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passionatereader78's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
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
- 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
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!! 🙏🏼
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
3.75
Moderate: Death, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Abandonment
shaleen64's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
There are also some unexpected twists/plot lines. A brilliant choice in any instance but perfect if you’re in a reading slump.
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cancer, Death, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Medical content, Car accident, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
moontintedtulips's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Infidelity, Death of parent, and Abandonment
polypropylena's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Car accident, and Death of parent
Moderate: Infertility, Infidelity, Suicide, and Dementia
Minor: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Vomit, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
jedore's review against another edition
- 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!
Graphic: Death, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Infidelity
elliott_the_clementine's review against another edition
- 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
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
efratmaor's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Death, Infertility, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Cancer, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Suicide, Terminal illness, and Car accident
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
funktious's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Cancer, Death, and Suicide