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Holly Smith

@hsmithwrites.bsky.social
2K followers 2.4K following 1.6K posts

Editor-in-chief, Washington Independent Review of Books. Loser-in-chief, "Jeopardy!" season 39. "Making it worse? How could it be worse? Jehovah! Jehovah! Jehovah!"

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Reposted by Holly Smith
Mark Athitakis @mathitak.bsky.social · 5h
"Fuck yeah." -- The Pope, right now
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Raima Larter @raimalarter.bsky.social · 16h
Take a look at my recent review in the Washington Independent!
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 17h
Research shows there’s no substitute for research. www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/bookreview/i... @basicbooksgroup.bsky.social @raimalarter.bsky.social #itcouldbeotherwise #science #booksky #bookreview
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
It Could Be Otherwise: Science in the Age of Uncertainty | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Bill Wyman @hitsville.bsky.social · 22h
Woo hoo!
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The Tennessee Holler @thetnholler.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
🔥JACK SMITH: "Trump engaged in serious crimes against 🇺🇸- a criminal scheme to prevent a lawful transfer of power... the rule of law faces challenges unlike any we've experienced. I won't be silenced by threats of prosecution. While fear may be contagious, courage is as well."
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
In an interview by Cathy Alter, journalist Bill Wyman talks listicles, his doppelganger-in-name, and BILL WYMAN'S ROCK & ROLL LISTS. www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/an-... @cathyalter.bsky.social @hitsville.bsky.social #booksky
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
An Interview with Bill Wyman | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
In honor of Bryan Washington being named a MacArthur Foundation 2026 "genius grant" recipient, here's a look back at our review of PALAVER. www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/bookreview/p... @fsgbooks.bsky.social @macfound.org #bryanwashington #geniusgrant #palaver #bookreview #booksky
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
Palaver: A Novel | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Yale University Press @yalepress.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
@wirobooks.bsky.social  includes CAMERA OBSCURA on their Fall "Sneak Preview."
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
Sneak Preview: Fall 2026 | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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somanybooks24.bsky.social @somanybooks24.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
“With words alone, Kingsolver conjures an incredible sensory experience; this is the rare book that will satisfy readers of all tastes.” In @wirobooks.bsky.social, Ryan Davison reviews Barbara Kingsolver’s new novel, “Partita” - www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/bookreview/p...
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
Partita: A Novel | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Holly Smith @hsmithwrites.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Today's no-pressure reading recommendation to my students... #booksky
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A tour-de-force exploration of music’s power to heal. www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/bookreview/p... @harperbooks.bsky.social #partita #barbarakingsolver #booksky #bookreview
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
Partita: A Novel | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Josh Gondelman @joshgondelman.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
It’s going to be pretty fucked up when this baby yeti starts telling people to kill themselves.
Subway display ad for meta’s muse ai product billed as “ai that gets it done.” The mascot is a little smiling fuzzy white puppet guy.
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Conjuring memories of home during DC’s sultry months. www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/in-... @theinnerlooplit.bsky.social #authorscorner #carryout #hasandudar #toledo #ohio #booksky
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
In Defense of Humidity | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Holly Smith @hsmithwrites.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Medication and psychotherapy weren’t always a popular couple. www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/bookreview/w... @ucpress.bsky.social #whenhealingharms #psychiatry #psychotherapy #chestnutlodge #booksky #bookreview
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
When Healing Harms: The Doctor Who Put a Hospital on Trial — and the Case that Shook Psychiatry | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Holly Smith @hsmithwrites.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The best thing about today's 15th-anniversary party for @wirobooks.bsky.social was hanging out with so many brilliant writers. The second-best part was peeking at my husband's phone and watching the Commanders beat Seattle.
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[Sic] Burns @sicburns2.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I’m starting to think you guys just enjoy saying nor’easter like you’re a bunch of grizzled sea captains talking to lonely barmaids
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
In honor of Sophie Pinkham's THE OAK AND THE LARCH winning the 2026 Pushkin House Book Prize, here's a look back at our Feb. review. www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/bookreview/t... @wwnorton.com @wwnortonlibrary.bsky.social #theoakandthelarch #pushkinprize #pushkinhousebookprize #booksky
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
The Oak and the Larch: A Forest History of Russia and Its Empires | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
A peek at what's on tap this week! www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/a-l... #booksky #bookreview
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
A Look Ahead: 9/27/26 | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
ICYMI: Stonehenge, where a man’s a man, and the children… (Okay, we’ll stop.) www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/bookreview/c... @grandcentralpub.bsky.social #circleofdays #booksky #bookreview
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
Circle of Days | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Holly Smith @hsmithwrites.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Under "Interests" on her résumé, one of my students wrote, "Marvin Gaye." I'm delighted.
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
A recap of the books we’ve spotlighted in the past few days. www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/our... @yalepress.bsky.social @harperbooks.bsky.social @universitypress.cambridge.org #booksky #bookreview
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
Our Week in Reviews: 9/26/26 | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Dave Zirin @edgeofsports.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Very kind, beautifully written review of The People’s Historian, if there are any Howard Zinn fans out there that might want to check it out. 🔥👊
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In Otter News @in-otter-news.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Here is a picture of a baby otter and you should probably look at it.
A close-up photo of Steve, a newborn otter, curled up and sleeping in a pair of cupped human hands.  
There is no text baked into the image.
