1000 Books to Read Before You Die by James Mustich is a 2018 Workman Publishing Company publication.
I didn’t immediately grab this book when it was o1000 Books to Read Before You Die by James Mustich is a 2018 Workman Publishing Company publication.
I didn’t immediately grab this book when it was originally published- but I was curious about which books would make it onto the list. Knowing the books I tend to navigate towards, I figured this list probably wouldn’t appeal- or maybe apply to me, is a better way to say it, because I knew that no matter how badly someone tries to shame me, I'm not going to read books I know I will not understand or will bore me to tears.
But each year this book tends to make its way onto a library ‘suggestion’ board somewhere, as the new year often prompts people to make the standard resolution to ‘read more classics’ or branch out more.
Reading the blurb, this book promises to mingle in some popular books, some lighter fare, and would cover a wide range of subjects and genres, including poetry, plays, etc.
I was skeptical- but there was only one way to find out…
So, was the list as stuffy and highbrow as I feared?
Well, there were precious few mainstream or modern mysteries- only ONE Agatha Christie- and I’m struggling to remember ANY modern romances- at least not what I call romance, at any rate, and yes, it was heavy on ‘classics'.
To be fair, though, there was an interesting mix of genres, children’s books, poetry, and yes, a smattering of the dreaded ‘pleasure’ reads.
For me, personally, this book was like browsing through a gourmet cookbook. I love looking at all the fancy recipes, and the lovely presentation of the food, and respecting the time and energy it took to complete such a task. But I know that once I’ve finished flipping through the glossy pages and oohing and awing over those delectable, mouthwatering main courses and rich desserts, that I’m going to head straight to the kitchen and whip up some loaded cheese nachos- and those nachos are going to be heavenly!!
And that’s pretty much what happened with this book. I flipped through the alphabetical list- by author- not by book title, by the way, and enjoyed learning about these books, the authors, the plays and movies that were adapted from them, etc.
But, once I’d finished browsing through the book, I found that I’d added exactly one book to my TBR pile from this list-( I actually had read more of these books that I would have thought- though many of them were the children’s books- or required high school reading- but still), and then I’d promptly returned to my book in progress, which happened to be a tawdry psychological thriller that would have made a good Lifetime movie- but, like those heavenly nachos- it was absolutely delicious!!
Empty calories? Perhaps- but remember gourmet foods and rich desserts are often laden with calories, fat, salt and sugar- so- not necessarily healthy or nutricious... just sayin'.
Okay- while I’m being a little cheeky- the truth is- this is a very good reference book. It is well-organized, and thoughtful… and more than a little addictive. I was often surprised by how long I’d been browsing through it sometimes.
It is never a bad thing to broaden one’s reading experiences, to occasionally step outside one’s comfort zone, to take on a book you know will challenge you- and it is never too late to start. I do that from time to time- and read more serious books than I used to- I just didn't find many books listed here I felt an urgent need to read right away.
So- while the book did not change my life, as promised, and I did not feel the obligatory need to begin working my way through this list- instead preferring to spend my remaining days reading books I know I’ll enjoy- I will certainly refer to it again, over time.
I do feel Mustich was sincere and put a great deal of thought and work into this book. It sounded like a monumental task- and he did an amazing job putting the list together.
The Treacherous Tale by Elizabeth Penney is a 2022 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Molly is settling into her home in Cambridge, England, learning theThe Treacherous Tale by Elizabeth Penney is a 2022 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Molly is settling into her home in Cambridge, England, learning the lingo, running the family bookshop, and enjoying a romance with a member of royalty, who lives a low-key life running a bike shop.
She has also discovered a children’s classic called ‘The Strawberry Girls’. As it happens, the author of the book, Iona York, lives in Cambridge, and is an old acquaintance of Molly’s mother.
Iona agrees to do a reading at the bookshop in celebration of a new reissue of the book.
Unfortunately, while visiting Iona, Molly discovers a dead body. At first glance it looks like the man may have fallen from the roof, but it seems too big of a coincidence that Iona’s husband died the same way.
To complicate matters even more, Poppy, one of Iona’s daughters went missing at the same time, and it’s beginning to look as if she too could have been a victim of foul play.
