3.75 stars rounded up. I find this book very hard to rate as much of the merit comes from its status as a classic. Mark Twain’s novel is full of adventure, boyhood mischief and depictions of the racist antebellum Southern US. I’m very familiar with the story and probably have the strongest memory of the Elijah Wood portrayal on film. There’s nostalgia that comes with taking that trip down the river with Huck and Jim and revisiting their stops along the way. Yet, during this reading, I was shocked at the preponderance of vernacular and ear-piercing slurs (specifically the n-word) that made it rather hard to listen to on audio. If this book were written today as historical fiction, I’d probably be rounding down the rating, but I can’t ignore where this text stands in history. Tom Parker’s narration felt rather fast-paced, but his voice felt authentic though his occasional vocal clicks stuck out a bit.

This was a good story walk book pick. I liked it. -Diana

4.5 stars. Jack and Annie travel to the prairie and visit a dugout schoolhouse, write with chalk on slate and befriend pioneers. They encounter a twister and have to hide in a storm cellar. This is one of their more exciting and endearing adventures.

I read this book because it was a July Indie Next pick and GMA’s book club pick. I listened to the audiobook via Libby and was surprised by the English-accented narration by actress Lucy Boynton (though in retrospect I shouldn’t because of the author’s Irish origin). This book definitely felt like Survivor with more coupling and more cutthroat consequences. I couldn’t look away from the competition of it all and my interest was maintained up until the couple switching. The book had a bit of a lull but finished with what seemed to be an explosion of the seven deadly sins. This was an interesting book that would be good to discuss but also one I’m unlikely to reread.

There are a lot of really good horror graphic novels being made these todays. This one I can stronly say is perfect! Not one thing I would change or expand upon. It is such a great mix of sci-fi, horror & the apocalypse theme.

I read this book because it was an Indie Next pick for May and I wanted to mix it up with a memoir/nonfiction read. I was unfamiliar with the author’s podcast but I loved the idea of a bookseller’s book. I felt like Annie was relatable. I appreciated her perspective on church. Overall, I thought she had a clear voice that will resonate with some but maybe not work for others. I listened to the audiobook on Libby.

rilly great book

This was an exciting adventure, book for kids, which taught many things about teamwork, mutual respect, and Outdoor safety.

Funny book

good reader, great characters both primary and secondary