The Westport Library Resource Guides: 2021 Summer Reading Leaderboard: Track Your Progress

Amy S - 25 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about growing up

Read a new version of an old story

Read a book about a quirky protagonist

Read a book about identity

Read a book from our Reader's Choice collection

Read a book featured on one of our booklists

Read a book about a place you want to visit

Read a book about a villain

Read a book that you downloaded

Read a book that helps you relax

Read a book with a yellow cover

Read a book by an author speaking at the library

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book about an Olympian

Read a book that you have seen performed

Read a book that you can't put down

Read a book from Sybil's List

Read a book at the beach

Read a book written by someone you admire

Read a book with an animal on the cover

Read a book that is a work of art

Read a book making its debut

Read a #OwnVoices book

Read a book from a different era

Read a book with your ears

Dot V - 25 Challenges Completed!

Read a book with your ears

Read a new version of an old story

Read a book about a place you want to visit

Read a book that you downloaded

Read a book featured on one of our booklists

Read a book with a yellow cover

Read a book that is a work of art

Read a book at the beach

Read a book by an author speaking at the library

Read a book with an animal on the cover

Read a book from our Reader's Choice collection

Read a book from Sybil's List

Read a book written by someone you admire

Read a book that helps you relax

Read a book you have seen performed

Read a book making its debut

Read a book about a quirky protagonist

Read a book from a different era

Read a book about a villain

Read a book about an Olympian

Read a #OwnVoices book

Read a book about growing up

Read a book that you can't put down

Read a book about identity

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Christine R - 25 Challenges Completed!

Read a book by an author speaking at the library

Read a #OwnVoices book

Read a book about an Olympian

Read a book that helps you relax

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book that you downloaded

Read a book that is a work of art

Read a book that you have seen performed

Read a book about a villain

Read a book making its debut

Read a book about a quirky protagonist

Read a book featured on one of our booklists

Read a book that you can't put down

Read a book from a different era

Read a book with your ears

Read a new version of an old story

Read a book about a place you want to visit

Read a book with an animal on the cover

Read a book with a yellow cover

Read a book at the beach

Read a book about growing up

Read a book from our Reader's Choice collection

Read a book about identity

Read a book from Sybil's List

Read a book written by someone you admire

Melanie K -25 Challenges Completed!

Read a #OwnVoices book

Read a book about a quirky protagonist

Read a book with a yellow cover

Read a book about a place you want to visit

Read a book from our Reader's Choice collection

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book about a villain

Read a book about growing up

Read a book from Sybil's List

Read a new version of an old story

Read a book written by someone you admire

Read a book about identity

Read a book making its debut

Read a book with an animal on the cover

Read a book about an Olympian

Read a book that you downloaded

Read a book from a different era

Read a book that you can't put down

Read a book featured on one of our booklists

Read a book you've seen performed

Read a book at the beach

Read a book to help you relax

Read a book that is a work of art

Read a book by an author speaking at the library

Read a book with your ears

Mary P - 25 Challenges Completed!

Read a book from our Reader's Choice collection

Read a book about an Olympian

Read a book that you have seen performed

Read a book at the beach

Read a book by an author speaking at the library

Read a book featured on one of our booklists

Read a book from a different era

Read a book with your ears

Read a book about identity

Read a book with an animal on the cover

Read a book about a place you want to visit

Read a book about a villain

Read a book that is a work of art

Read a book with a yellow cover

Read a book that you can't put down

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book by someone you admire

Read a book about growing up

Read a book that helps you relax

Read a book about a quirky protagonist

Read a book from Sybil's list

Read a book making its debut

Read a book that you downloaded

Read a #OwnVoices book

Read a new version of an old story

Rachel G - 25 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that is a work of art

Read a book about an Olympian

Read a book by an author speaking at the library

Read a #OwnVoices book

Read a book that helps you relax

Read a book with a yellow cover

Read a book that you downloaded

Read a book from a different era

Caste

Read a book from our Reader's Choice collection

Read a book from Sybil's List

Read a book that you have seen performed

Read a book with an animal on the cover

Read a book about a quirky protagonist

Read a book about growing up

Read a book featured on one of our booklists

Read a book that you can't put down

Read a book about a place you want to visit

Read a book written by someone you admire

Read a book about a villain

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book at the beach

Read a book with your ears

Read a new version of an old story

Read a book making its debut

Read a book about identity

Jessica O - 24 Challenges Completed!

