Thanks for letting me borrow this book Sarah :)
It was so fun to get another Stevie story! I didn't enjoy this stand-alone story as much as the Truly Devious trilogy, but I love all of the characters and following them on their summer adventure.
- Ali, 4/5
I borrowed this one from a friend. Thanks, Sarah! "Somewhat standard camp-based horror story. The storytelling itself was very well done. At the end with the ""big reveal"" it felt like it was supposed to resemble Hercule Poirot, but in actuality, it was more like a magician pulling a rabbit from their hat.
Good book.
- Jen, 4/5
Easy read about the people that could be from any small town anywhere and how they were linked together. Kind of felt like it didn’t really go anywhere.
- Beth, 3/5
This was a really cute story about a teenage girl who discovers she is actually Japanese royalty. The main character is easy to love and its entertaining to watch her try and reconcile her American life style with the expectations of being a princess and trying to learn Japanese customs and culture.
- Jenny, 4/5
I love mysteries, the paranormal, and Nancy Warren's writing. This is a cozy paranormal mystery in the Vampire Book Club series. I believe all of Nancy Warren's protagonists are witches. Fun! I consider this book to be a perfect example of the paranormal cozy mystery. The writing is clean and engaging, the mystery is well plotted, and the characters are delightfully quirky. It is easy to maintain the necessary focus for this light read .
- Sara, 5/5
I liked the way this book went back and forth from the characters current summer trip and the ones they took together in the past, leading up to the Croatia trip they took 2 years ago that resulted in them cutting contact with each other. This book is a fun beach read that anyone who enjoys contemporary romance novels will love.
- Jenny, 5/5
It was an okay read. I liked seeing Kayla gain confidence and Avery learn some compassion. I'm also glad it isn't an unrealistic perfect happy ending.
- Sarah, 2/5
I couldn't put this book down! I finished it in one day. It's a super easy to read, fun summer book about a plus-size contestant on a dating show similar to the Bachelor.
- Kristen, 5/5
They are trapped at the resort with a killer - so they are "locked" in. It was kind of interesting. The connection between the murders and the history of the resort and one time Sanatorium was a distinct possibility from the start. It would have been nice to have that on the main characters radar a little sooner.
- Sarah, 2/5
I love to paint. It sounded fun. It was easy to root for the protagonist, and her puppy that was in the story only to capture puppy lovers. The mystery was well designed, not obvious, not random. There are editing issues with this book, but the author shows promise.
- Sara, 3/5
It was the first "Summer" book to pop up under Kindle Unlimited. A fun summer read. The characters are nicely crafted. It is a romance, but not a steamy one. It is a Christian book, but not overly preachy. It's a charming tale of unexpected family.
- Sara, 4/5
Got it from the list as I usually enjoy books on this topic. I definitely liked this book though it read as very true as to what these poor young guys went through. Sad. Really makes you think about the craziness of war and what countries are willing to put people through.
- Beth, 4/5
Murder mystery on a tour of Budapest was irresistible. Also was available on Kindle Unlimited, so quick, cheap access was a plus. Fans of Agatha Christie and cozy mysteries will enjoy this deadly romp. I did figure out who the murderer was by half way through, but I was still looking for all the clues to prove it. Only a few editing misses, otherwise a well constructed and polished novel.
- Sara, 4/5
The title is enchanting, and they are odd creatures I rarely think of. I figured they deserved a bit of attention. I think most people would find this book engaging and informative, even those who don't think they care about dung beetles. Maybe it helps to think of them as the more glamorous scarabs that are one subspecies. I listened on Audible, and the nation was well done. This book explores the anthropological and historical interest in the species along with the scientific. The development of scientific thought is well illustrated, as some dung beetles are kind of into astronomy.
- Sara, 4/5
This one was a little hard for me to get through at times. Trigger warnings for abuse. Mattie has lived on a mountain with William for as long as she can remember. There is another monster on the mountain with them and Mattie must escape both to survive.
- Ali, 3/5
This book is about that subject most want to avoid, death. Folllows this guys introduction to and repeated losses through his life. Tough subject as we all experience in many different ways and know its where we are all going.
- Beth, 3/5
I picked this book cause I needed something light and low stress. All the books in this series follow a similar formula. The main character of this book is the sister of the main character from the first book in the series so it was fun to get to see old characters again. This book is definitely an easy read that you can sit back and enjoy.
