Summer Reading, Kids Book Summaries and Adult Book Reviews

Book Reviews for All Level Readers

 

Whether you’re figuring out which book to choose for a beach weekend or a night by the fireplace or on your next flight, we’ve chosen some of our favorite books to help you choose. For the kiddos looking for info related to their Briarcliff Manor, Chappaqua, Armonk, or other schools in Westchester County, NY, and around the U.S. we’ve got quick summaries of each summer reading book and a few questions for thought. Feel free to e-mail us with any questions at info@scatteredbooks.com!  Order online and have them delivered to your door or pick them up in-store!

TitleImageDateCategories
David Baldacci’s Long ShadowsLong Shadows book cover2024/12/04Adult Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction Book Reviews, Romance2024-12-04 13:03:01
Book Review: *The City and Its Uncertain Walls* by Haruki Murakamibook cover2024/11/19Adult Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction Book Reviews, Romance2024-11-19 13:48:04
Book Review: Fairy Tale by Stephen King – A Masterful Blend of Fantasy and HorrorFairy Tale2024/11/09Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction Book Reviews, Horror, Suspense2024-11-09 13:19:37
Valley So Low by Jared Sullivan – A Riveting Environmental Legal ThrillerValley So Low Book Cover2024/10/17Courtroom Drama, Non-Fiction, Suspense2024-10-17 19:17:37
Animal Farm by George Orwell: A Timeless Political AllegoryAnimal Farm Book Cover - George Orwell2024/10/01Adult Fiction, Classics, Dystopian Fiction, Political Fiction, Sci-Fi2024-10-01 12:35:26
Book Review: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard OsmanThe Thursday Murder Club Book2024/09/24Adult Fiction, Humor, Mystery2024-09-24 11:55:39
Review, Summary and Spoilers for “A Death in Cornwall” by Daniel Silva2024/05/14Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Espionage, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller2024-05-14 16:00:08
In-Depth Book Review: In the Lost Lands by George R.R. MartinIn The Lost Lands Book Cover2024/05/13Adult Fiction, Adventure, Book Reviews, Fantasy, Fiction Book Reviews, Young Adult2024-05-13 12:16:07
Surviving the Unimaginable: A Powerful Review of James Clavell’s “King Rat”Book cover of James Clavell's King Rat2024/04/09Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Historical Fiction, War Fiction2024-04-09 12:15:12
An Epic Tale of Love, Sacrifice, and Revolution: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickensbook cover2024/04/06Classics, Fiction Book Reviews, Historical Fiction2024-04-06 02:48:34
An Epic Coming-of-Age Tale: A Captivating Review of “Eragon” by Christopher PaoliniEragon book cover2024/04/06Coming of Age, Fantasy, Uncategorized, Young Adult2024-04-06 02:31:48
The Three-Body Problem: A Masterpiece of Chinese Science FictionDepiction of.a scene from the three body problem2024/04/03Adult Fiction, Sci-Fi2024-04-03 02:03:07
The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis. What an amazing read!The Shards Book Cover2024/03/16Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Coming of Age, Horror, Psychological Thriller2024-03-16 08:55:17
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier: A Haunting Gothic RomanceRebecca Book Cover2024/03/12Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Fiction Book Reviews, Gothic, Psychological Thriller, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Thriller2024-03-12 11:45:55
The Catcher In The Rye by JD. Salinger – A detailed summary and reviewa winter scene in New York City during the 1950s, with a teenage Holden Caulfield wandering the snowy streets alone2024/03/11Adult Fiction, Coming of Age, Fiction Book Reviews2024-03-11 00:23:03
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder Book by David GrannThe Wager Book Cover2024/03/10Book Reviews, Historical Non-Fiction, Non-Fiction2024-03-10 08:29:56
Review of “The Women” by Kristin Hannah with SummaryThe Women by Kristen Hannah book cover2024/03/08Book Reviews, Historical Fiction2024-03-08 01:45:39
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity Book by Bill Gifford and Peter AttiaOutlive book cover2024/03/07Book Reviews, Health, Non-Fiction, Science, Self Help2024-03-07 14:04:35
1984 Book Summary – George Orwellbook cover of 1084 with a single eye watching...2024/03/06Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Dystopian Fiction, Fiction Book Reviews, Political Fiction, Sci-Fi2024-03-06 12:31:58
