Adult Summer Reading 2016: What our Community is Reading
Spend your summer reading great books and you can win fabulous prizes!
Reader Reviews
Looking for some great reads? Check out these recommendations from the members of our community.
- 4th of July byISBN: 9780316710602Publication Date: 2005-05-02Interesting story of a serial killer. The best part is the way he wraps it all together at the end to show how the killer committed all the murders.
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer byISBN: 9781514682050Publication Date: 2015-06-24Excellent!
I forgot how funny Twain's writing is! I loved sharing with my kids! - All Dressed in White byISBN: 9781501108556Publication Date: 2015-11-17Excellent!
I am a very big fan of Mary Higgins Clark. This is the second one in this series that I have read. I really enjoy these mystery books. This one really had me guessing until the end. I recommend it. - All Dressed in White byISBN: 9781501108556Publication Date: 2015-11-17Average
Not a very suspenseful read. The ending was disappointing. The first book, "The Cinderella Murder," was much better. - And the Dark Sacred Night byISBN: 9780307377937Publication Date: 2014-04-01Average
I enjoyed this study of a character's roots. The main character, Kit, was realistic and likable. The book, at times, was overly detailed and read too slowly, though. - Bittersweet byISBN: 9781476755410Publication Date: 2014-08-19Good!
This book is by the author of The Thorn Birds. It is the story of four adult sisters, two sets of twins, set in Australia in the 1930s. This family drama combines family ties, sisterhood, and the rich history of a beautiful country. - Catching Fire byISBN: 9780439023498Publication Date: 2009-09-01Excellent!
I was hooked after the first few pages. You can feel the emotions of Katniss as she has to choose between her life and that of the country. - Chants of a Lifetime byISBN: 9781401931377Publication Date: 2011-03-01Excellent!
What a beautiful book about devotion on the yoga path! Krishna Das tells about his early years in India with his guru and how he came to be such a devoted chanter. - The Chaperone byISBN: 9781594487019Publication Date: 2012-06-05Excellent!
Historical Fiction of the 1920's and 30's about the famous actress Louise Brooks, known for popularizing the bob haircut and the flapper aura. From her teenage beginnings to her stardom, it was an interesting read. - Chicago byISBN: 9781250061997Publication Date: 2016-03-29Poor
The book seemed to be endless chatter with no real story. There did not seem to be a middle or end. Very strange story about a guy and an apartment building and a dog that seemed human??? A lot of talk about baseball. I would not recommend this book. - Cradle to Grave byISBN: 9781250050007Publication Date: 2014-06-17Excellent!
Even though the mystery was carefully laid out and backed up by main character Will Rees's discoveries, I had no idea until the denouement who the guilty party was! - The Delany Sisters' Book of Everyday Wisdom byISBN: 9781568360423Publication Date: 1994-10-01Excellent!
Amazing story of two African-American women who live happy, healthy, and successful professional lives. Wonderful advice from these sweet sisters. - Eat, Pray, Love byISBN: 9780670034710Publication Date: 2006-02-16Average
Not enough story and sort of indulgent. It did make me want to take a year off to travel though. - Eruption byISBN: 9780393242799Publication Date: 2016-03-07Excellent!
Excellent read - tells the history of Mt. St. Helen and its eruption in 1980. The survivors tell their stories. - Everyone Brave Is Forgiven byISBN: 9781501124372Publication Date: 2016-05-03Excellent!
A story set during World War II, London, 1939, and the three main characters whose lives are affected by the war. - Far World, Book 1 byISBN: 9781590389621Publication Date: 2008-09-01Average
My 8 and 11-year old daughters liked this book, but I found it far inferior to say the Harry Potter series or Narnia books. - Felicity byISBN: 9781594206764Publication Date: 2015-10-13Excellent!
Mary Oliver is one of my favorite poets, but this book of hers is my favorite! The poems are just magical!! - The Forgotten Garden byISBN: 9781416550549Publication Date: 2009-04-07Excellent!
Engaging characters and good story. - Gemini byISBN: 9781451627930Publication Date: 2014-03-04Good!
A story about a doctor's professional and personal life and the decisions she must make. - The Goldfinch byISBN: 9780316055437Publication Date: 2013-10-22Average
I liked the characters and story line, but I felt it was too long. I found the descriptions tedious to read. - The Good Lord Bird byISBN: 9781594486340Publication Date: 2013-08-20Excellent!
