A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci

A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely Narrated byDavid Baldacci, MacLeod Andrews, Sisi Aisha Johnson, Kiiri Sandy, Cary Hite, I loved the lawyer team of Desiree DuBos & Jack Lee as the band together to represent a black man in 1968 in Virginia. Each of these characters were compelling and their odds in a southern town of getting an innocent man free had me listening all the time. I would love to see this continue as a series, highly recommended!

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All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover

All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great Colleen Hoover book about a couple who have a very troubled marriage over time. Will they be able to save their marriage? Going between the past and the present, Quinn & Graham's love has changed over time. With introverted visits to their past, will this couple make it or will their marriage be unsaveable? A must read!

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Flop Dead Gorgeous (Andy Carpenter #27) by David Rosenfelt

Flop Dead Gorgeous by David Rosenfelt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When an old high school flame of Andy's is charged with murder, Andy and his team get to work. She has a dog, Mamie, that lives with Tara. The action had me turning the pages of this awesome series!

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If I Loved You in Another Life by David Arnold

I Loved You in Another Life by David Arnold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Teens will love this time travel and romance of Evan and Shosh. As teens, they have lost ones they love and while Evan has panic attacks, Shosh is drinking in her grief. The stories captivated me, I could not stop turning the pages as I learned more about Evan & Shosh, even better the many periods and the people falling in love with each other. A must read, another great book by David Arnold

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The Fire, the Water and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla

The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maudie is an autistic middle schooler who looks forward to spending her summers with her Dad and the rest of the time with her mom and stepfather. This summer she has to keep a secret from her Dad & as soon as she arrives there are California wildfires that destroy his home. Her Dad decides to take them back to where he grew up, a beach town with waves and surfers beckoning to her. I loved Maudie, she was relatable as she tries to find strength to surf & tell the secret her mother warns her she must keep. I could not stop turning the pages; middle school kids will be turning those pages as they see & root for Maudie to succeed again and again.

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The Fearless One (Osborn Brothers Book 2) by Lori Foster

The Fearless One by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great mystery in the Osborn Brothers series & Diah, the main female protagonist & Memphis, the main male protagonist have a lot of chemistry going on- Memphis is opening a campground & hiring Diah seems like a a good choice. But both have secrets they are hiding...I could not stop turning the pages. A Must Read!

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Trouble at the Tangerine by Gillian McDunn

Trouble at the Tangerine by Gillian McDunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this enjoyable mystery book with Simon as a middle grade kid who is constantly on the move since his parents have a blog that details all their travels. Simon is tired of moving from place to place, and doing all the "things" the world expects to see from his mom and dad and Simon. When they arrive at Tangerine Pines, Simon vows to himself that this is the place he wants to stay, maybe even forever. Simon meets many characters but his favorite friend is Amaya and when a tenant's valuable necklace is stolen from her apartment, Simon and Amaya band together to solve the mystery. Simon wants to prove Tangerine Pines is a special place, but the tension mounts as other thefts begin to happen. Rooting for Simon, I was drawn to his determination, and with his sense of adventure yearned for Simon & Amaya to solve the mysteries. A must read!

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Rent a Boyfriend by Gloria Chao

Rent a Boyfriend by Gloria Chao
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed Chloe and Drew's fake relationship as she brings him home for the holidays. The reader can understand why this happens; Chloe's parents' expectations are ludicrous! No wonder she can't be herself. The inner conflicts of Chloe and Drew are totally understandable and I rooted for them. Recommended!

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True Colors by Kristin Hannah

True Colors by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Donna Compton for this fantastic read!. The Grey sisters have a special bond growing up; and it is rocked when life gets in the way and sisterly love is tested again and again. The love story
between Vivi Ann and Dallas was my favorite part but I did not like it tore everyone apart. But Hannah's storytelling had me turning those pages, with suspense growing as the years go by. This is a great read and I loved the ending!

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I Am That Girl: How to Speak Your Truth, Discover Your Purpose, and #bethatgirl by Alexis Jones

I Am That Girl: How to Speak Your Truth, Discover Your Purpose, and #bethatgirl by Alexis Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book, thank you to Donna Compton for giving this to me. There are great chapters, personal stories and motivation galore from the authors and contributors. This will be a good book for teens and adults! Highly recommended.

