Book Review

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.

You may search reviews by title using the search function, browse via genre using the category list provided or look for random reviews in the list below that are sorted by newest to oldest.

Would you like to submit a review? Use the Read It & Rate It form on the right side of the page.

All Creatures Great and Small – book review

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All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot Autobiography Biography Classics Funny Nonfiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Follows James Herriot’s adventures as a newly qualified vet working under his slightly more experienced senior vet in the boonies of Yorkshire, where he meets a variety of memorable farmers and pet owners and falls in love with the people and the land. Follows his first couple of years working for the practice. Homey, hilarious and … Read more

House in the Cerulean Sea – book review

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The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune Adult/YA crossover Fantasy * * * Stars (Pretty good) Linus Baker, 40, has always been a good cog in the bureaucratic machine that is the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He has spent his career as a case worker and has not stood out in anyway apart from his thorough, no-nonsense reports. He is most surprised when Extremely Upper Management selects him to investigate the … Read more

That’s Not What Happened – Read It and Rate It

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That’s Not What Happened by Kody Keplinger Horror Mystery Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) In this story there are many twists, turns, and lies. We learn that there could be many perspectives of the story and that they can be changed as they get passed around. In this story Lee’s friend, Sarah died in a school shooting along with 7 others, and there were 6 survivors. Only 5/6 survivors … Read more

Wild Bird – book review

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Wild Bird by Wendelin Van Draanen Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Everything changes when Wren’s family moves right before she starts middle school. Wren feels lost and alone and disconnected from everyone. She has trouble making friends and the only person who does seem to accept her is Meadow – a year older and Trouble. Over the next couple of years, Wren starts drinking and smoking pot, stealing from her parents, and … Read more

World Ends in April – Read It and Rate It

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The World Ends in April by Stacy McAnulty Adventure Funny Realistic Fiction Suspense Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) I loved this book! This book is about Eleanor, a middle schooler who is like most middle schoolers. She has been best friends with Mack since kindergarten. Even though Mack is blind and way more social than Eleanor, they will most likely survive the end of the world. When they figure out the … Read more

Inheritance Games – book review

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The Inheritance Games Inheritance Games #1 by Jennifer Lynne Barnes Mystery Suspense Thriller * * * Stars (Pretty good) Teenager, Avery Grambs, is living in her car when she gets the surprising news that she is an heiress. Billionaire Tobias Hawthorne – recently deceased – has apparently left most of his fortune to her. No one seems to know what the connection is – why Avery? And the Hawthorne family are pretty upset. The only … Read more

I Hate Running and You Can Too – book review

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I Hate Running and You Can Too: How to Get Started, Keep Going, and Make Sense of an Irrational Passion by Brendan Leonard Nonfiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Despite being a ultrarunner, Brendan Leonard mostly hates running except when he loves it briefly. This is a short, encouraging, and realistic look at how you can start your own love-hate relationship with it. It might get you out the door and on your … Read more

Illusionarium – Read It and Rate It

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Illusionarium by Heather Dixon Adventure Fantasy Science Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Illusionarium is a fantasy book that seems to take place in early 19th century England (though it isn’t stated). It’s so fast paced and well-written, you won’t want to put it down once you start reading. If you love books, this one is for you! If you don’t like reading much, try this one, and by the end … Read more

Red Queen – Read It and Rate It

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Red Queen Red Queen #1 by Victoria Aveyard Fantasy Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Mare is just a girl living in a poor village when one day, she discovers she has the power of lightning. Immediately, she is brought into the world of silvers, where their blood is silver and they rule above the common red people. She must pretend to be someone she is not while all the while helping … Read more

Crooked Kingdom – Read It and Rate It

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Crooked Kingdom sequel to Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo Adventure Fantasy Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) The heist continues in the Crooked Kingdom. Kaz, Inej, Jesper, Wylan, Nina, and Mattias must all work together to overcome the odds and get their money after their heist is a bust, They have to double-cross the entire city of Ketterdam. This book is really exciting and fast-paced and the character interactions are amazing.

The Huntley Area Public Library will be closed Thursday, November 28, 2024, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Additionally, we will be closing early Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Our exterior book drop will be closing on Wednesday, November 27, at 5:00 p.m. as well. All online resources will be available during this time. The library and exterior book drop will reopen Friday, November 29, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.