It's the true story of the hacker group that's as old as the internet. The term "hacker" has mostly negative connotations now, but this group of ethical hackers was formed to free up information and still to this day works to protect individual privacy, and keep us safe from electronic surveillance, and other unethical business and government practices. A compelling book that is both interesting and fun. (Bob)
It is difficult for me to accept that it has been 18 years since the attacks of September 11, 2001 as that day is still so vivid for me and, I imagine, millions of others. I feel this book serves an important purpose as a history of that day and the days beyond not only for everyone who lived through that time but for the generation without any historical knowledge of the attacks. Although, it is painful to read this book, I ultimately came away from it amazed at the many acts of individual heroism, as ordinary people fought to save others who were injured or trapped in the towers & the Pentagon, the passengers on flight United 93 who stormed the cockpit to prevent the plane hitting its target, and the many final calls from the passengers on flights American Airlines 11 and United 175 expressing their love for their family and friends in the direst of circumstances. A heartbreaking, compelling, necessary read. (Kim)
A sweet story set on an Alabama dairy farm during one sweltering summer. Betsy & Ty Franklin have yearned to be parents, but have not been able to fulfill that dream. When Betsy's sister leaves her 2 kids with them for the summer, they realize what the phrase "be careful what you wish for" really means. A feel good story with great characters and setting. (Sue)
Hazel Riley, a struggling actress, doesn't like Maxine Mead, a vivacious bombshell, when she first meets her on a USO tour during the end of WWII. United after a savage act, they become friends and begin to bring out the best in each other. With the backdrop of the legendary Chelsea Hotel, Fiona Davis brings to life the frightening and devastating era of McCarthy's Red Scare to the entertainment communities and the entire country following the war. Similar to some of the current events in our country, the pervasive blanket of hate and fear sewn by McCarthy destroys lives and ruins friendships. This story helped me to see that shameful era of our country's past from the eyes of those who were tragically effected by it. Great historical fiction! (Lisa)
After much praise of this book I finally decided to pick it up and I definitely could not put it down. Abandoned at a very young age by her whole family Kya Clark survives on her own out in the marsh. With no schooling and really no social skills she is a mystery to the town. When the local football star is found dead the locals immediately blame “Marsh girl” as she’s known. The twists and turns kept me turning the pages of this novel! It is definitely a must read! (Bonnie)
Warlight is a thriller that reads like a fairy tale. It's 1945, Nathaniel and Rachel have been "abandoned" by their parents. They are left in the care of a motley crew of seemingly nefarious characters. Years later Nathaniel tried to figure out what really happened to his parents and his childhood. Beautiful writing and a captivating mystery make this a great read. (Candie)
Another wonderfully atmospheric & intriguing tale from Maine. Set on the western Scottish coast, the story revolves around a centuries old legend that has had lasting effects for generation to come. Libby Snow, an archaeologist, but also entangled by family in the legend, is sent to excavate the dunes where bodies are rumored to be buried. She butts heads with land owner Rodri Sturrock, but eventually they join forces to preserve the legend and the land. Rife with family drama, romance, and tragedy that repeats itself through the years, this is a tale worth reading. (Sue)
The saga of the Perez family continues, now in the early 1960’s as they have been exiled from Cuba and have settled in Palm Beach, where the high society is not very accepting of the Cuban refugees. This story centers around eldest daughter Beatriz, who is fiercely independent, beautiful, clever, and cunning. Her twin brother was killed by Castro’s men and she will risk her life and her heart to avenge his death. A combination of family drama, romance, espionage, and history. I loved this just as much as the first story. (Sue)
The 3rd in the 7 Sisters series, Riley once again delivers an incredible combination of family secrets, relationships, and historical fiction. Follow Star as she tries to unravel her past and find out who her real parents and birthplace are. This tale takes you back in time to the early 1900’s in England and then to present day London as Star struggles to come out of her sister’s shadow and find her own identity. All sorts of interesting characters, even Beatrix Potter. On my day off, I read until my eyes bled. Simply could not put this down. (Sue)
The second case for our favorite BFFs turned detectives takes us to Chicago on St. Patrick's Day. While attending a high profile function, President Obama's Blackberry goes missing and former VP Joe Biden is on the trail to find it. After a young man is gunned down, the duo are determined to find out what is really going on in the Windy City. This book has a distinctive grittier tone to it by delivering a reality check to not only the characters but also to the readers with the portrayal of the dark underbelly on the streets where people are truly struggling to survive. However, the darkness is balanced out by the funny banter that comes out even in some of the most desperate situations they find themselves in. The bromance of this dynamic duo had me laughing out loud at times and nostalgic for better times. (Lisa)
