2024 Summer Reading Challenge: Books Read

Shortest read but longest title. I picked this up to read from a free library discard bin. It was interesting and about family trauma. The mom in it is terrible, but I liked it. It's a play. If it were put on in town, I'd go see it.
- Jen, 4/5 Stars

If you enjoy Amish stories you would like this book.
- Beth, 3/5 Stars

A book about a spiritual journey of self-discovery. It was good, but not what I normally read. I
- Ali, 3/5 Stars

This book is one of many in the Inspector Maigret series. A man says he is going to kill his wife and her lover but everything flips when he disappears. People that like foreign detective books will like this one. Set near Paris, 124 pages
- Shirley, 4/5 Stars

I liked the 12 year old girls relationship with the girl who left her baby.
- Beth II, 4/5 Stars

My first ARC Advanced Reader's Copy now available today! Absolutely adorable story about a flight attendant falling in love with one of her clients. They take a lovely trip to Paris - and it was read during the Olympics 2024! Super cute novella about skating under the Eiffel Tour and drinking espresso with the locals. They have a magical Christmas in Paris and it was playful, delightful, and spectacular!
- Gabbrielle, 5/5 Stars

Sisters left to raise each other
- Beth II, 3/5 Stars

Yohan, a former POW, immigrates to Brazil from Korea. As he assimilates to his new life as a tailor's apprentice he reflects on his former life.
- Shirley, 3/5 Stars

This book has 6 short stories that explore the different realms of human frailty; set in Russia by a woman originally from Russia.
- Beth, 4/5

This. Book reminded me of Faulkner. Although the prose is not so overwhelmingly lush, it is lovely when she's thinking things over. The abject poverty and unprettiness of the way the characters are living makes startling contrast like in As I Lay Dying. The main character is preoccupied with her reading about Medea, and the connections she makes and the insights that reading inspire are a clear nod to the importance of education and literature to living a fully aware life.
- Sara, 5/5 Stars

It was in the list and it was also on another reading list about the 50 states that I wanted to finish. First of all, this book was not what I thought it was and could benefit from a trigger warning or two. Although, it was published in 2011, just before the advent of widespread trigger warnings. This is a complicated story of a dysfunctional family trying to survive in a dysfunctional ecosystem. This book had me reading supplementary articles about how the U.S. army tried to "fix" the swampland in FL. If you like a story where you should have called CPS 6 times before the midpoint, and if you're able to handle some confusion about what's real, this could be a good read for you.
- Jen, 4/5

It's a dark satire concerning who is allowed to write up which stories. This was a good book with deeply unlikeable characters and the main character lacked self awareness. It was kind of the point though. I kept thinking of the controversy around the book "American Dirt" and how it sometimes feels difficult to know where appreciation ends and appropriation begins. I don't know much about the author's personal life, but I'm interested in checking out her other work to see how heavily real life might have informed this novel. There is a lot of darkly funny commentary on how authors should perhaps not engage with Goodreads reviews and Twitter keyboard warriors. There were many times that I wanted to reach through the pages and slap the narrator and an equal number of times where I was happy to sit back and watch her get what she had coming to her.
- Jen, 4/5

There was an asian eyes on the cover. "Yellowface" is what children called me as an asian child. This book was incredibly intriguing because it is about a white girl plagiarizing her asian friend's work. They are both authors and it was had ALL the uncomfortable, screeching on the chalkboard CRINGE. This is my first satire and I never thought I could hate a main character more. She was an anti-hero, someone who kept digging her grave deeper and deeper, making all the wrong turns. She did not have a happy ending arc what so ever. You did not want her to win. I felt all the emotions about publishing industry antics, to cultural appropriation and beyond. Definitely a different kind of book, worth reading!!
- Gabbrielle, 4/5 Stars

I'm a sucker for 1950s style robot movies. It looked like silly fun. "Having enjoyed this instructive book, I am now relieved that I don't have a smart home. I worry that listening to this set of strategic plans on my cell phone would have tipped my hand in the event when the uprising happens.

