Seminole County Public Library discussion
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Summer Reading 2016
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2016 Summer Reading Contest
I just finished "After You" by Jojo Moyes - the sequel to "Me Before You". I really enjoyed the first book and was really excited to find out what happened to Louisa after Will. Her story played out well and her character had definitely grown since the end of the last book. However, some of the scenarios and conversations were a bit contrived. I don't think a basis has been laid for another book so this one wrapped up nicely.
Dead Mountain: The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass IncidentI just finished this book after stumbling across this case from over 50 years ago. The book was written by a documentary film-maker who became obsessed with the case and traveled to Russia to try to re-create the steps of 9 young hikers who died mysteriously on the side of a frozen mountain in 1959.
The author did a good job of giving history of the case and presenting the facts with little bias. He met with people from the region, experts in the area and scientists to gain as much information as possible. He tied the book up nicely with his personal theory about what led to the deaths of these college students after having disproven many of the previous theories that were formed over the last half-century.
The Unexpected EverythingI can never pass up a Morgan Matson book and The Unexpected Everything did not disappoint. When all of her summer plans fall through, Andie Walker has to do the unexpected and live without plans for once. This books explores what happens when you let your guard down, let people in, and live unexpectedly.
Walk The Edge by Katie McGarryI had waited for nearly a year to see this book published. (I placed a hold before the library put the book on the shelf.) After reading the first novel in the series, No Where But Here, I was hooked on her Thunder Road Series. For someone who grew up in the same rural atmosphere and road motorcycles growing up, I immediately felt a strong connection to the writer. I absolutely adore her writing style. While not classical in any sense, the two perspectives per book create a unique story telling method that allows for a full understanding of characters and the situations in which they find themselves. The story is beautiful and leaves you yearning for more. I'm excited for what 2017 brings for the Reign of Terror MC!!
The First Time She DrownedLike a lot of other 18 year olds, Cassie O'Malley is starting her first year of college. But unlike other girls her age, Cassie is also leaving the mental institution she's been in the for the past two and half years. As the story progresses, you learn more about the reasons Cassie was wrongly left there and how she became the broken, untrusting person you see. It took me a while to connect with Cassie and her story, but once I did I really felt her. This story made me think a lot about family and how easy it is to mold children into who we want them to be, whether that's the best for them or not.
Code of Conduct by Brad ThorA thriller of a story about world power. The story brings you all over the world when a secret committee has an agenda to destroy the world as we know it. A former Navy Seal sets out to solve the puzzle of how, when, and where he's to end the terrible plot against all mankind.
An exciting thriller to the last page.
The Girl on the Train by Paula HawkinsI read this book in prep for the book club!
Overall, I have to give this book 4/5 stars. It’s a psychological thriller with the narrator being a hopeless, unemployed alcoholic who has basically let her life fall into shambles.
Every day, Rachel, the main character, takes the train into London, and during her commute she always takes notice of this one couple who she names Jason and Jess, giving them both jobs, hobbies, and conversations, all from Rachel’s imagination. Rachel, from her vantage point of the train window, creates a perfect, idealist marriage. Which we learn is far from the actual truth. One day Rachel notices something amiss with Jess, and the following day, Jess (who turns out to be Megan Hipwell) is found to be missing. At this point Rachel, for reasons unbeknownst to her at the time, becomes involved in the investigation.
This story was quite a change from what I’d been reading recently (young adult literature), and it was a dark one at that, but I really did enjoy it. The writing style was simple and direct, which kept me in the moment and constantly engrossed. I really should have figured out the ending long before I did, but I’m hopeless when it becomes to mysteries, and it was right before the author practically spelled it out that I put all the pieces together. The tension in this book was built steadily, so that by the time the story was at its boiling point, I was cringing, nervous, terrified, and still completely hooked. I had quite a few moments with Rachel where I wanted to scream at her “Get the heck out of there!”, which of course she didn’t listen to, so those moments were followed by a lot of “why why why would you do that stupid thing”. It was a good ending though, even if still eerie. I wouldn’t have expected any skipping off into the sunset anyway, to be honest.
