Staff Picks: Summer Reading Club
What are APL staff members currently reading, watching, listening to or recommending?
The Fishing Librarian (and other staff) pick out their favorite current reads
We've asked our staff to share what they’re currently reading, watching or listening to. What we ended up with is a very eclectic list of books, movies, audiobooks and music. These are cumulative lists that we’ll add to all year long.
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Urban Fic Pick: Don't Even Go There
5 Stars - Fantastic! Go Read it NOW!
This story is about Chase Jenkins and how she always as a plan B. Chase is a no holds barred type of girl who will go after anybody’s man without remorse. Chase doesn’t believe in love and after a long term relationship goes stale she goes back on her hunt for not just any man, but men who should be off limits. Throughout the whole story, she always has a way of getting out of things before they escalate, but her biggest escapade tests how far she will really go to hook a man on her game. She goes after her boss’s man and that is where this book really gets its fire.
My Thoughts
This book was awesome with a capital A. I liked it because no one really learned their lesson throughout the whole book. I think there should be a second book after this one. It ends with a blast and leaves you wanting more. The one thing that I like about the main character is that she is a go getter and doesn’t care about the risk, as long as she gets what she wants. And she is not naïve when it comes to men because she can see right through them and know what they want. In a way she is able to aggressively manipulate men to make them see that what she wants they want too.
Written by Monique H., Central patron
Other books you might enjoy
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SRC Review: Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain
5 Stars - Fantastic! Go Read it NOW!
I have been so eager to read this book. I reserved it at the Library. Waited two months. (not an easy thing for me) Started reading it in the parking lot of the library and finished it less than 24 hours later. I devoured this book.
In this book, Portia chronicle's her struggle with weight, self esteem, and food that becomes so overwhelming it almost overtakes her. The book is so raw and real. Portia takes you into her mind and into her secret rituals and you see her day to day dealing with insecurities.
Before this book, I had seen Portia only on Arrested Development. Even on the sitcom, you can see she is a complex person with layers who is very witty and intelligent.
I love the way she ends the book (the epilogue), I want a sequel so I can continue to read about her life and the person she is now. The book is beautiful. If you have ever struggled with weight, calorie counting, exercise, self hate, bad self talk. Read this book. You will be engrossed and challenged.
Written by Cynthia F., Woodland West patron
Other books you might enjoy
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SRC Review: No One in the World by E. Lynn Harris
4 Stars - Great. Definitely Worth It.
No One in the World by E. Lynn Harris and co-written with RM Johnson is drama at its best! This novel is reminiscent of E. Lynn’s best known work of fiction Invisible Life. The main character is Cobi Winslow, a prominent Chicago attorney and part heir to his family’s hair care fortune. Cobi has a secret life that is known by his family but hidden from the general public. When tragedy strikes the family, Cobi is roped into an improbable task. On top of this life altering situation, Cobi learns of a family member he never knew existed. Harris and Johnson leave readers anxious to turn the pages to find out what surprises they have in store.
I liked this book because it left me gasping in surprise, laughing out loud and getting angry with the characters. Several of these characters will get under your skin and stay with you for awhile. Cutty and Blac for instance are two of the bad guys in the story. The way these characters are portrayed; you will hate Cutty and have a love/hate thing for Blac. Blac’s character will surprise you but you may still dislike him. I couldn’t put the book down because I wanted to find out what would happen next! Be ready for lots of emotion.
E Lynn’s books are well known for family squabbles, incredible romantic entanglements and strong male characters. This book will not disappoint, it is filled with those elements, drama, drama and more drama. If you’re a fan of drama, well then this is the perfect book for you.
Written by Juledith M., Woodland West patron
Other books you might enjoy
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SRC Review: The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
4 Stars - Great. Definitely Worth It.
I had read Tuesdays with Morrie, so when I passed this in the library I thought: Yes, I have always had this on my book wish list.
