Friday, July 29, 2016

Miracles from Heaven

Title: Miracles from Heaven (DVD)

     A young girl develops stomach issues to the point she could no longer eat through her mouth. So she is fed through a tube which is inserted in her nose to her throat to the stomach etc. Her disease becomes fatal. She is hospitalized and sent home after it's stabilized.
     The best part is when a freak accident happens which causes a change in the young girl's life. See the movie. It's touching at times.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Jumanji

Title: Jumanji (DVD)

     You would think playing a game could take you back in time like this one did. I was happy when they went back in time to correct the wrong.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Title: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (DVD)

     A movie of two single people finding love. One was of Greek nationality which caused a problem with the family who had involved in everything in their lives.
     It was nice to see the couple bond even more when sacrifice was made for the love they had.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Kidnapping of Mr. Heinelon

Title: Kidnapping of Mr. Heinelon  (DVD)

     A movie based on the greed of others thinking if they kidnap someone who has lots of money they will get paid big. What a fool!
     The best part was when the guys got caught each separately and released. It wasn't all what it was thought to be. LOL

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Checkmate

Title: Checkmate (DVD)

     A very slow moving movie to me. I thought it was going to be a lot of action. Not! This movie has someone who can be base criminal. The best part of the movie was when it went off.

Rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Every Little Step: My Story

Title: Every Little Step: My Story
Author: Bobby Brown

     Didn't like his very last line. Less is more. Overall, good. Tear jerker!

Non-Fiction; rated 3.75 out of 5.
Reviewed by D'Ontri Perry

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Running with Scissors: a Memoir

Title: Running with Scissors: a Memoir
Author: Augusten Burroughs

     An amazing memoir that is profoundly sad, but a great survival tale.

Non-Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Dawn Meyer

Mon Amie Americaine

Title: Mon Amie Americaine
Author: Michele Halberstadt

     Story of friendship between two women who work in the movie critic industry and encounter a health collapse. A short story on what friendship means and how an unexpected event affects it.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rose Parthe

The Judge

Title: The Judge
Author: Steve Martini

     As I am reading all of his books; each gives a clearer understanding of the character in the books. You feel like you get to know them. I love the way he practices the law. It seems very real.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rose Parthe

Big Little Lies

Title: Big Little Lies
Author: Liane Moriarty

     Fun tale on ex-husbands and second wives, mothers and school yard lies. Would read another by Liane Moriarty.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rose Parthe

The Friends We Keep

Title: The Friends We Keep
Author: Susan Mallery

     This book is a sequel to the Girls of Mischief Bay. We follow the lives, loves, and friendships made in the last book, while also following some of secondary characters' lives from the first book in more depth. This book also stands alone if you haven't read the first one.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Donna S.

Some Women

Title: Some Women
Author: Emily Liebert

     This book follows three women who are close friends. We follow their lives and the ups and downs of their relationships. It is a good read about the special relationships that women friends have.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Donna S.

Eat Yourself Thin

Title: Eat Yourself Thin: Superfoods and Recipes to Boost Metabolism and Burn Fat
Author: Gill Paul

     A very interesting and informative book that provides a helpful guide to eating healthier. It also includes a lot of delicious looking, easy to prepare recipes.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rachel

They Never Came Back

Title: They Never Came Back
Author: Caroline B. Cooney

     As Cathy is eating her lunch in the cafeteria, she feels like someone is staring at her. She looks up to see a boy looking at her. He says that she looks like his cousin, who has been missing for five years. Is Cathy this missing cousin? And if so, where has she been all this time?

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Monday, July 25, 2016

The Mistletoe Inn

Title: The Mistletoe Inn
Author: Richard Paul Evans

     A great love story as only Richard Paul Evans can write. "The best years of our lives are ahead of us" -- a nice thought when you have been through struggles, heartache, sickness or death of a loved. one.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Mary Cioffi

Race

Title: Race (DVD)

     The true story of Jesse Owens who against all odds goes to the Berlin Olympics in 1936 and wins several gold medals for the USA team. The movie keeps your interest from beginning to end and the actor portraying Jesse does a wonderful job. It is a story of true courage and very inspiring.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Friday, July 22, 2016

Going Home

Title: Going Home
Author: Wanda Brunstetter

     Faith leaves her Amish home to be an entertainer. Now widowed and with no money she comes back home to her Amish family with her daughter. She meets Noah who she knows from her childhood. Her plan is to return to the English world and resume being an entertainer while leaving her daughter with her parents. Does she have enough love for daughter to stay? Can she make a relationship with Noah as her faith in God is weak.
     Excellent book.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Susan Roth