The humorous tone of the narrator made this historical account of John Brown truly enjoyable! Loved the character "Little Onion!" - The Hobbit: Pocket Edition byISBN: 9780547928241Publication Date: 2012-09-18Excellent!
Excellent introduction to the world of hobbits, wizards, dwarfs, and elves -- all of Middle Earth. Suggest you read this before reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy. - Hold Still byISBN: 9780316247764Publication Date: 2015-05-12Memoir from famous photographer Sally Mann who researches her past to the present time.
- Homegoing byISBN: 9781101947135Publication Date: 2016-06-07Excellent!
Beautifully written debut novel! The story of two half sisters, Effa and Esi, living in 18th century Ghana who never actually meet. This 300 page novel weaves the stories of six generations of each sister beautifully. My favorite novel of the year so far! - The Hypnotist's Love Story byISBN: 9780425260937Publication Date: 2013-06-04Good!
I enjoyed the story. I liked the characters and how the author brings the different loves together. - If I Could Turn Back Time byISBN: 9781250043818Publication Date: 2015-07-28Excellent!
We all wonder of the path not taken. Beth Harbison explores choices and destiny with humor and insight. Well written. Worth reading. It will make you question your own life's path. Looking forward to reading her other novels. - It's Only a Movie byISBN: 9781557836922Publication Date: 2006-03-01Excellent!
Great read on Alfred Hitchcock including interviews with actors and crew who worked with him. Gives new perspective on his career and films. - Little Black Dress byISBN: 9780316276382Publication Date: 2016-07-05Good!
Very different book for this author. Definitely adult reading, erotic fantasy theme, for main character. Very surprise, weird ending. - Loving Frank byISBN: 9780345494993Publication Date: 2007-08-07Excellent!
5 Stars!
This is one of my favorite all-time favorite books! An amazing story of Frank Lloyd Wright and his long love affair with Mamah Borthwick Chency. It was interesting to see her influence on his life and work. I highly recommend. - Minding Frankie byISBN: 9780307273567Publication Date: 2011-03-01Good!
I like reading Maeve Binchy after having read several books on English history because her ordinary characters and wonderful story-telling are like sitting down with my Irish grandmother and a nice cup of tea. - My Last Continent byISBN: 9781501124709Publication Date: 2016-06-21Excellent!
Great read -- adventure, romance and terror in the frigid waters of Antarctica. - The Nest byISBN: 9780062414212Publication Date: 2016-03-22Average
The story involves four adult children fighting over their inheritance. It was not one of my favorite books. Life is too short to divide your family over money! - The Nest byISBN: 9780062414212Publication Date: 2016-03-22Good!
After a little bit of a slow beginning, this intriguing study of characters and their reliance on an inheritance hooked me till the end. - The Pillars of the Earth byISBN: 9780688046590Publication Date: 2007-12-18Excellent!
A complex and quick-moving story in a period when politics and religion clash. The characters are engaging and the twists of the plot make it difficult to put down. - Ransom River byISBN: 9780525952855Publication Date: 2012-07-05Good!
Picked up by accident - glad I did. Book is a real page-turner. When you think you have it figured out, think again. - She's Come Undone byISBN: 9780671003753Publication Date: 1996-12-01Good!
Both sad and comical. The main character breaks your heart at the beginning, and then you realize how strong she really is. - Sweet Tomorrows byISBN: 9780553391831Publication Date: 2016-08-02Average
Fast read - the saga continues at Rose Harbor Inn. Good summer read - light and easy! - Tell Me byISBN: 9780451470331Publication Date: 2014-09-16Excellent!
I think it is a great read for any tween girl trying to find her value. I'm recommending it to my daughter. - Tenth of December byISBN: 9780812993806Publication Date: 2013-01-08Poor
Depressing, weird thoughts knit together. Each short story does address an important social issue, but in such a mind-bending way that it's not empowering or motivating. - Throne of Glass byISBN: 9781599906959Publication Date: 2012-08-07Excellent!
Such a good read - a great magical, realistic fiction. Watch out! You won't be able to wait for the sequel. - The Unfaithful Queen byISBN: 9780312596910Publication Date: 2012-09-18Excellent!
