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Shaz's avatar

I've read a fair few of Laing's books now, started with Lonely City which I loved. Her last book, Everybody: On Freedom was so great I read it at least twice!

Looking forward to getting copy of new one at some point, though dislike hardback books.

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Katy Wheatley's avatar

I have a few of hers left to read but I tuck them away for a treat. I always enjoy her writing.

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Shaz's avatar

Me too. Actually, I gave in today and ordered from local indie bookshop! They had sold out

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Louise Hallam's avatar

I have Native American spirit guides and it's always feels very difficult to go to those places on their behalf, but they remain humble and dignified, because they know what will be done, will also be undone. I used to pick up all sorts of energy from places like that, but have got better at protecting myself. Probably wouldn't stop the odd lost soul trying to have a chat with me though! The book sounds really fascinating, for some reason slavery of all kinds has come into my awareness this week........Something to explore me thinks. Thanks Katy.

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Katy Wheatley's avatar

I have to work hard at protecting myself. Sometimes places can surprise you.

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Louise Hallam's avatar

Me too Katy, I once visited a historic site and there was a very angry monk (dead) who clearly didn't want anyone there. Since then I am extra careful if I'm going to similar places.

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Keris Fox's avatar

Can I request a post about your other touchstone texts please?

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Katy Wheatley's avatar

Yes. Kick me up the bum and I'll do it!

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anne richardson's avatar

oh, that last paragraph, that feeling of rage. resonates. so many necessary conversations are hushed in The States.

a book that may be of interest is "There There" by Tommy Orange. Short stories from the perspective of Native American living in Oakland CA. One story was centered on Alcatraz and your post offered perspective. I didn't finished the book because it was popular and due back to the library...but need to put it back on hold, along with the one you just recommended!

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Katy Wheatley's avatar

Oh, I'll check that out. Thank you. x

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Teri Simonds's avatar

Yay! More books to be added to my TBR list!

The Washington Post published an article about the resettlement of more than 2,000 mountain people in the 1930s to build the Shenandoah National Park (https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1993/10/17/the-dark-side-of-skyline-drive/d72e6151-6b96-483c-ab68-dea952288b6a/). It’s infuriating.

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Katy Wheatley's avatar

Thank you. I will read it. x

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Caitlin's avatar

I love, love, love the Green Knowe books and would most definitely recommend a pilgrimage! Standing near the fireplace where Mrs. Oldknow told Tolly stories and seeing the first, handwritten draft of the first page of the series sitting on the table where Boston wrote it just about brought me to tears.

My husband and I are new homeowners and I think of Green Knowe often as I am figuring out my own garden. Thank you for the book recommendation. It sounds like exactly the thing :-)

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Katy Wheatley's avatar

I'm definitely going to make it happen this year. x

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Lyndsay Kaldor's avatar

I couldn’t help but preorder this book and it arrived last week, will bump it up my TBR pile, thank you xx

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Katy Wheatley's avatar

Hooray!

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June Girvin's avatar

This book sounds right up my street. On the list.

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Katy Wheatley's avatar

I will be interested to know what you think when you get around to reading it. x

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