- Jenny, 4/5
Same author and same topic.
Enjoyed both of these books. It’s a subject that just blows my mind. I cannot believe humans can treat each other this way. Enjoy when you hear of people that made it through this horrendous time and where able to go on and have a good life after.
- Beth, 5/5
The story was good, but I didn't like the way the main character acted throughout most of the book.
- Ali, 3/5
I was immediately drawn into this dark dramatic manga- the characters are likeable, the plot is really interesting, and the artwork is gorgeous.
- Alissa, 5/5
Beautiful prose, but not so poetic that it gets in the way. Gorgeous descriptions. A touch of whimsy. Heartbreaking and glorious tale of what it means to be family. Oh, and it's about Shakespeare and Hamlet!
- Sara, 5/5
Same author an same series: I decided to pick this series up because of a review I saw on TikTok. The review sounded interesting and the series did not disappoint. The premise of the story is centered around a prophecy that two queens will rise, the blood queen and the sun queen. One will destroy the world and the other will save it. This series would be great for anyone who likes fantasy and battling for survival against a corrupt government.
- Jenny, 4/5
It was kind of a darker read than the cover led me to believe. Still a good read and heartrending but a hopeful ending.
Sarah, 2/5
Takes place at Agatha Christie's home -- Mrs. Christie is one of the characters. This seems to be the start of a series and I enjoyed reading it. I'm intrigued by the mysterious glimpses into the main character's past and the potential of what she is trying to hide from -- I was lucky to get an advanced readers copy of this book.
- Sarah, 3/5
I really enjoyed this book. The writing style was very similar to the Weiner's other book Big Summer and even referenced the events of the book. I can't really say much about the plot without giving it away but I would suggests you check trigger warnings before diving in.
- Jenny, 5/5
This book is set at a boarding school in the Vermont mountains. I enjoyed the references to places in Vermont I am familiar with. I also enjoyed the who done it aspect of this book and how while trying to solve the cold case of what happened to the Ellingham's, Stevie stumbles upon the body of one of her classmates. The book ended on a to be continued and I scrambled to get my hands on book 2. I think this series would be enjoyed by fans of crime novels and Sherlock Holmes.
- Jenny, 4/5
A student was murdered and another who had motive is missing and the school is located in the remote mountains of Vermont. While the students are able to make trips into Burlington, they still are for the most part secluded at the school. In this book Stevie works on solving the cold case of Dottie's murder and the Ellingham kidnapping and as she puts the pieces together to find her culprit, the crimes in the present start becoming more dangerous for Stevie and her friends.
- Jenny, 4/5
It popped up as an ad on my Kindle, and sounded like a light read which was needed as I recover from Hamnet. This journey of romance and self discovery was fun, and had a little more depth than I had expected. It would have benefited from another 20-50 pages of development, and I felt Adam's sub-plot was a bit thin. Coincidence/destiny was central to the novel. Fans of John Green (particularly An Abundance of Katherine's or Will Greyson, Will Greyson) might be drawn to this.
- Sara, 3/5
I’m not going to lie I almost gave up on this book. Then I got into it and enjoyed the relationships it explored. Interesting to see things through the eyes of Indian immigrants.
- Beth, 3/5
It was recommended on the sistascifi feed and sounded interesting. Strong female protagonist.
-Jennifer, 4/5
I enjoy reading vampire books. I have read it in the past but forgotten a lot about the book and wanted to read more in the series but knew I would have to reread the prior books to get back into the swing of the books because of how close each book follows. I would recommend this book because I found it very entertaining.
- Betsy, 4/5
I find this author very entertaining. It is a mystery but also keeps you laughing. She has become one of my favorite authors. I loved her writing style and the the way she mixes thing up with an additional sense of humor. There were parts of the book that had me laughing out loud.
- Betsy, 5/5
I loved the unreliable narrator, and the story from the point of view of a very old man whose lived his life to the fullest. It is a haunting story from the place in history when the lumberjacks were fading out.
It is brutal, amazing, and brilliantly told.
-Jen, 5/5
I loved this manga! I might have a small fear of spirals now!
- Ali, 5/5
I'm a fan of Agatha Christie and I liked the plot description. Fans of Agatha Christie probably will enjoy this book.
