Reader Recommendations (Click on a Pic)
Penn State Beaver Reader Recommendations (shared with permission)
A Game of Thrones (Song of Ice and Fire #1), by George R.R. Martin ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
An amazing in-depth fantasy series.
The War of Two Queens (A Blood and Ash Novel #4), by Jennifer L. Armentrout ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The most intense book from this series yet! Filled with spicy romance, action scenes, and surprising twists along the way! This series has a chokehold on me and I am so excited to get to book 5! The character development in this series is chef's kiss! - Olivia
Good Behavior (Dortmunder #6), by Donald Westlake ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
The Dortmunder books have gotten silly but still fun to read.
The Lost Witch, by Paige Crutcher ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Such a good read! What starts out as a "Deal with the Devil" situation turns into a story of loss, longing, and finding yourself and righting wrongs. If you like fantasy, witches, Irish folklore, or traveling from the past to the modern day, then this book is right for you!
The Frederick Sisters Are Living The Dream, by Jeannie Zusy ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
I had a hard time picking this book up each night but the more I read the more I liked it. It's a sweet and sometimes humorous story about a woman who is taking care of her special needs sister. Probably not for everyone but as someone helping to care for elderly parents, I could identify with the main character.
Breakfast at Tiffany's and Three Stories, by Truman Capote ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Didn't realize how short this story was. I've been trying to read things set in New York or LA, and this is thought to be one of the best. Another letdown for me, considering its praise. Didn't think what happens was so compelling. The writing of Capote here didn't win me over, either. None of the characters are interesting or relatable to me. This edition included three other short stories, all unremarkable. This is probably one of the view instances where the movie is actually better than the book, which I'm looking forward to. I might check out more from Capote, too, at some point. "In Cold Blood" would be my next choice of his work. - Brian
Bright Lights, Big City, by Jay McInerney ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Really enjoyed this one. Set in New York in the '80s, following a young man's life working at a magazine (inspired by the New Yorker), clubbing and the nightlife scene, his abuse of drugs and estrangement from his model wife living overseas. Told from a second person point of view, if the premise interests you, check it out. You can tell from how detailed descriptions of the city are, it's heavily inspired from the author's own experiences. I saw the movie, starring Michael J. Fox and Phoebe Cates, and liked it a lot. - Brian
Confessions of a Fairy's Daughter: Growing Up with a Gay Dad, by Alison Wearing ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Enjoyable memoir told from the perspective of the daughter as well as her gay dad and her mother. Provides some history of the modern gay rights movement in Canada as well as some insight into what it was like to "come out" as a gay dad in the 1970s.
A Midlife Holiday (The Midlife Trilogy #1), by Cary J. Hansson ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Fun read about 3 long-time women friends who've made it to midlife. All 3 are struggling to find their place and identity for the second half of their lives. Set largely in Cyprus, the 3 friends go on holiday together. Familiarity doesn't breed contempt but it does mean that they have familiar pinch points with each other's personality. This is a good book to take a break from more serious fiction or non-fiction.
Invisible Wounds: Interviews with American Vets, by Jess Ruliffson ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
An interesting approach to telling the stories of veterans. Kudos to the author/artist for all the work it took to capture oral histories/interviews and then transform these into compelling stories of veterans' accounts of their careers and especially the disconnect they often felt upon their return to stateside.
Old Crimes, by Jill McCorkle ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Jill McCorkle is a gem of a short story writer. This collection doesn't quite match the excellence of Crash Diet or Creatures of Habit. However, readers will be pleased to find her standard mix of humor (sometimes dark) and poignancy.
Napoleon's Hemorrhoids...And Other Small Events That Changed History, by Phil Mason ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
This fascinating book describes historical events that might never have happened, or that might have happened very differently, all thanks to some small, seemingly insignificant event which, quite literally, may have changed the course of history! How did Napoleon's hemorrhoids potentially lead to his defeat by the British at the Battle of Waterloo? Why were American planes only 2 minutes away from being fired upon during the Cuban missile crisis? Could WWII have been prevented entirely? You'll have to read the book to find out... - Cassandra
Pandora's Lab, by Paul Offit ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Fascinating dive into history describing scientific discoveries that - at the time - seemed brilliant and of enormous benefit to humanity (or the world), but which subsequently had disastrous consequences. Think... opium, trans fats, the insecticide DDT, eugenics... - Cassandra
The Last Cuentista, by Donna Barba Higuera ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
I read this with my 11 year old daughter as we love to read together at night before bed, and I expected it to be just another kids' book. But I was pleasantly surprised by the "grown-up" theme and found myself really enjoying the book. It presents an intriguingly dystopian scenario, blending Mexican folklore with science fiction, while also raising thought-provoking questions about eugenics and humanity's potential impact on the Earth. - Cassandra
Ask the Dust (The Saga of Arturo Bandini #3), by John Fante ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
I wanted to read something set in Los Angeles, and this book is constantly mentioned as one of the best. Set in the 1930s, it's based on the author's life experiences and relationship that inspired the story. I know that it's fiction, but a lot of what happens seems unrealistic when everything that happens is based in reality. It taking place nearly 100 years ago also made it hard to get into and understand at points. Some of the content/wording is dated and would be considered inappropriate nowadays. Of course, parts of it are well written and unique, in a stream of consciousness style. I can get where the praise for it comes from with that, but the story itself was pretty underwhelming to me. Too bad there are no great modern novels set in LA. That's what I really wanted, thinking about it more. - Brian
Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America, by Heather Cox Richardson ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A very readable history lesson on how we have arrived at this juncture in the preservation of our fragile democracy. - Kathy
Only Human (Missing Link #2), by Kate Thompson ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Very dark, hidden themes, may be confusing but heart-shattering once it all clicks. Hold attention until the very end!
