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CampbellTaraL

CampbellTaraL

Joined March 2018

I'm here for books as a reader. I write about Science, Technology, and Disability over here: https://taralcampbell.com
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CampbellTaraL
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I needed something to help me through the final stretch of a very long knit project (summer dress, fingering weight bamboo yarn...) and decided to start this audiobook.

1. Where the heck has this book been my whole life?
2. How can I find a modern version of James Herriot to adore?
3. I'm only five chapters in; wth sorcery is this?!

(I'm in trouble when I get to the series in PBS, aren't I?)

Ruthiella I loved this book and the old PBS series from the late‘70s! 2w
34 likes1 stack add2 comments
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CampbellTaraL
Ruin and Rising | Leigh Bardugo
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Pickpick

A good ending of the trilogy. At times a little drawn out and plot wrap ups a little too neatly, but overall good storytelling. I am not big on YA fiction so this is a refreshing reminder that there are great stories in the fantasy YA genre.

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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

Such a well written nonfiction story that refrains from embellishment, instead relying on source material that could have easily not existed and we would never have known of this remarkable Icelandic woman. Dedicated to historical accuracy while casting off the shackles of bigoted and sexist interpretations of the not-distant past, I am so impressed with Willson's meticulous research and storytelling. A great deal of thanks is owed for this work.

30 likes2 stack adds
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CampbellTaraL
Siege and Storm | Leigh Bardugo
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Pickpick

Overall a good story, but it wasn't as exciting as the first. YA relationship fixation bubbled over more than I'd have liked but wasn't the worst. The world building and cultural themes are fantastic.

Kindle ed: Excerpts from two other books makes it seem like the book will never end, compounding the dragging middle effect (the book itself as well as being #2 in the series). Keep track of the chapters so you don't give up right before the end.

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CampbellTaraL
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Mehso-so

I wanted so much more from this book. It's a very man-centric view and exclusive to Britain. The author ropes me in with statements like: "[...]we have become detached from making, and it isn't a good state for us to be in." But then slogs on and on, primarily about his experiences as someone with the wealth and time to dedicate to reenactment under the guise of research. Excellent points made throughout, just falls flat with delivery.

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CampbellTaraL
Third Place Books Lake Forest Park | Lake Forest Park, WA (Bookstore)
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Wow, I can't believe it's been five years, but I've no complaints! Very much enjoy my #Litsy time.

Happy #Litsaversary to my fellow March 20th book nerds 💛🤗

JamieArc Happy Litsyversary 🎉 3mo
julesG Happy Litsyversary! 3mo
Jas16 Happy Litsyversary 🎉📚 3mo
See All 8 Comments
TheSpineView Happy Litsyversary!🥳🥳🥳 3mo
AmyG Congrats! 🎉 3mo
JessClark78 Happy Litsyversary! 🎊📚🎉 3mo
Reggie Happy Litsyversary!!! 3mo
Ruthiella Happy Litsyversary ! 🥳🥳🥳 3mo
24 likes8 comments
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CampbellTaraL
A Half-Built Garden | Ruthanna Emrys
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Bailedbailed

I wanted to like this but it just didn't click. The weirdness of extraterrestrial life was fine. The extra weirdness of aliens trying to punt humans from their habitat out of the goodness of their heart (?) was meh. The thing that killed it for me though was the glib character narrative and the fact some everyday persons with an infant are allowed to make first contact is just... No. Not buying it. The blurb read great, the story not so much.

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CampbellTaraL
Shadow and Bone | Leigh Bardugo
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Pickpick

I am pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book. A much more global take on fantasy with politics of serious consequence, and magic with limits. *Almost* had a love triangle (bleh) but it didn't go there which is a relief. Strong, memorable characters with a fair amount of development.

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CampbellTaraL
The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story | Nikole Hannah-Jones, The New York Times Company
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Pickpick

I don't know what to say that will do justice to the work involved in this book, especially not in the short space of a review blurb. This should be required material for all US students, whether it's the original NYT mag work, the book/audiobook production, or the Hulu docuseries. I opted for audiobook and it did not disappoint.

