What Are You Reading Today?

August 21, 2012

Still looking for a good read as the summer break ends and the kids head back to school? Here’s another list of staff picks just for you!

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

"Devil in the White City is a nonfiction book that intertwines two stories—that of the architects building the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and a mass murderer whose victims are primarily women coming to work at the fair. It is very informative, historically, yet reads and entertains like a suspense novel."

~Janelle L.

Anne's House of Dreams by L. M. Montgomery

"A continuation of the story of Anne when she finally begins her life as a married woman. Written in the same style as the previous novels, it is easy to reflect on Anne's childhood and see how life is always full of characters, no matter where you live."

~Amy O.

Okay For Now by Gary Schmidt

 "A young man with a less than okay home life finds himself in a new town where he discovers that life balances good with the bad."

~Amy O.

Suspect by Michael Robotham

"Robotham’s books are police mysteries using psychology—very interesting."

~Carol C.

The Trouble with Magic by Madelyn Alt

"It was fun, almost a like a Nancy Drew for adults. I just wanted something light; this cozy mystery involves an antique store and likable main character. It is the first in a "bewitching mysteries" series.  This was fun but don't know if I want to read too many more of them. Also in the cozy mystery vein I'm reading Dog On It by Spencer Quinn, love the dog as one of the main characters...but it was losing the cozy mystery feel when the dog had some rough times. Still I liked it and will try more of the "Chet and Bernie mystery" series."

~Peggy M.

Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins

"I had to look up the phrase "gone to ground" to see what it meant. The phrase is used for people in hiding, and it also refers to foxes or rabbits when they're being hunted. The book is a "who-done-it" mystery; six women have been murdered in a small town, the latest being a very young woman. Three people in the book are just sure they know who the killer is, and none of them have the same person in mind.  I would name this a four-star book for its quality writing and for the fact that it keeps me reading and guessing!”

~Jan M.

Hellhound on His Trail: The Electrifying Account of the Largest Manhunt in American History by Hampton Sides.

"It is a wonderfully written narrative detailing the police manhunt for assassin James Earl Ray in the days after killing Martin Luther King Jr. It traces both men’s path to the fateful day in April 1968 when King was gunned down at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Not only does this nonfiction account tell the story of Martin Luther King Jr. and James Earl Ray, but it also chronicles the racial turmoil felt in parts of the United States during the 1960s. It is an excellent book that reads like a fast paced novel, 4 out of 5 stars for the nonfiction lover!"

~Katie S.

The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton

"A fascinating novel about a young man who experienced a tragic incident as a young child and has been mute ever since. He has a special gift for opening any lock whether it's a door, padlock, or safe. I'm anxious to finish it to find out what the tragedy was and if he ever speaks again."

~Natalie P.

Happy Reading!

~Lizzie B. & Parkville Staff
Parkville Branch