14 Ways to Die, by Vincent Ralph ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Quite confusing, weird spacing, ending kind of just thrown on.
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein, by Kiersten White ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
If you know the story of Frankenstein this may be confusing, but overall good book.
The Chain, by Adrian McKinty ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Really good thriller, realistic, heart-wrenching.
From Blood and Ash & A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire & The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blook and Ash #1-3), by Jennifer Armentrout
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I have only gotten through the first three books in this series but so far I am in love with this series. Think Twilight but better & instead of a shy/cringe-y main female character, a strong, and badass one. The way this author writes is also pretty laid back, so these books are very easy reads. - Olivia
Haunting Adeline & Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse #1-2), by Jennifer Armentrout ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
These were my first books that are in the dark romance genre. Some people may want to check the trigger warnings prior to reading. But these books were amazing. Thrilling, scary, disturbing, sexy, unnerving, this series is one that will grab your attention and will not let go. - Olivia
Fourth Wing & Iron Flame (The Empyrean #1 and #2), by Rebecca Yarros ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
These books are amazing! The details and storyline completely envelope you into the world of dragon riders. If you are interested in action, dragons, magic, and romance, this is the series for you! - Olivia
The Great Hurricane, 1938, by Cherie Burns ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
An interesting account of the hurricane hitting New England in 1938. Because of the winds of war in Europe, this event was relegated to lesser known news. - Albert
Iron Flame (The Empyrean #2), by Rebecca Yarros ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
What a wild ride (literally)! Dragons, magic, dark wielders, and much more! This one threw me for an emotional ride… cannot wait for the next installment! - Katelyn
Glitch (Next Level #1), by Briana Michaels ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Have you ever dreamed of dating that one guy you met online? Hoping that he is as obsessed as you are? Well you're in luck, he is :). A couple meets online and when given the chance to meet in person, their hearts skip a beat and their true intentions and desires reveal themselves, and neither is sure that they can handle the other. - Kristen
Kingdom of the Cursed Kingdom of the Wicked #2), by Kerri Maniscalco ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The story continues. You would be surprised to see what happens.
There Are No Saints, by Sophie Lark ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A great read if you're looking to read a romance thriller. it's modern and a fantastic read if you're looking for light suspense with romance. It's about a man that is obsessed with this girl and will kill anyone and anything that touches her.
Kingdom of the Wicked (Kingdom of the Wicked #1), by Kerri Maniscalco ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
If you enjoy all books by Jenifer L Armentrout and Sarah J Maas, you will certainly enjoy this one, has a slow burn, and beginning kind of boring, but it does get interesting.
Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me), by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I liked how much of the problems described in the book apply to decisions I have made in the past. Big and small. Made me want to rethink the choices I make and make sure I am not doing anything wrong Quick example without spoiling the book completely. How your view of something changes after you have committed to it and how you will stick to a thing even if it's been completely debunked just because you have already committed to a choice.
Finnegan Donovan Jumps the Gun, by Elle Cosimano ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Very silly action novel with a Janet Evanovich-like tone. Okay if you are in the mood for a fluffy mystery. - Autumn
The Haunting of Alejandra, by V. Castro ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Great character development, insights to cross-generational American and Mexican relationships, and the supernatural!! make this a very unique novel. It kept surprising me. - Autumn
The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise, by Colleen Oakley ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
A light-hearted mystery with a senior citizen woman as the main character. It was good to be reminded that older folks have all sorts of interesting stories to tell. - Autumn
Borrowed and Banned (podcast), by the Brooklyn Public Library ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
I used to be an avid podcast listener... in the car. When Covid hit and I wasn't going anywhere, I just stopped keeping up with my favorites. For the first time in nearly four years (!) I queued up a podcast and started listening to the 7-part series "Borrowed and Banned" by the Brooklyn Public Library. In response to the recent spike in book challenges and bans in schools and libraries across the US, BPL is among a handful of US public libraries to offer digital library cards to those affected. On "Borrowed and Banned," they interview the students, teachers, librarians, and authors impacted by these book bans. It's very interesting to hear people's stories, real examples of the impact. Sometimes the tone seems a bit melodramatic, but these were recorded in a more frenzied time. They also promoted "Overdue," a podcast about all the books you've been meaning to read. Weekly, the hosts tackle different books from their backlog and talk about them. It sounds interesting! (As if I need to add more books to my "to read" list!) - Amy
The Latinist, by Mark Prins ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I was excited to find a whole display of "Dark Academia" novels at the bookstore. While this isn't groundbreaking prose, I enjoyed reading the anxiety and interactions of graduate advisors, advisees and university colleagues. - Autumn
Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, by James McBride ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Fictional, personal look at life in surprisingly diverse Pottstown, PA during the 1930s. Nicely shows the far-reaching effects of little kindnesses. - Autumn
Native Son, by Richard Wright ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
It was a good book, wonderful storyline and the author wrote the book in a special way. The only reason I'm giving these 4 stars is because I didn't like the main character. I guess it's just who he is and the author wanted us to see him that way.
100 Simple Secrets of Happy People, by David Niven ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was an amazing book. It teaches us that there is more to life than what we see on the surface. Another thing I liked about the book was that these 100 secrets were originally scientific findings, but the author decided to break it down for everybody to understand. It is a must read for anyone who wants to make changes to their lives. - Naomi
Tattooist of Auschwitz, by Heather Morris ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Emotional. Real. Inspiring. Following the lives of Lale and Gita in Nazi Germany is an inspiration to all. I am glad to have read their story and share it with the world.
Hallowe'en Party, by Agatha Christie ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
The story was good...but it got a little confusing with all the characters and timelines.
