Baltimore County Public Library Summer Reading BCPL SRC discussion
2015 Summer Reading
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2015 Every Hero Has a Story
The NightingaleI have read other Kristin Hannah books and decided to give this one a try, even though it was very different from the ones I read previously. This book is set in 1939 during WWII. Sisters Vianne and Isabelle have very different personalities. Vianne's husband has gone off to fight in the war, leaving her with their young child. Isabelle is single and rebellious and gets involved in her own way of fighting in the war. This book is unusual in that it shows women's roles during World War II. It will make you very glad that you did not live during that time period and suffer as they did. It is difficult to read at times due to the tragedies they suffer. While I liked the storyline, I did not give it 5 stars due to its length. I thought it was a little drawn out and could have been told just as well with fewer pages.
Sharon wrote: "Amber wrote: "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption: A Story from Different SeasonsI just finished this novella by Stephen King. It was the second thing I have ever read in it's ent..."
I have found over the years that Stephen King's novels and novellas read so much better than the movies made from them. One of my all time favorites is The Eyes of the Dragon, which is more like a fairy tale and very different from his other novels. I also enjoyed The Green Mile, Christine, and Cujo.
Hope you get to try more King stories!
I just finished reading Nightingale by Kristen Hannah. This book tells the story of how 2 sisters try to survive when Nazis invade their town in France.
The Chapel Wars3.5 stars
So overall, it was a quick, fun, pool-side read. Compared to the YA lit I've read recently, it was clean and good-natured. It was a "Romeo & Juliet premise" and the characters even joked about the fact that they were like Shakespeare's famous play. The setting really made the book, as the characters never fully took shape and they seemed a bit inconsistent. The plot was also WAY unrealistic, but it was enjoyable if you could look past that. As a 30-something, I loved that the one character was obsessed with U2 and randomly quoted them throughout the book.
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession3.75 stars
So the title of this book was intriguing. I guess what I assumed is that it would be a 3rd person account of a famous thief who stole rare books, simply for the love of books. I guess the title was a tad misleading because it turns out that I think Gilkey may be slightly unbalanced and he thinks procuring rare books will bring him the status, pleasure, and recognition he's looking for. That's not the same thing as a "love for books".The author does address this, and spends a fair bit of time grappling with what the fine line is between those who legitimately collect out of passion and those who allow their passions to lead them to do it not so legitimately. And, when the back of the book talks about "stealing books", I have this idea in my mind that's grand and romantic. In reality, the books were stolen using credit fraud. In my mind that's just not as cool or creative. Over all though, it was an interested story and it was an enjoyable read.
What I did like, and didn't expect, is that it was told from a combination of 1st person and 3rd person. The author actually interviewed the thief and rare book dealers. In a way, she became part of the story. She didn't just share her interactions with them, but included stories they told her. That was cool, but the timeline of all of the stories was a bit confusing and sometimes it was hard to follow a particular storyline-- why is she telling this? whose story is it? etc. I just think the organization and execution could have been a little stronger. Also, some of it tended to be a bit repetitive, jumping back and worth needlessly.
Anya's GhostI felt like the creepy factor the premise gave wasn't as creepy as it could have been.3/5 stars
Killer Instinct By Jennifer Lynn BarnesThis book was intense and thrilling. In the second book of the Naturals series, victims of a brutal new serial killer start turning up. The Naturals are pulled into this active case where the killer is a copycat of Dean's imprisoned father. Dean wants nothing to do with his father or the case but the FBI needs his insight and as much as his friends want to help him, they don't even know how they can. On top of that, a new supervisor comes into the picture with the intent to shut down the program.
I LOVE the character development Barnes puts into her characters, their interactions, and actions. I also can appreciate the first person perspective so we don't know everything and gives some mystery so we can attempt to solve the case with them. Barnes always keeps me guessing when it comes to direction/turns the book takes and her imagery and detail and her characters actions/interactions and descriptions through Cassie's thoughts has me really reacting to them/the situation. I also am thrilled about how the love triangle between Cassie, Dean, and Micheal ending.
