Title: Beautiful Day
Author: Elin Hilderbrand
A dying mother wrote a list of things she wanted her daughter to know about how to plan the best wedding after she was gone. It was a story about many family issues leading up to the "Big Day", as they all tried to follow the advice given by the now departed mom.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Monday, August 19, 2013
Grand Prize Winners for the 2013 Summer Reading Club
Congratulations to our 2013 Adult Summer Reading Club Grand Prize winners!
They are:
1st prize -- Rosalie Capobianco -- won a $25 gift card to Olive Garden Restaurant
Runnerup
1. Pat Sturm -- $10 gift card to Barnes & Noble
2. Francine Blendermann -- $10 gift card to Barnes & Noble
3. Theresa Hearney -- $10 gift card to Barnes $ Noble
Thanks to everyone who participated in our Summer Reading Club program and especially to those who contributed to our blog! We hope you will join us for the Adult Winter Reading Club in January 2014.
They are:
1st prize -- Rosalie Capobianco -- won a $25 gift card to Olive Garden Restaurant
Runnerup
1. Pat Sturm -- $10 gift card to Barnes & Noble
2. Francine Blendermann -- $10 gift card to Barnes & Noble
3. Theresa Hearney -- $10 gift card to Barnes $ Noble
Thanks to everyone who participated in our Summer Reading Club program and especially to those who contributed to our blog! We hope you will join us for the Adult Winter Reading Club in January 2014.
Dreams from My Father: a Story of Race and Inheritance
Title: Dreams of My Father: a Story of Race and Inheritance
Author: Barack Obama
Interesting. I enjoyed it.
Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Author: Barack Obama
Interesting. I enjoyed it.
Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Love between Equals: How Peer Marriage Really Works
Title: Love between Equals: How Peer Marriage Really Works
Author: Pepper Schwartz
Possibilities for different relationships. Interesting point of view.
Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Author: Pepper Schwartz
Possibilities for different relationships. Interesting point of view.
Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Title: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Author: J.K. Rowling
I did not expect to enjoy these books as an adult. I wanted to be able to discuss with my middle school-age child what he was reading, so I started the series, and have really enjoyed them. The characters are interesting and well developed. I like the good vs. evil story line, and how throughout the series, all the books "intertwine" in surprising ways. I like the Half-Blood Prince as a turning point in the series, showing Harry's maturing, and as a real look into the villain Voldemort we have been rooting against for five books now.
Fiction; rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Author: J.K. Rowling
I did not expect to enjoy these books as an adult. I wanted to be able to discuss with my middle school-age child what he was reading, so I started the series, and have really enjoyed them. The characters are interesting and well developed. I like the good vs. evil story line, and how throughout the series, all the books "intertwine" in surprising ways. I like the Half-Blood Prince as a turning point in the series, showing Harry's maturing, and as a real look into the villain Voldemort we have been rooting against for five books now.
Fiction; rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Sing You Home: a Novel
Title: Sing You Home: a Novel
Author: Jodi Picoult
How Zoe's love of her music can be used in many ways.
Fiction; rated 3 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Author: Jodi Picoult
How Zoe's love of her music can be used in many ways.
Fiction; rated 3 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
The Storyteller: a Novel
Title: The Storyteller: a Novel
Author: Jodi Picoult
Josef wants Sage to kill him,then he tells the story of why he deserves to die.
Fiction; rated 3 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Author: Jodi Picoult
Josef wants Sage to kill him,then he tells the story of why he deserves to die.
Fiction; rated 3 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Sophie's Choice
Title: Sophie's Choice
Author: William Styron
Moving and poignant story of a Polish-Catholic immigrant who survived the Nazi concentration camp.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Jean Rahola
Author: William Styron
Moving and poignant story of a Polish-Catholic immigrant who survived the Nazi concentration camp.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Jean Rahola
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
The Engagements
Title: The Engagements
Author: J. Courtney Sullivan
Tells the story of the woman copywriter, Mary Frances Gerety who coined the advertising phrase "A diamond is forever", in 1947. It also explains how much advertising has had to do with a woman receiving a diamond for her engagement (No, it wasn't always so). That said the story revolves around Mary Frances and four others living through different times telling their stories of love, marriage and diamonds. The book was a good read.