I Just Want You to Know

Title: I Just Want You to Know: Letters to my Kids on Love, Faith and Family.
Author: Kate Gosselin

     She describes her life with her twins and sextuplets. From scheduling, to faith, to accepting help, to having a reality show, to how to protect her children from the fame of the show. To how they're all different. To the things she wants them to have by having those exact traits (belief in God, hardworking, being honest, etc.
     Loved it.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Susan Roth

Kris Jenner: . . . and All Things Kardashian

Title: Kris Jenner: . . .  and All Things Kardashian
Author: Kris Jenner

     I'm really glad I read this book. I always thought Kris Jenner was a controlling, conceited woman. She describes her early days growing up, marrying Robert Kardashian, having his children, divorcing him and why, marrying Bruce Jenner, having his two daughters, starting the TV show Keeping up with the Kardashians, Robert Kardashian's death and her father's, Nicole Simpson's death and OJ's trial, and managing all her children's businesses that came from the TV show. She really has a love for her family.
     Loved it.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Susan Roth

A Summer in Sonoma

Title: A Summer in Sonoma
Author: Robyn Carr

     A story about four women. Cassie is single and looking to get married. Julie and her husband are in debt and it's destroying their marriage. Marty's husband is no longer romantic and takes her for granted. Beth is a single doctor swearing to stay single after a lot of bad relationships and having cancer. Their friendships get them through.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Susan Roth

Blue Skies

Title: Blue Skies
Author: Robyn Carr

     Nikki has been through a divorce and now finds herself a widow. You get to meet her "sexy" friend Dixie and Carlisle who is gay. She now has two teenagers, her children. All three go to Vegas and work at a new airline. Relationships, personal problems and life situation cause them to make life changing decisions. Do they find love and are they all happy about the choices they make?
     Loved it.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Susan Roth

Shattered: in the Eye of the Storm

Title: Shattered: in the Eye of the Storm
Author: Faye Resnick

     Written by one of Nicole Simpson's closest friends, she describes Nicole's life with him and why she thinks he's guilty.
     She also describes how other factors such as money, fame, and race attributed to his "not guilty" verdict.
     Excellent.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Susan Roth

Kardashian Konfidential

Title: Kardashian Konfidential 
Authors: Kourtney, Kim, and Khloe Kardashian

     All about them as sisters. Growing up, school years, moving into Beverly Hills, about their dad, about their mom, paparazzi, hair and makeup, boys, their businesses, and their favorite things.
     I thought they were all spoiled brats but they work hard and are "down to earth".
     Enjoyed it.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Susan Roth

Ninja Turtles

Title: Ninja Turtles (DVD)

     Turtles who became crime stoppers and are teenagers save the day. The good part of this movie is to find out they're turtles.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Miss You Already

Title: Miss You Already (DVD)

     Miss You Already is about two good friends who are there for each other like none I heard of before. Until one friend gets cancer and starts acting out of control almost to the point of losing her friend.
     I like the part of the movie when these two friends separated; one in hospice and the other about to deliver a baby. The friend that is dying pulled IVs out to be there for the delivery of the baby.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Fort Bliss

Title: Fort Bliss (DVD)

     Maggie is a divorcee who joined the Army and had to leave her child behind with her ex. She returns to take over her parental role when everything goes wrong.
     The best part of the movie is when everything falls into place, her life got easier, the battles stopped and the working together for the child started.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Midwives

Title: Midwives (DVD)

     This movie is about a midwife who delivered over 500 children and had one misfortune of a death of a mother but the baby lives. It shows the journey she has to go through.
     I liked best the fact that her case was won.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Brain Games for Dogs

Title: Brain Games for Dogs
Author: Claire Arrowsmith

     Teaches people how to train their dogs into doing tricks. Some of these tricks seem easy; now it depends on if the dog will follow.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

The Wedding Ringer

Title: The Wedding Ringer (DVD)

     A movie about a guy whose getting married but he has no best man so he hires people to act as though they have been friends for years. I like when he finally decides to come clean and be himself, telling the truth about it all.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Crazy Sexy Cool

Title: Crazy Sexy Cool (DVD)

     This movie is based on the life of a group called TLC. It tries to show what TLC had to go through. The actors and actresses looked closely like the real performers.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

The Girls of Mischief Bay

Title: The Girls of Mischief Bay
Author: Susan Mallery

     We follow the lives of three women who are close friends and the ups and downs of their lives. This is a story of friendship and love.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Donna S.