Her sister, Rose, has asked Molly to help locate Poppy- which will give her another chance to practice her newly acquired sleuthing skills…
At first this second chapter in the series, seemed to stall. The charm of the bookstore setting wasn’t there, and was simply a backdrop. Molly occasionally entertained some pretty silly motives for the murder, which is a cozy mystery pet peeve of mine, sometimes.
But I’m going to put the blame on myself and my own impatience because it didn’t take long for the plot to start taking shape.
Once the story started to gel, I was completely engaged. I loved the excerpts of the children’s story and enjoyed looking for hidden clues in the passages- and it was sort of a 'story within a story', and had a fairy-tale quality to it, which was a fun and creative way for the mystery to unfold.
The mystery wasn’t exactly a total whodunit as we know there was a criminal enterprise underway involving valuable antiquities. The big reveal wasn't terribly surprising, though, and occasionally Molly's epiphanies were a bit too convenient, but it didn't really distract from the story.
I still got wrapped up in it, and appreciated the original approach, and think the author did a good job with the execution.
Overall, an enjoyable and rather engrossing cozy mystery. The series is still finding its rhythm a little bit, but shows long-term potential and I will definitely be looking out for book three!
Book Lovers by Emily Henry is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Who could resist that title?
I was a little worried about the popularity of this book. I doBook Lovers by Emily Henry is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Who could resist that title?
I was a little worried about the popularity of this book. I don’t do well with books that reach a certain level of hype, and usually end up scratching my head wondering what all the fuss was about. But, in this case my expectations were not set high enough.
I loved almost everything about this book. I liked the clever way the author went against type with the small-town trope, avoiding the trap of pitting small towns against big cities. I loved the characters, all their flaws, and the banter between Nora and Charles was simply outstanding.
I laughed all the way through the book, and enjoyed the literary occupations, book references and the processes involved in being an agent or editor.
The chemistry between the love interests’ sizzles- and made me realize that I haven’t gotten this caught up in a romance in a long time and was having such a good time with this one.
All that said, the book comes with some good emotional drama, too, which is centered around Nora’s relationship with her sister, Libby. This is where the true depth of the story lies, and it is really good stuff!
Overall, this book deserves all the kudos it has received, and I enjoyed it immensely- from start to finish.
4.5 stars
*Strong language the book would have been just as good without....more
The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick is a 2022 Park Row publication.
Liv, a professional cleaner, lands a job working for one of her favoThe Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick is a 2022 Park Row publication.
Liv, a professional cleaner, lands a job working for one of her favorite, but reclusive, authors- Essie Starling. Essie is far from the warmest person on earth, but she eventually begins to thaw towards Liv.
But then tragedy strikes when Essie suddenly passes away, leaving behind an unusual set of instructions- one of which is that Liv finish Essie’s latest WIP.
Suddenly, Liv is thrust into a lifestyle she could only daydream about before. But writing is hard- especially when you are ghostwriting a long-time, much beloved series and keeping your activities hidden from your family, on top of that. The balancing act is exhausting- but Liv is determined to see it through…
But as she delves deeper into Essie’s life, troubling questions begin to surface about Essie’s love life and Liv is determined to find out which relationship break-up was so devastating that Essie isolated herself for so many years...
Okay, so the title drew me to this book right away. Book people! Sounds like a book tailored made for me, right? As it turns out, it was- just not in the way I was expecting.
The story is not heavy by any means, but it was certainly more serious and less whimsical that I had anticipated. Liv’s marriage, a long-term stability in her life, suddenly comes under scrutiny, as she realizes her life is in a rut, and she might be harboring some resentments.
As Liv steps into Essie's world, presenting herself as Essie’s assistant, it opens the door to a journey of self-discovery.
The best part of the novel is how Liv's love of books is so darned relatable. She shows how comforting books can be, how the characters we come to know and love can come to our rescue or help us realize our own dreams.
Though writers are not always how we might imagine them to be, as Liv discovers, there could also be a link between author and reader that binds us together in the most surprising and poignant ways.