The Secret Adversary, by Agatha Christie ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
This is on a lot of lists of best Agatha Christie novels but I don't see why. Though it's a quick breezy read, it's weak as a mystery novel. The plot is ludicrous. The characters are silly. It just drips precious. And because of the paper-thin plot I figured out the arch-criminal, which I never do, mostly because I don't really care to figure it out before the end. I just like reading how the story unfolds.
The Kremlin Ball, by Curzio Malaparte, translated by Jenny McPhee ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
An unfinished journalistic novel, written before Malaparte died in 1957 but not translated into English until 2012. It is a scathing account of late 20s Soviet society infused with the sharp elitist ruling class little different in its posturing privileges from Czarist Russia. The final essay "The Shame of Death" can be read independently from the rest of the book and is quite profound. - John
School for Good and Evil, by Soman Chainani ; illustrations by Iacopo Bruno ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Truly an incredibly well-written novel. The characters are deeply complex and it is so easy to fall in love with their story and their personalities. The book is about two girls from a village named Gavaldon, where every four years two children are kidnapped; one good and one evil. The children are brought to a magnificent school where they are taught and shaped to become 100% purely good or evil. The main characters, Sophia and Agatha, are two young girls from Gavaldon and are well known for being polar opposites. Sophie, a breathtaking beauty who spends her time primping and fantasizing about princes and escaping the full reality of Gavaldon, is best friends with a girl named Agatha. Agatha is known as the village’s witch, for her ugly looks and behavior and her preference to graves than people. These two girls are chosen as new candidates for the school, but while Sophie has always been expecting to be dropped into The Good School, she is dropped into The Evil School while Agatha takes her place. Recognizing the black heart in Sophie, staff members and classmates nurture her evil soul while Agatha works to escape and bring her best friend back home and out of the school. The story itself is incredibly detailed, sensationally compelling and has quickly become one of my favorite books. Even though most of the stories are centered around old fairy tales like Cinderella, Jack and the bean stalk etc, the author twists these Grimm tales into a beautifully crafted masterpiece of love, betrayal, revenge, epic battles, magic, and something so much more impressive than one could imagine. It is a truly remarkable work and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for something exciting and exhilarating.
A Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This book is the first in the Game of Thrones book series. Lots of action, thrills, and gore. Really gives you a lot of background and extra information the was not included in the television series. It's a nice read if looking for a darker fantasy.
Fire & Blood, by George R.R. Martin ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin is really almost like a history book of Westeros and the Targaryen family. If you are a huge fan of Game of Thrones you will enjoy learning more about how things came to be.
Lucky: A Novel, by Jane Smiley ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
I loved Jane Smiley's Moo and A Thousand Acres. I was excited to read this book as it had been awhile since I'd read any of her novels. However, I struggled to finish this plodding, dull book that spans the lifetime of a woman musician with a solid musical career that earns her a healthy income though she never gains notable fame. The ending picked up a bit to make the story a tad more interesting but it was not enough to save it for me. Not recommended.
She-Ra and The Princesses of Power: Legend of the Fire Princess, by Gigi D. G. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I watched the show on Netflix a few years ago. I think this is the first spinoff story I read from a TV show or movie. It was nice to dive back into the world and characters. I also got it because it was a nice short read since it was a graphic novel.
21: The Story of Robert Clemente, by Wilfred Santiago ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
When I was looking through the graphic novel section, I was surprised to find this book. Once I saw it, I got hit with nostalgia, and I immediately knew that I had to get it. Back in middle school, I was really into sports fiction stories. I was also interested in the Pirates and specifically Roberto Clemente. Reading this book gave me more perspective about his life and aspirations. Since it was a graphic novel, it was easy to read and it did not feel like a biography. Definitely recommend to anyone who are baseball fans.
New Orleans Noir, edited by Julie Smith ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was excellent. It has short stories about New Orleans post-Katrina. Very good collection of diverse authors and styles!
The Changeling: A Novel, by Victor LaValle ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
I have no idea why I decided to read this. It was on Libby and sounded interesting. It's a little bit horror, a little bit fantasy, and a lot about relationships and family and generations, and a lot of other things. I found it to be a bit of a page turner. The story centers on Apollo, a New York City book dealer, and his librarian wife, Emma. They have a child, Brian, and up until this point, most of the story seems pretty straightforward. Until mysterious things begin to happen....
Book of Goose, by Yiyun Li ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
A good story with a post World War II setting. The two main characters have complex feelings and motives that can be confusing at times. I have never read a story with characters that have a somewhat morbid view about the world and their future lives. If you like historical fiction about a rural peasant girl with a bit of a success story, then it is a book for you.
A good story with a post World War II setting. The two main characters have complex feelings and motives that can be confusing at times. I have never read a story with characters that have a somewhat morbid view about the world and their future lives. If you like historical fiction about a rural peasant girl with a bit of a success story, then it is a book for you.
Wonders All Around, by Bruce McCandless III ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
A biography of astronaut Bruce McCandless written by his son. More than focusing on his Dad's NASA years, which made him famous because he was the first person to be outside the Shuttle unthetered, it gives an image of the real person, the good, the bad and the ugly. The book does not have a flowing rhythm, being instead snippets of his life now and then. Still, an interesting read for those wanting to know more about the mundane life of space exploration. - Albert
History of Israel (deep dive) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Recent events encouraged me to take a deep dive into the history of the state of Israel. One book that a friend recommended that I think is wonderful is Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth by Noa Tishby. I've listened to a number of podcasts, including several episodes of the podcast "Unpacking Israeli History." There are also some good Israeli series on Netflix, and I have watched a few episodes of "The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem" that traces the ups and downs of a Jewish family in Jerusalem from the period after 1910s to the 1940s. Although it's fictional, I've read that the depictions of history and interactions between different ethnic groups are authentic.
