FDL Reads: Reviews - Fondulac District Library

FDL Reads: Secret Man

Secret Man: The Story of Watergate’s Deep Throat By Bob Woodward

Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Reference Assistant

Genre: Nonfiction, U.S. History

Suggested Age: Adults

What is This Book About? For decades, the identity of the secret informant during the Watergate scandal, known as “Deep Throat,” remained a mystery. Numerous theories were floated over the years but reporter and author, Bob Woodward, would not divulge his source. In 2005, Mark Felt revealed that he had been the informant known as Deep Throat. This is the story of Mark Felt’s interactions and relationship with Bob Woodward as told by Woodward himself.

My Review: I have not seen or read All the President’s Men, so all I knew of Deep Throat were cliched meetings in dark garages with a shadowy figure. I found this book to be interesting, but a little wandering. Some details were intriguing, like Felt schooling Woodward in a bit of spycraft to set up their clandestine meetings. And unfortunately, some questions, like Felt’s motivations for being Woodward’s source, were left unanswered due to Felt’s failing memory later in life. At times, the narrative seemed meandering when the reasons why certain recollections were grouped together was not clear. Overall, it’s a captivating bit of history. I listened to the eaudiobook on Hoopla, but print and CD book versions are also available.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Demystify, Unmask, Bittersweet

Give This a Try if You Like…All the President’s Men by Bernstein & Woodward, Secrets: A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers by Daniel Ellsberg, Blind Ambition: The White House Years by John Dean

Rating: 4/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2020-02-28T11:26:13-06:00February 19th, 2020|

FDL Reads: Eleanor and Park

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Suggested Age: Teens, Adults

What is This Book About? It’s 1986 and Eleanor is the new girl at school. She has curly red hair and a eclectic fashion sense. Park is a quiet, half Korean guy who mostly keeps to himself. Park lets Eleanor sit next to him on the bus and they eventually connect through music and comic books.

My Review: I did not expect to like this book as much as I did! This was a book that I lost myself in as I couldn’t get enough of the plot and characters. I think what appealed to me most about Eleanor and Park was that it was so true to life in terms of how many teen relationships begin. Rainbow Rowell made me feel like I was in Eleanor’s place during her point-of-view chapters. This novel captures what it really feels like to have crush on someone as a young adult. I especially like how naturally Eleanor and Park’s relationship progressed from mere curiosity to the mutual, almost voyeuristic way that both of the characters interact on the bus. The fact that the two don’t even speak to one another until about fifty pages in was also something that I felt captured the way teens probably behaved, especially during the 1980s, when they did not have texting as way to communicate. The novel does delve into some darker subject matter pertaining to emotional abuse, so be cautioned.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Nostalgic, Romantic,

Give This a Try if You Like…Looking for Alaska, Paper Towns, Fangirl

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2020-02-12T16:02:39-06:00February 12th, 2020|

FDL Reads: Dragons of Autumn Twilight

Dragons of Autumn Twilight by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman

Reviewed by: Laura Warren, Adult Services Manager

Genre: Fantasy

Suggested Age: Adults

What is This Book About? Dragons of Autumn Twilight begins as a group of friends are reunited after not seeing each other for an extended time. A few of the friends are missing and a mysterious note is in their place. As they begin their journey, they find that unfamiliar religious order has invaded the town they have all been called to. With some difficulty they manage to flee the town, have barely time to breathe, and are then attacked by another group of Draconians. These friends swiftly realize they are in much deeper than they had once thought and greater forces are at play in all of this. These friends are in for the adventure of a lifetime if they can all manage to make it through.

