16 years after Caroline Crale was convicted of poisoning her husband, her daughter is determined to prove her mother was innocent with the help of detective Hercule Poirot. Because Poirot is investigating a cold case, he must rely entirely on the testimonies of those who were present at the time of the incident.

I’ve been reading through author Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot novels, and “Five Little Pigs” definitely stands out as one of the best (so far). I found the structure of the novel to be unique — utilizing third-person narration as well as first-person narrated testimony. The ending will certainly leave an impression.

Three words that describe this book: Mysterious, clever, slow

You might want to pick this book up if: If you like eccentric and highly intelligent detectives and murder-mysteries that rely just as heavily on what is said as what isn’t, you might like this book.

-Anonymous

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

Bill Bryson takes us on a tour of time, focusing on the Summer of 1927. Though his narrative focuses on life in the United States during those few months, he constantly deviates across time and space to make connections with world events, causes & eventual effects, etc. Bryson weaves a tale of big personalities, like Charles Lindbergh and Babe Ruth, while constantly reminding us that we all play a part in the construction of a national narrative.

I found “One Summer: America, 1927” a riveting book. So much so that I later listened to the audiobook version where the author treats us to a double dose of his humor — written AND spoken. The unfortunate parallels between human behavior then and now (1927 and 2025, respectively) are a sad reminder that we don’t often learn from our own human history and that some things seemed doomed to repeat.

Three words that describe this book: Revealing. Connecting. Humorous.

You might want to pick this book up if: I highly recommend this book (print and audio) to anyone seeking to make sense of our country and the impacts of shared experiences across cultures and societies.

-Tony

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

After quitting her job and divorcing her husband, Yeong-Ju opens the Hyunam-dong Bookshop. She meets new friends and connections all while creating a welcoming space for people to rest and heal.

I loved the slow-paced slice-of-life feel to “Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop.” Every character had their own unique struggles, but they all ended up grappling with the same types of questions — What is success? What makes a happy life? How do I go on from here? The translator of the text seemed to do a good job of maintaining the integrity of the turns of phrase common in South Korean speech.

Three words that describe this book: Cozy, intimate, inspirational

You might want to pick this book up if: If you like slow-paced character-driven slice-of-life books with a cozy setting, you’ll probably like this book.

-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.

“Good 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

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.

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.

“Dungeon 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.

“First-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.

“The 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.

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.

“Just 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.