This contest period's winners were Betty T., Cris S and Katrina C., who each received a copy of THE CHAIN by Adrian McKinty and THE NICKEL BOYS by Colson Whitehead.
John
The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
This is another wonderful, imaginative book by David Mitchell!
Danielle
Stealing Home by Becky Wallace
This book is more than just a sports romance -- this book has family drama, friendship, sacrifice for your dreams, as well as slow burn romance that I love and always prefer. With characters that are real, I loved this book and am so happy it came into my life.
Maryanne
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center
Love the characters and the plot. A fast read with humor and mystery.
Sandra
The Forever Bridge by T. Greenwood
From one of the best authors around comes the story of a family torn apart when a family suffers a car accident on a covered bridge. It is told through the eyes of the eleven-year-old daughter who wants her family back together again. A story of heartbreak but also of healing.
Linda
Dark Visions: An anthology of 34 horror stories from 27 authors (The Box Under the Bed Book 2) by Dan Altorre: Editor
If you love horror then these thirty-four short stories will make you quiver and shake! Being born in Louisiana, I enjoyed the Big Easy novellas, but it was the one novella that made even me look over my shoulder as I read! With thirty-four novellas there is one most readers will enjoy!
WALTER
In the Presence of Mine Enemies by Harry Turtledove
Despite its intriguing alternative premise, Turtledove's lengthy tale of Berlin's Jews hiding in the open long after the Nazis defeated all their WWII enemies plods along in a series of vignettes told from the viewpoints of six different Jewish characters passing as "good Germans": Wehrmacht analyst Heinrich Gimpel, his wife, Lise, and their precocious 10-year-old daughter, Alicia, medieval English scholar Susanna Weiss, and physician's receptionist Esther Stutzman and her husband, Walther, whose computer expertise has helped many Berlin Jews shed their "unclean" ancestry. But as the Gimpels and their friends struggle to keep their secret culture alive, all around them chinks are appearing in the very foundations of the Reich.
Sylvia
Some Choose Darkness by Charlie Donlea
From its opening disturbing pages to its energetic conclusion, SOME CHOOSE DARKNESS is a page-turner that will surprise you throughout. Mr. Donlea offers us a main character quirky enough to warrant our appreciation. I have lost track of the number of times I have recommended this book and I mailed my copy to a complete stranger in Idaho who was anxious to read it. It is a book deserving of sharing.
Lisa
Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts
The first half of the book is a page-turner. You're anxious to find out what happens especially since the story told is one we've been hearing too often on the news concerning mass shootings. Roberts did a good job with the details and making everything appear so real, but the second half of the book was unrealistic, dragged on for a bit and then the ending was rushed which left me disappointed. I think if Roberts had cut out some of the romance or family issues and focused more on the subject at hand (killer) it would have been a better read.
Kristen
Spying on the South by Tony Horwitz
Really interesting historical and contemporary history.
Nicole
Solo by Kwame Alexancer
Story about a rock star's adopted son coming of age and figuring out his true identity. It is told in prose and is a very good book. I actually bought his book SWING as soon as I finished SOLO because I had so enjoyed it! It is a young adult novel but I think high schoolers on up would enjoy this read.
Martha
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Brilliant, gorgeous writing. Compelling story. One of my favorites so far this year.
Martha
The Far Field by Madhuri Vijay
First, the beautiful cover. And the story! A fantastic debut novel from a very talented author. It will make you uneasy. This is good.
Jamie
The Escape Room by Megan Goldin
I found it a fascinating read. It details the tumultuous and sometimes ruthless world of Wall Street finance. The storyline is one that I have never come across before and the details in the story are so vivid. It shows the very worst side of those who are infatuated with greed and power, and also the power of revenge. The author took time to fully develop the characters and give background information on each one so that the story made more sense. I highly recommend this book.
Jamie
A Nearly Normal Family by M. T. Edvardsson
This was an extraordinary book. It is set in Sweden and getting to learn about the Swede lifestyle and landmarks was a bonus. The story is told in a "unique" format. You first hear the story of what happened from the father, Adam's, point of view. Then, it is told from the daughter, Stella's, point of view and finally from the mother, Ulrika's, point of view. It all culminates in the courtroom during the trial. Stella is a very complex and complicated individual due to, not only her being an only child who has, in my opinion, way too much freedom, but also because of some past traumas in her life. The story shows the extremes that parents will go to to protect their child, even compromising moral and ethical convictions.
Linda
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
If you love a good family saga, then this book is for you. Following two families, it has everything - tragedy, love, mental illness, alcoholism, despair, hope. The characters are so well developed you will feel like you know them well and they will stay with you long after you finish reading. I really didn’t want it to end; found myself deliberately reading slower as I got closer to the end. It’s hard to imagine families as fractured as these, and so often when books have situations like this, it can be so very depressing, but not so in this book. (Though some of Anne's battle with mental illness was hard to take, but when toward the end of the book we learned about her childhood, it made a lot more sense.) 4.75 stars!
terry
Pretty Guilty Women by Gina LaManna
A good story - great read.
Tessa
China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan
Book Two in Kwan’s trilogy about CRAZY RICH ASIANS. Just ridiculous but strangely addicting fun. Kinda like watching the worst of the reality TV shows, that I just cannot turn off. Well, it satisfies a challenge to read a book set in China.
Richard N B
Us Against You by Fredrick Backman
3.5 stars. Backman returns to Beartown to explore what happens in the aftermath of the first book’s stunning events. I love the way that Backman writes these characters. He moves back and forth between characters’ points of view as he tells the story of the town. Yet the story is always moving forward, keeping me enthralled and interested. Best enjoyed if you’ve read BEARTOWN first.
Amanda
The Summer Cottage by Viola Shipman
A charming summer book!
Muriel
The Long Flight Home by Alan Hlad
I’ve read many books with a WWII setting, such as this one has, but I always seem to learn something new with each one I read. Mr. Hlad’s book had a story centered around the use of homing pigeons in England and France during the war. I found this very interesting and easily got caught up in the story featuring a pigeon called Duchess and the principle characters Ollie and Susan. The characters faced many challenges during a time France was occupied by the Germans and England was being repeatedly bombed. The historical information was well researched and the flow of the story was good. I appreciated getting an advance copy of this book from Kensington Publications.
Karen
The First Mistake by Sandie Jones
Really intriguing. Good story. Couldn’t put it down.
Debra
Her Sister’s Secret by E. V. Seymour
Enter into a world of secrets. As one of the Napier children meets an untimely death, the rest of the family finds itself in tatters. As Molly doggedly labored to uncover the truth, she peeled away multiple layers of secrets and lies. Who could she trust? Who should she trust? Filled with countless twists and turns, I really enjoyed this thriller-mystery!
Lee
Mistress of the Ritz by Melanie Benjamin
I must have been in the perfect mood for another WWII story. But this one has a clever twist, it takes place in Paris, and relates what some of the French dealt with during the occupation. And it also is a great love story. I don’t usually cry, and I didn’t, but you will!
Dale
Molaka'i by Alan Brennert
Wonderful, sad, enlightening story.
laurie
The Long Flight Home by Alan Hlad
Based on true events, this excellent fictional history addressed how much pigeons were used during WW II. A sweeping tale along with a beautiful love story. Read it!!
