Summer Reading Suggestions: A List of Hidden Gems Part 3

Posted by Staff

Looking for a great summer read?  Take a look back at some of the staff selections from our Winter Reading Relay.  We chose our favorite hidden gems from our collection - books that are not well known, but deserve to be.  We asked patrons to let us know what they thought of the books.  Over the next few weeks, we're posting some of the favorites here.  We'll also place all of these titles on Pinterest, so jump over there for even more great reading recommendations.

A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron.  A story about friendship from a different point of view.

Patron review:  Excellent book. Read it in one sitting! Flows well. Got a little redundant towards the end but made sense at the end. Sad in places but overall uplifting. I would recommend it to anyone. No sex, real bad language or major violence. Easy reading and hard to put down once started.

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizini.  After being accepted into a prestigious Manhattan high school, the pressure of 15 year old Craig Gilner becomes taxing, and he finds himself battling depression.

Patron review:  This book was great!!  I have a teenager and his father has clinical depression.  So, I'm trying to learn more and I though it might be helpful to read this book.  The book enticed me to continue reading from the very beginning.  It was very well written and surprisingly upbeat.  The first person perspective made it seem like I was in the hospital with Craig.

Hemingway's Chair by Michael Palin.  A touching and humorous novel skillfully portraying change and love in an English village setting.

Patron review:  I went out of my usual fare when it came to reading this book. But in a way, it actually paid off. Though it had a slow start, the rest of the book was worth the read! These characters are very likeable. You can really connect with quite a few. The main character reminds us that there is always more to a person than their day-to-day job. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the characters. I would recommend it to anyone!

The Detection Collection by Simon Brett.  An anthology of British mystery fiction - a splendid introduction to the genre.

Patron review:  When it comes to murder mysteries, the British do it best.  I enjoyed all eleven stories.