5/5 stars
A Monster Callsi enjoyed the monster's tales. It took a little bit of time to get into, but i ended up throughly enjoying it. The illustrations were eerie also. 4.5 out of 5 stars
Travels with Charley in Search of America: by John SteinbeckThis was my first non-fiction work of Steinbeck's, and in my book he can do no wrong. It was a great read, perfect for Summer reading. He is such a beautiful writer. I usually read his books slowly, I want to absorb everything. I teared up when he described the shy 13 year old boy who was watching him pack Rocinante and said "I'll do anything..." The boy wanted to go with him so badly. His description of the Red Woods gave me chills. And then there's Charley, a perfect French gentleman poodle companion.
5+ Stars
I'll Give You the Sunthis is the second book i have read by jandy nelson this year and she has quickly became my favorite new author this year. This book is beautiful and heartbreaking. Worthy of every star I have given it. 5 stars
Eleanor & ParkEleanor and Park is a love story between 2 high school misfits and their journey. This story was so cute. I kept putting it off for so long but now I fully regret that decision. This love story targeted more for high school students. I got into it after a few chapters. It felt so easy to read and Rainbow Rowell just has a way of making you want more. The end was kind of frustrating for me and did result in a few tears but overall Eleanor and Park is just a beautifully written book with a beautifully written plot and characters that I just love so much.
4.75 of 5 stars
Dorothy Must DieDorothy Must Die is a kind of dystopian series, I don't know how else to describe it. In this version of 'The Wizard of Oz', Dorothy did leave Oz but she returned. She took power and became a tyrant, draining all of the magic in Oz and not stopping. The people became slaves for Dorothy and no one was able to stand against her. That is until, comes Amy Gumm, the other girl from Kansas and she's recruited to kill Dorothy. In this twisted world, good is bad, bad is good, and anything is possible.
This series sounded so interesting and I instantly wanted to read it from the minute I saw the title. We instantly got swept up into the plot and I became attached. The book is rather long and it's got a lot of information to process. Also, the main character, Amy, is very stubborn and that was one of the most frustrating things. I would still recommend this book to everyone. The plot idea stands out. It has some romance but not much, it's got lots of action though. This is a must-read. I cannot wait to read the second book 'The Wicked Will Rise'.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Shadow and BoneIn this Russian based fantasy, the nation of Ravka has been split into two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of impenetrable darkness crawling with man-eating monsters. The fate of this once-great nation now rests with a poor, orphaned refugee named Alina. When a dormant power inside of Alina is unleashed, she is whisked away to the royal court to be trained with the rest of the Grisha, an elite magical group lead by the mystifying Darkling. Only Alina has the power to save the nation of Ravka.
I was hesitant about this book because of the Russian references. They were kind of confusing but then there came a time when I couldn't put the book down. I like the main character, Alina. She seems so strong and so weak at the same time. She has so much pain in her life, so much to die for yet so much to live for. Her only flaw is that she is too trusting. But her friends are still so kind and obviously care about Alina. The story, with it's twists and turns, has a great plot. It had a lot of world building but still managed to get enough of the story to have readers begging for more. There is romance in this book and lots of action. I would definitely pick this book up along with the sequels, 'Siege and Storm' and 'Ruin and Rising'.
4.95 out of 5 stars
A Million SunsThis a the second book in the 'Across the Universe' trilogy. The series is a dystopian, science fiction type. These books are lengthy and provide lots of information. But even with all that info there are still many unanswered questions. Some of the characters frustrated me along with some plot details but the general idea sounded interesting. The first book, Across the Universe, is sort of a murder mystery. These books have a little bit of romance, some action-not much because it takes place on a space ship-and lots of unanswered questions.
3.75 out of 5 stars
I Was Here'I Was Here' is a novel by Gayle Forman, so obviously it is going to be heartbreaking. This story is told by the point of view of Cody, best friend of Meg Garcia. When Meg commits suicide, Cody has no warning at all even though Cody and Meg shared everything. This book is Cody's journey in rediscovering Meg and rediscovering herself.
Oh my gods, this book is so emotional. First off, if you haven't read Gayle Forman yet, you should know that her writing hurts. She has a way of intertwining every concept in her books so that it touches everyone's souls and everyone can relate in a way. 'I Was Here' is Cody's path of finding redemption for not realizing that her best friend was in so much pain that it was better not to live. Cody did make some rash decisions in the book which did frustrate me. There is a love story tied into the story and I would solely consider picking this book up.
