Here’s a look at what books our Adult Summer Challenge participants are enjoying. Make sure to add these titles to your summer reading list!
Valerie S. on ‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King:
While eagerly waiting for this fall’s It movie sequel, I’m getting my horror fix by reading some of Stephen King’s fiction. ‘Salem’s Lot (1975) probably launched our culture’s current fixation with vampire culture and the walking dead. The Pratt Library has a fabulous re-issued edition (2005) in hardback, with very satisfying new material such as spooky black-and-white photos, a “prequel” chapter taking place in 1850, text and dialogue that had been omitted from the 1975 edition, and more. Thrilling more than downright scary, ‘Salem’s Lot still has many page-turning moments. Even though most readers will know what happens, the deeply described action, settings, and character depictions add depth and surprises. King is a pretty darn good writer. He evokes 1970s small-town New England life perfectly, as only one with a love-hate relationship with it can do. P.S. for geeks: The apostrophe at the beginning of the title is correct, shortening Jerusalem.
Rachael C. on Ready Player One by Ernest Cline:
To be an adult and get sucked into a book in that childhood way—it kept me up late reading! This is a fun book—clever, engaging, and a perfect bit of fun for a summer read.
Philip J. on Tunnel People by Teun Voeten: Twenty-three years old but still relevant. Could easily be any metropolis in America today.
Nadine G. on Born a Crime by Trevor Noah:
Just loved the book and how his life unwrapped before me. I laughed more than I cried but just loved it.
Amanda J. on Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly:
Good story about two strong female characters that takes place around WWI. One of the characters is based on an actual person. I enjoyed a glimpse into this era.
Lauren R. on Last Call at the Nightshade Lounge by Paul Krueger:
This urban fantasy spells fun. The setting, character range, and genre bending are refreshing. The storytelling is exciting and modern. And even the format is unique, with pages of the Devil’s Water Dictionary punctuating the chapters, and acknowledgements that vie for a comedy award. I think it’s become clear that Quirk Books is a good publisher for me.
Join the fun! For a chance to win fabulous prizes in the Adult Summer Challenge, create a free Beanstack account and log each book you finish between June 12 and August 14.