cardinalcardigan's review against another edition
5.0
This book has everything that makes for a wonderful read: dynamic characters? Check. Cozy settings? 100%. Memorable moments? Every bit impacts you in a wonderful way. The Little Paris Bookshop was a marvelous read.
kimberlymichelle's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-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? It's complicated
4.5
I feel like I need to read this book at a slow and cozy time of year. It’s a book to cuddle in with and underline the parts that resonate with you.
It’s a book to dwell with.
It’s also a book for people who believe that good things can and do happen to all of us along with the painful stuff. (And don’t get irritated by happy hopeful endings)
It’s for readers who aren’t irritated by characters different than themselves, who want to forgive or heal or accept there own and others’ fallibility and complexity.
It’s not a plot driven book, it’s more an exploration of what it means to be human and an examination of the choices people make. It’s a call to live boldly and honestly while you still can. It’s a bit of a love letter to books and words as well.
I’d be interested in discussing this book with others. Lots to talk about.
Narrators we’re good.
It’s a book to dwell with.
It’s also a book for people who believe that good things can and do happen to all of us along with the painful stuff. (And don’t get irritated by happy hopeful endings)
It’s for readers who aren’t irritated by characters different than themselves, who want to forgive or heal or accept there own and others’ fallibility and complexity.
It’s not a plot driven book, it’s more an exploration of what it means to be human and an examination of the choices people make. It’s a call to live boldly and honestly while you still can. It’s a bit of a love letter to books and words as well.
I’d be interested in discussing this book with others. Lots to talk about.
Narrators we’re good.
erin_janda's review against another edition
5.0
If I had to choose a single word to summarize this book it would have to be charming. I stumbled upon this book a few years ago, and the title caught my attention. The story is so easy to fall into and immerse oneself. I loved the characters, their flaws and strengths, their struggles and triumphs. Nina George’s beautiful descriptions of the French landscape, from north to south, allowed me to experience a country I have yet to visit. I could feel the summer sun, smell the lavender fields, and hear the lapping of the river water against Lulu. I find myself wanting to read this book again, so as to capture even more of the details. I highly recommend this book!
yeagleyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? No
3.5
nlfrey's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't love this book as much as I wanted to - and I really did want to love it!
The premise sounded so completely amazing - a "literary apothecary," "prescribing" books for ailments of the mind or emotions to the customers of his bookshop. Which isn't even a book SHOP, it's a book BARGE, anchored in Paris! I mean, what's not to love!?
And I did love those portions of this book. In fact, had the entire book centered on his life in Paris, running the bookshop, the developing relationships with customers and neighbors in his apartment building, it would have been fantastic.
Instead, our hero goes off on a "quest" to find closure about his last relationship - which ended 20 years ago. And that storyline, for me, was just kinda... meh. It was supposed to be this wonderful, passionate relationship he'd shared with this woman, yet all the "flashbacks" involving her were more annoying than anything else. She didn't come across as this deep, passionate, romantic soul we're supposed to think of her as, instead she came across as flighty, selfish, and thoughtless. And as such, it annoyed me that the main character was still pining after her, 20 years after they'd parted ways. She wasn't worth that kind of loyalty!
Overall, not a bad book. In fact, the character development and storylines of some of the minor characters are absolutely delightful. The rest of the book just didn't quite go where I wanted it to go or do what I wanted it to do, so I admit I was rather disappointed.
The premise sounded so completely amazing - a "literary apothecary," "prescribing" books for ailments of the mind or emotions to the customers of his bookshop. Which isn't even a book SHOP, it's a book BARGE, anchored in Paris! I mean, what's not to love!?
And I did love those portions of this book. In fact, had the entire book centered on his life in Paris, running the bookshop, the developing relationships with customers and neighbors in his apartment building, it would have been fantastic.
Instead, our hero goes off on a "quest" to find closure about his last relationship - which ended 20 years ago. And that storyline, for me, was just kinda... meh. It was supposed to be this wonderful, passionate relationship he'd shared with this woman, yet all the "flashbacks" involving her were more annoying than anything else. She didn't come across as this deep, passionate, romantic soul we're supposed to think of her as, instead she came across as flighty, selfish, and thoughtless. And as such, it annoyed me that the main character was still pining after her, 20 years after they'd parted ways. She wasn't worth that kind of loyalty!
Overall, not a bad book. In fact, the character development and storylines of some of the minor characters are absolutely delightful. The rest of the book just didn't quite go where I wanted it to go or do what I wanted it to do, so I admit I was rather disappointed.
evieintheshire's review
hopeful
reflective
slow-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
3.0
tucker11grad's review against another edition
2.0
the idea of this book could have been amazing. I loved the literary apothecary. was excited to read it for that purpose a little love story in there is fine but this book was a let down. it started off sting. odd but good. then he set sail and it sank fast and only continued to get worse. I was very disappointed in this book. which bums me out cause this one of the books I was most excited about. in the end I didn't want to finish but made myself in hopes that it would get better. it did not. don't waste your time.
winterfeyforever's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dobbyhasnomaster's review against another edition
1.0
Extremely awful. Overly metaphorical and sappy. Puked in my mouth a few times.