Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Coming in October

Just because the summer is over doesn't meant there aren't still plenty of new books coming out...


Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners by Gretchen Anthony
Each year, Violet Baumgartner sits down to write her annual Christmas letter, reflecting fondly on the triumphs of her family, husband “dear Ed”, a noted scientist and researcher, and daughter Cerise, who overachieves on all levels.  Violet’s carefully constructed world falls apart when, at her husband’s lavish retirement party, one of the guests announces that Cerise, a lesbian, is pregnant, unbeknownst to Violet.  Violet suffers an accident, and during her recovery, her Midwest town of St. Paul, Minnesota, and her family, rally around her while Violet is able to use the time to readjust her lens and see the reality of her world as it really is, not as she is trying to present it to the world.  Laugh aloud funny, tender, and vaguely familiar at times, these characters will stay in readers’ hearts long after the last page has been turned.


Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy
This heartwarming imagining of Marilla Cuthbert’s early years, set on Prince Edward Island during the 19th century, will endear her even more to Anne fans.  At thirteen Marilla is determined and anxious to get the most out of life: she meets her mother’s twin sister, an outspoken spinster who has her own business and her mother dies; she meets her best, lifelong friend Rachel, and the young man who wins her heart, John Blythe, known to Anne fans as Gilbert’s father.  All of this set against American pre-Civil War politics and social sensibilities, including the Underground Railroad.  Anne fans will adore this well-written tale of the woman who takes Anne in, though the novel can stand well on its own as Marilla grows into a young woman with strength of character, and strong convictions, yet a heart big enough to take in a young orphan girl named Anne. 

Check out Library Reads for more great reads! 







Thursday, September 6, 2018

Leopard at the Door

Author: J. McVeigh    
Stars: 4
Review by: Irene S.

Gripping novel of Mau Mau uprisings in Kenya in 1950s as they attempt to gain independence from British imperial rule.

Magical Dogs: Love and Lessons from Our Canine Companions

Author: Patti Kerr    
Stars: 5
Review by: Miss Lucy

Stay away from dog shelters after reading this book, or you may end up with a houseful of dogs! Written by fellow Adult Summer Reading Club member Patti Kerr, this book will melt your heart. After reading the first few of the true stories that Patti has brought to life, I couldn't put this book down! I'm looking forward to reading her new book: Magical Dogs 2.

Almost Adulting: All You Need to Know to Get It Together (Sort Of)

Author: Arden Rose
Stars: 3
Review by: Miss Lucy

If you feel like it's time to become an adult, but still don't feel like one (which apparently includes most of us), read along with YouTuber Arden Rose as she shares her own experience in the matter.

The Bar Harbor Retirement Home For Famous Writers

Author: Terri-Lynne DeFino    
Stars: 1
Review by: Lizzytish

It was hard to rate this book. The author writes so beautifully. The premise is a great idea. I loved the setting of Bar Harbor. I adored Fin. It’s a story within the story with each chapter being developed by a different author. It was not about love, but lust and bed hopping. It could have been so much more. And the ending. What? Fell rather flat for me in regards to the story within the story.

Toucan Keep A Secret

Author: Donna Andrews
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzytish

It’s always fun hooking back up with Meg and family. Of course there’s a body along with jewels, crypts, a toucan, swans and more. Great escapism reading. 

Carnegie's Maid

Author: Marie Benedict    
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee

Historical Fiction which speculates that a Lady's Maid for the mother of Andrew Carnegie was the inspiration for his philanthropy. Excellent!

The False Hearted Teddy

Author: John J. Lamb    
Stars: 4
Review by: BookWorm2

Another in Lamb's Teddy Bear Mysteries. Easy, enjoyable read.

Next Year in Havana

Author: Chanel Cleeton    
Stars: 5
Review by: BookWorm2

EXCELLENT new book. Also one of Reese Witherspoon's book club picks. Perfectly descriptive narrative of life in Cube pre and post Castro. A Must read.

The Kite Runner

Author: Khaled Hosseini    
Stars: 5
Review by: BKF

An amazing, powerful book and his first novel! I'd recommend it to everyone.

The Points of My Compass

Author: E.B. White
Stars: 5
Review by: KM

I was delighted. A collection of letters he sent to the New Yorker; each one is a gem, filled with, as the book jacket states, "impeccable prose." The content includes a wide range of topics such as commentary about buying a car, (in the late 1950's and early 1960's), pigeon and raccoon observations, the state of the U.N., and his high adventure on a steamer ship en route to Alaska and Siberia as a youth. If you like excellent writing and intelligent wit and humor, give it a try!     

Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay

Author: Elena Ferrante
Stars: 5
Review by: Mitchie L

Book Three of The Neapolitan Novels. It is a beautifully written continuation of a friendship of two women spanning their lifetime. I could not put it down. Can't wait to read the final book four.