Ruby by Francesca Lia BlockHonestly, I chose the book because of its cover. I've been guilty of this method more than once. When I came across this book, I decided to give it a try, even though it is something out of my normal niche. While it wasn't a life altering novel, I appreciated what Block out into this story. From an abusive childhood, Ruby moved out to Los Angeles only to move to England in the hopes of perusing her true soul mate, Orion. With the help of her own magical abilities and Orion's interesting parents, Ruby finds herself as Orion's caretaker. She works hard to comfort Orion during his bed rest. This novel will take you on an emotional ride. The color of this novel, and the story that you find yourself in, leaps from the pages. This short novel is packed with richness. Definitely worth a read.
Mod
Congratulations, Hailey, and thanks to everyone who has submitted entries so far!
The Devil is a Part-Timer Manga, Vol. 1 (The Devil Is a Part-Timer Manga #1) by Satoshi Wagahara, Akio HiragiI just finished reading this and I think it's pretty okay. It wasn't ha ha I'm laughing on the floor and my stomach hurts book. A comedy graphic novel. I give this book 3/5 because some of it had some corny jokes in it. If you like reading a book with the devil acting like he's some regular teenage. There's a small discussion of good vs. evil and Christianity and Devil.
Speak Love by Annie F. DownsI just finished reading this book with my High School Girls' Life Group. I started this group for High School Girls back in February of 2016. We met once a week (usually) and discussed the book chapter-by-chapter.
While this is written from a Christian perspective, it holds truth and encouragement for all young women, from middle school to post-college. I loved the topics in the book. I loved Annie's writing style. She writes as if you are sitting down at Starbucks's enjoying a mocha together.
Annie offers practical advise on guys, friendships, social media, self-confidence, and event family matters. She is honest, and never comes across in a condescending tone in any of the advise she gives. I know all of the girls in my life group enjoyed the book. I gave each girl a journal and ask that she write about her experiences, as well as her thoughts on the books. All of the girls had positive remarks on the book. The discussion questions and journal prompts make this a perfect read for any small group or book club setting.
We loved the discussions that came from Annie's writings. In fact, we loved them so much that we are going to start reading Annie's book Perfectly Unique this fall.
End of Watch by Stephen KingThis is the last in the Bill Hodges trilogy. Since I am a fan of the great Mr. King, my opinion might be a bit biased. However, I've loved all three books in this series (Mr. Mercedes and Finders Keepers were the previous two) and I am very happy with the way the series was wrapped up in this book.
As usual, there are a great deal of situations that are quite unrealistic and contrived but that is to be expected in most horror/supernatural storylines. The characters, however, are familiar and well developed - even the bad guy feels like an old acquaintance.
If this falls within a genre you appreciate, I highly recommend this book. I will say, though, that you should read the previous two stories in order to have a full understanding and appreciation for what is happening in this one. Grab all three, set aside a weekend and go on a binge. You'll truly enjoy the experience!
Mod
Congratulations to our week 2 winner and thanks again to everyone who has submitted entries so far!
NYPD Red #4As a huge James Patterson fan for many years, I have probably read every adult book he has written. I love all the series and NYPD is no exception. Cross, Bennett, Private, Women's Murder Club - I always look forward to his new releases.
This story begins with a murdered actress and a stolen necklace. Although the plan was to take the jewels from her neck, her murder was not part of the plan. Enter Jack and Kylie. While they try to solve this crime, the mayor thrusts another one into their lap involving stolen medical equipment.
All this while Kylie tries to find her drug addict husband and Jack tries to continue his relationship with Cheryl, who harbors some jealousy of Kylie.
The jewel heist plot was great. A few little twists but you still want the crime solved. Even though you discover the real criminal midway through the book, you still can't wait to see how s/he is caught. The medical crime was almost a waste of paper and felt felt it was written in by a beginning writer just to fill up the pages. It was no big deal to the plot and wrapped up way too tidy. It would have been nice if that plot had any excitement or twists but alas it did not.