-Jennifer, 4/5
I heard about it on Anne Bogel's podcast, One Great Book. What really drove me forward in the book is wondering what the heck was going on.
-Jennifer, 5/5
I enjoyed the book, there were lots of interesting facts about the events. And I have a new appreciation for the behind the scenes machinations of world leaders during WW1.
- Jen,4/5
The author weaves multiple threads of historical events into a compelling tale. The material was well researched and it came together very well. The author's notes at the end of the book were very interesting as well. The sources are well documented.
- Jen, 4/5
He's snarky, honest, a little silly and a lot of fun to read. His relationships with his family members are eerily like some of my own. Some of his reminiscinces are haunting, others are horrific, and the way he shares them can draw a sympathetic smile. Or a wince.
- Jen, 4/5
I really liked the premise of this book and the 2 storylines one taking place in the 18th century and the other present day. I was intrigued by the idea of an apothecary dispensing poisons for women to use against the oppressive men in their lives and how that storyline would overlap with the problems Caroline was facing in the present.
-Jenny, 5/5
A pretty basic mystery, but entertaining enough to finish.
- Alissa, 2/5
Mystery. Loved it, funny.
-Sally, 5/5
It is set in the UK where I'd like to eventually travel.
It is a light-hearted romance. There is light apprehension sprinkled throughout, of the typical "Will they, Won't They" variety. If you are looking for a fluff book for an afternoon, this is it!
- Jen, 4/5
The book is very well researched, and the way the story is told evokes coffee/tea around the kitchen table while the neighborhood gossip passes along all the juicy details of your community's newsworthy events.
It was such fun to read!
-Jen, 5/5
I really enjoyed this book. Like how it goes back and forth in time covering the secrets and mysteries of the past at the boarding school. Fiona is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Didn’t want to put this book down once I started reading.
- Beth, 5/5
My sister. Would not shut up about how good it was. Everyone should read this book, but particularly young women who have a passion for learning and discovery, and those who might nurture that passion, or at least learn to appreciate it. Flavia is spectacular, and would likely get along famously with Wednesday Addams. The unfettered spunk and intellectual agility of this 11 year old heroine is set against the stark home life that fostered her by leaving her to her own devices. She is a well developed personality.
- Sara, 5/5
It was on my list of books to read. I enjoy learning about the era wherein the book is set. I enjoy the unreliable narrator, and that regardless of era, people never do seem to outgrow their need for drama.
- Jen, 4/5
This was a cute story about finding yourself and discovering your passion in life. This book would be great for anyone who loves YA contemporary romances and the descriptions of Kyoto make me want to plan another trip to Japan asap.
- Jenny, 4/5
This was just an okay book for me. I won't continue with the series. You might enjoy this if you like Norse Mythology.
- Ali, 3/5
It is a loose collection of "lost pet" posters from around the world. It was short. I expected it to be a lot longer and for there to be more information. It does give some good pointers on writing a lost pet poster for those that need the information.
- Jen, 3/5
I'd seen this book before and was interested. "It is the story of three girls who travel cross-county go met their mother during the first time in our history with the Black Panthers hosting breakfasts for poor children, and offering sickle cell anemia testing. One of those boiling times in our nations history that cannot help change things. The girls grow and mature and let go of some of the things they are ""supposed to be"" and allow themselves to be who they are and enjoy it.
It is excellent. "
- Jen, 5/5
Slow build mystery where the location is a character in itself
- Jennifer, 4/5
It is a historical fiction, and also a love story.
It is an incredible story of compassion in action, of falling in love with books, of becoming part of a community, and so much more. Wonderful window to WW2 London, as well.
- Sara, 5/5
It's a story told through the eyes of the third child in a family with four kids.She's an interesting character. She embodies her mother's wish without even realizing she does so.
The nook is very well written, though there are events that make it difficult to continue reading. Tissues are a must.
- Jen, 3/5
This book takes place in Scotland (I've always wanted to go there) and is about a woman who decides to pretend to be her best friend and take her place as a sommelier for the summer. Things do not go according to plan and Birdy finds herself working hard to memorize the wine list and help Loch Dorn succeed after it's recent renovation. Birdy is a lively character that fans of contemporary romances can easily relate too.