My Review: I decided to revisit this title due to the surge in popularity Dungeons and Dragons has seen in the past few years. This is the first novel in the Dragonlance series. This novel was released in 1984 and was based on a Dungeons and Dragons campaign played by the authors and some of their friends. For those of you who play or are familiar with Dungeons and Dragons, the fact that this is a campaign is no surprise. It feels like a role-playing game. Many of the characters have become tropes that players would play for many years to come. The setting is greatly influenced by J. R. R. Tolkien’s writing, but if you are going to be influenced by a famous fantasy writer, may as well be one of the best. This was a fun book that I really enjoyed and reminded me how much fun a good role-playing game can be. Though this book is not perfect, it will scratch that Dungeons and Dragons itch if you don’t have a group to play with, or will give you a feel for the world if you are unfamiliar.

Three Words That Describe This Book: nostalgic, fun, adventure

Give this a try if you like: Dungeons and Dragons, The Shannara series by Terry Brooks

Rating: 4/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2020-02-07T09:24:38-06:00February 6th, 2020|

FDL Reads: Mooncakes

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu

Reviewed by: Cindy Thomas, Youth Services Assistant

Genre: Fantasy graphic novel

Suggested Age: Teens, Tweens, and Adults

What is this Book About? Nova is a witch who lives with her grandmothers and works in their magic bookstore. When her friend tells her there have been weird lights coming from the woods, she goes out to explore and runs into her childhood crush Tam, who is a werewolf. Tam gets attacked by a horse possessed by dark magic, but manages to get away safely with Nova’s help. The two go back to the bookstore to research the creature and discover that it can be stopped if Tam can harness the full power of their werewolf magic. There are still problems, though. Who put a spell on the horse in the first place, and why is it always trying to attack Tam?

My Review: It’s clear that the creators put a lot of heart into this work. The characters are really likable and fully thought out. I think many graphic novels and comics have an unattractive art style, so I’m very picky about which ones I read. I liked the way this one looked, though, and the story was interesting. If you read a lot of fantasy novels or magical girl manga, then the plot will be predictable and feel like something you’ve read before. That being said, I thought this was super cute, and I hope they publish more volumes. It’s great if you’re in the mood for a quick, lighthearted read.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Adorable, Nerdy, Magical

Give it a Try if You Like: Lumberjanes, Kiki’s Delivery Service

Rating: 4/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2019-12-03T16:32:26-06:00January 29th, 2020|

FDL Reads: Komi Can’t Communicate

Komi Can’t Communicate by Tomohito Oda

Reviewed by: Atlas Agunod, Circulation Assistant

Genre: Graphic novel, comedy

Suggested age: Teens and Adults

What is This Book About? Komi’s dream is to make 100 friends! However, she’s got a big problem: she has terrible social anxiety. None of her peers seem to notice though. Rather, everybody mistakes her quietness and lack of expression as cool aloofness until she meets Tadano. He finds out about her lack of communication skills and her dream to make 100 friends, so he does what any good friend would do, help Komi achieve her dream! There’s just one more problem though…Tadano doesn’t have any friends either!

My Review: I wasn’t expecting to like this book as much as I did! The situations Komi is put in mixed with her shyness make great comedy, especially because of how relatable some of them are. I was scared it might turn into a poorly written, almost forced romance between her and Tadano, but there are only well-written hints of that in the story that feel well earned. The different characters Komi attempts to befriend are also a driving force for this series, and each one is like a walking comedy bit. However, the comedy never gets in the way of actually progressing the story. When reading, I could tell the side characters really do care for Komi and want to be her friends. I can’t wait to see where this series goes! I’m rooting for Komi to make those 100 friends!

Rating: 5/5

Three Words That Describe This Book: Funny, Relatable, Cute

Give This a Try if You Like: Slice of life manga, Shoujo manga

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2020-01-15T14:06:50-06:00January 22nd, 2020|

FDL Reads: The Starless Sea

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

Reviewed by: Beth Weimer, Communications Specialist

Genre: Fantasy

Suggested Age: Adults, Teens

What is This Book About?: Zachary Ezra Rollins encounters a mysterious book containing a story about himself as a child. This bewildering discovery leads him on the quest of a lifetime through magical doors and down the tunnels of an ancient underground world full of whispering bees, lost lovers, secret seas, loyal guardians, and stories within stories of beautiful, heartbreaking fables and tales. Zachary must unlock the secrets of this strange world to protect his friends and save this mythical place from those who would destroy it before Time and Fate run out.

