Thank You to All

Thank you to everybody who participated in our first summer reading program. We hope it is not our last! We know that reading is it's own reward but we also want to congratulate all our winners; especially Sandra Rich who won the grand prize, a Kindle generously donated by an anonymous patron.We also want to give a quick thank you to the local Subway, Papa Gino's, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Bradley Bowl, Artistic Hair, Shade Restaurant and Vito's By the Water (wow, what a list- it is wonderful to have such support). With that said- here are our final book reviews:

On "The Well and the Mine" by Gin Phillips-

A great read that depicts community, love and nurturing family manners found in Alabama within the 1930's. Suspense and mystery are also alluring elements found throughout the novel.

On "Cereus Blooms at Night" by Shani Mootoo-

A disturbing tale. Breaches all boundaries of gender, bedroom preferences and familial functionality. A story of abandonment and love interspersed with colorful Caribbean dialogue. Evokes emotions from laughter to sadness to disgust.

On "Life Would Be Perfect if I Lived in that House" by Meghan Daum-

A memoir of the author's search for the perfect house of her dreams. Writing style is kind of 'hyperactive'.

On "The Last Detective" by Robert Crais-

Good summer read.

On "The Walk" by Richard Paul Evans-

A story of inner strength to wholeheartedly live life - even when all seems lost. One never knows who or what may be waiting.

On "Committed" by Elizabeth Gilbert-

I'm 3/4 thru the book. So far what I read- Liz did a good job in researching what is marriage. My take is that this book may help to understand and reason what marriage is about. Good insight on the subject.

On "The Last Refuge" by Chris Knopf-

Good mystery, Connecticut author!

I have to say good-bye for now. Please take care and I wish you all happy book journeys!

Week 7: Part 1

Today is the last day for our reading program. It has been a great success. I will give the final figures for books read in the next couple of days. I hope everyone has enjoyed the program as much as I have. I will be writing out the rest of the reviews on this blog for those who want to continue on with their reading, we hope you do!


On "Winter's Bone" by Daniel Woodrell-

Beautifully written- almost poetic- harsh life in the Ozarks

On "The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven" by Kevin and Alex Malarkey-

An enlightening account of a world that exists in the afterlife. The boy's courage, perseverance, and spirituality are admirable. Reflective reading!

On "Rockin' the Bronx" by Larry Kirwan-

Surprise- very well written.

On "He Drown She in the Sea" by Shani Mootoo-

Mootoo's second novel brings to life a small Caribbean island and a Canadian mountain town.It is a story of childhood friendship blossoming into an adult love story written in colorful native dialogue. Its story of triumph in the face of class restrictions is inspiring. A page turner.

On "The Weight of Silence" by Heather Gudenkauf-

First time I read Gudenkauf and she sure kept my interest and curiosity.

On "Deliver Us from Evil" by David Baldacci-

It was not as good as his recent novels.

On "Looking for a Love Story" by Louise Shaffer-

The main character is writing a book so there are 2 story lines going on.  I like that the ending really tied it together.

On "Island of the Blue Dolphins" by Scott O'Dell-

Good book, incredible story

Week 6 : Part 2

These reviews run the gamut from"Boogers Are My Beat" to "Love In the Time of Cholera". There is something for everyone.


On "Boogers Are My Beat" by Dave Barry-

If you need a laugh it's a good book to read.

On "Patty Jane's House of Curl" by Lorna Landvik-

I love these wonderful, quirky Minnesotans! Character-driven, a feel-good (although sad at times) book. Recommended.

On "A Woman's Eye" by Sara Paretsky-

Short stories by mystery writers.

On "The Other Wes Moore" by Wes Moore-

Interesting read but disliked the ending, it seemed to be all about the "good" Wes and his accomplishments because he was able to overcome the circumstances.

On "Love In the Time of Cholera" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez-

For anyone who has been in love. For anyone who feels the time has passed for someone they loved long ago. A beautifully detailed story of dedication to the heart. Many plot twists in a long ago world brought vibrantly alive by Garcia Marquez.

We are coming to the end of our summer reading program. August 5th will be our last day. Stay tuned for the last of the reviews and the long-awaited drawings for more fabulous prizes including the mysterious Grand Prize.

Week 6: Part 1

It's week 6 and we've read 442 books! We love the response that we've been getting from everyone. If you are running out of ideas for books to read, we have a few more reviews for you. Enjoy!

On "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan-

Oldie...but a goodie

On "The Pearl Diver" by Jeff Talarigo-

A novel about a young Japanese pearl diver in the 1940's who contracts leprosy and is sent to a leprosarium. Very sad but wonderful emotional insight into the main character.

Also on "The Pearl Diver"-

Sad but wonderful book- courage under terrible circumstances.

On "Dating Hamlet- Ophelia's Story" by Lisa Fiedler-

 If you enjoyed Shakespeare's Hamlet, you'll LOVE this book.

On "Hush" by Kate White-

A waste of time!

On "Claude and Camille" by Stephanie Cowell-

Interesting insight into Claude Monet's life with his first wife, Camille.

That's all for now. Enjoy your reading finds.

Week 5: Part 3

The week has come to an end, but not before sharing a few more reviews.

On "This Is Where We Live" by Janelle Brown-

Self indulgent junk! Whine! Whine! Whine!

On "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath-

A journey into the breakdown of a smart, young woman. Why and how emotional devastation occurs. An intense journey.

On "Eat, Pray, Love (a memoir)" by Elizabeth Gilbert-

Like the concept using each word presenting different aspects of Gilbert and using three different cultures as a backdrop. The first 30-40 pages were slow, too self absorbed on herself but after you get past that it moves along to the point I'm looking forward to. Read her next book "Committed" a continuation of her memoir. Will go and see the movie in August starring Julia Roberts.

On "Supreme Justice" by Phillip Margolin-

Excellent!

On "As Husbands Go" by Susan Isaacs-

As usual, Isaacs scores a home run!

Week 5: Part 2

I hope everyone survived the storms! Here are some great reads for the next time you are stuck inside the house.

On "The Body in the Transept" by Jeanne Dams-

Wonderful cozy series! Dorothy Martin is an appealing "older" sleuth with the brains of Jessica Fletcher and a love of hats that rivals Hyacinth Buckets'.

On "Lift" by Kelly Corrigan-

A memoir based upon family. Makes you laugh and cry. The reader reflects upon questions about parenthood. Great reading!! :)

On "Every Last One" by Anna Quindlen-

Quindlen always deals with difficult subjects with great sensitivity. This book is no different- full of emotional moments and insight.

On "Private Life" by Jane Smiley-

Another "Pulitzer"!

On "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro-

Soon to be a movie. This novel is a melancholic "memoir" of a young lady living in modern day United Kingdom that comes from an alternate history.

On "Miracle On the 17th Green" by James Patterson and Peter DeJong-

It was very good with a twist near the end. It was keeping me wanting to read.

That's all for now. See you again in the next day or two with still more good reads (and even some maybe not so good).

Week 5: Part 1

We have made it to week 5 with 389 books read! We will be ending our program in 2 1/2 weeks on August 6. If people are interested, we may keep some of our reader reviews going. Let us know what you think .In the meantime, here is what we've been reading last week.

On "Home In Time for Christmas" by Heather Graham-

An enchanting read filled with holiday wonder and old New England mysticism! Enjoy! :)

On "A Vintage Affair" by Isabel Wolff-

Full of texture and color, sure to appeal to lovers of vintage fashion and chick-lit fans who prefer more emotional depth and a historical twist. Phoebe is an appealing, sympathetic character searching for closure to her best friend's death. When she meets Therese Bell she helps her to find closure and self-forgiveness and, along the way, comes to terms with her own losses.

On "Caught" by Harlan Coben-

Always suspenseful, great read!

On "Marcello In the Real World" by Francisco X. Stork-

This teen book tells the story of the summer between Marcello Sandoval's junior and senior year of high school when his father forces him to take a job in the mailroom of his company. Marcello has Asperger's syndrome and his father wants him to join the real world. This book is written in the first person giving the reader a glimpse into the mind of the main character.

On "Comfort Food" by Kate Jacobs-

Another good Jacobs book. Nice change from the knitting books.

On "Devotion" by Dari Shapiro-

A memoir that assists the reader with her reflections upon life. The reader realizes she is not alone regarding the ponderings of life and purpose. Intense and magnetic reading!! :)

I'll be back with more great reads. In the meantime; find a cool, shady place, a great read and enjoy the summer.

Week 4: Part 3

We are coming to the end of week 4. I hope everyone has found something wonderful to read. Here are some more recommendations:

On "See Jane Score" by Rachel Gibson-

Very entertaining

On "The Crimson Room" by Katherine McMahon-

Boring- did not finish

On "Final Theory" by Mark Alpert-

Good read

On "The Other Wes Moore" by Wes Moore-

Interesting true story about two young men with the same name and from similar environments whose lives take vastly different directions. A question of nature vs. nurture??

On "The Walking People" by Mary Beth Keane-

Slow start but worth the wait.

I hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend with many tales to tell, both your own and those you've read!

Week 4: Part 2

Here are some more of your great reviews. Keep them coming!

On "Spoken From the Heart" by Laura Bush-

Really-spoken from the heart!

On "The Last Time I Saw You" by Elizabeth Berg-

Great summer read! A high school class gathers for it's 40th reunion. What's happened to the jocks, the nerds, beauty queens in the last 40 years? Brought me back to those painful and fun adolescent years.

On "That Old Cape Magic" by Richard Russo-

Entertaining! I liked it.

On "The Surrendered" by Chang-Rae Lee-

Powerful story about the effects of war, in this case, the Korean War, and the destructive relationships between three people. The epic moves back and forth from time and place. Not an easy read but worth it.

On "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett-

A must read!

4th Week

It's been 4 weeks and 258 books! Here are some of them:

On "In My Hands" by Irina Gut Opdyke-

Great but sad book, easy reading, very powerful story.

On "Vacations for the Spirit" by Alan Walker-

A short book but a long study. Walker presents a detailed but simple guide to the spiritual retreat for those who can go away and for those who only have a corner a short while to retreat. Life enhancing, read, pack a journal.

On "War" by Sebastion Junger-

Awesome

 On "Roses" by Leila Meacham-

This soap opera epic spans many generations of the Tolivers and Warwicks in a small East Texas town. It's a story of forbidden love and betrayal. Though I wouldn't normally read a book such as this I listened to it in the car on CD. The narrator was so good I had a hard time concentrating on the road!!

On "The Forgotten Man" by Robert Crais-

One of his better novels.

We'll see you soon for more of this weeks reviews!

Week 3, Part 2

On "Lakeside Cottage" by Susan Wiggs-

Different interaction. Story brought together well. Must read for single moms with older children.

On "True Believer" by Nicholas Sparks-

An o.k. book-kind of slow in some areas.

On "Caught" by  Harlan Coben-

As a fan it's fun to see his characters show up.

On "Hearts On a String" by Kris Radish-

Female bonding novel. 5 strangers, all women, decide to stay together in a luxury hotel in Tampa when airports are shut down due to a giant storm. All have problems and secrets. I couldn't decide if I liked it or hated it.By the end I cared about the characters, but too much talk about estrogen and the magic bond between women.

On "The Enchantment" by Kristin Hannah-

Rating 8 out of 10

On "Heartbreaker" by Robert Ferrigan-

tough language, violence, not recommended 

See you next week. Have a great weekend and stay cool!

 

 

Week 3

We are now up to 210 books read! Some of your books include-

On "Evidence" by Jonathan Kellerman:

Just O.K.

On "Mississippi Vivian" by Bill Crider and Clyde Wilson:

  Interesting characters, good book, rating 9 out of 10

On "Knit Two" by Kate Jacobs:

Read "Friday Night Knitting Club" and it was great. This book is a fun read and would love another novel [by this author].

On "Patterns in the Sand" by Sally Goldenbaum:

Great knitting mystery. Just the right amount of clues and red herrings, with a couple of nice twists thrown in at the end. 

On "The Glorious Gluten-free Cookbook" by Vanessa Maltin:

Great selection of recipes.

On "The Shack" by William Paul Young:

Suggested by a friend. A bit "out there" but makes one step back and rethink some things.

On "Tell Me Something True" by Leila Cobo:

Very different story. Learned a little about Colombia...

That's all for today but we'll be back later this week with more reads!

Week 2, Part 3

The last of this week's reviews.

On "Plum Lucky" by Janet Evanovich:

Laugh out loud funny

On "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens:

Not what I expected. Dickens combines beautiful language and suspenseful cliffhangers in this story that takes place during the French Revolution.The knitting Madam Defarge is chilling, who would have thought there could be menace within the fiber arts? Highly recommended even if you don't typically read classics.

On "The Empty Copper Sea" by John D. McDonald:

61/2 rating out of 10. Some sex and violence but not as bad as some of the newer books.

On "Patterns in the Sand" by Sally Goldenbaum:

Nice knitting-based mystery set on the Massachusetts coast. Goldenbaum adds a couple of nice twists at the end that are very logical and believable.

On "The Apple Turnover Murder" by Joanne Flake:

Her first books were much better.

