good through the whole thing were the issues of belonging, identity, and family love. I loved the sisters' relationships. I enjoyed the slow unfolding of Sylvie's character and story. I also loved the Dutch setting! It was fun to connect to my own heritage through the glimpse of the culture.

I really did not like the romance parts - they were cheesy and felt unimportant. I also felt the ultimate climax of the story was.. contrived. It felt shocking for the sake of shock.

But then! The sweet healing and coming together of broken relationships in the aftermath! Loved it! So good."
- katelynn
10/16/2019
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Frankenstein

by: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Ave. Rating: 3.83
Pages: 352
Year Published: 2003 (1818)
Date Read: 06/25/2008
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Coraline

by: Neil Gaiman
Ave. Rating: 4.06
Pages: 162
Year Published: 2006 (2002)
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"I would not want my child to read this. I just finished The Shining a few weeks ago and this book gave me a way more unsettled/creepy/icky feeling than that one. Very dark – without a plot good enough to make me OK with it."
- katelynn
03/22/2016
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East of Eden

by: John Steinbeck
Ave. Rating: 4.38
Pages: 601
Year Published: 2002 (1952)
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"4.5"
- katelynn
11/07/2020
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An Irish Country Doctor (Irish Country #1)

by: Patrick Taylor
Ave. Rating: 3.88
Pages: 351
Year Published: 2007 (2004)
Date Read: 09/26/2014
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A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #7)

by: Louise Penny
Ave. Rating: 4.29
Pages: 339
Year Published: 2011
Date Read: 05/22/2021
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One to Watch

by: Kate Stayman-London
Ave. Rating: 3.94
Pages: 417
Year Published: 2020
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"This was the perfect way to indulge my secret bachelorette craving without actually having to watch real-life horrible people act so dumb. For anyone who has ever enjoyed anything in that franchise, this is a must read! It was sweet and had a lot of real moments for a book I'd consider to be my "junk food" reading. "
- katelynn
04/29/2021
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A Woman Is No Man

by: Etaf Rum
Ave. Rating: 4.25
Pages: 339
Year Published: 2019
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"Oof. This was rough. A lot of the writing felt pretty basic, in terms of women’s rights discussions. (Just lots of overused phrases). “You’re just as good as a man, follow your dreams, don’t let anyone hold you down, etc.” But the story was anything but basic - it was complex and real and hard.

A great followup to this would be Melinda Gates’ book: The Moment of Lift."
- katelynn
12/31/2020
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Caliban's War (The Expanse, #2)

by: James S.A. Corey
Ave. Rating: 4.35
Pages: 595
Year Published: 2012
Date Read: 07/01/2021
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Castle in the Air (Howl's Moving Castle, #2)

by: Diana Wynne Jones
Ave. Rating: 3.88
Pages: 298
Year Published: 2001 (1990)
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"Just wonderful. Funny and sweet and delightful."
- katelynn
02/07/2021
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Howl’s Moving Castle (Howl’s Moving Castle, #1)

by: Diana Wynne Jones
Ave. Rating: 4.25
Pages: 329
Year Published: 2001 (1986)
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"A standing ovation for this one!! It was charming, funny and overall just great fun. I almost marked it down a star because I felt a bit lost in the weeds at times but I think it was simply a difficulty of listening to audio rather than reading. Now the question is will I break my personal ban of anime to watch the Disney version of this? Hmmmm"
- katelynn
03/24/2018
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Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

by: Gail Honeyman
Ave. Rating: 4.27
Pages: 336
Year Published: 2017
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"4.5

This book was a combination of heavy and sweet. Eleanor was such a great protagonist.

And I loved the ending! I don't think I would've 10 years ago, but for me, right now, it was perfect."
- katelynn
06/26/2020
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Little Fires Everywhere

by: Celeste Ng
Ave. Rating: 4.09
Pages: 338
Year Published: 2017
Date Read: 01/21/2019
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The Ocean at the End of the Lane

by: Neil Gaiman
Ave. Rating: 4
Pages: 181
Year Published: 2013
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"It was very well-written and I loved the narration by a child. It was really neat to be introduced to new fantastical experiences from his perspective - he just never questioned anything that was happening. Made me remember my own imaginative childhood! But I only give four stars because the whole fantasy concept was a little weak - it just didn't intrigue me that much. I loved the characters - their weaknesses and strengths were well fleshed out and relatable."
- katelynn
04/04/2015
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My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry

by: Fredrik Backman
Ave. Rating: 4.05
Pages: 372
Year Published: 2015 (2013)
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"Although I definitely didn't like this as much as Backman's other books, it was still full of his signature humor and found-family themes. I enjoyed watching the relationships develop, but I got a little tired of the fairy-tale metaphor. It felt overworked."
- katelynn
10/17/2020
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Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit

by: Francis Chan
Ave. Rating: 4.09
Pages: 167
Year Published: 2009
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"Francis Chan does not mess around. This is an amazing reminder (wake-up-call) of what our lives can / should be when walking with the Lord. What a challenge and a call!"
- katelynn
08/08/2019
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The Hate U Give (The Hate U Give, #1)

by: Angie Thomas
Ave. Rating: 4.5
Pages: 444
Year Published: 2017
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"Hard to listen to because of the difficult subject matter, but important. I needed to read this - to hear from a perspective I don't usually get to. The book gives a lot of information and ideas to chew on but also a great story with complex characters."
- katelynn
03/25/2019
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The Poet X

by: Elizabeth Acevedo
Ave. Rating: 4.38
Pages: 368
Year Published: 2018
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"3.5
A simple story, but a good one.
Like her other novels, this has deepened my appreciation of poetry."
- katelynn
08/31/2020
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My Sister, the Serial Killer

by: Oyinkan Braithwaite
Ave. Rating: 3.72
Pages: 226
Year Published: 2019 (2018)
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"I loved this from the very beginning. It gripped me. I felt completely connected to the narrator and was rooting for her to the very end. I think she made (and makes) poor choices but I feel like I understand why.

Two issues: I didn’t totally understand what happened in her past. The way they wrapped that up (or didn’t wrap it up) was super confusing. Also people keep referring to this as a dark comedy filled with wit and satire... I got NONE of that. I didn’t think there was a stitch of humor in there. It makes me feel so stupid. The entire book was so serious to me. Maybe it was the audio format that was tripping me up. Ah well. I still loved it!"
- katelynn
07/12/2019
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Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love

by: Dani Shapiro
Ave. Rating: 3.89
Pages: 252
Year Published: 2019
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"What an incredible story! All the more fascinating because it's true. This book definitely left me considering medical conception ethics differently. "
- katelynn
10/12/2019
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The Empire of Gold (The Daevabad Trilogy, #3)

by: S.A. Chakraborty
Ave. Rating: 4.51
Pages: 766
Year Published: 2020
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"Such a rich and exciting ending to a fantastic trilogy. I wholeheartedly recommend this to those who like books about fantasy or politics or history or race and religion issues.

The setting and the magic was so vivid. I felt completely immersed. The villains were complex and the heroes were flawed. This story is honest and the ending is satisfying."
- katelynn
10/27/2020
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What She Knew (Jim Clemo #1)

by: Gilly Macmillan
Ave. Rating: 3.87
Pages: 512
Year Published: 2015
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"So. Good. At first, I was concerned because it seemed really similar to Gone Girl, but the similarities fade away after the very beginning of the book. This story takes you on a journey about human nature and shows what we are capable of under the most trying of circumstances. Unlike Gone Girl, it explores characters who have flaws, but ultimately love each other and are trying their best to deal with tragedy. It was a redemptive, though sad story. I definitely had to keep more of an emotional distance from it than I usually do with books, since the story is about the abduction of a child and what his mother goes through as a result. It was so well-written; I will definitely look out for more from this author."
- katelynn
03/21/2017
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I Let You Go

by: Clare Mackintosh
Ave. Rating: 4.05
Pages: 371
Year Published: 2014
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"4.5

Hard to read at times, but man, so so good! I could’ve done with less violence and one of the twists at the end was just a little too much, otherwise it would’ve been 5 stars from me.