The Cancelling of the American Mind, by Greg Lukianoff and Rikki Schlott ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This book discusses the idea of "cancel culture" from a wide lens, codifying different types of "canceling" across the political spectrum and offering suggestions for steps we can take to encourage free speech.
The Anthropocene Reviewed, by John Green ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
John Green's first non-fiction book is an admirably eclectic collection of starred reviews of things ranging from "Humanity's Temporal Range" to "Diet Dr. Pepper." Two of my favorites were "The Indianapolis 500" and "The QWERTY Keyboard." Halfway through the review of the Indianapolis 500, I paused it to call someone and share all of the random facts I'd just learned. QWERTY and other reviews illustrate what I admire about John Green's writing--the ability to convey a lot in a few words, in simple yet precise language. I started reading the ebook, but enjoyed it so much that I added the audiobook (read by the author) so I could keep listening in the car. Be sure to read the Introduction for context, and the audiobook has an entertaining post-script that's not in the book. - Amy
The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A remarkable book. Poetic, wise, witty, and moving story of a family of white missionaries struggling with cultural clash and family dysfunction in the late 1950s Congo.
Murtaugh: World of Eragon (Inheritance #5), by Christopher Paolini ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
I loved delving back into this fantasy-filled world! The perfect mix between emotions, dragons, and war. Very exhilarating! - Katelyn
All I Ever Wanted: A Rock 'n' Roll Memoir, by Kathy Valentine ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
All I Ever Wanted is a memoir from Kathy Valentine, bassist for the 80's pop rock group the Go-Go's. Fun read for me since I went to high school during that time, and I listened to the Go-Go's and many of the other musicians mentioned in the book. In her memoir, Kathy details childhood challenges, her ascent into the Austin music scene, the success and break-up of the Go-Go's, and her sobriety following years of drug and alcohol abuse. A good read for fans of the Go-Go's or 80's music.
A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon, by Sarah Hawley ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
It's a great romance book that I actually picked up for Halloween, but didn't get the chance to finish before then, but it was well worth the read. It adds so much humor into the story that you'll end up laughing in almost every chapter. I also love the main characters and how their characters are well rounded, and have feelings real people would. I highly recommend for anyone who is into romance, without it being too overbearing, and like to have a little bit of fantasy in their books to keep the story interesting and magical! - JoAnn
Sensory Life on the Spectrum: An Autistic Comics Anthology, by Bex Ollerton ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
I enjoyed the drawings and initially I was pleased to learn more about this community but I did find some of the content a tad repetitive. It's a good introduction to the issues and concerns.
The Morningside, by Téa Obrecht ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Morningside by Tea Obreht is an enthralling story set in a fictional Island City presumably meant to represent New York City after some sort of climate change event. It is a wonderful exploration of how a child's curiosity can lead the child into any number of not so safe situations. Obreht uses Serbian folk tales and magical realism to invigorate her tale. Recommended.
My Sister's Keeper, by Jodi Picoult ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
It was a touching story with a sad ending, but I loved the book.
A Fire in the Flesh (Flesh and Fire #3), by Jennifer A. Armentrout ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was the third book in the series. It was very interesting and had a nice storyline.
Red Queen (Red Queen #1), by Victoria Aveyard ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This book is incredibly well-written and the plot is invigorating to say the least. The protagonist is easy to love and her character is well developed throughout the story. I love how deeply dark the actual story is with so much sabotage, assassination plotting, war, magical combat and the internal strife between each individual character with the world. Pitted against each other, two races of red or silver blood fight for domination over the other. The story itself features a red-blooded girl who spends her time pickpocketing silver-blooded nobility. In this world, Silvers reign over Reds as royalty while Reds work like slaves in slums. The main character, Mare, finds her way into the Silver royal family and ends up engaged to a prince. The story is full of both sweet, flowery fantasy and magic, while also being full of sorrow and dark themes throughout. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a bit of the flowery magic and princess tales, but also love action with takes on war and one-on-one combat.
Espionage & Covert Operations: A Global History, by Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Exhaustive look at espionage and covert operations from the early Greeks to today. This is an audiobook from Great Courses, and each lecture is about 30 minutes long. Very easy to listen to while doing other things.
The Butterfly House (Kørner and Werner #3), by Katrine Engberg ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
2.5 stars rounded up to 3. Too many characters and too much misdirection as to the perpetrators. I found myself losing track of who everyone was, and what their roles were in the story. The final "Aha! That's the murderer" is kind of pulled out of thin air, i.e., seemed contrived. The book kept my interest but probably only because I was traveling and needed something to read.
Cruel Prince, by Holly Black ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
It was a good book, with an interesting storyline.
Why Marx was Right, by Terry Eagleton ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
In Eagelton's hands, it's a kinder, gentler, very English Marxism. An engaging and witty book.
Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse #2), by H.D. Carlton ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Better and more invigorating than the first! - Katelyn
Eternal Life, by Dara Horn ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
On its surface, this is a book about two people who swore an oath 2000 years in the past, and, as a result (spoiler alert), can't die. They can start anew, and do so, dozens of times throughout the centuries. At a deeper level, I think this book is more about generations, and whether or not eternal life is something anyone would actually want.
Slaughterhouse-Five: or, The Children's Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death, by Kurt Vonnegut ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Filled with Vonnegut's dark humor and wittiness, slaughterhouse-five really sums up the horror and pointlessness of war. - Frankie
Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse #1), by H.D. Carlton ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
It was dark, mysterious, and romantic! Kept me interested and on my toes! - Katelyn
My Roommate is a Vampire, by Jenna Levine ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
It was a good book. It's a very goofy lighthearted romance, which I really enjoyed because it didn't take itself too seriously compared to other romance books that involve vampires... *cough* *cough* Twilight. It also is a shorter read, and was a perfect little story to read to wrap up the Halloween Season.