Kathy
Temper by Layne Fargo
Dark, intense, taut, riveting, scary, sexy, a train-wreck you can't turn away from - all are accurate but insufficient descriptions of Layne Fargo's TEMPER. This is a read that you don't want to miss and won't soon forget! While a review is supposed to include the reviewer's synopsis of the story to add to the publisher's description, for this book, I'm not going to do that. Honestly, it's much better for you to go into this one cold. The fewer clues you have as to what will happen, the more you will enjoy this book. For those who are fans of psychological suspense or who like to glimpse the dark side, put this on your TBR list NOW!!! This should be one of the best books of the year.
Lucy
Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney
A novel about relationships narrated by Frances, a young writer who falls for an older married man. It's a complex web of unlikable characters in and out of relationships.
Nancy
Wunderland by Jennifer Cody Epstein
I'd thought that all possible storylines of pre-World War II and the War itself in Germany had been exhausted, but WUNDERLAND presents a new angle that kept me riveted. The book goes back and forth between Germany in the years leading up to the War and New York in the late 1980s. It's a multi-generational story of friendship, love and betrayal, with twists that I never saw coming. I know that there are a lot of World War II-oriented books out recently, but, if you are up for one more, make it this one.
pat
The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 1/4 years old by Hendrik Groen
This book shares the life of Hendrick in the Netherlands in a nursing home. Six of the "inmates" as he calls them decide to form a group called the old but not dead club. They plan outings, gather together to challenge the director of the home, and basically enjoy each other's company. The short is funny, heart-wrenching, and shows love, kindness, caring and a zest for life. It also tells the grief and hardships that happen and how friends help each other. I began the book laughing out loud then admiring the creativity of this group and their interactions with the rest of the home. Last but not least how they each deal with tragedies. This was our book club choice and the discussion was vibrant. This is a book about reality.
Mary Lou
The Expats by Chris Pavone
This one is completely out of my comfort zone - and I'm trying to expand, so that was the point. Well, it was a great read - a compelling thriller with a female protagonist. Set mainly in Luxembourg, a place that I have never visited or even thought about really. A well-crafted story, fairly complex, skipping back and forth and sideways over time. And a good character study as well. What's not to like? This was the author's debut, and I'm happy to have discovered a new kind of novel to enjoy.
Jayme
Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster
Paranormal romance with a touch of steampunk is really what this book is all about. Know that going in and you will enjoy the read. Otherwise you will be looking forever for your steampunk in a vampire's kiss and be sadly misled.
Jayme
Bomb: The Race to Build and Steal the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin
A fascinating, fast-paced, and riveting account of the events and people that made the atomic bomb possible. If history textbooks were written like this book, maybe more students would love history. Highly recommend.
Tessa
A River of Stars by Vanessa Hua
Hua’s first novel looks at the immigrant experience from a slightly different angle: wealthy Chinese who pay a high fee to ensure their babies will have the always-coveted native-born U.S. citizenship. The story focuses on Scarlett Chen, the mistress or Boss Yeung, and Daisy, the unwed teenager whose parents want to keep her from her American boyfriend. I found this an interesting and engaging story. I really liked Scarlett, but thought Daisy was frustratingly immature. Final verdict: a good, but not great, debut. I’d consider reading another of Hua’s works.
Susan
The Girl With Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee
How the author escaped from North Korea. It is timely, scary and worth reading and discussing. A book of courage.
Jeffrey
Siege: Trump Under Fire by Michael Wolff
This is not a book for everyone, but it was a guilty pleasure for me. Not as juicy as FIRE AND FURY, but gossipy to the nines nevertheless. A colorful writer who paints a portrait of a president who is crazier and more outrageous than anyone could imagine. At the same time you sometimes doubt his veracity, you also think, hey, you just can't make this sh*t up. Compulsive reading, like eating peanuts.
Michelle
The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel
A fascinating subject of the true story of a man who goes off alone into the woods of Maine seeking escape and solace and becomes a hermit, hiding away for 27 years. Where the hermit gets even more controversial is how he chooses to survive - stealing all his food and supplies from neighboring camps. A bit of a literary journalism piece in what seemed like an extensive news article. Interesting insight added by the author who details how he came to meet with the hermit and came to interview him to help build his book. Very quick read. Makes for a great book group discussion.
Bonnie
The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
This is an important book for all ages, color and ethnic backgrounds even though it is considered a Young Adult book. T.H.U.G. is riveting and disturbing. It is based on the Black Lives Matter movement but more importantly written in the voice of a young black girl who witnesses the murder of her close friend by a policeman during a traffic stop. We've all seen and heard of such incidences but in this book it becomes more real and disturbing. And one gets to appreciate black culture, black living and wonderful black characters. It is an important book for all - by the way I am a white woman and this book has opened my eyes to racism at its core.
Linda
The Promise of Stardust by Priscille Sibley
A timely, controversial story about the right-to-life or not of a fetus growing inside a woman in a vegetative state resulting from an accident. Her husband was inclined to "pull the plug" until the fetus was discovered. But she had expressed that no way would she want to die a slow death. So it becomes a court case. I love the idea that we are made of stardust - very spiritual. A good book club pick.
Rosa
Montauk by Nicola Harrison
This is an impressive debut novel. Set in 1938 Montauk, Long Island, it is the story about Beatrice Bordeaux, an educated young woman married to wealthy businessman Harry Bordeaux. They spend the summer in Montauk, a new, up-and-coming destination for wealthy Manhattanites looking for a getaway from the city during the summer. This is about social differences, keeping up appearances, malicious gossip, the lifestyle of women in the 1930s in contrast with today, and so much more. The plotline was compelling and mostly believable, but definitely entertaining. A true summer escape.
Marsha
Someone Knows by Lisa Scottoline
A prank goes wrong and one teen is dead and four others hold onto the secret for twenty years. When another death occurs, Allie decides it is time to come clean and tell all. That makes her and her husband the next targets of the killer. The secret has damaged many lives and not until the end is the whole truth revealed.
Sandi
The Trauma Cleaner: One Woman's Extraordinary Life in the Business of Death, Decay, and Disaster by Sarah Krasnostein
I thought I would read a bit more about the actual trauma cleaner process, the hoarders, crime scenes, accidental deaths.There are some of those in the book. However it is much more about the life of Sandra Pankhurst. How as a small adopted boy, he was relegated to a shed in the backyard, not allowed in the house at 4:30 pm. How as a man he married and fathered two children and as a transgender he made a living, sought help and was viciously raped. Finally the journey to his gender reassignment, marriage, and courage to carry on alone. Sandra is an unusual person - tough and softhearted, ambitious and afraid, desperate and self assured. But through it all a person who walks to her own drummer and banged that drum right back at the naysayers
Donna
The Kennedy Debutante by Kerri Maher
Kathleen is a Kennedy that I've heard of, but didn't know anything about. This book is enlightening as to how the Kennedys were raised and the tight bond that held them together. It doesn't matter how wealthy or famous you are, you will experience the same emotions and losses of the less known with the added trauma of the eyes of the world watching you. Catholic or non-Catholic will appreciate this book.