The Cemetary Keeper’s Wife

Author: Maryann McFadden    
Stars: 5
Review by: Judy E

Hackettstown, NJ friends will find this Tillie Smith’s murder tale a page turner to the very end!

The Last Black Unicorn

Author: Tiffany Haddish
Stars: 3
Review by: Irene S.

Interesting memoir of young black comedienne, but it had a lot of foul language.

The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid

Author: Bill Bryson    
Stars: 4
Review by: Irene S.

Very funny memoir, though with some serious observations, of growing up in the 1950s and 1960s.

A Reporter's Life

Author: Walter Cronkite
Stars: 4
Review by: Irene S.

Very interesting memoir by one of the first TV news anchormen who led a very varied life.

Moby Dick

Author: Herman Melville    
Stars: 5
Review by: Jennifer O.

I have not finished this book, but the summer is over and I've spent a great deal of time reading it. There is a sense of wonder for people and places around the world, and for the great sperm whale. Beautiful writing with many long sentences, which I love. I will continue on until I'm finished. Enjoying it.

The Way of Kings

Author: Brandon Sanderson    
Stars: 5
Review by: SandyJ

I enjoyed this book because I read it at the same time as my two teenagers. We had our own summer reading club!

A Going Concern

Author: Catherine Aird
Stars: 5
Review by: VM

I started with her first Inspector Sloan mystery written in 1966.  The library has most of them, they are easy reads and fun too.

After Effects

Author: Catherine Aird    
Stars: 4
Review by: VM

15th in the Inspector Sloan series.

Injury Time

Author: Catherine Aird
Stars: 4
Review by: VM

Short stories.

Amendment of Life

Author: Catherine Aird    
Stars: 5
Review by: VM

Mystery series, easy to read, enjoyable, British setting.

Bryant & May: Wild Chamber

Author: Christopher Fowler
Stars: 5
Review by: BookWorm2

The latest in the Bryant & May series and as wonderful as all the rest. I highly recommend these for any mystery lover and especially for Anglophiles - each book is packed with legitimate facts and information about a specific topic intrinsic to England (this one focuses on London's parks) and all are fascinating.

Original Cyn

Author: Sue Margolis
Stars: 4
Review by: line82

Slightly predictable, but entertaining chick lit beach read.

Kennedy’s Last Days

Author: Bill O’Reilly    
Stars: 5
Review by: YA Fan

This is the children’s version of O’Reilly’s Killing Kennedy, intended for middle grade readers. I listened to this on the library’s app “Libby”,and couldn’t stop! This was an entertaining, concise history lesson.

The Other Woman

Author: Daniel Silva    
Stars: 5
Review by: Judy E

Couldn’t wait to read the latest Dan Silva spy series—-wasn’t disappointed.

Old in Art School: A Memoir of Starting Over

Author: Nell Painter
Stars: 3
Review by: P.M.W.

If you enjoy art, have a background in it, or want to return to school as a mature adult, you may like this book. It was slow reading for me, as I wanted to research the artists and techniques mentioned in the book. Nell Painter was a well respected history professor at Princeton University. She retires and goes back to finish her BFA and MFA degrees in art school. Her challenges are woven throughout the book.

Dad is Fat

Author: Jim Gaffigan
Stars: 4
Review by: Tara C

As a new parent, Dad is Fat is funny, filled with somewhat cautionary tales. Gaffigan's style is easy to read and is entertaining.

The Cemetary Keeper's Wife

Author: Maryann McFadden
Stars: 5
Review by: Karyn G

I went to a friend's house for a book talk by the author. She told of us her journey in researching and writing this book. I purchased a copy on Thursday evening and finished it this morning. I never knew the legend, but I was swept into it. Great historical fiction.  Highly recommend.

Three Days Missing

Author: Kimberly Belle    
Stars: 2
Review by: Ada

Not worth the time I spent reading it.

Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe

Author: Jenny Colgan
Stars: 4
Review by: KM

How can you go wrong with a title like that? That is, if you're looking for a light romance with substance and a large focus on yummy baking. British author, takes place in England.

The Rancher's Christmas Story & Cowboy's Christmas Miracle

Author: Rae Ann Thayne
Stars: 5
Review by: a 'Retired Cat' - who likes to read!

This author has written three series and I've found them all excellent!

Congratulations to.....

... our 2018 Grand Prize Winners!:

  • Headquarters - MI
  • North County - Mrs. M
  • South County - Karen T
  • Member Libraries & Bookmobile - KR-B (Holland Library)
Winner, you may pick up your prizes at the above locations starting on Wednesday, September 12.

