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Goodnight June
The New York Times bestselling author of Blackberry Winter imagines the inspiration for Goodnight Moon
Goodnight Moon is an adored childhood classic, but its real origins are lost to history. In Goodnight June, Sarah Jio offers a suspenseful and heartfelt take on how the "great green room" might have come to be.
June Andersen is professionally successful, but her personal life is marred by unhappiness. Unexpectedly, she is called to settle her great-aunt Ruby’s estate and determine the fate of Bluebird Books, the children’s bookstore Ruby founded in the 1940s. Amidst the store’s papers, June stumbles upon letters between her great-aunt and the late Margaret Wise Brown—and steps into the pages of American literature.
Goodnight Moon is an adored childhood classic, but its real origins are lost to history. In Goodnight June, Sarah Jio offers a suspenseful and heartfelt take on how the "great green room" might have come to be.
June Andersen is professionally successful, but her personal life is marred by unhappiness. Unexpectedly, she is called to settle her great-aunt Ruby’s estate and determine the fate of Bluebird Books, the children’s bookstore Ruby founded in the 1940s. Amidst the store’s papers, June stumbles upon letters between her great-aunt and the late Margaret Wise Brown—and steps into the pages of American literature.
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2014
309 people are currently reading
7237 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Jio
28 books4,696 followersSarah Jio is the New York Times bestselling author of WITH LOVE FROM LONDON, coming from Random House (Ballantine) 2/22, as well as seven other novels from Random House and Penguin Books, including, ALWAYS, ALL THE FLOWERS IN PARIS, THE VIOLETS OF MARCH, THE BUNGALOW, BLACKBERRY WINTER, THE LAST CAMELLIA, MORNING GLORY, GOODNIGHT JUNE, and THE LOOK OF LOVE. Sarah is a journalist who has contributed to The New York Times, Glamour, O, The Oprah Magazine, Glamour, SELF, Real Simple, Fitness, Marie Claire, and many others. She has appeared as a commentator on NPR’s Morning Edition. Her novels are translated into more than 25 languages. Sarah lives in Seattle with her husband, three boys, three step-children and two puppies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,536 reviews
June 4, 2014
this review will go live on the blog 6/5
You know those books you hear about that sound AMAZING, those books you cannot wait to get your hands on and cherish, only to be horribly let down? Allow me to introduce you to Goodnight June. Let's revisit that summary: June Andersen is the vice president of a very lucrative bank in New York where she oversees foreclosures, even personally shutting down beloved businesses. She's carved out a new life for herself on the East Coast and never planned on returning to her past in Seattle until the day she received a letter; her great-aunt Ruby passed away and everything was left for June. Including Bluebird Books, the children's bookstore Ruby owned for decades. As much as June loved Ruby, returning home would mean facing things she's just not ready for. When she uncovers a secret Ruby kept hidden - her friendship with Margaret Wise Brown and the true story of how Goodnight Moon came to be - June finds herself enchanted. Could she possibly learn to let go and move on?
Goodnight June sounded positively dreamy: a bookstore, an absolute classic work of children's literature (raise your hand if you had - or still have! - a copy of Goodnight Moon), and a treasure hunt! Nothing better, right? Sadly, this novel fell victim to the Matthew Pearl Effect (new friends to the blog, the MPE is where a story has an incredible premise, but the actual storytelling falls short - named after one-too-many disappointments following Matthew Pearl's works). Goodnight June sounded great, but the execution was anything but.
There were so many issues I had with this novel, it would be easier to discuss what I did like. The idea behind the story? Ruby and Margaret's friendship? And that's where my praise ends.
June, a painfully stubborn and immature woman, falls for a cute new guy and after two short weeks they're in love. The problem? Gavin is co-owner of a restaurant with his ex-fiancee. The ex-fiancee who's still in love with him. This doesn't matter to June though, because mere days after meeting Gavin, she suggests they team up, knock down a wall between their buildings, and combine the two businesses into a bookstore/cafe. ...and Gavin agrees. Uh.. Then there's the problem with the bookstore. The entire reason June left for Seattle was to settle her aunt's finances and sell the place. Ruby had amassed an overwhelming amount of debt and even if she were to sell her apartment and use her entire savings, June still wouldn't have enough to cover the cost. So what brilliant plan does Gavin come up with? Why not e-mail her boss to ask for money! And June does. She e-mailed her boss JUST ONE DAY AFTER QUITTING to ask him to help her pay the money Ruby owed.
Honestly I'm surprised my eyes are still in my head they were doing so much rolling. Any obstacle or conflict that arose in the story was swiftly dealt with. There was nothing for June to work for. At one point she's trying to locate a man who had been given up for adoption in the 70s. It was a closed adoption and she only had the name he was given at birth. Well what do you know, June does a Google search, comes across a website for adults who had been adopted, and types up a post on their message boards. The following day she receives a reply. The entire book was like this. June's money problems? She holds a grand reopening (I was ROLLING at the scene where Bill and Melinda Gates randomly showed up along with big name authors like Clive Cussler) and gets a ton of donations. I get that this is supposed to be the Happy Ending, but I never saw it as a reward. June never had to struggle or put in any effort to reach her goals.
My other big issue was with the actual writing. If this is what Jio's work is like after six books (with a seventh coming out later this year) I'd seriously hate to see what her debut was like:
Of course, I should point out these are from an uncorrected copy. Her editor is definitely earning her paycheck with this one. Overly simple sentences - they went here, then they went here, then they looked at this - and an absurd amount of repetition (you think Margaret took the advice??). No thank you.
It's such a shame that I truly have nothing good to say about Goodnight June but I certainly can see the appeal in Jio's works; Goodnight Moon was an extremely easy, very quick read with an abundance of fluff. Unfortunately, I wanted more from this book than I received.
You know those books you hear about that sound AMAZING, those books you cannot wait to get your hands on and cherish, only to be horribly let down? Allow me to introduce you to Goodnight June. Let's revisit that summary: June Andersen is the vice president of a very lucrative bank in New York where she oversees foreclosures, even personally shutting down beloved businesses. She's carved out a new life for herself on the East Coast and never planned on returning to her past in Seattle until the day she received a letter; her great-aunt Ruby passed away and everything was left for June. Including Bluebird Books, the children's bookstore Ruby owned for decades. As much as June loved Ruby, returning home would mean facing things she's just not ready for. When she uncovers a secret Ruby kept hidden - her friendship with Margaret Wise Brown and the true story of how Goodnight Moon came to be - June finds herself enchanted. Could she possibly learn to let go and move on?
Goodnight June sounded positively dreamy: a bookstore, an absolute classic work of children's literature (raise your hand if you had - or still have! - a copy of Goodnight Moon), and a treasure hunt! Nothing better, right? Sadly, this novel fell victim to the Matthew Pearl Effect (new friends to the blog, the MPE is where a story has an incredible premise, but the actual storytelling falls short - named after one-too-many disappointments following Matthew Pearl's works). Goodnight June sounded great, but the execution was anything but.
There were so many issues I had with this novel, it would be easier to discuss what I did like. The idea behind the story? Ruby and Margaret's friendship? And that's where my praise ends.
June, a painfully stubborn and immature woman, falls for a cute new guy and after two short weeks they're in love. The problem? Gavin is co-owner of a restaurant with his ex-fiancee. The ex-fiancee who's still in love with him. This doesn't matter to June though, because mere days after meeting Gavin, she suggests they team up, knock down a wall between their buildings, and combine the two businesses into a bookstore/cafe. ...and Gavin agrees. Uh.. Then there's the problem with the bookstore. The entire reason June left for Seattle was to settle her aunt's finances and sell the place. Ruby had amassed an overwhelming amount of debt and even if she were to sell her apartment and use her entire savings, June still wouldn't have enough to cover the cost. So what brilliant plan does Gavin come up with? Why not e-mail her boss to ask for money! And June does. She e-mailed her boss JUST ONE DAY AFTER QUITTING to ask him to help her pay the money Ruby owed.
