The Westport Library Resource Guides: 2023 Summer Reading Challenge Leaderboard: Home

Leaderboard

Kirsten H - 25 Challenges Completed!

Link in Catalog: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Stein

Read a book with a nonhuman narrator

Read a book that haunts you

Link to Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu in the Catalog

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Link in Catalog: A Kind Of Paradise by Tan

Read a book featuring a librarian

Link in Catalog: Salt to the Sea by Sepetys

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Amy S - 25 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Link in Catalog: THe Pearl that broke its shell by hashimi

Read a book about or involving a character in disguise

Link in Catalog: the bookshop by fitzgerald

Read a book that was first runner up

Read a book that SHOULD be a movie

Link in Catalog: Journey to the River Sea by Ibbotson

Read a book that takes place in an extreme climate

Dot V - 25 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about a golden age

Read a book with a purple cover

Read a book about a road trip

Read a book that takes place during a holiday

Read a book that haunts you

Stephanie K - 25 Challenges Completed!

Taaqtumi: an Anthology edited by Neil Christopher

Read a book that takes place in an extreme climate

Catalog Link: West Heart Kill by Dann McDorman

Read a book that takes place during a holiday

Read a book about an antihero

Read a book that blows your mind

Read a book about an escape

Norma H - 25 Challenges Completed!

Catalog Link: What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Catalog Link: Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts

Read a book about a golden age

Read a book set under the sea

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book about or involving a character in disguise

Ritu J - 25 Challenges Completed!

Catalog Link: Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

Read a book that takes place in an extreme climate

Read a book that is short

Read a book about an escape

Read a book that blows your mind

Link in Catalog: Lessons in Chemistry by Garmus

Read a book that SHOULD be a movie

Heli S - 25 Challenges Completed!

Catalog Link: The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch

Read a book set under the sea

Catalog Link: Little Monsters by Adrienne Brodeur

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Catalog Link: The Centre by Ayesha Manazier Siddiqi

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Catalog Link: The Celebrants by Steven Rowley

Read a book about a road trip

Read a book with a nonhuman narrator

Jessica O - 25 Challenges Completed!

Catalog Link: True Rescue: the Finest Hours by Mike Tougias

Read a book that blows your mind

The New Town Librarian by Kathy Anderson

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book with a neurodiverse protagonist

Read a book with a nonhuman narrator

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

FSCM - 25 Challenges Completed!

Read a book with a purple cover

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Read a book about a podcast

Catalog link: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

Read a book with a nonhuman narrator

Read a book with a star on the cover

Nancy P - 25 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Catalog Link: Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber

Read a book that takes place during a holiday

Link to The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupéry in the catalog

Read a book with a star on the cover

Read a book about an escape

Read a book in which time is running out

Valerie A - 25 Challenges Completed!

Catalog Link: The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny

Read a book that was first runner up

Read a book about a golden age

Catalog Link: The Bookshop by the Bay by Pamela Kelley

Read a book that takes place during a holiday

Read a book that blows your mind

Read a book with a purple cover

Di C - 25 Challenges Completed!

Catalog Link: Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson

Read a book that takes place in an extreme climate

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Catalog Link: Labor Day by Joyce Maynard

Read a book that takes place during a holiday

Catalog Link: After We Were Stolen by Brooke Beyfuss

Read a book that haunts you

Link to Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro in the catalog

Read a book that was first runner up

Immie - 25 Challenges Complete!

Link to He Who Drowned the World by Shlley Parker-Chan in the catalog

Read a book about an antihero

Catalog link to Foundation by Richard Asimov

Read a book about a golden age

Catalog Link: Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

Read a book with a neurodiverse protagonist

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Read a book that takes place during a holiday

Karen - 25 Challenges Completed!

Read a book set under the sea

Read a book about a road trip

Read a book about an antihero

Link to The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin in the catalog

Read a book in which time is running out

Catalog Link: Round up the Usual Peacocks by Donna Andrews

Read a book about a podcast

Julia C - 25 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about a podcast

Read a book that was first runner up

Link to Love Does by Bob Goff in the catalog

Read a book about a road trip

Catalog Link: On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Catalog Link: Everyone Here Is Lying by Shari Lapena

Read a book with a neurodiverse protagonist

Kat L - 25 Challenges Completed!

Read a book with a star on the cover

Read a book with a neurodiverse protagonist

Alphabet of Thorn by Patricia A. McKillip

Read a book featuring a librarian

Read a book in which time is running out

Read a book with eyes on the cover

Melanie K - 25 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Read a book about a road trip

Read a book featuring a librarian

Read a book with a nonhuman narrator

link in catalog: Balck sheep by harrison

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Valmai - 25 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about a road trip

Read a book that takes place during a holiday

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Read a book about a podcast

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Jessica C - 25 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that blows your mind

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Women and Children First by Alina Grabowski

Read a book about a road trip

Catalog Link to Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates in the catalog

Read a book about a golden age

Read a book featuring a librarian

Jen L - 24 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that is short

Catalog Link: The Crow Valley Karaoke Championships by Ali Bryan

Read a book about an escape

Catalog Link: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Read a book about or involving a character in disguise

Emily H - 22 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about a road trip

Read a book with a neurodiverse protagonist

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Read a book that was first runner up

Read a book that blows your mind

Liz K - 22 Challenges Completed!

Read a book set under the sea

Read a book that SHOULD be a movie

Link to catalog: All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers

Read a book that blows your mind

Link to catalog: A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing

Read a book in which time is running out

Link to catalog: The Followers by Bradeigh Godfrey

Read a book with a star on the cover

Rita L - 21 Challenges Completed!

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Read a book that takes place in an extreme climate

Read a book with a star on the cover

link to catalog: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me

Read a book that takes place during a holiday

link to catalog: Say Yes to the Princess

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Emily B - 21 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Read a book about a road trip

Read a book with a neurodiverse protagonist

Read a book featuring a librarian

Read a book set under the sea

Susan R - 21 Challenges Completed!

Read a book set under the sea

Read a book that was first runner up

Link to The Devil's Playground by Craig Russell in the catalog

Read a book that haunts you

Catalog Link: Maus: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman

Read a book with a nonhuman narrator

Catalog Link: All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Mary P - 20 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that is short

Read a book with a neurodiverse protagonist

Read a book about a golden age

Read a book about a podcast

Read a book that is published THIS summer

G Brieg - 19 Challenges Completed!

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Read a book in which time is running out

Read a book about an antihero

Read a book with a purple cover

Michelle F - 19 Challenges Completed!

Read a book in which time is running out

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Read a book set under the sea

Read a book that takes place in an extreme climate

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Christine R - 17 Challenges Completed!

