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📚 Finally getting to read this, and I'm enjoying it already. I'm a huge fan of The Night Circus, so I can't wait to delve more into Erin's latest work 📚 #book #bookishlove #booksofinstagram #bookishlove #igbooks #erinmorgenstern #thestarlesssea #fiction #readingtime📖 #readingismagic #booksbooksbooks #thenightcircus https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Ght3oH1bq/?igshid=ymchrbi342e4

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BOOK REVIEW: The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak. 📚

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will be busier still. By her brother's graveside, Liesel's life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Gravedigger's Handbook, left behind there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordian-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever there are books to be found. But these are dangerous times. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jew in their basement, Liesel's world is both opened up, and closed down.

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While this is a story about the Holocaust, it is different which is what makes it so captivating to read. Firstly, it's about the life of a young German girl living in Hitler's birthplace at the rise of Nazi Germany, a horrific time to come of age. Secondly, it is narrated by Death, which is the perfect narrator for the story and it's scenery.

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If you enjoy a fast paced novel, this may not be for you. However, what it lacks in speed, it more than makes up for in beautiful writing. You genuinely care about the characters involved, feel their struggles and small moments of joy and happiness.

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When I finished this book and closed its cover, I had to step away and cry. It touched me that much. It was the right mixture of joys and sorrows, highs and lows, good and evil for what will always be a sensitive, painful subject for many that should be treated with delicacy and care. This book is a voice for many who could not have one. I highly recommend reading it, but have tissues to hand.

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BOOK REVIEW: The Last Painting of Sara De Vos by Dominic Smith 🎨

In 1631, Sara De Vos is admitted to the Guild of St Luke in Holland as a master painter, the first woman to be so honoured. Three hundred years later, "At the Edge of a Wood", the only work attributed to her, is known to remain and hangs over the bed of a wealthy descendant of its original owner. Ellie Shipley, Australian grad student, agrees to paint a forgery of the landscape in order to continue to financially stay afloat in New York - but this decision will haunt her. Because fifty years later, she is curating an exhibition of female Dutch painters, and both versions threaten to arrive.

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I'd like to start by saying that Dominic Smith writes very well. Being able to intertwine three stories in three different time periods without losing something crucial, is definitely a commendable skill.

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I really enjoyed the story arcs of all three key players in this story, and genuinely cared about them and how they would be affected as the story unfolded. One aspect of the character, Ellie, that I particularly enjoyed is something that I adore in my partner; the ability to become one with the art, appreciation of every minute detail, and the genuine love of art as a whole. The Last Painting of Sara De Vos embraces tried and true, traditional values of novel writing, and it is brilliant storytelling.

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📖📚 TBR 📚📖 Like most bookworms out there, my to-read pile is ENORMOUS. But, I've decided that this is my current pile from now and through the month of December, in between family and life commitments of course! 📖📚Reading time is extremely precious and something I look forward to immensely. 📚📖 #bookgram #bookishlove #booklover #booknerd #booksofig #bookstagrammer #bookworm #readersofinstagram #igreads #bibliophile #bookaddict #welovebooks #bookishfeature #booksbooksbooks #readingismagic #bookish #bookstagram #goodreads #relaxation #prettybooks #bookwormsfeature #tbr #thebookthief #thelastpaintingofsaradevos #thesoundofwaves #thetangledlands https://www.instagram.com/p/B5cSG8nnxi1/?igshid=8cfnao4n1vwy

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BOOK REVIEW: Animal Farm by George Orwell.

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"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others"

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Animal Farm is an allegorical novella by George Orwell, which tells the story of a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer, hoping to create a society where the animals can be equal, free, and happy. Unfortunately, this rebellion and idea of utopia for the animals is betrayed, and the farm ends up as bad as it was before under the dictatorship of a pig named Napoleon.

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Orwell, who was a democratic socialist, wrote this "fairy story" as a reflection of the events leading up to the 1917 Russian Revolution, and subsequently to the Stalinist era of the Soviet Union.

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Firstly, I will mention that this is not the first time I have read this book. I have revisited Animal Farm several times throughout my life. This novella is a masterpiece, in my humble opinion. Orwell has accurately critiqued how socialist ideals are corrupted by powerful people, the uneducated masses are taken advantage of, and the eventual transformation of the dictator into a capitalist.