Although the main story (stolen necklace) was enjoyable, I was becoming annoyed with Kylie and her constant need to find and save her drug addict husband. Breaking the NYPD rules seemed out of character for her; the Kylie- Jack tension was non-existent and Cheryl was a whiny wimp. Not "bonding" with the characters made this only a three star book - maybe even 2 1/2 stars.
Hopefully Patterson will perk up the characters and come up with less mundane plot lines for the next NYPD series.
Oops - main character in NYPD Red is Zach, not Jack! Sorry!
The Mirror King by Jodi Meadows.I just finished reading The Mirror King, which is the sequel to The Orphan Queen, written by Jodi Meadows. I absolutely adored this book! The world is so developed that it would not surprise me if it actually was a real place. I fell in love with the Ospreys as each of their characters were developed, especially the best friend relationship between Wil and Melanie and the little brother relationship between Wil and Connor. The romance between Wil and Tobiah was small enough that it did not pull away from the main plot but big enough that I wanted to see where it would go. I absolutely LOVED the ending!! It ended in exactly the perfect way, with a satisfactory ending, but not without some consequence. We saw the characters give everything they had in order to stop the Wraith, and they were able to accomplish their goal. Although the whole James thing was a little out of the blue, I loved his sacrifice, as well as Chrysalis' sacrifice in the end. It took my a while to get into this book, I will admit. However, it was worth the extra effort when I reached part four. I would definitely recommend this book and its companion!
The Ezekiel Option by Joel C. RosenbergThis book deals with the rising crisis in the Middle East. The American president is trying to obtain world peace. The Israelis and Palestinians finally signed a peace agreement and the future looks promising. Russia is being lead by a viscous dictator. Moscow and Tehran are making plans to rule the world. Two senior White House advisors are caught in the middle of a pending catastrophe. Joel C. Rosenberg tells a very realistic story that needs to be read.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night. I just finished this book by Mark Haddon, having picked it up because I found it in an old box my son left behind when he moved out. I wasn't sure if would like it because it just seemed to start as a very strange story. I was drawn in, though, by the characteristics of the narrating character, Christopher. Being the stepmother of a child with Aspergers, I immediately recognized the traits as Christopher began his story. I found it humorous and entertaining and very insightful. The story, itself, was interesting in it's own right but made infinitely more so by the odd traits and viewpoints possessed by sweet Christopher.
This book was an easy read (I read it while on vacation) and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in mystery novels - or anyone who just enjoys a good book!
Mod
Congratulations to our week 3 winner and thanks again to everyone for submitting entries!
The Last StarAs the third and final book in the Fifth Wave series, I was highly anticipating the arrival of the The Last Star. Unfortunately, it was my least favorite book of the series. I couldn't seem to connect with the character as much as in the first two. The narration switched between several characters and I often had trouble remembering who was currently speaking. I continued through to the end mostly to find how this series, that I started off loving, would end. Sadly, I was not even that impressed with the way everything was wrapped up. I would highly recommend the first book in this series but the recommendation might end there.
What She KnewWhat She Knew is the heartbreaking story of a mom and her missing 8 year old son. It starts off with a day that anyone can imagine: a walk in the park with your son and dog. Everything changes when the young boy, Benedict Finch, asks to run ahead. It's a normal request and no one expects the worst to happen.
I enjoyed this book through all of its twists and surprises. The author sets up several possible suspects and you can never be so sure of who is telling the truth or hiding unimaginable secrets. Along with Rachel, Benedict's mother, you start to wonder whether those close to her are hiding secrets of their own.
The narration switched between Rachel and detective Jim Clemo. I enjoyed both equally and it was interesting to see the two very differing points of view.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries and thrillers.
Seminole County Public Library wrote: "Yesterday, Monday June 27th, we did the third small prize drawing of the summer for Adult Summer Reading. The winning entry was a reading log entered in person by Robert and the prize for the third..."Can we post 5 book reviews on here in addition to the 5 hand written ones submitted in person to our local branch (for 10 different books in total)? Or can we only contribute a total of 5 reviews?
