WINNER

Congratulations to our winner - Marvette from Brandon!

Marvette's name was drawn from the almost 50 names of people who read and reviewed at least three books.  We want to thank everyone who entered!  This has been a huge success and we hope to expand this next year!  Thanks to the Friends of the John F. Germany Library who provided the Kindle Fire.

Thank you!!!!

We would like to thank everyone who submitted a book review.  We had 219 book reviews submitted with 134 people participating.  The winner will be drawn and announced shortly.

Last of the Reviews Part two.

These are the last of the reviews received on Friday, August 3, 2012.  Thanks to everyone for participating.  This has been the most successful adult summer reading program ever!

From Janet

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone by J.K. Rowling

"If you've enjoyed the movies but haven't gotten around to reading the books
yet, it's a must.  They are well written and keeps you involved throughout the story so you don't want to put it down.  Now that they are on e-books, it's even easier to carry it around."

From Isabella:

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An Amish Wedding by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller & Kelly Long

"For anyone curious about Amish culture, this book offered a warm and
engaging insight into their culture, their work ethic, their social relationships
and their sense of spirituality, which infuses and brings sense and cohesion to
everything."

From Shivani:

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See You at the Top by Zig Ziglar

"A classic in Zig Ziglar's easy and effective style. A great book to build
yourself to be the best you can be. A book that can never get old."

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Leadership Gold by John C Maxwell

"A golden book to inspire a person, broaden their horizon and guide them. A book that every leader should read. Helps remove blind spots in leadership."

From Mary Lou:

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I, Michael Bennett by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

"Althought Uncle Shamus, a priet, is elderly, he provides care and protection
for the ten adopted children of Michael Bennett who solves the complicated case of murder.  It is the typical fast action and quick read provided by a Patterson book.  I especially enjoy the ones with Michael Ledwidge."

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Night Watch by Linda Fairstein

"Drawing on her years as head of the SVU branch of the DA's office,  Ms Fairstein cretes drawn from the headlines stories that ring true.  This one of the maid and the weathy politically connected business man, covers two continents and a very sad personal ending for Alexandra.  Most enjoyable read."

A couple from Patricia:

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Sisters by Danielle Steel

“Excellent book! Especially if you do have sisters...you can relate to the differences you grow up with. And how at the end...everything comes together even though each sister is so different.”

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The Kiss by Danielle Steel

“Definitely a tear jerker. Enjoyed this book! You realized how life can change in one second...Everything starts with a single kiss...and life is changed forever...”

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Creating Sacred Space With Feng Shui by Karen Kingston

“Very informative book on Space Clearing and Feng Shui. Very clear and easy to follow instructions. I have notice the difference right away after decluttering and the effects.  I recommend this book to anyone who wants to relieve some stress.”

Last of the Reviews part one

We have received so many reviews lately that we will break them up in to two parts.

We also apologize for the delay in the posting.

Something from Doris:

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The fall of giants by Ken Follett

“An epicurean reader's delight. five families simmering in the stewpot of world events. So satisfying, it will whet your appetite for the 2nd course.”

From Monica:

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Never Give Up by Joyce Meyer

“Joyce Meyer is one of my favorite Christian writers. Never Give Up is such a positive and uplifting book. Sometimes we need a constant reminder that the big man upstairs will seek us through no matter how big or small our problems may seem.”

Two from JoAnn:

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Does the Noise in my Head Bother You? By Steven Tyler

“After listening to only a few CD's of Tyler's autobiography, I have to answer, "Yes, the noises DO bother me."  The tone of this tome is that of a rock star shooting the breeze with his peers. It takes for granted that you're as enthusiastic as he is about drugs and music and weird random thoughts (like psycho-acoustics which cause the whole universe to vibrate).  While the narrator of the book-on-tape was probably perfect for the tale, it was annoying to wade through the enthusiastic ejaculations and long runs of nonsensical rhyming talk, like "Wow!  That Acapulco Gold opened my WORLD, it unFURLed, my new GIRL, that Blonde that blew me away!"  Sometimes, he would dial it back a notch and tell a straight story and it was kind of interesting to hear about his childhood. You could see where he got his attitude, his drive and his breaks into the music business.  It was nice to listen to him describe his reactions to songs that came out in the 1960's.  But I grew less interested in his ramblings about music as the book wore on.  And I couldn't relate to his excitement about each new drug he tried.  Finally, the scene in a recording studio where Jimi Hendrix once used the microphone was so distasteful that I was done with this book.  While I suppose I could've read more to try to understand his outlook, I just don't want that kind of stuff in my head. Ick.”

