"Alias Anna" by Susan Hood with Greg Dawson is Hard to Put Down!

Alias Anna by Susan Hood with Greg Dawson is the true story about two young sisters with special talent for playing the piano.  They live in Russia during World War II and flee when the Germans move in to take over.  They manage to escape on the way to being killed.  This is a quick read that is very hard to put down.  I liked it and found it easy to read because it is written in verse and the chapters were very short!   It is pretty fascinating and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical non-fiction stories.  (Karen's review, 5 stars)

Gerard's review 12/22/22:
Alias Anna by Susan Hood with Greg Dawson tells a true story about two young Jewish sisters who were able to outwit the Nazis and survive during Hitler's reign.  This is a really good book told in verse so is a quick read.  This is worth the read for sure.  I found it hard to put down.  (5++ stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Beware of "The Perfect Child" by Lucinda Berry which is WILD and Extremely Sad!

The Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry is a very sad and depressing read.  If I had known that before, I would not have read this one, but once I started it I got invested in the Hannah, the mother.  This is the story of the family who adopted an abused 6-yr.-old child and the struggles that they encountered.  This book got me riled up and even angry at times.  It's an emotional read with a child far from perfect.  I really don't understand the title.  I would not recommend this one.  (Karen's review, 2 stars)

Gerard's review 11/30/22:
In The Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry, a young girl is found who has been mistreated and needs help in the worst way.  Christopher, a surgeon, fixes her up.  He wants to adopt her since the girl has no relatives.  His wife, Hannah, agrees and they take her in.  Is it happy ever after? or the worst decision they ever made?  This book is wild!  The storyline kept my interest.  (4 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"A Midwinter's Tail" by Bethany Blake is a Cozy Mystery

In A Midwinter's Tail by Bethany Blake, there is a murder in a small town and Daphne is out to solve it with a little help from her dogs.  This book was okay, but needed more action for me.  I enjoyed how the dogs were used in the story though and liked the storyline.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars) 

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"All Good People Here" by Ashley Flowers Does Not Live up to the Hype

In All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers, Margot goes back to her home town.  It has been 20 years since a young girl was found killed there and now it has happened again.  Was it the same person both times who did the killing and if so, why?  Margot's job depends on her getting answers.  Somebody wants her to leave it alone, or else!  This book needed more action.  It did pick up at the end at least.  I liked the storyline, but the characters were just so-so.  I don't get what all the hype was about for this one.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Winners" by Fredrik Backman

The Winners by Fredrik Backman is the last of the three books about Beartown and its hockey team.  Beartown and their rival, Hed, still hate each other.  Beartown is really good and plans to shut down Hed from playing hockey again.  There is so much stuff that goes on in this that it would take too long to explain it all.  I will just say I got to know the characters very well.  I think this is a great series and this book is as good as the first two--Beartown and Us Against You.  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)  

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six" by Lisa Unger is Fantastic!

Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger is a thriller about six people who go to a cabin for relaxation and to unplug, but encounter foul play that they totally did not expect.  This storyline converges with a second storyline about Henry, who discovers his father was a sperm donor and a very bad man!   

This book was pretty good, but there are a lot of characters and I didn't like how it jumped back and forth between the two storylines.  I liked the first storyline better.  The theme of the book is that our DNA does not have to control us.  We can choose who we want to be.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)

Gerard's review 11/18/22:
In Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger, six couples rent a cabin in the woods for a weekend.  It is away from everyone, very secluded.  They look forward to a week of fun, relaxation and making happy memories.  One person wants these people to remember this weekend too for all the wrong reasons.   This is a fantastic book that kept me turning pages.  (5++ stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The IT GIRL" by Ruth Ware is Fantastic!

In The IT GIRL by Ruth Ware, Hannah is a girl from a small town who is a hard worker and finds herself at Oxford College.  Her roommate is April, who is different from Hannah in every way.  They become close friends.  Hannah finds April dead in her bed and wonders why and who would do that.  This book is fantastic with good writing, storyline and characters.  LOVED IT!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Foster" by Claire Keegan

In Foster by Claire Keegan, a little girl is sent to a neighbor's house because her mom is going to have a baby and cannot look after her.  She likes the people who look after her but finds out that there are secrets to be kept.  This is a short 92-page book that is okay.  I thought it was pretty good.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"What Happened to the Bennets" by Lisa Scottoline

What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline is the story of a family whose daughter is fatally shot when two thugs hijack their car.  The family is put into the FBI's witness protection program because Milo, the thug is after the father, who is a court reporter.  The family grieves and two FBI agents live in a house next to where they are staying.  Their friends and co-workers all wonder what happened to them and rumors begin to fly.  The father, Jason, makes a shocking discovery and chooses to go get justice for his daughter on his own.  

I liked this book a lot because it centered on a normal family who had their lives uprooted.  A lot went on in this book which is filled with action and suspense.  It even had a family dog in it which I thought was a nice touch.   (Karen's review, 5 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"This Time Tomorrow" by Emma Straub

In This Time Tomorrow, Alice's dad is very sick with tubes in him as she is on the verge of turning 40.  She remembers the fun times she had with her dad.  On her birthday, she wakes up back in time when she was 16 and her dad was healthy.  This book could have been so much better if it was about Alice and her dad instead of time travel!  (Gerard's review, 3 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The House Across the Lake" by Riley Sager

In The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager, Casey Fletcher goes to a lake to relax.  She takes an interest in the house across the lake.  She becomes friends with the woman who lives there.  When that woman goes missing, Casey investigates.  

Wow!  This book was good because of the characters and great storyline.  I thought I knew how this would all play out, but I was wrong.  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars) 

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Fantasy League" by Mike Lupica is a Fun Football Read!

Fantasy League by Mike Lupica is about Charlie, a 12-yr.-old who loves football and is so good at fantasy football that he gives tips to others via a podcast he does with his best friend, Anna. Anna is the granddaughter of the owner of Charlie's favorite pro team.  When Anna introduces them, they immediately connect over football and become friends.  Charlie also plays on a team as a player-coach.  He has a knack for seeing things others don't notice that helps his team.  

This is a great story about football and friendship.  The kid gets to feel like he owns a pro football team.  I loved it!  (Karen's review, 5 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Speckled Beauty...A Dog and His People" by Rick Bragg

The speckled Beauty...a Dog and His People by Rick Bragg is the true story about the heartwarming relationship between Rick and his dog.  When Rick comes across a dog that is barely alive, he does what he can for him and then takes it to the vet.  In time the dog gets better and he is a handful to take care of.  No matter how many things the dog destroys and gets loose, Rick will not give up on him regardless of what his brother and mother say.  If you have a dog or simply just like dogs, you will enjoy this book which contains lots of funny stories that Rick tells very well.  I loved it, especially since the dog does not die!  (Gerard's review, 5+ stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Lost Girls of Willowbrook" by Ellen Marie Wiseman is Based on True Events

In The Lost Girls of Willowbrook by Ellen Marie Wiseman, Sage is an identical twin.  Her sister that she thought died six years ago is actually missing.  She escaped from Willowbrook and Sage sets out to find her.  Sage assumes Willowbrook is a school but finds out how wrong she is.  At Willowbrook, Sage is mistaken for her sister and must use all her smarts to find her.  

I thought this book was really good because of the writing and storyline.  I felt like I got to know Willowbrook very well.  What an awesome and eye-opening road it was for me!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Family Game" by Catherine Steadman

In The Family Game by Catherine Steadman, life is good for Harriet.  Her new book is flying off the shelves!  She is engaged to a very handsome rich man and is about to have a baby.  One thing left to do is meet her future husband's family.  There are a lot of them who are also very rich.  When she meets her future father-in-law, he gives her a tape of a book he's been working on to listen to.  Then it's game time!  

I think this book is outstanding with good characters and storyline.  I loved the ending!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Ms. Krup Cracks Me Up!" by Dan Gutman is about a Field Trip

1.    

Ms. Krup Cracks Me Up! By Dan Gutman (My Weird School Book 21) is a children’s book about the class going to an overnight field trip to a natural history museum.  They see dioramas, learn about dinosaurs and poop mostly.  It was okay but not as funny as others.  (Karen's review, 3 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Confessions on the 7:45" by Lisa Unger is Unpredictable!

In Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger, Selena is on a subway train thinking of the problems she is having with her husband.  The train is not moving because the rail is blocked.  So Selena gets to talking with another woman and tells her about the problems she has.  She feels better when she lets it out.  Little does she know that by talking, her problems are about to get a whole lot worse!  

I thought this book was really good.  The characters were interesting to say the least.  The storyline was such that I never knew what or who was going to come into the picture and the ending was outstanding!  I loved this one!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The First to Die at the End" by Adam Silvera

In The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera, two young men meet in Times Square on New Year's Eve.  It is the beginning of a new year and the start of death cast.  Death cast calls people on the day they are supposed to die.  Can they really do that?  One of the young men gets a call.  It could be a very short friendship.  This book is the prequel to They Both Die At the End.  I enjoyed this book just as much as the other one.  I liked that this book has more characters.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Mrs. Patty Is Batty!" by Dan Gutman (My Weird School Series Book 13)

Mrs. Patty Is Batty! by Dan Gutman is a children's Halloween story that is about trick-or-treating.  I thought it was pretty good because it had some humor and suspense to it.  I think young children would like it.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)  

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Back to School, Weird Kids Rule!" by Dan Gutman (Weird School Special)

Back to School, Weird Kids Rule! by Dan Gutman is a bit different from other books I read in this series because instead of AJ being the narrator, it's Andrea!  Andrea explains why she loves school so much and focuses on the week before school starts.  She and AJ are thrown together by their parents (the mothers are best friends), and spend their time arguing.  It includes some history of school supplies and some puzzles in the back.  I liked this one all right.  The interaction between Andrea and AJ was funny.   (Karen's review, 3 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"What Comes After" by Joanne Tompkins

In What Comes After by Joanne Tompkins, two young teen boys are found dead in the woods of a small town.  They were friend.  A few weeks later, a young teen girl comes out of the woods but who is she and why is she here now?  She gets involved in the lives of both of the dead boys' families.  What are her secrets?  This book is really good.  I enjoyed all the characters and the good story line.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Miss Suki is Kooky!" by Dan Gutman (Book 17 in My Weird School Series)

In Miss Suki is Kooky! by Dan Gutman, the students read The Fearless Falcon by Suki Kabuki and then the author visits their school with a falcon!  I liked this book because it gives some interesting information about falcons and is humorous.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"It's Halloween, I'm Turning Green!" by Dan Gutman

It's Halloween, I'm Turning Green! by Dan Gutman is part of My Weird School series.  It's a special because it includes games and puzzles in the back.  AJ and his friends go trick or treating, but run into the Halloween monster who takes their candy!  I think kids would enjoy this book simply because it is a Halloween story.  For me, it was okay.  (Karen's review, 2 stars)  

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"We're Red, Weird, and Blue! What Can We Do?" by Dan Gutman

We're Red, Weird, and Blue!  What Can We Do? by Dan Gutman is a children's book that teaches some facts about presidents in a fun way.  A.J. and Andrea are chosen to represent their school in a President's Day Challenge against Dirk School.  This is both educational and funny with a surprise ending.  This book also includes some puzzles and review questions in the back.  I enjoyed this book because I learned some things and it made me laugh.  (Karen's review, 5 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Killers of a Certain Age" by Deanna Raybourn

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn is about how four retired women assassins scheme, plot and fight for their survival against the very organization that hired and trained them to be killers.  This book moved slow for me, but had me interested right from the start.  It had a bit of humor but not enough to say it was humorous.  It is narrated from the point of view of Billie, one of the old women assassins.  The characters seemed shallow.  I felt they could have been developed more.  I'm glad I stuck with it though because the last few chapters were very good!  (Karen's review, 3 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"For the Wolf" by Hannah Whitten (a fantasy debut)

In For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten, Red has one purpose in life:  give herself up to the woods and hope the gods will return.  I thought this book was pretty good because Red was a good character, had enough action and the ending chapters were very good!  There will be a sequel.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Woman in the Library" by Sulari Gentill

In The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill, there is a scream in the library.  Four people sit at a table and talk about it.  Three of the four do not realize the murder is sitting at their table with them!  I thought this book was very good.  I enjoyed the characters and the unusual story line.  Although the book started slow, it made up for it as it went along and I didn't figure out who the murderer was until the last page.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars) 

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Mr. Macky Is Wacky!" by Dan Gutman is about President's Day (Book 15 in My Weird School Series)

Mr. Macky Is Wacky! by Dan Gutman is Book 15 in My Weird School series.  It is a funny book about a school celebrating President's Day.  I enjoyed this one because it made me laugh.  It is actually somewhat informative because teachers and students share facts about some of the presidents.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Replacement Wife" by Darby Kane

