Summer Reading Reviews Part 2

Updated August 29, 2023
Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium Scotch Plains Public Library
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Bad luck and trouble : a Jack Reacher novel
Child, Lee.
Paper Book
From a helicopter high above the empty California desert, a man is sent free-falling into the night…. In Chicago, a woman learns that an elite team of ex–army investigators is being hunted down one by one.... And on the streets of Portland, Jack Reacher—soldier, cop, hero—is...

5 STARS

Reacher uses his brains & brawn along with some of his former elite team to thwart a terrorist plot. Hard to believe how he overcomes near impossible odds.

Big gay wedding : a novel
Lane, Byron
Paper Book
Named one of Shondaland and Town & Country's Best Books of May * Named one of Lambda Literary's Most Anticipated LGBTQIA+ Books * Named one of Cosmopolitan's Best Books of 2023 (So Far) An unashamedly proud, loud, and...

4 STARS

Many of the characters are over the top but what a sweet, funny story of love, acceptance, and family.

The block party : a novel
Day, Jamie
Paper Book
Raves for the hottest thriller of 2023! "This is wicked fun." --Publishers Weekly "Absolutely amazing. Readers are going to flip!" --Lisa Gardner, New York Times bestselling author of ONE STEP TOO FAR "Like a firecracker on a hot summer...

3 STARS

-Abby P.

Bomb : the race to build and steal the world's most dangerous weapon
Sheinkin, Steve.
Paper Book
Perfect for middle grade readers and history enthusiasts, New York Times bestselling author Steve Sheinkin presents the fascinating and frightening true story of the creation behind the most destructive force that birthed the arms race and the Cold War in Bomb: The Race...

While written for young adults, read this with my kids, it is an engaging, well researched, well written account of the creation of the atomic bomb. Given all the hype around the Oppenheimer biopic in theaters this summer, which was not age appropriate for my kids, this gave them some insight into what everyone was talking about. A good read for the whole family which lead to some very good discussions around war, weapons, ethics and power.

-Erika D.

The bookshop by the bay
Kelley, Pamela M.
Paper Book
"Anyone who's ever wanted to turn the page on their old life or felt the whispered promise of a new dream, and a fresh start will fall in love with Pamela Kelley's charming new novel." --New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews TWO LIFELONG FRIENDS.

5 STARS

Chain of gold
Clare, Cassandra
Paper Book
From #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare comes the first novel in a brand-new trilogy where evil hides in plain sight and love cuts deeper than any blade. Chain of Gold is a Shadowhunters novel. Cordelia Carstairs is a...

I've been reading all of the Shadowhunter series books by Cassandra Clare along with my oldest daughter, since she was in 8th grade. This does not disappoint. While fantasy, these books allowed us to have discussions about many social issues that exist in the real world at an awkward age for her. It allowed us to discuss 'characters' not people and share our thoughts and feelings about social issues in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

-Erika D.

Chain of iron
Clare, Cassandra
Paper Book
A #1 New York Times Bestseller! The Shadowhunters must catch a killer in Edwardian London in this dangerous and romantic sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Chain of Gold, from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author...

I've been reading all of the Shadowhunter series books by Cassandra Clare along with my oldest daughter, since she was in 8th grade. This does not disappoint. While fantasy, these books allowed us to have discussions about many social issues that exist in the real world at an awkward age for her. It allowed us to discuss 'characters' not people and share our thoughts and feelings about social issues in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

-Erika D.

Chain of thorns
Clare, Cassandra
Paper Book
James and Cordelia must save London--and their marriage--in this thrilling and highly anticipated conclusion to the Last Hours series from the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Thorns is a Shadowhunters novel. All...

I've been reading all of the Shadowhunter series books by Cassandra Clare along with my oldest daughter, since she was in 8th grade. This does not disappoint. While fantasy, these books allowed us to have discussions about many social issues that exist in the real world at an awkward age for her. It allowed us to discuss 'characters' not people and share our thoughts and feelings about social issues in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

-Erika D.

