Although “Bitter Greens” is a historical fiction novel with a fairy tale added in the mix, the author artfully weaves the plot so that the magical story line fits right in with actual events. Intriguing to the end, I found myself thinking about the characters several days after finishing the book. A great summer read!

Three words that describe this book: Magical; Heart-breaking; Hopeful

You might want to pick this book up if: you read or watched “Rapunzel” and have an interest in French/Italian history.

-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 “I Am the Night Sky & Other Reflections by Muslim American Youth” 10 teens draw on their experience as Muslims living in the U.S. to create a powerful collection of poetry, artwork, mini-memoir and short fiction. A combined effort of the Next Wave Muslim Initiative in Washington, DC and Shout Mouse Press, this book was selected by Missouri Librarians as part of the new Dogwood Readers Award for Nonfiction titles for grades 9-12 and is a must read for any teen or adult seeking an understanding of and empathy toward Muslim American youth.

Three words that describe this book: moving, enlightening, uplifting

You might want to pick this book up if: You want an own-voices look into the experiences of Muslim American youth

-Katie

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. 

Last year, Book Riot’s Read Harder Challenge asked participants to read a graphic memoir. I happen to love comic books and graphic novels but have never been a fan of non-fiction or biography. As a result, I was really dreading this particular task. I ended up enjoying the graphic memoir I chose so much, that by the end of last year, I would end up reading a dozen more. This book was on my list of graphic memoirs I wanted to read, but I chose to focus on lesser-known titles. By the time I had crossed those other titles off my list, I realized I was burned out on graphic memoirs.

Over a year after I read my first graphic memoir, I decided to sit down and finally read “They Called Us Enemy.” Since May was Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and June is Pride Month, it felt like the perfect time to cross this book off my list. Co-written by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, and Steven Scott, “They Called Us Enemy” chronicles Takei’s experiences growing up in a Japanese internment camp. The book also highlights Takei’s efforts to fight intolerance and to stand up for equity, equality, and justice. Takei and his co-writers also sprinkle bits of history into the narrative of Takei’s life, adding context to the emotional events playing out on the page. Continue reading “Reader Review: They Called Us Enemy”

“What Happens in Paradise” is a book about a woman who is grieving the unexpected loss of her husband who died in a helicopter crash. The woman is also grappling with the news that her husband was leading a double life in the Caribbean with a mistress and a 13-year-old daughter. In this second installment of the series, the woman and her two adult sons are back on the island of St. John to uncover the truth about the death and double life of their husband and father. In the process, they learn truths about themselves and what they want for their futures. This book is a true page turner, and I could not wait to read what new information would be revealed or what would happen next. This book was also very clean — no uncomfortable intimate moments.

Three words that describe this book: Page-turner, Dramatic, Tropical

You might want to pick this book up if: You want to escape to the island of St. John for family drama and secrets, romance, and overall fun in the sun.

-Anonymous

Most people know the basics of the story of the Trojan War, but “A Thousand Ships” tells the stories of the women who were affected by the war, including those mostly ignored by history. Through their voices and tales, the reader has a better understanding of the time period and what women went through. I love mythological stories, so this was right up my alley.

Three words that describe this book: mythological, feminist, historical

You might want to pick this book up if: You like authors Madeline Miller and Mary Renault, or the book “The Silence of the Girls” by Pat Barker.

-Ashley

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 Light Through the Leaves” is about a mother finding a way to move through grief and heartbreak, and a daughter learning to build relationships after years of isolation. Both struggle to navigate relationships and mental stability. All of the characters in this book were so relatable, dynamic and unique. I’m typically a slow reader, but I was so engrossed in this story that I finished it in just a few days. I enjoyed it because the characters worked long and hard for their heartwarming ending. The story, characters, relationships, everything was so well thought out by the author. Nothing seemed too convenient, the story was believable and intriguing. It was everything I love in a book.

Three words that describe this book: Heartwarming, relatable, inspiring

You might want to pick this book up if: You appreciate a hard-earned, happy ending.

-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. 

Editor’s note: This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will be sharing more throughout the year.

“The Enchanted Sonata” is a retelling of the story “The Nutcracker” with a musical twist. Music has magic, and in one world, music turned all the soldiers and the prince into nutcrackers and the children into toys. Clara, an accomplished pianist, is whisked into this world and discovers she has this magic within her as well and, after many adventures, is able to reverse the spell and turn everyone back into humans. As a pianist and an avid fan of fairy tales, I really enjoyed how the two were intertwined. Additionally, the language used within this book was vivid and absolutely gorgeous. I adore how this author takes words appropriate to the theme of the story—such as music in this case—and so matter-of-factly incorporates them into the narrative. It adds both a charm and a wholeness to the book.

Three words that describe this book: Gorgeous, delightful, lyrical

You might want to pick this book up if: You love music, fairy tales, and beautiful literary imagery.

-Anonymous

Editor’s note: This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will be sharing more throughout the year.

“Heartstopper” is about the unlikely new friendship between Charlie Spring, Year 10, and Nick Nelson, Year 11, at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The reader tags along as Charlie and Nick get to know each other and become close, potentially leading to something … more? I loved this book in part because of the format. I’m a sucker for graphic novels and the story really popped because of this medium choice. I also loved how light-hearted it was and how realistic the interactions between the two main characters were.

Three words that describe this book: Light-hearted, pure, adorable

You might want to pick this book up if: You like queer romances, graphic novels, friends to significant-others stories

-Amanda