Fiction; rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed by Peggy
Author: J. Courtney Sullivan
Tells the story of the woman copywriter, Mary Frances Gerety who coined the advertising phrase "A diamond is forever", in 1947. It also explains how much advertising has had to do with a woman receiving a diamond for her engagement (No, it wasn't always so). That said the story revolves around Mary Frances and four others living through different times telling their stories of love, marriage and diamonds. The book was a good read.
Fiction; rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed by Peggy
Snow in August
Title: Snow in August
Author: Pete Hamill
What I liked best about this book was that it was such a heartwarming story. It takes place in Brooklyn after the war and tells of the relationship built between a young Irish Catholic boy and a Jewish rabbi. Having lived in Brooklyn the first six years of my life, I also enjoyed the references made to that area.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Author: Pete Hamill
What I liked best about this book was that it was such a heartwarming story. It takes place in Brooklyn after the war and tells of the relationship built between a young Irish Catholic boy and a Jewish rabbi. Having lived in Brooklyn the first six years of my life, I also enjoyed the references made to that area.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
The Help
Title: The Help
Author: Kathryn Stockett
I saw the movie it was great, but the book was more involved, the characters better defined. It was very enjoyable.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Jen H.
Author: Kathryn Stockett
I saw the movie it was great, but the book was more involved, the characters better defined. It was very enjoyable.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Jen H.
Monday, August 12, 2013
They're There in Their Boat
Title: They're There in Their Boat
Author: Mary Elizabeth Salzmann
It's a picture book. They describe everyone having fun all over the place.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Theresa Angelillo
Author: Mary Elizabeth Salzmann
It's a picture book. They describe everyone having fun all over the place.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Theresa Angelillo
One Moment, One Morning
Title: One Moment, One Morning
Author: Sarah Rayner
A well-written story developed from a chance encounter on a commuter train. It follows the three female characters for the week in time following an eventful Monday morning commute that changes the lives of all of them. The author does this very skillfully by using both present tense and flashbacks to detail the stories of the three women's lives. Might have you watching the people on the next train you ride in a different way.
Fiction; rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Author: Sarah Rayner
A well-written story developed from a chance encounter on a commuter train. It follows the three female characters for the week in time following an eventful Monday morning commute that changes the lives of all of them. The author does this very skillfully by using both present tense and flashbacks to detail the stories of the three women's lives. Might have you watching the people on the next train you ride in a different way.
Fiction; rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Black Ships: a Novel
Title: Black Ships: a Novel
Author: Jo Graham
A loose interpretation of Greek/Roman mythology and history - except not boring. Follows the story of a young girl who was given to be dedicated to the priestess of the goddess of the underworld. Follows her life as part of the journey of her people to find a new place to settle and establish a new city. Just the right mix of "history" and some romance. But mostly the story of a young girl finding her place in the world.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Author: Jo Graham
A loose interpretation of Greek/Roman mythology and history - except not boring. Follows the story of a young girl who was given to be dedicated to the priestess of the goddess of the underworld. Follows her life as part of the journey of her people to find a new place to settle and establish a new city. Just the right mix of "history" and some romance. But mostly the story of a young girl finding her place in the world.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Bob and Ray, Keener than Most Persons: the Backstage Story of Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding
Title: Bob and Ray, Keener than Most Persons: the Backstage Story of Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding
Author: David Pollock
The book traces the careers of Bob and Ray and the origins and development of their comedy techniques! What I liked about the book is well written and straightforwardness and very funny. Brought back memories listening to them on the radio in the sixties through the eighties. Reading the book was fun but does not replace reading the Bible which is far better! It sharpens our understanding, which is far better!
Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Michael F.
