Recommendations from Our Patrons - Summer 2021
Image
Patrons wrote us about the books they have been reading this summer.
The Final Twist by Jeffery Deaver
What did you like most about this book?
Book keeps you on your toes, lots of intelligent, believable action and a lost relative comes back to help Colter.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To people who like adventure.
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
What did you like most about this book?
The agonizing truth of this story was so well written that it struck the core.
To whom would you recommend this book?
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story no matter what side of immigration you stand on.
Slow Burn by Eleanor Taylor Brand
What did you like most about this book?
It was a good mystery with believable people.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anyone who likes mysteries.
Every Fifteen Minutes by Lisa Scottoline
What did you like most about this book?
It’s ability to keep you thinking, and putting pieces together, with a lot of twists and turns. It also pulls you into the feelings of the main character.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Adults that may also like Jodi Picoult books. Lisa Scottoline writes very similarly.
Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan
What did you like most about this book?
This book feels just like listening to one of Jim’s comedy specials. It is so light and enjoyable.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Readers who want comfortable, relatable comedy, and an insight into how you balance a job and five kids.
Of Women and Salt by Gabriel Garcia
What did you like most about this book?
The scene in the Cuban cigar factory where they were read to as they worked.
To whom would you recommend this book?
I’m not sure I would recommend this book.
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Matè
What did you like most about this book?
A great book about addiction—its causes, effects, and treatments. Dispels shame and judgement, which is sorely needed.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone interested in or dealing with addiction issues.
Angels by Billy Graham
What did you like most about this book?
How it explained angels’ roles in our lives and their duty to God.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone confused about God and angels.
Daylight by David Baldacci
What did you like most about this book?
I like this writer’s writing style.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Friends.
Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane
What did you like most about this book?
The suspense of who did it!
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone who likes a good mystery.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
What did you like most about this book?
How the boys tried to maintain order on the island.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anyone who has been bullied in their life.
The Wicked Sister by Karen Dionne
What did you like most about this book?
Learning about a psychopath.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone who would like to understand how a psychopath lives and thinks.
Mistress of All Evil by Serena Valentino
What did you like most about this book?
My teenage daughter read this book and wanted me to read it because she liked it so much. What I liked most was the depth of the characters, the direction the story went and a surprise princess appearance.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Teenagers, Disney fans.
Persist by Elizabeth Warren
What did you like most about this book?
I have admired Elizabeth Warren for several years and enjoyed this book because it reflects her personality, the drive, her passion, her honesty, her humanness and compassion. Good role model for girls!
To whom would you recommend this book?
Women who have followed her career and young girls, teenagers just starting out. Shows what can be done. Motherhood, career, marriage, dog owner.
What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., PhD and Oprah Winfrey
What did you like most about this book?
Very well written book on childhood trauma and physical and emotional abuse. Dr. Perry has figured out what needs to be done treatment-wise to repair the psychological damage done to the child.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Relatives, teachers, doctors, nurses, neighbors, child care staff. Trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT) counselors need to read this!
Elevating Child Care: a guide to respectful parenting by Janet Lansbury
What did you like most about this book?
Very accessible. Short chapters are broken down by topic for easy reading. Lots of practical strategies to build a peaceful home and secure bond with babies and toddlers.
To whom would you recommend this book?
All parents or caregivers of young children.
The Good Turn by Dervla McTiernan
What did you like most about this book?
It was the third book in the series. I liked that it was set in Ireland and that the characters were well developed.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To those looking for a police procedural with not much gore.
While Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams
What did you like most about this book?
Book is very well written and hard to put down. Has a constant flow and very descriptive. I had to read it as close to non-stopas I can go. I am now patiently waiting for her next one.
To whom would you recommend this book?
I will recommend it to friends. People who like mysteries that are well written and very, very interesting. A cliff hanger. It does have a happy ending sort of.
Brief Reference of Student Disabilities With Strategies for the Classroom 2nd edition by Lee Brattland Nielsen
What did you like most about this book?
It does an amazing breaking down common conditions in special education in a language that is easily understood.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anyone who works/volunteers with children with disabilities.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
What did you like most about this book?
Incredible storytelling and I loved the concept. It really makes you appreciate life.
To whom would you recommend this book?
YA and above. I would especially recommend it to those going through a hard time or feeling stuck.
Still Life by Louise Penny
What did you like most about this book?
Captivating. Setting was a rural old Canadian town with teachers and artists. Probably one of a handful of mysteries I’ve read. This one was a 9 out of 10.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone who wants to get their mind off of things.
Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
What did you like most about this book?
The analysis of the victim’s dying words.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To classic murder mystery readers.