Review of “Killers of the Flower Moon” by David GrannKillers of the Flower Moon Book cover2024/03/06History, Investigative Journalism, Narrative Non-Fiction, Non-Fiction2024-03-06 12:08:42
Comprehensive Review of “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Leeto kill a mockingbird cover2024/03/04Adult Fiction, Bildungsroman, Book Reviews, Classics, Southern Gothic, Suspense, Young Adult2024-03-04 13:54:42
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne: A Comprehensive Reviewthe dramatic moment of Arthur dying in the arms of Hester under a large tree. This scene conveys emotions of sorrow, redemption, grief, and love, highlighting the novel's themes of guilt, penance, and the complexities of human emotion2024/03/03Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Classics, Historical Fiction2024-03-03 00:47:54
Sustainable Fun: Seed Paper Shapes Craft for Birthday Party Activityvarious seed paper shapes, such as hearts, stars, and animals, made from recycled paper with seeds embedded in them2024/03/02Activity, Craft, Eco-Friendly, Kids Birthday Parties, Party Favors, Party Planning2024-03-02 15:13:18
The Dubliners by James Joyce – Review, Summary and AnalysisDubliners Book Cover2024/03/01Adult Fiction, Classics2024-03-01 00:08:01
The Color Purple by Alice Walker – A Summary and ReviewThe Color Purple by Alice Walker2024/02/28Adult Fiction, Classics, Historical Fiction, Young Adult2024-02-28 03:02:05
Classic Summer Reading – The Great Gatsby, Synopsis and ReviewGreat Gatsby Book Cover2024/02/27Book Reviews, Classics, Fiction Book Reviews2024-02-27 03:24:47
In-Depth Review: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universehttps://bookshop.org/a/1289/97814424089372024/02/25Book Reviews, Young Adult2024-02-25 21:20:32
It Starts With Us – Picking Up Where It Ends With Us EndedIt Starts With Us Book Cover2024/02/23Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Romance2024-02-23 02:27:55
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover Summary and Review – What’s this book all about?It Ends With Us book cover2024/02/23Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Romance2024-02-23 01:57:29
Exploring the Depths of ‘The Watchers’ by A.M. Shine: A Comprehensive ReviewThe Watchers by A.M. Shine2024/02/20Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Fiction Book Reviews, Horror, Suspense, Thriller2024-02-20 13:34:05
Comprehensive Review and Analysis of ‘House of Earth and Blood’ by Sarah J. Maashouse of earch and blood book cover2024/02/17Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Fantasy, Romance2024-02-17 13:19:04
“House of Sky and Breath” by Sarah J. Maas – A Detailed Book Reviewhouse of sky and breath book cover2024/02/16Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Fantasy, Romance2024-02-16 13:26:29
A Mic For All Seasons by Kenny AlbertA Mic For All Seasons2024/02/09Book Reviews, Non-Fiction, Sports2024-02-09 03:32:37
Summary of “Greta & Valdin” – A Book Laden with Humor, Culture and Wonderful Emotion2024/02/06Adult Fiction, Humor, LGBTQ2024-02-06 15:38:01
Comprehensive Review and Summary of ‘House of Flame and Shadow’ by Sarah J. Maasan ancient, ornate amulet2024/02/04Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Fantasy, Romance2024-02-04 12:43:27
It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han – Book 2 in The Summer I Turned Pretty SeriesBeachouse at sunset2024/02/02Book Reviews, Fiction Book Reviews, Young Adult2024-02-02 22:53:41
Action Thriller “Argylle” by Elly Conway Summary and ReviewArgylle Book Cover2024/01/29Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Thriller2024-01-29 01:05:44
Mickey7 by Edward Ashton: Review and Synopsisicy planet landscape of Niflheim, illustrating the harsh, cold environment with advanced human colony structures in the background2024/01/26Adult Fiction, Sci-Fi, Young Adult2024-01-26 12:46:53
Summary and Review of The Tiger’s Apprentice by Laurence YepTigers Apprentice Unlock The Power Within2024/01/20Book Reviews, Fantasy, Mythology, Young Adult2024-01-20 22:11:29
“Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” Review and SummaryElphaba, the green-skinned protagonist, standing defiantly in the magical land of Oz2024/01/13Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Classics, Fantasy, Suspense, Young Adult2024-01-13 14:03:24
‘The Exchange’ by John Grisham – A Riveting Legal ThrillerThe Exchange Book Cover2023/12/27Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Fiction Book Reviews, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller2023-12-27 13:20:12
