An unusual book, it tells the story of Tom an Australian farmer and his love for Hannah and Peter. Hannah has suffered and lost so much and her story of Auschwitz is heartbreaking. Tom too is not a stranger to sadness yet he is extraordinary in his quiet way. I loved his way with people and animals and his ability to work and craft beautiful bookshelves. I really enjoyed the Australian flavour to this book. I laughed aloud at some of the recognised colloquilisms. Hannah is a difficult character, but she has been through so much, her struggle understandable. I liked her determination to gather and sell books to make up for the many destroyed by the Nazis. My heart went out to Peter, so young and yet so much heartbreak for him. It had a lot more appeal for me than I thought it would.
I listened to this one on audiobook and I found that at times I had to push myself to pick it up to listen to. I may have liked this a lot more if I’d just read it. Nina works in a book shop, is a total book nerd, loves her cat and is a trivia expert. She has never known her Dad, but when he dies she finds out she has lots of family -some lovely some not. There is also a little romance and Nina finds herself wondering is it better to be alone or is it better to be alone with someone who loves her as she is.
This one is a true bookish book. It is about a bookshop and the people who own it and work in it. It has lots of bookish talk and yet its about so much more. It’s about relationships and what makes them, its about valuing and loving people in spite of what might appear on the surface. We often judge, but are we making that up in our heads, is it really what’s happening? I loved the explorations and paths this book took me down. Its definitely one for my keeper shelf.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January is not immediately bookish, but it is still about the power of story and words and captures much of the magic of books. It is fantasy but often feels very real. January the young heroine of the book loves to read and write. There are doors that lead into other worlds, and there are those who want to lock them up tight and keep the world safe and to their order and power. Safety at the cost of freedom and choice. January stands at the centre, she is key. Magic, time travel, a coming of age story. It’s thought provoking. The characters, especially January and Sam and Bad really appeal. Maybe not for everyone but I am pleased I gave this one a chance. If you want to know a little more read this interview of Alix by her husband, its informative and as well, fun. I gave this book 5 stars.
The Book Charmer has a small town approach with a librarian – Sarah who often has books that “talk” to her and she gives books to people because she “knows” they need them. And most often she is proved right. Grace turns up in town and Sarah knows that Grace is destined to stay in the town but Grace is not inclined. It was a good read although I didn’t entirely warm to it. However other readers I follow did award it 5 stars so it could have just been me. I gave it a solid three stars.
Printed Letter Bookshop is one of my favorites and The Bookish Life of Nina Hill is on my TBR. I have it on audible but I’m thinking I might want to pick up a copy from the library and try it that way.
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It could have been me at the time Katherine so I’d go with the Audible version, it is well read as far as I remember. I think it was you who first alerted me to The Printed Letter Bookshop. On my keepers shelf now!
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I do like bookish books, but then we are bookish people
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We are bookish people indeed.
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Ten Thousand Doors looks appealing to me. I’ll keep it in mind!
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Great post, Kathryn. I love when a book surprises me in a good way like The Ten Thousand Doors of January surprised you. I’ll keep that title in mind for when I’m looking for something a bit different.
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I’ve read three of these and like them. Now I need to add Nina Hill and Printed Letter to my list.
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I do love a bookish book but I haven’t read any of these.
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I love “bookish” books. Of these five, I’ve only read The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, which I enjoyed…but now I want to check out the others. The Book Charmer has caught my eye, but in light of your thoughts, I may wait a while.
Thanks for sharing.
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