
Wittgenstein and Modernism
Michael LeMahieu and Karen Zumhagen-Yekple
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Ludwig Wittgenstein famously declared that philosophy "ought really to be written only as a form of...
Making an Elephant
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FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF LAST ORDERS AND MOTHERING SUNDAY, and reissued for the first time in...

Margaret the First
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'I am as Ambitious as ever any of my Sex was, is, or can be; though I cannot be Henry the Fifth, or...

Amanda Palmer recommended Let Love In by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds in Music (curated)

Loveability: Knowing How to Love and Be Loved
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"Love is your destiny. It is the purpose of your life. It is the key to your happiness and to the...

There There
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Fierce, angry, funny, heartbreaking—Tommy Orange’s first novel is a wondrous and shattering...

Merissa (13149 KP) rated Cycled (Gold Hockey #13) in Books
Oct 18, 2021 (Updated Jul 12, 2023)
Scar has had her own issues to deal with, both in personal and work relationships. So when she starts to fall for Kaydon, she does everything in her power to avoid him. This, in turn, leads him to think she dislikes him. When circumstances arise that prove she likes him, Kaydon isn't about to take no for an answer, unless it truly is something she doesn't want. With his coaxing, Scar is able to overcome her past traumas, and realise just how good a catch she actually is.
Although this is written from both perspectives, I would say this is more Scar's book than Kaydon's, simply because he is the one with a loving family, whereas hers are a bit... different! Her brother, Charlie, has his own story to tell and, lucky me, is next! The relationship Scar has with him is completely different to that of her parents, and was wonderful and warm.
There is some fantastic dialogue in this book, that will make you smile, make you laugh, and even make you want to cry. Watching Scar take a stand was sheer poetry in motion.
A brilliant addition to the series that I have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 18, 2021

Merissa (13149 KP) rated Broken Silence (Rock Bottom #1) in Books
Jun 23, 2025
I enjoyed this story and finding out about Justin's past, what he had done, and why. I also enjoyed learning about Foster. As a couple, though, these two confused me. Yes, they work together, the attraction was instantaneous, as was them both fighting it, BUT I didn't get the constantly changing attitude from Justin about people finding out. He is terrified of Carolyn finding out that he and Foster are together, but when she sees his coat and backpack on the floor, just after she's had a conversation with Foster finally finding someone and moving on with his life, Justin gets all blasé about it, saying there's nothing to be worried about. THEN he gets all nervous again when he sees her in the library. This just didn't work for me, and I hated the back and forth that came about because of it.
With a great cast of supporting characters, I did enjoy this story and look forward to reading more in this series. If you don't mind the changing attitude, then I definitely RECOMMEND this book.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 23, 2025

Merissa (13149 KP) rated Paper Cranes in Books
Jun 19, 2017
As bad as this may sound, each time I start a new Jordan Ford book I think to myself that I can't possible enjoy it as much as I did "...", and yet each time Jordan Ford proves me wrong. I LOVED this fairy tale retelling, mainly because of the tongue in cheek references to Rapunzel that the characters themselves tease each other with. Seeing the rises and falls that Tristan goes through, the calm acceptance of Helena, the joy, love, and laughter that these two share... it's just wonderful. I also have a re-appreciation for Shakespeare and poetry! Now, this book isn't all sweetness and light, so don't think it is, BUT it does show what can happen if you keep the faith in love, hope, happiness, and fairy tale endings.
Exceptionally written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in recommending it.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated An American Marriage in Books
May 25, 2018
If this book was found in the poetry section of my local bookstore, I would believe it.
“Marriage is like grafting a limb onto a tree trunk,” Celestial reflects. “You have the limb, freshly sliced, dripping sap, and smelling of springtime, and then you have the mother tree stripped of her protective bark, gouged and ready to receive this new addition. ... In my marriage, I never determined which of us was rootstock and which the grafted branch.”
And the story is just the cherry on top of the words. Celestial and Roy, barely out of the newlywed phase when Roy is sent to prison. It's a heartbreaking story, of separation, as well as togetherness, between this married couple, but in a grander scheme a critique on America and unequal treatment of its citizens. I didn't particularly like any of the characters, but I felt for them, probably more than I've ever felt for any character in a novel. I felt for them in my soul.
It's not a activism story. It's a love story. About the American dream and how just like a spouse, your country can fail you - no matter how hard you work for your dreams.
It's poignant, and thoughtful, and written like a painting. I am so glad I read this book. For several different reasons. And I'm excited to read what Tayari Jones paints next.