East Palo Alto Library will be temporarily closed due to construction on Saturday, March 30.
Jacket cover images copied to clipboard.
General Recommendations
Staff Picks: What We Loved In 2021
Surrey Libraries
Staff-created list
SurreyLibraries_Reads - See Surrey Libraries staff favourites from the collection.
Find more reviews at www.surreylibraries.ca/news
Surrey Libraries
Book - 2019
The story starts off with little vignettes of what seem to be fairy tales; a story of a pirate in prison and a girl who visits him, a girl who loses her t...Show more
The story starts off with little vignettes of what seem to be fairy tales; a story of a pirate in prison and a girl who visits him, a girl who loses her tongue to be part of a society, the son of a fortune teller who sees a painted door on a wall but doesn’t try to open it, a young man at university who finds a strange book called “Sweet Sorrows”. But then the story veers as the young man finds himself in the story of the son of the fortune teller. That was his door that he didn’t open. From there we travel around the world and under the world, meeting secret societies within secrets, and learn about “Story”. Morgenstern’s sentences are so delicious that I wanted to eat them (Submitted by Sharleen)
Show less
The story starts off with little vignettes of what seem to be fairy tales; a story of a pirate in prison and a girl who visits him, a girl who loses her t...Show more
The story starts off with little vignettes of what seem to be fairy tales; a story of a pirate in prison and a girl who visits him, a girl who loses her tongue to be part of a society, the son of a fortune teller who sees a painted door on a wall but doesn’t try to open it, a young man at university who finds a strange book called “Sweet Sorrows”. But then the story veers as the young man finds himself in the story of the son of the fortune teller. That was his door that he didn’t open. From there we travel around the world and under the world, meeting secret societies within secrets, and learn about “Story”. Morgenstern’s sentences are so delicious that I wanted to eat them (Submitted by Sharleen)
Show less
Book - 2012
This is the third Keigo Higashino book I’ve read and just like the others, it exceeded my expectations and gripped me. We know who killed the man in the f...Show more
This is the third Keigo Higashino book I’ve read and just like the others, it exceeded my expectations and gripped me. We know who killed the man in the first chapter, but we don’t know how. We spend the rest of the book trying to figure it out as the detectives investigate. They are working to solve the case of a man found dead in his locked home, a spilled coffee cup by his side. Is it natural? An accident? Suicide? Homicide? As they work to tease out the possibilities, they end up with an impossible situation. However, nothing is impossible when the physicist Yukawa is consulted.
While the reader has a strong suspicion who the murderer is and why, there's enough doubt on the who to keep the reader wondering, and of course, the how is a puzzle indeed.
This book is immersive and twisty and keeps pulling the rug out from under you as you go. I kept thinking I had the crime figured out and then the plot would take a left turn. I loved it! Higashino is a best selling author in Japan, while relatively unknown in North America. I have made it a point to read every Higashino book translated into English. They have all been fantastic! Recommended for someone looking for a great page turner mystery for a rainy weekend. (Submitted by Mandi)
Show less
This is the third Keigo Higashino book I’ve read and just like the others, it exceeded my expectations and gripped me. We know who killed the man in the f...Show more
This is the third Keigo Higashino book I’ve read and just like the others, it exceeded my expectations and gripped me. We know who killed the man in the first chapter, but we don’t know how. We spend the rest of the book trying to figure it out as the detectives investigate. They are working to solve the case of a man found dead in his locked home, a spilled coffee cup by his side. Is it natural? An accident? Suicide? Homicide? As they work to tease out the possibilities, they end up with an impossible situation. However, nothing is impossible when the physicist Yukawa is consulted.
While the reader has a strong suspicion who the murderer is and why, there's enough doubt on the who to keep the reader wondering, and of course, the how is a puzzle indeed.
This book is immersive and twisty and keeps pulling the rug out from under you as you go. I kept thinking I had the crime figured out and then the plot would take a left turn. I loved it! Higashino is a best selling author in Japan, while relatively unknown in North America. I have made it a point to read every Higashino book translated into English. They have all been fantastic! Recommended for someone looking for a great page turner mystery for a rainy weekend. (Submitted by Mandi)
Show less
How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row
Book - 2018
Part of my job at the library, is to create Reading Guides that come with our Surrey Libraries Book Club kits. I came across this book and one sentence fr...Show more
Part of my job at the library, is to create Reading Guides that come with our Surrey Libraries Book Club kits. I came across this book and one sentence from the blurb really got my attention. This book is written by Anthony Ray Hinton, a man who has been wrongly convicted of two murders, and has been on death row, in solitary confinement, in the worst imaginable conditions for 30 years-- he said after his release from prison: “I forgive, because not to forgive will only hurt me more.”