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The character that had always stood out in my mind each time I have read this novella is Boxer, the cart-horse. The most hard working animal on the farm who has blind faith in Napoleon and his dictatorship, and believes that any problem can be solved by working harder. Poor Boxer's fate is heartbreaking, but ultimately a telling "reward".

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I urge people to read this book. Even in the 21st Century, it still holds its weight. Especially, when you take into account what's going on in modern society. A well deserved classic which perfectly illustrates how effective the allegorical style can be.

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#book #bookreview #bookish #georgeorwell #animalfarm #socialism #capitalism #bibliophile #bookgram #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #literature #booksbooksbooks #orwell #bookishlove #readingtime📖 #booksofinstagram #finishedreading #thinksmart

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Currently residing at my home away from home, and decided not to pack physical books to take with me. So, I've brought along my digital library. 589 books to choose from, which is blissful. This little e-reader has served me well over the past nine years without any signs of slowing down. ❤️ #bookishlove #books #bookish #ereader #bookstagram #bookstagram #currentlyreading #booksovereverything #readingtime📖 #read #readingismagic #reading #digitallibrary #bedtimereading #bedtimestories #technology #bookworm #booksbooksbooks #booksofig #booksofinsta https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Pqr60n2sa/?igshid=zdxf8xmq4q07

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BOOK REVIEW: Lock Every Door by Riley Sager.

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Broke, jobless and newly single, Jules Larsen stumbles across a job as an apartment sitter in the prestigious Bartholomew apartment building. All she has to do is abide by the rules; No visitors, don't harass the residents, and no nights spent away from the apartment. With $12,000 salary dangled in front of her for three months residency and being drawn to the luxuriousness of the apartment, a desperate Jules readily takes this position. Whilst residing there, she starts to notice strange happenings around the building, particularly that other temporary residents like herself are going missing. Determined, Jules begins to investigate the Bartholomew and it's dark secrets. Will she be the next face on a missing poster?

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I hadn't read any of Riley Sager's work before, and was a little apprehensive due to the hype surrounding it. I've sadly been sucked in that way before and that particular book was, in my opinion, horrendous. Nevertheless, I charged in. (Aka; I sat comfortably, and opened the cover)

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The book begins with Jules waking up after being hit by a car, and she is recounting events leading up to this accident. The pacing of the novel is a little slow (despite reading it a day) but don't let this deter you. It is slow paced, but enticing.

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I did have an inkling about halfway through the novel as to who the main "culprit" was in this thriller, but that's okay, sometimes I manage to do that. So, there was no twist for me as such. My main criticism is the ending, as it feels eerily similar to a movie I've seen before.

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In closing, I would recommend this book to people who enjoy a decent thriller with a realistic 21st century setting. And some advice for real life situations - if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

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BOOK REVIEW: The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie King.

Long retired, Sherlock Holmes quietly pursues his study of honeybee behavior on the Sussex Downs. He never imagines he would encounter anyone whose intellect matched his own, much less an audacious teenage girl with a penchant for detection. Miss Mary Russell becomes Holmes’ pupil and quickly hones her talent for deduction, disguises and danger. But when an elusive villain enters the picture, their partnership is put to a real test. I almost didn’t post this review. I was going to quietly let this book vanish into obscurity and out of my mind. However, not every book review can be a positive one, that’s just a fact of life. So, here we are. I do not care for this book, and I’ll try to tell you some of my issues with this in a spoiler-free manner as best as I can. The synopsis intrigued me for one reason only: Sherlock Holmes. To me, Sherlock Holmes is one of the finest detectives ever to be created. I couldn’t resist. Sadly, I wish I had resisted. Mary, quite frankly, should have been named Mary Sue. What I find appealing about a protagonist is that you get to see not only their strengths, but also their weaknesses and flaws. This is what makes them come alive from the pages, more human. Take that aspect away, and I find it too farfetched. Second issue, was the pacing of the novel. I’m all for fleshed out character building, but without the waffling on. Certain passages could have been greatly condensed and you wouldn’t lose anything necessary. When you finally get to the culprit, it’s so completely left field, and not in a good way. There was no opportunity to go back and understand exactly how the enemy did it. Why do this? Third, was the portrayal of Holmes and Watson. I feel that their relationship was given a great disservice in this novel. I think it’s stating the obvious to point out that I won’t be reading this again or continuing on with the series. #bookgram #bookishlove #booklover #booknerd #booksofig #bookstagrammer #bookworm #readersofinstagram #igreads #bibliophile #bookaddict #welovebooks #bookishfeature #booksbooksbooks #readingismagic #bookreview #bookstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3WnQiZndaO/?igshid=7uzhlg3qyma3

