Saturday, June 29, 2019

Congratulations to...

... our Week #5 Prize Winners:

  • asherry25
  • Karen

Progress So Far

After 5 weeks, we have 160 members, who have read a total of 566 books.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

New For July


The Whisper Network by Chandler Baker
Chandler uses the #MeToo movement as a springboard for her adult fiction debut that mixes women’s social history with a credible murder mystery.  When the CEO of Truviv, a Dallas sportswear company drops dead of a heart attack, General Counsel Ames Garrett is poised to take over.  Slowly, it becomes clear that Garrett has lecherous tendencies, a fact in-house attorney Sloane Glover admits, though she also admits to having an affair with him before she married; when Sloane adds Garrett’s names to a spreadsheet that is circulating amoung the women of Dallas, a who’s-who of sleaze, Sloane teams up with her friends Ardie Valdez, new mom Grace Stanton, and new hire Katherine Bell, into taking action against Garrett.  Chandler includes a compelling murder mystery, as well as the different stories of working moms and the work-life balance, as well as sexual harassment in the workplace. 

Midnight at the Blackbird Café by Heather Webber

Anna Kate has returned to her mother’s hometown of Wicklow, Alabama, to bury her Granny Zee, and to fulfill the terms of Zee’s will which states that Anna Kate must spend a couple months running Zee’s Blackbird Café before it can be sold.  Anna Kate tries to stay to herself the best she can, but she is bombarded by locals and tourists including the blackbird seekers who have come to town to find the elusive bird, and to sample the magical blackbird pie, a recipe Anna Kate cannot quite perfect.  Also, back in town is Natalie and her young daughter Ollie, to face Natalie’s overpowering mother.  As the two women’s stories unfold, they parallel each other at times, and then converge, in a most unusual way and may help explain to Anna Kate why her mother left Wicklow as a young, pregnant woman, and about the car accident that killed her father and broke her mother’s heart.  Quirky and charming, Wicklow and its residents welcome readers as surely as they do Anna Kate and Natalie, and make them their own.  The perfect read on a sultry summer day.

The Other Mrs. Miller by Allison Dickson
Every since her father’s death, and the subsequent parade of women accusing the Chicago millionaire of sexual misconduct, Phoebe Miller has all but become a recluse in her home in an exclusive Chicago neighborhood, drinking her days away, arguing with and alienating herself from, her therapist husband Wyatt over her unwillingness to consider adoption after a stillborn son and multiple IVF treatments.  Phoebe notices a rusted-out car stalking her house most days, but can’t bring herself to confront the driver or even call the police.  After Vicki Napier, her 18-year-old son, and husband move in next door, things start to get interesting and downright sordid in Phoebe’s world.  Secrets emerged, secrets stay hidden, a murder occurs, twists and turns abound, making it difficult to know who to trust, even after the last page is turned.  A debut domestic thriller by an author worth watching.



Someone We Know by Shari Lapena
A teenage boy has been breaking into homes and spying on people using their computers in a quiet, upstate New York suburb, learning the secrets of his neighbors.  Robert Pierce’s wife Amanda told him she was going on a weekend shopping trip to New York with a friend and never returns, and the friend knew nothing about the trip.  Robert reports his wife’s absence with little feeling to the police, but someone knows where Amanda might be and why.  Tensions and distrust rises as neighbors try to suss out who has been spying on them and who knows their secrets in this well-paced, clever domestic thriller.



The Escape Room by Megan Goldin
Four investment bankers from the Wall Street firm Stanhope and Sons are called to an after-hours team building exercise which turns out to be an Escape Room in the form of an elevator in a building under construction.  Vincent, Sam, Jules, and Sylvia quickly realize this is not an event organized by their company but by someone with a vendetta, someone who has set the clues to point toward one of their now dead colleagues, Sara Hall.  Told in alternating chapters, the present from within the elevator and the past, narrated by Sara Hall, who is quickly drawn into the excitement of working in high stakes baking, but is not sure it is worth the risk, especially when one member of their team dies.  Sara’s narrative propels the story forward, while the foursome in the elevator slow things down a bit, dragging out their search for clues and their solutions.  All in all, though, this debut thriller from Australian Goldin is worth a read. A Library Reads pick for July.


