Malorie didn't believe there was something out there at first. Her sister tried to warn her. Incidents of suicide and madness were popping up around the world but nothing close to home. Until their parents stopped answering the phone. Then there were cases occurring in their city. Finally, pregnant and scared, Malorie finds her sister in the bathroom in a pool of blood. Thus starts a frightening tale of unknowns and survival. In an attempt to find civilization with two young children in her care, Malorie takes to the the river to find a group who is self sustaining, and waiting for their arrival. But will they be able to make it, completely blind to the elements? Will the children be able to keep their blindfolds on? Or will the creatures get to them?
Bird Box is an atmospheric horror novel written in a quiet way that instantly gives the reader goosebumps. Malerman creates a dystopian world full of uncertainties that is completely original and addictive. Cassandra Campbell narrates the audiobook with hushed tones and a perfectly timed voice. This is a perfect book for readers looking for a subdued horror novel.
Glennon Doyle, author of the New York Times bestseller Love Warrior, has written a book that is part memoir, part self-help, part uplifting feminist theory. She discusses what it means to be a girl or woman living in a cage, being taught to doubt herself and be demure and little instead of big and, as she calls it, "knowing." Basing her theories and revelations on events in her own life, as well as spirituality, Doyle brings to light the oppressing factors that women deal with in society every day.
Doyle does a fantastic job creating a narrative around social stereotypes in young girls and women, highlighting the obstacles she herself, as well as her family, have had to endure. Discussing struggles in marriage, with self-doubt, personal image, and other issues she is able to preach on the importance of "knowing:" knowing who you are, trusting your knowing, etc. She did a phenomenal job connecting social paradigms with real life and was able to write a moral boosting book. It was an enjoyable experience listening to Glennon Doyle's passion as she narrated the audio version herself. For readers who enjoy light self-help with a focus on feminism, mixed with some spirituality and personal experiences.
Friends and Strangers tells the story of two women at a crossroads in their life. Sam, a senior at an all girls college, has signed on to babysit Elisabeth's baby, Gil, part-time. The women indulge in a quick friendship, relying on one another for honest insight as Sam prepares to adjust to a new more grown up life outside of college and Elisabeth adjusts to her new life in a small town. Both women, however, find themselves dealing with personal demons, elitism and privilege.
Sullivan's latest novel comes from the point of view of both women, telling a relatable coming-of-age story with decisions and situations from two separate points in a person's life. She does such a spectacular job drawing you into the lives of Sam and Elisabeth that you feel like you know them personally. I had a hard time letting go of this novel, so much so that I found myself up at all hours to finish it! An easy and insightful read, Sullivan fans will not be disappointed.
During their senior year of college, Lucy and Gabe randomly come together on September 11, 2001, before going in separate directions. They reconnect years later and fall into a passionate love affair only to be separated again, but this time because Gabe accepts a job as a photographer with the Associated Press overseas and Lucy refuses to leave her job in New York City. Both wanting to make their mark on the world, neither wants to give up their dream for their relationship. Keeping a light friendship post break-up through the years, they are once again reconnected, though in tragedy, thus leaving Lucy with an important decision to make.
This novel had me fully invested after the first page. It's an original idea, a recount of Lucy's life with Gabe, as told by Lucy herself. A story of first love, The Light we Lost is a melancholy story with realistic undertones that make it completely relatable to the reader. To be read with a box of tissues, you will be instantly immersed in Lucy's life from the very beginning through the end.
Check out our e-book or e-audiobook copies of this book through Library on the Go (Libby/Overdrive) or eReadIllinois (Axis360).
The Only Girl in the World is Maude Julien's story of her upbringing in a large estate where her parents raised her to be "Super Human," forcing her into hard, physical labor and studies beyond her comprehension. Her mother and father used force and manipulation to mold Maude into a hardened and stoic person. Keeping her isolated from the rest of the world, they found her weaknesses and brought her pain to make her stronger. But by reading books about how children are treated in the real world, and because she is paired up with an intelligent music teacher, she is able to escape this world where she is the only girl.