- Jenny, 3/5
This was a typical police investigation with the added element of a woman officer in a position that the men in the sheriff’s office didn’t feel she deserved to be part of the homicide division. It was an enjoyable read and I did want to finish to see how things turned out.
- Beth, 4/5
I found it entertaining and funny. It had a lot to do with storytelling done by an older person and how it came about in the current times of the story. I think children and many people would enjoy the book.
- Betsy, 3/5
Interesting story and the artwork is beautiful.
- Ali, 4/5
I asked my friend to recommend me a book that is lighthearted and she handed me this one. It kind of reminded me of the premise to a Hallmark movie. Girl goes on vacation meets boy and falls in love with more than just the town. The story was cute and I liked that there was tension between the town and the tourist they rely on.
- Jenny, 4/5
Keiko works at a convenience store for 18 years and is being faced with how her society values women and what it means to be normal. It's a book of dark humor but a short read with a satisfying conclusion.
- Sarah, 3/5
It's a romance novel. It's sweet and angst. It feels as though the author threw in extra doses of angst to stretch the length of the novel. Its a good mindless read.
- Jen, 3/5
Story of some real life missionaries who went out west. If you like history, adventure, native Americans and old time west this is a very good read. The Spaldings traveled out west with the Whitman’s to bring religion to the native Americans. The book tells the tale of the Spalding family and there trials and tribulations. It goes back and forth from the mother, Eliza’s, diary and the daughter, Eliza’s, life. What pioneers! How brave they had to be to partake this adventure. Incredible what people went through and how they persevered. Loved the book!
- Beth, 5/5
The main character was a former librarian. This is a nice little mystery. There's a group of women who work together to solve crimes. It is sweet, and the relationships between the women are a nice focus. There are some two-dimensional cut-outs that you are supposed to hate/be suspicious of. And the villain is less Moriarty than Snidley Whiplash. It is ultimately a forgettable little bit of distraction.
- Jen, 3/5
I asked a friend to lend me a book and this was it! Thanks, Ali. An interesting paranormal experience with a mystery. Nice to read YA where the friendships were real and imperfect but with genuine feelings. Also enjoyable mysteries within the mystery. For anyone who likes to think about what they would do stuck in the movie Groundhog day.
- Sarah, 3/5
I chose this book because it has the U.S. flag on the cover, which definitely fulfills this challenge.
Joseph Ellis is one of my very favorite historian authors. He is very easy to read and always presents material in interesting ways. In this book you will read about what the founders thought about the future of the United States and how they may have felt about how things turned out. A great read that makes clear why knowing our founders and what they really said can not only protect us from demagogues but may even save us from ourselves.
- Marie, 5/5
Cleopatra was on the NYPL list and it is easy to see why. If you want to read about Cleopatra and what the Mediterranean world was like at the time of transition between the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire but don't want to be bored to tears, this is the book for you. It's full of passion and pathos and probabilities. Very easy to understand why this is one of the NYPL 125 best loved books.
- Marie, 4/5
Loved this book! I read it in a weekend. It is lighthearted and yet heartbreaking. Really makes me want to read more YA fiction. You'll love it, too!
- Marie, 5/5
Took place in London and that is a place I’d like to visit. I liked this book about some pretty messed up people. Really wanted to keep reading just to see how their messed up lives intertwined and how they ended up. Found it an interesting read.
- Beth, 5/5
This book is a collection of essays on different topics that Green rates on a 5 star scale. I feel like it is a little weird to review a book that is full of reviews but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is lighthearted, sad, introspective and hopeful. I listened to the audiobook which Green actually narrates and I think it helped me see the world from his point of view.
- Jenny, 5/5
The photography was interesting. Each photo corresponds to a weird state law, one for all 50. After reading the intro by the author, I found out that a lot of the laws in the book were never actually in place, but kind of 'myths' which was a little lame.
- Alissa V., 2/5
JD Robb has a 52 plus book series that I continue to read which totally makes her my favorite author. A good mystery -- felt it took more leaps in the procedural area but overall a satisfying read. If you like competence the In Death series always has that but also a nice sense of a community.
- Sarah, 4/5
I had a hard time getting into this one. I listened to the audiobook and my mind kept wondering instead of staying focused on the story. When the murder mystery got closure to the end the story engaged me more. I don't know if I will read more in the series.
