Community of Readers Title Nothing Gold Can Stay Author Ron Rash Call Number N/A Location Other Rating Recommended Book Review Nothing Gold Can Stay is a collection of short stories set in Appalachia by Ron Rash. While some short story authors' collections vary in theme and story length, these stories focused on luck and were roughly the same length. I usually struggle with short stories, but overall, I enjoyed this collection. Submitted By Caylin Schmenk Department or Major Leatherby Libraries Status Staff Chapman Email schmenk@chapman.edu

 

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	Title The Rage of Dragons Author Evan Winter Rating Recommended Book Review An engaging fantasy novel, first in a series (trilogy?), that takes readers through the protagonist's journey to seek revenge for the murder of his father. The book is one long training montage. However, what separates this book from many other fantasy novels is that the world and characters reflect aspects of African cultures and societies, instead of reflecting European way of life and customs (which is what the author intended). Submitted By Carl Privette Department or Major Leatherby Libraries Status Staff Chapman Email privette@chapman.edu

 

Community of Readers Title The Compound Author Aisling Rawle Call Number NA Location Other Rating Recommended Book Review This dystopian thriller can best be described as Love Island meets Survivor. 20 contestants are sent to a remote desert compound where they must "couple up" and complete tasks to remain on the show and receive prizes. Some prizes are necessary for survival, while other prizes can be taken home after the show, such as jewelry or clothing. Although there is a romance aspect, the main character remains focused on being the last one standing. It was a unique book with a fun premise. Submitted By Amy Telarico Department or Major Leatherby Libraries Status Staff Chapman Email telarico@chapman.edu

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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