It’s time for another edition of Summer Reading reviews from your neighbors and fellow Topsfield Library users! This time, there’s a twist: we’re sharing some negative reviews this time around. Of course, everyone has different opinions and tastes…maybe you disagree?
As part of our Adult Summer Reading Challenge at the Topsfield Town Library, patrons have been submitting reviews of their summer reads. Throughout the summer, we will share some of the anonymous reviews we have received each week. Looking for a great book to read next? Don’t miss out on this blog series, and find out what your neighbors have been reading and loving (or hating)! While you’re at it, make sure to sign up for our Summer Reading Challenge for a chance to win some awesome prizes! Check out our June 30th edition list of reviews!
Among Friends by Hal Ebbott
“Not my favorite. It’s slow and just in the characters’ heads too much. For the ending to be what it was the book could have been 100 pages less.”
The Safari by Jaclyn Goldis
“I unfortunately would only give this book 2 out of 5 stars. This book was extremely repetitive and predictable. There was one twist toward the end that I did not see coming. The characters were all unrelatable individuals and it did not keep me entertained.”
I’ll Be Right Here by Amy Bloom
“This book was choppy and did not flow well. Disappointing.”
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
“This was a difficult book to get through but not because of the writing. I like Kingsolver; she’s a really good writer but the entire book forces you to watch the central character Demon get the raw end of the deal over and over and over and over again!! I had to take multiple breaks from reading this book often talking to my friends who have read it for confirmation that I should continue. But it is well written and maybe part of the problem is that the things that happen to Demon are disturbingly realistic- a tragic slice of life in poor rural America. It did end on a hopeful note but even now I’m not sure if I’m glad I stuck with it.”
The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides
“I read this because I really enjoyed The Virgin Suicides. This book however was very slow and I struggled to get through it. I do appreciate the authors depiction of living with Bipolar Disorder and loving someone with mental illness.”
You Between the Lines by Katie Naymon
“Cute book but a lot of poetry references. Almost too much for my liking. The main character also struggles with constantly trying to please other people and it gets a bit annoying after a while.”
Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate
“I went into this expecting it to be as good as Before We Were Yours and in that way it was disappointing. However I appreciated both story lines and learned a lot about orphans and the setting in both time periods.”
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
“I feel as though it could have been 100 pages less. The premise was great but somewhat repetitive. Driving the point home that Aiden loved her is fine but it was a little overdone.”