Circe by Madeline MillerCirce, a powerful enchantress from Greek mythology, practicing witchcraft in her sanctuary on the island of Aiaia2023/12/17Book Reviews, Fantasy, Fiction Book Reviews, Mythology, Young Adult2023-12-17 13:52:17
Review of An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa TahirLaia from Ember in the Ashes, depicting her with olive skin and dark curly hair, dressed in simple clothing. Her expression conveys determination and resilience, standing in a dimly lit, ancient Roman-like alleyway, symbolizing her hidden strength in a world of oppression.2023/12/16Book Reviews, Fantasy, Fiction Book Reviews, Young Adult2023-12-16 01:17:58
Synopsis and Review of The Fellowship of the Ring, Book One in The Lord of The Rings SeriesThe One Ring to rule them all. With Elven script.2023/12/09Classics, Fantasy, Fiction Book Reviews, Uncategorized2023-12-09 21:08:33
Book Review: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBrideA vibrant, bustling 1930s neighborhood centered on the heaven and earth grocery store2023/12/09Book Reviews, Historical Fiction, Mystery2023-12-09 16:03:13
Shogun by James Clavell: A Synopsis and ReviewA pastel chalk drawing of a Shogun warrior on a horse, appearing triumphant from battle. The Shogun is wearing traditional armor, with intricate design.2023/12/07Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Classics, Historical Fiction, War Fiction2023-12-07 13:32:54
Summary and Review of The Story of Hanukkah by David AdlerHanukkah-menorah2023/12/03Book Reviews, Childrens, Classics, Family, Holiday - Hanukkah, Uncategorized2023-12-03 15:19:32
Don Quixote Synopsis and ReviewA sepia-toned caricature drawing of a tall, slender, and aging Spanish gentleman, Don Quixote. He has a gaunt face with a long nose and pointed chin, expressing nobility2023/12/02Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Classics, Fiction Book Reviews2023-12-02 13:33:06
Summary of A Christmas Carol – The Timeless Classic by Charles DickensConceptual cover art for 'A Christmas Carol' showcasing key elements of the story such as a snowy Victorian London, a silhouette of Ebenezer Scrooge, and the ghosts!2023/12/01Book Reviews, Childrens, Classics, Family, Fiction Book Reviews, Holiday - Christmas2023-12-01 18:50:21
Summary of The Diary of Anne Frankartwork contrasting light and darkness to represent hope and despair with a flower in the center2023/11/30Autobiography, Book Reviews, Classics, Non-Fiction, Uncategorized2023-11-30 13:53:00
“Letters from Father Christmas” by J.R.R. Tolkien: A Comprehensive ReviewJolly Father Christmas, writing letters at his desk in his workshop surrounded by toys and elves.2023/11/29Book Reviews, Childrens, Classics, Family, Fantasy, Holiday - Christmas2023-11-29 13:17:17
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: A Comprehensive ReviewBook cover of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein"2023/11/28Book Reviews, Fiction Book Reviews, Horror, Sci-Fi2023-11-28 13:48:41
Book Six of the Dune Series, “Chapterhouse: Dune” – Last Dune Book by Frank Herbertsci-fi illustration of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood in a futuristic setting, showing a group of women in flowing robes2023/11/25Book Reviews, Fantasy, Fiction Book Reviews, Sci-Fi2023-11-25 19:29:29
Review of “Heretics of Dune” by Frank Herbert – Dune Series Book FiveA futuristic desert landscape with giant sandworms emerging from the sands, under a star-filled night sky, reflecting the theme of change and evolution2023/11/20Book Reviews, Fantasy, Fiction Book Reviews, Sci-Fi2023-11-20 18:52:37
God Emperor of Dune – Book Four of Dune Series Review and SummaryLeto transforms into sandworm2023/11/18Book Reviews, Fantasy, Fiction Book Reviews, Sci-Fi2023-11-18 17:57:33
Children of Dune: A Journey Beyond the Sands of Conventional Sci-FiChildren of Dune book2023/11/15Book Reviews, Fantasy, Fiction Book Reviews, Sci-Fi2023-11-15 22:51:29
Unveiling the Layers of Power and Philosophy in “Dune Messiah”Dune Messiah2023/11/12Book Reviews, Fantasy, Fiction Book Reviews, Sci-Fi2023-11-12 15:55:26
Summary and Review of “My Name is Barbara” – A Memoir by Barbara Streisandcreative artist rendition of the many faces of barbara streisand captured throughout her career2023/11/12Autobiography, Personal Memoir2023-11-12 14:43:21