Author: David Pollock
The book traces the careers of Bob and Ray and the origins and development of their comedy techniques! What I liked about the book is well written and straightforwardness and very funny. Brought back memories listening to them on the radio in the sixties through the eighties. Reading the book was fun but does not replace reading the Bible which is far better! It sharpens our understanding, which is far better!
Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Michael F.
Friday, August 9, 2013
Daddy's Gone a Hunting
Title: Daddy's Gone a Hunting
Author: Mary Higgins Clark
"Intense, edge of your seat, can't put it down, thriller". I read all 501 pages of large print edition in two days!!
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Donna Sowul
Author: Mary Higgins Clark
"Intense, edge of your seat, can't put it down, thriller". I read all 501 pages of large print edition in two days!!
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Donna Sowul
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
The Superfoods Rx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of Supernutrients
Title: The Superfoods Rx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of Supernutrients
Authors: Wendy Bazilian and Steven Pratt
Great ideas! Two ways of eating; you choose grain or no grain.
Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Gina Ehrlich
Authors: Wendy Bazilian and Steven Pratt
Great ideas! Two ways of eating; you choose grain or no grain.
Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Gina Ehrlich
Cooking for Dummies
Title: Cooking for Dummies
Authors: Bryan Miller and Marie Rama
Great how-to book explains spices and how to use them. "A lot" of helpful hints.
Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Gina Ehrlich
Authors: Bryan Miller and Marie Rama
Great how-to book explains spices and how to use them. "A lot" of helpful hints.
Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Gina Ehrlich
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Blood Game
Title: Blood Game
Author: Iris Johansen
Good book - you need a willing suspension of disbelief. Whole gamut of ghosts, vampires, etc. Nice characters.
Fiction; rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed by Susan Emery
Author: Iris Johansen
Good book - you need a willing suspension of disbelief. Whole gamut of ghosts, vampires, etc. Nice characters.
Fiction; rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed by Susan Emery
The Language of Flowers: a Novel
Title: The Language of Flowers: a Novel
Author: Vanessa Diffenburgh
I liked that the characters were able to establish some sense of success even though they were severely flawed by life and circumstances.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Susan Emery
Author: Vanessa Diffenburgh
I liked that the characters were able to establish some sense of success even though they were severely flawed by life and circumstances.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Susan Emery
12th of Never
Title: 12th of Never
Author: James Patterson
Latest book in the Women's Murder Club series. Really enjoyed this one because not only was it a good murder mystery but also because it included the progression in the personal lives of the main female characters. There are several story lines going on at the same time and the suspense escalates as the book progresses. Shocking ending which will probably be continued in the next book in the series.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Author: James Patterson
Latest book in the Women's Murder Club series. Really enjoyed this one because not only was it a good murder mystery but also because it included the progression in the personal lives of the main female characters. There are several story lines going on at the same time and the suspense escalates as the book progresses. Shocking ending which will probably be continued in the next book in the series.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
The Book Thief
Title: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
A gripping tale of a German girl growing up during the second World War. Narrated by Death himself, the book is innovative and captivating.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Author: Markus Zusak
A gripping tale of a German girl growing up during the second World War. Narrated by Death himself, the book is innovative and captivating.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Monday, August 5, 2013
Miracles Happen: the Transformational Healing Power of Past-Life Memories
Title: Miracles Happen: the Transformational Healing Power of Past-Life Memories
Author: Dr. Brian L. Weiss
An amazing book about how past life memories can positively impact our current life both emotionally and physically.
Non-fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Author: Dr. Brian L. Weiss
An amazing book about how past life memories can positively impact our current life both emotionally and physically.
Non-fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
I Love to Dance
Title: I Love to Dance
Author: Anna Walker
Very exciting book. It shows you all types of dancing. Very colorful!
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Theresa
Author: Anna Walker
Very exciting book. It shows you all types of dancing. Very colorful!
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Theresa
Message in a Bottle
Title: Message in a Bottle
Author: Nicholas Sparks
I liked the love story, and the way the history of the characters was developed. Kept me interested. However, I like a predictable "happy ending" to a story. This "twist" ending was surprising, but not what I would have liked to see happen. I have heard this is common with Nicholas Sparks' books, and I don't know if I will read any more of his work.