The Hawthorne Legacy (The Inheritance Games #2), by Jennifer Lynn Barnes ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
2nd book in the series. Just as amazing as the first. Even more twists and turns. Couldn't put it down to save my life. - Elizabeth
The Inheritance Games (The Inheritance Games #1), by Jennifer Lynn Barnes ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
First book of the series. Absolutely enthralling. Couldn't put it down. So many twists and turns. - Elizabeth
Bad Blood (The Naturals #4), by Jennifer Lynn Barnes ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
4th book in The Naturals series. Fantastic conclusion. Ties everything together nicely. - Elizabeth
All In (The Naturals #3), by Jennifer Lynn Barnes ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
3rd installment in The Naturals series. Truly amazing book. Keeps you enticed throughout. Never boring. - Elizabeth
Killer Instinct (The Naturals #2), by Jennifer Lynn Barnes ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Second book to The Naturals. Just as good as the first. Thrilling and entrancing. - Elizabeth
The Naturals (The Naturals #1), by Jennifer Lynn Barnes ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A truly phenomenal read. Very entertaining and edge-of-your-seat thrilling. - Elizabeth
Go Find: My Journey to Find the Lost--and Find Myself, by Susan Purvis ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A journey of finding yourself and going through many careers to find the perfect one. Great for outdoorsy folk looking for a good adventure story. Scent dog training is hard but Sue breaks it down and talks about her successes and failures along the way.
Payback in Death (In Death #57), by J.D. Robb ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A great addition to the Eve Dallas "In Death" series. - Jill
Hunting Prince Dracula (Stalking Jack the Ripper #2), by Kerri Maniscalco ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Amazing! I loved this book just as much as its prequel Stalking Jack the Ripper. It's an awesome mystery/thriller vibe perfect for the Halloween season.
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, pt. 1), by J.R.R. Tolkien ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Classic fantasy novel with lots of action and fighting. - Shelbie
The Queen's Secret (The Queen's Assasin #2), by Melissa de la Cruz ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This is the second book to the queens assassin. Just as good as the first one with a lot more action. - Shelbie
A Brief History of Earth, by Andrew Knoll ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A book where you learn something new on just about every page. Written with the right amount of clear explanation and scientific detail for the non-specialist. Highly recommended.
Among the Woo People: A Survival Guide for Living in a College Town, by Russell Frank ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
This book was a lighthearted, easy read from an author who spent many years of his life living in downtown State College. For anyone who has spent time living in State College, it is an interesting read (especially if you lived there as a student and not an adult) to hear the perspective of someone who lived and raised a family there. However, it can be a little slow moving at times and doesn't always focus as much on State College and the students as the description gives on. If you are unfamiliar with the town, it may not be the best read for you because it may be a little boring or confusing.
Black Hammer, Vol. 5: Reborn, Part I, by Jeff Lemire, et al. ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Don't read this volume without checking out the previous volumes first. They will help set the context. Black Hammer features a strong black woman who is a kick ass superhero.
Hardball (V.I. Warshawski #13), by Sara Paretsky ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
I've been reading Paretsky's series on Chicago private eye V.I Warshawski for more than a decade. She's tough, smart, and persistent when she starts working a case. I like how Paretsky draws on Chicago's history for her work--this time she draws on events during the civil rights era and the impact this history has on the current time. I recommend the series if you are looking for a strong female lead.
Darkstalker (Wing of Fire: Legends #1), by Tui T. Sutherland ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
I loved Tui T. Sutherland's Wings of Fire series. This is #1 in the Wings of Fire Legends series which tells the backstory of Darkstalker, a Night Wing dragon who has some serious animus power. I recommend the original series and I think I am going to like this shorter series also.
Dear Edna Sloane, by Amy Shearn ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Amy Shearn's fourth novel, Dear Edna Sloane is framed as an epistolary novel. Seth Edwards, a young aspiring writer, is seaching for Edna Sloane, a literary wunderkind who vanished nearly 40 years ago after penning her highly successful debut novel.
To Say Nothing of the Dog, by Connie Willis ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
This is my 2nd Connie Willis' book in her Oxford Time Travel series. This one is set in Victorian England that draws on the physics of time travel but is also a wonderful rom-com. It does draw upon Jerome K. Jerome's Three Men in a Boat, published in the late 19th century, which features 3 men (and a dog) on a boat trip down the Thames.
Stalking Jack the Ripper (Stalking Jack the Ripper #1), by Kerri Maniscalco ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I absolutely love this book. I just got the 3rd and 4th book in the series so I had to reread the books and catch up on all the lore. I forgot how much I love the strong female lead character of this book, it's the perfect mix of mystery, horror and romance. I highly recommend!
People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present, by Dara Horne ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I realize the title of this book might put people off, but this is one of the most thoughtful and insightful books I've read in a long time. Current events have really triggered me in a number of ways and while I've been talking amongst family about how it's affecting us, I was still having a hard time sorting through my feelings. The thesis of the book is really to point out that so much of what is considered Jewish culture focuses not on celebrating life and culture, but on memorializing death and persecution. I learned a lot and also felt less alone while reading it. https://www.amazon.com/People-Love-Dead-Jews-Reports/dp/0393531562. Horn is a novelist and I'm going to try to read one of her novels now.
Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl, by Carrie Brownstein ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I often have a hard time finishing books about musicians because I'm constantly stopping to listen to the music! I listened to the audiobook version (read by the author) and really liked that they would sometimes give you a taste of the song, enough to keep me listening without stopping. If you know Brownstein from Sleater-Kinney or Portlandia, you probably won't be surprised that she has a way with words and a knack for storytelling. One reason I liked the book is because we have so much and so little in common. There are parts of her story I completely identified with, but life of an artist is always both foreign and fascinating. Brownstein talks a lot about being a fan herself, and I'd recommend it to any music fans, but especially those with at least a casual interest in the roots of riot grrl and the 90s PNW indie scene. - Amy
The Case of Comrade Tulayev, by Victor Serge ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
By an exiled Russian dissident and anarchist, this novel is a searing indictment of the crushing anonymous police state that relentlessly ensnares innocent yet morally corrupt bureaucrats in a search for the assassin of the titular character. A brilliant book. - John
Solitaire (Solitaire #1), by Alice Oseman ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
4.5 - I really enjoyed the character relationships throughout and how they were established. The main character, Tori’s, narration was really captivating and made me feel like I was there. The story itself is pretty good and the concept is very cool to me. It also connects to some events and prominent characters in other Alice Oseman works, which I find very satisfying about this universe. I recommend this one for sure!
Summer Ghost, by Otsuichi, Yoshi Inomi (Illustrator) ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
I really enjoyed the characters and relationships (and humor), and I appreciate the transparency of the topics shown and explored. I feel like there was something missing but I can’t quite put my finger on it, like something wasn’t fully fleshed out maybe? But on the whole, I really enjoyed this, and I definitely recommend.
The Happy Ever After Playlist (The Friend Zone #2), by Abby Jimenez ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I've read several novels by Abby Jimenez's and I enjoy her writing style. She's a good follow on social media, too. In The Happy Ever After Playlist, the characters were multi-dimensional, and the plot kept me interested. I loved following Sloan's journey through grief to find happiness. I recommend it to romance readers. - Jill V.
Robert Hanssen (deep dive) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Hanssen was an FBI agent who shared US intelligence with Soviet and Russian intelligence agencies. I vaguely remember this being in the news when he was finally caught in 2001, but I came across the story recently purely by accident and have been fascinated by it and trying to understand what would motivate someone to do this. - Amy
Noah Kahan (deep dive) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I went on a deep dive of Noah Kahan articles. I am obsessed with his music and knew nothing about him so I had to do my research! - Amber
Five Red Herrings, by Dorothy Sayers ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
I've got to pick out better books.
Plants of the Gods, by Richard Evans Schultes and Albert Hoffman ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
An informational but entertaining book about the uses of hallucinogenic plants throughout multiple cultures in history.
Fourth Wing (Empyrene #1), by Rebecca Yarros ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Page turner until the very end! Wow... dragons, powers, and so much more. This read was amazing and I would definitely reread it again. Can't wait for the next book! - Katelyn
Didn't Nobody Give a Shit What Happened to Carlotta, by James Hannaham ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Genre is LGBTQA+. The story of a trans woman in prison and trying to re-enter society. Here's everything you need to know about this book: "So much of reentering society meant faking apathy and chirping the opposite of what you wanted to yell Wasn't none of these quote-unquote niceties up in the jwant!" That is Carlotta's story in one sentence. I found myself skimming a lot of pages as Carlotta's inner dialogue got repetitious. Others have written about the switching back and forth between 1st and 3rd person, but that wasn't as annoying, or distracting, as I expected. This book could have been a solid 5 stars with some tighter editing. - Kathy
Saint X, by Alexis Schaitkin ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Almost didn't finish this, as there is nothing likable about any of the characters. They are all manipulative young women. - Kathy
The Making of the Atomic Bomb, by Richard Rhodes ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A thoroughly and brilliantly researched history of the development of the atomic bomb, from the breakthrough determining the nuclear structure in the late 19th century to the explosion of the first hydrogen bomb in the 1950s. It focuses much on the science and politics of the Manhattan Project with a great cast of players, mostly brilliant, others not as much. The overly didactic ending, written in the 1980s and today reading as somewhat naive, is the only jarring note in an otherwise riveting book. Rhodes does a brilliant job of presenting just enough science to explain the tremendous complexity of the accomplishment but not so much to completely baffle the scientifically uninitiated reader.
When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Fairy Tales #2), by Eloisa James ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Familiar and fun, I like to pick up romance novels for something easy when life/work gets busy. I like when the women are smart and unconventional, and hate when the stories are 2/3 tension and drama (I have enough of that in my real life). The characters were fun and the author kept the drama brief, so this book didn't disappoint. Loosely based on the fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. It might not be for everyone, but there are lots of different romance genres and tropes to explore.
Highland Velvet, by Jude Deveraux ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
This historical romance told the story of an arranged marriage between a proud female chief, Bronwyn MacArran to an English Nobleman, Stephen Montgomery. The story tells of Stephen and Bronwyn getting married and traveling to Bronwyn's home in Scotland. Stephen falls immediately in love with Bronwyn and eventually with her country as well. Bronwyn has many reservations as her father was killed by an Englishman and Bronwyn was taken prisoner and forced to marry the Englishman. Bronwyn and Stephen are romantically attracted to each other and find no issues with passion; but disagree on just about everything else. A lot of twists, turns, heartache, anger, fighting, and passion, lead them apart and then back together again. In the end, they grow to love and respect each other, and Stephen decides that Scotland is his true home and both Stehen and Bronwyn will be happy in Scotland and each other's arms forever.
Chernobyl: A Stalkers’ Guide, by Darmon Richter ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The narrative of the disaster is well known. The book excels in showing photographs of what should have been regular life in the town built to support your nuclear plant. Taken years later, they show what is no longer there.
More Penn State Beaver Reader Recommendations (shared with permission)
All Signs Point to Paris: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Destiny, by Natasha Sizlo ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The story was well developed, with good characters. I enjoyed the plot of finding true love based on astrology but the lengthy blurbs on the stars at the start of each chapter seemed extraneous.