Overall, this is one of those ‘good for the soul’, ‘feel-good’ books. It’s a lovely, clean story that anyone can enjoy, especially all the ‘book people’ out there!
With Love, from London by Sarah Jio is a 2022 Ballantine publication.
Okay, seriously, a Librarian inherits a Bookshop! There is no better scenario thaWith Love, from London by Sarah Jio is a 2022 Ballantine publication.
Okay, seriously, a Librarian inherits a Bookshop! There is no better scenario than that! Naturally, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Valentina, in her thirties, is going through a painful divorce, when she receives notice that her mother, whom she hasn’t seen since she was twelve, has passed away, and all her property now belongs to her.
Eloise left America and returned home to London, leaving her husband and daughter behind. She finally realized her lifelong dream of owning a bookshop, but her motives for abandoning her family is a mystery and has left Valentina hurt and angry.
Nevertheless, Valentia travels to London, where she meets her mother’s very best friend, Millie, and falls in love with the shop and finds she is accepted warmly by the community that embraced her much-loved mother.
As she fights to keep the store open, she puts her broken heart behind her and embarks on a scavenger hunt her mother devised for her before her death, which will eventually lead her to the truth about why her mother left all those years ago and why she never heard from her again…
To my knowledge, this is the first book I have read by this author. She has been on my radar for a long time, though. This book was a great introduction to Sarah Jio!
This is just a lovely story from start to finish. Book lovers will relate to the love of books and many people do have a book they are attached to in a special way, the way Valentina did. Anytime a story is centered around books, it already has an advantage, but the story built around it must be good, too, and in this case, the story is wonderfully heartwarming, and little bittersweet, too.
Overall, I need more books like this one in my life, for sure! This is a wonderful, refreshing story, and I really wish there were more like it. I will definitely read more books by this author!...more
A Novel Obsession by Caitlin Barasch is a 2022 Dutton Books publication.
Naomi wants to be a novelist, but is currently employed at a bookstore. She’sA Novel Obsession by Caitlin Barasch is a 2022 Dutton Books publication.
Naomi wants to be a novelist, but is currently employed at a bookstore. She’s twenty-four and is just now beginning her very first relationship with a nice guy named Caleb.
Caleb, who is of Welsh descent, followed his former, American, girlfriend, Rosemary to New York, but the relationship didn’t survive.
Caleb decided to remain in New York, anyway, and eventually meets Naomi. Their romance seems to be on track to develop into something more serious, but Naomi’s curiosity about Rosemary, sends her down a path of rationalized obsession.
Naomi decides to make Rosemary, who just happens to be a book editor, the subject of her novel, as she slowly infiltrates Rosemary’s life. As she plots her novel, Naomi becomes bolder and more invasive, as her lies and manipulations begin to boil over…
This is a clever psychological novel of suspense. Not to give too much away, but it’s not a mystery or a thriller, but there’s a great deal of tension that builds and builds as the reader watches Naomi worm her way into Rosemary’s life. It’s an addictive story and I blazed through it almost in one sitting.
The dynamics between Naomi and Rosemary is quite fascinating to watch, and of course, I couldn’t help but wonder which one would end up with the happy ending- or if either one of them would.
This is an absorbing look at how an obsession can escalate and how easily and sneakily someone can creep into your life, and even develop a friendship with you, but all the while have ulterior or even sinister motives.
My only quibble was with the conclusion, which was a little rushed and not as satisfying as I’d hoped, but perhaps that was by design because ultimately, I was left with a palpable sense of unease…
Overall, this is a strong, mesmerizing debut novel!
Jessie’s Little Bookshop by the Sea by Kirsty Ferry is a 2019 Choc Lit publication.
A darling story full of heart and hope!
Jessie's life is books- liJessie’s Little Bookshop by the Sea by Kirsty Ferry is a 2019 Choc Lit publication.
A darling story full of heart and hope!
Jessie's life is books- literally. She reads books and sells them in her little bookshop in Staithes, Yorkshire. But, Jessie is thrown for a loop when Miles Fareham and his son Elijah arrive to stay at the holiday apartment above the shop.
