2023 Winter Reading Challenge: Books Read

It was on the list for colorism books. People who would like to help teach young children to accept themselves as beautiful exactly the way they are and not compare themselves to others would probably like this book.
- Sherry, 5 out of 5 stars

I liked that the main character finally stood up for herself and told the truth
- Beth II, 3 out of 5 stars

Genesis Anderson is a middle school student in Detroit who is called all kinds of horrible names by students of all shades because she is so dark and, because her parents their own colorism related baggage, she has to figure things out for herself. And she does. It's a wonderful, melancholy, and yet hopeful story and I flew right through it.
- Marie, 4 out of 5 stars

I was impressed that this was Morrison’s first book. Her style pulls the reader into the sad life of Pecola Breedlove. Powerful!
- Mary, 5 out of 5 stars

It was on the list for this challenge but I was also interested in reading something by Nella Larsen. I found myself rereading passages to try to full absorb what was going on and the intericacies of the situation. This story feels like a psycological thriller -- constantly waiting for the consequences of the characters actions and choices to come to light. Reading the forward meant I knew Irene would do something she'd have to live with but I never expected the action she took. The juxataposition of the different lives -- whether they were "passing" or when they chose to was interesting to see and a good reminder of the myriad of experiences there are in the world.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5 stars

The Scam is full of action, romance, suspense, and humor. It's part of a series of novels about an FBI agent who is paired with a major criminal with assigned to use this relationship to bring down other top-shelf international criminals. Fascinating page-turner. I'm hooked and already looking for the rest of the series. I loved it and you'll love it, too!
- Marie, 5 out of 5 stars

I thought it was really cute. It showed that don't let people tell you that you can't do something. If you put your mind to it you can accomplish just about anything given the right circumstances.
- Betsy, 4 out of 5 stars

People that like murder mysteries with a supernatural twist will enjoy this book. True crime buff, Shea is granted interviews with accused murderer, Beth. A few ghosts make things even more dangerous.
- Shirley, 4 out of 5 stars

Recommended by two library staff members. It's an excellent start to a middle grade series -- I believe one of the first of Rick Riordan presents. While it has very obvious kind of "choosen kid" set up the world it's building is still new to me and the characters are engaging.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5 stars

I liked the small town atmosphere and helping each other out.
- Beth II,

Shaun Tan's books are so unique and surreal. I really enjoyed this recommendation from Ben, the Children's Librarian.
- Alissa, 4 out of 5 stars

I thought the story was interesting but the first part of the book was confusing since it kept switching from the past to the present. However once that section was done I enjoyed the rest of the book much better.
- Sherry, 3 out of 5 stars

This book would be great for fans of thrillers and the secluded island trope. I found some of the plot to be predictable but overall, it was an enjoyable read.
- Jenny, 4 out of 5 stars

Someone who likes facts about how things work should read this.
- Beth II, 2 out of 5 stars

Anyone who easily understands scientific concepts/theories (superstrings; waves/particles; relativity; etc.) might enjoy this book.
- Sherry, 2 out of 5 stars

I've heard a lot of positive praise for Roach's books and thought I should give one a chance. Not the fastest read but each chapter was interesting and approached with a sense of humour an curiousity. Mostly, I'm really really grateful for gravity now.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5 stars

The title of it is in the title of my favorite song and the lyrics of the song refer to leaving ground (Earth) and maybe coming back (to Earth). I learned a lot I didn't know about sending astronauts to the moon such as how many missions it took and the sacrifice made by the original crew who lost their lives. Anyone interested in this subject that would like a short book on it most likely would enjoy it.
- Sherry, 4 out of 5 stars

It's set in the BAYOU! I like a good visit to Louisiana and this just happened to let me revisit two of my favorite complicated characters of Tami Hoag's. I don't know if a habitrual mystery reader will find it surprising but the murder aspect is hard when it deals with a child being killed. On the other hand, Nick Fourcade and Antoinette Broussard are so interesting to follow.
- Sarah, 3 otu of 5 stars

