FDL Reads: Reviews - Fondulac District Library

FDL Reads: Where the Crawdads Sing

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Reviewed by: Becky Houghton, Reference Assistant

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery

Suggested Age: Adult

What is This Book About? Catherine Danielle Clark, “Kya,” “the Marsh Girl” raises herself alone in the North Carolina coastal marsh after her siblings, her mother and finally her abusive, alcoholic father abandon her. Shunned by the surrounding community, Kya manages to fend for herself digging mussels which she trades for food and gasoline for her father’s boat. Kya only attends one day of school in her lifetime, but is taught to read by Tate, a childhood friend of her older brother Jodie. But even without a formal education, Kya learns the ways of the nature and the world from the birds, insects, and other creatures that inhabit the marshes. She becomes an expert on the ecology of the coastal region. When a local resident known to have associated with Kya is found dead beneath the fire tower, she becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation.

My Review: I loved this book. It was an amazing blend of natural history, poetry, and excellent storytelling. It is also a masterpiece in character development. Kya as a character is one that will not be easily forgotten. Her strength and ability to raise herself with minimal human interaction is not always totally believable, but the prose and poetry of the story is woven together so well that I as the reader was willing to suspend logic and believe in Kya’s abilities. The other characters, Tate, Jumpin’, Mabel and Chase were also very believable and true to their surroundings. I can definitely see why the book was a New York Times bestselling title in 2019 and highly recommend it.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Poetic, Intriguing, Graceful

Give This a Try if You Like… Books by Barbara Kingsolver or Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2020-05-14T16:17:06-05:00May 13th, 2020|

FDL Reads: The Last Odyssey

The Last Odyssey (Sigma Force Novels #15) by James Rollins

Reviewed by: Sylvia Shults, Circulation Specialist

Genre: Action/adventure, Military Fiction

Suggested Age: Adult

What’s the book about?: Archaeologists have discovered the city of Troy. If that is real, and not just myth, maybe the voyages of Odysseus, as described by Homer, are also historically accurate. Explorers discover a medieval ship frozen in a glacier. The ship contains artifacts that are even older, from the Greek age. Those artifacts promise to lead to a weapon of unimaginable destruction. Sigma Force has to beat the bad guys to the weapon, and that means finding Tartarus: the actual entrance to Hell.

My Review: Like most of the FDL staff, I’ve been working from home during the coronavirus shutdown. Part of that means processing books (yay!!!). I don’t usually read James Rollins — I have done in the past, but I tend to go more for domestic thrillers rather than action novels. Plus, I really don’t like reading large-print books, as I find there’s not enough material on a page to keep the thread of the story going. But in the box of books that I had to process, I found Rollins’ latest, The Last Odyssey. I’d read most of my library-book stash at this point in the shutdown, so I gave this a go.

I’m glad I did! It’s one of a series (again, not my fave), but I had very little difficulty picking up the nuances between the different characters, even though there were references to previous books. There was a good amount of action, and I just skipped over the techy parts (where Rollins got all drooly over weapons and submarines and speedboats). What really drew me in, and what got me interested in the book in the first place, was that the book was an imagination of the travels of Odysseus. I was a Classics major in college, so I happily dorked out to the mythology references.

I was satisfied with the ending, too. The bad guys all separately got what was coming to them. There was even a little bit of redemption, of sorts, for the really reprehensible female bad guy (and I won’t go into it any farther than that, but it was awesome).

All in all, if you like James Rollins in the first place, this is a no-brainer — you should definitely read it. But, even if action thrillers aren’t necessarily your jam, give it a try. There’s history, action, and excellently-drawn characters. I found it really enjoyable.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Enthralling, Exciting, Mesmerizing

Give This a Try if You Like… Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, or W.E.B. Griffin

Rating: 4/5

Find it at the library

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Beth Weimer2020-05-14T16:26:24-05:00May 10th, 2020|

FDL Reads: A Study in Scarlet Women

A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas

Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Reference Assistant

Genre: Mystery

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about? Book one of the Lady Sherlock Series takes the idea of the Sherlock Holmes character from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and twists the narrative imagining that Sherlock was actually a fictitious identity created by a woman, Charlotte Holmes. Charlotte is an independent-minded woman with feminist tendencies. Her intellectual acuity is not something that she reveals to everyone. When she hears about some deaths in the area, she writes a letter that is read at the coroner’s inquest suggesting that these seemingly unrelated deaths are actually connected… a letter signed by “Sherlock Holmes.” Throughout the slow roll-out of the facts and intrigues of the case, Charlotte develops the persona and mystique of Sherlock Holmes and teams up with another independent woman, Mrs. John Watson, to make her abilities available to the world.