Mod
Thanks for your question. :)
Bossypants by Tina FeyI recently finished this audiobook, read by the author. As a fan of Tina's, I knew I'd love the book before I ever started it. However, her wit, intelligence, humility and insight was unfailingly impressive. I listened to it while on vacation with my family - mostly during long car rides. Many times, my husband became quite concerned with me because he was afraid I was going to lose consciousness from laughing. I'm sure it was more frustrating for him because I was listening via headphones and he wasn't in on the hilarity!
I highly recommend this book to anybody with a sense of humor. You won't be disappointed!
The Selection by Kiera CassIn this young adult novel, which is set sometime in the future (after world war four), the Prince of Illea (formerly USA) had 35 young ladies live in his palace until he can select one of them to be his new bride. America has no intention of marrying Prince Maxon because her heart is back home with her forbidden love, Aspen.
The love story was so young adult-ish (boring, expected, forbidden)and it followed along the lines of Hunger Games or Romeo and Juliet. But once America arrives at the royal palace, the story picked up. It was interesting to see how the author had China and Russia invade USA; how the king and queen were oblivious of the issues affecting the lower class - including crime and education; how rebels invade the palace looking for "something". Spoiler alert - the book never gives readers a satisfying conclusion. It ends like a tv series season cliff hangar and you have to read the next book to see what happens. Yes, I am about to start book two now because I need to have my questions answered.
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall KellyThis book of fiction based on actual events and real people was astounding on so many levels. The story follows three women throughout Hitler's invasion of Poland and Ravensbruck- an all-female concentration camp. Kasia is a young Polish woman arrested, along with her sister and mother, and sent to Ravensbruck. She tells the story from the point of view of the "Ravensbruck Rabbits" - a group of inmates upon whom many gruesome surgical experiments were performed. Then we hear from Herta, an actual female physician sent to work at Ravensbruck who performed the terrifying procedures and held responsibility for the deaths of untold scores of women and children. Our heroine is Miss Caroline Ferriday, a very real socialite in New England who fought to care for the seventy-four "rabbits" who survived the camp.
This book is, of course, full of hurt and heartache and loss. Surprisingly, however, it is overwhelmingly a story of love, dedication, compassion and victory. In reading this book, I found myself researching the camp and the characters to learn more about these women and their lives. I love when a book grips me in such a way that I am simultaneously entranced and educated.
I highly recommend it.
End of WatchJust finished End of Watch by Stephen King and I'm pretty satisfied with the end of the Bill Hodges trilogy. I enjoy King's work and devoured both Mr. Mercedes and Finders Keepers, so I jumped on this last book to see how the story of Bill, Holly, and Jerome would end.
Though this book delves further into the supernatural unlike the previous books, it is characteristic of King so I was able to suspend belief in order to accept some of the outrageous plot points.
Like King's book Cell, I especially like what seems to be an ongoing commentary on the dangers of electronic devices and their effect on people.
Though it's bittersweet to leave this cast of characters, the book is a fast and enjoyable read for summer.
Bodega DreamsThis book, on my reading list for a few years, has been described as a Great Gatsby-esque story set in Spanish Harlem. I think that description is pretty accurate. The story centers on Julio (Chino) and his unlikely friendship to William Bodega Irizarry, a former Young Lord who has become the kingpin of Spanish Harlem. Bodega wants to clean up the "Barrio" and he enlists Julio to help realize those goals, namely reunite him with a long-lost love.
What I like most about the novel is its ability to capture the grit of the urban landscape where it is set. Though the story was just "ok" for me, I appreciate Quinonez's ability to capture the language and people of "El Barrio."
Kafka on the ShoreThis highly acclaimed novel was recommended to me by my students and I just got around to reading it this summer. Honestly, I don't know where even to begin! I've read Murakami before and I know how surreal his work can be and Kafka is no different. The story centers on Kafka Tamura, a teenage runaway, and Nakata, an elderly man who has the ability to talk to cats. Their stories are told in alternating fashion and finally converge in a surreal conclusion.