The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal
Edith and her sister Helen grew up on a Minnesota farm during the 1950’s.  Edith married Stanley Magnusson, living a typical life, scrimping to make ends meet, but making pies that people will drive miles and hours to get a taste of.  Helen married Orval Blotz, heir to the failing Blotz Beer brewery, and is determined to make a success out of the business.  Using her inheritance money, the entire proceeds from the farm, something that estranges her from Edith for much of the rest of their lives, Helen tries to kick start the company.  Edith, ponders over, but does not wallow in, how her life might have been different had she had her share of the inheritance.  After Stanley dies, Edith must work two jobs to make ends meet, especially after she takes in her orphaned granddaughter Diana, who has her own ideas as to how to keep Edith afloat.  Through a series of events, Diana finds herself working in a brewery, eventually becoming one of the top brewers in Minnesota.  Told from the points of view of these women, in both flashbacks and present day, the story is charming and touching, never mired down in grief, anger, or despair, and becomes an uplifting tribute to familial love and loyalty. A Library Reads pick for July.  


Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson

Amy Whey lives a quiet life in Pensacola, Florida, giving diving lessons, mothering her teenage step-daughter Maddie and her new son Oliver, and helping her best friend Charlotte run the neighborhood book club.  But Amy is keeping a secret from everyone including her husband, a secret that is threatened to be revealed when beguiling Angelica Roux attends their book group one night.  Roux seems to enjoy pitting the women against each other as they reveal their deepest, darkest secrets.  When she gets Amy alone, Roux gets Amy to admit to her secret and threatens to tell all about the secret Amy has kept hidden unless Amy gives Roux what Roux wants.  As Amy races to keep her secret without succumbing to a blackmailer she faces her past and learns some startling truths about her present.  Clever, dark, and twisty, this departure from Jackson’s usual fare has enough levity interjected to keep from dragging down the pace of the narrative. A Library Reads Hall of Fame author. 

Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman
Lippman’s stand alone thriller is set in 1960’s Baltimore when Maddie Schwartz, and the age of 37, decides she has had enough of being a good Jewish housewife, and leaves her husband and son to strike out as a journalist, a long secretly held ambition, a touch job for a woman during this time.  The body of a young black woman, Cleo Sherwood, is found in a fountain, and no one really investigated the death wrote about it, and seems the perfect opportunity to Maddie.  So does stumbling across the body of 11-year-old Tessie Fine, and then corresponding with her killer to learn the truth about her death.  Maddie stumbles across stories and then tromps around in the investigations, not realizing who she is angering or what she is getting herself into, making people reveal things they’d rather keep hidden.  Chapters alternate between Cloe’s ghost, keeping a close eye on Maddie, and the people Maddie runs across in her investigative reporting, people in her other life she wouldn’t have given a second thought to.  Lippman packs as much into a story as she dares without leaving it feeling overstuffed, and always has a few surprises for the last pages.  A Library Reads Hall of Fame author. 

Saturday, June 22, 2019

Congratulations to...

...our Week #4 Prize Winners:

  • AnnM
  • Brenda

Progress So Far

After four weeks, we have 152 members, who have read a total of 424 books!

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

This Land Is My Land: a graphic history of big dreams, micronations, and other self-made states

Author: Andy Warner   
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee

A non-fiction graphic novel about 30 self-made places around the world which were created with the dream of finding utopia. Some still exist, some are tourist attractions. Arizona Mystery Castle here I come!

The Keep

Author: Jennifer Egan
Stars: 3
Review by: libraryaimee

Strange plot, strange characters, but everything gets twisted together so expertly at the end that I enjoyed it very much! Unpredictable.

Restoring Grace

Author: Katie FForde   
Stars: 5
Review by: KM

So far, every book from this author has been really well-written, with great character development. Light and warming, yet substantive. British author.

The Reporter Who Knew Too Much

Author: Mark Shaw
Stars: 5
Review by: rgfundamental

I enjoyed all the celebrity references & the historical significance. It is about the mysterious death of Dorothy Kilgallen & her investigating the assassination of JFK.

Britt Marie Was Here

Author: Fredrik Backman   
Stars: 2
Review by: Diane G.

This book was given to me as a birthday gift. I wouldn't have finished it otherwise! I have heard good things about Backman's writing, but found the character development lacking and the pacing of the book slow. I enjoyed the themes of the book and the progress of its main character, but overall, this book wasn't for me.

The Girl Who Wrote in Silk

Author: Kelli Estes   
Stars: 4
Review by: Miss Lucy

This book came out a few years ago. It's Kelli Estes's debut novel. Mostly the story of a Chinese-American woman from the 19th century, the author intermixes chapters about her with chapters about a modern day white woman, using that device to tell a great story.

A Dog’s Journey

Author: Bruce Cameron   
Stars: 4
Review by: August Mom

A story told from the perspective of a dog with many lives. The connections of caring and showing up when needed in the lives of the humans is inspiring.

Anatomy of an Illness

Author: Norman Cousins   
Stars: 5
Review by: PattiK

I’ve read this book multiple times. I speak about it at every single one of my Alzheimer’s event. I think it’s an important book for all of us to read because it reminds us of the intrinsic nature of our bodies towards health and wholeness and also of the importance of laughter.

Sulfur Springs

Author: William Kent Krueger   
Stars: 5
Review by: Noel

I love the Cork O'Connor series!

From Doon With Death

Author: Ruth Rendell   
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzy

My introduction to Inspector Wexford. Not too impressed so far. A good mystery, but the main characters were kind of ho-hum.

Things My Son Needs to Know About the World

Author: Fredrik Backman   
Stars: 4
Review by: libraryaimee

Parenting advice/memoir. Very funny and very true! Would make a great new parent gift.

Where The Crawdads Sing

Author: Delia Owens   
Stars: 5
Review by: stillada

Wonderful.

The Pale Criminal

Author: Phillip Kerr   
Stars: 4
Review by: Chris L

Slick detective mystery full of historical info. Great snapshot of Germany as the Nazis came into power from the average German's point of view.

Sadie

Author: Courtney Summers   
Stars: 3
Review by: Kristen E.

I suggest the audio of this book. It is a mystery that deals with some sensitive topics, but they were handled well. I found the main character, Sadie, very interesting.

Heartburn

Author: Nora Ephron   
Stars: 5
Review by: Liza

I really enjoyed the book, per se, but I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Meryl Streep and it was really excellent.

An Amish Betrayal

Author: R.D. Schedman   
Stars: 4
Review by: Pip 2

This is a Bible story written in Amish style! I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Queen Bee

Author: Dorothy Benton Frank   
Stars: 3
Review by: Pip 2

A low country story about relationships with family and others. At times very funny.

Cravings: Recipes for all the food you want to eat

Author: Chrissy Teigen   
Stars: 4
Review by: Cheryl M.

Chrissy Teigen literally lays everything on the table. Literally. She speaks about food with passion and introduces every recipe with IMHO a charming, LOL funny and often crass note. Chrissy is Thai and American and many of her recipes have an Asian influence - which I loved.  I am working through the book, but everything I have done so far have had great results. Fish Wrapped in Paper - a new family favorite!

Nanaville

Author: Anna Quindlan
Stars: 5
Review by: Judy

If you are a grandmother you will totally enjoy this honest book about having your first grandchild . A small book, but speaks so much about family and relationships.   

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

Author: Lisa See   
Stars: 5
Review by: DorCaf

This was a great summer read. I loved the story of the friendship among the women. I also feel like I learned a bit about the Chinese culture during the time when this story takes place.

