2023 Summer Reading Challenge: Books Read

This was a little bit of a weird read from an author I normally enjoy. The book is centered around the relationship of the two sister and the history of their family home but I feel like there were threads introduced that never really got followed. On the other hand, they might just have been things I would have enjoyed exploring further. In general a good read.
- Sarah, 2/5

I liked that the book promoted doing small things to show kindness.
-Beth II, 4/5

This was cute story on how to show kindness to others. The children at story time enjoyed this one.
- Jenny, 5/5

Soon-to-be President Roosevelt wrote this book about his exploits in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. It is a very detailed account, including descriptions of battles and combatants, as well as the trials and tribulations of supplying and feeding the troops and refugees. Of course, Colonel Roosevelt and his Rough Riders were portrayed as the stars.
- Marie, 3/5

I liked that Sharice didn't give up on her dreams
- Beth II, 4/5

This book is about a woman who was committed to an insane asylum and was locked away for over 60 years. Her grandniece first learns of her existence when the facility is closing, and they ask her to come get her. This book still haunts me.
- Shirley, 4/5

retelling of Pride and Prejudice
- Beth II, 3/5

I just finished this book recently and it did not fit any of the other prompts. Anyone who likes fantasy (especially young adult series) might like this trilogy. The trilogy and first book is titled "Crown of Feathers"; the second is "Heart of Flames." I definitely recommend it and have added the author to my list of favorites.
- Sherry, 4/5

I’ve never read a Colleen Hoover book before and my friends recommended the author. This was a good romance novel. One of the main characters is an artist who paints anonymous confessions provided by people walking by his studio. The book addresses confessions but also the lies that people tell to protect loved ones.
- Aubrey, 3/5

This is the 3rd book in the follow up quadology to the Red Rising trilogy. So far I enjoyed the original trilogy better but once the last book comes out, I may change my mind. Of the 3 books after the original trilogy I like this one the best. Anyone who enjoyed the original trilogy might like this book but the politics are a lot more complicated. However, it is interesting to read about the original characters and how they've changed.
- Sherry, 4/5

I thought it was the 6th,7th or 8th book in a series, which Hot Six is the sixth book. Janet Evanovich is my favorite author when I want to read something humorous. Her Stephanie Plum series makes me laugh out loud reading about her escapades.
- Shirley, 4/5

Anyone who enjoys an easy read should read this book.
- Beth II, 4/5

Not sure I really have a favorite author but I do think Jodi Picoult writes on some interesting and controversial topics. This book is about a young Amish girl that has a baby that is found dead and has a real twist at the end.
- Beth, 4/5

I've chose to use Barbara Michael an old favorite of mine - as a contrast to reading under her other pen name. Her 6th book under this pseudonym published in 1971 -- I hadn't read this one before which was nice. Sometime in my late teens and early twenties I had read all the titles our local library had and I missed this contemporary gothic set on a remote Maine island. I find these much more enjoyable than the historical Amelia Peabody series. It's a quick and atmospheric read for anyone who wants to see some of the gothic roots of psychological thrillers.
- Sarah, 3/5

A schoolgirl and her pregnant mom move to California from Syria. Left behind are her dad and brother. Jude assimilates to her new life while holding onto her culture.
-Shirley, 4/5

Someone who enjoys fantasy stories should read this book
- Beth II, 3/5

This book won a 2021 Ignyte in the Best Anthology/Collected Works category. I love short story collections. I have great respect for authors who can draw you into an entire world in just a limited amount of pages. Reading collections can also be a great way to discover a new favorite author without having to commit to a whole book! This YA collection will not disappoint fans of fantasy, science fiction, and magic: vampires, witches, mermaids, time manipulation, aliens, and more are explored here, all seen through the lens of Black experience.
Stacie, 5/5

I liked that it covers a lot of topics that teens deal with today.
- Beth II, 4/5

It was on the list for this challenge. This book was rather funny and I did relate to some of it. People with a quirky sense of humor might enjoy it.
- Sherry, 4/5