A sad commentary on the life of Catherine Howard living in the Tudor reign. She marries King Henry VIII only to follow the fate of Anne Boleyn. - The Vacationers byISBN: 9781594631573Publication Date: 2014-05-29Average
Story of a dysfunctional family vacationing in Mallorca. Good beach read. - When Food Is Love byISBN: 9780452268180Publication Date: 1992-07-01Average
Interesting theory on overeating and the reason behind it. A very deep philosophy. - Where'd You Go, Bernadette: a Novel byISBN: 9780316204279Publication Date: 2012-08-14Good!
Slow start but quickly became interesting. Main character is not that great, but two side characters Audry & Soo Lin were hilarious. - The Wicked Boy byISBN: 9781594205781Publication Date: 2016-07-12Average
Mystery of two young boys in England with mental problems that end up in a lunatic asylum.
Reader Reviews
- And the Mountains Echoed byISBN: 9781410458797Publication Date: 2013-06-05Excellent!
The books brings you through generation of various family in Afghanistan. Slowly all the families become linked. Brilliant read, great insight into Afghanistan and it's people. - The Art of Asking byISBN: 9781455581085Publication Date: 2014-11-11Good!
More memoir than philosophy, but it does shine a light on the steady, slow, and random work that builds a success story. - A Bitter Truth byISBN: 9780062015709Publication Date: 2011-08-30Good!
Set in WWI Europe, this historical mystery addresses the sorrows at the battlefront and at home. A newly introduced character, Australian Sergeant Larimore, provides some exciting and unexpected relief. - Blue byISBN: 9780345531056Publication Date: 2016-01-19Good!
Good tearjerker. Gives you hope. - Carry on, Warrior byISBN: 9781451698220Publication Date: 2014-04-08Excellent
Honest, real and funny. Glennon's message made be feel better about me and gave me hope. Love - Changeling byISBN: 9781442453449Publication Date: 2012-05-29Average
This is a YA book written by an author more experienced in writing adult fiction. I expected a well written YA genre book but I feel Philippa simplified her writing for a younger audience. I think by doing so, she did a disservice to her readers. The plot and characters were entertaining and I would most likely read the sequel to see what happens next. - The Chase byISBN: 9780345543080Publication Date: 2014-02-25Excellent!
Nicholas Fox, internationally-known thief, teams up with FBI agent Kate O'Hare to uncover dangerous criminals. - City of Jackals byISBN: 9781632863270Publication Date: 2016-06-07Good!
A political mystery about refugees in Cairo. Not for the faint-hearted, but well-written and timely. Depicts prejudice in another culture. - Crimson Shore byISBN: 9781455536269Publication Date: 2015-11-10This book has skeletons and witches and monsters, oh my! It was a real page turner! Just when you thought the ending was imminent there was another twist! Great book
- A Darkness More Than Night byISBN: 9780316154079Publication Date: 2001-01-01Excellent!
Harry Bosch finds himself in trouble once again when his friend, a former FBI agent, targets Harry as the suspect in a murder investigation. - The Devil's Cold Dish byISBN: 9781250093356Publication Date: 2016-06-14Excellent :-)
I truly enjoyed Eleanor Kuhns' historical mysteries and this one clearly illustrates her devotion to research and character development - Dinner with a Perfect Stranger byISBN: 9781578569052Publication Date: 2005-07-12Excellent!
"What Would You Discuss Over Dinner with Jesus?" That's the opportunity the main character gets and what follows is their conversation on topics of life, God, faith, etc... - Everything I Never Told You byISBN: 9781594205712Publication Date: 2014-06-26Good!
While the author tells the story of the childhood impact of being partly immigrant of Asian heritage in a while society, the "hardship" incurred are normal adolescent hardships/normal adult regrets. - Evicted byISBN: 9780553447439Publication Date: 2016-03-01Good!
Hard to get through. Emotionally draining. Unrelenting misery described in excruciating detail. Vivid portrayals of poverty and endless struggles by these people to survive, to find a place to live. Unbearable! (and heartbreaking) - Excellent Sheep byISBN: 9781476702711Publication Date: 2014-08-19Excellent!
