Seminole County Public Library discussion
Summer Reading 2019
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2019 Summer Reading Contest
The Boys on the Boat-- Nine Americans and their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James BrownJoe Rantz was no snowflake. Despite being abandoned by his father and stepmother several times, he worked his way through college and onto the champion University of Washington rowing crew. He personifies the pluck of his team and post depression America.
In "The Boys in the Boat" Daniel James Brown expertly weaves together the rise of the Washington crew, the Nazi public relations machine's use on the 1936 Olympics, the strategies of Al Ulbrickson and the coaching staff at Washington, the passion of boat builder George Pocock over the backdrop on 1930's America which had a culture so different from our current times. Sportswriters wrote about heroic efforts rather than contract negotiations. There was no talk about sexual assault allegations against the team members; the coach didn't even allow profanity with his earshot. No one bellyached about the lousy hand life had dealt them, they just played it to the best of their ability. That's what makes champions.
This was an utterly enjoyable read. I'd recommend it to any sports fan or anyone interested in what makes a champion.
999davem999 wrote: "The Boys on the Boat-- Nine Americans and their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James BrownJoe Rantz was no snowflake. Despite being abandoned by his father and stepmoth..."
My branch is the Western Branch on Hunt Club.
My library is the Oviedo Library/East Branch.The Women in the Castle
by Jessica Shattuck
A slow-burn kind of book that takes a haunting look at the Germans who opposed Hitler during his rise to power, and especially 3 women (whose husbands were killed at traitors) as they navigate the treacherous time right after the war. Marianne von Lingenfels, Benita Flederman, and Ania Grabarek, and their children, are all trying to make new lives in a new Germany, and yet they find they're still tied to old decisions, and choices they made long ago as they attempt to move on into new lives.
There were lots of flashbacks in this book, and I do mean A LOT. Some of it was well-done and fed into the narrative and the overall plot, but some seemed to slow the book, bogging it down in the past when I wished to remain "in the present." But the way this world was depicted, the world these women navigated was so perfectly rendered that I have to recommend this book to anyone looking for a "personal look" into that time.
Be aware, however, that the book does deal with gruesome actions, scenes, attitudes, and such, from that time. Nothing feels gratuitous, but nonetheless, one should be warned that this might not be for the very squeamish.
A Memory Called Empire (Teixcalaan #1)by Arkady Martine
A leisurely cultural SF book reminiscent of Ann Leckie's "Ancillary" series smashed together with Sofia Samatar's "A Stranger in Olondria." Glorious world-building, and some awesome personalities (I especially loved the interplay between Three Seagrass and Twelve Azalea), including strong female characters. The sense of yearning that Mahit feels as an outsider, realizing she'll always be an outsider, is very poignant, and really hit home for me. The plot, however, was just a bit too meandering and leisurely until the ending, when it ramped up to lightspeed (which I actually loved).
Although this claims to be Book 1, it reads well as a standalone.
Mod
by Arkady Martine
A leisurely cultural SF book reminiscent of Ann Leckie's "Ancillary" series smashed together with Sofia Samatar's "A Stranger in Olondria."..."
Hi! Can you please provide us with your home branch?
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Joe Rantz was no snowflake. Despite being abandoned by his father and stepmoth..."
Thanks for posting this!
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The Women in the Castle
by Jessica Shattuck
A slow-burn kind of book that takes a haunting look at the Germans who opposed Hitler during his rise to ..."
Thanks for writing a review!
My library is the Oviedo Library/East Branch.Limetown: The Prequel to the #1 Podcast
Cote Smith
The book tells two different timelines of the characters Lia and Emile as a prequel to the Limetown Podcast. Emile has a special ability that makes his childhood difficult. It draws the interest of "scientists" who may or may not have altruistic motivations. Many years later Lia, a wayward student, ends up investigating the happenings of Emile's life. The ending of the book was quite abrupt and did not seem to correlate with the beginning of the podcast. Lia has much more information at the end of the book, than I remember her having at the beginning of the podcast. The podcast does start as an NPR like news serial, so maybe her knowledge was left out for the sake of journalism? It's a good read, but would not recommend to some who has not listened to the podcast. It may not create interest without already knowing some of the characters/situations and would likely spoil the podcast.
Something in the Water - 6/14/19 *Northwest (Lake Mary) Branch
This book was absolutely abysmal, I don’t know how I managed to finish it. I picked it up because it was the book of the month for the Moms Virtual Book Club. And the general consensus among members was: It’s really bad!
The plot is ridiculous, the characters are awful and stupid, and the ending leaves so many things unresolved and unanswered. It was truly a waste of time and doesn’t deserve any more than I’ve given it up to this point. I highly recommend not reading this one!
