Halfway through the Adult Summer Reading Program - Libraries Rock!

This week we had 25 reviews from nine readers – nine more reviews than last week.  Looks like people are really getting into relaxing with a good book.  This week we had another marathon reader who polished off two series of books by one author and four more besides – twelve in total.    I envy her determination!  And surprisingly (sadly for her) she did not win the prize drawing even though half of the tickets were hers, so there’s hope for all readers to win a prize no matter how many reviews you submit.

A few titles came in only with ratings and no review.  They were Red Sparrow by Jason Matthews (5¯) and Beneath the Honeysuckle Vine by Marcia Lynn McClure (3¯).  Four titles were submitted without a review or a rating but these are newer titles by popular authors: Sundays at Tiffany by James Patterson with Gabrielle Charbonnet, Private Vegas by James Patterson with Maxine Paetro and The Pact by Jodie Piccoult.

This is what the other readers had to say about the books they read:

The Killing Edge – Heather Graham (4¯) – “The author successfully combines murder, mystery and romance with a religious cult, swimwear models and the occult thrown in for good measure.”

The English Girl – Daniel Silva (5¯) – “International spy thriller, [featuring Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon], set in Britain, Corsica, Israel and Russia, has many twists and turns that keep the reader engrossed throughout.  Highly recommended.”

Under Cover – Danielle Steele (NR) – “Great Book. Exciting and filled with action.”

The Morning They Came for Us – Janine DiGiovanni (5¯) – “Truly describes the struggles, challenges and loss people feel as they live in a war-torn country.  A book that involves emotion and gives readers a direct image on the conditions in Syria.  Very impactful and strong message for the need for peace, happiness and just a ‘normal’ day of life.”

Native Son – Richard Wright (4¯) - “Very powerful read about a young man who struggles to make a living in an oppressed world.  Feeling trapped by society’s expectations, family obligations and the stereotypical viewpoint of an African American, he sets out to be different.  The ending is sad but a close image to the reality of the time period.”

Pax Britannica – Jan Morris (4¯) – “This is a nonfiction text detailing the mentality and materiality of Victorian England in an era described as ‘Pax Britiannia.’  It is a bit dry, in terms of non-academic nonfiction, but highly informative.  Every sentence brings with it new revelation.”

Our most voracious reader this week polished off two series of books by the author Bec McMasters.  The first is a five book series called the “London Steampunk” series.  The second, by the same author, is titled “The Dark Arts Trilogy.”  According to Goodreads.com, there are some other books that fit into the first series.  One before the first book, a prequel, two after the first book and one after the third book.  I am not sure if they were written in sequence or the author just wanted to have more fun with the characters and the setting.  Warning, there may be some spoilers in the following reviews. 

Kiss of Steal (Book 1 of the “London Steampunk” Series) – Bec McMaster (2¯) – “This could have been better.  The characters, while not one-dimensional, come across as a bit flat.  I felt they were more exposition and description than expression or (meaningful) dialogue.  The setting was intriguing and the epidemiological component was fascinating.  I am excited to read more of the series and see how the overreaching plot develops.  I could see the plot twists a mile away, though, but it was exciting to read the chase nonetheless.”

Heart of Iron (Book 2 of the “London Steampunk” Series) – Bec McMaster (3¯) – “This one was far better than the first in terms of character depiction and development.  Will and Lena’s motivations were much better written.  Also, the descriptions of the city and its transport system were particularly intriguing.  I would have a battle of the cars and platforms but, for now, shall settle with roof-top fights.”

My Lady Quicksilver (Book 3 of the “London Steampunk” Series) – Bec McMaster (3¯) – “This author’s writing improves with every book in the series.  Jasper and Bose have wonderful chemistry along with their character development.  I love how the author seems to gain new skills with each book.  It is like both the world, the conspiracies and the characters became more intricate the further the narrative goes.  As always, the descriptions of the scenery, specifically, are constantly detailed and I found Rosalind’s care for her siblings (blood and adopted) very touching.  Ingrid is amazing.”