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Read a book that SHOULD be a movie

Read a book that takes place during a holiday

Read a book that haunts you

Link in Catalog: the man that got away by truss

Read a book with a neurodiverse protagonist

Adonis - 17 Challenges Completed!

Read a book in which time is running out

Read a book featuring a librarian

Catalog Link: The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Read a book with a purple cover

Catalog Link: The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell

Read a book that was first runner up

Catalog Link: A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

Read a book that is short

Antonia N - 17 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about an escape

Read a book with a purple cover

Read a book that is short

Read a book that takes place during a holiday

Catalog Link: Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby

Read a book about an antihero

Nancy K - 17 Challenges Completed!

Read a book with a nonhuman narrator

Read a book with a neurodiverse protagonist

Read a book about a road trip

Read a book about a golden age

Read a book featuring a librarian

Katie A- 16 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Read a book featuring a librarian

Read a book with eyes on the cover

Link to The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon in the catalog

Read a book with a star on the cover

Read a book about a podcast

Patricia M - 16 Challenges Completed!

Read a book with eyes on the cover

Read a book that SHOULD be a movie

Read a book about a golden age

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Catalog Link: The Whispers by Ashley Audrain

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Jing T - 15 Challenges Complete!

Read a book about an antihero

Catalog link: His and Hers by Alice Feeney

Read a book that blows your mind

Link to The It Girl by Ruth Ware in the catalog

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Read a book about a golden age

Janice L - 15 Challenges Completed!

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Catalog Link: The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

Read a book that takes place during a holiday

Catalog Link: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Read a book with a nonhuman narrator

Link to Verity by Colleen Hoover in the catalog

Read a book that blows your mind

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Barbara B - 15 Challenges Completed!

Read a book with a purple cover

Read a book about a golden age

Read a book that was first runner up

Catalog Link: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

Read a book about a road trip

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Susan A - 15 Challenge Completed!

Read a book with a purple cover

Read a book about a podcast

Catalog Link: Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris

Read a book that takes place during a holiday

Catalog Link: The Perfume Burned His Eyes by Michael Imperioli

Read a book that is short

Catalog Link: The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

Read a book set under the sea

Patricia P - 14 Challenges Complete!

Catalog Link: The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Catalog Link: Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed

Read a book that blows your mind

Link to The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark in the catalog

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book that is short

Read a book about a golden age

Katie G - 13 Challenges Completed!

Read a book with a neurodiverse protagonist

Catalog Link: The Block Party by Jamie Day

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Read a book that takes place in an extreme climate

Read a book set under the sea

Read a book with a star on the cover

C Cronin - 13 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that blows your mind

Catalog Link: Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell

Read a book about a golden age

Link to The London Séance Society in the catalog

Read a book about or involving a character in disguise

Read a book with a neurodiverse protagonist

Read a book about an escape

JR - 13 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that takes place in an extreme climate

Read a book with a nonhuman narrator

Read a book set under the sea

Catalog Link: The Sandman: Overture by Neil Gaiman

Read a book about or involving a character in disguise

Catalog Link: The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd Jones

Read a book with eyes on the cover

TZ - 13 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about a road trip

Read a book in which time is running out

Read a book about or involving a character in disguise

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Read a book that haunts you

Maggie L - 12 Challenges Completed!

Catalog Link: Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey

Read a book featuring a librarian

Catalog Link: What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall

Read a book about a podcast

Read a book about or involving a character in disguise

The Tower At the Edge of the World by Victoria Goddard

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Link to All Systems Red by Martha Wells in the catalog

Read a book with a nonhuman narrator

Lindsay I - 12 Challenges Completed!

LInk in Catalog: All the Broken places by boyne

Read a book that is short

Link in Catalog: They Can't take your name by Justice

Read a book in which time is running out

Read a book that haunts you

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Link in Catalog: the kiss quotient by hoang

Read a book with a neurodiverse protagonist

Stephanie H - 12 Challenges Completed!

Read a book with eyes on the cover

Read a book that is short

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Read a book about an escape

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Ellen W - 12 Challenges Completed!

Link to The Library at the Edge of the World by Felicity Hayes-McCoy in the catalog

Read a book featuring a librarian

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Read a book in which time is running out

Read a book that haunts you

Read a book in which time is running out

Jordon H - 11 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about an antihero

Catalog Link: In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune

Read a book that SHOULD be a movie

Catalog Link: The Roof over Our Heads by Nicole Kronzer

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Catalog Link: Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

Read a book that is short

Catalog Link: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum

Read a book about an escape

Hannah S - 11 Challenges Completed!

Read a book in which time is running out

Read a book about a road trip

Read a book about an escape

Link in Catalog: The Wishing Game by Shaffer

Read a book that SHOULD be a movie

Link to Catalog: The Two Towers by tolkien

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Jessica F - 12 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that takes place during a holiday

Read a book about a podcast

Catalog Link: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Read a book about an antihero

Catalog Link: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Link to The Housemaid by Freida McFadden in the catalog

Read a book with eyes on the cover

Leah S - 10 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Read a book that haunts you

Read a book with a purple cover

Read a book that blows your mind

Read a book that SHOULD be a movie

Monique - 9 Challenge Completed!

Catalog Link: Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Read a book about an escape

Read a book with eyes on the cover

Read a book about or involving a character in disguise

Read a book featuring a librarian

Ashley Z - 9 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that is short

Catalog Link: The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel

Read a book that haunts you

Read a book about an escape

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Read a book about or involving a character in disguise

Carolyn Z - 8 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about or involving a character in disguise

Catalog Link: Mrs. Porter Calling by AJ Pearce

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book featuring a librarian

Read a book with eyes on the cover

Link in Catalog: Five-Star weekend by hilderbrand

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Becky A - 8 Challenges Completed!

Link to second ending by hoffman in the catalog

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Read a book with eyes on the cover

Catalog Link: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Read a book with a purple cover

Link to Catalog: Meet Me at the Lake by fortune

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Read a book with a nonhuman narrator

Dave D - 8 Challenges Completed!

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Read a book with eyes on the cover

Catalog link: The Art of Making Sh!t Up by Norm Laviolette

Read a book that is short

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Link in Catalog: Four Battlegrounds by scharre

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Seren B - 6 Challenges Completed!

Catalog Link: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Read a book that blows your mind

Catalog Link: On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

Read a book that SHOULD be a movie

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Catalog Link: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Read a book with a nonhuman narrator

Kim G - 6 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about a podcast

Read a book set under the sea

Link to Girl, Forgotten by Karin Slaughter in the catalog

Read a book that SHOULD be a movie

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Mel B - 5 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that takes place in an extreme climate

Read a book with a neurodiverse protagonist

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book that SHOULD be a movie

Read a book about a road trip

Jessica X - 5 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about an antihero

Read a book with a star on the cover

Read a book with eyes on the cover

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Anna P - 4 Challenges Completed!