The electrocuting chair was next to his cell, he smelled the burnt flesh after each electrocution, and he was around for 52 executions over his 30 years of imprisonment. There was no ventilation, no windows, and the smell stuck with them for days, with nowhere to escape. People on death row were mentally tormented, physically deprived of their basic human needs, they were always hungry, their food was served with cockroaches’ bits and rat hairs. He was proven innocent by the US Supreme Court in 2015.
I have great respect for the author’s honesty, resilience, and his capacity to forgive. Although this book takes the reader to a dark world of injustice and inhumanity, it still shows that there is hope in humanity embodied in Hinton himself, and the people who helped him along the way to prove his innocence. He won people’s hearts, he helped those who needed him, gave them hope, and tried his best to alleviate their pain despite his own suffering (Submitted by Jamila)
Show less
Part of my job at the library, is to create Reading Guides that come with our Surrey Libraries Book Club kits. I came across this book and one sentence fr...Show more
Part of my job at the library, is to create Reading Guides that come with our Surrey Libraries Book Club kits. I came across this book and one sentence from the blurb really got my attention. This book is written by Anthony Ray Hinton, a man who has been wrongly convicted of two murders, and has been on death row, in solitary confinement, in the worst imaginable conditions for 30 years-- he said after his release from prison: “I forgive, because not to forgive will only hurt me more.”
The electrocuting chair was next to his cell, he smelled the burnt flesh after each electrocution, and he was around for 52 executions over his 30 years of imprisonment. There was no ventilation, no windows, and the smell stuck with them for days, with nowhere to escape. People on death row were mentally tormented, physically deprived of their basic human needs, they were always hungry, their food was served with cockroaches’ bits and rat hairs. He was proven innocent by the US Supreme Court in 2015.
I have great respect for the author’s honesty, resilience, and his capacity to forgive. Although this book takes the reader to a dark world of injustice and inhumanity, it still shows that there is hope in humanity embodied in Hinton himself, and the people who helped him along the way to prove his innocence. He won people’s hearts, he helped those who needed him, gave them hope, and tried his best to alleviate their pain despite his own suffering (Submitted by Jamila)
Show less
eBook - 2010
Despite the aggressively bland title, this existence of this poetry anthology is a truly dramatic tale of beating the odds. Written by an African-born ens...Show more
Despite the aggressively bland title, this existence of this poetry anthology is a truly dramatic tale of beating the odds. Written by an African-born enslaved teenage girl living in 1700s Boston, it provides a unique glimpse into the life of a person who would normally have been excluded from the literary sphere. Wheatly dabbles in topics all over the place- ranging from odes to nature to contemplations on the meaning of life to tax politics. But the one topic that permeates her collection more than any other is the ever-present specter of death. Wheatley’s haunting poetic eulogies lament the personal impact of the deaths of adults and children alike. Lively rhymes, epic verse, and raw emotions combine for an excellent showcase of pioneering African-American poetry. (Submitted by Adam)
Show less
Despite the aggressively bland title, this existence of this poetry anthology is a truly dramatic tale of beating the odds. Written by an African-born ens...Show more
Despite the aggressively bland title, this existence of this poetry anthology is a truly dramatic tale of beating the odds. Written by an African-born enslaved teenage girl living in 1700s Boston, it provides a unique glimpse into the life of a person who would normally have been excluded from the literary sphere. Wheatly dabbles in topics all over the place- ranging from odes to nature to contemplations on the meaning of life to tax politics. But the one topic that permeates her collection more than any other is the ever-present specter of death. Wheatley’s haunting poetic eulogies lament the personal impact of the deaths of adults and children alike. Lively rhymes, epic verse, and raw emotions combine for an excellent showcase of pioneering African-American poetry. (Submitted by Adam)
Show less
A True Story of Hidden Art, Lost Romance, and Family Reclaimed
Book - 2019
It was the subtitle and the cover photo that made me consider this book. Who can resist a story of hidden art, lost romance and a vintage shot of the Eiff...Show more
