BookShare: Patron Book Reviews (All Ages Welcome)

Have you read a book that blew you away or do you just love books in general and want to share your thoughts?

Join our ever-growing space for book reviews from Milne Public Library patrons of all ages! Send us a review for a book you enjoyed or disliked (but you stuck it out anyway).

Click here to submit your online review: BookShare Form, or stop by the library for a paper copy that you can submit in person!

Are you visiting this site for recommendations? Click on the book image below to be directed to our online catalog.

Adult, NONFICTION:

Know My Name by Chanel Miller (2019)

5/5 STARS

I listened to the audiobook which is read by the author. You can hear the emotion in her voice, which enhanced an already powerful story. I found myself crying multiple times throughout this book and feeling a wide range of emotions: rage, hope, disgust, sadness, and awe at Chanel's strength. This book allowed her to reclaim the narrative and make sure she could be centered in the discussion, not her attacker. A heavy book for sure but one very worth reading.

 ~Alyssa

Adult, FICTION:

Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy (2024)

4/5 STARS

I was attracted to this book by the cover art: an older woman gazing out her door while a tiny mouse hides by the umbrella stand. The sweet illustration perfectly captures the flavor of this charming story. An older woman moves back to her childhood home and takes in a little lost mouse, who she names Sipsworth. Along the way, she develops friendships, confidence, and a renewed will to live. An easy, light read (Just be forewarned about some gruesome descriptions of rodent removal, which were thankfully not undertaken). ~Anonymous

Adult, GRAPHIC NOVEL:

Pinball, A Graphic History of the Silver Ball

by John Chad (2022)

5/5 STARS

I greatly enjoyed this graphic history of pinball, and learned so much about a game that I'm a huge fan of but knew little about the history. I appreciate the connections made to older forms of games, and how much detail the author goes into around the evolving mechanics of pinball machines. The illustration style is fun, and not too distracting. I've been dropping factoids from this read on my family and friends...like the fact that thousands of pinball machines were dumped in the Hudson River during one prolific ban of the game in NYC! Definitely a highlight of my summer graphic novel reading! I highly recommend this title, and the graphic history genre in general, for those looking to expand their knowledge of the way the world we live in works. ~Hale

Adult, NONFICTION:

Dirtbag, Massachusetts: A Confessional

by Isaac Fitzgerald (2022)

4/5 STARS

I listened to the audio, which was narrated by the author, and found his voice heartfelt and expressive. The book is actually a series of essays strung together, so there is no overarching timeline-instead it is a lot of interesting vignettes, adventures, stream of consciousness, memories, and self-analysis. I really liked his accounts of doing charitable work in Burma and also his wild stint in the porn industry in San Francisco. I normally only read fiction, so this was a departure for me, but I am glad I took a chance and may delve into other memoirs now that I enjoyed this one. ~Anonymous

Adult, FICTION:

A Children's Bible by Lydia Millet (2020)

4/5 STARS

This is the kind of book you want to read with someone else so you can immediately talk about it. It really makes you think about big questions-like what happens if the endgame of climate change show up in our lifetime, and how people might actually respond. It's a sharp look at human nature, especially the selfishness of adults and how little care is sometimes given to future generations. The kids in the story are often the ones seeing things clearly while the adults stumble along.

There are a lot of characters, honestly, too many to keep track of, but I still loved the overall theme, plot, and pacing. As a parent, I found parts of it baffling and even infuriating, mainly because the adult behavior didn't feel believable to me at all. This book is unsettling, frustrating, and thought-provoking all at once.

~Anonymous

Adult, FICTION (currently unavailable,future publication):

Honey in the Wound by Jiyoung Han (2026)

5/5 STARS

I am grateful to have read an advance copy of the book this summer. I'm writing the review so tha our neighbors know to add it to their summer 2026 reading lists!

Honey in the Wound is a masterfully crafted multigenerational saga that weaves a rich tapestry of history, magical realism, and the indomitable human spirit. Driven by both plot and character, the reader journeys across space and time with Young-Ja (a Korean girl born in the first quarter of the 20th century) and her relatives. This book will remind you of the life-sustaining power of forging deep relationships and the remarkable human capacities of adaptability and resilience. The ending is truly stunning and will stay with you for a long time. ~Anonymous

Young Adult, ADVENTURE FICTION:

Airborn by Kenneth Oppel (2004)

3.5/5 STARS

I loved the first half of the book so much, but the second half got violent. I do think the violence furthered the plot of the story.

