Books, What's On Your Bookshelf?

One Book Leads To Another

I love how NetGalley has something for everyone. I especially appreciate that they offer upcoming titles from best-selling authors to everyday readers. Recently, I read and reviewed Nicholas Sparks’ Counting Miracles. Soon after, I was invited to preview Liane Moriarty’s new release, Here One Moment.

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Here One Moment is a fast-paced, compelling read with well-drawn characters that immediately intrigue you. It also delivers a powerful message about the fleeting nature of life, reminding readers to live fully, defy the odds, and challenge the limitations we often impose upon ourselves. My full review can be found [here]. 4.5 stars.

I first read The World According to Garp when it came out in 1978 and watched the film adaptation in 1982. Although I hadn’t revisited the novel until recently, its story left a lasting impression. It seemed like the perfect time for a second look. I recommended Garp to both of my book clubs, having an inkling that they might have slightly different reactions.

Both clubs have now met, and my hunch was spot-on. Each group took away something quite different from the book, leading to two stimulating and insightful discussions.

My online Classic Book Club (with my Australian #WOYBS cohosts) met first. None of them had read Garp before or seen the film. Their conclusion: “This novel packs a wallop. The humour is unlike what we’re used to. The structure, content, inserted metafiction, and underlying violence were challenging. The story was bleak and grey with no glimmer of sunshine.” (3 stars). However, they all agreed that the novel deserved its place on must-read lists.

Two days later, my local in-person book club met. All members had read the novel when it was first published and all were fans. While they agreed it was dark and complex, they disagreed that it lacked hope. They felt the dark humour highlighted life’s sorrows and tragedies, adding layers to the novel’s themes and offering coping mechanisms for the characters. They thought the existential themes encouraged readers to confront life’s fragility, offering profound insights into our shared human existence. Despite the darkness, they found moments of hope, especially in Jenny Fields’ outreach to marginalized characters and the healing of Garp, Helen, and Duncan after Walt’s death. Most importantly, they believed this novel is primarily about love–the fear of losing those we hold most dear and the resilience to go on after unspeakable tragedy. (5 stars).

I am grateful to be part of two incredible book clubs. I have a deeper connection to the books that we have read together (and now especially, Garp) because of these candid and thought-provoking conversations.

Have you read this controversial book (often listed as a love-it or hate it novel)? If so, what were your thoughts?

While rabbit-holing with Garp, I discovered that it’s listed in both Mustich’s 1000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List and Boxall’s 1001 BooksYou Must Read Before You Die. Comparing the two (lists [here] and [here]), it was quickly apparent that Mustich’s version contained a broader spectrum of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, plays, classics, contemporary, children’s literature and even a cookbook or two.


Boxwell’s version appeared to be more narrowly and academically focussed on novels. The single author of his book, Mustich’s work feels more personal and subjective. Boxall’s edition is curated by critics, academics, and authors, so its tone seems more authoritative.

I was able to borrow a copy of Mustich’s book from Libby and spent the good part of a delightful week browsing, sampling, adding to my TBR pile and reminiscing about much-loved books. I wouldn’t call it life-changing, but I enjoyed this reference book so much that I have already purchased a hard copy for my shelf. Mustich’s book was also inspiring because his brief reviews got right to the heart of the matter. For instance, here’s Mustich’s final line in his four-sentence review of Garp. “The World According to Garp starts out hard to believe, quickly becomes hard to put down, and remains forever hard to forget.” Perfectly said!

When comparing the lists of both books (Mustich’s here and Boxall’s here), I had read more from Mustich’s pile. Still, that was only about 10% of the books listed, giving me much reading ahead! Only 35 books that I have read appeared on both lists (Boxall, although seemingly more academic, listed no Shakespeare.). Both authors listed Jane Austen’s six novels. Kudos to Mustich for also listing Bill Brysun’s A Walk In the Woods. Long-time readers will know that I adore that book.