I was sad the author never mentioned my key strategy, being kind and polite to technology. I have no doubt my car and toaster think of me fondly. That has to be helpful, right?
- Sara, 5/5 Stars

It’s a decent story with lots of humor and sadness.
- Beth, 4/5 Stars

Another laugh out loud book by Sedaris. He talks about socialized medicine, the Obama election, book tours, and his family.
- Shirley, 4/5 Stars

I found it very hard to get over the stupid parts of the book.
- Beth II, 2/5 Stars

A book featuring an inheritance
The most obvious inheritance in this book is a painting, but it ends up being a lot more than that. I meant to read this book a decade ago, but time got away from me and I forgot about it. It was good but very sad. It takes place in 1987 and addresses the AIDS/HIV crisis during that time. A high school freshman named June is coming to terms with what AIDS and bigotry has done to her family. This book had some twists I didn't quite expect and it was a good read.
- Jen, 4/5 Stars

A popular science book
I chose this book because these men and their contributions to science have entered popular culture and I was hoping to learn more them. I was most interested in reading about Schrodinger's cat, which I had never heard of prior to its mention on the Big Bang Theory television show. Interesting to learn about these high profile scientists and the work made them household names.
- Marie, 3/5 Stars

A book by two authors:
I usually enjoy the books about this main character (Kendra Michaels). People who've read the previous novels in this series would probably like this book.
- Sherry, 3/5 Stars

A celebrity memoir
I liked learning about Britney and her family.
- Beth II, 3/5 Stars

A book you can finish in 24hrs:
I've been in a reading slump so was looking for something lighthearted that I could get through quickly
- Jenny, 5/5 Stars

A book that was made into a movie or TV show
If you like true life thrillers you would like this book. Another example of the white mans greed. Makes you wonder if the government has been dirty since its inception?
- Beth, 5/5 Stars

A book that was made into a movie or TV show
The movie was awesome, so that means the book must be awesome-ER! Plus the cover is so pretty! Marsh Girl was taunted by children at school, abandoned by her siblings, abused by her dad and outcasted by her community. She did not have clean clothes, food on her plate or a real place to call home. Her sanctuary was nature, the marsh, the birds, the leaves, the fish. She faced so many challenges, to find food, use a boat and pave her own way to success from the ground up. OH and she is accused of murder! This book is a phenomenal piece of our history, underserved individuals and about surviving - 5 stars!!!!
- Gabbrielle, 5/5 Stars

A Locked Room Mystery:
I read most of the Jane Marple mysteries as a pre-teen, but had never gotten into Hercule Poirot. I was ready. I had seen the somewhat recent movie, but couldn't remember most of the details, so it kept my attention well. It won't replace Sleeping Murder as my favorite Christie novel, but it was fun. The range of characters was highly entertaining. this is the 3rd Poirot mystery I've read, and I'm getting to really enjoy him while perfecting his accent in my head. It's a solid read.
- Sara, 5/5 Stars

I liked the local names and places in the book.
- Beth II, 4/5 Stars

My local librarian suggested I read this local author who spent much of his life in Northern New York near Keene Valley. "This book was split into three very loosely related stories all set in Sam Dent NY, which I think it just a fictionalized Keene Valley. I think all three stories were based on true crime stories. The middle one I found a bit distasteful. He basically just rewrote the infamous Hart family murders, but imagined that it happened at AuSable Chasm instead of California. He copied the story down to specific details like, the investigators finding on the murder's phone history a search for no-kill shelters to drop off two rescue dogs before the heinous act. It was just way too close to such a terrible true, and recent, story for me to respect it as a work of fiction. I found it interesting, but in poor taste. I didn't mind the other two stories though.
If you like True crime with a North Country mindset, you'd probably like to read this. "
- Jen 3/5 Stars