Saturday, June 15, 2019

The Curse of the Pharaohs

Author: Elizabeth Peters   
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzy

Back in Egypt with another murder, along with a cast of comic characters. Also there is a love triangle, some crazy lady channeling some Egyptian goddess, a tomb waiting to be opened while strange situations happen, causing many to believe ancient curses are at work. Emerson even dresses up and puts on a crazy show hoping to root out the murderer. More hoots and laughs than scares in this book.

The Sentence Is Death

Author: Anthony Horowitz   
Stars: 4
Review by: Lizzy

Another enjoyable romp with Hawthorne being Sherlock to Horowitz being Watson. More twists and turns than The Long Way Hole! Two deaths. One definitely a murder. Are they related? Did the haiku predict it? And what a waste of good wine! Can’t wait for the third book!

Before We Were Yours

Author: Lisa Wingate   
Stars: 4
Review by: Grandma I.

Riveting novel of children kidnapped from their parents and "sold" to rich adoptive parents, based on a Tennessee adoption agency that did that for about 30 years.

Save Me the Plums

Author: Ruth Reichl   
Stars: 3
Review by: Katie R

Interesting memoir from the editor of Gourmet. Made me miss the magazine.

Sourdough

Author: Robin Sloan   
Stars: 3
Review by: Katie R

If you enjoy cooking, technology and farmers’ markets, this might be the book for you!

Wuthering Heights

Author: Emily Bronte   
Stars: 5
Review by: Cheryl M.

I so enjoyed this book. That does not mean it is an easy read. You need to find the right edition, editor etc. I had two: I read the Penguin Classics as it was edited by her sister and had great footnotes. I read others to see what authors like Virginia Woolf thought about the book, the writing and the issues. Read it!

Normal People

Author: Sally Rooney   
Stars: 4
Review by: Katie R

Really enjoyed this one. The characters were very well developed.

The Favorite Daughter

Author: Kaira Rouda   
Stars: 4
Review by: libraryaimee

A thriller told by a very unreliable narrator!

The Next Person You Meet in Heaven

Author: Mitch Albom   
Stars: 5
Review by: NAndreoli

Just as good as the first!

The Island of the Sea Women

Author: Lisa See   
Stars: 4
Review by: Kristen E.

This is a story of pain , sorrow, anger, anger and grief all rolled into one. This is historical fiction, set on the island of Jeju, South Korea. It centers on the relationship between two women, Mi-ja and Young-sook, from the 1930s to 2008. The characters, relationship and Korean society were so interesting! Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Lisa See always knows how to tell a good story and I learned so much about Korea's history.

The Silent Sister

Author: Diane Chamberlaine  
Stars: 4
Review by: Kristen E.

I listened to the audio book, and I thought it was great!! I guessed part of the ending pretty early on, but the book was still very enjoyable and I kept listening, waiting to hear how it would all turn out.

We'll Always Have Summer

Author: Jenny Han   
Stars: 2
Review by: Kristen E.

I have immensely enjoyed the first two books in Jenny Han's Summer Series. They are a bit fluffy and full of ANGST &DRAMA &produce the occasional 'eye-rolling moment from me ~ but they are also charming & nostalgic & summer-y & somehow authentic. I found this book to be quite the opposite and I wouldn't recommend it. I couldn't stand the characters & what the author did to them, particularly Jeremiah. I was so angry while reading this book but I still had to know what happened!

It's Not Summer Without You

Author: Jenny Han   
Stars: 4
Review by: Kristen E.

I like this series and the characters even if Belly gets on my nerves sometimes. It was nice to see the crew together again somewhat and helping each other grow. As a second book in this trilogy, I thought it was well-done and stood on its own merits.

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Author: Jenny Han   
Stars: 4
Review by: Kristen E.

3.5/4 stars. I don't know why her books are so compulsively readable for me. I think it totally takes me back to that age or something. I also really like her characters even though the main characters have been kind of immature.

Elevation

Author: Stephen King   
Stars: 4
Review by: Kristen E.

Stephen King has never really disappointed me. I don't like his gory books, but I love everything else he writes. This one was a particularly strange one, but as always I grew to really enjoy the characters and the story.

Field Notes on Love

Author: Jennifer E. Smith   
Stars: 3
Review by: Kristen E.