Forged By Desire (Book 4 of the “London Steampunk” Series) – Bec McMaster (4¯) – “This one was definitely the funniest so far.  I laughed multiple times while reading this.  Again, I could see the twist from a mile away, but I loved the banter and how the main pairing act as foils for each other, while all the protagonists have their foils.  This one was especially interesting since they both share the same occupation.  Perry was wonderful and her sentiments were reminiscent of those felt by women of many ages.  So it was rather sweet that things worked out for her.  I appreciate how the heroine had a panic disorder.  Such things are so rare in romance.”

Of Silk and Steam (Book 5 of the “London Steampunk” Series) – Bec McMaster (4¯) – “This series gets better and better.  I decided I would finish it in a week and here I am!  Leo and Mina had me in stitches. Especially because they are both such strong-willed stubborn idiots.  I did not see some of the twists, probably because I was either laughing or heavily invested in Mina’s wardrobe.  One can only wish for such fancy dresses.  Nonetheless, I liked how the roles were reversed with Mina being the one to be all broody and ‘reveal depths’ or whatever.  And the Zeppelins!  I love fictional aeronautics and the staple airship scene in this steampunk novel did not disappoint.”

Shadowbound (Book 1 of the “Dark Arts Trilogy”) – Bec McMaster (3¯) – “I will probably be done with all of this author’s books by the end of this week.  The best thing about these are that the chapters would work excellently as a serialized publication, so I can get stuff done without completely losing track of the plot.  I like how lush the descriptions of magic are, and how the single mom thing was handled.  I wonder how being a doctor in this world would be considering how often they seem to hurt themselves.”

Hexbound (Book 2 of the “Dark Arts Trilogy”) – Bec McMaster (3¯) – “This one was a bit of a disappointment character-wise after all the other ones.  They felt one-dimensional and flat.  I felt like one was pure trauma and the other pure idealism.  The romance felt shoehorned into the plot instead of being seamless.  Although I like the chess metaphor, the novel felt rushed and rough.  The characters felt more like tropey-trite plot devices than anything else.”

Soulbound (Book 32 of the “Dark Arts Trilogy”) – Bec McMaster (2¯) – “Verity is the soul of wit. (This is a cleaver pun.)  I found her antics amusing and it was nice that she was the racist thief and he the bookish prude (and he had good reason, but still).  I will probably crack up every time I see a billiards table, now.  She had me in stitches.  The plot thickened in this one and while the ending was a bit sad, I am at least glad my favorite characters all seem amicable at the least.  Also, the old woman is definitely MVP.  I love how the author included LG character and actually gives them relevance, capabilities and happy endings.”

Bygone Badass Broads – Mackenzi Lee (5¯) – “This book had lovely illustrations accompanied by fascinating mini-biographies of different historical women.  I appreciated how the author drew from across time and space and held to tell these stories.  It was also nice to learn about women not typically featured in such compendiums (there are only so many times one can read how Marie Curie died from radiation or Queen Elizabeth I’s presumed virginity), like Emily Warren Roebling (she built the Brooklyn Bridge) or Trung sisters (they freed Vietnam from the Han Dynasty.)”

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue – Mackenzi Lee (5¯) – “I rarely see novels that crack me up quite as much as this one did.  Monty is an absolute idiot and cad but somehow, I still end up rooting for him.  I appreciate that everyone who loves him calls him out for his idiocy and that he develops and grows as a character. Felicity was also fantastic.  I have a soft spot for stubborn, smart lady doctors in fiction and it was an absolute delight to watch her hold her own in the face of the comically absurd amount of tribulations the intrepid trio faced.  This book is wonderful, especially because it blends science fiction, adventure and romance.”

A Shiver of Blue – Everly Frost (4¯) – “Typical Gothic horror but for a young adult audience and set in rural America. Interestingly the isolation also serves to set the narrative out of time.  The effect is pretty disorienting and makes the story seem a bit like magical realism.  Not for hardcore Gothic romance fans but deeply satisfying for pure Gothic lovers.  It is heavily influenced by the American tradition, complete with mounted heads of deceased animals and ominous wooded cabins.  The twist is far from predictable and the confrontations were visceral and evocative.”