Interesting true story of a young woman from Pearl River, NY who ended up as an OSS agent in Spain during WW II
- Mary, 4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyed this mystery featuring Chief Inspector Morse which was also a PBS series that I liked.
- Mary, 4 out of 5 stars

who dunnit people would be interested in this book
- Beth II, 4 out of 5 stars

A great book about total opposites and the friends they become
- Beth II, 4 out of 5 stars

I could swear this book has the same plot as another I read when I was a teen -- it's not bad but it's not all that original even with a note at the begining that this is based on someone's life. It was all very "meh" for a book made into a tv series.
- Sarah, 2 ouf of 5 stars

An interesting tale of learning about where you come from mixed together with the supernatural. A lot of dealing with grief and guilt and healing.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5 stars

Anyone who's read the earlier books in Sylvia Engdahl's Rising Flame series would probably like this newest book.
- Sherry, 5 out of 5 stars

Anyone who's read Robin Cook's Jack Stapleton/Laurie Montgomery series would probably like this newest addition to it.
- Sherry, 3 out of 5 stars

This is historical fiction that takes place in and near Pittsburgh in the mid to late 1800s. A poor Irish girl is sent by her family to the United States to financially support them who, by a fluke, ends up as a ladies maid to Andrew Carnegie's mother. Interestingly, the story suggests a maid, a woman, played a part in Carnegie's decision to become a major philanthropist. Good depiction of the social hierarchy of the time and immigrant experience.
- Marie, 3 out of 5 stars

The history of the American Revolution told from a fresh perspective, beginning with the first salute of an American vessel by the Dutch held Caribbean island, St. Eustatius, an obscure event that the author expands on, showing the the American Revolution was part of a struggle for naval dominance between France, the Dutch, and England. Dry in a couple of spots but overall a good contribution to the scholarship of the beginning of a very turbulent period of time.
- Marie, 4 out of 5 stars

PROLOGUE
A Flicker in the Dark was a thriller with lots of twists and turns.
- Shirley, 5 out of 5 stars

People that love animals and historical books will love this heartwarming story. It's based on the true story of giraffes that were rescued from Europe during the war and then survive a hurricane crossing the Atlantic. They are then transported across America to the San Diego zoo and have many adventures along the way.
- Shirley, 5 out of 5

The suspense of this books was great. The love story building up and then being ripped away was amazing. The turn of events in the end sucked you in. Such a good book.
- Kelsey, 5 out of 5 stars

I enjoyed the story line and romantic woes of wanting to be together but thinking you can’t. Then everything just clicks and works out for everyone. Working through conflicts.
- Kelsey, 4 out of 5 stars

There's a Simply Enormous dragon in the story, although it's not the protagonist. Loved this book! It was so engaging and absorbing. It really was very nearly impossible to put down. It's not a unique story (bad witch versus good witch, love is stronger than hate) but it is a lovely story and absolutlely well worth reading.
-Marie, 5 out of 5 stars

I did not like this book as I do not like reading about dragons.
- Beth II, 2 out of 5 stars

In a world of magic, elves and dragons where humans are slaves, the orphan Shana is raised by a dragon. Shana is half elf, half human which is forbidden. When she re-enters the world of "two leggers" things come to a head, forcing change. Great book!
- Shirley, 5 out of 5 stars

I've had this book for so long and I've finally read it! It's interesting and enjoyable world building but it is kind of slowly paced. Not sure if I'll read the whole series but it does remind me of Patricia Wrede's Far West series which I love a great deal. For anyone who enjoys when fantasy elements are mixed with an every day/historical perspective feel.
- Sarah, 2 out of 5 stars

One of the main characters is a dragon (his soul form). People who like reading retellings of mythological tales/legends might enjoy this book.
- Sherry, 3 out of 5 stars

People who are interested in time traveling should read this book.
- Beth II, 4 out of 5 books