This book is a story about how our lives are entwined. Reminded me a little of Water for Elephants but just because of the Carnival setting! Also, I loved that it was told from a man's perscpective. I guess I tend to read books about females and self-discovery. The book was philosophical but with a good story line that kept you interested. I loved the husband and wife interact in this story. This book is little, it is a good short read and it is beautiful and makes you think.
PS. I liked it better than Tuesdays with Morrie which is also a good book if you are needing a nice little story. But I would say don't read the two back to back because Albom's style (philosophy heavy) is best if you take it in small bites so you can absorb all the goodness!
Written by Cynthia F., Woodland West patron
Other books you might enjoy
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SRC Reviews: Friday Short Picks - YA Fiction
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
4 Stars - Great. Definitely Worth It.
This is a truly amazing book. It is written from the perspective of a boy with autism. The book is about his struggles with school and family. It really gives you a view inside the mind of someone with autism. It was brilliantly written and very eye opening. Loved this book! By Cynthia F.
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
3 Stars - Meh, It's OK. Worth a Read.
For the most part, I enjoyed the prequel to this story, The Maze Runner. In The Scorch Trials, however, it really seems like the author is stretching for all these bad things to happen to this group of kids, and honestly, none of it makes a lot of sense. Since the reader is missing the overall significance of the tests of the Maze and the Scorch, I found it hard to really care whether the kids lived or died after awhile. Although I am sure the third book of the trilogy will answer all my questions, I am not sure I am even interested enough to continue reading the series. By Kirsten F. (also reviewed on teen blog)
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
5 Stars - Fantastic! Go Read it NOW!
Ender's Game, a genre-altering work from 1977, is about training a child to win a war. Card's masterful blending of psychology with heart tells a story that makes you care about almost every character, even the ones you hate. The story turns everything it has taught you around in the end, making the story even more poignant and deep. If you like speculative fiction and haven't read this work, it's a must read. By Jace R. (also check out review for A War of Gifts)
Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
3 Stars - Meh, It's OK. Worth a Read.
Young lady takes on proving a homestead claim in East Montana. Many trials and tribulations later she meets success, but not in the way one would expect. So, an interesting ending with hope shining brightly from lessons learned on the wide open plains of Eastern Montana. I grew up in this part of the USA. Hatie's efforts and experiences get a broad brush. Details are left to the readers imagination. An interesting book to listen to on a long trip. By Peter J.
Battle Royale by Koushun Takami
4 Stars - Great. Definitely Worth It.
If you loved The Hunger Games but don't know what to read next, try this Japanese thriller! The Republic of Greater East Asia researches warfare by pitting a class of middle school students against each other in a battle royale, a fight to the finish. Who will keep their humanity, and who will play the game? This book also reminded me of the classic Lord of the Flies, and shows what can happen when civilization breaks down. Highly recommended. This book is more graphic than The Hunger Games, so its definitely for mature readers of Young Adult fiction. By Diane O.
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SRC Reviews: Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
3 Stars - Meh, It's OK. Worth a Read.
I initially struggled with the plot of this young adult novel [ed. note: The Library Ninja reviewed this book back in January]. Nailer works as a scavenger, removing copper from old oil tankers, in a very futuristic Louisiana. The world as we know it has come to an end, and Nailer's entire life is based on the day-to-day survival of dangerous work and a more dangerous father.
Although the story starts off rather slow, it picks up when Nailer saves a swank, a rich girl, after a hurricane. Based on this meeting, Nailer has to make decisions about the type of future he wants to lead when the girl promises she can reward him upon her rescue by her father.
With all of the dystopian stories out there, Ship Breaker offers a different perspective on what the future might be like.
written by Kirsten F., Lake Arlington patron -- Thanks for your review! You've received an entry in the Summer Reading Club drawing for a Nook.
Other items you might enjoy
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SRC Reviews: Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs
3 Stars - Meh, It's OK. Worth a Read.
I started reading the "Dr. Brennen" books by Kathy Reichs because I really like the show Bones on TV and found out they were loosely based on these books. I have to say, this is one of the few cases of the show being far better than the book.