My library is the Oviedo Library/East Branch.Terminal Alliance
Terminal Alliance
by Jim C. Hines
This Sci-Fi Comedy was a good read. In a post apocalyptic world, some humans have been saved by an alien species. Many of the humans serve in a space army under their alien saviors keeping peace in the vast expanses of space...other's are janitors. Mop's the head janitor on the Earth Mercenary Corps Spaceship, the Pufferfish, proves her title doesn't limit her abilities. Alien species in all shapes and sizes, space battles, and traveling faster than the speed of light. It took me a couple of chapters to get used to all the names and fictional species/technology, but the rest of the book was a quick and enjoyable read.
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Limetown: The Prequel to the #1 Podcast
Cote Smith
The book tells two different timelines of the characters Lia and Emile as a prequel to the Limetow..."
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Erin wrote: "Something in the Water - 6/14/19 *
Northwest (Lake Mary) Branch
This book was absolutely abysmal, I don’t know how I managed to finish it. I picked it up because it was the book of..."
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Sean wrote: "My library is the Oviedo Library/East Branch.
Terminal Alliance
Terminal Alliance
by Jim C. Hines
This Sci-Fi Comedy was a good read. In a post apocalyptic world, some humans have..."
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Jennifer wrote: "Tending the heart of virtue: How classic stories awaken a child’s moral imagination.
By Vigen Guroian
I can not recommend this book enough. It was so good I took my time with it a bit. This is a..."
The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden - 6/22/19 ***Northwest (Lake Mary) Branch
I was captivated by the first book in this series and eagerly dove into the second one. I didn’t enjoy book #2 quite as much, but it was still a very interesting read.
These Russian fairy tales are unlike anything I’ve read before and I’m finding them quite intriguing. However, with all of the Russian names and terms, they must be read more slowly and carefully than I usually would. They certainly can’t be considered light summer reads! But, I do plan to read the final book in this series fairly soon, after a short break for some other books. I look forward to seeing how the series concludes!
The GiverThe Giver - Lois Lowey
My library is the Oviedo Library/East Branch.
The Giver follows a pre-teen boy, Jonas, in a dystopian society. The society maintains many rules that provides it's citizens with a content (maybe even happy) life. Jonas becomes privy to, at the direction of his society, the joy and pain that past societies have been though. Now he struggles with the life he has lived vs. the life that could be possible. This is a young adult book; however, I'm not sure how a book gets that designation. I was looking for a quick read (which it was) and enjoyed the book.
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Erin wrote: "The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden - 6/22/19 ***
Northwest (Lake Mary) Branch
I was captivated by the first book in this series and eagerly dove into the s..."
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Sean wrote: "The Giver
The Giver - Lois Lowey
My library is the Oviedo Library/East Branch.
The Giver follows a pre-teen boy, Jonas, in a dystopian society. The society maintains many rules that pr..."
Read May 22 2019
Casselberry Central Branch
The setting for this fantasy story is an empire in which the aristocratic class has the ability to sense and perform magic. That's what qualifies them to be aristocrats, provided they are properly tested and have their names recorded, and there is considerable incentive to take that test. Aristocrats have power, position, privilege, and wealth. Commoners, those without magic, form a largely subservient underclass. What unfolds is a fairly common story of class struggle, but it's a well-told one with good world-building and interesting characters. The protagonist is a young man without magic, or at least none he will admit to, and the son of aristocratic parents who apparently died when a spell went wrong. The antagonist is a local lord who isn't just some generic bad guy. He's not EVIL. He's actually quite responsible and is trying to do a good job for the region he controls.
But he is a product of his environment, and he accepts that established order that dehumanizes commoners, which leads him to acts that he sees as proper and justified, but that our protagonist finds reprehensible. I like how the author handles this. I'll be reading the next book in the series. Sadly, there only seem to be two.
Read June 9, 2019
Casselberry Central Branch
(The library didn't have a copy of this one, so I bought a hardcover edition from Abe Books and donated when I was done reading it.)
This picks up right where the first book left off. Anrel Murau, the young man 'without magic,' is wanted for treason, sedition, and otherwise telling the truth and saying what he thinks about it. But he'd like to be free again - not hunted, able to have a relationship, able to earn a living.... At first, this seems impossible, but a renewed acquaintance and the offer of a political position provide hope.
The characters and setting are believable and engaging. Although this story ends leaving room for a sequel, it seems as if there isn't one. Too bad.
Read June 15, 2019
Casselberry Central Branch
The sun is dying a few billion years ahead of schedule, and a team based at MIT is trying to find a way for humanity to survive. An artificial intelligence... no, sorry, an artificial consciousness is an integral part of that effort.