Cute book with relatable comics about everyday life.
- Shirley, 3/5

I’m forever reading webcomics (shout out to Breaking Cat News—do yourself a favor and go read Georgia Dunn’s comic, too !) However, I chose this author since I hadn’t read her work before. This was a quick read, but although it’s short, it’s packed with both humor and information. Fahmy illustrates (literally) her real life search for a life partner while adhering to her Muslim beliefs. Looking forward to reading more of her books. FYI: I found this title through the New York Public Library’s electronic holdings. Looks like CEFLS may soon have another of her books in its digital holdings, so keep an eye out!
- Stacie, 4/5

I've been told by multiple people to read this...A compelling and visual interesting retelling of the myths of Greece. Centered on the stories of Hades and Persephone -- it brings makes Olympus and the Underworld more modern but digs in hard on all it's characters. Just an excellent and addicting read.
- Sarah, 4/5

Had a patron tell me to read this and generally like Greek myth retellings so decided to give it a try. The book mainly followed Hades and Persephone and the artwork was stunning. I'm not sure what it is about the story that I found compelling but I finished the first volume in one day (if I wasn't working I'd probably have done it in one sitting). Will definitely be picking up Volume II soon.
- Jenny, 4/5

The original was listed on the page linked to “explore the challenges” for “a book about activism”— although the graphic novel won an Ignyte award, I’m reading a different book for that challenge! Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower was published in 1993. This title is a 2020 graphic novel adaptation of her original work. I found this book an engaging and page turning read. (It also makes me want to read Butler’s original novel, as well as The Parable of the Talents, the only other book in an unfinished series.) The depiction of a near future (2024-2027) impacted by climate change, wealth inequality, and corporate greed seems chillingly prescient. Butler’s teenage protagonist is wise beyond her years, and single-minded in her determination to use her creed of Earthseed to lead people into a positive future despite the chaos and violence surrounding them. WARNING: this graphic novel is extremely graphic in its illustrations of said chaos and violence; this is the polar opposite of a feel-good summer read! Harrowing though it is, the book also shows people’s ability to support one another and survive in the midst of misery.
- Stacie, 4/5

People who are trying to get justice should read this book
- Beth II, 3/5

I found the book summary interesting. An enjoyable read but it felt a little weird at times -- like a place not outside of time but with no real location which isn't terribly important to the story. Honestly, reading it was good, but thinking about it further just gets me confused.
-Sarah, 3/5

A hotel maid is accused of murder after finding a dead body. Loved it, fast paced with a happy ending.
- Shirley, 5/5

People who like humor from young characters should read this.
- Beth II, 3/5

This is a juvenile non-fiction book that gives a brief overview of how tulips grow.
- Sherry, 3/5

Title with the word Rose that told facts about how the rose called Peace was created. I liked learning about the history of the rose called Peace.
- Beth II, 4/5

Not sure it’s my favorite flower but it is a flower. I’ll start by saying I am not particularly a fan of Dolly or a reader of Patterson but this was actually a very good read. If you like the thought of persistence getting someone through you would enjoy this book.
- Beth, 4/5

Not sure I have an absolute favorite but I've always been drawn to gerber daisies. I really enjoyed reading Daisy's story -- I get how people think it's a little slow as it takes time to reveal the family dynamics of the Darkers. Still, I enjoyed Nana Darker and Daisy and...well a good story with a good final twist.
- Sarah, 4/5

This book had great characters and was basically about life’s twists and turns. Things certainly don’t always turn out like we expect them too.
- Beth, 4/5

It was an ok book. I would say a young person would read this book because it is an easy read. It is basically about companionship between an older person and their dog. I liked the way it showed the relationship between the two of them and how they interacted on a day trip to the beach.
- Betsy, 3/5

Anyone who has a great grandfather-grandson relationship should read this
- Beth II, 4/5

Hard for me to resist a book with a breathtaking black metallic three-tailed lion on its cover! This standalone fantasy novel set in a desert land where riders learn to race dangerous kehoks (deviant souls reborn as monsters) is told through multiple viewpoints. A down and out trainer, a desperate aspiring racer, a sheltered holy cleric, and a grieving king-in-waiting are among the perspectives used to bring us into this world. Although I guessed some of the story early on, the writer also managed to surprise me. I was definitely rooting for her characters to find connection and triumph in this tale involving self- worth, intrigue, and morality. This book is also recommended for its themes of found family and its strong female protagonists.
- Stacie, 4/5