- Jenny, 2/5
The main character Joe volunteers at a library and the woman he has his eye on is a librarian. This book is a thriller and I think anyone who enjoyed the Netflix series You will enjoy reading the book series it is based off of. This is the 3rd book in the series and it's interesting to see how Joe has evolved and how despite his best efforts to be better things still go wrong. He is not a good guy and it is interesting to be in his head and see his rationalizations for his actions.
- Jenny, 5/5
An interesting take on knowing the future and regrets in your past. It goes between the past and present pretty cleanly and clearly. It is emotionally trying for all that it looks like a sweet romance -- the 'accident' they are trying to prevent is quite serious and heart wrenching. Please avoid if you cannot read about suicide.
- Sarah, 3/5
Was kind of a surprise. I definitely thought it would go differently but it does a good job of showing redemption and justice as well as the perils of vengeance. It was still a slow starter for me -- as I was waiting for trouble to ensue. However the friendship that the girls develop is genuine and strong which I prefer.
- Sarah, 3/5
The illustrations are gorgeous. It's a steampunk graphic novel series.
- Ali, 4/5
As soon as I saw this challenge, I picked up a Harry Potter book. I had read the first four books in the series but stopped there. This challenge gave me the push I need to finish the series, and I'm happily on my way again. Year Five in Hogwarts was Harry's roughest year yet with lots of drama and a great ending that leaves the reader satisfied and yet eager for more. Loved it!
- Marie, 5/5
I picked Out of Orange because I read Orange is the New Black when it first came out and thought it would be interesting to get another point of view.
- Jenny, 4/5
I think Sure, I'll be your Black Friend is a good but for people who are looking to have a better understand their own biases.
- Jenny. 4/5
The premise sounded interesting. What happens when "leave no child behind" is leaving behind the smart kids. Schools get split into a three tier system with the best teachers and the most funds going to the highest echelon. Read and find out when eugenics rears it's ugly head.
- Shirley, 5/5
Black Beauty is a story of a horse's life from his point of view. It's a childhood favorite and as an adult I still loved it.
- Shirley, 5/5
Blood Orange was hard to get into because I didn't like the main character, or her husband, or her lover... The plot kept me interested.
- Shirley, 4/5
When a woman's husband leaves her, she moves to a retirement community to be their hairdresser. A feel good book that I enjoyed.
- Shirley, 4/5
Fans of Kristin Hannah and books about WWII will love this book. It's an emotional book that will stay with you well after you've finished.
- Shirley, 5/5
The author is inviting you into the dialogue he starts by saying "For those of you who lack an honest black friend in your life, consider me that friend." I think this book is great for anyone who is trying to do the work of understanding race relations in the United States. While educating yourself on systemic racism this book also invites you to get uncomfortable in an effort to move forward and change.
- Jenny, 4/5
Trapped in a Chalet after an avalanche -- I tend to gravitate toward mysteries and thrillers that are set in winter. I figured out who the killer was early on, but it was still a fun read.
Ali, 3/5
Alex Delaware & Milo Sturgis take on another cold case with lots of twists and turns. Love this series!
- Shirley, 5/5
I have the Barnes and Noble edition and it has an ice-cream cone embossed on the cover. The premise of this book was Freaky Friday meets the Parent Trap. I thought I would like it a lot more than I did. One of the characters doesn't use bad words and the author chose words like excrement and intercourse as replacements. I seriously thought and editor made a horrible mistake with word replacement until an explanation was giving about 10 pages later. I think it was worth the read but don't think I would recommend it to anyone who isn't familiar with the authors BookTube channel.
- Jenny, 3/5
Jodi Picoult is my favorite author and I haven't read this book in quite a few years. The book can be quite heavy, which makes sense since it's about a family struggling with cancer. I would recommend this to high school students and older. If you enjoy court cases and answering philosophical questions, you would enjoy this book. I think Picoult has a way of making you care for all the characters, no matter how many there are. I think I enjoyed how she wrote Anna and her lawyer Campbell the most.
- Cheyjan, 4/5
This is a mystery set in a Kiowa camp. I learned a lot about Kiowa customs. The narrator's wife is accused of witchcraft. Can he prove her innocence?
- Shirley, 4/5
Both of these books are amazing. Fans of Science Fiction will love these.
