The Night Hunter
by Natalie Moss
Wow...A Book Too Good to Miss (6/14/2026)
This reader couldn't put this book down. It was actually read in two days. (I did have to sleep.) The author did an excellent job describing both characters and settings. One felt as if one was in the jungle with the animals. What a surprise ending!!!! I will not say more.
Bellosio: An Age of Miracles
by John Shekleton
Interesting Set of Characters and Religious Practices (6/12/2026)
After reading a few pages, I decided to forget the list of strange names and settings. I was able to enjoy reading the rest of the book getting the "big picture" of warring tribes and those wanting to be charge. I found myself comparing this book's theme to what is happening in today's political world. Oh, to have mind reading capacity and a staff that could be called into action in order to make things better.
Dangerous, Dirty, Violent, and Young: A Fugitive Family in the Revolutionary Underground
by Zayd Ayers Dohrn
Perfect Descriptive Title (5/6/2026)
Dohrn did a great job describing the social unrest of the 60s. His characters weren't all bad just disillusioned with society. They took to violence on many levels - bombs, killings, etc. Their dedication to this type of warfare not only affected them but also their families. FBI interrogated innocent family members in order to scare the revolutionaries into stopping their violent activities or turn themselves in to the authorities. Children running from state to state, city to city finding safe houses and undergrounds had to be resilient. The author's examples of children growing up to be productive members of society in spite of their parents gives this reader hope.
An Infinite Love Story
by Chanel Cleeton
Oh my, What a Great Read (5/2/2026)
I enjoyed this book immensely for a variety of reasons. First of all, it was timely in that we just had astronauts take a space journey around the moon. This author helped this reader understand the effects space travel preparation and the actual mission have on family dynamics. The story about the love Joe and Vivian had for each other was heart-warming. How they met, how they dealt with the pressures of married life, and their different vocations left this reader hoping for them to experience all the best life could offer. This book is one a reader won't want to put down. The questions listed at the back would certainly stimulate book club discussion.
Feast
by Catherine Kurtz
Feast of Famine (4/30/2026)
It is interesting that having a "feast" is all relative. The feast might be one with many delectable foods or simply one that is not so fancy and serves to satisfy hunger. In this book the Kurtz's characterization illustrate the difference. The question is "Which is Better?" Again, better is a relative term as well. If Minha could choose, according to this story, I think she would have considered a "simple meal of bread and cheese" to be better. The richer folks just seemed to be trying to out-do each other time and time again searching for the ideal feast to entertain their guests. Too bad their search was a fruitless one filled with unsatisfying extravagance. The book makes the case that riches are not always what make people happy.
The Take
by Kelly Yang
What Does it Take (4/28/2026)
The title, as this reader discovered, had a variety of meanings. First of all, "taking" advantage of someone for self-gain, self-survival was one interpretation. The other referred to the film industry's various "takes" before an actual script is chosen for a movie. It was interesting to see how an unproven research-based protocol could we used to reverse aging and as well as allow a young woman to achieve her life wish of becoming a well-known author. Kelly Yang's character descriptions were well-stated in such a way one could identify with each person in her story.
The Young Will Remember
by Eve J. Chung
What an Educational Read! (2/28/2026)
It hasn't been 100 years but I don't really remember the Korean War. Interesting the author pointed out that there seems to be a war every 100 years due to the fact those that would remember are dead and gone. We often say we must learn from the past but it appears we don't. This book stimulated my thinking/worries regarding political involvement on the "world stage" as well as in our own country. As in the book, women play a very important role while organizing friends and neighbors to fight against harmful governmental decisions/coverups. The author helped me realize, more than ever, that "homegrown resistance" can have an effect. Women don't wear a uniform but they often find themselves fighting the battles their husbands face. This book would be a good one for book club discussion.
Fireflies in Winter
by Eleanor Shearer
Fireflies in Winter (2/22/2026)
The author throughout the book kept referring to the state of feeling free vs non-free. Her characters fluctuate between the two with choices being made. It is interesting that freedom was associated with living in nature throughout the seasons both easy and difficult; feeling free to acknowledge friendships can grow to something more. It seems love comes in many forms that causes friction among people throughout the centuries. The title "Fireflies in Winter" is allegorical in that the characters had to address meaning of "true freedom" and accepted moral values. Interesting read!
The House of Hidden Letters
by Izzy Broom
The House of Missing Letters (2/7/2026)
What a great read? The author drew me in by having Skye find a letter carved in the woodwork. This led to multiple discoveries both inside and outside. This reader was left guessing what else would turn up and the historical significance of each new find. Mysteries had to be solved among historical facts. One was left with an overwhelming urge to cheer the book's characters on too finding success and happiness. This book is one to remember for a variety of reasons.
