As soon as I see the word bookshop in a book’s title, I always want to know more and often go on to read the novel. We book lovers seem to love titles set in one of our favorite locations. That was certainly true for me in this case.
Readers will enjoy getting to know Maggie Banks. She moves to a small town to help run a friend’s bookstore. It turns out that this is a shop with rules about what can be sold. Maggie has her own ideas and begins to implement them. Will she be successful? Who should be informed about her decisions?
This is a book that, while easy to read, raises some questions about the ability to buy and read the books that we want and how bookstore agendas are set. See if you agree with the old guard who have their reasons or with Maggie.
Readers will cheer for Maggie as she begins to find herself and her voice. Her growth is something to applaud.
This book has a little of many enjoyable tropes. There are good characters, a small town a secret, a bit of romance and more.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this title. All opinions are my own.
These Names Make Clues is an intriguing detective novel written at a time when its author was establishing herself as one of the leading exponents of the genre. The book was first published in 1937, under the prestigious Collins Crime Club imprint. Remarkably, however, this is one of E. C. R. Lorac’s novels that has…
Many thanks to NetGalley, Algonquin Books and Pearl Cadigan for this title. I am delighted to bring this book to your attention.
The Storied Life of A J Fikry has almost a cult status it seems to me. There are so many who have enjoyed this book since its publication in 2004. This story of a curmudgeonly bookseller touched hearts. Now, with a movie release, is the perfect time to visit or revisit this title.
A New York Times Bestseller, a #1 Indie Next Pick, and a #1 LibraryReads Selection
“This novel has humor, romance, a touch of suspense, but most of all love–love of books and bookish people and, really, all of humanity in its imperfect glory.” —Eowyn Ivey, author of The Snow Child
A. J. Fikry, the irascible owner of Island Books, has recently endured some tough years: his wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and his prized possession–a rare edition of Poe poems–has been stolen. Over time, he has given up on people, and even the books in his store, instead of offering solace, are yet another reminder of a world that is changing too rapidly. Until a most unexpected occurrence gives him the chance to make his life over and see things anew.
Gabrielle Zevin’s enchanting novel is a love letter to the world of books–an irresistible affirmation of why we read, and why we love.
“Readers who delighted in Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows’s The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Rachel Joyce’s The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, and Jessica Brockmole’s Letters from Skye will be equally captivated by this adult novel by a popular YA author about a life of books, redemption, and second chances. Funny, tender, and moving.” —Library Journal, starred review
“Wade into summer reading with this sweet yet soulful tale of love, loss, the power of friendship–and books. Like sunshine on a breezy spring day, you won’t want it to end.” —Family Circle
“Zevin perfectly captures the joy of connecting people and books . . . Filled with interesting characters, a deep knowledge of bookselling, wonderful critiques of classic titles, and very funny depictions of book clubs and author events, this will prove irresistible to book lovers everywhere.” —Booklist
“Zevin is a deft writer, clever and witty.” —Publishers Weekly
“A wonderful, moving, endearing story of redemption and transformation that will sing in your heart for a very, very long time.” —Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain
National Geographic publishes lush titles with beautiful photos. This book looks to be no exception to that practice.
This time it is an intriguing look at cooking for health. The “blue zones” are places where people have lived to a very ripe old age. What have they eaten that has sustained them so well? This cookbook offers the general reader and cook the chance to find out and try some of the plant based recipes. The author (in the full book) looks at lifestyles and foods from the Hmong in Minnesota and Quakers in New England to name just two of the groups whose recipes are featured. In completing his task, Mr. Buettner has consulted with over fifty experts.
This review is based upon the sample that was available for advanced reading. From what I can see, this book will make you hungry. Note that I have not seen the entire book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and National Geographic for this title. All opinions are my own.
The cover of this book makes it look like a somewhat typical romance novel; however, that is not exactly the case. Here is the story of Mary Black. She is a mother who has been married to Leo for twenty years. Her life changes drastically when she realizes that Leo (no big spoiler so I’ll stop even though there is a reveal in the book’s very first paragraph) wants something else. His choices will impact Mary, their children and their lives. What will Mary do? What would you do in her shoes? To what extent will she accept and compromise? Will their be something else for her? Read this one to find out. The pages turn pretty easily.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 