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Thick as Thieves by Sandra Brown

Thick as Thieves by Sandra Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A real suspenseful novel which owes so much to the awful character of Rusty Dyle, evil, dishonest, and certifiable! Enter Ledge Burnet, one of Rusty's victims and later, Arden Maxwell, who might blow Rusty's life of corruption wide open. But this story begins back in 2000 with the theft of $500,000 and a night where people die and disappear. Then chapters bring the reader back to the present, and it is one suspenseful twist after another. I loved this story but I really hated Rusty and how he spent a blackmailing and stalking people. Highly recommended!

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Tom Lake by Ann Pachett

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the Albright College Zoom BookClub choice for April. I loved this audiobook read awesomely by Meryl Streep about family, friendships, love, life's journey, farming and acting. I loved Lara's "Emily" years as an actress and her romance with leading man, Peter Duke. Even better was Peter's brother Sebastian, tennis player & sideline support for his brother. Even better was her life after acting and Peter Duke with her three daughters, husband and their cherry farm. Highly recommended!

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Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard

Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Steve Serbun for this riveting nonfiction book on James Garfield, his family, the political times, the assassination, and the medical debacle that took his life. I could not stop reading this book- I loved learning about America in the 1880s and urge everyone to read this book.

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Today is the Day!:Otis Goes to the Beach by Katie Williamson and illustrated by Zoe Saunders

Today is the Day!: Otis Goes to the Beach by Katie Williamson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Today is the Day! : Otis Goes to the Beach is a debut that will delight children and their parents who read this over and over again. With awesome illustrations by Zoe Saunders this child's book explores a day at the beach by a mother, father, their 2 girls and Otis, their dog. Turning the pages, the readers see the beach day through Otis' excitement and adventures. The beach, from page to page is bright, sunny, and filled with what is fun on the beach--sand castles, beach balls, sea gulls, the ocean waves, and sea and sand creatures and so much more. The sisters and Otis have such a memorable day at the beach and this reader enjoyed reading to her grandson, we turned each page & enjoyed the rhyming text and pointing to the beaches with shells, beach umbrellas, surfers, and waves. We fell in love with this book, the beach and Otis was so darn cute. A must read! Highly recommended!

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In the Dark I see You: A Novel by Mallika Narayanan

In the Dark I See You: A Novel by Mallika Narayanan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Donna Compton for this thriller suspense! Audrey is a blind woman who finds her neighbor Sarah's baby, Nicole crying. Before she can get to the youngster, she finds her friend murdered. There are many twists & turns as we get to know the main characters, their friends, & people they work with.

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Santa's Little Yelpers (Andy Carpenter, #26) by David Rosenfelt

Santa's Little Yelpers by David Rosenfelt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Number 26 is an awesome read! Narrator Grover Gardner is the perfect Andy Carpenter voice! I love all Andy Carpenter books & audiobooks- I chuckle all the way through, but I love the pace of the plot- Andy doing his best to defend a client, using all the characters that help in the courtroom and interviewing people, taking care of dogs, and loving his life with Laurie and his son (also Tara & assorted dogs). I highly recommend all of Rosenfelts' books in this series & I will also read his others after I am finished!


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Holy Chow (Andy Carpenter, #25) by David Rosenfelt

Holy Chow by David Rosenfelt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 25th book in this series. Narrator Grover Gardner is the perfect Andy Carpenter voice! I love all Andy Carpenter books & audiobooks- I chuckle all the way through, but I love the pace of the plot- Andy doing his best to defend a client, using all the characters that help in the courtroom and interviewing people, taking care of dogs, and loving his life with Laurie and his son (also Tara & assorted dogs). I highly recommend all of Rosenfelts' books in this series! A must read!

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Best in Snow (Andy Carpenter, #24) by David Rosenfelt

Best in Snow by David Rosenfelt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 24rd book in this series. Narrator Grover Gardner is the perfect Andy Carpenter voice! I love all Andy Carpenter books & audiobooks- I chuckle all the way through, but I love the pace of the plot- Andy doing his best to defend a client, using all the characters that help in the courtroom and interviewing people, taking care of dogs, and loving his life with Laurie and his son (also Tara & assorted dogs). I highly recommend all of Rosenfelts' books in this series! A must read!



