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Jaws

By Peter Benchley

The end of summer has me feeling nostalgic, and what better book to indulge in that old-school summer feel than “Jaws?” It is a classic thriller about a great white shark terrorizing a small New England resort town. The book vastly differs from the movie - both are good, just different. The novel explores class differences between the elite monied summer residents and the blue-collar locals and the delicate balance of relationships. Benchley writes all the characters with so much dimension that even the ones you don’t like, you still feel a sense of empathy towards. Be warned, though, this book has very descriptive and gory passages (oh, and you may not want to swim in the ocean for a while).

Along Came A Spider

By James Patterson

With summer heat still on high, what’s better than a steamy retro thriller to keep you up at night? If that is what you want, try “Along Came a Spider”- Patterson’s first Alex Cross book. Patterson writes so prolifically I can’t keep up with all of his newest titles. However, I still remember how I felt after reading this book - absolutely terrified! The book is a classic game of cat and mouse with an unexpected twist of an ending. A gritty plot with lots of suspense, mystery, and romance. The writing is fast paced with nonstop action and believable characters.

The Color Purple

By Alice Walker

There is a buzz in the air around “The Color Purple” as a new film adaptation is coming soon to theaters. So, this summer’s end is a perfect time to revisit the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Based in the American South during the early 1900s, the book is written as a series of letters depicting Celie’s journey as she struggles for empowerment. This is not an easy read; it is a complex and raw look at humanity with the uncomfortable topics like misogyny, domestic violence, racism, and poverty. But Walker works magic with her words. Her ability to communicate so much pain and sorrow as well as beauty and redemption is unparalleled. This book will haunt your soul.

Words

Jane Martin, City Librarian Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven

Flowers In The Attic

By V.C. Andrews

With so many book challenges in the news, I decided to walk down memory lane and revisit some of the books I was obsessed with when I was young - and “Flowers in the Attic” tops that list. This dark and twisted subversive book follows the story of four siblings locked in an attic by their mother and grandmother after their father dies. The book is a dark tale of family secrets, betrayal, and abuse. The characters are complex, and even though some of the writing is overdramatic, the writing draws you in and won’t let you go. It is easy to dismiss this book as a taboo soap opera, but that would be missing the more profound psychological components.

A Spell For Chameleon

By Piers Anthony

The newest book in Anthony’s Xanth series came out this summer - which is 46 years and 47 books after the first in the series, “A Spell for Chameleon,” was published. So, it is the opportune moment to revisit the book that started it all. Xanth is a complex fantasy realm where every human must possess a magical talent; if not, they are exiled to live in a Mundane world. In “A Spell for Chameleon,” Bink has yet to find his magic, so he sets out on a journey of discovery. Although some of the writing hasn’t aged well, the book still stands out as a classic fantasy novel filled with drama, action, and humor. An easy end-of-summer read with lots of 70s vibes.

Turtle Moon

By Alice Hoffman

I feel magic lingers in the sticky, humid summer air of Florida - which makes it a perfect time to pick up “Turtle Moon.” Hoffman has written many excellent novels, but this 1992 throwback is a perfect balance of mystery and magic, remorse and whimsy all wrapped up in the fictional small Florida town of Verity. What hits the most is how “real” Verity feels - I could feel, smell, and taste the words; somehow, Hoffman recreated the weight and heat of Florida on the page. The novel centers around Lucy and her teenage son as they try to start a new life in Florida, and what follows involves murder, kidnapping, and a runaway teen. But this is not a gritty mystery; it is about the characters and their relationships. A quirky book filled with whimsy and transformation.

Shannon Carnevale Natural Resources and Conservation Extension Agent UF/IFAS Extension Polk County