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Everything Must Go
To those on the outside, the Powells are a happy family, but then a devastating accident destroys their fragile façade. When seven-year-old Henry is blamed for the tragedy, he tries desperately to make his parents happy again. As Henry grows up, he is full of potential--a talented sportsman with an academic mind and thirst for adventure--but soon he questions if the guilt his parents have burdened him with has left him unable to escape his anguished family or their painful past. with a delicate touch and masterful attention to detail, New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Flock invites us to meet a man both ordinary and extraordinary, and to experience a life that has yet to be lived.
Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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730 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Flock
6 books310 followers Former print journalist Elizabeth Flock reported for TIME and PEOPLE magazines before becoming an on-air correspondent for CBS News. Her acclaimed debut novel, BUT INSIDE I'M SCREAMING, chronically the psychological struggles of a young television reporter in New York, was released in 2003. Her second novel, ME & EMMA, became a New York Times bestseller and was an Indiebound (formerly Booksense) Notable Book of 2005. EVERYTHING MUST GO, Elizabeth's third novel, loosely based on a clothing store in Connecticut, was published in 2007. Elizabeth's books have been translated into seven languages and published in twelve countries.
Her fourth novel, SLEEPWALKING IN DAYLIGHT, came out in 2009, and was chosen as an Indie Next List (formerly Booksense) title. WHAT HAPPENED TO MY SISTER, a follow-up to ME & EMMA, will be published by Random House on August 7, 2012.
Elizabeth Flock lives in New York City.
Her fourth novel, SLEEPWALKING IN DAYLIGHT, came out in 2009, and was chosen as an Indie Next List (formerly Booksense) title. WHAT HAPPENED TO MY SISTER, a follow-up to ME & EMMA, will be published by Random House on August 7, 2012.
Elizabeth Flock lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
March 31, 2009
This is a book I read because I enjoyed the author's other books, and I didn't know anything more about it. She writes very well; however, this book went on and on and on and on and on (and repeat that for 500 pages). I found myself wanting to put it down because it was so soul crushingly boring, but I plowed through it, determined, because to put it down after suffering through even 10 pages would have just proven an utter waste of my time. The book description above notes that Henry is "impossibly stuck" - maybe he is (I don't remember), but so is the reader, and in a much more urgent way. It follows a boy, Henry, into manhood, through dysfunctional family, social and personal matters, but Ms. Flock was overly detailed (and that's being *extremely* kind). It was a frustrating read because, at the very end, it didn't mean anything. It gives random subtle nudges, but there was no point to any of it. I kept reading on because I thought that surely the point - the climax - would reveal itself shortly, but nothing ever happened. This book is one long, droning, excessive compilation of some guy's life, and nothing about him or his story is compelling enough to matter. It doesn't describe what Henry "might have been," or if it does, it's too late to give a rat's ass. The book hints at a "terrible moment," but honestly, even having read the book somewhat recently, I have absolutely no idea what that "terrible moment" was. Unremarkable, unimaginative, pointless and boring. I can't believe it got published. (And I absolutely love her other two books.) All those words and the result is a meaningless waste of time.
To put it simply: bloggers who write about what they had for breakfast and where they sat on the bus are a close parallel. (And possibly more interesting.)
To put it simply: bloggers who write about what they had for breakfast and where they sat on the bus are a close parallel. (And possibly more interesting.)
July 25, 2011
I purchased EVERYTHING MUST GO awhile ago and finally picked it off my bookshelves to read it. I couldn't remember why I originally purchased it, because it started out pretty darn boring. It was filled with insignificant details and descriptions that weren't going anywhere. In fact, for several chapters at the beginning of EVERYTHING MUST GO, I really didn't like it. First, there seemed to be a lot of grammar mistakes (at least for a published novel), or maybe it was just very poor editing. At any rate, I expect published books to have gone through the scrutiny of many editors and proofreaders, and apparently, this one didn't.
Furthermore, the book seemed to be a bit disjointed. The scenes flashed back and forth in time without much rhyme or reason. And then there was the overuse of heavy descriptions of the most mundane events and circumstances.