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Island. Book One: Shipwreck

Title: Island. Book One: Shipwreck
Author: Gordon Korman

     Kids who have gotten in trouble are sent on a ship to Guam. There in Guam they are supposed to learn teamwork. When the two adults on board are no longer on the ship, will the children be able to survive on their own. You will have to read the whole series to find out.
     I liked how you were able to understand each character's point of view in this book. It was a very interesting book and I plan on reading the rest of the series.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Cassie Faber

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Undue Influence

Title: Undue Influence
Author: Steve Martini

     I love his character and how the book flows to the very end. Very Steve Martini.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rose Parthe

Invisible

Title: Invisible
Author: James Patterson and David Ellis

     A bit different from Patterson's usual probably due to co-author Ellis. Mystery suspense was decent and hope to read more with David Ellis!

Fiction; rated 3.5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Mary Perez

Eat, Pray, Love

Title: Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia
Author: Elizabeth Gilbert

     Put off reading this book for awhile. Happy to have read it! The countries sounded fabulous . . . the transformation of her feelings and outlook were enlightening!

Non-Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Mary Perez

Silent Mercy

Title: Silent Mercy
Author: Linda Fairstein

     One of my favorite authors, Ms. Fairstein was a New York prosecutor and her novels are filled with real procedures in and out of court. Love all her books!

Fiction; rated 4.5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Mary Perez

Bringing Down the House

Title: Bringing Down the House (DVD)

     A very funny movie that also presents the struggles of one of the main characters while she remained strong and determined in the face of racial and societal prejudices.

Rated 4.5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rachel

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

The Crossover

Title: The Crossover
Author: Kwane Alexander

     This is the story of Josh aka Filthy and his twin brother Jordan. Follow them as they struggle with the highs and lows a fourteen year old boy faces, such as girls, school, and the basketball team.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

One More Day

Title: One More Day
Author: Kelly Simmons

Great mystery involving what it means to be a mother and wife. Will keep you confused till the end.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Dawn Meyer

How to Charm a Bird

Title: How to Charm a Bird: Create a Backyard Haven with Birdhouses, Baths, & Feeders.
Author: Popular Mechanics

     This book had great information from bird watchers and wonderful instructions on how to make birdhouses, bird baths, and bird feeders from household or easily obtainable materials.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Mary C.

Monday, July 18, 2016

Delicious Foods

Title: Delicious Foods
Author: James Hannaham

     This book tells the story of Eddie and his mother, Darlene who were both greatly affected by the death of Darlene's husband and Eddie's father. Darlene turns to drugs to help her through her loss which inevitably put her life into a downward spiral and drags her son into a world he should never have been a part of. The opening page has us hooked immediately when Eddie is fleeing Delicious Foods with no hands. You immediately want to know how and why. Crack has its own voice throughout the book and goes by the name of Scotty. This is ingenious on the part of the author. The tale is told through the voices of Darlene, Eddie and Scotty and each are so well written that as you read, you almost catch yourself reading aloud because each of these characters comes to life so vividly. Although it may not be a feel-good book read of the summer, it is so well written that you can't put it down.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Matt Drucker

15th Affair

Title: 15th Affair
Author: James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

     The latest book in the  Women's Murder Club series. Lindsay Boxer is a detective involved in solving the murder of several people in a hotel. The twist to the story is that her husband Joe who works for the FBI has gone missing and she begins questioning Joe's possible involvement in the murders as well as her marriage. The murders are solved by the end of the book but it leaves you up in the air as to whether her marriage survives the ordeal. Of course we will have to wait until #16 in the series to find out.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Dancer and the Dame

Title: Dancer and the Dame (DVD)

     A cop has to prove he still has it by taking on a dog as a partner. In the meantime the dog is mourning the loss of its previous partner. Slow movie.
     Dancer solves the case of the murdered partner of the dog and a psychologist. Two in one.

Rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Cradle 2 the Grave

Title: Cradle 2 the Grave (DVD)

     Criminal and his partners steal some black diamonds to find out they're more than diamonds. The owner finds out it was taken then kidnaps the child of the criminal. It becomes a race of time to return the diamonds.
     This movie is full of adventure.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

The Choice

Title: The Choice (DVD)

     The Choice  is an excellent movie based on the choices we make which affect the outcome of what is next in life. An example, a playboy veterinarian finally meets a female doctor and falls in love but she thinks he still is what he was and they separate.
     The best part of the movie is you have to watch it for yourself. The ending is not what you expect but it shows because he didn't make a particular choice the outcome turns out good.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Friday, July 15, 2016

Miss Meadows

Title: Miss Meadows (DVD)

     A movie about a nice lady who would secretly kill any one child molester, priest, robber of fast food restaurant and even a kidnapper but she looked as though she wouldn't harm a fly.
     The best part of the movie was when she finally stopped the killing and focused on being a wife and mother.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Disaster Movie

Title: Disaster Movie (DVD)

     The movie was horrible. It was poking fun at other movies but if you've never seen the movie it was making fun of you wouldn't understand. They weren't very funny.
     The best part of the movie was when I decided to press the stop button on the player to end my agony.

Rated 1 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Grown Ups 2

Title: Grown Ups 2 (DVD)

     This movie is full of lots of laughs while hanging around high school friends who are adults now. They share their families and vacations together.
     The best part was when Hollywood finally met back with a bully from high school that he still feared and they made peace.

Rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Ride Along 2

Title: Ride Along 2 (DVD)

     The movie was about a rookie cop and his investigator partner trying to crack a case. Lots of funny scenes. The part I like most is when he finally married his bride after this adventure.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

DIY Dog Grooming

Title: DIY Dog Grooming: From Puppy Cuts to Best in Show: Everything You Need to Know, Step by Step.
Author: Jorge Bendersky

     This book walks you through grooming of dogs step by step. The best part of this book is it is well explained.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

The Jury

Title:The Jury
Author: Steve Martini

As with most of his books, I am finding out that you think you have the book figured out and who killed who and then it is someone totally different. Love reading books like this!

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rosemarie Parthe

Orange is the New Black

Title: Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison
Author: Piper Kerman

A Smith College graduate, Piper Kerman falls in  "with the wrong group" . . . gets convicted on drug smuggling and money-laundering charges and is sentenced to 15 months in a federal prison. Her account of the life behind bars is illuminating . . . and illustrates the need for prison reform.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by E. Feynman

Thursday, July 14, 2016

The Apartment

Title: The Apartment
Author: Danielle Steel

This book follows the lives of women sharing an apartment together. We see their ups and downs as they go through life together.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Donna S.

Forgiven

Title: Forgiven: the Amish School Shooting, a Mother's Love, and a Story of Remarkable Grace
Author: Terri Roberts

The book was written by a mother whose oldest son committed a murder at an Amish schoolhouse. It gave an in-depth look at a human's ability to forgive and move forward.

Non-Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Dawn Meyer

All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes

Title: All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes
Author: Betsy St. Amant

A heart-warming story about a woman's journey of finding her inner strength, love, and life's purpose with the added excitement of a televised cupcake competition.

Fiction; rated 4.5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rachel

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Rachael Ray's Big Orange Book


Title: Rachael Ray's Big Orange Book: the Ultimate Collection of: All-New 30-Minute meals, Vegetarian Dinners, Meals for One, Kosher Meals, Holiday Menus and Much More! 
Author: Rachael Ray

I'm a Rachael Ray fan. This book is filled with great recipes. It has pictures and is easy to understand for a novice cook. I've only tried a few recipes but have enjoyed them.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Mary Czeisel

The Cleaner

Title: The Cleaner
Author: Mark Dawson

     This book, a John Milton novel, is the first in a series of John Milton books. Milton is considered #1 hitman in an English organization that does "dirty jobs" for "Her Majesty's Security Services".
     John Milton states he is quitting the organization but is told by a man named Control, head of the agency, that no one quits. Control, therefore, sends other hitmen to kill Milton.
     Good story.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Diane Gaimaro

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

The Bane Chronicles

Title: The Bane Chronicles
Author:Cassandra Clare

This book was about a guy named Magnus Bane who isn't just a guy, he's the high warlock of Brooklyn. His job is to protect Mundanes -  regular non-faerie, non-vampire, non-werewolf, non-downworlder (you get the point! -  basically regular everyday people) from the wrath of any magic, vampires, werewolves, warlocks, etc.  . . .and let them see whatever their minds can handle. So basically Magnus goes around helping others basically Mundanes and downworlders. There are also shadowhunters who help protect Mundanes and downworlders by killing off demons and sending them back down to the abyss where they belong. Eventually Magnus who had given up searching for love found a lover who is a just barely of age shadowhunter and they both fall head-over-heels in love with each other. His nemesis is Alexander Lightwood, Alec for short. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love adventure and action and the Bane characters and all of Cassandra Clare's books have appealed to me always they are just the type of books I look for and ones that I look forward to reading.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Renee Codella