- Shirley, 5/5
This book is about a couple that buy a summer house in Italy and renovate it. The descriptions of the food will have you wanting to cook. A real treat!
- Shirley, 5/5
Oranges is a story of a girl growing up in a single parent household coming to terms with her sexuality and her religious mother, and the place of God in her life. I found the flow a little jumbled. Alternatively tragic and comic outlook on life.
- Marie, 3/5
I have been meaning to read this book for a very long time. Richard Wright wrote this autobiographical portrait to explain how black Americans were conditioned to live in the racist society that was early twentieth America. It was blunt and brutal and eyeopening. Hopeful rather than happy ending.
- Marie, 4/5
Interesting memoir from a woman who struggles with her self and cultural identity. She helps illuminate how Asians were treated in America for a large portion of our nation's history and how some of those expectations color how Asians are treated today.
- Jen, 3/5
It is set at in a boarding school. It is a nice mystery involving elements of a ghost story. The pieces of the ghost story are interwoven with the mystery. There are multiple points of view, and the voices are distinct and reflect the personality of the person speaking. It is very well done.
- Jen, 4/5
It is set in both Japan and China. I enjoyed the intrigue and the unfolding of complex characters, but during the gory parts was way too explicit for my tastes.
- Jen, 2/5
I loved this book! It was dark and gritty. It was a great story and I can't wait for the next in the series.
- Ali, 5/5
Gentle fantasy story that includes talking animals, villains that are ultimately defeated, and engaging characters.
- Jen, 5/5
The story follows the Mozart family on their tours through Europe. The focus of the story is on the relationship between Mozart and his sister, who was also a musical prodigy. I liked the fantasy word that was created with the Kingdom of Back and the fact that the Mozart children actually imagined this world in real life to keep them busy on their long travels between performances. I think this book would be great for anyone who enjoys fantasy.
- Jenny, 4/5
"What appears to be a very simple plot deepens quickly. Intricacies and connections make the story very engaging.
In the beginning several strangers are thrown together and over the course of time, their relationships and connections change and refine. Delightful work!
- Jen, 4/5
This was a re-read for me. The main character, El, goes to a magic boarding school that is intent on killing the students.
- Ali, 4/5
Hercules Poirot goes on vacation! It could have been used as a locked room mystery as well. As expected a solid mystery -- multiple characters with secrets swirl around a mysterious death of a young socialite who has it all. I had a pretty good ideal of the who but had to rely on Poirot for the how.
- Sarah, 3/5
A clear, concise, and yet detailed history of the summer of 1776 and the genesis of American Independence. The focus is on how the Continental Congress and the Continental Army began to learn to cooperate in the creation of a nation while battling with the British for control of New York City. Thoughtful analysis that includes British perspectives. Not the author's best but still an insightful and interesting recounting of the events of a very consequential summer.
- Marie, 4/5
I loved this book. It’s a young adult book where the teen in the book besides all the stuff teens have to deal with has a parent struggling with depression. Loved how Leigh and her best friend Axel equate moods and experiences with colors. Really enjoyed this book.
- Beth, 5/5
I loved Red, White and Royal Blue and knew I would love any book by this author. I really enjoyed this book and trying to figure out the mystery of Jane. This book would be great for romance lover especially if they are looking for a sapphic novel. This book also has a touch of scifi and the supernatural to it.
- Jenny, 5/5
If you like whodunnit kind of books you’ll love this. I absolutely loved this book. I didn’t want to put it down for the last 100 pages as I really just had to know how it turned out. Lo writes for a travel magazine and gets this assignment on an elite new boat, the Aurora. Things go wrong for her before she even leaves and just keep getting more complicated. Truly enjoyed this book!
- Beth, 5/5
This anthology contains four stories, one by each of the four authors, that are connected by a cursed gold watch. The watch was made in the seventeenth century and has a mermaid carved into the gold casing and the four stories follow the watch down from the eighteenth to the twentieth century as it wreacks havoc on whatever unlucky person happens to have it in his or her possession at the time. Interesting reading.
- Marie, 3/5
Set in the scholomance - an academy for witch and wizards, children with magic. The follow up to A Deadly Education and what a follow up it was. I think I have more faith in El than she does -- It's her last year in the Scholomance and I think she finally sees a possibility that she may survive or graduate as it were. I was excited to see how El's stubbornness changed everyone around her but I did not enjoy the almost literal cliff hanger ending. Thank god there is a book three -- if only we had a release date for it.
- Sarah, 4/5
I enjoy Neil Gaiman's writing. But prefer non-graphic narratives. The story is interesting and I appreciate the art work and creative placement of the text, but it can be difficult to follow the what is going on. The visuals distracted somewhat from the story being told for me.
- Jen, 3/5
I have heard a lot of mixed things about this author's books and a lot of criticism in how she writes her characters. If you are interested in reading about an underestimated young assassin participating in a competition of criminals fighting to be the last one standing, then this book is for you. I'm glad I gave this book a chance because it was a great read. There are plenty of overused tropes but the characters are still lovable. The closeness between the main characters was very well paced. I liked how we were able to see true growth and walls slowly coming down. The book was action packed and had interesting lore that I'm excited to see further explored in future books.
- Cheyjan, 4/5
This book is the memoir of the geisha used as reference in the fictional book Memoirs of a Geisha by Author Golden. After his book came out Iwasaki wrote her own to explain her true experience. This book is filled with Japanese culture and history. It is slow paced, but a very detailed account of her life and how she came to be one of the top geisha of Japan. I found the author to be a bit much at times since she was constantly boasting about how amazing she was, how much everyone who set eyes on her loved her, how quickly she learned everything, etc. It could be that something was lost in translating the book from Japanese to English.
- Cheyjan, 3/5
The book takes place entirely in a coffee house in Japan. There is a booth in this out-of-the-way coffee shop where a ghost sits and when she gets up to go to the ladies's room, then a person can sit in her booth and experience time travel. There are lots of related rules but basically you are given a cup of hot coffee just before you start your journey and you must drink the coffee before it gets cold or there will be grave consequences. It's a fun, cute story.
- Marie, 4/5
The little old Quaker lady who lives near Blackbird Pond is not a real witch, but her Puritan neighbors accuse her of being one. Enjoyed this book about a young girl named Kit who was born and grew up on Barbados who has to travel to Connecticut in the 1690s to live with her aunt after she is orphaned. Like her aunt, Kit has to adjust to a completely different life and climate, a free spirit in a place and time when conformity is expected and enforced. It's a great story of tolerance and resilience. Love YA fiction!
- Marie, 4/5
I enjoyed the short stories. They touch on a variety of subjects, relationships and interactions. There is a freedom fighter who doesn't speak, no explanation why,though it doesn't affect his ability to fight. There are stories of acceptance and family, found and biological. "Tags" by Walter Dean Myers struck a deep chord. It's going to be with me for a long time.
Jen, 4/5
This book is strange. Didn’t think I’d like it, then got drawn in and as I was anticipating its end with wonder on how it would turn out….it ended and I hated the ending. Definitely set in Japan.Got kind of interesting following one person in particular that was in a close knit group of 5 kids in high school and followed him until he was nearly 40. Just really didn’t care for the end.
-Beth, 3/5
I like how strangers get together and talk about their lives.
- Elizabeth, 3/5
I thought the book was hard to follow.
- Elizabeth, 2/5
a story of manipulation within a so called friendship
- Elizabeth, 3/5
Good thriller read.
- Elizabeth, 4/5
Excellent book about family and dedication.
- Elizabeth, 4/5
I think the book was okay, but overrated.
- Elizabeth, 3/5
Kids books always surprise me about the facts I retain
- Elizabeth, 3/5
In my opinion, too detailed.
- Elizabeth, 3/5
Great book about mother/daughter relationships
- Elizabeth, 4/5
Great book about sacrifices made for who we love.
- Elizabeth, 4/5
sad and depressing
- Elizabeth, 3/5
Had a hard time liking Patsy for giving up her child for her own dreams
- Elizabeth, 4/5
okay book, but really couldn't get into it
- Elizabeth, 3/5
liked the ending
- Elizabeth, 3/5
Right up until the end I wasn't sure who the murderer was.