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The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan

“Story of 40 shipwreck survivors in a lifeboat drifting for weeks.  The book focuses on the behavioral and psychological aspects of power struggles as people figure out which leader to obey.  It's mildly interesting but there's not enough action or conflict to make it a riveting read.  It's a reminder to keep your own counsel and to be aware of group dynamics.”

Three from Arlene:

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Ali in Wonderland and Other Tall Tales by Ali Wentworth

“I laughed so hard I cried at the antics of Ali and the comedic spin she put
on the bad judgments she made in friends, some of which were certifiable nut cases, and the dangerous situations she put herself in.  By luck, fate, or fast thinking she would always escape being in serious trouble.”

One More Time a Memoir by Carol Burnett

“The daughter of divorced alcoholic parents and raised by her hypochondriac
grandmother numbs herself to her dysfunctional family using comedy and practical jokes.  A great read, I laughed, cried, and reflected on events of my own life.”

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The Next Always by Nora Roberts

“Relates familial love in the form of suspense by a stalker, comedy that includes a ghost, and mystery in the form of an old hotel being refurbished.  The story revolves around a widow, her 3 boys, and a chivalrous carpenter, who decide to wed and become a happy family unit.

Two from Mary Lou:

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Too Many Murders by Colleen McCulllough

“Solving the murders 1960s style brought back many memories while showing how far we have come from the cold war mentality and with technology advances! The last paragraph offered an amusing and unexpected look at the future.”

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Judgment Call by J A Jance

“Though out her many adventures from losing her husband in the early days, to solving the most recent gruesome crime in Bisbee Sheriff Joanna Brady faces what she must while she continually educates herself to do the jobs of sheriff, mother, wife and community member to the best of her ability. Secrets are revealed with resulting changes in levels of respect while solutions are found.”

Three Jane Austen titles from B.

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Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

“As a substantial classic, this read is well worth anyone's time whether they're interested in romantic titles or not. Austen's characters cometo life in a seamless story of misunderstandings, tender feelings and hope, renewed.”

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Persuasion by Jane Austen

“Although hastily concluded (perhaps due to this being Austen's last work before her death?), I enjoyed this classic, which is filled with gusto, mystery and romance. Persuasion does not have the charm of Pride and Prejudice and it ends a bit suddenly, but it's still worth a read and can be marked as a great merging of realism, romance and honest characters who help make this one of Austen's most realistic titles.”

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Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

“Although one of my less favorite of Austen's titles, Sense and Sensibility has the same charm and witty ambition as her other works. I particularly enjoyed the double-heroine plot where two sisters, although completely different, are equally beset with romantic woes that are remedied in two completely different ways.”

Three from Natasha:
 

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The best exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach

“English elderly lured to a hotel in India establish a community for themselves. Complications arise as families visit for an interesting read.”

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Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

“An engaging story of New York City in the early thirties, a story of love, class, and young people finding their way in life. Check out its handsome website at Rulesofcivility.com.”


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Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

“This is a wonderful visual, imaginative, sort of Harry Potter for Adults story of magic and love.”

From Geraldine:

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Voyagers of the Titanic: Passengers, Sailors, Shipbuilders, Aristocrats, and the Worlds They Came From by Davenport-Hines, R. P. T. (Richard Peter Treadwell)

“This book commemorates the 100th anniversary of the April 15, 1912 sinking of the Titanic by recounting actual, recorded interviews from survivors or relatives of victims of the tragedy. These stirring accounts remove myths of the event and give very human credibility to the heroes, cowards and desperate passengers.”

Here come eight romance reviews from Rewa:

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Erotique: Jillian by Susan Lyons
“Moving Sandoro & Jillian from a professional relationship to a personal one is facilitated by the boss of the company. This story focuses on denying yourself what you really want due to past baggage - pretty good but spicy!”

