Baltimore County Public Library Summer Reading BCPL SRC discussion
2015 Summer Reading
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2015 Every Hero Has a Story
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Rat Queens, Vol. 2: The Far Reaching Tentacles of N'rygothlove how the monster opened up for backstories. I love all the Rat Queens. I think Violet is my favorite though. who knows. such a great series. 5/5 stars.
Deadman Wonderland Volume 4I feel like this one went downward compared to the first three volumes story wise. I find it still a worthy read. Putting this series on hold for the time being. 3.75/5 stars
Every Last WordThis book is the story of a teenage girl dealing with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). As she breaks free from her old identity and embraces her true self, she begins to improve psychologically. I enjoyed this story very much. It included a romance and a big surprise toward the end.
I read a review of this book where the reader felt that Sam's improvement was unrealistic. I don't know if that is true or not, but it did not detract from the story for me. As someone who deals with psychological issues, in my case my circumstances, choices, and attitudes do influence my psychological health, as did Sam's.
5 out of 5 stars
The Pearl by John SteinbeckI love this tiny novel. The description of these people were based on Steinbeck's personal experiences with Mexicans. I think he writes about the impoverished and the have-nots with such respect and tenderness. Steinbeck took a simple parable and used his writing style and philosophy. Kino, the main character, is a poor pearl diver. One day he finds a most beautiful pearl of all. He dreams of how the pearl could better the lives of his wife and son, how his son could learn to read. The pearl also inspires Kino to fight the poverty of his people.
5+ Stars
Morning Glories, Vol. 5: Testsmore unanswered questions. but i don't care. i want to know what happens next still. 4/5 stars.
Batman: Arkham Asylum - A Serious House on Serious EarthThe artwork was kind of eerie, but in an odd way. I understand that the protagonist is a villain. I understand that this IS Arkham Asylum. I just wanted more and the art disappointed me.
3/5 stars.
The Titan's Cursethis would have been four stars if not for all the times I dnf it.
I missed Annabeth. Percy Jackson is adorable and I am glad I finished it this time. Out of all the new characters we met, I enjoyed Bessie or Nico the most.
3.5/5 stars.
The Reptile RoomI really dislike Mr. Poe. Besides the Baudelaire orphans, Uncle Monty was my favorite we had met thus far. Can one hate Count Olaf more after the first book? The answer is undoubtedly yes. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
"Uncle Monty was my favorite we had met thus far."I completely agree. He is the by far the best guardian they have in the entire series!
Wonder at the Edge of the World3 out of 5 stars
From the title, premise, and summary, it offered a lot of promise. Unfortunately, it didn't totally live up to my expectations. It was one part Lord of the Rings, one part Charlotte Doyle, one part Pirates of the Caribbean, and one part historical fiction. Sadly, the parts just didn't mesh naturally and came across more as recycled than original material. The main character lacked depth and I struggled to visualize her. In general, I just felt that the characters lacked true development. Some thought-provoking issues were brought up in the story, but they too lacked development. Things like slavery and abolition and whaling were introduced, but in the end it felt more like an add-on than anything of substance. Also, the whole premise of her loving science just fell flat and didn't feel authentic.
The book wasn't horrible, but it was just disappointing because it had so much potential.
The Thousand-Dollar Tan Linefirstly I had never seen the show. secondly I need to now. this story works rather well if you hadn't seen the show, but I feel like I am missing a few things not having experienced the show. I still enjoyed it very much. 4 out of 5 stars.
Runaways, Vol. 1: Pride and JoyI'm thinking that Alex maybe the mole, but I'm not sure. Nico is my favorite so far. Great premise and a wonderful cast of characters. 5/5 stars
ArmadaAfter reading Ready Player One, this book disappointed me. A lot of similarities with family structure and "background," but maybe I noticed that because Wil Wheaton narrated both. It took too long to get anything accomplished. Also I fell asleep at one point. Wish it was better, but alas it fell short for me. 3 out of 5 stars.
Runaways, Vol. 2: Teenage WastelandAlex is still my pick for the mole. Nico is still my favorite, but I'm loving Molly's innocence she's bringing to the group. 4/5 stars
Runaways, Vol. 3: The Good Die Young
The conclusion to the first arch was beautiful. 5/5 stars
Runaways, Vol. 4: True BelieversThe beginning of a new arch and showing the aftermath. excited to see what happens. 4/5 stars.
Runaways, Vol. 5: Escape to New York
still interesting, but I found my interest going downward in this one. Also the randomly different art style in the beginning was odd. 3/5 stars.
The Darkest Part of the ForestThis was rather enjoyable. I really like Holly Black's writing style. This was very well written and the world very developed for being a stand-alone. 4/5 stars.
The Woods, Vol. 1: The Arrowthe monsters were pretty eerie. the stereotypes did get annoying at times. 3/5 stars
Mod
Summer Reading 2015 has officially ended, time flies when you're reading great books! Thank you to everyone for all your great discussion posts and all the wonderful books you posted to the 2015 Summer Reading Bookshelf.
We will be drawing our winner this week, so stay tuned!
We hope that you enjoyed your Summer Reading experience and please don't stop reading and sharing just because the summer is over!
Winner to be announced soon!
Ellie
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)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Karen Witemeyer (other topics)Karen Witemeyer (other topics)
Sara Blaedel (other topics)
I saw this book mentioned in a Goodreads discussion, and it was highly rated. It sure sounded good to me -- "an affecting meditation upon friendship, loneliness, and loss." But I never could get into the story. I thought it was all over the place. In fact, I read it twice just to see if I missed something. It's a shame because the premise of the story sounds so sweet. Maybe graphic novels are not for me. The art work is beautiful, though, and very well done. I'm giving 3 Stars because of the art work, and because I love turtles.