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A review by kelly_e
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0
Title: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 5.0
Pub Date: April 1st, 2014
T H R E E • W O R D S
Endearing • Immersive • Quick
📖 S Y N O P S I S
A.J. Fikry is the owner of Island books, which he ran with his wife, Nic. Following her sudden death, A.J.'s life has fallen apart - the bookstore is struggling, a prized collection of poems has been stolen, and he drinks himself to sleep every night. Somethings got to give, and it does when A.J. encounters two people; Amelia, is a young sales rep for Knightley Press and a little girl named Maya. An unforgettable tale of transformation and second chances, and the power of books.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Within a couple of pages of starting this book I knew it was going to be a favourite! Here is an endearing story of love and loss, filled with a little humour and romance, and a touch of suspense. The characters, particularly A.J. and Maya, were so human and relatable, absolutely making the novel. I've recently noticed my love for stories featuring curmudgeons, and this one did not disappoint! It isn't all heartache, but a portrait of real life, which is something I absolutely loved. The addition of the bookshop and love of reading were an added touch of magic. The writing was great, with the story flowing perfectly and spanning years.
When I book manages to touch my heart, and evoke all the emotions that's when I know I've found a gem. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is an attestation to why we read and why we love. It is a hug in book form and a book that will stay with me.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• all readers!
• fans of #grumplit
• book clubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"'Sometimes books don't find us until the right time.'"
"'It is the secret fear that we are unlovable that isolates us,' the passage goes, 'but it is only because we are isolated that we think we are unlovable. Someday, you do not know when, you will be driving down the road. And someday, you do not know when, he, or indeed she, will be there. You will be loved because for the first time in your life, you will truly not be alone. You will have chosen to not be alone.'"
"Why is any one book different from any other book? They are different, A.J. decides, because they are. We have to look inside many. We have to believe. We agree to be disappointed sometimes so that we can be exhilarated every now and again."
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 5.0
Pub Date: April 1st, 2014
T H R E E • W O R D S
Endearing • Immersive • Quick
📖 S Y N O P S I S
A.J. Fikry is the owner of Island books, which he ran with his wife, Nic. Following her sudden death, A.J.'s life has fallen apart - the bookstore is struggling, a prized collection of poems has been stolen, and he drinks himself to sleep every night. Somethings got to give, and it does when A.J. encounters two people; Amelia, is a young sales rep for Knightley Press and a little girl named Maya. An unforgettable tale of transformation and second chances, and the power of books.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Within a couple of pages of starting this book I knew it was going to be a favourite! Here is an endearing story of love and loss, filled with a little humour and romance, and a touch of suspense. The characters, particularly A.J. and Maya, were so human and relatable, absolutely making the novel. I've recently noticed my love for stories featuring curmudgeons, and this one did not disappoint! It isn't all heartache, but a portrait of real life, which is something I absolutely loved. The addition of the bookshop and love of reading were an added touch of magic. The writing was great, with the story flowing perfectly and spanning years.
When I book manages to touch my heart, and evoke all the emotions that's when I know I've found a gem. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is an attestation to why we read and why we love. It is a hug in book form and a book that will stay with me.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• all readers!
• fans of #grumplit
• book clubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"'Sometimes books don't find us until the right time.'"
"'It is the secret fear that we are unlovable that isolates us,' the passage goes, 'but it is only because we are isolated that we think we are unlovable. Someday, you do not know when, you will be driving down the road. And someday, you do not know when, he, or indeed she, will be there. You will be loved because for the first time in your life, you will truly not be alone. You will have chosen to not be alone.'"
"Why is any one book different from any other book? They are different, A.J. decides, because they are. We have to look inside many. We have to believe. We agree to be disappointed sometimes so that we can be exhilarated every now and again."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cancer, Death, and Car accident
Moderate: Infertility, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Grief
Minor: Vomit and Abandonment