I have to admit that I was engaged throughout the first half of the book, but then I got lost and confused along the way. Maybe that is part of the book's aim since the themes include loss, identity, reality vs. dreams, etc.
I do enjoy stories with magical realism, and Kafka has its fair share of it. I loved the talking cats and the inclusion of Japanese mythology (that alone has my interest piqued to research more about it), but in the end I was left scratching my head.
I know Kafka is a beloved book, and I know my students are going to look at me funny when I tell them that I wasn't that much of a fan of it, but I am sure others will enjoy it since so many already do.
This is the story of how Adolf Eichmann was discovered and apprehended in Argentina in 1960, and brought to trial in 1961 for his role in executing Jews during WW II. It's really interesting how the capture was planned and engineered in the days before electronic communication. Also describes the problems there were in obtaining funding for the mission. Written for a high school audience, so it's very readable. (SM)
The Kennedy influence has lingered on for decades, even though all the Kennedy brothers have died. This accounting starts before the election of JFK, and continues on through the Obama presidency, delineating how much is borrowed from their legacy, and what is avoided in deference to their memory. Fun Fact: Robert Kennedy was considering contesting super-delegates at the Democratic convention (like Sanders was rumored to be planning) but he was assassinated on June 5, before the convention was held. (SM)
The story of how ultra-rich conservatives/libertarians used their money to fund a grass-roots movement, think tanks, university departments, etc., and thereby change the thinking of many Americans to support policies that mainly benefit the wealthy. Climate change denial, lowered taxes, energy subsidies, trickle-down economics, etc., etc. - all can be traced back to funding from the ultra wealthy. Very readable, good book to read even if you disagree with what it says. (SM)
United as One
Wow! What a series!
Yes, there were some discrepancies throughout. Yes, there were some hokey elements. No, the ending didn't blow my mind. But, all in all, I thoroughly enjoyed (almost) all of it and will probably read all of these books again in the future.
I absolutely love how this series was crafted. The supplemental books provided different perspectives and background information not included in the main books. I've never read a series like that before and I really enjoyed it. Those who only read the main seven books are missing out. And the ending, though not spectacular, was quite satisfactory (not like Eragon, but I won't go there). I actually wouldn't have minded more casualties as that is an unfortunate part of war. Well done Pittacus Lore ;-)
Oops, correction: The Kennedy who wanted to unbind the super-delegates was Ted Kennedy in 1980 (and he lost that vote). (That's what I get for relying on memory!!! LOL) (SM)
Backseat Saints by Joshilyn JacksonThis is my second Joshilyn Jackson novel. At the end of last year I read her novel Gods in Alabama. Just as her previous novel, I entered this novel a little apprehensive about the plot. However, one chapter in and I was hooked. I read this book cover to cover, today. I couldn't put this book down! Once the reader starts in, the writing almost has a preset pace that the reader seems inclined to keep. Others have described this novel as "southern gothic", and that label holds. In fact, put on a Spotify Southern Gothic playlist and buckle up. Ro has seen a lot of the same type of men her entire life. She is young enough that her spitfire attitude is still lying beneath the surface of her housewife demeanor. Although she is left with baggage from an abusive father and a mother who abandoned them both, Ro won't let anything stop her from discovering the truth. If you love a fast-pasted story, pick up this book. It does not disappoint. Joshilyn Jackson is one of the best writers when it comes to a good ending. You are left satisfied, yet still pondering what might come next. I'm excited to embark on another journey with Joshilyn Jackson's characters.
Tammy - thank you for the review of The Lilac Girls. It sounds quite interesting and I've added it my to-read list.
Mod
Congratulations to our week 4 winner and thanks to everyone who has submitted an entry!
