Adult Summer Reading 2023: Reader Reviews
Reader Reviews
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Reader Reviews : Non-Fiction
The Anthropocene Reviewed by Call Number: 814 GREENRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
What fun! This book is a fun look at the mundane and the quirky parts of humanity and offers the author's perspectives on their utility and usefulness. A fun read and reminder of all of the sweet (and sometimes sour) parts of being human.
Ebook available via Overdrive/Libby
Audiobook available on Overdrive/Libby
The Best We Could Do by Call Number: B BUIRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
I took "The Best We Could Do" from the summer reading book display. It is a graphic novel/memoir about a families journey from Viet Nam to the U.S. The story is very interesting and moving. The print is a bit too small for me, though, so I was not able to finish the book. I do strongly recommend the book though, I learned a great deal from what I read.
Brain on Fire by Call Number: 616.832 CAHRecommended by Ashley G.
Generally I'm not a person who enjoys memoirs, so I was very surprised at how invested I was in Susannah's story. I think it was the perfect blend of science, advocacy, and personal narrative which ultimately almost read like a work of fiction. You can tell that Susannah was destined to be a storyteller.
Ebook and Audiobook available via Overdrive/Libby
Crying in H Mart by Call Number: B ZAUNERRecommended by Angela B.
A memoir of the authors core childhood memories unlocked through a culinary journey of Korean cuisine. A wonderful look at how food and memory intertwine to form a lifetime of love and carry on the traditions of cultural history.
Ebook available on Overdrive/Libby
Audiobook available on Overdrive/Libby
Farewell to Manzanar by Call Number: YA B HOUSTONRecommended by Kimberly C.
Very well written. It is incredible to know that this happened in our own country.
Ebook available via Libby/Overdrive
Ebook and audiobook available via hoopla
Ghostland by Call Number: 113.12 DICRecommended by Ashley G.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. It's a fascinating exploration of why certain lore sticks around, without ruining the magic of ghost stories. It leaves a lot of room for the reader to critically engage with hauntings which is refreshing amid most of the ghost based media currently around (don't get me wrong though - I enjoy some of that as well). I would give it 4 stars instead of 5 because I think it could have used just a little editing to better tie everything back to one thesis.
Audiobook available via Libby/Overdrive
How to Blow up a Pipeline by Recommended by Ashley G.
Overall I think this book made a very strong case for strategic violence used in peaceful movements, which is what it set out to do. However, the language used throughout feels a little bit inaccessible at times for a book that verges on being a call to action for the general public. Additionally, while Malm does recognize that he's calling out the "Global North," the lack of mention of indigenous work towards the climate movement is noticeable. It was interesting, and I would recommend reading it but probably wouldn't read it again myself.
Ebook available via Overdrive/Libby
I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Call Number: 364.152 MCNRecommended by Angela B.
A haunting search for a decades old serial killer will have you turning pages to find out what clues you can piece together!
Ebook available on Hoopla
Audiobook available on Hoopla
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Call Number: B MCCURDYRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
If there was a no eating option I would give it that but dives into the life behind the camera of a child actress and the battle wounds she carried.
Audiobook available via Overdrive/Libby
Ebook available via Overdrive/Libby
Love, Loss, and What We Ate by Recommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Memoirs are not my preference. However in this one you feel her honesty, when she describes her love life and the men in her life. I felt she was a little presumptuous with the rest of her upbringing. I enjoyed the way she described the food, especially the mixture of spices. I read the book because I wanted to attend the book discussion and listen to other readers perspectives.