That's all for now, I hope you all enjoy your Fourth of July holiday- keep reading and keep the reviews coming.

Week 2- Part 2

Here are some more reviews!

On "The Silent Sea" by Clive Cussler:

Interesting

On "Summer Sisters" by Judy Blume:

Easy, light reading

On "Let the Dead Lie" by Nunn Malla:

A good mystery and an even better look at 1950's South Africa in the apartheid system. The detective is a former police officer whose badge and European racial identity card were taken away, but is still drawn to solve the murder of a young boy. An excellent book but I would read the first book "A Beautiful Place to Die" first.

On "The Girl On Legare Street" by Karen White:

Very fun book...spooky with a hint of romance.

On "The Seven Year Switch" by Claire Cook:

Light read, funny and real at the same time.I felt the ending was rather abrupt, could have gone longer.

Week 2: Part 1

We are up to 126 books read and we have 109 people signed up! Be on the lookout for our first set of prizes coming soon.
We have so many reviews that i will break them up this week.

On "The Help" by Katherine Stockett:

Excellent, thought provoking

On "Trunk Music" by Michael Connelly:

Good- but not so good as Connolly's "Lincoln Lawyer"

On "Julie and Julia" by Julie Powell:

The movie is better than this book. I recommend you read "My Life in France" by Julia Child, excellent read.

On "The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane" by Katherine Rowe:

Interesting take on the Salem witch burnings- a little romance, a little mystery too.

On "The Boy Who Dared" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti:

If you don't like sad endings, don't read this book.

On "Chicken Soup for the College Soul" by Jack Canfield:

Very helpful stories for both the recently graduated high school senior and current college student. A quick, easy and thoughtful read that does not have to be read in the order the chapters are arranged.

On "Worst Case" by James Patterson:

Not one of Patterson's best but an ok read.

Stay tuned-and remember to Catch the Reading Wave

Our First Week

We have read 56 books so far!  Here are some of your comments and reviews...

On "The Girl Who Played With Fire" by Steig Larsson-

Suspenseful second novel in the series. This book answers several questions from the first book but poses still more and ends in a cliffhanger. Readers should begin with the first book in the series to have a clear understanding of the characters involved in the story.

On "Plum Spooky" by Janet Evanovich-

Very entertaining.

On "Ten Big Ones" also by Janet Evanovich-

Great, funny and fast reading

On "While My Sister Sleeps" by Barbara Delinsky-

In the book, a sister had a heart attack and went into a coma. The family finds out that she knew she had a heart condition, but never told the family. The more they look into it, the more they find.

On "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez-

 More than meets the eye. Fascinating characters- real or not?

On "I'm in No Mood for Love" by Rachel Gibson-

Very Enjoyable. Light reading

On "Sex, Lies and Online Dating" also by Rachel Gibson-

Enjoyable, suspenseful and funny

Does anyone else have ideas on great summer reads? Any books to avoid? We would love to hear from you.

Registration Runs Until Friday, June 25th

Thank you for everyone who has made the reading program a huge success. So far we have 91 readers! For those who have not signed up, you have until Friday. Come join the fun!

Kick-Off Party- June 12th

We will be having a kick-off party on June 12th from 10-1 pm, in tandem with the kid's kick-off celebration. Parents- this is your chance to get away and have some fun of your own. Come enjoy some food, mock cocktails, island music and good company. While you're there sign up for the first annual adult summer reading program, Catch the Reading Wave.Celebrate summer, reading and everyone's favorite library- Windsor Locks Public Library. There's even rumors of door prizes. So come and kick-back at the kick-off.

A Quick Preview

We are leading up to the start of the adult summer reading program. The program will start in June but I thought I would give everyone some idea of what to look forward to.

• Participants would be free to read or listen to any book of their choosing.  We have a great selection here at Windsor Locks Public Library and we always have good ideas if you are at a loss.

• When you return your book to the library you will receive a form to fill in your name and the author and title of the book you read. If you choose, you may give a brief review on the back of the form.

• Each form you fill out will give you a chance to win a prize.All these chances will lead up to a secret grand prize.

• Each week we will tally up the most popular books and announce them on this site and hopefully share some of those reviews (anonymously if you prefer).

We are looking forward to a wonderful summer and hope you will enjoy this new program!

Welcome!

Welcome to Catch the Reading Wave, Windsor Locks Public Library's adult summer reading program. Stay tuned for further information in the coming months. Until then-Happy Reading!