Fiction; rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Author: Nicholas Sparks
I liked the love story, and the way the history of the characters was developed. Kept me interested. However, I like a predictable "happy ending" to a story. This "twist" ending was surprising, but not what I would have liked to see happen. I have heard this is common with Nicholas Sparks' books, and I don't know if I will read any more of his work.
Fiction; rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed by Anonymous
Friday, August 2, 2013
Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison
Title: Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison
Author: Piper Kerman
True saga of a young woman who attended Smith College and whose life spiraled out of control after she delivered a suitcase of drug money ten years before. Harrowing account of life in a women's prison and how it changed her life forever.
Non-fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Eileen F.
Author: Piper Kerman
True saga of a young woman who attended Smith College and whose life spiraled out of control after she delivered a suitcase of drug money ten years before. Harrowing account of life in a women's prison and how it changed her life forever.
Non-fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Eileen F.
Dead Ever After: a Sookie Stackhouse Novel
Title: Dead Ever After: a Sookie Stackhouse Novel
Author: Charlaine Harris
Dead Ever After is the last book of the Sookie Stackhouse series. In the beginning of the series it was great, new and inventive. Later on, after the sixth or so book, Ms. Harris seemed to have run out of innovative ideas. Nonetheless, I and readers alike kept on reading to find out what happens with Sookie and which paranormal hunk she ends up with. We eventually find out her fate, but with little action or suspense. Most of the other characters fade into oblivion, or have completely changed their behavior. Why spend years building up a relationship only to destroy it? Overall, Ms. Harris is the creator of this vampire world and she can do anything she wants, and her fans will suffer.
Fiction; rated 2 out of 5
Reviewed by Monika
Author: Charlaine Harris
Dead Ever After is the last book of the Sookie Stackhouse series. In the beginning of the series it was great, new and inventive. Later on, after the sixth or so book, Ms. Harris seemed to have run out of innovative ideas. Nonetheless, I and readers alike kept on reading to find out what happens with Sookie and which paranormal hunk she ends up with. We eventually find out her fate, but with little action or suspense. Most of the other characters fade into oblivion, or have completely changed their behavior. Why spend years building up a relationship only to destroy it? Overall, Ms. Harris is the creator of this vampire world and she can do anything she wants, and her fans will suffer.
Fiction; rated 2 out of 5
Reviewed by Monika
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Merry Christmas, Alex Cross
Title: Merry Christmas, Alex Cross
Author: James Patterson
Excellent exciting romp through D.C. Murder, terrorism and Alex Cross at his best.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Susan Emery
Author: James Patterson
Excellent exciting romp through D.C. Murder, terrorism and Alex Cross at his best.
Fiction; rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed by Susan Emery
America 1933: the Great Depression, Lorena Hickok, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the Shaping of the New Deal
Title: America 1933: the Great Depression, Lorena Hickok, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the Shaping of the New Deal
Author: Michael Golay
Lorena Hickok, a top woman news reporter and dear friend of Eleanor Roosevelt, was hired by FDR right-hand man Harry Hopkins to embark on a grueling journey to the hardest hit areas of the country to report back on degree of devastation. What I liked was the sobering truth reporting. I was thinking of my parents who lived through it and got married in it the year 1937! My mom was 17, my father was 24. Sadly they had little or no education or godly wisdom to sustain the marriage. They were divorced in 1952!
Non-fiction; rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed by Michael Furlong
Author: Michael Golay
Lorena Hickok, a top woman news reporter and dear friend of Eleanor Roosevelt, was hired by FDR right-hand man Harry Hopkins to embark on a grueling journey to the hardest hit areas of the country to report back on degree of devastation. What I liked was the sobering truth reporting. I was thinking of my parents who lived through it and got married in it the year 1937! My mom was 17, my father was 24. Sadly they had little or no education or godly wisdom to sustain the marriage. They were divorced in 1952!
Non-fiction; rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed by Michael Furlong
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