Ocean City Free Public Library Book Blog

This month's book was Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward . This month's choice was a little more in the middle when it came to liking it. Some members struggled to finished it but fought through to the end. Sing, Unburied, Sing was about the journey of a young boy named Jojo and his mother Leonie and their journey of finding their way to themselves and "home."  Some of our readers mentioned how the story got too painful sometimes. Jesmyn Ward's writing style really felt realistic, you could feel the pain, anxiety, and heaviness of the story across the pages. Truly a talent to capture and portray such emotions, even if the story is not a happy one. We were amazed by that talent. We did talked quite a bit about the relationship between Jojo and his grandfather Pops. How much he looked up to him and how he was an important person in his life.  We gave this book 3 books out of 5. While it was a difficult book to read story wise, it still was a book that was written w...

  This month's book was The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo. T he book club enjoyed this book quite a bit. It was a slow start in the beginning but as the story continued, it picked up speed and the story just grabbed you. The wonderful elements of suspense and superstitions kept the book captivating and wonderful. There are two stories in the book, Ji Lin's story and Ren's story. Both crisscross each other but also have the support of their own in the book. We enjoyed the adventurous nature of the characters. The journey of a dancehall girl and a houseboy on a mission from his former employer. With man-eating tiger on the prowl, ghostly spirits, and death, what is there not to enjoy from this book. The supernatural/superstitious elements and the culture of the time in Malaysia, it brought us to a world we never knew and wanted to explore more about. We hope this get's picked up as a mini-series. It would playout wonderfully on screen.  We give this book 4 books out of 5....

  This month's book was The Library at the Edge of the World by Felicity Hayes - McCoy . The ladies of the book club enjoyed this book. We discussed that the side characters were quite fascinating and more often more interesting. We liked the stories that were being told on the side, it gave the narrative a little bit something extra and a tidbit to look forward to later in the story. As a whole, we all agreed the main character, Hanna, was something we deemed an in-between character. Hanna was someone who was like a floater, not taking full command of her own story. It was fun to see the development of the character and finally seeing how she grew in her story.  We also loved the setting of the story. Who doesn't love a book set in the misty side seashore town by the cliffs in Ireland. Grant it, the town does not exist but we just loved the imagery of the place throughout the story. It did create a sense of wanderlust throughout the group. Overall, we enjoyed the no...

  We started this year's book club with The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo  by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Overall, we enjoyed the book. A book about an actress from old Hollywood fame who wanted to tell her story, on her terms, in her own fashion. Evelyn reaches out to magazine writer Monique Grant, not to write an article but to be the sole author of her biography. Through the storytelling, we learn about love, loss, hopes, desires, and so much more. We discussed how the character Evelyn was a feminist. We enjoyed how in tune the book to is the lure of old Hollywood with the modern tales of the scandalous nature that is today's Hollywood. With a few twists and turns here and there, this novel is one we quite enjoyed. If you would like a copy of the book, follow the link below: https://oceancity.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1437457153    If you want to join us for future discussions, we meet via Zoom on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Join us on Feb. 17th as we discuss Washi...

     Paul Tremblay's writing is propelling, it's a heightened ride from beginning to end. For me, it's a challenge to continually read his books as they plunder into my deepest fears, in this case, a viral infection spreading from animal to human. They are all too real, and the small community in which this story takes place could be the one you or I live in, this could happen to you (or me). Do not look at the length of time it took me to read this (10 days) and determine it could not have been good, look at the time it took me to read this and know that every third chapter or so, I HAD to put it down because my anxiety was so heightened by the events therein that I was constantly on the verge of panic. It's that good, Tremblay is that good.      If you've never read him and this book hasn't released yet (July 7, 2020) add it to your TBR and pick up his book  Cabin at the End of the World . Another amazing apocalyptic read about a home in...

     Do you remember your first time picking up a romance novel? The thrill and joy of picking up that novel and discovering something new. Wanting to read all the stories that ends with a Happily Ever After. The Bromance Book Club  by Lyssa Kay Adams brought back that feeling of discovering a romance novel.       This book was a slight miss with our readers during this past meeting of OCFPL Book Club. Some readers enjoyed it, others did not. We truly did enjoy the fact that it was a group of men,  aiding a friend in winning back his wife. What greater re source for this endeavor than a  romance novel. It was ridiculous and over the top. Yet, we did love  the grand romantic gestures of love and devotion. Some of us did not enjoy  the main character but enjoyed the side characters more. Not a true home run this time around.         While this book was not a total win, I still suggest to pick up this ...