It was the subtitle and the cover photo that made me consider this book. Who can resist a story of hidden art, lost romance and a vintage shot of the Eiffel Tower! You’ll find a great summary of the book on our website but my take-away from reading about how the author, Louisa Deasey, ‘found’ her father in correspondence and books in libraries, museums and personal collections touched something in me. The closer I got to the end, the more her discoveries felt personal and reflected things we all search for at one point or another in our lives. A feeling of contentment came with turning the last page, it was the right book at the right time for me – I hope you enjoy reading it too (Submitted by Renee)
Show less
It was the subtitle and the cover photo that made me consider this book. Who can resist a story of hidden art, lost romance and a vintage shot of the Eiff...Show more
It was the subtitle and the cover photo that made me consider this book. Who can resist a story of hidden art, lost romance and a vintage shot of the Eiffel Tower! You’ll find a great summary of the book on our website but my take-away from reading about how the author, Louisa Deasey, ‘found’ her father in correspondence and books in libraries, museums and personal collections touched something in me. The closer I got to the end, the more her discoveries felt personal and reflected things we all search for at one point or another in our lives. A feeling of contentment came with turning the last page, it was the right book at the right time for me – I hope you enjoy reading it too (Submitted by Renee)
Show less
A Novel
by Weir, Andy
Book - 2021
Project Hail Mary, the newest novel by Andy Weir, author of The Martian, is a must-read for enthusiasts of realistic science fiction. The story grabs your...Show more
Project Hail Mary, the newest novel by Andy Weir, author of The Martian, is a must-read for enthusiasts of realistic science fiction. The story grabs your attention right from the first few paragraphs and doesn’t let go. I had a hard time putting the book down and highly recommend it! (Submitted by Seline)
Show less
Project Hail Mary, the newest novel by Andy Weir, author of The Martian, is a must-read for enthusiasts of realistic science fiction. The story grabs your...Show more
Project Hail Mary, the newest novel by Andy Weir, author of The Martian, is a must-read for enthusiasts of realistic science fiction. The story grabs your attention right from the first few paragraphs and doesn’t let go. I had a hard time putting the book down and highly recommend it! (Submitted by Seline)
Show less
Letters, Connections, and Cures
by Coyote, Ivan
Downloadable Audiobook - 2021
If you love Ivan Coyote books/performances, you will love the audiobook, Care Of: Letters, Connections and Cures, narrated by the author. Written during ...Show more
If you love Ivan Coyote books/performances, you will love the audiobook, Care Of: Letters, Connections and Cures, narrated by the author. Written during the 2020 pandemic shutdowns, Ivan reads from a file of fan letters they received over the years and takes the time to respond to each sender. Ivan Coyote is a master narrator. (Submitted by Tracy)
Show less
If you love Ivan Coyote books/performances, you will love the audiobook, Care Of: Letters, Connections and Cures, narrated by the author. Written during ...Show more
If you love Ivan Coyote books/performances, you will love the audiobook, Care Of: Letters, Connections and Cures, narrated by the author. Written during the 2020 pandemic shutdowns, Ivan reads from a file of fan letters they received over the years and takes the time to respond to each sender. Ivan Coyote is a master narrator. (Submitted by Tracy)
Show less
A Novel
Book - 2020
The novel is about a Grade 12, Surrey teen, excelling at basketball and liked by teachers & students alike, who ends up taking a wrong turn and gettin...Show more
The novel is about a Grade 12, Surrey teen, excelling at basketball and liked by teachers & students alike, who ends up taking a wrong turn and getting involved in drugs. He is running away from the low-income life that his parents have mainly known and a dreadful prospect of working 9-5 job for the rest of his life.
Selling drugs soon takes a heavy toll on his relationships, previous academic achievements, and he is suspended from playing basketball on the team where he used to be a captain.
Very well written, with a fine balance between slang and formal language, self-reflection and world observations. Cautionary tale, but not preachy. Genuine. Surrey comes to life with its good and bad, portrayed justly. (Submitted by Mariya)
Show less
The novel is about a Grade 12, Surrey teen, excelling at basketball and liked by teachers & students alike, who ends up taking a wrong turn and gettin...Show more
The novel is about a Grade 12, Surrey teen, excelling at basketball and liked by teachers & students alike, who ends up taking a wrong turn and getting involved in drugs. He is running away from the low-income life that his parents have mainly known and a dreadful prospect of working 9-5 job for the rest of his life.
Selling drugs soon takes a heavy toll on his relationships, previous academic achievements, and he is suspended from playing basketball on the team where he used to be a captain.
