Adult Summer Reading Game 2017: What our Community is Reading

Rating: Excellent
This book is well-written and documented. Readers interested in archaeology would like this book. Discusses another link in human ancestry.

Rating: Excellent
True love they say - inseparable and happily married. But is it more than meets the eye? Riveting - kept me on the edge of my seat. I was yelling at the book like they could hear me!

Rating: Average
Ivanka's success is well known, but there are some interesting facts and quotes from other famous people as well as entrepreneurs.

Rating: Excellent
Mary DiNunzio, a lawyer, is determined to help a ten-year-old boy, Patrick O'Brien, who's in trouble at school and has lost his only family member, his grandfather. Many surprises!

Rating: Good
This historical romance focuses on a young woman who is haunted by her past and believes she is cursed from true love.

Rating: Excellent
An unforgettable book about the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. It is compared to Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." I should have read it in high school, but it was not available. I highly recommend it.

Rating: Excellent
This is a book about relationships and how to navigate them as a teenager when you are sick. Good story.

Rating: Good
Another Evanovich romp - new characters Knight & Moon solve a 100-year-old secret guarded by the federal government. Typical comedic situations, of course. And love interests too!

Rating: Excellent
Brought to mind my trip south in the 50s and 60s -- dirt roads and warm, sultry nights, lazy days and soothing calm, intelligent strength and ignorant force. This book makes you think, if you're intelligent.

Rating: Excellent
An aging Hollywood star wants to tell the story of her scandalous life. She asks an unknown journalist to write it. Her story takes place from the 50s to the 80s and tells of her seven husbands and an unexpected relationship.

Rating: Good
I couldn't put the book down. Read it in one evening. It was a nail biter, reading about him being alone in the ocean with just his boots for floats.

I picked this book on a whim. Now I am reading the series. If you are fans of the show "Bones," you'll love the book.

Rating: Excellent
I loved how Abbott sucked me into the world of teenage angst and high school. Minor dramas and significant ones. Her characters were so well portrayed!

Rating: Good
This newest installment to the world of Sarah and Frank was good, but I didn't feel as sucked in as in the many previous books. Also, it was easy to guess, as she'd written of the same type of crime before.

Rating: Excellent
First book in a new series. The story of three friends traveling through life together. Her story is poignant, funny, lighthearted. Kept me intrigued with romance and heartbreak. Love how her characters are all intertwined. Looking forward to her next book in the series.

Rating: Excellent
Once again, Lisa Scottoline has made a page turner anyone who likes mysteries should enjoy. A step-family has difficulty accepting a death, which leads to many mysteries to solve and a family to reunite.

Rating: Excellent
Once again, this author has written a real page turner. It involves high school boys and a terrorist plot, as well as emotional feelings.

Rating: Excellent
Lindsay Boxer and the Women's Murder Club are my favorite Patterson series. Fast paced -- read it in 3 days.

Rating: Excellent
A quick read about a young woman overcoming survival guilt. Interesting to watch her change through the different people who come into her life.

Rating: Good
Story of a young girl and her journey through adolescence and her relationships with her mother, grandmother, and peers.

Rating: Excellent
Set during the Civil War and revolves around the death of Willie Lincoln, Abe Lincoln's son. A beautiful meditation on grief. The writing style is unusual and takes a while to get used to. I highly recommend reading it along with the audio book. It has over 100 narrators and is wonderful!

Rating: Excellent
Audiobook format
The narrator is Death at a time when death dominated the scene. A little girl in Nazi Germany steals a book in a graveyard where her brother is being buried. More happens that cannot be written here due to lack of space. Now I want to read the print book.

Rating: Good
Silverman is funny in an introspective, sarcastic way. Her jokes are deep if you care to look and think about them.

Rating: Excellent
This mystery series set in the Shetland Islands is steeped in the haunting landscape of a land where the sun never really sets at night. Fabulous characterizations and interesting plot line.

Rating: Excellent
I loved this collection of short stories that followed the lives of Nora and her mother, Ruby. It was an interesting way to tell a story and the characterizations were wonderfully written.

Rating: Good
Just like her character Lorelai from the Gilmore Girls, the book is random, fast paced, and quirky. If you are interested in the Gilmore Girls or
Parenthood, Lauren provides some great stories.

Rating: Good
Reads like Gilmore Girls -- fast and quick thinking. Read if you love/like the TV series or Hollywood.

Rating: Average
Lots of history of the North American continent that is not commonly known. Some far-fetched guesses too.

Rating: Good
Good book, but lots of blanks in the early time line and only glances at his presidency. Mostly about his Civil War years.