Honestly I'm surprised my eyes are still in my head they were doing so much rolling. Any obstacle or conflict that arose in the story was swiftly dealt with. There was nothing for June to work for. At one point she's trying to locate a man who had been given up for adoption in the 70s. It was a closed adoption and she only had the name he was given at birth. Well what do you know, June does a Google search, comes across a website for adults who had been adopted, and types up a post on their message boards. The following day she receives a reply. The entire book was like this. June's money problems? She holds a grand reopening (I was ROLLING at the scene where Bill and Melinda Gates randomly showed up along with big name authors like Clive Cussler) and gets a ton of donations. I get that this is supposed to be the Happy Ending, but I never saw it as a reward. June never had to struggle or put in any effort to reach her goals.
My other big issue was with the actual writing. If this is what Jio's work is like after six books (with a seventh coming out later this year) I'd seriously hate to see what her debut was like:
We pretend to be angry at each other for about three seconds before we hug.
"I'm going to miss you," he says.
"I'm going to miss you too."
We sit at a corner table and talk and laugh over Americanos and blackberry scones, then continue our tour of Winslow, stopping at a wine store. Gavin buys a case of local cabernet for the restaurant, and an extra one for me. When I notice a bookstore, Eagle Harbor Books, across the street, we walk there next.
I study the letter carefully and see that Margaret must have heeded Ruby's advice, because the letter has obviously been folded many times. Its creases are very deep and worn, as if she might have done just what Ruby suggessted. 'I hope you'll take what I've just written and put it in your pocket and save it.' She must have done just that.
Of course, I should point out these are from an uncorrected copy. Her editor is definitely earning her paycheck with this one. Overly simple sentences - they went here, then they went here, then they looked at this - and an absurd amount of repetition (you think Margaret took the advice??). No thank you.
It's such a shame that I truly have nothing good to say about Goodnight June but I certainly can see the appeal in Jio's works; Goodnight Moon was an extremely easy, very quick read with an abundance of fluff. Unfortunately, I wanted more from this book than I received.
June 9, 2014
Last year I read Blackberry Winter and absolutely loved it. A friend recommended this to me and when I found it to be the same author, I jumped at the chance to read it. Big mistake. This novel read like a bad Lifetime movie. Very interesting plot, but terrible execution! The characters were so stereotypical and one dimensional, it was cringe worthy. June is a tough New Yorker who never had time for love, at least not after she had her heart broken. She works herself to exhaustion and has no personal life, because that's what tough career women do, right? Enter the love interest, who is charming and sensitive and can cook! In other words, everything she isn't.
You could see the "spoilers" coming a mile away and there were plot holes big enough to drive a car through. Not to mention that every single problem that came her way was able to be solved at the snap of her fingers! Oh no she can't save the bookstore! But wait, Bill Gates showed up! (Won't reveal other spoilers of how she actually saved the bookstore).
Honestly, I struggled to finish. I will admit to liking "chick lit" and "beach reads" as much as the next person, so it isn't like I read nothing but Beowulf, but this one was way too sickeningly sweet for my taste. Everything wrapped up in the end in a nice little package with a pretty red bow. And I'll take a happy ending (no giggles!), but this one gave me heartburn.
You could see the "spoilers" coming a mile away and there were plot holes big enough to drive a car through. Not to mention that every single problem that came her way was able to be solved at the snap of her fingers! Oh no she can't save the bookstore! But wait, Bill Gates showed up! (Won't reveal other spoilers of how she actually saved the bookstore).
Honestly, I struggled to finish. I will admit to liking "chick lit" and "beach reads" as much as the next person, so it isn't like I read nothing but Beowulf, but this one was way too sickeningly sweet for my taste. Everything wrapped up in the end in a nice little package with a pretty red bow. And I'll take a happy ending (no giggles!), but this one gave me heartburn.
June 17, 2019
Yine bir Sarah Jio klasiği! Bir solukta okuttu kendini.
Fakat benim favorim hala " Yağmur Sonrası"
"İnsanlar incindikleri zaman karakterlerine aykırı davranırlar"
S:330
Fakat benim favorim hala " Yağmur Sonrası"
"İnsanlar incindikleri zaman karakterlerine aykırı davranırlar"
S:330
March 19, 2023
Книги Сари Джіо для мене - то як американські романтичні комедії. Типу завжди ясно, що буде в кінці, але цікаво часом почитати.
Цього разу у мене був саме такий настрій, і я до рук взяла саме ту книжку.
Молода кар'єристка з панічними атаками і невнормованим графіком отримує спадок від двоюрідної бабусі - дитячу книгарню. Звісно вона їде в містечко, де знаходиться книгарня, аби її продати. Але ось тут на неї нападають спогади, таємниці і, звісно ж, кохання.
Місцями сюжет притягнутий за вуха. Місцям ну дужее вже, наприклад раптовий чорношкірий брат. Але загалом - лайк.
Цього разу у мене був саме такий настрій, і я до рук взяла саме ту книжку.
Молода кар'єристка з панічними атаками і невнормованим графіком отримує спадок від двоюрідної бабусі - дитячу книгарню. Звісно вона їде в містечко, де знаходиться книгарня, аби її продати. Але ось тут на неї нападають спогади, таємниці і, звісно ж, кохання.
Місцями сюжет притягнутий за вуха. Місцям ну дужее вже, наприклад раптовий чорношкірий брат. Але загалом - лайк.
August 29, 2020
I listened to this audiobook. I adore children's books and this premise captured my attention.
June is a high powered banker who upon her Aunt Ruby's passing is left her beloved, "Bluebird Children's bookstore." June must decide whether she should sell the old place or try to rejuvenate it.
While going through her Aunt's old books she finds a letter. It is an old correspondence from 1946 with the famous children's author, Margaret Wise Brown and so begins the story. Her Aunt Ruby and Margaret Wise Brown were close friends and it is discovered that Aunt Ruby gave Margaret the idea for her most famous book, "Goodnight Moon."
The story moves from past to present as June reads the letters. The past and present seem to collide as there is a theme of, "sisterhood" in the stories. There is a family mystery to be solved and secrets to be discovered.
Although it is a fictional account of the "making" of, "Goodnight Moon" anyone who enjoys books will like this very touching and lovely story.
June is a high powered banker who upon her Aunt Ruby's passing is left her beloved, "Bluebird Children's bookstore." June must decide whether she should sell the old place or try to rejuvenate it.
While going through her Aunt's old books she finds a letter. It is an old correspondence from 1946 with the famous children's author, Margaret Wise Brown and so begins the story. Her Aunt Ruby and Margaret Wise Brown were close friends and it is discovered that Aunt Ruby gave Margaret the idea for her most famous book, "Goodnight Moon."
The story moves from past to present as June reads the letters. The past and present seem to collide as there is a theme of, "sisterhood" in the stories. There is a family mystery to be solved and secrets to be discovered.
Although it is a fictional account of the "making" of, "Goodnight Moon" anyone who enjoys books will like this very touching and lovely story.
March 17, 2023
кінець цієї книжки - мій улюблений, тож я сьогодні щаслива.
книжка читається дуже легко, хоча всі книжки Сари Джіо такі, коли відкриваєш їх і пропадаєш (чи випадаєш. з життя, наприклад).
маємо Джун, успішну жінку, яка має повернутися до свого рідного містечка, аби вирішити, що робити зі спадком тітки після її смерті. і після цього починається найцікавіше. для неї це час перемін, коли вона повинна вирішити, в якому напрямку далі рухатися, а заодно починає дізнаватися про минуле, яке виявляється і її минулим.
