summer reading 2012

  • Summer Reading: More Reviews from Ballard Readers

    The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien O’Brien is drafted to go to war and he changes from an innocent adolescent to a war-hardened veteran.  ~ Amy To Be Sung Underwater by Tom McNeal This story dealt with coming of age and the main crossroads that change a life.  It made me think about love, loyalty and family, and… Continue reading

  • Summer reading: More reviews from readers at our Southwest Branch

    Geek Love by Katherine Dunn A cult classic I’d avoided because it seemed too grotesque – which it is – but it has an amazing level of depth and brilliance. Mind blowing! ~ Karen Fate Is the Hunter by Ernest J. Gann Commercial flying pre-World War II and events during war. If you think flying is scary… Continue reading

  • Summer reading: Suggestions from readers on Queen Anne

    The Spare Room by Helen Garner Gripping story of woman’s fight with cancer, from the point of view of caregiver. Unusual, funny at times, great observation of characters and effect of the illness on all. ~ Florence Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson Laurie Halse Anderson does not disappoint! This book had me hooked and locked.… Continue reading

  • Summer reading: Reviews from readers in West Seattle

    In the Kingdom of Men by Kim Barnes I loved this book from start to finish, and now want to read everything else the insightful Barnes has written. Following Gin from the back hills of Oklahoma all the way to the streets of Rome captured my imagination. I sympathized with her then changed my mind… Continue reading

  • Summer Reading: Reviews from Rainier Beach Readers

    Identity: Your Passport to Success by Stedman Graham It’s Chicken Soup for the Soul meets a motivational roadmap. The concepts are all familiar but presented in a compelling way. ~Arleen House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer This futuristic sci-fi novel will enthrall audiences of most ages. Matt, the young clone of the wealthiest, most… Continue reading

  • Summer Reading: Reviews from Beacon Hill Readers

    The World in Half by Christina Henriquez A young woman searches for her Panamanian father. Raised by her American mother, she has thought she was the result of an affair. Heartbreak/triumph, self-discovery, bi-culturalism — Very good!      ~ Suzanne Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín A deceptively subtle book, masterfully describing the inner life of a young Irish woman… Continue reading

  • Summer reading: Reviews from Ballard readers

    Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks When fiction and nonfiction merge, the outcome is Caleb’s Crossing. A wonderful, historic piece – perfect for a vacation on Cape Cod. ~ Lori Unterzakhn by Leela Corman A heartbreaking and beautifully-drawn graphic novel chronicling the lives of two twin sisters growing up in New York City’s lower East-side circa 1910.… Continue reading

  • Summer reading: Montlake readers’ suggestions

    The Cat’s Table by Michael Ondaatje Wonderful sense of time and place, peopled by a small group of memorable pre-teen boys; although fiction, the parallels to Ondaatje’s life are many, he is a truly extraordinary writer. I loved this book!! ~ Spring The Once and Future King by T. H. White I loved this book! I… Continue reading

  • Summer reading: Reviews from readers at our Northeast Branch

    Cakes and Ale by Somerset W. Maugham An old book with language used at the time in Britain. Smooth writing with an easy beat to follow. Interesting descriptions of people and places. ~ Carol Harlem: The Four Hundred Year History from Dutch Village to Capital of Black America by Jonathan Gill A fascinating history of the… Continue reading

  • Summer reading: Reviews from readers at our Southwest branch

    Feed by Mira Grant Loved it!!! Couldn’t put it down. The zombies are here to stay. Bloggers saved the day and are here to stay also. A sci-fi with drama and action. ~ Trudy The Half-stitched Amish Quilting Club by Wanda E. Brunstetter This book really brings together an odd assortment of characters. You are… Continue reading

  • Summer reading: Suggestions from readers in Greenwood

    On the Edge: My Story by Richard Hammond Regarding the jet engine car that crashed and nearly killed him, RH and his wife, Mindy, recount the process of healing and recovering. Well-written, an excellent read. ~ Shay Original Sin by Beth McMullen Quite enjoyed. Captures very well the unworldliness of being a mother and simultaneously… Continue reading