Book Reviews

Looking for a new book to read? Check out book reviews from Morris County librarians!

All-American Dogs

Both dog lovers and history enthusiasts will enjoy Andrew Hager’s 2022 book that chronicles the lives of presidential dogs beginning with George Washington’s presidency and continuing through President Biden’s current term in office. Complete with historical photographs and charming sketches of some notable presidential dogs, All-American Dogs is a fun and interesting book.

Birder on Berry Lane

Robert Tougias' passion for birding began when he was a young boy. In his book Birder on Berry Lane, Tougias offers his readers a detailed view of the birds that visit his home in suburban Connecticut. In this year-long account, readers learn fascinating facts about the many species of birds that visit his backyard.

Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

What’s worse than running a business with your mom and three aunties? Disposing the body of the date you accidentally killed with your mom and three aunties during your biggest contract of the year.

Half Lives by Lucy Jane Santos

Half Lives: The Unlikely History of Radium (2021) by Lucy Jane Santos provides an enlightening look into radium’s checkered past. Known by the symbol Ra, radium was referred to by Marie Sklodowska Curie as “my beautiful radium.” An earlier fascination and intrigue with the substance, beginning in the mid-nineteenth century and predating Curie’s work...

Maggie Finds Her Muse by Dee Ernst

Writer Maggie Bliss is struggling for words. Comprised of sweatpants and tee shirts, her limited wardrobe is doing little to inspire her creative energies. In a heated moment, Maggie decides to call it quits with Greg, her significant other. She asks him to move out and then accepts an invitation to visit Paris from her book agent and his partner. Little does Maggie know, things...

Our Kind of People: A Novel

Living in nineteenth-century New York amid the opulence and wealth of gilded age society, members of the Wilcox family are challenged to take stock of the traditions that govern their daily lives. Helen comes from money and her marriage to Joshua, a former stable boy, has kept her out of New York high society. Yet, Helen loves Joshua and has spent years “smoothing a path" between...

Preppy Kitchen: Recipes for Seasonal Dishes and Simple Pleasures

Both fans of the Preppy Kitchen online platform as well as those who are new to John Kanell’s " simple but sophisticated" recipes will enjoy this beautiful new four-season cookbook. John Kanell is a former middle school math and science teacher with a passion for learning, sharing, and teaching.

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

Erotic fantasy writer Eva Mercy is suffering from a major lack of spice in her life when her former flame, award winning author Shane Hall, bursts back into her world 15 summers after their initial meeting.

The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa

An ordinary boy who prefers books to sports, Rintaro suddenly finds himself cast into adventure when a plump, ginger, talking tabby cat approaches him in his grandfather’s book shop. Tiger quickly enlists Rintaro’s help on a mission to “save” books.

The Johnstown Flood

In May of 1889, more than 2200 people living in Johnstown were killed when the South Fork dam, built in 1840, gave way. Precipitated by a record rainfall that hit western Pennsylvania, the flood would nearly destroy the bustling 19th century industrial town located in the Conemaugh valley of the Alleghenies, home to the Cambria Iron Company.

The Listerdale Mystery

This book of twelve classic short story mysteries was published in 1934. Agatha Christie was was an English writer known for her 66 detective and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

Set on the historic Cambridge campus, The Maidens is an eerie murder mystery.

The Personal Assistant by Kimberly Belle

The decision to hire a personal assistant seemed to make perfect sense. As a rising social media influencer, Alex needed help managing the burgeoning demand of her online presence. In fact, Unapologetically Alex had recently catapulted to internet success and made Alex an overnight sensation. While Alex’s motivational messages and seemingly picture-perfect life attract a huge following...

The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan

What would be the verdict if your worst parenting moment were put in front of a judge?

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult

Diana’s life is completely on track as she prepares to take on a promotion and get engaged; then, Covid-19 hits New York City.