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Erotique: Carrie by Susan Lyons

“A suburban housewife lives out her rich fantasy life every 6-8 weeks. There's a twist...who is her partner. Well written!”

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Her Fantasy by Saskia Walker
“Watch what you say in the office... Warren makes all of Anya's fantasies come true and boy are they steamy-read with caution.”

Layover by Megan Hart
“Let me just say, this is a heck of a way to spend a layover! Very spicy story, read with care!”

No Longer Forbidden by Portia Da Costa

“As an educator, I'm not sure how I feel about this book. It was a teacher & student who met at the 10 year reunion and started a relationship. Uncomfortable with the content!”

A Week in the Snow by Gwen Masters

“What started out as an Internet hook-up developed into an erotic, romantic, whirlwind of a relationship. It is truly unbelievable what can happen to 2 people with a week in the snow.”

Red Hot Reads Vol. 3 by Miranda Forbes

“This book is a collection of 6 erotic short stories. It took a minute for me to get into them but they were mildly entertaining.”

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After the Kiss by Suzanne Enoch

“I love, love, love the story of Sullivan & Isabel. The two are from different stations but love surpasses all.”

Three from Jean:

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The Fast and the Furriest by Andy Behrens
"This story is about the conflict between a twelve-year boy, Kevin, who hates sports and his well-meaning father, Howie, a former professional football player. Kevin wants to enroll Cromwell, his precocious beagle-mix dog, in obedience training and agility class, but Howie says no. Instead, he sends Kevin to football camp. When the coach asks Kevin to leave, both he and Cromwell enroll in Paw Patch and win their first competition. Even though Howie doesn’t know about the agility classes or the trophy he surprises Kevin at his next event and Team Cromwell wins again. "

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The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

“Sibling rivalry is what drives Evan and his sister, Jesse, into a lemonade war. With a combination of math, economics, and marketing Evan and Jesse compete to earn the most money at their own lemonade stand on the last weekend of summer before school starts. During their journey on the quest to win they learned a lot about partnership, competition, negotiation and reconciliation.”

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Edgar Allen’s Official Crime Investigation Notebook by Mary Amato

“This book (at first glance) is about solving the mystery of a missing goldfish in a classroom. As the story progresses more items seem to be stolen, including an iris, a fan, and some tea. While some of the students were digging for clues to solve the crimes they wrote their own poems while connecting with their classmates. They discovered friendships changing some aspects of their lives.”

Tons and tons more reviews

Thank you to everyone who has submitted reviews!  Don't worry if you haven't gotten all of your reviews in.  You have until Friday, August 3 to submit your review to be eligible for the drawing for the Kindle.

Joseph submitted these two:

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Cobweb by Neal Stephenson

“The point of view rotates among several characters, with the main two feeling very real and well-imagined, especially the underestimated sheriff's deputy. The story will give quite a "could this have happened" shiver to those who remember the run-up to the first Gulf War in 1990.”

  

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Son of Neptune by Richard Riordan

“Yes, it's aimed at young adults; but if you've been reading the Percy Jackson novels alongside your pre-teen, don't stop now. Percy's back, with the amnesia we expected after the previous novel, and manages to make me wish I worked for him with his tenacity and generosity.”

Kristen gave us three to read:

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Ship Fever by Andrea Barrett

“This book contains one novella, "Ship Fever" and a collection of short stories. Ship Fever is set during the typhoid epidemic of 1847 where sick Irish immigrants escaping the potato famine are held at the quarantine 'hospital' at Grosse Isle, Canada. The rest of the stories, although somewhat disjointed, center on the world of science from the life of Carl Linnaeus, the genetics work of Mendel, to a woman struggling to educate herself as a naturalist in the Victorian period. The lexicon and love of science weaves through these beautifully told stories that are topped with a dash of the hardships and difficult realities of life.”