Ebook available via Overdrive/Libby
Audiobook available on Hoopla
Make Peace with Anyone by Call Number: 158.2 LIERecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
If you've lived long enough, (and I have:), you may look at the book's title and say "There's no way anyone can make peace with anyone." But you'll be happily surprised when you read this book. Not only does the author give you useful tools to use for friends, family, co-workers, etc,, but he readily tells the reader that you need not read the book in its entirety, or in order. Wow! He gets me. He gives examples of real life scenarios where one may seek to forgive or be forgiven. It's not an easy process. However, if you're like me and want to be grounded in peace and harmony as you pursue a purpose-filled life, you'll agree that it's worth the effort. So if you're willing to put in the work and reap immeasurable relationship benefits, read the book. Just be prepared to cloak yourself with honesty, a desire to have mutual respect, accepting responsibility (when applicable) for the hurt you've caused someone and apologize sincerely, amongst other factors, It's work, but it's worth it. I gave the book four stars because it make not be an easy read emotionally for everyone because it challenges the reader to recall, reflect upon and face realities/truths you make want to keep hidden or forgotten. I think the works worth it, and encourage you to take the journey. Even if our efforts our unsuccessful, we can be at peace knowing that we gave it an earnest effort. Progress, not perfection is the journey, Enjoy!
Audiobook available via hoopla
On Animals by Call Number: 590 ORLRecommended by Alice K.
Loved this book!! What a hoot to read about show dogs, donkeys, homing pigeons, chickens, tigers, and more. With humor and lots of research, Ms. Orlean teaches us about all the animals she loves. This book is a delight for animal lovers!!
Ebooks available via Libby/Overdrive
Pageboy by Call Number: B PAGERecommended by Elise G.
Candid and heartfelt memoir about growing up in the movie industry, and coming to terms with gender identity and sexuality. Reads more like a collection of essays than a memoir in my opinion.
Audiobook available via Overdrive/Libby
Ebook available via Overdrive/Libby
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Recommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Great advice for growing your money.
Ebook available on Hoopla
Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens by Recommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Great money growing advice. Easy to understand.
Ebook available on Hoopla
The Talk by Call Number: 305.896 BELRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
"The Talk" is a graphic memoir by Darrin Bell about his experiences as a black child growing up in L.A.The Talk is about the conversation that parents of Black children have to have with their children explaining that white people will always see them as a older than they are and as dangerous. This is an excellent book, one that I could not put down, and one that I hope people will read and learn from.
Team of Rivals by Call Number: B LINCOLNRecommended by Kimberly C.
Abraham Lincoln is by far my favorite historical figure. Each time I read a book about him I am awestruck at his accomplishments and his character. He was the right person in office at that time. I wish we could have seen what he would have went on to do if he weren’t assassinated.
Audiobook available via Overdrive/Libby
Ebook available via Overdrive/Libby
Reader Reviews: Fiction
All My Rage by Call Number: YA TAHIRRecommended by Ashley G.
Just an absolutely gorgeous story. The characters are flawed but lovable and the plot is dark. It's definitely a YA book (ranging on the higher end of the teens) based on the limited complexity of the characters and lack of morally questionable ethics.
Ebook available on Overdrive/Libby
Audiobook available on Overdrive/Libby
As Meat Loves Salt by Recommended by Elise G.
Brutal and gritty look into life in 17th century England during the English Civil War. Wildly tormented characters, who never quite are able to do what they should or what you want them to do. Starts off with a bang and doesn’t let up for 560 pages.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Call Number: KAWAGUCHIRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Time travel, broken relationships, healing.
Ebook available on Hoopla
Audiobook available on Hoopla
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Call Number: WAXMAN
The Brutal Telling by Call Number: PENNYRecommended by Kimberly C.
This is a great series. This is the 6th book in the series. Not predictable at all. Always interesting information you learn from the story.
Ebook available via Overdrive/Libby
Audiobook available on Hoopla
Bullet Train by Call Number: ISAKARecommended by Ashley G.
One of the few books that falls flat in comparison to the movie. There's excessive inner dialogue, not enough positive banter between Tangerine and Lemon (I can't figure out why they decided to be a team), and the ending just wasn't as satisfying. All of that said - it wasn't actually a bad book, just disappointing because the movie was so good.
Ebook available Overdrive/Libby.
Burr by Recommended by Elise G.
Founding father soap opera, what more could you possibly ask for? It certainly helps to have a foundational knowledge on the time period, but Aaron Burr is such a fascinating historical figure that I think only recently (post Hamilton) people are thinking about, so it was interesting to read something written so many years before Hamilton.
