Community of Readers

Title The Silverblood Promise Author James Logan Rating Recommended Book Review The first book in The Last Legacy series, James Logan's debut fantasy novel is a page turner without much unnecessary filler. Characters and plot are engaging enough to keep the readers along with the story about a son trying to find his father's killer, but gets caught in a major side quest. A downside to the book is that certain parts are predictable. Submitted By Carl Privette Department or Major Leatherby Libraries Status Staff Chapman Email privette@chapman.edu

 

Community of Readers

Title The Blackfire BLade Author James Logan Rating Recommended Book Review The general plot of the 2nd book in The Last Legacy series is essentially a copy of the first book, but a little more nuanced. To get another clue to the main protagonist's father's death, he and his 2 friends(?) find themselves in another side quest to save a different city. Once again, some things are predictable and "time" is an issue. Readers receive more insight into the other 2 protagonists, but it's obvious their backstories will be connected together with the larger plot that brings the series together. Still an enjoyable read. Submitted By Carl Privette Department or Major Leatherby Libraries Status Staff Chapman Email privette@chapman.edu

 

Community of Readers

Title Slam Author Nick Hornby Call Number other Location Other Rating Somewhat Recommended Book Review A young man, Sam, beginning to think of his future and about attending art college learns he will become a father and life permanently tilts. He pours his soul into his Tony Hawk poster. And his life advice is drawn from Hawk's memoir, about becoming a young father. Sam wakes multiple times into future situations learning about diaper changing and baby terminology and his mom's boyfriend. And when Sam wakes up he's back in the present and a little less unsteady. Hornby adds twists and turns in the story telling. It's never boring for a plot that can seem common. Submitted By Annalisa Goode Department or Major Law School Status Staff Chapman Email agoode@chapman.edu

 

Community of Readers Title The Great Gatsby Author F. Scott Fitzgerald Call Number n/a Location Other Rating Highly Recommended Book Review Another classic I wanted to reread, and yet again saw a lot more reading it as an adult. Reading it now I was more struck by how childish and thoughtless the characters were, and how they did not care for the working class at all. Everyone expressed surprise that Nick had to go to work at times, for example. The structure is very beautiful. Submitted By Laura Neis Department or Major Business College Status Staff Chapman Email lneis@chapman.edu

 

Community of Readers Title Platform Decay Author Martha Wells Call Number n/a Location Other Rating Highly Recommended Book Review The eighth book in the murderbot diaries, this book sees murderbot stuck carrying out a rescue mission. The world of the books is further expanded by asking what capitalism does to humans and the environment, and how people continue to help each other regardless. It is satisfying to see our main character continue its journey of mental health as well. Submitted By Laura Neis Department or Major Business College Status Staff Chapman Email lneis@chapman.edu

 

Community of Readers

Title Frankenstein Author Mary Shelley Call Number n/a Location Other Rating Highly Recommended Book Review There are some books that you need to reread at different times in your life. I first read this book ten years ago, when I was most interested in the concept of what it means to be human. However, now reading it, I was more struck by what it has to say about loneliness and friendship, and what we owe to each other. Submitted By Laura Neis Department or Major Business College Status Staff Chapman Email lneis@chapman.edu

 

Community of Readers

Title The Hallmarked Man Author Robert Galbraith Call Number other Location Other Rating Highly Recommended Book Review The eighth novel in the Cormoran Strike series does not disappoint. This character-driven novel blends murderous perps, rogue cops, highly placed blackmailers with the risk taking Strike/Ellacotte private detective agency working each day to sus out the city's most heinous criminals. Submitted By Annalisa Goode Department or Major Law School Status Staff Chapman Email agoode@chapman.edu

 