Immie R. - 23 Challenges Completed!

Erin L - 22 Challenges Completed!

James L - 20 Challenges Completed!

Valerie AP - 20 Challenges Completed!

Courtney H - 11 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about a villain

Read a book with your ears

Read a book about growing up

Read a book that is a work of art

Read a book from Sybil's List

Read a book that you downloaded

Read a book with a yellow cover

Read a book written by someone you admire

Read a book that you can't put down

Read a new version of an old story

Read a #OwnVoices book

Bethany G - 10 Challenges Completed!

Read a book with a yellow cover

Read a book that you downloaded

Read a book that you can't put down

Read a book about identity

Read a book you have seen performed

Read a book from a different era

Read a book about a place you want to visit

Read a #OwnVoices book

Read a book that is a work of art

Read a book making its debut

Karen K - 10 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that you downloaded

Read a book making its debut

Read a book about a quirky protagonist

Read a book from a different era

Read a book that you downloaded

Read a book about growing up

Read a book with an animal on the cover

Read a book from Sybil's List

Read a book that you can't put down

Read a book by an author speaking at the library

Robin M - 10 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about identity

Read a book that you downloaded

Read a book featured on one of our booklists

Read a book by an author speaking at the library

Read a book making its debut

Read a book from a different era

Read a book making its debut

Read a book at the beach

Read a book about growing up

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Tina Z - 10 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about identity

Read a book with your ears

Read a #OwnVoices book

Read a book with a yellow cover

Read a book about a villain

Read a book from a different era

Read a book with an animal on the cover

Read a book written by someone you admire

Read a book about a quirky protagonist

Read a book that you can't put down

Ama A. - 8 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that you can't put down

Read a book about a quirky protagonist

Read a book with a yellow cover

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book from Sybil's List

Read a book with your ears

Read a book that you downloaded

Read a book with a yellow cover

Matt G. - 8 Challenges Completed!

Read a #OwnVoices book

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book about a quirky protagonist

Read a book about growing up

Read a book featured on one of our booklists

Read a book that you can't put down

Read a book that helps you relax

Read a book from a different era

Michelle F - 8 Challenges Completed!

Read a book with your ears

Read a book from a different era

Read a book from Sybil's List

Read a book about a villain

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book about identity

Read a book about growing up

Read a book from our Reader's Choice collection

Sharon B. - 8 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about growing up

Read a book about a quirky protagonist

Read a book about identity

Read a book with your ears

Read a book about a place you want to visit

Read a book with a yellow cover

Read a book making its debut

Read a book with an animal on the cover

Sylvia S - 8 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about identity

Read a book from a different era

Read a #OwnVoices book

Read a book from Sybil's List

Read a book that you can't put down

Read a book with an animal on the cover

Read a book at the beach

Read a book that helps you relax

Barbara B - 7 Challenges Completed!

Read a book featured on one of our booklists

Read a book written by someone you admire

Read a book with an animal on the cover

Read a book that you can't put down

Read a book with a yellow cover

Read a book from a different era

Read a book about a quirky protagonist

Deirdre F - 7 Challenges Completed!

Read a book making its debut

Read a book with an animal on the cover

Read a book that helps you relax

Read a book about a place you want to visit

Read a book about a villain

Read a book that you can't put down

Read a book with a yellow cover

Jen L. - 7 Challenges Completed!