Myrna
The Song of Hartgrove Hall by Natasha Solomons
I have a soft spot in my heart for two things found in this novel: the story of an English manor and characters with a deep interest in music. The two combined made for a perfect novel to curl up with and while away the hours! We follow the lives of three brothers for whom keeping Hartgrove Hall alive is a challenge. Needless to say they are very different from one another. The main character is the one who devotes himself to composing music. Two generations later, he discovers that his 4-year-old grandson, somewhat of a loner and of concern to his parents, is a prodigy at the piano, and so grandfather takes him under his wing. It helps to have an interest in music to appreciate the relationship between the two. I loved it!
Debbie
To Die But Once by Jacqueline Winspear
My journey with Maisie Dobbs draws to a close as I complete the books in this series. England braces for war, but so far, the war seems distant and non-existent until soldiers return from France and encounters with Germany. Jacqueline Winspear harangues on the greed, horror, and inhumanity of the war. The relationships of families and friends and enemies undercover the difficult times and the indirect casualties of the war. Winspear also displays the problems of women regarding rights and advantages. The story of Anna continues with a promise of hope and redemption.
Debbie
The Hangman by Louise Penny
I cherish the books of Louise Penny except for THE HANGMAN. This novel begins and ends quickly with little interaction with the lovely characters of Three Pines. The man centers on a hangman who seeks vengeance for the brutal death of his wife and daughter killed by a carload of four young adults. The usual strong characters and heart-rending setting disappear in this novella. The language reminds me of an amateur writer and not the eloquence of a seasoned author. The story is brief and over in one setting, which disappointed this reader.
Susan
Miraçle Creek by Angie Kim
In addition to being a meticulously crafted crime drama, the honesty expressed by the parents caring for disabled children is unique. The unreliable narrator motif is heightened by the development of characters beyond stereotypes. The reader can believe each version of the truth until the next chapter, with every narrator keeping secrets from the others.
Wendy
Tombland by C. J. Sansom
I have been a fan of the Shardlake series since the first book. I think TOMBLAND is one of the best Sansom has written. It is set in 1549; Henry VIII died a few years previously leaving his young son as King Edward VI but because Edward is so young there is a council to advise him. Chief of his councillors is his uncle the Duke of Somerset. Henry left the financial situation in Britain a wreck and things have gone from bad to worse. As Shardlake is in Norwich for the Summer Assizes representing a relative of Lady Elizabeth, Anne Boleyn's daughter, a rebellion breaks out and Shardlake and his people are caught up in it. Although Shardlake is a "gentleman" he has sympathy for the rebels. Great history lesson.
Chris
The Music of Jimmy Ojotriste by Arturo Hernandez Sametier
Reading this novel is like watching a movie in IMAX - the characters so colorful and amazing!
Charlene
Absolute Ambition: Memoria by David L. Van Horne
So the plot itself isn't an issue. Reminded me of FFVII actually. The language is fine; Van Horne is a good storyteller. Although it's a short story (less than 300 pages), the chapters fluctuate in POVs, timelines, and characters. We are getting at least 6 different perspectives/character views throughout the 29 chapters. I am hearing things that I don't think are particularly relevant to the story (maybe some slight characters instead) and Horne doesn't give us dates when each new chapter starts so you have to work out if the chapter you're reading is taking place in the past, present, or future.
Kathleen
Vow of Justice by Lynette Eason
Very enjoyable suspense read. It played like a movie in my head. I even dreamt about it at night.
It has some romance and a slight mention of God. No sex. It is classified as Christian Romantic Suspense.
Kelley
Eleven by Tom Rogers
This is a touching story about 9/11 told from the viewpoint of an 11-year-old boy named Alex. It did take a little bit for the story to take off but I was hooked because I had to know what was going to happen to everyone in the story, especially Alex and the others involved. I remember 9/11 and this did bring back some feelings and tears by the end of the story, but that's okay because we must never forget about this horrible day. This is a good book to read with middle readers or teens for discussion and understanding of 9/11.
Kelley
The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish
This was not a funny book to me at all. It was more a sad book about Tiffany's life. She has had to go through and overcome a lot of really bad things all her life. I am glad that she was able to find success. If I had listened to the audiobook, Tiffany's comedic timing would have probably made some of the comments in the book funny by hearing her say them. This is definitely an adult book with language and adult situations.
Sean
In the Woods by Tana French
Tana French takes readers to Dublin and delivers a fantastic police procedural mystery. I really enjoy when the main characters aren't super cops. Here, the main protagonists are all flawed. The mystery is very good and the ending is messy in a good way. The dialogue is sharp and French creates more than one mystery. Overall, I loved this book. The characters weren't cliched and it was a joy to read.
Aimee
The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal
THE DOLL FACTORY is an incredible book, meant for the patient reader. The buildup is slow, but oh boy does it pay off at the end. Macneal does an amazing job of placing the reader right in the middle of gloomy, grimy 1850s London. Each chapter flawlessly leads into the next (Seriously. When you start a chapter, go back and read the last sentence from the previous one.) There are subtle, but terrifying, details that suggest not all is right with Silas “the Cadaver” Reed, but you have no idea the depths of his depravity until it all comes together at the end. There’s a revelation in the last few chapters that made me audibly gasp. It’s THAT good (and THAT horrible).
Elizabeth
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
Beautiful story set in the 40s in NYC. We see as a young girl grows and learns about herself and the world through her costume making skills in the theater world. She makes mistakes, learns from them and grows up and we enter that phase of her life as she becomes a strong independent woman. Beautifully and deliciously written. Bravo Elizabeth Gilbert. A book that I will recommend again and again.
Shelby
Solitary by Albert Woodfox
I saw Mr. Woodfox interviewed and waited patiently for his book to be released. Mr. Woodfox - one of the Angola 3 - was unjustly incarcerated for 40 years (in solitary) and his resilience, intelligence, and compassion are beyond belief - truly amazing - considering the horrifying and deplorable conditions he and his friends faced day in and day out. This book is a well-deserved indictment of the criminal justice system, a learning experience for everyone, and has inspired me to get involved in the movement to make changes to the system. A must read - a million stars.
Lorrie
We Were The Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
Really need to take a break from reading war stories. I'm starting to despise humanity. Who hangs a 5-year-old child? Or makes a mother dig her own grave, then forces her to dig the grave for her small child, knowing they're going to be summarily shot to death? My God...I almost vomited. Indeed, her family were some of the lucky ones.
Bonnie
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
Light, fun, fast-paced summer read.
Tessa
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
What a marvelous character-driven novel! I loved Eleanor as much as I was frustrated by her. Her conversations with Mummy gave us clues to the trauma in her past that resulted in the fragile woman she is when we first meet her. I love the way the friendship between Raymond and Eleanor develops; how he introduces her to possibilities, but also accepts her at face value. Honeyman gives us some wonderful supporting characters as well; even if their scenes are small, they are fully developed and add to the richness of the novel. A fantastic debut novel!
Susan
The Wife by Meg Wolitzer
While an interesting read and painful that women were not respected as writers, the twist was obvious from the beginning.
Kathy
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
A great read, kept me guessing!