Bury Your Dead by Call Number: PENNYRecommended by Kimberly C.
As always a fantastic story! This one tied up some loose ends from the previous book.
Ebook available on Overdrive/Libby
Audiobook available on Hoopla
Chain Gang All Stars by Call Number: ADJEI-BRENYAHRecommended by Ashley G.
I really enjoyed this. I thought the use of different POVs and cutaways to real history were both intentionally done and well written. The themes were presented in an on-the-nose way without being condescending to the reader. My main problem was the ending. It felt really sudden and like there was no closure which was very frustrating.
Audiobook available via Overdrive/Libby
Ebook available via Overdrive/Libby
The Circus Train by Call Number: PARIKHRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Excellent book! Based on a real life journey during the war and how the people of the circus took care of each other and how they over came issues.
Ebook available via Libby/Overdrive
Deadwood by Recommended by Elise G.
Not quite what I needed to fill the Lonesome Dove sized hole in my heart, but an enjoyable read. I didn’t know all the much about Deadwood and it seemed to be pretty well researched. The first half was much quicker however.
Audiobook available on hoopla
Death Claims by Recommended by Elise G.
It seems as if book two is not as popular as book one, but I disagree! I thought this mystery was just as interesting as the first one, and I thought the conversations around parental love (how it is given, and why it is taken back) was interesting for three different people in different ways. The ongoing continuation of grief and moving on is nice as well. I'm excited to read the next one.
Audiobook available on Hoopla
Fadeout by Recommended by Elise G.
I don’t read a lot of mystery novels, but I assume this was pretty much how they go, but I didn’t see the reveal coming, and there was a surprising lovely conversation about grief. The novel itself is very progressive for its time, and I think it set up nicely for the sequel(s).
Audiobook available via Hoopla
Ebook available via Overdrive/Libby
The Farewell Tour by Call Number: CLIFFORDRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
The life of an aging country star is revealed here. Couldn’t stop at the end of a chapter; wanted to keep going.
Audiobook available via Libby/Overdrive
For Your Eyes Only by Recommended by Elise G.
Mostly just read like filler episodes of a TV show but they were all pretty enjoyable nonetheless. I think they had potential to drag if they were a full novel, so it made sense for them to be only about 40 pages each. I think the second two were better than the first two stories.
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Call Number: HIBBERTRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
This is a romance novel, and was a fun story. Chloe Brown has fibromyalgia, a chronic illness, and is hoping to try to add fun into her life. Then she falls in love.
Ebook available on Hoopla
Audiobook available on Hoopla
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Call Number: DARERecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
This was the subject of a scholar led discussion that I could not attend. The book was really interesting, well written and moving. It is about a Nigerian girl who wants to study and learn, but ends up with struggles along the way.
Ebook available on Libby/Overdrive
Audiobook available on Libby/Overdrive
The Gravity of Birds by Call Number: GUZEMANRecommended by Kimberly C.
It was a rough start, but turned out to be a great book. You would never know that this was her first book!
Audiobook available on Hoopla
Hello Beautiful by Call Number: NAPOLITANO
His and Hers by Call Number: FEENEYRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Mystery novel about a town murder that’s super interconnected between the characters. Definitely unexpected.
Ebook available on Overdrive/Libby
Audiobook available on Hoopla
The House We Grew up In by Call Number: JEWELLRecommended by Angela B.
Wow! An amazing deep dive into what makes one family tick and how connected we are to our deepest hurts. Vivid writing took me right into the house where great tragedy and even greater joy take place.
Ebook available on Libby/Overdrive
Audiobook available on Hoopla
Hunting Time by Call Number: DEAVERRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Suspenseful and quick read.
Ebook available via Libby/Overdrive
Audiobook available via Libby/Overdrive
I Found You by Call Number: JEWELLRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Ebook available on Overdrive/Libby
Audiobook available on Hoopla
It's Not Summer Without You by Call Number: YA HANRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Explored grief in a teenager while also exploring the love triangle that was going on. The main character was at times hard to digest.