I Was Here

Title: I Was Here
Author: Gayle Forman

What I liked best about the book was that there was some adventure in it. I also liked that it was suspenseful. Some chapters there was a cliff hanger and some there wasn't. I loved the book all the same. It was about two best friends who grow up together and then go off to separate colleges one day. One of the girls Cody doesn't realize that all of her life her friend Meg has had depression problems. Meg commits suicide with the help of a suicide support group in making the decision of whether or not  to commit suicide. One man in particular emails Meg a list of instructions and a particular poison to ingest in order to kill herself. Meg is able to kill herself and a guy named Ben McCallister and Cody start dating even after he had hooked up with Meg first for a day. Ben and Cody both go and pay their respects to Meg's parents who had given their daughter's laptop to Cody for college.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Renee Codella

If I Stay

Title: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman

     If I Stay is about a family of four. They are all musicians. One day it snowed, a light dusting. School is cancelled for the son Teddy, the daughter Mia, and the father who works at a school. They decide to go for a car ride but during the car ride their car collides with someone else's car. When the medics finally arrive the parents are pronounced DOA (dead on arrival), Teddy is taken to the hospital very injured and Mia is in grave condition and in a coma. She stays that way for a while until her boyfriend Adam comes to see her and plays a song for her on his headphones that she stirs out of her coma and wakes up very weak. I liked everything about the book. I liked that it was suspenseful.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Renee Codella

Monday, July 11, 2016

Wonder

Title: Wonder
Author: R.J. Palacio

Follows the story of August, a 10-year-old boy who is disfigured. August must learn how to cope with life. I love how the story is told through the eyes of August and switches off to other characters of the story.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

The Bishop's Daughter

Title: The Bishop's Daughter
Author: Wanda Brunstetter

     The bishop's daughter' father is in a car accident. She becomes not sure of her faith. Jimmy comes to her town to search out his biological parents. They are both drawn to each other. English can't marry Amish. So they marry and does he find his birth parents?
     Great book.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Susan Roth

A Moment of Weakness

Title: A Moment of Weakness
Author: Karen Kingsbury

Two fifteen-year-olds were neighbors and promised when they got older they would be married. He goes to another country for three months and while gone she marries someone else. Why? Read the book and find out. It's a Christian book and has Bible verses in it. It's excellent. I read it in one day just to find out the ending.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Susan Roth

A Merry Heart

Title: A Merry Heart
Author: Wanda Brunstetter

     Miriam is engaged to be married. He cheats on her so she distrusts all men. (She is Amish). A newspaper reporter has a romantic friendship with her but she is also courted by an Amish widower with a young daughter. She loves the daughter but isn't in love with her father.

     Who does she wind up with and will the marriage last? It's a Christian book including Bible verses pertaining to different situations. I loved it.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Susan Roth

Nora Webster

Title: Nora Webster
Author: Colm Toibin

Nora is a widow with four children who is trying to find herself after her husband's death. She lives in a small village in Ireland where everyone knows everyone and their business! She finds herself again through music.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Pat

The Mistletoe Inn

Title: The Mistletoe Inn
Author: Richard Paul Evans

Kim Rossi dreams of becoming a published romance writer despite her own recently failed relationships. While attending a writer's retreat in Vermont, she hopes to meet her favorite author, H.T. Cowell. Meanwhile she and her conference "writing buddy" Zeke become good friends as he advises her on improving her writing. Is there more to Zeke than meets the eye? A Must-Read! Couldn't put this book down!

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Pat

The Island House

Title: The Island House

A great summer read! Loved the "large family" story. The mother character Susanna was so real. Loved all her "summer children". They were all invited guests of her own children.

Lesson/theme - there is someone out there for everyone.
Someone who loves you doesn't ask you to change.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

The Big Five

Title: The Big Five: Five Simple Things You Can Do to Live a Longer, Healthier Life.
Author: Sanjiv Chopra

Inspiring! Motivational! Five things we all can do /change to make a healthier life: drink coffee, be sure sure you get enough vitamin D, walk, eat nuts and meditate. That doesn't seem so drastic. Begin today to have a healthy life and live longer.

