This post - our final set of reviews ushering in our annual August "Gone Reading" break - highlights great "not-kid" and "not-YA" books for your summer reading  needs. We look forward to seeing you all here again with more reviews of great books at some point in mid- to late-September. Happy August and have fun wherever you have "gone reading".

Fleishman is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner (2019) - I feel as if Jane Austen and Ms. Brodesser-Akner would have enjoyed sharing a cup of tea and tradiing observations about society. I also believe that we all would have benefitted from the novels emerging from their discussions. Ms. Brodesser-Akner takes a topic I really, really did not want to read about - divorce and middle-aged dating - and writes so well I ended up completing every page. Her writing is bracing. Her plot is relatable; and her humor is pitch-perfect. I never thought about what kind of pictures dating apps carry; now I have. But mostly I was struck about how the things we don't share, and the feelings we don't take responsibility for end up being our demise. As the New York Times review stated, "Brodesser-Akner has written a potent, upsetting and satisfying novel, illustrating how the marital pledge — build our life together — overlooks a key fact: There are two lives. And time isn’t a sharer. You cook dinner, or I do. In marriage, your closest ally may end up your nearest rival. 'You complete me' is an awful lot of pressure." ~ Lisa Christie

The Gifted School by Bruce Holinsger (2019) - This is one of those books that might be easy to read and feel better about your life - "I would never do that". "Aren't these people insane?" Or to be cynical about - "Wow what a coincidence that this novel is released as the college admissions scandal unfolds in the courts, how opportunistic".  Or, to just dismiss it as a "beach read". And while it is hard to hang your hat on any of the characters and want them to succeed or to empathise with their extreme circumstances, Mr. Holsinger somehow makes them relatable and I kept reading.  I picked this up as it seemed timely; and, I was looking for a relatively easy to digest quick read --  basically a "beach read". This novel (University of Virginia English professor Mr. Holinger's first) explores what happens when a pubic school system in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado creates a school for "gifted children".  Think of it as the current college admission scandal for K-12 students and their families. The story unfolds through the eyes of four families in an elite town and one family from a town far enough away to be affordable and still close enough allow them to clean the houses of families in the elite town. As you can guess before you even open to page one, people behave badly, long-standing friendships are severed, and secrets are revealed. For me, all that may be beside the point. Because what I received in this "beach read", is a book that has me thinking about how while I would like to believe I would not go to the extremes of the characters in this book to help my children, I drive a barely three year old car with 62,000 miles on it from hockey, soccer, baseball, and football practices and games. And, I have gone to a teacher / principal once or twice to advocate on my sons' behalf. Thus, I probably shouldn't throw too many stones before acknowledging my own glass house. Is it the best book I have ever read? NO. Does it have me reflecting on my life in this lovely area I call home? Yes.  That is a pretty good review for a "beach book".  Plus, it will give your book club plenty to talk about. ​~ Lisa Christie

Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) - Bookseller extraordinaire, Carin Pratt of the Norwich Bookstore put this amazing saga of two families living side by side outside of NYC in my hands. Because I am still mulling this story, I'll let the words of another indie bookseller Anderson McKean of Page and Palette in Fairhope, Alabama, speak for me. “Ask Again, Yes is a compelling, heartbreaking, yet ultimately hopeful novel. Mary Beth Keane is incredibly talented; she does not sugar coat, instead giving readers a compulsively readable family drama. I did not expect to become so completely engrossed in these characters’ stories — two families whose lives become inextricably linked by young love and personal tragedy. Their myriad mistakes and attempts to atone beautifully demonstrate the power and grace found in forgiveness.” I will add, if you are in the mood for a well-written saga about life, love, friendship, and all the things (addiction, mental health, poor choices) that can enhance or interfere with those things - this book is for you.​ ​ ~ Lisa Christie

Black is the Body by Emily Bernard (2019) - A collection of essays discussing being Black in the predominantly white spaces of Vermont. Insightful, vulnerable, and helpful.  Ms. Bernard is a professor of English at the University of Vermont who was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. It is our belief our home state benefits greatly from her presence here. ~ Lisa Christie

Lives Laid Away by Stephen Mack Jones (2019) - I am a HUGE fan of Mr. Jones's debut August Snow. Thus, I was excited to see this new mystery brings August back. I was even more thrilled that I liked this second book, in what I hope is a long series, perhaps even better than the first.  In this outing, August Octavio Snow decides to defend his neighbors when ICE raids threaten their peace and safety; simultaneously he answers a former colleague's call to discover how a young, unnamed Latina was murdered. By saying yes to helping in both cases, he becomes caught in a human trafficking ring. The plot allows the author's wry humor to deliver some food for thought about the USA's current immigration policies. Detroit, (and actually I'd argue Michigan this time), is once again a character; so much so that Nancy Pearl of NPR's Morning Edition seriously considered relocating after reading Mr. Jones's first offering -- "This book is so good, I actually put it down, and I briefly entertained the notion of moving back to Detroit.”  Getting back to this second book, we really can't say it any better than Mike Lupica says in his New York Daily News review, “man, if you haven’t read Stephen Mack Jones’ Detroit crime novels about an ex-cop named August Snow, you ought to.”  ENJOY!  ~ Lisa Christie