Oh, also, the second half involves first-person perspective from an abuser and it was disturbing. No thank you, did not like that. (But also, it was a great book, so I'm confused)"
- katelynn
07/15/2021
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Snow & Rose

by: Emily Winfield Martin
Ave. Rating: 4.01
Pages: 213
Year Published: 2017
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"Enchanting and immersive. It’s a simple story, but not dumbed down. Great for all ages!"
- katelynn
01/04/2021
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The Girl Who Wrote in Silk

by: Kelli Estes
Ave. Rating: 4.08
Pages: 391
Year Published: 2015
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"This was a moving story throughout. I was especially affected by the mother / son stuff at the end - so many tears. There was some cringe moments - mostly in the modern portion (the romance, the way she talked about money). I have very little grace for modern stories - they have to be perfect for me to not roll my eyes all the time.

I wish I had read this book instead of listening to the audio - it might have been a 5 star for me. I think I lost some of the emotion gravity through audio. Regardless, it was a great story."
- katelynn
03/05/2018
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We Have Always Lived in the Castle

by: Shirley Jackson
Ave. Rating: 3.98
Pages: 146
Year Published: 2006 (1962)
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"I chose to read this because of when it was published, its classification as a "gothic classic" and the cover. I love to read stuff out of the norm for me and this certainly fit the bill.

Despite the gothic-style cover, the writing was absolutely lovely. The narrator is so interesting and imaginative! I was endeared to her. I loved all of the beautiful descriptions of their home and their daily life and relationships. In a lot of ways, their life was idyllic.

Of course, everything is tinged with a certain darkness, a mystery and tragedy. It left me upset and frustrated in the end, which is why I dropped it down to 4 stars. I don't mind tragedy and darkness if something good can come of it - some greater meaning. It just seemed gratuitous.

I flew through this book and would love the chance to discuss it in a book club setting. Really, really great!"
- katelynn
01/27/2018
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The Vanishing Half

by: Brit Bennett
Ave. Rating: 4.22
Pages: 343
Year Published: 2020
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"This was a good book, but not an enjoyable one. I wouldn't say it was hard to read, but it's hard to sit with.

It's certainly written masterfully. The themes of identity and personhood are woven incredibly through the three generations. But I need someone to talk to about it. Let's debrief."
- katelynn
07/14/2020
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Wylding Hall

by: Elizabeth Hand
Ave. Rating: 3.88
Pages: 146
Year Published: 2015
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"This was a fun listening experience. I enjoyed the setting (place AND time) and the characters. I liked the oral storytelling method - I feel like the author did it really well. I was never confused. The horror aspects of it were subtle, more creepy than terrifying.

As with other horror stories I've read, I wish they had explained more. I don't totally understand what happened, but I suppose I'm okay with that."
- katelynn
04/17/2019
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The Bodies Left Behind

by: Jeffery Deaver
Ave. Rating: 3.78
Pages: 368
Year Published: 2008
Date Read: 01/10/2020
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Water for Elephants

by: Sara Gruen
Ave. Rating: 4.09
Pages: 335
Year Published: 2007 (2006)
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"It hooked me from the start. I loved the setting - I'm always excited to read historical fiction during times or in places I don't know much about. This was a fascinating peek into circus life in 1930 - I loved reading about the animals. The plot was gripping and the characters were great. Would have given 5 stars except for a few smutty scenes that were a bit too graphic for me. But the smut was not pervasive and it was easily skipped over so I would still recommend it!"
- katelynn
05/22/2015
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The Unhoneymooners

by: Christina Lauren
Ave. Rating: 4.02
Pages: 400
Year Published: 2019
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"This was light and fun, with enough humor and cheese to satisfy every rom-com lover. I ate this up! I found this a perfect palate cleanser between heavier books. I could've done with a bit less steaminess (it just felt gratuitous at times), but overall I loved the characters and the relationships!"
- katelynn
08/20/2019
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All the Missing Girls

by: Megan Miranda
Ave. Rating: 3.77
Pages: 384
Year Published: 2016
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"Super interesting and engaging listen! Just what I love in an audiobook. Cool (if somewhat confusing) format of telling the story backwards - like the movie Momento. The mystery of it kept me guessing and the ending was satisfying, although sad."
- katelynn
03/27/2019
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The Graveyard Book

by: Neil Gaiman
Ave. Rating: 4.13
Pages: 312
Year Published: 2008
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"Definitely my favorite Neil Gaiman book so far! It was exciting and creepy, sad and sweet. It was so incredibly imaginative! I think Gaiman weaves humor and pathos so well into interesting story lines. And the protagonist was so charming!"
- katelynn
05/21/2019
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Writers & Lovers

by: Lily King
Ave. Rating: 4.07
Pages: 320
Year Published: 2020
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"I didn't want to like this book. On the surface, it seems annoying. A naval-gazing protagonist I can't relate to in a genre that tends to be a bummer.

From the beginning it gripped me. Even though I couldn't relate, I rooted for her. Even though it was hard and sad, it was also hopeful and joyous in the end. Looking forward to discussing this with book club!"
- katelynn
04/08/2021
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The Blue Castle

by: L.M. Montgomery
Ave. Rating: 4.28
Pages: 218
Year Published: 1988 (1926)
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"Absolutely sweet and charming! Beautiful writing and endearing characters. Just what I've come to expect from good old L.M.!"
- katelynn
05/06/2019
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The Glass Castle

by: Jeannette Walls
Ave. Rating: 4.28
Pages: 288
Year Published: 2006 (2005)
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"This story really sat in the tension of love and dysfunction. People are complicated. The author did not hide or white-wash any of the gritty, hard things that she went through. But she also showed the love and wonder and excitement she felt in her growing up years. She gave another perspective on poverty, the fight for dignity and the effects of addiction."
- katelynn
11/13/2019
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Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms

by: Katherine Rundell
Ave. Rating: 3.99
Pages: 256
Year Published: 2014 (2011)
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"I absolutely loved this little heroine! The descriptions of her life in Africa were so beautiful; I feel like they describe so much of what I'd love to give my children in their childhood.

When she arrived in London, the book started to drag - I just wondered when it would all start to turn up for her again. It certainly ended well though."
- katelynn
06/11/2018
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Clock Dance

by: Anne Tyler
Ave. Rating: 3.58
Pages: 292
Year Published: 2018
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"I’ll give it this, for a book where pretty much nothing happens it kept me engaged to the very end. It’s a quiet story (that doesn’t seem to have a lot to say... but maybe I’m missing it).

Maybe I would appreciate it more at a different stage of life."
- katelynn
05/29/2019
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The Saturday Night Supper Club (The Supper Club, #1)

by: Carla Laureano
Ave. Rating: 3.92
Pages: 416
Year Published: 2018
Date Read: 12/05/2020
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A Man Called Ove

by: Fredrik Backman
Ave. Rating: 4.35
Pages: 337
Year Published: 2014 (2012)
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"I would've given this book 3 stars up until the last third. It really got good and left me in tears in the end. It was worth the read - even though it took more effort for me since I generally dislike books in a modern setting."
- katelynn
11/17/2016
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We Were Liars

by: E. Lockhart
Ave. Rating: 3.81
Pages: 242
Year Published: 2014
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"I've been sitting here waffling a while between 4 and 5 stars - but I think 5 is right. I blazed through this book. It is mysterious without you really understanding why it's mysterious - you don't know what there is to figure out. Which is so tantalizing! For a good portion of the book, I was irritated by the main characters because of their arrogance - which is often a defining characteristic of YA novel protagonists. But the end brings everything around with a broader perspective, which I found satisfying albeit sad."
- katelynn
10/05/2017
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The Rosie Project (Don Tillman, #1)

by: Graeme Simsion
Ave. Rating: 4.01
Pages: 295
Year Published: 2013
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"From the very beginning, I was completely endeared to the narrator. I rooted for him so much the whole book - I loved the way he thought through things and undertook personal growth so methodically. My heart broke for him, wanted to hug him and encourage him at so many points along the way.