The premise combines looming existential disaster (the sun dying and the subsequent extinction of all life on Earth) with seemingly contradictory hope for humanity's future. It's a good story with some interesting and likable characters, but there are plot holes, and the AI... sorry, the AC is literally unbelievable due to both its tech and its romantic inclinations. I found it beyond my capability to suspend disbelief, even for the sake of a good story.
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D.L. wrote: "
Read May 22 2019
Casselberry Central Branch
The setting for this fantasy story is an empire in which the aristocratic class has the ability to sense..."
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D.L. wrote: "
Read June 9, 2019
Casselberry Central Branch
(The library didn't have a copy of this one, so I bought a hardcover edition from Abe Books and donated w..."
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D.L. wrote: "
Read June 15, 2019
Casselberry Central Branch
The sun is dying a few billion years ahead of schedule, and a team based at MIT is trying to find a way for human..."
I accidentally linked the wrong book in this review. The correct one is the second (and last) in the series,
.Seminole County Public Library wrote: "Thank you for submitting another review!
D.L. wrote: "
Read June 9, 2019
Casselberry Central Branch
(The library didn't have a copy of this one, so I ..."
My library is the Oviedo Library/East Branch.The Never Game
The Never Game
Jeffery Deaver
A mystery/thriller following the protagonist Colter Shaw as he assists the authorities in a missing person case. Shaw is an "analog" guy with a survivalist/outdoor skill set making a living collecting rewards offered for missing persons and fugitives. He finds himself in a case heavily involved in video gaming. You don't need to enjoy gaming to enjoy the book. It was a great read for me and it is the first in a new series by the author. More Colter Shaw adventures to look forward to if you like this one.
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Sean wrote: "My library is the Oviedo Library/East Branch.
The Never Game
The Never Game
Jeffery Deaver
A mystery/thriller following the protagonist Colter Shaw as he assists the authorities i..."
The President Is Missing I just finished reading this for the July book club. It was painful to get through all 500+ pages when I felt the plot was so weak it could be summarized on a post it note. I definitely would not recommend.
East Branch
My Library is the North Branch LibrarySeminole County Public Library
The Time Machine
I picked this as my Dystopian novel. I never had to read this book in school and thought I would do so now. I like the classic books, but I must say I don't like this one. The book seems to lack feeling. It's very scientific and I liked parts of the story and the general idea behind it, but this was not my cup of tea. For such a short book it took me time to finish, because I really didn't want to pick it up again.
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Clare wrote: "The President Is Missing
I just finished reading this for the July book club. It was painful to get through all 500+ pages when I felt the plot was so weak it could be summarized ..."
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Leonore wrote: "My Library is the North Branch Library
Seminole County Public Library
The Time Machine
I picked this as my Dystopian novel. I never had to read this book in school and thought I would ..."
My library is the North Branch Library.Seminole County Public Library
Courting Trouble
This wasn't a bad book, but it was predictable. Like most murder mysteries it at least grabs your curiosity and keeps you reading. The story kind of gave itself away, because the more it focused on one person you knew it would be someone else. It was a nice little mystery and even if some of the situations were a little off base.
My Library is the North Branch Library.Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim
This was a book recommended by a librarian for the summer reading contest. It was delightful, funny and at moments awkward. Each story/essay is written with such wit and they can be read in any order. It was nice to read something so different yet so entertaining.
The Spies of Shilling Lane by Jennifer Ryan:The new book by the author of the Chilbury Ladies Choir moves to London during WW2. Recently divorced and socially ostracized Mrs. Braithwait decamps to London to seek solace from her daughter, who is working for the war effort. When she arrives at her daughter’s rooming house, she discovers her daughter hasn’t been seen in several days.When she goes to her daughter’s place of employment, she finds no one has heard of her daughter. Mrs. Braithwaite is determined to find her. She enlists the reluctant help of her daughter’s landlord as they search the London’s seedy neighborhoods and getting involved with gangs, black marketeers and spies.Despite the dark setting, this reads more like a cozy mystery and is one of the more enjoyable WW2 books I have read.
My library is the East Branch.
My library is the North Branch Library.Jane Eyre
Well this was a long read, but worth it. It was very much the same as the movie, but reading it was so much more satisfying. I would never have wanted such a life that Jane had. From the beginning it seemed so cruel a life, but she truly was strong and overcame so much. I liked that all worked out in the end for her and Edward. The part of her first cousin St. John wanting to marry her just tells of the time this book was written. So close a marriage is not allowed anymore and for good reason. Jane knew herself and didn't waiver. She finally became a mother and had found her long lost family. Being happy with them and sharing her inheritance tells of what a heart she had no matter how she was ever treated in life. May we all learn to be so noble.
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Leonore wrote: "My library is the North Branch Library.
