Helpful Score: 4
Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-storied-life-of-j-fikry.html
A. J. Fikry is the owner of a small independent bookstore, Island Books, on a small island, Alice Island. His is the only bookstore on the island, catering to the small year round population in the winter and the burst of business that the summer visitors to the island bring. Surrounding him are the visitors to his bookstore, his wife's sister and her husband, the local police chief who becomes a friend, and the book rep of one of the publishers he deals with.
A.J. is a little lost. His beloved wife died suddenly. His bookstore is not doing well, and his prize possession - a rare book, of course - has been stolen. He is alone and isolated.
One day, an unexpected "package" arrives at his store, and changes his life forever. The story is about what follows that day in A.J's life. Peppered throughout at his notes on a variety of stories, some that I have read and some that are now going on my ever-lengthening to read list.
This book has been described as a "love letter to the world of books" which, of course, immediately appeals to me. It's a sweet story of ordinary people getting through life. That is its appeal. It's real. The fact that the setting is an independent bookstore certainly adds to that appeal. The book makes me feel like I am welcomed into the characters' world and become a part of it. I end the book still feeling warm and cozy.
At one point, A.J. writes, "People tell boring lies about politics, God and love. You know everything you need to know about a person from the answer to the question: What is your favorite book?" This is one of my recent favorites. Wonder what this tells you about me?
*** Reviewed based on a galley received through NetGalley ***
A. J. Fikry is the owner of a small independent bookstore, Island Books, on a small island, Alice Island. His is the only bookstore on the island, catering to the small year round population in the winter and the burst of business that the summer visitors to the island bring. Surrounding him are the visitors to his bookstore, his wife's sister and her husband, the local police chief who becomes a friend, and the book rep of one of the publishers he deals with.
A.J. is a little lost. His beloved wife died suddenly. His bookstore is not doing well, and his prize possession - a rare book, of course - has been stolen. He is alone and isolated.
One day, an unexpected "package" arrives at his store, and changes his life forever. The story is about what follows that day in A.J's life. Peppered throughout at his notes on a variety of stories, some that I have read and some that are now going on my ever-lengthening to read list.
This book has been described as a "love letter to the world of books" which, of course, immediately appeals to me. It's a sweet story of ordinary people getting through life. That is its appeal. It's real. The fact that the setting is an independent bookstore certainly adds to that appeal. The book makes me feel like I am welcomed into the characters' world and become a part of it. I end the book still feeling warm and cozy.
At one point, A.J. writes, "People tell boring lies about politics, God and love. You know everything you need to know about a person from the answer to the question: What is your favorite book?" This is one of my recent favorites. Wonder what this tells you about me?
*** Reviewed based on a galley received through NetGalley ***
Helpful Score: 2
I was given this book to read by a friend of mine who really enjoyed it. I briefly scanned the inside jacket of the book cover to get an idea of what it was about. It didn't strike me as a book that I would typically read, but I am always open to new authors and something different. I thought this was a truly endearing book with wonderful characters. The entire story revolves around A.J. Fikry's book store which he took over after his wife passed away in a tragic accident. Throughout the years, this book store had the ability to change his life in so many ways which he never would have thought possible. Gabrielle Zevin is very talented and does not disappoint!
Helpful Score: 2
There's not all that much to say about this wonderful little book. There's a little something for everyone in it: humor, romance, mystery. The cast of characters is small but choice, and they don't always behave in the ways that you expect them to.
First and foremost, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is a paean to books and all the people who love them. It unfolds with no real surprises, but with a satisfying sweetness and grace. Emotionally, it was the perfect time for me to read this book, and I loved it.
First and foremost, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is a paean to books and all the people who love them. It unfolds with no real surprises, but with a satisfying sweetness and grace. Emotionally, it was the perfect time for me to read this book, and I loved it.
Helpful Score: 1
Loved this book -- my pick for my bookclub this month. A must read for all bibliophiles..... shows how to raise a child to be a booklover for sure!
Has some suspense, family drama, a crime, romance, and sad ending all rolled into one. Each chapter has a page before the chapter starts that recommends a short story as the main character, Mr Fikry, a bookstore owner who was widowed young, prefers short stories to novels.
You will love how AJ, an orphaned toddler, and a single bookseller for a publisher come together to form a family on a small island where the bookstore, Island Books, becomes the heart of the town that is reached only by ferry.
Has some suspense, family drama, a crime, romance, and sad ending all rolled into one. Each chapter has a page before the chapter starts that recommends a short story as the main character, Mr Fikry, a bookstore owner who was widowed young, prefers short stories to novels.
You will love how AJ, an orphaned toddler, and a single bookseller for a publisher come together to form a family on a small island where the bookstore, Island Books, becomes the heart of the town that is reached only by ferry.
