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hsr731's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
rebeccalm's review against another edition
5.0
I was hooked on this book from the very first page. Loveday is an interesting character study.
This was a heartfelt story of a bookish introvert recovering from some big trauma, who finds much-needed refuge in books. There was so much to learn about many of the well-rounded and interesting characters, and nothing felt too overdone. It was a comfort to read while still being the right amount of engaging and mysterious. I'm intrigued to look into other books by this author to see if they all have a similar feel to them, or if this one was unique. I would happily welcome another book about these particular characters.
This was a heartfelt story of a bookish introvert recovering from some big trauma, who finds much-needed refuge in books. There was so much to learn about many of the well-rounded and interesting characters, and nothing felt too overdone. It was a comfort to read while still being the right amount of engaging and mysterious. I'm intrigued to look into other books by this author to see if they all have a similar feel to them, or if this one was unique. I would happily welcome another book about these particular characters.
teaandlibri's review against another edition
1.0
A book about books and bookshops. Recommended for those who love 'The Storied Life of AJ Fikry'. A reader who prefers the company of books over people. It seemed like the book that would be perfect for me.
Unfortunately, it was not to be. We are introduced to Loveday Cardew, the reader who loves books more than people and has been working in a bookshop for many years. What follows is the story of someone running away from the past only for it to catch up and how she chooses to move forward and onward.
The book was incredibly boring. There are flips in time from present to the past and that gets on my nerves. Loveday is not particularly likeable (which isn't a problem in itself) and so it made it hard to want to root for her. Much of the plot about a troubled childhood, a bad ex, etc. all seemed pretty cliched' and tired.
As pointed out by several other reviewers, the book appears to perpetuate the concept that mentally ill people are violent which is not cool.
I'm glad this became available in the US (for awhile I thought I'd have to buy it from a UK shop) and was at my library. Recommend borrowing it if you're *really* interested but otherwise I'd skip it. 'Fikry' is a much better book about books and readers.
Unfortunately, it was not to be. We are introduced to Loveday Cardew, the reader who loves books more than people and has been working in a bookshop for many years. What follows is the story of someone running away from the past only for it to catch up and how she chooses to move forward and onward.
The book was incredibly boring. There are flips in time from present to the past and that gets on my nerves. Loveday is not particularly likeable (which isn't a problem in itself) and so it made it hard to want to root for her. Much of the plot about a troubled childhood, a bad ex, etc. all seemed pretty cliched' and tired.
As pointed out by several other reviewers, the book appears to perpetuate the concept that mentally ill people are violent which is not cool.
I'm glad this became available in the US (for awhile I thought I'd have to buy it from a UK shop) and was at my library. Recommend borrowing it if you're *really* interested but otherwise I'd skip it. 'Fikry' is a much better book about books and readers.
shoesmcdaid's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
msnyderk's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. Loveday’s story was just so well done. First of all, I related to Loveday in a lot of ways. I love how she loved books and her not desiring to be around people all the time. I relate with how she has to talk herself into those moments of brave. Nathan and Archie were such wonderful “family” and the bookstore was everything it should be. Picking up this book every day was lovely. The best part was that I just happened upon it at the library. I had never read this author before.
tracey_stewart's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars, because of Archie (I had a bad feeling that would happen, and I don't like it as a plot device, never mind what it did to my emotions). Rounded up, of course, so that's ok, because it was gorgeous otherwise.
reading_with_kayla's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
tmoonsiri's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
mindfullibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
(free review copy) a quirky bookshop novel that is about 25% about the bookshop and 75% about overcoming trauma. It is a powerful book and hit all of my emotions, but there were definitely parts that hurt my heart to read.
emilyjmasters's review against another edition
4.0
You liked Eleanor Oliphant but wished it was a little more ephemeral and hopeful? This one is for you