~Arthur

Adult, FICTION:

A True Account: Hannah Masury's Sojourn Amongst the Pyrates, Written by Herself by Katherine Howe (2023)

5/5 STARS

"Not just another pirate tale." A fast paced adventure on the high seas. As Hannah is compelled to conceal who she really is, and join forces with the pirates. Sound familiar? Oh no! This story has a side angle with a twist you would never expect. An interesting read that I enjoyed very much. ~Susan

Juvenile, FICTION:

Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson (2025)

5/5 STARS

What a great middle grade debut for Tiffany Jackson! As a middle school/high school librarian, I have loved all of her YA books and am thrilled that she wrote this one for kids in 6/7/8 grades. They will love it. It has a perfect blend of friendship and mystery, as well as age appropriate issues of race and class. It also has a good twist in the end! I loved the 12-year-old main character so much and was rooting for her happiness. I can't wait to recommend this book to my middle school students! ~Liza

Adult, FICTION:

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles (2011)

5/5 STARS

In preparation for reading Table for Two by Amor Towles, I reread Rules of Civility. On New Year's Eve,1938, three young people meet at a Greenwich Village jazz bar and the story begins. Wittting, entertaining, and filled with exquisite prose, it is an amazing adventure set over the course of the next year. Glittering and beautiful people, hopes, dreams, choices, and decisions. "Life doesn't have to provide you with any options at all...To have only one year when you are presented with choices that can alter your circumstances, your character, your course-that's by the grace of God alone. And it shouldn't come without a price...I have not doubt that they were the right choices for me. At the same time, I know that right choices by definition are the means by which life crystallizes loss."

~Catherine

Adult, FICTION:

Fair Play by Louise Hegarty (2025)

1/5 STARS

Is there such a thing as negative stars? I really wanted to enjoy this book. The concept, a humorous pastiche of classical mystery 'rules', was appealing, and the locked room murder at the start, promising. However, almost immediately the story departed reality. I'll leave out details in case someone, despite this, wants to read the book. The final fatal flaw, though, is the ending. In classic fashion, the detective summons all the suspects and declares a murderer. The problem is that this is followed by another chapter in which someone else is declared the murderer, and then another, until all the suspects have been accused, in some cases using 'clues' opposite to how the murder is described. The result is that by the time the last 'murderer' is unmasked, one no longer cares. Overall, the title is undeserved.

~Anne

Young Adult, GRAPHIC NOVEL:

Batman: Wayne Family Adventures (series)

by C.R.C. Payne (2023)

4.5/5 STARS

I really liked this book and all of the books in this series. It follows the various heroes in the Wayne family through their mishaps and misadventures. The series has a lighter tone than most DC material nowadays. Because of that, and the graphics and stories, this book was an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it for tweens and teens.

~Keaton

Adult, FICTION:

The Book of Records by Madeleine Thien (2025)

5/5 STARS

This remarkable book blends magical realism with philosophy, physics, and history, in prose that's simply gorgeous. Lina and her father take refuge in a dream-like coastal town after they are separated from the rest of the family. Their neighbors happen to be famous refugees, their lives spanning hundreds or thousands of years. As their stories are recounted in Lina's few books, we are transported across time and place between the lives of three remarkable fellow-travelers. I did not want it to end!

~Susan

Juvenile, FICTION:

The Tapper Twins Run for President (The Tapper Twins, V. 3)

by Geoff Rodkey (2016)

5/5 STARS

The book Tapper Twins Run for President is a funny book that follows Claudia Tapper and Reese Tapper as they compete for 6th- grade president. It is written in a humorous way and includes lots of photos from the real world to add interest.

~Jules

Young Adult, MANGA:

Helck (series) by Nanaki Nanao (2014)

4 1/2/5 STARS

It was a very good book and had a good plot, but it was a little confusing.

~Anonymous

Young Adult, SUSPENSE FICTION:

What Happened That Night by DeAnna Cameron (2019)

4/5 STARS

I liked the suspense. It was scary and ominous at times, and even had my mouth wide open in shock. It was a mix of sad, happy, and scary.

~Anonymous

Juvenile, FICTION:

Into the Wild (Warriors, V. 1) by Erin Hunter (2004)

5/5 STARS

• It is awesome. It is like survival, but with cats. I love it so much. ~Carol

• Cool adventures. A great book.

~Elina

• Warriors, is the best series ever! The series seems to be never-ending (there are 60 books so far) and they recently added a new collection, Opening Skies: the Elders' Quest. There is so much suspense and action that you'll never get bored. And it has cats too!