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
What did you like most about this book?
The big reveal of who the victim was and why he was killed.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anyone that loves classic murder mysteries.
Books can be Deceiving by Jenn McKinlay
What did you like most about this book?
Wow! Suspense! Twists and turns! Can’t put it down. First book in series. Set in Connecticut on the water Lindsey is an awesome librarian/mystery solver.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Everyone over age 15.
Ocean Prey by John Sandford
What did you like most about this book?
The diving.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Sandford fans.
Heartland by Sarah Smarsh
What did you like most about this book?
The inside story of working hard and being broke in the richest country on earth.
To whom would you recommend this book?
History fans.
The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
What did you like most about this book?
Author lives in Madison. References interesting concept of knowing date of your death and how you would live your life. Also quite sad.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone.
The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats by Jeffrey M. Masson
What did you like most about this book?
Great introspection into cats.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Cat people.
Herbs: The Magic Healers by Paul Twitchell
What did you like most about this book?
Great info on how to use and work with herbs.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Spiritual herbalists.
Bough Cutter (#3 in Northern Lakes Series) by Jeff Nania
What did you like most about this book?
The author is knowledgeable about police work and about the North Woods—a very compelling combination.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Mysteries and police procedural readers—and readers interested in Northern Wisconsin.
A Registry of My Passage Upon the Earth by Daniel Mason
What did you like most about this book?
The author uses words brilliantly. This is excellent prose.
To whom would you recommend this book?
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy literary short stories.
Stargazer (Leaphorn, Chee and Manualito Novel #6) by Anne Hillerman
What did you like most about this book?
Anne Hillerman books, like most of her father Tony Hillerman’s, always combine a great mystery with a respectful telling of Navajo culture. This book does not disappoint.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Mystery fans and folks interested in Navajo culture.
Frequency - The Power of Personal Vibration by Penney Pierce
What did you like most about this book?
A metaphysical/energy look at health and healing. A very different world view.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone interested in energy medicine.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
What did you like most about this book?
An informative and helpful view of trauma and how it lives in the body.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone working with or interested in trauma work.
The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
What did you like most about this book?
It provided an epic story of good and evil, death, and the meaning of life.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anyone looking for Sci-Fi/Fantasy with original world building and remarkable plot twists.
Feed by Mira Grant
What did you like most about this book?
Creative world building and demonstration of how humans could adapt to a zombie apocalypse. Surprisingly insightful predictions of quarantine for a book published in 2013
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anyone looking for innovative zombie stories.
Stay by Catherine Ryan Hyde
What did you like most about this book?
I liked when the older brother finally opens up about his experiences. He can finally find healing.
To whom would you recommend this book?
If someone likes dogs and stories about human relationships, they would enjoy this book.
Heaven Adjacent by Catherine Ryan Hyde
What did you like most about this book?
I enjoyed a part where she evicts her annoying squatters. Her other “squatters” are worried that they are next but she tells them they aren’t squatters; they are family.
To whom would you recommend this book?
I’d recommend this book to someone who feels like life has gotten too busy, and they need to slow down and enjoy.
Brave Girl, Quiet Girl by Catherine Ryan Hyde
What did you like most about this book?
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between the characters, particularly Molly, Etta, and Brooke.
To whom would you recommend this book?
I think mothers would enjoy this book, unless crime and missing children would be too triggering.
On Borrowed Time by Jenn McKinlay
What did you like most about this book?
Wow! Suspense from page 1 to the end. Librarian Lindsey Norris is quite the sleuth. Her brother is in great danger and she as well. Clear your calendar and READ!
To whom would you recommend this book?
For young adults through seniors.
Recovering From Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson
What did you like most about this book?
Straight, clear approach.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Good insights into difficulties some children/adults may be dealing with.
Smart Start Garden Planner by Megan Cain
What did you like most about this book?
The plan and the calendar.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Gardeners.
The New Husband by D.J. Palmer
What did you like most about this book?
All the twists and turns.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone who likes thrillers.
The Terrys of Terrytown by David Terry
What did you like most about this book?
I grew up on Terrytown Road and knew many of the families mentioned.
To whom would you recommend this book?
My mom read it. I would recommend it to my siblings.
The Return by Nicholas Sparks
What did you like most about this book?
The progression of their relationship—sometimes took too long!
To whom would you recommend this book?
My group of girlfriends.
Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
What did you like most about this book?
Fable incorporation.
To whom would you recommend this book?
People who enjoy fantasy and traditional folklore.
Suspect by Robert Crais
What did you like most about this book?