My Review: I listened to the audiobook version on Hoopla. The eBook version is also available on the Overdrive and Libby apps. I liked the idea of a woman being behind the notorious Sherlock Holmes persona. I think the author could have officially told the reader that Sherlock was Charlotte a lot earlier, though. I’ll chalk it up to being a “book one” in a series. I liked the scenes where Charlotte displayed her discerning intellect. Following the main inspector and discovering the details of the case was engaging and kept me guessing about “whodunit” and the connection between the deaths. I wasn’t able to guess all the intricacies of the case, but I kind of expected that with a “Sherlock Holmes” type of mystery. I’m interested to find out what else Charlotte/Sherlock will be able to deduce in other adventures.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Feminist, Intriguing, Convoluted

Give This a Try if You Like… The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Theodora Goss (Overdrive/Libby), A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn (Axis 360), The Anatomist’s Wife by Anna Lee Huber (Overdrive/Libby)

Rating: 4/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Beth Weimer2020-05-05T13:26:07-05:00May 6th, 2020|

FDL Reads: The Tattooist of Auschwitz

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Reference Assistant

Genre: Historical Fiction

Suggested Age: Adult

What is This Book About? In 1942, the Slovakian government made a deal with the Nazis to “export” Jews from the Slovakian State as workers for the Germans. Lale Eisenberg was a Slovakian Jew who volunteered to go so no one else in his family had to. Little did he know that the train on which he and thousands of other men were loaded was heading to Auschwitz. For three years, Lale endured the unbelievably inhumane conditions of the concentration camp. He also, almost as unbelievably, found the love of his life. This story is based on real events and is a surprising mix of anguish and elation.

My Review: Despite being hesitant to read this one, I’m glad I did. I found this book (audiobook) to be a rewarding listen. Even though the book does detail some of the Holocaust atrocities, it does not dwell too long on any one of them. The threat of death is an important part of what’s going on, but the story is more about the little acts by a few that propel the survival of others. For example, Lale’s relatively privileged position allowed him more opportunities than most to provide extra food to others. I was surprised by the love story between Lale and Gita because I hadn’t read anything about the book ahead of time. If I hadn’t known this was a true story, I might have found the love story hard to believe. Knowing it’s based on facts makes it that much more amazing. I also liked the extra epilogues at the end that give more information about the main characters and the author’s process. I listened to the e-audiobook on Hoopla, but it is also available in print, CD book, and Playaway formats.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Haunting, Unimaginable, Remarkable

Give This a Try if You Like…Schindler’s List by Thomas Keneally, We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter, Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2020-04-29T17:02:41-05:00April 29th, 2020|

FDL Reads: Mongrels

Mongrels by Stephen Graham Jones

Reviewed by: Sarah Baker, Library Volunteer

Genre: Fantasy Horror

Suggested Age: Adults

What is This Book About?: Our narrator, constantly defining himself through other people but whose name is never given, lives with his aunt and uncle. In the beginning he lived with his grandfather as well. His grandfather told him lots of werewolf stories because they are literal werewolves. But not every werewolf story is truth, or even about wolves. As he comes of age, the family wanders the southern part of the country, never staying long and always on the run. The story jumps back and forth in time, told in snapshots of strong memories. As he reaches puberty, he waits to become a wolf, knowing the pain and suffering it will bring, but wanting it anyway, to be a true part of his family.

My Review: Jones elicits a lot of emotions from me – pity, anger, sadness, fear, understanding, and a deep knowledge that I only understand the surface and can never reach the full truth. The harshness of these characters’ lives is a mix of their nomadic wolf life and the fact that they are native. And the poverty, racism, alcoholism and violence are just a part of everyday native life. The werewolf only exacerbates it. That was what really got under my skin more than the horror and the violence. It was the day-to-day grind to survive. This was a grab-you-by-the-throat read, with believable characters and well worth your time. Just don’t expect a happy ending.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Relentless, Grim, Violent

Give this a try if you like…Werewolves, urban fantasy, native tales

Rating: (out of 5) 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2020-01-31T16:11:29-06:00April 22nd, 2020|