Aimeesue The audiobook was stellar! 3mo
27 likes1 stack add1 comment
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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

I appreciate books that use visuals while telling the story of difficult concepts. In this case, the concepts themselves aren't the difficult part, it's the way we've bought into consumerism and capitalism to the point of no return (it feels like, may not actually be the case). Adrift has a lot packed in without overwhelming the reader. Setup perfectly to read and digest a topic at a time.

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CampbellTaraL
Lunch Break | Ellen Grasso
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Bookstore on my lunch break. 🤓

Also, I'd just like to thank the bookshop sellers for using easy-remove pricing stickers.

Clare-Dragonfly Both very intriguing titles! 4mo
CampbellTaraL @Clare-Dragonfly Yes! Craft (Craeft?) is my next to read for nonfiction, need a lighter read after the heavy topics later 4mo
32 likes2 comments
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CampbellTaraL
A Rip Through Time: A Novel | Kelley Armstrong
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Bailedbailed

Made it 35% in but just couldn't continue. Far too much glib internal monologue explaining the obvious. Frustrating because the premise is great and I really, really wanted to like this book. I think the story would have worked had it not been in first person narrative.

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CampbellTaraL
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Mehso-so

Backstory and closure story on our favorite murderer, Maud. I didn't enjoy this sequel nearly as much as the original--it dragged pretty hard in the middle and had a typical ending. But if you're invested in Maud, it's a worthwhile read.

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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

For neurodivergent (autism, ADHD, HSP, SPD), non-male people. A key trait, sensitivity, has been overlooked because it's associated w/women, a population underrepresented in medical studies until 1990s (Saini). Those of us diagnosed later in life, it usually follows a massive breakdown or the verge of suicide. We must stop pathologizing differences. Billions of brains on this planet, we do not need to conform to the "one true model" of existence.

MyNamesParadise My sister who is a psychologist read this book and loved it! I‘m autistic so I‘m great more is out there about neurodiversity. 4mo
CampbellTaraL @MyNamesParadise That is wonderful! I felt this book goes a long way in demonstrating the overlap that occurs in neurodiversity. The book also encourages others to let us design for our needs which in turn always benefits everyone. 4mo
TieDyeDude My wife was diagnosed with autism late in life and got a lot out of this book 4mo
30 likes3 comments
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CampbellTaraL
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I'm going in! 😁🧓🔪☠️

StaceGhost Have so much fun! I love Maud 😈 4mo
CampbellTaraL @StaceGhost She's wonderful (scary)! 4mo
StaceGhost @CampbellTaraL haha! Yes! Cold blooded 4mo
34 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

Aggravating book but still worth reading. Packed w/research on the policy, market, and business motives that warped our agricultural system. The author is a farmer who is fighting unimaginable, deeply-fixed mechanisms that too many of us are ignorant and dismissive of because we were taught to scorn farming culture in favor of business and knowledge work. Farmers are frustrated and desperate for action at policy level, and they need our help.

1/2

CampbellTaraL Fail: author paints scientists in negative stereotypes while advocating for progressives to stop doing the exact same thing to farmers.

Success: depth of research on the disasterous state of our food system, and the purposeful destruction of peoples' connection with the land and the autonomy to make a purposeful living outside the relentless growth model of capitalism. 2/2
5mo
Clare-Dragonfly I was just thinking earlier today about what nonsense it is that farmers aren‘t the highest-paid people in our economy. 5mo
CampbellTaraL @Clare-Dragonfly Agree 100%. 5mo
35 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

A down-to-earth style in a conversational tone. The book gets right to the heart of the problem in a way that is compassionate and clear. The actionable parts are geared for those in philanthropic foundation roles in order to change the massive "ivory tower-white savior" problem, but taken down at a community or individual level, it's still great guidance on what we all can do to decolonize wealth.

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CampbellTaraL
Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt
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Pickpick

Lives up to the hype. Great story, complex characters, believable plot twists, and a curmudgeonly octopus who goes the distance for his elderly human friend, risking his last moments to help her find peace and connection. I enjoyed this humble but heartfelt story.

