Reader's Companions

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah Digest & Review. Let's set the scene— it is World War II, and we see it from the point of view of two sisters. Divided by the war, their passions, situations, and ideologies pulled them together. Each crossed long and treacherous passageways toward freedom, love, and survival as Germany overtook France. Kristin Hannah takes us through an inspiring journey of the true story of the buoyancy of civilization and these...

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins Digest & Review. This is a digest of The Girl on the Train, a psychological thriller novel written by Paula Hawkins. It delves into the world of people-watching, infidelity, and alcoholism, and how each of these aspects affect many people, not just the person experiencing them. The book is primarily about Rachel, a depressed alcoholic, who is hung up on her ex. On her daily train commute to a job that she was...

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Digest & Review. Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird follows the life of six-year-old Scout Finch and her ten-year-old brother Jem Finch. They spend the majority of their time playing with their friend Dill in a town called Maycomb, Alabama. Their father, Atticus is a lawyer who defends a black man against false charges of the rape of a white woman. The trial results in the children learning a lot about judgment...

The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant Digest & Review Activists fought for an end to child labor. Women secretly shared pamphlets about contraceptives. At the height of prohibition, patrons at certain cafes drank whiskey from teapots. Born in 1900, Addie Baum formed an identity separate from her traditional upbringing during a time of worldwide change. Now, at age eighty-five, Addie tells her granddaughter about her life and the times in which she lived,...

A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson Digest & Review. A God in Ruins is the companion novel to Life after Life, both written by Kate Atkinson. Life after Life tapped into what life would be like with infinite chances to live and how choices affect those chances. A God in Ruins tells the story of Teddy Todd-husband, father, and war hero-as he tries to adjust to life after the war. He never expected to survive the war, so he is essentially facing a future...

The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin Digest & Review. Gabrielle Zevin is a famous American author and screenwriter, known mostly for her book Elsewhere and the script for Conversations with Other Women. In her newest novel, The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry, she presents us with a beautiful story of a bookshop owner, who after losing his wife and witnessing his business slowly fall into decline becomes a recluse and gives in to depression....

Last One Home by Debbie Macomber Digest & Review. Last One Home is a novel written by Debbie Macomber. The central plot of the book is about a woman who discovers the bravery needed to finally let go of her past and turn her attention to herself and her daughter after she leaves a bad marriage. It does not focus on the violence and heartache of the situation, but instead shows that with the help and love of friends and family, a single mother can...

Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult Digest & Review. Leaving Time is a novel about one teen's quest to find her mom after her mysterious disappearance. Jenna, only 13 years old, searches every way she knows how to find her mom, Alice. She relies on the internet, a psychic, and studies her mom's work notes every day for clues about her mother's whereabouts. As the investigation continues, Jenna is forced to ask difficult questions, and she soon learned that...

Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman Digest & Review. With this digest companion, you'll enjoy: • Digest of the book Orange is the New Black • Reviews of the book and author • The reception of the book and reader's reactions • Stories beyond the digest • And more! Disclaimer: This digest is an unofficial reader's guide to aide informed decisions, enhancing appreciation of the book. This is NOT a summary and does not contain any text...

Mean Streak explores the long-standing question, "Does the end justify the means?" Is it acceptable to do something immoral to achieve a positive outcome? Where does one draw the line? True to form, bestselling author Sandra Brown delivers in this nail-biting mystery offering heaps of danger, shocking ploys, suspense, and sexy romance. Mean Streak is a wildly compelling "edge of your seat" read. This novel tracks several complex personas that are...