Recommendation written by Elizabeth Watson This is not a book I would have chosen for myself, but the teen readers in my life said it was a must-read. It brings up relevant issues. It reminds me of how history is there to teach us to learn from our mistakes.
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For romance fans: Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors
Recommendation written by Kelsie Schmidt Although it's blazing hot in the summer, my favorite summer read is actually a book that takes place during the winter! I like to read this book at least every other summer because it's such a cute little love story that incorporates some fantasy elements including angels on Earth. It's … Continue reading For romance fans: Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors
Movie recommendation: Onward
Recommendation written by Kelsie Schmidt This movie is a great family movie that showcases familial hardships, brotherly love, and the courage that one can gain when needed. Also, it fits wonderfully into the 2020 summer reading theme "Imagine Your Story" considering it has magic, unicorns, mermaids, and other fairytale elements. It's a great way for … Continue reading Movie recommendation: Onward
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Recommendation written by Amber Entzel I am not a fan of fantastical or science fiction literature. However, my son does like shows about wizards so I decided this would be a good book to read together. I was very pleasantly surprised. It was a very easy read which even I enjoyed. The book is about … Continue reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
For coming-of-age story fans: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Recommendation submitted by Paula Battest My favorite summer read so far is "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid. It was released on December 31, 2019, and is a story about race and privilege. A young black woman is the babysitter for a white family. She is a very level-headed young lady and she talks … Continue reading For coming-of-age story fans: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
For dystopian or fantasy fans: Vox by Christina Dalcher
Recommendation written by Jean Schutt A book that is set in the future! (So not my norm reading.) The U.S. has been taken over by the "pure movement", a Christian political movement. Women, including girls and baby girls, are not allowed to speak more than 100 words a day. If they speak 101 words, they … Continue reading For dystopian or fantasy fans: Vox by Christina Dalcher
For historical fiction fans: The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
Recommendation written by Jen Schepp What a great WWII historical read! This story bounces between preset day and the past, Alice and Alina being the two main characters. It is a story of love, war, heartbreak, secrets, and bravery. I highly recommend this book! Normally the WWII books are so sad, with reason to be, … Continue reading For historical fiction fans: The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
For women’s fiction fans: The Oysterville Sewing Circle by Susan Wiggs
Recommendation written by Jean Schutt I love any book by Susan Wiggs. New York fashion world, failure, foster mom to her best friend's kids whose mother died from drug overdose. Relocate to Washington state to start life over.
Movie recommendation: Artemis Fowl
Recommendation written by Karen Schmidt A fast paced, suspenseful story of Artemis Fowl saving his dad from villains. This intelligent boy outwits the kidnappers, saves his dad, and learns that all the "fairy" tales his dad told him were true.
For fantasy or science fiction fans: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Recommendation written by Elizabeth Watson This book is rich with literary references: philosophers, Shakespeare, the Bible, and a powerful message of embracing yourself and not judging a book by its cover. It took me 24 years to read this book, started it numerous times in grade school. Finally as an adult, I have finished it … Continue reading For fantasy or science fiction fans: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