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton Turning back the clock and resetting time to when dinosaurs once ruled the earth. To witness such a marvel would be considered a moment of pure genius and a great scientific discovery. Should scientists take such power into their hands?   Jurassic Park  is a wonderful work of science fiction that not only captures the imagination of dinosaurs walking among us once again but the frightening idea of everything wrong that could happen. Dealing with dinosaurs, experiments gone wrong, and an over sense of feeling doom when things are not going right are some of the most  exhilarating parts of the book. Also you will love to hate and can't help but agree with an always right and explaining everything mathematician.   We enjoyed the book and talked about how it differed from the movie. We loved and hated some characters. Overall, we enjoyed the book and some of us went to pick up the second book to continue the story....

The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff      If you had a moment to save a life, would you? Two wo men, differen t backgrounds, secrets of their own,  and yet are bound together by a bond of survival. This  is an incredible story of friendship, loss, and bravery. Set during World War II, t he story follows the lives of two strong women, Noa and Astrid, as they make their way on a traveling circus. Author Pam Jenoff transports readers along for the ride. With her rich writing style and strong characterization, readers will quickly become emotionally invested in the story that unfolds, and the final outcome of our protagonists. We enjoyed the story, felt for the characters, and knew that this story will stay with us for a long time.  Be prepared with a box of tissues. Check it out  here  and embark on the journey.    April’s book choice is Thank You For Your Service   by David Finkel. We will meet on April 17 th  in...

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness      What makes a book magical? Is it the story or the characters? Is it the way the author can enchant us with their writing? This month we read  A Discovery of Witches , the first installment of the All Souls Trilogy. It was a great read and the book captivated us. Some of us liked how Harkness developed her characters and showed their growth and change s throughout the book s . We enjoyed the bond between Diana and Matthew as scholars and lovers, but also uniting as a witch and a vampire. We also appreciated the connection the author drew between alchemy and the sciences, and how close they have ties in the supernatural, especially with magic. It was an adventure to see how everyone was looking for the same thing but were on different paths. Some parts did stretch out a bit but it did not take away the overall excitement and enthusiasm for the book.  ...

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho We started this year’s OCFPL Book Club with Paulo Coelho’s widely popular book The Alchemist . We enjoyed the story and the journey that took place. It was an adventure traveling with Santiago (The Boy) as he was going through both a spiritual and emotional journey. What started out as a quest to find treasure became the greatest quest of all. The gold and jewels may have been a reward but finding one’s self, destiny and fulfillment was the greatest treasure of them all. We enjoyed reading about the signs and importance they have in the book and share a few traditions, signs, and superstitions that we grew up knowing. Overall, we enjoyed this book. Check it out here and embark on your own journey. February’s book choice is A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. We will meet on Feb. 20 th in RM N111 at 6pm.

Melissa Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson This fantasy story follows the main character, Vin, who is a young female thief trying to survive on the streets. When she gets saved by an ambitious leader of thieving crew, she gets swept away along with their plans to overthrow the unjust government and comes across something she never expected: people she can truly trust. The characters are realistic and the story shows how people can have hope even after experiencing horrible things. Quite simply, I loved this book. Shoot Like a Girl by Mary Jennings Hegar This is a nonfiction account of an Air National Guard’s experiences in three tours of Afghanistan piloting medevac missions. Told in her point of view, this story shows her - at times strenuous - journey to rescue her allies in the middle of a firefight despite being injured. Her story become a pilot, leading up to a intense mission where she still manages to she kept fighting for women’s rights back hom...

James Eragon   by  Christopher Paolini A great fantasy book for all ages. The story is written well and shares the life of a young farm boy who is cast into a world of magic and dragons without much say in it. Losing his family and loved ones while fighting off evil forces with his blade. The choices the main character has to make also makes the reader question what would be the best option, and how it’ll affect the story. My Hero Academia by  Kohei Horikoshi  A heart warming yet intense story of superheros and a sense of rags to riches is within this Japanese comic. The story of a young boy born without powers in a world where everyone is super, makes him lesser for being different. The story  is based off of him wishing to be a great hero. Eventually gaining the abilities to achieve his dream he embarks on a journey of entering a super school to learn how to become the best hero he can be. Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agen...

Taimi The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley This Newbery Honor recipient takes place in England during World War II. I enjoyed getting to know Ada, a 10 yr. old Londoner who is born with a club foot, and celebrated with her as she overcame many obstacles throughout this novel. Although technically it is a children's book, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or titles that captures the strength of the human spirit. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, "The War I Finally Won" which will be released this fall.  The Plot To Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely Hero  by Patricia McCormick This well-researched narrative describes not only the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, but also the German Resistance. McCormick also highlights important historical events occurring in Germany during this time period. I learned much about the German opposition to Hitler during this suspense...