Rosemarie
The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortina by Juliet Grames
Just finished this book...first time author who does a terrific job of drawing pictures of what it was like for Italians who immigrated to America. You can experience many emotions while you read this story. After finishing it I felt as if I had personally met many of the characters and my heart went out to them...especially Stella. Not sure if I was so enthralled with it because of my Italian heritage but I do recommend it to everyone.
Shelley
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Awesome.
Lana
Wild Bill by Tom Clavin
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I felt like I was sitting in a room with the author listening to him tell stories, just as Wild Bill might have.
Margaret
We Went to the Woods by Caite Dolan-Leach
This is an up-to-date version of a commune with 5 young adults wanting to live off the land & forsake the world as it is today. Mainly they were protesting corporate America, the 2016 election results, & usual things young,privileged people decide to abandon because they have never wanted for anything & have no idea what hardship is. There are too many storylines & secrets among the 5 residents & members of another group of people with the same lifestyle living a few miles away. It was a slow read & hard for me to understand their morals with swapping bed partners, revenge against a neighbor, & sexual abuse of young girls. I didn't like any of the undeveloped characters & endless descriptions of clearing land, planting crops, bad weather.
Margaret
The Widow by Fiona Barton
The cover for this debut novel says to compare it to GONE GIRL or THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN. No way does it compare. I stayed with it to the end because it started out very good, but went downhill about halfway. The widow is Jean who was married to a controlling man, Greg, a pedophile. When a 2-yr-old girl goes missing, the search begins for the kidnapper. Jean knows Greg is somehow involved but supports him, refusing to admit he could have committed the crime. The press is ugly and deceiving as they try to one-up each other on the latest developments. There are time switches back and forth between when the child disappears and after Greg has died & Jean is now a conniving widow. Now much of a surprise at the end. Close to what I was expecting.
Margaret
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
Commonwealth refers to the State of Virginia where part of the novel is set. It is about family relationships that develop, grow and change as the decades go by. There is a span of about 50 years starting in the early 1960s with lots of flashbacks. It's the story of 2 families, 2 divorces, 4 parents & 6 children. The kids end up in blended families and become like real sisters and brothers. Since they have little adult supervision, they are on their own a lot & go off together to explore (some of the situations are scary). Lots of characters, some not likable but they all seem like actual, real-life people. They are flawed but deep-down they care about each other. The novel belongs to Fanny as we are introduced to her in the first chapter.
Margaret
Florida by Lauren Groff
This is a collection of 11 intense, short stories about people, mostly women, either living in Florida or with a connection to Florida. Every bad thing about Florida is highlighted: hurricanes, mosquitoes, bugs, snakes, gators, termites, swamps, homelessness, etc. Since I am afraid of snakes, one of the stories was very creepy for me. The female protagonists in some of the stories are not content with their role as a wife and/or mother. Throughout, there is a theme of loss, grief, and loneliness. Overall, I enjoyed this book because of the Floridian atmosphere which I love. The writing kept me interested even though the stories were scary because of the uncertainty that seemed to lurk everywhere!
Mike
The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
This book kind of fell into my lap (almost literally) so I chose to read it. Aside from being a fun mystery with memorable characters (to say the least), it is fun historical portrait on Los Angeles (where I happen to live and know these streets well...times have changed a lot since this book). It is most definitely a period piece but it didn't feel outdated at all - at least not to me. A fun quick piece of Hollywood Noir. Recommended!
katherine
Miracle Creek by Angie Kim
Bogged down. I wanted to love it, and did learn more about autism, however it did not hold my interest.
Diane
Summer of '69 by Elin Hilderbrand
An engrossing summer read full of romance, conflict and beautiful scenery.
Cathie
Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
This story is about Jules Larsen, who answers an ad for an apartment sitter in a famous building in Manhattan. Easy way to make $12,000 over 3 months is what she thinks. There are lots of rules to follow - no visitors, no drinking, no smoking, no spending the night somewhere else and no getting to know the residents. Before she moves in, her BFF Chloe tells Jules that the building has a sinister past and she shouldn't move in. She meets Ingrid, another apartment sitter who informs Jules that the building "scares" her. Then Ingrid disappears. Jules starts looking for Ingrid and discovers Ingrid is not the first apartment sitter to go missing from this building. As she delves deeper into this mystery, she begins to fear for her own life.
Ilene
Wild Mountain Thyme by Rosamunde Pilcher
WILD MOUNTAIN THYME starts when Oliver Dobbs kidnaps his motherless 2-year-old son from his maternal grandparents. Then he asks his heartbroken girlfriend, Victoria Bradshaw, that he has abandoned three years ago, to help him. He finds that she cannot refuse him and they set off for an adventure when an old friend invites him to Scotland where his brother is a laird of a highland preserve. When they arrive, the whole town is attending the funeral of his brother, the laird, and it will be only a matter of time before the property will be for sale and out of the family. So much great description of all the sites they see along the way.
Burma
Her Daughter's Mother by Daniela Petrova
This was a great psychological thriller. Lana and Tyler are a couple who decided to use a surrogate mother's eggs to conceive. The book alternates between then and now. There are many secrets and twists. Highly recommend!
Danielle
Words with Wings by Nikki Grimes
I enjoy books in verse and this one is one of my favorites so far. I loved the imagery, the story arc, and the supportive teacher that embraced Gabby's desire to dream.
Barbara
The Night Before by Wendy Walker
Great mystery based on everyday people who all hung out together in high school. I would recommend it to anyone who wants twists and turns but more down to earth everyday story instead of people that you cannot relate to. Well written so it moves along and you don’t lose interest. Don’t want to give away with spoilers.
Donna
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
This book was selected for our book club or I probably would not have read and what a loss it would have been for me. It is a marvelous book that touches on so many emotions. I am so much more aware of feelings of people that I've chosen to avoid. Eleanor has a story that needs to be told, even though it's fiction.
Joyce
Feast Your Eyes by Myla Goldberg
As a photographer, I found the framework of this novel compelling. The reader visualizes the photographs described in the catalog. The value of a photograph is the story it tells. The author engineers this complex story and its dynamic characters through the narration of the important people who influence both the daughter and the mother. A very unique format. Parts of the story could be considered contrived, however, they help emphasize the important theme of the book.
Joyce
A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum
Fascinating character development. Important messages about culture, family, responsibilities, women, choice, truth, religion. Many serious discussion issues.
Janet
Evicted by Matthew Desmond
I don’t usually love nonfiction unless it’s a biography or memoir. EVICTED is the exception for me. It’s very readable yet filled with information. This should be required reading for all city, state and federal government employees as well as all teachers. It was eye-opening to say the least.
Alice
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
It was quite a read. I had never heard about what happened to the Osage in Oklahoma. I had trouble putting it down. I highly recommend it.
Edie
The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware
Author was very unique in the way she wrote. I'm usually not a mystery fan, but this book held my attention. I would recommend this book.
Sandy
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottleib
Lori Gottleib’s wonderful and wise memoir about therapy, her own and those she treats. In a way, she became my therapist as I could identify pieces of myself in Lori and in those who were fortunate enough to be her clients.
