Fresh Finds: Reviews of Newly Published Books

Published Monday, February 10, 2020
The Giver of Stars
by Jojo Moyes

Release Date: October 8, 2019
Rating: 4 of out of 5 stars

Dawn's Review:
I listened to this book on audio and really enjoyed the story, as well as the narrator. I liked all the story lines, the characters, and the pace.

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Unnatural Magic
by C. M. Waggoner

Release Date: November 5, 2019
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Amanda's Review:
I was intrigued by the description of this book. It’s partly what I think of as a “you can’t do it, you’re a girl” story. There’s a mystery at the heart of everything. There are creatively built social and magic systems. It’s a standalone story so you get that satisfying roundness of the whole tale. But really what makes me love this book are some of the delightfully surprising aspects that I was totally unprepared for and won’t spoil for you.

It makes traditional fantasy feel really fresh and that sparks joy in me.

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Mobituaries: Great Lives Worth Reliving
by Mo Rocca

Release Date: November 5, 2019
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Joyce's Review:

The book is both thoughtful and interesting to read. It profiles a variety of well-known and not as well-known historical figures from a variety of backgrounds in a way that brings out their achievements as well as their personalities. Reading the book made me want to listen to the author’s podcasts on similar topics!

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Outmatched
by Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young

Release Date: November 19, 2019
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Kaylee's Review:
While it wasn't the best book I've ever read, I enjoyed Outmatched for what it is: a New Adult Romance. It utilized the familiar trope of "fake dating" to introduce a very unlikely couple who have each entered into the fake relationship for very different reasons. Parker is fighting for a promotion from a misogynistic boss while Rhys is trying to protect his brother who was only in it for the money. Overall, I liked how their feelings developed over time instead of instantaneously and at times had an "enemies to lovers" feel. It has an anticipated ending, but it takes you on an enjoyable journey on your way there.

Anyone
by Charles Soule

Release Date: December 3, 2019
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Katherine's Review:
I love creative books like this one. This is a story that is hard to put down and even though there are a lot of technical details you have to understand, they are explained well. I also believe that Charles Soule did an excellent job of making me care about the characters. My only issues with the book, and why I did not give it a 5 star rating, is that the ending seemed very abrupt and I'm still not quite sure what the ramifications would be of what was done. This is a book begging for discussion. Intriguing story!

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American Dirt
by Jeanine Cummins

Release Date: January 21, 2020
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Jill's Review:

I had trouble putting this book down, and that has not happened to me in a while. It was moving without being overly sentimental and poignant without making me feel that the author was giving me a lecture on morality. It was one of those rare books that I am still thinking about weeks after finishing it.

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