I've enjoyed Jennifer Smith's books in the past, but I didn’t make an emotional connection with the story or the characters in this one. It left me feeling like an outside observer. The story arc was kind of predictable, but I'd recommend it for a fun, quick read.

Hillbilly Elegy

Author: J.D. Vance   
Stars: 3
Review by: Kristen E. 

I had mixed feelings about this book. I found the author to be kind of obnoxious at times and sort of condescending. I think he did have some interesting things to point out and I enjoyed the memoir portions, but sometimes I disagreed with him pretty strongly about his more general cultural observations. I also wish he had more solutions to offer.

I'll Be Gone in the Dark

Author: Michelle McNamara   
Stars: 5
Review by: TaraC

This was the obsession of Michelle McNamara. A must-read for any amateur sleuth or wanna-be Sherlock Holmes. Since its publication, the mystery has been solved, but it takes nothing away from the journey.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Author: Heather Morris   
Stars: 4
Review by: stillada

Based on a true story. Very disturbing. About the Holocaust. Do not read if this bothers you.

The Pilot's Wife

Author: Anita Shreve   
Stars: 4
Review by: BKF

Kathryn, the pilot's wife, is told the plane her husband was piloting went down and all were killed. So starts the unraveling of the husband she thought she knew. Well written and a very good read.

Congratulations to...

... our Week #3 Prize Winners:
  • BigBison
  • Shannon D.

Progress So Far

141 members read 301 books.

Friday, June 7, 2019

Congratulations to...

... our Week #2 Prize Winners:

  • Mitchie L.
  • Elaine

Progress So Far

Click on image to enlarge.

The Black Cat

Author: Martha Grimes   
Stars: 4
Review by: Lizzy

Not only has the dog come back, but now the cat has come back. Actually, 3 black cats. Mungo and the cats made this story enjoyable. And of course, Plant. Jury is getting so boring. Harry Johnson is back. Oh, there are 3 murders of escort girls that Jury needs to find the connection to. Or is Harry just setting him up?

The Library of Lost and Found

Author: Phaedra Patrick
Stars: 4
Review by: Lizzy

Charming tale of a librarian who receives a book signed by her grandmother who had died. Only problem is, she never knew her grandma wrote a book, the book was signed by her grandmother and dated after her death, and they were stories she and her grandmother had made up years ago!  A mystery, a story of family, finding out who Martha really is, a story of hope and love with some quirkiness sprinkled in.

A Piglet Named Mercy

Author: Kate DiCamillo   
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzy

Cute story, wonderful illustrations. I was waiting for more of a story, but apparently this is connected to a chapter book series of this pig.

Dust

Author: Martha Grimes   
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzy

Wait. What? What is going on? What happened to the Jury I knew? Not that he was all that great, I always preferred Plant. And this Lu character?!? And the ending? Wait, what end? Well, first you don’t know who did it, second there is also a cliff hanger ending of something that you have no clue why THAT happened?! It was fun seeing Harry Johnson again. Malcolm was fun. Just a bunch of bizarre stuff. I will read the next one because I like my ends tied up!  

Where the Crawdads Sing

Author: Delia Owens
Stars: 5
Review by: Kim P.

I don't know where to begin with this book. Just read it. You won't be disappointed.

A Mother's Goodbye

Author: Kate Hewitt   
Stars: 4
Review by: stillada

I do not Highly Recommend it because it is VERY SAD.

Shelter in Place

Author: Nora Roberts   
Stars: 4
Review by: Momma D

Very timely in light of the many mass shootings of late. It follows the life, after a mass shooting, of several of the survivors and how it has affected their lives.

Dopesick

Author: Beth Macy   
Stars: 5
Review by: Keeread

About the opioid addiction in America, especially in old mine towns. Really opened my eyes to the way drug companies target doctors by giving them freebies, dinners, and trips in exchange for them to prescribe their drug. Also how drug companies hide the truth that opioids are addictive. Told about the science of the brain becoming addictive to the drug and how hard it is to come clean.

