Hilda C. Landers Library & Archives

Commander Kurt Lippold provides a gripping account of the attack on the U.S.S. Cole, which was bombed by Al Qaeda on October 12, 2000, off the coast of Yemen.  Commander Lippold leaves nothing out, he reveals the personal feelings of the crew, from the day of the attack to the political backlash of the incident’s aftermath, and delivers it all in a gripping narrative that doesn’t require military experience to understand. I could not put the book down. This book is definitely a must read.

Availability: SMCM Library and USMAI
Review Submitted by: Cheryl Colson
Rating:  Must Read

I found this book very intriguing and interesting. If you have any history of working in a kitchen, you’d love this book. This book explores the life and tribulations of restaurant (Prune) owner, Gabrielle Hamilton, from an early childhood in a very rustic home, through a confusing adolescence, and a rough adulthood, to finally finding her place, her home. The book shows the background, the exhaustion, the work, the satisfaction, and the life of someone who has given themselves as a cook, a mother, and, ultimately, a lover of food. It’s a must read.

Availability: COSMOS
Review Submitted by: Matthew Lachkovic
Rating:  Must Read

I’m not a huge fan of vampires and books about them, but this one was a great read. I honestly picked it up because the movie is coming out this summer, and I’m glad I did! It was a pretty easy read with a history lesson built in, which is what made it so fun to read. I felt like I was reading a non-fictional account of history. The vampires in this book were not romanticized. They were mostly vicious and blood-thirsty, as they should be, and that aspect helped create a lot of emotion in the story. Abe’s accounts mixed into the story as told by a secondary source really made you feel what he was feeling, whether it be happy or sad. Grahame-Smith did an amazing job of portraying Abraham Lincoln as I’ve learned about him with a little twist thrown in. The book even had pictures!

I would highly recommend this book, especially if you plan on seeing the movie this summer.

Availability: USMAI and COSMOS
Review Submitted by: Samantha Schwartz, student at SMCM
Rating:  Highly Recommended

Letters to God is based on the motion picture.  It is a heartwarming story about a boy’s journey and how his letters to God are used to connect to the questions and issues he is facing.  The letters also connect other people to the boy and his journey.  One thing I did enjoy about this book is that it holds an important message about connecting to people without solely focusing on the religious aspects.  This is a nice read for Christians and non-Christians alike.  All can grasp the message behind this family’s story and this boy’s journey.

Availability: COSMOS
Review Submitted by: Mandy Reinig
Rating:  Recommended

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest is the third in a trilogy, but while jumping right to the last book may have clouded my perspective this book certainly did not give me reason to start from the beginning. It started off with an intriguing opening which had me hook for the first few chapters, however the plot dragged on and about put me to sleep. Towards the end the book pulled together during the last 200 pages. I have mixed feelings about this book.

Availability: SMCM Library
Review Submitted by: Cheryl Colson
Rating:  Recommended with reservations

Read Jordan Gaines’ review of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.

The Demon King is a great read if you like fantasy. It was really neat how the author kept switching point of views in each chapter between two main characters until they met. I had trouble putting it down!

Availability: COSMOS
Review Submitted by: Lisa Williams
Rating: Highly Recommended

I just finished the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It was a quick read and extremely entertaining. The story was easy to follow and is appropriate for young adults through adults. It was easy to relate to the characters and root for the Hunger Game participants. it was hard to put the book down since I continuously wanted to know what the outcome would be. I did enjoy all the twists and turns throughout the story that kept the reader guessing without adding unnecessary text and Collins still kept the story moving. Perfect for adventure readers and those looking for a fast read.

Availability: SMCM Library and COSMOS
Review Submitted by: Mandy Reinig
Rating: Must Read