The Midnight Taxi
by Yosha Gunasekera
The Midnight Taxi (12/21/2025)
This author kept the reader involved in solving the murder. How in the world did fingerprints appear on a knife that was not touched by taxi cab driver, Siri! Both Amaya, public defender. and Siri work hard to solve this mystery and clear Siri's name. Alex's involvement was certainly a surprise.
When We Were Brilliant
by Lynn Cullen
When We Were Brilliant (12/16/2025)
This book helped this reader gain insight into both Marilyn Monroe's life and the photographer Eve Arnold's struggle to capture personalities in her photos. As one needs to be reminder at times, there is more to anyone's personal story than "meets the eye". The author portrayed the main characters as real heroines in a world that created "stars" on the screen and published works. The wonderful relationship between Marilyn and Eve was one based on truth and understanding. Both realized they were fighting a battle to be seen in a "man's world.
Dandelion Is Dead
by Rosie Storey
Loved this Book Even Though It Wasn't About a Plant (10/17/2025)
In looking at the title, I wasn't sure it was about a person or a plant. However, when I realized it was about a sister relationship and facing aftermath of ones passing, I couldn't wait to read. The younger sister's coping mechanism was certainly an interesting one. One that eventually did cause more confusion. I really liked the book and its conclusion.
When They Burned the Butterfly
by Wen-yi Lee
Confusing at Best (10/17/2025)
Somehow, I didn't identify with the characters in this book. Maybe it was because my knowledge of Singapore was limited. I can appreciate the role the various gangs played in the story. Having the butterfly burned seemed to be part of what happened when gangs began usurping power. The butterfly tattoo was almost a character in the story in the story. It had its effects. The girls with the butterfly were loyal to each other which is commended.
A Club of One's Own
by BookBrowse
A Club of One's Own (8/14/2025)
Wow...what good suggestions. I currently am in a book club and have been having concerns about attendance. This book gave me ideas on how to address this along with some wonderful resources. The letter dealing for removal was especially helpful as well as the Health Check Template. I am going to buy a copy of the "real book". Thank you for putting all this helpful information in one place.
The Sister's Curse
by Nicola Solvinic
The Sister's Curse (7/16/2025)
Well, this author kept the reader guessing throughout the entire book. It is interesting to note that a religious sect played a role in the story as well past crimes. There was a supernatural tone throughout that made the reader question existence of evil or something else.
Too Old for This
by Samantha Downing
Too Old for This (4/13/2025)
The book demanded the reader to have an open mind. It appeared to have two themes - murder and old age trials. This reader couldn't justify the continuous murder of people the main character didn't like. I know we sometimes might think we might kill someone because of irritating situation but we don't follow through or should we. Actually that phrase about killing is so inappropriate when we should offer grace instead of murder.
The trials the main character experienced with getting older certainly sound familiar and author justified. If this reader concentrated on that then the book was readable.
Making Friends Can Be Murder
by Kathleen West
Interesting Title - What Does It Mean ...(Making Friends Can Be Murder) (2/26/2025)
I wasn't sure about what this book was about. Was it about moving to a new location and finding it difficult to make friends? I found the answer. It was about making new friends and much, much more. The author drew this reader into the situations that were a bit surprising yet enlightening. I found myself "cheering on" several of the friends. Yes, I would recommend this book. I think the reader would find the book engaging from start to finish.
One Death at a Time
by Abbi Waxman
Great Book...keeps you guessing! (12/26/2024)
This book kept this reader riveted to reading the next page. Characters were believable, well-developed and likeable. One wanted both Mason and Julia to eventually become friends and allies. This was a "who-done-it" that kept the reader wondering about who was actually responsible for the many deaths/killings. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a great mystery. My book club would love reading this one for sure.
Harlem Rhapsody
by Victoria Christopher Murray
Harlem Rhapsody (9/6/2024)
Reading this book, reminded me of race relations in the 1920's and role women played. Women were capable, often overlooked, under-appreciated as shown in this story of Jesse and her work/dedication to W. E. B. DuBois. In Jesse's case she wanted love and a career while both were out of her reach it seemed. The author did a great job of bringing main characters to life. I would recommend this book to everyone and especially book clubs. The book would encourage some lively conversation. I enjoyed reading it. I learned about people that made a difference in promoting racial equality. Great read, in my opinion.
The Waters: A Novel
by Bonnie Jo Campbell
The Waters (12/19/2023)
What a great book! The author's descriptions of The Waters location and nearby village "Whiteheart" were so good you could almost picture yourself there - visiting Rose Cottage and Boneset Table. The complex family dynamics were powerful yet it was apparent all three daughters and granddaughter were loved by the elder Hermine "Herself" Zook, the local herbalist. A variety of themes were played out in the book - value of natural remedies, effects of pollution on the environment as well as incest and rape. Book clubs would have a lot to discuss with this book.