If you love books and have even the slightest nerdy streak, I highly recommend Mustich’s book to you. I have only read Boxall’s online book list, so I cannot comment on that book further.






I had planned to end this post with Mustich’s book, but…on his online forum, he encourages readers to suggest their own must-read books. Battle of the Books recommended several, including Nicholas Carr’s The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains. Did I really want to know? I took the bait. My review is [here]. 3.5 stars (for its overly-stated detail), but still worth the read.

I’ve also read a few other books this month, but I’ll save them for my next #WOYBS post. My cohosts and I are now diving into Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina (discussion in mid-November), while my local bookclub will be discussing Larry’s Party by Carol Shields. With over 1200 fine-print pages combined, I’ll be pacing myself!

What’s been on your bookshelf? Any good rabbit holes lately?

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93 thoughts on “One Book Leads To Another”

  1. I loved The World According to Garp when I read it all those years ago and the movie was quite good too. I’m reading Eleanor Olifant is Completely Fine and it’s also very good. It’s similar in that the main character is quite different and as I’m reading, beginning to realize why. It’s funny and heart breaking at the same time.

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    1. Hi, Darlene – I am delighted to hear that you are also a TWATG fan. I think that I am the only one that I know who did not enjoy the novel ‘Eleanor Olifant is Completely Fine.’ But it did teach me a few things and it helped me to totally understand when others say they could not laugh at ‘The World Acccording to Garp.’ ❤

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      1. I’m only half way through the book so I’ll let you know when I’m finished it. I understand, it is a very British type of humour, and at first I wasn’t sure about it. We’ll see.

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      2. Thanks. I agree, the humour is definitely very British and at times didn’t sit well with me either. But upon reflection, I believe it is a coping mechanism and not meant to make light of the situation. That’s my take anyway.

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    2. I finished Eleanor Olifant and this is my review: This is an interesting book, a combo of humour and sadness. Eleanor is a quintessential socially awkward outcast. She doesn’t fit in at the office and has no family or social life. It’s a pathetic life but she seems to be OK with it. As the story unfolds, the reader learns bits about her tragic life and how she has created coping skills. The author has created a complex character in Eleanor. She is intelligent, dependable and terribly flawed. The book is well written with good foreshadowing and surprises. Other unique characters that aid Eleanor’s journey to becoming completely fine are peppered throughout. The story depicts the strength of the human spirit and how one can survive against insurmountable odds.

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      1. Hi, Darlene – What a brilliant review! Your talent to concisely put complicated ideas into words is incredible. It may be my humour bypass, but the parts of the book that so many readers found funny, I found painful. It’s been said that no two people ever read the same book. I totally agree.

        Thank you for sharing this and sharing your point of view.

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  2. You are such am an ambitious reader. A tip of my reading glasses to you.

    It seems to me that whenever new technology or a new form comes along, there is a great clucking of alarm from those on high. Once upon a time, the novel was regarded with extreme suspicion. And comic books. Don’t forget television. Perhaps there are some downsides, but somehow we seem to bump along. 😉

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    1. This is so true, Laurie, and Nicholas Carr goes to great lengths to explain this in his book (going back in time to even before the Guttenberg Bible). He very knowledgeable and incredibly well-researched. Feel free to call me a slacker, but…it was a little more research and detail than I had been looking for. ❤

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      1. You? A slacker? Never! It sounds as though Carr’s book was bogged down by too much detail. I expect I would have had the same reaction. However, there are some readers who enjoy lots and lots of detail. But as Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice might say, “Of some pleasures, I believe, a little goes a long way.”

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  3. Hi Donna, it was good to read the thoughts on Garp from both book clubs and another example of how we are all individuals with different ideas. Imagine if we all thought the same – how boring life would be. I’m tempted to check out the ‘1,000 books to read before you die’ – let’s hope I live until at least 100 LOL 🙂 xx

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    1. Hi, Sue – There’s a famous quote that “No two persons ever read the same book.” I love that it is our interaction with reading that makes each book so unique.