  ~Coconut

Juvenile, FICTION:

The BFG by Roald Dahl (1982)

4/5 STARS

~Morgan

Adult, FICTION:

Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (2024)

4/5 STARS

I had heard a lot of positive reviews of Margo's Got Money Troubles, but I've never read anything like it. I was surprised by the journey of the central character and her unconventional family system. The author is skilled at creating complex characters worth rooting for! ~Rage

Adult, NONFICTION:

A Three Dog Life by Abigail Thomas (2007)

5/5 STARS

A Three Dog Life is a memoir by Abigail Thomas whose life changed drastically when her husband was hit by a car, resulting in a traumatic brain injury and causing severe personality changes. Abigail struggled with her relationship with her spouse and tried to find a meaningful way forward in life. This is a touching book about love, loss, and grief told by a woman who realized she is not a widow, but still a couple, just a couple of one. ~Janice

Juvenile, FICTION:

The Magician

(The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, V. 2)

by Michael Scott (2008)

5/5 STARS

When I picked up this book, I didn't realize it was the second book of a series. No worry, the author makes sure you understand what happened before. It is a fast-paced book. There are many characters, and they are all interesting. Some characters already have powers, and others are becoming awakened to theirs. Everyone has their own motivations, so I want to continue with the series to see where it goes. I like that the author includes many mythical creatures as well. There is never a dull moment! It's a good time for ages 12 and up.

~Anonymous

Young Adult, FANTASY FICTION:

Carry On (Simon Snow, V. 1) by Rainbow Rowell (2015)

5/5 STARS

This was one of, if not my favorite book, I've read so far this year. I initially started to read this book at school, and when I saw it later at the library, I knew I had to finish it. I like queer stories, so when I found out that Baz had a crush on Simon, I was hooked and read the other two books in the trilogy. The descriptions give you a great idea of what each character looks like. This book brought me to enjoy reading long books. I never wanted the story to end. This is why I recommend this book for readers who don't like books but like action and adventure.

~Oz Winter

Adult, FICTION:

The Berry Pickers

by Amanda Peters (2023)

5/5 STARS

I read The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters with my book club. This book starts sadly, but I really liked it. Four-year-old Ruthie is part of a migrant family of berry pickers that travel from Nova Scotia to Maine every summer for work. The whole family works the berry fields. One day, Ruthie and her brother, Joe, stop to eat lunch. When Joe leaves Ruthie alone for a few minutes, she disappears. This is where the story begins and shows us how this tragedy affects the family, not only when it happened but for their whole lives. Joe always felt guilty about Ruthie's disappearance, blaming himself and continues to look for her everywhere. We find out early in the story who abducted Ruthie but I will not say anymore, you will have to read it for yourself.

 ~Sue

Adult, NONFICTION: This book is currently unavailable through CWMars. Click on the cover for available titles by this author.

Across a Waking Land: A 1,000-Mile Walk Through a British Spring by Roger Morgan-Greenville (2023)

4/5 STARS

Journalist, nature writer, and veteran Roger Morgan-Greenville walks the length of Britain following spring. On his 8 week journey, walking about 25 miles a day, he visits inspiring conservation projects and meets the dedicated people working in small and big projects that protect and preserve nature. The writing style eloquently tells the story of many dedicated persons and the challenges of species extinction, climate change, and lost habitat. It was interesting to learn how small projects are making big differences, and the continued emphasis that nature will heal itself if given a chance. Highly recommend for both the author's humor about his own hiking abilities and his writing on the natural world. Maps and annotated hiking gear list included.

~Catherine

Juvenile, FICTION:

Little House in the Big Woods

by Laura Ingalls Wilder (1932)

5/5 STARS

Laura Ingalls first installmen of her "Little House" series is a wonderful read that I keep coming back to, and probably will continue coming back to even when I'm 95. It's a lovely little story, perfect for the adult reader interested in the everyday goings-on of the average family in that time period, and for children who love to get lost in the words of the past, traveling through thick forests and smelling breakfast cooking on the fire all while relaxing in their beds at home. I highly recommend it!

~Brady

Juvenile, FICTION:

Those Kids From Fawn Creek

by Erin Entrada Kelly (2022)

3/5 STARS

The book might have been enjoyable for some, but I felt that it had a lot of predictable patterns. This was tiring and made it somewhat boring. It also was set from different perspectives, a confusing way of writing.

~Anonymous

Adult, NONFICTION:

Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent

by Judi Dench (2023)

5/5 STARS

Judi Dench is an absolute delight. You can hear her sense of humor, and depth of knowledge regarding Shakespeare, throughout these interviews, which comprehensively cover her career. They include enough detail about the plays so that someone, like me, that is not familiar with all of them can understand what she is talking about.