First, she had an awkward run in with the father and son before they arrived at the shop, and second, Jessie is not too keen on children. However, she and Michael attempt to make the best of the situation. Before long Jessie finds herself forming an attachment to the lonely, guilt -ridden single father, and utterly charmed by his adorable son. But can Michael let go of his painful past to make a fresh start for himself and Elijah.
This is another charming story in the Tempest Sisters series. (All the books in the series can easily be read as standalones.)
While there is an occasional melancholy tone to the story, the clouds slowly lift, and Jessie learns to relax around Elijah and takes great strides toward emotional maturity. Michael is carrying around a lot of heavy baggage and his story is a little bittersweet. Elijah seemed a step ahead of his father sometimes, able to see what the adults couldn’t. The encouragement Michael and Jessie give Elijah to enjoy reading is also a nice touch! The connection and chemistry between Jessie and Michael give them both a chance at a fuller, more rewarding life- if only they have the courage to grab it!
Kirsty Ferry has become a favorite author of mine over this past year, especially. Her stories are always right up my alley, whether they are time slip romances or stories like this one that warms the heart and nourishes the soul. This is another sweet and touching story full of hope, love, and…. Books!!
Bowie’s Bookshelf by John O’Connell is a 2019 Gallery Books publication.
Because reading is, among much else, an escape—into other people, other persBowie’s Bookshelf by John O’Connell is a 2019 Gallery Books publication.
Because reading is, among much else, an escape—into other people, other perspectives, other consciousnesses. It takes you out of yourself, only to put you back there infinitely enriched.
This is such a cool little book! I won a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway and was smitten with it the instant I laid eyes on it.
Book people tend to like other book people, and Bowie should get a nod of approval from voracious readers, even if you are more of a casual fan, because -as his son, Duncan, has pointed out, he was a ‘beast of a reader’. In 2013, David drew up a list of a hundred books that had influenced him the most.
I had never seen or read his list before now. Naturally, I was very curious to see what books might have influenced someone as diverse as David Bowie. However, I was a little worried that I might not know any of the books on the list. I had imagined David Bowie’s taste in reading material would differ vastly from my own simple taste.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by how many books on the list that I recognized. That doesn’t mean I’ve read them, just that I’d at least heard of them. In truth, I’ve only read three books on his list. But I plan to add more than a handful of them to MY list.
Naturally, Bowie was well read and had a wide range of interests. The list itself is very telling. What John O’Connell has done here, is to write a brief composition about each book, speculating on how or why it may have made an impression on Bowie.
One would have to know Bowie pretty well, I’d think, to assume such a task, but the author did an admirable job, in my opinion. Since I’ve only read three of the books, I can’t really speak to how close to the mark O’Connell’s theories were, but it was fun to read his hypothesis, even if a few of them were a bit odd. Sometimes, the influence is very clear, though, and I had a few “a ha” moments while reading these essays.
There were some interesting tidbits about Bowie sprinkled throughout as well- including how he traveled by train, never in airplanes, and carried with him an entire trunk full of books, neatly arranged.
The author also gives readers a suggested Bowie tune to listen to while reading each specific title on the list.
I thought this book was unique and original, and is one that Bowie fans will relish, and book lovers will cherish. The book is insightful and informative, maybe a little nostalgic and poignant, but also really fun too!
Monster, She Wrote: The Women Who Pioneered Horror and Speculative Fiction by Lisa Kroger is a 2019 Quirk Books publication.
Just in time for HalloweeMonster, She Wrote: The Women Who Pioneered Horror and Speculative Fiction by Lisa Kroger is a 2019 Quirk Books publication.
Just in time for Halloween, Monster, She Wrote, will give you a host of books to add to your Fall/Winter reading list!
This book is also a tribute of sorts and is a reminder of the major contributions that women have made to the horror, Gothic, and science fiction categories. These pioneers of horror fiction were trailblazers, creating some of the most thought-provoking and spine-tingling literature ever written, and influencing many authors in the future.
Personally, as a big fan of Gothic literature, I was familiar with many of the names listed in the book- at least half of them, but some background information and biographical details were new to me. The author also provided a recommended reading list along with each author profiled, which gave me plenty of new authors and books to try. Some of these authors are lesser known, but have an impressive body of work to explore.
