rin_munakata's review against another edition
5.0
I really liked this book, beacause it was easy to read, had a great story line, and the Charakter development was fantastic. I can recommend this book for everyone who don’t really needs romance (even tho there is a little romance part), from young to old, and maybe someone who wants to read something not that nerve wracking but still adventurous.
nglofile's review against another edition
2.0
Fine for what it is, but fairly paint-by-numbers. A few of the supporting characters add life, but the whole suffers from a surfeit of sentimentality without substance and a too-neat ending that still manages to not be satisfying.
ob_ledbetter's review against another edition
3.0
Nothing shocking but a warm-hearted story that reminds me why I love libraries!
beatrice343's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.0
cicip's review against another edition
lighthearted
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
3.0
sarahjolioli's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
hellodiana's review against another edition
I slogged through two whole days to get to a third of this book. Not only was there not a single aspect of the story that interested me, I found myself actively annoyed with the main character for being a caricature of a spineless woman.
And the Harry potter references in a book published after the author came out as a Terf? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
And the Harry potter references in a book published after the author came out as a Terf? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
_mjreads_'s review against another edition
4.0
This was such a cozy book! June is a little frustrating at times but overall I really enjoyed it. It’s a great palette cleanser. The audiobook is phenomenal!
billynev's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A heartwarming story about a small village fighting for its library. You really end up rooting for the “Friends of Chalcot Library”, especially June who’s the protagonist of the story. Her character development is well-written albeit totally predictable.
There are some flaws in the book. The dialogue was not at all captivating. Sometimes it seemed that it was written by an AI model in a sense that I feel like real people don’t at all talk like they do in the book. The characters often fulfilled their stereotype to a fault (outspoken lesbian socialist, old immigrant-basher, insecure book girl) that it made them not believable. It’s also why I was not in love with the June character whose insecurities were almost cartoonish. I also didn’t buy her relationship with Alex (the love interest). The most inspiring and heartwarming passages involve Stanley Phelps, an old lonely pensioner who stands up for the library, and who inspires June’s character development in many ways. Overall it was an enjoyable and quick read. I feel like the story and characters had more potential though.
There are some flaws in the book. The dialogue was not at all captivating. Sometimes it seemed that it was written by an AI model in a sense that I feel like real people don’t at all talk like they do in the book. The characters often fulfilled their stereotype to a fault (outspoken lesbian socialist, old immigrant-basher, insecure book girl) that it made them not believable. It’s also why I was not in love with the June character whose insecurities were almost cartoonish. I also didn’t buy her relationship with Alex (the love interest). The most inspiring and heartwarming passages involve Stanley Phelps, an old lonely pensioner who stands up for the library, and who inspires June’s character development in many ways.
Spoiler
I really enjoyed the fact that his son appears in the ending as a donor for the new community library. Smart way to bring a plotline full circle.bethanie22's review against another edition
4.0
I adored this book for many reasons, but it ended up with a 4 star because I am absolutely FURIOUS that June allowed Marjorie to be involved in ANYTHING in the end. Marjorie was so abusive throughout this entire novel, and buying a single dinner does not excuse everything else! I want June to have walked out of that bathroom stall and told those nasty girls that were making fun of her that she had not begged to be there, she was ordered to by bridezillas mother who was her boss. I wanted June to bring out every single bad thing Marjorie ever said and did, and she just never did. The hen do made me so mad. Marjorie made me so mad. But everything else was perfect! Stanley, my entire heart and soul right now. I love libraries