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MJ's avatar

Yes, same - less Bookstagram and more being drawn to works (which have ended up being blacklist)! Your superlatives also show how outstanding the book club picks were first quarter - these are so many of my favorite books so far this year, as well. Snow Country and We Do Not Part and Glorious Exploits and the accomplishment of finishing Brief History...! I've loved this range.

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Sara Hildreth's avatar

Yes! I also think the way I read for book club leads to better reading experiences. Taking my time and discussing almost always makes me like a book more!

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nellreadsbooks's avatar

OH wild dark shore as the buzzy book club pick, REALLY hope I can try and make it to one of those although I don’t wanna be a downer about it (but probably will be 😂)

Backlist is definitely making me happy this year, - I did adore Stag Dance though. I’m planning on reading Audition this weekend and hoping that will also be a win for me. Tbh a lot of the other new releases I’m excited about this year are books in translation - there’s some good stuff coming (hopefully.)

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Sara Hildreth's avatar

We are so in sync! I hope you can make it!

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Michelle Martin's avatar

Oh my gosh, the March Gradness bracket is SO fun!

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Melanie (@bookscatsandtreats)'s avatar

Looking back, there's a lot I've read so far this year that I haven't been impressed with or have been ambivalent about, but the books I've liked I've REALLY liked, so it still feels like a good reading quarter.

My standouts include Human Acts by Han Kang (my first HK and really looking forward to reading more), Enlightenment by Sarah Perry, My Friends by Hisham Matar, Almond by Sohn Won-Pyung, and Orbital by Samantha Harvey.

I also finished up the Kristin Lavransdatter trilogy, which was fabulous! These are great, underrated classics.

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

These superlatives are hilarious and I’m stealing a few 😃

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Sara Hildreth's avatar

Please do!!

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123445892's avatar

When does the Summer Reading Guide come out? Already can’t wait!☀️☀️☀️

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Sara Hildreth's avatar

June 1st!

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123445892's avatar

Yay!!! Can’t wait 😊

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Katie - Basic B's Guide's avatar

Nonfiction seems to be leaving a bigger impression on me as far as new releases go. I may need to lean into that and perhaps backlist for fiction. I personally think you’re just fine skipping Broken Country.

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Kristin T. Lee's avatar

We have the same two first quarter faves! (We Do Not Part and Stag Dance), though I read WDNP in Dec so it won't show up in my Q1 list. This makes me so curious about Paradise Lost! But backlist is 100% ruling this year, I'm loving it all.

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Lauren Flanagan's avatar

Based on your feelings about WILD DARK SHORE, I can confirm you are completely safe skipping on BROKEN COUNTRY. I personally didn't get what all the fuss was about... It went a bridge too far in the melodrama for me.

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Jenn Kurrie's avatar

I am so curious about your course covering Paradise Lost. Do you mind sharing more information ?

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Sara Hildreth's avatar

It’s through McNally Jackson! I’m not sure how often they offer it but they have quite a few virtual classes! NYRB and Center for Fiction also do virtual courses!

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Anu's avatar

I’m reading Rejection right now and wondering if I’ll finish. Something about it is not quite compelling to me. Wondering about your reasons for dislike?

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Sara Hildreth's avatar

I reviewed it awhile back if you want my full thoughts but I just found it so depressing! I wasn’t able to access the dark humor that other readers found. But I think he’s an incredible writer!

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Laura Reese's avatar

What is the difference between best fiction and best novel?

Also, I affirm your choice not to read Broken Country. Although propulsive, it's a "kitchen sink" book with tons of drama and emotional manipulation reminiscent of Kristin Hannah's novels.

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Sara Hildreth's avatar

STAG DANCE is a collection of stories

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Laura Reese's avatar

OHHH, got it! :) Thanks!

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Kathryn's avatar

Was wondering the same re fiction v novel!

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Deedi Brown's avatar

Loveeee this superlatives format. So creative and fun!

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Kinga's avatar

I've only read 6 books, so 2 a month, which is a terrible terrible result. But I'm being made redundant and still have a very busy full time job (ironically) but all my waking hours have been occupied by the job search (sigh). However, the highlight (of those 6 books) was Hurricane Season by Fernanda Melchor.

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Laura Odom's avatar

Hmm... My favorites reads so far this year:

The Q by Beth Brower

Louisa May Alcott's Journals

Marmee by Sarah Miller

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

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