4.9 out of 5 stars
Private Peaceful by Michael MorpurgoThis novel takes place mostly in England in early 1900's, and then in France and Belgium during World War I, 1914-1916. It is about a loving close-knit family living in England who have their ups and downs, the husband/father passes away and then his wife is left to take care of their 3 children. They are mistreated by their landlord who threatens them with eviction. With the start of World War I, he uses blackmail to force the oldest son to join the army. The youngest son doesn't want his brother to go alone, and he lies about his age and they join the army together. The novel was very well researched about life in England during this time period and World War I, and also the British army and their treatment of their soldiers. Most of all, it is a story about courage and bravery, and love and commitment.
4 Stars
I just finished reading the book Wonder by R J Palacio. I put it on my reading list because all of my students read this book in 4th grade. It was an amazing story that I think all students should read at some point. It's about a boy named Augie who was born with facial abnormalities. He has been homeschooled his whole life because of the numerous surgeries he had to undergo. This book is about Augie going to school - the 5th grade - for the first time.
Together ApartAdam and Sarah have been living together for awhile and one night on the spur of the moment, Adam proposes. He is shocked when Sarah turns him down and says she can no longer stay with him. She refuses to give him a reason. They continue to live together only to avoid breaking the lease. But then Adam discovers her childhood diaries. Will they give him the answers he so desperately needs? I really enjoyed this book and would give it 4 out of 5 stars.
The Sacred Lies of Minnow Blythis was really good. the flashbacks came at appropriate times. the twists weren't always apparent. the story griping. I had to remind myself at times that this was fiction. Cults are freaky.
One and Only Ivan by Katherine ApplegateThis book is written for children. It's a story about Ivan, a silverback gorilla, and other animals in a mall / arcade off of the highway. This beautiful story is about how Ivan tries to protect the other animals in this very unsuitable environment.
Melissa wrote: "One and Only Ivan by Katherine ApplegateThis book is written for children. It's a story about Ivan, a silverback gorilla, and other animals in a mall / arcade off of the highway. This beautiful s..."
I love her books. If you get a chance, read Home of the Brave, my favorite of hers.
The Girl You Left Behind5 out of 5 stars
I am really growing to like Jojo Moyes' books. This novel is a beautiful combination of chick lit and historical fiction. The characters, settings, and plot drew me in, and I found myself unwilling to put it down. Although the transitions between 1917 and 2006 weren't seemless, it was easy to figure out what was going on (and where) with a sentence or two. This book reminded me a lot of The Nightingale. I really really enjoyed this book.
The Last Time We Say GoodbyeThis is the story of Lex, a girl trying to overcome her grief and feelings of guilt over the suicide of her younger brother, Ty. This story is very character-driven, focusing on Lex's journey to forgive herself, also touching on the struggles of others who were close to Ty. I enjoyed this book very much and feel like it does a great job expressing the aftermath of suicide on those left behind.
Although not autobiographical, this story draws on Cynthia Hand's own experience with her younger brother's suicide as a teenager. That experience added to the authenticity of the story.
4 out of 5 stars
The Truth About ForeverThis is a teenage romance. It is the story of Macy's love triangle with Jason, the highly cerebral "perfect" sort-of-boyfriend, and Wes, the new friend Macy really connects with. I enjoyed watching Macy's transformation in this story and the ups and downs of her different relationships. The story also follows Macy as she deals with her father's death the previous year.
4 out of 5 stars
Thoroughly enjoyed In Real Life by Cory Doctorow and Jen Wang. The story is fantastic and the illustrations are beautiful. Great introduction to international politics/children's welfare/rights in a way... I only wish this had been around for me to read 25 years ago when I was a young gamer/activist like Anda!
The Impossible Knife of Memory LOVED IT! Hayley's (main girl) narration is so relatable even though the story covered some tough topics. Definitely worth the read.