Джун – це приклад, вона віддала свої роки одній справі, але не боялася відкритися чомусь новому, спробувати знову і знову, коли більшість просто кинули все напризволяще. вона змогла відпустити минуле, образи та почати з початку. віднайшла себе, справу, в якій відчуває себе не лише впевнено, а й в «своїй тарілці». і лише після цього всього стала по-справжньому щасливою. зайшла кохання, нову сім'ю. що ще треба? трішки не без скла, але в цілому все чудово. я задоволена.
легко, цікаво, трішки загадково, в кінці – щасливо = ідеально.
5/5 ⭐️
книжка читається дуже легко, хоча всі книжки Сари Джіо такі, коли відкриваєш їх і пропадаєш (чи випадаєш. з життя, наприклад).
маємо Джун, успішну жінку, яка має повернутися до свого рідного містечка, аби вирішити, що робити зі спадком тітки після її смерті. і після цього починається найцікавіше. для неї це час перемін, коли вона повинна вирішити, в якому напрямку далі рухатися, а заодно починає дізнаватися про минуле, яке виявляється і її минулим.
Джун – це приклад, вона віддала свої роки одній справі, але не боялася відкритися чомусь новому, спробувати знову і знову, коли більшість просто кинули все напризволяще. вона змогла відпустити минуле, образи та почати з початку. віднайшла себе, справу, в якій відчуває себе не лише впевнено, а й в «своїй тарілці». і лише після цього всього стала по-справжньому щасливою. зайшла кохання, нову сім'ю. що ще треба? трішки не без скла, але в цілому все чудово. я задоволена.
легко, цікаво, трішки загадково, в кінці – щасливо = ідеально.
5/5 ⭐️
June 28, 2014
Two stories in one-June's current day story (my preference) and a story of her great aunt's friendship with a famous author, Margaret Wise Brown, told through their letters. I always admire when an author has the imagination (and courage) to fictionalize a story about a real person. Both stories are about love and loss. There's a fair amount of telling, in part due to the aunt's story being told through letters.
An easy read, I would have liked the characters to have more complexity and the plot to be less convenient and sentimental.
An easy read, I would have liked the characters to have more complexity and the plot to be less convenient and sentimental.
July 13, 2024
Мені дуже сподобалася ця некваплива історія про переосмислення себе, кохання та прощення.
У цій чудовій історії ми знайомимося з дуже успішною банкіркою Джун Андерсон, яка повертається до рідного міста Сіетл, коли дізнається про смерть своєї двоюрідної бабусі Рубі, яка залишила їй у спадок свою улюблену книгарню Bluebird Books. Джун приїжджає з наміром підготувати книгарню до продажу, щоб повернутися до свого швидкого життя у Нью-Йорку. Однак, знаходячи листи між її двоюрідною тіткою Рубі та автором "На добраніч, Місяцю", Джун розуміє, що в житті є щось більше, ніж її високе становище, яке залишає її порожньою всередині. Крім того, мені сподобалися другорядні сюжетні лінії між Джун та її сестрою, а також невеликий твіст ��априкінці історії.
У цій чудовій історії ми знайомимося з дуже успішною банкіркою Джун Андерсон, яка повертається до рідного міста Сіетл, коли дізнається про смерть своєї двоюрідної бабусі Рубі, яка залишила їй у спадок свою улюблену книгарню Bluebird Books. Джун приїжджає з наміром підготувати книгарню до продажу, щоб повернутися до свого швидкого життя у Нью-Йорку. Однак, знаходячи листи між її двоюрідною тіткою Рубі та автором "На добраніч, Місяцю", Джун розуміє, що в житті є щось більше, ніж її високе становище, яке залишає її порожньою всередині. Крім того, мені сподобалися другорядні сюжетні лінії між Джун та її сестрою, а також невеликий твіст ��априкінці історії.
June 27, 2014
A story that contains many of my favorite ingredients, "Goodnight June: A Novel" takes the reader to the 1940s through letters between Margaret Wise Brown and a woman named Ruby Crain, a bookstore owner in Seattle.
We first connect with June Andersen, a financial whiz working for a bank in New York. She is great at her job, but is beginning to suffer from high blood pressure and other evidence of stress.
And then, serendipitously, she inherits her Aunt Ruby's bookstore, Bluebird Books, and goes to Seattle to settle the estate. Initially, she plans to sell the store, but it takes very little time before the memories of childhood moments in the shop with Aunt Ruby sweep over her and she is suddenly immersed in book love again. But then June discovers that the bank is about to foreclose on the store and she must pull out all the stops if she wants to save it.
Her discoveries of the letters between her aunt and Margaret Wise Brown are like a wonderful bonus, and become part of a literary scavenger hunt. Could the letters help save the store? And will the hunky restaurant owner Gavin help her make the decision about what to do next? How will a five-year breach between June and her younger sister Amy affect the choices she makes?
The secrets, the hidden treasures, and the wonderful settings of one of my favorite cities swept me up into the story, while all the unexpected surprises and moments kept me reading. The obstacles were like real frustrations in my own life, and I was rooting for June as if my own future happiness depended on it. Keeping bookstores alive in the future is a theme that many book lovers can relate to. There were sad moments, losses, and sister reunions. This story will go down as another favorite read. 5.0 stars.
We first connect with June Andersen, a financial whiz working for a bank in New York. She is great at her job, but is beginning to suffer from high blood pressure and other evidence of stress.
And then, serendipitously, she inherits her Aunt Ruby's bookstore, Bluebird Books, and goes to Seattle to settle the estate. Initially, she plans to sell the store, but it takes very little time before the memories of childhood moments in the shop with Aunt Ruby sweep over her and she is suddenly immersed in book love again. But then June discovers that the bank is about to foreclose on the store and she must pull out all the stops if she wants to save it.
Her discoveries of the letters between her aunt and Margaret Wise Brown are like a wonderful bonus, and become part of a literary scavenger hunt. Could the letters help save the store? And will the hunky restaurant owner Gavin help her make the decision about what to do next? How will a five-year breach between June and her younger sister Amy affect the choices she makes?
The secrets, the hidden treasures, and the wonderful settings of one of my favorite cities swept me up into the story, while all the unexpected surprises and moments kept me reading. The obstacles were like real frustrations in my own life, and I was rooting for June as if my own future happiness depended on it. Keeping bookstores alive in the future is a theme that many book lovers can relate to. There were sad moments, losses, and sister reunions. This story will go down as another favorite read. 5.0 stars.
April 20, 2014
Knowing an authors inspiration for a novel is something that very few readers are ever lucky enough to learn. In this novel Sarah Jio has woven a very plausible tale of the inspiration for the children's classic Goodnight Moon!!! I think this will appeal to all readers but especially anyone that had a special childhood book!!!
January 28, 2023
" Усе, що шукають люди - зазвичай там, де вони це знаходять "
Вкотре, з кожною книгою Сари Джіо, переконуюсь, що це одна із тих авторок, книги якої я завжди читатиму!:)
Чесно, анотація до книги мене зацікавила, але настільки теплої і щемкої історії я навіть не могла очікувати! З кожною прочитаною мною книгою авторки ( для мене ця - поки 3-тя), я дедалі більше закохуюсь в її героїв ❤️
А в тім, про саму книгу :
Головна героїня - Джун, успішна банкірка, мешканка Нью-Йорку, яка зробила собі кар'єру на закритті маленьких бізнесів через борги їхніх власників. Для неї в житті немає місця жалю до клієнтів, немає часу для особистого життя, від сестри Емі - вона відреклась ще 5 років тому, а в рідне місто - Сіетл, вона дуже давно не навідувалась. Проте, вона отримує звістку від адвоката своєї тітки про її смерть і спадок, який вона залишила Джун, а саме - книгарню " Синя пташка". Разом з тим, що Джун рекомендовано лікарем взяти відпочинок на роботі, вона вирішує скористатись нагодою і швиденько вирішити справи з книгарнею тітки. В той же час, приїхавши на місце, в перший тиждень перебування в книгарні, Джун категорично вирішує позбутись закладу і повернутись до звичного життя в Нью-Йорку, але поступово вона змінює свої погляди, щодо свого життя в Нью-Йорку, майбутнього книгарні, їй починає не подобатись та Джун, якою вона стала за ці роки в Нью-Йорку. А ще, героїня одного ранку зустрічає чоловіка біля місцевого озера, власника ресторану поруч, а на додаток її покійна тітка влаштовує їй цікаву гру
" розгадай секрет книгарні ", розставляючи підказки на кожному кроці книгарні. Джун дедалі більше з кожним прочитаним листом задумується над своїм життям, проте вперто і досі впираючись, особливо щодо рішення помиритись з сестрою, але згодом вона все-таки вирішує поборотись за долю книгарні і повернути ту Джун, яка колись багато років назад покинула це місце, в якому вона зростала.
Повністю сюжет описувати не буду, адже тоді не буде цікаво читати саму книгу, проте я під такими враженнями, просто:))🥰🥰
Тут і зміна в особистому житті, і примирення, хоча і досить пізнє з сестрою, більше того героїня віднайде свою кровну сестру по-батькові, про якого вона ніколи нічого в житті і не чула. А те, як вона буде рятувати книгарню від закриття від власного ж банку, як згуртує людей, та де там - сам Білл Гейтс завітає в гості до " Синьої пташки"!
І взагалі, на сам кінець - об'єднання книгарні і ресторану по-сусідству - в книгарню-кав'ярню - це прям мрія для всіх книголюбів ❤️
На кінець залишу ще одну цитату :
" І весь час ми писатимемо свою власну історію. І то буде пречудова історія, сповнена всього того, що ми любимо" ❤️❤️
Тому, якщо хтось вагався і ще поки не читав цієї історії, щиро рекомендую! Бо для мене, вона певно увійде в топ-книг року за таку щиру і теплу атмосферу, яку вміє створити лише Сара Джіо ❤️
Вкотре, з кожною книгою Сари Джіо, переконуюсь, що це одна із тих авторок, книги якої я завжди читатиму!:)
Чесно, анотація до книги мене зацікавила, але настільки теплої і щемкої історії я навіть не могла очікувати! З кожною прочитаною мною книгою авторки ( для мене ця - поки 3-тя), я дедалі більше закохуюсь в її героїв ❤️
А в тім, про саму книгу :
Головна героїня - Джун, успішна банкірка, мешканка Нью-Йорку, яка зробила собі кар'єру на закритті маленьких бізнесів через борги їхніх власників. Для неї в житті немає місця жалю до клієнтів, немає часу для особистого життя, від сестри Емі - вона відреклась ще 5 років тому, а в рідне місто - Сіетл, вона дуже давно не навідувалась. Проте, вона отримує звістку від адвоката своєї тітки про її смерть і спадок, який вона залишила Джун, а саме - книгарню " Синя пташка". Разом з тим, що Джун рекомендовано лікарем взяти відпочинок на роботі, вона вирішує скористатись нагодою і швиденько вирішити справи з книгарнею тітки. В той же час, приїхавши на місце, в перший тиждень перебування в книгарні, Джун категорично вирішує позбутись закладу і повернутись до звичного життя в Нью-Йорку, але поступово вона змінює свої погляди, щодо свого життя в Нью-Йорку, майбутнього книгарні, їй починає не подобатись та Джун, якою вона стала за ці роки в Нью-Йорку. А ще, героїня одного ранку зустрічає чоловіка біля місцевого озера, власника ресторану поруч, а на додаток її покійна тітка влаштовує їй цікаву гру
" розгадай секрет книгарні ", розставляючи підказки на кожному кроці книгарні. Джун дедалі більше з кожним прочитаним листом задумується над своїм життям, проте вперто і досі впираючись, особливо щодо рішення помиритись з сестрою, але згодом вона все-таки вирішує поборотись за долю книгарні і повернути ту Джун, яка колись багато років назад покинула це місце, в якому вона зростала.
Повністю сюжет описувати не буду, адже тоді не буде цікаво читати саму книгу, проте я під такими враженнями, просто:))🥰🥰
Тут і зміна в особистому житті, і примирення, хоча і досить пізнє з сестрою, більше того героїня віднайде свою кровну сестру по-батькові, про якого вона ніколи нічого в житті і не чула. А те, як вона буде рятувати книгарню від закриття від власного ж банку, як згуртує людей, та де там - сам Білл Гейтс завітає в гості до " Синьої пташки"!
І взагалі, на сам кінець - об'єднання книгарні і ресторану по-сусідству - в книгарню-кав'ярню - це прям мрія для всіх книголюбів ❤️
На кінець залишу ще одну цитату :
" І весь час ми писатимемо свою власну історію. І то буде пречудова історія, сповнена всього того, що ми любимо" ❤️❤️
Тому, якщо хтось вагався і ще поки не читав цієї історії, щиро рекомендую! Бо для мене, вона певно увійде в топ-книг року за таку щиру і теплу атмосферу, яку вміє створити лише Сара Джіо ❤️
September 6, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
Гарна історія про переосмислення свого життя, відносини між сестрами та прощення.
Історія розповідає про Джун, успішну банкіршу, яка живе своєю роботою. Та одного дня воно отримує в спадок від своєї прабабусі книгарню. Джун має свої плани на цю крамницю, продати її та повернутися до свого життя. Але Рубі підготувала їй "квест" з пошуком листі між Рубі та авторкою книг "На добраніч, Місяцю". Ці листи відкривають таємниці минулого Рубі та змушують замислитися про життя як головну героїню так і читача (мене так точно).
Історія плавно йде, хоча й змушує місцями пустити сльозу.
Книга дуже комфортна, тому рекомендую до прочитання
Зараз у тебе темна смуга. Ще й, мабуть, туманна. Можливо, ти не бачиш шляху. Та він таки є! Тримайся його, і ти знайдеш свою дорогу. І коли вийдеш із хащів на галявину, де стрибають кролики, — довкола розвидниться, й сонце освітить тебе своїми променями, що зігріють і надихнуть.
Гарна історія про переосмислення свого життя, відносини між сестрами та прощення.
Історія розповідає про Джун, успішну банкіршу, яка живе своєю роботою. Та одного дня воно отримує в спадок від своєї прабабусі книгарню. Джун має свої плани на цю крамницю, продати її та повернутися до свого життя. Але Рубі підготувала їй "квест" з пошуком листі між Рубі та авторкою книг "На добраніч, Місяцю". Ці листи відкривають таємниці минулого Рубі та змушують замислитися про життя як головну героїню так і читача (мене так точно).
Історія плавно йде, хоча й змушує місцями пустити сльозу.
Книга дуже комфортна, тому рекомендую до прочитання
Зараз у тебе темна смуга. Ще й, мабуть, туманна. Можливо, ти не бачиш шляху. Та він таки є! Тримайся його, і ти знайдеш свою дорогу. І коли вийдеш із хащів на галявину, де стрибають кролики, — довкола розвидниться, й сонце освітить тебе своїми променями, що зігріють і надихнуть.
September 19, 2015
Goodnight June by Sarah Jio is one of those rare finds that surprisingly captures your heart for all the right reasons. I loved this steadily paced story about redefining who you are, falling in love and finding forgiveness.
