Closter Public Library discussion
Sign Up Here to Join the 2019 Adult Summer Reading Program
date
newest »
newest »
I am in: Janet WellerCurrently reading "The Unlikely Adventures of the Shergill Sisters" and "The Current".
Finished The Perfect Plan. Well done. Recommend it
Julia, is the summer reading bookshelf set up?
AdrienneStarted reading: When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton and The President is Missing by James Patterson & Bill Clinton
Mod
Just started The Perfect Plan"
Great!
Reading The Woman Inside. Really good so far
Mod
Thanks for reminding me! I couldn't remember what I did last year and just now figured it out. Many thanks!
Julia wrote: "Janet wrote: "Julia, is the summer reading bookshelf set up?"Thanks for reminding me! I couldn't remember what I did last year and just now figured it out. Many thanks!"
I tried to add my books to the bookshelf, but they went to the Closter Bookshelf (not summer reading instead), can you clarify?
Finished Miracle Creek by Angie Kim: Starts out with a literal bang (an explosion and fire at a hyperbaric oxygen facility that treats children with autism, as well as a few others) that has lead to the death of an adult and child this book combines a courtroom trial with issues of immigration, as well as parenting, especially parents of disabled children, as well as sexism and racism. It is done well; though it is obvious who set the fire, the whys and hows will keep you reading. Also finished Becoming by Michelle Obama: I did not really want to read this (too fed up with the hateful politics we are immersed in), but so many people told me they loved it that I gave it a listen. (Had the audio; read by Michelle Obama)
There really is very little politics here (though she does discuss the racism and sexism she faced all her life, and goes into some detail about the double standard applied to women in politics), it is a very well written memoir, by a very humble woman, who attributes much of her success to hard work and perseverance, actually a very inspiring story .
Now reading The Old Drift by Namwalli Serpel and How Long Til Black Future Month by N.K. Jemisin
Finished How Long Til Black Future Month: A collection of short stories that are a mix of fantasy and science fiction, all with a focus on black characters. A few of them fall short, but for the most part they are engaging and thought provoking. A good example and my favorite is Valedictorian, about a young black girl who refuses to underachieve, despite being warned about the dire consequences of her success by her family and society. Also finished The Old Drift: I wanted to like this more, but while well written the voice often put me off. It is the multi generational tale of a Zambian family (it takes a while to get all the connections), with bits of magical realism thrown in. There is quite a bit of history as Zambia struggles to become independent, and many of the characters are truly memorable. However, it is often a struggle to figure out who is who, especially as the books jumps in place and time. I don't mind a long book if I really love it, but this book felt long.
Started Whiskey When We're Dry By John Larison and Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner.
Julia, My books are not showing up on the summer reading bookshelf. Can you post how to do it? Must be missing something.
Mod
Finished Whiskey When We're Dry by John Larison: I was unsure if I would finish this book at first as it is written in the ungrammatical yet flowery voice of 17 year old Jessilyn in the year 1885. Yet, after the first few pages the chapters flew, the voice feeling natural, and the story, as Jesse might say, is a humdinger. After her father dies (her mother died when she was born, and her older brother fled) Jessilyn struggles to keep their meager ranch. Realizing she cannot do it alone, she cuts her hair, dresses in men's clothes and presents herself as a man in order to find her brother. She is an excellent shot and makes a living wagering about her accuracy, and ends up as a bodyguard for the Governor, who is searching for a noted outlaw; Jesse's brother. The book is a bit long winded at times, but the story is engrossing, sometimes surprising, often riveting (a great piece about an ambush), and ultimately a satisfying read with much to say about women's roles. Starting The Flamethrowers by Rachel Kushner
Finished Orange World and Other Stories by Karen Russell: If you want stories unlike anything you have read before jump into Karen Russell's short stories. Bizarre, yet often funny, but sometimes moving, these stories have supernatural aspects, yet they are told in a straightforward manner. Many stories take place in Florida, some deal with motherhood, yet all are gripping and alive.Started The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.
Finished The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides: No more bestselling psychological thrillers for me, they seem contrived to be as twisty as possible (whether or not the twists make sense) and like this one filled with pedestrian prose. Yes it keeps you reading, but when the author hides facts and makes the ultimate twist appear out of nowhere, I feel cheated. The book tells the story of Alicia, who despite being in a seemingly happy marriage has shot her husband, then refused to speak another word. She is treated by a psychotherapist who behaves totally unethically in his search to find the motivation. I am done with this type of book.Starting The Altruists by Andrew Ridker
ArdelleRead Bowlaway by Elizabeth McCracken. It was full of quirky characters but not quite what I expected. I am not sure I would recommend it
ArdelleI read Inheritance by Dani Shapiro 2 weeks ago. This non fiction book was fascinating. I wish I knew her background before reading it. She has apparently written other biographical books earlier, which would have made me aware of how strong her Jewish identity was through her father's family. Recommended reading.
ArdelleLast week I read Outside Looking In by T.C. Boyle
I love his writing since his first novel "Water Music.\" which is no longer in print. He is always quirky and well written. This novel takes place during the Leary LSD era and the student that gets caught up with the professor and the drug. It was my good summer read. Try it if you like Boyle's skewed look at life.
ArdelleRead Silent Patient a month ago. I would never have guessed the outcome with this one. Usually there are hints along the way. It kept me interested the 2 days it took to read it.
Ardelle wrote: "ArdelleRead Bowlaway by Elizabeth McCracken. It was full of quirky characters but not quite what I expected. I am not sure I would recommend it"
Ardelle; I totally agree with you. I did not even post a review for this one as I also did not really know what to say. I liked it in the beginning, but by the end I just wanted it to be over.
Ardelle wrote: "ArdelleLast week I read Outside Looking In by T.C. Boyle
I love his writing since his first novel "Water Music.\" which is no longer in print. He is always quirky and well written. This novel ta..."
I have read most of his books and usually enjoy them, never read Water Music. Will look for this one.
To officially register for our 2019 Adult Summer Reading Program
1. Just post below with your first name. If you want to share what you're reading, that's great!
2. Then, just add each book you finish to our group's 2019 Summer Reading bookshelf, and we'll total everything up for you. Make sure you fill in the start and completion dates.
reply | delete | flag *