36 likes3 stack adds
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CampbellTaraL
Eartheater: A Novel | Dolores Reyes
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Pickpick

Not an easy read, no tidy resolution, but still a powerful story. If you are having trouble in the beginning, feeling confused or unable to connect with the protagonist, go read the translator's notes at the end. In a way, I think that info should be at the front because the author's profession and experience, as well as the culture and regional language nuance, is helpful for understanding where this story takes place (barrios of Argentina).

1/2

CampbellTaraL The story itself is contemporary with low level fantasy elements of mysticism through the view of a neglected and abandoned young adult, her brother, and their experience in poverty dealing with shady police and the criminal underworld. 2/2 5mo
29 likes1 stack add1 comment
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CampbellTaraL
Killers of a Certain Age | Deanna Raybourn
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Pickpick

A fast-paced novel that stays true to clandestine organizations stories but with just a touch of wry humor expected from experienced retirees. I liked that backstory from the characters' early years in the 80s-90s was kept to a minimum, focusing exclusively on their later years. And it was great to see them in action and independent of domestic tropes. Definitely a fun read!

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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

There's a lot we (society) get wrong about memories. So much of what we "know" is myth. The good news is that well-written books like this one are out there and can put a lot of unnecessary worry at ease.

Big take away: we are supposed to forget in the same way we're supposed to keep learning throughout our entire lives. It's amazing, really.

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CampbellTaraL
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Regardless of what today means to you, sending good cheer and big books for you and the people you love.

Ruthiella Happy holidays to you! 5mo
Eggs Merry Christmas! 5mo
32 likes2 comments
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CampbellTaraL
Project Hail Mary | Andy Weir
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Bailedbailed

This author is a one-hit wonder for me. I loved The Martian but this book and the one before I couldn't get past the clumsy writing and bad stereotypes. Project Hail Mary is first person w/exhaustive internal narrative exposition on the science. It felt more like "look how smart I am!" than any added benefit to the reader. It would have been more relatable if the author accepted that the reader trusts him and got on with the storytelling instead.

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CampbellTaraL
Third Place Books Lake Forest Park | Lake Forest Park, WA (Bookstore)
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I'll probably land a bit higher since I have three books in the works and my xmas week break book coming up. But! I wanted to share that I got my 52 books goal for the year. Thank you, my unaware accountability buddies, for your support! 🤓📚💛

slategreyskies Congrats!! 🎉 ✨ 6mo
34 likes1 comment
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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

I knew nothing about the quintuplets born in Ontario, Canada back in 1934, I picked this book up on a whim. It's good but it's so sad and there's definitely not a happy ending. The book is a work of fiction based on historical accounts of what really happened; the author did a boatload of research. Definitely recommend but maybe have an uplifting read lined up afterwards.

Megabooks This is great nonfiction about them! 6mo
CampbellTaraL @Megabooks Thank you for the rec! This is probably going to hurt to read but I'm invested. 6mo
29 likes2 comments
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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

3yo and younger: no screen time. There are no social, language, or cognition gains for this age group when exposed to screen-based content, only negative impacts.

People need to people. The more we sub online life for in-person life, the less we're able to function in person which creates a loop that puts us at much greater risk of depression, anxiety, dementia, and early death.

Stop device multitasking. It's destroying our capacity to focus.

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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

A beautiful story within a story within a story within a story. Vivid details and heart wrenching themes that transcend time, this is an ode to books, storytellers, and what it is to be human. It'll make you want to find and treasure that one old dilapidated and quirky book you hold dear.

33 likes3 stack adds
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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

Overall: good, helpful info. The subtitle is inflated, however. The first two chapters explain attachment theory and the importance of friendship. The rest of the book is all about making and keeping friends. It uses many anecdotal stories to explain the science, making it accessible to a general audience. Take away: tighten up your bonds with friends, the loose "friend" habits of social media are a detriment to your health.

30 likes1 stack add
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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

A wonderfully weird story with deep, revealing layers. Surface level: a contemporary fantasy and sci-fi that at times goes off the rails but is pulled back just in time by strong character development. Digging in: the misery unsupported transgender youth endure, long-standing sexism excused by "tradition", and the ever present racism underlying it all. The book does a lot but it's successful with it's charm and honesty.