A Summer in Paris

Author: Sarah Morgan   
Stars: 5
Review by: Brenda

It's a great summer read.

Dig

Author: A.S. King   
Stars: 4
Review by: libraryaimee

A YA novel by a critically acclaimed YA author. Summaries of her novels always make the book sound unappealing, but I have loved the two I have read by her. Weird and intricately plotted, this book makes you look harder at yourself and your family relationships.

Between Shades of Gray

Author: Ruta Sepetys   
Stars: 5
Review by: MCG

This story is heartbreaking and uplifting and hopeful. I wish the ending had been a little bit more developed, simply because I wanted more of the story. Very well written and one of those books that I just couldn't put down- except to catch my breath.

Depth of Winter

Author: Craig Johnson   
Stars: 4
Review by: Noel

I'm a fan of the Longmire series, but this one was not my favorite.

March Violets

Author: Philip Kerr   
Stars: 3
Review by: Chris L

First book in the Bernie Gunther series. Takes place in pre-WWII Germany. Detective tries to solve missing persons mysteries while skirting Nazis. Interesting snapshot of Germany in the 1930's.

Factfulness

Author: Hans Rosling   
Stars: 4
Review by: Grandma I.

Thought provoking insight to help us understand the world and its progress and problems better using available data.

Y is for Yesterday

Author: Sue Grafton
Stars: 4
Review by: mystery lover

I like the book. Wish she wasn't jinxed by a review from another author (back cover on several of Grafton's books).

Becoming

Author: Michelle Obama
Stars: 5
Review by: DorCaf

Where do I start...the writing is tremendous. It is inviting and welcoming to young adult and adult readers of all ages and levels. The story she tells is honest and inspirational. She is an amazing person who responded to a higher calling. Yet, along the way she seems to manage to never forget where she came from and what is really important in life. A great book!

The Sun Does Shine

Author: Anthony Ray Hinton   
Stars: 4
Review by: DorCaf

The only reason I gave this book 4 stars is the writing which was just okay. The story deserves 5 stars. This man spent 30 years on death row...and he was clearly innocent. Yet, he emerged from his incarceration in a positive state of mind--simply amazing. This is a story about how he kept his humanity on death row and a story about our truly messed up legal system. I strongly recommend reading this inspirational story.

Safe Haven

Author: Nicholas Sparks   
Stars: 3
Review by: BKF

Not his best book. The writing was somewhat repetitive. A story about a woman who runs away from a very difficult life, wanting to start anew under an assumed name in a very small, backwoods town, always looking over her shoulder praying she'll not be found.

An O'Brien Family Christmas

Author: Sherryl Woods   
Stars: 4
Review by: Raritangal

One of a series adapted by Hallmark for TV (Chesapeake Shores). Fast , fun read.

The Song of Achilles

Author: Madeline Miller
Stars: 2
Review by: Kim P.

The love of Achilles and his partner Patroclus during the Trojan War.

Ballparks - Then and Now

Author: Eric Enders   
Stars: 5
Review by: BigBison

Great pictures of long gone ballparks. I learned a lot.

Fun Home

Author: Alison Bechdel   
Stars: 4
Review by: line82

I wanted to read this because North Hunterdon HS banned it. I do not believe it should be banned.

Glory Over Everything

Author: Kathleen Grissom
Stars: 4
Review by: stillada

Both of this author's books were really good. They should be read in order.

Greeks Bearing Gifts

Author: Philip Kerr   
Stars: 4
Review by: Chris L

Detective Bernie Gunther hunts war criminals in post WWII Greece. Entertaining & somewhat historically educational.

Educated

Author: Tara Westover   
Stars: 5
Review by: BKF

Unbelievable! It's amazing the author ever made it through childhood growing up in the family that was hers!! A very well written memoir.

Daisy Jones and the Six

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid   
Stars: 5
Review by: Kristen E.