Catalog Link: Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

Read a book about a golden age

The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Read a book that takes place in an extreme climate

Sylvia S - 4 Challenges Completed!

Catalog Link: Beyond This Harbor by Rose Styron

Read a book that is published THIS summer

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Link in Catalog: Small things like these by keegan

Read a book that is short

Link to Catalog: The Covenant of water by verghese

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Ben H - 4 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about an antihero

Link in Catalog: London Séance Society by penner

Read a book about or involving a character in disguise

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Link to Catalog: A flicker in the Dark by willingham

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Rae G - 3 Challenges Completed!

Read a book with eyes on the cover

Link to Catalog: The Bluest Eye by Morrison

Read a book in which time is running out

Link to Catalog: The Hard Sell by hughes

Read a book that haunts you

CS - 3 Challenges Completed!

Link in Catalog: Al Capone Shines my Shoes by choldenko

Read a book with a neurodiverse protagonist

Link in Catalog: The Fault in our Stars by Green

Read a book with a star on the cover

Read a book with eyes on the cover

Carissa J - 3 Challenge Completed!

Link in Catalog: The Last mrs parrish by constantine

Read a book about an escape

Link in Catalog: Dead to Her by Pinborough

Read a book by an author you heard about at the Library

Elaine - 3 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that is short

Read a book with a nonhuman narrator

Link To Catalog: Convenience Store Women Murata

Read a book with a neurodiverse protagonist

BchRdr - 3 Challenge Completed!

Link in Catalog: Camera girl by sferranzza

Read a book with a star on the cover

Link in Catalog: The Marriage Portrait by O'Farrell

Read a book about or involving a character in disguise

Link to Catalog: The Hotel Nantucket by Hildebrand

Read a book with a nonhuman narrator

Faith S - 2 Challenges Completed!

Read a book with a purple cover

Link to catalog: nora goes off script by monaghan

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Jodi K - 2 Challenges Complete!

Read a book with eyes on the cover

Read a book that haunts you

Jacqueline B - 2 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about an antihero

Link to Catalog: The Red Balcony by Wilson

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Jane A - 2 Challenge Completed!

Cover image for The All of It by Jeannette Haien

Read a book that is short

Read a book that SHOULD be a movie

James R - 1 Challenge Complete!

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

WHH - 1 Challenge Completed!

Read a book about an escape

KelleReads - 1 Challenge Completed!

Read a book featuring a librarian

Alice S - 1 Challenge Completed!

Link to Catalog: Our Missing Hearts by Ng

Read a book featuring a librarian

Ama - 1 Challenge Completed!

Link to Catalog: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Van Pelt

Read a book with a nonhuman narrator

Dana C - 1 Challenge Completed!

Link in Catalog: The House in the Pines by Reyes

Read a book about an escape

Linnette M - 1 Challenge Completed!

Link to Catalog: RIver woman, river demon by givhan

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Nicholas F - 1 Challenge Completed!

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Jennifer H - 1 Challenge Completed!

Read a book with a neurodiverse protagonist

Jackie G - 1 Challenge Completed!

