The library has compiled a large variety of Book Reviews from staff and through programs such as Read It & Rate It. These reviews are available to you to help you make an educated decision on titles you’d like to read.
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Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor Fantasy Mystery Romance * * * Stars (Pretty good) Jani and her sister Zosa are living on their own and trying to make ends meet when Jani learns that the Hotel Magnifique (a hotel that magically travels around to different locations) is in town and that they are picking up guests and hiring staff and entertainers. She hopes that she and Zosa can work as hotel employees, but when … Read more
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diper Overlode Diary of a Wimpy Kid #17 By Jeff Kinney Humorous Illustrated Fiction Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Greg Heffley narrates the saga of his older brother’s trials and tribulations as he and his band Loded Diper attempt to rocket themselves into stardom. Trying to follow in the footsteps of their idols, Metallichihuahua, they’re supposed to perform in a battle of the bands competition, but before … Read more
Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor Winterborne Home, bk #1 by Ally Carter Adventure Mystery Supernatural Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) Through numerous foster homes, and most o fthem terrible, April is waiting for one thing: the return of her mother. She was dropped off on the front doorstep of the fire station with a note stating her name, and a promise from her mother (who said she was returning). … Read more
A Venom Dark and Sweet sequel to A Magic Steeped in Poison Judy I. Lin Fantasy * * * Stars (Pretty good) In the previous installment, the Emperor had just passed and his daughter was poised to take the throne and select a new shennong-shi (brewer of teas infused with magic). Ning was in the running for that position. Then everything fell apart when the Emperor’s brother (the General) staged a coup to retake the … Read more
One True Way Shannon Hitchcock Historical Fiction (1977) LGBTQ Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) When Allie Drake and her mom move from New Jersey to North Carolina, Allie makes a friend – Sam – at her new middle school almost immediately. Sam introduces her to all the other kids, facilitates her getting onto the newspaper staff (Allie Drake, Staff Reporter!), and promises to teach her how to ride her horse. They quickly … Read more
The Other Family Doctor: A Veterinarian Explores What Animals Can Teach Us About Love, Life, and Mortality by Karen Fine, DVM Biography Nonfiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Karen Fine’s grandfather was her inspiration for becoming a veterinarian. His patients were human, but Karen admired the commitment and care he offered them (he practiced in South Africa and made house calls). She writes about her experiences in vet school, which is arguably at least … Read more
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder book #1 by Holly Jackson Mystery Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Pip is a student who is working on her capstone project. For her topic she chooses to investigate a murder case that happened in her home town. Her goal is to cast doubt on the original investigation, but as she continues, new evidence comes to light and soon Pip realizes that someone … Read more
Earth Unaware The First Formic War bk#1 by Orson Scott Card and Aaron Johnston Science Fiction * * * (Pretty good) Free miners are the first to encounter the Formics as the aliens head toward Earth with unknown intent. This follows the stories of a couple of the miner families and a corporate entity who must put aside their differences to warn the Earth of the aliens’ impending arrival. The encounters they have indicate that … Read more
Fairy Tale by Stephen King Adventure Fantasy * * * * Stars (Great!) Charlie Reade made a bargain with the universe to pay it back if his father stopped drinking and he finds an opportunity to make good on his word when he rescues his cantankerous neighbor after a fall. Mr. Bowditch is old and grumpy and cherishes his independence, but he reluctantly accepts Charlie’s assistance when that seems to be the only way he … Read more
City of Nightmares By Rebecca Schaeffer Horror * * * * Stars (Great!) When 19-year-old Ness’ sister transformed into a giant spider and laid waste to their home – killing their father and then rampaging on through their neighborhood – Ness was traumatized and developed a very reasonable fear of spiders. Orphaned and in need of help, she sought out the Friends of the Restful Soul – an agency (cult) that took her in and … Read more