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Amy - The Tonic's avatar

Natalie, I’d love a post at some point (or more than one) on books you didn’t love. I think it would make for a hot comments section, too.

Currently reading two non-fiction books: A Therapeutic Journey by Alain de Botton (ever read anything by him? a beautiful writer and modern-day philosopher, very relatable. The other book is called The Bettencourt Affair: The World's Richest Woman and the Scandal That Rocked Paris by Tom Sancton. I’m only through the introduction so far but it sucked me right in.

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

Ask and you shall receive!!!! My issue is that if I’m not liking a book I often DNF but I have a few I could talk about that I did finish… one that might cause a lot of drama whew!!!

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Amy - The Tonic's avatar

I’d also like to know the DNF-breaking points!

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Jenovia 🕸️'s avatar

I second Amy's request!!! 😍

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Amy - The Tonic's avatar

Of course you do ☺️🤓

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Amy - The Tonic's avatar

Oh and I recently finished The Trees by Percival Everett, which would give you real Underground Railroad vibes. Gruesome yet propulsive. I had feelings about the ending, but I’ll leave that here for now.

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

I’m so into reading more Everett this sounds like a good one to continue with.

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Naomi (Bookladyreads)'s avatar

Night Film is one of my favorite books. I had so much fun reading it.

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

it IS fun right?? people need to lighten up

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Jenovia 🕸️'s avatar

As always, this was a blast. Currently reading Becoming Little Shell by Chris La Tray and it is spectacular and The God Of The Woods (per your recommendation) also spectacular!

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

😀🖤im so glad

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Amani Hope's avatar

This was very fun 🔥

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

i aim to please!!

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Renee - Itsbooktalk & More's avatar

This was so fun to read! Your take on the Gone Girl reviews cracked me up. I've read a lot od bad reviews for A Little Life, I always just think how wrong those people are haha. I'm adding To Each His Own to my tbr, that sounds good! I got the new Julia Armfield from Blackwell's, I hope it's a good fall read. I'm currently reading (and loving) The Stand - I was going to hold off until Oct when I usually read some Stephen King but I couldn't wait

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

Agree about A Little Life!! I loved it I don't care what the critics say. Im so glad you are liking The Stand, its a bit outdated but he is a master storyteller!!!

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Kim Peek's avatar

I haven’t read Gone Girl but Gillian Flynn’s novel Sharp Objects is one of my all time favorites. It’s just so creepy and dark and good. I’m currently reading Ambition Monster by Jennifer Romolini and really digging it!

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

Loved sharp objects too!! GF is a very good writer no matter what she’s writing.

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Kim Peek's avatar

Yes! 💯

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Martha's avatar

So much wit in this piece Natalie you had me laughing out loud THREE times! Someone give this girl a raise!!!! I also love to see were drawn to the same Booker list books - are we becoming the same person? I have ALSO been planning my October tbr so I’m going to swiftly arrive in your dms about that bc we’ve got a Shirley Jackson date on the cards xx

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

If there’s one thing I’ve got it’s jokes 😂and yes honestly I was putting together recs for women in translation and you are responsible for half so we are just over here influencing each other. I’m so ready for the buddy read I won’t be on vacation this time I promise

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Marissa Gallerani's avatar

I also got Orbital and after reading the summary provided, still don't know what it's about.

Lots of Bleachers on repeat right now for long walks in the late afternoon sunshine.

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

Oo Bleachers fits right into the vibe of daytime disco I’m going to add to the playlist good rec!!

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Marissa Gallerani's avatar

I’m honored!! Glad my non stop musical leanings can help the disco playlist.

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Jam Canezal's avatar

that’s what I loved about Utopia Avenue! it’s not the typical chaotic rock and roll band story. everyone was in harmony!

Dear critics, don’t @ me with Gone Girl because it sparked a revolution in literature 🔥

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

Yes thank you!! It’s so refreshing. And this lady reviewer was so clearly NOT the target audience lol

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haley larsen, phd's avatar

Hum is in my cart too!!!! Also: two nights ago I sat down and wrote a list of all my favorite end of summer songs and I must go investigate your list for overlaps.

Also thx for reminding me to go rewatch Budapest. That movie is so underrated!! (Have you seen that amazing Wes Anderson coffee table book of photographs inspired by his films? I look at it every time I go into a bookstore. There are quite a few of hotels that are so Budapest-coded.)

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

I haven’t seen the coffee table book!!! If I had a coffee table I would be absolutely buying it lol and my end of summer playlist is a weird one very specific I think I’m going to put together a few more with different vibes!!

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Natalie's avatar

Orbital was gorgeous! I haven't read The Ministry of Time but from what I know of it, I think they're *very* different books.

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

I can get with gorgeous!!

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Larissa Hennessy's avatar

High fidelity was written by Nick Hornby. I’ve read all of David Mitchell’s books and that’s not listed under his bibliography unless one of his books was renamed in America( which happens a lot, I never understand it!) so I’d love to find out which it is!! I love your newsletter!!

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

ah sorry for the confusion, High Fidelity was written by Hornby you are correct, the reviewer just suggested as an influence or perhaps a better example of a rock and roll story! and thank you for being here :)

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Larissa Hennessy's avatar

Don’t worry about it! It’s hard to keep so many books authorship in our heads!!!

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Katie - Basic B's Guide's avatar

I enjoyed Hum quite a bit and I still find myself thinking about parts of it.

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

thats always a sign of a great book!!

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Aug 18
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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

thank you Madeline :) I am definitely compiling the 1 start reviews its going to be hilarious lol

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