Rating: 4 Stars
Description: After the death of his wife, A.J. Fikry, owner of Island Books on the small island of Alice, is alone trying to quietly sink his business and drink himself to death. Then suddenly three things happen. The first is a visit from new publishing rep, Amelia Loman. The second is an incredibly rare and valuable book gets stolen and the third is the arrival of a "package" with life changing consequences. Suddenly Fikry's world starts to open again.
Genre: Fiction
Why I Picked This Book: Almost all of the reviews I've read on this book have been beyond glowing. Also what book lover doesn't want to read a book that takes place in a bookstore? I was thrilled when I was able to get it in e-book form from my library.
My Impression:
Pros: The book takes place in a bookstore which is a pretty massive pro in my world. I love books about 2nd chances and this was one that was really beautifully done. I loved that this book wasn't just wrapped up in a few weeks. You get to really find out what life is like for Fikry and the other characters. These are characters you really want the best for and it was nice to see the resolution of their story lines.
Cons: I didn't really connect to the book the way a lot of people seemed to have. It wasn't a book I finished and sighed and thought "That was perfect". While I loved all the characters there was a one dimensional quality that I think kept me from really loving the book as a whole.
Overall Impression: I read this book in one sitting and was delighted by it. Even though I wasn't as head over heels as many reviewers it was still an enjoyable bookish read. Part of the fun of the book is watching the plot unravel and the reviews I had read previously did a fantastic job of not spoiling any of the details. So I apologize for lack of details in the review but it's really for your own good!
Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Probably. This isn't a book when I finished I thought I have to go out and read every book this author's ever written but I will definitely look for her other books.
Would I Recommend this Book?: Yes. I think any booklover would enjoy this little book about a man who owns a bookstore on an island.
I admit I'm a little afraid to read this one given how many people have praised it. It's funny how sometimes that's enough to spur me to read a book, but in other cases, like this one, I find myself reluctant to do so.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you liked this one. I think I would too.
I have a hard time reading books that people tell me I just HAVE to read. I enjoyed this one though and it seemed lighter than most of the must-reads. I didn't find it pure magic like so many other people did but it was a lovely read.
DeleteI actually haven't heard of this one before, but it sounds like one I'd like-just added it to my TBR list :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a nice read - I wouldn't call it fun just because some serious stuff does happen. Hope you enjoy it!
DeleteI haven't heard of this one either but it does sound good.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely a good read! I think I had just read so many glowing reviews I was expecting magic. It'd be a perfect rainy day read.
DeleteI have heard a lot about this book too. I might check out goodreads and read some more reviews to see if I should pick this up!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it. It'd be a great book to snuggle down with on a cold or rainy day. It's light but not fluffy if that makes sense.
DeleteThis book is at the top of my wish list and I'm hopping to read it this summer.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog.
I'm looking forward to reading this! I'm sorry you found it a little one-dimensional but glad you enjoyed it anyway... and like you, I enjoy second-chance stories!
ReplyDeleteIt's really good and I definitely think you'll like it. I went in with really high expectations of how wonderful it was going to be and it didn't quite live up to them. I liked that it was a light read without being fluffy or silly. Definitely look forward to your review of this!
DeleteIt seems like everyone loves this much, but I'm glad to finally read a review that isn't hyperbolic in its adoration. It does seem like one I would enjoy though, so at some point in time I'll get my hands on it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the book but I think I would've liked it a lot more if I wasn't expecting to just absolutely fall in love with it. It's definitely worth a read but probably won't make my best book of the year list.
DeleteIt is nice to hear that the novel's time span was spread further than just a few weeks. Plots that try to include one or two incrediable happens within a 7 day period tend to irk me.
ReplyDeleteI'm a lover of all novels that are book related so I'll probably read it -- nice review!
This book is on my shopping list after all the reviews I've read. Thank you for sharing your thoughtful review on it. My expectations are a bit more realistic now. I love that cover!
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