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Nikki's avatar

Based on a prior newsletter recommendation, I just finished Hank Hooperman, which I read in 2 days (I'm not usually this quick)

So good!

Now I dunno to go down the author rabbit hole OR look for books that also won/got listed for a Newbery medal

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Claire the Catholic Feminist's avatar

This year's Newbery medal books were fantastic!

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Sarah Allen's avatar

Love casting takes, and love the way you talk about this family travel thing :) It's the perfect blend of hopeful and real. I hope you guys are having incredible times!

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Claire the Catholic Feminist's avatar

Thanks friend--love, love, loved your piece for Can We Read! That's one of my favorite substacks!

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Sarah Allen's avatar

Oh man thank you! One of my faves too (along with yours!). It was a fun one to write.

Happy travels!

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Stephanie Marcinkowski's avatar

I can visualize our "favorite Parisian tour guide” doing exactly what you described as I read this. Yes, I purchased THAT mousepad of a labyrinth from the Chartres Cathedral. It was like I was committing some Pilgrimage crime I didn't know about. I do use it every day, though, and just laugh and pray and pray and laugh and always think of Julian. Such a great memory! 🤣🤣

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Claire the Catholic Feminist's avatar

God bless him 🤣 my mom picked up a book called "What's So Great About the Mona Lisa" in the gift shop and held it up to him, and he just said, dead serious, "absolutely nothing" 💀

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Katie Marquette's avatar

This is just so so true about kids and travel - either you're cruising along feeling all earth mother zen and cosmopolitan cool with your worldly kids, or you're in absolute tears and sweating through every layer of clothes holding a screaming toddler. there is no in between.

Also yes, Nora Ephron everything! (have you watched the documentary Everything is Copy? So good)

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Claire the Catholic Feminist's avatar

I think you were the one who told me to read I Feel Bad About My Neck over on Notes!!

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Katie Marquette's avatar

Probably !! I'm always recommending her essays 🙌🏼☺️

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