I listened to this audiobook, read by the author, and it was dark and emotional, sometimes hard to listen to. Hearing Ms. Julien's story of how she herself became a strong and diligent young woman who eventually grew confident enough to rebel and stand against her father's wishes made this story heroic. Thankfully her music teacher persistently worked for years to convince her father to send her to his music school in the city, where Maude was eventually able to break away from his grasp and lead the normal, fulfilled life she had longed for since her youth. This memoir was gripping and emotional, a recommended read (or listen) to those who appreciate memoirs about unconventional upbringings (like Educated or The Glass Castle).
In Ann Patchett’s most recent novel, Maeve and Danny's father decides to surprise his then wife with a mansion, known as The Dutch House. Overwhelmed, she flees the house, leaving Cyril to
raise his children alone – until he marries Andrea. Thus begins the saga of the Conroy family, taking dips and turns into the distant and near pasts, circling back to the present. Answers are unveiled in time in this fictional drive through a family's darkest and deepest memories. Patchett has created a completely delightful story with this cast of ordinary characters, making them that much more interesting.
I loved listening to this novel. As narrator, Tom Hanks told this story of the captivating and enthralling Conroy family through Danny's recollections and experiences so perfectly that I really believed he was Danny. Patchett created a flawless relationship with Maeve and Danny and satisfyingly brought the novel full circle with Andrea and Danny. For fans of Literary Fiction and Family Sagas, this is a great book to listen to or read to fulfill your family drama desires.
This is the story of a marriage. A marriage in which the husband is afraid that his wife may leave him if he ever screws up. A marriage in which the wife is in complete control of everything. Including their murders. In this story, a seemingly perfect family slowly starts to unravel as the police come
closer and closer to solving the murders of several missing women. Then, because of all the lies and secrets, it all falls apart in a matter of hours.
The book was an easy read, with short chapters and an original storyline. Although it was slow to pick up speed, there was a shocking twist, reminiscent of Gone Girl, that shocked me, but only for a moment before realizing I should have seen it coming all along.
An American Marriage is a story about two people in love, newly married, who are suddenly and harshly pulled apart by a corrupted justice system in the South. Celestial and Roy were visiting family in Louisiana when in the middle of the night, police break down their hotel door and arrest Roy for a crime he did not commit. Thus begins the story of their marriage, a heart-wrenching tale of unfortunate events, chaotic feelings, and coming to terms with the unfair and unforeseen circumstances of everyday actions.
This is a fantastic book, told via a multi-narrative format that translates beautifully to audio. The narrators speak as if they are their characters, full of feelings and emotions, with conviction and rawness. While the story of Roy and Celestial hurt my heart, I couldn't stop listening. This book is highly recommended for readers who enjoy multi-perspective stories and literary fiction.
City of Girls is about Vivian
Morris, told in firsthand account by Vivian herself. The story starts with
Vivian addressing a woman who has written her to find out what she had meant to
her father. After a long but entertaining and intriguing life story, her moving
to New York twice, her sexual escapades, her girl crush on Celia, the death of
her brother, and finally finding love with a man whom she never touched, we
find out the relationship between this woman’s father and Vivian.
This was a charming story: endearing, insightful, and very
well told. I listened to this in audio and the narrator, Blair Brown, did an
absolute fantastic job telling this tale! It didn't disappoint.
In this timely
retelling of the classic Little Women, we see Meg and Jo as modern women
navigating their relationships in a 21st century world. Meg is dealing
with her need to live up to her mother's reputation of being able to "do
it all," thus creating small rifts in her marriage. Jo is trying to
figure out her life after being let go from her newspaper employer and figure out how to juggle her foodie blog and the new relationship with her
Chef boss. While we see the two eldest March sisters struggle with their personal
lives, we see them tend to their mother, who needs back surgery and
therefore is not able to work the farm. And to the dismay of the girls, their
father, Asher, is absent while he delivers ministry to his not-for-profit helping
war veterans instead of helping at home or with their mother.