This was a memoir of a woman that was abused and neglected as a child. It was very sad and hard to read, but she persevered and became a lawyer and activist.
- Shirley, 4/5

It's the first book in the series and it is definitely very dated. I enjoyed the author's works under the Barbara Michaels pen name and thought I try these. I think this would appeal to me when I was younger but now the confidence of Amelia Peabody kind of grates on my nerves.
- Sarah, 2/5

This book would be good for people who enjoy romance novels where the characters are in their early 20's that take place over summer vacation on the beach.
- Jenny, 5/5

I liked the point of view as the narrator from the disabled person in the novel.
- Beth II, 4/5

A mentally disabled man undergoes an experimental surgery to increase his intelligence. He becomes a genius and learns that intelligence isn't everything.
- Shirley, 4/5

At the start of the book the main character has a seizure and needs brain surgery. After the surgery she develops a condition that basically equates to face blindness. Her brain can no longer put the pieces of faces together and as a result she can no longer recognize people. This is a major problem since she is a portrait artist and is a finalist in a major competition.
- Jenny, 5/5

Poems centered around the first pirate shipwreck in the Carribean. Interesting to read the different viewpoints from that time period come alive. A good story to accompany the history of exploration, colonization of the Americas.
- Sarah, 3/5

Vonnegut uses satire to describe de-evolution of a group of people stranded on a Galapagos island. People that like the author's style will like this book.
- Shirley, 4/5

This non-fiction title details the last hours of the container ship El Faro and her crew as they steamed (yes, steamed) haplessly into the eye of Hurricane Joaquin. The search for both the missing ship and the factors leading to how it came to rest 4,600 m below the ocean surface are also explored in great depth (pun completely intended). Read this not just as a tragic tale of a modern shipwreck, but as a primer in both maritime history and the complicated web of current global shipping on which our everyday lives depend. One caveat: the digital copy I read was in dire need of better proofreading; missing or extra articles (“a”, “an”) abounded.
- Stacie, 4/5

People who believe in getting back together should read this book
- Beth II, 3/5

Borrowed this from my granddaughter and she and her mom read it and now she wants us to do a book club on it. A wonderful tale of love, forgiveness and finding your light, oh and soup. Enjoyable!
- Beth, 4/5

I liked comparing the book to the Wizard of Oz.
- Beth II, 3/5

I’ve always been a sucker (little tentacle humor) for anthropomorphic animal books and this novel involving a sentient giant Pacific octopus is no exception. In this book, currently a New York Times bestseller, we follow the lives of a mischievous elderly octopus, a widowed cleaner at the aquarium where he resides, and a bright young man hampered by poor life choices. Most readers will see some of the connections between the characters before they unfurl, but the author didn’t always take the expected path and it was definitely worth reading to see how her many likable characters grew and developed. The constant humor and loss of our everyday human (and cephalopod) lives was on display and I found this work gripping (see what I did there?) Extra points for the marine biology references.
- Stacie, 4/5

I kept seeing this book on social media and when I saw that the premise involved dragon riding I was sold. I think fantasy lovers will enjoy this book.
- Jenny, 5/5

Definitely for the very young and I really didn't enjoy it but know that very young children would like it.
- Betsy, 2/5

The love interest, Brendan, is a sea captain on a fishing vessel in the small town of Westport. Piper is a socialite who has recently been cut off by her stepfather and is sent to Westport to shape up. The 2 are polar opposites (grumpy x sunshine) but in a town so small they can't seem to stop running into each other.
- Jenny, 4/5

I liked following the main character growing up
- Beth II, 3/5

I went searching for titles about fishing and just couldn't find something that appealed to me -- but I saw some of the children's books on the list! I like how instead of accepting being called a fool, the kid imagines the world and how big it is and the possibilities it's filled with. It did come out in 1940's and it's portrayal of different people across the globe reflects that in language and appearance.
- Sarah, 2/5