Although this book won't change my life, the experience of it was so incredibly heart-warming and fun that it's an easy 5-stars. It's also lead to some interesting discussions on Asperger's and what it means to be "in love" - which have been very edifying!"
- katelynn
05/01/2018
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Uncle Tom's Cabin

by: Harriet Beecher Stowe
Ave. Rating: 3.88
Pages: 438
Year Published: 1999 (1851)
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"Listened to the audio book after reading it many many years ago. This will always be a favorite - the characters are so rich and the plot is engaging and tragic, without being hopeless. I always walk away from this book challenged and inspired in my walk with Christ and my service to others."
- katelynn
04/04/2014
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An American Marriage

by: Tayari Jones
Ave. Rating: 3.95
Pages: 308
Year Published: 2018
Date Read: 05/08/2018
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Tell Me Three Things

by: Julie Buxbaum
Ave. Rating: 4.08
Pages: 328
Year Published: 2016
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"Like most YA I read, it was quick and easy. It dealt with difficult issues in a thoughtful way and showed growth in relationships. The writing was good and the romance was sweet.

My big problem was how typical the trope was - I can think of at least three other books/movies with this idea of a secret penpal romance. And who it was was so obvious from the beginning it was almost frustrating to read. There was a lot of eye-rolling on my part about all her false leads."
- katelynn
05/09/2019
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The Wednesday Wars

by: Gary D. Schmidt
Ave. Rating: 4.1
Pages: 264
Year Published: 2007
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"Funny and heartfelt – all around a delight!"
- katelynn
09/01/2017
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Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works

by: Evelyn Tribole
Ave. Rating: 4.19
Pages: 304
Year Published: 2003 (1995)
Date Read: 01/29/2020
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Firekeeper's Daughter

by: Angeline Boulley
Ave. Rating: 4.4
Pages: 496
Year Published: 2021
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"I didn't totally connect with the protagonist, but I respected her and rooted for her from beginning to end. I loved the way the author immerses you in the native culture of Sault Sainte Marie - I learned so much. I feel like my perspective and understanding has grown. It's a beautifully crafted novel, which I would categorize in religious fiction, not fantasy. Although the elements of that are super minor. "
- katelynn
12/08/2021
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The Magician’s Nephew (The Chronicles of Narnia, #6)

by: C.S. Lewis
Ave. Rating: 4.04
Pages: 186
Year Published: 1970 (1955)
Date Read: 01/03/2017
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The Little Nugget

by: P.G. Wodehouse
Ave. Rating: 3.79
Pages: 148
Year Published: 0 (1913)
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"PG Wodehouse continues to be one of my favorite audio book experiences. I've listened and re-listened to his books, each time enjoying them more. The best way to describe them is just "delightful!""
- katelynn
08/27/2015
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Into the Free (Into the Free #1)

by: Julie Cantrell
Ave. Rating: 3.93
Pages: 329
Year Published: 2012
Date Read: 06/16/2017
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The Brutal Telling (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #5)

by: Louise Penny
Ave. Rating: 4.22
Pages: 372
Year Published: 2009
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"This was a shocker for me - I can't believe she did what she did! Wow.

But another cozy, wonderful Gamache story. I loved every minute. Certain parts were so moving I had to pause, take a moment to get it together. All from a mystery novel! What Penny does with these books is really special."
- katelynn
09/26/2020
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The Hundred-Foot Journey

by: Richard C. Morais
Ave. Rating: 3.57
Pages: 256
Year Published: 2010 (2008)
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"This probably sits at more like a 3.5-3.75 than a 3 star. I loved the first half. It was so rich with culture, history and flavor - interesting people and relationships. I loved all the descriptions - I felt like I was traveling with the Haji family.

I cared less about the story once Hassan moved to Paris. I feel like the story rushed too much and introduced characters you were supposed to care about without them being properly developed.

But it all came around in the end - tying back to Hassan's roots (and therefore the roots of the story). I finished the book feeling satisfied with the story."
- katelynn
04/24/2019
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Once Upon a River

by: Diane Setterfield
Ave. Rating: 3.95
Pages: 464
Year Published: 2018
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"This book was wonderful.
Just enough gothic, just enough fairy tale, just enough adult/complex relationships and struggle - this will be a favorite. I love the language, sense of place, and story-telling themes.

Now we need a movie, please and thank you."
- katelynn
03/05/2020
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This Is How It Always Is

by: Laurie Frankel
Ave. Rating: 4.25
Pages: 338
Year Published: 2018 (2017)
Date Read: 06/25/2018
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I'll Be Your Blue Sky (Love Walked In, #3)

by: Marisa de los Santos
Ave. Rating: 4.08
Pages: 320
Year Published: 2018
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"Although I didn't love this one as much as the last one, it was still great. Her writing is so RICH and romantic. It sweeps you along, puts you right into a setting with all of its feelings."
- katelynn
06/15/2021
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What I Saw and How I Lied

by: Judy Blundell
Ave. Rating: 3.52
Pages: 284
Year Published: 2008
Date Read: 12/31/2018
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The Lovely Bones

by: Alice Sebold
Ave. Rating: 3.83
Pages: 372
Year Published: 2006 (2002)
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"Tough to listen to - probably a bit over the line for what I usually read. It was very well written though. The family relationships, the way they break apart and come together, make it a worthwhile read. There were some elements that were a little too fantastical for me – it just seemed out of the tone of the rest of her novel. Also kind of creepy and weird."
- katelynn
04/04/2019
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The Flatshare

by: Beth O'Leary
Ave. Rating: 4.09
Pages: 394
Year Published: 2019
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"4.5

This was wonderful. A few notches above normal chick-lit. It wasn't your typical rom-com that only lightly touches on some difficult issues. The difficult issues were central, they were important. The characters were charming but also struggling. And there was enough humor to grease the wheels."
- katelynn
09/14/2020
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The Sunday Philosophy Club (Isabel Dalhousie, #1)

by: Alexander McCall Smith
Ave. Rating: 3.36
Pages: 272
Year Published: 2005 (2004)
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"Slow to start, but it got better. "
- katelynn
05/08/2015
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The Dutch House

by: Ann Patchett
Ave. Rating: 4.1
Pages: 337
Year Published: 2019
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"I found this book.... overhyped. What was not overhyped was the Tom Hanks narration! A++

It was riding along at a 3 stars but the ending brought it up for sure. I get it - it’s interesting for discussion, themes, symbolism and the like. But I didn’t enjoy the story really. It was just “eh” through till like 75%, then it got better. There was some meaning and heartfelt moments brought in to save the day."
- katelynn
04/02/2020
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Defending Jacob

by: William Landay
Ave. Rating: 3.98
Pages: 421
Year Published: 2012
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"Wow what an emotional ending - I feel like I'll be reeling for a while. What a well-written book - but definitely hard to read. It's unsettling and disturbing- especially as a parent. Not sure I'd re-read it, but it's definitely worth the first read. I'll be thinking about this book for a long time."
- katelynn
01/24/2015
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My Mrs. Brown

by: William Norwich
Ave. Rating: 3.81
Pages: 288
Year Published: 2016
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"Sad and sweet, bordering a bit on the sickly sweet. But overall a heart-warming read that had a lot to say about fashion and culture and growing older. "
- katelynn
11/25/2018
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Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments

by: Emily Jensen
Ave. Rating: 4.53
Pages: 224
Year Published: 2019
Date Read: 02/01/2021
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Love Lettering

by: Kate Clayborn
Ave. Rating: 3.71
Pages: 307
Year Published: 2019
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"4.5

This book was a delight to read. I loved all of the lettering talk - it was so fun and creative!