Written by a family friend. I've read the earlier 4 novels in the series, too. A fun local romp with some recognizable locations and businesses. I was impressed with the treatment of the migrant workers who are crucial to our apple harvest each year.
- Sara, 4/5 Stars

This book has 12 short stories involving crimes in the Adirondacks from a retired deputies eyes. If you like books about the local area you would probably like this book.
- Beth, 4/5 Stars

A family in Lake Luzerne is torn apart when their daughter is raped and murdered. Years later the convicted killer is due to be executed. The mother finds out new information on the way to the execution. Is she right? Would an innocent man pay for another's sins. Great book.
- Shirley, 5/5 Stars

I love this author and wanted to read something new! One of my favorite books this year. Coping with ALS, low self esteem, and body acceptance. Her body did not allow her to live a long life, with medical issues and inability to do certain things, the main character is resilient, determined and positive. She copes with so much loss and understanding that her body shouldn't stop her from living her best life. Absolutely loved this book and cried! Another 5 star recommendation!
- Gabrielle, 5/5 Stars

I liked challenging the way women are "supposed" to look.
- Beth II, 3/5 Stars

This was a hard read. It's a memoir about a woman that has been overweight since she was a child. She grew up unloved and abused. Sad story
- Shirley, 2/5 Stars

Easy read where the contestant on a make over show learns so much about herself and transforms her love life and style. Nice to think of life working like this.
- Beth, 4/5 Stars

I'd seen the movie so I knew it was about body positivity but I didn't know it was a book first. This book was cute, but nothing groundbreaking in my opinion. It was a nice quick read with a main character that you root for even when she makes stupid mistakes. I think if you liked Miss Congeniality, you might also like this.
- Jen, 3/5 Stars

Both of my maternal grandparents were cooks and they loved Julia Child. They watched and read everything she did. This book was so informative and I really learned a lot about Julia. She was more than just a chef and I really felt like I got closer to my grandparents just by reading it.
- Beth, 5/5 Stars

My grandmother LOVED President Kennedy. This is a very easy to read portrait of JFK told with balance and respect. Good picture of a complicated man in a complicated time.
- Marie, 5/5 Stars

It's based on a real historical event, which my grandfather would like and the archipelago where it is set is off the coast of Scotland. My grandfather is proud of his Scottish heritage. """Every Kilda man is part bird because he knows how it feels to plummet out of the sky towards the brightness of the sea.""
To me, this was a more interesting version of Lord of the Flies. I didn't dislike Lord of the Flies, but this was better. It might be interesting to compare the two more thoroughly, but it's been a minute since 10th grade.
- Jen, 4/5 Stars

My grandfather was a dairy farmer and loved animals. This is a memoir by a Dutch veterinarian in Michigan. He treats everything from horses & cows to small pets, even chickens. If you love animals, vet books, or the Dr Pol TV series I recommend this book.
- Shirley, 5/5 Stars

Reconciliation of sisters
- Beth II, 4/5 Stars

Bird lovers should read this book.
- Beth II, 1/5 Stars

This was a heartwarming true story about an unlikely friendship between a penguin and a young teacher. I loved how he talked for the penguin. Anyone who has ever had a pet and knows the bond that forms there would probably like this book.
- Beth, 5/5 Stars

This is an engaging memoir by a man who loves birding. He talks about his job at Marvel Comics, hiking in the Himalayas, and the seven joys of birding. He is also the man that was falsely accused of threatening a woman in Central Park after he asked her to put a leash on her dog.
- Shirley, 4/5 Stars

This is a bird watching memoir written by a young activist. There was nothing remarkable about the way this was written, although the author is a remarkable young person. I think she could have benefited from a better editor, and perhaps someone to help her bring out the story because there is a story here. It's about activism, racism, mental illness and birds. But much like the many bird species she wrote about, the story can be hard to spot against the background. It was a quick book though. I learned about some birds that I'd probably never hear of otherwise. And even though the story was scattered, it held my attention for the most part.
- Jen, 3/5 Stars

I've been stuck on murder mysteries lately. "I have a special appreciation for well researched mysteries. This one was a delight to read. The mystery involves a bit of science, and it seems to be accurately represented here. How did he know who done it? A little birdie told him. Mercifully, this line was not uttered in the novel, but I couldn't resist.