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Holly Smith @hsmithwrites.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
In a perfect world, "The Wire," "The Americans," and "Veep" would've gone one, two, and three.
nytimes.com
The 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century
More than 500 influential stars, showrunners and other notable names in the world of TV voted on the best series released since Jan. 1, 2000. See what they chose.
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Power to the people! www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/bookreview/t... @edgeofsports.bsky.social @thehistoryshelf.bsky.social #thepeopleshistorian #howardzinn #zinn #bookreview #booksky
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
The People’s Historian: The Outsized Life of Howard Zinn | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Bill Thomas receives BIO’s 2026 Editorial Excellence Award. www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/hon... @biographersintl.bsky.social @doubledaybooks.bsky.social #billthomas #editorialexcellenceaward #booksky
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
Honoring One of the Best | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 24/09/2026
watch Trump walking here -- he can't walk in a straight line
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Holly Smith @hsmithwrites.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Today's no-pressure reading recommendation to my students... #booksky
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
An ambitious but unsatisfying saga of 1930s subterfuge. www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/bookreview/t... @universitypress.cambridge.org #theshanghaiagents #booksky #bookreview
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
The Shanghai Agents: The Soviet Plot to Start a Revolution in Interwar China | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
An occasional series in which writers speak for themselves. www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/aut... @mikecullinane.bsky.social @univnebpress.bsky.social #podcast #roosevelt #teddyroosevelt #ushistory #booksky
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
Authors on Audio: Michael Patrick Cullinane | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Alexis Coe @alexiscoe.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The America we’re forever being told we once knew: perpetually disappearing. The fundraising deadline to save it: miraculously self-renewing.
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Holly Smith @hsmithwrites.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
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Peter Sagal @petersagal.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Non-zero chance they think it was named for President Ford.
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Two Irish families confront a secret that threatens their longtime bond. www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/bookreview/e... @harperbooks.bsky.social @louisenealon.bsky.social #everythingthatisbeautiful #booksky #bookreview
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
Everything That Is Beautiful: A Novel | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Hub City Press @hubcitypress.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
@wirobooks.bsky.social included Small Talk in their Sept. poetry write up, Amanda Holmes Duffy saying, "I was moved by these poems." www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/on-...
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Big new titles perfect for the littles. www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/chi... @holidayhouse.bsky.social @flashlightpress.bsky.social #sharingshalom #iwilleatyouintheend #setsailforschool #childrensbooks #kidsbooks #booksky
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
Children’s Book Roundup: September 2026 | Washington Independent Review of Books
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Holly Smith @hsmithwrites.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
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Brandy Zadrozny @brandyzadrozny.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Bonus for whoever wrote this chyron
Trump speaking at UN — MS NOW chyron reads: Trump touts being a peacemaker while asking if he should annihilate Iran
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
What are book lovers reading before lights-out? We asked one, and here’s what she said. www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/bed... @randomhouse.bsky.social #meganmostynbrown #theneed #debut #bedtimestories #booksky
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
Bedtime Stories: September 2026 | Washington Independent Review of Books
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Holly Smith @hsmithwrites.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Today's no-pressure reading recommendation to my students... #booksky
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
An epic ode to an epic enchantress. www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/bookreview/m... @yalepress.bsky.social @edithmayhall.bsky.social #medeaalife #medea #mythology #booksky #bookreview
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
Medea: A Life | Washington Independent Review of Books
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Learning how to be human by reading about machines. www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/aye... @dawbooks.bsky.social #odetothehalfbroken #ai #scifi #booksky
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
Aye, Robot | Washington Independent Review of Books
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
A definitive, adoring portrait of a tortured indie-rock legend. www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/bookreview/n... @duttonbooks.bsky.social @jamie-fisher.bsky.social #nobodybrokeyourheart #elliottsmith #biography #booksky #bookreview
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
Nobody Broke Your Heart: An Intimate Biography of Elliott Smith | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Holly Smith @hsmithwrites.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Kites in Ocean City, MD, this weekend.
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the Mountain Goats @themountaingoats.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
other things found in an old photo folder: this remarkable headline about the time the Mets went all-out for one special fan
newspaper headline: "Mets Blow a Save and Fan 18 Times in Opening Loss"
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William Shakespeare @shakespeare.lol · 20/09/2026
he is (For so I know he is, they know he is) A most arch-heretic, a pestilence That does infect the land
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Sam Litzinger @samlitzinger.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
"How President Trump Broke the Kennedy Center" www.nytimes.com/2026/09/20/u...
nytimes.com
How President Trump Broke the Kennedy Center (Gift Article)
Internal emails and documents demonstrate the political capture of the institution, including how officials once pursued a plan to unload much of the art collection.
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Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
A peek at what's on tap this week! www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/a-l... #booksky #bookreview
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
A Look Ahead: 9/20/26 | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Moby Dick @mobydickatsea.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Our souls are like those orphans whose unwedded mothers die in bearing them
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