      I learned so much from both of my recent Garp book clubs. It was such a heightened reading experience, discussing the same book with two different reading groups. I hope to do that again (hopefully with a book that you enjoy more next time).

      Hope you had a great Nan-Day today! ❤

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  4. I was wondering about the new Lianne Moriarty so interesting to get your view point. I confess I haven’t read ‘The World According to Garp’ – it has never come up on my radar though obviously I know of it. Might look for it as an audio book.

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    1. Hi, Barbara – If you do read or listen to ‘The World According to Garp’ I would love to hear your point of view. I wondered aloud to my local book club if there might be somewhat of a cultural divide in response to this book. They did not think so… but I’m not sure.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi, Barb – As I’ve read Garp both times, I’m not sure about the difference of reading this book vs listening to it on audio. My hunch is that reading might be easier. And John Irving is such a gifted writer – he’s use of the semicolon alone is an absolute work of art!

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    1. Hi, Joanne – Nicholas Sparks’ new novel, ‘Counting Miracles’, is expected to be published next week (September 24). And Liane Moriarty’s ‘Here One Moment’ has already been released. I am incredibly grateful to NetGalley for their generosity!

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    1. I know, right?! I was late in responding to their offer for me to read ‘Here One Moment’ so I was sure that they would pass by my reply. But at the last moment, they sent me an ARC copy just before the book was officially published. Definitely three cheers!

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  5. Hi Donna, Thank you for your book reviews. Coincidentally, Liane Moriarty is in Toronto tonight at the Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) discussing her new novel Here One Moment with Canadian author Ashley Audrain.

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  6. Hi Donna – interesting the two different takes on Garp – I wonder how much of it is due to cultural differences and how we see the world? Aussies and Canadians are similar, but I think there’s a difference in worldviews – maybe we’re younger and more simplistic? Something for me to ponder upon, but I do notice that Australian and UK humour is more similar than Aussie and US humour, so maybe there’s subtle differences in how we process stories….

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    1. Hi, Leanne – You raise a good point about subtle differences in how people of different cultures respond to stories. I was wondering the same thing myself. So….you guessed it….I asked ChatGPT. Here’s the reply that I received:
      “The novel, The World According to Garp, is deeply rooted in a certain type of American storytelling, mixing realism with eccentricity. Readers from cultures with different literary traditions might find the structure and style less engaging, especially if they are more accustomed to straightforward or formal narratives.”
      I am sure that individual and cultural differences have many more layers of complexity. Still, it was an interesting reply. ❤

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      1. I thought that was a good use of AI. ❤
        When responding to Jo’s comment, I also thought that the year we first read a novel is a huge contributor.
        Jo had previously said that when she read Wuthering Heights as a teenager, she thought it was a passionate romance. When she reread it in her 50s, the cruelty stood out most.
        It would be interesting to discover what other Australians who read Garp back in the late 70’s thought. ❤

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  7. TWATG made a John Irving fan out of me when I was a teenager. When I moved to the island, I left behind a collection of his hardcovers thinking I could reread them from the library or buy a digital copy should I feel the need. Well, now I DEFINITELY feel that need…LOL! Thanks for suggesting this book and reintroducing me to The World(s) According to John Irving 😉.
    Deb

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    1. Hi, Deb – Like you, I first read ‘The World According to Garp’ when it was originally published. And the story has vividly stayed with me 45 years later. There are not many books that have had that effect on me, and have made me think so deeply. It was a true privilege to read it with friends and have such thought-provoking discussions.

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  8. Argh! I think my comment got eaten by WordPress so here I go again…thanks my friend, for suggesting TWATG and rekindling my decades-long love of John Irving’s writing. Now I have to go back and read all of his other works again – a nice problem to have 😁.