One Crazy Summer – Rita Williams-Garcia (3¯) – “It was interesting in the historical context of this story as it takes place in California in the summer of 1968 – a very turbulent time in our country’s history [and the year that South Brunswick Public library was founded].  It follows the journey/adventures of 3 young black girls who travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother who is involved with the Black Panthers.  The girls learn more about the causes of civil rights and social justice while also getting to know their mysterious mother.  It was an interesting story but, at times, a bit far-fetched, because the girls had to fend for themselves so much of the time.  By today’s standard, this would have been considered parental neglect.”

Clock Dance – Ann Tyler (4¯) – “The story was interesting and I enjoyed getting to know the characters at the end, however, an afterward would have been appreciated because the last scene in the airport left you hanging.”  Maybe it was set up to be a serial – like a cliffhanger?

The Lido –Libby Page (5¯) – “What a lovely story.  Great characters and a hopeful message.”  Editors note: Nice to know…it seems that stories with hopeful messages are few and far between.

Happy Reading!  You have three more weeks to submit your reviews to be eligible to win the weekly prize drawing and to attend the end of summer party on August 18, when the program ends for this summer. 

July 21 Reviews

This week, we had only four readers but we had sixteen book reviews submitted!  That’s because we had one reader who submitted four reviews and our most avid reader this summer submitted eight reviews!  Out of sixteen books, two different reviewers noted the stories were based on Romeo and Juliet.  It would be impossible to figure out how many books and stories have been based on that story – in fact on how many are based on any Shakespeare plays.  One of the other reviews compared the book they read to the Twelfth Night.  I think, if my memory serves me, Shakespeare borrowed the plotline for Romeo and Juliet (and probably many of his plays) on another even earlier author’s work.  Some themes are timeless!

Ninth Girl – Tami Hoag (NR) - “This is a very good book.  Very well written and it kept my interest.  I have read many books by this author and they are all great.”

The Pack – Jodi Picoult (NR) – “Good book; not her best though.  Sad story but I am sure these things happen.  It is like Romeo and Juliet.”

Eleanor & Park – Rainbow Rowell (5¯) - “Eleanor reunites with her mother and siblings after her step-father threw her out of the family for about a year.  As the new girl, Eleanor suffers from bullying from her fellow high-school companions, starting from day one on the bus to school.  Park and Eleanor strike up an unlikely friendship and teenage romance by bonding over comic books and music.  Unfortunately, Eleanor’s home situation threatens to divide them.  This emotional read gives a different take on a Romeo and Juliet story of star-crossed love.”

Talon (YA) – Julie Kagawa (4¯) - “Dragons live undercover among humans in this first in a series.  Ember and her brother Dante have the chance to spend a summer “free” of the organization known as Talon and just be ‘normal’ teenagers.  However, like regular human teenagers, Ember encounters all sorts or reasons to rebel against authority when she meets a rogue named Ridley.  She also finds young love with Garrett who harbors secrets of his own.  This story is full of action-paced storytelling and good character development with a spot-on cliffhanger that tantalizes the reader to search out the rest of the series.”

By Invitation Only – Dorothea Benton Frank (4¯) - “This book highlights two very different families – one who have owned and worked a farm for generations in South Carolina and the second who lives the ritzy life in Chicago.  They are brought together by the upcoming marriage of their kids.  Told mostly from the side of the mothers of the bride and groom, Susan and Diane.  This tale shows the good and the bad of united two very socially and culturally distinct groups of people.  All in all, the book has a rather predictable storyline and outcome that the author does a good job of foreshadowing, but the importance of the family shines as the central theme.”

All the Light We Cannot See – Anthony Doerr (5¯) - “In this story set during WWII, the author takes a different tract to tell the individual stories of Werner, an orphaned German boy who has a knack for fixing electronics, especially radios; and Marie-Laurie, a French girl who is blind and lives with her father.  The reader has a chance to view the ware from the perspective of children, as well as to see how the existence of radio drastically influenced the methods of communication and warfare.  Radios had a large impact on how WWII differed from all previous wars.  It is further interesting how the story is told chronologically except for the interludes from August 1944, marking that as a central and important turning point to each character.”

