During Color Our World Summer Reading, it wasn’t just patrons leaving reviews for books. TCPL staff members got in on the fun too, leaving reviews for what they read through the summer.

Here’s a sampling of what your library’s team had to say!

Vera, or Faith

by Gary Shteyngart (AFN Shteyngart)
One of my favorite authors—Vera is an "exemplary" fifth grader with a complicated family. Set in the near future with a "delectable" writing style and a "heart-rendering" ending.

— Kat, Head of Youth Services

Rabbit Moon

by Jennifer Haigh (AFN Haigh)
I had high hopes for this book but ended up being disappointed. A young woman travels overseas to China and gets in a tragic accident. Through this lens, the family's struggles are revealed. I found the characters to be a bit flat and the story predictable. With no information given from the author, I also questioned her ability to write from the perspective of a Chinese adoptee. Three stars. 

— Cassie, Youth Services Librarian   

Your Driver is Waiting

by Priya Guns (F Guns)
Queer "Taxi Driver" meets class struggle meets relatable late-stage capitalism vibe meets doomed love meets pointed social commentary!
P.S.-- the audiobook is narrated by Priya! 

— Gabriel, Circulation Page

Greta and Valdin

by Rebecca K. Reilly (F Reilly, not at TCPL)
I love a novel with multiple narrators, and this was a good example. Greta and Valdin are siblings in a large family that is both relatable and unique. The book is witty at times and poignant at others and I loved the New Zealand setting. Check it out! Four and ½ stars.

— Milly, Youth Services Librarian

The Forest of Lost Souls

by Dean Koontz, F Koontz
This is a slow-burn political intrigue/murder mystery nicely melded with an almost supernatural theme. Highly enjoyable! 

— Melisa, Circulation Library Assistant

Dracula 

by Bram Stoker (F Stoker, YA Stoker)
Five stars. First time reading the full, unabridged text and I LOVED IT! Scary and captivating—just get through the first 50 pages... 

— Ally, Circulation Library Assistant

Nesting

by Roisin O'Donnell (AFN O'Donnell)
CW: emotional abuse, SA
Really good story and pacing. A book with so much empathy for someone trying to get out of an unhealthy and dangerous relationship. I loved the friendships that carried Ciara through. 

— Kate, Head of Circulation

Great Big Beautiful Life

by Emily Henry (AFN Henry)
I was very excited to see a new book by romance-master, Emily Henry! I love her dialog and sense of humor. This book does not disappoint for contemporary romance fans. I didn't really get into the story-within-a-story concept, but it was easy to skim and still enjoy the main story.

— Kate, Head of Circulation

House Love

by Patric Richardson with Karin B. Miller (648.5 Richardson, not at TCPL)
In the summer, my house gets pretty dirty because 1: I track in a lot of dirt from the garden and 2. I don't want to clean, I want to be outside! I read this to motivate myself to keep things tidy—for myself! It mostly worked... 

— Kate, Head of Circulation

Hagstone

by Sinéad Gleeson (AFN Gleeson)
A deep and unique book where the landscape is a character and the nuns on the hill may be up to no good. 

— Cady, Adult Services Librarian

So Brave, Young, and Handsome

by Leif Enger (F Enger, not at TCPL)
The story of a writer swept into a western trip, complete with outlaws, train robbers, and of course, a love story or two. 
— Cady, Adult Services Librarian

Culpability 

by Bruce Holsinger (AFN Holsinger)
INCREDIBLE! This is one book I will never forget. The author blends a family tale with suspense, philosophy, fascinating and frightening information about AI, the struggles of modern parenting and relationships and the complexity of morality in our high-tech world. I both learned so much and couldn't put it down. This is one genius of a book. Five stars. Summary: an accident in a self-driving car changes the lives of one family. 

— Cassie, Youth Services Librarian

Broken Country

by Clare Leslie Hall (eBook only)
This one was a quick read that combines elements of a thriller with a love story. It kept me guessing until the end. Summary: The return of an old love brings old hopes, pains, and ultimately violence to a small town. Four stars.

— Cassie, Youth Services Librarian

Just like Summer Reading reviews for teens and adults, staff also had the option of drawing their review! Click on each image to see what Head of Youth Services Kat had to say!