In this wonderful story, we get to meet the very successful banker June Anderson who sets off to her hometown in Seattle when she hears that her great-aunt Ruby passed away and left her as the sole beneficiary of her beloved bookstore Bluebird Books. When June arrives at the shop, her intention is to prepare the bookstore for sale, so she can immediately return to her New York apartment and fast living. However, as June begins to uncover small treasures in the form of letter between her great-aunt Ruby and the author of Goodnight Moon, she realizes there’s more to life than her high powered position that leaves her empty inside.
I loved this story that was loosely tied to the creation of the children’s book Goodnight Moon. It’s a book I’ve enjoyed reading to my little ones countless times. Having owned more than one copy because I’ve read it over and over again only added to my emotional tie to the story.
I truly enjoyed watching June’s transition from stressed out banker to committed independent bookstore owner. I rooted her efforts in trying to keep the bookstore afloat and seeing how much I love and support independent bookstore; I was moved by how passionate June’s mission was to save the bookstore.
Added to that, I loved the secondary plotlines between her and her sister, as well as the small twist that occurred at the end of the story.
Goodnight June is a wonderful story that is filled with noble characters, intriguing backstories and relatable conflicts that fans of adult contemporary will surely enjoy!
In this wonderful story, we get to meet the very successful banker June Anderson who sets off to her hometown in Seattle when she hears that her great-aunt Ruby passed away and left her as the sole beneficiary of her beloved bookstore Bluebird Books. When June arrives at the shop, her intention is to prepare the bookstore for sale, so she can immediately return to her New York apartment and fast living. However, as June begins to uncover small treasures in the form of letter between her great-aunt Ruby and the author of Goodnight Moon, she realizes there’s more to life than her high powered position that leaves her empty inside.
I loved this story that was loosely tied to the creation of the children’s book Goodnight Moon. It’s a book I’ve enjoyed reading to my little ones countless times. Having owned more than one copy because I’ve read it over and over again only added to my emotional tie to the story.
I truly enjoyed watching June’s transition from stressed out banker to committed independent bookstore owner. I rooted her efforts in trying to keep the bookstore afloat and seeing how much I love and support independent bookstore; I was moved by how passionate June’s mission was to save the bookstore.
Added to that, I loved the secondary plotlines between her and her sister, as well as the small twist that occurred at the end of the story.
Goodnight June is a wonderful story that is filled with noble characters, intriguing backstories and relatable conflicts that fans of adult contemporary will surely enjoy!
April 10, 2014
Jio has managed, yet again, to write an another amazing novel. This book is imaginative, mysterious and unputdownable. I thought Jio did an amazing job establishing each and every character...drawing you into their life and causing you to become invested. The letters between Ruby and Margaret Wise Brown were such a joy to read. You couldn't wait for another letter to be found. Amongst the side story of the letter exchange was also a story about mistakes, regret, family, forgiveness and fighting for what you want. I always say this is my favorite Jio novel after I finish one of her books (she just keeps getting better) but I think THIS one is my favorite. I highly recommend this novel and rate it 4.5 stars
September 8, 2017
Okay story, but so corny at times. Everything wrapped up too neatly at the end. Not that enjoyable for me.
January 16, 2015
I first heard of this book from Nadia at The Bookish Way of Life. It wasn’t even on my radar because lately, I’ve kind of fallen out of reading books in this genre. But Nadia’s reference to the popular children’s book Goodnight Moon had me immediately curious. Goodnight Moon is very near and dear to my heart, as my daughter and I read it together every single night before she goes to bed. It has been our ritual for over a year now, and we’ve gotten to the point where we recite it by heart and take turns alternating reading the pages. Because this book is special to me and my daughter, I was intrigued by the fact that it was incorporated into Sarah Jio's new novel and I couldn't wait to read it.
June is a successful banker living in New York, but on the inside she’s a very miserable woman. She gets the news about her Aunt Ruby’s passing and that Ruby has left her beloved old children’s bookstore to her. June takes a leave from work to go back to Seattle, thinking she’ll sell the bookstore and tie up loose ends before returning to her life in New York. She wasn’t prepared for what she would find while she was cleaning out her aunts paperwork – letters between her aunt and the author of the popular book, Goodnight Moon. Turns out her aunt and Margaret Wise Brown were close friends and confidants. Their correspondence and friendship quite possibly had a hand in the creation of that famous children’s book and the bookstore may hold more secrets than June ever imagined.
Over the years, June has used her heartache as an excuse to keep her from coming home to visit her beloved aunt or her mom and sister. She grew up in Bluebird Books and has so many fond memories of spending time there with her aunt and sister. Now she is faced with the guilt and regret from staying away as long as she did. As she continues to find these letters and discover more secrets about her aunt’s life, she starts to consider her own life and whether she’s truly happy. Ultimately she has to decide the fate of Bluebird Books and if she is meant to continue her aunt’s legacy or close its doors.
This book is a wonderful story of forgiveness and fighting hard for what you want. There is mystery, suspense, romance, friendships, family bonds – all elements that make a fantastic novel. But it was the discovery of these amazing letters and the unfolding of Ruby’s secrets, along with the setting of the bookstore that captivated me. Sarah Jio wrote a mesmerizing story, woven with just the right amount of suspense and intrigue. I felt such a range of emotions reading this book – it was sweet and romantic, yet heartbreaking and emotional at the same time. When I thought the book was a little predictable (and I was fine with that), the author threw me a curveball and proved me completely wrong. A truly beautiful and heartwarming novel that I enjoyed immensely, and was sad when it ended.
If you’re looking to be swept away into a literary world with suspense and a touch of romance – I highly recommend reading Goodnight June!
ARC kindly provided by Netgalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June is a successful banker living in New York, but on the inside she’s a very miserable woman. She gets the news about her Aunt Ruby’s passing and that Ruby has left her beloved old children’s bookstore to her. June takes a leave from work to go back to Seattle, thinking she’ll sell the bookstore and tie up loose ends before returning to her life in New York. She wasn’t prepared for what she would find while she was cleaning out her aunts paperwork – letters between her aunt and the author of the popular book, Goodnight Moon. Turns out her aunt and Margaret Wise Brown were close friends and confidants. Their correspondence and friendship quite possibly had a hand in the creation of that famous children’s book and the bookstore may hold more secrets than June ever imagined.
Over the years, June has used her heartache as an excuse to keep her from coming home to visit her beloved aunt or her mom and sister. She grew up in Bluebird Books and has so many fond memories of spending time there with her aunt and sister. Now she is faced with the guilt and regret from staying away as long as she did. As she continues to find these letters and discover more secrets about her aunt’s life, she starts to consider her own life and whether she’s truly happy. Ultimately she has to decide the fate of Bluebird Books and if she is meant to continue her aunt’s legacy or close its doors.
This book is a wonderful story of forgiveness and fighting hard for what you want. There is mystery, suspense, romance, friendships, family bonds – all elements that make a fantastic novel. But it was the discovery of these amazing letters and the unfolding of Ruby’s secrets, along with the setting of the bookstore that captivated me. Sarah Jio wrote a mesmerizing story, woven with just the right amount of suspense and intrigue. I felt such a range of emotions reading this book – it was sweet and romantic, yet heartbreaking and emotional at the same time. When I thought the book was a little predictable (and I was fine with that), the author threw me a curveball and proved me completely wrong. A truly beautiful and heartwarming novel that I enjoyed immensely, and was sad when it ended.
If you’re looking to be swept away into a literary world with suspense and a touch of romance – I highly recommend reading Goodnight June!
ARC kindly provided by Netgalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2014
What is the history behind Margaret Wise Brown's famous children's book Goodnight Moon? No one knows for sure, but Sarah Jio has taken a few known facts & concocted her own interpretation of how the story may have come into being.