Christmas at the Little Beach Street Bakery – Jenny Colgan (5¯) - “For this third and perhaps final installment of the Little Beach Street Bakery series, all of the beloved characters show up for Christmastime mayhem.  Between babies and meeting people the characters never thought they would encounter, Polly and company still search for that happily ever after.  All in all, it is a little bitter-sweet to say good-bye to these characters, but rest assured that Colgan gave them an ‘ending’ fit to satisfy loyal readers.  A Merry Christmas indeed."

Shelter in Place – Nora Roberts (4¯) - “Ms. Roberts’ novel spooks with how it rings true to fears of the present society.  Beginning with a mall mass shooting, set in 2005, this story follows the characters over a decade later as apparently the event did not conclude completely in that night.  The tale is rich with relationships built by shared experience, how experiences can alter previously expected futures and how somethings the real danger comes from unexpected sources.  Truly a cautionary and relevant story to our times, as we have experience an increase in gun violence and planned shootings of innocent civilians, especially this year.”

Enchantress of Numbers – Jennifer Chiaverini (4¯) - “A wonderful addition to the literature of fictionalized real-life women; this historical novelization of the story of Ada Byron, countess of Lovelace, serves as an inspiration to women pursuing careers in mathematics (and science). Told primarily (after the opening chapter) from the first person perspective of Ada herself, this tale balances her secluded and trying childhood under constant disappointment of her mother.  Ada’s joy of learning math, her fascination with the ‘Difference Engine’ designed by her friend and her marriage and children come to life in this story.  This is a read for those looking to learn more about obscure women of history and an inspiration to those women in typically ‘male’ professions.”

The Best Kind of People – Zoe Whittal (5¯) - “An accusation of rape/sexual harassment of a long-time revered high school teacher threatens to shake up a small, high-society community.  Told through the perspectives of the accused’s wife, daughter and son, this story deals with various struggles and relationships between family and friends as people search for truth and seek a new idea of identity in the midst of the current situation.  Who really are ‘the best kind of people?’”

Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard – Kiran Desai (NR) - “This was a hilarious novel that remains relevant in its scathing take-down of the Indian fascination with God men.  It follows the adventures of a slightly dimwitted boy, his curious sister, eccentric mother and the rest of the towns folk.  And there are drunk monkeys, which is always fun.”

The Power – Naomi Alderman (5¯) - “This book was an interesting inversion of the current social climate.  I liked how the author used different viewpoints to interrogate the effects of race and gender on opportunity and life experiences.  It combined a critique of religion, politics, media and the people behind them very effectively into a sci-fi novel.  I wouldn’t really consider it dystopian since it so heavily parallels contemporary reality with the sole exception of superpowers.”

Bad Feminist – Roxanne Gay (NR) - “While I did not agree with all of Gay’s opinions and perspectives, this is one of the best and most balanced books to come in a while.  I appreciate how she takes the time to include personal anecdotes while still admitting that she is learning along with the rest of us.  Definitely intersectional, too.”

The Girl Who Was a Gentleman – Anna Jane Greenville (NR) - “This was a really cute Victorian romance that, while a bit tropey or trite in its twelfth-night-esque girl-as-boy plotline, did attempt to address the norms and societal biases of the time.  Really cut, if a bit angsty in some parts, but how better to describe young love?”

Gathering of Secrets – Linda Cashillo (4¯) - “I © Linda Castillo’s Amish mysteries!  Full of suspense, twists and turns. Kate Burkholder, Chief of Police, is a great character – so likeable.  I never guess the killer – always keeps me guessing.”

Commencement – Courtney Sullivan (3¯) - “This is J. Courtney Sullivan’s debut novel.  Not nearly as good as her latest novels.  Tells the story of four friends at Smith College and continues during their later years.  I didn’t really relate to the characters but it did get you thinking about friendships, feminism and relationships in general.”

