 | Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson Reviewed by Kathy Fedor, Board Member of the Friends of KPL Rating: 5 Stars! Review: This is a Young Adult book, but I thought it was a great book for any age. It has all the elements of a good story; likable, recognizable characters and relatable events all within a well paced story. The high school freshmen struggles to connect to everyone after a traumatic event at a party during summer recess. All the adults misconstrue her behaviors as adolescent angst instead of the markers of post traumatic stress. But she makes her way. |
| Testimony by Scott Turow Reviewed by Kathy Fedor, Board Member of the Friends of KPL Rating: 3 Stars Review: This was not the best Scott Turow's reads. I imagine it gets harder as an author to write and always meet the mark with all the elements of a compelling story. Could be me though as I expect a lot from an author to hold my attention. His recurring character, former prosecutor Bill ten Boom, is in the midst of a life change and decides to take a position with the International Criminal Court--an organization charged with prosecuting crimes against humanity. His case allows for interesting portrayal of historical context, steamy sexual interludes, and complicated characters. All among the backdrop of a middle-aged man trying to find his place in life where he has reached all his goals and is looking for a new sense of purpose. |  |
 | Back Roads by Tawni O'Dell Reviewed by Kathy Fedor, Board Member of the Friends of KPL Rating: 4 Stars Review: This books was very disturbing, not a light summer read at all. The setting is rural Pennsylvania, coal country, and 4 children have been left to continue their victimization after their mother kills their violent father. It is a portrait of poverty, family dysfunction, incest and apathy. There are also striking scenes about the inconsistency of American life by virtue of the socioeconomic group you are born into. There is no happy ending. The author style is cumbersome, as she tries to mix detailed descriptions of beauty with the stark descriptions of the harshness of poverty. Read this book if you want to be feel upset for days! |
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