South Milwaukee Public Library Staff Reviews

Nothing More to Tell by Karen McManus Genre: Young Adult Fiction Karen McManus has done it again! Brynn Gallagher uses her new internship at a true crime podcast to investigate the unsolved murder of her favorite teacher. Throughout the novel, Brynn uncovers secrets about her school, teacher, and her ex-best friend. I couldn't put this book down. There were several points where I thought I knew who the killer was but I was wrong every single time. I loved that I never knew what was coming next! - Emily

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Genre: Adult Historical Fiction There are not a lot of books that make me cry, but this one always does it. The Kite Runner is one of the most frequently banned books club in US schools, and it's definitely one of the most important books I've read. Heart wrenching story, beautifully developed and intricate characters, and such an approachable history of a country we don't hear a lot about in the US. Learn about Afghanistan and become invested in Amir's story in a book I highly recommend! - Bethany

Slaying the Dragon: A Secret History of Dungeons & Dragons Genre: Adult Non-Fiction I am not a huge nonfiction reader but I really enjoyed this book! Riggs talks about the history of the ever-popular roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons, from its roots in nearby Lake Geneva, WI all the way to its sale to Wizards of the Coast in Renton, WA in 1997 due to decades of business mismanagement. An enjoyable read for nerds like me. Lots of business talk but easily understandable, and clearly lovingly written. - Bethany

Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade Genre: Romance I love any book Olivia Dade writes because she is more inclusive with body size and age in her female characters. I reach for one of her books when I need a good side of fluff and day dreamy material. Spoiler Alert is a romance focused on the two main characters and their adventures in fan fiction and misunderstandings in communication. This all happens with a super famous male lead! (P.S. The main female character is a geologist, so this book rocks!) - Tristan

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy Genre: Adult Non-Fiction Despite several heavy topics discussed throughout the book,  I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy was surprisingly easy to digest. I would recommend this book to anyone - even if they've never watched anything with Jennette in it. Unlike most celebrity memoirs, her passion for writing is evident in her storytelling.  A fair warning, there are themes of  parental death, addiction, eating disorders, and narcissistic parenting throughout the entire book.  - Emily