With all that said, I ended up enjoying EVERYTHING MUST GO. Why, you ask? Because I began to realize that the novel was purposely written with description overload about mundane circumstances because, Henry, the main character, has nothing going on in his life. He's barely living, so everything to him -- even the tiniest detail -- is all he really thinks about.
Mr. and Mrs. Powell lived in Smalltown, USA. They had three sons: Brad (the oldest), Henry (the middle child), and David (the baby). Brad was rebellious and belligerent. He picked on Henry, who became a football star in school. David died when he was young due to an accident involving Henry. Ever since then, Henry has been looked down upon by his parents, who begin their slow descent into an existence of just going through the motions. Henry eventually "gets out" and goes to college on a football scholarship, only to see it abruptly end when he's called upon by his father to return home to take care of his mentally ill, alcohol and prescription painkiller-addicted mother. He does so only out of guilt, always blaming himself for David's death because that's how his parents made him feel. Brad, on the other hand, escapes and is never heard from again.
Now, instead of being a big football star and leading a "normal" life, Henry is stuck working at a clothing store in his hometown, rushing home to take care of his mother (carry her up to her bed in her drunken stupor every day at 5:15 p.m.), even though his father is there and does nothing. It's all part of the guilt.
Many years pass, and day in and day out is the same for Henry. He begins to accept this as the norm and can't imagine straying. The store where he works has a big sale every year (the biggest annual event in his life), and he gets to catch up with former classmates who happen to return for visits to their hometown. They know they can always find Henry at the store. He's become a fixture, like so many outdated, unsold clothing.
I liked Henry, but I felt sorry for him. I also became a bit angry with him for not making more of himself than having his life dictated by parents who didn't care a whit about him. I wasn't disappointed in the ending. It was fitting...for Henry and his barely existent life.
Unfortunately, the novel leaves a lot of questions unanswered, but I won't reveal them here, lest I spoil the novel for others. I just wish the author had let us readers on a few more -- dare I say it? -- details.
Furthermore, the book seemed to be a bit disjointed. The scenes flashed back and forth in time without much rhyme or reason. And then there was the overuse of heavy descriptions of the most mundane events and circumstances.
With all that said, I ended up enjoying EVERYTHING MUST GO. Why, you ask? Because I began to realize that the novel was purposely written with description overload about mundane circumstances because, Henry, the main character, has nothing going on in his life. He's barely living, so everything to him -- even the tiniest detail -- is all he really thinks about.
Mr. and Mrs. Powell lived in Smalltown, USA. They had three sons: Brad (the oldest), Henry (the middle child), and David (the baby). Brad was rebellious and belligerent. He picked on Henry, who became a football star in school. David died when he was young due to an accident involving Henry. Ever since then, Henry has been looked down upon by his parents, who begin their slow descent into an existence of just going through the motions. Henry eventually "gets out" and goes to college on a football scholarship, only to see it abruptly end when he's called upon by his father to return home to take care of his mentally ill, alcohol and prescription painkiller-addicted mother. He does so only out of guilt, always blaming himself for David's death because that's how his parents made him feel. Brad, on the other hand, escapes and is never heard from again.
Now, instead of being a big football star and leading a "normal" life, Henry is stuck working at a clothing store in his hometown, rushing home to take care of his mother (carry her up to her bed in her drunken stupor every day at 5:15 p.m.), even though his father is there and does nothing. It's all part of the guilt.
Many years pass, and day in and day out is the same for Henry. He begins to accept this as the norm and can't imagine straying. The store where he works has a big sale every year (the biggest annual event in his life), and he gets to catch up with former classmates who happen to return for visits to their hometown. They know they can always find Henry at the store. He's become a fixture, like so many outdated, unsold clothing.
I liked Henry, but I felt sorry for him. I also became a bit angry with him for not making more of himself than having his life dictated by parents who didn't care a whit about him. I wasn't disappointed in the ending. It was fitting...for Henry and his barely existent life.
Unfortunately, the novel leaves a lot of questions unanswered, but I won't reveal them here, lest I spoil the novel for others. I just wish the author had let us readers on a few more -- dare I say it? -- details.
May 27, 2008
Honestly, this book sucked. The cover reads, "can one terrible moment change your life forever?" The answer is no. Reading this book was a bunch of terrible moments spread over several weeks because the book moved slow, was uninteresting and overall really downplayed the "terrible moment!" This is a classic example of an accomplished author slapping a book together because she can. I wouldn't waste your time reading it.
