Frank H. (perryfran) reviewed on 6/4/2019 + 1193 more book reviews

I really enjoyed this wonderful novel. It's the story of a young man, A.J. Fikry, who owns a bookstore on and Island in New England. The man lost his wife in a traffic accident and is now on the verge of becoming an alcoholic and a curmudgeon. Then he has a very rare and valuable book stolen from him, Tamerlane, the first work published by Edgar Allen Poe. (I looked on line and found that a 2009 auction of this went for over $600,000!). And then someone leaves a two-year old baby in his shop with a note wanting him to take care of her because she wants her to be raised knowing books. Well all of this changes Fikry's outlook on life. He ends up adopting the child, being more outgoing, finding a new wife, and enjoying life.

Fikry's favorite form of literature is the short story and each chapter gives a brief blurb about a favorite story at the beginning of the chapter. The book is also filled with other literary references to both stories and novels which makes me want to read many of the referenced works. (There is an online list of all the stories and other works mentioned in the book here). As stated on the book flap, this is "an unforgettable tale of transformation and second chances, an irresistible affirmation of why we read, and why we love." I very highly recommend this one to anyone especially book lovers like myself!

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