Read a book making its debut

Read a book that you can't put down

Read a book with a yellow cover

Read a book with an animal on the cover

Read a book with your ears

Read a book with a quirky protagonist

Read a book that you downloaded

Jessica F - 7 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about growing up

Read a book about a villain

Read a book with a yellow cover

Read a book about an Olympian

Read a book about identity

Read a book with an animal on the cover

Read a book that you have seen performed

Kathleen M - 7 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that you can't put down

Read a book with a yellow cover

Read a book from a different era

Read a book with an animal on the cover

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book that helps you relax

Read a book at the beach

Carolyn K. - 6 Challenges Completed!

Read a book making its debut

Read a book recommended by a librarian

Read a book that you can't put down

Read a #OwnVoices book

Read a book from our Reader's Choice collection

Read a book with your ears

Sabra G - 6 Challenges Completed!

Read a book that you downloaded

Read a book about growing up

Read a book about a quirky protagonist

Read a book with your ears

Read a book from Sybil's List

Read a new version of an old story

Adonis V - 5 Challenges Completed!

Read a new version of an old story

Read a book about growing up

Read a book about a place you want to visit

Read a book with your ears

Catie W. - 5 Challenges Completed!

Read a book from a different era

Read a book that you can't put down

Read a book with your ears

Read a book that is a work of art

Read a book making its debut

Jacqueline B - 4 Challenges Completed!

Read a book written by someone you admire

Read a book with a yellow cover

Read a book that helps you relax

Read a book that you can't put down

January S. - 4 Challenges Completed!

Read a book from Sybil's List

Read a book from our Reader's Choice collection

Read a book with an animal on the cover

Read a book featured on one of our booklists

Leah N - 4 Challenges Completed!

Read a book from our Reader's Choice collection

Read a book from a different era

Read a book about identity

Read a book about a quirky protagonist

Leigh BF - 4 Challenges Completed!

Read a book from a different era

Read a book about growing up

Read a book making its debut

Read a book you can't put down

Dayl C - 3 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about a villain

Read a book about a quirky protagonist

Read a book about identity

Ivy S - 3 Challenges Completed!

Read a #OwnVoices book

Read a book about a villain

Read a book about an Olympian

Kim G - 3 Challenges Completed!

Read a book with a yellow cover

Read a book from a different era

Read a book about identity

Lark O - 3 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about a place you want to visit

Read a book about growing up

Read a book with a yellow cover

Mousumi G - 3 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about growing up

Read a book about identity

Read a book with a yellow cover

Ellen H - 2 Challenges Completed!

Read a book at the beach

Read a book that you downloaded

Fred C - 2 Challenges Completed!

Read a book about growing up

Read a book written by someone you admire

Jane P - 2 Challenges Completed!

Read a book with your ears

Read a book that helps you relax

Kelly M. - 2 Challenges Completed!

Read a book at the beach

Read a book with your ears

Anna P - 1 Challenge Completed!

Read a book that you can't put down

Barb L - 1 Challenge Completed!

Read a book from a different era

Caroline - 1 Challenge Completed!

Read a book written by someone you admire

Daisy S. - 1 Challenge Completed!

Read a new version of an old story

Kelle R - 1 Challenge Completed!

Read a book with a yellow cover

Mary H - 1 Challenge Completed!

Read a book about a place you want to visit

Nicole A - 1 Challenge Completed!

Read a book you can't put down

Rainy B - 1 Challenge Completed!

Read a book about identity

Sofia C - 1 Challenge Completed!