Very well written, with a fine balance between slang and formal language, self-reflection and world observations. Cautionary tale, but not preachy. Genuine. Surrey comes to life with its good and bad, portrayed justly. (Submitted by Mariya)
Show less
Book - 2008
These stories have a magical quality of taking one on a ride to a small town in Maine on the Atlantic coast. What made it special for me were the details...Show more
These stories have a magical quality of taking one on a ride to a small town in Maine on the Atlantic coast. What made it special for me were the details of the daily life, the relationships, and the landscape. The drama that unfolds from different relationships is real as it gets; witnessing the passage of the time is a treat as people age, get divorce, marry again, and eat ice cream with their grandchildren. Olive Kitteridge is a physical force with an emotional undercurrent who is leading these stories head-on. Submitted by Satinder
Show less
These stories have a magical quality of taking one on a ride to a small town in Maine on the Atlantic coast. What made it special for me were the details...Show more
These stories have a magical quality of taking one on a ride to a small town in Maine on the Atlantic coast. What made it special for me were the details of the daily life, the relationships, and the landscape. The drama that unfolds from different relationships is real as it gets; witnessing the passage of the time is a treat as people age, get divorce, marry again, and eat ice cream with their grandchildren. Olive Kitteridge is a physical force with an emotional undercurrent who is leading these stories head-on. Submitted by Satinder
Show less
Book - 2009
In the novel The Solitude of Prime Numbers, we meet two outsiders Alice and Mattia. Alice's story begins with a traumatic childhood accident that changes ...Show more
In the novel The Solitude of Prime Numbers, we meet two outsiders Alice and Mattia. Alice's story begins with a traumatic childhood accident that changes the course of her life forever. Meanwhile, Mattia's early beginnings are even more tragic and helps to shape the way his story unfolds. The two paths eventually cross during the turbulent years of high school, matching up these two loners who have had the world against them for so long, but they can now face it somewhat together.
I really enjoyed the character development as each chapter moves forward throughout the years in these two lives. I found the end to be a bit forgettable however, and not quite the ending I wanted for them, as I felt they deserved better, given the remarkable journey the two have traveled.
It's a quick and engaging read, with a medium payoff at the end, but still worthy of your attention (Submitted by Alan).
Show less
In the novel The Solitude of Prime Numbers, we meet two outsiders Alice and Mattia. Alice's story begins with a traumatic childhood accident that changes ...Show more
In the novel The Solitude of Prime Numbers, we meet two outsiders Alice and Mattia. Alice's story begins with a traumatic childhood accident that changes the course of her life forever. Meanwhile, Mattia's early beginnings are even more tragic and helps to shape the way his story unfolds. The two paths eventually cross during the turbulent years of high school, matching up these two loners who have had the world against them for so long, but they can now face it somewhat together.
I really enjoyed the character development as each chapter moves forward throughout the years in these two lives. I found the end to be a bit forgettable however, and not quite the ending I wanted for them, as I felt they deserved better, given the remarkable journey the two have traveled.
It's a quick and engaging read, with a medium payoff at the end, but still worthy of your attention (Submitted by Alan).
Show less
Perimenopause, Menopause, Other Indignities, and You
Book - 2021
I wanted to highlight a new book in our collection for women and people with female parts who are 40+. I’ve learned so much! It is a very irreverent book ...Show more
I wanted to highlight a new book in our collection for women and people with female parts who are 40+. I’ve learned so much! It is a very irreverent book full of information, tips and ideas about how to navigate this stage of life that ranges from puzzling to super irritating to absolutely awful and beyond.
Whether you are currently experiencing it, living with someone who is, or too young to experience it but you want to know what may be in store for you later, this is an important book about a topic that most of us know shockingly little about. Even if you will never experience it, reading this book will help you better understand and support the people in your life who are going through it. (Submitted by Jenny)
Show less
I wanted to highlight a new book in our collection for women and people with female parts who are 40+. I’ve learned so much! It is a very irreverent book ...Show more
I wanted to highlight a new book in our collection for women and people with female parts who are 40+. I’ve learned so much! It is a very irreverent book full of information, tips and ideas about how to navigate this stage of life that ranges from puzzling to super irritating to absolutely awful and beyond.