The characters are engaging and believable, with rich internal struggles. It is the beginning of a series, so I have faith that the one character who is least developed (the girlfriend of the detective) will be much more present in a later installment. I'll be reading on to find out."
- Sara, 5/5 Stars

I enjoyed this book on Native Indian philosophy. Highlights the importance of family, community, and sharing over material things.
- Shirley, 5/5 Stars

The word "philosophy" was in the cover and it was short. I need to move if I'm going to finish this challenge on time. This was not really my thing, but it wasn't bad at all either. There was some interesting insight about Japanese culture. I now know that my previous understanding of sushi was flawed.
- Jen, 2/5 Stars

I actually chose this book because it was one of the only audiobooks that didn’t require a wait. Didn’t think it was going to fit any challenge. The author is quite philosophical in this engaging book about an adopted baby owl. He speaks of native Americans who so intelligently looked at their place in the world as a whole. He goes into many philosophies but this one really resonated with me. On how everything is a give and take and we can’t just deplete the earth without replacing. Not explaining it well but he did and I found this a very educational and enjoyable book. If you like helping abandoned animals you would really like this book.
- Beth, 4/5 Stars

I did not like anything about this book.
- Beth II, 1/5 Stars

A young woman goes in search of her younger sister who disappeared when they were young. They come from a dysfunctional family and she is looking for resolution to move on in her life.
-Shirley, 4/5

A woman learning to be strong emotionally and physically.
- Beth II, 4/5 Stars

This was an interesting book, however, it was more slasher horror than supernatural horror which isn't usually what I read for horror.
- Ali, 3/5 Stars

I typed "How to" into the catalog, and here we are. It's a short story compilation. Some stories I liked, but others I found boring. Kind of a mixed bag. I liked "Homeschooling" and "Trifle" quite a bit. The ones near the end were not as engaging, in my opinion. Edith Pearlman is a good storyteller though, and I like how she writes.
- Jen, 3/5 Stars

It came up on my "How to" serch on Audible, and I'm on a murder Mystery kick. "Anyone who likes a well developed murder mystery is likely to enjoy this one. Fans of Agatha Christie, in particular, though she's not mentioned. The writing was delightful, the characters engaging, and while I did figure it out before the denouement, it was not obvious.

Now I need to read the rest of the series.
- Sara, 5/5 Stars

This is an intriguing mystery where the author weaves between past and present in a way that keeps the reader engaged.
- Beth, 4/5 Stars

I heard a lot of hype on social media regarding this book and it was available on Libby! If you love Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Dragons and fantasy romance- this book is for you! I loved the story building of a badass heroine who was disabled and she manages to defeat all odds as she navigates college, undergo fighting challenges, falls in love with an archenemy and become a dragon rider of not one but two dragons! Absolutely fantastic read for the summer, never thought I’d love dragons or fantasy, but this was one of my favorite reads of the year!
- Gabbi, 5/5 Stars

People who like children's stories about animals having adventures might like this book. Although the story was cute, I didn't really care for the writing style.
- Sherry, 2/5 Stars

This book is about an expedition into the Congo to find diamonds. They discover a new species of gorillas that killed the group that went prior. Best of all they bring a gorilla that knows sign language in hopes of communicating with them.
- Shirley, 4/5 Stars

Great start to this fantasy trilogy! Follows Fitz as he navigates life as the illegitimate son of a prince and a magical link with animals that is frowned upon in society.
- Ali, 5/5 Stars

I hadn’t read this in many years but thoroughly enjoyed again. I am from The Leatherstocking Region and love history. What’s not to like, I mean there’s revenge, kidnapping, adventure and the wonderful description of the region.
- Beth, 5/5 Stars

