The Basic Critic

Open Wide by Jessica Gross⁣
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BLURB: “A radio host obsessed with human connection records conversations with a surgeon, leading to a disturbing plan to keep him close by exploiting the gap between his teeth.”⁣
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MY THOUGHTS: I’ve spent the evening trying to wrap my brain around how I feel about this story. It’s trippy, gross, concerning, but also holds a conversation about consent and the relationships we form with those around us. It also makes you want to keep turning the page! ⁣
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Our FMC, Olive, meets Theo, while volunteering at a food bank in New York. Finally, she feels a genuine connection to someone where it doesn’t feel awkward or forced. This connection which leads to affection turns into an unsettling obsession. ⁣
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This is truly an “unhinged girl” type of story! There are parts of this book that I think could’ve been left out that pertain to a dog- really could’ve done without that. I would have also liked more background around Theo as well within this story. ⁣
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Based on the uniqueness of Jessica Gross’ writing, I think I’d be willing to check out her other novel, “Hysteria” in the future. ⁣
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HOW I READ IT: kindle📱⁣/ buddy read with Sarah (had such a great time talking about this book!)
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RATING: 3.5 🌟 ⁣
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Have you read this book? What is your favorite “unhinged” story?

Fridays nights are starting to look cozier by the day now that August is reaching its end! ⁣
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Comfy blanket, crispy Diet Coke and my current read. ⁣
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What are your Friday nights looking like?

The Vampire’s Cult by Chet Hardin⁣
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BLURB: Investigative journalist exposes how a self-proclaimed vampire and his queen lured women into a deadly cult, leading to Sydney Loofe’s murder in Nebraska. ⁣
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MY THOUGHTS: I had no idea about this case going into my read of the synopsis of this non-fiction. The details within this book are hard to read and actually shook me more than I expected. The way these criminals manipulated their victims and made theirs lives hell is heartbreaking. ⁣
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If you end up picking this true crime deep dive up, please look in to the content; I wish I had done that a little bit more myself. ⁣
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HOW I READ IT: physical 📖 ⁣
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RATING: non-fiction, so I don’t rate. ⁣
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What is one true crime moment that sticks out in your mind?

girl lunch activated ✨ ⁣
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During the busy work day, it’s always nice to get a little snack plate in while reading a couple pages on break. ⁣
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Sargento Mighty Bites are a great pick and add in some small peppers for an extra crunch! ⁣
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What snacks are your go-to when reading? ⁣
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hummingbirds

Library Sale Book Haul 📚 ⁣
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A couple weeks ago the St. Charles Public Library hosted their annual book sale at the Family Arena. ⁣
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I was able to snag a few authors and titles that I’ve been interested in, and am curious to know if you’ve read any of these or have them on your TBR?⁣
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•”Forensics” by Val McDermid⁣
•”Ghosts” by Dolly Alderton⁣
•”The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold⁣
•”A Very Typical Family” by Sierra Godfrey⁣
•”The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah⁣
•”Golden Girl” by Elin Hilderbrand

✨Recent Birthday Book Haul ✨ ⁣
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Back from a float trip weekend, and here to bring you the recent hauls from the last week! ⁣
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🎁 Gifted: ⁣
•The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton ⁣
•Run on Red by Noelle W. Ihli⁣
•The Thicket by Noelle W. Ihli⁣
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To me, from me ♥️:⁣
•The Vampire’s Cult by Chet Hardin⁣
•You’ll Be Sorry by Lisa Gardner⁣
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What do you think will need to be the next “must read” from this list?? ⁣
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I know our side of the internet really enjoys Noelle W. Ihli for thrillers! I’ve never read Kate Morton yet, should I pick that one? ⁣

Spend an analog afternoon with me ☀️⁣
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My internet provider chose violence this week, and ultimately forced me into an analog afternoon over the weekend. ⁣
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How I spent my day~⁣
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💜 Crispy Diet Coke run⁣
💜 Word searches⁣
💜 Catching up with my current read ⁣
💜 Cozy coloring ⁣
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What are your favorite analog hobbies that keeps you offline or away from any screens? ⁣

This is where you will find me for the foreseeable future. A crisp new book, and hiding in the AC. 🥰⁣
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My treat to myself after a busy 4th of July weekend! ⁣
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How are you spending your Sunday? How was your holiday weekend?

June Wrap-Up ☀️ ⁣
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Rough month of reading where I know I could have read more, and I didn’t. Whether that be from my reading slump, or just the craziness of the month.⁣
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📖 The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff ⁣
(5🌟)⁣
📖 Amity by Nathan Harris (3.5 🌟) ⁣
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What was your favorite read of June? What are you anticipating for July?