This would have been a homerun 5 star if not for the graphic open-door stuff. It just felt ... unnecessary."
- katelynn
05/30/2020
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Echo

by: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Ave. Rating: 4.35
Pages: 592
Year Published: 2015
Date Read: 11/10/2018
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Moloka'i (Moloka'i, #1)

by: Alan Brennert
Ave. Rating: 4.15
Pages: 405
Year Published: 2004 (2003)
Date Read: 05/28/2020
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Prototype: What Happens When You Discover You're More Like Jesus Than You Think?

by: Jonathan Martin
Ave. Rating: 4.09
Pages: 235
Year Published: 2013
Date Read: 03/10/2018
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The Secret History

by: Donna Tartt
Ave. Rating: 4.11
Pages: 559
Year Published: 2004 (1992)
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"I can tell this book is good literature. And I was certainly engrossed for a good portion. But it was such an unpleasant read! The characters were just horrible people. I don't say the characters were "terrible" because they were incredibly well-written, well-developed and complex. But they had basically no redeeming qualities. I understand the narrator and his flaws. I followed his chain of thought and his actions, however unfortunate. But I didn't like him. I didn't root for him.

There was no justice and I found hard to swallow. Obviously there was torment, there was tragedy and broken relationships - but these stupid kids needed to be held accountable.

I give three stars because it truly is great writing. "
- katelynn
11/22/2019
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Instructions for Dancing

by: Nicola Yoon
Ave. Rating: 4.07
Pages: 304
Year Published: 2021
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"3.5

Bit cheesy and her overall conflict was predictable, but it was fun! And in the end, I found it made some really profound points that will stick with me."
- katelynn
11/19/2021
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The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness

by: Timothy J. Keller
Ave. Rating: 4.45
Pages: 46
Year Published: 2012
Date Read: 09/24/2019
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The Gown

by: Jennifer Robson
Ave. Rating: 4.1
Pages: 371
Year Published: 2018
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"3.5

I enjoyed this read and was interested in learning about the topic. But overall it wasn’t anything particularly new or interesting. Kind of a classic dual plot line historical fiction novel.

I also felt like the violent scene was so out of place and graphic compared to the tone of the rest of the book. The detail completely took me out of the story."
- katelynn
03/29/2021
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The Switch

by: Beth O'Leary
Ave. Rating: 4.03
Pages: 333
Year Published: 2020
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"4.5"
- katelynn
07/24/2021
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To Night Owl from Dogfish

by: Holly Goldberg Sloan
Ave. Rating: 4.11
Pages: 304
Year Published: 2019
Date Read: 06/16/2020
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Peace Like a River

by: Leif Enger
Ave. Rating: 3.97
Pages: 312
Year Published: 2002 (2001)
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"I give this book a standing ovation! There was definitely some kitschy stuff, but it did not diminish the overall greatness of the writing. In the vein of To Kill a Mockingbird, it was a great story with great characters - one I'll want my kids to read. "
- katelynn
05/12/2017
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The Satapur Moonstone (Perveen Mistry, #2)

by: Sujata Massey
Ave. Rating: 3.96
Pages: 360
Year Published: 2019
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"I liked this one even more than the first! The setting was EVERYTHING. I felt completely transported and obsessed with scenery, food and clothing descriptions. And as with the first book, the heroine is fantastic!"
- katelynn
05/05/2020
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The Round House

by: Louise Erdrich
Ave. Rating: 3.95
Pages: 323
Year Published: 2012
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"3.5"
- katelynn
08/02/2021
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Life Among the Savages

by: Shirley Jackson
Ave. Rating: 4
Pages: 256
Year Published: 1997 (1953)
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"This was so much fun - I couldn’t believe how much I related to it even though this was written by a mom so long ago. The struggles transcend time! The differences were interesting as well.

Funny and light, reminiscent of Cheaper by the Dozen - I give my hearty recommendation to all young parents! (And anyone else who wants to understand them)"
- katelynn
10/02/2019
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Secrets of a Charmed Life

by: Susan Meissner
Ave. Rating: 4.19
Pages: 386
Year Published: 2015
Date Read: 07/09/2020
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Where'd You Go, Bernadette

by: Maria Semple
Ave. Rating: 3.89
Pages: 330
Year Published: 2012
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"It started out a little slow, but ended as a funny, heartfelt and overall enjoyable read. The characters were well developed and quirky. "
- katelynn
09/04/2014
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The Lost Husband

by: Katherine Center
Ave. Rating: 3.86
Pages: 304
Year Published: 2013
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"I would initially categorize this book as a guilty pleasure, but (1) I don't believe in guilty pleasures with books. Don't feel guilty! You like what you like! And (2) it was actually pretty decent. It had a lot of depth - told from the perspective of a widow with young children (a position my mom was in when she was 30 years old). I feel like the emotions and process she went through was pretty authentic. And with most chic lit, it was very entertaining and a breeze to get through.

It gets a three from me because of this breakdown in my ratings:
5 - Love it, will probably read it again and recommend to others.
4 - Enjoyed it a lot, probably won't read it again but will recommend it to some people.
3 - Finished it, sometimes enjoyed it. Wouldn't recommend to most.
2 - I never have twos because if I think a book is going to be a two, I don't finish it.

I was very entertained this book but probably wouldn't recommend it unless you already love chic lit. I used to read it a lot as a teenager but now it's just too much cringing."
- katelynn
01/01/1970
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The Orphan's Tale

by: Pam Jenoff
Ave. Rating: 4.02
Pages: 353
Year Published: 2017
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"I loved the circus setting and growth of the relationship between the two lead women. It definitely felt over-dramatic at moments, but who am I to judge? It was a dramatic time.

Also, why "The Orphan's Tale"? Is the orphan Theo? It's not his story at all. "
- katelynn
10/05/2020
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Good Girls Lie

by: J.T. Ellison
Ave. Rating: 3.85
Pages: 387
Year Published: 2019
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"This story absorbed me completely. I was baffled by the mystery and drawn in by the sympathetic protagonist. Great all around!"
- katelynn
01/25/2020
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Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch

by: Terry Pratchett
Ave. Rating: 4.24
Pages: 491
Year Published: 2006 (1990)
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"This was the funniest book I have read since The Princess Bride.
I'm not sure I need to add any more to this review...

But just in case: It's essential British-ness was delightful. I was laughing out loud regularly. It's so deeply clever.

One thing that was hard: listing to the audio, it was hard to keep track of the perspective changes. There are so so many perspectives, which would have been fine in print, but in audio I struggled. The reader did a great job doing different accents which made the dialogue scenes (sometime with like a dozen characters) manageable."
- katelynn
02/24/2020
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Ayesha at Last

by: Uzma Jalaluddin
Ave. Rating: 3.89
Pages: 368
Year Published: 2019 (2018)
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"This was everything that a retelling (in this case, Pride and Prejudice) should be. It was loosely in the same structure and had some nice dialog moments that specifically called back to the original. It was similar enough to recognize the retelling but not too similar to feel unnecessary.

The characters had depth, and I enjoyed being immersed in a culture I don't know a lot about. I learned a lot.