September 23, 2018
Henry was a football star, a popular guy from a somewhat normal family. A terrible thing happened that changed the family dynamics forever. He ended up coming home from college and working in a men’s clothing store, taking care of his mother for 23 years.
Mr. Beardsley was the owner of the men’s clothing store until he wasn’t. Henry believed Mr. Beardsley when he said it was the two of them forever. Then Mr. Beardsley disappeared from his life.
Henry Powell dreamed a lot about being a star in a band and being in professional football. He even continued to have daydreams after college of a photographer following him around, asking him questions, like “How do you do it?” and making statements like, “He’s incredible, this guy” Henry falls in love with Cathy Nicholas after he comes home. But, not long after, she breaks up with him. He still feels like he has a chance with her. He believes she will come back into his life. So, she becomes part of his daydreams.
In reality, Henry’s life is very sad. He gets together with a few of his high school friends here and there, but mostly he works all day and then goes home and takes care of his mom (and dad at times). He daydreams about how his life could have been without the terrible cruel twist of fate.
At the very end of the book, Henry’s life starts to change on the day he meets Celeste. Everything must go means so many things to Henry in that moment. His life, although unplanned, will forever be changed.
This was a very drawn out, sad book.
Mr. Beardsley was the owner of the men’s clothing store until he wasn’t. Henry believed Mr. Beardsley when he said it was the two of them forever. Then Mr. Beardsley disappeared from his life.
Henry Powell dreamed a lot about being a star in a band and being in professional football. He even continued to have daydreams after college of a photographer following him around, asking him questions, like “How do you do it?” and making statements like, “He’s incredible, this guy” Henry falls in love with Cathy Nicholas after he comes home. But, not long after, she breaks up with him. He still feels like he has a chance with her. He believes she will come back into his life. So, she becomes part of his daydreams.
In reality, Henry’s life is very sad. He gets together with a few of his high school friends here and there, but mostly he works all day and then goes home and takes care of his mom (and dad at times). He daydreams about how his life could have been without the terrible cruel twist of fate.
At the very end of the book, Henry’s life starts to change on the day he meets Celeste. Everything must go means so many things to Henry in that moment. His life, although unplanned, will forever be changed.
This was a very drawn out, sad book.
May 1, 2018
I made it 60% of the way through this book, but reading it was so boring and plotless it was more like meditating. There are no likable characters. There's barely any plot. In first 60 pages, the most exciting thing that happens is a men's clothing store has a minor flood and someone who works there asks a girl on a date. This book is terrible.
December 3, 2018
I can’t believe I finished this book. I just kept thinking that it has to get better for Henry, the main character. But there was nothing; no climax, no resolution, no happy ending or wrap up. Just a dreary story full of excessive detail from beginning to end. Alternating between years did not help the stagnation of Henry’s life.
October 16, 2018
I read 200 pages into the book, half way, and gave up. So boring. Doesn’t ever seem to get to a point.
December 16, 2020
"What was the damned rush?" she would ask the polished coffee table, moving her cloth down each leg for any dust fragments she might have missed on the first pass. "I was in such a damned hurry to get married. What was the rush? Like it was a lottery ticket. I thought I held the winning numbers, meeting your father."
Everything must go is a long, long, looooong read! And it didn't help that I picked it up during lockdown when my appetite for consuming literature was at an all time low! Nonetheless, I'm that reader that insists on finishing every darn book she starts, so on I progressed.
The storyline follows Henry from childhood through a mundane, unexciting and "stuck" adulthood, fuelled by the guilt he carries from an accident that happened when he was a child. I chastised Henry for allowing his life to pass him by in order to care for his parents, but also sympathized with his decision. It is a burden many people have to bear because the alternative, abandoning one's parents, is inconceivable.
The book is overly descriptive(hence the almost 400 pages) which can make it tedious. But I believe that this was deliberate...if one leads a boring, uneventful existence they have no choice but to find excitement in even the most mundane tasks. Elizabeth's writing more than makes up for it!
Everything must go is a long, long, looooong read! And it didn't help that I picked it up during lockdown when my appetite for consuming literature was at an all time low! Nonetheless, I'm that reader that insists on finishing every darn book she starts, so on I progressed.
The storyline follows Henry from childhood through a mundane, unexciting and "stuck" adulthood, fuelled by the guilt he carries from an accident that happened when he was a child. I chastised Henry for allowing his life to pass him by in order to care for his parents, but also sympathized with his decision. It is a burden many people have to bear because the alternative, abandoning one's parents, is inconceivable.
The book is overly descriptive(hence the almost 400 pages) which can make it tedious. But I believe that this was deliberate...if one leads a boring, uneventful existence they have no choice but to find excitement in even the most mundane tasks. Elizabeth's writing more than makes up for it!
May 4, 2020
This book reminded me of Stranger Than Fiction. The main character in both books is a sad, lonely man with a monotonous daily routine who has interactions with the book's narrator. Although in Everything Must Go, Henry's narrator is not always a narrator, sometimes they're a biographer, screenwriter or sportswriter depending on the timing of the anecdote or, I suppose, Henry's state of mind. The difference though, is that in Stranger Than Fiction Harold Crick is pushed out of his monotony (spoiler!) and ultimately get's a life. Henry too get's a life, but it's crammed into the last twenty pages of the book. The lead up is too slow and sad, and the payoff feels weird.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2020
This is the story of Henry, his two brothers, his father and mother. The family is fractured by a sudden death and the book is the story of how Henry juggles his memory of events and his current situations. The book skips from present to past and back again many times. It is helpful that each chapter has a yearly date which keeps the reader informed of where in the story the narrative is beginning, however, even within chapters the story line skips from present to past to explain events and emotions. Henry has some successes and he is a likable character, however, he can never escape the past and his responsibilities. I was wondering if Henry would ever " get a break" and by the books end I was not disappointed.
I had read Me & Emma by Elizabeth Flock and was enthralled by that book. The writing and the descriptions in this book are just as good. If you like books with a lot of action, this is not the book for you. This is a book that delves into a normal life lived with tragedy and disappointment. It is also a book that will be either immediately forgettable or one whose storyline sticks with you long after the last page is turned.
I donated this book to the Little Free Library on Wilmington Island, GA.
I had read Me & Emma by Elizabeth Flock and was enthralled by that book. The writing and the descriptions in this book are just as good. If you like books with a lot of action, this is not the book for you. This is a book that delves into a normal life lived with tragedy and disappointment. It is also a book that will be either immediately forgettable or one whose storyline sticks with you long after the last page is turned.
I donated this book to the Little Free Library on Wilmington Island, GA.
January 17, 2023
The book sounded intriguing. I am never too critical of a book.
Honestly, it was so disappointing.....when I finished the book that is what I felt, disappointment. I could not get past the chapter where it talks about what Henry does for a living, I kept falling asleep but thought I should push through, tried four or five times and got past that chapter, thinking something exciting would happen. NOTHING!
I am not sure what the point of this book was, there is no food for thought, any inspirational message or a point to the story, really. Why it is the way it is.
It is literally just about Henry working in the clothing store, he briefly is with a girl that he is obsessive about for years to come, his father has a stroke, nothing changes with his mother's addiction. It seemed to get interesting when he met Catherine, I thought it might go somewhere but it yet again didn't. Then, the store closes, he packs stuff in his car and the book ends. That's it.
I don't know if I am the only person confused by the title, Everything Must Go, the last line in the book but nothing goes, it does not make any sense. Would not recommend reading it. Perhaps someone else can give me more insight, maybe I'm just not seeing it.
Honestly, it was so disappointing.....when I finished the book that is what I felt, disappointment. I could not get past the chapter where it talks about what Henry does for a living, I kept falling asleep but thought I should push through, tried four or five times and got past that chapter, thinking something exciting would happen. NOTHING!
I am not sure what the point of this book was, there is no food for thought, any inspirational message or a point to the story, really. Why it is the way it is.
It is literally just about Henry working in the clothing store, he briefly is with a girl that he is obsessive about for years to come, his father has a stroke, nothing changes with his mother's addiction. It seemed to get interesting when he met Catherine, I thought it might go somewhere but it yet again didn't. Then, the store closes, he packs stuff in his car and the book ends. That's it.
I don't know if I am the only person confused by the title, Everything Must Go, the last line in the book but nothing goes, it does not make any sense. Would not recommend reading it. Perhaps someone else can give me more insight, maybe I'm just not seeing it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2024
i really reallly liked this, it was subtle, and i don't mean that in the euphemistic way, i mean it seriously, it kinda crept up on you what was going on, what the title meant, and i particularly loved the last 100 pages or so, as he grew older and all the exchanges with the imaginary biographer, and i can't say too much without giving things away, but the ending especially. i even saw it coming, the ending, but still the way she treated it was beautiful, just as her other two books were breathtaking and beautiful, and i'm just in awe of how realistically she's able to depict these sad lives and mental states and emotions, without ever seeming like she's just writing a book about them, instead seeming like she really knows what's going on in these people's heads, and you're really looking into what it's like to be them, to go through these things. she's easily become one of my favourite writers and i'm really looking forward to her next one out next year!
September 25, 2018
I could not get into this. I am not sure if this is the book's fault or mine but it just felt incredibly drawn out and snoozy.
I really like for those first two or so chapters to grip me or at the very least peak my interest. This book did neither and has put me in a reading slump I need to get out of :-(
I really like for those first two or so chapters to grip me or at the very least peak my interest. This book did neither and has put me in a reading slump I need to get out of :-(
March 26, 2019
After reading the first few (negative) reviews I very nearly didn't read this book but I'm so glad I did. I found that the 'boring' nature of the plot led to a deep understanding of the main character, why his life had turned out the way it had and how it could have been different. For me, the book didn't need to have a racing plot to be really interesting.
February 29, 2024
This book was interesting, but I had a really until tough time keeping up with all the flashbacks and remembering how old Henry is when all the events take place. It's a pretty darn depressing story, and I just kept waiting for his situation to change... but it doesn't really until very close to the end. And I was still left hanging...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2021
I spent the entire reading this book waiting for that "aha" moment, when it all begins to come together and make sort of sense. It was all over the place, jumping from time period to time period. Found myself becoming frustrated with the character.
May 19, 2017
Couldn't get into it. May try it again another time.
May 10, 2019
I enjoyed Emma and Me but this book feels like I just reread the same chapter over and over ...it goes no where
June 30, 2019
I kept waiting, trudging through this book, thinking something was going to happen. Nope. Big disappointment.
February 6, 2020
This was just an average book. It was boring and no real character development. I would not really recommend.
March 25, 2020
This is quite possibly the most boring I have ever found a book before, there is absolutely no progression and there was little to no character development.
Dissapointing.
Dissapointing.
May 13, 2020
I didn't dislike the story but didn't love it either. It kept me reading to the end but left me wanting
April 4, 2021
Henry Powell had a few big moments in his life which shaped who he became. He is a good man, living a mundane life selling menswear. I enjoyed Henry’s inner monologue talking to his “biographer”.
September 27, 2021
This book was a letdown. That is all.
April 13, 2023
To be honest i DNF it after page 102
Read
January 3, 2024Somewhat boring. No climax
May 10, 2024
A deep dive into the psyche of a not-so-ordinary man.
June 6, 2024
Good story about a sad life, but it could have been told in half the time.
June 3, 2009
This book was subtly delightful in a heartbreaking, Loser-loses-all kind of way. I think it’s also the perfect example of how a presumably mediocre story can take on extraordinary meaning to your personal life given the fact that you read it at precisely the correct time in your life-stage.
***SPOILER ALERT***
I absolutely love Flock’s writing style. The short chapters, the quick bouncing back from future to past to when-we-gonna-get-to-present is a compelling way to put together “Everything Must Go”. The bounce-around, however, is rewarded with just in time answers to questions. I adore our main character, Henry. Then, I find myself slipping through his slow spiral of hero to socially awkward 40-something. By the end of the read, I still felt for him, but was more sadden by his life-path up until September 10, 2001.
The family dynamic is a sticky layer cake with biter frosting. His mother, a dichotomy of the women (who is manners minded) in the second chapter to the woman (who is practically an invalid) in the opening sentences of the book. Wow, how intriguing. I must know more… when will we know more? I learn it… and it is a sorry picture of mental illness. Henry and his mother are wrapped together in co-dependence and have morphed into one and their illnesses feed off of one another and stunt the other’s growth.
Baxter’s is almost comic relief for me at this point. I love the owner, he is hilarious. Flock paints me a picture of a fuss-budget, busy-body posh middle-aged man in everyway which is such a nice relief from Henry’s sometimes Eeyore attitude.
What’s going to happen with Edgar Powell? Where did he disappear to, and why is he not helping with Henry’s mom? Where is Davey in the proceeding chapters? Why is Brad such an ass? I’m loving how Flock’s sentences lead me to more questions. Thankfully, as the pages turn, more answers arrive with nice reader satisfaction.
I picture Cathy as the most disorganized, self-conscious love interest there ever could be in the town. Their awkward moments togheter just make me want to route for them in a “loser v. loser” style extreme dating match! Our love interest at the conclusion of the book… well, we’ll see.
Finally, there are beautiful blending moments through these chapters where Flock uses a figment interviewer and biographer to help move the story along. How refreshing a way to introduce needed back/forward story without force feeding it third-person style.
I have to admit… the fact that Flock wrote this course of events to conclude on Monday, September 10, 2001 was breath-taking to say the least. She shocked me into further care for the characters… would Mr. Beardsley continue with his trip to Florida post-September 11? Would Henry continue to move along in the same regimented life state, or use the events to propel him into different action? What would happen with his mother? Brilliant, just brilliant to allude and never disclose. Nice work, Flock! I’ll be back for more…
***SPOILER ALERT***
I absolutely love Flock’s writing style. The short chapters, the quick bouncing back from future to past to when-we-gonna-get-to-present is a compelling way to put together “Everything Must Go”. The bounce-around, however, is rewarded with just in time answers to questions. I adore our main character, Henry. Then, I find myself slipping through his slow spiral of hero to socially awkward 40-something. By the end of the read, I still felt for him, but was more sadden by his life-path up until September 10, 2001.
The family dynamic is a sticky layer cake with biter frosting. His mother, a dichotomy of the women (who is manners minded) in the second chapter to the woman (who is practically an invalid) in the opening sentences of the book. Wow, how intriguing. I must know more… when will we know more? I learn it… and it is a sorry picture of mental illness. Henry and his mother are wrapped together in co-dependence and have morphed into one and their illnesses feed off of one another and stunt the other’s growth.
Baxter’s is almost comic relief for me at this point. I love the owner, he is hilarious. Flock paints me a picture of a fuss-budget, busy-body posh middle-aged man in everyway which is such a nice relief from Henry’s sometimes Eeyore attitude.
What’s going to happen with Edgar Powell? Where did he disappear to, and why is he not helping with Henry’s mom? Where is Davey in the proceeding chapters? Why is Brad such an ass? I’m loving how Flock’s sentences lead me to more questions. Thankfully, as the pages turn, more answers arrive with nice reader satisfaction.
I picture Cathy as the most disorganized, self-conscious love interest there ever could be in the town. Their awkward moments togheter just make me want to route for them in a “loser v. loser” style extreme dating match! Our love interest at the conclusion of the book… well, we’ll see.
Finally, there are beautiful blending moments through these chapters where Flock uses a figment interviewer and biographer to help move the story along. How refreshing a way to introduce needed back/forward story without force feeding it third-person style.
I have to admit… the fact that Flock wrote this course of events to conclude on Monday, September 10, 2001 was breath-taking to say the least. She shocked me into further care for the characters… would Mr. Beardsley continue with his trip to Florida post-September 11? Would Henry continue to move along in the same regimented life state, or use the events to propel him into different action? What would happen with his mother? Brilliant, just brilliant to allude and never disclose. Nice work, Flock! I’ll be back for more…
November 9, 2025
I really tried to soldier through this book. It took 100 pages before you heard the story of what happened to change his life. Then it just went back to page after page of the exact same thing. I’m sure there must’ve been something in here somewhere, but after putting it down for weeks and dreading picking it back up, I pulled my bookmark from the last hundred or so pages and put the book in the bin.
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