Staff Book Reviews

Librarian Lynn reviews Testimony by Anita Shreve

This is an intense story of families put in crisis by one single act of sexual abandon. Set in a private prep school for wealthy kids in Vermont, the story is unraveled as different characters relay their parts like testimony at a trial. After a night of drinking, three boys are enticed by a fourteen year old girl who participates in sex with them. To make matters worse, a fourth student tapes the event which is later seen by others on the internet. The original tape gets into the hands of the headmaster of the school who is so shocked and stunned that he mishandles the situation. Police are involved and reporters arrive and the entire town is never the same. The boys are expelled losing basketball scholarships to college and their families are split apart literally with three divorces. The lives of those involved are forever changed and for one family, life is ruined. A single reckless act brings heartbreaking consequences. The book is also available in audio and can be listened to while you take your daily walk; however, you won’t want to stop listening.

Librarian Chrissie reviews 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Clay Jenson receives a package with no return address containing cassette tapes. As he begins listening to the tapes, he comes to recognize the voice as his classmate, Hannah Baker, who recently committed suicide. He spends the night traveling around town listening to her tapes and visiting all the places she speaks of. The tapes convey Hannah’s thoughts and actions that led to her suicide. Overall, she comes off as trying to teach those who receive her tapes a lesson in how they treat others. This is a great read that alternates between Hannah and Clay’s voices. The audiobook alternates between male and female voices, also making it a great, listen.

Librarian Tim reviews Beat the Reaper by John Bazell

Medical thrillers usually aren't my thing, but this was one with a critical difference. Peter Brown is an internist at Manhattan Catholic Hospital, saving patients by day and trying to keep a low key. He's in the witness protection program after a career as a mob hit man turned informant, before cutting a deal with the feds and attending medical school. When one one of his patients recognizes him as the infamous mobster Bearclaw, the race is on to see if he can stay alive with everything crumbling around him. This was an original and interesting story, and Dr. Brown is a great character, torn between self preservation and helping his patients. Some of the behind the scenes goings on at the fictitious hospital is clearly based on the author's experience as a doctor. This story was funny, scary and thoughtful and is recommended to those who like mob stories or medical thrillers.

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