This was a really cute, quirky standalone book about accepting others who seem to be really different than everyone else. It teaches some really good lessons without being preachy so I would recommend it to anyone who believes tolerance is a virtue.
- Sherry, 4 out of 5 stars

It was on the cozy fantasy/sci fic list and I had always considered reading it. I found it interesting to read although a few of the ideals the world is based on I do not like -- I did like the story of the sisters reconnecting again. In general I think the Apple Tree got a bad rep it didn't deserve.
- Sarah, 2 out of 5 stars

This book had a Dungeons & Dragons feel to it, except that the main character is trying to open a coffee shop instead of fighting or going on a quest. It took me awhile to get into it but I eventually did and can see why its considered a cozy fantasy.
- Jenny, 3 out of 5 stars

People who really like to think "outside of the box" might enjoy the ideas in this book.
- Sherry, 3 out of 5 stars

This book is about a monk that sees five people plunge to their death when a bridge collapses. He searches for meaning of why this happened to these 5 people in particular.
- Shirley, 3 out of 5

Read this book years ago and just came across it again. Very interesting take on what happens when we die. I found the idea intriguing and it read like a very real experience. If you’re interested in a completely different view of heaven pick this book up.
- Beth, 5 out of 5 stars

It is about religion but also a classic that I tried to read long ago but Could not get through. A Franciscan Friar witnesses the collapse of a bridge that caused the death of five people. He decides to look into their lives to determine if it was the plan of God or a random act. It is interesting to see how the five people are connected. What Wilder decides is “ the bridge is love, the only survival, the only meaning."
- Mary, 4 out of 5 stars

This is the second volume of C.S. Lewis's space trilogy. The protagonist, aptly named Ransom, is sent to Venus (Perelandra) as a messenger from God as a new world is about to be born. I loved the vision of Venus created by Lewis and the story itself is an amazing combination of spirituality, philosophy, and logic, with a smattering of political commentary. Truly deep.
-Marie, 5 out of 5 stars

Middle Grade inspirational.
- Raymond, 5 out of 5 stars

I remember really liking the Percy Jackson series and knew that some of those characters appear in this series, so, I decided to give it a go. The world Rick Riordan has created with these books is incredible and a lot of fun to visit. I look forward to continuing with the series.
- Jenny, 5 out of 5 stars

People who have complex mother daughter relationships should read this book.
- Beth II, 3 out of 5 stars

A great adventure story about growing up, learning to do hard things, and the power of unconditional love, with some Scripture sprinkled in. Loved it!
-Marie, 5 out of 5 stars

This is an age-appropriate book about a transgender girl that wants to play a female character in the school play.
- Shirley, 4 out of 5

It was one of the books in the list for this challenge. People who enjoy standalone fantasy novels might like this book.
- Sherry, 4 out of 5 stars

Rebel librarians rule. It's always funny reading middle grade fiction -- sometimes you can feel the age group it's geared toward and sometimes not. Neither is a particularly bad thing but I certainly could tell in this one and at the same time I devoured it.

Really worth the read to get some perspective on how the banning of books feel for the kids who love to read.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5 stars

I am currently in Florida and a half block away from a Winn-Dixie. I had to read this book. I am glad I did; it was delightful!
- Mary, 5 out of 5 stars

This was a very enjoyable story about 10 year-old Opal who has moved to a new town and needs to make friends. Very positive story on how we should treat others and how things aren’t always as they seem. My 9 year-old grand daughter would really enjoy this book and so did I.
- Beth, 5 out of 5 stars

People who have suffered at the hands of others should read this book.
- Beth II, 4 out of 5 stars

It was an intense and compelling read. The speculative bit was so seamless inserted and all too real. While the book jumps around a bit - it is a presentation of history and love and anger that we all have to face.
- Sarah, 4 out of 5 stars

73% of the 6,035 Amazon reviews are the highest rating (five stars) so many people like this book. I agree it was a different interpretation of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale and the story was interesting. However, I didn't like the writing style: first person point of view from multiple characters.
- Sherry, 2 out of 5 stars

