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A review by kimberlymichelle
The Lost for Words Bookshop by Stephanie Butland
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-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? Yes
5.0
I borrowed the audio version from the library.
The audio book reader, Imogen Church, was absolutely perfect. Her interpretation of Loveday's story made me absolutely root for Loveday, and inspired compassion, rather than annoyance, for her self-sabotaging behavior.
The supporting characters were believably drawn and complex. There was enough emotional progress being made to keep me turning the pages. The humor was insightful and/or self-deprecating. The passion for books and their potential to have a powerful influence on our wellbeing was tangible.
The relationships complex and true. The judgements we make from the superficial, and the one's we make when we gain intimacy were well articulated. There is always more to discover, isn't there?
I cared. I laughed and cried.
The main ideas that linger after reading are that there are so many ways and degrees to which we can hurt the one's we love. Does it really matter if we "didn't mean it?" The consequences can be anywhere from deadly to trust damaging. And what if the person we love, and are hurting, is ourselves?
Also, acknowledge the power you have. Who gets to choose the life you will lead? Your next steps? When do you take the reins and when do you give them up, and why?
I wonder if I would have loved this book so much if it hadn't been read to me... I will buy it and find out.
The audio book reader, Imogen Church, was absolutely perfect. Her interpretation of Loveday's story made me absolutely root for Loveday, and inspired compassion, rather than annoyance, for her self-sabotaging behavior.
The supporting characters were believably drawn and complex. There was enough emotional progress being made to keep me turning the pages. The humor was insightful and/or self-deprecating. The passion for books and their potential to have a powerful influence on our wellbeing was tangible.
The relationships complex and true. The judgements we make from the superficial, and the one's we make when we gain intimacy were well articulated. There is always more to discover, isn't there?
I cared. I laughed and cried.
The main ideas that linger after reading are that there are so many ways and degrees to which we can hurt the one's we love. Does it really matter if we "didn't mean it?" The consequences can be anywhere from deadly to trust damaging. And what if the person we love, and are hurting, is ourselves?
Also, acknowledge the power you have. Who gets to choose the life you will lead? Your next steps? When do you take the reins and when do you give them up, and why?
I wonder if I would have loved this book so much if it hadn't been read to me... I will buy it and find out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders