2022 Winter Reading Challenge: Books Read

didn't care about the "spirit" character
- Beth C., 2 out of 5

I always thought the boy was selfish but never thought of calling him a villain. I have my own copy of this book. It is a favorite of mine.
- Mary, 5 out of 5

George Wickham is probably Jane Austen's most famous villain. I really loved the idea behind this book! As a big Jane Austen fan I couldn't wait to see all her characters together under one roof and there could be no greater victim for a whodunit mystery then Mr. George Wickham. I enjoyed watching the mystery unfold and ironically did not want any of the characters to be discovered as the murderer. The book is filled with little Easter eggs for Austen fans so, if you haven't read any of her works it might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the characters by reading synopsis's for the books.
- Jenny, 5 out of 5

Among the many shady characters in this novel, none is more villainous than Mr. Rochester himself. This novel is really full of villains. Jane Eyre's story begins as that of an orphan who is abused by numerous people throughout her life, including her cousins on both sides of her family, but none has the potential to hurt her more than her love interest, Mr. Rochester, who tries to get her to compromise her morals when his hidden marriage is discovered. I liked that, no matter what happened, Jane remained true to herself and her conscience.
- Marie, 4 out of 5

Because it is a classic with the evil queen as the villain: I thought it was cute and it brought me back to my childhood with a disney classic.
- Betsy, 4 out of 5

When I say I loved this book, love isn't exactly the word to describe how I feel about it (can't really love massacre and rape), but it is an absolutely amazing accounting of the truth about what happened during the Japanese invasion and takeover of Nanking just prior to the outbreak of World War II. It includes the Japanese take on what happened and the ongoing controversy concerning the scope of the tragedy. A must read.
- Marie, 5 out of 5

Pearl Buck is one of my all-time favorite authors, so this was a wonderful prompt to read one of her more obscure titles. It's the story the Japanese (East-Ocean people in the book) attack and capture of Nanking (which was the capital of the Republic of China at the time) and the horror that ensued through the eyes of a family farming the land on the outskirts of the city. It really brings out the devastation wreaked on the people and the economy, and explores the different ways tyranny can be resisted. Hope prevails, so there is a "happy" ending. Can honestly say I loved this book.
- Marie, 5 out of 5

can't get into the god and goddess thing
- Beth C., 1 out of 5

liked it better than Odyssey by Homer
- Beth C., 2 out of 5

It was interesting and I need someone else to read this so I can talk about it. The story is told from different points of view and non linear timeline but it's pretty clear about the who and when as regards the tale of the two sisters. It also deals with abuse and trauma and pain but it was weird after watching a few cult documentaries to read the self help situations and not see how it was shaping the way the character thought like cults do.

Also, it's kind of an ambiguous ending or it can be considered as such.
- Sarah S., 3 out of 5

I think it helped that I had some knowledge of NXIVM from documentaries - otherwise it would have felt like they were going all over the place. At the same time, this really helped me understand some of the people's who stories weren't told and how that really fit the charges leveled against the founder.
- Sarah S., 3 out of 5

The main character is a meteorologist and as a result weather plays heavily into the story. This was a cute easy read. The plot centers on a hostile work environment that the weather girl and one of the sports reporters team up to try and change. They essentially parent trap their bosses in the hopes that it will improve life at work and naturally along the way they start to fall for each other.
- Jenny, 4 out of 5

Very detailed book about a truly awful day in Dakota/Nebraska history. The author did some serious research for this book and it was very descriptive. I had no idea we had people predicting the weather back in 1888. Got a little long in the explanation of weather for me but very informative.
- Beth, 3 out of 5

This book is rooted in Russian folklore, centering on an imbalance in the relationship between humans and nature spirits that resulted in an extremely harsh winter. Morozko, Father Frost, is a major player in the story. I love books rooted in mythology, I love the premise of this book, and it was a great read for a cold winter. It was well executed overall, but I thought the writing fell a bit flat, especially compared to some of the spectacular books of the same category that I've been reading recently (The Golem and the Jinni, Addie LaRue, Circe). There were times when I struggled with picturing the scene in my head, like what room the characters are in or what characters are there in a scene, or how much time had passed between scenes. That said, the story was still compelling and enjoyable, and I'll probably read the rest of the trilogy eventually.
- Emily, 4 out of 5

The dust storms of the 30’s added more hardship to a country already suffering from the Great Depression. After being reminded of what havoc theses storms caused to so many, it put what we have had to suffer from COVID in perspective. Also reminds us of climate change and the storms that are now happening as a result.
- Mary, 4 out of 5

I enjoyed the historical fiction setting of the Great Depression, but my favorite part was the lead female character who becomes stronger throughout the story.
- Alli, 4 out of 5

liked the humor
- Beth C., 3 out of 5

I find the Stephanie Plum books a good quick humorous read. I love the dysfunctional life she leads and her family and Lula are very funny. This one was focused on a crazy hacker and was an enjoyable read.
- Beth, 4 out of 5

Shell Game is part of the V.I. Warshawski detective series. It's fast paced with Warshawski trying to solve two cases at the same time. A family friend is a murder suspect and then her niece goes missing.
- Shirley, 4 out of 5

A person wanting to teach how important it is to work together. It shows that it takes more than one person in a team to make the team successful. Everyone is important.
- Betsy, 4 out of 5

I did - do not know enough about the disability rights movements: It was an interesting read with an optimistic outlook -- even with the knowledge of how slowly things change in a democracy.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5

"An inspirational memoir about Greg Mortenson's successful quest to build schools in Pakistan. I learned a lot about Pakistan, the people, the geography, and the politics.
- Shirley, 5 out of 5

Another excellent read. At first I was a bit put off by the way it was written but soon got into the story. I think this book gives great perspective in the life of a black teenage girl, actually a whole community. Everyone should read this book. We are all different and need to learn that that is ok.
- Beth, 5 out of 5

The story centers around Hela cells and how they were obtained without Henrietta's knowledge or consent. It was really interesting to learn about Henrietta and her family. It was sad to see how the family struggled to come to terms with what exactly happened and how, if Henrietta's contribution to science was so important, she's received little recognition. I am kind of creeped out by the idea that doctors and scientist don't really need to get permission to use cells or tissues you've had removed. One of the examples used was tissues obtained from mole removal. I have had a mole removed and it never occurred to me that the sample taken might not have been destroyed. This book is definitely worth the read and I'm curious to look into what sort of laws might have been passed since it's publication.
- Jenny, 4 out of 5

I listened to the audiobook which was read by the author and loved it. This is a father's letter to his son expressing his fears and worries for his son's future in light of what the author faced growing up.
- Ali, 5 out of 5

Hard to understand
- Beth C., 2 out of 5

I realized this was one of Austen's works that I had not read yet. I enjoyed the gothic feel of this book and Catherine's overactive imagination. I didn't find Mr. Tilney to be that interesting of a love interest compared to Jane Austen's other leading men but it was still an enjoyable read.
- Jenny, 5 out of 5

O Pioneers! was published in 1913, long before even my parents were born: It's the story of Alexandra Bergson and the people of Hanover, Nebraska, diverse in language and religion but all work together to tame the land. Alexandra inherits her father's farm and works it into prosperity, but her family relationships are not as successful. I love her resilience and determination and kindness, even while deeply grieving. Sad but enjoyable.
- Marie, 4 out of 5

This is not a typical “cozy mystery.” Action takes place at a Women’s College in Oxford. Mystery writer, Harriet Vane, is attending a reunion of her class. It is 1935. There is a lot of discussion regarding women’s roles in academia, the workplace, and at home. Also how social class still plays a part in all of that; although, that is changing. Events in Germany and the rise of Hitler are we we also mentioned.
-Mary, 3 out of 5

It is a classic fantasy story from the 60s that, as a fantasy fan, I have been wanting to read for a while: This is a good classic fantasy story. It reminded me of The Hobbit in terms of pacing and style, though the world and story are different. It helps that the audiobook is narrated by Rob Inglis, who also narrates The Lord of the Rings. I liked that the story is ultimately about the main character facing himself and coming to terms with the good and bad sides of himself.
- Emily, 4 out of 5

I've been slowly reading all of Jane Austen's books. I enjoyed this one quite a bit! Probably my second favorite of her books so far.
- Ali, 5 out of 5

It fit the challenge and I remember reading it as a teenager: I'm not sure it held up to the ideal I had of it in my mind. Due to the thirty years since I read it -- I'm not comforted or interested in any version of the it's all in you. I do think it has some very good points but no longer such an amazing read to me.
- Sarah, 2 out of 5

I enjoyed how they described how a person's needs may change but a true friend is always there for you no matter what. The tree always cared about what made the boy happy but the boy didn't always think about the tree.
- Betsy, 5 out of 5

Always wanted to read and it has a heist! It's an interesting world Bardugo has created and for all the darkness to be found amongst the gangs of the Barrell, there is still some humor. I wish I was better at visualizing the heist because it was very interesting to read. It had everything you need -- competent thieves, an impossible target, ridiculous plan and everything falling apart as you go.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5

Space heist!
- Jen, 4 out of 5

Very interesting read. Besides the robbery, I learned a lot about life in England in the 1850s.
- Mary, 4 out of 5

In The Heist an FBI agent and a con man work together to kidnap a corrupt banker that stole a lot of money and get the money back. This book wasn't as humorous as Evanovich's number series.
- Shirley, 3 out of 5

There are two heists in this story of mid twentieth century Harlem. Ray Carney, the lead character, is a furniture salesman in Harlem straddling the straight and crooked worlds in order to survive and thrive economically as a black person in a white-dominated world. Carney dabbles in the crooked side of the city through his cousin, Freddie, who gets involved in, not one, but two heists, and drags Carney along with him. Almost in the background, Carney deals with intimacy issues, self-examination, and the juggling of work and family responsibility. Loved the detailed geographical references.
- Marie, 4 out of 5

This was a cute story about friendship and fairness.
- Jenny, 3 out of 5

"The Tiger Rising is a juvenile book that was a National Book Award finalist. A boy and a girl both dealing with loss set a caged tiger free.
- Shirley, 4 out of 5

I enjoyed this book a lot even if I also cried a lot -- its a good story of magic and family and the complexity of who a person is and how important our stories are even the sad ones.
- Sarah S., 4 out of 5

The book in which we meet Tigger: I just love Tigger, the enthusiastically bouncy and optimistic, self-assured tiger in the Winnie the Pooh universe. There may be other tigers but there is really only one Tigger!
- Marie, 5 out of 5

The Pooh books are favorites of mine. In fact, I had a college friend who claimed I bounced like Tigger when I walked!
- Mary, 5 out of 5

It was cute and it made you think of all different types of distractions children can come up with to not read and it also shows how much the enjoy reading.
- Betsy, 4 out of 5

The book is about a football star’s damaged brain from the viewpoint of his 12 year old son. Woodson does a great job of getting the reader to feel the emotional impact that this has on the family and friends.
- Mary, 4 out of 5

It was a wonderful read -- a novel in verse with three different characters woven together. I love how Mary, Gio and Jeanne stories are woven together -- and I love that there's a solid resolution for all.
- Sarah, 4 out of 5

This is a novel in verse that takes place during the dust storm in Depression-Era Oklahoma from the point of view of an adolescent girl who loves music and music loves her. Very moving.
- Marie, 4 out of 5

It's about a girl and her family fleeing Saigon during the Vietnam War. Beautiful story.
- Ali, 4 out of 5

a visitor opening up family secrets
- Beth C., 3 out of 5

It seemed like exactly the type of weird novel that I enjoy. I didn't even know it was largely set in New Jersey until I read it. This long, strange book takes you from New Jersey to Norway, Serbia, Cambodia, and the Congo on a journey that I'm not quite sure I understood but that I enjoyed all the same. Radar Radmanovic was born with black skin to white parents due to what may be a glitch of genetics or his mother's one-time infidelity. His parents take him to a mysterious group of scientists and puppeteers in Scandanavia called Kirkenesferda. The strange puppeteer scientists "cure" Radar of his condition (black skin) and give him an array of health and social issues (epilepsy, bald head, social awkwardness). His father, a radio genius, secretly joins Kirkenesferda to help them stage their next strange quantum physics-based puppet show/political statement. The book proceeds to give the stories and family histories of the major players in Kirkenesferda, mostly all socially outcast physics savants with traumatic pasts from warn-torn areas. When his father disappears after an EMP causes a blackout in suburban New Jersey, a lonely and isolated Radar discovers his father's association with Kirkenesferda and must embark on a journey to the Congo with the troupe to complete the next show in his father's stead.
- Emily, 4 out of 5

Takes place on Martha’s Vineyard in MA: "Three college buddies, Class of 1971, meet for the first time in ten years. Sounds boring? Not at all. The reader learns their backgrounds, how their lives have played out, and how they were all in love with Jacy, who disappeared in 1971 after the four of them spent the weekend after graduation in the same place where they are meeting now. So there is a mystery also. It did help that I graduated around the same time so I could relate to the events.
- Mary, 5 out of 5

The *vibes* in this book are just immaculate: secret societies, elegant parties, dreamlike settings, complex and loveable characters, timeless romance, prophesies, nested stories, fairytales, and a touch of dark academia. It's beautiful, dreamlike, and mysterious. I loved it and already want to reread it.
- Emily, 5 out of 5

Several friends rave about Kristin Hannah, and I finally read one of her books for this challenge. Distant Shores is about Elizabeth, nicknamed Birdie, an empty nester who finally wakes up and realizes her life has gradually been taken over by raising her kinds and her husband's celebrity until she lost her sense of who she is. This is the story of how she reclaims her self-image. Good story.
-Marie, 3 out of 5

It was a good book and a fun read, but it did pull me into the story the way I would have liked it to.
- Ali, 3 out of 5

While not Always -- this author and title were recommended by a friend a while ago and I wanted to read it and I just managed to get hold of a copy. A fairly short read that was just so good. I'm excited to start the Murderbot diaries and see where this goes. I like the pace of it -- you do get thrown directly into a world that you have to kind of take on faith about figuring out the nuances but that fits perfectly with the character - Murderbot - who is telling the story. I may understand too well the desire not to talk to humans and just want my tv shows.
- Sarah S., 5 out of 5

I’ve been curious to read this author since her debut novel, Migrations, came out in 2020 and it’s been on my to-read list, but then I read about Once There Were Wolves and its plot really stuck out for me - re-wildingwolves in Scotland, and I figured I would start with her newest novel instead! I really enjoyed this book and its descriptions of the wild Scottish highlands. If you’re at all interested in learning more about rewilding efforts, this novel paints the beautiful yet complicated picture of its process. I also liked its drama/mystery elements, besides the main wolves storyline, and the image that the author portrays of a tight-knit rural community in Scotland was very believable, especially in regards to how divisive a topic rewilding is.
- Jess, 5 out of 5

I've had this series sitting on my shelf for quite a while now and decided it was time to finally give it a go. I've heard great things about Laini Taylor's works and I feel that this book lives up to the hype. I would recommend this to fantasy lovers since the main plot of the book revolves around the conflict between angels and chimera.
- Jenny, 5 out of 5

I started watching the PBS version of this book and realized that I had never read a book by Verne. "I enjoyed reading this book. It was written in 1872, but was very exciting. After reading about Verne who only spent one week in America, limited to the East coast, I was even more impressed with the part of the journey that took place in the US. He definitely did research.
- Mary, 4 out of 5

This novel takes place one June day in London in 1923. It's all about Mrs. Clarissa Dalloway and those whose lives intersect with hers on that particular day, directly or indirectly. It's a commentary on war, class, love, and happiness. It was a little confusing at first because of its stream of consciousness style, but as the day unfolded, so did the story. Not my favorite novel, but definitely worth reading.
- Marie, 3 out of 5

A day in Eleanor Flood's life where she tries to be her best self despite constant upheaval. Humorous book.
- Shirley, 4 out of 5

Takes place over one cold, cold night: It was scary and suspenseful. A quick read if you enjoy horror.
- Ali, 4 out of 5

lives of solitude
- Beth C., 3 out of 5

This is a book about Ivan’s day in a Siberian work camp. It’s very descriptive and you certainly get a sense for what a horrific day every day is in this inhumane place. Though you also get to see what small acts can lead to a day being a good one. Amazing how relative happiness can be. Really can’t believe humans can treat other humans this way.
- Beth, 4 out of 5

The author is a favorite I always read and the book is set during a single day. It was a solid mystery read -- could it have been fixed by going to their parents or authorities from the beginning? Yes. At the same time, they were pretty normal teenagers who think they have to solve everything themselves. I was a little irked at how easily the one teens problems within their own family were cleared up but I think they were setting it up for a second book possibly.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5

This was a great read! I had a hard time putting this book down.
- Mary, 5 out of 5

Recommended by family, enjoyed a previous book by author. Who should read this: Everyone
- Jen, 5 out of 5

The Anthropocene Reviewed won the Goodreads best nonfiction book of 2021.This book was funny in some places, sad in others, and always thought-provoking. It's part memoir, part cultural commentary, part love letter to the human race. You will not be able to put it down.
- Marie, 5 out of 5

I read this for a book club. This was very suspenseful. It was a great book to bring me back into reading after a slump.
- Kaitlin, 4 out of 5

Horror Winner: "I think if you like any slasher movie or are into the slasher film horror tropes -- this book works really well. I liked the additional documents/articles at the beginning of the chapters as well as the clever chapter titles.

I have unreliable narrator issues so it wasn't as wonderful a read as I hoped but I like Lynnette's journey and it was a fun read."
- Sarah, 3 out of 5

I’m not generally the slasher movie kind of person but this book kept you on edge. Every time I thought I’d figured out what was going on there would be another twist or turn. Good throughout. Guess I never thought of this group of people being out there.
- Beth, 4 out of 5

I went into this book without knowing anything about it and was pleasantly surprised by the story. While some aspects of the plot, like the criminal investigation, were predictable it was still interesting to watch it all play out. I also really enjoyed reading about life on the reservation and how Daunis, being biracial and an unenrolled tribal member, had to straddle two worlds.
- Jenny, 5 out of 5

relationship between a brother and sister
- Beth C., 3 out of 5

It was an ok book. It basically showed how you can talk yourself out of being bored if you put your mind to it. It also shows that humans are not the only thing that can complain about being bored.
- Betsy, 3 out of 5

I enjoyed this one just as much as the first, though, the pace was slower. Things picked up towards end and I am interested to see where the third book will take the story.
- Jenny, 5 out of 5

It was a cute read. Saw my own cats in some of it!
- Ali, 4 out of 5

This book tells the life story of Bit, a boy that was born and raised in a commune. It really showed the trials and tribulations of that lifestyle. How the choices we make affect our children. The reader really got to see the relationships formed and how they affected people for the rest of their lives. Entering the “real” world was also quite a test. Good story.
- Beth, 4 out of 5

Feels a little older than 2012 - and kind of geographically confused, upstate NY or PA or what? A solid little mystery with plenty of thrill and chill about it. In particular I loved the relationship between the brother and sister.
- Sarah, 2 out of 5

what is real and what is virtual
- Beth C., 3 out of 5

This is about the history, development, and future of virtual reality. It really made me think about all the possibilities with VR in the future. I'm excited to see where it will go!
- Ali, 4 out of 5

I really enjoyed the first book in the series and decided it was time to finally read the sequel. The plot was interesting but the decisions Wade made that led to the virtual quest for the 7 shards felt of out of character for the person I got to know in the first book. Overlooking that fact, it was really great to be plunged back into the VR world of the OASIS again and to see where the cast of characters ended up after the first book.
- Jenny, 4 out of 5

In this book, there is the real world that is and there is Oasis, a virtual universe with planets dedicated to education and games and celebrities (there is a Prince planet). Not only Oasis but humanity itself are threatened by an AI villain and the hero of the story has to learn courage and collaboration in order to save both worlds. Extra point for humor.
- Marie, 4 out of 5

This was a fun book. The illustrations were great! Plus, I know what pirates do and won’t do.
- Mary, 5 out of 5

This is kind of a favorite author and the description of the book mentioned pirates! A delightful little read -- the hero and heroine were witty and nice as expected from Julia Quinn. A fairly old romance novel trope -- gently bred young lady kidnapped by pirates! Only they're privateers, so legal-ish pirates and if everything goes perfectly -- no harm should befall Miss Bridgerton and her reputation. The banter mixed in with two people discover they understand each other made it a worth while read.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5

This book was excellent. Full of adventure, history, and pure determination. The pictures at the end of the book were incredible. Never thought I’d find a book for this challenge and truly enjoyed this. Great read if you like history and suspense.
- Beth, 5 out of 5

I love New York history and couldn't resist reading this book when I saw the title. An interesting glimpse into antebellum New York City that showcases law and order versus a serial killer. After a sensational trial, Albert Hicks is convicted of piracy rather than murder, so that the death penalty could be implemented for his heinous crimes. Lots of gory details of the murders and the hanging itself.
- Marie, 3 out of 5

This book fell flat for me. I was hoping for more action scenes and pirating, but what I got was an instant romance that felt wrong and weird.
- Ali, 2 out of 5

It is good if you want to learn the history of pirates and where they come from.
- Betsy, 3 out of 5

The main character gets roped into volunteering for the local Renaissance Faire where she plays a bar wench that is hand fasted to the pirate captain, who, she has an doesn't particularly like in real life. This was an easy and fun read and I enjoyed seeing how Emily and Simon relationship developed both in character and out of it.
- Jenny, 5 out of 5

grouchy but loving man and his relationships
- Beth C., 4 out of 5

The Midnight Library gives the opportunity to examine regret and see how life would be different with different decisions. “The only way to learn is to live.” I absolutely loved it!
- Alli, 5 out of 5

This is the first book in an exciting YA book series featuring the Great Library of Alexandria. The Great Library is in charge of all the books and it's illegal to own one. This was a good book and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
- Shirley, 5 out of 5

I received an advanced copy of this book that won't be released until March. In this book we follow Nora who actually classifies herself as the cold hearted city dwelling villain of your standard rom com who gets dumped for the small town girl. It has already happened to her multiple times. Nora's sister Libby convinces her to go on vacation with her and they create a rom-com style checklist of small town activities to complete. One of which is saving a local business, Goode Books.
- Jenny, 5 out of 5

I read another book by Susanna Clarke (Piranesi) last year and it is now one of my favorite books of all time, so I thought I would read her other well known novel. As far as the challenge goes, Mr. Norrell's library is very special and guarded, which creates a major conflict between the two main characters. Charming but dry, and very British. It gets better toward the end. Longer than it needs to be. I don't think I would have finished it if I was actually reading it, but the audiobook was enjoyable enough in the background while doing chores and mindless tasks at work. I much prefer Susanna Clarke's other novel, Piranesi, and I'm really glad I read that first.
- Emily, 3 out of 5

A delightful easy read!
- Mary, 5 out of 5

It took place in a bookstore:I really enjoyed it because it promoted equal rights and how reading is for everyone and that everyone should be allowed to read and not only certain people. It promoted a feeling of comradery among people.
- Betsy, 5 out of 5

Amazing story of how one tiny rescued kitten made a huge difference in a small town, and in the lives of strangers all over the world. Lovely and heart-warming, of course!
- Marie, 5 out of 5

This is a strange little book that is like being in someone else’s dream, just as the librarian suggested when I checked it out. I’ve read this author before and they write bizarre little tales. Enjoyable read in less than a day book though about a kid going into a library and getting way more than he bargained for.
- Beth, 4 out of 5

This book was one of the weirder books I’ve read in a while, but not in a bad way. You should read this book if you enjoy dark humor, and fantastical elements. I liked the detail that Hawkins went into when describing the backstories of the different characters, and also how the novel continuously made me question the motivations of the protagonist.
- Jess, 4 out of 5

didn't like the multiple personality
- Beth C., 3 out of 5

This was an interesting case involving Poirot but he did not appear in the book until the middle of the story. There was a different ending that I was not expecting. An enjoyable read.
- Mary, 4 out of 5

This was just as fun to read as the first one. I love the idea of being able to jump into your favorite books and meet the characters and live in that world for a time.
- Ali, 4 out of 5

Another enjoyable read. Though I felt like it started a little slow it ended up being very interesting and gave enjoyable Native American lore and showed the strength of family ties.
- Beth, 4 out of 5

This is a YA book about 2 teenagers that meet and fall in love during the pandemic. They had to deal with social distancing, fear of infection, isolation, and the death of someone they cared for.
- Shirley, 4 out of 5

My five year old found it on his bookshelf: A cute children 's book about friendship. Great read for young children. Mo Willems writes funny beginner reading books.
- Sarah B., 5 out of 5

I enjoyed the first 2 books in the A League of Extraordinary Women series so decided to give this one a go. This one has a bit of an enemies to lovers vibe since it employs the forced marriage trope. This book is a quick read and would be good for anyone looking for something lighthearted.
- Jenny, 4 out of 5

I thought it was cute and imaginative and it sparked creativity.
- Betsy, 4 out of 5

The coming of age story of a girl who viewed life as if it were a gothic novel but found reality almost as terrifying. Love the happy ending! My favorite Jane Austen novel so far.
- Marie, 5 out of 5

I have never read any of the Greek "Classics" -- so I have no idea what's going on and have always dreaded actually reading a Greek chorus. "I think I get the general ideal of it but I swear I'm going to read it again and maybe find another translation with more notes. Greek drama, writing and history is just so not something I know anything about and I was somewhat lost.

All I know is I'm on Antigone's side.

- Sarah, 3 out of 5

This book is close to 900 and while I love the series, the length of the books are always a bit intimidating. Fans of the Outlander series will not be disappointed with this latest installment. The revolutionary war has found its way to Fraser's Ridge and Claire and Jamie must figure out how to navigate the war when they already know how it will end.
- Jenny, 5 out of 5

This book took me a few months to get through. It was fascinating, but I felt lost at times and by the end I wasn't sure if I had actually understood what I just read. I ended up watching a video after and I actually understood more of it than I thought I did. I wish I had my own copy while reading it so that I could mark up the book. Why did I give it a 4 when this book confused me? Well, it was really fun to read and I have never read anything like this before. The story was also really good.
- Ali, 4 out of 5

I have had this book on my kindle since our Book Club read The Handmaid’s Tale in 2020. I am not a fan of this type of fiction so that is why it has intimated me. I finally decided to start reading it on Jan.1 since I was on a 3day car trip. This sequel was a bit easier to get into than the first one.
- Mary, 4 out of 5

Dani writes about her incredibly hard childhood with great humor. This book just shows you how some people can really shine in spite of the hand they were dealt. Excellent memoir.
- Beth, 4 out of 5

This book won't be published until March 29th but if you loved Dial A for Aunties I can promise you that this sequel does not disappoint. It is full with chaos and shenanigans and features the same loveable cast of characters! This book has the same loveable characters from Dial A for Aunties. I laughed out loud multiple times while reading this book.
- Jenny, 5 out of 5

I wanted to read a fantasy story by a black author for Black History Month, and this one came up in my research. The version I read has a face on the cover, but there's another version that does not have a face on the cover. This is a beautiful book, a fantasy story about mermaids who are descended African slaves thrown overboard from ships taking them to America. It focuses on the pain of intergenerational truama and how the support of the community can help ease the burden. The afterword explains that this book was a collective effort, inspired by the song The Deep by experimental rap group clipping., which in turn was inspired by the musical group Drexciya. The story reflects the communal nature of its writing process, with themes of "oneness" within the community (even using the first person plural "we" instead of "I" for the historians' perspectives) and of carrying stories of the past within oneself. There is also a touch of lgbt romance, which I'm always here for. My one criticism is with the writing itself- at times it is so beautifully written while at other times it feels unpolished and repetitive.
- Emily, 5 out of 5

Super quick read. Was not expecting the ending.
-Ali, 5 out of 5

I thought I would be able to read for a bit and put this book down and I couldn't. As different as this story was in the telling, it was amazingly fast read -- following the journey Angrboda goes on. It was heartbreaking but with a hopeful end.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5

My version had a face on the cover and it was already on my kindle. This was recommended to me. Who could resist a book with Chocolat in the title?! I enjoyed the story, the setting and the characters. It was interesting to see how a stranger opening a candy shop affected the tight knit village.
- Mary, 4 out of 5

Very interesting but kind of dense. The author reminds readers that Europe and Africa have been interacting for thousands of years, even if the narrative of European history hasn't included many, if any, people of African descent. Thought provoking and paradigm changing.
- Marie, 4 out of 5

I liked the formatting of the storytelling: bouncing back in forth through past and present told by 3 characters. I held on to every word, including the very last one!
- Alli, 4 out of 5

This is one of my favorite children’s books. Both the illustrations and the plot are wonderful.
- Mary, 5 out of 5

This is a fun story. I feel like having a bowl of alphabet soup!
-Mary, 4 out of 5

I really loved the story it told. It gave you a connection to things people went through and how one person would do anything to help his family. The illustration were also amazing
- Betsy, 5 out of 5

The illustrations in the book were amazing and very vibrant. I loved the story it told. It also used a lot of symbolism.
- Betsy, 5 out of 5

This was a cute story about friendship and the illustrations are beautiful
- Jenny, 5 out of 5

This was a cute rhyming story
- Jenny, 4 out of 5

Great book to show kids the size of numbers. Very good visualizations so you can get a real idea of how big a number is. Enjoyable educational kid read.
- Beth, 3 out of 5

These books really bring back memories. Now enjoy listening to my granddaughter read and enjoy. This is a cute little story of a boy accommodating a mouse in his requests. Brings us full circle from a cookie and glass of milk back to a glass of milk and a cookie.
- Beth, 3 out of 5

Max is a lovely read -- connecting sports and arts in a kid who finds joy in movement.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5

Following the boys on their way to school and using the secret shortcut was a wonderful adventure.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5

Enjoyed the illustrations in this one.
- Ali, 5 out of 5

One of my favorite books as a child. It was fun to read it again.
- Ali, 5 out of 5

I love these books! There are so many things to look at and learn about on every page. And there are jokes here and there as well. Ms. Frizzle's outfits are the best! Loved it!
- Marie, 5 out of 5

The story cycles around from cookies and milk back around to more cookies and milk with the boy in the story giving a mouse whatever the mouse wants and ending up having a lot of work to do as a result. My favorite was the picture the mouse drew of his family, for which I gave the book an extra point. Entertaining.
- Marie, 4 out of 5

Friendship issues
Beth C., 3 out of 5

Cover was red for ruby, my birthstone. An enjoyable cozy mystery from the Queen of Crime.
- Mary, 4 out of 5

"Diamond" is a hard color to replicate, but this cover is silvery and shiny so I think it as close to diamond-colored as you can get in a book cover. I loved this story. It is a story rooted in eastern European folklore about a supernatural imbalance that causes an unnaturally long winter, and a brave young woman who has to face unimaginable forces to save her people. I liked l how the actions of individuals with widely different motivations and backgrounds came together to restore balance, and that the characters originally introduced as bad guys were not the true villains. I also really liked that the protagonist is Jewish. Definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy rooted in real-world folklore and mythology.
- Emily, 5 out of 5

The moon on the cover looks like an opal. Honor Among Thieves is an action-packed book with a resilient heroine and an alien species on a journey. I loved it.
- Shirley, 5 out of 5

Red for Garnet: Definitely a dark fantasy -- where a curse makes seven teens, champions of the seven families fight to be the winner so that their family controls the town's magic. Nice twists and kind of heartbreaking. Each teen has their soft spots and their own follies -- and they all travels up and down the spectrum of knowing how wrong what they are required to do is.

I'm interested to see where the sequel takes them.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5

Yellowish hue - I feel like I would say this book was mediocre, but I did continue to read. It’s about Macon who is a travel writer but hates to travel. He seems to be a guy going through a midlife crisis though I think he and his siblings are all quite odd. Wouldn’t necessarily recommend the read.
- Beth, 3 out of 5

My birth stone is peridot and the book had a light green cover similar to it. I found it cute. It reminded me of a lot of what kids say they don't like to try things but once they give things a chance they end up having a good time.
- Betsy, 4 out of 5

Blue for December: This is about a man who dies and instead of going straight to the afterlife he is brought to the ferryman who helps people accept their life and death to help them move on. It was a good reminder for me to not take life for granted and to enjoy the little things life has to offer.
- Ali, 5 out of 5

This book cover is the color of my birthstone and I love coconut cake, so I picked it up. It's part of a series of books centered on a character named Hannah Swenson who bakes and loves coffee and solves mysteries in her spare time from managing a cookie store. Some of the dialogue is trite but it's a fun read and it did take all the way to the end to figure out who the murderer was, which made it a satisfying read. I think you'll agree!
- Marie, 4 out of 5

liked the relationship between the book thief and the Jewish man hiding in their basement
- Beth C., 4 out of 5

The story was a bit predictable, but what I loved most about this book was how it reminded me of how reading as a child felt. I used to spend my school vacations hidden away in my room reading the stack of books I'd get from the library and getting so lost in the book I would forget to eat.
- Ali, 4 out of 5

One of three books my teen niece recommended to me: Raven has always been my favorite Teen Titan -- it was fun to read a little back ground on her when I've largely been a fan of the cartoon version. It was a good read.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5

I've read some of this authors work before but this book was different. As much as the synopsis makes it appear to be a love story it doesn't quite fit the bill. The focus of the story is more about Evie coming to terms with her father's infidelity and how it has impacted the way she views the world. Are relationships worth the potential heartbreak?
- Jenny, 4 out of 5

This is a fantastic story of the Belgian Resistance. This group of people ran the Comet Line, that got over 700 downed airmen out of the country before they could be captured by the Germans. Never ceases to amaze me the number of people that risk everything, including their own lives, to save complete strangers. Very detailed, informative and inspirational.
- Beth, 4 out of 5

Maybe a little predictable and obvious -- I still wanted to see how this tale unwound. For anyone who doesn't mind when the timeline jumps around a lot.
- Sarah, 3 out of 5

This was sort of a cute coming of age story. The main character Marnie feels like she is a side character in her own life and realizes that she is a Mary Bennet. Marnie views Mary as an insufferable character and vows to change, which, fuels the plot.
- Jenny, 3 out of 5

I loved the characters, the rich descriptions, and the way the story was told through different characters.
- Alli, 5 out of 5

Myrtle Hardcastle, a young Sherlock Holmes, investigates the death of her elderly neighbor. It was quick to read. The names of the books in this series make me smile.
-Ali, 3 out of 5

Someone looking for a cute story. It shows many things that make people happy and how it all depends on many different factors of what the person might be looking for or what they maybe doing at that particular time.
- Betsy, 3 out of 5

I saw the Ken Burns special on Hemingway, read THE PARIS WIFE, so I read this to get a fictional take on the other three wives. It is amazing he had time to write!
- Mary, 4 out of 5

Katherine of Aragon is one of my very favorite queens of England and I've been meaning to read this book for quite some time. As the daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain and the first wife of Henry VIII, Katherine had so much going for her, which makes her story all the more tragic. Not a page turner but still very readable version of this 500-year-old story.
- Marie, 4 out of 5

Delignhtfully absurd!
- Ben, 5 out of 5

This book is a good, nostalgic, old timey story and a good audiobook for a long drive across all of Kansas.
- Emily, 4 out of 5

Finally read this book I've had for years. It's full of great ways to look at habits, how they work, and why we may or may not want to keep them. Lots of great techniques to begin to successfully create, change, and manage habits, thereby promoting greater personal happiness.
- Marie, 4 out of 5

estranged mom and son meet up again
- Beth C., 3 out of 5

This series has been sitting on my shelf for at least 5 years and I'm glad I finally go to it. This was a great conclusion to the series and I wish there was more. It's been awhile since I've read fantasy series that I've enjoyed this much and I can't wait to check out some of the other books Laini Taylor has written.
- Jenny, 5 out of 5

It was a book I owned by an author I enjoy that I have not gotten to: I really enjoyed it. It had to do with mythology and I felt it enjoyable. I also enjoyed how it had people who came from various backgrounds come together as a team to conquer the quest they were set out on. It showed the importance of teamwork to get things done.
- Betsy, 4 out of 5

Set after WWII, it is a stand alone book from an author that I enjoy reading. He did not disappoint me!
- Mary, 4 out of 5

I was looking for a fast paced mystery or thriller. I had this on my bookshelf and had not read it yet! I liked the pacing. I finished in 3 days because it was so intriguing even though I guessed the ending at the start.
- Kaitlin, 4 out of 5

I received this book as a birthday gift in July 2020 and just read for the first time. The author is a (former) co-host of the Harry Potter and the sacred text podcast, which is how it ended up on my to-read list two years ago. If you are a listener, you will enjoy it enough. I liked it, but hoped for more practical suggestions to bite into.
- Alli, 3 out of 5

This book has everything I love in a book: fantasy rooted in real world mythology, a wonderfully written historical setting, and a touch of slow burn romance. I need more books like this in my life.
- Emily, 5 out of 5