Eric Brighteyes is a viking on an adventure to clear his name and get the girl. I'd never read anything by Haggard, but my husband likes the author. I was surprised by how funny some of the dialogue was. The plot was also interesting but the writing was a bit sparse at times. This would make a good adventure/action movie. The main character, Eric is like the ultimate himbo and he's always getting tricked by his betrothed's evil half sister, Swanhild. It's kind of silly, but I liked it.
- Jen, 4/5 Stars

It was available to me when I wanted to read, and looked cute. It was a cute book. There was less adventure than I had hoped, but it was there. The writing was passable, the characters interesting. I solved the mystery right away. I'm not sad tht I read it, but I can't recommend it highly.
- Sara, 3/5 Stars

I liked the challenges she faced.
- Beth II, 4/5 Stars

This is a best seller I finally picked up and read. Anyone who loves a story that is full of love, romance, fame, and fortune that is never boring should read this book. It's even got a surprise twist. Gorgeous writing kept me anticipating the unfolding of Evelyn Hugo's story, the story of a woman who took the world by storm.
- Marie, 5/5 Stars

Small towns with their secrets
- Beth II, 4/5 Stars

Using ancient DNA, dinosaurs are brought back to live in a theme park. The book becomes fast paced when things start going awry.
- Shirley, 4/5 Stars

It seems like everyone has read the Bridgerton books. I didn't know if I'd like them but I decided to give them a try. I just chose one that said prequel, as it seemed like a good enough place to start. I didn't much like this. It was trite and predictable. It quite honestly "gave me the ick" as Buzzfeed might have put it. And I think this did seem like a novel written by Buzzfeed. Sorry, Mrs. Quinn.
- Jen, 2/5 Stars

This book was both so sad and so wonderful. I would hope I could have the same strength that Lou had. Sometimes it’s hard to have the strength to let others make their own decisions especially when they are this final.
- Beth, 5/5 Stars

I've always meant to read it. I knew all the buzz phrases, but really knew so little about the book. It is disturbing that it was not more disturbing to me. I see so many parallels to world politics, and marvel at how little must have changed since the book was written. I keep thinking, "Rats, really?" but They make sense with his particular trauma. Glad i read it.
- Sara, 5/5 Stars

Rory likes to read classics. Follow the rise and fall of three young women in the entertainment industry. They come to rely on drugs (dolls) to sleep, be awake, and curb their appetite. I read this book decades ago and loved it then, this time felt a bit tarnished.
- Shirley, 4/5 Stars

The book came out in the time of the show, and was mentioned in it. George loves Science Fiction and new ideas. He's always looking to the future and what might be invented improve life. Though I've heard about the book for 30+ years, I had no idea what to expect. As our culture is debating bodily autonomy, reproductive rights, and how we should be governed, it seems like a great time to read it. I love science and technological advances, but I don't believe all changes are progress. If these are subjects you like to consider, or if you just like an old fashioned futuristic romp, enjoy!
- Sara, 5/5 Stars

Because she cares about doing the right thing. Despite, or maybe because of the not so hot takes of J.K. Rowling, this book made me think of Hermione Granger reading it. With her misguided but we'll meant S.P.E.W. campaign, I'm sure she'd have read this memoir about art monsters and the fans that still consume their work. This book certainly held my interest but didn't answer too many questions, nor did it do anything to realize assuage the guilt of the consumer. But maybe it tried. Still, I'd probably read it again. I'd recommend it to anyone else who wonders why we still listen to Wagner, but took "Gryffindor" out of our Twitter bios.
- Jen, 4/5 Stars

It has a lot of scenes with space pilots fighting battles so since Ender was recruited for soldier training @ Battle School to fight in space, he might find the tactics helpful.
People who enjoyed the Skyward quadology would probably like this omnibus of three novellas ("Sunreach", "ReDawn", and "Evershore").
- Sherry, 4/5 Stars