Read a book in which the location is intrinsic to the story

Book Reviews

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin
Lenni's questions to the priest. 4 stars from Karen
Girl, Forgotten by Karin Slaughter
This book kept me guessing trying to figure out who was the father of Emily’s baby and who killed her. 4 stars from Kim G
The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
This book tackled some tough topics, but still managed to be really heartwarming! 5 stars from Katie A
How Can I Help You by Laura Sims
There’s more to librarians than you could possibly know! 5 stars from Valmai H
The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny
When the lines between fact and delusion blur and infect mass consciousness. 5 Stars from Valerie A.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
This was a combination of “Hunger Games” and “Divergent”— I loved every moment! 5 Stars from Jessica F.
White Ivy by Susie Yang
I found myself cheering on the antihero for a happy ending! 5 Stars from Jing T.
The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel
I am in awe of the talent contained in these pages -- STUNNING! 5 Stars from Ashley Z.
Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby
The writing was so raw and real, couldn’t put it down. 5 Stars from Antonia N.
Cultish by Amanda Montell
This was such an interesting look at how language can be used to enforce group-think. 5 Stars from Katie A.
His and Hers by Alice Feeney
This book has a very good usual list of suspects! It was the least you suspected! 5 Stars from Jing T.
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Devoured this dystopian novel about time travel and mystery. A revealing exploration of endurance, and as expressed by a character, ''what makes a world real." 5 Stars from Ritu J.
Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver
Barbara Kingsolver did a phenomenal job intertwining the stories of two different families who inhabited the same dilapidated house, one in the 1800s and one in the 2000s. 5 Stars from Monique.
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
Beautiful and thoughtful prose. 5 Stars from Anna P.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
This is a very well written story of a family’s ups and downs, joys and sorrows narrated by Enzo, the family dog. 5 Stars from Janice L.
Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell
This fast paced turn of the century mystery presents a fabulous real-world location with extremely engaging characters who continually reveal twists and turns all the way until the last page. 5 Stars from C Cronin.
The It Girl by Ruth Ware
This book kept you guessing til the end. Who dun it?! 5 Stars from Jing T.
The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark
Riveting story about two women each trying to fix their past and succeed in their future. 5 Stars from Patricia P.
Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara
Beautiful, gripping character development of children in a slum in India dealing with the kidnapping and disappearance of their friends and classmates: grief, rage, sympathy. 5 Stars from Nancy K.
Identity by Nora Roberts
Nora Roberts goes to the Dark Side! Spoiler Alert: don't read the dust jacket first, just dive right in. 5 Stars from Valerie A.
Taste by Stanley Tucci
Focusing on Italian food and their recipes, Stanley Tucci delivers his interesting memoir. 5 Stars from Nancy P.
The Two Towers by J. R. R. Tolkien
LOTR, duh. 5 Stars from Hannah S.
The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett
I love this challenge because I read books I wouldn't ordinarily pick up and this fantasy novel about a talking cat and his minions of talking rats was s delightful read. 5 Stars from Amy S!
You Should Smile More by Anastasia Ryan
Loved this book. Characters were delightful! 5 Stars from Rita L
At Sea by Emma Fedor
One of the strangest & most intriguing stories I've ever read. Is the man Cara meets a...mer-man? A result of a secret government experiment? 5 Stars from Valerie A.
The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
This book had me from the word go. I loved the premise & the love story. 5 Stars from Emily H.
Murder at the 42nd Street Library by Con Lehane
Very interesting murder mystery with many unexpected twists and turns. 5 Stars from Patricia P.
The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny
Louise Penny never disappoints. 5 Stars from Dot V.
Dog on It by Spencer Quinn
If you love dogs, you will find yourself thinking, "Yes, my dog thinks like that, reacts like that and views the world like that." 5 Stars from Dot V.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
This book will haunt me forever. Demon Copperhead is beyond a hero, a character that you will be rooting for throughout the book. But the story of the destruction of so many lives through the opioid epidemic, is not something that you can easily forget. It may be fiction, but it is still true, which makes it sad and scary. 5 Stars from Monique.
American Prometheus by Kai Bird; Martin J. Sherwin
It is a great American story. 5 Stars from Karen.
Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
People were fighting for a better future. 5 Stars from Monique.
Sounder by William H. Armstrong; James Barkley (Illustrator)
Stunning writing, a heart-breaking plot without being gratuitous, perfect for lovers of Richard Wright. Actually a masterpiece. 5 Stars from Kat L.
The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand
The author's 29th book (!) set on the island of Nantucket, and every bit as good as the first 28! 5 Stars from Valerie A.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Very well crafted novel about simple kindness set against the back drop of modern day Ireland abuse of unwed mothers. 5 Stars from G Brieg.
The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
The book takes place in a maternity ward in Ireland during the influenza pandemic of 1918 and the comparisons to COVID cannot be denied. 5 Stars from Janice L.
The Maid by Nita Prose
Lauren Ambrose’s narration of this charming mystery, which was shortlisted for the Edgar, is exceptional, bringing to warm, vivid life not only the titular hotel maid, but the wide range of secondary characters as well. 5 Stars from Stephanie K.
Things We Do in the Dark by Jennifer Hillier
Yes, this thriller should be a movie! A compelling start to finish! 5 Stars from Jing T.
The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce
Quirky characters, beautiful nexus between music and literature, great story! 5 Stars from Antonia N.
The Foundling by Ann Leary
This book taught me about something I never knew existed in our history - eugenics. It’s a reminder that it hasn’t been too long since everyone claimed to know what was best for women. 5 Stars from Kim.
Sadie by Courtney Summers
Sadie's disappearance and her sister's murder take you on a journey that is both raw and emotional. Finished in one day! 5 Stars from Norma H.
The Whispers by Ashley Audrain
Haunting story, some surprises, and great character study. 5 Stars from Antonia N.
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Really gripping story, well drawn characters, couldn’t put it down! 5 Stars from Antonia N.
The Winners by Fredrik Backman
Heart wrenching and beautiful 5 Stars from Patricia M.
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
It’s a moving story of a multi-generational Indian family with beautiful images of India. 5 Stars from Ellen W.
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
This may have been the most important book I have ever, and will ever, read. 5 Stars from Katie A.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
I loved the writing style! A page turner till the very end! 5 Stars from Jing T.
Loyalty by Lisa Scottoline
There were elements that made me gasp at the level of human cruelty, but I found myself rooting for the twin brothers all the way and their band of "mafioso."5 Stars from Valerie A.
The Office BFFs by Jenna Fischer; Angela Kinsey
Listening to this book was like getting an insider's look into the making of a terrific show! 5 Stars from Jessica O.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
I loved Marcellus the octopus and how smart he was, and I have a newfound respect for this creature. 5 Stars from Norma H.
Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
Every page was filled with danger as a young boy searches for his mother who has left to fight for her beliefs. 5 Stars from Norma H.
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
Smart, funny, and just pure fun—terrific on audio! 5 Stars from Stephanie K.
Big Tree by Brian Selznick (Illustrator)
I wept. 5 Stars from TZ.
The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V. E. Schwab
The author’s writing is beautiful and stays with you. 5 Stars from Julia C.
An Elderly Lady Is up to No Good by Helene Tursten; Marlaine Delargy (Translator)
My goodness, is she ever up to no good. The shock of it makes you laugh and feel bad for laughing all at once! 5 Stars from Christine R.
