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libby_libaryon's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to this on audio at the recommendation of a friend and absolutely adored it.
AJ Fikry, the owner of Island Books, lost everything when his valuable copy of Tamarlane was stolen. But he gained everything shortly after when a toddler was abandoned in his store and he adopted her. Mostly this realistic fiction is about the complication of human relationships and love, but it's woven with books - book people, book industry, book quotes. And I oh so love books about books. I thought this was a kids' book... but it's not. I'm not even sure they would like it.
AJ Fikry, the owner of Island Books, lost everything when his valuable copy of Tamarlane was stolen. But he gained everything shortly after when a toddler was abandoned in his store and he adopted her. Mostly this realistic fiction is about the complication of human relationships and love, but it's woven with books - book people, book industry, book quotes. And I oh so love books about books. I thought this was a kids' book... but it's not. I'm not even sure they would like it.
jenfilipiak's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 ⭐️ This book was surprisingly delightful to read. It had witty banter between characters and contained many references to culture and literature, which I enjoyed. I am also still pondering parts of the story which makes a book much more intriguing.
melissa_withthelonglastname's review against another edition
4.0
This book was certainly different from anything I've read in a long time. I loved the setting and seeing the characters grow, though the pacing seemed to be fast--12 years in a short novel means quick glimpses of events and not much time for dealing with emotions. I'm still thinking about the characters and what happens to them in the future, which is the sign of a good read. :)
michelleks's review against another edition
4.0
A very sweet story about the twists and turns in life and how reading, books, and the people who love us can help get us through. The characters are not all that complicated, the setting is cozy, and the plot offers a few mysteries.
afkaplan's review against another edition
4.0
Charming, sweet (a little sappy), quirky, and sad (but not at all maudlin) book. Plus a lovely ode to books and book lovers.
snukes's review against another edition
3.0
This was a lovely, light story of people who love books. The story was warm and well-told, the characters interesting and changing. I kept expecting the plot to go a certain way (to follow certain stereotypes, I suppose), and instead it kept surprising me, which I liked. Nothing earth-shattering, but engaging and pleasant.
hannahbeereads's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5
The prose is really beautiful and the characters are compelling, but something about the overall tone and the plot I just didn't connect with.
The prose is really beautiful and the characters are compelling, but something about the overall tone and the plot I just didn't connect with.
spitefullysane's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting read. Wasn't sure at first. Thought it might be a Silas Marner read alike. I was pleased with the twists and turns. The characters are likable, but their physical descriptions in the writing were confusing. But overall a nice read.