Adult Winter Reading Club Book Reviews Week One:
This week’s reviews from the members of the Adult Winter Reading Club: Week One
11/22/63 by Stephen King
Stephen King at his best! You will be transported to the late 1950′s – early 1960′s along with main character Jake Epping as he travels back in time to try to prevent JFK’s assassination. I did not live through this time period so it was especially interesting to get a glimpse into what it was like to experience the Cuban Missile Crisis – and how terrifying it was for Americans. I found it very suspenseful and highly recommend it – whether you’re a long time King fan or have never read his work!
Blizzard of Glass – The Halifax Explosion of 1917 by Sally M. Walker
I enjoyed reading the personal stories of those people affected by the explosion, mixed in with the factual information on the circumstances of this disaster. Fascinating and not morbid.
Rating: 3 out of 5
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
A tale of a young German girl in Nazi Germany who is sent to live with foster parents by her mother (accused of Communist leanings) for her own safety. Most of the story takes place on a small, poor German street but it is so richly written that it opens up an entire world of memorable characters. A heartbreaking tale of what it means to be brave, supportive, and neighborly during horrific times.
Everyone should read this novel – but bring a box of tissues.
Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm? by Perry Romanowski
This is a non-fiction book which dispels many myths about cosmetics, soaps, and beauty products. I learned a lot from this book. Some of the facts are amazing, and also disturbing!
Rating 4 out of 5
Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill
This is the story of Jude Coyne, a semi-retired rock and roll star with a penchant for collecting macabre death-related artifacts. He gets more than he bargained for when he purchases a ghost from an ebay-type auction site. I haven’t been this terrified by a book in a long time! I found myself reading it in small bits and pieces, forced to put it aside when my heart was beating too fast. The suspense and terror starts early and is maintained through most of the novel. Joe Hill follows wonderfully in his father, Stephen King’s, footsteps. If you’re looking for a scare – look no further. And now a disclaimer from my husband. He would like you all to know that I’m a bit of a wimp. Agreed. But this book was still quite scary!!
Sister by Rosamund Lupton
This is a British type of mystery which slowly unfolds to reveal Bee Hemming uncovering clues that led to her sister’s (Tess) death. The story is told in a reflective mode which keeps one guessing till the end. I enjoyed the descriptions of all the characters/suspects.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Smarty Jones by Billy Valentine and “Team Smarty”
The true story about the winner of the Kentucky Derby. The ups and downs of “Smarty” and his “Team Smarty” leave you with a clear sense of what it takes to be a champion.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Step on a Crack by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge
Excellent read. I love the main character, Michel Bennet, an Irish NYPD homicide detective who was once on the Hostage Negotiation Team. The story begins with the first lady poisoned and a huge celebrity crowd attending her funeral in St. Patrick’s in NYC who are all taken hostage.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Vaclav & Lena by Haley Tanner
A very touching book. The characters are adorable. I will remember this book for a long time. I cried at the very touching ending.
Rating: 5 out of 5
We the Animals by Justin Torres
I enjoyed this book. It is a bit of an odd read, but the characters do stick with you. It’s interesting and memorable.
Rating: 3 out of 5
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