This is an informative graphic memoir wrote by a non-binary person.
- Shirley, 4 out of 5 stars

I had a lot of sympathy for the main character not remembering what happened each day.
- Beth II, 4 out of 5 stars

Story goes from Hannie Gossett in 1875 to Benny Silva in 1987. Story revolves around Goswood Grove Plantation, the owners and their slaves, and the descendents of those people who populate the area now. New English teacher at the “poor” school gets her students interested in finding out the history of those buried in a graveyard on the plantation property. Great book!
- Mary, 5 out of 5 stars

I read for my book club. This is the sequel to Boy in the Striped Pajamas and brings about some interesting questions regarding age and responsibility.
- Alli, 4 out of 5 stars

The book switches between 1950 and 2014 -- weaving two story lines that eventually meet up. I enjoyed this -- not like the best book ever but in the 1950 timeline you meet the Girls and each has their own particular back story of why the ended up in the school. The 2014 portion was interesting as well. I mostly like that the supernatural portion is never denied for the very real murders that take place. Additionally, I like the resolution and seeing the Girls again in later timeline and all that they are.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5 stars

The book alternates between the present and the past of Marian and Robin's childhood years. Anyone who likes the Robin Hood story might enjoy this alternate version since it's Marian who is the central character in this retelling. There were quite a few unexpected twists so I enjoyed the book more than I thought I would.
- Sherry, 3 out of 5 stars

Horse is a story about the great racehorse Lexington. Set in the 1850's it covers the life of Lexington and his enslaved trainer. In 2019 the book looks back at his life by artifacts that remain including his skeleton and numerous portraits. A great book that looks at race relations then and now.
- Shirley, 5 out of 5 stars

Seems like Kelly really does her homework. Not the usual book from this time period. I had never thought about it from the Germans that didn’t align with the natzis perspective. I found it a bit confusing at first with the 2 people and 2 different time periods but once I got into it I didn’t want to put it down. Not the usual book from this time period. I had never thought about it from the perspective of the Germans that didn’t align with the Nazis. I was a bit confused at the very beginning with the 2 women and 2 different time periods but once I got in I didn’t want to put it down.
- Beth, 5 out of 5 stars

The story starts with Elise in the present day trying to find her friend from the past. It then goes back to her life during WWII and back to how she got to where she is now. This book follows the life of an American girl with German parents who are put into an internment camp during WWII. Elise shares her views of adjusting to her new life and making friends with a Japanese-American girl. The girls and their families are sent back to their parent's home countries where they are not citizens. Elise struggles with being in a foreign country where she does not understand the language and life is much tougher than in the internment camp. She desperately wants to go home, so she accepts a marriage proposal from an American soldier. She and her friend lost touch after the war. During the present day, Elise has to keep fighting to remember where she is and who she is searching for before the alzheimer's claims her memories. In the end Elise finds her best friend.
- Gabrielle, 5 out of 5 stars

What an ending! I did not see that coming. I liked the plot but got tired of the sexual encounter parts.
- Mary, 4 out of 5 stars

People who have been reading the Kendra Michaels series would probably enjoy this latest book in it.
- Sherry, 3 out of 5 stars

Anyone who likes the TV series Bones will probably like this series. This book was about outlaw biker gangs and was set in Montreal.
- Shirley, 3 out of 5 stars

The author was on a podcast I like and it is marked as a thriller by the library.I finished it and it was quick but I don't know if I really felt the pacing as I should for a thriller. I read a similiar-ish survival in the woods YA novel and that felt a little more suspenseful to me. I guess it wasn't what I expected but it was still good. I also like that she does give a plausable if not 100% definitive answer for what went wrong with this survival game.
-Sarah, 2 out of 3 stars

This book was based on a true story and impossible to put down. The detailed accounts of what happened in this family is unbelievable.
- Kelsey, 5 out of 5 stars

Interesting turns and really shows you how much you don’t know the people you think you do.
- Beth, 4 out of 5 stars

