Our September Book - The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

[EFCLibrary]

Since this is the first month of our new book club, we've picked the first book to start with. In the future, you will be able to recommend your own suggestions. From the 1st to the 15th of every month, you will be able to suggest books. From the 15th to the 22nd, we will have a poll where you can vote on which book you'd like to read, and from the 22nd to the end of the month, you'll have time to get the book.

Our first book is The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin. You can read the book and post your thoughts about it anytime during the month of September (or later, it's okay!)

Please remember that not everyone will read the book at the same pace, and that if you're going to talk about spoilers, to use the (view spoiler)[... (hide spoiler)] html to hide them! If you're not sure how to do that, we have a post explaining it in the general discussion.

[Chris]

Finding I am quite charmed by this book and by A. J. Himself. Pretty fast read, too... may not want it to end this fast?

[Courtney]

I'm about 25% through this book so far and I agree with Chris! This is going to be one of those books that I don't want to end. The one thing I'm having trouble with is imagining what A.J. looks like. For some reason, I pictured him as an older man at the beginning of the story but now I realize he's pretty young. What do you think A.J. looks like?

[Chris]

That’s pretty funny, Courtney - I have same issues with needing to visualize AJ and failing... Readers are given info pretty early that he is in his late 30’s and is a person of color, yet I keep seeing him as an older white guy. Wondering how important this will be to the story ;-)

[Courtney]

I finished this book a few days ago and my main thought about it is that it was over way too soon. This was a story about stories, which are my favorite kind. (view spoiler)[I was sad that A. J. died, but I respect that the author didn't try to give us a perfect ending - she gave us a realistic one. And I did like the ending of the book. It shows us that the book store's story is continuing, even if the part we can see is ending. I thought it was very hopeful. I was dismayed to find out the often referenced book The Late Bloomer does not actually exist. (hide spoiler)] It's been a while since I've read a book by Gabrielle Zevin and I forgot how much I loved her writing style. If you liked this book, you might like another one she wrote called Elsewhere.

(view spoiler)[Something that made me feel slightly guilty was A. J.'s reaction to e-readers because I read the book online. I tend to read about half of my books online, and half of them in physical editions. Do you have a preference when you read for an e-reader or physical book? (hide spoiler)]

[Gisella]

I am halfway through this book. I am enjoying it so far but cannot get over the character's review of the Book Thief!!! One of my all time favorite books. Does anyone else agree with her?

[Gloria]

I never read The Book Thief but I gather from some of the reviews I saw, that some people really really didn't like it.

I always find it interesting when readers either love or hate a book. A strong reaction is better than just, "meh".

[Gisella]

I read some of the 1 star reviews on goodreads on The Book Thief and it's funny that they have the same critiques as the character in our book. Very strong opinions I might add, which I agree are best. I love listening to opposing views. You can learn a thing or two sometimes . The wonderful thing is that there is a great book for everyone out there.
Back to our book, I agree AJ does sound older (and grumpy) but I also find that Maya sounds older or at least is a young kid with an "Old soul"

[Courtney]

The way that I took the lady's reaction to The Book Thief was that she didn't like it because she had such a strong emotional reaction to it and it made her cry. So I think she really did like it internally. It's been a long time since I read The Book Thief, but I remember really liking it. I can see why it wouldn't be for everyone though, the storytelling format is kind of weird with Death as the narrator jumping in so often.

Gisella, I think you're right about A.J. and Maya! She seems very mature for her age.

[Chris]

Never read The Book Thief. But the discussion made me think how much of this book's appeal for me was about the book-friendly setting itself. Kind of like the feeling you have in your local library, where you feel the community of people with whom you don't have to defend the idea of taking out time from your day to curl up with a book... something my mom used to take as "laziness", now that I think about it. ;-)

[Gloria]

Yes! That's what I liked about it too. There was a community that was built around books, the love of the written word, and the lessons we can learn from them. But it was a jumping off point because ultimately, it's the relationships IRL that matter.

Full disclosure - I didn't reread the book for this group, so I'm going from memory here. When I think of this book I have lovely feelings of happiness but not the unicorns and rainbows type. More the satisfaction of living well and authentically. And it's also tinged with sadness, which reflects life too.