Reader Reviews: Good Inside

Posted on Monday, July 28, 2025 by patron reviewer

Good Inside book coverGood Inside” is a parenting book that teaches the idea that all kids (and parents) are good inside, even when their behavior is challenging. Dr. Becky, a psychologist, offers advice on handling tough moments with empathy, clear boundaries and emotional support. Instead of using punishment, the book focuses on understanding the feelings behind a child’s actions and building a strong connection.

I liked the book because it gave practical tips I can actually use with my own kids in real life. But I also really connected with the overall framework and philosophy — it helped me see parenting in a new, more compassionate way. Some parts were a bit repetitive, but overall it felt supportive, realistic and really useful.

Three words that describe this book: Compassionate, practical, empowering.

You might want to pick this book up if: You might pick up this book if you’re a parent looking for a calmer, more understanding way to handle tough moments with your kids — or if you want practical tools that actually work in real life without yelling or punishment.

-Robbie

Reader Reviews: Crying in H Mart

Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 by patron reviewer

I love the book “Crying in H Mart” even though it broke my heart to read about the complicated, albeit loving relationship between the author and her mother. I waited to read this book because I lost my own mother in the last few years at times it was tough to read the author’s words because they hit so close to home with my own loss.

I appreciated how the author highlighted the history of her family/mother through food and these shared experiences over a dinner/kitchen table. Overall it was a deeply moving experience reading about the author’s love and loss.

Three words that describe this book: Culture, family, food

You might want to pick this book up if: You are ever homesick. Also if you enjoy learning about people/culture through food.

-Anonymous

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.

Reader Reviews: Dungeon Crawler Carl

Posted on Friday, July 18, 2025 by patron reviewer

Dungeon Crawler Carl book coverDungeon Crawler Carl” is a LitRPG that explores the idea of, “What if Earth turned into an intergalactic game show where only the strongest survive.” Meant to be in the vein of the video game stylings of “Doom,” this book has moments of comedy, tragedy, and action packed battle.

Our main characters are (expectedly) Carl, a young adult who’s recently left his girlfriend, and his pants, back in the apartment. His companion is Princess Donut, his ex-girlfriend’s cat. The story is a real page turner and will have you laughing and fist pumping the whole way through!

Three words that describe this book: Hilarious, Frantic, Twisted

You might want to pick this book up if: You’re a fan of survival stories, “Doom” video games, or pretty kitties who wear tiara’s (and shoot lasers from their eyes…)

-Mitch

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.

Reader Review: First-Time Caller

Posted on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 by patron reviewer

First-Time Caller book coverFirst-Time Caller” is about a radio host and a caller — how they meet and fall in love.

❤️

  • The radio excerpts throughout
  • THE LIST!!!!
  • A gasp at the last few chapters especially at “Long time listener, first time caller”
  • Chosen & found family — blended family
  • Maya’s line “You don’t have to be alone to feel lonely.”
  • The supporting characters

💔

  • Kinda lulled for me around halfway & felt a little long
  • Third act breakup, grrrrr!!

Three words that describe this book: Romance, contemporary, mixed-media

You might want to pick this book up if: You want a binge-able, feel-good romance.

-Anonymous

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.

Reader Review: The Island of the Sea Women

Posted on Monday, June 30, 2025 by patron reviewer

Island of Sea Women book coverThe Island of the Sea Women” follows a woman throughout her life as a diver (Haenyo dive without equipment) on the South Korean island of Jeju. This book weaves between past and present to understand her story. It also gives insight to the social and political struggles on Jeju throughout her life, including Japanese annexation, colonization, and WWII.

I liked how different this book felt. I had never heard of Jeju or Haenyo and this book was able to teach so much history and culture while still telling a fictional story. It didn’t shy away from any of the hardships and often left me feeling… depressed, hopeless, etc. But it also provided hope and encouragement. When a book can make me feel so many emotions, that’s a good book.

