“All Systems Red” follows a security android (Murderbot) with newfound autonomy — after hacking its governor module the android indulges in watching soap operas while trying to avoid human interaction. Author Martha Wells does an excellent job blending levity and a more serious theme of human consciousness/freedom and what that could mean for artificial intelligence. Wells’s witty writing and Murderbot’s sardonic inner monologue provide insightful commentary on sentience. The book is a quick, engaging read and is a great first installment in the series.

Three words that describe this book: Engaging, Humorous, Thought-Provoking

You might want to pick this book up if: Fast paced action set in a futuristic world, focusing on what it means for AI to autonomous.

-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. 

“How to Solve Your Own Murder” is told through two main characters, Frances and her great niece Annie. Frances received a fortune when she was just 17 from a fortune teller at a county fair. Ever since then, she has been obsessed with the idea that someone was going to murder her. After a will change, and a visit from Annie to the quaint village of Castle Knoll, Frances dies. The following days are full of twists and turns as Annie works to figure out what has happened to her Aunt Frances, while uncovering the hidden secrets of Castle Knoll.

I loved this book because it was an interesting mystery, set in a great English village. The characters and the plot were so interesting, I became totally absorbed into the dual narrative.

Three words that describe this book: mystery, sleuth, cozy

You might want to pick this book up if: You love a good cozy mystery with a nice twist. If you are a fan of “Knives Out” (or other similar mysteries) I would say this one is for you!

-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. 

“How to be An Antiracist” discussed our role in a racist society and what we can do to be antiracist. I like how it pointed out that we are either racist or antiracist — we fit one. We all have to reflect on where we fit and start doing behaviors that are antiracist. I appreciate how the author discussed his own racism journey, as a Black man. I think that helped readers to engage with their own thoughts about race without feeling ashamed and defensive as is often the case when people are confronted with their own racist thoughts and actions.

Three words that describe this book: Challenging, encouraging, thoughtful

You might want to pick this book up if: you want to learn your part in a racist society and what you can do to be antiracist.

-Anonymous

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

“I’m Still Here” is the author’s short autobiographical account of what it’s like to be a Black woman in majority-white corporate and church settings. The book is insightful, moving, and should at least be taken as a free public service announcement for what not to do as well-intentioned white people who claim to love diversity. She’s relatable and human; raw in her frustration, honest in her evaluation of her hopes, and candid about how her faith carries her through it. Read it to avoid the pitfalls of ignorant whiteness or commiserate with another Black woman.

Three words that describe this book: Insightful, African-American, autobiography

You might want to pick this book up if: You want to become more sensitive to the experiences of people of color, specifically Black Americans.

-Crystal

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

“Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them” illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill is a perfect companion to read alongside the Harry Potter series. The creatures listed are thoroughly fleshed out and gives me a sense of actually existing in this fantastic, magical, world.

Three words that describe this book: Magical, Informative, Alphabetical

You might want to pick this book up if: You want to dive deeper into understanding the creatures that live in the wizarding world. You won’t be disappointed!

-Anonymous

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

“The Perfect Scoop” contains 200 recipes for ice cream and other frozen desserts including toppings. I especially liked that he provides several options to make homemade ice cream that stays soft in the freezer. I prefer to avoid cooking ice cream mixes, so I’m going to alter most of the recipes, leaving out the eggs and reducing the fat (although these 2 ingredients will improve storage in a home freezer). But there are lots of interesting flavors⁠ — so far I only made honey ice cream (leaving out the lavender). I am really interested in trying the sesame seed brittle and the chocolate shell.

Three words that describe this book: ice cream recipes

You might want to pick this book up if: You like to make homemade ice cream.

-Anonymous

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

The writings of ancient Greeks and Romans may seem like old, dusty stuff, but in “How To Be a Stoic” the author brings to light a worldview called Stoicism. The thoughts of Epictetus and his peers and colleagues, when translated into modern English, do have power and relevance for our own times. I was surprised at first, and then became very interested in Stoicism. This offers me real, useful ideas that can help me deal with life’s bumps and challenges, difficult people, and frustration with politics and other things. I am delighted that Stoicism emphasizes how I can try to become a better person, even when painful events, mistakes, and bad things happen. It can work compatibly with religious views, or not, making this a wide-open philosophy. I will be reading more books by this author, and by other writers, about modern Stoicism.

Three words that describe this book: Surprising, concrete, comforting

You might want to pick this book up if: You would like to live a better and more meaningful life, without necessarily having a religious “faith” or other system.

-Lynn

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

In “The Black Book,” a young Chicago cop, Billy Harney, from a family of cops, gets involved in a bust involving a lot of powerful citizens at a brothel. However, the only missing item to pull the case all together is the madame’s black book. Everyone is out to find the black book including Billy’s sexy, semi-crazy partner Kate, Billy’s twin sister, Patti, who will stop and nothing to protect her brother, the assistant state attorney, Amy, who Billy ends up falling for, and many others including some potential bad cops. During the search for the missing black book, major players are murdered and the evidence points to Billy. This book kept me wondering which character had the black book and which character was the murderer.

Three words that describe this book: Suspenseful, Shocking, Mysterious

You might want to pick this book up if: You like political or police involved stories that keep you hanging until the final few chapters of a book.

-Anonymous

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

Amy Tan explores the relationship between mothers and daughters in this compelling story. “The Bonesetter’s Daughter” follows Ruth Young as she struggles to care for her mother, LuLing, when she is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Ruth’s relationship with her partner, Art, also undergoes challenges and rethinking as Ruth cares for her mother. Ruth finds two documents that her mother wrote in Chinese when she started to lose her memory so that she would not forget important aspects of her life. Upon reading these documents, Ruth discovers new secrets about her mother’s life as well as a new understanding and appreciation for the choices that she has made. When learning more about her mother, Ruth also begins to reflect on herself and her past. Tan explores the themes of mother-daughter relationships as well as the dynamics among different generations of Chinese-Americans in her riveting novel.

Three words that describe this book: Mother-daughter relationship, history, Chinese-American immigrant life

You might want to pick this book up if: You enjoy stories about family relationships and challenges.

-Sarah

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