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Sep 19, 2023
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Chris O'Brien's avatar

I do like some popular writers who are also great, Pierre LeMaitre for example. But I'll take all recommendations!

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Ed Walker's avatar

I just finished a run reading about the Reconstruction Era in the US, two history books, several SCOTUS decisions and Beloved by Toni Morrison. Currently recovering with a bunch of cheap trashy novels. The big problem is that they're so badly written It makes my teeth hurt.

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Chris O'Brien's avatar

Yeah, hard to find a good balance between trashy/popular/painful. :-)

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Ciara Lakhani's avatar

I found it an easy read and so many unexpected and fascinated things are recounted: Lise et Lulu by Lise Livitzky (the little known first wife of Serge Gainsbourg, the book is her recounting of their relationship)

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Chris O'Brien's avatar

I'll check it out! Hope to go see his home/museum one day!

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Leon's avatar

Completely agree, we can't always be high-brow! Shouldn't be seen as a guilty pleasure, just pleasure.

On a separate note, I love your Substack, and I write similarly on travel, culture and general life in Japan, so wondering if you'd like to collaborate?

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Chris O'Brien's avatar

thanks and happy to discuss! you can email me at chris@frenchcrossroads.com

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