28 Comments
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Plain Jane's avatar

Hi Kate, wanted to return to let you know that after reading this (and finishing a big deadline!) I picked up The Wedding People and it's been my weekend read - loving it and am grateful for the recommendation. 😊

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Kate Jones's avatar

Oh, wonderful! It's lovely to hear when somebody enjoys a book I recommend 😊 It's a perfect read for a spring/summer weekend 📚

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Angela Jackson's avatar

Ah, yes, I recommended it to you a couple of months ago. Reading this, I’m glad I did. I’m sure others also recommended it. X

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Angela Jackson's avatar

Ooh, I’ve not come across Scaffolding. Will seek it out, thank you. I’ve just read Leaving by Roxana Robinson. Different tone, but WOW!

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Kate Jones's avatar

Ah! Thank you, Angela, both for the recommendation and for reminding me it was you! I always make a note of book recs from readers but then I never remember who it was from! I absolutely loved this book, it is one of two favourites of this year so far (the other being Scaffolding by Lauren Elkin). I’m just disappointed Alison Espach’s other novels aren’t yet available in the UK.

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Claire Holden's avatar

Adding it to the list, thanks Kate.

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Kate Jones's avatar

Excellent! :)

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Eleanor Jones's avatar

I really want to read this now! I’ve not heard of it but it sounds like an unusual mix of dark humour, wit and touching moments. I’ve added it to my list :)

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Kate Jones's avatar

I thi know you'd love it! Especially the character of Lila and the dynamics between the two women.

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Victoria K. Walker's avatar

Thanks for the recommendation and thoughtful essay, Kate.

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Kate Jones's avatar

You're welcome 😊 such a great book.

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Petya K. Grady's avatar

i have been avoiding this book because i thought it was "just romance" which is not my favorite to read. i am not even sure why i got this idea. i stand corrected! i love female academic narratives as well!!! have you read Vladimir by Julia May Jonas? It's super fun.

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Kate Jones's avatar

I haven't read that, no, will check it out. It's so much more than romance, which I don't particularly enjoy either.

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Lassandro Ivana's avatar

So many ideas. So much to think about. Thank you!!!

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Kate Jones's avatar

You're welcome!

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Plain Jane's avatar

Beautiful review - I'm planning to find and read this! 🌷

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Kate Jones's avatar

Thank you! I think you'd love it 😀

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Jon (Animated)'s avatar

Sounds like a real find this one. Great piece as ever.

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Kate Jones's avatar

Thanks!

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Kathleen Clare Waller's avatar

Looks like an another great rec, Kate! Also I love when sentimental books are also funny :)

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Kate Jones's avatar

Thanks, Kate! I honestly think you’d love it. And yes- I feel like the light and dark of humour and sentiment really go together, as in life!

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Baird Brightman's avatar

Heavy. There is a kind of grief that literally consumes the entire person. Losing one's mother at birth certainly qualifies. I found myself wondering what the magic of Phoebe's connection ("twinning"?) with Lila consists of. That serendipity does happen, and it can be literally life saving.

Thanks for sharing your reading experience, Kate.

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Kate Jones's avatar

Thank you, Baird. Yes, the connection they share in the book (and their scenes together) are some of the most illuminating.

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laura thompson's avatar

Sounds GOOD. Thank you Kate. Wonderful empathic criticism.

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Kate Jones's avatar

Thank you, Laura! That means a lot. I think you'd enjoy!

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laura thompson's avatar

As do I... I'm on it!

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The Gleeful Dabbler's avatar

This sounds like a book I'd like, thanks for the recommendation.

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Kate Jones's avatar

You’re welcome!

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