Read a book that you can't put down

Book Reviews

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
I loved this book because it was unlike anything I've ever read before. --5 Stars from Kate A!
Christo and Jeanne-Claude by Jan Greenberg; Sandra Jordan
I loved visiting the Gates and this book was loaded with facts about the exhibit. -- 5 Stars from Jessica O!
The Third Daughter by Talia Carner
A heartbreaking story about Jewish women from Russia who were trafficked into prostitution after their families were told that they would have a better life in Buenos Aires. --5 Stars from Norma H!
Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
Fascinating truth of loss, politics, corruption and history blended in a love story makes Cuba a must see for me. -- 5 Stars from Norma H!
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
Recommended to me as "similar to Lonesome Dove!" -- 4 Stars from Adonis V!
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
Story about how different people deal with trauma and manage emotions. -- 4 Stars from Adonis V!
While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory
For fans of Jasmine Guillory-this romance does not disappoint! -- 5 Stars from Jessica O!
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
I'm excited to see how Liane Moriarty's "Nine Perfect Strangers" is adapted by Hulu, and how the characters are portrayed by noteworthy actors such as Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Luke Evans and Regina Hall. -- 2 Stars from Jessica F!
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
This is a horrific story based on over 100 years of atrocities at a Florida reform school. -- 4 Stars from Janice L!
The Windsor Knot by S. J. Bennett
The intrigue is a whirlwind of drama, history, and horrid death that unravel when Her Majesty secretly investigates the crime committed within the hallow walls of Windsor Castle. -- 5 Stars from Deirdre F!
Bewilderness by Karen Tucker
This is an amazing story which brings the reader into the reality of addiction. -- 4 Stars from Janice L!
Sheets by Brenna Thummler
At first weird-but I came to love the relationships in this book. -- 4 Stars from Jessica O!
Snowboarding to Nirvana by Frederick Lenz
Snowboarding To Nirvana highlights how a snowboarder finds spiritual enligntenment while descending the Himalayas. -- 5 Stars from Deirdre F!
French Pastry Murder by Leslie Meier
This book questions whether one should love Paris when innocent American tourists become intewined in a murder.of a French chef. -- 4 Stars from Deirdre F!
One by One by Ruth Ware
This mystery novel is a captivating, high-tech thriller that is a sleek, modern version of an Agatha Christie whodunnit! -- 5 Stars from Deirdre F!
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
Hannah has such an unerring ear for dialogue; I couldn't put this one down, enhanced by the brilliant casting in my mind's eye from the series on Netflix. -- 5 Stars from Valerie AP!
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared
One of the funniest books I have ever read, detailing the life and adventures of a gentleman who has his (fictional) hand in many historical events - reminiscent of Forrest Gump. -- 5 Stars from Janice L!
curious incident of the dog in the nighttime
If you've ever had a conversation with a completely literal-minded person, then you know the narrator of this story gets it exactly right. I loved the description of his memory retrieval as playing the DVR in his head, but with the addition of a smell-track. -- 5 Stars from Valerie AP!
Rock the Boat by Beck Dorey-Stein
This book reminds us that no matter where you end up on your life journey, your hometown will always welcome you back with open arms. -- 4 Stars from Kim G!
Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team by Steve Sheinkin
Impeccable research by an author with the chops to bring the story to life! -- 5 Stars from Mary P!
All the Little Liars by Charlaine Harris
Much darker than the Hallmark movies. Not sure which I prefer. -- 4 Stars from Mary P!
curious incident of the dog in the nighttime
"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" was a captivating, observant, clever and moving portrayal of an under-represented topic in literature. -- 4 Stars from Jessica F!
Falling by T. J. Newman
A tense situation on an airplane that literally keeps you on the edge of your seat . -- 4 Stars from Norma H!
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni
This is a very interesting and well-written novel with perhaps a few too many coincidences. -- 4 Stars from Janice L!
The Switch by Beth O'Leary
Charming book about a grandmother/granddaughter relationship -- 4 Stars from Jessica O!
Under the Table by Stephanie Evanovich
Reading this was a pure joy! Every woman should have her own Tristan. -- 5 Stars from Valerie AP!
