14 Comments
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Julie's avatar

Man I really wanted to love History Lessons but it felt like it really needed another pass through with an editor! So many similes it was sometimes hard to follow. I liked the core mystery, the side love interest, and Daphne's character but all the extra adjectives made it a bit of a slog for me.

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Elizabeth's avatar

A librarian friend told me the number one rule of recommending books is to know that there is a book for every reader and a reader for every book. The reverse is, of course, that not every book is for every person. Sorry this one wasn't for you!

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Rebecca N's avatar

St Anything. The dynamics of that story are so realistic. I book talk it all the time.

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Elizabeth Marro's avatar

Olivetti and History Lessons both sound wonderful. I know a person who would love Olivetti for her birthday. Thank you!

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Melissa Joulwan's avatar

Oooh, Olivetti sounds like so much fun. Thanks for that rec! In the last few years, I've been collecting novels with non-human narrators. Adding this to my list!

Have you read 'The Pages' by Hugo Hamilton? It's a novel narrated by a book. It's a really moving, sometimes dark, beautifully written novel about the lives touched by a book saved from the book burning in Berlin in May 1933. It has multiple timelines, a prickly (compliment) heroine... I loved it.

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Elizabeth's avatar

Berlin in 1933 already sounds dark. I will check it out!

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DisgruntledPelican's avatar

Olivetti seems written for me. Although I am not sure I'm emotionally ready to be wrecked (assuming that's where those content warnings are heading). When you say children's book are we talking 3rd grade or more middle school/YA?

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Elizabeth's avatar

It's middle grade. I think I would say grades 5-7? Experts play weigh in.

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Anne Barton's avatar

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware

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Rebecca N's avatar

Emily Henry "Beach Read" and Elin Hilderbrand's latest each year is another set of favorites. And the Sarah Dessen books. Who can actually pick a favorite?

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Elizabeth's avatar

Important question: what is your favorite Sarah Dessen book?

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anais's avatar

malibu rising by taylor jenkins reid is such a good beach set book!!

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Lauren Flanagan's avatar

You sold Olivetti to me with the Kate DiCamillo comp. I'm going to read it first then hold onto it for my daughter-- thanks!

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Elizabeth's avatar

I think that's the way to do it. I loved it but wouldn't give it _every_ kid.

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