I chose this book because it was voted the best mystery of the decade by some group. It did not disappoint! So interesting to learn about K-9 trained dogs and their devotion. The deep relationship between dog and handler. Also lots on PTSD
To whom would you recommend this book?
Mystery, crime, and dog lovers.
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark
What did you like most about this book?
A short book that celebrates a single woman in her “prime”.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Book clubs.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
What did you like most about this book?
A woman gets to live different lives by choosing books in an afterlife library. In these books, she makes different choices and gets to see how those choices turn out.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Everyone! I really enjoyed it. Lots of discussion possible. Great for a family book club!
NYPD Red 6 by James Patterson
What did you like most about this book?
The banter between the 2 main characters.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone who likes a good mystery.
Uprooted by Grace Olmstead
What did you like most about this book?
A mixture of facts and personal history of moving and staying in a rural community, especially farming. Reasons why and ways and benefits if close to move back (to a rural) home. Also learned about her home state, Idaho. Excellent bibliography (index).
To whom would you recommend this book?
People who love the land and farms.
Bough Cutter (#3 in Northern Lakes Series) by Jeff Nania
What did you like most about this book?
That it was written by a Wisconsin author.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone who enjoys mysteries.
The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs
What did you like most about this book?
It was a super cute read with a happy end. It was a delightful feel good book.
To whom would you recommend this book?
People age 18+.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
What did you like most about this book?
It is amazing and will make you appreciate where you are in life more.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone 12+.
The World of PostSecret by Frank Warren
What did you like most about this book?
I love the format of this book and being reminded that everyone has something they struggle with.
To whom would you recommend this book?
People age 12+.
Spirit Run by Noe Alvarez
What did you like most about this book?
Learning about migrant workers, Native American history: in shapshots from around Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Thinking about how you see yourself in reference to family and personal struggles.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Those interested in indigenous people, running, learning for yourself which path to take in life, where all these topics could come together.
Circus Train by Jos. A. Smith
What did you like most about this book?
The illustrations and the pull-out pages really engage the reader.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone who remembers the days of the circus trains and wants to pass this on to a new generation.
The Monkey’s Raincoat by Robert Crais
What did you like most about this book?
I liked getting to know the PI, all in the context of an engaging story.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Mystery readers who are not deterred by a certain amount of violence.
Gone Quiet by Eleanor Taylor Bland
What did you like most about this book?
I liked the way the mystery was solved piece by piece.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Mystery readers or readers of fiction by Black authors. (Trigger warning for child sexual abuse.)
The Pew Group by Anthony Oliver
What did you like most about this book?
I enjoyed the unexpected English-type humor woven into the cozy mystery.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Adults who enjoy British humor (and mystery readers, too).
Better Late Than Never by Jenn McKinlay
What did you like most about this book?
Started a bit slow—didn’t think the plot was going to be strong. Silly me, she is such an amazing mystery writer. Wow! Suspense to the last few pages. Tender and sweet as well!
To whom would you recommend this book?
For young adults to seniors.
Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby
What did you like most about this book?
Tense, fast-paced, violent read. A man trying to take care of his family falls back into illegal dealings.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone liking crime-related, flawed characters and tense story lines.
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
What did you like most about this book?
Good storyline with different characters, possibly being the killer of 2 college girls. The ending was predictable but an easy, entertaining read.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone who enjoys mysteries and figuring out the guilty party.
Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane
What did you like most about this book?
So many twists and turns!
To whom would you recommend this book?
Friends who like murder/mystery.
The Russian by James Patterson
What did you like most about this book?
The quick humor and remarks from the main character.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone who wants a good murder mystery.
A Likely Story by Jenn McKinlay
What did you like most about this book?
Hold onto your hat! The family tree becomes quite amazing! Librarian Lindsey and boat captain Sully are at it again. Even the library “lemon” is helpful!!
To whom would you recommend this book?
For young adults to seniors.
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrick Backman
What did you like most about this book?
The precocious 8-year-old main character on an adventure from her grandmother discovers the broken and different people who live in her building. Her journey weaves these people together into a family.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To 20 + year-olds, both men and women. Even seniors will love this.
The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
What did you like most about this book?
If you knew the date of your death, would you live your life any different? That is the question.
To whom would you recommend this book?
People who like magic.
What on Earth Have I Done? by Robert Fulghum
What did you like most about this book?
Short chapters (two to 4 pages); deep but funny.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Folks who are looking for light-hearted stories about living in Seattle, Washington and Greece.
The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse
What did you like most about this book?
It was suspenseful.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To someone who likes mystery/crime novels.
Raft of Stars by Andrew Graff
What did you like most about this book?
Being able to identify with Northern Wisconsin rivers and outdoor life. It was a memory journey.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Young adults. I would put this book in the category of My Side of the Mountain, Hatchet, Holes, etc.