It's not that the book is bad, it's just a little one note. It is written in a memoir style with the sole perspective being Tempe Brennen's memory of events. Because of this, there is a lot of internal monologue and some of it just didn't seem necessary to the story line. For example, there are multiple mentions of Tempe being a recovering alcoholic, but this seems to have no relation to anything in the story other than to take up a couple paragraphs talking about how she would like a drink but can't have one. Even though I'm not blown away by the book, I did enjoy it as a light read and it kept my interest reasonably well. The science is interesting even if the personal details of the story are delt a little heavy handed.
If you are looking for a forensic murder mystery to enjoy as a light read, this one isn't bad. It won't blow you away, but it will keep you entertained for a few hours.
written by Jessica O., Northeast patron -- Thanks for your review! You've received an entry in the Summer Reading Club drawing for a Nook.
Other items you might enjoy
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SRC Review: The Broker by John Grisham
3 Stars - Meh, It's OK. Worth a Read.
I've read many books by John Grisham and generally like them. Most of his recent work does not seem to live up to his early work, but regardless, he generally puts out interesting reads, even if they do not have the excitement of The Firm, The Pelican Brief, or The Client. This book falls into that generalization. It was good, but I wouldn't call it a page turner. I checked out the audiobook and the reader was really good, but unfortunately I couldn't skim through sections that were getting boring.
This was one of Grisham's few books that is not set in the South. It concerns a big shot deal broker in DC who got into a deal that was over his head, so he is now on the run in Italy. The fact that it is set in Italy got my interest, so I checked it out. If you are like me, the thought of a man on the run in Europe might interest you. Just be prepared to read chapter after redundant chapter about the main character's journey of learning the language and culture of Italy. Seriously, it seems to go on forever with not much page turning/plot developing action and then all of the sudden...it is over.
I will say this, though: Grisham's description of Italy is very enticing, and I think I would love to visit there one day. I guess He had a nice trip there and decided to write a book about it. If you are interested in Italy, you'll probably enjoy this book. If you want a page turner, you may want to look into other options.
Written by Scott N., Central patron
Other books you might enjoy
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SRC Reviews: Friday Short Picks - Nonfiction
The Day John Died by Christopher Andersen
4 Stars - Great. Definitely Worth It.
I couldn't put it down. It was a detailed account of JFK, Jr. life from infant through adulthood. Just fascinating the family dynamics of the Kennedy family. Not only did I learn alot about John but also his mother, aunts ,uncles and cousins. (92 Kennedy) By Dawn P.
Man in the Rockefeller Suit by Mark Seal
4 Stars - Great. Definitely Worth It.
Fascinating read on a real life con man gone bonkers. The Rockefeller name endures. (364.1633 S438m) By Tony M.
20 Years Younger by Bob Greene
4 Stars - Great. Definitely Worth It.
If you are interested in staying healhy and looking and feeling better as you age, you should read this book. The book includes how-to-advice for changing your diet, your exercise, skin care, sleeping habits, all geared toward looking and feeling younger. I read a lot of "health-type" information and found this book to be easy to read and understand. (613.2 G799t) By Sharon R.
Sky High : irresistible triple-layer cakes by Alisa Huntsman and Peter Wynne
4 Stars - Great. Definitely Worth It.
I enjoyed the book. It has some great introduction information. Great prepatory information for creating these wonderful cakes. I liked the presentation of it all. Then finally getting to the recipes, I found some great recipes and lots of variety. All around great dessert book. (641.865 H956s) Anita A.
Suck On This Year: LYFAO @ 140 Characters or Less by Dennis Leary
4 Stars - Great. Definitely Worth It.
This is a teensy tiny book of about a year's worth of tweets from the (in)famous comedian/actor/producer Denis Leary. Taking a note from the pages of Sh!t My Dad Says, he's compiled his favorite tweets into one collection. It's topical, snarky, and humorous. If you're having a bad day and need a grin this little volume will likely hit the spot. It's like a pbj at 3 p.m. when you missed lunch. Sugar high! (817.6 L438s) By Shannon B.
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