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Instant Karma (Fortuna Beach, #1) by Marissa Meyer

Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I did not necessarily like Prudence's personality but as the story progresses but as she gets to know Quint and the sea animal rescue center she realizes many things & I could not put this book down! The plot was excellent and the character development was awesome. I am going to be reading her latest book, With a Little Luck---can't wait!

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Master of Chaos (The Unredeemables, #3) by Shannon McKenna

Master of Chaos by Shannon McKenna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 3rd series of The Unredeemables with Shane & Cass trying to topple a real bad guy who happens to be Cass' father & he is the worst so there is so much suspense going on in this romance! A must read!

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Louder Than Hunger by John Schu

Louder Than Hunger by John Schu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was riveting; Jake is a 7th grader who has increasingly suffered from self confidence, bullying, and loneliness leading to wanting to control himself through food with a voice taking over every step of his way. Readers will not be able to put this book down; then want to share it with everyone, it is that honest and real. John Schu has personal experience with this & much of Jake is his story.

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Restart by Gordon Korman

Restart by Gordon Korman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Chase Ambrose falls off the roof of his house; he wakes up to find he does not remember anything about his life- total amnesia. And when he returns to school he gets many different looks- even from his step sister- a 4 year old! Since he can't play football; he joins the Video Club and really enjoys it except for the girl who threw yogurt on his head. What he does not remember & finds out all too soon is that he was a bully along with 2 other friends who drove yogurt girl's brother to another school & earned community service at a convalescent home. I could not stop turning the pages as I followed Chase on his journey and I liked the alternating chapter of friends & those he bullied. Middle grade students will really enjoy this book; a must read!

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The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers

The Eyes and the Impossible: by Dave Eggers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book, plot, and the animals, especially Johannes, who runs so very fast, and reports to the leaders and has many friends who help him in his duties- this is a book middle grade children, YA & adults will all enjoy! The pictures are beautiful as well!

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The Housemaid's Secret (The Housemaid, #2) by Freida McFadden

The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 2nd book in the Housemaid series; Millie is just as bad ass and now is so thankful to get a 2nd job with her past. But once again, there is much more going on in this house & behind closed doors. A must read; I can't wait for #3!

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Dog Eat Dog (Andy Carpenter, #23) by David Rosenfelt

Dog Eat Dog by David Rosenfelt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 23rd book in this series awesomely narrated by Grover Gardner. I continue to chuckle at Andy, his musings, and his cowardice. But as I have come to expect--- Andy defends a man who helped stop mistreatment of a dog- but is later arrested for murder. A must read!

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The Probability of Everything by Sarah Everett

The Probability of Everything by Sarah Everett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book so much; you will just have to read it to see why! Middle grade with a math/science female protagonist and so much going on. Highly recommended!

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Silent Bite (Andy Carpenter, #22) by David Rosenfelt

Silent Bite by David Rosenfelt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Narrator Grover Gardner is the perfect Andy Carpenter voice! I love all Andy Carpenter books & audiobooks- I chuckle all the way through, but I love the pace of the plot- Andy doing his best to defend a client, using all the characters that help in the courtroom and interviewing people, taking care of dogs, and loving his life with Laurie and his son (also Tara & assorted dogs). I highly recommend all of Rosenfelts' books in this series & I will also read his others after I am finished!

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Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow

Simon Sort of Says: by Erin Bow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Simon; he has suffered a major trauma and as a result, his family moves far away. In this new town Simon makes 2 friends, is glad there is no internet and gets used to the new life while also being well aware what he survived. There was so much to love about this book; the plot, the characters, the funeral home hijinks, the farm, his pastor father all combine to give the reader a story so important you cannot put it down. You will laugh and you will cry but Simon's many messages will resound with ALL readers! Highly recommended!

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Coyote Lost and Found by Dan Gemeinhart

Coyote Lost and Found by Dan Gemeinhart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just as I loved The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise so so much, this new Coyote Lost and Found was just as wonderful! Coyote is honest, quirky, brash, and one of a kind. Her latest adventure will involve a journey yet again, fierce, hiding secrets, and sometimes not being nice to Candace, her father's friend & neighbor, along for the ride on Yager during Covid. Readers will love every character on this bus; they support one another, enjoy singing, laughing, and the awesome pets on this trip to find where to settle Coyote's mom's cremated remains. Coyote's insights are hysterical, fierce, and bold and the author treats us to many beautiful, sad and happy times as Coyote and Rodeo remember painfully their loved ones. A must read for all ages!