When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain
What did you like most about this book?
It was a page turner. Good writing in the sense it was able to capture abuse without getting too graphic.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone who likes a detective/mystery story.
When Harry Met Minnie by Martha Teichner
What did you like most about this book?
I am an animal lover/rescuer so I was immediately hooked. The book is written from the heart. Minnie, an Old English Bulldog, belonged to Martha. Harry belonged to a friend of a friend who was dying. And eventually as Harry’s owner grew sicker, Martha (and Minnie) slowly introduced Harry into her household. Martha made the commitment to care for him and let him live out his years with her. Happy, sad, but very special. A really well written book.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Dog owners/lovers. We understand when we read a book like this.
Beautiful Things by Hunter Biden
What did you like most about this book?
It gave me the background of Joe Biden’s son Hunter and the drug problem he finally overcame after years of on and off treatment in a multitude of treatment centers. The loss of his brother Beau was very traumatic and he has great love for his father and mother.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Someone who is interested in the Biden family. Maybe someone who is battling addiction and sees success in someone else.
You Are Your Best Thing by Taran Burke and Brenè Brown
What did you like most about this book?
Furthering my education with the 20 anthologies from African American authors. Burke is African American and Brown is white. Both are authors among other talents. Very well done.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anyone who wants to expand their knowledge and understand our fellow citizens of color. We’re in the 21st Century. We need to come up to speed!!
Walk in My Combat Boots by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann
What did you like most about this book?
Get to read many stories about our brave people in all branches of military, but be aware that some stories are only about five pages long.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anybody who wants to know what it feels like to be in the military.
The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine
What did you like most about this book?
The characters held my interest and the story flowed. The ending was a surprising twist.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Anybody who likes a story about good and bad and seeing who prevails.
21st Birthday by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
What did you like most about this book?
This was a better story than a lot of other ones in this series. I was interested from the beginning and it kept my interest throughout the book.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anybody interested in a good “whodunit” mystery and serial killer mystery.
21st Birthday by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
What did you like most about this book?
All the twists and turns.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anyone who likes mysteries.
Finding Chika by Mitch Albom
What did you like most about this book?
It was a deep look into Mitch’s actual experience in learning what makes a family. Heartbreaking story of a bright Haitian girl with an incurable disease and their journey.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To someone who enjoys the writing of Mitch Albom.
The Shadow Box by Luann Rice
What did you like most about this book?
Suspense—Family ties (good and bad); strength of an abused woman.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anyone.
The Return by Nicholas Sparks
What did you like most about this book?
The willingness to wait for true love!
To whom would you recommend this book?
To women who like to read love stories.
Prologue to a Murder by Lauren Elliott
What did you like most about this book?
Mystery about a bookshop owner in a small town.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To women.
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
What did you like most about this book?
It was an inside look at a person’s life journey.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To musicians and music lovers.
Eat Diet by Josh Axe
What did you like most about this book?
Updated health information
To whom would you recommend this book?
To the health conscious person.
The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
What did you like most about this book?
The big twist at the end.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anyone who likes mysteries with a big surprise.
A Simple Murder by Linda Castillo
What did you like most about this book?
Learning about the Amish way of life.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anyone who likes a good mystery.
Due or Die by Jenn McKinlay
What did you like most about this book?
Lindsey is such a great character as the Head Librarian. Many friendships that assist in finding the “who did it!” Surprise ending! And of course a bit of romance.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Teens to seniors.
Beginners by Tom Vanderbilt
What did you like most about this book?
I appreciated all the research he included seamlessly into this book. I enjoyed thinking about “learning” as non-competitive.
To whom would you recommend this book?
For adult readers who worry about trying new things or who feel “stuck”.
Homeland Elegies: A Novel by Ayad Akhtar
What did you like most about this book?
I liked the blurry line between autobiography and fiction, with no reliable way to tell the difference.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To adults who like contemporary fiction.
V is for Vengeance by Sue Grafton
What did you like most about this book?
I reread this book because I have been reading about retail theft and recalled that this book covered that topic in an engaging way. Also, the ending is memorable!
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anyone who likes mysteries or is interested in the problem of retail theft.
Dreamers and Deceivers by Glenn Beck
What did you like most about this book?
Conversational and historic narrative of well-known celebrities and politicians.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To fans of history.
Turn a Blind Eye by Jeffrey Archer
What did you like most about this book?
The British accent. The undercover scenes, the “taxi driver” who picks up William Warwick, or the “true confessional scene” with “the Hawk”. All take place in Westminster, London.
To whom would you recommend this book?