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One of the most beautiful declarations of love that I have ever read in my life 😍 #bookgram #bookishlove #booklover #booknerd #booksofig #bookstagrammer #bookworm #readersofinstagram #igreads #bibliophile #bookaddict #welovebooks #prideandprejudice #janeausten #mrdarcy https://www.instagram.com/p/B2_P12NHe5w/?igshid=ggehofaojyge

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This is accurate, and wise. #books #bookish #bookstagram #bookquotes #quotes #reading #dostoevsky #communication #igreads #thoughts #bibliophile #booksbooksbooks #unhappy #confusion #talking https://www.instagram.com/p/B2-gtZ_H5WH/?igshid=1cs8hyinenzcb

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BOOK REVIEW:- A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami. • "The man was leading an aimless life, time passing, one big blank. His girlfriend has perfectly formed ears, ears with the power to bewitch, marvels of creation. The man receives a letter from a friend, enclosing a seemingly innocent photograph of sheep and a request: place the photograph somewhere where it will be seen. Then, one September afternoon, the phone rings and the adventure begins. Welcome to the wild sheep chase." • This book is one of Murakami's earlier works, and I was saddened to be told that this is actually book 3 of The Rat series and the first two books are out of print. It is exactly what it supposed to be: a wild sheep chase. Our narrator sets out to a far corner of Japan searching for a mutant sheep, with a deadline imposed by a powerful yet mysterious man in black. Along the narrators journey we meet a women with bewitching and beautiful ears, a chauffeur who calls up God every night, and many other people associated with sheep. • Being one of Murakami's earlier works, the traits of his novels that I've come to know and love are very prominent; the easy to accept quirkiness and the humour, so I rather enjoyed this book. I have only one criticism, and it's somewhat of a small one. There is a character in this book that, while interesting, is given dialogue without any spacing between the words, for example, sentenceslooklikethis. That was a little annoying to the eyes and reminded me of hashtags, but I understand why it was done. That small thing aside, I would read this again, for sure. #bookish #bookstagram #bookreview #igreads #harukimurakami #murakami #awildsheepchase #bibliophile #bookworm #books #book #finishedreading #read #igbooks #bookreviews https://www.instagram.com/p/B2oxzy6HKYb/?igshid=15jnko4ld0qp4

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The weather is a little woolly outside today, so what better book to read than A Wild Sheep Chase? Also yes, I am in my pyjamas already. 📚🐑👌 #bookstagram #igreads #bookish #murakami #harukimurakami #currentlyreading #windy #pyjamas #books #bookworm #igreads #reading #librarybook #wednesdayvibes #book #bibliophile #nowreading https://www.instagram.com/p/B2i5oMtH753/?igshid=1lm2g9og7a7f1

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BOOK REVIEW: The Hollow Tree by James Brogden • After losing her hand in a tragic accident, Rachel is plagued by vivid nightmares of a hollow tree, and a hand reaching from it, begging her for help. Terrified that she is going mad, Rachel experiences phantom sensations of leaves, trees, and finally a hand that grasps hers and pulls a young woman into Rachel's world. She has no idea of who she is, but Rachel can't help but think of the local legend of Oak Mary, the corpse of a woman found hidden in a hollow tree, and who was never identified. Three myths have grown up around the body; was she a spy, a prostitute or a murdered gypsy? Rachel is desperate to learn the truth, but darker forces are at work. For a rule has been broken, and Mary is in a world where she doesn't belong... • I enjoyed the pace and well fleshed out characters of this novel. The supernatural element surrounding the characters was not too overwhelming. The premise being loosely based around the 'Bella and the Wych Elm mystery' combined with the right amount of realism and grit made it a real page turner. The ending, however, felt a little rushed and anti-climatic which knocked a few points off overall. Seat of the pants thriller? I wouldn't say so. Enjoyable read? Definitely. James Brogdens' style of writing is somewhat unique, and I would like to read more of his work in future. #books #bookish #bookreview #bibliophile #igbooks #bookstagram #igreads https://www.instagram.com/p/B2awRLDHlkE/?igshid=1vzamomd12zuv