5/5
The Devil is a Part-Timer Manga, Vol. 1This was funny and properly captured what it was like to be part-timer and you can't help but feel for all the characters. 4/5 stars
Arisa, Vol. 01realistic but with a spooky cult like twist about it. interested in seeing where this goes. 5/5 stars
Nurse Hitomi's Monster Infirmary Vol. 1 saw this yesterday while i was out and figured I'd give it a try when I saw it in the library. this was adorable. it was body positive and gave adorable feels. 4/5 stars
Manga Dogs 1I wasn't expecting much. it didn't deliver much. It was funny at times but I don't think I'll continue on with this manga. 3/5 stars
Funny GirlMy first book by this author Funny Girl by Nick Hornby is supposed to be a British comedy. It starts in the small town of Blackpool in the 1960's where a beautiful girl named Barbara Parker wins the Miss Blackpool pageant but immediately relinquishes her crown to move to London to follow her dreams of being a comedic actress. Her idol is Lucille Ball. Her name is changed to Sophie Straw and she winds up fulfilling her dream by being the leading lady in a new comedy series. Although it was said that her series was funny and that she was funny, I wanted to actually know the funny lines. To me the story did not focus enough on "Sophie" but instead on all the characters around her - her co-star, producer, director, etc. I thought the story was really drawn out and just not funny. I could only give it 2 out of 5 stars.
Ahhhhhh, Roman Dirge, you twisted individual!!! One of my favourite twisted individuals, actually... So happy to have the Cutest Lil' Dead Girl back in my hands! Lenore: Pink Bellies collects Lenore comics issues #8-11, following the "Downfall" arc, where we learn Taxidermy's origin...finally. I mean, dang, Dirge, thanks for that!I love Lenore and highly recommend her to anyone who enjoys the darker, twisted side of silliness...please be advised that this series isn't for kids! The humour is geared toward adults. No, really...<3
I Hunt KillersThe premise of this is: what if an infamous serial killer was your dad. im really loving this series so far. super curious as to what will happen in book two. 5/5 stars for book one
Olive's OceanThis is an enjoyable middle grade children's book about a twelve-year-old girl, Martha, and how she deals with the death of Olive, a girl she never befriended but finds out wanted to be her friend. Although this is the premise of the book, I felt like the main focus of the plot was her relationship with her grandmother. She is also involved in a budding romance.
4/5 stars
Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, & Me (a Graphic Memoir by Ellen Forney) is an excellent inspiring hopeful graphic autobiography. Mental issues and creativity tend to meet at an intersection and walk hand-in-hand forever. This is a good example of one such "creative crazy person" who has found her balance, and I'm so glad she did!
The Nightingale by Kristin HannahThis book follows two sisters who take very different paths during the German occupation of France. The more heroic things they each do have to be kept secret from each other for security reasons, and as a result, they judge each other somewhat harshly. A bit like Suite Francaise but with a tighter plot. I really enjoyed this book and felt like I learned more about the WW2 era in Europe.
The Bad BeginningI check the audiobook version out of this because everyone was saying it was really good. It did not disappoint. I was really surprised, but it was Tim Curry so I really shouldn't have been. 5 out of 5 stars.
SugarSugar is a beautiful, sweet story about how friendship and sacrifice can defy the boundaries of race and tradition. The story is set in post-slavery America and shows the struggles that continued for African Americans and Chinese, in the time of share cropping. There are many historical fiction books that are set in slavery times, but this story sheds light on a time not often in books. It clearly demonstrates that the end of slavery did not bring true freedom to non-whites. The characters are likeable and real. The plot moves naturally and drew me in. I think children and adults a like will enjoy and learn from this story.
5 out of 5 stars
Stacy wrote: "The Nightingale by Kristin HannahThis book follows two sisters who take very different paths during the German occupation of France. The more heroic things they each do have to be kept secret fro..."
I also read this book this summer and enjoyed it. I learned a lot about the French's part in the War as well. I agree that it was interesting to see how the sisters' opinions of each other were affected by what they thought they knew about each other.
A Little Something DifferentThis was a very enjoyable and innocent college romance told in a unique way. It was told from 14 perspectives, including a professor, a roommate, Gabe's brother, a bus driver, a squirrel, and a bench, to name a few. She never uses the perspective of either main character, but, in my opinion, it still worked. We get to see what was going on in their heads through dialogue and their actions. This is the story of how they get together. It takes a while to work out, but, for me, the pace worked. We only see the very beginning of their relationship as a couple. I would like to see a second book that follows Gabe and Lea as a couple.