Summary and Review of “Iron Flame: by Rebecca Yarros: A Riveting Blend of Fantasy and Romancerendition of scene from fourth wing depicting Basgiath War College, an academy for dragon riders. The scene shows a vast, medieval-style campus with towering spires with threatening dragons flying overhead2023/11/12Book Reviews, Fantasy, Fiction Book Reviews2023-11-12 13:48:46
Unveiling the Depths of Dune: A Journey Beyond the Sands of Conventional Sci-Fiimage representing the book "Dune," its characters, and the desert world of Arrakis, along with the integral element of the spice.2023/11/09Book Reviews, Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction Book Reviews, Sci-Fi2023-11-09 15:21:50
Elvis and Me: A Vivid Glimpse Into The King’s Life Written by His Queen, PriscillaElvis and Priscilla at their wedding surrounded by photographers and paparazzi2023/11/05Autobiography, Book Reviews, Non-Fiction, Romance2023-11-05 14:30:27
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros: A Riveting Dragon TaleArtist Rendition of Fourth Wing2023/10/29Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Fantasy, Romance2023-10-29 13:11:08
Review and Summary of All My Rage by Sabaa TahirPhoto of the book cover of 'All My Rage' by Sabaa Tahir, showcasing a desert landscape with two Pakistani American teenagers, Salahudin and Noor, standing distantly amidst sand dunes, with the title prominently displayed at the top.2023/10/21Book Reviews, Fiction Book Reviews, Young Adult2023-10-21 12:51:08
“Book Review: Goosebumps House of Shivers #1 – Scariest Book Ever by R.L. Stine”2023/10/15Book Reviews, Mystery2023-10-15 14:08:24
Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre: In-depth Book Review and AnalysisPhoto of a vintage hardcover edition of 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Brontë, placed on a wooden table with a quill and inkpot beside it. The ambient lighting casts a soft glow, evoking a sense of history and reverence.2023/10/07Book Reviews, Classics, Fiction Book Reviews2023-10-07 18:50:22
“Death Valley by Melissa Broder: A Comprehensive Book Review and Analysis”2023/10/03Book Reviews2023-10-03 18:18:32
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black: A Dark and Enchanting Book, Reviewed2023/09/26Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Fantasy2023-09-26 12:46:45
Book Review: One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus – A Thrilling YA Mystery2023/09/17Book Reviews2023-09-17 16:38:35
The Hunger Games – Reviewed by Emma Ciliberti2023/09/17Book Reviews2023-09-17 13:06:54
Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows: In-Depth Book Review & Analysis2023/09/09Book Reviews2023-09-09 16:55:28
A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Review: Blooming Fantasy by Sarah J. Maas2023/09/02Book Reviews, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult2023-09-02 12:59:50
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins2023/08/29Book Reviews2023-08-29 05:19:14
“They Both Die at the End” Book Summary: A Heartbreaking Tale by Adam Silvera2023/08/26Book Reviews2023-08-26 18:30:48
“Book Review: Cassandra Clare’s Chain of Iron – A Riveting Tale”2023/08/26Book Reviews2023-08-26 17:30:49
The Hobbit – J.R.R TolkienBilbo Baggins with a walking stick on a path leading out of the lush green Shire to begin his adventure.2023/03/15Adult Fiction, Book Reviews, Classics, Fantasy, Fiction Book Reviews2023-03-15 21:42:48
Be Where Your Feet Are2021/03/14Book Reviews2021-03-14 13:40:35
We Do This Till We Free Us2021/03/14Book Reviews2021-03-14 13:39:17
Night by Elie Wiesel – Book ReviewNight by Elie Weisel Book Cover for Review2019/06/29Book Reviews, Non-Fiction2019-06-29 11:43:24
It’s the Bookstore Bunny Blog2019/02/19Bookstore Bunnies2019-02-19 19:06:04
The Hypnotists Love Story2019/02/16Fiction Book Reviews2019-02-16 14:09:08
An Anonymous GirlBook cover from An Anonymous Girl2019/02/10Fiction Book Reviews2019-02-10 21:19:14
BarracoonBaracoon Book Cover2019/02/03Non-Fiction2019-02-03 20:15:11
The Septembers of Shiraz2019/02/03Historical Fiction2019-02-03 20:01:35
The Sleepwalker2019/02/03Fiction Book Reviews2019-02-03 19:55:22
Forever2019/02/03Historical Fiction2019-02-03 15:28:34
The Lost City of the Monkey God: A True Story2019/02/03Non-Fiction2019-02-03 15:16:47
Ordinary Grace2019/02/03Fiction Book Reviews2019-02-03 15:07:43
The Singing Bone2019/02/03Fiction Book Reviews2019-02-03 15:01:44
The Women in the Castle2019/02/03Historical Fiction2019-02-03 14:44:37
Hello Universe Book Review and Summary2019/01/22Book Reviews, Young Adult2019-01-22 02:24:04
The Game by Ken Dryden2018/02/03Autobiography, Book Reviews, Personal Memoir, Sports2018-02-03 21:54:35