While this book is not flawless and at times the plot seems almost too convenient and not always fully realistic, it was certainly a feel-good story and I flew through it. How can one not love a story about a cozy children's bookstore and a young woman's attempt to save it? Combine that with a little bit of family mystery, a budding romance, and the Goodnight Moon theme, and you have a book that's difficult to put down.
I've read several of Jio's novels and have for the most part enjoyed them. In this one, by exploring the "what if's" of an author that little is known about, I think she ventured somewhat out of her typical comfort zone, with good results. More than anything, this book made me want to go & develop a cozy bookstore, or if not that, than to at least go lose myself in one.
While this book is not flawless and at times the plot seems almost too convenient and not always fully realistic, it was certainly a feel-good story and I flew through it. How can one not love a story about a cozy children's bookstore and a young woman's attempt to save it? Combine that with a little bit of family mystery, a budding romance, and the Goodnight Moon theme, and you have a book that's difficult to put down.
I've read several of Jio's novels and have for the most part enjoyed them. In this one, by exploring the "what if's" of an author that little is known about, I think she ventured somewhat out of her typical comfort zone, with good results. More than anything, this book made me want to go & develop a cozy bookstore, or if not that, than to at least go lose myself in one.
May 7, 2019
June Andersen, was very successful in her banking job,but not so in her personal life.
She got word that her Great Aunt Ruby had passed and she had to go to Seattle to settle her estate.
She thought maybe after a week she'd have it all taken care of and she could go back to New York and back to her job at the bank. Many weeks passed; she just couldn't leave the Blue Bird Bookstore her Aunt had left her.
She had to raise a lot of money to keep the bookstore afloat. She was close to her goal. To her surprise
she had help from an unexpected friend.
Her Aunt left her many letters. One the of the last ones she read, revealed a shocking but wonderful
surprise .
She got word that her Great Aunt Ruby had passed and she had to go to Seattle to settle her estate.
She thought maybe after a week she'd have it all taken care of and she could go back to New York and back to her job at the bank. Many weeks passed; she just couldn't leave the Blue Bird Bookstore her Aunt had left her.
She had to raise a lot of money to keep the bookstore afloat. She was close to her goal. To her surprise
she had help from an unexpected friend.
Her Aunt left her many letters. One the of the last ones she read, revealed a shocking but wonderful
surprise .
September 3, 2014
Goodnight June is a standalone novel written by author Sarah Jio. "Goodnight Moon" is an actual children's book written by Margaret Wise Brown. The history of the children's book is reportedly unknown. Ms. Jio took some creative liberties and wrote a historical fictional account of the origins of Goodnight Moon via back and forth letters. This story is combined with a present-day fictional story to create an interesting book. Goodnight June wasn't my cup of tea so to speak but it was not a bad book by any means. There is a mystery element that I found somewhat predictable, and I just didn't feel fully engaged and that made the book feel a bit slow overall. Out of the two stories presented in this book, I preferred the present-day story. I did connect with June, the present-day lead character a bit and I appreciated her growth as she tried to create a new path in her life. A quality of life theme was threaded through June's story and I enjoyed that. Those who have a fondness for the children's book will likely thoroughly enjoy this novel.
My favorite quote:
“We’re each given one life, and it’s our job to make it useful, beautiful, and fulfilling. There is no value in suffering through it, doing something we hate. There’s no prize at the end for that kind of endurance. Just a spent life.”
My favorite quote:
“We’re each given one life, and it’s our job to make it useful, beautiful, and fulfilling. There is no value in suffering through it, doing something we hate. There’s no prize at the end for that kind of endurance. Just a spent life.”
October 25, 2020
“Goodnight June” by Sarah Jio. What’s the last book you read that disappointed you so much it made you angry? I just finished mine. I found this book at a book sale last year (and the $1 price tag was too steep, turns out) and it had all the elements of a book I’d love: woman inherits bookstore, finds out her aunt had a deep friendship with Margaret Wise Brown, the author of Goodnight Moon, and had inspired much of the book’s writing. How lovely? And then I began reading it and about 1/3 of the way in I was already disliking it, and I ended up hate-reading the last half. The protagonist, June, is the least curious person you could imagine: her aunt devised a ridiculous scavenger hunt through the bookstore to find the letters between her and Brown by underlining the clue in each letter: and June reads one letter, thinks “ooh what an interesting story this is!”... and then goes about her life, gets her hair done, paints her nails, flirts with the young chef next door who is in the middle of a fraught relationship but who cares, and days later thinks hey I’ve got a minute right now, I’ll go read the next HISTORICAL LETTER THAT IS PROBABLY WORTH THOUSANDS. Ugh, I hated her. I hated the plot (you can see every “revelation” a mile away), I hated the stilted dialogue, I hated the dumb characters, I hated the unlikely story, and I hated the “let’s shoehorn in some celebrities who are from Seattle” stupidity at the end. I always try to be so generous with reading, but it made me angry to think this is somehow a bestselling book when there are thousands of amazing unpublished writers out there. #straightinthetrash #bookstagram #badbooks #goodnightmoon #childrensbooks
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2014
3.5 stars
The beloved children's book, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, was a favorite of Sarah Jio's children and the inspiration for this book. Jio imagines a friendship between Margaret Wise Brown and Ruby Crain, the fictional owner of Bluebird Books. When Ruby dies, she leaves her Seattle bookshop to her niece June. Since the stress of her banking career is taking a toll on her health, June hopes she can leaves her job and reopen the bookstore. Her Aunt Ruby has tucked away letters from Margaret Wise Brown for June to find and learn the secrets in both their lives. June's quest to save the bookstore leads her to find more happiness and meaning in her life.
Lovers of children's literature will especially enjoy this book. It's a sweet story about books, sisters, love, and personal fulfillment.
Two minute video of the children's story "Goodnight Moon" narrated by Susan Sarandon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiBo9...
The beloved children's book, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, was a favorite of Sarah Jio's children and the inspiration for this book. Jio imagines a friendship between Margaret Wise Brown and Ruby Crain, the fictional owner of Bluebird Books. When Ruby dies, she leaves her Seattle bookshop to her niece June. Since the stress of her banking career is taking a toll on her health, June hopes she can leaves her job and reopen the bookstore. Her Aunt Ruby has tucked away letters from Margaret Wise Brown for June to find and learn the secrets in both their lives. June's quest to save the bookstore leads her to find more happiness and meaning in her life.
Lovers of children's literature will especially enjoy this book. It's a sweet story about books, sisters, love, and personal fulfillment.
Two minute video of the children's story "Goodnight Moon" narrated by Susan Sarandon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiBo9...
July 6, 2024
Признавам,романа е една идея по-слаб от всички други нейни,издадени на български.Първата половина дори ми беше малко скучна. Но след това стана интересна.Главната героиня Джун е вицепрезидент на голяма банка в Ню Йорк и се занимава с това,да затваря бизнеси,просрочили задълженията си.Смъртта на нейната леля Руби,която и оставя в наследство своята книжарница в Сиатъл,където Джун е родена и израсла, я поставя от другата страна.Книжарницата е пред затваряне и Джун трябва да вземе тежко решение.Какво ще се случи с книжарницата,какъв е емоционалния свят на Джун, какви тайни крие книжарница "Синята птица" и по какъв начин са свързани книжарницата и лелята на Джун със световно известната детска писателка Маргарет Уайз Браун,написала "Лека нощ,луна"-ще разберете,когато прочетете книжката 😊 А от нея лъха на доброта,топлина,уют и любов!