5 out of 5 stars
Melissa wrote: "I just finished reading the book Wonder by R J Palacio. I put it on my reading list because all of my students read this book in 4th grade. It was an amazing story that I think all students should..."I had to read that book for school two summers ago. I also really liked. It has a good message that we should tolerate the differences of everyone around us.
Garden SpellsGarden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen - I would call this book fiction with some mystical elements added. You should know that from the beginning or you will not enjoy it like I did. It's nice sometimes to have a bit of fantasy. This story is set in a small town where a sister named Claire lives in a house surrounded by a beautiful garden with mystical plants. She is a caterer and everyone loves her dishes with their special powers. One day her estranged sister Sydney returns home with her young daughter Bay. She obviously has some secrets that she is unwilling to share. The two slowly reconnect but not without some problems. The garden helps them get through their trying times, along with their cousin, Evanelle, who shows up unexpectedly at times with items to share that she cannot explain. They always come in handy in ways that surprise everyone. An enjoying read. 4 out of 5 stars for me.
Boo by Neil SmithThis is a story about Oliver, a 13 year old 8th grade student who one day wakes up in a heaven that is only for 13 year olds. It is Oliver who is narrating this story in a diary-form for his mother and father, who he misses and loves very much, so they'll know what his life is like in this after life. Oliver has no idea how he got to this after life or heaven, only that the last thing he can remember is standing in front of his school locker. A short time later, another student from his school, Johnny, arrives in this after life, and it is he who tells Oliver how they both died. On earth, Oliver was bullied and mistreated by a group of students. In this heaven, the 13 year olds don't have the same problems as they did on earth, but they still remember.
There was part of the second half of this novel that sort of dragged, but the last 80 pages or so picked up, and the ending was something I didn't see coming. Unfortunately for me though, I was confused with the ending, and I'm not sure exactly what did happen the day Oliver and Johnny died. That is my reason for a 3 Star rating. I was thinking that maybe this was all a dream while Oliver was in a coma, but that is not how it turns out.
This novel has received glowing reviews from readers and other authors, so please don't let my review discourage you from reading it. The storyline was very original, and touched on mental and emotional illness, loneliness, Autism, forgiveness, and I really liked Oliver and Johnny.
3 Star rating
Rat Queens, Vol. 1: Sass & SorceryBasically Dungeons and Dragons in graphic form. But done way better than I can explain. I think I may have a favorite Rat Queen. Maybe. 5/5 easy stars.
As always, Nora Roberts did not disappoint. The protagonist, while having the rug pulled out from under her and forced to start over, did not lose her grit and determination. I always enjoy the family interactions Nora always include in her stories, and the romance was great without being sappy. I could predict the ending before I got to our, but the reading was enjoyable enough that I didn't care.
Charlotte wrote: "As always, Nora Roberts did not disappoint. The protagonist, while having the rug pulled out from under her and forced to start over, did not lose her grit and determination. I always enjoy the fam..."What is the title of the book?
Karen WitemeyerShort-Straw BrideI really enjoy Karen witemeyer. Her books are wholesome, the women unconventional and spunky, the men honorable. In this particular book I appreciated the fact that the heroine had a limp, it isn't often that protagonist address less than 'perfect'.
Charlotte wrote: "Karen WitemeyerShort-Straw BrideI really enjoy Karen witemeyer. Her books are wholesome, the women unconventional and spunky, the men honorable. In this particul..."
This sounds very good. I should make a note of it. I see it's published by Bethany House. I've loved every book I've ever read by a Bethany House author.
Baltimore County Public Library Summer Reading...
Books mentioned in this topic
The Woods, Vol. 1: The Arrow (other topics)The Darkest Part of the Forest (other topics)
Runaways, Vol. 5: Escape to New York (other topics)
Runaways, Vol. 4: True Believers (other topics)
Runaways, Vol. 2: Teenage Wasteland (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Karen Witemeyer (other topics)Karen Witemeyer (other topics)
Sara Blaedel (other topics)
DC comics and a prestigious school setting? It is as amazing as it sounds. 5/5 beautiful worthy stars.