It wasn't a slam dunk for me, but it was close!"
- katelynn
02/10/2020
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Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body

by: Roxane Gay
Ave. Rating: 4.16
Pages: 306
Year Published: 2017
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"Beautiful written, heartbreaking yet hopeful. This work felt important. I think it will take some chewing on and reflection for the importance to really since in."
- katelynn
09/24/2019
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Till We Have Faces

by: C.S. Lewis
Ave. Rating: 4.14
Pages: 313
Year Published: 2006 (1956)
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"I loved this up to the end. I think I'm probably missing some of the greater points/themes/symbolism. I had to read a synopsis and I still don't totally get it. Just wish I had a lit class or a good book club to discuss this with. Again my inability to see the forest for the trees is hindering my enjoyment of good books. "
- katelynn
03/19/2018
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Clap When You Land

by: Elizabeth Acevedo
Ave. Rating: 4.3
Pages: 432
Year Published: 2020
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"4.5

What incredibly lovely writing! The audio experience was incredible - I don't think it would've been as good just reading it (I'm not experienced reading poetry - I think I would've butchered it).

I felt deeply connected to both sisters and their coming together is so great. Bonus: the acknowledgments brought me to tears. Never skip those!"
- katelynn
07/21/2020
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The Keeper of Lost Things

by: Ruth Hogan
Ave. Rating: 3.81
Pages: 288
Year Published: 2017
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"I LOVE this. Heart and humor, whimsy and magic. This put me in mind of Sarah Addison Allen - with a British twist. It was charming, but not superficial, from beginning to end."
- katelynn
10/19/2020
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The Light Between Oceans

by: M.L. Stedman
Ave. Rating: 4.02
Pages: 362
Year Published: 2012
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"4.5. How to describe this? Beautiful. Devastating.
That comes close, I guess.

The experience of reading this was incredibly painful at times. The author captures so well the joys and sorrows of parenthood. The themes of love and heartbreak and forgiveness are wrapped so well in the beautiful setting. It kept me up at night thinking about what the characters would be going through... Makes me hold my children closer.

I dropped it down from 5 stars because the tragedy of the story didn’t have a lot of resolution. For my reading experience to have been perfect, I needed redemption! But I understand and appreciate tragedy for what it is. Such is life."
- katelynn
08/05/2019
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The Man With Two Left Feet and Other Stories (Jeeves, #0.5)

by: P.G. Wodehouse
Ave. Rating: 3.85
Pages: 200
Year Published: 2007 (1917)
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"Delightful, as always. This collection contains my favorite short story, "At Geisenheimer's" - so sweet and funny. I think I will listen to Wodehouse and Montegomery short stories for the rest of my life. The make my heart happy."
- katelynn
06/08/2018
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My Lady Jane (The Lady Janies, #1)

by: Cynthia Hand
Ave. Rating: 4.01
Pages: 512
Year Published: 2016
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"4.5 - This concept could have been super lame and hokey, but the authors pulled it off but not taking it too seriously. I laughed so much! This was pure fun from beginning to end."
- katelynn
11/16/2019
read

Ask Again, Yes

by: Mary Beth Keane
Ave. Rating: 3.96
Pages: 390
Year Published: 2019
Date Read: 09/21/2019
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The Girl He Used to Know

by: Tracey Garvis Graves
Ave. Rating: 3.97
Pages: 291
Year Published: 2019
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"4.5. What a sweet love story! I completely connected with the narrator and often found myself in tears as she expressed her difficulties in navigating the world. I felt a similar connection to the narrator of The Rosie Project - another romance novel containing people with spectrum disorders.

The last few chapters had me heart-sick - reliving trauma we've all had to go through. I agree with others' reviews that the ending was abrupt, but I think her personal journey had concluded.

This would have been 5 stars if not for the level of steam - too much for my taste. It's a shame - I really felt like the detail there detracted from the story."
- katelynn
09/19/2019
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Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

by: Mindy Kaling
Ave. Rating: 3.85
Pages: 222
Year Published: 2011
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"As I do in all of my interactions with Mindy's work, I find her completely charming, relatable and hilarious. Best friend material all the way. This book was a fun, breezy read - great for audio!"
- katelynn
11/15/2018
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The Almost Sisters

by: Joshilyn Jackson
Ave. Rating: 3.96
Pages: 357
Year Published: 2017
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"I did not connect with protagonist for a while into the book, so it took me some time to get into it. But once I did I could not be stopped! There is a central conflict/mystery in the book and towards the end I found myself thinking, "These characters and the stories of their relationships growing and changing are so good, I don't really care if the mystery gets resolved." 👏 The romantic scenes had 0% cheese and 100% sweetness, it was the best. I loved watching the protagonist grow in her feelings of motherhood and her vision / calling for her own life. It was inspiring!

The idea of a Second South was a very helpful illustration. It's one I'll have to chew on for a while."
- katelynn
06/05/2018
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To All the Boys I've Loved Before (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, #1)

by: Jenny Han
Ave. Rating: 4.11
Pages: 355
Year Published: 2014
Date Read: 09/12/2018
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The Witch of Blackbird Pond

by: Elizabeth George Speare
Ave. Rating: 3.98
Pages: 256
Year Published: 1978 (1958)
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"This book is exactly what I love in historical fiction. I wish I had read it in middle school - I would have adored it!"
- katelynn
02/21/2018
read

The Henna Artist (The Henna Artist, #1)

by: Alka Joshi
Ave. Rating: 4.22
Pages: 384
Year Published: 2020
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"3.5"
- katelynn
01/16/2021
read

Love Walked In (Love Walked In, #1)

by: Marisa de los Santos
Ave. Rating: 3.72
Pages: 307
Year Published: 2006 (2005)
View on Goodreads
"I'd put this on the low end of 4 stars - maybe even 3.75 stars. I loved Clare and everything from her child-like perspective. Her love of books and her thoughtful way of viewing life. I found Cornelia incredibly annoying though. She had some good moments, but overall the sappiness was too much. Blegh.

There was definitely good writing in there, and I'm still excited to continue in the series to get to the last book which is highly recommended."
- katelynn
06/04/2018
read

Little Bee

by: Chris Cleave
Ave. Rating: 3.71
Pages: 275
Year Published: 2010 (2008)
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"I found this story convicting - the horrors we're difficult to read and will stay with me. I think what is convicting is my desire to forget about it. I have three stars not because it was hard to read but because the characters were so in-relatable to me. (The characters I was supposed to relate to anyway) they were just not good."
- katelynn
02/18/2015
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Bury Your Dead (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #6)

by: Louise Penny
Ave. Rating: 4.33
Pages: 371
Year Published: 2010
Date Read: 02/11/2021
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Everyone Brave is Forgiven

by: Chris Cleave
Ave. Rating: 3.76
Pages: 418
Year Published: 2016
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"Still reeling a bit from this one. It started out so light-hearted and hilarious - the tone reminded me so much of P.G. Wodehouse, which I LOVE. There's a moment when all of that changes. The tone of the book, along with the internal journey of the characters, gets more and more serious. As I can imagine with the war, it's rather a jarring change, but it feels real and true.

The writing is so, so good. It checked my boxes of heart and humor, then checked my additional box of "teaches me history without me noticing".

I didn't love the ending, but again, it felt real. It's not neat and tidy, but it speaks to the reality of the time and the progression of the characters."
- katelynn
12/13/2019
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The Turn of the Key

by: Ruth Ware
Ave. Rating: 3.93
Pages: 337
Year Published: 2019
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"As with most thrillers, this kept me completely riveted. The build up was so intense. The writing was decent, the topics were close to home (childcare and the challenges that go with it) so that was hard at points.

