Each winter, CALS sponsors "Hot Reads for Cold Nights", our reading program for adults. Adult patrons at all CALS branches are eligible to read any of the hundreds of thousands of titles in the CALS catalog and submit a review for publication on our website. In the reviews below, perhaps you'll discover your next favorite author or be inspired to try a new genre. And don't forget to take part yourself next winter.
Patron Reviews from "Hot Reads for Cold Nights"
Ten Big Ones
by Janet Evanovich
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Stephanie Plum continues being an infamously bad bounty hunter. Hilarious!
reviewed by a Maumelle Library patron
Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in it's Darkest, Finest Hour
by Lynne Olson
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Behind the scenes history/developments of World War II. Very interesting/enlightening.
reviewed by a Thompson Library patron
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
by Susan Cain
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Stories about the 1/3 of our population who are often deemed "quiet." Good background and research info.
reviewed by a Main Library patron
Life Without Summer
by Lynne Griffin
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The struggles that two women have after four year old Abby is killed in a hit and run accident.
reviewed by a Dee Brown Library patron
11/22/63
by Stephen King
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A different King book – not creepy. A time traveler goes back in time to prevent JFK assassination. A great look back on the late 50s - early 60s. Makes us realize just how much has changed in the last 50 years.
reviewed by a Maumelle Library patron
Softly & Tenderly
by Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck
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Jade's life is turned upside down when she finds out her husband has a son he didn't tell her about. Can God help her accept him?
reviewed by a Thompson Library patron
I, Steve: Steve Jobs, in His Own Words
edited by George Beahm
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An autobiography of the great Steve Jobs. This is a quick but solid and concise read.
reviewed by a Main Library patron
The Mozart Conspiracy
by Scott Mariani
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While trying to learn the truth about her brother’s death, Leigh and Ben stumble into a web of murders and find themselves running from assassins.
reviewed by a Dee Brown Library patron
The Book Thief
by Markus Zusak
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A WWII story of a young girl who steals books and tells of the horros of the wood. Good.
reviewed by a Thompson Library patron
Ragnarok: End of the Gods
by A.S. Byatt
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Retelling of Norse Mythology through the eyes of a child, in Byatt's sparkling prose.
reviewed by a Main Library patron
Thanks for Nothing, Nick Maxwell
by Debbie Carbui
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A young pretty flirtatious woman and how her life changes rapidly when she finds out she is pregnant.
reviewed by a Dee Brown Library patron
The Consecrated Cross-Eyed Bear: Stories from the Less-Solemn Side of Church Life
by Charles Allbright
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Fun short stories from churches all over Arkansas.
reviewed by a Thompson Library patron
Veganist: Lose Weight, Get Healthy & Change the World
by Kathy Freston
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A story about a woman who transformed her eating habits into a healthier lifestyle. Tips to follow for all.
reviewed by a Main Library patron
Staying at Daisy's
by Jill Mansell
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A sassy and funny book about the life, love, and laughter of Daisy and her hotel.
reviewed by a Dee Brown Library patron
The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing To Our Brains
by Nicholas Carr
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This book tells how the use of technology is a threat to the human thought process. Very interesting.
reviewed by a Main Library patron
Devil You Know
by Jenna Black
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Morgan finds out a deadly family secret which makes her the target of a sociopathic demon.
reviewed by a Dee Brown Library patron
Why Animals Sleep So Close to the Road and Other Lies I Tell My Children
by Susan Konig
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Hysterical look at the life of the author as she raises three kids and moves to the suburbs with her husband.
reviewed by a Dee Brown Library patron
The Brief History of the Dead
by Kevin Brockmeier
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A story about life, death, and the time between. Thought-provoking and fun to read; filled with limitless imagination.
reviewed by a Main Library patron