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