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Found these little beauties while out on our date night. Late night book shopping together with delectable Turkish food make for a wonderful evening! ~ Check out New Edition Bookshop if you're ever in Fremantle; a beautiful little bookshop with a fantastic range to offer. #bookish #books #bibliophile #bookshop #mishima #bookshopping https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Lxzg_nfsl/?igshid=omz6uxj1csh3

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“In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood, like a hundred golden urns pouring out the sun.” . Patroclus, an awkward and shy young prince, is exiled from his family due to a misfortunate incident and is sent to the court of King Peleus, where his perfect son Achilles resides. Patroclus and Achilles are very different; Patroclus is shy, alone and an onlooker to others activities, whereas Achilles is confident and destined for greatness. Despite these differences, Achilles befriends the shamed Patroclus and it is the start of a blossoming friendship. . Madeline Miller has given us a coming-of-age retelling of the Iliad, and has been careful not to stray too far from Homer's work entirely. The Song of Achilles is told through the eyes of Patroclus, lifelong companion of Achilles. This relationship has often been a debated subject, and we can only interpret Homers' intentions. In this novel, however, the intention is clear and you are witness to a genuine and deep affection between our two heroes naturally grow as the story unfolds. The story focuses less on the infamous wrath of Achilles, but of a softer and naive side to his nature. . Having read Circe first, I had high expectations for this book. I also managed to devour it in matter of hours, which could be something of a record. Smooth, flowing writing and familiarity from reading the Iliad definitely helped me read cover to cover at maximum warp, but also because I enjoyed it. Did I enjoy it as much as Circe? No, but that is not a criticism. I connected more with the story of Circe on an emotional level than I did with Achilles and Patroclus, as beautiful as this imagining is. #bookstagram #book #books #bookish #bookreview #igreads #madelinemiller #songofachilles https://www.instagram.com/p/B1_j6tgHEY8/?igshid=z9w01parhdk5

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~ Tonight's reading choice ~ There's nothing better than unwinding with a pot of tea and a book. #books #bookish #bookstagram #bibliophile #igbooks #currentlyreading #bookselfie #madelinemiller #songofachilles https://www.instagram.com/p/B1_P7q6HzgQ/?igshid=y9xd2x0nyoom

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September 1931, Honolulu, Hawaii. Thalia Massey, a naval lieutenants' wife, claims to be the victim of gang rape by five Hawaiian men. Following a hung jury in the rape trial, mother of Thalia and socialite Grace Fortescue, decides to take matters into her own hands. With the aid of Thalia's husband and two of his naval colleagues, they kidnap one of the accused in an attempt to coerce a confession and ultimately kill him in the process. They are caught attempting to dump the body in the ocean and are arrested. With the help of Fortescues' high-society friends, renowned lawyer Clarence Darrow is brought out of retirement to defend the vigilante killers, which results in one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in United States history and threatens to touch-off a race war in Hawaii. I first saw a documentary about these cases on Netflix, so was a little familiar with the subject matter. However, television can only provide so much information, whereas a book can show you the depths. Mike Farris has not only meticulously researched these cases, but has managed to captivate the reader with the combination of legal accuracy and journalistic literary style. This combination provides a compelling read, particularly for this subject matter. The subject matter itself is unpleasant: lies, deceit, prejudice, racism, mental illness, revenge, and political power play. It also leaves a permanent stain on the legacy of Clarence Darrow; a man considered by many as one of the greatest legal minds of all time. I recommend people read this book, as it is a valuable lesson in social history as well as true crime. Well written, meticulously researched, and thought provoking.