Rating: Good
Interesting inside look at the life of Prince Charles from birth to present and how he has spent more than 60 years waiting to be king.

Rating: Good
Great read to give young people a role model. Girls can find out about overcoming hardships.

Rating: Good
The perfect summer read! Two short stories filled with hope and adventure.

Rating: Excellent
I have never read a book by this author before. Now I want to read them all. In spite of the ugly side of humanity that is part of this book, there is great beauty and love to be found in its pages.

Rating: Good
Audiobook
An unusual look at growing up in South Africa during apartheid and after. Interesting look at race relations in South Africa. Read well by the author.

Rating: Excellent
This was a quick read. The main character, Hanneke, demonstrated how easy it was to be oblivious to the atrocities during WW II but stepped up in a way we all hope we would if faced with the same circumstances.

Rating: Average
I am usually a fan, but thought that the plot was convoluted and, in some instances, difficult to follow. Ms. Jackson is usually more straightforward in her narrative.

Rating: Excellent
I loved this book! I thought it was a real page turner! Enjoyed it because it wasn't the usual/typical summer read. There were some twists that made me laught.

Rating: Good
I enjoyed reading this book. Read it in a few hours. About a woman who finds the strength to start over more than once.

Rating: Good
Graphic Novel
It's been said that Eisner revolutionized comics with "A Contract with God." Funny it is not. Artwork is outstanding. Characters are real. Plot is set in a Jewish neighborhood in the Bronx during the Depression. This book held my interest and left me emotionally drained.

Rating: Average
Audiobook
Maybe I've read too many stories of finding inner peace, etc. I found this to be a little overwhelming in regard to the characters (the deification of 3 humans representing the Holy Trinity). Yes, I found it heretical, but also healing.

Having been to Savannah many times, I enjoyed the descriptions of the city. J.D. Horn's decision to choose Savannah as the setting for magic and mystery was perfect. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series to unravel more about the Taylor witching family.

Rating: Excellent
Great read! While on a family vacation, 6 children get kidnapped. Very exciting story.

Rating: Good
A classic example of an English country house murder mystery. An early (1922) example of the genre. Fun, locked room plot by the creator of Winnie-the-Pooh.

Rating: Good
Interesting story about a policeman who was down and out, but then surprises everybody with a comeback.

Rating: Excellent
This was such a lovely retelling of the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast." McKinley is an excellent young adult fantasy author, and her magical version of this story didn't disappoint!

Rating: Excellent
What a wonderful YA author! This funny, yet touching, portrayal of teens at a boarding school in Alabama, centers on the central charismatic Alaska Young and her circle of friends.

Rating: Excellent
Another delightful story by Sophie Kinsella. Twenty-ish Katie has what she thinks is the perfect life in London, but when she is needed back home on the family farm, what began to unravel in London comes together. . . happiness, career success and, of course, romance.

Rating: Good
For a lover of Jane Austen's books, this is a treasure of information as to settings and her family's ups and downs. Enriches the reading of her novels.

Rating: Excellent
I read this book because of the reviews of others in this program. What a great thriller - I read it in one day!

Rating: Good
I love "getting inside" a character's mind. In this case, Christopher helped me understand the mind of an autistic child.

Rating: Excellent
A story of four generations set in western Montana. The family business is horses. Stunning tale of how blood ties can save us or destroy us. One of Nora Roberts' best books. Kept me wanting more.

Rating: Good
A suspense novel about a bombing of a marathon, as in Boston. Involves current elements of our society -- terrorism, anti-Muslim bigotry, and the alt-right. Not for the politically sensitive, but a good read for fans of Freeman's Jonathan Stride books. See for yourself.

Rating: Excellent
Wonderful versions of long-ago fairy tales. Very colorful illustrations - beautiful.

Rating: Good
As usual, the book was better than the movie! I loved the idea of all things working together to bring a dog and a boy back together.

Rating: Excellent
Read this with my kids. It was awesome because it showed that bravery and standing up for what is right can change the world at any age.

Rating: Good
A romantic thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Rating: Good
The story of one woman's journey through life. Her experiences with her family, husband, friendships through a young girl to the age of 65. Easy, fast read.

Rating: Good
Initially "Touch" was not my kind of book. However, after the first few chapters the concept the main character was facing of an increasingly digital world and experiencing less and less human interaction is an intriguing one since it is also becoming reality.

Rating: Excellent
Surprise ending!

Rating: Excellent
A great depiction of moving to a new place and finding yourself.