On a crowded beach in Oahu, four women enjoy the sun and their time off from training Army pilots. But it's October 1941 and their lives will soon be derailed by the catastrophic attack on Pearl Harbor. Audrey Coltrane, a born flier, joins the WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots) performing the ferrying service of delivering planes across the country to help support the war effort. Well written historical fiction always makes me want to learn more and this book did just that. I, like the author, had heard of female pilots in WWII but not much. My interest was sparked immediately learning about these unsung heroes from WWII who served and sacrificed for their country without benefits or official military status. Noelle Salazar, did an excellent job of creating well-developed characters and a realistic story of life, loss, war and love based on these extraordinary women. I highly recommend this book! (Lisa)
After losing her job and her cheating boyfriend in one day, Jules Larsen has hit rock bottom. She can't afford to live in NYC on her friend's couch for long so she applies for a job as an apartment sitter in one of Manhattan's oldest, high-profile buildings, the Bartholomew. For a three month stay, she'll earn $12,000 cash, tax free but is this offer a miracle sent to save her or is it too good to be true? Riley Sager once again creates an amazing story filled with creepy atmosphere, a relatable main character and an addictive plot that you won't want to put down. As the tension and fear mounted, I found I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to discover what was going on behind the walls of this mysterious building. I highly recommend this intriguing, sinister book! (Lisa)
Anna Princess of Kleve is engaged to the enigmatic King Henry VIII. While she is afraid from all the rumors she has heard she is also interested to learn about the man he truly is. While, as history tells we know the marriage does not last, Anna does not lose her head but becomes the sister to the queen and lives an independent life. This headstrong woman's life was both interesting and a joy to read. Bonnie
Consuelo Vanderbilt, American heiress, was forced into a loveless marriage to the 9th Duke of Marlboro by her mother Alva Vanderbilt. After producing "An heir and a spare" Consuelo's marriage falls apart. She scandalously separates and forges and path of her own. Her fight for women's suffrage and medical care of children give her meaning in a world she had to make her own. This was a great story and a great character. Her story was very inspiring! (Bonnie)
After the Civil War and her mother's death, Alva Smith and her family were left poor. So what does Alva do, she marries for money to the wealthy Vanderbilts. Alva is determined to bring the once shunned Vanderbilt family into social acceptance. She builds beautiful mansions in New York and Newport and puts on some of the best parties in the city. Alva also asserted her power in her marriage and joined in the women's rights movement. It was a joy to read about this woman and how she played a role in our history of women's rights! (Bonnie)
Nonfiction is not my usual genre. It is definitely not the usual for my book club. We could not put this down. It is the story of how Elizabeth Holmes scammed some of America's greatest minds into investing in her fake technology, putting the lives of consumers at stake. This compulsive true story reads like a thriller. (Candie)
Not your usual summer read-but what a delightful story! Khai processes emotions differently due to his autism and as such decides he is "defective" and incapable of romantic relationships. His mom, who has more faith in him than he has himself, heads to Vietnam to pick him out a bride the old fashioned way. Enter Esme, who Khai's mom finds cleaning restrooms where they have an instant connection. She agrees to live for one summer no strings attached with Khai in the hopes of finding a better life. Khai agrees to have her to get his mom off his back. Esme must convince Khai he knows how to love before it's too late and she returns to Ho Chi Minh City. (Candie)
Emmy Award-winning CBS Sunday Morning Correspondent Bill Geist spent his teenage summers working at his Uncle's resort in Missouri's Ozarks. He reflects fondly on a time that is now gone. With humor and the wisdom of middle age, he brings the unique characters and place back to life and shows just how much has changed in our country, better or worse. What started as just a summer job, gave him the memories and experiences that he feels made him what he is today. (Bob)
A drought in California creates a vast humanitarian crisis as the taps stop flowing. As the remaining sources of water dwindle, desperation drives normally staid citizens to turn against one another as the crisis continues without much help or guidance from officials. Caught up in the struggle to survive is teenager Alyssa Morrow, who assumes that there are certain things that "good" people just won't do, ever. A fascinating exploration of how disaster can tear us apart but also of how it can force us to discover strengths we never suspected we possess. I found this book realistic and it definitely kept me turning the pages! (Kim)
