WooReads Fall Reading Challenge for Adults 2022

 

Welcome to WooReads on Beanstack, an online tool where you can track reading, post book reviews, discover good reads, win prizes, and stay connected with library-related programs and resources!

***Win tickets to a show at The Hanover Theatre!***

In partnership with The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, we are offering readers a chance to win a pair of tickets to A Christmas Carol, showing December 17 - 23, 2022 or Annie, showing February 23 - 26, 2023!

To win, readers need to log books and/or write reviews to earn badges.
With each badge, the reader will receive a certain number of tickets to put towards the show of their choice. The more tickets earned, the more likely you are to win the drawing! If you don't have a Beanstack account, click here to create one. 

The drawing will be held shortly after November 30.
Winners will be contacted directly by staff and will be able to select the date they would like to attend the show. The Hanover tickets will also come with free admission to the Worcester Art Museum and some other Hanover swag!

*Books read starting September 1, 2022 must be logged by November 30, 2022.
*Must be a Worcester resident to win prizes. Staff and members of their household are ineligible.

***WPL Programs and Resources***

Attend a WPL author event, writing workshop, or poetry event to meet and be inspired by local talent.
Join one of our WPL virtual author events featuring bestselling and prize winning authors.
Visit WPL’s Reader’s Corner for staff picks, new titles, book lists, and more.
Attend one of our several librarian-led WPL book clubs to discuss books and meet like-minded readers.

***How to Track Reading and Share Reviews***

Use the "Log Reading and Activities" and "Add a Review" buttons on the top of the page to add to your log and share your reviews. Reviews are shared on Beanstack, and may also be shared on WPL's Blog and Facebook page.

For mobile users, download the Beanstack Tracker app to get started.
For more information, call 508-799-1663 ext. 3 to speak to a librarian.

Read Beyond the Beaten Path: Summer Reading for Adults 2022

Join the Read Beyond the Beaten Path Adult Summer Reading Challenge for a chance to win a $30 gift card to a local restaurant or a handmade, high quality National Park mug. All you have to do is log at least 3 books or 3 activities to be entered into the drawings. For our grand prize, log at least 10 books for two chances to win a MoMA book lamp!

Spend your days on the beach with one of these popular novels from our Beach Reads booklist.

 
Try one of our Bundles if you'd like a librarian to select books, magazines or DVDs for you. For information on adult classes and programs, visit mywpl.org. 

Enjoy these book reviews submitted by your fellow patrons through our WooReads challenge.

Smart Money Smart Kids by Dave Ramsey 

A great read on financing and teaching money skills to kids. Not boring like most financial books. ~ Bianca L. 

Black Cloud Rising by David Wright Falade

Interesting, fictional account of Union troops in Civil War that were manned by freed and runaway slaves. ~ Karen L.

The Babysitter by Liza Rodman & Jennifer Jordan

It's an interesting read. Liza Rodman was barely 10 years old when she met Tony Costa, and much of her experience with him was positive. I was left wondering if she still had positive feelings towards him. While the book explained his devilish side, I felt her characterization of him was more sympathetic/empathetic/tender. ~ Mary T.

The Forbidden Door by Dean Koontz

Enthralling read. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. ~ Sandra B.

Read Beyond the Beaten Path: Summer Reading for Adults 2022

Join the Read Beyond the Beaten Path Adult Summer Reading Challenge for a chance to win a $30 gift card to a local restaurant or a handmade National Park mug. All you have to do is log at least 3 books or 3 activities to be entered into the drawings. For our grand prize, log at least 10 books for two chances to win a MoMA book lamp!

July is National Ice Cream Month! Browse this booklist titles to learn more about this perfect summer treat and how to make your own!

Try one of our Bundles if you'd like a librarian to select books, magazines or DVDs for you. For information on adult classes and programs, visit mywpl.org. 

Enjoy these book reviews submitted by your fellow patrons through our WooReads challenge.

The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore

Absolutely fantastic and heartbreaking book! Couldn’t put this impeccably researched 500 page book down. ~ Amelia F. 

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

A graphic novel aimed at young adults but for everyone about growing up trans while learning as they go. I have trans friends and am a supporter of the community but have never talked to anyone about the day to day struggles pre transition. This had a level of depth that led to a visceral understanding of the experience. Should be required reading. ~ Jen M. 

The Siege of Isfahan by Jean Christophe Rufin

A little bit of romance, a little bit of politics, a little bit of religion, a lot of adventure. In The Siege of Isfahan, we find the apothecary happily living in Persia with his wife and daughter. Unfortunately, a friend is in trouble; the Afghans are at the gates; more romance, more adventure...if possible, this book is even better than its predecessor. If you like a bit of history with your swashbuckling, this is your book. Don't let the small print dissuade you: it's a quick read! ~ Nicole A. 