- Elizabeth, 4/5
book about a woman with a lot of struggles throughout her life
- Elizabeth, 4/5
having to make the right/hard choice
- Elizxabeth, 3/5
amazing how people pull through such hardships in their lives
- Elizabeth, 4/5
Great book about relationships, but mostly about 2 friends becoming more
- Elizabeth, 4/5
woman who risks her life to get the answer in both novels
- Elizabeth, 4/5
women dealing with people who judge them because of their skin color
- Elizabeth, 4/5
friends divided under the rule of a president and they remain friends through it all
-Elizabeth, 4/5
I read the 2 Beartown books by Backman and wanted to read more of his work. This book is both sad and hopeful. It is impossible not to like Ove, despite his cranky demeaner he has a big heart.
- Jenny, 5/5
I read "Feed" by M.T. Anderson a while ago and hated it. I've been avoiding M.T.'s work since then. The chapters are short. It is not nearly as agonizingly depressing as "Feed". I actually did chuckle aloud at a couple points. I've been struggling with rating the book. It is an uncomfortable read, but M.T. is skilled at painting bleak situations. Overall, it was a meh.
-Jen, 2/5
The book is about a challenge between a witch and a wizard. Beautifully written. Each page was so poetic. The author really enjoys keeping the reader in the dark; chapters will begin with no clear indication of which character we are following. Important conversations and plot points are also not revealed to the reader until much later. The "game" between two illusionists with true magic has an incredible dynamic. I absolutely loved the main characters and I wish there was a second book.
-Cheyjan, 5/5
This was a pretty good book. Ada Lovelace is one of my favorite historical figures being the first computer programmer. It was fun to imagine her life. I loved her passion for mathematics and thinking in ways that wasn't "proper" for a woman. I'm happy she was able to make a name for herself that wasn't just the only legitimate of Lord Byron.
- Ali, 3/5
Five kids are in detention and one of them dies. The process of determining the guilty party is very well done.
- Jen, 5/5
I finished this book in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. I did partially guess the ending, but was still surprised by additional twists. The four main characters seem like typical stereotypes but there's much more to them. They all have their own personal struggles that they come to terms with and overcome throughout the book. The author touches upon a lot of darker topics like mental health disorders, bullying, abuse, drugs, suicidal ideation and more; but handles them well.
- Cheyjan, 4/5
Very enjoyable book. I wanted to just keep reading to figure out who did it. Loved the way the high schoolers figured out what was going on. Anyone who likes a who dunnit book would enjoy this.
- Beth, 4/5
I read a different book by this author that I felt was just meh, so, I didn't plan on reading anything else by her. I figured this would be just okay but I ended up liking it a lot more then I thought I would. The premise was sweet, held my interest and was fairly quick to get through. This book would be good for anyone looking for something contemporary and light hearted.
- Jenny, 4/5
This is a cute story about the evolution of a butterfly from start to finish. The pictures are great and the story is told in a simple way that would be great for kids,
- Jenny, 4/5
didn't like the fantasy aspect of the book, but liked the mystery part
- Elizabeth, 3/5
This is probably a kids book but it was actually quite informative. Never knew all the different dormant states or thought about them involving mammals, reptiles, insects and plants.
- Beth, 4/5
The book was inspired by the true story of a nurse who was told not to touch a racist's baby in Flint, Michigan. This book is meant to educate. It's heavy and can be a difficult read. We follow a neo-nazi white supremacist, an African American nurse, and a naive lawyer. We get to understand how each of them came to be the people they are today and how that influences the case the book is about. This fictional story was based on the Flint, Michigan case where an African American nurse was told not to touch the child of a racist.
- Cheyjan, 4/5
This was a great book to read around Halloween. I enjoyed the cast of characters and watching Bod grow up in the graveyard. The only other book by this author I've read is Coraline but I will definitely pick up more of his books in the future.
- Jenny, 5/5
I really enjoyed the magic system in this book. For most of the witches their magic is only strong in one of the 4 seasons but our main character is an Ever witch so her magic changes with the seasons. I also thought the relationship between the shaders (those without magic) and the witches was interesting. How the shaders believed they could keep destroying the planet and that the witches would always be able to fix it.
- Jenny, 4/5
Very good mystery. A few interesting twists and turns. I didn’t expect the ending but was very pleased.
- Beth,5/5
This is a good book to read during spooky season, though, for me the hype made it fall a bit short. I kept waiting for something really scary or gory to happen but that never really happened. The book did have an eerie vibe all throughout that makes it a good Halloween read.
- Jenny, 3/5
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