Great  reviews everyone.  Keep on rocking and reading.  Libraries Rock!

Week Two Reviews

In our second week in the Libraries Rock Adult Summer Teading program we had 17 reviews submitted by seven readers.  The winner of last week's drawing submitted another five reviews - she is obviously a voracious reader!  Thanks to everyone who submitted reviews this week.  The winner of the drawing will be notified.  Our first winner selected the Lenox "Sunflower" vase as her prize.  Check out the selection in the showcase just inside the front door.

There were a few readers who just submitted titles - some with a numeric rating indicated by circling musical notes on the form.  The books they have read and their ratings if they were included are: Once Upon a Time There was You by Elizabeth Berg (4 notes); Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (5 notes); Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson, Born a Crime by Trevor Noah and The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende (4 notes).   We also had a reader who submitted Quick and Easy Quilts by Lynne Goldsworthy.  I know she is a quilter and this is one of our newer books on machine quilting.  Born a Crime was the book that was discussed at the Wednesday Coffee and Conversation Book Group this week and it sounded like it was an interesting and surprisingly funny true story about a mixed-race young man growing up in a land and time, South Africa during apartheid, when it was a crime for his parents to be together and have a child.

There were also a few reviews of mystery or detective thrillers:

Crash and Burn by Lisa Gardener - "When a thrice-concussed woman begins to recover fragmented memories from her traumatic past, a police detective and a private investigator team up to unravel mysteries past and present, real and imagined.  Excellent suspense with well-developed characters and intriguing plot; just when you think you have a handle on the situation, another revelation throws your theory right out the window.  Highly recommended.  Five notes."

Dark Summer by Iris Johansen - "When a devoted vet treats a wounded search and rescue dog, she unwittingly becomes a target in a deadly international race for a mystic panacea with unlimited potential.  Strong characters and lots of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing who should be trusted. Four notes."

And there were some noteworthy non-fiction and biographical titles:

Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher - "Sad, funny, truthful - refreshing honesty about mental illness. Four notes."

Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher - "Funny and easy to read.  As a Star Wars fan, I really enjoyed it. Five notes."

Brain Maker by David Perlmutter - "Scary eye-opening book everyone should read to learn how to eat in a way to assist our brains and overall health."

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer - "I did not love this book.  We will never know why the protagonist Chris McCandless died and this book is all about the speculation as to why.  I feel the book glorifies this foolish young man.  Four notes."

Last week's winner submitted a few more titles in the juvenile and young adult science fiction series she reads.  The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani (juvenile) is "another wonderful addition to the new trend of books re-imagining fairy tales.  The first in the story of Sophie and Agatha, this book shows how the concepts of Good and Evil are not necessarily as black and white as one might think.  There are wise lessons that children (and adults) can learn from the many themes of this book.  Looking forward to see what happens to Sophie and Agatha in the subsequent books. Four notes."  Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo (young adult): "While a nice wrap-up to the duology begun in Six of Crows, there are parts where the action stagnates and the story slows to make it tougher to get through.  It was nice to see character perspectives not utilized in the previous book, and the reader is left wondering what will happen to the characters in the future.  A great addition to Bardugo's books already set in the fictional Grishaverse. Four notes."  Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (young adult) (first book in the six book Throne of Glass series) - "Who can find fault with a story about a female assassin?  This first of several tales set in a science fiction locale will entrance readers with fast-paced action and a solidly plotted story.  The biggest fault is that the assassin has two boys who develop feelings for her way to early in the saga; waiting a book or two for romance would have given time to show how the lead could be a strong, independent woman without the need for a 'princely' foil. Five notes." 

The same reviewer also read:  Summer at the Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan (series started with Little Beach Street Bakery) - "Colgan's continuation of Polly's story hits the mark for good plotting and continued character development.  Polly still struggles to find the 'happily ever after' all humans yearn for.  Best part is that we get to join the next adventures of Neil the Puffin. Four notes."  And The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest by Melanie Dickerson (part of the Medieval Fairy Tale Series) -  "A charming story set in the 1300's in what will become today's Germany.  While predictable for the most part, the fun is learning how Odette and Jorgan overcome the many obstacles to their future happiness. Three notes."