The Connellys of County Down
Lange, Tracey
Paper Book
From Tracey Lange, the New York Times bestselling author of We Are the Brennans, comes The Connellys of County Down: a story about fierce family loyalty, good intentions gone awry, and the consequences of improbable love. When Tara Connelly is released...

3 STARS

Crying in the Bathroom A Memoir
S?chez, Erika L.
Paper Book
"Equal parts pee-your-pants hilarity and break your heart poignancy- like the perfect brunch date you never want to end!"--America Ferrera, Emmy award-winning actress in Ugly Betty From the New York Times bestselling author of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter<...

5 STARS

A beautiful memoir about a woman's journey through family trauma, relationships and career while growing up as a Mexican American woman with a passion for writing and adventure. The author's candid descriptions about her experience with depression were heartbreaking but left me with hope. I want to read more of her work.

-Sandra C.

A dog's purpose
Cameron, W. Bruce.
Paper Book
A Dog's Purpose--the #1 New York Times bestseller and major motion picture--is a perfect gift to introduce dog lovers to this wonderful series. Based on the beloved bestselling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, A Dog's Purpose, from director Lasse...

5 STARS

This book is a must-read. So wholesome with focus on themes of love and purpose. I cried several times reading this because I can relate to growing up with a dog but I think anyone would enjoy this book.

-Sandra C.

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5 STARS

I was in a reading slump and was falling behind on my reading goal for the year. I was recommended to read this book since I was a dog lover. It was definitely right up my alley and was my favorite book I've read in quite a while! It was hard trying not to cry while reading this book on the plane!

-Sean K.

Drowning : the rescue of Flight 1421 : a novel
Newman, T. J.
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE FROM WARNER BROTHERS PICTURES * "Reads like Apollo 13 underwater." --Don Winslow * "Masterful." --Patricia Cornwell * "A stunningly vivid tour de force!" Gripping. Shocking." --Brad Thor Flight...

5 STARS

-Abby P.

Hang the moon : a novel
Walls, Jeannette
Paper Book
"A rollicking tale." --The Washington Post *"Propulsive." --Associated Press * "Wild, smart, energetic." --Los Angeles Times * "Brilliant and effervescent." --NPR From the #1 bestselling author of The Glass Castle, the instant New York Times bestseller a...

5 STARS

Absolutely loved this book! If you read Jeannette's first book, The Glass Castle and enjoyed that, this is a must read. It's the fictional story of Sallie Kincaid growing up in rural Virginia in the 1900's. The plot keeps shifting with lots of memorable characters and twists and turns which keep you guessing. Sallie has a father who is a legend in the county. She truly believes that he could Hang the Moon for her. As the story continues and she matures, she finds out that her father is not the person she thought he was.

How to keep house while drowning : a gentle approach to cleaning and organizing
Davis, KC
Paper Book
KC Davis offers a compassionate approach to cleaning and organizing, helping you transform your home without guilt. A perfect Mother's Day gift for moms seeking peace and practical solutions. If you're struggling to stay on top of your to-do list, you probably have a good...

3 STARS

It's not summer without you
Han, Jenny.
Paper Book
Now an Original Series on Prime Video! Belly finds out what comes after falling in love in this follow-up to The Summer I Turned Pretty from the New York Times bestselling author of To All the Boys I've Loved Before (now a major motion picture!), Jenny Han....

4 STARS

-Abby P.

Killers of the Flower Moon : the Osage murders and the birth of the FBI
Grann, David
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * A twisting, haunting true-life murder mystery about one of the most monstrous crimes in American history, from the author of The Wager and The Lost City of Z, "one of the preeminent adventure and true-crime writers working today."--New York...

5 STARS

This book absolutely gripped me from beginning to end. Family mystery woven into a deeper and more complex historical phenomenon that most Americans were not taught about in school. The narrative is written in a manner that tells a story while providing historical context on the Osage murders and FBI's development. This story is so important and I am interested to see the movie version coming out this fall.