Secrets Over Sweet Tea by Denise Hildreth JonesAs a Nashville native, I chose this book simply because it took place in Franklin and held the potential to remind me of home. It delivers! Written by a Franklin native and resident, Secrets Over Sweet Tea follows the trials of three couples and their friends. The reader is introduced to the characters in a bold and honest light. This novel covers a variety of close-to-home topics, and reveals just how strong one can find themselves, regardless of the struggles they are facing. Set in present day, this Southern novel captivates the reader from beginning to end in an easily relatable story plot. One of the main characters, Scarlet Jo reminds me so much of my beloved Nana. No matter where we find ourselves in life, we must be intentional about our hearts and actions. Check out this book and begin to discover the heartache that leads to ultimate healing.
I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy NelsonThis book was amazing. While it was a story about two teenage siblings and I am in my 40's, it was so "colorful" in its story line, descriptions and characters, that I thoroughly enjoyed it. The writer is so good at descriptions that I was sucked into the story so much that I felt like I good picture all of the characters and scenery and complete colors, like I was really there.
Vampire Academy #1 by Richelle MeadI love vampires and zombies that most people in my age category, but I COULD NOT get into this book. It WAS about teens, so maybe that was the problem. Maybe if I was younger I would have appreciated it, but it just was not for me. I do have to admit that the story line was interesting, but the writing was not.
Station Eleven by Emily St. John MandelVERY interesting book. Almost too much on the sci-fi side....but not too much that I didn't like it. The writer was able to look at one scenario from multiple perspectives and have it tied in seamlessly. Good story line and I found it very suspenseful and enjoyable.
Anna wrote: "I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy NelsonThis book was amazing. While it was a story about two teenage siblings and I am in my 40's, it was so "colorful" in its story line, descriptions and character..."
I read that book last summer. One of my favorites of the past few years. Nelson describes the world in such a beautiful, poetic, unique way.
Shift
I read the Wool Omnibus last year and thought it was fantastic so I was incredibly excited when I learned there were 2 more books to the series, but I wasn't overly impressed with Shift. I found the explanation for the origin of the silos a bit weak and there were other parts early on where issues were glazed over. Shift 3 was definitely better than the first two. Though, with one additional book left, it still leaves the reader with a number of unanswered questions. I'm hoping Dust will offer an acceptable (if not stellar) conclusion.
Mod
Congratulations to our week 5 winner and thanks again to everyone who has submitted an entry!
STONEWALLED by Sharyl AttkinsonAn award-winning journalist talks about her issues in getting stories aired, as many stories are blocked by network management. Sounds like she spends a bunch of her time advocating for, and searching for a news outlet for her stories, even when they are current, timely, and high-interest; Benghazi, guns supplied to Mexico, stuff on current Presidential candidates. She says our current media is more corrupt than it should be, and that even Wikipedia can't be trusted because there are people paid to check posts and remove or dispute any bad publicity on various corporations, political figures, etc., etc. She says so much of the info on the Internet is just wrong, and that everything needs to be fact-checked. I would have wished this book had more facts, but even what there is, is an eye-opener.
Heidi
Heidi is a classic children's story I was familiar with but had never actually read. Though the writing style is a bit awkward at times (having been written in 1881), the story itself is delightfully charming. I absolutely fell in love with Heidi and I admire her faith and unyielding positive attitude. Such a great read!
One True LovesEmma Blair is lucky enough to have two true loves in her lifetime, but at the beginning of this book it is hard for her to understand that. Emma married her high school sweetheart, Jesse, at a young age but lost him less than a year later when he went missing in a helicopter accident. Now, about three years later, she has fallen in love again. Sam is also an old friend from high school, but he is everything that Jesse was not. Somehow, Jesse survived his years at sea and is finally coming home to Emma. She now has to decide between her past and her present. This book explores the way time changes people but also how people can change people. Can you person turn you into a different version of yourself and is that the version that you desire? I really enjoyed this book even when I couldn't decide which man I wanted to root for.
Mod
Thanks to everyone who has submitted entries and congratulations to our week 6 winner!
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Seminole County Public Library
Books mentioned in this topic
Infected (other topics)One True Loves (other topics)
Heidi (other topics)
Shift (other topics)
The Kennedy Half-Century: The Presidency, Assassination, and Lasting Legacy of John F. Kennedy (other topics)
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