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Family Family by Laurie Frankel

Family Family by Laurie Frankel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Tara Smith for this get well book about seeking your best life, families, adoption, romance and so much more. I loved how Frankel engineered each chapter (past, present denoted as days of the week) and the characters were rich as well. I loved India in all her decisiveness, wanting always to be an actress (who can't sing), her many loves, and her world of plays, TV and movie as an actress.

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The House of Flame and Shadow (Crescent City, #3) by Sarah J. Maas

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another winner from Sarah J. Maas! I have so enjoyed the Crescent series and this 3rd book is just awesome! At 900+ pages I finished in 3 days rooting for Bryce Quindlen & Hunt Althazar!
Lidia & Ruhn were kick ass as well. The plot, the settings, the world building, and the characters all made this a book I could not put down. Total suspense with the torture of Hunt & his friends filled me with horror. But what I enjoyed most was Bryce's certainty that she could figure things out. A must read!

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Mission Manhattan (City Spies Book, #5) by James Ponti

Mission Manhattan by James Ponti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I continue to totally enjoy the City Spies series! This mystery thriller of kids solving crimes has the globe hopping spies protecting a young environmentalist from Europe to New York City. What I continue to love is each characters' specialty in solving crimes, working with each other and fooling adults to get results. A must read!

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The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this with my Albright College Zoom Book Club. Narrated by Dominic Hoffman, this historical fiction has everything; racism, social class distinctions, family, friendship, sorrow, humor, and hope. But it is the way McBride tells this story of Jews & Blacks living in the Chicken Hill area of Pottstown, PA in the 1920s. I went to Albright College in Reading so I loved reading landmarks, cities, & hospitals in this compulsively readable book. I could not stop listening! The characters Chona, Dodo, Nate & his wife, Bernice, and Monkey Pants were my favorites but all characters were authentic. I rooted for the many subplots & McBride did not disappoint! This is a stellar must read; I highly recommend it!

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I Give You Peace by Diane DiSerafino

I Give You Peace by Diane DiSerafino
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Donna Gola for giving this debut author book to read. I really enjoyed the plot and characters in I Give You Peace. There are many universes and Alex and Leonard are experimenting to bring world peace to New Philadelphia located in the Tertius universe. But things are not proceeding as planned for many reasons and as we meet a few of the subjects in this grand experiment the reader roots for "real peace" not enforced peace. I loved all the Philadelphia places, the cover is perfect, and technology must be watched. I look forward to other books by Diane DiSerafino!

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The Women by Kristin Hannah

The Women by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Janet, my librarian friend, for purchasing this gut wrenching read I could not put down. Frances is an idealistic Catholic girl who wants to follow her brother into the Vietnam War, she is a nurse and becomes a very good one, in horrific conditions but with the support of nurse friends and doctors. This is a must read - research is lengthy with many sources provided and experts/war personnel. I will be thinking of the characters, the country of Vietnam and its people, and the veterans who went into the war, gave their life and the veterans who returned to no fanfare, just derision, and had to "find" their way. Highly recommended!

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Mirror to Mirror by Rajani LaRocca

Mirror to Mirror by Rajani LaRocca
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another Rajani La Rocca winner; this novel in verse about twin sisters with very different personalities was awesome; middle grade and young adult readers will enjoy the format, the girls' drama, and their summer camp escapades. Will Maya & Chaya find each other as their differences threaten to tear them apart? Highly recommended!

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The Housemaid (The Housemaid, #1) by Freida McFadden

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Donna Compton for giving me this great mystery read as I heal from knee surgery. I absolutely LOVED the characters of Millie, Nina and Andrew; even minor characters like Nina's daughter & gardener were taut and masterfully drawn. Just how long will it take for just released convict, Millie, to be drawn into the total chaos of that family that on the outside looks so wonderful, on the inside is anything but. I could not stop reading this psychological mystery and I am definitely going to read the other books in this series!