    Deb

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  9. Oh wow, wow, wow, what a great post. I looked at the on-line list and acquired Flatlands to read after I finish The Inevitable lightness of being. Have you read it? The world according to harp sounds intriguing too. I’ll be back to dip into this post again 🙏🦋🩵

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    1. What a wonderful comment, Robbie. You totally made my day! ❤
      I haven’t read Flatlands yet, but am off to check out more about it now.
      And Annika just commented that she read ‘100 Books That Changed the World’. I am off to check out that one too!

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  10. I haven’t read The World according to Garp. Its interesting to hear how your two book clubs reacted so differently to it.
    I’m not sure I would want to see a list of the books we should read before we die – I’m already overwhelmed by my TBR pile!

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    1. Hi, Janine – I totally get not wanting to add more to your already long TBR pile. I don’t keep an actual TBR list other than what’s on my mind and what’s on my Hold List with Libby. Sadly, I had to unrequest several of my Libby holds recently, as that list was getting too long! ❤

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  11. Donna, a lovely book chat post and one that could lead onto long discussions! First, Garp is a book I’ve heard about but never registered with me. Your thoughts here has me scurrying to check it out and definitely something that I think I’d like – on my list! Oh no, not a 1000 books to read!😀 I just finished ‘100 books that changed the world’ – a beautiful hardback- and I loved it and lots of new additions on my TBR list! NetGalley is terrific in supporting writers and reviewers and great you are offered such treats of books to review – I’m heading over to read your latest. Happy Reading … and Book Clubbing! Xx

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    1. Hi Annika – Thank you for the recommendation of ‘!00 Books That Changed the World.” I’m defintiely adding that to my TBR pile.
      And thank you for popping by my Goodreads site. I love that site and keep it up faithfully, but never get much action there. I greatly appreciate you stopping by! ❤

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  12. Hi Donna, this was a great post as many have mentioned but then you always write so eloquently! I found the thoughts of your 2 book clubs discussions very interesting, and I think it comes down to cultural differences. I didn’t ‘enjoy’ the book, mainly due to the violence, gratuitous sexual violence and didn’t find it funny at all – maybe I don’t have a sense of humour 🙂 but note that one of your comments says ‘no two people read the same book’ which is completely true! You have mentioned some good books and I love that you could combine your 2 bookclubs by us reading the same book. Thanks for being such an insightful reader and sharing with us x

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    1. Thanks, Debbie – I totally get how you feel about TWATG. Several years ago, one of my book clubs read ‘The Devil in the White City’ all based on the true story of the architect who led the construction of the great Chicago World’s Fair of 1893, and the prolific serial killer who used the fair as a lure. The serial killer details were all incredibly graphic and all based on actual fact. Years of therapy, I’m still not over it!
      I will definitely choose a more uplifting novel for us next time around. ❤

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  13. I read ~12 books a year. So I’m not going to get through the 1000 books to read before I die! I haven’t checked to see what books I’ve already read. Winter is on the horizon; that’s my season to read.

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    1. Hi, Mona – Winter is a wonderful time to read. Reading 12 books a year is great. As you know, I’ve been trying to reduce the number of books that I read,,,but somehow, I am not quite there yet. I only shared 4 books for this post, but I did read 8 this past month. #goalsgoneawry ❤

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  14. I’ve added Here One Moment to my TBR pile. The World According To Garp is already on it. Interesting how your two book clubs viewed the book differently.

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  15. I read your review of the Internet book. I am sure it makes some good points. Sometimes, I think publishers require authors to write to a certain number of pages. In children’s books, there is a standard page number for picture books, easy chapter books. And often times, I feel like books are unnecessarily fluffed up to meet some kind of page requirement.

    I saw the Garp movie when it came out. Begged my mom to take me. I can’t remember anything about it now except a feeling of heaviness or darkness that I associate with the movie and probably the book. Was Robin Williams Garp? I should look that up but that will mean falling down a rabbit hole on the Internet. 🙂

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    1. Hi, Leslie – Yes, Robin Williams was Garp, Glenn Close playe his mother, Jenny Fields, and John Lithgow played Roberta Muldoon. Excellent cast!
      I’ve now read the book twice and watched the movie twice. The movie does as good of job that it can considering the time constraints of pressing a 600 page novel into a two hour film. Still, the movie misses so much — and it is mostly a straightforward retelling of the core story without the deeper layers and subplots.