The Red Balcony by Jonathan Wilson
It provided insight into the British Palestine Mandate as the backdrop of a fictional murder story. 5 Stars from Jacqueline B.
Just One Look by Lindsay Cameron
Sat down to read for a bit and got up hours later, having finished the book! 5 Stars from Mary P.
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult; Jennifer Finney Boylan
Loved the twists and turns and the unexpected ending. 5 Stars from Norma H.
Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
Exceptional writing, frank life advice, empathy and kindness; its not the tv series it's the original advice column letters heartbreakingly read in the author's own voice on audio. 5 Stars from G Brieg.
Fat Talk by Virginia Sole-Smith
Compelling and eye-opening, this book helped me unlearn a lot of my own internalized fatphobia and fears around food. Would recommend as a read for anyone, but especially those who work with children and families. 5 Stars from Kat L.
20,000 Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne
An incredibly fascinating almost 10 month journey of 20,000 leagues long (not deep) with Captain Nemo aboard the submarine Nautilus. 5 Stars from Nancy P.
Whalefall by Daniel Kraus
An extraordinary coming-of-age story that just happens to be set in the belly of a whale. 5 Stars from Stephanie K.
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due
An extraordinary horror novel set at a segregated boys’ reform school in Jim Crow Florida (out this fall; I received an early copy for review) 5 Stars from Stephanie K.
The Long Way Home by Louise Penny
A beautifully crafted complex mystery. 5 Stars from Jen L.
I Remember Nothing by Nora Ephron
A smart, funny and entertaining book by Nora Ephron about aging that was (sadly) relatable! ;-) 5 Stars from Michelle F.
A Kind of Paradise by Amy Rebecca Tan
A sweet story about how an incoming 8th grader is forced to volunteer at the library, and how she grows to love it! 5 Stars from Jessica O.
Queen Charlotte by Julia Quinn; Shonda Rhimes
After watching the show, I thought this was a really great adaptation and that the more in-depth details were a wonderful addition! 5 Stars from Jessica F.
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
A cross-country adventure packed with unexpected twists and turns and far from predictable! 5 Stars from Ritu J.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This was a beautifully written story with an unexpected twist-perfect for the big screen. 5 Stars from Janice L.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
There were so many dualities in this book. 5 Stars from Lindsay I.
An Immense World by Ed Yong
I enjoyed the dozens of anecdotes that illustrate how other animal's sensory world is radically different from ours. 5 Stars from FSCM.
The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man by Paul Newman
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Paul Newman, and I appreciate him even more. 5 Stars from Ritu J.
The Facemaker by Lindsey Fitzharris
This book provides harrowing and ultimately uplifting portraits of the soldiers who received severe facial injuries during WWI and the groundbreaking plastic surgeons who assisted in their recoveries. 5 Stars from FSCM
This Bird Has Flown by Susanna Hoffs
Soooo... juicy! Giddy fun! "...All the kids in the marketplace say (Whey oh whey oh wheyyy oh)" 5 Stars from Valerie A.
Happiness Becomes You by Tina Turner
How Buddhism and chanting turned Tina's life around. 5 Stars from Valerie A.
In Waves by A. J. Dungo
A great graphic biography that tells the history of surfing and cancer’s affects on a budding romance. 5 Stars from Jessica O.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
Insightful, funny, gut-wrenching story. 5 Stars from Patricia M.
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
Science has matched them together - or has it? 5 Stars from Emily H.
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
A wonderful story of relationships narrated by the AF (artificial friend) Klara who holds dearly her belief in the powers of him (the sun). 5 Stars from Nancy P.
The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley
This is a hilarious road trip adventure. 5 Stars from Amy S.
Dead to Her by Sarah Pinborough
The book kept me guessing. 5 Stars from Carissa J.
The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida; K. A. Yoshida (Translator); David Mitchell (Translator, Introduction by)
This book was written by a thirteen year boy with Autism and he writes about being autistic in his eyes. 5 Stars from Jing T.
Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A retired tennis star makes a comeback in this suspense filled page turner. 5 Stars from Norma H.
The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell
A cross between the Great British Baking Show and a sinister Agatha Christie novel, and multiple characters who are not what they appear to be at the start, guaranteeing you'll have a knot in your stomach from start to finish! 5 Stars from Valerie A.
Unprotected by Billy Porter
Billy Porter’s poignant memoir although comical at times (Orangina 45) will continue to haunt me as I recall the horrors he suffered during childhood including sexual molestation, brutal beatings and blatant discrimination. 5 Stars from Nancy P.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
I was captivated by the marvelous haughtiness of the octopus narrator! 5 Stars from Jen L.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Imagine you could walk into a library and, by taking out different books, try out the different lives you could have had in order to experience them, choose a new life, extinguish regrets; a wonderful read. 5 Stars from G Brieg.
The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey
A second-chance romance about friendships, summer camp, and mothers and daughters. 5 Stars from Jessica O.
The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure
A complex and clever French architect is offered huge sums of money to create secret hiding places to protect desperate Jews hiding from the Nazis during WWII. 5 Stars from Norma H.
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Poetically written and it helped me better understand his perspective. 5 Stars from Lindsay I.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Captivating story of what marriage and love ultimately mean. 5 Stars from Patricia P.
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell
I love this historical subject matter of Renaissance Italy and the suspense in this story. 5 Stars from Lindsay I.
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
I was delighted by the story! 5 Stars from Karen.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
This beautifully written book with wonderfully developed characters (especially "Six-thirty" the dog) is about true friendship, taking risks, and most importantly always staying true to yourself. 5 Stars from Jennifer H
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi
I loved the rich descriptions of the characters and setting, as well learning what Afghan life is for women. 5 Stars from Amy S.
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
I loved the behind-the-scenes look at the SNL type show plus a little bit of romance. 5 Stars from Jessica O.
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa; Philip Gabriel (Translator)
A beautiful and simple story based around a journey as told through the eyes of a cat - definitely a tear-jerker! 5 Stars from C Cronin.
The Confessor by Daniel Silva
I love this and the whole "Gabriel Allon" series of suspense/peril/history and intrigue from Daniel Silva. 5 Stars from G Brieg.
Trust by Hernan Diaz
Four "books" in one as it is basically the same story told through the eyes of four different people which was amazing and complex but as it was an interesting story, extra special. 5 Stars from G Brieg.
The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupéry; Richard Howard (Translator)
A classic that sends a powerful message. 5 Stars from Norma H.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I did not see the twist coming! 5 Stars from Lindsay I.
A Kind of Paradise by Amy Rebecca Tan
A story about a girl who learns to love and save her library. 5 Stars from Kirsten H.
Because I Could Not Stop for Death by Amanda Flower
This Emily Dickinson historical murder mystery involves slavery, politics and greed in the 1800s. 5 Stars from Norma H.
After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Gave me perspective; every relationship is unique and there is no set road map for the perfect marriage. 5 Stars from Lindsay I.
Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris
A Compelling blend of history and fiction as the author brings history to life as he spins the tale of two regicides. 5 Stars from Rita J.
A Little Ray of Sunshine by Kristan Higgins
A delightful and heartwarming story that takes place on Cape Cod with many quirky and wonderful characters! 5 Stars from Liz K.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