This is a fantastic retelling, really bringing
the magic of the March women to current times. It was enjoyable to see them as
young feminists, all the while keeping their obligations to family close to
their heart and at the top of their priorities. Kantra's take on Asher
March was surprising to me, but very much in keeping with the modern
feel of the retelling. I wouldn't have had it any other way. This story
was cute and perfect for readers with a fondness and love for Alcott's Little Women. And it's just in time for the new movie!
When Vivian Forest is given the opportunity to join her daughter to the country "cottage" of the British Royal family,
she reluctantly agrees to go. Upon arriving at the this cottage, however, she meets Malcolm Hudson, the ultra-handsome private secretary to the Queen herself! And sparks fly instantly for both as Malcolm introduces Vivian to many new experiences, and Vivian brings out a fun playfulness in Malcolm that he hasn't felt in years.
The playful yet mature banter between Malcolm and Vivian was so enjoyable and it made me giggle out loud many times throughout the story. Guillory has a great way of portraying relationships perfectly as they should be, but also keeping them realistic by creating practical obstacles for the couple to hash through and overcome. Vivian and Malcolm are two
extremely likable characters whom you root for from the very beginning. This is just the book to kick off a fun and flirty holiday season!
The Joy Luck Club is a group of Chinese women who banded together as they navigated a new country, coming together to share their life experiences and help one another through new ones. After one of the members passes away, her daughter June is invited to be a member in her mother’s spot. Upon her first meeting, June is greeted with a truth from her mother’s friends that she wasn’t prepared for: she must go to China to meet her twin half-sisters, the very sisters her mother believed had died long ago before she fled the country. In preparation, the women tell June of their past experiences in China and moving to America. Their daughters also provide stories to June about their relationships with their mothers and how their stories have impacted their relationships.
Tan creates a fantastic collection of stories woven together to make this novel a piece of art. Each story holds heartache and tragedy, but also strength and triumph! This is a coming of age story, a celebration of life, experience, and love between mothers and daughters.
In this novel, Stephen King introduces us to The Institute, a secret operation in the middle of a wooded area in northern Maine. Here there are children who can move things with their minds, and also read the minds of others. But hidden behind the fake smiles from the orderlies and the tests and shots being given to them, what purpose does it all serve? According to the children, it isn't good and they want out.
This was a great thriller and an edge-of-your-seat kind of novel. It's an incredible story of bravery and hope, but also of frustration and dread. It was hard to put down because I wanted to know what would happen next. King takes the reader into a world that could be realistic, operations and tests that could actually be happening, right under our noses. He makes it just believable enough to make the reader think a little harder about what happens to all of those missing children in the world.
Kid Gloves is a memoir about Lucy Knisley’s journey from just before pregnancy to just after. She highlights some tough and personal issues she personally went through trying to conceive "Pal," the nickname she gives her son in the comic, as well as the awful medical emergency she endured at the end of her pregnancy/birth of her son. In between her chapters, marked by what trimesters she was entering, she offered up amazing facts and history about contraception, conception, pregnancy, births, babies, mothers, etc.
This was such a well put together memoir of Knisley's experience. The way she separated her experience by trimester was such a cute and original idea, and adding the facts and interesting history in between really brought the reading experience together in a fun and delightful way. The entire book was emotional, especially the ending. Overall it was a fantastic comic and memoir, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
#Imomsohard ("I Mom So Hard") is a book written by two moms and YouTube sensations, Kristen Hensley and Jen Smedley, who "tell it like it is” in their videos about parenting. Meaning, they are completely truthful about everything-- not just the good, but the bad and the ugly, too! Using humor and wit, they recount some of their personal stories raising their sons and daughters. Not limited to just funny stories about labor and school lunches, they also speak directly to moms, encouraging them to call for help, to help one another, and-- more importantly-- to never judge a mom, because you just never know what they are going through.
The audiobook is read by the two authors and they are so fantastic to listen to! They bring their own personality and flare to the pages (or in this case discs) and talk to their readers/listeners as if we were all hanging out at dinner over appetizers. Listening to them talk about their life stories brings relief and humor to your own life, knowing that they’ve been through it all, too, and that moms are not alone in this journey.