FDL Reads: The Giver of the Stars

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

Reviewed by: Becky Houghton, Reference Assistant

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

Suggested Age: Adults and Teens

What is This Book About?: During the Depression years in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, the WPA Packhorse Librarians delivered books by horseback to remote cabins and homes throughout the region. This book is a fictionalized account of the courageous women who defied convention and rode horses and mules to deliver library materials to the residents of this remote countryside. Margery O’Hare, Alice Van Cleave, Beth Pinker, Izzy Brady, and Sophia Robinson are the librarians who brave all weather conditions, dangers and challenges to help spread literacy throughout the mountains. Intertwined are the stories of the personal lives, romances and other events experienced by these brave, trendsetting women.

My Review: I had not heard of the Packhorse Librarians of the WPA era until I saw a review of this book. I choose to read it because, as a librarian, I was intrigued by this early, innovative version of the bookmobile. The book was an enjoyable read. Alice Wright of England marries Bennett Van Cleave and moves to America unaware that she will be living in a small Kentucky town in the Appalachians in a home that is maintained as a shrine to her late mother-in-law by her father-in-law, Geoffrey who also lives with them. Geoffrey runs a mining operation and employs most of the local residents. Alice chooses to help Margery O’Hare, a bootlegger’s daughter, and begins delivering books to escape the oppressive atmosphere at home. The five librarians develop a camaraderie and friendship that can only be achieved through the sharing of trials, difficulties and triumphs. Jojo Moyes is an outstanding storyteller and this book makes the historical events on which it is based come to life through her excellent characterizations and narrative.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Enthralling, Funny, Heartbreaking

Give This a Try if You Like: Me Before You, After You, and the Lonesome Dove series by Larry McMurtry

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2020-01-31T16:33:03-06:00April 15th, 2020|

FDL Reads: The Banished Immortal

The Banished Immortal: A Life of Li Bai (Li Po) by Ha Jin

Reviewed by: Dawn Dickey, Library Volunteer

Genre: Biography

Suggested Age: Adult, Young Adult

What is This Book About?: The Banished Immortal tells the life story of Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai (702-762). Li was immensely talented (and he knew it). He was a devoted father, but Li’s wives perhaps found Li to be a poor husband, as he was often away in search of patronage and new opportunities, and often drank to excess. Although Li did enjoy the patronage of Emperor Xuanzong, his outspoken nature led to his removal from the Emperor’s court. Li subsequently became a Taoist and perhaps (for a time) thought he might live with his wife in prayer and seclusion. But Li’s peripatetic nature and his desire for increased patronage and visibility got him into trouble: Following an insurrection, Li attached himself to one of deposed Emperor Xuanzong’s sons as a kind of political adviser. This son was subsequently defeated, and Li was first sentenced to death, then exiled. He was later pardoned.

My Review: Li Bai’s classic poetry is memorized by schoolchildren in China. Although I chose this biography because I wanted to learn more about this famous poet, I wasn’t entirely sure that I would enjoy the book. The life of a Tang Dynasty poet seemed like it could be rather remote and uninteresting. However, I really liked the book! Li had a larger-than-life character, with a unique view of himself, his talent, and his world. And he wrote all these views in exquisite poetry that we can understand and enjoy even today. Meticulously researched and colorfully written, award-winning author Jin brings this immortal of poetry to life through scenery, contemporary accounts, and Li’s own words and poetry.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Colorful, evoking emotion

Give This a Try if You Like… biographies or poetry or learning about different cultures and/or time periods in history

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2020-01-29T12:09:14-06:00March 11th, 2020|