A doomed love story. 5 Stars from Kirsten H.
It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
It was the 2nd book of an amazing series! 5 Stars from Kirsten H.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
Fake dating between school jock and quiet hopeless romantic. 5 Stars from Kirsten H.
A Little Ray of Sunshine by Kristan Higgins
A birth mother is reunited with her son over a Cape Cod summer. 5 Stars from Jessica O.
Dinners with Ruth by Nina Totenberg
So beautifully written that I took my time to savor the images and feelings it evoked. 5 Stars from Mary P.
The Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons
Science fiction at it's best. 5 Stars from Susan A.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
A childhood favorite, filled with just as much whimsy and imagination as my earlier reads - however, as an adult, I found myself relating much more to Marilla than Anne! 5 Stars from C Cronin.
Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys; Charlotte Brontë; Judith L. Raiskin
Wonderful narration, interesting role-reversal: Rochester begins to seem as mad as Antoinette; in some ways reminded me of Othello. 4 Stars from Nancy K.
Little Monsters by Adrienne Brodeur
Secrets upon secrets, layers upon layers of intrigue within a prominent family. 4 Stars from Antonia N.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
I loved how well the dedication set the stage for this lovely, peaceful and almost meditative book: “for anybody who could use a break.” 4 Stars from Adonis V.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
I was challenged by the dialect and writing style for the first few “entries” of the novel, but came to love it for its depth of emotion and constantly evolving style as Celine and Nettie went through different phases of their lives. 4 Stars from Adonis V.
The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
This book has lush descriptions of an imagined Gilded Age; Moreno-Garcia has amazing prose in each of her books. 4 Stars from Valmai.
What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline
This action packed and intense novel is filled with tragedy as a family finds itself in the witness protection program. 4 Stars from Norma H.
Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts
Fascinating read about the filming on The Wizard of Oz through the eyes of the writer's widow. 4 Stars from Norma H.
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
Interesting take on the current state of publishing with a protagonist you can't decide if you like or not. 4 Stars from Becky A.
No Exit by Taylor Adams
This locked room mystery take at a frozen over gas station with a caged child is bone-chilling in multiple ways, especially when everyone trapped there has something to hide. 4 Stars from Valmai.
Leech by Hiron Ennes
Told from the point of view of a futuristic hivemind with several appendages, Ennis depicts a bleak, unsettling, and immersive world where plague is the norm. 4 Stars from Valmai.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Such a powerful story about the importance of friendship - and don't worry about the gaming angle. 4 Stars from Becky A.
Verity by Colleen Hoover
A truly gripping mystery with turn after turn. 4 Stars from Janice L.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
This book kept me guessing until the very end! 4 Stars from Jessica F.
Charlotte Illes Is Not a Detective by Katie Siegel
This quirky, and cute millennial cozy mystery is based on a fun premise and is a breezy read. 4 Stars from Dot V.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Sad it ended, as I couldn’t stop reading! Smart, Energetic, and Highly Creative. Five stars and can't wait to read her next book. 5 Stars from Ritu J.
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
A fascinating read about the haenyeo women; their struggles, friendships, and battles the Jeju Island people suffered through various decades. 4 Stars from Ritu J.
Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko
Great characterization and good descriptions of depression-era Alcatraz. 4 Stars from Dot V.
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
A cross-country adventure packed with unexpected twists and turns and far from predictable! 5 stars from Ritu J.
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
So witty! 5 stars from Jessica X.
The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown
Great story of three sisters and their path in life as they deal with their mom's cancer journey. 5 Stars from Patricia.
The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien
Hobbits! 5 Stars from Hannah S.
Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
The stories are so personal and meaningful! 5 Stars from Ritu J.
A Place Called Home by David Ambroz
Beautifully and elegantly written, but truly heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time.One of the greatest memoirs of all time. 5 Stars from Ritu J.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
I loved the writing style! A page turner to the very end! 5 Stars from Jing T.
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
An eye opener into publishing when a white woman steals a manuscript written by her dead Asian friend and publishes it along with her own writing style. Wow! 4 Stars from Norma H.
The Only One Left by Riley Sager
Twists and turns beyond belief. 4 Stars from Mary P.
Dirty Laundry by Disha Bose
Great character development, where everyone is "odd one out" for one reason or another, with a murder thrown in for good measure.5 Stars from Valerie A.
When We Were Sisters by Fatimah Asghar
Three young sisters survive virtually on their own, after they are orphaned. Sadly, escape comes as they reach young adulthood and head off to college. 5 Stars from Monique.
The House of Lincoln by Nancy Horan
Love some good historical fiction! 4 Stars from Leah S.
The It Girl by Ruth Ware
So many suspenseful moments when you wonder if everything will work out! 4 Stars from Leah S.
How Far the Light Reaches by Sabrina Imbler
Learned a lot about sea creatures and enjoyed beautiful memoir writing along with it! 4 Stars from Kat L.
True Biz by Sara Novic
This book had a compelling plot, well-written teens (hard to do), and clear, vivid prose, not to mention, it highlighted the Deaf community, which very few books do. 4 Stars from Kat L.
The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand
I've never read any of this author's 29 (!) previous books, but this one was really fun and absorbing.4 Stars from Ashley Z.
Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
Kingfisher excels at reimagining fairy tales for both adults and children, and this quick read puts the hero’s mantle on a fairy who cursed a princess into enchanted sleep. 4 Stars from Stephanie K.
The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroud
The characters were so lovable, the dialogue witty, and the action scenes so well-described I could make the movie in my head. 4 Stars from Kat L.
Pretty Things by Janelle Brown
Interesting plot of a con that has an unexpected twist. 4 Stars from Patricia P.
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
Someone who desperately wants and wish granted has an opportunity to win a once in a lifetime game and learns more about wishes and life as a result. 4 Stars from Emily H.
Happy Place by Emily Henry
A perfect summer reading - relaxing and comforting! 4 Stars from Ritu J.
Trust by Hernan Diaz
Elegantly written, richly layered story. Reminds one of Edith Wharton. 4 Stars from Ritu J.
Did You Hear about Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul
A great book club read to learn, ponder and discuss the dark facet of American history. 4 Stars from Ritu J.
The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece by Tom Hanks; R. Sikoryak (Illustrator)
Very light and fun. Just what a summer read should be! 5 stars from TZ.
The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang
Epic story of war, class, race, addiction and political strategy. The writing is so vivid I see this world in my dreams. 5 Stars from Melanie K
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
So much to love - engaging, warm, heartwarming and with an octopus guiding the way 😊 5 Stars from Ama A!
Recitatif by Toni Morrison; Zadie Smith (Introduction by)
With Twyla and Roberta, as protagonists, is up to the reader to decide who is white and who is black. 5 Stars from Amy S.
The Wager by David Grann
Lord of the Flies meets the Endurance! 5 Stars from WHH
Nora Goes off Script by Annabel Monaghan
Feel-good book; strong, passionate characters who you will be sad to leave when the book is over. 5 Stars from Faith S.
The Postmistress of Paris by Meg Waite Clayton
The story of a strong independent woman character who braves the nazis to save the persecuted; with a dash of romance and while providing some education on the art of photography. 5 Stars from G Brieg
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