Rating: Excellent
Had to love the character Sean Duffy who searches for justice (and mercury tilt switch bombs under his car) in mid-80s Northern Ireland. Adrian McKinty somehow manages to use dark humor to make this historically accurate tale of a very bleak and violent time extremely enjoyable and fascinating.

Rating: Good
Good book

Rating: Good
An unusual childhood as a daughter of a Catholic priest (from Lutheran background). Reveals the progress of her beliefs in the church to disbelief. Strong language!

Rating: Good
Fine writing by various authors on diverse subjects. Covers a wide variety of topics o contemporary interests. I learned a lot!

Rating: Good
A fun series about a proper Southern matriarch and the various dilemmas she must solve in most "improper" ways. (This is #13)

Rating: Excellent
A well-written and absorbing account of the early life of Teddy Roosevelt . . . his childhood, his family, and his early political career.

Rating: Excellent
My pastor loaned us this book to read after our first meeting with her regarding our wedding. She had given us some of the scenarios to think over and I found them intriguing and well-thought out. I had no idea how entertaining, readable and relatable the actual book would be. I couldn't put the book down. I procrastinated reading the last few pages. I will recommend this book to all married and engaged friends.

Rating: Good
This book taught me the dangers of objectification -- good or bad. The sensitivities of teens and all people. And the need for recognition of mental health issues. Hannah Baker needed more help than most could tell. And she was willing to get in her own way of receiving it. I'm not sure what the answers are.

Rating: Excellent
A mesmerizing story, based on true life, of families shattered by child abduction and baby brokering. Yet love leads to determination to build a better lie. Told in alternating chapters between 1939 and present day. The richness of the characters and their poignant story touches the heart and stays with you long after the last page is read. Sensitively and beautifully written.

Rating: Excellent
Liane Moriarty is a master writer. This novel explores the characters' thoughts, deepest feelings, and complicity in the loss of a child. Keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last page!

Rating: Excellent
An ordinary backyard barbeque with three couples reveals some complicated relationships between neighbors, friends, and husband and wives.

Rating: Good
It was a little slow moving in the beginning. However, I appreciated the author's ability to portray family relationships.

Rating: Excellent
Reading this book is like coming home. Jane Austen's tale of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth is a smart, well-written story that brings the reader back to the early 19th century.

Rating: Excellent
Even if you have already watched the movie, you have to read the book! Once again, the book is better.

Rating: Good
Story line is likened to "The Taming of the Shrew," which I prefer. It seemed to last too long. Kate's character was fully developed, but her boyfriend's not so much. Then all of a sudden -- the end!

Rating: Excellent
Great mystery! A young mom and her daughters inherit her aunt's lake house. The book goes back in time to reveal the mystery that took place 75 years earlier when one of the girls disappeared.

Rating: Excellent
The Alex Delaware series by Kellerman grabs your attention until the end.

Rating: Good
A pleasant novel about taking chances, reaching out to others and for others, while enjoying each of life's moments.

Rating: Good
Great book with reminders of the past.

Rating: Good to Average
While I found there to be a little too much name-dropping that resulted in the author losing my interest and his direction at times, I did feel that the book touched on historical and contemporary information that should be known by all in an effort to help build bridges, not walls.

Rating: Excellent
This graphic novel was recommended by Melissa. It would normally be out of my comfort zone. I was, however, pleasantly surprised. I would think that someone who enjoys working with teenagers would love this book. It's very uplifting.

Rating: Good
This novel was recommended by Christine. It is about a college student in the Korean War. The young man is very cerebral and he has quite a lot of difficulties. His is neurotic and never quite happy. The book kept me captivated, but I thought it was sad in the end.

Rating: Excellent
Audiobook format
This was every bit as "enjoyable" as her book "Whose Names...." Theme is life on the plains during the Dust Bowl years. This time it's set in eastern Colorado. Very depressing, yet holds one's interest.

Rating: Average
Not one of his better books. Slow reading half the book.

Rating: Good
True story of murder in the 1920s of Osage Indians in Oklahoma. The story also introduces how the FBI was created and how they were able to catch the killers.

Rating: Excellent
This story takes place during World War II. It takes place in a circus. The characters were very interesting and the story itself was very sad, but true to the history of that time.

Rating: Average
This Swedish arm-chair detective's problem solving seems at times contrived. Her close associate is more interesting.

Rating: Good
The downfall of a wealthy family gives a good view of its effects on the community. Very pertinent to the 2008 meltdown. Learned a lot about Wall Street.

Rating: Good
This book brings us to embrace challenges and treasure moments as touch points. Finn's parents' legacy of love laid the foundation in symbols. Those symbols define Finn's love and ability to demonstrate it, along with recognizing the one he loves. Her actions determine their future!

Rating: Excellent
Riveting tale of how life can change in an instant. One look away for a split second and lives are changed drastically. Find truth behind a child's disappearance, of one woman's unwavering faith, and the power of love. This is the first time I have read this author. Took a chance and glad that I did. Kept me on the edge of my seat.

Rating: Good
A fun, light beach read!

A fun book about the relationships between sisters mothers and and daughters, and the magic of a little black dress.

Rating: Excellent
This book was very hard to put down. A true thrilling must-read, covering a child's murder in the outskirts of Dublin. The police officers on the trail have their own baggage - serious stuff- and we can only hope that everything comes out well in the end. Loved this book - passed it on to my daughters.

Rating: Excellent
The book keeps you on the edge of your seat! You will never figure out the killers!

Rating: Excellent
Amos Decker and his incredible memory always make a fascinating addition to any mystery! Baldacci set this book in the series in DC in a backdrop of dolls and spies - loved it!

Rating: Average
A quick and easy read. Story takes a little too long - most of us can figure out the end half-way through.

Rating: Excellent
A thrilling story of two cousins and their families on a cruise ship. They get off in Central America for an excursion and get separated from their kids.

Rating: Excellent
YA book - Dear America Series
Tells the story of a 14-yr.-old Irish immigrant's journey to America and her challenges working in the Lowell, MA mills.

Rating: Excellent
This is a non-fiction book telling about the lives of families struggling to survive near Mumbai, India. It is sad mostly, but gives a person insight to the deplorable conditions many people must deal with in life.

I know the movie got great reviews, but I had trouble getting through this book. I found that there were a lot of details. I wish I could say that I liked it, but I didn't finish it.

Rating: Excellent
Although written for "young adults," this book should be read by any adult who possesses an imagination and a sense of play. Like Fforde's other books (written more for adults), this is a wild ride, but this one is more a beginner ride - a reader's version of a wooden roller coaster . . . rollicking fun at a bit slower pace.

Rating: Average
I've never read a graphic novel before. . . my daughter loves them. Much harder for me than I thought! The story was nice; I just love more words.

Rating: Good
Martha's Vineyard is the backdrop for this book. A story of two sisters (identical twins), but so different. This book is very addictive. I have always loved this author for her interwining stories.

Rating: Excellent
Audiobook
Definitely held my interest. A new book for me on self-empowerment. Research done was exhaustive, yet this did not read as a dry report of data. Anecdotes from people were inspiring. And what made it riveting was the fact that the author read it herself.

Rating: Good
A touching story about the parallels of lost loves of a mother and daughter. A little slow and cliched at times, but I still enjoyed the story.

If you're looking for a dystopian fantasy anchored by humor, this should be your next read. J Fforde has created one of the most interesting worlds for the telling of this story.

Rating: Good
Kellerman's books are very good, interesting tales. However, this one was hard to follow -- too many bad guys.

Rating: Good
Very suspenseful. A troubled young lady finds out that a woman she has been spying on goes missing.

Rating: Excellent
Runaways and the like go missing in the great Northwest. It is up to FBI agents Stevens and Windermere to find a serial killer before he strikes again.

Rating: Excellent
Audiobook
6 CDs chock full of fascinating facts about each sports person and history of the Super Bowl. I am not an avid sports follower, so I do now understand why people are. It's recommended for ages 8-12!! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Rating: Good
Interesting book about a woman's history and love story.

Rating: Excellent
Such a fun read! Shirley MacLaine give us insight on the world of film-making with a bit of history on Atlantis and past lives. Enjoyed this book very much.

Rating: Good
A good beach novel, this book was an easy read and great stress reliever for escapism, despite the premise that a man is following up on his beloved late wife's wishes.

Rating: Excellent
I loved this fictional version of the story of the Adirondack TB sanitariums and the "red plague" that killed so many in the late 1800s. It was so fascinating!

Rating: Good
No, this book is not about Lewis meeting his wife! She doesn't enter into it at all. Rather, it's about his early life's voyage through emotions in search of truth. This book was a difficult read because of the many references to books and philosophical thought not commonly spoken of nowadays. Lewis proceeds as if the reader were familiar with these authors/philosophies, often at counterpoint to his main direction, which keeps you coming/going, not sure of his point or direction.

Rating: Average
I don't care for short story books in general. I found most of the stories depressing!