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Lemons Book Review

Kasia Jaronczyk
These short stories weave the political pressures of Soviet Poland into domestic life. Families celebrate Stalin's birthday out of obligation, even in the privacy of their own home. In the same way, Basia knows not to tell anyone when her grandfather raises a hand against her. Learning to tell a good lie is just as important as learning how to hide a painful truth.

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How to Behave in a Crowd Book Review

Camille Bordas
When tragedy strikes, or your worldview is shattered, the order of the day is to keep clinging to some kind of normalcy. This is the attitude Camille Bordas develops in her characters, and it's bone-chillingly true to life. It's a reflection of a family that's terribly insulated from the world and from each other. Isidore, the youngest, is the most naive and adventurous of the bunch -- although even his outlook on life is heavy with resignation. This story does not inspire change or challenge complacency. It encourages the reader to accept fate, expect nothing, and detach one's self from disaster.

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Les Belles Images Book Review

Simone de Beauvoir
de Beauvoir plunges deep into the cosmopolitan identity crisis: How can I justify my comfortable life amid a world of pain? And should I still be grateful for my position in society even if it doesn't make me happy? This story will ring true for anyone who's experienced an aimless search for authenticity -- not that it will make you feel any better about it.

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Sourdough Book Review

Robin Sloan
Every character in this book is driven by their passion, living life with eyes wide open. Including the sentient sourdough starter that mysteriously comes into Lois' possession. Culminating in a brazen betrayal that's shocking and satisfying at the same time, I came away from this book with a renewed thirst for life.

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