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CampbellTaraL
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Mehso-so

I liked this one but it did lean more textbook than general reader engagement. If you're interested in learning about neanderthals, you won't be disappointed with the information packed into this book. If you're picking it up on a whim, it's slow material with a lot of details and footnotes.

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CampbellTaraL
The Great Book Swap | Alan Mitchell
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#BasicWitchSwap opening day, and a big thank you to @LibrarianRyan ! A great selection of goodies, I adore them all. 🧹📚

@sprainedbrain Thanks again for hosting! 🖤🐈‍⬛

LibrarianRyan yeah, I'm glad it made it unscathed. I was worrying about that pestle breaking. 7mo
sprainedbrain Lovely! ❤️ 7mo
33 likes2 comments
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CampbellTaraL
Bailedbailed

It's really weird how much I loved A Man Called Ove but can't stand this book. Something about the petulant too-smart kid trope just grated my nerves. I got 20% in and decided this wasn't a book for me.

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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

Post-menstruation is primetime. We need to fight back the notion that it's "cozy, settle into irrelevance" time that is all too common in youth-obsessed society. Respect the many advantages that a brain without reproductive focus has to offer. The transition is rough but the other side is a whole life of exploring, building, and guiding.

Hello, business acumen...

(Continued in comments)

CampbellTaraL Some things didn't resonate with me. I object to the idea that men only feel love & connection through sex. Sure, there are plenty who do, but I think it has more to do with societal norms priming that belief by equivocating sex with romance and love. Reducing men to the sum of their reproductive organ is as destructive as valuing women only in terms of their reproductive viability, the whole point of this book. I still highly recommend this book. 8mo
29 likes1 comment
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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

I've been on a beginner's sewing kick and short of having physical swatches, the Mood guide is helpful for understanding garment materials. I really liked the forward by Tim Gunn and the humble beginnings of Mood Fabrics.

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CampbellTaraL
Choices | Mercedes Lackey
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1. Both
2. Lord of the Rings
3. Both
4. Both
5. Both
6. Both
7. Both
8. Both
9. Both
10. Both

Okay, 90% of the choices are situation-dependent!

#ThisOrThat

ozma.of.oz Lol! Both was mostly my response too! 😆 8mo
CampbellTaraL @ozma.of.oz 🤭 8mo
tpixie Lol yes! 8mo
23 likes3 comments
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CampbellTaraL
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@LibrarianRyan @sprainedbrain - Received my #BasicWitchSwap package safe and sound!

LibrarianRyan yeahhhhh!!!! 8mo
sprainedbrain Woohoo! 🎉 8mo
20 likes2 comments
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CampbellTaraL
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Just in case there's one person who doesn't already get Bookshop.org notifications...

Free shipping today and tomorrow (10/11-12)!

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CampbellTaraL
The Witch's Heart | Genevieve Gornichec
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Pickpick

I started this with cursory, pop-culture level of knowledge on Norse mythology and ended with a newfound appreciation because the story isn't centered on the popular cluster. This is the story of Angrboda and it's a fantastic telling. I loved the modernized dialogue which included lots of humour, wit, and heart.

40 likes2 stack adds
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CampbellTaraL
Untitled | Unknown
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@sprainedbrain Heads up that my swap package was sent out today via UPS. 🧹📚🎉

#BasicWitchSwap

sprainedbrain Yay!! 8mo
21 likes1 comment
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CampbellTaraL
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Bailedbailed

Subtitle should be: I found what works for me and now I'm proselytizing it for all. The author is a freelance writer, not a doctor, not a scientist, not even a science writer. The book is a memoir that uses selected science articles to build a case supporting her way of life. Her self-centered, judgemental outlook doesn't do any favors, and I gave up at ch 8.

