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lindseyhall44's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Similar to Aj, I adore when we find books at the moment in time when we need them most. I am so thankful for Gabrielle Zevin and her beautiful words for giving me something to believe in, and reminding me why I love reading
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
rnbhargava's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book isn’t perfect but the characters are so well executed and it’s all a very plausible life depiction of the title character and the characters around him that are his nearest and dearest. I would heartily recommend this book to anyone.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Chronic illness, Death, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual content, Suicide, Xenophobia, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Please note the alcoholism, suicide, miscarriage and car accident and the accompanying grief that could be caused by these are recurring themes in this book.gavinn_h's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Okay so,
What the fuck is wrong with Gabrielle Zevin. This book was absolutely beautiful, however I don't know if I would ever have picked it up knowing the ending. Despite the horrifically sad events in this book, it is incredible. I had a feeling things were going too well for it to end happy, but I didn't think it would be like this. The sick irony of it all is that my book club picked this book for our "happy ending" prompt. Although I can see how this is, in fact, a happy ending I was just so attached to A.J. to feel happy. Overall I am so happy to have found this book, it quickly made its way in to my top books of all time (thus far). I believe later (much later) after I have nursed my wounds I will return to this book again and again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Death
Moderate: Miscarriage, Suicide, Grief, and Abandonment
Minor: Alcoholism
passionatereader78's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a book about books! Beautifully written. I enjoyed all of the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, Car accident, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Moderate: Alcoholism, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy
sabrinaapreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book is giving The House of Cerulean Sea vibes in the best way! Curmudgeon, found family and a little darkness. I wholeheartedly consumed The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry and loved the structure, the story, the lovable/fallible main character, supporting roles, the twist, all of IT.
Important to note: this book was written first.
🙌🏼 Praise Zevin 🙌🏼.
Favorite Character:
This one was tough - so many amazingly complex characters to LOVE.
For now, I'll say it's Amelia. Her commitment to being her true/authentic self is remarkable. She vibrantly jumps from the page. I too, want some daisy flip flops (among other things). She is joie de vivre!! 🌼
Favorite Moment:
Again, so difficult - I will say this without spoiling anything - the TWIST reveal. I didn't see it coming in any way, shape or form, although there was something always nagging me and in retrospect, there were definitely elements of foreshadowing. Gosh, this book is SO GOOD. 👀
Final Thoughts:
Zevin writes with a nostalgic tone and at an easy to read pace.
This novel, at it's heart, has a message of 💗LOVE 💗and for that, I'm always down to read, praise and rejoice in every word!! AMEN!! 🙏🏼
Important to note: this book was written first.
🙌🏼 Praise Zevin 🙌🏼.
Favorite Character:
This one was tough - so many amazingly complex characters to LOVE.
For now, I'll say it's Amelia. Her commitment to being her true/authentic self is remarkable. She vibrantly jumps from the page. I too, want some daisy flip flops (among other things). She is joie de vivre!! 🌼
Favorite Moment:
Again, so difficult - I will say this without spoiling anything - the TWIST reveal. I didn't see it coming in any way, shape or form, although there was something always nagging me and in retrospect, there were definitely elements of foreshadowing. Gosh, this book is SO GOOD. 👀
Final Thoughts:
Zevin writes with a nostalgic tone and at an easy to read pace.
This novel, at it's heart, has a message of 💗LOVE 💗and for that, I'm always down to read, praise and rejoice in every word!! AMEN!! 🙏🏼
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Miscarriage, Terminal illness, Grief, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Infertility, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Abandonment
All of the above content warnings are handled with care and consideration by the author. This sensitive reader was able to enjoy the novel with ease.coralynski's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Abandonment
reg_litbytes's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Car accident
jedore's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Remember, Maya: the things we respond to at twenty are not necessarily the same things we will respond to at forty and vice versa. This is true in books and also in life.
This is a heartwarming story set in an indie bookstore on a small island on the East Coast. It follows A.J. Fikry, a grumpy bookstore owner, who finds his life turned upside down after a series of unexpected events, including the arrival of a mysterious package that changes everything.
Zevin has an amazing ability to tackle heavy themes, like abandonment and death, with a light-hearted and humorous touch. I found myself chuckling one moment and sniffling the next. It’s a balance that makes the story feel very real and deeply touching.
The characters are perfectly imperfect. A.J. Fikry himself, with his gruff exterior and curmudgeonly ways, is totally lovable. I was rooting for him as he navigated through his personal struggles and transformations. The supporting characters, each with their own quirks and flaws, add layers of interest and emotions to the story.
One of the best aspects of this book is the number of twists that Zevin throws at you. Just when I thought I had things figured out, she would throw in a curveball that genuinely surprised me. It’s not often that an author can do this to me!
A.J. Fikry may not be that old, but this book definitely fits into what I call “curmudgeon fiction.” A.J.’s grumpy demeanor and dry humor are endearing, and you find yourself charmed by his journey of self-discovery and redemption.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a heartwarming story filled with surprises that will make you laugh and cry!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Infidelity
elliott_the_clementine's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Gabrielle Zevin excels at constructing expansive novels that somehow still feel cozy and slice-of-life with characters that feel more like fact than fiction, and The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is no exception.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Racism, Terminal illness, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Alcohol
Minor: Drug use and Police brutality
kirip's review against another edition
emotional
funny
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Suicide, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol