The Hook-Up Equation

Break the Rules

Drive Me Crazy

A Well-Trained Wife

I’ve Got My Mind Set on Brew

Out on a Limb

One Last Time

Undying

-Sandra I.

If You Tell

This true story really delves into the horrors that three sisters lives through as their mother abused and tortured not only them, but other friends. Some chapters could get a little long winded, but overall the story flows. It is awful to think what these girls endured.

The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson

The Women

Kristin Hannah does it again! Her books are so well written and the characters are incredibly developed. She tells the journey of a nurse in Vietnam and everything she deals with after the war. Such a gripping story.

The Anxious Generation

Eye-opening book about the negative impact of technology and social media on today’s society, especially children. Highly recommend.

Feel-Good Productivity

Ringworld

I can see why it won the Hugo award decades ago, but the writing doesn’t quite hold up to modern standards. Good SF but the characters are very star trek captain kirk era.

-Adric Q.

If This Book Exists, You’re In the Wrong Universe

Absolute joy to journey through the John and David universe again. Pargin’s sharp humor has me hooked, and his smart ways to incorporate culture in a silly and irreverent way is some of my favorite parts of his writing.

If waxing poetic about how Regulators by Warren G can stave off cosmic horrors, then this book is for you.

-Adric Q.

Scarcity Brain

Interesting non-fiction book about the emotional and behavioral factors that keep us in the scarcity loop, wanting more.

The Seamstress of New Orleans

This book was EXCELLENT. The plot was engaging and somewhat mysterious. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will definitely enjoy this book. I read a lot of historical fiction, but this book was set in the early 1900s, and many historical fiction books don’t cover this time period so that was refreshing.

Fire Exit

Monogamy

How to Age Disgracefully

The Honey Witch

Lovers and Liars

Engaging novel of three sisters who are hiding various secrets. Some are current day and some relate back to childhood. I found the book interesting and the characters intriguing. If you enjoyed The Jetsetters which was her most well known novel, you will enjoy this book.

Table for Two

Table for Two is a book of six short stories by Amor Towles. My favorite was the story about Eve. The characters in these stories are interwoven throughout the book.

The Last Light Over Oslo

Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space

Challenger is a deep dive into the history of the space shuttle program culminating in the ill fated Challenger mission. Empathetic portrayals of the seven lost astronauts are a highlight. The technical and administrative failures are detailed in a highly readable fashion. Highly recommended!!

-Stanley B.

A Death in Cornwall

I am a Daniel Silva groupie, having read all his 24 novels, in their chronological order. In this novel it was fun to see his characters resurface: they are like old friends to me, having seen Gabriel Allon and his fellow Israel intelligence operatives solve international crimes and form life lasting relationships. The world of art restoration plays a crucial part in all the novels. Allon is an art restorer and the sometimes shady world of art and museum thefts are illuminating. This novel deals with just that. The art stolen from Jewish families by the Nazis during World War II is the focus of the novel’s intrigue. I willingly go along for the ride with Allon and his beautiful wife Chiara. Not only do you keep pace with the thrills of the chase but you get an amazing lesson in art history, full of factual surprises that most museums and art dealers like to keep secret. A great end of the summer read, but then again, you have to remember I am a Silva groupie.

-Edie S.

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew

Death Without Company

This is the second of the 23 books in the Longmire series about Wyoming Sheriff Walt Longmire. Terrific story set in the current West with lots of flashbacks in history. Loved it. Also a Netflix series!!

–Carol S.

The Briar Club

The Wedding People

I checked this book out based on Carol’s review from earlier this summer. I loved it, too! While it’s set on a beach town and has a wholesome ending to it, this is not your average beach read. There’s some dark comedy here. If you liked White Lotus on HBO, this book is likely up your alley.

-Lauren L.

On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service

Unearthed

Sandra I.

We Used to Live Here

A couple moves into a house in the middle of nowhere. One night a family comes and asks to view it because the dad used to live there, and get stuck because of a snow storm. This book was creepy, and very unsettling. Loved it!

-Anastasia S.

Within Arm’s Reach

From the author that wrote Hello Beautiful, comes Within Arm’s Reach. This was her first novel and was republished after the success of Hello Beautiful. The story revolves around the Mclaughlin family and their matriarch, Catharine. The story is told from the viewpoints of Catharine, Kelly, Louis and their daughters, Gracie and Lila. A wonderful story of a family trying to find love and happiness and still trying to connect with each other.

Local Woman Missing

This was my first book by this author and will definitely not be my last. It was an easy read but really had me guessing about who did what and why. I had a few theories and none were accurate (which is great as it wasn’t predictable) There were a few far fetched parts, but overall a great thriller.

The Wedding People

Great Summer Read!! Phoebe is a depressed divorced woman who checks into a luxury hotel in Rhode Island and becomes a member of the wedding party! Fast moving story of relationships beginning, ending and just carrying on.

-Carol S.

The God of the Woods

This was a perfect summer mystery/thriller!

-Anastasia S.

Whalefall

This was a very weird read. About a diver who goes searching for his dad’s body in the ocean after he is presumed dead. Then he gets swallowed by a whale. Do not recommend, especially if you are claustrophobic.

-Anastasia S.

Incidents Around the House

Fantastic book to read going into spooky season! It’s about a family tormented by a creature they call “Other Mommy.” Gave me goosebumps!

-Anastasia S.

None of This is True

This is about two women who find each other in the bathroom of a restaurant and find out they are “birthday twins.” Lives unravel from there on in. Absolutely fantastic audiobook!

-Anastasia S.

The Leftover Woman

Both a compelling family drama and an intriguing mystery about the power of motherhood for a Chinese woman without money or support and an American executive with everything going for her who share a common bond: they love an adopted baby girl For readers who enjoy exploring the different facets of Chinese and American cultures..

-Deborah L.

The Comfort of Ghosts

This is the 18th and final book of Winspear’s British mystery series featuring Maisie Dobbs. Four teenage orphans in London in a city recovering from war, witness a murder and are being pursued to cover up the murder as a suicide. Great historical fiction!

-Carol S.

One of Our Kind

For people who enjoyed watching Get Out on Netflix or reading One of Us Knows by Alyssa Cole, Nicola Yoon’s One of Our Kind is for you. This is a psychological thriller with a strong focus on race and class struggles in the US.

-Lauren L.

Sylvia’s Second Act

Sylvia’s Second Act is what the Sex and the City revival, And Just Like That, should have been. Hillary Yablon writes about wealthy, fabulous women maintaining or reclaiming their independence in their retirement and elder years. Like Sex and the City, the plotlines are a bit far-fetched (how are opportunities just falling from the sky?!), but it’s a light, enjoyable read with a scandalous opening scene that’ll hook you right in.

-Lauren L.

The Last Mrs. Parrish

I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the sequel. So many twists and great character development.

It Starts with Us

This is the sequel to It Ends with Us. I enjoyed the book, but it didn’t have the depth of plot that the first book had. It was nice to find out what happened with Lily and Atlas. It was a quick and easy read.

A Court of Thorns and Roses

I loved this book. I mostly read thrillers and historical fiction, but enjoy a good fantasy series. It’s easy to read for a fantasy series, but the plot and character development are wonderful. There are many moving parts especially when trying to figure out the faerie world, but overall it’s easy to follow. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Breaking the Dark

I have read most of Lisa Jewell’s books, but this one is different as it is based on Jessica Jones from the Marvel Universe. The book was engaging and the plot was very interesting. The ending was a little far fetched for me, but overall a good read.

How the Light Gets In

If I could, this novel would rate 10 STARS. Joyce Maynard has written a sequel to her last year’s novel, COUNT THE WAYS, with this follow up to Eleanor and her family. Briefly, this is the story of a wonderful woman, Eleanor, a woman of outstanding qualities. She is a good mother, a good wife, an author and artist who is turned upon by her once adoring family. The pain and trauma follows her throughout most of her life. She undeservedly endures the hardship she faces. It is obvious she is speaking for all women and what they face raising families, making marriages work under not always ideal circumstances, and must stand by to painfully watch as her children suffer in sometimes horrible and heartbreaking fashion. The words powerful and stunning are appropriate adjectives for Maynard’s work. An amazing writer she universalizes what all women face during the course of their lives. The absolute heft and sensitivity of her plot left me sometimes breathless and sometime in tears. I cannot say this about all novels I have read, this one is an exception. You are in for an event in reading you are not apt to find elsewhere. I am buying it as gifts for the women in my life who are a metaphor for the protagonist, Eleanor. Kudos to this author for bringing the realities of life to the surface in a heartbreaking, but real, manner.

-Edie S.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

If you’re a dog person this is your book. Enzo (the dog) narrates the story of a race car driver, his wife, young daughter and the role the dog plays in this family. Read it over a weekend – loved it.

-Carol S.

The Invisible Hour

Not my favorite Hoffman book. This one involves time travel, Nathaniel Hawthorne and a cult. It felt like two books in one.

-Caitlin R.

Long Island Compromise

Collide

Hymn of Breath and Bone

Bride of the Fae Prince

A Fate Inked in Blood

All the Summers in Between

All the Summers in Between is the first book I’ve read this summer that’s earned a five-star, glowing recommendation! This novel blends characteristics of the historical fiction, suspense/thriller, mystery, and women’s lit/beach read genres, creating a storyline with wide appeal. Plus, the novel ends with the main character making a decision that I just CANNOT FATHOM; fodder for the perfect book club conversation!

-Lauren L.

Ringworld

I can see why it won the Hugo award decades ago, but the writing doesn’t quite hold up to modern standards. Good SF but the characters are very star trek captain kirk era.

-Adric Q.

If This Book Exists, You’re In the Wrong Universe

Absolute joy to journey through the John and David universe again. Pargin’s sharp humor has me hooked, and his smart ways to incorporate culture in a silly and irreverent way is some of my favorite parts of his writing.

If waxing poetic about how Regulators by Warren G can stave off cosmic horrors, then this book is for you.

-Adric Q.

The Wedding People

Great Summer Read!! Phoebe is a depressed divorced woman who checks into a luxury hotel in Rhode Island and becomes a member of the wedding party! Fast moving story of relationships beginning, ending and just carrying on.

-Carol S.

Ward D

The Briar Club

Loved it!! Eight women of different ages and backgrounds living in a rundown rooming house in Washington DC in the 50s. Russian intrigue, racial injustice, relationships,friendships, murder. And recipes – they start a Thursday dinner club and cook meals on a hot plate!! Great book! Couldn’t put it down.

-Carol S.

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women

This is a historical novel that takes place in China during the 15th century. It is based on the life of Tan Yunxian, a woman who became a doctor for women, when this was nearly impossible. During this time period, women were thought to be worthless and were told to be only a proper wife. I enjoyed reading this book about a woman who persevered against all odds.

Normal Rules Don’t Apply

The Paris Apartment

Enticing mystery which keeps you guessing who-done-it constantly. Chapters are written in each individual characters perspective making you second guess your theory at every turn. Wonderful surprising ending!

Tom Lake

Wonderful coming of age story told through a 57 year old mother reflecting on her short lived life as an actress. She retells this story to her 3 adult daughters during the pandemic.

The Tale of Hill Top Farm

Never Lie

The Glassmaker

Chevalier, known for her art historical fiction (Girl With a Pearl Earring) begins her novel of the Murano glass blowers in 1497, In an interesting format, she skips ahead in each section, bringing the reader to new centuries of glass blowing, ending with the present day, The characters do not change and their age remains consistent to where she leaves off in the previous century. This is also a history of Venice, a neighbor of Murano, that influences the sale of glass artifacts, beads, and diverse object d’art. Chandeliers, figurines, glass beads for Josephine Bonaparte all are integrated into the story of the Rosso family, who represent a dynasty of glass makers. While it is an interesting family saga, it does become repetitious and there is little drama to stir the reader’s imagination. What is fascinating is the way Venice is influenced by the times, the plague, the world wars, and the current financial situation in the world. There is a glossary at the back of the novel explaining the interesting curse words Italians use to punctuate their sentences, particularly the Venetian gondoliers and the Rosso family members. You learn something on every page, but not enough to qualify it more than just summer reading. Murano glass is beautiful, the millefleur beads are beautiful, their part in the novel does not compensate for a less than interesting plot.

-Edie S.

The Diamond Eye

Historical fiction – an educated Russian woman joins the Soviet Army and becomes history’s deadliest female sniper. The book flips from her WWII battling Hitler’s troops to her after war tour of US and meeting with Eleanor Roosevelt. Thrilling story.

-Carol S.

The Keeper of Hidden Books

I love WWII stories and this one didn’t disappoint. It follows the protagonist and her friends as war settles in Warsaw. A great read!

-Erin B.

Their Divine Fires

Beautifully written historical tale of the women throughout three generations of a Chinese family.

I Don’t Want to Go Home

This book is a compilation of interviews about Asbury Park’s local music scene, ranging from the 1960s to present day. While there is of course substantial coverage of The Boss, Corasanti challenges the misconception that Asbury Park is synonymous with Bruce Springsteen. I Don’t Want to Go Home emphasizes Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes’ role in the early years of the Stone Pony, followed by waves of disco, metal, and punk. This book is an enjoyable read for local historians, music lovers, and anyone attracted to the strong sense of community that Asbury has always strived to sustain.

-Lauren L.

The Cliffs

J. Courtney Sullivan is my favorite author, and you’ll find reviews for her other books from other readers on this list, as well. Her books embody lived experiences of Irish Catholic middle-class women in the Northeast. For those of us who’ve spent many years in Jersey, her characters feel like portraits of people you’ve known in your life. The Cliffs centers on a highly complex main character— a deeply flawed woman whose personal and professional endeavors sustain numerous plot points.

-Lauren L.

The Divine Fires

Beautifully written historical tale of the women throughout three generations of a Chinese family.

Sipsworth

November 9

Very quick read. Interesting plot line about two people who agree to meet on November 9th every year with no contact in between.

Funny Story

I would recommend Funny Story for its excellent dialog, character growth, and feminist underpinnings – especially notable for romantic fiction. Emily Henry’s characters inhabit the same, but highly believable spaces and share a lot of commonalities – late 20-early 30s (but with friends and family members who are not), living independent lives working at their chosen professions. But she also delivers a lot of consistency in the tightness of her writing, plot development and spiciness. Not every romance writer can write to a consistent high standard, but so far she seems to be doing so.

Throne of Glass

I was excited to start it after reading the ACOTAR series but it was awful. Drawn out, annoying characters, barely a story. I’ve heard the series gets better but I’m not sure I’ll be continuing with this one. Read the Kindred Saga instead!

-Anastasia S.

Freaks, Gleeks, and Dawson’s Creek: How Seven Teen Shows Transformed Television

I loved reading this book! It was a trip down memory lane, for sure! Loved hearing a little more about the shows I grew up watching.

-Anastasia S.

The Murder Inn

The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club

Crooked House

Fairytale

Good story in Ms Steel’s standard format – turmoil and happy ending.

-Carol S.

It’s Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know about Your Reproductive Health (But Were Never Told)

Excellent and informative book about women’s health. Highly recommend.

The Last to Vanish

I have read all but one of her adult novels and this was just mediocre for me. Her other novels were better for me as I didn’t enjoy the characters in this one too much. She still has some great twists and turns in this one though.

The Fury

This book was ok. The characters annoyed me severely. While it was an interesting concept and had some twists, I much preferred his first book The Silent Patient.

It Ends with Us

I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the sequel. It’s a very easy read and I enjoyed the characters and the plot.

Our Little Farm

The Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster

The Heart in Winter

Bearing the Unbearable

One by One

This book was just ok for me. It follows a group of adult friends on an unexpected journey through the woods. I didn’t find the characters to be very interesting and the plot wasn’t very plausible. I do enjoy books by this author overall though so another one of her novels would be a great pick.

Capote’s Women

A book based on the life of Truman Capote and his swans (women friends). This book goes into the life of Truman Capote and the women who became his trusted friends. He used their secrets and life stories which were told in confidence to further his writing career. Feeling betrayed most of them turned against him in later years. It’s an interesting read if you enjoyed the FX series Feud: Capote vs The Swans.

Small Things Like These

I had held off reading this book, though I was enraptured by Claire Keegan’s short stories, because I knew it would be sad. And it was a melancholy read. So worth it, for me, for the precise beauty of the prose and the emotional clarity of the characters and their journeys. Afterwards, I read a long-form piece of journalism about the Magdalyn laundries. While Keegan writes at the end that the book was not based on any real-life people, there is no doubt that her story illuminated emotional truths, moral certainties, in a way nonfiction facts cannot always do.

A World of Curiosities

If you have trouble going to sleep at night, read this book. It’s better than a sleeping pill. One paragraph and I was a goner. That’s not to say that it’s not interesting and educational because it was. But I never have taken so long to get through a book on a subject I find fascinating, and important.

-Sandra I.

The Women

Women can be heroes…that is the protagonist’s (Frankie) motivation and the novel’s message. I liked Frankie’s courage, passion, and honesty but disliked her naivete. As usual, Kristin Hannah does a fantastic job recreating another place in time. In this novel, much of the action takes place in Vietnam and is harrowing and graphic. We need more books and movies about Vietnam and its unsung female and male heroes. Life in the 1960s is well depicted and the PTSD of our veterans who were mistreated because they fought in an unpopular and immoral war. I loved brave Frankie but hated how sappy and depressed she became when she thought someone close to her had died. No spoilers here. There is a dichotomy between Hannah’s earlier novels such as The Nightingale, The Great Alone, and The Four Winds, and this book which sometimes is too reminiscent of Firefly Lane.

-Deb L.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

If you’re a dog person this is your book. Enzo (the dog) narrates the story of a race car driver, his wife, young daughter and the role the dog plays in this family. Read it over a weekend – loved it.

-Carol S.

The Invisible Hour

Not my favorite Hoffman book. This one involves time travel, Nathaniel Hawthorne and a cult. It felt like two books in one.

-Caitlin R.

The Hunter

I loved this book. Tana French never disappoints. This book built on the characters and setting from the Searcher. I definitely recommend it.

-Caitlin R.

Within Arm’s Reach

Family drama set in Northern NJ. Boring in parts.

-Carol S.

The Library of Borrowed Hearts

Lighthearted read about a librarian and her friendship with an aging library patron. Easy Summer read.

-Carol S.

Leonardo da Vinci

What a surprise: I knew that the author did interviews on the Christiane Amanpour show, but what a great job he did in presenting Leonardo da Vinci. I had just gone to France and visited the Clos Lucé residence that the French king François 1st invited him to live in. Actually it seems the French had conquered Milan for a while and they greatly admired the Italian Renaissance artists and polymaths. Leonardo was a prime example of the Renaissance man. He had many talents: he was an artist, an architect, an engineer, an organizer of elaborate pageants, a designer of military equipment, a keen observer of nature. Because or perhaps thanks to the fact that he was an illegitimate child, he did not go to regular school, so he never learned Latin or math – but by the same token he was not hemmed in by received notions. His imagination and creativity had full reign. In order to paint the human body, he had to know which muscles caused which movements, This led him to dissect human cadavers to teach himself how the body worked. He carried a notebook with him, taking copious notes on everything he observed. His observations led him to a number of discoveries that were only “rediscovered” years or centuries later. He is the first person known to have described all the types of teeth in the human skull. His anatomical drawings were almost perfect and way ahead of his time. I highly recommend this book.

-Vivian H.

The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax

How did I miss this wonderful novel first published in 1966? A friend’s recommendation brought me to this absolute treasure. Its author is from New Brunswick, New Jersey, and so is its heroine,. It is the story, both harrowing and humorous, of Emily Pollifax, retired and looking for something new. She boldly goes to the office of the CIA and volunteers to be a spy. Granted, what happens is fanciful, but also totally engaging in its often gruelling and believable events. Being incarcerated in a depressing prison in Albania, with another agent and demonic guards, she manages to invent an escape. What is amazing is the reader buys into this. Pollifax makes you smile, invites you to share the life of a sixty-something woman who suffers the vagaries of being a prisoner, but yet continues to look at life with optimism, when she can. Pollifax is said to rival Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple. Quite frankly, I prefer Pollifax. A perfect summer read that takes you away from the humidity and woes of the world! Suspend your disbelief and allow yourself to be immersed in wonderful fiction, you will laugh, hold your breath, and finally applaud the ending. (And if you’ve ever played the card game Solitaire, you have an extra bonus in store!)

-Edie S.

1984: The Graphic Novel

Decided to re-read 1984, in the graphic novel format. Excellent illustration and the message still rings true today, although 1984 has come and gone. Highly recommend for all, especially if you enjoy dystopian literature (Farhenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury, Handmaid’s Tail – Margaret Atwood, etc.). Very relevant and thought provoking.

-Erika D.

The Prophet: A Graphic Novel

This is a graphic novel adaptation of The Prophet which is beautifully illustrated and interwoven with one woman’s personal experience with the book. The graphic novel shows how the woman, who has put her life on hold to care for her hospitalized father, receives the book as a gift from a friend. Upon reading The Prophet, she begins to find joy in her life, again, while continuing to handle her responsibilities.

-Erika D.

The God of Endings

Wow! Not your typical vampire novel. This book does not glamorize the immortal, rather it poignantly investigates repetitive loss and regret, as the immortal lives on, while those they love perish. Finally, after harnessing wisdom given over their immortal life, the herione learns to take a risk and have faith in the process, which will hopefully lead to a beautiful, new beginning.

-Erika D.

Summertime Punchline

A female comedian returns to the Jersey Shore after a break-up, rehashing her act in a bar owned by her childhood flame. Their romance rekindles. This is your prototypical beach read, with two perks working in its favor: 1.) It’s set on the Jersey Shore (in a fictional town I’d bet is based on Seaside Heights and Toms River), providing a sense of local color that you’ll pick up on easily as you read. 2.) Corrello has worked to present a diverse character cast, one that is reflective of Jersey. It’s nice to see her attempts at representation (even if a few do veer more towards stereotypes), which oftentimes isn’t included when romance writers plug characters into their customary plot frameworks.

-Lauren L.

Have I Told You This Already?

This is Lauren Graham’s fourth book, and she’s run out of material. She literally jokes about it in the title and introduction. The last few chapters are the worst. They dissolve into nonsensical rhymes and filler sentences, punctuated by parenthetical comments where she openly acknowledges her draft is way overdue to her editor. Some could consider it an attempt at humor, but this book doesn’t come anywhere close to her earlier one, Talking As Fast As I Can.

-Lauren L.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles

The NY Times has been pushing this book extensively, with two features in the last month. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the hype. The main character is a naive, young mother, yet the plotline suggests a naive writer. The plot wavers, with some unrealistic scenes (misrepresenting legal systems akin to how poorly written soap operas do) followed by a too-good-to-believe happily ever after.

-Lauren L.

Next-Door Nemesis

Happily Never After

Not in Love

Fangirl Down

The Perfect Son

I really enjoyed this book. It delves into a mother’s love and how far one will go for their child. Also some good twists towards the end of the book.

The Sixth Extinction

If you have trouble going to sleep at night, read this book. It’s better than a sleeping pill. One paragraph and I was a goner. That’s not to say that it’s not interesting and educational because it was. But I never have taken so long to get through a book on a subject I find fascinating, and important.

-Sandra I.

The Sicilian Inheritance

Still Life

Think Twice

Think Twice begins with Myron Bolitar reopening his agency for sports stars. He finds out that someone he knew and gave a eulogy for is alive and accused of murder. This book is about Myron’s journey to find the truth. He is helped by his best friend Win. There are many twists and turns in this story. The author shows us that everyone should think twice before making a decision. I always enjoy reading Harlan Coben’s books and recommend Think Twice.

The Women

Excellent story of women who volunteered for armed forces during Viet Nam war & their lack of recognition & demeaning treatment even by the government & Veteran’s Association.

____________

Kristin Hannah at her best, telling the story of Frankie a recently graduated RN who enlists and serves on the frontlines in Vietnam. I was unaware of the struggle women had to be recognized as veterans. Read in a weekend. Couldn’t put it down.

-Carol S.