Community of Readers

Title John Williams: A Composer's Life Author Tim Greiving Call Number ML410.W71335 G74 2025 Location 3rd Floor Music Rating Highly Recommended Book Review The first definitive biography about John Williams that the illustrious composer himself approved and agreed to be extensively interviewed, "John Williams" covers his nearly 8 decade career composing music. This novel introduces readers to how Williams approached and processed many of his famous and lesser-known film and television compositions, as well as his classical and jazz pieces that are not widely known or discussed. Readers also get a little insight into John Williams' life outside of music and how it shaped his career. Submitted By Carl Privette Department or Major Leatherby Libraries Status Staff Chapman Email privette@chapman.edu

 

Community of Readers

Title The Blueprint Author Rae Giana Rashad Call Number N/A Location Other Rating Highly Recommended Book Review Margaret Atwood meets Honorée Fanonne Jeffers in this debut novel, with an unexpected storyline. Solenne is a young Black woman "living" (enslaved) in a system where life "choices" are determined by an algorithm, particularly for Black men and women. This novel travels back in time to draw parallels between Solenne's life and that of her enslaved ancestor, Henriette. The themes focus on systemic oppression, bodily autonomy, predatory relationships, and generational trauma. Submitted By Caylin Schmenk Department or Major Leatherby Libraries Status Staff Chapman Email schmenk@chapman.edu

 

Community of Readers Title Eldritch Author Keri Lake Call Number N/A Location Other Rating Somewhat Recommended Book Review Eldritch is the second book in The Eating Woods gothic romantasy trilogy. The book started at the same location as the last one, and the characters remained there for several hundred pages with little happening. In fact, the first half of this 700-plus-page book had little going on beyond flashbacks. The second half improved, but was rushed and a bit confusing. Submitted By Caylin Schmenk Department or Major Leatherby Libraries Status Staff Chapman Email schmenk@chapman.edu

 

Title The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Author Barbara Robinson Location Other Rating Recommended Book Review A cute story set in a small town where a they prepare to produce the annual Christmas Pageant. The struggle for the responsible parent is that she must include all the town's children even the family of 6 siblings who are the most unruly and unlikable in the town. The six siblings threaten, lie, are violent and steal to get what they want including being center stage to act out the Christmas story. While attending rehearsals the siblings inevitably learn about the plot, although it is rough going for everyone else in the scenes and the play eventually is performed. The results were undeniably memorable but the attitude of the rest of the town changed for the better and the adults were humbled by the changes seen in the kids. This story is also a movie starring Lauren Graham. Submitted By Annalisa Goode Department or Major Law School Status Staff Chapman Email agoode@chapman.edu

 

Title Excellent Women Author Barbara Pym Call Number PR6066.y58e91988 Location 2nd Floor Humanities Rating Recommended Book Review Mildred Lathbury is a single woman, quite happy. She observes, analyzes, dreams of instances and a life well lived by her and those around her, but is never dissatisfied or suffering from FOMO. Mildred meets and observes new neighbors, enjoys observing their quirks and attitudes. Most of her current friends revolve around the church perish and most are very much like her, which is satisfactory. Mildred is an excellent woman, in that she is the go-to, level headed, cool under pressure friend everyone wants to call their own. The author's humor is present through out the story. And was seen as an example of the highest comedy. The story  characters are still skimping and saving from war time rationing, and doing without is a routine. In  1952 England tea time is a must and cannot be missed. It's a routine that centers civility and makes you slow down, sit and enjoy company and a biscuit or two. It appears to be the first response to an unexpected issue. Submitted By Annalisa Goode Department or Major Law School Status Staff Chapman Email agoode@chapman.edu

 

Title Fearless and Free Author Josephine Baker Location Other Rating Somewhat Recommended Book Review This memoir was written by the artist in 1949 and was only recently published in English in the US.  While hers is a fascinating life story, I found the writing style to be very abrupt.  She lived such a full life yet she only scratches the surface of details.  For example, she describes performing on stage to the point of bleeding and passing out but then doesn't finish the story and moves on to the next tour stop.  I'm still a fan, but I would only recommend this for a die hard fan. Submitted By Kim Vater Department or Major Law School Status Staff Chapman Email kvater@chapman.edu