Whether you are currently experiencing it, living with someone who is, or too young to experience it but you want to know what may be in store for you later, this is an important book about a topic that most of us know shockingly little about. Even if you will never experience it, reading this book will help you better understand and support the people in your life who are going through it. (Submitted by Jenny)
Show less
Book - 2015
Science Fiction. Fantastic coming-of-age story of a teen girl. Does a good job illustrating a lot of common anxieties on a theme of graduation, going to u...Show more
Science Fiction. Fantastic coming-of-age story of a teen girl. Does a good job illustrating a lot of common anxieties on a theme of graduation, going to unknown territories. The main character is leaving her planet for an opportunity to attend a prestigious space university. A lot of self-discovery and testing of one’s strengths. Excellent depictions of various alien species. Recommending this to anyone who is graduating from high school or any adult facing new beginnings and challenges. (Submitted by Michael)
Show less
Science Fiction. Fantastic coming-of-age story of a teen girl. Does a good job illustrating a lot of common anxieties on a theme of graduation, going to u...Show more
Science Fiction. Fantastic coming-of-age story of a teen girl. Does a good job illustrating a lot of common anxieties on a theme of graduation, going to unknown territories. The main character is leaving her planet for an opportunity to attend a prestigious space university. A lot of self-discovery and testing of one’s strengths. Excellent depictions of various alien species. Recommending this to anyone who is graduating from high school or any adult facing new beginnings and challenges. (Submitted by Michael)
Show less
A Novel
by Reid, Kiley
Book - 2019
I could not put this book down the moment I started it. The opening chapter starts off with a heavy interaction between a young black woman named Emira an...Show more
I could not put this book down the moment I started it. The opening chapter starts off with a heavy interaction between a young black woman named Emira and a grocery store security officer. The issues of race are set up from that point on with that incident making its way into Emira’s work life and love life. Her boss Alix feels guilty for asking Emira to babysit on that fateful evening, and attempts to befriend her afterwards as more than just an employer to employee relationship. Meanwhile, Emira meets a man who was witness to the whole event and the two start up a relationship. But throw in a love triangle, a gaggle of hilarious friends, and skeletons from the past, and you have the perfect recipe for a roller coaster ride of a book! This was such a fun read! (Submitted by Alan)
Show less
I could not put this book down the moment I started it. The opening chapter starts off with a heavy interaction between a young black woman named Emira an...Show more
I could not put this book down the moment I started it. The opening chapter starts off with a heavy interaction between a young black woman named Emira and a grocery store security officer. The issues of race are set up from that point on with that incident making its way into Emira’s work life and love life. Her boss Alix feels guilty for asking Emira to babysit on that fateful evening, and attempts to befriend her afterwards as more than just an employer to employee relationship. Meanwhile, Emira meets a man who was witness to the whole event and the two start up a relationship. But throw in a love triangle, a gaggle of hilarious friends, and skeletons from the past, and you have the perfect recipe for a roller coaster ride of a book! This was such a fun read! (Submitted by Alan)
Show less
Book - 2021
Blackout is an absolutely gorgeous story written by multiple authors about an intertwined community of teens falling in love in NYC during a blackout. If ...Show more
Blackout is an absolutely gorgeous story written by multiple authors about an intertwined community of teens falling in love in NYC during a blackout. If you love young adult romance (kissing, no sex), if you want to meet new Black authors, if you love New York City, if you’re looking for Queer romance, if you want a little window into the happiest side of Black culture, I highly recommend this book! (Submitted by Bex)
Show less
Blackout is an absolutely gorgeous story written by multiple authors about an intertwined community of teens falling in love in NYC during a blackout. If ...Show more
Blackout is an absolutely gorgeous story written by multiple authors about an intertwined community of teens falling in love in NYC during a blackout. If you love young adult romance (kissing, no sex), if you want to meet new Black authors, if you love New York City, if you’re looking for Queer romance, if you want a little window into the happiest side of Black culture, I highly recommend this book! (Submitted by Bex)
Show less
by Waxman, Abbi
Book - 2019
Nina is a loner who loves reading and works in a bookstore. She is self sufficient and anxious, and a whiz at trivia. When she discovers she has an unknow...Show more
Nina is a loner who loves reading and works in a bookstore. She is self sufficient and anxious, and a whiz at trivia. When she discovers she has an unknown family, and a crush on a fellow trivia competitor, things start to fall apart. Lots of humour, lots of little jokes and wordplay. A very fun read! (Submitted by Sharleen)
Show less
Nina is a loner who loves reading and works in a bookstore. She is self sufficient and anxious, and a whiz at trivia. When she discovers she has an unknow...Show more
Nina is a loner who loves reading and works in a bookstore. She is self sufficient and anxious, and a whiz at trivia. When she discovers she has an unknown family, and a crush on a fellow trivia competitor, things start to fall apart. Lots of humour, lots of little jokes and wordplay. A very fun read! (Submitted by Sharleen)
