belcanto28's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.0
amybecca's review against another edition
3.0
Apparently I checked this one out in 2021 and it was a DNF for me. I started it again after a recommendation from a friend and everything was familiar - but slow. I had a hard time getting in to it. I might have DNF'd a second time but this time it was for my book club, so I had to push forward.
And I'm glad I did. What an incredible story of who we are, who we want to be, who we might have been, who we might become under the right or wrong circumstances.
Despite it finally coming together for me, the dual plot line and it's characters are ultimately very forgettable for me, and my overall feeling toward the book is one of tiredness in all the parts that seemed like filler.
And I'm glad I did. What an incredible story of who we are, who we want to be, who we might have been, who we might become under the right or wrong circumstances.
Despite it finally coming together for me, the dual plot line and it's characters are ultimately very forgettable for me, and my overall feeling toward the book is one of tiredness in all the parts that seemed like filler.
andrearbooks's review against another edition
4.0
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is a fascinating historical fiction piece focused on the American Library in Paris. I always appreciate a historical piece that exposes me to new pieces of history, and this was definitely that! This is story of how books played a central role in the resistance primarily focused on the story of a young library named Odile. In addition to telling the story of this past experience, this also includes a storyline in 1983. Lily doesn't understand her older neighbor. She seems to be hiding something, and Lily is a curious teenager who just wants to know more. She decides to do a school project on her, so she has to share her story. As you might infer, this neighbor has connections to the library. It's not revealed just what those connections are, so part of the captivating nature of this story is learning more about her through Lily's research. The past and (sort of) present have really emotional and compelling stories. I was so drawn into Odile and Lily's pieces of the story. In the past, it was so incredible to read how the library remained dedicated to sharing knowledge and truth even when it was dangerous. In the present, Lily is navigating so much "stuff" in addition to learning more about her neighbor, and I was so emotionally drawn into her reality. This was just a beautiful read in its characters and storytelling. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this February 2021 (Whoa, I did not realize publication was so far away!). Way, way in the future, this is a book you'll absolutely want to check out.
sjchaima's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
tamaralgage1's review against another edition
5.0
Over the past few years I have read many books about WWII from many different angles. It doesn’t seem possible that there can be a story which has been told before. Yet this book has done just that. I loved this story and highly recommend.
It is natural to assume what we would do in the face of historic events which faced the people of Paris in the 1940s. The author has developed a narrative of a young librarian working in the American Library in Paris and how the lessons she learned were shared with a young teen in Montana 40 years later. There are so many priceless quotes and lessons about libraries, human nature, and life that make this worth the read.
It is natural to assume what we would do in the face of historic events which faced the people of Paris in the 1940s. The author has developed a narrative of a young librarian working in the American Library in Paris and how the lessons she learned were shared with a young teen in Montana 40 years later. There are so many priceless quotes and lessons about libraries, human nature, and life that make this worth the read.
marissa_roo's review against another edition
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- 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
4.5
I found it slow at parts and fast at others. The most interesting thing is the real history it represents. I somewhat wished for chronology but the modern day bits were informed by the past. A reflective and condemning read.
danalovestoread's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
deciasuniverse's review against another edition
3.0
It took some time to show interest in this book, but this mainly because of the writing style. The story is beautiful and I loved learing so much about the American Library of Paris. I love watching war movies and now I love reading it. I gave it 4 stars because for me personally there wasn’t some mystery or something else that made you wanted to read more and more because you wanted to know what happens next.
But however, the story became really interesting towards the end.
But however, the story became really interesting towards the end.
meglois's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5