Cindy
Whisper Network by Chandler Baker
The back jacket of this book says the story is a “ gripping thriller” and “furiously funny”. I disagree. I would call it a slow-paced whodunit during the #metoo movement. Enough is enough for four women who take matters into their own hands. When their chauvinist boss, Ames, plummets to his death these women are questioned because of their relationship to Ames. So many secrets. So many whispers. I disliked most of the women in this story. Their personalities were either over-the-top or very dull. Sometimes I had a difficult time distinguishing one voice from the other! I did like the sisterhood aspect in the workplace and getting revenge, but all in all I wasn’t thrilled with the book.
Francisca
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
This middle-school novel is a beautiful introduction to the Korean culture, as well as to the art of pottery. Park gives us a wonderful cast of characters. I love the relationship between Tree-Ear and Crane-man, how they care for one another, and give to one another so selflessly. I learned much about celadon pottery, and particularly the uniqueness of the inlay process. The novel was awarded the Newbery Medal for excellence in children’s literature.
Deby
The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
Interesting to read a different perspective on a subject that I've read about multiple times. I enjoyed watching the stories intertwine.
Gil
Some Choose Darkness by Charlie Donlea
Rory Moore reconstructs crime scenes and is so focused that she often uncovers things that others have missed. A criminal nicknamed "The Thief" is about to be paroled from prison after serving forty years for the murder of his wife although her body was never found. Rory suspects that he was the killer of several other women who went missing. In her obsessive-compulsive way, she tries to solve these crimes. Very good book, held my interest throughout. By the way, whatever happened to his wife?
Gil
Reasons to Be Cheerful by Nina Stibbe
If you are looking for a "laugh out loud book", this is for you. It's a delightful nonsensical book that is fun to read. Lizzie is eighteen years old, and without experience gets a job as a dental assistant and in no time is pulling teeth. Just about all of the characters in the book are weird. She develops a crush on Andy who comes into the office to make impressions for dentures. Her boss is mostly concerned with getting initiated into a prestigious group, and is carrying on with his receptionist who is trying to get pregnant. Lizzie lives upstairs of the office. Andy lives in the room that Lizzie vacated in her mother's house. An entertaining read and an escape.
Dorothy
The Matriarch: Barbara Bush and the Making of an American Dynasty by Susan Page
I enjoyed it very much. I found out some things I did not know.
Dorothy
The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg
I really enjoyed reading it. It was so funny.
ILene
Red Joan by Jennie Rooney
In 1937, Joan Stanley, a sheltered eighteen-year-old, goes up to Cambridge to study physics. She first meets Sonia Galich, an exciting exotic Russian who later introduces her to her glamorous cousin Leo. Leo is an economist looking for proof that communism works. Joan and Leo become lovers. When the second World War breaks out the pressure gets greater for Sonia and Leo to get information and plans from Joan now working as a physicist in the war department building the atomic bomb. Will Joan give away the plans? So much great history and what a great book.
Janet--(Back to the Book--Harrisburg, PA)
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
This is truly a must-read book. It tells the story of four orphans who are escaping from horrific conditions as they journey along the rivers in the Midwest. The character development is excellent, and their experiences are page-turning and heart-racing. I read ORDINARY GRACE and really enjoyed it, but this novel is spectacular. It is a modern day classic and is the work of an author who knows how to draw the reader in and keep the reader riveted to the book. The children's journey is long, and the reader will not be able to let the children go unaccompanied. I found myself writing down lines from the book that I wanted to remember, and the book's themes, plot, and characters have stayed with me. I would gladly read another 500 pages.
Ruth
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
One of the best books I've read this year!
Dorothy
Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok
A book of secrets and deceptions, some long-held. A missing young woman and a sister's search for her will keep readers turning pages.
Beth
The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
This was my book club’s pick this month and I think it’s a great choice that will engender discussion. The central issue is, "Are our lives governed by fate or free will?" Four children go to see a fortune teller in 1969 who tells each of them separately when they will die. The rest of the book describes how these children go on to live their lives after that. The ways they react become increasingly extreme to me. But it was an interesting premise.
Mary
The Overstory by Richard Powers
Powers includes lots of fascinating information about trees and how important they are to the health of our planet. While the characters and plot are interesting, reading the book is a slow process because of Powers’s opaque writing style.
Nancy
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
This is the fascinating story of Hedy Lamarr. We all know her as a beautiful and talented actress, but she was so much more. She had so much to offer in an era when women were not taken seriously. As a side note, both Amazon Prime and Netflix are offering Bombshell, a documentary about Hedy LaMarr. Watch it after you read the book.
Kathy
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Our book club had an excellent discussion about this book. It's full of topics like family relationships, motherhood, family secrets, etc.
Dorothy
Love Anthony by Lisa Genova
This was a very interesting read. It was about a child who had autism I knew a bit about autism but certainly learned a lot more. Very good.
Vivian
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
I read this book while traveling back in late May. Imagine my surprise to arrive home to find that our book group had won a set of this same book. The group read this book for our July group read and I fell in love with the book all over again, to the point where I'll be traveling to Louisville, KY next month to see the author in an event with Joshilyn Jackson. Now if I can just talk one or two of my other local book groups into reading this book so I'll have an excuse to re-read it, my book life will be almost perfect!
Julia
Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan
The main character of this book, Anna, is the first fema!e diver to work on the hulls of battleships during World War II. The novel explores her life that leads up to this job and the life of her father who is connected to the underworld of New York City during the depression and prohibition.
Judy
The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
From a current day girl to the girls who are part of a network helping the French against the Nazis, this is a story of devotion to one another as well as determination to complete the missing pieces to a puzzle. Finding a suitcase in New York Central Station and taking a list is the beginning and reason for this story. Great read!
Alexandra
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
Light and amusing, but with real life wisdom. A good beach read.
Laurie
A Nearly Normal Family by M. T. Edvardsson
A very thought-provoking crime fiction set in Scandinavia. An eighteen-year-old female is accused of murdering a thirty-two-year-old man which creates a chaotic family crisis. This coming-of-age novel presents many themes to discuss, perfect for book clubs.
Susan
The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth
Diana is found dead in her home. At first it was thought she committed suicide but as the investigation goes forth there are a lot of unanswered questions. The book goes back and forth over the years as to how Diana treated her family. Very good book.
Ginny
The Color of Light by Karen White
Though on the whole I enjoy Karen White's writing, this is not one of my favorites. The situation is too coincidental and the characters are too predictable. Others of her books are more worthy of your time.
Jeffrey
The Makioka Sisters by Junichiro Tanizaki
I’ve read a lot of Tanizaki’s work, but this is his masterpiece. It’s a long book but a wonderful read. The 1983 movie adaptation is also great, but I recommend reading the book first. And the translation by Edward Seidensticker is brilliant.
Sherrie
The Escape Room by Megan Goldin
Beware of elevators in this thrilling book, THE ESCAPE ROOM by Megan Goldin, I was enthralled and could not put it down. This book dashes through characters and their character quickly, no one is left unharmed. I fell for Lucy and Sara in a minute as I flew through the pages for more. I've been to an escape room or two; thankfully very much unlike this one! I loved it and highly recommend!
Donna
One Day in December by Josie Silver
A sweet story about missed chances in love and how timing can be everything.
Nina
The Story Of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg
A beautiful and concise novel with love and friendship between neighbors and different age groups. It features compassion, love and understanding to the fullest extent.