It's Jane Austen, so of course my best friend would like it. Typical Jane Austen. A convoluted love story with plenty of social commentary, wonderfully told. Not my favorite Austen novel but still fun to read.
- Marie, 4/5

It would remind her of when we became best friends and how we were going through many of the same things together because we became best friends when we were about the same age as the girls in the book. I loved it because it brought me back to times when I was a teenager and how challenging it was during that time.
- Betsy, 4/5

I borrowed it from her. An Amish girl is lost after falling out the back of her family's buggy. The Englisher that finds and returns the girl becomes a good friend of the family.
- Shirley, 4/5

She loaned it to me so I know she likes it.
Although this book is a bit before my time I found it very enjoyable. Really shows you the differences 50 years makes. I mean they’re drinking and smoking while they’re pregnant and politicians were definitely held in a different light. I think this is book is a good snapshot of the time.
- Beth, 4/5

Because of the banter - people interested in modern gender relations should read this book
- Beth II, 3/5

This is a mystery novel set in Paris. My best friend loves Paris. This is a great mystery novel! A young woman from London, Jess, arrives in Paris to visit her half brother but he is nowhere to be found. Jess is determined to find her brother but she doesn’t speak French, his wealthy neighbors aren’t concerned that he’s missing and she doesn’t trust the police. This is a great book for someone who enjoys solving mysteries.
- Aubrey, 5/5

I think my friend would like this book because she really enjoyed the Soulmate equation by the same author and this book follows one of the side characters from that story. I liked that this book took the idea of a reality dating show and gave it a bit of a new twist. The main character is a romance author and so each of the men on the show was required to meet the standard tropes you find in romance books (Bad boy, cinnamon roll, vampire etc).
- Jenny, 5/5

It's a read-alike for a book they recommended to me but isn't on their READ list. I found this because I like the Murderbot diaries -- it was an interesting world and read. I plan to finish out the series or at least the main trilogy. The book moves between the present and the events nineteen years ago that have left the last ancillary of the troop ship Justice of Toren searching for a rare object to exact their revenge.
- Sarah, 3/5

People who like getting revenge on others should read this book.
- Beth II, 3/5

I liked the main character who always seemed to have to choose his loyalties.
- Beth II, 4/5

This was an excellent read that is worthy of the hype. Elizabet Zott is an incredible character who is fighting for her rightful place in a field dominated by men.
- Jenny, 5/5

This book was a reread for me and I still enjoy it as much as I did when reading it for High School.
- Jenny, 5/5

People who like satire will probably like this book.
- Shirley, 4/5

Loved this book, fast paced story of a movie star that over her lifetime had seven husbands. But who was her true love? She hires someone to write her biography and spills all.
- Shirley, 5/5

It's weird how dated things are throughout the book but still has a solid mystery and a certain style. Always liked the practicality of a Barbara Michaels protagonist.
- Sarah, 2/5

A dual timeline psychological thriller with a twist -- set in 1983 while uncovering a notorious killing in 1929. Through out the book you know you're not getting all the information the point of view character has but it continues to draw you in and make you question what did happen back in 1929.
- Sarah, 3/5

This is the story of a young girl who is growing up in small-town Massachusetts who makes some very poor choices, handing over control of her life to others, despite her independent attitude. A great contrast to Francie Nolan's story.
- Marie, 4/5

The tree is a metaphor for the protagonist, Francie Nolan, and nothing can stop them from surviving and thriving. Francie overcomes poverty and other trauma and comes out with her freedom and in control of her life. A quintessential coming of age story. Very inspiring!
- Marie, 5/5

This book did a great job of showing the difficulty people in abusive relationships have in leaving that relationship, even if they have lots of support. There was romance with some lightly graphic sexual content but the message that It (the cycle of abuse) must end definitely shines through.
- Marie, 4/5

An interesting poetry book -- touching upon Partition in India in 1947 and the displacement, personal family history and turmoil of growing up without parents to guide them.
- Sarah, 3/5