Elizabeth Gaskell
[image]
I’m grateful to Lisa Kroger for giving these writers the long overdue credit they deserve, and for reminding me of authors and books I had forgotten about.
There is plenty of history introduced in this book, as well as many interesting stories about the featured writers, and of course, this is also a ‘book about books’ and who can pass that up?
Amelia Edwards (Precursor to Barbara Michaels/ Elizabeth Peters)
[image]
The book is well organized, well researched, with a terrific presentation that made it easy to follow, and held my interest, while avoiding pointless minutiae. I fully intend to hunt down the books on the recommended reading list- especially the Gothics! - And I will use this book as a reference in the future.
Vernon Lee
[image]
There is a little something in this book for everyone- no matter what horror sub-genre you prefer. Not only that, it is informative, entertaining, and even inspirational, serving as a reminder that we owe these great writers a debt of gratitude. They have helped pave the way for female writers today who must bravely compete in a mostly male dominated genre and, with a few notable exceptions, still struggle for the same respect.
Anne Rice
[image]
So, now that I’m inspired to tap into more horror novels written by women- tell me who some of your favorite female horror writers or your favorite horror novel written by a woman.
Book Love by Debbie Tung is a 2019 Andrews McMeel Publishing publication.
This adorable book is about me. This is me- well with a few slight exceptionBook Love by Debbie Tung is a 2019 Andrews McMeel Publishing publication.
This adorable book is about me. This is me- well with a few slight exceptions. But, basically, if your life revolves around books- If you live them, breathe them, inhale them, hug them, collect them, share them, quote from them…. Etc, Etc. - This book is for you.
This book isn’t a story, it doesn’t have a plot, per se. It is basically a special gift for book lovers, a celebration and homage to books and book nerds. The comic drawings are not overly dramatic, but the expressiveness is what jumps out at you. The passion, the defensiveness and protectiveness towards books and our obsession with them, and the familiar frustration with people who just don't 'get it', resonated with me one hundred percent. I laughed so hard at the dialogue because I’ve said or done these things- often. I have had variations of these arguments and conversations and have had the exact same reactions, thoughts and feelings, at one time or another. The only difference for me is that I've been known to hug my Kindle in the same way I hug a print copy book. This happens more and more often now that I really have come to depend on that large font size- but, I understood the sentiment, all the same.
This book is short and sweet and so easy to relate to. You will see yourself in this book and appreciate the nod to book lovers, and may even experience a feeling of vindication, knowing that you are in good company. This book soothes my introverted soul in ways that may make my eyes leak just a little.
What I can say for sure, is that Debbie Tung is my kind of people. I may not know her personally, but I think she may know me.
How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry is a 2018 Penguin Books publication.
It goes without saying that any book about books will appeal to How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry is a 2018 Penguin Books publication.
It goes without saying that any book about books will appeal to me. A bookshop with a regular clientele, each with their own story, a few well- guarded secrets, and a healthy dose of sweet romance and you have an irresistible combination.
When Emilia inherits her father’s bookshop, she decides to brush off any attempts to persuade her to accept a buyout. But, unbeknownst to her, there is a plot afoot to make sure she does just that. In the meantime, Emilia gets reacquainted with Peasebrook, and works hard to keep the bookshop many rely on open for business.
First off, the setting: The English Cotswold – enough said. Then we add “Bookshop”- enough said. Then add in secrets, and multiple love stories- well, you get the idea.
This is the kind of book that is hard to find much fault with. It's just to charming and sweet. It might even play well as a Hallmark Channel Movie. It’s THAT kind of book. Most anyone can enjoy this novel, anytime, anywhere. It’s the perfect type of story to enjoy while lying in a hammock, under an umbrella at the beach, or sitting beside a cozy fire, or curled up in your favorite reading nook with a nice glass of wine or a cup of tea.
I loved all those wonderful romances, Emilia and her crush on the 'cookbook' guy. Dillion and his unrequited love, and Jane, who finally reconnects with the guy who broke her heart many years ago, for starters. But, even with all that romance in the air, there are sinister forces at work, and Emilia will be faced with nearly insurmountable odds, which makes selling out more and more tempting every day.