Supreme Inequality by Adam Cohen

This book was so informative and connected everything together in a seamless way.             ~ Tyesha P. 

Read Beyond the Beaten Path: Summer Reading for Adults 2022

Join the Read Beyond the Beaten Path Adult Summer Reading Challenge for a chance to win a $30 gift card to a local restaurant or a handmade National Park mug. All you have to do is log at least 3 books or 3 activities to be entered into the drawings. For our grand prize, log at least 10 books for two chances to win a MoMA book lamp!

Enjoy cooking outdoors? Try some new recipes this summer with our Cookbooks for the Great Outdoors booklist. 

Try one of our Bundles if you'd like a librarian to select books, magazines or DVDs for you. For information on adult classes and programs, visit mywpl.org. 

Enjoy these book reviews submitted by your fellow patrons through our WooReads challenge.

The Fervor by Alma Katsu

Interesting and suspenseful read, keeps you guessing. Great historical capture of a time in American history that not everyone may be familiar with. ~ Megan B. 

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

Enjoyed the story - kept my attention & that can be hard to do! ~ Tara D. 

The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris 

Raced through this book! Great commentary on how humans often act like crabs in a barrel and how women (mostly) keep others down especially in professional settings.

~ Kathryn K. 

Home Again by Kristin Hannah

Very good audio book, well narrated; some parts were quite predictable yet was still well written and enjoyable to the story line.        ~ Dina T. 

Read Beyond the Beaten Path: Summer Reading for Adults 2022

 

Join the Read Beyond the Beaten Path Adult Summer Reading Challenge for a chance to win a $30 gift card to a local restaurant or a handmade National Park mug. All you have to do is log at least 3 books or 3 activities to be entered into the drawings. For our grand prize, log at least 10 books for two chances to win a MoMA book lamp!

This month we celebrate Juneteenth. Browse this list of fiction and nonfiction titles to learn more about this important holiday.

Try one of our Bundles if you'd like a librarian to select books, magazines or DVDs for you. For information on adult classes and programs, visit mywpl.org. 

Enjoy these book reviews submitted by your fellow patrons through our WooReads challenge.

Lessons From Plants by Beronda L. Montgomery

Beautiful book! The author explains scientific concept in a way that it's easy to read. We can learn from plants how to cooperate, how to help each other and how to be a great teacher. Plants communicate with each other all the time in many different ways and it is so interesting to learn about that! ~ Heleen S. 

Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn

Learning that Lian Hearn is an incredible author and excited to read more by her. This was a very gripping read although I did not love as much as Tale of Shikanoko.~ Natalie H. 

His & Hers by Alice Feeney

Good read that keep me guessing until the very end. The narration was interesting and the story went in several different directions which kept things exciting. Would definitely recommend for any thriller fans. ~ Linnea S.

The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris

This book is brilliantly written. The prose is beautiful. But I think it could be compressed a bit! ~ Tochukwu O. 

Read Beyond the Beaten Path: Summer Reading for Adults 2022

 

Read, Learn, and Connect with WPL

Sign up for this summer's adult reading challenge from June 4 - August 13 at mywpl.beanstack.org - a place to track reading, share reviews (which may shared on our blog and Facebook page), engage with the community through our classes and programs, and win prizes through our challenge drawings.

To be entered into drawings, earn badges by logging books AND activities 
such as attending WPL events, classes and programs.

Attend & Log Events, Classes, and Programs

• Summer Reading Kickoff: June 4 from 10 am -1 pm
• Adult Classes and Programs happening throughout the summer

Read & Log Books

• Visit WPL’s Reader’s Corner for staff picks, new titles, booklists, and more.
• Fill out a Book Recommendation form for personalized picks from a librarian.
• Borrow an e-book or audiobook to read or listen to on your device.
• Attend one of our librarian-led book clubs to discuss books and meet like-minded readers.
• Read whatever you like! Just be sure to log it.

Challenge Drawings*

Weekly drawings:

Log at least 3 books or 3 activities to be entered
 into weekly drawings to win a
$30 gift card to a local restaurant or a fun, handmade National Parks mug!

Earn any of these badges to be entered into Weekly Drawings:

• Logging Badge
• Kickoff Badge
• Learn Something New Badge
• Review Badge
• Survey Badge

Grand Prize Drawings:

Log at least 10 books for two chances to win a MoMA book lamp!

*Must be a Worcester resident to win prizes. Staff and members of their household are ineligible.

For mobile users, download the Beanstack Tracker app to get started
For more information, visit mywpl.org or call 508-799-1655 ext.3.

Tails & Tales Adult Summer Reading 2021: Weekly Book Reviews

 

You did it, WooReaders! You read a total of 3,551 books and wrote 343 reviews during our Tails & Tales Adult Summer Reading Challenge. Because you did such a great job logging your books, The Worcester Public Library Foundation will be donating a total of $1,000 to the shelter animals at Worcester Animal Rescue League! Stay tuned for our grand prize drawing for a Kindle Oasis. Keep on reading and look out for our next adult reading challenge this fall. 

