The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry / Gabrielle Zavin - 3***

[Book Concierge]

I wouldn't have used the "coming-of-age" tag ... but 9 people did.

CROSS POSTED to PBT High Notes


The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry – Gabrielle Zavin
Audiobook performed by Scott Brick
3***

A.J. Fikry owns Island Books. He had run the store with his beloved wife, until she died in an accident just over a year ago. Now he lives alone in the apartment above the bookstore, eating frozen dinners and drinking until he passes out. And then, one snowy December evening he finds that someone has left a baby between the shelves in the bookstore. And just like that, his life changes for the better.

This is a modern-day fable about second chances and the redemptive power of love. Chronicling A.J.’s life over a couple of decades the novel explores the relationships he forms – with his girlfriend, his late wife, his sister-in-law, his friends, and with Maya.

It’s a somewhat quiet story, as novels go. But like most real-life stories, it is full of the drama of every day existence – deaths, births, parties, illness, success, financial set-backs, sorrow, and joy. Some of the plot elements are unrealistic, but no matter, it’s a fable after all. I really enjoyed spending time with these characters: A.J., Maya, Amelia, Chief Lambiase, Ismay and even Daniel Parish.

I also loved all the literary references. I had read several of the books mentioned, and added several more to my ever-growing to-be-read list!

LINK to my review

[Anita]

Hmmm, I still have this one on my TBR I think. I can't decide if it is for me. Your review reads more like four stars than three so maybe I should keep it on there.

[Barbara M]

Anita wrote: "Hmmm, I still have this one on my TBR I think. I can't decide if it is for me. Your review reads more like four stars than three so maybe I should keep it on there."

If I could give you a push, I really enjoyed this. I gave it 5 stars and a favorite for the year.

[Anita]

Thanks, Barbara!!! I appreciate your inpit.

[LibraryCin]

I picked this up at a book sale, by accident, thinking it was coming up for my book club! It was not. So, I nominated it to be put on the list, so it's coming up now! :-) I didn't even choose it because I thought I might like it; it was an error! Oh, well. I guess we'll see.

[Book Concierge]

Anita wrote: "Hmmm, I still have this one on my TBR I think. I can't decide if it is for me. Your review reads more like four stars than three so maybe I should keep it on there."

I struggled with how to rate it. I liked it, but I don't find it memorable, so I left the rating at 3***.

[Amy]

It was a solid three, maybe 3 1/2 for me. I enjoyed it just fine, but didn't relate to the raves. I didn't feel it was a not to be missed, but I enjoyed it all the same.