Sandra C.

The love hypothesis
Hazelwood, Ali
Paper Book
Third-year PhD candidate Olive Smith doesn't believe in lasting romantic relationships - but her best friend does. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating was always going to require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees - Adam Carlsen, a young...

4.5 STARS

4.5! This book started a bit silly, unrealistic and slower for me but by the end I couldn’t put it down and loved it. It hit on a lot of important and serious themes while still being a funny love story set in academia. I’m glad I read it and will likely read more of the author’s work.

-Sandra C.

Loyalty
Scottoline, Lisa
Paper Book
#1 bestselling author Lisa Scottoline presents Loyalty, an emotional, action-packed epic of love and justice, set during the rise of the Mafia in Sicily. Loyalty can save a soul--or destroy one.     Franco Fiorvanti is a handsome...

5 STARS

Fascinating fictional read on what could have been the possible birth of the mafia in Sicily. The characters are totally believable & portrayed in such a way that I cared for even the most villainous because I could feel their emotions & sense of loyalty to their cause. I found myself rooting for the good guys & wishing they could amicably settle disagreements.

Mad honey : a novel
Picoult, Jodi
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * "Alternatingly heart-pounding and heartbreaking. This collaboration between two best-selling authors seamlessly weaves together Olivia and Lily's journeys, creating a provocative exploration of the strength that love and acceptance require."--The Washington...

I really enjoyed this book. Loved how it surrounded the death of a young girl but educated the reader on LGBTQ, specifically trans life. The struggles, the history, the details. This was a well written book.

The maid : a novel
Prose, Nita
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK * "A heartwarming mystery with a lovable oddball at its center" (Real Simple), this cozy whodunit introduces a one-of-a-kind heroine who will steal your heart.   FINALIST FOR...

3 STARS

I had heard that this was the "top mystery book" of last year according to Goodreads, but it fell a bit flat for me. The mystery itself wasn't very entertaining for me since you aren't given enough info to figure anything out on your own, and I couldn't get behind a lot of the dialogue. Felt fairly generic even though the main character had a pretty unique perspective. This one just didn't quite hit the mark for me, but was still a pretty good read.

-Sean K.

No time to wave goodbye
Mitchard, Jacquelyn.
Paper Book
#1 New York Times bestselling author. It is said that lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But what happens when bad luck seems to defy those odds? Twenty-two years ago, Beth Cappadora's three-year-old son, Ben, was abducted and, miraculously, returned nine years later. Now Beth's...

4 STARS

This is a follow up to Mitchard's best selling novel The Deep End of the Ocean, The Cappadora children are adults. Ben/Sam is now married with a baby. Ben was the child who was kidnapped in the earlier book. Vincent, the brother is now a film maker and makes a documentary about missing children. The book takes from there. All the main characters return and some new characters are added too. If you enjoyed the first book, you will enjoy this one. It did take a while to pick but when it did, it was interesting.

P.S. I still love you
Han, Jenny.
Paper Book
Now a Netflix original movie starring Lana Condor and Noah Centineo and the inspiration behind the Netflix spin-off series XO, Kitty, now streaming! In this highly anticipated sequel to the "lovely, lighthearted" (School Library Journal) New York Times...

4 STARS

-Abby P.

Pageboy : a memoir
Page, Elliot
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A New York Times "100 Notable Books of 2023" A TIME Magazine "100 Must-Read Books of 2023" A Washington Post "50 Notable Works of Nonfiction" An Autostraddle "Best Queer Books of 2023" "Vivid...Moving...

4 STARS

Started slow and got better and better by the end. Powerful story to be told of finding oneself and dealing with the disapproval and constraints of others but a bit all over the place in structure.

-Sandra C.

The recovery agent
Evanovich, Janet
Paper Book
#1 New York Times bestselling author and "thriller master" (Mystery and Suspense Magazine) Janet Evanovich returns with the launch of a "tense, suspenseful, funny, and wise" (Lee Child) series blending wild adventure, hugely appealing characters, and pitch-perfect humor. ...

5 STARS

Gabriela Rose is a recovery agent who finds lost treasures for people and companies. A family legend sends her to Peru to look for a lost treasure. It is very valuable and could help her home town rebuild. He ex-husband, Rafer insists on going with Gabriela. This book is full of mystery and fun.

Remarkably bright creatures : a novel
Van Pelt, Shelby
Paper Book
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Soon to be a Netflix Film A Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick! NAMED A BEST BOOK OF SUMMER by: Chicago Tribune * The View * Southern Living * USA Today "Remarkably Bright Creatures [is] an ultimately...

5 STARS

What a perfectly wonderful way to end the summer! I wish I could give this novel ten stars, not just five. It is the beautiful and uplifting story of a widow who cleans an aquarium at night, her friends, the owner of a local grocery story, her son who dies a tragic death at 18, and an octopus in the aquarium's tank. The octopus changes her life, as she changes his. Do not think this is the plot of an upcoming Disney film. Instead it the basis for lives, all lives, human and otherwise. The characters are people you know, including yourself. While life can throw you some bad punches, the spirit that lies within us often makes room for second chances. Kindness can indeed make a difference. This book is for the young and those growing older Be prepared for a wonderful read, an ending that you won't expect that will leave you smiling, with perhaps a tear escaping from a corner of your eye.

-Edie S.

The silent patient
Michaelides, Alex
Paper Book
**THE INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER** "An unforgettable--and Hollywood-bound--new thriller... A mix of Hitchcockian suspense, Agatha Christie plotting, and Greek tragedy." --Entertainment Weekly The Silent Patient is a...

5 STARS

Wow!!! Truly kept me on my toes from beginning to end. Reminded me of Behind Her Eyes with all the twists and turns. The author masterfully develops several characters who could be suspect throughout the book and switches perspectives to keep us guessing who is truly good or bad. Any book that does this well and actually surprises us in the end is great in my book.

-Sandra C.

The summer I turned pretty
Han, Jenny
Paper Book
Now an Original Series on Prime Video! Belly has an unforgettable summer in this stunning start to the Summer I Turned Pretty series from the New York Times bestselling author of To All the Boys I've Loved Before (now a major motion picture!), Jenny Han.

4 STARS

-Abby P.

To all the boys I've loved before
Han, Jenny.
Paper Book
To All the Boys I've Loved Before is now a major motion picture on Netflix and the inspiration for the spin-off series XO, Kitty--now streaming on Netflix! A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021) Lara Jean's love life gets complicated in this...

4 STARS

-Abby P.

Tom Lake : a novel
Patchett, Ann
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK In this beautiful and moving novel about family, love, and growing up, Ann Patchett once again proves herself one of America's finest writers. "Patchett leads us to a truth that feels like life rather than...

4 STARS

Trial
Patterson, Richard North
Paper Book
Trial confirms Richard North Patterson's place as "our most important author of popular fiction." In a propulsive narrative that culminates in a nationally televised murder case, Trial explores America's most incendiary flashpoints of race. A Black...

4 STARS

-Abby P.

We'll always have summer : a Summer novel
Han, Jenny.
Paper Book
Now an Original Series on Prime Video! Can Belly make a final choice between Jeremiah and Conrad? Find out in the conclusion of the New York Times bestselling The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy from the author of To All the Boys I've Loved Before (now a major motion...

3 STARS

The woman with the cure
Cullen, Lynn
Paper Book
In 1940s and '50s America, polio is as dreaded as the atomic bomb. No one's life is untouched by this disease that kills or paralyzes its victims, particularly children. Outbreaks of the virus across the country regularly put American cities in lockdown. Some of the world's best minds are engaged in...

5 STARS

Great book about a woman in science. It was interesting and well written. It was interesting to draw connections with the pandemic. Would recommend.


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