Dog Songs by Mary Oliver
I love the poem, "The Wicked Smile" because it reminds me of my dogs who eat breakfast and dinner so quickly, it is as if they haven't eaten for days. -- 5 Stars from Amy S!
Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram
I loved how this book dove into different ways that people understand their culture, as well as how depression was characterized and discussed. -- 5 Stars from Katie A!
The Light of Days by Judy Batalion
Strong, courageous women from history you likely don't know. Incredible, gripping, inspiring- this is the untold story of women resistance fighters in Hitler's ghettos. -- 5 stars from Sabra G!
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho
I loved the openness and honesty in this book, as well as the history of racism and the calls to action. Also full of great resources! -- 4 Stars from Katie A!
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
The story kept me engaged. - 4 stars from Jessica O!
Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
Short chapters make this an easy listen! - 3 stars from Jessica O!
Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann
I've heard comparisons of this book to Dallas, but Jock was faithful to Miss Elly, wasn't he? - 5 stars from Mary P!
The Girl with All the Gifts by M. R. Carey
Makes you think that maybe that Covid wasn't "that" horrible... - 3 stars from Mousumi G!
Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella
Very different from what I normally read, “Surprise Me” was a fun, easy, and delightful read. - 4 Stars from Jessica F!
Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu
Social Commentary in an incredibly inventive format. - 4 stars from Sharon B.!
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
While this story is told over a 24 hour period, it covers SO much more than that. I loved learning about and growing with each of the Riva siblings. - 5 stars from Jessica F!
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
I was soothed by the cadence of his voice, which comes through even on the printed page, thorough, self-effacing, idealistic, but with a relentless pace toward something greater than himself. This book could be subtitled "The Heart & Soul of a True Public Servant." -- 5 Stars from Valerie AP!
The Mothers by Brit Bennett
"I loved the complexities of different forms of motherhood outlined in the book." -- 4 stars from Katie A!
Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen
Quirky. Enjoyable. A hoot. -- 4 Stars from Tina Z!
The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman; Oprah Winfrey (Foreword by)
Inspirational words that commemorated the inauguration of President Biden. -- 5 Stars from Norma H!
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Reminds us to find and know our true selves and not be bound by anyone else's expectations. - 5 stars from Melanie K!
Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby
Compelling writing. A genre I never thought I’d enjoy. I was wrong! - 4 stars from Tina Z!
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
Enjoyable psychological thriller that pulls you right in! -- 4 Stars from Ama A!
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune
This book was so wonderful - like a warm hug! -- 5 Stars from Ama A!
Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny
Every character was quirky, not just the protagonist! Fun yet a bit thought provoking too.-- 4 Stars from Sabra G!
That Kind of Mother by Rumaan Alam
I instantly recognized the signs of post-partum depression in this one; eerie and accurate. -- 4 Stars from Valerie AP!
Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline
Do each of us have an evil twin, lurking just below the surface? -- 5 Stars from Valerie AP!
King Richard by Michael Dobbs
Even though it’s a very old story, I learned many new things. -- 4 Stars from Tina Z!
Flooded
Provides an understanding of the individuals, rather than the numbers, in a tragedy that could have been prevented. -- 4 Stars from Mary P!
Letters to Camondo by Edmund de Waal
An interesting exploration of family history told in a series of letters. -- 4 Stars from Kelle R!
Yolk by Mary H. K. Choi
I loved reading about a relationship between sisters, both the highs and the lows. -- 4 Stars from Katie A!
Animal by Lisa Taddeo
I was drawn to and repulsed by the brutally honest and foul-mouthed protagonist. -- 4 Stars from Kathleen M!
View from Pagoda Hill by Michaela Maccoll
This book taught me a lot about being bicultural. -- 5 Stars from Jessica O!
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
An amazing story of ingenuity and determination by someone who should never have been born. -- 5 Stars from Janice L!
Faithful Place by Tana French