Not Forever, But For Now, by Chuck Palahniuk ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
This is the first book I have quit on for a long time. In paragraph 2, the author misidentifies a famous nature documentarian. Next, there is a lengthy awful description of a baby kangaroo trying and failing to reach its moms pouch. Then the maid gives the adult son his bath and finds evidence of sexual abuse. I will be curious to hear if others finish this book and their thoughts.
The Running Grave (#7 in the Strike/Ellacott series), by Robert Galbraith ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Possibly my favorite book in the series so far - this book focuses on private detectives Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott trying to infiltrate a cult in order to persuade their client's son to leave. Along the way they are pulled into investigating a murder case, and, as usual, I did not guess the guilty party correctly.... The book is close to 1,000 pages and some people might think that more rigorous editing is needed, but I love how vivid the descriptions of places and people are in these books and always finish them feeling like I've taken a trip myself. Even the side characters are wonderful, and Pat, the office manager, really shines in this one.
Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ishiguro masterfully peels off the layers to reveal the heart of the story and leaves you wanting more!
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, by Jesse Andrews ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
I think it would be difficult to write a great book from this premise, a YA comedy about a girl dying from cancer. The author's sense of humor did not work for me at all. I probably would have enjoyed this more if I was younger, but I just couldn't get into the story. The Pittsburgh setting was mainly why I wanted to read it. It's not horribly written, though. A little disappointing given its praise. I'll still check out the movie.
Love, Theoretically, by Ali Hazelwood ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Ali Hazelwood doesn't disappoint! This is a must-read! - Amber
Global Crisis: War, Climate Change and Catastrophe in the Seventeenth Century, by Geoffrey Parker ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
By an eminent historian of early modern Europe. At almost 2,000 pages (Kindle version) (it took me over 6 months to read) it is an incredibly detailed and comprehensive history of the worldwide social, political, and economic disruption resulting from the environmentally calamitous Little Ice Age of the 17th century. An extraordinary book.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
It was a treat to listen to Maya Angelou read the audiobook version of her memoir. It's one of those modern classics that I've never read but felt I should. Despite any differences between Angelou's life and my own, there are many universal experiences in being a young woman, at times both naive and precocious.
Starter Villain, by John Scalzi ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I'm not much of a science fiction or fantasy fan, but I had listened to Wil Wheaton read another John Scalzi book so I decided to give this one a try. I don't know how the story comes across the on the page, but as read by Wheaton, it's a show-stopper. There are shades of the evil villains of the old James Bond movies, with crosses and double-crosses among them. There's the protagonist, Charlie, who is the unwitting benefactor of his uncle's estate (the uncle being one of the "top" villains). Poor Charlie is just going on instinct when it comes to dealing with the villains (after all, he's a "starter villain"). But he has help from cats who type and dolphins who talk, as well as a few humans who may or may not be who they purport to be. This kept me totally entertained while I was driving. - Kathy
Bringing Down the Duke, by Evie Dunmore ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Amazing!! Historically based fiction is wonderful! And also the first romance book I've read where the female character is strong and witty. Highly recommend.
Bound Feet & Western Dress, by Pang-Mei Natasha Chang ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Honestly this is the first ever memoir based books I've ever read. I had to pick a book to read for my Sociology class, and I originally was a little scared of if I was going to enjoy the book and get into it because I'm so used to reading fiction. I was pleasantly surprised though because I couldn't put down the book till I finished it. It is a beautiful mix of looking at your heritage, but also not being held back by cultural norms. It follows along a great aunt while she grew up in China in the 1900's and her trying to find her way in a changing world, while being told by her grand niece who is Chinese American and is trying to figure out who she is and what her identity is. I highly recommend it! It will make you want to finish the book in one sitting, and will make you sit and reevaluate your perspective on life.
Nausea, by Jean-Paul Sartre ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Nausea was a great piece of existentialist philosophy.
The Queen's Assassin, by Melissa de la Cruz ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This Book is great it has a little bit of everything. Action, Love, Fantasy and it has a really great turn at the end of it. - Shelbie
I Have Some Questions for You, by Rebecca Makkai ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
An interesting writing style for a mystery, from the inquisitive point of view of a podcaster. It was fairly slow moving for me though, and I prefer greater character development. - Autumn
The Marriage Portrait: A Novel, by Maggie O'Farrell ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
I loved the premise/inspiration for this book, which attempts to recreate the brief life of a young woman in 16th century Italy. The inspiration for the book was a real portrait and a poem. It's a sort of historical fiction and was easy-to-read and moved along quickly, with subtle twists, although nothing too surprising.
Perish, by LaToya Watkins ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
An incredibly powerful and well-written novel about trauma being passed through generations. Victims of sexual abuse and parents might find the story too troubling to read. - Autumn
Anti-Racist Ally: An Introduction to Action & Activism, by Sophie Williams ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A brief, very accessible overview of important terminology (anti-racist, systemic racism, institutional racism, etc.) and introduction to ways you can be an ally in your everyday life. It's a good introduction if you're curious and want to learn more, or a quick review if you already know the basics.
Pardalita, by Joana Estrela ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
I haven't read many graphic novels. My eyes just want to skim the text, and I've found it hard to slow myself down enough to absorb the images. But perhaps its different composition is why I was able to start reading Pardalita and got sucked into the story. Reminiscent of a teenage girl's diary, it's a mixture of text, narrative poetry, and images, with chapters that sometimes seem disconnected but come together to tell Raquel's story. It's a story with all the sweetness and struggle of discovering who you are while being a teenage girl in high school. Though set in modern-day Portugal, I could easily relate to Raquel's universal human girlhood experiences. - Amy
Party Going, by Henry Green (also in the library catalog) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Witty satire with a cutting, frenzied middle-upper-class English group stuck at a train station because of fog. Brilliant.
