Adult Summer Reading Club 2024 Book Reviews
Here are some of the books read by our adult Summer Reading Club members so far. You can earn double raffle tickets during Summer Reading Club when you submit book reviews! To submit your book review, bring a paper copy to the Summer Reading Desk or send it in an email to adultservices@harvard-diggins.org and earn an extra raffle ticket entry. For those logging virtually on Beanstack, reviews may be submitted on the app.
The Teacher by Freida McFadden
“Something isn’t right at Caseham High School. Last year, the school was rocked by scandal: a teacher was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student. Now, Addie is a pariah and will do anything to get through the year. More than that, she’s desperate to keep the truth from coming to light.” -Ashley F.
Hooked by Emily McIntire
“Hooked is a reimagined, modern day, dark, and spicy romance story that is loosely inspired by the Peter Pan characters. It is a true villain love story where Hook and Wendy are the love interests and and Peter is her dad.” -Ashley F.
Scarred by Emily McIntire
“Scarred by Emily McIntire is a dark romance inspired by the Lion King. Prince Tristan Faasa was never destined for the throne. That was always his brother, Michael. The same brother responsible for both Tristan’s tormented childhood and the scar that mars his face. When their father dies, Michael is set to assume the throne, and Tristan is set to steal it.” -Ashley F.
The Summer Job by Lizzy Dent
“It follows one summer in the life of Elizabeth ‘Birdy’ Finch who really isn’t sure who she is or what she wants out of life. When her successful Sommelier best friend Heather chases her true love to Italy, it falls to Birdy to contact the summer job Heather was due to take at a Scottish hotel and let them know she won’t be coming. After a case of mistaken identity and egged on by her terrible sort-of-boyfriend Tim, Birdy continues with the charade and heads up to Loch Dorn as Heather. Cue a summer of misunderstandings, secrets and hilarity.” -Ashley F.
The Setup by Lizzy Dent
“It’s a quick read. The story follows Mara, a young woman who believes in astrology and fate. Whilst on a trip to Budapest, Mars visits a fortune teller who informs her that she is about to find her true love. A handsome stranger immediately walks into her life and Mara decides to implement a plan to make sure they meet again” -Ashley F.
King’s Cage by Victoria Aveyard
SPOILERS AHEAD: “Was very interesting looking forward for book 4. MF got rescued and is joining the fight again. 8/10” -Alyssa S.
Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica
“This is definitely a horror book, and the author does not shy away from gruesome violent scenes and descriptions. Reader beware or triggers. I enjoyed this, mostly because I’ve never read anything like this. I’ve seen movie and tv shows with the blood and gore, but never really read anything like it. It does have cannibalism. Basically, it’s a world were the earth has come to cannibalism because it’s no longer safe to consume other animal meats. So people are harvested for food. And it’s a bit of a wild ride. But you have to have a strong stomach for this read.” -Alejandrina P.
Gwendy’s Button Box by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar
“This was a short read that I didn’t realize was part of a trilogy, I think. Its definitely and interesting story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Gwendy is the main character and she is given a box by a mysterious man. The box has certain powers and she has to be careful what she wishes for. Her life certainly changes. It was a fun read.” -Alejandrina P.
Apt Pupil by Stephen King
“A young boy and an old man have a very conflicting and toxic relationship. Both main characters are awful human being and I didn’t enjoy reading this at all. They Basically blackmail each other the whole time, and I’m glad this was a short read because I couldn’t read this much longer.” -Alejandrina P.
The Worst Best Man by Lucy Score
“The Worst Best Man by Lucy Score was a great fun read. I read it in 2 days. It was easy to get into, as are other books I’ve read by her. I really enjoy her writing style and I loved the characters.” -Melissa O.
The Descendants: Junior Novel (eBook) by Disney Book Group
“The book is just like the movie. 6.5/10” -Alyssa S.
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
“Vivienne Jones is a young witch that falls in love with Rhys Penhallow. She’s not very good at magic and when they break up she curses hi. Not realizing that her magic in cursing works better than she thought, she and Rhys must work together to undo the curse because the whole town is at stake. It’s not exactly what I thought this book was, it was very simply written and not a lot happens. It’s a bit boring and very sexual. I was just hoping that it would be funnier.” -Alejandrina P.
The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson
“It was a decent book 7.5” -Alyssa S.
Under One Roof by Ali Hazelwood
“This book was a quick and cute read. There were moments where I had a hard time circling back to it, meaning it didn’t hold my attention, but I still enjoyed it all the way through. The main character was a little dense at times. I wish she had picked up on cues much earlier, but it’s all good. Very quick and easy to read!” -Amanda G.
If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin
“This book absolutely broke my heart in a beautiful way. I wasn’t sure I was even going to like this one. So happy I ended up reading! 4 out of 5” -Amanda G.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
“This book was really slow for me but eventually it picked up and I started to like it. Ready to see what happens in book #2 in the series.” -Amanda G.
It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
“It Starts with Us was a beautifully written and heartwarming sequel to It Ends with Us. This was one of my most anticipated reads and it did not disappoint. Atlas and Lily deserved their happy ending and getting to read that was absolutely everything I wanted and more. This is a must to add to your TBR” -Amanda G.