This is the 3rd installment of the Detective Inspector William Warwick series. It is a great series for the summer. Start with the first book, Nothing Ventured. The next book will be coming out this fall, October 14, 2021.
The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
What did you like most about this book?
There are several stories woven together—part modern, part historical, a little bit mythical—and it was really enjoyable to see them all cross paths and become one. A really smooth, compelling read!
To whom would you recommend this book?
To any adults who enjoy Holocaust history or stories about the human experience.
Animals Are Soul Too! By Harold Klemp
What did you like most about this book?
Wonderful. New experience into our relationship with animals.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To animal lovers.
Sensing Shades of Reality by Domo Geshe Rimpoche
What did you like most about this book?
Daily insights into Buddhist principles.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To gentle readers new to Buddhism.
Murder She Wrote: Murder in Season by Jessica Fletcher and Jon Land
What did you like most about this book?
History often has a dark side as well as a clean bright side. Jessica Fletcher and her friend find the best and the worst. Merry Christmas!!
To whom would you recommend this book?
To an older person.
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins
What did you like most about this book?
The chapters were narrated by each character so you could get viewpoints of same scene by different characters.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To mystery lovers. It is a great story with lots of twists and turns—like a river!
Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke
What did you like most about this book?
It was fun to hear about her treats she enjoys made by baker Hanna Swensen. It is based on a small town 50 miles north of Minneapolis.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anyone who enjoys small town family fun and solving mysteries.
Hush-Hush by Stuart Woods
What did you like most about this book?
I liked all the traveling and danger that Stone Barrington would encounter.
To whom would you recommend this book?
For adults due to the language and violence.
Mrs. Bridge by Evan Connell
What did you like most about this book?
The simple clarity of thought and humor.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To older women.
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
What did you like most about this book?
The energy, love, and hope that was portrayed.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anyone looking for an easy, entertaining historic family drama book.
The Return by Nicholas Sparks
What did you like most about this book?
The compassion of Trevor Benson, despite his PTSD. It indicates the PTSD is not a lifelong debilitation, but can be managed and on can still have rewarding, caring, loving relationships. And who doesn’t love a Sparks love story?
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anyone.
Read It and Weep by Jenn McKinlay
What did you like most about this book?
It started a bit slow but…WOW! A couple of big surprises!
To whom would you recommend this book?
To middle schoolers to senior citizens.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
What did you like most about this book?
It’s honest about technology—the pros and cons.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To any sci-fi gamer.
Kindred by Octavia Butler
What did you like most about this book?
It’s been fun to familiarize myself with the books of one of the most famous black female science fiction writers. I found this a compelling, suspenseful, and intriguing read, though a brutal one.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To fans of historical fiction, time travel, or suspense.
The Runaway Jury by John Grisham
What did you like most about this book?
Good ending. Suspenseful.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To social justice advocates.
Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters
What did you like most about this book?
I enjoyed following the adventures of amazing, witty Amelia as she solves crimes, hunts for a mummy, and falls in love.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anyone who loves Hallmark Murder Mystery movies.
Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
What did you like most about this book?
The surprise ending.
To whom would you recommend this book?
Big Summer is about a big person who struggles with her weight. She puts up with many nasty comments her entire life.
Good Neighbors by Sarah Langan
What did you like most about this book?
The children, who were much kinder than the adults.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anyone who has had some nasty neighbors.
A Dream of Death (Kate Hamilton Mysteries #1) by Connie Berry
What did you like most about this book?
I enjoyed the setting of the mystery on a remote island in Scotland, and the persistence of the protagonist.
To whom would you recommend this book?
I would recommend this book to “cozy mystery” fans.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
What did you like most about this book?
The premise is so interesting. I generally don’t like speculative fiction, but this book held my interest.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To anyone who enjoys a really good story but beware of encountering the topic of suicide.
The Mistletoe Matchmaker by Felicity Hayes-McCoy
What did you like most about this book?
I enjoyed continuing to get to know the established characters while meeting new ones.
To whom would you recommend this book?
I would recommend this book to fans of Maeve Binchy, but with the caveat that the series is best read in order.
Catch & Kill by Ronan Farrow
What did you like most about this book?
The stakes and risk of covering a high and powerful person that cause a social and political revolution in 2018 with #metoo.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To lovers of journalism, listeners of the podcast Pod Save America, or to people wondering what journalists do.
Backyard Songbirds by Marcus Selineck
What did you like most about this book?
Photography! Colors are vibrant, close ups, birds in nests and natural habitat; short descriptions; detailed and complete, including “song” in words and their call.
To whom would you recommend this book?
To any bird lover in the U.S.A.