Three words that describe this book: Educational, unique, intriguing

You might want to pick this book up if: I was wanting a story about a culture I didn’t know much about but wanted to learn more.

-Lauren

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.

Reader Review: Variation

Posted on Monday, June 23, 2025 by patron reviewer

The book “Variation” is about a elite principal ballerina and a Coast Guard rescue swimmer who were best friends for several years growing up before a tragedy struck them, severing their friendship and leading to silence between the two for a decade. Their paths end up crossing and the story follows their relationship and the unexpected connections that force them to reconsider what happened that tragic day.

I really enjoyed the romance in this book as well as the characters. It’s a great book for someone who is looking for a light and quick read that’s comedic but serious at many points and has a stereotypical romance/enemies-to-lovers plot line.

Three words that describe this book: Cheesy, Romantic, Fun

You might want to pick this book up if: I’m looking for an easy, light-hearted and romantic read.

-Tasneem

 

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.

Reader Review: Just For The Summer

Posted on Friday, March 21, 2025 by patron reviewer

Just for the Summer book coverJust For The Summer” is about a traveling nurse named Emma who feels that she has a curse: every man that she dates ends up finding “the one” once they break up with her. Through Reddit, she meets a man named Justin, who has gone viral for having the same problem. They make a deal to date one another to break the “curses.”

As expected, they find themselves falling deeply for one another as the relationship blossoms. However, there are many obstacles in the way for Emma and Justin. Complex family issues ravage the latter half of the book. You’ll have to read on to find out more! I liked this book because the romance was great (think kittens and post-date surveys!) and because the author framed mental health issues and healing in a thoughtful way.

Three words that describe this book: Mushy, Complex, Heart-Wrenching

You might want to pick this book up if: You like reading about family dynamics and are a sucker for a wholesome love story.

-Ashley

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year. 

Reader Review: Touch the Dark

Posted on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 by patron reviewer

Touch the dark book coverIn “Touch the Dark,” Cassie Palmer is a clairvoyant being hunted by pretty much everyone in the supernatural world. Everyone wants something from her; some want her dead, others want her powers under their control. Cassie has to control her powers to keep free of the clutches of Black and Silver Circle and to escape the vampires holding her captive.

I love this book. Cassie seems like a real person — her character is well rounded and her actions feel like something a real person would do in her situations. The book rarely has a slow point and every chapter has a shocking revelation in it. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel.

Three words that describe this book: Engaging, Action, Suspense

You might want to pick this book up if: You want a kick-ass heroine, enthralling vampires, devious mages, and ghosts who have gambling problems.

-Anonymous

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year. 

Reader Review: Polish Your Poise With Madame Chic

Posted on Friday, March 7, 2025 by patron reviewer

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year. Polish Your Poise With Madame Chic” has lessons on how to live like a courteous lady or gentleman I found the instructions in the book were very attainable. Even though I’m in my 40’s, I learned some ways to refine myself in a pleasing way. This book will be an annual read for me.

Three words that describe this book: Valuable, life, lessons

You might want to pick this book up if: You want or need better things in life. This book helps to make your life choices become excellent.

-Anonymous

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year. 

Reader Review: 100 Days of Real Food

Posted on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 by patron reviewer

100 days of real food book cover100 Days of Real Food” is a cook book but it’s also the author and her family’s journey of taking a 100 day pledge to eat only real, unprocessed food. She shares her favorite recipes for eating whole food, what she learned along the way, as well as information about our conventional food system.

The book was quite eye opening. I knew a good amount of the information already but this is a pretty comprehensive look at the food industry. While it’s not a new book, it’s got really rich information in it and timeless advice on how to find and benefit from REAL food.

Three words that describe this book: Cooking, health, lifestyle

You might want to pick this book up if: You’re looking for healthier recipes with few ingredients, looking to make lifestyle changes but aren’t sure where to start, are disgusted by the corporate food industry and want info to inspire you to make changes in how you source your food.

-Hannah

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.