Emily and Chess go on a writing retreat to a villa in Italy where a murder took place in the 1960s. As Emily becomes more and more obsessed with the murder and the events leading up to it, she begins to question what really happened. The dual timelines add to the mystery as the past starts to overlap with the present.
- Jenny, 5 out of 5 stars

This book kept you on the edge of your page. Wanting to figure out what was happening and where the betrayal was coming from.
- Kelsey, 4 out of 5 stars

For a person with a lot of grit should read this book.
- Beth II, 3 out of 5 stars

People who have read the companion novel to this, "Echo North" might enjoy this one since apparently some of the same characters are in it. I had not read "Echo North" but I would have understood the references in "Wind Daughter" to previous events better if I had.
- Sherry, 3 out of 5 stars

This book was written by a professional ballerina as a tribute to her mentor. It was a little hard to relate to, as I have almost no knowledge of ballet or opera. However, this was a nice introduction to these art forms. And it added a dimension to my knowledge of the civil rights struggle.
- Marie, 3 out of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book because it was about Anne's love for her grandfather through two different times. Her grandfather raises her and through time travel she assumes his mother's identity for a short period of time. After her grandfather passes Anne is transported to a time when he is only a child. While there she falls in love with the doctor caring for her grandfather. Through unfortunate circumstances Anne is transported back to the present leaving behind her husband. In the end, they are reunited.
- Gabrielle, 4 out of 5 stars

It's always fun to follow Zib and Avery on their adventures in the Up and Under -- and it's always amazing to see how this world is built. Lovely, weird strange fantasy and I would recommend the series to anyone who's tackled Seanan Mcguire's Middlegame.
- Sarah, 4 out of 5

This is a story of survival when a reporter is shot down during the Japanese invasion of the Aleutian Islands. His wife joins the USO to try to find him. I enjoyed this book as it is based on history that I didn't know about.
- Shirley, 4 out of 5 stars

I liked Grahame’s descriptions of the the countryside. It was interesting to revisit this story after trying to read it to my boys. They preferred an animated version.
- Mary, 4 out of 5 stars

People that love murder mysteries will love the Alex Delaware series. He is a psychologist that works with his friend, detective Milo Sturgis, solving murders.
- Shirley, 5 out of 5 stars

Definitely a more traditional mystery for this entry in the series. I think I read it too quickly and when the killer is revealed I feel I may have missed some of the more subtle clues. Over all a solid read and for the 56th book in the series - I still here for it.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5 stars

I chose this because for the fantasy aspect of living more than one life. I think that if you feel stuck in life this is a poignant book. It makes you realize that like Nora we might live a monotonous life, but life is full of possibilities. After Nora lives hundreds of variations of her life in the midnight library she learns something valuable and she comes to realize that her life is worth living.
- Gabrielle, 3 out of 5 stars

Heartbreaking story of an 11 year-old’s experience during the Holocaust. I have read a lot on this subject and this was just so incredibly sad. What incredible people shared the train car with Alice and then some not so. There were just so many brave people and so many “just following orders”. Good, quick read just tough subject matter.
- Beth, 3 out of 5 stars

I enjoyed rereading this. Such a difference in the manners of the day but the traits of the characters are the same as people today.
- Mary, 4 out of 5 stars

This story follows Sal and June who are the son and daughter of 2 families that have been feuding for generations. They grow closer as they try to uncover the history of what really happened between their 2 families and the curse that seems to be placed on both families. This book is full of magical realism.
- Jenny, 5 out of 5 stars

Although I did like this book somewhat it did seem rather far-fetched (too much fell into place nicely).
- Sherry, 3 out of 5 stars

Interesting story line - I enjoyed the story but it was kind of cliche.
- Kelsey, 3 out 5 stars

This is an Agatha Raisin book. It’s a British mystery. Quick read and I didn’t find it particularly engaging.
- Beth, 3 out of 5 star

If you are into romance, this is for you.
- Beth II, 4 out of 5 stars

A robot's journey to find out what love means- it was cute.
- Alissa, 3 out of 5 stars

