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so I thought that I would be looking for lighter fare this summer, even created a whole summer TBR that included some easy books, but instead I've read two classics and a massive family drama. Such is life! 😎

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Sometimes you just have to with what’s calling you. Just followed you on Insta so I can keep up with your choices!

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Ahh love that I’ll return the follow !! ☺️

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I loved the interview. And figs - now that we live in a warmer climate we are looking forward to planting fig trees. Wonderful issue Marg.

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I loved the interview too. He seems like such a lovely person.

I hope you grow some figs. My son and daughter in law had two trees at their previous house and we enjoyed the bounty while they were in residence. Have to buy them now!

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Jul 11Liked by Marg Moon

Hi, Margaret--

Please promise that you will also read the original "Huckleberry Finn"! It's not difficult, and it is hilarious as well as painful, thrilling and utterly beautiful. And Mark Twain deserves credit for giving Jim a very definite voice! There is more than one hero in this book, and Jim is one of them.

Your friend and fan,

Moira

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Hello lovely Moira!

I was not even considering reading the original, but I will on your recommendation. I read somewhere that it was the most 'taught' book in the American syllabus and it put me off. I thought it would be hard-going and didn't realise it was funny as well as painful. I would love to know what you think of James, so let me know if you read it.

Thanks for your good advice and support!

Marg xx

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Jul 11Liked by Marg Moon

And I will read "James"! I am very curious about it!

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Thanks for this recommendation, Marg! For some reason I hadn’t heard of James, but now I know I will have to read it (and want to!) along with rereading Huckleberry Finn. The roast lamb and date pudding sound scrumptious!

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It's definitely worth putting James on your TBR. Worthwhile without being a chore. xx

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Saving Everett's book for this autumn, thanks for the brilliant recommendation. We're discussing names for the baby and whether to give her both mine and my partner's surname. So much in a name! But also... does it really matter?

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I could talk forever about names. I think it matters psychologically. I use two different last names: one for work/writing and one for family. It used to work fine but new laws have made it a nightmare. I still cling to my birth name because it’s part of my history.

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I’m so glad you mentioned that James (by Percival Everett) is funny—that moves it up my list. Also: your dessert looks fantastic!

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There are parts that are very difficult and confronting, but as Everett says in his interview, humour is a great way to disarm people. But I was really surprised at what a good story it is.

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