The ending fell a little flat for me. But overall it was a fun ride."
- katelynn
04/12/2020
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Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (Simonverse, #1)

by: Becky Albertalli
Ave. Rating: 4.24
Pages: 303
Year Published: 2015
Date Read: 05/22/2018
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Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption

by: Stephen King
Ave. Rating: 4.53
Pages: 181
Year Published: 1982
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"This was my first Stephen King novel – wow! I think I'll be reading a lot more of his. It was just so well written. I enjoyed it even though I knew the over arching plot from the movie."
- katelynn
06/13/2015
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The House in the Cerulean Sea

by: T.J. Klune
Ave. Rating: 4.49
Pages: 394
Year Published: 2020
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"The SWEETEST. Magical and full of lovely scenery, heart and humor."
- katelynn
09/08/2020
read

Recursion

by: Blake Crouch
Ave. Rating: 4.14
Pages: 329
Year Published: 2019
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"Good grief. Just like with Dark Matter, this wrinkled my brain and warmed my heart. Also like Dark Matter, it is a perfect movie concept."
- katelynn
06/07/2020
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Nobody Will Tell You This But Me: A True (as Told to Me) Story

by: Bess Kalb
Ave. Rating: 4.26
Pages: 224
Year Published: 2020
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"3.5"
- katelynn
01/23/2021
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Eleanor & Park

by: Rainbow Rowell
Ave. Rating: 4.01
Pages: 328
Year Published: 2013 (2012)
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"I absolutely loved about the first half of this book.
The vulnerability and insecurity of the characters was relatable - really brought me back to early High School. The slow unfurling of first love was so sweet and fun to watch. The writing was really excellent!

Once things started to get hot and heavy, it kind of lost me a bit. I felt like it cheapened things. But the ending was good. "
- katelynn
12/15/2018
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Homegoing

by: Yaa Gyasi
Ave. Rating: 4.46
Pages: 305
Year Published: 2016
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"My reaction to this book is summed up in a jaw drop. That's how I felt pretty much the last third of the book, like my jaw was on the floor. This story is beautiful and sweeping and heartbreaking and so much to process! It will leave you changed. This book reminds me of The Invention of Wings - not in content, but in the way I know I will be thinking about it for years to come.

I highly recommend the audio version."
- katelynn
04/21/2020
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The Winter of the Witch (Winternight Trilogy, #3)

by: Katherine Arden
Ave. Rating: 4.5
Pages: 384
Year Published: 2019
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"A fantastic end of the series. I give a standing ovation! I was moved to tears at the conclusion of something so wonderful and magical."
- katelynn
10/24/2019
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The River

by: Peter Heller
Ave. Rating: 3.86
Pages: 253
Year Published: 2019
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"4.5

Beautiful writing, amazing setting, and page-turning plot. A literary thriller with an incredible premise. The ending was heart-breaking, but there's plenty of warning for it if you're looking.

I loved the way the sentence structure was sometimes long and lyrical but sometimes short and staccato - moving you at the pace of the story.

I will definitely read more by this author!"
- katelynn
05/26/2021
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Calling Me Home

by: Julie Kibler
Ave. Rating: 4.24
Pages: 325
Year Published: 2013 (2012)
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"3.5. I found the narrator frustratingly naive and selfish. She's this way as a teenager (to be expected) but also later (as an adult) when she holds back and never commits herself fully to her marriage or her child. The big twist at the end was super predictable. Overall though it kept me interested - I wanted to know what was going to happen."
- katelynn
07/03/2019
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The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (Flavia de Luce, #1)

by: Alan Bradley
Ave. Rating: 3.82
Pages: 374
Year Published: 2009
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"Such a fun read! One I can't wait to share with my children. The narrator is a strong, smart, scientific girl that I want my daughters to emulate! The story is engaging and funny and heartwarming."
- katelynn
03/10/2015
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Set the Stars Alight

by: Amanda Dykes
Ave. Rating: 4.44
Pages: 352
Year Published: 2020
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"This story had everything I look for: historical fiction about a time period I don’t know much about, mystery, good twists, charming/immersive setting. It also had wisdom about faith delivered in a way that wasn’t overt or preachy. It was perfectly done! This is Christian fiction at its best."
- katelynn
12/18/2020
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The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #1)

by: Rick Riordan
Ave. Rating: 4.27
Pages: 377
Year Published: 2006 (2005)
Date Read: 06/21/2021
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The Jane Austen Society

by: Natalie Jenner
Ave. Rating: 3.75
Pages: 320
Year Published: 2020
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"4.5

This was a surprise hit for me! I did not have high hopes - reading it only because of book club. I love Jane Austen books but I am by no means a super-fan and I generally avoid any "fan fiction". I could go without excessive talking about her too, but this book!

It has such a rich cast of characters. They had such complex issues, I was rushing to the end to see them grow and find some peace. I loved watching them make connections with each other and the way books provided a bridge across such huge social, economical and age divides."
- katelynn
08/05/2020
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Before the Fall

by: Noah Hawley
Ave. Rating: 3.72
Pages: 391
Year Published: 2016
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"3 stars because it kept me interested till the end - I wanted to know the whole story. Otherwise, I didn’t really like any of the characters - which isn’t a requirement, but there were so many I couldn’t really go deep with any one. I guess I just don’t understand the author’s point. What was he trying to do here?"
- katelynn
08/17/2019
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The Middle Place

by: Kelly Corrigan
Ave. Rating: 3.87
Pages: 272
Year Published: 2008 (2005)
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"4.5 - If I ever meet anyone who is not interested in the memoir genre, I will point them to Kelly Corrigan. What she does is truly amazing. Both this story, and Tell Me More I plan to read and reread as I grow older.

I particular related to this one - and I think I will for the next decade or so - because I am in the same stage. Certain portions I listened to multiple times."
- katelynn
12/29/2019
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Midnight at the Blackbird Café

by: Heather Webber
Ave. Rating: 4.07
Pages: 336
Year Published: 2019
Date Read: 04/07/2021
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Love & Gelato (Love & Gelato, #1)

by: Jenna Evans Welch
Ave. Rating: 4.12
Pages: 389
Year Published: 2016
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"3.5 - Sweet and simple. The protagonist was a BELIEVABLE teenager - something rare to find these days in YA. This is the sort of novel I can't wait to share with my preteen/teen children."
- katelynn
11/24/2020
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Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved

by: Kate Bowler
Ave. Rating: 3.75
Pages: 178
Year Published: 2018
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"This is a great, balanced set of reflections from someone with terminal cancer. She examines the way her community responds and her own emotions and spiritual journey - the good and the bad. It was hard to read - especially as a mother imagining myself in her place - but worth it. I need reminding that suffering is a part of our human, (and Christian), experience. It doesn't need to be ignored or explained away. It is what it is. Bowler writes from the midst of her treatment with a perspective that is realistic but somehow hopeful too. "
- katelynn
06/18/2019
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Inside Out & Back Again

by: Thanhha Lai
Ave. Rating: 4.1
Pages: 262
Year Published: 2011
Date Read: 11/18/2019
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Holmes on the Range (Holmes on the Range, #1)

by: Steve Hockensmith
Ave. Rating: 3.86
Pages: 294
Year Published: 2007 (2006)
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"This one was a lot of fun! Stayed interesting all the way through. Funny and heartwarming characters and a mystery that was not at all obvious."
- katelynn
04/22/2017
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The First Phone Call from Heaven

by: Mitch Albom
Ave. Rating: 3.76
Pages: 323
Year Published: 2013
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"It was well-written and definitely had a great ending. Overall the feeling was a little too Chicken-soup-for-the-soul for my taste. "
- katelynn
06/02/2015
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Church: Why Bother?: My Personal Pilgrimage

