sendusia's review against another edition
4.0
"Mr. Lambiase, have I got a book for you."
I absolutely adored this book. As a book nerd, the constant bookish references and the way that books impacted each character's life was my favorite part. I haven;t read many stories where books are a central character.
s_shronda's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
abeth_parker's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars rounded up to 3. Apparently, my toxic trait is not liking books that my fellow avid readers love. And I don't know how to change.
I can't really put into words what I didn't like about this book. But I will share some of my thoughts.
The main character trait in this book is "quirky." All of the characters are quirky. In different ways, but I'll say it again: they're quirky.
I've read a writing tip that says to write your side characters like they think they're the main character. The author took that tip to heart. I can handle multiple POVs in a book, but I just didn't like the way it was done in this novel. It made the story seem really disjointed.
The story jumped quickly in time. I'm not saying I wanted it to be longer, but Maya was 9 in one chapter, then 16 in the next. Or something like that. Quick little dips in periods of time made the book seem rushed.
I didn't mind this book but it's just not for me.
I can't really put into words what I didn't like about this book. But I will share some of my thoughts.
The main character trait in this book is "quirky." All of the characters are quirky. In different ways, but I'll say it again: they're quirky.
I've read a writing tip that says to write your side characters like they think they're the main character. The author took that tip to heart. I can handle multiple POVs in a book, but I just didn't like the way it was done in this novel. It made the story seem really disjointed.
The story jumped quickly in time. I'm not saying I wanted it to be longer, but Maya was 9 in one chapter, then 16 in the next. Or something like that. Quick little dips in periods of time made the book seem rushed.
I didn't mind this book but it's just not for me.
ekille's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.5
alexalovesbooks's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
3.5
I picked up this novel because I read and absolutely adored Zevin’s other book Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow earlier this year and I’d heard good things about this one. It was certainly charming in its own way, featuring a grieving and grumpy bookstore owner and the baby left on the floor of his bookshop, though it didn’t quite capture my heart in the same way T3 did.
There was definitely a lot to like here: literary references (from publishing terms to bookstore vibes and literature being mentioned), a varied interesting set of characters who slowly wormed their way into my heart, a slice of life plot that involved a lot of the relationships and circumstances that affect a specific group living on this small island. It did hold my attention all the way through, and I did get a bit teary-eyed at the end too.
A very solid read from Zevin, and it absolutely makes me want to read more from this author.
There was definitely a lot to like here: literary references (from publishing terms to bookstore vibes and literature being mentioned), a varied interesting set of characters who slowly wormed their way into my heart, a slice of life plot that involved a lot of the relationships and circumstances that affect a specific group living on this small island. It did hold my attention all the way through, and I did get a bit teary-eyed at the end too.
A very solid read from Zevin, and it absolutely makes me want to read more from this author.
mjsteimle's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
Zevin's Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac is one of the worst books I've ever read, so I was surprised when I found that she is the author of the much-acclaimed The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry. Despite my bad experience with one of the author's previous works, I found this book absolutely delightful! It is a quirky book, to be sure, but I found the story charming, the characters likable, and the frequent references to books a lot of fun. The timeline is rather jumpy, but it really did't bother me.
My main criticism of this book as that most of the references are to works of contemporary fiction (vampires, The Book Thief, etc.). Many of the references will probably be lost on someone reading this book ten years from now.
Zevin's Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac is one of the worst books I've ever read, so I was surprised when I found that she is the author of the much-acclaimed The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry. Despite my bad experience with one of the author's previous works, I found this book absolutely delightful! It is a quirky book, to be sure, but I found the story charming, the characters likable, and the frequent references to books a lot of fun. The timeline is rather jumpy, but it really did't bother me.
My main criticism of this book as that most of the references are to works of contemporary fiction (vampires, The Book Thief, etc.). Many of the references will probably be lost on someone reading this book ten years from now.
pbobrit's review against another edition
4.0
Picked this up at the airport and it was the perfect inflight read. That is not to detract from the quality of the writing which is good, but the story is just a fun yarn, with literary overtones. A widowed bookshop owner, a mysterious baby, and life on small island. Fun, page turning and finished by the end of the flight.
xz_neal's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-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
4.5
jradford2's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.0
Great read, relatable and emotional.
olivia76's review against another edition
5.0
Man, I love this book! I think most book lovers will. It’s an interesting and beautiful story. I think a few of the characters will stick with me. It’s not perfect but I enjoyed every moment of reading it.