This book stunned me with its exceptionally well done "autopsy" of grief, which spoke to my heart after the losses I have had. Don't read this if you think it may be triggering. 5 Stars from G Brieg
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
Plot twists- holy cow! 5 Stars from Jodi K.
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
When you can get Paris, Books, Libraries, and history all in one "based on a true story" novel, it's a treat, I loved this book. 5 Stars from G Brieg.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
The use of multiple timeframes and narrators was genius. 5 Stars from Mary P.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
I was blown away by the characters and their story and how they created almost human like players for the video games. (I have never played) 5 Stars from Norma H.
The Audrey Hepburn Estate by Brenda Janowitz
Fun romantic story with a twist about family histories. 5 Stars from Patricia P.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
The perseverant protagonist. 5 Stars from Stephanie H.
The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley
Loved the 65 year age difference between the protagonists. 5 Stars from Valerie A.
The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis
I love the mystery, history, and art world all rolled into one story! 5 Stars from Lindsay I.
Hello Girls by Brittany Cavallaro; Emily Henry
A little like Thelma and Louise-two teens escape a horrible home life in this thriller. 4 Stars from Jessica O.
The Invisible Kingdom by Meghan O'Rourke
This book was beautifully written, comprehensive, and empathetic. (sorry for submitting 2 of these in one day! Just learned about this challenge from a coworker and i'm submitting things I read in June!) 4 Stars from Kat L.
Maybe you should talk to someone by Lori Gottlieb
Like the book version of the great show "In Treatment" -- funny, tender, insightful. 4 Stars from Ashley Z.
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
Very inspirational memoir about finding and being true to yourself. 4 Stars from G Brieg.
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
An interesting look at social media, plagiarism and racism. 4 Stars from Jessica O.
Super Bloom by Megan Tady
A very cute debut novel and perfect beach read. 4 Stars from Janice L.
Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
An interesting narrative of how the metaverse plays out to create two different lives based on the decision made one fatal night. 4 Stars from Nancy P.
Third Girl by Agatha Christie
This is a very different kind of mystery for Hercule Poirot and Ariadne Oliver, but as always a delight for readers who enjoy Christie and classic British mystery. 4 Stars from Dot V.
Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum
A mystery full of characters you won’t like but this is a book that’s hard to put down! 4 Stars from Jessica O.
The Spectacular by Fiona Davis
Behind the scenes of the Rockettes and life in the 1950s was fun to explore. 4 Stars from Antonia N.
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets the Westing Game! 4 Stars from Antonia N.
Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley (Illustrator)
An illustrated biography that is a delightful homage to good food and good cooking. 4 Stars from Jessica O.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
This Irish thriller is told by several antagonists whose commonalities come to light at the wedding.. 4 Stars from Nancy P.
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
Though the many plot twists leave some holes, this propulsive thriller will keep listeners glued to their devices; the many interviews, podcast episodes, and varying POVs of the story are an excellent fit for the audio format. 4 Stars from Stephanie K.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Learned a ton about South Africa, apartheid and how racism knows no bounds! 4 Stars from Emily H.
Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko
Great characterization, and good descriptions of depression-era Alcatraz. 4 Stars from Dot V.
Innocent by Scott Turow
There were so many twists and turns to the plot, and the author created compelling and complex characters who were fallible and loveable at the same time. 4 Stars from Jane.
The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand
Feel good summer beach read. 4 Stars from Carolyn Z.
They Can't Take Your Name by Robert Justice
Community helping each other in time of need. 4 Stars from Lindsay I.
The Cloisters by Katy Hays
So many twists! Art history world mixed with mystery. 4 Stars from Lindsay I.
The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich (a Graphic Novel) by Deya Muniz
A great YA take on a classic fairy tale-perfect for Pride Month! 4 Stars from Jessica O.
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
I loved the way the author weaved two family stories together, and how fully wrought the characters became.
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell
I loved the authors use of the timeline to let the story unfold. 4 Stars from BchRdr.
Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu
A romance between the bodyguard and superstar with secret agents.4 Stars from Kirsten H.
Her Last Flight by Beatriz Williams
Twists and turns galore! 4 Stars from Mary P.
City Spies by James Ponti
Cliffhanger so can't wait for the next book in this series! 4 Stars from Mary P.
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata; Ginny Tapley Takemori (Translator)
Simplicity of message. 4 Stars from Elaine.
The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton
The resilience of the main character. 4 Stars from Becky A.
Super Bloom by Megan Tady
I heard the author speak and loved knowing how she perfected the main character. 4 Stars from Faith S.
Hello Beautiful (Oprah's Book Club) by Ann Napolitano
A modern take on “Little Women." 4 Stars from Nancy P.
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
This incredible epic story is beautifully written - it’s heart wrenching and timeless! 4 Stars from Ritu J.
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
Lots of red herrings in this one and stomach churning sense of disquiet. 4 Stars from Valerie A.
James Baldwin: Early Novels and Stories by James Baldwin; Toni Morrison (Editor)
(On Giovanni's Room) Beautiful, haunting story about a man who is terrified of his identity, and how his refusal to accept himself, impacts those around him. 4 Stars from Adonis.
The Deal Goes Down by Larry Beinhart
I was compelled by the protagonist's street smarts and the lengths he would go to avoid being caught. 4 Stars from Dave D.
My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing
I was in suspense until the very end.4 Stars from Amy S.
Mott Street by Ava Chin
Liked the mix of memoir and history about Chinese exclusion. 4 Stars from Patricia M.
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
This was a beautiful, and sometimes heartbreaking, series of vignettes! 4 Stars from Jessica F.
Wildoak by C. C. Harrington
I loved the way the book stressed the importance of protecting nature. 4 Stars from Katie A.
Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
That even in an autocratic and repressive future, libraries remain an important and vital source of information. 4 Stars from Alice S.
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
I loved that there was an unexpected twist that brought the story full circle in a way you wouldn’t expect. 4 Stars from Kim G.
My Magnolia Summer by Victoria Benton Frank
A trip to the Lowcountry as Maggie leaves NYC to help her grandmother heal and to add some aid to the family's ailing restaurant. 4 Stars from Jessica O.
Taste by Stanley Tucci
Tucci’s descriptions of food are amazing! 4 Stars from Ellen W.
The Stars Are Fire by Anita Shreve
This beautifully written novel based on the 1947 Maine fire has a protagonist who becomes a fierce survivor against all that is put before her. 4 Stars from Amy S.
Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict
This story imagines that Andrew Carnegie fell in love with his mother's maid who inspired him to become a philanthropist, it's a nice story. 4 Stars from Geralyn B.
Man's Search for Meaning by Harold S. Kushner (Foreword by); William J. Winslade (Afterword by); Viktor E. Frankl
I loved Dr. Frankl's positive outlook and keys to finding meaning in life even in the most dire of circumstances. 4 Stars from Amy S.
The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty
Feminist adventure. 4 Stars from Hannah S.
Old Flame by Molly Prentiss
This was a thoughtful mediation on motherhood and identity.4 Stars from Hannah S.
Circe by Madeline Miller
It made the Greek gods seem "human" 4 Stars from Becky A.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
What a joy! The ride is a wonderfully twisting, turning and a loving journey just like the body and limbs of this improbable voice. 4 Stars from Ritu J.
Girl in Disguise by Greer Macallister
This is believable historial fiction.4 Stars from Hannah S.
The Guest by Emma Cline
