“Math Without Numbers” is a brief introduction to some of the finer parts of pure mathematics. Math for math’s sake.
I absolutely love everything about abstract math, and I found the way the author spoke about some of the most complicated things I have ever studied very simple. They did a great job of expressing very high-level mathematics in an approachable and fun way.
Three words that describe this book: Simple, Fun, Encompassing.
You might want to pick this book up if: If you want a taste of pure math and why it works.
-Matt
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.
The book “Secret Dead Men” is along the lines of “Reservoir Dogs” meets “Ghost” meets “Pulp Fiction.” You have to be a little open minded. This is not your regular thriller book. The main character named Dell is a soul collector. One of the souls he meets on his journey, wants him to avenge his murder. Dell gets swept up into this whole underworld with help from other ghostly friends.
This book would make an unbelievable movie. The writing is fun. The plot is winding. I never put it down. I also have a special place in my heart because the author grew up, not too far from me in Philadelphia and it’s based a lot in Philly. Definitely worth a read.
Three words that describe this book: Unique, Noir, Funny
You might want to pick this book up if: You are going on vacation and need a good book for a relaxing day at the beach.
-Ellie
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.
Spend some of Women’s History Month reading about the first female captain to pilot a merchant ship around the southern tip of the Americas, and then join us for a book discussion in the Columbia Public Library on April 2 at noon.
“The Sea Captain’s Wife: A True Story of Mutiny, Love and Adventure at the Bottom of the World,” by Tilar J. Mazzeo tells the story of Mary Ann Patten who first took to the sea with her husband, Joshua Patten, in 1854 when she was 17 years old. Two years later, she had learned how to navigate by sextant, won the loyalty of her crew and literally ‘learned the ropes’ or how to adjust the sails. These were no small feats considering that many sailors wanted no women aboard sailing vessels, and when allowed, women were usually restricted to their cabin below decks speaking only to their husband and one or two other crew members. Not surprisingly, most captain’s wives chose not to accompany their husbands.
In 1856 she and her husband set sail aboard their ship, Neptune’s Car, intending to sail their cargo around the length of the America’s to California. Joshua fell seriously ill with tubercular meningitis partway through the trip. Faced with a mutinous and incompetent first-mate, Mary Ann — 19 years old and pregnant–took over the captaining of the ship, safely completing the trip.
As a sailor herself, author Mazzeo, brings this feat to life for the reader with technical details and meticulous historical research. But “The Sea Captain’s Wife” isn’t just about Mary Ann. It’s also a window onto the harsh realities for women of this time and the seafaring life-style in general — an unflinching glimpse into an often romanticized period of our history.
Bring your thoughts, question and newfound appreciation for electricity, antibiotics and flushing toilets to our next book discussion.
In the book “Hidden Nature” we follow the story of Sloan Cooper, a natural resources officer who got shot while off duty — what bad luck! She is shocked back to life by doctors and goes to stay with her parents in the town of Heron’s Rest, where she, well, rests and heals. To keep her mind busy and fresh and also because it’s just what she does, she begins looking into the case of a missing woman in the area, and she finds more missing. There’s a mystery to solve now, and Sloan has no idea how closely she’s tied to the case!
I loved this book. The characters, the setting, the romance — all of it was on point. I feel as though if you love Nora Roberts writing, you will love this book like I do. If you have never read Nora Roberts, this is the perfect place to start! I recommend this book to nearly everyone.
Three words that describe this book: Very lovely story.
You might want to pick this book up if: You love Nora Roberts writing.
-Erica
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.
“Big Magic” is an inspiring and accessible guide to living a creative life without fear. Author Elizabeth Gilbert writes with warmth, humor, and a refreshingly down-to-earth perspective on the creative process. Her central message — that creativity is a birthright, not a privilege — feels both empowering and freeing.
Where the book truly shines is in its gentle but firm dismantling of perfectionism, fear, and self-doubt. Gilbert invites us to create for the joy of creating — not for praise, success, or even meaning. That’s a beautiful, liberating reminder.
Three words that describe this book: Creative, inspiring, empowering.
You might want to pick this book up if: You’re looking for a book that is filled with personal anecdotes, encouraging mantras, and a kind of mystical belief in inspiration as a living, breathing force. Some of the ideas (like inspiration as a separate entity) may not resonate with everyone, but even the more whimsical parts are delivered with such charm that they’re easy to accept, or at least appreciate.
-Anonymous
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.
A group of five adventurers are tasked with saving the world… except they are better at bickering and stealing than they are at adventuring. “The Last Available” is silly and definitely doesn’t take itself seriously. It’s a fantasy literary role-playing game (LitRPG) that is never lacking in jokes. The humor is very central in the novel, plot and character development take a backseat.
Most of the time it worked, but sometimes I did wish for a little more detail. However, the jokes kept me entertained and I was wondering how this ragtag group of adventurers was going to save the world when they could barely work together as a group.
Three words that describe this book: silly, adventure, quick
You might want to pick this book up if: If you like fantasy RPGs, fourth wall breaking, and laughing.
-Bailey
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.
In the graphic novel “Shubeik Lubeik,” wishes are commodified — wrapped up in the bureaucracy and power dynamics of our world. Author Deena Mohamed’s three stories weave together the fantastical and the ordinary. Her characters are captivating, and her commentary on colonialism and class is compelling.
I don’t want to spoil the book, but one of the character’s wishes stuck with me even two years after reading this book. I still use it to comfort and affirm myself in tough times. This book is fun for the world building, yet it is also deeply personal.
Three words that describe this book: Creative, insightful, hopeful
You might want to pick this book up if: You love thoughtful world building, beautiful art, and the human spirit.
-Anonymous
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Sun & Ssukgat: The Korean Art of Self-Care, Wellness & Longevity.” This book was just what I was looking for… a book about Korean culture with enriching insight to the Korean approach to well-being.
I’ve enjoyed similar topics for other cultures (Japanese ikigai, Costa Rican pura vida, Swedish lagom, Danish hygge) and this lived up to my interest and expectations. I also found an interview with the author on YouTube and appreciated hearing a behind the scenes perspective, and thus, I’m enjoying the book all the more upon reflection…
Three words that describe this book: Enlightening, insightful, impactful
You might want to pick this book up if: you’re interested in Korean culture or wellness and self-care.
-Tonya
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.
“Embassytown” is a really magnificent science fiction book. It is essentially about language and how it shapes culture and understanding.
The book is set in the far future in Embassytown, a human colony on a far-away planet. This planet is home to aliens who use language itself in ways that are utterly foreign to humans, which leads to all manner of complications and, ultimately, a potentially world-destroying conflict. It is challenging to capture the magic of this book in a short review without selling it short — it simply must be read!
Three words that describe this book: Thought-provoking, captivating, surreal
You might want to pick this book up if: You want a wild sci-fi adventure, plus political thriller, that also deeply explores the concept of language and how it creates meaning.
-Adrienne
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.
T
he book “True Biz” is a fictional book about growing up Deaf from the perspective of Deaf children and teenagers. It explores Deaf history, disability rights activism, and the cochlear implant controversy with an engaging story line and lovable characters.
The book includes educational snippets, almost like school worksheets, corresponding with the lessons one of the teachers gives in the Deaf school that the book is focused on. If you’re hearing and uneducated on the topic, you can learn alongside the students with these snippets.
Three words that describe this book: Coming-of-age, stirring, educational
You might want to pick this book up if: You want a fun story about teenagers, or you’re curious about learning about Deaf experiences from a disability justice perspective.
-Sofia
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.