~Anonymous

Young Adult, FANTASY FICTION:

The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air, V. 1)

by Holly Black (2018)

5/5 STARS

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black is one of my all-time favorite books. The world-building and characters are some of the most interesting and well-written I've seen. A truly AMAZING book.

~Anonymous

Juvenile, EASY READER:

Elephant and Piggie, I Love My New Toy 

by Mo Willems (2008)

6/5 STARS

This book is both funny and dramatic. It is dramatic because Piggie makes a whole big fuss about a broken toy that (SPOILER!) ends up going back together.

~Madelyn

Young Adult, MANGA:

Spy X Family, V. 1

by Tatsuya Endo (2019)

6/5 STARS

This book was amazing. It was action, adventure, suspense, and was fun to read as my first manga. It was hilarious, so funny, and I can't forget it.

~Joshua

Young Adult, FICTION: 

I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies, V. 1) 

by Pittacus Lore (2010)

4.5/5 STARS

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore is a thrilling fantasy that follows an alien know as Jhon Smith. He traveled to Earth with eight other kids and their guardians after their plantet was blown up by an evil race of aliens. I would recommend this book to fantasy lovers and people who like a good page turner.

~Anonymous

Young Adult, SPANISH ADVENTURE FICTION: 

Gambito de Ladrones

by Kayvion Lewis (2023)

5/5 STARS

Gambito de Ladrones es uno de los mejores libros que he leído.  Se trata de una chica llamada Rosalyn Quest, que vive en una familia de ladrones muy reconocidos, pero ella está cansada de esa vida y quiere escapar.  Su plan es sencillo: empacar un par de cosas y escapar en el próximo robo que organizará con su madre.  Pero algo sale mal y su madre es secuestrada, y a Rosalyn (Ross) solo le queda una opción: unirse a un torneo llamado Gambito de ladrones.  El juego comienza y solo uno podrá ganar un deseo, pero todo da un giro inesperado y ya nadie confía en nadie.

~Valentina

Young Adult, SUSPENSE FICTION: 

In Every Generation (3 book series) by Kendare Blake (2022)

4.75/5 STARS

Return to Sunnydale for a new generation of Slayer and Scoobies as they prepare to save the world (again)! Frankie Rosenberg, teen daughter to famed mega-witch Willow, unexpectedly takes on the duties of the Slayer and must contend with the growing presence of vamps, demons, and the mysterious "Darkness". Happily, she is not alone, with first-generation Scooby Gang members showing her the way and Spike filling in as her Watcher! Buffyverse fans of all ages will enjoy returning to the alleys of Sunnydale in this series of books by renowned Young Adult writer, Kendare Blake.

P.S. The audiobooks are available through Libby and are also a fun listen!

-Rose

Adult, FICTION: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman (2021)

Anxious People is charming, quirky, heartbreaking, compassionate, and often laugh-aloud funny. It's about a bank robbery that failed because the robber chose to hold up a cashless bank, a really bad idea. In fleeing the scene, the robber runs into a building where a real estate agent and some potential buyers become hostages, possibly the worst hostages ever. Nothing is as it appears in this story, as Backman juggles unforgettable witnesses and gives us a lovely story about friendship, regret, second chances, forgiveness, and hope. A book club's dream choice.

-Judy

Adult, NONFICTION:The Book of Eels by Patrik Svensson (2020)

This engaging non-fiction offering is one of the New York Times 100 most notable books of 2020. A blend of memoir and nature writing at its best, the book sheds light on a species that is not particularly attractive, but one that has fascinated scientist for millennia, from Aristotle to Darwin, Sigmund Freud to Rachel Carson. Born in the Sargasso Sea, eels swim thousands of miles to freshwater streams, ponds, and rivers. After many years they return to the Sargasso Sea, mate, and die. Little is known about these spooky, secretive mysterious creatures, and you may wonder why you should read about eel science and history. Simply put, it's because of the importance of devoting attention to a species that is critically endangered because of human interference with nature.

-Judy

Adult, FICTION: Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell (2020)

A beautifully written and heartbreaking story of the death, possibly of plague, of Hamnet, Shakespeare's 11-year-old son. Ironically published during the Covid pandemic, the main focus of the book is Shakespeare's unconventional wife, Agnes, and how she copes with the grief and pain of losing a child. Shakespeare himself remains very much in the background and is never actually named in the book. This is a remarkable and poignant novel that you will remember for a long time.

-Judy