Winter Reading Challenge 2019: Books Read I

People who enjoy history from a personal perspective and enjoy upstate history.
- Four Stars, Andrea

This book chosen by color was a great read. Short stories ,,all great reads.
- Four Stars, Theresa

People with interest in Auschwitz.
-Five Stars, Beth

This book is an incredible combination of sadness and joy. Its story captures the complicated feelings of those who have lost loved ones and holds out hope for restoration over time. Restoration, a new and different wholeness, a healing of the soul. Definitely worth reading!
- Five Stars, Marie

I would recommend this book to people that like young adult and/or the post-apocalyptic genre.
- Five Stars, Shirley

Not a Baldacci book I haven't enjoyed! This title is the first one in a new series about an FBI agent, Atlee Pine; first one with a female lead. Blue cover, sorry set in and around the Grand Canyon.
- Five Stars, Brian

Recommended for people who like Jack Ryan novels.
- Four Stars

Anyone who wants a a spiritual take on this issue should read this book.
- Four Stars

People who like fantasy young adult novels with supernatural elements (vampires, werewolves, magical powers, etc.) might like this book (and series).
- Four Stars, Sherry

Go along with Mrs. Wu on her journey of self discovery when she decides at the age of 40 to "retire" from her marriage. Loved this book!
- Five Stars, Shirley

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in astronomy in space and the history behind putting the Hubble in space.
- Four Stars

Everyone should read this book, in my opinion. But to be more specific, anyone who grew up watching Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, anyone parenting small children, anyone interested in early childhood education, lovers of biographies, supporters of Public Broadcasting, and anyone who has ever made fun of Fred Rogers should read this book and learn more about his life and legacy.
- Five Stars, Catherine

This is a novel about Africans who come to NYC seeking American citizenship and discover the streets are not paved with gold. It's a realistic story believably pondering the question: Is American citizenship worth the price? The cover design really caught my eye because of its artsy depiction of NYC, my birthplace.
-Four Stars, Marie

This book took me back to summers in the deep south. It's wonderful adventures on the bayou and it's glimpses of utter poverty for our black neighbors.
-Five Stars, Theresa

People who enjoy books by Richard Paul Evans should read this book but it is not like his book The Christmas Box.
-Four Stars

I loved the cover of this book because it had sneakers on it. I love getting new shoes and have way too may! This book go a history of birth of shoes in America and impact of sales based on culture (celebrities and athletes).
- Five Stars, Brian

people who like mysteries and suspense will enjoy this book. the retelling of fairy tales as murder mysteries is a unique twist on the old classics. Adult content.
- Four Stars

People who like dark retellings of fairy tales might want to read this book. It is a combination of the Princess and the Pea, Cinderalla, Sleeping Beauty, and the Little Mermaid.
- Three Stars, Sherry

For people who like alternate versions of a tale would like this book. I picked it because I love "Wicked" by the same author.
-Four Stars, Shirley

This read is bizarreo world. OZ land turned upside down.The only thing resembling the original book is the tornado. the heroine must deal with a power hungry Dorothy(who has enslaved the munchkins & flying monkeys.)a scarecrow who has turned into a mad scientist,a tin man who looks like a transformer& the lion eats everybody.This book is its own dark fairytale.
- Three Stars, Theresa

People who like Greek mythology (using a loose definition of fairytales here!) but find many of the translations to be choppy - this new take on an old story was written in English first and reads beautifully.
- Five Stars, Hannah

It is very great for a person who enjoys to read about local historical events- in this case tribal and religious history
- Three Stars, Andrea

This book is a collection of writings from Black children around the world.Locations include USA,Africa ,jamaca. Half the stories were well written but some were unrelateable to my mind.
-Three Stars, Theresa

I was hoping to have more of a plot about John Henry, but the book was more about the reporters who came to a little town in West Virginia to report on the celebration of a United States Postal Service stamp honoring John Henry. John Henry Days is about the celebration held by the town, then the days of John Henry. Wasn't horrible, but glad it is over.
- Three Stars, Brian

People that like reading about other cultures would enjoy this book. I learned a lot about South Africa and apartheid.
- Four Stars, Shirley