Ebook available on Overdrive/Libby
Audiobook available on Hoopla
Julian by Recommended by Elise G.
A solid story surrounding the Roman Emperor Julian who reverted the Roman Empire back to the Hellenistic religion after Constantine. Very interestingly told in journal entries, memoirs, and letters.
The Life We Bury by Call Number: ESKENSRecommended by Ashley G.
It was a really cool concept, and it was pretty well written EXCEPT for the primary romantic relationship. It was very creepy, particularly the was Joe first had Lila at his apartment. Additionally, entering the reading experience expecting a story about a serial killer will disappoint. It was a B plot, as the primary story was about Joe.
Ebook available Overdrive/Libby.
Audiobook available via Libby/Overdrive and Hoopla.
Like Water for Chocolate by Call Number: ESQUIVELRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
The book follows the story of Tita a young woman who longs for her lover. The problem is that she cannot have him. Because as the youngest daughter in the family it is her responsibility to take care of her mother, until her death. The novel shows the love, responsibilities, patience and traditions in the family. Tita expresses her heartbreak and her feelings through food and her cooking.
Ebook available on Overdrive/Libby
The Longest Ride by Call Number: SPARKSRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Everyone’s dream. Meet the perfect person, and get rich.
Ebook available on Libby/Overdrive
Audiobook available on Libby/Overdrive
Maame by Call Number: GEORGERecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Maame, A nickname that means mother and woman. Enjoyed this book very much. A reliable and responsible young woman, burden with the responsibilities of taking care of her mother, brother and her sick father. In her twenties living at home and still a virgin… Beautifully written.
Ebook and audiobook available via Overdrive/Libby
Mad Honey by Call Number: PICOULTRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
This is a book that will stay with you for a long time. It follows the story of a transgender youth. The book depicts what mothers would do to protect their children. It’s explicit in the abuse and the bullying that the transgender community faces on a daily basis. It really sad and unnerving how in this day and age we as a society haven’t learned to be more tolerant and respectful. The book also gives us a glimpse into an abusive marriage and how the woman gets the courage to run from it, in order to protect her son. I really encourage you to read this book. We all have much to learn.
Ebook available on Libby/Overdrive
Audiobook available on Libby/Overdrive
A Man Called Ove by Call Number: BACKMANRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Too much revolving around one grumpy, stubborn character.
Ebook available on Libby/Overdrive
Audiobook available on Libby/Overdrive
Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Call Number: WILSONRecommended by Angela B.
A quick read that will have you wondering how a summer art project could have such long term consequences.
Ebook available on Hoopla
Audiobook available on Hoopla
Persuasion by Call Number: AUSTENRecommended by Ashley G.
I think Persuasion is one of Austen's more underrated novels. It's one of the original romance novels to do a slow burn and a second chance. The characters, particularly the Elliot family are so outlandish that I actually laughed out loud a few times. The only reason I didn't give this five stars was that the slow burn was a little bit too slow for my taste.
Ebook available on Hoopla
Audiobook available on Hoopla
Plain Bad Heroines by Call Number: DANFORTHRecommended by Ashley G.
I really enjoyed the writing style of this author. Bring actively brought along on the journey as character ("dear reader") was very engaging and made it a fun read. I think the gothic and Sapphic elements are just done so well in this book, it's spooky and almost romantic at the same time. For me where this book lost some juice was in the conclusion. It wrapped up in an anticlimactic and odd place. This book has multiple timelines, and while each is well written, there's not enough connecting them to justify creating so many different plots.
Ebook available on Hoopla
Audiobook available on Hoopla
Plain Truth by Recommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Great novel, I couldn’t put it down. A dead new born is found dead in an Amish barn. A young unwed Amish girl is accused of killing the infant. In comes a big city attorney to her defense. The author does a wonderful job bringing the reader into the Amish way of life. The culture the beliefs, religion and their simple life. Highly recommended the book.
Audiobook available on Libby/Overdrive
The Push by Call Number: AUDRAINRecommended by Jillian M.
