“The Women” is about a woman named Frankie McGrath who volunteers to be an army nurse in the Vietnam War following her brother’s enlistment. The book focuses on the role women played in Vietnam and how they were treated when they returned home, as their duties abroad greatly contrasted the “typical” duties of women in the 1960s. The first half of the book tells the gut-wrenching story of Frankie’s service and the bonds that got her through, and the second half explains the effects of the war on Frankie’s later life.

This book made me angry, it made me cry, and it made me proud. It deserves all of the hype it has gotten this year. Something that I liked about the book, which I see has also gotten the book lower ratings, is that Frankie is depicted in a very real way. So much about Frankie’s character changes from the beginning to the end of the story, and she makes a lot of poor decisions. This is due to trauma — this book was not written to be a lighthearted read.

Three words that describe this book: Informative, Frustrating, Thought-Provoking

You might want to pick this book up if: You like historical fiction and want to learn more about the role of women in Vietnam.

-Ashley

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year. 

“Just Add Water: My Swimming Life” by Katie Ledecky is a memoir that chronicles Katie’s rise to fame as a world-class swimmer. I enjoyed reading about her journey from swimming in a local pool to becoming a successful Olympian. She discussed each of her Olympic experiences as well as the challenges in 2020. She wove in stories about the impact various family members had on her. She seems humble and kind — I’m even more of a Katie Ledecky fan after reading this book.

Three words that describe this book: Inspiring, insightful, motivational

You might want to pick this book up if: You enjoy memoirs, like the watching swimming, want to learn more about Katie.

-Kristi

“Mending Life” is an instructional mending book, interlaced with warm and cozy life stories — it was a wonderful read. I loved how the authors talked about the importance of cherishing the clothes we have, and how mending them brings an immense sense of satisfaction and appreciation for them. The tutorials were easy to understand, and as a sewing newbie, I feel confident enough in trying out all the different kinds of stitches and techniques shown. As silly as it sounds, this book almost has me looking forward to seeing small tears in clothes as an excuse to try out a new hobby and skill I’m excited about.

Three words that describe this book: Informative, cozy, and comforting

You might want to pick this book up if: I want instructions on repairing clothes with nice illustrations and cozy stories mixed in.

-Anonymous

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog. 

As the back of the novel states, “this book is about a small provincial town right before the Great Reform Bill of the 1830s, in England.” During this historical period, “Middlemarch” takes a look at the daily lives of several different members of the community, and their prides and struggles before, during and after the reform.

I appreciated the in-depth analysis of the fictional characters and their motivations, as well as the range of emotions that humans experience during their lifespan.

Three words that describe this book: Unforgettable, Historic, Charming

You might want to pick this book up if: I would argue that if you are a fan of historical fiction, this a good read for you, but with the caveat that the surrounding events of this time period are not necessarily center stage, but subtly shape the opinions, experiences, and reactions of the main characters.

This book also has a massive cottage core vibe, which has made a comeback in recent years. There is a certain romanticism to the provincial life — sprawling country sides, slower days, leisure activities that focus on relationships, bonnets and hats. Even the idea of poverty and the poor working class is viewed through a romantic lens — which is problematic, but still the case for this novel.

-Kylie

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog. 

In the book “Promises and Primroses,” widower Peter Mayfield is in need of a new governess for his two young girls as his previous one is getting married and leaving his employ. He is devoted to the memory of his first wife, bringing up his girls as best he can, and his hobby of canine husbandry. But when young and capable Julia Hollingsworth applies for the job, Peter must reevaluate his heart.

Julia Hollingsworth is desperate to make her own decisions and live her own life, a life out from under her mother’s thumb. But her mother is a woman with pain in her past by the family Mayfield, unbeknownst to Julia. She interferes with Julia’s new job in hopes of protecting her from ending up heartbroken at the hands of another Mayfield man.

I thought this was a sweet little story. The writing is a little unpolished in my opinion but it was a good read.

Three words that describe this book: Regency, romance, fiction

You might want to pick this book up if: You’re looking for a clean romance book that has not one, but two love stories taking place. Could see this being a good poolside read.

-Hannah

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog. 

“The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise” is a lovely little story of two women, both at perhaps their lowest moments, slowly building a bond that helps reinvigorate their lives. They are certainly an odd couple, except that they start to recognize some (unfortunately universal) truths in the experiences that they, as women, share. And while this relationship is what provides the backdrop for the novel, in the foreground is an, at times, madcap road trip tale complete with narrow escapes from the law, evil mobsters, hot young drivers, etc. I’m sure the naming similarities with another road trip story of two women on the run are intentional.

I don’t think this is the sort of book that is going to stick with me, but it was a very sweet diversion while it lasted.

Three words that describe this book: friendship, adventure, sweet

You might want to pick this book up if: you want to see how there exist forces that can draw us together.

-Xander

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog. 

The book “The Wager” is author David Gran’s retelling of the true story behind a naval ship called The Wager. The ship’s crew and their unbelievable tale of survival (for some) made for an engrossing read. The far-reaching implications of the imperialistic attitudes of Europe shadow the contradicting stories the survivors put forth when sharing their perspective of what really happened to them. The human condition speaks loudly through the book’s twist and turns of the crew’s many (often unbelievable) tests of endurance. The story is yet again an excellent example of how real life is often stranger than fiction… and David Grann knows how to get that across perfectly.

Three words that describe this book: Historical, Illuminating, Astonishing

You might want to pick this book up if: You enjoy history and incredible (but true!) tales of maritime adventure.

-Anonymous

This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog. 

In the book “The Paris Apartment,” Jess goes to Paris to visit her brother in an effort to escape her former life and terrible job. When she gets there, her brother is nowhere to be seen. All the other neighbors in his apartment building are hostile and not helpful in looking for her brother. Without seeking help from police, she is asking questions and searching for clues of where Ben may be.

The ending was a bit surprising but who was involved was not all that surprising. It was a good mystery read, similar to the author’s other works.

Three words that describe this book: Determination, Seedy, Mystery

You might want to pick this book up if: you love books by Megan Miranda or enjoyed “The Guest List” by Lucy Foley.

-Anonymous