The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse 

If you like a really suspense filled murder mystery, this is the book for you! So many twists it's impossible to put down one you start! I am excited to read the next thriller from this author. ~ Missy C.

Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi

This is a very clever book. It's both a fun book for babies and small children and a very concise guide to parenting in an anti-racist way. I think it's going to be one of my standard new baby gifts! ~ Dale R.

Break Out by Paul Herron

Superstorm plus maximum security prison breach? Check! This novel is amazing! It goes at a break-neck speed and you won't be able to put it down! ~ Cara Y.

The Boy Who Followed His Father into Auschwitz by Jeremy Dronfield

A story written so well, you don’t even realize you are reading a nonfiction. It is amazing to think that a father and son survived for so long under conditions and circumstances that many did not last for three months. You will be constantly in awe at how such good luck could carry this father and son through unimaginable hardships. A must read to put your own life into perspective. ~ Briana B.

Tails & Tales Adult Summer Reading 2021: Weekly Book Reviews

 

Attention WooReaders! We have one week left of summer reading! There's still time to log the books you've read since June 7 for the Tails & Tales Adult Summer Reading Challenge. Prizes include a water bottle, tote bag, or t-shirt. You'll also be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card to a local restaurant and the grand prize drawing for a Kindle Oasis! 

Still looking for animal themed events? 

Attend our Tails & Tales Book Club on Wednesday, August 18 @ 2:30-3:30 pm on Zoom for a discussion about The Darkest Evening of The Year by Dean Koontz. Register here. 

Try our Animal Origami on Thursday, August 19 @ 3:00-3:30 pm on Zoom. Register here. 

Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart 

At the core of Shuggie Bain is a dysfunctional family. Shuggie Bain is set in 80s Glasgow and tells the story of Agnes Bain, an alcoholic mother, Big Shug, her abusive husband, and Leek and Catherine, Agnes's children. The story navigates the meaning of family, mental health, sexuality, drug abuse, and many other traumatic themes in its expansive 430-page length. It's a sad, sad novel, but very well crafted and written. ~ Tochukwu O. 

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah 

Character studies were excellent. The research was excellent in regards to this piece of American history during the Great Depression and especially in the Great Plains valley. I learned much of the suffering of the farmers. ~ Jane O. 

Piranesi by Susanna Clark 

Lyrical fantasy. Beautifully written. I don't often love first person narration but this was so well done! ~ Nicole E. 

The Summer of Lost and Found by Mary Alice Monroe

This is a great summer read! l have read pretty much all her books regarding the Rutledge family, and l loved the story she told as they experienced the pandemic of 2020! I stayed up late to finish it in one sitting. Couldn't wait to read what happened next! ~ Sophie F.

Tails & Tales Adult Summer Reading 2021: Weekly Book Reviews

 

Hello WooReaders! We're in the eighth week of summer reading, which means you have two more weeks to win prizes and help feed the animals at Worcester Animal Rescue League. Sign up now for the Tails & Tales Adult Summer Reading Challenge. There's still time to win a $25 gift card to a local restaurant and to be entered into the grand prize drawing for a Kindle Oasis! 

Looking for a tale with a tail? Try our Tails & Tales: Animal cartoons and comics reading list. 

Upcoming Summer Reading Event

Fantastical Beasts: A Virtual Tour with the Worcester Art Museum

Saturday, July 31 @ 2:30-3:30 pm on Zoom

Register here

The Unkindness of Ravens by M.E. Hilliard

Greer Hogan is trying to start a new life as a librarian in the tiny town of Raven Hill after her husband was murdered in New York City. But this quiet little village has lots of secrets to hide and when Greer finds her friend Joanna dead in the library, she suspects it was more than a simple accident. A clever puzzle with lots of nods to literary detectives; literary cozy fans will like this mystery. ~ Mary R. 

Conviction by Denise Mina

What a great book! From beginning to plot-twisting end I was wrapped! Great read and I would definitely recommend! ~ Mario W. 

There Are No Bears in This Bakery by Julia Sarcone-Roach

This was ADORABLE and it surpassed my expectations. I loved the cat's voice in the tale as the narrator. I loved the details from the inside front and back covers as well - they add to the tale. It was really a great example of first-person narration. ~ Loni P. 

Lover Mine by J.R. Ward

This was definitely my favorite BDB book so far in the series. I’ve been waiting for John Matthew and Xhex to get together, and I thought it was really well done. I love how independent and headstrong Xhex is to break some of the monotony of the damsel in distress trope that’s so often in romance novels, especially those written before the 2010s. 5 stars. ~ Brianna F.