Gail
There, There by Tommy Orange
Seemingly disconnected stories of various Native American characters are cleverly interwoven as characters converge at a pow-wow in this novel which explores memory and identity.
Beth
The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
I found the premise of this book intriguing. Four children visit a fortune teller in 1969 and she tells each of them the precise day they are going to die. The rest of the book describes how these individuals live their lives after that. It explores the question, "Are our lives governed by fate or free will?" Do we unconsciously live a certain way if we think it’s our fate? A great book club book!
Linda
The Little French Bistro by Nina George
The beginning of the book is a real "downer." Marianne is so despondent over a long, abusive marriage that she tries to commit suicide, but she's saved. Then the story becomes charming, witty and magical. Marianne gets a second chance at true love and she transforms into an independent, competent and well-loved older woman.
Lois
The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict
A somewhat interesting book about the first Mrs. Einstein. She was a brilliant scientist who gave up her career when she married. She collaborated with Einstein on his achievements but received no credit.
Kate
Girls Like Us by Cristina Alger
A really solid police procedural investigation - that is really interesting as well. The main character, Nell, works for the FBI (but on desk duty) when her father, a police officer dies. She begin consulting on a murder investigation of a woman in the small town where he worked when she finds the victim possibly had ties to her own father. Nell is a really likeable character and the book was enjoyable, but a tiny bit predictable. I'd love to continue the journey with Nell in the future.
Jean
Normal People by Sally Rooney
The main characters start as brainy high school classmates with opposite stations in life. He is poor but popular; she is a rich social outcast. They start as friends, going from there to intermittent usually secret romantic liaisons for the rest of the story. When they go to the same college, their statuses flip, with her becoming the popular one. She engages in a large amount of self-destructive behavior that sabotages her from getting what she wants from life. As the story went on, I liked the characters less and less. By the end I didn't care what happened to either of them. I also found the author's omission of quotation marks in the dialog distracting and confusing. This book got great reviews; I don't know why.
Marcia
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
Roy and Celeste have a good marriage until he is wrongfully convicted of a crime. Roy's years in prison drag on and Celeste finds solace in their best friend, Andre. That is not the whole story. One must think about wrongful convictions of blacks, how to deal with a husband in prison, how to deal with prison when you're innocent, etc. There are some deep questions here. The book was well-written and held my attention. I recommend it.
Maria
What Red Was by Rosie Price
Kate has a best friend, Max. Their relationship is platonic but they are always there for each other. Then Kate is raped and her whole life changes. How does she deal with it? Is Max there for her? What roles do Max's family members play in this? Will Kate get healing? I know the answers. But you'll have to read the book to find out. I'm in my 70s so I found the drinking and drugs upsetting. I think this is a book for younger people.
Danielle
I'm Not Dying with You Tonight by Gilly Segal and Kimberly Jones
The events of this book occur over a period of less than 24 hours, and the authors used the compressed time well and kept the pacing perfect to reflect the immediacy, danger, and tension. This book is a quick read and one you won't be able to put down if you're a fan of THUG, LONG WAY DOWN, DEAR MARTIN, and AMERICAN STREET. The authors have given their readers sensory details that will make them feel as if they right there with Lena and Campbell.
Marcia
The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
A book with eight main characters seems a bit much. However, each is told so well that I found myself caring about each of them and their interacting lives. They are bound together by a love of Jane Austen's books. I'm not a reader of Jane Austen so I sometimes was a bit lost when they referred to her book characters, books, etc. It was still worth the read.
Michelle
Educated by Tara Westover
One of the best books I have read in a long time. At times difficult to read, but I could not put it down. Westover’s writing is commendable, her storytelling holding the right amount of descriptions and feelings with perfect pacing. Her perspective, both as an educated adult, and as a young, self-proclaimed ignorant junkyard girl, is perfectly told and believable, though horrifyingly so. I love a story of redemption, especially a true one. I wish nothing but the best for Westover, an admirable fighter who fought back with weapons of intelligence, education and an inner guidance she was so blessed to have.
Miriam
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center
I loved this book. Cassie was a wonderful heroine and the plot kept you so engaged. I want to read other books by this author.
Norene
Let It Be Me by Jody Holford
A good beach book.
Donna
The Wives We Play by Briana Cole
When someone needs money they can fall into a trap thinking it’s a way out. There is always a catch that will usually cause their undoing. You win some, you lose some.
MaryAnne
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
A nice read; at times "draggy."
Debbie
The American Agent by Jacqueline Winspear
I enjoyed THE AMERICAN AGENT by Jacqueline Winspear. The book shows the other side of the war coin. In the last Maisie Dobbs mystery, England prepares for war. In this novel the German planes are bombing London and many types of rations create havoc from the people. Maisie and her friend Priscilla are volunteers for the ambulances. Priscilla receives vicious burns while rescuing some children from a burning house. One of Priscilla’s sons leads a naval crusade to rescue soldiers in France and loses his arm for this brave undertaking. Winspear does an excellent job in showing the dangers and heartaches of WWII. Her characters dance off the pages.
Debbie
The Handsome Man's De Luxe Cafe by Alexander McCall Smith
The #1 Ladies Detective Club series create more ambiance when read by a great reader. I enjoy the audiobooks with the correct pronunciation of the names. Precious Ramotswe paints a wonderful picture of Botswana with the beauty and kindness of the people. But even Eden has a serpent that spoils the tranquility and splendor of paradise. Into the peace falls a battered wife, a lazy Charlie, and a terrible crew for Grace Makutsi’s new restaurant. Precious and Mma Potokwani manage to restore Eden back to Botswana. The writing of Alexander McCall Smith amazes me with his understanding of women and with his humor and with his gentleness. I greatly miss the series on PBS.
Karen
Copycat by Kimberla Lawson Roby
Author Traci Calloway Cole feels blessed by her success so she is willing to help would-be authors. She meets Simone Phillips in a salon and agrees to read a few chapters of her book, then offer suggestions on how to publish the book. Traci is lonely since she started working full time as a writer so she starts a friendship with Simone. Simone covets Traci's success because she was raised in poor circumstances by her grandmother and drug addicted, abusive mother. She emulates everything Traci does from ordering the same food in restaurants, buying the same clothes and furniture, attending the same church, to changing her hair style. When Traci publishes a book called Copycat, Simone doesn't see herself in it. Disaster awaits her.
Judith
Zorro by Isabel Allende
I grew up with the TV series and saw both the old and new movie interpretations of the Zorro legend. Traveling in Mexico, I have even stayed at hotels Zorro was rumored to have visited. Now Latin American author Isabel Allende has filled in the rest of the story: the family background and growing-up years of Diego de la Vega, and the why's behind his career as masked crusader for justice. This book was quite a departure from other Allende books I have read. I think the author had fun with this character, showing some of his less than heroic features and quirks, engaging the reader with his many adventures in daring childish pranks and hopeless puppy loves as well as more noble quests.
