Natasha

Look, this was a good book, but I'm really glad its over. The vitriol and toxicity of social media in the novel (and let's be honest - in real life) gave me some very real anxiety - thank god I'm a reader and not a writer (haha).

Splendid! I felt like shaking Stevens and yelling “show some real human emotion old chap!” But obviously his inaction throughout the novel is the point. Class constraints and duty make it impossible for him to express his real thoughts and feelings.

Oh, Ferrante is good. This was one of the most raw and honest portrayals of marriage and motherhood that I have ever read. The series just keeps getting better and better.

This is the oldest book on my shelves. 7 years it's been sitting there - and I finally picked it up. I really enjoyed the first half - loved learning about Leah, Rachel, Zilpah and Bilhah and Dinah's childhood. I didn't really care for the end of the novel set in Egypt, but I'll always champion a feminist retelling, and love how Diamant gave Dinah a voice.

Does anyone else feel like they are personal friends with Michelle after reading this book? Or maybe that is more a wish then anything. I loved hearing her story of becoming. Gaining insight into life as FLOTUS and being constantly in the public eye. She is intelligent, articulate and warm. I'm not even American and I miss her sigh.