What a fascinating read! “The Art Thief” is one of those instances where real life is stranger than fiction! If it were a work of fiction, I would suspect most readers would have a difficult time believing the number of thefts and the audacity of the “techniques” used by Stéphane Breitwieser. Author Michael Finkel’s storytelling abilities kept me wanting to turn the page to find out where this would all end. Finkel explores Breitwieser’s psyche — and that of his girlfriend accomplice — while following their trail from the first theft to the resulting courtroom drama.

Three words that describe this book: fascinating, interesting, suspenseful

You might want to pick this book up if: you like mysteries, true crime and art!

-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. 

“American Prometheus” is an extensive look into the life and work of J. Robert Oppenheimer. Oppenheimer is probably best known as the father of the atomic bomb for his work as the scientific director of the Manhattan project.

The book offers a lot of insight into his childhood, education, and pre-war/post-war activities. One of the only reasons to not like the book is that it goes into a lot of detail, more than some people might be interested in. However, the detail was necessary because Oppenheimer was an interesting and complicated man. There was a lot made of Oppenheimer’s supposed connections to the communist party after WWII — this book gives you enough information to let you decide on your own how valid those claims are. There are also numerous sources and quotations used in the text from varied sources, so you can understand Oppenheimer’s interactions and activities from multiple points of view.

One of the reasons I liked this book was because it also gives background about Oppenheimer’s extensive scientific background before the war. He may have lacked some of the calculation skills of his peers but he was also one of the first to understand the significance and practicality of nuclear fission. This was a well researched and well written biography of Oppenheimer.

Three words that describe this book: Historical, Nuclear, researched

You might want to pick this book up if: You’re interested in history, especially nuclear history, including the background on Oppenheimer.

-Robbie

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. 

Hoover’s exquisite storytelling skills immediately draw you into the world of Lily Bloom, a resilient young woman determined to break free from her painful past. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Lily crosses paths with Ryle Kincaid, a charismatic and successful neurosurgeon. Their magnetic connection sparks a passionate romance. However, beneath the surface lies a darkness that threatens to shatter Lily’s newfound happiness.

“It Ends With Us” delves into the sensitive topic of domestic violence with unflinching honesty and sensitivity. The story unfolds with a rawness that tugs at your heartstrings, compelling you to empathize with Lily’s internal struggle. The book was able to portray multi-dimensional characters that feel remarkably real. Their flaws, fears, and vulnerabilities are intricately woven into the narrative, making them relatable and deeply human. The narrative balances heart-wrenching moments with tender and uplifting scenes, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. Hoover’s thought-provoking exploration of difficult themes prompts introspection and encourages conversations about love, sacrifice, and personal boundaries. “It Ends With Us” challenges conventional notions of love and pushes readers to confront the complexities of human relationships. Prepare to be moved, enlightened, and deeply touched and ready to dive into the next part of the story with, “It Starts with Us.”

Three words that describe this book: Emotional, Empowering, Unforgettable

You might want to pick this book up if: You like raw love stories that you can relate to!

-Shela

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.