Jan
The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali
This novel is ideal for book group discussion. There are so many topics to discuss; national government, young love, hate, living through pain. Two young people in Iran fall in love and plan to marry. The mother of the groom opposes the marriage but they are going to elope. The country has so much political upheaval, living can be unsafe. On the day of the elopement, the bride goes to the city square to meet her groom. There is a terrible protest against the Shah going on in the square. She goes home and never sees him again. She studies in the U.S. and meets a very nice man and marries him. When she is 77 years old, she is confronted by the past. I cried. I sighed. I wanted to discuss this.
Jan
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
I read Beryl Markham's book and was not expecting much from this. I was wrong. This wonderful historical novel brings a strength to Markham that I never realized. I came to understand her toughness, her love of Africa, her determination to conquer most of the world. The novel also shows her love for Finch Hatton in a way that Markham's book did not. I wanted to go live in Kenya after I read this book. McLain gives additional info that was welcome, such as the increase of sales of Markham's book which provided monies for her at the end of her life when she needed money. This is gentle book about a remarkable non-gentle woman. I wish I could have known her according to McLain's profile.
Barbara
Whisper Network by Chandler Baker
BIG LITTLE LIES meets "Nine to Five" meets #Metoo. This books wraps a murder mystery in whip-smart dialogue with strong female characters. It's a wonderful can't put down, page-turner, a must-read for any woman who is now or has ever been a part of the workforce.
Betty
The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
Three storylines woven together so well. This was a book I didn't want to end. It's one of the best for the year.
Jan
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
This book is so much better than his last book. It is historical fiction based on an actual place and the treatment of the inmates. For almost a century, a place in north Florida existed where few inmates left on their own. It was a reform school for boys, and Florida was definitely racially segregated. We now know that inmates received little schooling and most of the goods for the school were resold to the community. And the boys often performed manual labor work for board members, community politicians, etc. Punishments were horrible, often deadly, and medical care was almost non-existent. Whitehead has created two main characters, developed from his intensive research, and follows them. The best this year.
Claudia
The Promise of the Grand Canyon by John F. Ross
This book is nonfiction. It tells the life of John Wesley Powell who lead a group of men down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in 1869. The book tells of his early life as a teacher and then a major in the Civil War. He had a love of fossils and geology. After making several river trips he spent the rest of his life in charge of government agencies that surveyed the western United States. The reason for the three stars is that there was a lot of politics. Powell was very insightful and continued to stress the importance of water conservation as the nation moved West.
Kathryn
Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
Riley Sager is a master of suspense writing and this one had me on the edge of my seat! The story is centered around the historic and extravagant Bartholomew building. It is home to wealthy, elderly and privacy-loving residents for the most part. Jules, the main character, is part of the other population at the Bartholomew. She is a down-on-her-luck apartment sitter lured by the promise of making $12,000 for occupying a vacant apartment for 3 months. However, it soon becomes clear that there are some dark and dangerous strings attached to the job. Strange noises, bad dreams and mysterious disappearances lead to a horrifying conclusion that rattles the nerves, and takes the reader into the darkest corners of humanity!
Marcia
A Nearly Normal Family by M. T. Edvardsson
What happens when your 18-year-old daughter is accused of murder? Stella, the daughter, isn't an easy character to like. It took me a while to find empathy for her because of the tough shell she presents. Her father, Adam, is a pastor who is overprotective. Her mother, an attorney climbing the ladder of success, has never been close to her daughter. The story is told in three parts, each told my one of the three members of the family. It's a story that needs to be read to the end. I recommend it.
Gwen
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
Compelling, readable novel follows two sisters from 1950s suburban Detroit through the 1960s, where both Jo and Bethie make choices about who they are and what they will do. Strongly written, nice thread to have women's liberation movement through the lens of two dissimilar sisters. I'll confess, it took me a long time to warm up to Bethie (but then, also my least favorite sister in LITTLE WOMEN so there's that). In the end, I polished this treat off in two days and it was a great way to cap off a vacation.
Scarlett
Mrs. Kennedy and Me by Clint Hill with Lisa McCubbin
Clint Hill is a retired Secret Service agent, having served under five presidents. During the term of President John F. Kennedy, Mr. Hill was assigned to guard and protect the First Lady, Jackie Kennedy. His description of his time with Mrs. Kennedy is written with a definite love and admiration for her. This story gives you a glimpse inside the White House, and the life of Mrs. Kennedy, that we (as "outsiders") have never been privy to. As it turns out, Mrs. Kennedy had a bit of a mischievous side. It seems she really liked to make spur of the moment decisions which would often put Mr. Hill scrambling to make sure Mrs. Kennedy was safe, yet enjoying herself. He also recalls that dreadful campaign trip to Dallas. A beautiful read!!
Toni
How Not to Die Alone by Richard Roper
Funny smart and a gimlet-eye view of risk-taking to open up to love and leave loneliness behind. And the bizarre world of tidying up.
Gina
Fleishman is In Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
Woof! Woof! This book is a dog. It is supposed to be funny and clever. It is neither. Part 1 is written like prose of a sex-crazed boy but it is really composed by a grown doctor. (I had to check twice to see that the book's author was a woman and not some kid.) Part 3 had parts in it that I was not sure whom the character was who was narrating the confusing storyline. If you want humor or coherence, skip this book. My reading time is too precious to be mislead by gratuitous blurbs on a cover.
Linda
Summer of '69 by Elin Hilderbrand
What a fantastic read!!! I just turned 15 in the summer of '69 so this book brought back so many memories. Elin was able to include so many of the events that happened that year and incorporate them into an awesome novel that was difficult to put down. I didn't want it to end. Just like that whole summer. It was epic. She incorporated the social stigmas of that era and the acceptance of boys being boys. I can't say enough about this book and am so glad to have read it. No one should miss reading this gem. I was even reading the part in the book about the Apollo moon landing on the very same day it happened 50 years ago. I will never forget this book.
Bonnie
Deep River by Karl Marlantes
Fascinating novel about Finns who settle in the Pacific northwest and work in the lumbering business. Takes place in the early 20th century it covers labor unions, relationships, and so much more. It's long (over 700 pages) but moves along quickly.
Thomas
The 18th Abduction by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
Excellent book. Enjoyed reading it.
Liz
Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok
When Sylvie is just a baby and shortly after her parents arrive in the United States, she is sent to live with her grandmother and other relatives in Holland. She returns home as a young girl, but doesn’t seem to fit in. Many years later, Sylvie is now married, her grandmother becomes ill and Sylvie returns to Holland to say her final goodbye. While there, she falls in love. When Sylvie disappears, her younger sister Amy travels to Holland to find out what happened. Many deep and dark secrets are revealed. The first half of this book was difficult to get into, midway the story picks up, but the ending is very predictable.
Debra
A Sojourner’s Truth by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson
An eloquently written and passionate invitation to awareness of past and present inequalities and atrocities, here in the U.S. It is the hope of the author that once this awareness is achieved, it will lead to powerful empathy and the courage to affect change. She offers practical, attainable and compassion-filled ways for all of us to do things in a much better way. Outstanding book!
So. Very. Well. Done.
Burma
The Two Lila Bennetts by Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke
This book was so good! Lila Bennett has made so many bad decisions in life. Man of these have affected other people. This book is written from two different formats, captured and free. I loved everything about this, it was a real page-turner. The ending was fantastic! Highly recommend!
Kathleen
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
An excellent read! Thought-provoking, moving, relatable family story. I have read all of her other books and essays and this, by far, is my favorite.
