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Abookinhand

Lover of historical and literary fiction. Favorite authors: Lily King, Maggie O'Farrell, Ann Patchett, Kate Atkinson and Lousie Erdrich

154 points

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Level 2Pagebound Royalty
My Taste
The Great Believers
In Memoriam
Hamnet
Bel Canto
Time of the Child

Abookinhand finished reading and left a rating...

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  • Goodbye, Vitamin
    Abookinhand
    Dec 15, 2025
    4.5
    Enjoyment: 4.5Quality: 4.5Characters: 4.5Plot: 4.0

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  • Abookinhand set their yearly reading goal to 100

    2d

    Abookinhand's 2026 Reading Challenge

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    4d
  • The Plan of Chicago: A City in Stories
    Abookinhand
    Dec 12, 2025
    5.0
    Enjoyment: 4.5Quality: 5.0Characters: 5.0Plot: 4.5

    This is an exceptionally strong collection of stories, each set in a different neighborhood in Chicago. The characters are mostly immigrants and working class and together they paint a vivid picture of the diversity of life in Chicago. These stories are grounded in reality and beautifully written. The author's biographical info at the end of the book indicates that he works as a ghostwriter of nonfiction books. I hope to see more fiction from him as this collection is storytelling at its best.

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  • There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America
    Abookinhand
    Dec 08, 2025
    5.0
    Enjoyment: Quality: 5.0Characters: Plot:

    This was a difficult read as it follows five families in Atlanta who struggle mightily against all odds to maintain housing for their families. As you follow the families, you learn about the many challenges they face in locating, qualifying for and staying put in the places they find. I listened to the audiobook and the narration was excellent. I had a bit of trouble keeping track of the rather large cast of characters and their sometimes rapidly changing circumstances. The families who shared their stories with Goldstone are to be commended for allowing him into their lives so that we can all gain a better understanding of the terrible housing crisis for working families in the US. He offers some possible strategies and solutions at the end of the book.

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  • Abookinhand commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum

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  • Brother-centric books

    Hi all! I'm looking for recs that center around (or heavily include) a good brother-brother dynamic. I loved Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer—the duo of brothers featured in it is one of my all-time favorites! Anyone know a book to satisfy this particular itch? Please and thank you!

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  • Abookinhand started reading...

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    There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America

    There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America

    Brian Goldstone

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    Abookinhand earned a badge

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    Pagebound Royalty

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  • Seascraper
    Abookinhand
    Nov 23, 2025
    4.5
    Enjoyment: 4.5Quality: 4.5Characters: 5.0Plot: 4.5

    Longlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize. Should have made the short list. Benjamin Wood does an incredible job narrating the audiobook and it is well worth listening for his narration and the songs. This is a very atmospheric book with unforgettable characters. One of my top books for 2025.

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  • Abookinhand earned a badge

    3w
    Level 2

    Level 2

    100 points

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  • Good Morning, Midnight
    Abookinhand
    Nov 21, 2025
    4.0
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  • After You'd Gone
    Abookinhand
    Nov 20, 2025
    3.5
    Enjoyment: 3.5Quality: 3.5Characters: 4.0Plot: 3.5

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