FDL Reads: Flight Girls

Flight Girls by Noelle Salazar

Reviewed by: Becky Houghton, Reference Assistant

Genre: Historical Fiction

Suggested Age: Teens and Adults

What is This Book About: This novel was inspired by real female pilots during World War II. Salazar tells the story of these heroic women through her main character, Audrey Coltrane, and her friends. The story begins when Audrey, who learned to fly from her father at a small Texas airfield, and three other women meet as flight trainers in Hawaii. Audrey, whose first love is flying, intends to work until she has the funds to purchase the small airfield near her home in Texas. She has no interest in the traditional female pursuits of husband and family. She does, however, develop a strong friendship with Lieutenant James Hart. All is well until December 7, 1941 when Japan attacks Pearl Harbor. Tragedy occurs and the flight trainers return stateside to recover. Audrey’s love of flying continues and when an opportunity to join the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots presents itself, she jumps at the chance to support the war effort. Audrey and the other women pilots of WASP transport and test planes for the military, thereby freeing the men of the US Air Force to serve in the war effort. Strong bonds of friendship develop among the women as they perform often dangerous work. Audrey stays in touch throughout the war with Lieutenant Hart but then James’ plane is shot down and he goes missing somewhere near the border between France and Germany. In December 1944, the Air Force unexpectedly ends the WASP’s transport program and the women are sent home to their former lives. Audrey heads back to Texas to buy and run her beloved airfield, but also realizes that she needs to help find her friend James. The story ends with her search.

My Review: I absolutely loved this book. Salazar’s storytelling technique is fast moving and spell-binding. For a first-time author, I would rate Salazar’s book as A+! One of the most interesting aspects of this story was the use of characterization. Audrey and other women were such well developed characters that you truly bonded with them. These women became my friends, not just characters in a book. As a result of this, the emotional impact of events was very powerful. The story keeps the reader’s attention. I was also very interested in the history that the book presents. I knew that women stepped up and helped with the war effort during World War II, but I did not know about the various flying programs that women pilots were involved in. Salazar sheds light on a little-known piece of history and through her excellent characterization tells a story of courageous women in dangerous times.

Give This a Try if you Like…Fly Girls by Keith O’Brien or Resistance Women by Jennifer Chiaverini

Three Words That Describe This Book: Engrossing, Emotional, Educational

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2020-03-03T11:26:51-06:00March 3rd, 2020|

FDL Reads: Secret Man

Secret Man: The Story of Watergate’s Deep Throat By Bob Woodward

Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Reference Assistant

Genre: Nonfiction, U.S. History

Suggested Age: Adults

What is This Book About? For decades, the identity of the secret informant during the Watergate scandal, known as “Deep Throat,” remained a mystery. Numerous theories were floated over the years but reporter and author, Bob Woodward, would not divulge his source. In 2005, Mark Felt revealed that he had been the informant known as Deep Throat. This is the story of Mark Felt’s interactions and relationship with Bob Woodward as told by Woodward himself.

My Review: I have not seen or read All the President’s Men, so all I knew of Deep Throat were cliched meetings in dark garages with a shadowy figure. I found this book to be interesting, but a little wandering. Some details were intriguing, like Felt schooling Woodward in a bit of spycraft to set up their clandestine meetings. And unfortunately, some questions, like Felt’s motivations for being Woodward’s source, were left unanswered due to Felt’s failing memory later in life. At times, the narrative seemed meandering when the reasons why certain recollections were grouped together was not clear. Overall, it’s a captivating bit of history. I listened to the eaudiobook on Hoopla, but print and CD book versions are also available.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Demystify, Unmask, Bittersweet

Give This a Try if You Like…All the President’s Men by Bernstein & Woodward, Secrets: A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers by Daniel Ellsberg, Blind Ambition: The White House Years by John Dean

Rating: 4/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2020-02-28T11:26:13-06:00February 19th, 2020|

FDL Reads: Eleanor and Park

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Suggested Age: Teens, Adults

What is This Book About? It’s 1986 and Eleanor is the new girl at school. She has curly red hair and a eclectic fashion sense. Park is a quiet, half Korean guy who mostly keeps to himself. Park lets Eleanor sit next to him on the bus and they eventually connect through music and comic books.

My Review: I did not expect to like this book as much as I did! This was a book that I lost myself in as I couldn’t get enough of the plot and characters. I think what appealed to me most about Eleanor and Park was that it was so true to life in terms of how many teen relationships begin. Rainbow Rowell made me feel like I was in Eleanor’s place during her point-of-view chapters. This novel captures what it really feels like to have crush on someone as a young adult. I especially like how naturally Eleanor and Park’s relationship progressed from mere curiosity to the mutual, almost voyeuristic way that both of the characters interact on the bus. The fact that the two don’t even speak to one another until about fifty pages in was also something that I felt captured the way teens probably behaved, especially during the 1980s, when they did not have texting as way to communicate. The novel does delve into some darker subject matter pertaining to emotional abuse, so be cautioned.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Nostalgic, Romantic,

Give This a Try if You Like…Looking for Alaska, Paper Towns, Fangirl

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2020-02-12T16:02:39-06:00February 12th, 2020|