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The Misfits #1: A Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee, illustrated by Dan Santat

The Misfits #1: A Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lisa Yee and illustrator, Dan Santat have crafted a great middle grade story of mystery, friendship, family that kept me turning the pages and rooting for these kids who become part of RASCH, trained to fight crime. A must read and a series I will be waiting to read and love!

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Muzzled (Andy Carpenter, #21) by David Rosenfelt

Muzzled by David Rosenfelt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great audiobook mystery in the Andy Carpenter series, Andy helps his friend, Beth reunite a dog with his owner, only he is dead, or is he! Another legal thriller with Andy's brand of humor!

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Dachshund Through the Snow (Andy Carpenter, #20) by David Rosenfelt

Dachshund Through the Snow by David Rosenfelt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Number 20 of the Andy Carpenter series, is a Christmas delight! When Laurie wants to grant a wish to Danny and his dog, he finds the plea to help his father heartfelt and enters into another murder mystery.

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Bark of Night (Andy Carpenter, #19) by David Rosenfelt

Bark of Night by David Rosenfelt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Andy rescues Truman, a French Bulldog and takes on a new case in number 19. Narration by Grove Gardner was perfect, a laugh a minute all the while solving the mystery of the murdered owner.

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School Trip (New Kid, #3) by Jerry Craft

School Trip by Jerry Craft
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jordan, Drew, Liam, Maury, and their friends are going to Paris for their class trip. What begins as an exciting adventure at the last minute many changes. Going to Paris without their beloved teacher chaperones, what will their time in Paris be like- fun or torture? Loved this graphic novel of humor, friendship, and growth!

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The Good House by Ann Leary

The Good House by Ann Leary
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Tara Smith for recommending this audiobook, narrated by Mary Beth Hurt. Hildy Good is a life long resident of quaint Wendover. Hildy happens to be a pretty successful real estate broker, is divorced and an alcoholic who will not recognize she is one. It was interesting reading all the ways Hildy gave herself to drink and how often she had to drink but always hiding it because her daughters sent her to recovery. I loved Frank her life long friend and sometimes interest--but Hildy can be nasty & she was nasty to Frankie too often for me. I am not a fan of the unreliable narrator and Hildy was the perfect unreliable narrator for most of this story---and for the few times she was not drinking I did like her.

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Squished: A Graphic Novel by Megan Wagner Lloyd Illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter

Squished: A Graphic Novel by Megan Wagner Lloyd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great follow-up to Allergic---M W Lloyd's debut graphic novel! I loved the Lee family and there is always something going on with a family of 7 children and 2 parents. Avery is a responsible older sister, but this summer she wants her own room due to her sisters and brothers always needing her. But will Avery be happy with the outcome? A laugh a page!!!

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Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke

Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Milo has just moved into a rambling old home and his Mom can't find his sister's pink sock and sends Milo to the basement to look. Oh boy does that open up another basement or 2 as he descends into various openings, doors etc. Along the way he meets "friends" who Milo trusts to help him find the sock. What adventures ensue, this is another great Ben Hatke graphic novel. Fantastic illustrations & a great plot!

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A Work in Progress by Jarrett Lerner

A Work in Progress by Jarrett Lerner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this book---from the novel in verse & graphic novel format to the angst of a heavy middle grade student, Will, grabbed my heart and kept pushing my sorrow button. This is a must read for middle grade students!

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Someone We Know by Shari Lapena

Someone We Know by Shari Lapena
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Tara Smith for this suspenseful audiobook, awesomely narrated by Kirsten Power. A neighborhood has someone breaking into their house, there is a murder, maybe 2, and some marital infidelity. The title, Someone We Know, is good on many levels; this is a sizzling mystery, lots of head games, and family drama. A must read!

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Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown (Lunch Lady, #4) by Jarrett J Krosoczka

Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love & recommend the Lunch Lady graphic novel series! Funny, relatable, and superheroes all in one!

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Lunch Ladies and the League of Librarians (Lunch Lady, #2) by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love & recommend the Lunch Lady graphic novel series! Funny, relatable, and superheroes all in one!

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Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute (Lunch Lady, #1) by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love & recommend the Lunch Lady graphic novel series! Funny, relatable, and superheroes all in one!


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