Frank Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson A tragic mix of evolutionary development of submarine technology, politics of neutrality, and personal insights to the lives of her passengers.  Interesting Factoid: After the Titanic sank, new and safer life-jackets were designed. While they were installed on the Lusitania, there were no drills held that required the jackets to be used. The torpedoed ship sank within sight of Ireland, and many died because they stepped into the jack  rather than putting their arms through the armholes. Many ended up flipping upside down in the water and couldn't escape.  A Gentleman in Moscow  by Amor Towles Rostov the ever gentleman versus the Bolsheviks, all while sentenced to be a prisoner inside the Metropol Hotel. Great character, pathos and twists contained within while the outside world changes over a thirty-year period. Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The Forgotten War ...

Melissa  Dark Matter   by Blake Crouch A wonderful fast pace and intense novel. This book is both for the science fiction and suspense fiction fans out there. Those who are interested in alternate world and reality changing stories should pick this novel up. It was unexpected and completely captivating until the end. I really enjoyed this book. Reality is  Not W hat it Seems  : the Journey to Quantum Gravity     by Carlo Rovelli This is one of those books that is great at captivating and tricking the reader in to reading about a subject that many are not interested in, PHYSICS. From not knowing much about physics, this book was a great introduction not only in to the field, but the history and development of the science. It led into what really is quantum physics and not just this grand idea of what it is. It was really engaging and when reading the book you can feel and start to understand Rovelli's excitement and enthusiasm for th...

  From the best-selling author of The Alchemist,  Paulo Coelho's  new book is about espionage, tragedy and a story of a woman who wanted to create her own life.  Told through Mata Hari's final letter while in prison, The Spy is the unforgettable story of a woman who dared to fight against traditions and created a life of her own imagining. It is with this unique spirit that helped set course what would be a life that would later be intertwined in espionage at the height of the panic during WWI. A great fictionalized snippet of what could have happened in the final moments of the once famous dancer that came and went in history as both enchanting and dangerous.        If you want to read The Spy   by Paulo Coelho, pick up a copy at The Ocean City Free Public Library.

      I've heard many different descriptions of Paula Hawkins's The Girl on the Train  while debating whether to put myself on hold for it. "Kind of Like Gone Girl , only British" was the most prevalent one that came up. However, after reading it for myself, I would liken it more along the lines of Rear Window  meets Gaslight.       A large portion of this book is spent questioning the motives of the initial character, Rachel, i.e. "the girl on the train." While she is presented as the central protagonist, she definitely does not (initially) come across as a necessarily a good person. I found myself less drawn to the actual mystery story happening, and more to the intricate writing style and the in depth addressing of the prevalence of gaslighting used by domestic abusers to gain dominance in their relationships. The way Rachel slowly and painfully unlearns all of her coping mechanisms is heartbreaking. Paula Hawkins' very Faulkner-esque wr...

      It is only recently that I began reading the Ransom Riggs Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children series, but once I started I easily knocked out the first two books in one day. The second novel in the series, Hollow City  continues immediately where the first novel ends--with the peculiar children of the Cairnholm time loop fleeing from the hollowgasts, while searching for a way to restore their guardian, Miss Peregrine, back to her human form.       While the use of time travel was introduced in the first novel, it is a much more reinforced idea Hollow City . In Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children , the protagonist Jacob is taught how to travel effortlessly between his own timeline and a day during the second World War that continuously loops back each night--thus the people within the loop relive the same day repeatedly. However, in Hollow City, this time loop is nonexistent, and Jacob decides to remain in the past in order to...

     What would you do if you could travel through time? Would you change the past or take a daring trip into the future?         The first book of the Trilogía Victoriana (Victorian Trilogy), The Map of Time is a time twisting, fantastic journey of the life of the famous author H.G. Wells and how his novel the “ Time Machine” influenced not only just the people of London but the world. The narrator, a time traveler perhaps or an all knowing being, guides the reader into three different stories that are all interwoven with each other. The snippets of Well’s life gives the reader a different dimension of the writer and the why he wrote the Time Machine. Also, it shows how Wells has gotten himself to be involved in all these lives, even if it was against his will  for some  of those moments.      This book has a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy including an alternate universe, a large dose of stea...

      Night Film by Marisha Pessl follows the story of disgraced journalist Scott McGrath as he attempts to unravel the mystery behind the death of the daughter of an enigmatic horror film director, Stanislas Cordova. To solve the mystery of Ashley Cordova's death, McGrath must also unravel the mystery of Stanislas Cordova himself--an endevour previously undertaken by McGrath, which resulted in the loss of both his marriage and his career. In his attempt to expose Cordova, McGrath enters " a hypnotic, disorientating world, where almost everyone seems afraid " ( Goodreads ). ***       If, during the course of this novel, you begin to experience a very faint case of déjà vu , you wouldn't be alone. The descriptions of Stanislas Cordova and the films for which he is famous in this novel, are a bizarre hybrid of Alfred Hitchcock meets Orson Wells; a deliberate choice on the part of Pessl, I believe, in order to allow the reader to be able to ...