Show less
Book - 2021
A lovely book on emotions. Gorgeous illustrations. This picture book teaches children that it’s okay to cry and that there can be different types of tears...Show more
A lovely book on emotions. Gorgeous illustrations. This picture book teaches children that it’s okay to cry and that there can be different types of tears: from joy to anger to pain. All of those tears are normal; we all have feelings and everybody can cry (Submitted by Yesenia)
Show less
A lovely book on emotions. Gorgeous illustrations. This picture book teaches children that it’s okay to cry and that there can be different types of tears...Show more
A lovely book on emotions. Gorgeous illustrations. This picture book teaches children that it’s okay to cry and that there can be different types of tears: from joy to anger to pain. All of those tears are normal; we all have feelings and everybody can cry (Submitted by Yesenia)
Show less
Lies, Spies, and A Conspiracy to Protect Predators
Book - 2019
If you’ve been following the trial of disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, this explosive book traces the journey of the #MeToo movement from the s...Show more
If you’ve been following the trial of disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, this explosive book traces the journey of the #MeToo movement from the start. Ronan Farrow’s investigative journalism reads like a heart-racing thriller, complete with conspiracy theories, evil henchmen, and a cast of real-life characters that you’re unable to trust. It’s made all the more infuriating and maddening to know that all of this is real. From the cover-ups at NBC news to all the double agents that Farrow encounters, it’s a wonder he was able to break this story out into the spotlight at all. There are also mentions of Trump and Matt Lauer, among other high powered men who abused their positions in society. You root for the women who came forward and you root for Farrow’s insistent reporting and drive to help those women. It’s a page-turner that will have you enraged yet hopeful (Submitted by Alan)
Show less
If you’ve been following the trial of disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, this explosive book traces the journey of the #MeToo movement from the s...Show more
If you’ve been following the trial of disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, this explosive book traces the journey of the #MeToo movement from the start. Ronan Farrow’s investigative journalism reads like a heart-racing thriller, complete with conspiracy theories, evil henchmen, and a cast of real-life characters that you’re unable to trust. It’s made all the more infuriating and maddening to know that all of this is real. From the cover-ups at NBC news to all the double agents that Farrow encounters, it’s a wonder he was able to break this story out into the spotlight at all. There are also mentions of Trump and Matt Lauer, among other high powered men who abused their positions in society. You root for the women who came forward and you root for Farrow’s insistent reporting and drive to help those women. It’s a page-turner that will have you enraged yet hopeful (Submitted by Alan)
Show less
by Lord, Emma
Book - 2020
All I can say is, wow. I really enjoyed the story and the execution is flawless. Most books jump straight into romance and are pretty unrealistic, but the...Show more
All I can say is, wow. I really enjoyed the story and the execution is flawless. Most books jump straight into romance and are pretty unrealistic, but the story flowed really well and the two main characters are perfect for each other. Both of them also had their individual interests that didn't come off as too cliche, which I also liked. I literally cannot sing enough praises about this novel!
Pepper Evans is someone I can relate to a lot: people who don't understand her personality see her as competition but she is someone who just wants to do well in school and make some friends. However, she couldn't really open up to anyone because she felt like any vulnerability she showed could be used against her. On the other hand, Jack Campbell always felt overshadowed by his twin brother. It brought to light some of the insecurities that a lot of people including myself felt during high school.
Mild spoiler but I think you find out near the beginning: The Weasel app that the students use to communicate anonymously was such a genius idea to bring Pepper and Jack together and the rivalry on Twitter also provided such great contrast.
Needless to say, I am now an avid Pepperjack shipper! (Submitted by Cindy)
Show less
All I can say is, wow. I really enjoyed the story and the execution is flawless. Most books jump straight into romance and are pretty unrealistic, but the...Show more
All I can say is, wow. I really enjoyed the story and the execution is flawless. Most books jump straight into romance and are pretty unrealistic, but the story flowed really well and the two main characters are perfect for each other. Both of them also had their individual interests that didn't come off as too cliche, which I also liked. I literally cannot sing enough praises about this novel!
Pepper Evans is someone I can relate to a lot: people who don't understand her personality see her as competition but she is someone who just wants to do well in school and make some friends. However, she couldn't really open up to anyone because she felt like any vulnerability she showed could be used against her. On the other hand, Jack Campbell always felt overshadowed by his twin brother. It brought to light some of the insecurities that a lot of people including myself felt during high school.
Mild spoiler but I think you find out near the beginning: The Weasel app that the students use to communicate anonymously was such a genius idea to bring Pepper and Jack together and the rivalry on Twitter also provided such great contrast.
