Thursday, July 17, 2014

The Storied Life of AJ Fikry; Gabrielle Zevin


The Storied Life of AJ Fikry; Gabrielle Zevin
Algonquin  Books and Highbridge Audio - 2014
A book about a book seller and a setting of New England is what first attracted me to this book. It is a real little gem literary lovers will appreciate.
A.J Fikry is approaching 40 and is somewhat of a sad sack. He lost his wife in an automobile accident, operates Island Books, a bookstore that caters mostly to seasonal visitors and a handful of locals. It’s not any surprise that the store is losing money. One day AJ’s $5.00 rare book find, Tamerlane, by Edgar Allen Poe book, is stolen from his home. It’s the book he hoped to sell, and use the proceeds from it for his retirement.  If that isn’t bad enough, one day a young child is left in his store along with a note saying that the mother is unable to care for the child, and she wanted it her daughter to be raised by someone who loved literature.
While AJ is impressed by the young child’s advanced verbal skills, he has no idea what is required to care for a young child. After meeting with a case worker from the Department of Children’s Welfare and learning the process for her placement, he begins to rethink about what might really be best for Maya, and well, himself as well, as he has taken a liking to having the child in his life.
The story moves along quickly and seamlessly. Lit lovers will like the bookstore setting, literary references and loveable characters. Throughout the story AJ gives a brief review of many well-loved works. I loved watching both AJ and Maya’s transformation. Many of the lesser characters are characters you will grow to care about. Their quirks and genuineness add to the overall appeal of this redemptive story. A wonderful reminder to all of us that even on those darkest of days, the sun has a way of shining in if we look for it. Ultimately it's a feel-good story I was happy I read.
5/5 stars 
(eGalley and audiobook)

22 comments:

  1. My sister loved this one too. I need to get her copy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had the eGalley but got the audio from the library as well. Highly recommended Kathy.

      Delete
  2. A lady from my book club was raving about this one. She loved it! Insisted that we all read it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've never heard of this book, but I see that a lot of people enjoyed it! Might as well look for it soon if there's time :D Thanks for introducing it to me!

    Jillian @ Jillian's Books

    ReplyDelete
  4. I absolutely loved this book too - I loved how AJ was so snarky and delightful at the same time! You should link up on Words for Worms today if you haven't already...she's hosting a "Fellowship of the Worms" for this book today. Thanks for visiting my blog the other day!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm going to read this one, I just have to!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Glad to hear such a positive review. Just on the merit of the connection to a book store made it appeal to me, thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  7. It sounds like a lovely read. I'll be looking out for this one. Thanks Diane :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I really want to read this one and am glad you enjoyed it so much!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great review Diane. I enjoyed this book as well. I enjoyed your quotes too.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I really enjoy books about books, and this does sound so good. I'm looking forward to reading it, and your review has reminded me not to forget to get it!

    >Many of the lesser characters are characters you will grow to care about. Their quirks and genuineness add to the overall appeal of this redemptive story.

    I like that in a book.

    After The Bell Jar and The Secret History, I am desperately in need of a feel-good novel.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I enjoyed this one as well and it definitely is a feel good story. I loved the side characters almost more than Fikry!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I liked this a lot, especially all,the short story refrences.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Really looking forward to this book. I have it on audio.

    ReplyDelete
  14. This is a book I'd really enjoy. Nice review!
    Harvee
    Book Dilettante

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thank you. I really do want to read this one.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I've been recommending this one to all of my bookish friends since I read it in April. Such a fun read.

    ReplyDelete
  17. My mom enjoyed it, as have so many bloggers. Your 5/5 has convinced me I need to get to this ASAP!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to visit and double thanks for any comments. If you ask a question in your comments, I will try to reply to it here, or by email if your settings allow me to do so. Thanks again for visiting.