Author discusses the differences between the mindless march towards "achievement" and a true education. - Firewall byISBN: 9781400031535Publication Date: 2003-09-09Good!
An engaging mystery. Stark and spare writing style and description. The author leads you through the dedication and difficulty of living in a land of short, cold days while trying to keep life sane and humane. - The Gangster byISBN: 9780399175954Publication Date: 2016-03-01Good!
The latest in Cussler's Isaac Bell series. A lot of history and action. Orange County and Storm King and the Italian gangs. - The Gangster byISBN: 9780399175954Publication Date: 2016-03-01Excellent!
Interesting look at the first wave of Italian immigrants to America and the way the Mafia in NYC, called The Black Hand, made life more difficult for them. A Mafia boss teams up with a wealthy American businessman and plans the assassination of President Theodore Roosevelt. - Grunt byISBN: 9780393245448Publication Date: 2016-06-07Excellent!
Factual, amusing, interesting subject. - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society byISBN: 9780385341004Publication Date: 2009-05-05Excellent!
A fun, historical fiction set in 1946 England, the Isle of Guernsey, occupied by Germany during WWII. Love this book - perfect for book club readers, because it is about a book club! The afterward tells you why it truyly is a work of love! - A Hundred Summers byISBN: 9780399162169Publication Date: 2013-05-30Good!
Story is about two friends during the 1930's. There is romance, drama and the hurricane of 1938 to keep you captivated - The Hunger Games byISBN: 9780439023528Publication Date: 2010-07-01Even though I was hesitant to read this book because I grew up with "The Lottery," I became hooked by the strong characters and suspenseful ending.
- The Husband's Secret byISBN: 9780399159343Publication Date: 2013-07-30Excellent!
I enjoyed this book, especially seeing how so many different lives are connected in roundabout ways and can be affected by one person's secret. - The Hypnotist's Love Story byISBN: 9780399159107Publication Date: 2012-06-14Good!
Interesting story about a man being stalked by an ex-girlfriend. The middle got long and boring and the story seemed to be going nowhere. The ending was a bit of a surprise! - In the Unlikely Event byISBN: 9781101875049Publication Date: 2015-06-02Excellent!
I love the time the story took place - 1951. I was unaware that 3 planes crashed within months of each other right near Newark. It was a very good read - I couldn't put it down. - An Irish Country Courtship byISBN: 9780765321749Publication Date: 2010-09-28Excellent!
Part of a gentle series. Well read by John Keating on C.D. Life in a small Irish town in the mid 1960's (Start from the beginning - An Irish Country Doctor). - Journey to Munich byISBN: 9780062220608Publication Date: 2016-03-29Excellent!
Latest in the Maisie Dobbs series. Between the wars espionage and intrigue, and the rise of the Third Reich. - Killing Lincoln byISBN: 9780805093070Publication Date: 2011-09-27Good!
I learned so many more details behind the assassination of President Lincoln. This book is very thorough, but easy to follow. I really liked reading the history behind this event, from the author's perspective. - Losing Matt Shepard byISBN: 9780231118583Publication Date: 2000-09-26Good!
This reads in some places like a text book. The author is a professor. The details are many, sad, true. - The Lost Symbol byISBN: 9781400079148Excellent!
Fast-moving and suspenseful. It held my interest throughout and made me want to visit these places myself. - The Lost Tudor Princess byISBN: 9780345521392Publication Date: 2016-01-12Excellent!
The story of Margaret Douglas told using many of the letters that she wrote showing a very strong and fearless woman. - The Marvels byISBN: 9780545448680Publication Date: 2015-09-15Excellent!
I love his books because the way he develops story is art. His drawings are beautiful and create a world you can't wait to explore. - Murder on Lexington Avenue byISBN: 9780425234372Publication Date: 2010-06-01Excellent!
I love the Gaslight Mysteries for their glimpses into old-time NYC. This one was an interesting story about the deaf schools during that time. - My Lady Jane byISBN: 9780062391742Publication Date: 2016-06-07Excellent!
This book was so good! It kept true to the Tudor line in England, all for a little magic in the middle. A great read. - No One Could Have Guessed the Weather byISBN: 9780399160219Publication Date: 2013-06-13Average
This book tells the story of several friends living in Manhattan. Needed a little more plot. - Once a Crooked Man byISBN: 9781250080455Publication Date: 2016-01-12Good!