August 3, 2021
Це було моє перше знайомство з авторкою бестселера «Ожинова зима», і одразу ж в наших стосунках з Сарою Джіо я поставлю паузу. Сказати чесно, книга проста, передбачувана, місцями гіперболізована, сповнена літературних кліше. Тому навряд у інших книжках Джіо можна зустріти щось нове.
Водночас ця простота та передбачуваність — це те, що робить магію книги, від якої не можна відірватись. Книга за вечір? Ізі! А ще книзі додає шарму те, що вона ділиться різними літературними знаннями, зокрема — оповідками про Ернеста Гемінґвея (іменинника сьогодні, до речі 🥳).
І яким би очевидним не буй той гепі-енд, він інколи так треба нашим втомленим та захеканим душам.✨
Водночас ця простота та передбачуваність — це те, що робить магію книги, від якої не можна відірватись. Книга за вечір? Ізі! А ще книзі додає шарму те, що вона ділиться різними літературними знаннями, зокрема — оповідками про Ернеста Гемінґвея (іменинника сьогодні, до речі 🥳).
І яким би очевидним не буй той гепі-енд, він інколи так треба нашим втомленим та захеканим душам.✨
February 8, 2022
I've already read this book twice this year. I love this book and it's definitely my favorite of the year.
*June 24 3:22 a.m.: third time reading this book this year. Still love it and still give it 5 stars.
*February 8, 2022:
I just felt like rereading a favorite. This book is still five stars for me. I absolutely love this book. Sarah Jio is definitely a favorite author of mine and I can't wait to read more of her work.
*June 24 3:22 a.m.: third time reading this book this year. Still love it and still give it 5 stars.
*February 8, 2022:
I just felt like rereading a favorite. This book is still five stars for me. I absolutely love this book. Sarah Jio is definitely a favorite author of mine and I can't wait to read more of her work.
June 14, 2016
This book was everything I don't like about reading fiction. Nothing about it felt real. Gag. Why did I even bother finishing? It was an audiobook and I liked the reader, and I liked talking back to the reader - giving her my two cents about the lame story.
July 29, 2015
İlk defa Sarsh Jio okumuş oldum.Agapi onun kalemini pek de yansıtmayan bir kitapmış.Bunu Elveda Haziran 'ı okuduktan sonra anladım..
August 29, 2023
Як завжди - неймовірно прекрасноо😍
Тут зайві слова, Ви просто мусите самі це прочитати і впевнитись в тому, наскільки прекрасні та комфортні книги Сари Джіо)
Тут зайві слова, Ви просто мусите самі це прочитати і впевнитись в тому, наскільки прекрасні та комфортні книги Сари Джіо)
March 5, 2015
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Goodnight June is June's story. June inherits from her great aunt Ruby a small, cozy children's bookstore - Bluebird Books, where June spent her happiest moments as a child and learned to love reading. As a 35 year old, June is vice president of a large bank and in charge of foreclosing many small businesses. She has few important people in her life, anxiety problems, and a severe lack of satisfaction with herself. When she inherits Bluebird Books, June goes home to Seattle for the first time in 5 years and begins to reevaluate her life. She discovers a scavenger hunt that her aunt Ruby left for her in the bookstore of letters between Ruby and Margaret Wise Brown that explain the origin of Goodnight Moon and renew June's passion for the bookstore. June discovers what it is like to be on the opposite side of the foreclosing business while she is trying to raise funds to save the bookstore, all with the help of the charming Gavin who owns the Italian restaurant next door.
I absolutely 100 percent love when an author shows his/her fangirl/fanboy side... And in this case, Sarah Jio's fangirl flag is waving hard. The story behind the popular children's classic Goodnight Moon is unknown because Margaret Wise Brown died shortly after writing it. I can tell that Sarah Jio truly loved Goodnight Moon because she uses so much imagination and heart to develop a very plausible origin of Goodnight Moon and uses the letters to tell the story with passion and creativity.
Also, June's story is one that we can all identify with and could ultimately stand alone as its own story. She has to make the choice between living a life with passion or complacency. She has to forgive, and she learns to love. And she also discovers a few things she didn't know about herself. Yes, it's somewhat "chick flicky", but its inspiring and sweet. I'm an avid hater of cookie cutter chick lit, so trust me when I say that this story is not that. Jane's story is inspiring and leaves you contemplating your own dreams.
Right now is a time of major change in my life with moving and finding new job, etc., so I feel it was the perfect time to read this book. I probably a little biased since in the past year, I've somehow developed a dream of owning an independent bookstore and hosting authors/holding events to inspire budding readers. Reading is and always has been a huge part of my life, so I love to see that there are others who are still so inspired by reading and would rather pick up a book than a game or show on their iPad. I think Goodnight June is Sarah Jio's confession to also being one of these people and her charge to go do something about it.
I literally blazed through Goodnight June in less than a day. It's an easy read and would be perfect for sitting outside on a lazy summer day. And the great news is that its release date is May 27 - TOMORROW!!! So you only have to wait 2 short hours.. or 1 if you're on the east coast. Ready. Set. Go.
I don't think I've done it justice, but if you just go read it you'll see what I mean. Thank you Sarah Jio for such a beautiful and inspiring story. It's been a while since I've read a something this great.
I've had a couple of other books by Sarah Jio on my radar for a while, but this is the first one I've read. I'll definitely be moving her other books up on my list.
This review is also posted on Great Minds Read Alike.
Goodnight June is June's story. June inherits from her great aunt Ruby a small, cozy children's bookstore - Bluebird Books, where June spent her happiest moments as a child and learned to love reading. As a 35 year old, June is vice president of a large bank and in charge of foreclosing many small businesses. She has few important people in her life, anxiety problems, and a severe lack of satisfaction with herself. When she inherits Bluebird Books, June goes home to Seattle for the first time in 5 years and begins to reevaluate her life. She discovers a scavenger hunt that her aunt Ruby left for her in the bookstore of letters between Ruby and Margaret Wise Brown that explain the origin of Goodnight Moon and renew June's passion for the bookstore. June discovers what it is like to be on the opposite side of the foreclosing business while she is trying to raise funds to save the bookstore, all with the help of the charming Gavin who owns the Italian restaurant next door.
I absolutely 100 percent love when an author shows his/her fangirl/fanboy side... And in this case, Sarah Jio's fangirl flag is waving hard. The story behind the popular children's classic Goodnight Moon is unknown because Margaret Wise Brown died shortly after writing it. I can tell that Sarah Jio truly loved Goodnight Moon because she uses so much imagination and heart to develop a very plausible origin of Goodnight Moon and uses the letters to tell the story with passion and creativity.
Also, June's story is one that we can all identify with and could ultimately stand alone as its own story. She has to make the choice between living a life with passion or complacency. She has to forgive, and she learns to love. And she also discovers a few things she didn't know about herself. Yes, it's somewhat "chick flicky", but its inspiring and sweet. I'm an avid hater of cookie cutter chick lit, so trust me when I say that this story is not that. Jane's story is inspiring and leaves you contemplating your own dreams.
Right now is a time of major change in my life with moving and finding new job, etc., so I feel it was the perfect time to read this book. I probably a little biased since in the past year, I've somehow developed a dream of owning an independent bookstore and hosting authors/holding events to inspire budding readers. Reading is and always has been a huge part of my life, so I love to see that there are others who are still so inspired by reading and would rather pick up a book than a game or show on their iPad. I think Goodnight June is Sarah Jio's confession to also being one of these people and her charge to go do something about it.
I literally blazed through Goodnight June in less than a day. It's an easy read and would be perfect for sitting outside on a lazy summer day. And the great news is that its release date is May 27 - TOMORROW!!! So you only have to wait 2 short hours.. or 1 if you're on the east coast. Ready. Set. Go.