A perfect summer read -- juicy, suspenseful, and incredible writing. 4 Stars from Ashley Z.
The Palace Papers by Tina Brown
Well written and informational story about the British Royal family. 4 Stars from Patricia D.
Passing by Nella Larsen
I was intrigued by the relationships between the characters and the historical context of this 1929 novel. 4 Stars from Amy S.
One Day in December by Josie Silver
A delightful read on romance when you meet the right person at the wrong time and the missed opportunities goes on for ten years. 4 Stars from Jing T.
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
Two brothers freed by the Emancipation Proclamation hope to reunite with their mother while the forbidden romance between two Confederate soldiers causes chaos.
Zero Days by Ruth Ware
Though this breakneck thriller set in the world of hackers and cybersecurity is a departure for Ware (and likely to appeal to readers of Blake Crouch or Gregg Hurwitz), the intricate plot and smart, resourceful protagonist will satisfy her legions of fans. 4 Stars from Stephanie K.
Drowning by T. J. Newman
This is a dark story about the ditching of fictional Flight 1421 encompassing suspense, ingenuity, and love. 4 Stars from Janice L.
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
The story takes place in Georgia at the end of the Civil War and follows the unlikely friendship between a poor white farmer and his wife and two newly freed black brothers. 4 Stars from Janice L.
Acts of Violet by Margarita Montimore
How to categorize this book: podcast? an escape? purple on the cover? So many choices! Would make an excellent audio book as well. 4 Stars from Valerie A.
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
Heartfelt story of son who gets to spends a day with his mom who passed away years ago. 4 Stars from Jing T.
Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber
Dear Santa is a charming holiday romance set in the Seattle area which is familiar to me because my son and daughter-in-law have moved there. 4 Stars from Amy S.
Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad
A Tunisian/Swiss young woman chronicles her life upon diagnosis with leukemia which includes a cross-country road trip with her dog companion. 4 Stars from Nancy P.
The Sister Effect by Susan Mallery
The characters felt so real and the plot held my attention. 4 Stars from Julia C.
The Postmistress of Paris by Meg Waite Clayton
Well written captivating story about the early day of the German occupation in France following a courageous cast of characters.4 Stars from Patricia P.
The Darlings by Hannah McKinnon
A great summer beach read. 4 Stars from Susan A.
A Living Remedy by Nicole Chung
Really moving memoir about race, class, adoption, grief, what it means to be a daughter and a parent. 4 Stars by Ashley Z.
The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui
A Vietnamese immigrant comes to appreciate her mother as she becomes a mom herself. 4 Stars from Jessica O.
You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks; Sarah Pekkanen
A thriller about a woman who desires to be friends with sisters that seem to have to all. 4 Stars from Jing T.
Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby
Irby’s latest essay collection addresses the various joys (Red Lobster cocktails! Niche porn!) and indignities (pooping in public! Being insulted by teenagers!) of being human.4 Stars from Stephanie K.
The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand
I loved all the relationships and goings on at a summer at the hotel…and a ghost that lives there. 4 Stars from Emily H.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
I gained so much understanding of what it’s like to be on the spectrum. 4 Stars from Lindsay I.
Confidence by Rafael Frumkin
This book made you think about the power of suggestion. 4 Stars from Jacqueline B.
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
True story of the burning down of the main Los Angeles library in 1989 combined with a concise education on the history of the library system in LA plus a mini education on the inner workings of libraries in general, and a brief history on book burning history.4 Stars from Geralyn B.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Loved the wonderful, intricate descriptions of magic made real, I felt child like giddiness the whole time. 4 Stars from Adonis V.
In Waves by A. J. Dungo
I learned about surfing and love. 4 Stars from Emily H.
Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko
It had interesting characters, and it was satisfying seeing how Piper got what she deserved. 4 Stars from CS.
Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler
"Intense story of love and friendship through the eyes of someone with a mental health disorder. " 4 Stars from Patricia P.
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
Perfect combo of wimsy, family love, and adventure. 4 Stars from Hannah S..
A Year to the Day by Robin Benway
Story told from a different that normal sequence. 4 Stars from Carolyn Z.
The Maid by Nita Prose
A compelling murder mystery with so many layers. A great story with an unexpected ending. 4 Stars from Ritu J.
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell
Written with wonderful imagery, a fascinating window into the history. 4 Stars from Ritu J.
The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham
Intriguing, suspenseful, and very dramatic, loved the tale of two roads taken by childhood friends. 4 Stars from Ritu J.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Great story, a bit of a dark read, but tells a vivid story that keeps you coming for more. 4 Stars from Ritu J.
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin
Such an astoundingly beautiful story about life, love, loss, and most importantly friendship. 4 Stars from Ritu J.
Her Last Flight by Beatriz Williams
I couldn't put down this book, my fav genre historical fiction books. 4 Stars from Ritu J.
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
I loved the unexpected ending, and I loved Dannie and Bella's selfless friendship. 4 Stars from Amy S.
Warez by Martin Paul Eve
It is amazing how such a vast and sophisticated network of individuals exists right under our noses. 4 Stars from Dave D.
Four Battlegrounds by Paul Scharre
It provided insights on artificial intelligence that I had never considered before. 4 stars from Dave D.
How Can I Help You by Laura Sims
A fun cat-and-mouse story featuring a savvy reference librarian and a former nurse/Angel-of-Death-style serial killer living under an assumed name and working as a circulation clerk. 4 Stars from Stephanie K.
Palo Alto by Malcolm Harris
A comprehensive overview of Silicon Valley.4 Stars from Dave D.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
It was really passionate and kept me wanting to know more about the Dutch Tulip Man. 4 Stars from CS
Surprisingly Sarah by Terri Libenson (Illustrator)
Highlights middle school very realistically. 4 Stars from Kristen H.
Allegiant by Veronica Roth
Great final book to an amazing YA dystopian series. 4 Stars from Kristen H.
In Waves by A. J. Dungo
A story told by a boy about the life of the most amazing girl and losing her. 4 Stars from Kristen H.
New Kid by Jerry Craft (Illustrator)
The NEW KID at school struggles to be excepted by people at his school, but learns to find friends and his voice. 4 Stars from Kristen H.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
A mysterious “scavenger” hunt to find the girl who ran. 4 Stars from Kristen H.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
A Young Adult fantasy with enemies to lovers and High Fae. 4 Stars from Kristen H.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
A gorgeously + intricately written love letter to what makes a family, what makes a home, and how to stay true to yourself above all else. 4 Stars from C Cronin.
The Wager by David Grann
The writing was so vivid I felt like I was on the ship with them. 4 Stars from Becky A.
All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby
It was very suspenseful. 5 Stars from Karen.
The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
Very poignant character studies and relationships exploration with a flowing narrative and some humor. 4 Stars from Antonia N.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
A romance story of an autistic woman finding love in an untraditional theme. 5 Stars from Jing T.
Shark Heart by Emily Habeck
Really creative meditation on life and change and immensely readable. 5 Stars from Antonia N.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
This book contained beautiful writing and fascinating parallels between the different perspectives. 4 stars from Katie A.
Purity by Jonathan Franzen
Painfully long, but there "are" like 4 books in here, 1 is great, two are very good, and 1 is plodding- - one girls journey to find herself amidst a mad mad world. 4 Stars from G. Brieg.
In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick
It was a great book! 5 Stars from Karen.