I liked the determination to survive
- Beth II

This book is about a hen that dreamed of a life outside her cage, where all the eggs she laid where taken away from her. When she is culled she survives and raises a stranger's egg. I enjoyed this book from Korea.
- Shirley, 4/5

A true story about a family that is misshaped by a father’s ideas and how he treats his daughters. It’s much more than that but really very good.
- Beth, 4/5

I've enjoyed reading these books featuring Joe Goldberg and while this one was good it is starting to feel a bit repetitive. It felt like the same story just set in a different city with a different love interest, though, the ending didn't quite follow the formula of the other books.
- Jenny, 3/5

This is the third book is a series of four. I would describe it as a romantic fantasy book. It’s a fantasy novel where a couple is trying to find each other (at the start of the novel) and then keep their love a secret. This is the third book in a series of four. The series is known as the “Mirror Visitor Quartet”. This is a romantic fantasy novel. The Earth has been split into different pieces floating in the sky called “arks”. Each ark is ruled by a family spirit and decedents of the family spirit have special powers. The main couple in the series is separated at the beginning of this book and need to find each other without altering their enemies. This is a good book for people who like fantasy series and enjoy rooting for a couple.
- Aubrey, 4/5

This book is YA and has been classified as a romantasy (romance and fantasy). Kiva has been imprisoned since the age of 7 and has come to serve as the healer for the prison. With the arrival of some new prisoners however things begin to change. Especially when one of them is able to wield elemental magic.
- Jenny, 5/5

Fantasy and Romance readers should read this book.
- Beth II, 2/5

A hybrid of science fiction/romance/poetry and probably more genres! "This book deserves all the stars, and more—worthy of every shape imaginable, not simply stars! Amazing, lyrical, historical, time-bending, literary—it invites rereading, research, the finding of Easter eggs and in-jokes. Only novella sized, so the experience is fleeting but oh so fulsome! Just try it, you may like it. So red, so blue.
- Stacie, 5/5

Based on history but has elements of sci-fiction. This book is about the bombing of Dresden and Billy Pilgrim's travels through time.
- Shirley, 4/5

about the ability to taste emotions of a person in the food they make
- Beth II, 3/5

A fast paced who-done-it. Who would kill to get their inheritance sooner? Read it and find out!
- Shirley,5/5

Lots to keep you reading in this book. This was a rewrite of Wishes, with more suspense and deeper insight into the characters. Keeps you interested though and I enjoyed the events and how it turned out.
- Beth, 4/5

Fans of the romance genre will enjoy this book. I enjoyed the plot of a couple that has split up being forced to pretend they are still together, so they don't ruin the annual friend's trip.
- Jenny, 5/5

Despite the cover the spine is yellow! I enjoyed the set up of the book -- which follows Mona as she tries to take a scientific approach to her depression. Through therapy and friends and family -- it's not an easy journey but she working on herself and how she sees her dark matter.
- Sarah, 3/5

People that may be interested in writing a book would like this novel
- Beth II, 3/5

This was a great mystery! It’s different from other mysteries because you know the identity of the murderer but not how the murder was committed. Anyone who enjoys mysteries would like this book.
- Aubrey, 5/5

This is a book about an almost 4 year old boys experience in heaven. If you’re a believer you’ll be thrilled and if you’re a nonbeliever well maybe that will change.
-Beth, 4/5

Clementine inherits an apartment and discovers all the stories her aunt told her about the apartments time traveling abilities are true. The apartment takes her 7 years into the past where she meets a young man her aunt agreed to let stay there while she was out of town.
- Jenny, 5/5

People who've enjoyed Julie Kagawa's previous books in the Iron Fey series might like this first book in the trilogy.
- Sherry, 3/5

This is the second book in a trilogy that revolves around an environmental disaster/possible alien invasion. I started this book for the previous challenge because it has a bunny on the cover BUT it also has a yellow spine, so I finally finished it. Thankfully, once I got further into the book, it did get better and it ends on a cliffhanger and so I'm glad I finished it. Book Three may or may not be read anytime soon, though.
- Marie, 3/5