Anyone who views people trying to enter the United States for a better life with compassion and wants to introduce this subject to a young child might want to use this book for that.
- Sherry, 3 out of 5 stars

Who can resist Miss Marple!
-Mary, 5 out of 5 stars

"I've read books by this author before and I loved them. In this book we follow three separate generations of a family and their perspective on their lives and each other. Dev really presents all sides of her characters and their feeling about each other but what I love is aa the heart they are there for on another even when one's messy life spills into the others. It was a lovely read.
-Sarah, 4 out of 5 stars

This book was very emotional and about a woman finding herself again through her music. Struggling to get pregnant and the tolls is cost in her marriage. This book was very relatable.
- Kelsey, 5 out of 5 stars

I am becoming a fan of Joanne Fluke and this challenge gave me the impetus to read another one of her books. Anyone who likes mysteries and food will love any of Joanne Fluke's books. This is my third encounter with Hannah Swenson, owner of The Cookie Jar, who solves mysteries as a hobby. The book was easy to read, had lots of recipes (haven't tried one yet, though), and the ending was kind of a happy one, so there's much to like about this book. I'm officially hooked on this series!
- Marie, 4 out of 5 stars

This is a YA book about 2 girls that challenge their high school's dress code.
- Shirley, 4 out of 5 stars

This was a cute YA romance. The wilderness leadership retreat aspect was fun and I enjoyed watching their relationship evolve.
- Jenny, 4 out of 5 stars

For older women who are going through physical and mental changes.
-Beth II, 3 out of 5 stars

A humorous book about David Sedaris's thoughts on life.
- Shirley, 4 out of 5 stars

I wish I had realized I could have listened to this book. The only thing that could have made it better would have been hearing Tina Fey deliver her own material. Funny and informative.
- Beth, 4 out of 5 stars

I chose this book because I had seen her show and knew she could be funny, so it worked for this challenge. I am not one for nonfiction books. However, I did enjoy listening to this book. Mindy is very relatable and says things that we all have thought at some point.
- Gabrielle, 3 out of 5 stars

It's not laugh-out-loud funny, but since it was written by Betty White, so of course it's humorous. It's a sort of memoir of her life and legacy mostly concerning the preceding year or so before the book was published, with pictures from her private collection. Heartwarming.
- Marie, 5 out of 5 stars

I enjoyed laughing while taking a step back in time as this was published in 1976. I could relate to all the objects, people, and organizations she mentioned.
- Mary, 4 out of 5 stars

I enjoyed Cory's Zeus grants stupid wishes and wanted to read another of his books. An interesting exploration of United States (some North American) history in terms of mythology -- I like the author's sarcastic and prosy explanattions that encompass how we think of these people or events. Also really plan to think of Benjamin Franklin as modern Zeus.
- Sarah, 4 out of 5 stars

It's in the nonfiction collection and it's definitely humorous. To me, Calvin and Hobbes was the funniest comic strip and I still miss it being in the newspaper. Anyone who's enjoyed working with children and has a good sense of humor would probably like this book or any of his other ones.
- Sherry, 5 out of 5

People who love their Nana should read this
- Beth II, 4 out of 5 stars

I thought it was a good soothing book. Because, hey, sometimes adults could use a reminder of the same fundamentals taught in kids books.
- Alissa, 4 out of 5 stars

It was on a list of books with rabbit covers although it is apparently really a hare. An interesting take on the Fall of the House of Usher and fully enjoyable. For some reason I not sure I'm connecting with the horror elements in Kingfisher's writing but her characters are lovely to hang out with that I keep on reading. It is a short one.
- Sarah, 4 out of 5 stars

Quick reading mystery that was enjoyable and engaging. This is from the Lucy Stone series. Takes place mostly in an assisted living facility in Tinker’s Cove Maine but has twists and turns that keep you turning pages.
- Beth, 4 out of 5 stars

