As the back of the novel states, “this book is about a small provincial town right before the Great Reform Bill of the 1830s, in England.” During this historical period, “Middlemarch” takes a look at the daily lives of several different members of the community, and their prides and struggles before, during and after the reform.
I appreciated the in-depth analysis of the fictional characters and their motivations, as well as the range of emotions that humans experience during their lifespan.
Three words that describe this book: Unforgettable, Historic, Charming
You might want to pick this book up if: I would argue that if you are a fan of historical fiction, this a good read for you, but with the caveat that the surrounding events of this time period are not necessarily center stage, but subtly shape the opinions, experiences, and reactions of the main characters.
This book also has a massive cottage core vibe, which has made a comeback in recent years. There is a certain romanticism to the provincial life — sprawling country sides, slower days, leisure activities that focus on relationships, bonnets and hats. Even the idea of poverty and the poor working class is viewed through a romantic lens — which is problematic, but still the case for this novel.
-Kylie
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.
“Joyful Recollections of Trauma” is book of nonfiction stories about childhood trauma mixed with humor and Hollywood stardom. I’ve been a fan of actor and comedian Paul Scheer’s podcast “How Did This Get Made?” and have heard him tell some stories about his childhood which are a mixture of comedic, weird and sad.
I enjoyed this much more than I thought! The stories of trauma were sad and dark at times, but told in ways that were both truthful and amusing.
Three words that describe this book: Funny, trauma, movies
You might want to pick this book up if: You enjoy memoirs! You enjoy reading non-fiction stories from authors like David Sedaris.
-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.
In the book “Promises and Primroses,” widower Peter Mayfield is in need of a new governess for his two young girls as his previous one is getting married and leaving his employ. He is devoted to the memory of his first wife, bringing up his girls as best he can, and his hobby of canine husbandry. But when young and capable Julia Hollingsworth applies for the job, Peter must reevaluate his heart.
Julia Hollingsworth is desperate to make her own decisions and live her own life, a life out from under her mother’s thumb. But her mother is a woman with pain in her past by the family Mayfield, unbeknownst to Julia. She interferes with Julia’s new job in hopes of protecting her from ending up heartbroken at the hands of another Mayfield man.
I thought this was a sweet little story. The writing is a little unpolished in my opinion but it was a good read.
Three words that describe this book: Regency, romance, fiction
You might want to pick this book up if: You’re looking for a clean romance book that has not one, but two love stories taking place. Could see this being a good poolside read.
-Hannah
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.
“The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise” is a lovely little story of two women, both at perhaps their lowest moments, slowly building a bond that helps reinvigorate their lives. They are certainly an odd couple, except that they start to recognize some (unfortunately universal) truths in the experiences that they, as women, share. And while this relationship is what provides the backdrop for the novel, in the foreground is an, at times, madcap road trip tale complete with narrow escapes from the law, evil mobsters, hot young drivers, etc. I’m sure the naming similarities with another road trip story of two women on the run are intentional.
I don’t think this is the sort of book that is going to stick with me, but it was a very sweet diversion while it lasted.
Three words that describe this book: friendship, adventure, sweet
You might want to pick this book up if: you want to see how there exist forces that can draw us together.
-Xander
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.
The book “The Wager” is author David Gran’s retelling of the true story behind a naval ship called The Wager. The ship’s crew and their unbelievable tale of survival (for some) made for an engrossing read. The far-reaching implications of the imperialistic attitudes of Europe shadow the contradicting stories the survivors put forth when sharing their perspective of what really happened to them. The human condition speaks loudly through the book’s twist and turns of the crew’s many (often unbelievable) tests of endurance. The story is yet again an excellent example of how real life is often stranger than fiction… and David Grann knows how to get that across perfectly.
Three words that describe this book: Historical, Illuminating, Astonishing
You might want to pick this book up if: You enjoy history and incredible (but true!) tales of maritime adventure.
-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.
In the book “The Paris Apartment,” Jess goes to Paris to visit her brother in an effort to escape her former life and terrible job. When she gets there, her brother is nowhere to be seen. All the other neighbors in his apartment building are hostile and not helpful in looking for her brother. Without seeking help from police, she is asking questions and searching for clues of where Ben may be.
The ending was a bit surprising but who was involved was not all that surprising. It was a good mystery read, similar to the author’s other works.
Three words that describe this book: Determination, Seedy, Mystery
You might want to pick this book up if: you love books by Megan Miranda or enjoyed “The Guest List” by Lucy Foley.
-Anonymous
“People We Meet on Vacation” follows Poppy and Alex who, despite being complete opposites, have been best friends since college for over a decade. They spend the most time together on their summer vacations where for one week they explore various destinations across the US and world. It’s a friendship tradition for the dynamic duo, or at least it was…
Poppy and Alex have not spoken in two years after one horrible vacation. That is, until Poppy realizes that the missing feeling she might have in her life might be due to the Alex. She convinces him to take one more vacation with one internal goal in mind: to fix the friendship that shattered two years ago.
I love the distinction between Poppy AND Alex. They both were distinct characters with completely different experiences that somehow were able to form a friendship. Although, at times they were PoppyAndAlex, they existed outside of each other, too.
Speaking of that friendship, though, some of the instances between Poppy and Alex are clearly on the borderline of a more-than-friends relationship, which made it difficult, as a reader, to support them in their other relationships. However, once they were outside of those relationships, I was always on the edge of my seat waiting for that slow-burn to spark and the love to burn. I loved the depiction of how feelings and people can change over the years. Continue reading “Reader Review: People We Meet on Vacation”
“All Systems Red” follows a security android (Murderbot) with newfound autonomy — after hacking its governor module the android indulges in watching soap operas while trying to avoid human interaction. Author Martha Wells does an excellent job blending levity and a more serious theme of human consciousness/freedom and what that could mean for artificial intelligence. Wells’s witty writing and Murderbot’s sardonic inner monologue provide insightful commentary on sentience. The book is a quick, engaging read and is a great first installment in the series.
Three words that describe this book: Engaging, Humorous, Thought-Provoking
You might want to pick this book up if: Fast paced action set in a futuristic world, focusing on what it means for AI to autonomous.
-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.
“Boundaries With Teens” is about how to help teenagers become responsible and respectful adults. It discusses about 25 common issues that teens face in today’s culture and how to help them steer their lives toward safer shores. Any parent of a teen would be able to profit from the wisdom of Dr. Townsend, co-writer of “Boundaries,” a bestseller. This is the second time I’ve read this book. I am learning how to become a more consistent, authentic, parent every day. This book helps!
Three words that describe this book: Engaging. Thoughtful. Challenging.
You might want to pick this book up if: you are a parent of a teen.
-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.
“How to Solve Your Own Murder” is told through two main characters, Frances and her great niece Annie. Frances received a fortune when she was just 17 from a fortune teller at a county fair. Ever since then, she has been obsessed with the idea that someone was going to murder her. After a will change, and a visit from Annie to the quaint village of Castle Knoll, Frances dies. The following days are full of twists and turns as Annie works to figure out what has happened to her Aunt Frances, while uncovering the hidden secrets of Castle Knoll.
I loved this book because it was an interesting mystery, set in a great English village. The characters and the plot were so interesting, I became totally absorbed into the dual narrative.
Three words that describe this book: mystery, sleuth, cozy
You might want to pick this book up if: You love a good cozy mystery with a nice twist. If you are a fan of “Knives Out” (or other similar mysteries) I would say this one is for you!
-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.
