Weekly book reviews in most genres, including classics and not-to-be-missed. Books selected and reviews written by a librarian specializing in readers’ advisory.
A story within a story, as legendary film star Evelyn Hugo tells her life story, the full hidden, secret story behind her life choices, to junior magazine staff writer Monique Grant. An interesting examination of the cost of fame.
Read MoreLearn of the sufferings of hard working farmers during the Dust Bowl, and the injustices visited on the migrants escaping it to California, through the eyes of Elsa Martinelli, loving mother, trying to keep her children safe— a dramatic, moving story.
Read MoreA perfect beach read, from the pen of Taylor Jenkins Reid. She has a growing reputation for entertaining page turners. You’ll smell the salt air and tanning lotion, hear the waves and feel the sand beneath your feet!
Read MoreWonderful novel that takes on issues of the immigrant experience, loss of family through addiction, and struggling with caretaking with a depressed parent— all with a heroine who must discover the personal strength to finally choose for herself.
Read MoreA novel of this moment in our culture—but be careful to read closely, for some of us will have a problem with its message.
Read MoreBrilliant second novel by Brit Bennett, this is a great choice for book discussion groups, or thoughtful readers everywhere.
Read MoreIf you enjoy beautiful writing, a moving and real intergenerational story, and a captivating murder mystery, then this is the summer book for you.
Read MoreIf you hear a plot idea, and it isn’t written, are you at liberty to write it? Or is that considered intellectual theft? Enjoy this snarky, story-within- a story of Jacob Finch Bonner, his successful novel, and his subsequent poisoned pen perpetrator. One of this summer’s best.
Read MorePaula McLain explores the world of child kidnapping, sexual abuse and neglect in this suspenseful crime novel. Recommended.
Read MoreAnother winner from Andy Weir. Here’s your science nerd read for the summer.
Read MoreJodi Picoult-style family drama— not my cup of tea.
Read MoreMichael Lewis, author of The Big Short and Moneyball, writes about the current pandemic from a different perspective, bringing lessons learned with great storytelling.
Read MoreLearn the writing process that created the stories and scripts of our best loved movies. For movie lovers and want-to-be screen writers.
Read MoreA first novel, blending mystery and historical fiction, alternating between today and late 18th century London, as three women seek to find a way to make peace with the past, and forge a true path forward.
Read MoreA beautiful and gentle cautionary tale— Ishiguro describes a world where artificial intelligence and gene editing may lead, and not perhaps to our liking.
Read MoreBroken is all of us, who are brave enough to admit it. Get ready to laugh hard, and feel deeply.
Read MoreA personal and achingly honest description of people financially falling through the cracks in our broken economic system. A must read.
Read MoreCreative nonfiction masterfully presented, you will enjoy the reporting and observations of Joan Didion, still relevant today.
Read MoreA snowy, chilling case of murders set in a posh Swiss hotel, this novel is the kind of fun murderinos love.
Read MoreMemoir of a young person’s experience of cancer, treatment, and finding a way back to life. Recommended, with some reservations.
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