Needless to say, I am now an avid Pepperjack shipper! (Submitted by Cindy)
Show less
I Love My White Shoes
by Litwin, Eric
Book - 2008
It’s a great book for educators and caregivers when trying to engage and teach young children. Its repetitive and sing-along structure makes it very memorable, accessible, and fun for kids (Submitted by Susan)
It’s a great book for educators and caregivers when trying to engage and teach young children. Its repetitive and sing-along structure makes it very memorable, accessible, and fun for kids (Submitted by Susan)
Show less
It’s a great book for educators and caregivers when trying to engage and teach young children. Its repetitive and sing-along structure makes it very memorable, accessible, and fun for kids (Submitted by Susan)
It’s a great book for educators and caregivers when trying to engage and teach young children. Its repetitive and sing-along structure makes it very memorable, accessible, and fun for kids (Submitted by Susan)
Show less
A Novel
by Foley, Lucy
Book - 2020
It’s Agatha Christie type of mystery. Quick, fun read. Mystery is told from different points of view. Starts off with a wedding and then… murder is in the air. Page turner for sure. (Submitted by Quinn)
It’s Agatha Christie type of mystery. Quick, fun read. Mystery is told from different points of view. Starts off with a wedding and then… murder is in the air. Page turner for sure. (Submitted by Quinn)
Show less
It’s Agatha Christie type of mystery. Quick, fun read. Mystery is told from different points of view. Starts off with a wedding and then… murder is in the air. Page turner for sure. (Submitted by Quinn)
It’s Agatha Christie type of mystery. Quick, fun read. Mystery is told from different points of view. Starts off with a wedding and then… murder is in the air. Page turner for sure. (Submitted by Quinn)
Show less
The Extraordinary Journey of A Desert Nomad
by Dirie, Waris
Book - 2011
Waris Dirie is an internationally known supermodel and human rights activist. When you see her on the covers of magazines, it’s hard to imagine that this ...Show more
Waris Dirie is an internationally known supermodel and human rights activist. When you see her on the covers of magazines, it’s hard to imagine that this successful woman was on a brink of death so many times in her life and that her beginnings were as far from riches and glamour as they possibly could.
Born into a family of desert nomads, in Somalia, Waris had a rough childhood: from semi-hunger to circumcision at the age of 5 to arranged marriage at 13, the latter she escapes by putting her entire life in jeopardy. Who would, in their right mind, try to cross the desert without a map, food, or water? Only someone very desperate and with nothing to lose. This is a story of Waris and how she overcame tremendous obstacles and fought with courage to win her freedom, success, and the right to be happy. I enjoy reading biographies that leave me in awe or fill with inspiration & strength – this one sure does! (Submitted by Mariya)
Show less
Waris Dirie is an internationally known supermodel and human rights activist. When you see her on the covers of magazines, it’s hard to imagine that this ...Show more
Waris Dirie is an internationally known supermodel and human rights activist. When you see her on the covers of magazines, it’s hard to imagine that this successful woman was on a brink of death so many times in her life and that her beginnings were as far from riches and glamour as they possibly could.
Born into a family of desert nomads, in Somalia, Waris had a rough childhood: from semi-hunger to circumcision at the age of 5 to arranged marriage at 13, the latter she escapes by putting her entire life in jeopardy. Who would, in their right mind, try to cross the desert without a map, food, or water? Only someone very desperate and with nothing to lose. This is a story of Waris and how she overcame tremendous obstacles and fought with courage to win her freedom, success, and the right to be happy. I enjoy reading biographies that leave me in awe or fill with inspiration & strength – this one sure does! (Submitted by Mariya)
Show less
by Boffard, Rob
Book - 2018
A small tourist mini cruise ship is the only space craft that survives a horrific attack on the tourist outpost in space. Can they survive? Can they survi...Show more
A small tourist mini cruise ship is the only space craft that survives a horrific attack on the tourist outpost in space. Can they survive? Can they survive each other? A very clever and intriguing take on the “lifeboat” story, challenging and engaging characters and believable situations (Submitted by Sharleen).
Show less
A small tourist mini cruise ship is the only space craft that survives a horrific attack on the tourist outpost in space. Can they survive? Can they survi...Show more
A small tourist mini cruise ship is the only space craft that survives a horrific attack on the tourist outpost in space. Can they survive? Can they survive each other? A very clever and intriguing take on the “lifeboat” story, challenging and engaging characters and believable situations (Submitted by Sharleen).
