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Hardcover
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9781616203214
Overview
Overview
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 ChildA. 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
- Format: Hardcover
- Author: Zevin, Gabrielle
- ISBN: 9781616203214
- Condition: Used
- Dimensions: 8.20 x 1.20
- Number Of Pages: 260
- Publication Year: 2014
Customer Reviews
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No Man Is an Island; Every Book Is a World.
Franziska R. - 5 years 1 month agoNo Man Is an Island; Every Book Is a World. So it says on a sign of A.J's bookstore. We enter into his world on Alice Island and with it his charming bookstore. A.J's own story is compelling, sad at times but the people that are in his life or about to enter it not only shape his life but the story itself beautifully. A beautiful read with unexpected turns, a must for every booklover!
HPB Staff Review -
You will read this book more than once
Doris R. - 5 years 5 months agoI loved this book. The characters are memorable. The ties between these people, is very subtle. I laughed out loud, and cried my eyes out. All the while, loving this story of a very lonely man, as he reaches out to life, in the form of a small abandoned child. The bonds that form between these people are strong and lasting. A wonderful story, I would and have recommended to all my friends. It is a story I will read again, just for the sheer joy of living this story once again.
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Loved this story!
Julie S. - 6 years agoI love stories about books, bookstores and libraries. This was a great read. I loved that each chapter started with a quote from a different book. I now have 5 more books on my list of books I NEED to read. #RequiredReading
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A Lovely Read for Bibliophiles
Justin H. - 6 years 4 months agoThis is one of the best books I've ever read. As a bibliophile, writer, and fan of meta-ness, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry hit on all points of entertainment, humor, cleverness and intrigue. There's a mix of literary, mystery, romance and humor. The story follows bookstore owner, A.J. who after the death of his wife, is living a depressing and meaningless existence. Not until certain people enter his life, Amelia, a publisher's sale rep, Chief Lambiase, and Maya, a toddler left in his shop, does A.J. begin to change from a jaded literary snob and open his heart. As referenced on his bookstore's sign: No man is an island; Every book is a world; speaks to one of the themes of this book. This story is not only of hope and second chances, but one of love and connection (which also happens through a shared love of books). Each chapter is titled with a short story by well-known authors with A.J.'s notes. In terms of narration, I don't usually like omniscient, but it worked well and stylistically emphasized the humor and meta-ness. The only critique I have of the narrative is the timeline. It felt a bit rough when jumping ahead years when the first part of the book didn't stray to far from the present. That aside, the reader gets to see the whole picture of A.J.'s life taking an upward turn. As he says, "We are not quite novels. We are not quite short stories. In the end we are collected works." Like any short story collection, its a metaphor for life with its ups and downs, gems and clunkers. And we remember the standouts.
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What is it really like to work in a bookstore?
Klarissa B. - 6 years 6 months agoOne of my best friends who happens to work with me at the bookstore recommended (read DEMANDED) that I read this book. I had seen this book before across the packed shelves with its swanky red cover and told myself there was no way that I was going to read a book about a guy who owns and works in a bookstore. I am no Bill Murray. Groundhogs are not my thing. So, after being strongly urged by my friend on several occasions complete with wide staring eyes wondering why I had not listened to her sage advice, I read the thing. This is the internet and what I write here will be accessible and in the universe forever. She was right. I have eaten crow and it was delicious. A.J. Fikry is not inherently nice. He enjoys books and prefers them to people. Which is unfortunate since his favorite person, his wife, has passed away leaving him uncertain as to what life is for and why he should bother participating. Then comes Maya. Maya is 2 years old. This is not a Three Men and a Baby heart warmer that wraps up in a neat little bow. Life is messy and you can't have anything without balance. What I enjoyed about this book was the realistic tone of the story. No one is perfect in this novel and there are no melodramatic pauses so you can grab a Kleenex to ugly cry the night away. You are left with what it means to be human even when you'd rather be a book.
HPB Staff Review