My Review: Morgenstern writes with undeniably enchanting language and stunning imagery, creating a captivating atmosphere for anyone who loves storytelling to relish. I enjoyed the concept of the book overall but was frustrated by the glaring lack of plot. I grew tired of the endless keys and bees – gilded doors and feathers and fairy tales and such – halfway through and then was fairly disappointed by the non-ending. It felt like the writer was just as lost in the labyrinth as her characters and didn’t quite know how to finish – resulting in a book about the power of stories that muddles the fundamentals with too many tangents and layers upon layers of metaphors. Hopefully her next effort will involve more thorough worldbuilding with bolder conflicts and resolutions.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Intriguing, Dizzying, Lyrical

Give This a Try if You Like… The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo, The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Rating: 3/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2020-01-16T17:26:34-06:00January 16th, 2020|

FDL Reads: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Reviewed by: Alexandra Schenk, Student Intern

Genre: Fiction

Suggested Age: Adults

What is this Book About? Evelyn Hugo was a world famous actress in the 1960, but the thing most people seem to remember about her today are her seven marriages. Evelyn usually is a private person but she decides to come forward one more time. She agrees to give one last interview to unknown journalist Monique Grant. Monique, who just separated from her husband, sees the opportunity to improve her career. But the young journalist soon understands that Evelyn has her very own motives to share the story of her life. And what a story the aging actress has to tell: from her childhood in Hell’s kitchen, her marriages to two Hollywood stars, and her retirement in Spain with the love of her live.

My Review: First of all this is one of the best books I read in 2019! Taylor Jenkins Reid created an incredible strong and relateable main character. Evelyn Hugo gave up her name, her language, and her appearance for a career in Hollywood. She fought hard for her place in the glamorous movie world but she also learned that Hollywood is not as flawless and glamorous as it might seem. Evelyn Hugo is a strong woman in a time when women weren’t supposed to be strong and ambitious. She is reckless and arrogant, but this is what makes her such an amazing character! And besides having an incredible main character, the book also contains one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever had the pleasure to read.

Taylor Jenkins Reid confirmed in an interview that the fictional character of Evelyn Hugo was inspired by actress Elizabeth Taylor. If you like the glamour of old Hollywood, I can recommend this new favorite read of mine!

Three Words That Describe This Book: Romantic, Painful, Honest

Give it a Try if You Like: Cat on the Hot Tin Roof, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Casablanca

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2020-01-09T17:27:17-06:00January 8th, 2020|

FDL Reads: Skyward

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

Reviewed By: Katie Smith, Reference Specialist

Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy

Suggested Age: Teen and Adult

What is the book about? Spensa has never been good with confinement. Her planet, bombarded by alien attacks and surrounded by a crumbling metal sphere, is what keeps her people trapped in caverns below the surface. In order to find freedom, she dreams of becoming a pilot – but her father, the legendary pilot called Chaser, was shot down and branded a coward during a fateful mission nine years ago. Guilty by association, her family inherits the label of “coward” and are now shunned by those who once idolized them. However, when colony leaders try to thwart her efforts in joining the pilot’s academy, Spensa refuses to accept defeat. She also happens to stumble upon the abandoned wreckage of a spaceship, which is equipped with a sassy, fully functional AI system called M-Bot. Together, Spensa and M-Bot will attempt to fight off the full force of the Krell – the alien space-race determined to battle her colony into extinction.