A classic children's book with a magical ending.
- Shirley, 5 out of 5 stars

It was fun to revisit this sweet story and some other fairy tales.
- Mary, 5 out of 5 stars

Anyone who's young-at-heart and likes to laugh will probably enjoy this book. I read it as a kid and thought it was funny and after re-reading it as an adult, it's still funny!
- Sherry, 5 out of 5 stars

People with young children. It can teach them the importance of listening and not just telling someone what they should do
- Betsy, 4 out of 5 stars

It's about the rightful king's pursuit of his inheritance. Anyone who enjoys fantasy novels and likes Stephen King's writing might like this book.
-Sherry, 3 out of 5 stars

About the genocide of the Armenian people. Incredible story of sacrifice. Could also be used for the 2 timelines challenge.
- Beth, 3 out of 5 stars

The inheritance is not only a Fabrege egg, but a family that the main character did not know she had. My favorite parts of the story were about the Danish resistance during World War II which I did not know anything about. The author did a good job of weaving that into the plot.
- Mary, 4 out of 5 stars

This book piqued my curiosity, as I know very little about this aspect of history. This book was a delightful and informative telling of Mongolian history and the important part the female descendants of Genghis Khan played in it. It wasn't easy to inherit from Genghis Khan!
- Marie, 4 out of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book it was a bout a family full of secrets. It took their mother passing to learn the truth about everything.
- Kelsey, 5 out of 5 stars

The title made it an easy choice for this challenge. I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read, but it kept you guessing on how all the pieces fit together. You want to keep reading to know how all the characters play a part in the game and who knows more than they are letting on. This was not a book I would have normally picked out, but now I can't wait to read the next in the series.
- Gabrielle, 4 out of 5 stars

An inheritance complicated by puzzles, riddles, secret passageways and some danger too.
- Shirley, 4 out of 5 stars

Laura inherits her employer's house and the task of being the keeper of lost things. It was a lovely bit of reading dealing with loss and love. I like the way the different perspective (Anthony, Eunice and Laura) are woven together. This isn't a novel with a surprise twist -- I could tell where the story was leading but it was a pleasure following along. It was engrossing to read and then left me feeling warm and hopeful.

This could also work for the dual timeline challenge -- you travel between the present for Anthony and Laura while slowly winding your way through Eunices past until the two collide.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5 stars

I liked the idea behind the book and the relationships that formed from that idea.
- Beth II, 4 out of 5 stars

I liked learning about James Patterson's life
- Beth II, 4 out of 5 stars

I've always liked the movie and have meant to read the book so when this challenge came up, I thought this could preface reading the book finally. I expected a nonficiton book about a book to be a slop for me -- regardless of the topic but this was just lovely. It was a reflection on what the book meant - to the author, to its time and to its readers. I love how the author divided the book in three, reflecting three of the main characters and the three different journeys the story has gone on.
- Sarah, 4 our of 5 stars

It's about a famous author. Anyone who would like a short biography of Maya Angelou for their kids to read might want to choose this book.
- Sherry, 3 out of 5 books

This book chronicles the rise and fall of a fictional band in the 1960s-70s. The story is told mostly through interviews between a reporter and the band members decades after they broke up. You get to see the bands slow rise to stardom, how Daisy Jones comes to join the band, and all the interpersonal conflicts between the members that ultimately leads to them disbanded.
- Jenny, 5 out of 5 stars

I liked the facts I learned about Marilyn Manson.
- Beth II, 4 out of 5 stars

I definitely thought of this as a nonfiction challenge and even when I realised it didn't have to be I kept at it to challenge myself. It's an interesting biography - very digestible in chapter size bits. I feel bad as I mostly only know the writer through the one song - The Story. It was interesting to see a life woven around music. And any time it seemed like name dropping, I did love that the writer herself was so wowed by the experience of meeting and clicking with the musicians who were her heroes.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5 stars

Anyone who wants to read a brief, simplistic overview of the Beatles might like this book.
- Sherry, 3 out of 5 stars