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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

A solid nonfiction narrative about the obsession, loathing, and politics of the reintroduced Yellowstone wolves. The journalist was respectful in the portrayal of rural norms on hunting and trophy killing, and I'm anti-trophy killing for any reason. I enjoyed the wider lense on Rick McIntyre, the long-time ranger who has spent over 40 years watching wolves. I recommend McIntyre's wolves trilogy in addition to this one.

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CampbellTaraL
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Bailedbailed

The first 20% was a bit of a slog and the setting was yet another modern day southern belle story centered on strife with the rogue hot guy. I tried to push through but it's really hard to ignore the eye roll elements when I couldn't get behind the setup. I really wanted this to be about circus witches, instead it took far too much time dawdling with a privileged beauty and her missing bad boy.

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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

A slow burn in the first half that was at first frustrating but then forced me to slow down and not try to read it straight through. For me, going one chapter at a time with space between to absorb the events made a difference to my sense of the story. The book is 100% character development, and it's good. My heart was squeezed so tight throughout; my idea of connection is validated in this beautiful story.

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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

2nd ed: Re-entering the sewing world, I picked up this book to learn more about fabric types, and wow, did not disappoint! This edition also had a section in the intro about sustainability and the environmental impact of the clothing industry. It's sickening, to be frank, and hence my interest in understanding fabric/textiles better. Organized well, a lot of information in concise, easy to read chunks w/great photography.

CampbellTaraL Also, natural fibers are not the surefire way to go: There is a ton of waste, pollutants, and land usage to factor in to sustainability. Plus it isn't consistently recyclable. I'm not advocating for plastics everywhere but we need to be a lot more mindful about how many articles of clothing we really need. If we can't give up consumerist low-use habits, at least go for synthetics that can be recycled easily. 9mo
34 likes1 comment
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CampbellTaraL
The Tobacco Wives | Adele Myers
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Pickpick

Fiction drawn from historical accounts of the 1940s when wealth, stability, and community was built around tobacco. A compelling story that illustrates the many social struggles with a world war layered on top: poverty/income disparity, racism, sexism, media manipulation, etc. A few times the story hit contrived notes, and it seemed hard to believe the protagonist was 15, but they were different times and overall the story worked.

33 likes1 stack add
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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

For anyone feeling stuck or wanting to get in touch with their creative side, this is a good place to start. The author/practitioner relies heavily on a handful of known creators (maybe a bit too heavily) for anecdotes and hits the (my) skeptical nerve a bit, see ch8. But overall the practice and thinking guides are helpful. Before you runaway from yet another mindfulness meditation plug, he does offer alternatives.

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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

I was not expecting the emotional one-two ending; it was so good. The story is about a Yellowstone wolf pack's leaders, 21 (alpha male) and 42 (alpha female), and their lifelong bond. There is a lot that unfolds, all based on the careful observations of the author and many others over the course of the late 90s, early 00s. Beautiful storytelling that merges science objectivity and human compassion.

CampbellTaraL @jlhammar Thank you for sharing this one, I'm adding it to my TBR list right now! 9mo
26 likes1 stack add2 comments
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CampbellTaraL
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1. Yellow
2. I'm extremely scentsitive (eh, eh? I'm a relentless punster)
3. The Lost Queen by Signe Pike (story of Merlin's twin sister)
4. Um, is there one with goblins? I 💛 goblins
5. Garnet (birth stone), opal (they're interesting)
6. Dark chocolate
7. See response to 2
8. Celebrating the end of harvest season and welcoming the darker/restful/creative half of the year

#BasicWitchSwap

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CampbellTaraL
The Winds of Winter | George R. R. Martin
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Oh man, I just checked my GR account and.... The Winds of Winter, George R.R. Martin, added: 12/21/2013

I feel like this is a thing. I don't know what kind of thing, but it's a thing.

#LittensWantToKnow
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks So many and so little time!! 9mo
20 likes1 comment
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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

A must read. Not an easy read, but the US was founded on the premise of acquiring land through genocide and war. The process was developed and perfected long before arriving in the Americas, and continues today with a saturated US military presence throughout the world. "Freedom" is a palatable justification but it's not the truth.

33 likes1 stack add
https://www.litsy.com/web/user/CampbellTaraL
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