The Push, Ashley Audrain's debut novel, is an engrossing, page-turning psychological drama about a woman whose experience of motherhood is not at all what she expected and everything she feared. The novel explores three generations of the dark side of motherhood and the generational trauma that can carry on through decades. With an unsupportive spouse and a daughter she can't seem to bond with, main character Blythe isn't sure if she's imagining things or if her daughter is actually a "bad seed." When Blythe has a son, though, she bonds with him instantly, further complicating her feelings. This book is dark, a little creepy, and tightly written. A quick read that stays with you. I enjoyed the ending because it wasn't vague and felt conclusive. It's 4 out of 5 stars from me!
Ebook available on OverDrive/Libby
Audiobook available on OverDrive/Libby
The Quiet American by Recommended by Elise G.
Biting social commentary on American (and European) influence in Vietnam prior to the war, especially regarding American culture and politics of the time (though much of the commentary was highly relevant to today).
Ebook available on Hoopla
Audiobook available on Libby/Overdrive
Romantic Comedy by Call Number: SITTENFELDRecommended by Angela B.
A fun insight into the life of Late night comedy writer and how she finds herself along the away even through a pandemic
Ebook available on OverDrive/Libby
Audiobook available on OverDrive/Libby
Sankofa by Call Number: ONUZOISBN: 9781646220830Recommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Interesting story about a woman in her 40's who finds her father's journals from his youth after her mother dies. She then travels to Africa to find her father.
Ebook available via Libby/Overdrive
Audiobook available via Libby/Overdrive or hoopla
The Sentence by Call Number: ERDRICHRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
"The Sentence" was out on display for a scholar led discussion, so I picked it up and it looked interesting. It is a wonderful book, weaving a tale of love, haunting, Indigenous culture, and Social Justice.
Ebook available on Libby/Overdrive and Hoopla
Audiobook available on Libby/Overdrive and Hoopla
The Smithsonian Institution by Call Number: VIDALRecommended by Elise G.
Kind of like Night at the Museum but if it was a very long drawn out anti war metaphor for why the atomic bomb was bad. But Vidal’s humor and political satire has yet to miss for me.
Southern Storms by Recommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Perfect amount of touching on real issues while also being fast paced and romantic.
Audiobook available on Hoopla
A Spark of Light by Call Number: PICOULTRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Very interesting book. Very controversial topic depending what side you stand on. It took me a while to realize that it read going back in time. After that it was easier to follow. I loved the way the author explained both sides of the abortion issue. No matter what side you are on, not everyone will be happy. I enjoyed this book. I loved the way each character was depicted I encourage you to read it.
Ebook and audiobook available via Libby/Overdrive
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Call Number: YA HANRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Something fast and light, main character is more tolerable in the show but still has her flaws.
Also recommended by Angela B.
A great YA pick for a quick beach read. Watch out for the cliffhanger, has me wanting to keep going to the rest of the series!
Ebook available on Overdrive/Libby
Audiobook available on Hoopla
Terms and Conditions by Recommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Fake dating, marriage of convenience, realizing that he always loved her. The end of the book is a little rushed but a fun read.
Audiobook available via Libby/Overdrive and hoopla
Unnatural Acts by Recommended by Kimberly C.
This is a cheesy romantic series. It is a very quick read. Just when you thought it can’t get cheesier it does, but I just can’t seem to help myself.
We'll Always Have Summer by Call Number: YA HANRecommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
The hardest book to get behind. The characters are more grown but feel like their character developments are terrible, not my favorite.
Also recommended by Angela B.
Part 3 of a fun and quick series, definitely pick up all 3 for some lighthearted beach reads. A young girl spend this series figuring out how her memories of summers at the beach can shape her future. A quick read!
Ebook available on Overdrive/Libby
Audiobook available on Hoopla
Wreckage of Us by Recommended by Adult Summer Reading Participant
Book has some heavy themes but the romance comes from a light place and is well intentioned vs. the darkness of the plot. Proceed with caution TW: abuse
