Worst Case by James Patterson: Reader Review

Worst Case by James Patterson

Rating: 5 out of 5 (excellent)

Review: I listen to many of his books because they keep you on the edge of your seat. In Worst Case, an intelligent, meticulous, educated individual kidnaps young, wealthy kids and proceeds to ask them specific questions about world events. If they answer all of the questions correctly, they are let go - if not, you'll have to read the book to find out. The detectives are always one step behind. Short, edgy read - you have no choice but to continue turning the pages.

Reviewed by: e l

Wildthorn by Jane Eagland: Reader Review

Wildthorn by Jane Eagland

Rating: 5 out of 5 (excellent)

Review: One of the best books I've read in a while, Wildthorn is a historical novel set in Victorian England at a time when a woman's choices were extremely limited. Seventeen year-old Louisa Cosgrove wants to be a doctor just like her father and that just is not acceptable, even though a medical school for women had just opened in London. Louisa (if that's her real name) find herself locked up in a mental asylum without a clue as to why or who did this to her. It is a page-turner.

Reviewed by: Kathy C.

Fish out of Agua: Reader Review

Fish out of agua : my life on neither side of the (subway) tracks by Michele Carlo

Rating: 5 out of 5 (excellent)

Review: Michelle writes about her experience being a red-haired, freckle-faced, Puerto-Rican and her life growing up in the Bronx. The book is written in Spanglish which I really enjoyed. I could also relate with many of her experiences. She went to NYCCC and so did I, she lived in the Bronx where my Aunt used to live, and she ate at La Carida - I've eaten there many times with my family in NYC. For those of us who live in two worlds - this is an excellent book and portrayal of many of the feelings we experience.

Reviewed by: e l

Winter Reading Club Update, Week 4

Four weeks into the Winter Reading Club and the website already has 190 posted book reviews! Congratulations to A.H., who won Week Four's prize basket, "Saving for A Rainy Day." Keep the entries coming; the next raffle prize is "Yoga for Life" and the drawing for it will be held first thing on Monday, 3/7. Haven't joined the reading club? It's not too late; sign up here or by calling the Adult Reference Desk at (631) 399-1511 x 240. All adult cardholders are welcome. For your browsing pleasure, here are some of the books that received excellent reviews in the winter reading club this week (click the covers to see the complete record & reserve your own copy):

Winter Reading Club Update, Week 5

Five weeks into the Winter Reading Club and the website already has 367 posted book reviews! Congratulations to D.P., who won Week Five's prize basket, "Yoga for Life." Keep the entries coming; the next raffle prize is "Whole Lotta Love" and the drawing for it will be held first thing on Monday, 3/14. Haven't joined the reading club? Even though it's halfway over, it's still not too late; sign up here or by calling the Adult Reference Desk at (631) 399-1511 x 240. All adult cardholders are welcome. For your browsing pleasure, here are some of the books that received excellent reviews in the winter reading club this week (click the covers to see the complete record & reserve your own copy):

Hunger Games Trilogy: Reader Review

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Written for young adults, the three books in the Hunger Games Trilogy are also bestsellers in the adult market, with many people eagerly anticipating forthcoming the movie adaptation. Here is one reader's review of all three books:

Title: Book 1, The Hunger Games

Rating: 5/5 (excellent)
Review: A futuristic North America where the rulers of Panem are in control. There are 12 districts, each having two - girl and boy - participate in the Hunger Games - only one will survive. Although quite violent, it was a great book.

Title: Book 2, Catching Fire

Rating: 5/5 (excellent)
Review: The second in the Hunger Games trilogy - those that have secured safety in the first book "The Hunger Games" (I don't want to give anything away)by outsmarting Panem - now become the faces of a rebellion. Great Science Fiction at work. Loved it.

Title: Book 3, Mockingjay

Rating: 4/5 (good)
Review: The last book in the Hunger Games trilogy. The survivors have gone through hell and back. Now they are part of the rebellion. Will they live long enough to enjoy their freedoms? I have to say that I loved all three books. However, I was disappointed with the way the story ended.

Reviewed by: el lugo

Little Bee: Reader Review

Little Bee by Chris Cleave

Rating: 5/5 (excellent)

Review: This is the story of two women. Their lives collide one fateful day, and one of them has to make a terrible choice, the kind of choice we hope you never have to face. Two years later, they meet again--the story starts there...My second favorite book of 2010 aside from "The Help". Little bee endures so much...from her sister's death, to being in detention and then running away, to finally meeting up with the English woman she met so briefly in Nigeria.

Reviewed by: EL

What is Left the Daughter: Reader Review

What is Left the Daughter by Howard Norman

Rating: 5/5 (excellent)

Review: In an attempt to connect with his estranged daughter, Marlais, Wyatt Hyller writes a long overdue confessional letter. He starts his story when he is bizarrely orphaned at the age of 17 by his parents dual suicides on the same day. He moves from Halifax, Nova Scotia to the home of his aunt and uncle in the small town of Middle Economy. While apprenticing as a sled builder, he falls in love with his adopted cousin Tilda. Tilda however fall in love with a student from Germany, Hans. With the World War II raging and U Boats attacking Canadian ships, this relationship does not sit well with anyone in the community and some take it harder than others. A single shocking and tragic event changes the lives of Tilda and Wyatt forever. There is so much grief, anger, sadness, and love packed into this book, it is hard to believe it is only 250 pages! If you are looking for a light read, don't choose this one. However, if you like to explore complicated emotions and family issues, this may interest you.

Reviewed by: Jessica O.

(Also, here's another review for this book from the Washington Post.)

Rescue by Anita Shreve: Reader Review

Title: Rescue

Genre: Adult Fiction

Author: Anita Shreve

Rating: 5/5 (excellent)

Publisher Summary: After his wife, Sheila, abandons him, paramedic Peter Webster is left to raise their daughter alone, until Sheila contacts him 19 years later, dredging up years of buried questions and making him wonder why their marriage unraveled.

Review: I am a big fan of Anita Shreve and enjoy the stories she tells. Although it isn't an uplifting kind of tale, sometimes reading something besides mysteries and romance can be a good thing. I think she is a great descriptive writer that can keep your interest in all of the novels she writes.

Reviewed by: Chris N.

Sarah's Key: Reader Review

Title: Sarah's Key

Genre: Adult Fiction

Author: Tatiana DeRosnay

Rating: 5/5 (excellent)

Review: This was such a haunting tale, with a multi-layered story and some history told as well. It really held my interest. She has a new book out, Secret Kept, that I am looking forward to reading.

Reviewed by: Christine N.