This is a well-written, character-driven mystery that deals with a full spectrum of family issues. -- 4 Stars from Dot V!
The Burning (Young Readers Edition)
100 years ago and not spoken of for decades. The history we were taught is not our history. -- 5 Stars from Mary P!
All the Young Men by Ruth Coker Burks; Kevin Carr O'Leary
Heartbreaking and powerful memoir about the significance of chosen family, set against the backdrop of small town America at the start of the AIDS epidemic in the late 80s. -- 5 Stars from Courtney H!
Murder on Wall Street by Victoria Thompson
Thompson’s mysteries are rich with historical detail and always delightful. -- 4 Stars from Dot V!
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The author breaks down how to break down behaviors you would like to adopt into extremely digestible steps. -- 5 Stars from Jacqueline B!
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
This book makes you wonder, if you knew someone's entire truth, would you still make the same choices? -- 4 Stars from Kim G!
curious incident of the dog in the nighttime by Mark Haddon
This book provides unfiltered insight into the challenges of Autism and gives the reader an appreciation for the struggles that families dealing with Autism go through on a daily basis. -- 4 Stars from Dot V!
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell
A beautifully written book and moving story of loss -- 4 Stars from Dot V!
The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
I loved that this book was absolutely full of twists and turns that I DEFINITELY did not see coming. -- 5 Stars from Katie A!
And We Came Outside and Saw the Stars Again by Ilan Stavans (Editor)
Short essays from all parts of the globe relating different takes on the pandemic, including the eruption of the plague, needing a roadmap, empathy, hope, & love being the path back to coming outside again; mostly written in April and May of 2020. -- 4 Stars from Valerie AP!
The Bombay Prince by Sujata Massey
Great way to get to know Bombay in the 1920s! This is the third of the mystery series. -- 4 Stars from Karen K!
New York Dead by Stuart Woods
A real page turner. -- 4 stars from Dot V!
Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand
I love how this book showed a mom's love. -- 5 stars from Jessica O!
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Thought-provoking. Disturbing. Haunting. -- 4 stars from Mary P!
Firefly: Generations by Tim Lebbon
Almost as good as watching an episode! -- 4 stars from Melanie K!
Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear
I was surprised who the killer was in this mystery that Maisie Dobbs, a quirky and clever post-WWI investigator, uncovered; I loved the narrator. -- 4 Stars from Amy S!
The Girl in the Mirror by Rose Carlyle
Super creepy. Read it in one sitting. Did not disappoint. -- 5 Stars from Melanie K!
Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand
Nantucket never gets old; even with book 27! This one has a unique twist - the main protagonist dies early on, narrating the story from the Great Beyond. -- 5 Stars from Valerie AP
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
This was a very intriguing mystery - not a “who done it” but rather a “what did he do”. --4 Stars from Janice L!
The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V. E. Schwab
Heartbreaking, triumphant, hopeful, well-written! -- 5 Stars from Karen K!
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
The heartbreaking dynamics of the family -- 5 Stars from Rachel G!
The Story of My Life by Helen Keller
The story of how Keller overcame such tremendous obstacles is inspirational. The letters of both Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, featured at the end of the story, provide additional depth. -- 4 Stars from Dot V!
The New Policeman
Have you been feeling rushed? No time to relax? No work-life balance? This book has the solution! Time has been leaking out of our world and J.J. Liddy is going to stop the leak. A fabulous combination of magic, music and Irish legends. -- 5 Stars from Mary P!
Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond
Just wow -- 5 Stars from Melanie K!
Think Again by Adam Grant
It made me question my assumptions on so many topics and provided practical steps to keep questioning those assumptions. -- 5 Stars from Jacqueline B!
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
From Reese's Book Club, Rules of Magic's charm was how the characters found ways to break the curse of falling in love. -- 4 Stars from Amy S!
Wedding Cake Murder by J. Fluke
Like all the books in this series, it is a quick, fun read with lots of recipes for sweet treats. -- 4 Stars from Dot V!
This Is the Fire by Don Lemon
The rich descriptive language was fantastic! -- 5 Stars from Sabra G!
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie; Ellen Forney (Illustrator)