Obviously, this is a very light, easy to read story, one that exudes charm and warmth. This is a book meant for book lovers who already know the importance of bookshops and the magic that can be found there.
The Library Book by Susan Orlean is a 2018 Simon & Schuster publication.
I couldn’t have been happier when this book finally reached the top of my TBRThe Library Book by Susan Orlean is a 2018 Simon & Schuster publication.
I couldn’t have been happier when this book finally reached the top of my TBR pile. I’ve been looking forward to reading it for a long time. Naturally, I was drawn to the ‘books about books’ aspect, but was also mortified by the true crime elements. Who on earth would deliberately set fire to a public library?
Susan Orlean attempts to answer that very question, while detailing the rich history of the Los Angeles public library. What a fascinating journey it was –
The author, who is not originally from LA, had not heard about the fire that ravaged the central library back in 1986, until an offhand remark piqued her curiosity. Her research unearthed the library’s storied past, which is a compelling drama all on its own.
But she also attempts to shed light on the fire and the primary suspect, Harry Peak. Was Peak guilty, or just a consummate liar?
The book begins on a horrifying note. In 1986, the library housed a very impressive number of books and records, which included a large ‘stacks’ area. The building was not up to code either, so it only took a short time for the old dry paper to ignite and spread rapidly. Any type of fire which destroys a home or business is difficult to hear about. But, of course as a book lover, I was nearly in physical pain reading about the hundreds of books damaged by fire, smoke or water.
[image]
It was also disconcerting that the fire barely made a blip in the press. Granted, there were other major news stories going on at the time. But, now for the first time, thanks to the amazing work this author did, we can see how the fire effected the city, the patrons, and the librarians. We also get a close -up and personal look at how a library functions and the important work librarians do. What an amazing job. Working with the public has its drawbacks, of course, but I was truly impressed with how the librarians handle all the phone calls, answer questions on a myriad of topics, and cope with situations such as how to handle the homeless who often use the library to as place of shelter during operating hours.
[image]
The wealth of information and history surrounding the Los Angeles public library is vast and completely absorbing, especially if you are passionate about books and libraries. The mystery surrounding the fire, however, is perplexing and frustrating. Orlean presents the facts, and I must agree with her opinion of the prime suspect. The book is categorized as ‘True Crime’, but more than anything I think it falls into the history category. It is also a book that makes one truly appreciate the importance of libraries.
I have always supported libraries, and I try to remind people that although Netgalley, Edelweiss, KU, and Scribd, provide thousands of books right there at your fingertips,( and I am as addicted to these services as anyone else), the library will never reject you ‘based on the information you provided in your profile’, and it doesn’t cost you a dime for a library card. So, don’t forget to take advantage of everything the library has to offer-
Books- both print and digital, audiobooks, music, movies, documents, newspapers, magazines, research material, job information, book clubs, children’s story hour, free access to computers and the internet, literacy programs, programs to help learn new skills, community clubs, and a host of other services- most of them free.
There are many ways to support your local library: volunteer or donate any books or magazines you don’t plan to re-read or keep, and if you are in a position to do so, offer a little financial help from time to time. You can even deduct it on your taxes!! Funding for libraries is not always stable or dependable.
Obviously, book lovers need to read this one, as well as history buffs. While it starts off on a somber note, by the end of the book you will feel as though this eye- opening journey was a rewarding adventure. I am in awe of the LA public library, and its rich history, and have an even greater appreciation for the importance of libraries in general.
[image]
Orlean did a terrific job with her exhaustive research and it is obvious she put in many hours with those involved with the library and with those associated with Harry Peak. The book is well- organized, and unlike some non-fiction history books, I never zoned out or lost interest. If you love books or libraries, history, or True Crime this book is one you won’t want to miss out on!
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin is a 2014 Algonquin Books publication.
Thanks to my Goodreads friend, Carol, for introducing me to tThe Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin is a 2014 Algonquin Books publication.
Thanks to my Goodreads friend, Carol, for introducing me to this book!
