Scan barcode
a_chickletz's review against another edition
3.0
I think I'll be one of the first to give this book a solid 3 stars.
I love to read. I love books that feel like a love letter to reading. I love characters that love books and know books.
The bulk of why I knocked this book from a two star raiting is going to be put behind spoiler cut.
Item #1: The Abusive Ex Who Either Has OCD, some unsaid mental illness, or Is JUST A REALLY AWFUL PERSON?: The author lets us know that something is not so right with the ex boyfriend who is called Rob. Rob apparently is abusive... because everything has to be perfect/he has to be in control.. An example being he gets out of bed to clean the main character's shoes and place them at a perfect 90* angle, which creeps out the main character. Then she is late to a dinner that he was making at his apartment for them, ruining the said moment of having the dinner. Then, when she decided to add to the fire by getting another tattoo he slaps her because she didn't tell him/discuss it with him. The fuck? It is never exactly stated what is going on or what Rob is diagnosed with, just that he fails to take his medication and he 'fails' to get help... Oh, btw, he burns down the bookshop with the main character in it... wtf. I feel like the author didn't really do research and used a blanket 'unsaid diagnosis' to fill in what is going on with him. Um. No, that's not how it works. What he is showing is signs of a dozen different disorders and not all of them are entirely linked to one another. Will we ever know what Rob was diagnosed with? No.
Item 2: The Malaysian coworker that the main character works with who does nothing but add to the scenery and get beat up by the ex. This character was poorly handled through the entire thing and the author apparently made her a bitch with ESL issues. Then, when the ex boyfriend actually beats up the girl (her name is Melodie), the main character feels guilty because she didn't tell anyone because of her own issue with Rob. But, the author made a comment that after Melodie got beat up she was less annoying. THE FUQ? The girl's jawbone was shattered and she's less annoying now because of that? How is that a good thing?
If you can take into account those two issues, everything else seems to be in order. But honestly, those two issues brought the book down for me. Now thinking more about it after writing all that, it's still a three star read. It's just bland. Bland bland bland.
I love to read. I love books that feel like a love letter to reading. I love characters that love books and know books.
The bulk of why I knocked this book from a two star raiting is going to be put behind spoiler cut.
Spoiler
Item #1: The Abusive Ex Who Either Has OCD, some unsaid mental illness, or Is JUST A REALLY AWFUL PERSON?: The author lets us know that something is not so right with the ex boyfriend who is called Rob. Rob apparently is abusive... because everything has to be perfect/he has to be in control.. An example being he gets out of bed to clean the main character's shoes and place them at a perfect 90* angle, which creeps out the main character. Then she is late to a dinner that he was making at his apartment for them, ruining the said moment of having the dinner. Then, when she decided to add to the fire by getting another tattoo he slaps her because she didn't tell him/discuss it with him. The fuck? It is never exactly stated what is going on or what Rob is diagnosed with, just that he fails to take his medication and he 'fails' to get help... Oh, btw, he burns down the bookshop with the main character in it... wtf. I feel like the author didn't really do research and used a blanket 'unsaid diagnosis' to fill in what is going on with him. Um. No, that's not how it works. What he is showing is signs of a dozen different disorders and not all of them are entirely linked to one another. Will we ever know what Rob was diagnosed with? No.
Item 2: The Malaysian coworker that the main character works with who does nothing but add to the scenery and get beat up by the ex. This character was poorly handled through the entire thing and the author apparently made her a bitch with ESL issues. Then, when the ex boyfriend actually beats up the girl (her name is Melodie), the main character feels guilty because she didn't tell anyone because of her own issue with Rob. But, the author made a comment that after Melodie got beat up she was less annoying. THE FUQ? The girl's jawbone was shattered and she's less annoying now because of that? How is that a good thing?
If you can take into account those two issues, everything else seems to be in order. But honestly, those two issues brought the book down for me. Now thinking more about it after writing all that, it's still a three star read. It's just bland. Bland bland bland.
angela1025's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
winemakerssister's review against another edition
4.0
This is not a cozy novel about a bookshop. It's the story of a woman with a horrible childhood who is finally starting to deal with it and make her way in the world. That being said, it's a powerful book about growing up and found family.
londonsoph's review
5.0
Simply so good. Loved the characters especially Loveday and Archie. Couldn't fault this book. Possibly one of my most favourites over the last couple of years. Its not a happily ever after book. Its honest and that what I love about it. It addresses the very brutal world of domestic abuse and Stephanie Butland addresses this difficult topic so well. I'd happily re-read this book again. Highly recommended.
kmkasiner's review
5.0
Starting this book felt like meeting a new friend. The first-person narrative voice is SO distinct, and Loveday is an amazing character. I related to her so much at times. It was refreshing to see an introverted, prickly heroine, definitely strong despite her flaws. This is very much a character driven book, and they're all so interesting. Also, while I wouldn't primarily classify this as a romance, the romantic relationship is compelling. It didn't feel like it had just been thrown into the story for no reason and I really, really wanted Nathan and Loveday to work out. If you're a fan of chick lit or books about books, pick up this novel from across the pond!
cindysal's review against another edition
5.0
This book just grabbed my heart! A wonderful read, or in my case, listen, for those who like bookish books.
serinde4books's review against another edition
5.0
This is a #OnceUponABookClubBox book. I LOVED this book. It really took some warming for me to like Loveday. But my book club and I decided that was the point, Butland wrote her that way on purpose. I really liked all the characters, even the “bad guys” were well written and well developed. There were some twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout the entire book.
For more reviews see my blog: https://adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
For more reviews see my blog: https://adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
yazzie_27's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
3.75
This is a well-paced and enjoyable read. I highly recommend it.