Interesting story and in his case there were only so many books available...
Good story to remind you what it was like to be finishing up middle school. All the questions are so big and all the new experiences.
- Beth, 4/5 Stars

A father and son reunite after being estranged for years.
- Beth II, 4/5 Stars

A friend recommended this book because she has her students read it. It is a graphic novel/memoir about a boy and his brother living their entire childhoods as orphans in a refugee camp I'm Kenya. This book is compelling and impossible to put down. It is very honest in that the narrator does not hide his uglier feelings like jealousy or despair. This would be a great book for middle or early high school because students would finish reading it. A mature elementary students could definitely read it, but the topics are heavy.
- Jen, 5/5 Stars

A harrowing memoir about a twelve-year-old boy that escaped Afghanistan and made it to England. He was stuck between the Taliban and the US soldiers, both wanting to use him for their own purposes. On his journey, he was incarcerated multiple times, thrown from a train, malnourished, and could have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea. He talks about the difficulties of his travels and the friends he made along the way.
- Shirley, 5/5 Stars

This book gives a child’s view of the refugee mess. As a child’s book can be it gives a simplistic solution to a difficult situation but it highlights friendship and kindness that can make people of any age hopeful.
- Beth, 3/5 Stars

I liked the friendship between the children and how they helped each other.
- Beth II, 4/5 Stars

This is a cute romance book with a bit of the enemies to lovers trope.
- Jenny, 4/5 Stars

This book was written in the early 60s, and it takes a bit to get used to the liberal use of the N word. The story grows around a tall tale from the end of the Civil War, and spans decades. It's told from multiple points of view, all narrators unreliable, due only to their limited point of view. Charming and thoughtful, the relationships are beautiful.
- Sara, 5/5 Stars

I feel like Picoult always writes about interesting real day issues and this is book is no different. Good story about the choices we make in life and how they direct us.
- Beth. 5/5 Stars

This is another book about racism, family secrets, and incest set in Georgia. A woman gives birth to twins, one white & one part African American. People call them the Gemini Twins and an innocent black man is murdered. The truth of the twins comes out in the end.
- Shirley, 4/5 Stars

A standalone novel set in Sanderson's Cosmere universe. Loved this book (and all Sanderson books)! Recommend reading the Stormlight Archives before trying this book.
- Ali, 5/5 Stars

This is Tommy Orange's debut novel and it is excellent if you like converging stories and short stories, and stories about identity, I'd recommend this book. When I finished the book, it felt like a standalone but now I see that he wrote a sequel, which I will definitely check out.
- Jen, 4/5 Stars

A book of survival for young adults.
- Beth II, 3/5 Stars

The first STEM romance book I've ever read! I absolutely LOVED this story of a girl who has her PhD in physics. This book is for the STEM nerds like me who LOVE science - so many funny references and puns. As she navigates her career she meets her arch nemesis, who also happens to be her interviewer and her fake boyfriend's brother. She's insecure about her body, as a diabetic and about her feelings towards love. I will always recommend this book to my STEM friends! It's perfection.
- Gabbrielle, 5/5 Stars

Potentially paradigm shifting, if one is open to what the author is saying. A must read.
- Marie, 5/5 Stars

I liked learning about the relationship between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
- Beth II, 3/5 Stars

This was one of the most confusing books I have ever read so I'm hesitant to guess who might enjoy reading it. It's apparently based on a podcast so perhaps people who like the podcast would also want to read the book. Maybe those who enjoyed the Matrix movies might also like it. It was a bit hard to put down.
- Sherry, 2/5 Stars

The story is about this guy who invents a play by mail rpg and it kind of is his whole life. He makes up the game while recovering in the hospital. The story is not exactly linear but it more or less works backward in time to the moment of the injury. This book was weird and disturbing but I didn't dislike it. I'm not sure who would like it. The main character was not very relatable to me but he was still interesting. It's a book I will probably think about for a long time.
- Jen, 3/5 Stars

