Book Reviews

The following reviews were written by patrons, staff, or members of the Board of the Owls Head Village Library. Book cover images are used for identification and review purposes only. All rights remain with the respective copyright holders. We welcome our patrons to send their reviews of any books they are reading or have read recently.

Book cover of The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku

The Happiest Man on Earth

by Eddie Jaku · Review by board member Diane Nelson

A moving, poignant story that is not just about the atrocities of the Holocaust.
Surviving against all odds, Eddie Jaku chose to live the rest of his life with gratitude,
to honor the six million Jews murdered, and to smile every day of his life.
Eddie Jaku turned 100 in 2020.

Book cover of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

The Nightingale

by Kristin Hannah · Review by board member Diane Nelson

This historical novel tells a World War II story from the perspective of a small French village.
It is a story of family—of two sisters, Viane and Isabelle—who must make “choiceless choices.”
Each sister shows bravery in her own way, doing what she believes is right under unimaginable circumstances.
Once you start reading, you won’t put it down.

Book cover of The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

The Four Winds

by Kristin Hannah · Review by Diane Nelson

Kristin Hannah does what she does best—historical fiction.
This novel gives insight into the Great Depression from the perspective of farming families.
It is a story of survival amid drought, dust storms, failing crops, and discrimination,
as well as a powerful story of family, love, and heroism.

Book cover of The Last Days of John Lennon by James Patterson

The Last Days of John Lennon

by James Patterson · Review by an OHVL patron

This book will attract a variety of readers. While it does not focus on Lennon’s sailing trip
to Bermuda as hoped, the unlikely author—yes, THAT James Patterson—provides detailed insight
into a remarkable life. Aided by Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge, the authors do not shield readers
from the horror of the story. No one will want to reread The Catcher in the Rye.

Book cover of The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson

The Splendid and the Vile

by Erik Larson · Review by an anonymous library patron

Another biography of Winston Churchill may not be what you plan to read this summer,
but please consider this one. Focusing on the Blitz, Churchill appears at his most powerful.
According to Home Intelligence, he could “make some people’s flesh creep.”
This book reads easily and will appeal beyond pure history buffs.

Book cover of The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

The Midnight Library

by Matt Haig · Review by Diane Nelson

Nora Seed wants to end her life, but before she does, she must go to the library.
This uplifting novel reminds us how valuable our lives are and encourages reflection
on the paths we choose. It will inspire you to live life to its fullest.