Non-Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Gardening for Butterflies

Title: Gardening for Butterflies: How You Can Attract and Protect Beautiful, Beneficial Insects
Author: The Xerces Society

This book explains the differences between butterflies and moths. It explains that their habitats are being destroyed and replaced with lawns. This book shows how to let a piece of your yard become wild which will increase the amount of favorable insects to your yard and the importance of butterflies and moths as pollinators. It also gives names of plants indigenous to our area.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Mary Czeisel

Saturday, July 9, 2016

U Is for Undertow

Title: U Is for Undertow
Author: Sue Grafton

The story went back and forth from the '60's to the '80's. I don't usually like books that flip back and forth decades but it was okay. I could relate to the decades because I lived them passionately. Again a great read.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Diane Gaimaro

Dark Harbor

Title: Dark Harbor
Author: Stuart Woods

Stone Barrington novels are a favorite for me. The stories are dynamic and difficult to solve. I have read many of these books as Barrington (main character) and really love them Good, easy read. Bought this book at the Lindenhurst Library book sale. They have incredible books for sale!

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Diane Gaimaro

The Fifth Horseman

Title: The Fifth Horseman
Author: James Patterson

Women's Murder Club - Mystery. I love these stories . "Easy Read". Story was excellent and a "fast read". I'm not sure I like his books as much as I used to like them. They took longer to read. Since he has added Maxine Paetro -- now they are lighter. How much does Maxine write, or is she an editor? Making his books shorter?

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Diane Gaimaro

Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in our All-About-Me World

Title: Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in our All-About-Me World
Author: Michele Borba

     This book is a must for educators of all grade-levels as well as for parents. The aim of this book is to promote empathy in our children. Empathy is lacking in our society today and if we can raise our kids to be empathetic, they will go further and eventually be more successful. It's not as important to raise our children to be the smartest or fastest -- empathetic children will eventually give more back to our society and will work better collaboratively. It's time to switch the focus from "me" to "we".

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Matt Drucker

What We Find

Title: What We Find
Author: Robyn Carr

This is a book about a brilliant neurosurgeon who has dealt with some major life and career stresses. She takes a break from it all to re-examine her life. We follow her on this journey as she returns to her roots and what she finds there.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Donna S.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Ordinary Grace

Title: Ordinary Grace
Author: William Kent Krueger

The story is set in a small town in Minnesota, during the summer of 1961. It is told from Frank's perspective forty years later. He was 13 years old during that summer and has a younger brother Jake who idolizes him. Several deaths take place during that summer which will change their lives forever. As well as being a mystery it is very heart-warming and humorous. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

I Do It with the Lights on: And 9 More Surprising Truths about Living a Blissfully Shame-Free Life

Title: I Do It with the Lights on: And 9 More Surprising Truths about Living a Blissfully Shame-Free Life
Author: Whitney Way Thore

An inspiring and motivating book that lets the reader in on the writer's emotional journey of struggles and triumphs. It offers something every reader can relate to.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rachel

Kidnapped: The Rescue

Title: Kidnapped: The Rescue
Author: Gordon Korman

     Spoiler Alert: This book is the third book in the Kidnapped series. After being kidnapped (in the first book), Meg Falconer has finally escaped. She is stranded on a deserted mountain in the middle of a blizzard. Will she find a way to contact the police or her family? You will have to read the book to find out. I will tell you that Meg is very smart and courageous even when nearly frozen to death.
     I liked this book, but I feel that the ending was kind of rushed. I expected a more powerful conclusion. Also, there were some questions that were left unanswered. Overall, it was a good book.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Cassie Faber

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

El Deafo

Title: El Deafo
Author: Cece Bell

This book is great to show that everyone is different and we should celebrate them. The main character takes you on an adventure through school and making friends while struggling with her identity. I like how this book is very relatable.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Kidnapped: The Abduction

Title: Kidnapped: The Abduction
Author: Gordon Korman

     The Falconer family had been framed by terrorists. The parents had been in jail for over a year before proven innocent. The two children had been sent to juvenile detention. After this false allegation, the Falconer family has been transformed forever. Many people still hate the Falconers even though they have been proven innocent. When walking home from school one day, someone tries to abduct the children. The older son escapes, but they capture the young girl. The search begins to find young Margaret Falconer.
     I loved this book and plan on reading the next books in the series. Gordon Korman is a wonderful author. His books are full of adventure and excitement.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Cassie Faber

The Pink Ladies Club

Title: The Pink Ladies Club
Author: Emma Hannigan

Three women meet at a cancer support group. I liked how the women supported each other and their families after receiving their diagnosis.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Pat

A Girl's Guide to Moving On

Title: A Girl's Guide to Moving On
Author: Debbie Macomber

Very predictable romance with a happy ending! Mother and daughter-in-law are both faced with cheating husbands. Both decide to divorce and move on with their lives. Both meet someone new and live happily ever after!!!