Show less
A Novel
by Koepp, David
Book - 2019
When Pentagon bioterror operative Roberto Diaz and his partner Trini Romano are sent to investigate a suspected biochemical attack in Western Australia, t...Show more
When Pentagon bioterror operative Roberto Diaz and his partner Trini Romano are sent to investigate a suspected biochemical attack in Western Australia, they found a fungus capable of extinction level destruction. They contained it and buried it deep underneath a government facility. 30 years later, a storage facility has been built on top of it, and on a night shift worked by a young ex-con, and a teen single mom, an alarm goes off. Roberto is now 68, and he must save the world. Funny, snarky, terrifying and almost believable, I laughed and shivered (Submitted by Sharleen)
Show less
When Pentagon bioterror operative Roberto Diaz and his partner Trini Romano are sent to investigate a suspected biochemical attack in Western Australia, t...Show more
When Pentagon bioterror operative Roberto Diaz and his partner Trini Romano are sent to investigate a suspected biochemical attack in Western Australia, they found a fungus capable of extinction level destruction. They contained it and buried it deep underneath a government facility. 30 years later, a storage facility has been built on top of it, and on a night shift worked by a young ex-con, and a teen single mom, an alarm goes off. Roberto is now 68, and he must save the world. Funny, snarky, terrifying and almost believable, I laughed and shivered (Submitted by Sharleen)
Show less
by John, Elton
Book - 2019
If you’re a fan of Elton John, his autobiography will not disappoint. He details his humble beginnings as a young boy with distant parents and a knack for...Show more
If you’re a fan of Elton John, his autobiography will not disappoint. He details his humble beginnings as a young boy with distant parents and a knack for music. He goes from playing in a band under his real name Reg Dwight with music legend Long John Baldry to pairing up with lyricist Bernie Taupin and changing his name to Elton John. So begins the partnership of a lifetime, with the two of them churning out hit song after hit song. It also derails into his life of drugs, dealing with his sexuality, and colourful anecdotes of his interactions with other celebrities. If you want an inside look at the likes of Princess Diana, Gianni Versace, Freddie Mercury, George Michael, Rod Stewart, or even Queen Elizabeth II, there are numerous stories of these famous friends that Elton John shares with us. Me is the perfect appendix to the recent biographical musical based on his life, Rocketman (Submitted by Alan)
Show less
If you’re a fan of Elton John, his autobiography will not disappoint. He details his humble beginnings as a young boy with distant parents and a knack for...Show more
If you’re a fan of Elton John, his autobiography will not disappoint. He details his humble beginnings as a young boy with distant parents and a knack for music. He goes from playing in a band under his real name Reg Dwight with music legend Long John Baldry to pairing up with lyricist Bernie Taupin and changing his name to Elton John. So begins the partnership of a lifetime, with the two of them churning out hit song after hit song. It also derails into his life of drugs, dealing with his sexuality, and colourful anecdotes of his interactions with other celebrities. If you want an inside look at the likes of Princess Diana, Gianni Versace, Freddie Mercury, George Michael, Rod Stewart, or even Queen Elizabeth II, there are numerous stories of these famous friends that Elton John shares with us. Me is the perfect appendix to the recent biographical musical based on his life, Rocketman (Submitted by Alan)
Show less
Book - 2015
Owl (real name Alix) and her cat Captain have been living out of her Winnebago for a while as she tries to keep up with her work (stealing ancient artifac...Show more
Owl (real name Alix) and her cat Captain have been living out of her Winnebago for a while as she tries to keep up with her work (stealing ancient artifacts for rich people), continue playing her online game with her 1 online friend, and keeping in contact with her only human friend. Her only rule? No supernatural jobs. As she is on the run from vampires and the Paris boys, she finds herself accepting a job from a Red Dragon, to steal something that turns out to be so much more that she thought. Owl is awesome, she kicks butt without killing and she can’t stop mouthing off the vampires who are trying to kill her. And her cat? Vampires are allergic to his bite, and she has trained him to attack. Makes me want to train my cat as well (Submitted by Sharleen)
Show less
Owl (real name Alix) and her cat Captain have been living out of her Winnebago for a while as she tries to keep up with her work (stealing ancient artifac...Show more
Owl (real name Alix) and her cat Captain have been living out of her Winnebago for a while as she tries to keep up with her work (stealing ancient artifacts for rich people), continue playing her online game with her 1 online friend, and keeping in contact with her only human friend. Her only rule? No supernatural jobs. As she is on the run from vampires and the Paris boys, she finds herself accepting a job from a Red Dragon, to steal something that turns out to be so much more that she thought. Owl is awesome, she kicks butt without killing and she can’t stop mouthing off the vampires who are trying to kill her. And her cat? Vampires are allergic to his bite, and she has trained him to attack. Makes me want to train my cat as well (Submitted by Sharleen)
Show less