Seminole County Public Library
Courting Trouble
This wasn't a bad book, but it was predictable. Like most murder mysteries it at least grabs yo..."
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Leonore wrote: "My Library is the North Branch Library.
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim
This was a book recommended by a librarian for the summer reading contest. It was delightful, funny and..."
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Leonore wrote: "My library is the North Branch Library.
Jane Eyre
Well this was a long read, but worth it. It was very much the same as the movie, but reading it was so much more satisfying. I would..."
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Carol wrote: "The Spies of Shilling Lane by Jennifer Ryan:
The new book by the author of the Chilbury Ladies Choir moves to London during WW2. Recently divorced and socially ostracized Mrs. Braithwait decamps t..."
One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May DoddIf you love historical fiction, strong female characters and exploring the west this is the book to read. I absolutely loved this book. Based on the Journals of May Dodd, this is a shocking and true story of the governments attempt to "civilize" one group of native americans in the late 1800's. The author provides wonderful insight into the experience of living in the west during that time period. A beautiful book.
My branch is the East Branch
My library is the Oviedo Library/East Branch.Recursion
Recursion
Blake Crouch
If you liked Dark Matter, here's another one by Blake Crouch you will like as well. The book follows detective Barry Sutton as many in his city are affected by False Memory Syndrome. Helena Smith is a neuroscientist and her research may be the cause of this, but she may be the only one who can fix it.
The Perfect Nanny by Leïla Slimani - 7/17 *Northwest (Lake Mary) branch
This is the BOTM for the Moms Virtual Book Club and I may have to quit the group soon...
Thrillers aren’t exactly my thing and I thought this one was particularly terrible. It was short and it was an easy read, but it was so bad. The book opens with the murder scene and it’s implied (though not explicably stated) that the nanny did it. The rest of the book examines the lives of the nanny and the family she works for leading up to the murder. Perhaps the author was hoping for the same sort of effect as Breaking Bad - taking a quiet, reserved, meek character and transforming them into a killer. But it was so poorly done. Louise was never really likable, in my opinion, even from the beginning. And neither were the parents or the daughter. It’s hard to get into a book with awful characters (get ready for me to trash Edge of Eternity next...) Definitely a book I recommend not reading...
Edge of Eternity by Ken Follett - 7/17 **Northwest (Lake Mary) Branch
I started this series back in January with a “buddy” from the Netherlands. The first two books were amazing! I devoured them, often finishing our weekly allotment early to eagerly await the day I could start the next section (I may have even started some of them a little early anyway). Books 1 and 2 covered the periods of time during which WWI and WWII took place. Most of the characters endured hardships because of the wars and it was easy to find oneself rooting for them. Likewise, because I was so engrossed by the characters’ lives, I found myself engrossed by the history as well and learned so much from the books.
And then book #3 was a steaming pile of garbage! I managed to come away with a small amount of historical knowledge from the beginning of the book, but it didn’t take long before I was completely uninvested. Almost none of the characters were likable. The book is overflowing with infidelity, illegitimate pregnancies, infidelity, abortion, infidelity and, did I mention, infidelity. I was so disgusted by the characters themselves that almost all of the history conveyed was lost on me. Such an utterly disappointing conclusion to this series!
The Reckoning by John GrishamThis is an unusual story by this author. Mot only does it involve lawyers and court proceedings but it has some very graphic intense stories of WW II.
He goes into great detail of the war in the Philippines. Some is difficult to read as he tells first hand accounts of the terrible treatment of the American prisoners by the Japanese.
It is an important backdrop to explain the main character in this story.
We are in suspense until the very last page.
A well written non formula story by Grisham.
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Clare wrote: "One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd
If you love historical fiction, strong female characters and exploring the west this is the book to read. I absolutely loved this boo..."
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Sean wrote: "My library is the Oviedo Library/East Branch.
Recursion
Recursion
Blake Crouch
If you liked Dark Matter, here's another one by Blake Crouch you will like as well. The book follows..."
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Erin wrote: "The Perfect Nanny by Leïla Slimani - 7/17 *
Northwest (Lake Mary) branch
This is the BOTM for the Moms Virtual Book Club and I may have to quit the group soon...
T..."
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Erin wrote: "Edge of Eternity by Ken Follett - 7/17 **
Northwest (Lake Mary) Branch
I started this series back in January with a “buddy” from the Netherlands. The first two books..."
Seminole County Public Library
Books mentioned in this topic
The Winter of the Witch (other topics)This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage (other topics)
Little Fires Everywhere (other topics)
This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage (other topics)
The Winter of the Witch (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Katherine Arden (other topics)Katherine Arden (other topics)
Ken Follett (other topics)
Leïla Slimani (other topics)
Ken Follett (other topics)
More...
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