Historic Roadsides in New Jersey

Author: The Society of Colonial Wars in the State of New Jersey    
Stars: 3
Review by: BNbook

Book was written in 1928. Has some interesting facts about towns in NJ.  For example, per the book Lambertville was called Coryell's Ferry. In 1797 it was called Georgetown.    

The Last Time I Lied

Author: Riley Sager
Stars: 5
Review by: Kim P

A real page turner. Kept me guessing until the end!!!

Cavalier, A Tale of Chivalry

Author: Lucy Worsley    
Stars: 4
Review by: Carol K, BookLover

Again Lucy Worsley takes you back to a much earlier time in England and lets you peak into the lives of the Cavendish family, well-to-do and well connected to royalty. If you like history you will enjoy this read.

Lonesome Dove

Author: Larry McMurtry    
Stars: 5
Review by: BKF

I don't remember reading any western novels but, after reading this one, I doubt any other novel about the Old West could even come close to being as good.  The story unfolds in the late nineteenth century, following a cattle drive from Texas to Montana. Adventure, love, outlaws, death, Indians and settlers all play a part in this fantastic novel. The characters are very, very well developed. 5+ stars!

Before We Were Yours

Author: Lisa Wingate
Stars: 5
Review by:Miss Lucy

Best book I've read this year! Really interesting twists and true-to-life characters. Lisa Wingate knows how to tell a story!

Ghosted

Author: Rosie Walsh
Stars: 5
Review by: Emm

I finished this book in less than 24 hours. It had me on the edge of my seat, laughing, crying, believing in these characters. The story touches on everything - love, friendship, loss, grief, life, caregiving. It's a really great debut novel from Rosie Walsh.

Little Beach Street Bakery

Author: Jenny Colgan
Stars: 5
Review by: PattiK

I didn’t expect my summer to turn in to a Jenny Colgan summer but it did. I couldn’t be happier. She’s brilliant and such a fun summer read!

The Outsider

Author: Stephen King    
Stars: 5
Review by: Dorman

Okay...so I'm a huge Stephen King fan and pretty much love everything he writes...but this book is really good. It combines the supernatural with a good crime story. If you like SK then you'll like this book too. I highly recommend this book even to those who aren't SK fans.

The Hangman's Daughter

Author: Oliver Potzsch
Stars: 3
Review by: Chris L.

Historical drama based in medieval Bavaria about a town's rush to judge the midwife as a witch while the town's hangman tries to save her. Although fiction, the author based the book on tales of his own family's history as descendants of the hangman.

Under the Egg

Author: Laura Marx Fitzgerald
Stars: 4
Review by: KM

If you like art, especially the history of art, even though a juvenile book, it is a really enjoyable read. Very good writer.

Hurricane Season

Author: Lauren K. Denton
Stars: 5
Review by: Keeread

This is one of my new favorite authors. If you like Elin Hildebrand and Kristin Hannah, then try her. Her other novel is The Hideaway. Also very good.

Murder Most Frothy

Author: Cleo Coyle    
Stars: 1
Review by: BookWorm2

Oh that I could give this one a zero... The premise was not bad, but the main character was SO contrived it was irritating. The coffee information was cool, but also felt forced into the story. The worst part was the ending - we knew "whodunit" well before the main character (as in by CD 2 or 3). Definitely skip-able.      

Quicksand

Author: Nella Larsen    
Stars: 3
Review by: S E Sanchez

Little known Harlem Renaissance writer Larsen chronicles a bi-racial woman's journey for identity, connection and purpose.

Secrets of a Charmed Life

Author: Susan Meissner
Stars: 4
Review by: Linda

She does not disappoint!

The Hate U Give

Author: Angie Thomas    
Stars: 5
Review by: YA Fan

I listened to this book through the library's ebooks/audiobooks and could not stop! This book should be required reading for high school students. It is inspired by contemporary issues (Black Lives Matter, police brutality, and racism).

The Last Equation of Isaac Severy

Author: Nova Jacobs    
Stars: 4
Review by:Lizzytish

First off, I detest math. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. You do not need to be mathematically inclined to enjoy the story. Hazel’s grandfather has died and has left her a cryptic message to find an equation and hand it over to someone. She is then to destroy all his other work. Things are not adding up, and thus is the adventure.

Fiction Can Be Murder

Author: Becky Clark
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzytish

Cute, cozy mystery. First in a new series. Nice light, escapism reading. A murder is committed which mimics the author’s book. The only problem is that it hasn’t been published. Only a few have read the manuscript, so Charlee is off to clear her name.

Congratulations to...

... our Week #14 Prize Winners:

  • bandit
  • Raritangal

Progress of the Club

Click on image to enlarge.

We ended the summer with 164 club members, who collectively read a total of 1,617 books.
Congratulations and Great Job to everyone!