Adult Summer Reading Program 2015

Readers’ Comments

1.The All Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion, by Fannie Flagg

Interesting and could not guess the outcome in the final chapter. The WASPS were (female) Army Air Force pilots during World War II but were never given recognition until many years later.

Very enjoyable. Knew nothing about the WASPs before reading this!

2.One Summer: America 1927, by Bill Bryson

Loved the book. I could not put it down! I had large print edition so really long (750 pages)!

3.Still Alice, by Lisa Genova

Great book and apparently great movie.

4.Children of the Orphan Train, by Holly Littlefield

Loved the photographs. Makes me want to find out if any Orphan Trains came to Michigan.

5.Walter the Farting Dog, by William Kotzwinkle

Kids love this!

6.The Daughter of Highland Hall, by Carrie Turansky

I absolutely loved this book! This is the second book in the Edwardian Brides Series. If you love

Downton Abbey, then this is the series for you.

7.One Plus One, by Jojo Moyers

Great characters, both human and a dog named “Norman.” Just a delightful story of how an extremely dysfunctional family survives and finds love. Jojo Moyes is my newest favorite author.

8.The Lives Between Us, by Theresa Rizzo

A story about stem cells – cord & embryonic – and politicians’ private and public lives, and locations around Grosse Pointe, MI.

9.The Dead Key, by D.M. Pulley

A gentle thriller. Good information about safe deposit boxes - involves fraud by bank employees and politicians.

10.Birthdays for the Dead, by Stuart MacBride

A little confusing at first, but quickly sucks you in. Book leaves you wanting a sequel with these characters.

11.The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat, by Edward K. Moore

A comforting & charming book about female friendships – written by a man honoring the women in his life.

12.The Distant Hours, by Kate Marton

A bit of a slow starter, sometimes hard to catch the symbolism but once into it, it is a good read. The plot is intricate with surprises toward the end.

13.A Dangerous Place, by Jacqueline Winspear

#11 in a series about a detective who was a field nurse in WWII. Interesting historical background.

14.The Wordy Shipmates, by Sarah Vowell

Vowell has written humorous historical commentaries about American events. If you need a laugh, read her.

15.All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr

Excellent book about the German invasion of France in WWII. Well written, unforgettable.

16.The Cavendon Women, by Barbara Taylor Bradford

A “Downton Abbey” wannabe. Too predictable. Sorry Barbara T. Bradford fans …

17.Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, by Helen Simonson

A funny story about a very proper Englishman and society and cultural issues effecting his relationship with Mrs. Ali.

18.The Christmas Banquet, by Sherryl Woods

Not my favorite- characters were a little whiney!

19.Pay It Forward, by Catherine Ryan Hyde

A very good book. A bit hard getting started but a story about how good humans can be.

20.Gray Mountain, by John Grisham

It was nice to have the story focus on a woman protagonist.

21.The 20/20 Diet, by Dr. Phil McGraw

A different take on dieting.

22.Curly Like Me: How to Grow Your Hair Healthy, Long, and Strong, by Teri LaFlesh

This book would only be beneficial to someone with mixed race hair. But I did enjoy the author’s personal story.

23.A Feast for Crows, by George R.R. Martin

This is the fourth book in the Game of Thrones series. Love the detail. The author really draws you in to each scene and makes you want to turn each page to see what happens next.

24.Capitol Park, by Jack Dempsey

Purchased this book while attending an author visit to the Harper Woods Library. I have an interest in history so I found this a great read on Detroit’s lesser known history – Capitol Park, Stevens Mason boy governor, and the first capitol of Michigan. If you like history and/or are fond of Detroit it is a good read.

25.I Still Dream About You, by Fannie Flagg

Engaging storyteller!

26.Sharp Objects, by Gillian Flynn

This book was good all the way through. Just when you think you know the ending, something happens that makes you change your mind.

27.Prodigal Son, by Danielle Steel

It was a good plot with unexpected twists and turns. It had the happy ending all of Danielle Steel’s books have with the emotional rollercoaster ride she takes you on to get there.

28.Mary Coin, by Marisa Silver

Hard to follow. I think I should read it again!

29.A Turn in the Road, by Debbie Macomber

Read this one before – so not so hot the 2nd time around – sorry.

30.The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, by Gabrielle Zevin

A.J. is a bookstore owner who suffers emotionally and financially after the death of his wife. A story about books (why we read), second chances and love.

31.Dark Justice, by Jack Higgins

Plenty of twists and action.

32.Marcelo in the Real World, by Francisco X. Stork

Although this book was in the “Young Adult” section, I found it enlightening. Understanding individuals with Aspergers and their experiences in “the real world” only serves to benefit us all!

33.Daily Calm – 365 Days of Serenity – Photos and Wisdom to Soothe Your Spirit, by National Geographic

365 Days of serenity! Beautiful.

34.The Beauty Detox Power, by Kimberly Snyder

This book talks a lot about “chakras,” energy centers in your body. If you like new age health topics, then you will like this book. The recipes are nothing special and can be found on the internet.