For anyone interested in information about the klu klux klan
- Five Stars

People who like fantasy young adult novels with supernatural elements (vampires, werewolves, magical powers, etc.) might like this book (and series).
- Four Stars, Sherry

People who are interested in astrological history, and information with a religious, sort of end of the world viewpoint!
- Two Stars, Andrea

This book I chose because of the reading challenge. A diamond in the rough ! Great story about a 13 yr old boy who becomes a biological father to an infant called Jupiter. He then is placed in foster care. The story is about his struggle to see Jupiter.Enough said,, Enjoy the smiles and the tears.
- Five Stars, Theresa

Poetry that talks to your soul. Can't wait to read milk and honey.
- Five Stars, Shirley

I recommend this book to anyone interested in astronomy. The pictures and captions are fabulous.
- Five Stars

In 1835 in New York City a newspaper called the Sun published a satire known as the Moon Hoax, purporting that life had been discovered on the moon, complete with man-bats and unicorns. This book provides a snapshot of antebellum NYC and its personalities such as P.T. Barnum and Edgar Allen Poe, as well as discussion of entertainment options, religious thought, and scientific knowledge of the time. It got an extra point for readability.
-Four Stars, Marie

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed A Wrinkle in Time and is interested in completing the series.
-Three Star, Catherine

I have seen this book so many times and then it was referenced on the show Big Bang Theory, so thought I would give it a listen. It is a very quick read and you can get through it despite a lot of it that was way over my head.
-Three Stars, Brian

An amazing fantasy novel.
- Five Stars, Ali

Anne Tyler is my favorite author. All her books are easy reads,a little drama and a whole lot of "feel Good". I recommend this book as a fun retreat into the life of Ben Joe Hawkes,his mom,grandmom,niece and six sisters. All of which he feels the need to take care of.
- Five Stars, Theresa

Main character just starts a new job a caretaker for a wildlife reserve in the Appalachia and main duties are to track wildlife and maintain cabins. Well he stumbles upon a dead bear and the story takes off from there.
- Four Stars, Brian

I enjoyed this book, as it had just enough mystery to pull me in right away and then a twist at the end.
-Four Stars, Nanette

I would recommend this book to anyone who like glass castle.
- Four Stars

This book is about child abduction and is recommended to people who like mysteries but aren't too squeamish.
- Four Stars, Shirley

I would recommend this book to youth who struggle to fit in
- Four Stars

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick enjoyable read. This was my first Western and I found it very enjoyable.
- Five Stars, Beth

People who like basketball statistics and learning of a team (UCONN) that was an underdog and rose to the top. It took me a long time to push through this book but I did learn some interesting facts on college basketball.
- Two Stars, Nanette

I would recommend this book to people who enjoy science fiction (this particular book has a Biblical basis, as well), or anyone who enjoyed A Wrinkle in Time and is interested in completing the series.
- Four Stars, Catherine

If you like to learn about Mediums and how they communicate with spirit world,,this is it.
- Five Stars, Theresa

People who want to know more about Gandhi's life would find this an interesting read.
- Four Stars, Shirley

Read this book if you love psychological thrillers. Or even if you don't. Not a fan of the genre but loved Overdose, especially since I really was surprised at the ending! A must read by a local author. Can't wait for her next book!
-Five Stars, Marie

I did enjoy the storyline about small town living and what the sport of hockey meant to the town. A bit overkill of swearing and inappropriate jokes.
- Three Stars, Nanette

Anyone interested in a mystery with historical intrigue would probably enjoy this book. It was set in the winter of 1856 and the main character Monk is in charge of the river police in England. What most people don’t realize is that he had an accident that has caused him to forget a period of his life and he has, well, many issues trying to deal with this. Enjoyable read.
- Five Stars, Beth

I disliked this book because it is not a favorite genere of mine. I don't care for waking dead people,haunted farmsteads "The Devil's Hand" and feeling watched while reading. I only choose this book because of the title. My Bad.
- One Star, Theresa

Another book from the Alex Cross series. Written in the typical James Patterson way. Alex Cross is forced from his family on Christmas Eve and Christmas, but not only does he face the typical crimes, but has to deal with 17 inches of snow in Washington DC which is far from typical.
- Four Stars, Brian