I don't think I've done it justice, but if you just go read it you'll see what I mean. Thank you Sarah Jio for such a beautiful and inspiring story. It's been a while since I've read a something this great.
I've had a couple of other books by Sarah Jio on my radar for a while, but this is the first one I've read. I'll definitely be moving her other books up on my list.
This review is also posted on Great Minds Read Alike.
June 15, 2022
Review originally published May 2015
Author Sarah Jio always wants to learn more about authors of books that she loves. One of those books was Goodnight Moon, written by Margaret Wise Brown in 1947. This book first entered Sarah’s life when she received it as a baby shower gift for her first child. It was a favorite for her and her three children and had a special place in their hearts.
She was curious as to where the inspiration for the book came to Margaret, and in doing her research discovered she died at the young age of 42 without anyone really knowing what her inspiration was for the hugely popular children’s book. Sarah imagined what that inspiration could’ve been and let her imagination go in the writing of her book, Goodnight June, a story inspired by Margaret’s life and the writing of Goodnight Moon.
Goodnight June is a story of a young woman, June, who at 35, is at a place in her life where she’s very successful in her professional life as a vice president of a major bank in New York, but not so successful in her personal life. She finds herself in the hospital with dangerously high blood pressure and being told she needs to reduce stress in her life and slow down. Of course, she ignores her doctor’s orders, checks herself out of the hospital, and continues on life as usual.
Shortly after her health scare, she receives a letter from a law office in Seattle, Washington, regarding the estate of her great-aunt Ruby. In the letter she’s informed that she has passed away and left her entire estate, including her beloved children’s bookstore, Bluebird Books, to her. She’s completely shocked to find out this way that the woman who was such an important person in her childhood had died, and neither her mom nor her sister has bothered to tell her and why has she left everything to her!
She reflects back on the last time she had a conversation with Ruby. It was Christmas day a year ago. Once again, June wouldn’t make it to Christmas with the family because of work, and she could hear the sadness and disappointment in her aunt’s voice when she asks her if she’s ever going to come home.
June makes the trip to Seattle with the intention of selling the bookstore and moving on with her life back in New York. When she arrives at the bookstore, she finds that it has been closed for the past six months, as Ruby just couldn’t keep it going anymore with her failing health. She walks into the store and is overwhelmed with memories of her childhood, where the best times were spent at the bookstore with Ruby and all her favorite children’s books.
She finds a letter Ruby has left for her. To her dismay, she discovers her great-aunt Ruby wants nothing more than for June to save the bookstore they both once loved. In the letter, she talks how the bookstore is her legacy and that she’s also leaving her all the “secrets” of the bookstore, whatever that may mean.
She has no idea what she could mean by secrets. Then, she remembers a reference she made in the letter about Beatrix Potter. Thinking that it is somehow some sort of a clue, she goes to her aunt's personal copy of The Tale of Peter Rabbit, and in it she finds a letter addressed to Ruby from MWN, signed Brownie.
After doing some research, she discovers that the letter is indeed from the great author Margaret Wise Brown, who penned Goodnight Moon and hundreds of other titles. She uncovers several letters and comes to find out that the two women were great lifelong friends while also discovering the “secrets” of the bookstore.
It’s interesting to see where June’s journey of discovery takes her. She learns many things about Ruby that she had no clue about and most importantly does some soul-searching and learns some things about herself.
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
Author Sarah Jio always wants to learn more about authors of books that she loves. One of those books was Goodnight Moon, written by Margaret Wise Brown in 1947. This book first entered Sarah’s life when she received it as a baby shower gift for her first child. It was a favorite for her and her three children and had a special place in their hearts.
She was curious as to where the inspiration for the book came to Margaret, and in doing her research discovered she died at the young age of 42 without anyone really knowing what her inspiration was for the hugely popular children’s book. Sarah imagined what that inspiration could’ve been and let her imagination go in the writing of her book, Goodnight June, a story inspired by Margaret’s life and the writing of Goodnight Moon.
Goodnight June is a story of a young woman, June, who at 35, is at a place in her life where she’s very successful in her professional life as a vice president of a major bank in New York, but not so successful in her personal life. She finds herself in the hospital with dangerously high blood pressure and being told she needs to reduce stress in her life and slow down. Of course, she ignores her doctor’s orders, checks herself out of the hospital, and continues on life as usual.
Shortly after her health scare, she receives a letter from a law office in Seattle, Washington, regarding the estate of her great-aunt Ruby. In the letter she’s informed that she has passed away and left her entire estate, including her beloved children’s bookstore, Bluebird Books, to her. She’s completely shocked to find out this way that the woman who was such an important person in her childhood had died, and neither her mom nor her sister has bothered to tell her and why has she left everything to her!
She reflects back on the last time she had a conversation with Ruby. It was Christmas day a year ago. Once again, June wouldn’t make it to Christmas with the family because of work, and she could hear the sadness and disappointment in her aunt’s voice when she asks her if she’s ever going to come home.
June makes the trip to Seattle with the intention of selling the bookstore and moving on with her life back in New York. When she arrives at the bookstore, she finds that it has been closed for the past six months, as Ruby just couldn’t keep it going anymore with her failing health. She walks into the store and is overwhelmed with memories of her childhood, where the best times were spent at the bookstore with Ruby and all her favorite children’s books.
She finds a letter Ruby has left for her. To her dismay, she discovers her great-aunt Ruby wants nothing more than for June to save the bookstore they both once loved. In the letter, she talks how the bookstore is her legacy and that she’s also leaving her all the “secrets” of the bookstore, whatever that may mean.
She has no idea what she could mean by secrets. Then, she remembers a reference she made in the letter about Beatrix Potter. Thinking that it is somehow some sort of a clue, she goes to her aunt's personal copy of The Tale of Peter Rabbit, and in it she finds a letter addressed to Ruby from MWN, signed Brownie.
After doing some research, she discovers that the letter is indeed from the great author Margaret Wise Brown, who penned Goodnight Moon and hundreds of other titles. She uncovers several letters and comes to find out that the two women were great lifelong friends while also discovering the “secrets” of the bookstore.
It’s interesting to see where June’s journey of discovery takes her. She learns many things about Ruby that she had no clue about and most importantly does some soul-searching and learns some things about herself.
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
August 10, 2014
My review of this book will probably not be very popular, but I join ranks with those who gave this a 2-3 star review.
I was really enjoying it until probably halfway through. I have been trying to figure out just what went wrong. I think another reviewer hit the mark when they wrote that it was too full of just the right solution for any problem that came up. It probably didn't help that I didn't like June....not really, not at all! I thought she came off as self-centered, selfish, and just plain mean sometimes.
So...why the three stars instead of two? Because I did enjoy reading about the relationship between Margaret Brown, author of beloved children's books including "Goodnight Moon" and dear Aunt Ruby. I enjoyed their correspondence and reading about the friendship between the two.
Final word on this book; perhaps I just wasn't in the right mood. Seeing all of the 4-5 star reviews, there were several people who just loved it! So take a chance, read it for yourself and form your own opinion. Maybe you'll love it too!
I was really enjoying it until probably halfway through. I have been trying to figure out just what went wrong. I think another reviewer hit the mark when they wrote that it was too full of just the right solution for any problem that came up. It probably didn't help that I didn't like June....not really, not at all! I thought she came off as self-centered, selfish, and just plain mean sometimes.
So...why the three stars instead of two? Because I did enjoy reading about the relationship between Margaret Brown, author of beloved children's books including "Goodnight Moon" and dear Aunt Ruby. I enjoyed their correspondence and reading about the friendship between the two.
Final word on this book; perhaps I just wasn't in the right mood. Seeing all of the 4-5 star reviews, there were several people who just loved it! So take a chance, read it for yourself and form your own opinion. Maybe you'll love it too!
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