My Review: When I first heard about Skyward, I thought it would be similar to Ender’s Game – and even though there’s a flight school where teens are trained to fight aliens in space combat, that’s really where the similarities end. Sanderson is an amazing storyteller, crafting worlds and peoples that are equally unique, fascinating, and mysterious. The humans in this story survive insurmountable odds and find thrilling new ways to defeat their adversaries, though their society is similarly flawed and broken. Spensa is head-strong, courageous, and even (delightfully!) barbaric. She aspires to clear her father’s name and become a fighter pilot, which is noble and inspiring – and as for the space action, the stakes for Spensa just keep rising! Why are the Krell attacking? Who abandoned M-Bot in the caverns? What is this strange power that allows Spensa to feel the stars? With each new discovery, there were so many more questions to answer – and even though it was an emotional roller coaster, I loved every second of it.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Heroic, Thrilling, Epic

Give this a try if you like… Star Wars (movies), Battlestar Galactica (TV series), or The Illuminae Files series by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Rating: 5/5

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2019-12-20T14:19:37-06:00December 20th, 2019|

FDL Reads: Born a Crime

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood By Trevor Noah

Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Reference Assistant

Genre: Autobiography

Suggested Age: Adult

What is the book about? Trevor Noah, the host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central, was born in South Africa just before the end of apartheid when the act of conceiving an interracially mixed child was punishable with prison time. Being the son of a white Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother, Noah was literally “born a crime.” This book is a collection of essays that Noah has written showcasing a wide variety of events during his unusual upbringing. With his unconventional mother, Noah navigates his way through South Africa’s post-apartheid society using creative and sometimes legal solutions for his struggles.

My Review: I listened to the CD book that is narrated by the author, which I enjoyed quite a bit. Noah’s sharp wit and self-effacing humor is quickly evident while listening. There is a “young reader” version that cuts back on the mature content and is appropriate for grades 5-12. As is, the adult version is funny, surprising, and sometimes a little disturbing. His firsthand account of living with poverty and institutional racism are sobering at times. His mother seems to be an extraordinarily astute person whose parental instincts armed him with skills like fluency in the languages of South Africa’s many ethnic groups. Along with a discerning intellect, he was able to be a chameleon of sorts. I was particularly impressed with how he found a way to move in and around the racial cliques in high school (none of which he could fit into easily) in order to avoid the dangers of identifying himself as any specific racial class. The only criticism I would have for the book is that being a collection of essays, the subject matter and timing of events jumped around a bit. Overall, it was an insightful read.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Post-Apartheid, Multicultural, Eye-Opening

Give This a Try if You Like…The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Unbowed: A Memoir, Notes from a Young Black Chef

Rating: 4.5/5

Find it at the library!

Susie Rivera2019-12-13T14:10:25-06:00December 13th, 2019|

FDL Reads: The Blue Castle

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

Reviewed by: Sarah Baker, Library Volunteer

Genre: Historical Fiction

Suggested Age: Adult

What is this Book About? Valency is 29, an old maid with no prospects in 1920s rural Canada. She’s miserable – her family have pigeon-holed and hen-pecked her to the point that she won’t stand up to them or disobey. And she’s had this strange pain in her chest of late. When a doctor gives her a grim diagnosis, Valency decides to live life on her own terms.

My Review: I wasn’t sure what to expect from this but it was delightful! Valency’s family is stiff and formal, never letting anyone forget even tiny transgressions, and poor Valency is pushed down from a young age. So when she rebels, you can’t help but cheer for the girl. She shows more pluck and care in the course of a few days than most her family have shown their whole lives. And when she leaves to go take care of an ostracized girl who is dying, she does so because she knows it’s the right thing to do. Her time with the Gays lets her blossom and become the woman she always should have been. And she does take a husband, the most disreputable Barney Snaith. It’s not a love match, but Valency loves him and he has affections for her. The ending did my poor heart some good.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Thoughtful, Fun, Inspiring

Give it a Try if You Like: Anne of Green Gables, Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters, When Calls The Heart

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Susie Rivera2019-12-04T11:31:07-06:00December 4th, 2019|