ISLAND BOOKS Alice Island’s Exclusive Provider of Fine Literary Content since 1999
“No Man Is an Island; Every Book Is a World”
This is the second ‘books about books’ novel I’ve read this week, and I have to say, it’s nice to know so many people share the same enthusiasm for books that I do.
This story is poignant and bittersweet, but is also charming, touching and heartwarming. It’s a reader’s paradise and will soothe the brow of any book nerd who can’t help but feel a strong kinship with the characters, and maybe even recognize yourself in them just a little bit.
A.J. owns and operates the independent books store, “Island Books”, located on Alice Island, Massachusetts, alone after his wife is killed in a car accident. As he stumbles through each day in a fog of bitter grief, a series of events snaps him to attention and his life takes on a new direction, one he never could have imagined.
The first part of the book kept me in stitches. I’ve known literary snobs, and A.J. is one. I laughed out loud at his aversion to stocking Young Adult and children's books, and his opinion on series, and vampires. Then we got to the part where A.J. deals with customers and if you have worked in a bookstore or library you’ll relate, and again I’m laughing hysterically.
“Why is any one book different from any other book? They are different, A.J. decides, because they are. We have to look inside many. We have to believe. We agree to be disappointed sometimes so that we can be exhilarated every now and again.”
But, A.J.’s persnickety personality is soon softened by a very special surprise delivery to his shop, which gives him a new perspective on life and relationships, including one with the book sales representative, Amelia, who warms up to A.J. after getting off to a pretty rough start, and the local chief of police who becomes one of his best friends.
The story is like an homage to book lovers, reading, and the way books shape us and the impact they can have on our outlook on life, even in our relationships, our attitudes, and how they can inspire us through good and bad times.
I loved A.J. right from the start. I understood where he was in life at that very moment, and while I snickered at his drollness, his deadpan introverted nature, my heart broke for him.
It was an honor to watch him come back to life and embrace it with as much gusto has he could muster. Seeing his life enriched in such an amazing way was only part of the story. A.J. and his little bookstore also touched and enriched other’s lives all of them had a life much better than the one they would have had without him. He built an important legacy over the years, and that legacy, thanks to those he loved, will go on to extend the love of books and reading to people for a long time to come… even to those who love vampires, series, Young Adult, and Children’s books about orphans.
This a delightful story that lifted my spirits and warmed my heart.
The Bookshop on the corner by Jenny Colgan is a 2016 William Morrow Paperbacks publication.
The title alone was enough to catch my eye. I love 'books The Bookshop on the corner by Jenny Colgan is a 2016 William Morrow Paperbacks publication.
The title alone was enough to catch my eye. I love 'books about books' and this one will truly resonate with people like me, who live and breathe books, no matter what genre you prefer.
When Nina loses her beloved job at the library, she finds the courage to start her life over using her expert skills of matching people with books. She buys a van and moves to Scotland and becomes a successful book seller.
But, the journey is fraught with setbacks, adjustments, and a flood of personal turmoil as she settles into a small Scottish community and begins spreading the love of books and reading with the folks who live there.
Nina’s character slowly blossoms, as she faces a few hard knocks, and meets those challenges with more fortitude than she thought possible. Her adventures are often hilarious, sometimes poignant, but her kindness and honesty touches an entire community, as well as the heart of a certain gentleman, making her a true inspiration.
This ‘feel good’ story naturally appealed to the book lover in me. Nina and I, could be two peas in a pod, and I instantly related to her, often smiling and nodding when her exuberance for books popped off the page.
While I took great pleasure in watching Nina tirelessly spread the gift of books to her isolated community, the story evolves into something more, proving that people can work together to resolve problems if only they would try to see things from a perspective other than their own.
It’s also about having the courage to pursue your dreams, for not settling or giving up, no matter how bleak things seem at the time.
All the characters are slightly quirky, and are well drawn, with compelling stories of the their own, adding much depth, charm, and warmth to this delightful tale.
This is a quick and easy read, is very light hearted and witty, and is sure to lift your spirits and solidify your love of reading and books and of course recommending them to all your friends, family and community.
Overall, anyone will like this book, I think, but contemporary romance readers and chick-lit fans will definitely want to check this one out.
Loading...
