788 Results in the "Literary Fiction" category


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      Chapter 17

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 17, Phoebe anticipates a visit from Lila before the Blending of the Families event but is met with silence, leaving her to wrestle with feelings of guilt and confusion. She reflects on the joy she experienced with Gary earlier in the day, a feeling she thought was no longer possible for her. Despite feeling unsure, Phoebe resolves to express gratitude to Lila by preparing her maid of honor speech, though she struggles to find the right words after recent conversations that have cast doubt on the…
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      Chapter 16

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 16, the morning after a turbulent night, Lila appears uncharacteristically subdued as she navigates a severe hangover. Despite her earlier emotional outburst about rejecting her impending marriage to Gary, she now resumes her usual energetic demeanor, though clearly exhausted and disillusioned. Lila’s reluctance to participate in the planned surfing lesson, a gesture initially meant to please her stepson Juice, reveals her growing disenchantment with the wedding festivities. Phoebe, observing…
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      Chapter 15

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 15 opens with a bachelorette party at a spa, where the women embark on a “water journey” involving various pools. The group navigates the awkward rules of whispering and nudity, with Phoebe encouraging openness and relaxation, while Marla resists fully embracing the experience. The scene captures the contrasting personalities and tensions among the women, underscored by humorous dialogue about modern behaviors like sexting and the pressure to conform to spa etiquette. The spa setting serves as…
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      Chapter 14

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 14, Phoebe returns Lila’s mother Patricia’s borrowed outfit before heading to the bachelorette party. Upon arriving at Patricia’s residence, Phoebe notices the pervasive presence of raven motifs and macabre art, reflecting Patricia’s somber relationship with death and solitude. Despite Patricia’s initial detachment, Phoebe invites herself to share a drink, sensing the older woman’s loneliness. Their conversation reveals Patricia’s frustration with Lila’s restrictions on her…
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      Chapter 13

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 13, Phoebe navigates the complexities of her relationship and her discomfort with traditional maternal roles. Driving with Juice, she reflects on her own restrained expressions of affection, shaped by a family background where love was shown in subtle ways rather than overt displays. Unlike her husband, who eagerly embraces the joys of parenthood and social interactions involving children, Phoebe feels alienated by the performative happiness expected around kids, revealing a deeper emotional…
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      Chapter 12

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 12, Phoebe awakens at sunrise with a compelling urge to visit the ocean, symbolizing a pivotal moment in her journey. She dons a sweater from Lila’s mother, reflecting her unsettled state and practical concerns about her appearance. On her way out, she unexpectedly encounters Gary and Lila being formally photographed in the conservatory. Their posed interaction feels artificial to Phoebe, highlighting the contrast between genuine connection and performative displays of relationship. This…
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      Chapter 11

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 11 centers around a quiet yet revealing moment at the hotel involving Pauline, the diligent front desk attendant, and the wedding party returning from a sail. Lila immediately voices dissatisfaction about her mattress, sparking a subtle exploration of her personality and relationship dynamics. While Lila’s complaint seems trivial, it reflects her way of managing discomfort indirectly, as she cannot express her true feelings about a recent funeral on the boat. Pauline’s readiness to solve…
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      Chapter 10

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 10, the group finds themselves aboard a narrow sailboat, where the captain cautions them about the boat's tipping point, blending humor with caution. The atmosphere is light yet tense, with Marla and Lila embodying contrasting attitudes—Marla skeptical and confrontational, Lila composed and confident. Their interaction quickly shifts to a playful debate over the proper pluralization of a cocktail name, "Vacation in a Cup(s)," highlighting subtle tensions within the group. This moment reflects…
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      Chapter 1

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Phoebe arriving at a stately nineteenth-century hotel perched on a cliff, a symbol of the new phase in her life after a painful divorce. The hotel, with its grand yet patient presence, mirrors Phoebe’s own sense of transition and hope. Leaving behind her old life in St. Louis—including her husband, home, and familiar routines—she steps into this new world wearing an emerald silk dress, a rare item she once owned but never wore. This dress represents Phoebe’s break from her…
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      by LovelyMay Books and Bookmen is a delightful collection of essays by Andrew Lang, originally published in the late 19th century. This work captures Lang’s reflections on books, libraries, and the people who cherish them. He covers a range of topics, from rare book collecting and literary anecdotes to the joys of reading and the quirks of bibliophiles. Known for his wit and erudition, Lang offers insights into the world of books with humor, reverence, and a touch of irony. This work remains a charming read for anyone passionate about literature, book history, and the culture surrounding books.
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