WALTER
Elijah at the Wedding Feast by John Shea
Shea brings new life to favorite stories from diverse traditions and everyday experiences, shining a light that illuminates each story's contemporary relevance.
WALTER
Raised in Captivity by Chuck Klosterman
Chuck Klosterman’s latest book is an ’80s cartoon-themed lunchbox full of microdoses of unreality. Each story lays Silly Putty down on a conventional thought and stretches the afterimage.
Laura
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
This was a wonderful book. It is fiction but based on a true story. Set in 1930s in rural Eastern KY about a woman that delivered books by mule to hard to get to areas in the region. She happened to be a "blue person" also. Very interesting and has some wonderful real pics of the book women of the time.
Cheryl
Pretty Guilty Women by Gina LaManna
PRETTY GUILTY WOMEN is a murder mystery. Very fast-paced, and so fulfilling. Gina LaManna writes an entertaining story, that will keep you guessing until the end. Four college friends meet up years later at a resort for their friends wedding. Before you know it, a man is dead, and four women confess separately to his murder. You will love this story. The characters take you back and fourth to see how they wound up separated after college and where they are now in their lives. They all have concerns and worries that lead up to one event where there is an attempted suicide, an impending divorce, a kidnapping, and a murder. I loved this book. If you are a fan of Liane Moriarty, you will really want to read this one.
Cheryl
Valencia and Valentine by Suzy Krause
In her debut novel Suzy Krause pulls at your heartstrings with VALENCIA AND VALENTINE, a story that will warm your heart. Overcoming different situations, and tragedies through their lives, Valencia, a 35-year-old germ-a-phobic woman, and Valentine, an 87-year-old woman who loses her husband, come together in an incredible story. They tell their stories to anyone who will listen. This novel deals with mental illness, and OCD, in a cute, funny, sometimes sad way, that will have you pulling for a good outcome in the end, with all their ups and downs. I really enjoyed this story. The tale these women tell are outrageous, eccentric, and full of adventure. I recommend this if you are looking for something a little different.
Michelle
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Remarkable sense of place and character development. I did not want this book to end.
Linda
The Reckoning by John Grisham
This book is in three parts. I enjoyed parts one and three; part two, however, seemed fairly irrelevant. We’d found out in part one that Pete had been taken prisoner in the Phillipines, and that he’d been in the Bataan death march, so all the detail that we got in part two just seemed unnecessary, though it did show us that Pete was a good and brave person. It could have been condensed, though. The ending to the book was both a surprise and a disappointment. I expected more from Grisham!
Katrina
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
This was a book I read in two days. A lot of twists and a great ending. A very good thriller.
Marsha
Most Wanted by Lisa Scottoline
After struggling with infertility, Christine and Marcus use a sperm donor. Christine is pregnant and thrilled until she sees pictures on TV of a serial killer's arrest and he looks just like the one photo she has of their donor. Driven to find out if he is their baby's father, she goes to extreme measures - several visits to the maximum security prison, working for his lawyer, and on many chases following possible clues. Meanwhile, her marriage is starting to crumble as Marcus has different thoughts about what they should do.
Trezeline
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
I always enjoy Lisa See's books because I learn so much about Asian cultures. This book is very informative about a little-known Korean culture where the women dive into the ocean to harvest the riches of the sea. It is also a story of friendship and love, family and relationships.
Cris
The Stand (Complete & Uncut Edition) by Stephen King
THE STAND was the first book I ever read by Stephen King shortly after it was released. I have reread it several times since then. However, this was my first time reading the uncut version. There is one character (The Kid) that was totally deleted from the edited version - be warned, one scene in particular is difficult. I can't say that one version is better than the other, but I suppose in this case, more is better.
Jay
Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson
Granted the title is LET'S PRETEND THIS NEVER HAPPENED - the book reads like you do not know whether to believe the author or she is just making stories up for shock value.
Thomas
Filthy Rich by James Patterson
Very good book and audiobook.
Karen
The White Darkness by David Grann
Henry Worsley loved reading tales of adventure, and after reading THE HEART OF THE ANTARCTIC, he became fascinated by Ernest Shackleton. He read everything he could about Shackleton and other polar explorers. Worsley was an avid sportsman and would have liked to become a polar explorer, but his parents convinced him that joining the army was a better choice. He trained to be an officer, and when he became a second lieutenant he modeled his leadership style after Shackleton's. He had a career in the army, a wife and two children, but he still wanted to explore the South Pole. He and two other descendants of Shackleton's party planned, trained for and went to explore Antarctica in 2008. He made one more amazing journey alone in 2015.
Tessa
A Broth of Betrayal by Connie Archer
Book Two in the Soup Lover’s Mystery series. There’s a lot going on this summer in Snowflake, Vermont. Residents are protesting a developer’s plans for a car wash in historic downtown, a skeleton is found at the construction site, the mayor goes missing, and there are a couple of murders. Yet, with all that going on, the book felt slow to me.
Donna
The Night Olivia Fell by Christina McDonald
Did she fall or was someone else involved? A mother dedicates herself to find the answer. She discovers that her secret and lies had been uncovered. I had many scenarios as to what happened, who was involved and I was wrong. This is a heart-wrenching story that brought me to tears. A very well-told story of a mother's love and the lengths she'll go to protect her child.
Betty
Seabreeze Inn by Jan Moran
Another great read by Jan Moran. I have read almost all of her books and none has disappointed me. This book is the perfect blend of mystery and romance in a spectacular setting with a tad of historical fiction thrown in. I love how the women in Jan’s stories are always intelligent and strong business women. At the core of all her books is a strong, close-knit family. The story evoked a wide range of emotions – frustration, anger, fear, jubilation, but most of all love.
Thomas
Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
Excellent book to read.
Gil
Fall From Grace by Richard North Patterson
Ben Blaine, a wealthy and famous author, falls off of a cliff to his death. Was it suicide or was he pushed? Strangely, after forty years of marriage, he rewrites his will to exclude his wife Clarice and son Teddy, and leaves the bulk of his estate to Carla his mistress. Ironically, Adam, his other son, was left some money and was named executor of the will. Adam hated his father and we find out why. Although legally bound to see that the will is carried out, Adam does not want his mother to be penniless. What does he do? If Blaine's death was murder, who did it? A very good book. It kept my interest and I could not wait to get back to it.
Marsha
Secrets of Cedar Cabin by Colleen Coble
New book in the Lavender Tides Novels. When Bailey Fleming's mother is murdered and she is forced flee for her own life, Bailey starts to untangle all the lies she has been told. A handsome FBI agent and a horrible ring of human trafficking keep the story moving quickly. Exciting ending in a mountain cabin is during a blizzard. Some familiar characters from Lavender Tides stories help tie the stories together.
Sean
Four Blind Mice by James Patterson
Another lightning fast Alex Cross novel. There were some things here that aren't normally present in the Cross books, the killer's motivations and the connection to the Vietnam War. I really enjoyed the Vietnam connection, but the killer's bloodthirsty ways didn't seem to match their motives. The book is saccharine sweet when it comes to the family scenes, not anything unusual from Patterson. Overall, a decent read that serves its purpose.