This was an endearing and lovingly compiled book honoring Anthony Bourdain's legacy in the world of food and culture. Looking through this collection, we see how many lives Bourdain touched with his books, shows, and essays, clearly reaching a number of chefs, restaurant workers, self-proclaimed foodies, and armchair travelers alike. The professional photos on every page were fantastic, capturing Bourdain with many meals spent with every day people from all over the world.
Creating a book for the purpose of displaying how many people were effected by Bourdain was both empowering and bittersweet. It's absolutely wonderful that one man could have such an impact on people's lives, but because of his death we read these testimonies with joy, as well as a heavy heart. This compilation of memories reminded me of just how much Anthony Bourdain will forever be missed.
This is a story about Amy, a school librarian and single mother to two kids, whose husband decides to show up and become a part of their lives again. Amy had seemingly moved on from her husband's abandonment, but now that he is back, is she ready to let him in? To help her decide, she takes a trip to New York City! Meeting many wonderful people, catching up with an old friend, and living the life of a single woman in a big city, Amy isn't sure she really wants to go back to her old life.
This book was endearing and adorable, relatable and a joy to read. Kelly Harms creates a lovely character in Amy that you can't help but love and root for, and her story is complicated in the best way! It was an easy read, perfect for the summer.
This ultra-charming "new adult" book is about Alex, the First Son of the United States, and HRH ("his royal highness") Prince Henry of Wales falling head over heels in love with one another. It starts with a mishap with a wedding cake, resulting in a weekend of forced friendship that ultimately turns into a clandestine kiss in a garden. A secret relationship is formed, and love happens (along with sex and a whole lot of kissing!). But then, just as the campaign for his mother’s re-election as President is heating up, a horrific sex scandal causes chaos with the untimely outing of both Alex and Prince Henry!
Is a happy ending on the horizon for this royal couple? You’ll have to read it to find out!
I absolutely loved every minute of reading this book. It was adorable, witty, funny, heartwarming, and very well written. I couldn’t put it down!
By the time he was twenty-seven, Kwame Onwuachi had competed on TopChef, cooked at the White House, and opened and closed one of the most talked-about restaurants in America. In this inspiring memoir, he shares the remarkable story of his culinary coming-of-age. Growing up in the Bronx and Nigeria (where he was sent by his mother to "learn respect"), food was Onwuachi's great love.
This was a well-written memoir, with Onwuachi shaping and molding his story to both inform and entertain his readers. Each chapter ends with a recipe, which I found especially cozy. I enjoyed reading about his journey from the streets of New York, to Africa, to serving a prestigious dinner at the National Museum of African American History, to being a chef at his own restaurant. He seems to have an incredible work ethic, a fierce tenacity, and an incredible sense of street wise. His demeanor in his kitchen, never berating or belittling his staff, is very agreeable and makes me like him even more. Overall, I am most impressed, however, with his unwavering refusal to give in to clichéd stereotypes.
Blood Sisters is an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller that leaves you asking, "What really
happened? But no, really, what happened…"
Alison has a secret. One so dark she lets it keep her from fully enjoying life. What is that secret? We don't know. She takes a job in a prison to get by financially-- and because she feels she deserves to be there-- but then she finds herself in trouble, with threatening notes claiming they know her deep, dark secret. Then there are chapters from another character's point of view: Kitty. Kitty was involved in some sort of incident-- an accident?-- that left her brain damaged. She lives in a facility, unable to speak proper words (they come out in jumbled mumbles) and can't remember life before the facility. But wait! Memories start to creep back from time to time...
Finally we find out some of what happened on that day-- the day Alison decided she couldn't allow herself to be happy and Kitty forgot about life before brain damage. Or do we? This is the exciting part about this novel: the stages of finding out what exactly transpired that fateful day before school, when three girls in uniform stood in the road-- ending with one girl dead, one brain damaged, and one blaming herself.
This novel was hard to put down because I simply had to know what happened. The ending is satisfying, with missed details and new
revelations leading to all of the answers. If you like a good thriller/mystery,
this should be your next book to read.