      That’s interesting about a minimum number of pages for children’s books. In the case of Carr’s book, I think he had so much knowledge and research that he really wanted to share it. Kinda like that professor who continues to go on with fine point detail — even after our eyes are all glazed over. 😀

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  16. Thanks for suggesting Garp. It made for one of the best book club discussions we’ve had. I didn’t think the cultural divide was that much of an issue, but it definitely played into this one.

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    1. Hi, Jo – My other book club had one of their best discussions this time around as well. This is definitely a very powerful book for conversation. I’ve been thinking about the cultural aspect. It definitely could be that (although I am usually the first to stay clear of dark books and dark humour). The other difference between both book groups, is that my local book club had all read Garp n the late 70’s when we were young (2 of us was 20 and the other was 30). I am wondering if that was a factor as well?

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  17. Donna,

    Every time I read one of your book review posts, I lament that my reading habits are entirely embedded in pleasure instead of provoking thought. I envy you. BTW, Bill Bryson’s “Walk in the Woods” is on my desk and sits as #2 on my TBR list. Thanks for a great post. Joe

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    1. Hi, Jo – Thank you for stopping by. Reading for pleasure is an absolutely wonderful thing. I definitely can be a nerdy reader – but that’s pleasure for me – so its actually the same thing. ❤ I’m delighted that you have ‘A Walk in the Woods’ on your TBR pile. That book never fails to make me laugh.

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  18. Ever since you told me about your two book clubs reading Garp, I’ve been intending to re-read it. It’s somewhere in my ever-growing TBR pile so I’m sure I’ll get to it one of these days. Loved Eleanore and A Walk in the Woods. I have enjoyed several – but not all – of Moriarty’s books, so based on your review, I’ll add her newest to my pile.

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  19. Hello Donna
    TWATG/John Irving is something/one I’ve never read. So many different thoughts are out there about both that I’m inclined to say – maybe….one day.

    I’ve begun so many of Liane Moriaty’s novels and given up on many of them. Yes, she does delve into relationships but I can only take so many females/males trying to sort out their problems I’m thinking I’ll wait till things settle (242 reserves for inhand book as well as about that number on Libby) then give her new publication a try and not have guilt feelings if it’s a DNF

    Thanks for the WOYBS link up
    Take care.
    Cathy

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    1. Hi, Cathy – Thank you for joining us for #WOYBS. I totally hear you about long TBR piles and needing to be selective. If you do decide to try Moriarty’s new novel, it’s less of a relationship focus and more of a ‘what if?’.

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  20. Hi Donna, I loved reading your post. It made me wish we were having a face to face conversation is there is so much I could comment on. Last time you mentioned Net Galley I planned to look into it, but of course, as yet I haven’t done it, so thanks for the reminder. I was very interested that you enjoyed the new Liane Moriarty book. I have really only enjoyed Big Little Lies, and was going to give it a miss, but will now pop it on my list.

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  21. I don’t think I’ve read it as I can’t recall the plot at all. If it’s dark I’m likely out. I suspect I’ve read 10 of the 1001 books to read. I often read light fun stuff. Just finishing up the the Maisie Dodds series but did read The Paris Library, The War Time Book Club (about Guernsey and now I want to go there) and Murder in the Cookbook Nook.

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    1. Hi, Bernadette – It’s strange…I definitely replied to your comment previously, but now I can’t find that anywhere. The wonerful world of WordPress! ❤

      The Mustich list is incredibly diverse. You likely have already read many, many books on that list.