Taylor Jenkins Reid is officially one of my favorite authors. I've read two of her books and they both had awesome characters and were compulsively readable. This one was set in the mid sixties – late seventies. It absolutely transports readers to the most iconic age of rock n’ roll. The characters are what really make this book amazing though. They were so deep and real in all their imperfections and relationship. I just loved it! What a great read!

The Lost Man

Author: Jane Harper   
Stars: 5
Review by: Kristen E.

The Lost Man is set in the dry heat &isolation of the Australian outback. When Cameron Bright is found dead in the dirt, having dehydrated nine miles away from his parked car, it looks like it could be a bizarre suicide. The setting was such a huge part of the story it was almost a character in & of itself. Although the story was very character driven, it was a page-turner which is unusual for most thriller/mysteries. I highly recommend it!

The Home for Unwanted Girls

Author: Joanna Goodman
Stars: 3
Review by: Auntping

It was slow getting started. But it picked up speed. Another book where women's choices are limited. Would have like to have more followup at the end as this was historical fiction sorta.

Daddy Love

Author: Joyce Carol Oates   
Stars: 2
Review by: Auntping

Not an easy subject. If you are going to talk New Jersey make sure your facts are on point. There is no hospital in Clinton, NJ. Thought she only grazed the surface of the subject.

The Other Einstien

Author: Marie Benedict   
Stars: 4
Review by: Auntping

I am always amazed at the rights that women now take for granted. This book is about Einstein's wife and her struggle for an education, acceptance, and recognition in a male dominated field.

Cari Mora

Author: Thomas Harris   
Stars: 4
Review by: Judy

Thomas Harris wrote another good book not as scary as Silence of The Lambs, but it is violent. I think if you like the genre you will enjoy reading this book.

Amity And Prosperity: One family and the fracturing of America

Author: Eliza Griswold   
Stars: 3
Review by: BertaP

The horrible impact on one family in Pennsylvania of fracking and their years long battle with the company and the government.

Stony The Road: Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow

Author: Henry Louis Gates, Jr.   
Stars: 4
Review by: BertaP

Such an important book to read. Made me aware of the horrible and systematic campaign by society and our government to denigrate African-Americans by means of ads, propaganda, books, movies, and legislation.

The Great Believers

Author: Rebecca Makkai
Stars: 5
Review by: BertaP

Set in Chicago beginning in the 80's. A very touching account of the impact of the AIDS epidemic on the gay community before it was recognized by the general medical organizations. A novel.

Save Me The Plums

Author: Ruth Reichl
Stars: 4
Review by: BertaP

Fun memoir about her years as the editor of Gourmet magazine.

Happiness

Author: Aminatta Forna
Stars: 5
Review by: BertaP

This was may favorite book of the year. Loved the protagonists and their interactions.

Nine Perfect Strangers

Author: Liane Moriarty
Stars: 4
Review by:Cheryl M.

"Here we meet Frances - a wonderful and human character who just needs a break from the lemons that life has handed her recently. She is one of nine strangers at a remote health resort for a 10 day transformative experience. Each are there for vastly different reasons." I'm wishing I was there.... until..well - you read the book. Sorry I just hate spoiling the fun which goes to the last page! I so feel I want to say more but I hate spoiling the fun for everyone. This is well worth the read!

Congratulations to...

... our Week #1 Prize Winners:

  • DebbyK
  • stillada


The Light Between Oceans

Author: M.L. Stedman
Stars: 4
Review by: Kim P.

Living on a remote island in a lighthouse and suffering many miscarriages, a couple find a dead body and a very much alive new born baby floating adrift in a row boat.  What should they do? Report it to the police or just keep the baby as their own?

Progress So Far

Click on image to enlarge.

The Game of Thrones (Book 1)

Author: George R R Martin
Stars: 5
Review by: Kim P.

Season 1 of the show. I enjoyed the book. Will continue with the series.

All Your Perfects

Author: Colleen Hoover
Stars: 4
Review by: Brenda

This book is a love story about a couple who has trouble having a baby, and what it can do to the relationship and marriage. Through everything they end up realizing that they can make it through and save their marriage by writing love letters to each other to remind them of how much love they have for each other even though they cannot have children.