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Pat

The Brothers Grimsby

Title: The Brothers Grimsby (DVD)

     Two brothers who were separated meet again in their adult lives. They find out each are totally different one is goofy and the other serious and a spy. It's a comical movie. What I like most is when they finally get their lives together to become close brothers again.

Rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

The Boy

Title: The Boy (DVD)

     An older couple whose son died in a house fire become attached to a ceramic doll who looks like their son. What I like most everyone thought they were crazy how they carefully took care of this doll. There is a reason why . . . not telling you.

Rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

5th Wave

Title: 5th Wave (DVD)

     It was about aliens who invaded Earth causing all kinds of disasters. The 5th wave was to be the end of the Earth.
     What I liked most was that siblings had gotten lost from each other and were reunited during the movie.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP


Ali

Title: Ali (DVD)

     The life of Muhammad Ali through his trials and tribulations and many wives. Will Smith played the part.
     The part I liked most is when I didn't have to see boxing. I am not a fan of this sport.

Rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Hot Pursuit

Title: Hot Pursuit (DVD)

A comedy about a rookie cop who gets mixed up in a case and ended up being classified as a criminal, who has to prove she is not while protecting a victim in the protection service. I'm not quite sure what I liked at the time.

Rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Lila and Eve

Title: Lila and Eve (DVD)

This DVD is based on true information given by a mother who lost her child through gun violence. It shows how one could lose her mind trying to find the killer of their child or plain trying to survive. I liked the part of the movie when the mother realized her problem and tried to work on it!

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Bad Grandpa

Title: Bad Grandpa (DVD)

     This movie will make you laugh at the many crazy things they have this "Grandpa" doing. If you do watch it I would suggest children don't.  But get "Bad Grandpa", this one explains each episode.
     I liked the episode when Grandpa was trying to be a male stripper and he got chased out of the place.

Rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP

Midwives: A Novel

Title: Midwives: A Novel
Author: Chris Bohjalian

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by LCP


Friday, July 1, 2016

The Blood Flag

Title: The Blood Flag: a Paul Madriani Novel
Author: Steve Martini

Was a part of history I did not know - kept you guessing till the end. Excellent.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rose Parthe

Your Idea Starts Here: 77 Mind-Expanding Ways to Unleash Your Creativity

Title: Your Idea Starts Here: 77 Mind-Expanding Ways to Unleash Your Creativity.
Author: Carolyn Eckert

An interesting read with a lot of innovative strategies and inspiring stories to unlock the power of your own creativity.

Non-Fiction; rated 4.5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rachel

Magonia

Title: Magonia
Author: Marcia Dahvana Headley

A very imaginative and colorful story with great character development. Although the story is considered a romance, it's more about self-discovery and choosing to do the right thing even when it's very hard. The romance is subtle and along with the exciting plot, you become drawn into the story.

Fiction; rated 4.5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rachel

A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas

Title: A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas
Author: Warren Berger

This book is an absolute must-read for every teacher at every level. Even parents could benefit from reading this book. In the book, Warren Berger shows us how important questioning skills are for our children. It will help them to be more successful in all aspects. Inquiry is what employers will be looking for something that shows that their employees will be resourceful and innovative. It teaches us that risk-takers and questioners have been among the most successful leaders of today like the creators of Netflix, Google, and Airbnb.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Matt Drucker.

The Rules of Love and Grammar

Title: The Rules of Love and Grammar
Author: Mary Simses

Enjoyed this book very much. Did not want to put it down. Funny and light!

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous

Teddy and Me: Confessions of a Service Human

Title: Teddy and Me: Confessions of a Service Human
Author: Michael Savage

Michael Savage "switches gears" and instead of his usual political subject matter . . . in this book he provides a rare glimpse into his private life  . . . and more importantly his special relationship with his dog, Teddy.

Non-Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by E. Feynman