      I hope that Jo Tracey has read your reply. ‘Murder in the Cookbook Nook’ sounds right up her alley! ❤

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      1. That series of books and another series about books are by Ellery Adams and I quite enjoyed them. Easy reads but with some interesting twists and good character development.
        I will look at this Mustich list and see how I do. I won’t hold my hopes for a high score! Bernie

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      2. Hi, Bernie – Thank you for the recommendation. I will check out Ellery Adams.

        Oh, and here’s Mustich’s online list that starts with The Wizard of Oz, quickly goes on to The Little Prince, Eloise at the Plaza, and Make Way for Ducklings (all children’s books). I absolutely love the diversity of this list.

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  22. I haven’t read The World According to Garp and don’t really have the inclination to pick it up. I have read a couple of other “must read” novels that I really disliked and I suspect Garp might be the same for me. Or perhaps I’m that closed-minded at this point! LOL I love Bryson’s writing, by the way, and A Walk In the Woods is a favorite. Hmm, I’m curious about what the internet is doing to our brains, and I bet it’s not a lot of good. Happy Reading!

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    1. Hi, Kym – Thank you for reading and commenting. Spoiler alert of ‘What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains.” The key point that Carr shares is that our current technology has diminished our ability for deep thinking, sustained attention, and memory retention. In balance, he also acknowledges the benefits of instant access to information and other conveniences technology provides. To mitigate these negative effects, Carr advocates for deep reading (preferably in print), limiting multitasking, taking regular breaks from technology, and being more intentional with our internet usage. He also encourages offline hobbies and actively working to strengthen our memory without relying solely on technology.

      I’m delighted that you are a fellow fan of Bill Bryson! ❤

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      1. I think those are the pros and cons of the internet that I would expect. Thankfully, I do prefer reading print, and have hobbies that both strengthen memory and take me away from a screen. I hope younger generations are realizing the importance of limiting screen time!

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  23. WOW! Always impressed with your book selections and how you manage and immerse into book clubs. I read Garp way back when and recently found myself thinking of the independent women characters and “under toad”. I will have to put it on my TBR list.

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  24. I remember reading Garp and then seeing the movie. People were unsettled by the book/movie I guess, but the angst about it washed over me. Don’t know how I’d perceive it now.

    Last week I read Bookish People by Susan Cole and loved it. So funny. As someone who worked in retail management as an adult, it was spot on to the way some customers behave & how stores are run.

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    1. Hi, Ally – I don’t remember any of the divide when I read Garp the first time. As Garp was published at the time of Ted Bundy, JR/Dallas and the LGBT flag flying for the first time, it seemed to my 20 year old mind that the themes of Garp were also the themes of the evening news that we were all talking about.
      Still, it would be good to dip into some lighter, yet spot on, fiction. Thank you for recommending Bookish People. I will check it out.

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  25. Thank you for reminding me about The World According to Garp. I, too, read it when it first came out. Maybe time for a re-read? I also appreciate the shout-out to Liane Moriarity. I’ve only recently started reading her work; I enjoy them immensely — for fun books, they often do carry a compelling message. I’ve just “tagged” Here One Moment on my own Libby account!

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    1. Hi, Carol Ann – It’s good to find some more early readers of Garp. If you do have a chance to re-read it, I would love to know your thoughts.

      I’ve enjoyed some of Moriarity’s works – but sadly not all. Here One Moment is a definite page turner, with instantly relatable characters, and a profound underlying question. I think that you would enjoy it!

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    1. Hi, Kristin – Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I love cohosting WOYBS with Sue, Debbie and Jo. I always find such great book recommendations in this linkup. One commenter just mentioned ‘100 Books that Changed the World.’ I definitely need to check that one out too! ❤

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  26. Hi Donna – I always love to see what you have been reading. I have enjoyed Moriarty’s other books – it’s great to know she has a new one! I am grateful to be in 2 book clubs (one’s a new one on our street!) and a third one for my job. I definitely get a lot more out of a book when I discuss it in a book club! Happy reading 🙂

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