I am a sucker for a book that has a bookish word in the title. Generally I am not disappointed either. These five were 2019 reads, although a couple of them have been around quite awhile.
The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick. Martha the main character works at the library, used to write stories with her Grandma and there is a bookshop owner and bookshop as well. I enjoyed this story, liked Martha as a character, her quirkiness and the way she changed. My review.
A Month of Sundays by Liz Byrski is set in Australia. It is about four women who belong to an online book club. They are invited by one member to join her for a few weeks in the Blue Mountains. They have never met in person before, each one is either retired or about to retire. They each have to bring a book that is going to reveal to the others something about themselves. They take a week to read and then discuss each one. The books mentioned are real books, and bring out information about each character. They have very thoughtful discussions. My first read of this author and I will certainly look for more by her.
Five women meet each month to discuss a book. Their friendship is important to them, even if some are tinged with tension. Each women faces a challenge as the story unfolds and each responds in a way unique to her. And through all the trials friendship carries the day. Each chapter begins with a quote from a book that is rather relevant to what happens in the chapter. I cheered them on, recognised and understood the crises and rather admired their steps forward in their lives.
I thought this might be another happy book about a bookshop, however I was warned in the forward by someone other than the author that this was a sad book, and so it is. It was an excellent listen on audio, I don’t think I’d enjoy just reading it. Set in a small village in England it is a tale of taking a risk, being a little naive about what might be a success and how to run a small business. Florence Green has a kind heart, but that cannot be said for another woman in the village who ruthlessly sets about being Florence’s and the bookshop’s downfall.
OMG I loved this book, I just was so annoyed when it ended, the best kind of annoyed though. I have read this every spare minute I had, I love this kind of book magic that draws me into a story. It often surprised a laugh out of me. It often had me worrying over the outcome for characters. There are some serious issues that are explored.
Zoe brings her own brand of book beliefs to the blue van while Nina is busy holed up in a hospital bed. (Remember Nina from The Bookshop on the Corner). Zoe brings her own brand of being a nanny to three “lost” children and she is a wonderful mother to her own.
Set in Scotland – in a big house like a castle. At some point I hope I’ll hear this on audio because I am sure it would be wonderful with the right narrator.
LOVED IT.
These all sound really good although I don’t think I’d like to read the sad one.
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I agree! Nothing like a book about books…and book lovers! I haven’t read any of these you listed yet, but I did just re-read The Storied Life of AJ Fikry, one of my favorites – set in a bookstore, what’s better?
Sue
2019 Big Book Summer Challenge
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Oh I’ve missed your posts Kathryn, fingers crossed I’ll be back soon xo
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Been thinking of you Deb, hope it all dries out soon.
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I have a review coming up some day about a bookshop 😀 I do love bookshop books
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I’m a sucker for books with book in the title too! All of these look wonderful and I really want that Jenny Colgan. I’ve been loving her books lately.
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Yes love her ones especially set in Scotland. I want to listen to it as well but not sure now as I listened to snippet and not sure the narrator is that suitable.
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I love books about books & libraries as well. I have read a couple of these and will add the others to my ever-growing TBR list.
Here’s a few more titles, ones I’ve read and enjoyed:
End of Your Life Book Club Will Schwalde
Dear Fahrenheit 451 Annie Spence
Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore Matthew J. Sullivan
84, Charing Cross Helene Hanff
The Thirteenth Tale Diane Setterfield
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend Fatarine Bivald
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Thanks Bev for these suggestions. I have already enjoyed Readers of Broken Wheel and have 84 Charing Cross sitting on my TBR for a read. Must check out the others.
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I love books or bookish in the title, too,
The Library of Lost and Found is on my Kindle, and the others are on my list. Thanks for sharing.
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Bookish books are so enticing!
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I put the Colgan on my audible wish list because of your review. I’ve listened to a few of hers and the accent of the narrator(s) enhances the books (which I love).
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I hope you like it, her books set in Scotland really appeal to me, and I love when the narrator nails the book.
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A Month of Sundays sounds fascinating. I’m going to see if our library has it. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Kathy it is great – though being published in Australia might be a drawback but library is a good place to look.
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Oh. Ok. Thanks. 🙂
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I can’t resist a novel with book in the title either.
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