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Elizabeth T. Brunetti's avatar

I just posted my May Reads here: https://treuwords.substack.com/p/how-an-octopus-a-guncle-and-a-time

NOW, let's talk about what you read! I'm sorry about that last one -- I've noticed that ever since Gone Girl, publishing houses rush to put out competing novels in the same genre as a single one that hit big -- and it SHOWS. I'm definitely adding those Summer books to my to-read list after your rave reviews! Thanks for sharing!

I am almost finished with The Psychology of Money (I'm working on my relationship with money and overspending), and novel-wise, next up are The Change by Kirsten Miller and Liars by Sarah Manguso -- both feminist novels, I hope I can handle the patriarchy-blasting! :)

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Julie Chiou's avatar

yes! you're right. the whole Gone Girl trope...majority of them honestly seem to fall flat. First Lie Wins was actually SO good though..so i guess like 1 in 10 are good, lol

the psychology of money sounds like something i could get some tips from...i am such an impulse buyer and it's my dopamine hit. i sometimes blame OCD too. thanks for sharing! i'll keep an eye out for your review on those feminist novels.

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Elizabeth T. Brunetti's avatar

I liked First Lie Wins, too. I gave it 4 stars. But I can’t tell you what the plot line was. That’s the thing about most womens’ thrillers — they go in one ear and out the other. A few of them stick with me, though. Like Lisa Jewell novels, for me. I still think about Then She Was Gone, and remember where I was when I read it (Outer Banks of NC). I guess Lisa Jewell’s books are dark and twisty enough for me to remember LOL!

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Julie Chiou's avatar

part of my problem with thrillers is that i read them so fast b/c i want to find out what happens so that's majority why i can't remember them LOL

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Elizabeth T. Brunetti's avatar

I’m the same way!!

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michelle r's avatar

I haven't read anything by Paige Toon or Carley Fortune but will definitely be checking them out.

I just finished Ali Hazelwood's most recent book, Problematic Summer Romance and I absolutely loved it.

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Julie Chiou's avatar

highly recommend starting with Carley Fortune! i’ve never read anything by Ali Hazelwood, but her new book is on my holds list from the library! i’m thrilled to hear you loved it - i’m excited to read it!

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