A chess prodigy who gave up the game when she was 14 agrees to attend a tournament to help out a friend but ends up beating a grand master that is ranked #1 in the world. A romance ensues.
- Jenny, 4/5 Stars

I wanted to read something that I wouldn't normally choose. I'm not into computer gaming. I do love YA literature and fresh perspective (from the perspective of a woman who grew up reading classics and British Gothic novels). Wow, I loved this book! Even if you've finished this prompt, find an excuse to read it. It was powerful without pretense. The writing was solid. The characters are lively. Discussion of race and finding places to feel fully seen were handled really organically, Some YA novels with similar themes feel preachy. This was not written AT a YA audience, but FOR it.
- Sara, 5/5 Stars

If you like a thriller with lots of twists you would probably like this book. Dark story but keeps you going.
- Beth, 4/5 Stars

A fast-paced book about a young girl that is a chess prodigy. The TV mini series is great too.
- Shirley, 5/5 Stars

Because I clearly care too much about what people think about me and what everyone else is doing. Manson takes a step back and reminds us WHY DO YOU CARE? Why would care and compare yourself to other people, when other people are too busy caring about themselves. Why let people who do so little for you determine your worth? I love reading a diverse group of books and loved this "self-help" kind of book. He reminded me to stop caring about social media, and focus on my inner peace and my own career goals. We all have our own journeys and it's time to stop giving a F. Do what makes YOU happy and keep living your life.
- Gabbrielle, 5/5 Stars

Family situations
- Beth II, 4/5 Stars

I'd been meaning to read this for awhile and the cover only has words. These essays were interesting and informative, but not what I expected. I thought they'd be full of funny anecdotes about mansplaining. It was more about violence against women. The essays didn't seem very personal, but there were interesting stories. They were pretty sad but there was hope that things are getting better.
- Jen, 3/5 Stars

It was a book club choice. "Wow, there is a LOT in this novel! The story is so compelling I stayed up untill 5 this morning finishing it. Women should read this. People who want to understand women should read this.

All teachers and administrators of schools and youth programs should read this. Sometimes I was tempted to think the author was being a bit much, but then I processed for a moment and realized that's because it's all way too much.

TW: SA, Me Too, Violence, Racism."
- Sara, 5/5 Stars

Never read a book like this before. Young woman was kidnapped and had a child. Their perspectives were obviously so different, her having been raised outside the room and her son only knowing the room. What fortitude and strength they both showed.
- Beth, 4/5 Stars

Murder mystery set near Dublin. Great author!
- Shirley, 5/5 Stars

The attention to detail in the setting was grounding and interesting, as I have not yet been west. The honest depiction of workplace dynamics and gender politics was welcome. The main character was delightfully flawed, with a rich inner dialogue. The twists and turns of untangling the mystery were deftly handled. The writing was lush, but not encroaching on Faulkner's density.
- Sara, 5/5 Stars

If you like crime novels set in the big outdoors you would enjoy this book.
Beth, 4/5 Stars

This book was an interesting book on a lot of levels. It's about murders and attacks on women in National Parks and delves into a murder case of two women in the Shenandoah National Park. It looks at the difficulties of investigating and gathering evidence in remote places and various weather. Also looks at potential investigator bias when they may follow one lead that they are sure is correct and ignoring other evidence that doesn't fit that scenario. Loved it and will read more from this author.
- Shirley, 5/5 Stars

Crime Solvers should read this book
- Beth II, 3/5 Stars

Okay, it's a fictional national Park but there are a ton of clues that will point the reader towards Golden Gate National Park. I really liked this book, it was funny and really good for an elementary read aloud. I thought maybe it would work for the "book about a pet" challenge because there's a dog on the cover, but the MC would balk at that since he is certainly NOT a pet.
- Jen, 5/5 Stars

A very detailed description of Provincetown told from the perspective of a frequent visitor. It was well written by someone who really loves Provincetown and its quirky art scene, but it did not make me want to visit. .
- Marie, 2/5 Stars