The book is a readable, balanced account of the Donner Party tragedy that took place in Northern California in the winter of 1846-47. Really puts North Country winters into perspective.
- Four Stars, Marie

For people who like mysteries and love dogs.
- Four Stars

People who like Hallmark movies and books about overcoming adversity will enjoy this book.
- Five Stars, Shirley

People who love action adventure will enjoy all the escapades of the hero Dirk Pitt.
- Three Stars, Andrea

"An arranged marriage in India followed by a move to the US. This is a story about how the two cultures mix and adapt and the love and ties of family.
- Four Stars, Shirley

This book & movie were totally crazy. There were so many flash backs & forwards,you could get vertigo. Plot is an alien,spirit,etc named A ,occupies a new body EVERYDAY. This is so he can visit a girl he loves. Problems arise when said body leaves the country or is crippled or blind or sick. Check the movie the book is stranger.
- Two Stars, Theresa

This book turned into the movie Lion. A epic true story of a 5 year old boy who fell asleep on a train only to be separated from his family in India. Adopted by a family in Australia Then shares his story of how Google Earth assisted him in connecting with his biological mother many years later.
-Five Stars, Brian

People who enjoy satirical social commentary should read this book. The question of how to solve problems on a societal level is certainly an intriguing one that always seems to involve oppression of some kind. This book describes how complicated the human spirit is and how hard it is to crush.
-Four Stars, Marie

Recommended for people who like dogs.
- Four Stars

The movie comes out in March and since this has been on my to-read list I wanted to read it before the movie. It's a dramedy with a little mystery and mostly presented in the forms of letters/emails with some commentary in between. It is fin and enjoyable to read.
- Four Stars

If you like books that have a message of hope even in times of great sadness. Series of three books, plan to read them all.
-Five Stars, Nanette

This book is wonder.
-Five Stars, Andrea

People who like local history would probably enjoy this book
- Four Stars, Sherry

People who enjoy local history will treasure this book.
- Five Stars

This book is set in the Adirondacks and is about a girl who grew up on a farm and works at a resort. She struggles with deciding whether to get married or follow her dream and go to college. And, if that isn't enough, there's also a murder at the resort...based on a true story.
- Five Stars, Shirley

This book was very funny. Everything that could happen and would happen while you are trapped at home during a hurricane with in-laws.
- Five Stars, Theresa

This novel's setting is Saranac Lake, NY during the annual building of the ice palace. In a lot of books authors will say, "convenience store or grocery store," well the author uses, "Price Chopper and Stewarts," so when reading the book, you get a real sense of where you. I was in it from page one, plan on going back and reading the first of her books in the series.
- Five Stars, Brian

I would recommend this book to people who want to know about escaped convicts. First half of book was so interesting but last half was not as interesting.
- Two Stars

Well rounded timeline of the events of the Boston marathon bombing. Shows hope and resilience of the city and it’s people.
- Five Stars, Nanette

A local book about the escaped killers, Richard Matt and David Sweat.
- Four Stars, Shirley

This book catalogs the Reign of Terror visited on the Osage Nation in the early years of the 20th century in Oklahoma. This sad but unfortunately true story involves murder, theft, graft, and bigotry. J. Edgar Hoover gained his national reputation as the FBI worked to bring some small amount of justice to the Osage. Not a page turner, but still a good read.
- Four Stars, Marie

This book is about the tragic murder of a young woman and her father's efforts, against great odds, to identify and bring to justice her killers. It is also a lively history lesson in which the Chinese, British, Japanese and expats from around the world swirl through the years before World War ll. French is a thorough researcher and an entertaining writer.
-Five Stars, Joyce

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in true crime stories
- Five Stars

Audiobook: A book that had me hooked from the first word. The book is about a group of men stealing jewels from the safe in a hotel in NYC and get away with it except for 2 men doing 4 years of jail time (plea).
- Four Stars, Brian

This is a must read for any Steinbeck fan. One of his least well known novels, but one of his best. The characters live their day-to-day lives with varying degrees of morality; the protagonist works to maintain his integrity and individuality. Familiar themes in any Steinbeck novel, but it never gets old!
-Four Stars, Marie

Travel with John Steinbeck and his poodle Charley around America and learn about the early 60s. Fast food, mobile homes, locals and a powerful section on desegregation. Now my favorite Steinbeck book!
- Five Stars, Shirley