Wretched by Emily McIntire
“A slow burn with a strong story and characters you love to hate! I love the hint of the Disney movie storyline but she spins it in an entirely different and delicious way!” -Amanda G.
A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julia Murphy and Sierra Simone
“This was not my favorite book and I wanted to DNF it in the first few chapters. I continued to read it & it was just okay for me.” -Amanda G.
Twisted by Emily McIntire
“Twisted by Emily McIntire is a captivating and modern spin inspired by the Aladdin story that will keep readers engaged and emotionally connected to the characters. With its enemies-to-lovers trope, medium burn romance, and contemporary setting, it’s a book that appeals to a diverse audience. If you’re a fan of fractured fairy tales with a dash of spice, Twisted should be on your reading list.” -Amanda G.
The Reading List by Sarah Nisha Adams (The July Laid-Back Book Club pick!)
“I really enjoyed this book. The author did a great job interviewing everyone’s stories and making relatable. To Kill a Mockingbird is on the Reading List, so I checked it out & am halfway through that classic. I have not ever read it before.” -Alicia H.
A Duel with the Vampire Lord by Elise Kova
“Loved it! 10/10” -Alyssa S.
Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage
“I absolutely loved this book!!! It was easy to follow along with and holy cowboys!!!! 4 out of 5 and can’t wait to read book #2” -Amanda G.
The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy
“Elle Kennedy does not disappoint!!!! I binged this book in 7 hours. Seriously could not put this book down. I love Gigi & Ryders stories. This story has great banter, laughs galore, sadness, betrayal, happiness, love, growth, beautiful support. You name it, it’s in this story. So much happens but it’s put together so wonderfully. I can’t find the right words to express my feelings for this story. I love it so much. And the spice is great too!” -Amanda G.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
“This is my 2nd Emily Henry book and I just can’t get into her books. I did finish it but did not love it. The banter was fine but I just was super uninterested in the book. Do not recommend!” -Amanda G.
The Desolations of Devil’s Acre (Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children #6) by Ransom Riggs
“I enjoyed this book series 10/10” -Alyssa S.
Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey
“Melody Gallard and Beat Dawkins are the children of music royalty. They’re approached to try and get their mothers (who can’t stand each other) back together for a live show on Christmas Eve. Each of them has their own reasons for agreeing to participate, but it takes them a while to come clean with each other about what those are. There are certainly some awkward moments as the two of them are live-streamed almost non-stop until Christmas. All this footage also causes millions of viewers to fall in love with them as a couple, which I found super adorable.” -Amanda G.
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
“I’ve tried 3 other Grady Hendrix books that I didn’t enjoy very much for one reason or another, but I finished this as an audiobook on Libby and it kept me entertained. Louise, who planted her roots in California, returns home to South Carolina to take care of the funeral, wills, and house-selling business when both of her parents suddenly pass. The whole ordeal is frustrating enough with her irresponsible, estranged brother involved, but then she realizes that her mother’s handmade puppets seem to have a little life left in them. What follows is a whirlwind trip of unpacking family and childhood trauma… and also taking out the haunted puppets that are trying to murder her. As far as horror novels go, this is more on the mild side – some profanity, mild gore, and disturbing/frightening if you have a fear of puppets, clowns, or dolls, but overall very PG-13. For fans of: Chucky, Annabelle, Stephen King’s “It”, and adults who loved Goosebumps growing up.” -Leticia, Adult Services Librarian
Powerful by Lauren Roberts
“8.5/10” -Alyssa S.
The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
“Excellent. No fluff or filler; straightforward. Mostly linear, so it’s easy to follow. Extremely honest, down-to-Earth, and brave. If you’re ever wondering about Britney, and why her social media presence is the way it is today, it’s important to listen and understand why – and this will tell you why. It’s also worth noting that no matter who she spoke of, she only spoke her truth, no unnecessary slander. And even so, spun everything in a way that tries to rationalize why those people behaved to her the way they did. She always tried to understand others, even when they were so awful to her. Justin Timberlake, her sister, even her mom. She has a beautiful soul. Wow, just wow. Amazing, quick read. Listened on Libby and Michelle Williams was an awesome narrator.” -Leticia, Adult Services Librarian
Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
“4/10 wanted to DNF this book” -Alyssa S.
Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland
“6.5/10” -Alyssa S.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
“7.5/10” -Alyssa S.
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
“5/10” -Alyssa S.
Becoming Free Indeed by Jinjer Duggar Vuolo
“7/10” -Alyssa S.
Crossed by Emily McIntire
SPOILERS AHEAD: “PLEASE MAKE SURE TO READ THE TW/CW FOR THIS BOOK! Out of all the Never After Books, this one was definitely a dark romance and had a lot of dark themes. You have Cade the MMC who not only is a priest but also a stalking serial killer who becomes obsessed with the exotic dance FMC Amaya. You get all the temptation, all of the trauma, and all of the spice! While this is a slow burn, it did not leave out any spice.” -Amanda G.