by: Philip Yancey
Ave. Rating: 3.89
Pages: 112
Year Published: 2001 (1997)
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"4.5"
- katelynn
01/23/2021
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Nothing to See Here

by: Kevin Wilson
Ave. Rating: 3.94
Pages: 288
Year Published: 2019
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"Oof, talk about a funny book that packs a punch. It treads the line between hilarious and heartbreaking really well and ends with such hope."
- katelynn
05/04/2021
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Convenience Store Woman

by: Sayaka Murata
Ave. Rating: 3.72
Pages: 163
Year Published: 2018 (2016)
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"I found this story both sad and not sad at the same time. It was a confusing feeling! My heart broke for this girl, but in a way that is only from the outside - she does not have her own heartbreak. "
- katelynn
12/06/2018
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Black: The Birth of Evil (The Circle, #1)

by: Ted Dekker
Ave. Rating: 4.17
Pages: 432
Year Published: 2005 (2003)
Date Read: 08/27/2020
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Where the Crawdads Sing

by: Delia Owens
Ave. Rating: 4.46
Pages: 384
Year Published: 2018
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"For most of the novel, this book was just okay. It was so much hardship, sadness, uncomfortable relationships... but what saves it is the setting. I felt fully immersed in the marsh life. I was definitely swept away by the romance of it. Between this and The Peanut Butter Falcon, it’s been a real Carolina coast love fest over here!

The ending was great. I felt satisfied."
- katelynn
04/09/2020
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A Thousand Splendid Suns

by: Khaled Hosseini
Ave. Rating: 4.39
Pages: 372
Year Published: 2007
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"A beautiful, tragic, yet hopeful story. I love books that broaden my perspective and inform me about history while carrying me along with a great story and great characters."
- katelynn
10/13/2015
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All We Ever Wanted

by: Emily Giffin
Ave. Rating: 3.85
Pages: 334
Year Published: 2018
Date Read: 04/09/2019
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The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes

by: Diane Chamberlain
Ave. Rating: 4.11
Pages: 522
Year Published: 2006
Date Read: 05/20/2018
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The Haunting of Hill House

by: Shirley Jackson
Ave. Rating: 3.83
Pages: 182
Year Published: 2006 (1959)
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"I really loved parts of this, but in the end I found it unsatisfying. I didn't need it to be sewn up neatly, but I was hoping for something more. Something to point to a reason or some kind of explanation.

The writing was great though - characters, dialogue and sense of place. It kept me chilled."
- katelynn
10/08/2018
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One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are

by: Ann Voskamp
Ave. Rating: 4.01
Pages: 232
Year Published: 2011
Date Read: 06/20/2020
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What Alice Forgot

by: Liane Moriarty
Ave. Rating: 4.07
Pages: 476
Year Published: 2010 (2009)
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"Another perfect book from Liane Moriarty.
Motherhood, marriage, identity - she explores topics with such a delicate balance of depth and humor. I devour them."
- katelynn
02/18/2021
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Because of Winn-Dixie

by: Kate DiCamillo
Ave. Rating: 4.06
Pages: 182
Year Published: 2001 (2000)
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"A sweet little story! The protagonist reminds me of Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird."
- katelynn
09/12/2014
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The Downstairs Girl

by: Stacey Lee
Ave. Rating: 4.02
Pages: 374
Year Published: 2019
Date Read: 05/06/2021
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Why Not Me?

by: Mindy Kaling
Ave. Rating: 3.89
Pages: 240
Year Published: 2016 (2015)
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"4.5 - As with her first book, this book makes you feel like you and Mindy are best friends. I laughed out loud through the whole thing. But she also had a lot more content that was full of wisdom. And I finished it inspired! Well done. My respect for her has gone through the roof."
- katelynn
12/27/2019
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A Light on the Hill (Cities of Refuge, #1)

by: Connilyn Cossette
Ave. Rating: 4.54
Pages: 323
Year Published: 2018
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"I've swung and missed so often the last few years with Christian fiction that I've come to have really low expectations. But not here! This was well-written and absorbing. I felt fully immersed in the ancient time period and wrapped up in the trials of the heroine. I felt edified and challenged by the faith elements of the story - it's been so long since I've gotten that from fiction!

There were definitely some corn-ball moments. I could've done with less of the romance. Oh how the times have changed!"
- katelynn
11/13/2020
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Dear Mr. Knightley

by: Katherine Reay
Ave. Rating: 3.93
Pages: 317
Year Published: 2013
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"This makes the third book in the last year that I've read with the same basic premise. Can we all just wake up and realize we're trying to remake You've Got Mail? Nothing will ever be as good - let's just let it rest.

This one had some sweet and insightful moments and it certainly held my interest. But the cheese factor and the predictability of the plot dropped it way down in my estimation. Also it is completely unbelievable that someone would write letters like this. Not just in our modern era, but ever! Definitely had to suspend reality a lot on this one."
- katelynn
06/24/2019
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Finding God in the Waves: How I Lost My Faith and Found It Again Through Science

by: Mike McHargue
Ave. Rating: 4.28
Pages: 224
Year Published: 2016
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"I cannot believe how quickly I read this book, especially considering my usual pace with non-fiction. It was incredibly engaging and beautifully written. The author was honest and humble, presenting his story and his resulting conclusions about faith and science clearly and compellingly.

I think I would have to read the book again a few times to fully grasp everything presented. It's probably controversial to even read a book like this, but I feel edified. I don't know if I agree with where he landed, but I believe he is genuine and that he truly respects the traditions he came from. He's presented a lot to chew on! Also side-note: I think the title is a bit misleading about what to expect from his journey back to faith. It gave me a vision of a Louie-Giglio-type conversion... that is not what happened. Just a heads up!"
- katelynn
03/07/2018
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The Shape of Mercy

by: Susan Meissner
Ave. Rating: 3.95
Pages: 307
Year Published: 2008
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"Another book about the Salem witch trials - that's two since January! This one was very thoughtful and a little more wrenching than the YA one I read earlier this year. The author really put you in the mindset of the Puritan girl. The modern story was interesting, but I had trouble relating to the main character's struggles. There was some kitschy-ness but overall, I had fun listening to it."
- katelynn
04/07/2018
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The Peach Keeper

by: Sarah Addison Allen
Ave. Rating: 3.85
Pages: 273
Year Published: 2011
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"As with every other Allen book I've read, this was a delight from start to finish. It's thoroughly southern and magical. She writes romance so well!

The story was simple, but that didn't bother me. For this author, it's all about the setting and atmosphere and magic - with some great character growth thrown in for good measure. "
- katelynn
02/12/2020
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With the Fire on High

by: Elizabeth Acevedo
Ave. Rating: 4.23
Pages: 400
Year Published: 2019
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"It's so rare that I read a YA novel with believable dialogue and relationships that aren't overblown. This was that! It was so refreshing. It felt honest and real.

The narrator grows so much - she is tender and tough. And I loved the cooking weaved through the novel. "
- katelynn
07/17/2019
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Dear Edward

by: Ann Napolitano
Ave. Rating: 4.1
Pages: 340
Year Published: 2020
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"This book was cruising along at a 3 star for me (meaning I like it, but I don't really like it - 4 star - or love it - 5 star). I especially enjoyed the plot-line in the plane, going deep with the different characters. I was equally bored and intrigued. Classic literary fiction - not much happening.

But the ending brought it up to a 4 star for me. Edward's coming of age and healing are beautiful and inspiring. Although the ending of the plane plot was super hard to read... disturbing really. Will I ever fly again?"
- katelynn
12/15/2021
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Out of My Mind

by: Sharon M. Draper
Ave. Rating: 4.36
Pages: 295
Year Published: 2010
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"This book gets high marks for creating a lovable, interesting narrator and for giving a voice to an otherwise voice-less group of people. I would definitely want my children to read this to understand - to learn about treating people with respect and preserving their dignity as human beings.