A memoir of a child actor and her troubled relationship with her dying mother, her traumatic childhood, and her journey towards recovery from alcoholism and an eating disorder. Sad and yet riveting. Couldn't put it down.
- Marie, 5/5 Stars

I picked it for the teal cover but then it began with a funeral. I liked the beginning of the book and I liked the last book I read by TJ Klune, but the end felt forced and fake. I just wanted it to be over so I could read my orange cover book. There were some good parts in the beginning but they faded.
- Jen, 2/5 Stars

This is a children's book dealing with grief. Bird is dead and the other birds hold a funeral and burial for him.
- Jenny, 4/5 Stars

The teenage daughter of the funeral home directors is stressed out by death especially once she realizes she can “wake” people who have just died and speak with them. Once a classmate dies it helps her come to terms with her issues. I liked the way she worked through things and was able to move on.
- Beth, 4/5 Stars

It was free on Audible, and I was having a cooking and cleaning day. Stuck on mysteries right now. This was a cute romp. It had a cookie cutter beginning, which might have made me give up on it if my hands hadn't been busy and goopy, but it was worth finishing. Some of the local characters were particularly fun, and hold promise for the remainder of the series. The mystery was not difficult to figure out, but it was fun finding some of the details. It gelt like a warm-up for an entertaining series.
- Sara, 4/5 Stars

This book starts with a mass shooting in a mall. The remainder is about the impact to some of the survivors including someone that's out for revenge.
- Shirley, 5/5 Stars

There is a funeral in this book. People who've read Laura Sebastian's Ash Princess trilogy would probably also enjoy this 3rd book if they've read the previous 2 books ("Castles in their Bones" and "Stardust in their Veins") in the trilogy. Although I liked the Ash Princess trilogy, I liked this one even more.
- Sherry, 4/5

The title was interesting. Anyone who has been through domestic violence, and is a survivor. Uplifting novel about a resilient woman leaving a domestic violent partner. Everything started out so beautifully until he became her abuser. The abuse, mental, emotional and physical abuse Ends With Us. Powerful book and the movie just came out! Absolutely loved this book 5 stars!
- Gabrielle, 5/5 Stars

I didn't like the narrator for this book. It was an cute cozy mystery, but nothing about it felt particularly spectacular to make it stand out.
- Ali, 3/5 Stars

At the center of the story is a pet African Grey polyglot parrot named Bruno. Bruno has been birdnapped. (And there's been a murder, but that's merely a tertiary event). I liked this book and I like Micheal Chabon, but this is the first time I read one of his books as a paperback and not a Kindle book; I probably won't do that again. Not only does Chabon use way too many words I need to look up the definition of, but he makes obscure references like everyone is in on the joke. Having one touch access to the Wikipedia page for each word he uses is very helpful. If you like Chabon's exceedingly clever style of writing and don't mind using a dictionary and and encyclopedia to understand, this could be a good read for you.
- Jen, 4/5 Stars

It was cute and fluffy. I'm glad I read the book, and I'll consider reading another from the series. The Characters had potential, and the setting was charming. I thought it could just use a bit more fleshing out. The book was short, and easy to solve. I also would have liked a bit more about the cat.
- Sara, 3/5 Stars

This book is written from a dog's point of view. In each new life he remembers his past ones and learns from them. He finds his way back to his person and discovers his true purpose. Also a great movie.
- Shirley, 5/5 Stars

If you have ever had that one really special dog, like Enzo, then you can probably identify with this book. Be prepared for some real sad moments but also some really good ones.
- Beth, 5/5 Stars

It has an awesome orange octopus on it!!!! Have you ever thought about an octopus's perspective?! He lives in an aquarium and befriends an older woman. They become best friends and it's the best story ever! She is struggling with the loss of her late son and the octopus is remarkably emotionally intelligent! Absolutely loved hearing his perspective and knowing all the things he kept in his tank. Loved every page of this book!
- Gabbrielle, 5/5 Stars