I loved reading about a character who was trying to both stay true to his history while at the same time staying true to himself. -- 4 Stars from Katie A!
Hot to Trot by M.C. Beaton; R. W. Green
The main character is a middle-aged woman who retains her sex appeal while becoming involved in utter idiocy. I will miss MC Beaton for her sense of humor. -- 5 Stars from Jane P!
The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal
I learned a lot about making beer, and I loved the industrious women fighting all odds in this entertaining novel. -- 4 Stars from Amy S!
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
I think I may have enjoyed re-reading this classic even more than the live performance. -- 5 Stars from Dot V!
Christmas Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke
Cute fast read about folks in a small town centered around a bakery - the best part is all the yummy recipes that are included! -- 4 Stars from Valerie AP!
Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra
In most of the book, Jo is a food blogger!! LOL -- 4 Stars from Amy S!
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Light, fun read that got me excited about the world opening up for travel again! -- 4 Stars from Ama A!
The Shape of Thunder by Jasmine Warga
An issue critical to our country, never more so than now, that we tend to forget because it is so overwhelming. It hurt to read this book; I don't know how the author found the strength and stamina to write it. -- 5 Stars from Mary P!
This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel
Frankel wrote an absorbing novel about emotionally packed struggles with gender identity. -- 5 Stars from Amy S!
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
The author manages to convey the longing to be a part of here while at the same time the longing to be there, your other home. Compelling. Magnificent. --5 Stars from Mary P!
Heartless by Marissa Meyer
This was an epic retelling of Alice in Wonderland, of the backstory of the 'evil' Queen of Hearts. It was the perfect mix of prophecy, romance, and weirdness. It was beautifully tragic. --4 Stars from Ivy S!
Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat
This is one of the best books I"ve read so far for this challenge as it emphasizes immigration, mother-daughter ties, the strength of women, and Haitian culture in wonderful lyrical language. --5 Stars from Amy S!
Network Effect by Martha Wells
This Nebula Award winning book is great as an audiobook! --5 Stars from James L!
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
The author had a fresh take on relationships. --4 Stars from Jacqueline B!
The Arrival by Shaun Tan
This beautifully illustrated book is a work of art. The absence of any written description puts the reader in the shoes of the immigrant character. There is no guidance as to how the images might be interpreted. The reader must search for meaning and seek familiarity in a new world . -- 5 Stars from Dot V!
Cog by Greg van Eekhout; Beatrice Blue (Illustrator)
"Sometimes learning means making sense of what you already know." p.127 -- 4 Stars from Mary P!
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
I loved the love story. -- 5 Stars from Jessica O!
Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan
Tragedy about a steamship that sunk in 1838 and how the few survivors coped with their pain leading to a complex, well written story. -- 5 Stars from Norma H!
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Amazing audiobook performance! -- 5 Stars from Jen L!
There There by Tommy Orange
Beautifully written novel that tells the stories of Native Americans in Oakland, California -- 4 Stars from Carolyn K!
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
Butler's novel speaks to the voice of slaves in pre-Civil War Maryland and is a timely subject now. -- 5 Stars from Amy S!
Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle
This was a delightfully sweet book about accepting people fully for who they are and falling in love. --5 Stars from Melanie K!
The Mere Wife by Maria Dahvana Headley
A modern retelling and reimagining of Beowulf, of all things. --4 Stars from James L!
The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante; Ann Goldstein (Translator)
A teen's attempt to make sense of herself and the hypocrisies of the adults around her as a girl of 12 journeys through the tortured teenage years to emerge as a 16 year old young woman. -- 4 Stars from Mousumi G!
The Collector by Nora Roberts
Suspenseful, and the villain(s) were truly scary! -- 4 Stars from Valerie AP!
Dolly Parton, Songteller by Dolly Parton; Robert K. Oermann
Beautifully illustrated, gives depth to her life and events inspiring her lyrics -- 5 Stars from Valerie AP!
The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri
Exceptional story of a young man, his huge heart and some truly unexpected choices. -- 5 Stars from Caroline!
Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
Laugh out loud comedy mystery in which Finlay Donovan can't catch a break and I can't wait for the sequel expected in 2022. -- 5 Stars from Amy S
Roadside Picnic by Arkady Strugatsky; Boris Strugatsky; Ursula K. Le Guin (Foreword by); Olena Bormashenko (Translator)
An all time great sci-fi story about the aftermath of an alien visit to Earth, the things they left behind, and the broken and complicated people drawn to and influenced by these places. --5 Stars from James L
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
ADORABLE. Some kick ass ladies in stem, men who don't get away with it, and a super sweet love story. -- 5 Stars from Melanie K
Lady in Waiting by Anne Glenconner
For lovers of Netflix's The Crown, Anne Glenconner's memoir gives us a close up look into British aristocracy as lady in waiting for Princess Margaret for almost three decades and humorous anecdotes of their overseas tours together. -- 3 Stars from Amy S!
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
It was a fascinating look at what it would mean to "pass" as white in a society that values skin color above all and the price you pay for maintaining the lie. --4 Stars from Rainy B
The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths
So much better than the more popular thrillers!!! Got up early to finish it.-- 5 Stars from Mary P
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: In Her Own Words by Helena Hunt (Editor)
300 quotes prove that her wisdom and legacy will live on. -- 5 Stars from Amy S
A Shot in the Arm!
Well-written and timely. -- 4 Stars from Mary P
Donut Fall in Love by Jackie Lau
Perfect if you're in the mood for a sweet love story! -- 4 Stars from Melanie K
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Not the sad adult fiction I feared. Glad I persevered beyond the first few chapters. -- 4 Stars from Mary P
28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
While reading this book, I escaped (mentally) to the beaches and beauty of Nantucket. -- 4 Stars from Mary H
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
I love how the story linked two women two hundred years apart. -- 4 Stars from Kim G
Where the Grass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty by Lauren Weisberger
I loved reading about a current hot topic-school admissions scandal! -- 3 Stars from Jessica O
Reunion Beach by Elin Hilderbrand; Adriana Trigiani; Patti Callahan Henry; Cassandra King; Nathalie Dupree; Marjory Wentworth; Mary Alice Monroe; Peter Frank (Foreword by); Victoria Benton Frank (Introduction by); William Richard Frank (Afterword by)
I loved the short story about a contrived conversation between Pat Conroy and Dorothea Benton Frank. -- 4 Stars from Jessica O
Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff
Started this book with high expectations and it exceeded them. -- 5 Stars from Mary P!
Going into Town by Roz Chast
Read Roz Chast's graphic novels on a deary day for a hilarious ride! -- 4 Stars from Amy S!
The Bounty by Janet Evanovich; Steve Hamilton
Another crazy adventure in the Fox & O'Hare Series with Kate and Nick, joined by both of their dads and some other fun characters! --5 Stars from Valerie AP!
Triumph by Jeremy Schaap
This recounting of Jesse Owens's journey to and glorious triumph at the 1936 Berlin Olympics is very well-researched and full of details. I do wish, however, there had been a bit more on Owens the person. --4 Stars from Dot V!
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
I didn't know I wanted / needed to visit India, this book is a love letter to the country and its people. -- 4 Stars from Adonis V!
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Awesome audiobook cast! --5 Stars from Jessica O!
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I loved the setting! -- 4 stars from Jessica O!
The Importance of Being Earnest and Other Plays by Oscar Wilde; Peter Raby (Editor)

2021 Summer Reading Leaderboard: Track Your Progress

Amy S - 25 Challenges Completed!

Dot V - 25 Challenges Completed!

Christine R - 25 Challenges Completed!

Melanie K -25 Challenges Completed!

Mary P - 25 Challenges Completed!

Rachel G - 25 Challenges Completed!

Caste

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James L - 20 Challenges Completed!

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Carolyn Z - 16 Challenges Completed!

Janice L - 13 Challenges Completed!

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Jen L. - 7 Challenges Completed!

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Kim G - 3 Challenges Completed!

Lark O - 3 Challenges Completed!

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