Review: Invisible Ellen by Shari Shattuck

Title: Invisible Ellen

Author: Shari Shattuck

Genre: Women's fiction, contemporary

Pages: 294

Published: 2014

Ellen is overweight, socially awkward, and utterly alone. She rarely leaves her apartment except to go work the night shift at Costco. Her whole life changes when she meets a charismatic blind woman named Temerity, by surprising herself when she steps in to save her from two violent muggers. Ellen's brave act sparks an intense friendship between the unlikely pair of the "invisible" girl and her blind sidekick.

I absolutely loved this book. The author's dedication reads "This book is for anyone who has ever felt they didn't count. You do. Your spirit shines as strong and pure as any other." I enjoyed Ellen's evolution, albeit somewhat reluctantly under Temerity's exuberant personality. There were some sad moments when Ellen relates her past, but overall an uplifting story. I would highly recommend this!!!

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Reviewed by Kim

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!  

Summer "Beach" Reads!

One of my favorite genres to read is chick-lit, which can often be classified as summer or beach reads! These are light, fun, often humorous novels geared towards women. I'm going to tell you about some of the ones I've really enjoyed that you'll want to pack in your beach bags this summer:

Cure For the Common Breakup by Beth Kendrick - I loved this one, featuring a sassy flight attendant and a small town with a breakup theme, designed for women who have had their hearts broken. It includes businesses like the "Eat Your Heart Out Bakery" and the "Better Off Bed-and-Breakfast." This one is both funny and sweet and is full of romance and friendship... and look at that cover. Can you say yum?!

 

Shoe Addicts Anonymous by Beth Harbison - This is a really fun one about four women, each dealing with their own unique problems, who get together each week to swap shoes and form friendships. There is also a sequel called Secrets of a Shoe Addict. Harbison has written a number of wonderful chick-lit reads, and I always recommend her.

The Next Big Thing by Johanna Edwards - This is fast, one-day read. I loved it and flew through it because it features one of my favorite things: reality TV. This is about an overweight woman who is a contestant on From Fat to Fabulous. She'd love to win the cash prize, but also finally face up to an in-person meeting with the man she met online who thinks she's a lot thinner than she is.

Rosie Dunne by Cecelia Ahern - This is not only one of my favorite chick-lit books, it's one of my favorite books, period. Oh, it just kills me! It's about Rosie and Alex, friends since childhood, who are clearly meant for each other. Despite destiny, things keep getting in the way of them ever being together, most notably an unexpected pregnancy. I love this one so much because, ya know, who doesn't love true love and fate?
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Review by Stephanie

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability or place a hold at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!

Review: Save the Date by Mary Kay Andrews

Title: Save The Date

Author: Mary Kay Andrews

Genre: Women's fiction

Pages: 435

Published: 2014

Cara Krzyik owns a floral shop in Savannah and is just barely hanging on.  Her A/C doesn't work, her father is demanding payment, her flower cooler has died and someone has just kidnapped her dog.  She has a big money wedding coming up which should help solve her money problems, if she can pull it off.

I  love all of Mary Kay Andrews' books and this was no exception.  This one was set in Savannah with all of the usual quirky characters found in her books.  Cara is a very endearing character and you will find yourself pulling for her success.  I would recommend this for fans of southern fiction (think Fannie Flagg) or if you are just looking for a nice story. 

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Reviewed by Kim

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!  

New book releases for 6/17/14

There are some great new releases today in fiction! Feel free to click on the links below to our catalog, or give us a call to place a hold on any item.

All Fall Down by Jennifer Weiner (women's fiction)

Top Secret Twenty One by Janet Evanovich (mystery, humor)

Terminal City by Linda Fairstein (thriller)

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As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org. Click on the titles above to link directly to the item in our catalog!  

Review: Real Happy Family by Caeli Wolfson Widger

Title: Real Happy Family

Author: Caeli Wolfson Widger

Genre: Contemporary fiction

Pages: 361

Published: 2014

Lorelei Branch is a struggling actress and actually lands a part-time gig on a reality show. That is until she does not get picked as a permanent cast member and her mother, Colleen, launches into a racist rant on national TV and ruins any future Lorelei may have in the public eye. Lorelei decides to cut ties with her mother, who is overly attached to her. The story centers around Lorelei's descent into drug use and her mother's search to find her. To that end, Colleen agrees to be in a reality show with a staged intervention to get the family back together.

This book started out kind of slow, but then it got more interesting. The main characters were not very likeable, but the story line really hooked me. I gave this an 8 out of 10 just because it did start out kind of slow and I wasn't sure I was going to finish it, but I'm glad I stuck with it. 

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Reviewed by Kim

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!  

Review: The Other Story by Tatiana De Rosnay

Title: The Other Story

Author: Tatiana De Rosnay

Genre:  Suspense/ Fiction

Pages:  307

Published: 2014

This book is by the author of Sarah’s Key.  

After the runaway success of his first novel, Nicholas Duhamel retreats to a luxurious Italian resort in an effort to finally start his second novel. He’s astounded that his publisher purchased the rights to his second book sight-unseen, but she assures him that that’s the norm for such an in-demand author. With the contract signed, and the advance paid out, all that’s left is for Nicholas to get some real writing done. Unfortunately, the words don’t seem to flow as easily this time around. Alternately enamored with and suffocated by his newfound fame, Nicholas has to come to terms with his identity as a famous author.  

There is some strong sexual  language in the book involving sexting.

Most reviews of the book said it was disappointing. I had to finish to see if Nicholas would redeem himself and find the inspiration for his next novel. 

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Reviewed by Cathy

As always, feel free to call us to check on an item's availability at 720-4106, or try our Barnard Crossing Branch at 663-3357. You can also check our online catalog 24/7 at http://greecepubliclibrary.org/. Click on the title above to link directly to the item in our catalog!