Although this book is 74 yrs old, it reads better than some of the newer marital relationship genres.Boy meets girl,boy looses girl,boy wins her back. Held my interest but some of the people descriptions are politically incorrect .
- Four Stars, Theresa

This book will be enjoyed by someone like me who read a lot of du Maurier as a young adult. (Rebecca anyone?) Set during the English Civil War, the context is accurately portrayed, there is plenty of action, the heroine is crippled and a secret room plays a major role.
- Four Stars, Joyce

Born in 1982, book published in 1982. I have seen the alphabet of books by Sue Grafton and have never read one. Now I am in on reading more.
-Four Stars, Brian

People who like accounts of history especially on the Titanic.
- Four Stars, Nanette

Folks who like true life crime stories with a historical fact feature.
- Five Stars, Andrea

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to volunteer their time to do something nice for someone else. Their are many suggestions and even a web site if you become a nice -o- holic.
- Four Stars

This was a perfect book for me, listened to the audiobook version while running and it proved to be a motivator. The book is about the quest to break a 2 hour marathon (yet to happen). So if you are into fitness or running, you will quickly get into the book.
- Five Stars, Brian

This book told of the difficult times that the early immigrants had in America. It showed the impact that the different order of nuns played in the care for the poor.
- Five Stars, Nanette

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in immigration, world politics (China specifically), or anyone who enjoys nonfiction that focuses on a life story rather than a concept. This story really drew me in and I learned quite a bit about immigration/asylum in the US, despite names of people/places being difficult to keep straight at times (due to my lack of familiarity with Chinese language and geography).
- Four Stars, Catherine

This book is for those who love the 1980s because it is chock full of period references. You don't have to love video games because it's an adventure story full of fun. I'm so glad I read this! You'll be, too.
- Five Stars, Marie

Book was a journey about signing up for a health spa and getting anything but yoga and mud baths and meeting 9 interesting people and their love hate or relationships.
- Five Stars, Theresa

This book is about a school shooting and about bullying. Great author!
-Five Stars, Shirley

This book was written in 1946, Orwell wrote this classic because it reflected his continuing concern with the very real political and social circumstances of his day. The rise of communism in Russia and the newer nations of today(china,n.korea,etc) The masses are duped by their leaders. Everything promised comes to nothing.The Pigs win.The rats faired very well. They didn't work and stole the profits. I may be a rat. lol
- Four Stars, Theresa

This book is for those who are worried about the future of the human race. The Giver can be summed up in a single sentence: It is better to give that to receive. Inspiring and thought-provoking.
- Five Stars, Marie

Ashamed to say I had read it in high school. Enjoyed the plot of the book and glad to live in the society I live in with the freedoms I am afforded. Forcing the IDEAL isn't my solution to avoid pain.
-Five Stars, Brian

someone wanting more than a utopian society. Breaking out of a society based on conformity to enjoy the things that make us unique and individual.
- Four Stars

Got this from the list that others have read and so glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Not sure I agree with the whole sameness theory. I believe in the good with the bad. I feel this is the route we are on in this country and stick with my believes that we are better for experiencing both the good and the bad. I will definitely be reading the rest of the quartet.
- Five Stars, Beth

House of Cards (the Netflix mini-series) was based on the character of Shakesphere's "Richard the Third".Kevin Spacey (Frank Underwood) played Richard a number of times on the London stage. Mr Spacey played Frank Underwood as a ruthless and fork-tongued congressman ,exactly who Richard was in his quest for the English crown. I haven't read Shakesphere since high school. a shorter book or cliff notes can ease your progress. "And so is the winter of our discontent"
- Five Stars, Theresa

I recommend this book to anyone interested in the sinking of the Titanic. The back of the book states that it is the " most complete story of the Titanic. Finally, answers to many of the enduring mysteries surrounding the sinking of the Titanic." The book is written in collaboration with the Discovery Channel
- Five Stars

This book was the match to the show The Office. I found myself laughing along at times and not because it is was haha funny, but because I work in an office environment and some many truths in the plot. Not only did it mock the workplace, but also had a nice back story by the end.
-Four Stars, Brian