Unfortunately, it was really slow - didn't really pick up till the last third or so. And the "middle-grade"-ness of it was a little too much for this adult reader. (But I know I'm not the target audience)"
- katelynn
07/11/2019
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The Westing Game

by: Ellen Raskin
Ave. Rating: 4.01
Pages: 182
Year Published: 2004 (1978)
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"3.5 - I struggled to follow this on audio, but otherwise it was really fun!"
- katelynn
07/16/2020
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Mockingbird

by: Kathryn Erskine
Ave. Rating: 4.2
Pages: 235
Year Published: 2010
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"3.5"
- katelynn
09/24/2020
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Me Talk Pretty One Day

by: David Sedaris
Ave. Rating: 3.99
Pages: 272
Year Published: 2001 (2000)
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"This was a very funny, thoughtful collection of essays that was absolutely perfect for the audio format. I laughed out loud a lot - very embarrassing. It felt like I was listening to a really long podcast rather than a book."
- katelynn
03/28/2018
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On the Wrong Track (Holmes on the Range, #2)

by: Steve Hockensmith
Ave. Rating: 4.04
Pages: 304
Year Published: 2007
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"3.5
This was a lot of fun, just like the first. It's a classic western with all of the best elements. I felt like I was watching a movie."
- katelynn
07/29/2020
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Ghosts of Greenglass House (Greenglass House #2)

by: Kate Milford
Ave. Rating: 4.09
Pages: 464
Year Published: 2017
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"3.5

This book had all of the good things about the first book: warm family life, great setting, and a quirky cast of characters. Where this fell behind is that it was just TOO complicated. Too many characters, too many side stories. It was all just too much.

My complaints may be a result of listening to the audio rather than reading it."
- katelynn
05/20/2020
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The Friend Zone (The Friend Zone, #1)

by: Abby Jimenez
Ave. Rating: 3.89
Pages: 372
Year Published: 2019
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"Sweet. Felt fairly genuine (for the genre). I did cry at the end, which hasn't happened in a while.

Definitely requires a content warning though - language and open door scenes."
- katelynn
06/11/2020
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Magpie Murders (Susan Ryeland, #1)

by: Anthony Horowitz
Ave. Rating: 3.94
Pages: 498
Year Published: 2017 (2016)
Date Read: 05/12/2021
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Kilmeny of the Orchard

by: L.M. Montgomery
Ave. Rating: 3.68
Pages: 144
Year Published: 1989 (1910)
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"My second time through this one and I think I enjoyed it even more the 2nd time. I've read dozens of stories by Montgomery and this is one that stands out for it's charm and beauty. It is a romantic story in the most classical sense of that word."
- katelynn
01/27/2017
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The Giver (The Giver, #1)

by: Lois Lowry
Ave. Rating: 4.13
Pages: 208
Year Published: 2006 (1993)
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"What the heck just happened? I'm completely reeling from the ending.

This whole book was completely absorbing and wonderful."
- katelynn
10/08/2020
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The Disappearances

by: Emily Bain Murphy
Ave. Rating: 4.08
Pages: 388
Year Published: 2017
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"This story had all the elements to be something I'd really like. And I did enjoy a good bit of it. For me, the "YA-ness" kind of ruined it. It took me out of the setting (the dialog felt too modern) and broke the atmosphere.

Overall though, it's an enjoyable, interesting mystery with some good character relationships."
- katelynn
01/22/2020
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Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between)

by: Lauren Graham
Ave. Rating: 3.93
Pages: 224
Year Published: 2016
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"Just okay. I thought it was sweet and the reflections on her Gilmore Girls / Parenthood experiences were interesting... I just wanted MORE. I found myself bored a lot.

But I like her, so it's a three."
- katelynn
02/03/2020
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The Thirteenth Tale

by: Diane Setterfield
Ave. Rating: 3.96
Pages: 406
Year Published: 2006
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"What a fantastic gothic mystery in the vein of Jane Eyre, The Woman in White, and anything at all by Kate Morton. The language was beautiful, causing me to think for a while that it was either written in the more distant past or else set in the past. But no! It’s just incredible writing weaving a thick atmosphere and crafting complex and really unique characters.

There was one moment, right in the middle of this serious, heavy novel, where the author makes a self-aware joke that made me laugh out loud!

Surprises: this was much darker than I expected. On a scale from 0-10 of how twisted a plot is, this was about a 2.5 where I usually read at 0-1. But it didn’t ruin it for me."
- katelynn
10/30/2019
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Big Little Lies

by: Liane Moriarty
Ave. Rating: 4.28
Pages: 458
Year Published: 2014
Date Read: 09/19/2018
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The Great Alone

by: Kristin Hannah
Ave. Rating: 4.35
Pages: 440
Year Published: 2018
Date Read: 10/01/2018
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The Girl in the Tower (The Winternight Trilogy, #2)

by: Katherine Arden
Ave. Rating: 4.31
Pages: 360
Year Published: 2018 (2017)
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"As good, if not better, than the first. Politics, religion, folklore, romance. Incredible characters you love and hate. Exciting plotlines. I'm diving into the next book right away!"
- katelynn
10/09/2019
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Life of Pi

by: Yann Martel
Ave. Rating: 3.92
Pages: 460
Year Published: 2006 (2001)
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"I was completely shocked by how much I LOVED this book. I've known about the basic plot since it came out and I've seen the movie, so I've had it in the category of books I "probably won't like." (Even though I did really enjoy the movie)

This is nothing like I expected. There's certainly philosophy, but it's not dry. There's essays on the author's opinions, but the plot never drags. And it's just so dang funny!

Read this so we can talk about it!"
- katelynn
04/26/2021
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She Reads Truth: Holding Tight to Permanent in a World That's Passing Away

by: Raechel Myers
Ave. Rating: 4.33
Pages: 200
Year Published: 2016
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"I love these ladies and their hearts for Jesus! It was so edifying to listen to their testimonies and see the way truth has forever changed (is forever changing) their journeys. I felt convicted and saw so much of my own story in theirs. I think the truths in this book will be ones I will continue to chew on for years to come."
- katelynn
08/20/2018
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World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War

by: Max Brooks
Ave. Rating: 4.01
Pages: 342
Year Published: 2006
Date Read: 02/10/2015
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Britt-Marie Was Here

by: Fredrik Backman
Ave. Rating: 4.06
Pages: 324
Year Published: 2016 (2014)
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"Heart. Humor. Those are the main things I love in novels right now and Backman always gives them to me in spades. This novel was no exception. It was wonderful. Masterful character development, hilarious interactions - one day I’m going to read so much Backman I’ll wake up a sports fan against my will. "
- katelynn
07/22/2019
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The Bear and the Nightingale (The Winternight Trilogy, #1)

by: Katherine Arden
Ave. Rating: 4.08
Pages: 319
Year Published: 2017
Date Read: 05/05/2018
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The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

by: Gabrielle Zevin
Ave. Rating: 3.99
Pages: 260
Year Published: 2014
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"Overall a light, sweet story. Pluses: enjoyed the story of unexpected fatherhood and all the book-lover talk. Minus: it was hard to like/sympathize with the main character - didn't really like him even after his life turned around. The other characters were great though."
- katelynn
01/29/2015
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Dark Places

by: Gillian Flynn
Ave. Rating: 3.93
Pages: 349
Year Published: 2009
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"I could not wait for this book to end. It made me feel so icky. It's filled with sad, pathetic people in sad, pathetic places. I think the best word to describe the story and characters is UGLY. I give 3 stars instead of lower because it is well-written, like Gone Girl, with interesting characters."
- katelynn
11/07/2015