Middlesex County Library’s Comments (group member since Jun 16, 2021)

Middlesex County Library’s comments from the Middlesex County Library 2021 Reading Challenge group.

What’s that Noise?
by Naomi Howarth
Picture Book

‘This is a cute read, my kids really liked it. It’s about a little seal that goes on an adventure to find out…*shockingly* what’s that noise?’ Picture Book.

Victoria – Komoka Library

by Kevin Henkes.
Juvenile Fiction

‘I just read this book for a class I’m taking as a first chapter book. It is funny, and light hearted for early school years kids.’

by Jane Austen
Adult Fiction

Eight years ago, Anne Elliot, bowed to pressure from her family and made the decision not to marry the man she loved, Captain Wentworth. Now circumstances have conspired to bring him back into her social circle and Anne finds her old feelings for him reignited. However, when they meet again, Wentworth behaves as if they are strangers and seems more interested in her friend Louisa. In this, her final novel, Jane Austen tells the story of a love that endures the tests of time and society with humour, insight, and tenderness.

Carry On
by Rainbow Rowell
Young Adult Fiction

"A fun take on fan fiction. Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One who's ever been chosen. That's what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he's probably right. Half the time, Simon can't even make his wand work, and the other half, he starts something on fire. His mentor's avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there's a magic-eating monster running around, wearing Simon's face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here -- it's their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon's infuriating nemesis didn't even bother to show up"

by Casey Lyall
Picture Book

This is a fantastic book with beautiful illustrations and a very clever octopus named Inky. Inky is dared to make one final escape after recounting his adventurous life to Blotchy in the aquarium he has retired to. My nieces and nephews loved this story and we re-read many times.

Liz Adema
Middlesex County Library

by by Steven Rowley
Adult Fiction

A warm and deeply funny novel about a once-famous gay sitcom star whose unexpected family tragedy leaves him with his niece and nephew for the summer. The Guncle is a moving tribute to the power of love, patience, and family in even the most trying of times.

Esi Edugyan
Adult Fiction

Washington Black won the Giller Prie in November 2018 making Esi Edugyan the third writer to win the award twice. It was also shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize,] the Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize, the 2019 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, and the 2020 International Dublin Literary Award.

This is the harrowing life story of Washington (Wash) Black, a young boy born into slavery on a brutal sugar plantation in 1830s Barbados. Because of his quick wits and artistic talents, Wash becomes that manservant to the plantation owner’s scientifically-minded younger brother, Christopher. A warped mentorship develops between the two as the abolitionist Christopher educates Wash and plans an audacious escape from the island.

by Paula McLain
Adult Fiction

'Having enjoyed her previous novels, I looked forward to When the Stars Go Dark, though reviews warned it was a departure from her historical novels. It is not entirely a departure, as McLain entwines fictional crimes with real cases from when and where the story is set. Detective Anna Hart flees San Francisco to escape trauma and to grieve. She seeks solace in her hometown and becomes involved in a missing person case, which brings up painful memories. In the author notes I learned that Anna’s background and the setting are very personal for McLain. If you are a fan of Paula McLain’s writing, this will not disappoint.'

Kathryn - Dorchester Library

by Matt Haig
Adult Fiction

‘I liked the story, the main character gets a do-over a bunch of times in an alternate ‘heaven’ which is the library. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a ‘just a good story’ type book.’ .

Todd Parr
Juvenile Picture Book

'Todd Parr is always a hit with my toddler. This delightful book encourages readers to be proud of and love themselves, exactly as they are. Parr’s signature style is bright, bold, and packed with details that keep it interesting, even on the 100th read. I love how the writing and illustrations come together to make big concepts– like self-love, inclusion, and confidence – accessible to youngsters, with a perfect balance of humour and sweetness. A wonderful story to share with young children, its uplifting message is sure to touch readers of any age.'

Courtney - Glencoe Library

Greenlights
by Matthew McConaughey
Adult Non-Fiction

'I liked this story, Matthew McConaughey has had an interesting life even before he was famous. He also focuses a lot on his family and earlier life. It’s a great read for anyone who wants something inspirational, funny, and witty.'

Victoria - Komoka Library

Looking for a book in this category? Visit our Meant to Read in 2020 bookshelf for suggestions! Share what you are reading in this discussion thread.

Looking for a book in this category? Visit our Set in a Country to Visit bookshelf for suggestions! Share what you are reading in this discussion thread.

Looking for a book in this category? Visit our Different Gender Protagonist bookshelf for suggestions! Share what you are reading in this discussion thread.

Looking for a book in this category? Visit our Book Published in the 1800s bookshelf for suggestions! Share what you are reading in this discussion thread.

Looking for a book in this category? Visit our Written by a Middlesex County Author bookshelf for suggestions! Share what you are reading in this discussion thread.

Looking for a book in this category? Visit our Book with Less than 100 Pages
bookshelf for suggestions! Share what you are reading in this discussion thread.

Looking for a book in this category? Visit our Black Canadian Author
bookshelf for suggestions! Share what you are reading in this discussion thread.

Looking for a book in this category? Visit our Book with a One Word Title bookshelf for suggestions! Share what you are reading in this discussion thread.

Lost Roses
Adult Fiction

Lily, a lonely 1980's teenager looking for adventure, befriends an elderly neighbor and uncovers her extraordinary past, never suspecting that a dark secret connects them. Based on the true World War II story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris, who joined the Resistance when the Nazis arrived.

Karen - Ilderton Library