Roseanna (Martin Beck #1), by Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo (also in the library catalog) ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
I wanted to read a book that had been translated into English, and since my favorite genre is crime/mystery, this was a good choice. It is the first in the "Martin Beck" series by Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo. It was was written in 1965, and so is a little dated (everyone smokes; no fax or email or cellphones; no DNA analysis; etc) but the story is not dated. The actual solving of the case relies on dogged determination by the detectives. I did get a little confused at points with all the Swedish names, and who was who, but overall it was a very entertaining read. I'll probably read more in this series. - Kathy
Utopia, by Thomas More ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A brilliant satire.
The Changeling, by Victor LaValle ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
This book is a good read for anyone who enjoys fantasy taking place in the modern day.
Inheritance (Inheritance #4), by Christopher Paolini ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Insane amount of detail to the very end. It was all I expected and more to this series end. I cannot wait to read the next one in November! - Katelyn
Batman: A Death in the Family (Batman: The Modern Age #46), by Jim Starlin ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(this may link to a different version than reviewed below)
A Batman classic for a reason! The version I read also included Tim Drake becoming the next Robin, so it was a really interesting read to see how the art style changed in just one year.
Why Me? (Dortmunder #5) by Donald E. Westlake ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Always fun to read a Dortmunder book.
The Hive Queen (Wings of Fire, Book 12), by Tui T. Sutherland ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Tui Sutherland's series is a favorite because the focus is on young dragons making their way in the world, complicated by historical strife between tribes. I listened to this book and the reader Shannon McManus does a terrific job with all the voices.
Call It Sleep, by Henry Roth ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I haven't read very much immigrant literature but Call It Sleep is considered to be among the most significant Jewish American novels. I found the story of young David Scherl endearing and riveting as he negotiated Lower East Side NYC urban streets before WWI and the stife between a cruel heartless father and a loving, ever-comforting mother. Roth's style is modern for the time with stream of David's consciousness interposed with evocative observations of the streets, smells, people, and buildings of 1910 NYC. Much of the dialogue is written in an ethnic vernacular which adds charm and a real sense of cultural place to the novel. I greatly enjoyed this book. - John
Sun and Steel, by Yukio Mishima (trans. by John Bester) ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Sun and Steel is a short, autobiographical essay by the controversial Japanese author Yukio Mishima. I've read some of his work before, "The Sound of Waves" and "Death in Midsummer and Other Stories". This was different from anything I had read before. It's a reflection of the author's life and his relationship with art (writing) and the physical (body). Much of it is philosophical, true to Mishima's style. From its premise, I thought more would be about his thoughts on fitness and exercise. It only does in a vague sense, with brief mentions of his experiences in bodybuilding, kendo, and boxing, but never anything in great detail. It's still an appealing work though, and at around 100 pages is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in Mishima and this sort of thinking. - Brian
Walking the Bible: A Journey by Land Through the Five Books of Moses, by Bruce Feiler ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I love travelogues and this is a unique one. The author isn't so much interested in proving or disproving Biblical claims, rather, he is seeking to understand the Bible by immersing himself in the locations and regions mentioned. He interviews and travels with historians, archeologists, government officials, and locals in order to explore the relationship between the Bible and place. It was a fascinating read, and I also learned a lot about Israel, Egypt, and Jordan along the way.
Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A unique telling of an all-too-common story about a woman making her way through the world. Elizabeth is a chemist with a dog named Six Thirty, and if you think you know where this story is going from the beginning, I hope you find yourself pleasantly surprised! A smart, sometimes funny, easily enjoyable read.
The Thursday Murder Club, by Richard Osman ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Witty, clever, charming!
Lethal White, by Robert Galbraith ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I'm a huge fan of this series by Robert Galbraith aka JK Rowling, and the seventh book is being released at the end of September. So I have been trying to listen to the audiobooks to refresh my memory. They are LONG, but thoroughly enjoyable. The narrator (Robert Glenister) does a great job with accents and emotions. While the mysteries are interesting, the relationship between Private Detective Cormoran Strike and his partner, Robin Ellacott is what draws me in. That and the vivid descriptions of London and the surrounding areas. Lethal White is the fourth book in the series, and I'm pretty sure I won't finish my re-listen before the seventh book is released. In this book, Strike and his partner infiltrate the British government and work to solve a mystery involving a wealthy family. I highly recommend this series if you like detective/mystery novels. I have never once guessed correctly. But start with Cuckoo's Calling - the first book in the series.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, by Gail Honeyman ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Loved the main character, Eleanor. She was so quirky and disturbed. I think the author should have written more on the fact she really wasn't talking to her mother the whole time. I almost missed that huge fact. Hope to see the movie. - Debra
Project Hail Mary, by Andy Weir ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I admit that a lot of the science in this book went over my head. This book was written by the author of "The Martian" and it shares some of the same themes about human survival in difficult situations. What was unexpected, for me, was that this was ultimately a book about friendship. I don't want to give any spoilers in this review, but I did not expect to feel quite as emotional or touched by the primary relationship in this book, and I loved how the author imagined life in other worlds. I couldn't put it down!
Weyward, by Emilia Hart ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Interwoven stories of three generations of women in the Weyward family. A little bit witchy (like the weyward/weird sisters in Macbeth), it's a good book for fall. - Amy
The Man Who Caught the Storm: The Life of Legendary Tornado Chaser Tim Samaras, by Brantley Hargrove ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Life and death of a legendary storm/tornado chaser. It does a good job of introducing meteorological concepts that sometimes can appear too technical. Still, a good balance between narrative and explanation. - Albert
Angela's Ashes, by Frank McCourt ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
In the middle of book but so far so good. Great historical fiction. - Crista