In The Replacement Wife by Darby Kane, Elisa does not trust her brother-in-law, Josh, at all with good reason.  Women seem to come to a bad end when they are with Josh.  Now he has a new girlfriend.  Elisa wants to know the truth about Josh.  This book is really good, wild in a good way!  It has a good story line, a great ending, and does not go back and forth in time.  (Gerard's review, 5++ Stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

My Weird School FAST FACTS Series by Dan Gutman

Explorers, Presidents, and Toilets by Dan Gutman is a FAST FACTS series book that I found extremely interesting and filled with fun facts about U.S. history.  I learned new things in an enjoyable way and highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about U.S. history, including the history of toilets!  (Karen’s review, 5 stars)

Dogs, Cats, and Dung Beetles by Dan Gutman is a FAST FACTS series book I found to be informative and funny!  It is filled with interesting fun facts about all sorts of animals as well as some jokes throughout the book.  I especially enjoyed the chapter on presidents’ pets.  Arlo and Amanda both alternate sharing facts in a fun way.  I highly recommend this book to any animal lover.  (Karen’s review, 5 stars)

Sports by Dan Gutman if a FAST FACTS series book I found to be interesting and funny.  Arlo and Amanda both alternate sharing facts as in the other books in this series.  Most sports are covered, but I noticed pickleball was not included. I especially liked the baseball and basketball facts, but enjoyed the whole book.  I liked that at the end it encourages kids to search the internet for their own weird facts about a subject that interest them.  (Karen's review, 5 stars)

Dinosaurs, Dodos, and Woolly Mammoths by Dan Gutman is a FAST FACTS series book that I skipped because I just am not interesting in reading about dinosaurs and other extinct animals.  I included it here because it is part of this series.

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Wish You Were Gone" by Kieran Scott

In Wish You Were Gone by Kieran Scott, Emma's husband, James, died in an accident.  This novel goes into the time before and after James' death.  This book is very good!  It is told by many people which I enjoyed very much.  The ending was just fantastic!  I highly recommend this one!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Mr. Granite If from Another Planet!" by Dan Gutman

Mr. Granite Is from Another Planet! by Dan Gutman is the first book in the My Weird School Daze series that I didn't enjoy at all.  It was about going green but things in it made no sense at all and it wasn't as funny as the others either.  It was just stupid.  The only good thing about this one is that it's a quick read!  I would recommend skipping this one!  (Karen's review, 1 star)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Babysitter" by Joyce Carol Oates Is Based on a True Story

In Babysitter by Joyce Carol Oates, Hannah and Wes live in an upscale neighborhood with their two small children.  Hannah makes a decision that puts her marriage at the breaking point and children are being taken!  Are Wes and Hannah's kids in danger?  I thought this book was very good!  The story line is great and the writing was really good too.  Hannah was a wonderful character!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"My Darling Husband" by Kimberly Belle is a Nail-Biter

My Darling Husband by Kimberly Belle is all about one extremely bad day for Cam and Jade and their two young children.  Jade and her son and daughter are held held hostage by a masked man with a gun in their own home while waiting for Cam to bring $734,296 by 7 p.m.!  Cam is a celebrity chef with several high-end restaurants, but with some big secrets not even his wife is aware of.  

This is full of suspense.  I really liked the interaction between the gunman and the kids.  This book had twists I did not expect and could not guess the ending.  This was a fascinating read for me inspired by true events!  (Karen's review 9/19/22, 5 Stars)  

Gerard's review:  

My Darling Husband by Kimberly Belle deals with a married couple, Jade and Cam.  They have two children.  All seems fine from the outside; however, when Jade and her children are held hostage in their home by a gunman, secrets come out that paint not so nice a picture.  This is good stuff!  I liked the storyline and really got to care about the characters.  (5 stars) 

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Woods Are Always Watching" by Stephanie Perkins

The Woods Are Always Watching by Stephanie Perkins is about two teen girls going on their first camping trip.  They are best friends but will be separated when they go to different colleges in the fall.  What should be a fun time turns into a nightmare!  This book is good stuff!  I liked both girls and the story moved along.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)  

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Mr. Klutz Is Nuts!" My Weird School 2 series by Dan Gutman

Mr. Klutz Is Nuts! is the second book in My Weird School series by Dan Gutman.  In this book is all about the principal doing funny things to motivate the students.  The reader learns about incentives.  I liked that the students became concerned about their principal and were willing to learn without his incentives.  I enjoyed this one but it didn't make me laugh out loud like some of the others in this series did.  (Karen's review, 3 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!