The Fleur de Sel Murders: A Brittany Mystery (#3) by Jean-Luc Bannalec (2018) - This book made me want to visit Brittany immediately. I actually found myself with a map in hand tracking exactly where the characters in this mystery travel as I read each chapter. The writing was brisk and the book just a "fun read" on a hot summer afternoon. Commissaire Dupin provides an intriguing protagonist for this series. The descriptions of France are inspiring and somehow restful; and, the characters Dupin surrounds himself with are interesting on their own. (Note: Though I may have learned more than I possibly could ever wish to know about the salt marshes of the Guérande Peninsula, foodies will have a blast with this knowledge.) As a bonus -- I now have a new series to consume. As Kirkus Reviews describes The Brittany Mysteries, "Bannelec's Breton adventures are some of the best French local color going, with a deft blend of puzzle, personality, and description of the indescribable." The series begins with Death in Brittany. Have fun using these books to plot your next European vacation. ​ ~ Lisa Christie

Berlin by Jason Lutes (2019) - This graphic novel received "Best of 2018" nods from the Washington Post, New York Public Library, Globe and Mail, the Guardian, and many more reviewers. In it, Mr. Lutes takes a look at the fall of the Weimar Republic through the eyes of a few citizens—Marthe Müller, a young woman whose brother was killed in World War I, Kurt Severing, an idealistic journalist losing faith in the printed word as fascism takes hold; the Brauns, a family torn apart by poverty and politics and life. A great book for those readers who want something historical and a bit more visual this summer. Book Jam note: Mr. Lutes is a faculty member at the amazing Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction, VT. ​ ~ Lisa Christie

It's summer and the reading is easy -- unless you don't have a great book at the ready. For those of you who need superb books for the amazing kids in your life (or who, like Lisa Christie, of the Book Jam Lisas, like to read kids and YA books yourself), welcome to the Kids and Young Adult version of the Book Jam's annual Books for Summer Camping. We hope these recommendations help you find the perfect book to take camping, or on a road trip, or to the lake, or to a pool, or to your backyard and/or front porch. Basically, wherever your travels take you this summer -- ENJOY! (Look to us in two weeks for our adult version of Books for Summer Camping.)

My Car by Byron Barton (2003) - This board book with a plot twist and superbly clean illustrations has been a crowd pleaser for years.  We gift this to every new parent we know.  But don't take our word for it, librarians from the ALA Booklist agree - "Bright, graphic artwork invites readers to count, name colors and shapes, and follow Sam and his car as they drive through a bustling world from Sam's home in the country to his job in the city. The surprise ending is a gem! For young children intrigued by cars, this book is simply wonderful." ~ Lisa Cadow and Lisa Christie

Anything from the Eric Carle Collection by Eric Carle (assorted years) - Mr. Carle is a master storyteller and illustrator; and, his books have been amusing children for years as a result.  Huge plus: most of his books are available in a variety of languages. While we recommend all his work wholeheartedly, we highly recommend using The Very Lonely Firefly in its board book form as the last book before bedtime. Read it. Turn out the lights and watch the fireflies flicker, then place the child in bed for a great sleep. Books do allow for miracles. ​~ Lisa Cadow and Lisa Christie

Where the Heart Is by Jo Knowles (2019) - Once again, Ms. Knowles tackles tough topics with love and candor. In this novel, Rachel's 13th birthday brings parental fights and ultimately the loss of a childhood home. Basically, this is a compassionately told tale of poverty, family, friendship, being a teen, and sexual identity. Ms. Knowles spins tales of tough issues so, so well. We are so proud to call her as a fellow Vermonter and a friend. Since she is a friend, and we may be a bit biased, we are including a portion of the review from Publishers Weekly -- Ms Knowles, "paints a down-to-earth picture of an adolescent girl who is saddled with too many responsibilities". ~ Lisa Cadow and Lisa Christie 

The Benchwarmers by John Feinstein (2019) - Once again, Mr. Feinstein creates believable teen and pre-teen characters and uses sports to help them deal with life. In this case, a girl wishes to play for a 6th grade boys soccer team; and even though this novel is set in 2019, she is met with hostility from adults and kids; but she also gains new friends. A great book for anyone suffering from World Cup withdrawal. We also highly recommend Mr. Feinstein's other series for younger readers for anyone on your list who loves a bit of sports infused in their books or who just loves books about middle schoolers figuring out life. ~ Lisa Christie

With the Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo (2019). The teen heroine of this book, Emoni’s life has been full of tough decisions as she tries to do her best for her daughter and her abuela (grandmother). Luckily, she has a place where she can temporarily forget her responsibilities - the kitchen.  There, she somehow always manages to add magic to everything she cooks, creating food that is just amazingly good. This gift may also be her way to create something for herself. Ms. Acevedo's prose sings, and as the Indie Next List review stated, "The only word I can use to properly describe this book is ‘delicious.’" I could not agree more and I also recommend Ms. Acevedo's Poet X. ~ Lisa Christie

Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay (2019) - I know little about Philippines politics or life there; but, this tale of a Filipino-American boy has me curious.  Jason - Jay - is a senior in Michigan ready to finish high school and move on to college until news arrives that his beloved cousin Jun has died under mysterious and shady circumstances. And, no one will talk about it. Thus, Jay decides to use his spring break to travel to the Philippines and find out for himself what happened.  Full of details about Filipino life and coming of age in America as a "hyphen", I can't recommend this book enough. ~ Lisa Christie

On The Come Up by Angie Thomas (2019) - Speaking of The Hate U Give, I think I enjoyed Ms. Thomas's second novel even more than her first.  As the mother of two teenage boys who love rap and hip hop, I doubly appreciated Ms. Thomas's insights into these genres. In this novel, set in the same neighborhood as The Hate U Give, the heroine Brianne struggles against her family’s expectations for her life as she tries to make her way doing what she loves: rapping. She also must navigate racism at her school and the world at large as well as the larger expectations of Black girls in the music world and in life.  As Indie Next List stated in its review, " it is the story of fighting for your dreams, even as the odds are stacked against you; and about how, especially for young Black people, freedom of speech isn’t always free." ~ Lisa Christie