Summer Reading Book Review: For a Few Demons More, by Kim Harrison

I found this book to be slow reading at first, but it finally picked up with some action near the end. For a Few Demons More revolves around the life of Rachel Morgan. Rachel is a witch and deals with earth magic as well as some dark, demon magic. In this story Rachel must juggle her friendship with vampire Ivy, her vampire boyfriend Kisten, a pixy, elves, demons, and werewolves in her hometown of Cincinnati. Her life seems to always be a small step ahead of the danger that lurks around her, but when murders start occurring in the neighborhood, danger seems to be on her front door step. Overall I liked this story, but was confused about some of the characters and references to past events as this book seems to be part of a series (One of the reviews on the back cover indicated this was a new series, but I believe this book is a follow up to A Fistful of Charms.)

Reviewed by Kristen Rowinsky

Summer Reading Book Review - The Walk by Richard Paul Evans

As evidenced in his best selling novels, once again Richard Paul Evans demonstrates his skill as an exemplary storyteller. In the first of this series, he introduces us to Alan Christoffersen, a man on a desperate search for hope. In this story, Alan has lost everything most important to him - his wife, his business and his home all within a very short period of time. Finding life unbearable, he is tempted to end his own, but instead, haunted by his wife's plea to live, he decides instead to take a walk, heading for the farthest point on his map. On his journey he encounters many people and lessons that have a profound impact on his life and provide inspiration and hope for his future. A memorable read that has left me looking forward to book 2 of The Walk series coming in April 2011.

Submitted by Lori Candela

Summer Reading Review: On Agate Hill, by Lee Smith

This is a haunting story of a young girl , Molly Petree, who lives at Agate Hill, an old family home in post Civil War North Carolina. She doesn't quite feel at home with the others living there but identifies more with her dead family. She considers herself a refugee girl and proceeds to write of her life in a diar, both the good and the evil that befalls her. A mysterious benefactor enters her life and changes its course, which leads to both great joy and great tragedy.

On Agate Hill was a memorable work of fiction that will touch your heart and linger there long after you turn the last page.

Reviewed by Patricia Brisch

Summer Reading Book Review: The Last Time I Saw You, by Elizabeth Berg

Like many avid readers, I have my favorite authors and look forward to their latest book's publication. Elizabeth Berg is one of those writers whose work resonates with me. I like her insights into adult female characters, especially around their roles as mothers and wives. However, there are some authors who start to disappoint me once they reach their seventh or so book. I almost feel like the book editors are pushing them to come up with an idea and then quickly finish the novel, even though it's barely developed in their mind, perhaps.

This was the case with Berg's latest book. It's shorter than some of her others, and that works fine. However, the characters are not very likeable and not very well developed. And, the plot, which centers around four protagonists preparing to attend their 40th high school reunion, is thin. I think the author was trying to discuss how the characters changed since their glory days, or not so happy days, in high school but the reader isn't privy to any of the events that contributed to who they are today. Therefore, I wasn't particularly sympathetic, even to the one character--the former Homecoming Queen--when she is diagnosed with cancer. The "mean girl," Dorothy, repulsed me because she clearly had not changed at all. In fact, I was apalled by how some of the characters thoughts and actions were more reminiscent of an adolescent than a 58-year old. I was embarrassed for them!!

I also think that the author was trying to show how the characters' lives were changed by attending the reunion but, again. The reader is supposed to "get" this in about two chapters worth of abrupt summary at the end of the book.

I read the book until the end because I kept waiting for something exciting to happen. It never did.

Reviewed by Karen Dydzuhn

Summer Reading Book Review - The Magicians, by Lev Grossman

As a college student whose childhood was shaped by the wonder of Harry Potter, Narnia, and Tolkien, Lev Grossman wrote just the book for me. The Magicians tells the story of Quentin, an incredibly bright high-school senior, likely headed for the Ivy Leagues and yet still deeply unhappy with his life. Quentin, like most of his friends, grew up reading stories of Fillory - a land that carries deep shades of Narnia. Yet, he believed that it was just this, a childhood tale of fantasy - his own brand of magic was simple palm and card tricks (or so he thought). Moments after he is scheduled for his Princeton interview Quentin finds himself sitting for the entrance exam at Brakebills School for Magic in upstate New York.

What sets Grossman apart from the countless Harry Potter spinoffs is his touch for realism. There is no Voldemort or great evil to be fought in a land inhabited by knowing magicians. Upon graduation Brakebills students head out in the real world of today - there is a Ministry of Magic. In Grossman's estimation magic is less fantasy and wonder and more hard work and discontentment. As college-aged kids Brakebill's students struggle in a realistic and stirring way with the difficulties of growing up - love, sex, drugs and general listlessness are common themes.

In removing the stark contrasts of good and evil that overlay most novels of this genre Grossman leaves a grey area where magicians have the same murky morals and a persistent sense that the grass is greener somewhere else. Adventures and human conflict abound and Grossman leaves himself an ending ripe for a sequel. This was the one part of Grossman's novel that left me wanting - the end seemed to leave threads hanging that I felt should have been tied more tightly. Don't let that steer you away from this great fresh new novel, however, it truly is a great read.


Reviewed by Meg Evans

Summer Reading Book Review - The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls

This memoir is one for the ages - at times throughout the reading I had to remind myself that this was a true story. Beginning with the startling scene of Walls spotting her homeless mother rifling through garbage as she cruised through Manhattan in a cab on her way back to her Park Avenue apartment, the book expands into an intimate and touching story of a family. Walls descibes her childhood spent moving from town to town on a whim. Hunger wasn't uncommon and money was always scarce for the Walls family. An alcoholic yet bright and entrepreneurial father and a whimsical artistic mother created a childhood of wonder and survival for the four Walls children. Readers can't help but be struck with how incredibly well Walls is able to recollect her world exactly as she saw it as a child. There is no filter of adult resentments and realizations of the poverty and insanity of her own childhood - it is written simply as she remembers it, full of unconditional love amidst the tumult.

I can't recommend the book strongly enough. From California to Phoenix, West Virginia and New York Walls has told a great American tale of overcoming adversity and the deep love of families - full of flaws and tribulations - yet all the while pulsing with love. You'll fly through it this summer and be left with quite a bit to think about.

Reviewed by Meg Evans

Summer Reading Review - The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer

Stephenie Meyer's novella The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner focuses on a character briefly introduced in Eclipse. Bree Tanner is a vampire; she hasn't lived this new life long, and doesn't know why she has been created to join a vampire army. She doesn't fit in with the other vampires and believes there is something her creator is not telling them about this new life. Bree is befriended by an older vampire in the group and together they start to piece together all their thoughts as to their purpose. When their creator finally tells Bree and the others their purpose, Bree knows that this is not how she wants to live. She must make a decision fast or her new life could be over. I found this novella to be quick reading and really enjoyed the development of this character. It is a great companion to Eclipse and readers of the Twilight series will greatly enjoy this story.

Reviewed by Kristen Rowinsky