All adults are welcome to submit a form for every book read.  The entry form can be printed from the library website page for summer reading at https://www.sbpl.info/adults/summer-read-adults/ or  copies can be picked up in the library.  There should be plenty of copies available next to the drop boxes at the Information Desk and at the Check-out Desk.

Good luck and happy reading!

Libraries Rock is the Summer Reading Theme for 2018.  Stop here weekly to read some of the reviews that our patrons are submitting about the books they are reading.  Every review submitted is entered into a prize drawing each Saturday, through the end of August.  Get the official form in the library or online on our website at https://www.sbpl.info/adults/summer-read-adults/.

This week,  five readers submitted reviews for 10 books they had read and enjoyed. 

One of our frequent reviewers read Mrs. Fletcher by Tom Perrotta.  She says that it is a "good casual read"; however, she reports that she read The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand in two days, "...couldn't put it down."

One reviewer read So Long, See You Tomorrow by William Maxwell and The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, a classic, while someone else read A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas which is another installment of her series A Court of Thorn and Roses.

Another reviewer submitted four titles - two very serious non-fiction: Asperger's Children: The Origins of Autism in Nazi Vienna by Edith Sheffer and Fascism: A Warning by Madeleine Albright.  Regarding the former, she says, "This is a difficult read because it involves children systematically sent to die during the years of the Nazi regime.  The author presents a compelling argument about Asperger's complexity in sending children to their deaths as he worked she worked within the ideological framework of Hitler's epoch."  She reports the later is "...a brilliant read for those who question why history matters.  Albright features multiple regimes starting with Mussolini and Hitler to Putin and the fear that Trump could slide into a new version of Fascism."  Not your typical beach reads! 

The same reviewer also read some lighter titles.  She writes about the young adult book Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard: "the second in the Red Queen series [which] picks up and continues the action of Mare's story [from the first book The Red Queen] to figure out where she fits in."  The reviewer is looking forward to the third book in the series, King's Cage, to find out what happens to Mare and the Scarlet Guard after the cliffhanger of this book."  The author, Victoria Aveyard, writes about her Red Queen series on her website https://www.victoriaaveyard.com/red-queen-series/:  "The...series is a quartet of books, including two novellas, all published by HarperTeen at HarperCollins. The amount of books can make reading order confusing, so I suggest reading Red Queen, Glass Sword, the novellas Queen Song and Steel Scars (featured in the physical edition Cruel Crown), followed by King's Cage." The fourth and final book in the series was released in May 2018.

The second "lighter read" by the same reviewer is also an installment of a series: Death Doesn't Bargain, book two of A Deadman's Cross series by Sherrilyn Kenyon.  She says, this book "....picks up with the cliffhanger from Book 1 and leaves a tantalizing cliffhanger of its own.  Good character development and fast-paced reading makes this an enjoyable adventure."

For anyone who might want to give this book a try from that recommendation, the author writes on her webpage https://www.sherrilynkenyon.com/book/death-doesnt-bargain/, "While the books don’t have to be read in order, if you read Death Doesn't Bargain first, you will have certain facts that are “shockers” that some would consider to be SPOILERS for Deadman Walking.  So if you’re a stickler about SPOILERS, please take note and avoid reading Death Doesn't Bargain until after you’ve read Deadman Walking.  The third book in this series, At Death's Door," is not yet published.  Sherrilyn Kenyon is a #1 New York Times Best Selling author and prolific writer of fantasy novels in series.  An article in Wikipedia characterizes her writing as being "urban fantasy and paranormal romance."

The last recommendation, for In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware, says "Great suspense novel in the Agatha Christie mystery style!"

That's all for this week.  Check back next Saturday to see what else your neighbors are reading and what they recommend.  Happy reading and remember, Libraries Rock!