Written by David McCallum, the man From U.N.C.LE. Entertaining NYC crime caper with mafia, money-laundering and hapless N.Y. actor - One Day byISBN: 9780307474711Publication Date: 2010-06-15Good!
A cute, fun to read summer book. Witty and light reading. Slightly unrealistic, but that's OK too. - One Day at a Time byISBN: 9780385340298Publication Date: 2009-02-24Good!
Hopeful - Gives the reader hope as you watch Coco through her journey. - Ordinary Life byISBN: 9780679437468Publication Date: 2002-02-19Good!
The short stories were relatable and just short/long enough for a pool session outside - Pegasus byISBN: 9780345530974Publication Date: 2014-10-28Excellent!
Set just before WWII in Germany, you feel the influence of Hitler on two wealthy families and their connections through generations - Property of a Noblewoman byISBN: 9780345531063Publication Date: 2016-03-15Excellent!
Awesome - life is a circle; people are connected. Interesting to follow the web. - A Question of Honor byISBN: 9780062237156Publication Date: 2013-08-27Excellent!
An absolutely fantastic mystery from the Todd's Bess Crawford series. In addition to the intriguing plot, the reader learns much about W.W.I. (turn to page 80 for the stark contrast between British and German trenches.) - Rose Water and Orange Blossoms byISBN: 9780762454860Publication Date: 2015-04-28Good!
Very interesting cookbook, Middle Eastern spices and recipes. Love the way she describes food. - Sarah's Child byISBN: 9781551666204Publication Date: 2000-12-01Excellent!
What a story! Mixed emotions! Misunderstandings! and, finally, True Love! This story had me almost crying from sadness and happiness. - Shadowfell byISBN: 9780375969546Publication Date: 2012-09-11Excellent!
If you are into fantasy trilogies that are well-developed and written, then this series is for you. Shadowfell (Book 1) is an excellent read. The book is based in a time and place where evil kings rule and people/good folk (fairies) need to work together to defeat the ruling king. - The Silent Wife byISBN: 9780143123231Publication Date: 2013-06-25Average
The book had a great premise, but it took too long to hook me because of the tedious details given about the characters' everyday lives. - The Silk Roads byISBN: 9781101946329Publication Date: 2016-02-16Excellent!
An up-to-date history as seen from the Middle East and Asia. Well-written and thought-provoking for those of us looking at history as viewed by the events in Europe. - These High, Green Hills byISBN: 9780670869343Publication Date: 1996-08-01Excellent!
Part of a series, I enjoyed Father Tim's and new wife Cynthia's challenges as they figure out how to live as an older married couple in Mitford. It has good humor. - They May Not Mean to, but They Do byISBN: 9780374280130Publication Date: 2016-06-07Excellent!
Anyone dealing with elderly parents or who is an elderly parent will laugh and cry in equal measure. It examines old age and life and death - across all generations - with humor and pathos. Loved it! - Twenty Wishes byISBN: 9780778325505Publication Date: 2008-05-01Good!
This was a nice vacation read, light and with a happy ending. I enjoyed that it was a romance where the main character found a daughter, not a partner. - An Unmarked Grave byISBN: 9780062015723Publication Date: 2012-06-05Good!
I truly enjoy the historical fiction genre. This series provides a very compassionate look at WWI Europe. The downside of this book was the convoluted use of characters - Vinegar Girl byISBN: 9780804141260Publication Date: 2016-06-21Excellent!
A contemporary retelling of "The Taming of the Shrew", it also stands on its own as a delightful, witty and yet poignant story of a young lady finding happiness - loved it! - What Alice Forgot byISBN: 9781410475046Publication Date: 2015-01-28Excellent!
Love this book! Alice has an accident and cannot remember the past 10 years of her life. A thought provoking story. - When in Doubt, Add Butter byISBN: 9780312599096Publication Date: 2012-07-17Excellent!
Picked up this book by chance and LOVED it! A nice blend of humor, story, and a plot twist to keep you interested! - Wonder byISBN: 9780375869020Publication Date: 2012-02-14Excellent!
This is one of the best YA books I've read in a long time! The main character is brave, spunky, and believable, and the story-line is realistic, although about a tough subject.