The Mill River Recluse by Darcie Chan

“Widow Mary McAllister has spent 60 years in seclusion watching the town of Mill River from her marble house on the hill. She is paralyzed by fear of the outside world but still wants to be connected by something more than mail and television. Unknown to the people of the village, Mary and her one friend, Father Michael O’Brien, work to fix the little wrongs of life in the village below. When you need to read something redemptive and a touch uplifting, read The Mill River Recluse. This is a book about how to turn terrible loss and fear into a beautiful life.”  This title is not currently available in our library catalog.

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Hannah's Dream by Diane Hammond

“In a failing zoo, an aging elephant caretaker and a cast of quirky characters work to improve the life of Hannah, the zoo's only elephant. After 41 years of captivity, Hannah's life is no longer the happy existence hoped for by zoo founder Max L. Biedelman, who rescued Hannah as a baby elephant. Now, longtime keeper Samson Brown, his hopeful replacement Neva Wilson and a  fascinating cast of children and adults must work together to secure a better future for Hannah.”

Two from Dorothy:

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The Night Circus by Erin Morganstern

"Not quite sci-fi and not the usual fantasy, this beautifully written first novel was built around the complexities of a magical challenge and the relationships between the people who inhabit the marvelous circus the challenge creates.  The author, a painter, skillfully uses language so visual that the reader falls into the story – feeling the characters’ emotions and seeing clearly the strange and beautiful sights of a circus you’ll wish really existed."

  

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The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht

“On one level, the book deals with a young woman’s attempt to understand the recent actions of her grandfather, who has just died on his way to meet her; on another level, it raises questions about the influences of memory, folklore, and mythology on people’s lives and about the effect of decades of civil wars on the cultural ethos of a nation.  The characters are true-to-life, the plotting is excellent and thankfully the author doesn’t entirely answer all the questions –there are some tenuous loose ends, a few bits and pieces to fit in on our own terms, if we like.”

From Margaret:

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Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson

“The book keeps your interest. You learn about love and loss and the struggles of Nicholas life.”

From Isabella:

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Ferret Island by Richard W. Jennings

“This book was slow for the first half, after which it picked up considerably. I liked the elaborate use of language, it's references to deeper issues of life, reading about the behavior of ferrets, and detailed descriptions of everything encountered.”

Three more from Mathilda:

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Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade

“This sequel was very well done.  For a book with a light, funny premise it was unclear if there would be adequate plot developments for a sequel, but the story kept me interested throughout.  Alona and Will’s characters and relationship have deepened and developed over the course of the story and teenagers will respond to them.  While some of the plot points seemed a bit predictable it was not boring or repetitive in any way.  Readers who follow the series will be curious to see what happens to these characters next.”

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Bunheads by Sophie Flack

“This story allows readers to see what it is like to be a dancer in a ballet company.  There are numerous rehearsals, fittings, physical therapy sessions, nutrition experts, etc. that are constantly ruling how the dancers should live.  They are simply expected to give up any kind of outside life in order to succeed in this difficult field.  Hannah is unusual in that she begins to think about life outside of the studio and is not sure she is up for the challenge of doing what it takes to get promoted.  On the other hand, whenever she sees other girls get promoted over her she feels jealous and hurt.  Is she meant to be a solo ballerina or merely a background dancer?  Readers interested in dancing, the arts, or romance will enjoy this book wholeheartedly.”

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Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

“This story is engaging and people who like survival and futuristic type stories will enjoy the action.  The characters all have secrets that they are reluctant to share, despite their close relationships they eventually form.  There are many unanswered questions by the end of the story and the ending itself may frustrate some readers who are looking for more of a resolution.  Hopefully, some of these questions will be answered in the inevitable sequel.”

From Barbara:

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Silas Marner by George Eliot

“This is the story of a weaver who is betrayed by his most trusted friend, and withdraws from the world around him to become a recluse and a miser.  When his beloved money is stolen, Silas Marner is in the depths of despair until a young orphaned child wanders into his home.  He raises her as his own child, and she takes the place in his heart that money once occupied.”

Two from Kim:

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Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

“A progression of connected stories, from differing points in the human timeline, about power, greed and corporations.  Not necessarily an easy, beachy summer read, but good and satisfying.”

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Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

“This series has undergone a decline and this book, while not horrible, does not change this fact.  A sad and unexciting facade.”