 

Elementary Level Reading

Goosebumps House of Shivers – Scariest. Book. Ever. by R.L. Stine
Matilda / Roald Dahl
Space Case / Stuart Gibbs
Hello Universe / Erin Entrada Kelly
Spy School / Stuart Biggs
Wishtree / Katherine Applegate
The Wild Robot / Peter Brown
The Losers Club / Andrew Clements
Bob by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead
Raymie Nightingale by Kate di Camillo

Young Adult Level

The Tiger’s Apprentice

the Color Purple by Alice Walker
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Micky7 by Edward Ashton
The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien
The Fellowship Of The Ring – J.R.R. Tolkien
Cirece – Madeline Miller
Trouble / Gary D. Schmidt
On The Come Up / Angie Thomas
They Both Die At The End By Adam Silvera
Keeper of the Lost Cities / Shannon Messenger
The Name of This Book is A Secret / Pseudonymous Bosch
The Goose Girl / Shannon Hale
The School for Good and Evil / Soman Chainani
Scythe / Neal Shusterman
When you Reach Me / Rebecca Stead
The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins
Mockingjay / Suzanne Collins
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Anything but Typical book summary / Nora Raleigh Baskin
The War That Saved My Life / Kimberly Bradley
Among the Hidden / Margaret Peterson
The Misfits / James Howe
Fast Break / Mike Lupica
Between Shades of Grey / Ruta Sepetys
Ghost by Jason Reynolds
We are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen
Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Wicked

High School Reading Level

The Diary of Anne Frank
Argylle by Elly Conway
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
One Of Us Is Lying – Karen McManus
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
It’s Not Summer Without You
A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas
Six of Crows – Leigh Bardugo
Of Mice and Men / John Steinbeck
Fahrenheit 451
The Alchemist / Paulo Coehlo
Strange The Dreamer / Liani Taylor
The Raven Boys / Maggie Stiefvater
Looking for Alaska / John Green
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez
Good Girl’s Guide to Murder / Holly Jackson
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

H.S. Seniors & Adults

Crescent City Series by Sarah J. Maas
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

Colleen Hoover:
It Ends With Us
It Starts With Us

Greta & ValdinThe Exchange by John Grisham
Death Valley by Melissa Broder
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Priscilla / Priscilla Beulieu Presley
My Name is Barbara / Barbara Streisand
Don Quixote by Miguel De Cervantes
Shogun by James Clavell
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

 

Holiday and Family Reading
Letters from Father Christmas – Tolkein
A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
The story of Hanukkah – David A. Adler

 

Non-Fiction
A Mic For All Seasons by Kenny Albert
The Game by Ken Dryden

Childrens
Adult Fiction
Young Adult
Classics
Fantasy
Fiction Book Reviews
Autobiography
Bildungsroman
Coming of Age
Dystopian Fiction
Family
Gothic
Health / Self-Help
Historical Fiction
History
Health / Self-Help
Humor
Investigative Journalism