The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin - Book Review

The first thing you need to know about this book is that it is a bookish book. The main character is a bookseller so yeah, books are very much part of this story. Not only is this beautiful story largely set in a bookstore, but throughout the book we also get little references and quotes pertaining to other books and authors. As you can guess, this is pretty much an ink and paper dream come true for all book lovers. Read on to know more about the story.

The Story

Since the death of his wife, A.J. Fikry has become quite the bitter man. His business is bordering failure, his health is a doctor's nightmare due to poor eating habits and a drink too much per night, and he has taken to shutting out the people who have been reaching out to him. And then one day, as he enters his bookstore, fulling expecting another slow business day, he's shocked to find a very unique package left to his attention right in the middle of the place. Recovering from his initial bemusement, A.J.  realizes that someone just dropped off a baby in his bookstore. Thus ensues a series of decisions and events that will forever change not just the grumpy bookseller's life but also the entire community of Alice Island.  

My Review

Break Time by Maelle Rajoelisolo

The Characters
This book is quite character-driven. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that A.J is an Indo-American character, since diversity in books is something I really appreciate. Despite being presented to us as a bitter man, A.J. eventually grows on the reader. Not only is he brilliantly sarcastic, but you can also actually relate to him. Over the course of the story, through the choices he makes and due to the way he starts to interact with the other characters, he eventually grows on you, making you eager to find out more about him. 

Maya, the baby who is dropped off at his bookstore was also a really good character. Not only is she very likeable, but she is also a smart girl. The book also follows her story as she grows up and over the course of the pages, she slowly becomes a very intelligent young woman with enough book nerdiness to make us, book lovers, smile a few times adoringly. 

This book also had an interesting cast of supporting characters. Despite the fewer appearances they made, they remained crucial to the main story, adding even more depth and loveliness to the story. This might in fact be one of the books I've read to have the best supporting characters. 

The Story
The story unfolds at a leisurely and very agreeable pace. The author does not rush to feed us information. Instead, little pieces of information are offered through each flip of the pages. That does not only makes it easier for us to follow what's going on but it also allows us to focus even better on the story. This book also has a really good plot with just enough subplots to keep things entertaining and intriguing. 

The Prose

The language in this book is beautiful without going over the top with it. A more poetic prose would have lessened the impact of the narrative's more down to earth style. Instead, we are narrated the story in a beautiful but down to earth voice which makes the characters' stories accessible to the reader in a more relatable way. The language is also subtly humorous, spinning sarcasm and comical elements smoothly into the main narrative. 

The Ending 
I'm not going to spoil anything here but all I'll say is that towards the end of the book, something happens to A.J. which I believe will generate mixed reactions from readers. I was so invested into his story that I responded rather strongly to those scenes with a mixture of awe and disbelief. Regardless of how I have and how you might react to that particular bit though, the ending was beautifully done. That I'm adamant about. The final lines so perfectly concluded the book, making it quite a satisfying ending indeed. 

The Rating
I gave this book 4/5 stars on Goodreads. The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is due to that particular series of events leading up to the ending, as mentioned above. This is subjective though as I do believe many people would disagree with me there. Overall this was a superb book. A must for people who not only love to read but who also appreciate all bookish things in general. 

If you've read or plan to read this book, let me know down in the comments below. I'm curious to see what other people have thought of the ending. Of course, keep the comments spoiler-free :)

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Books for when you're feeling kind of meh

There are days when things just seem hell bent on not going your way. On your way to school or work that morning, you were splashed with muddy rain water as an unscrupulous driver rushed past you. Then, later that day, you remembered that assignment you were supposed to submit only when the lecturer walked into the class. Or maybe your boss yelled at you over something that was actually your fault. On the bus ride home, you casually leaned your head against the window and pretended for a little while that you were in a sad music video. Eventually though, you found yourself back home. After changing into comfy clothes and making yourself a warm cup of tea, you decided to go sulk a bit in front of the rain soaked window to continue that sad music video playing in your mind. But then you remembered about that book in your shelves. The one that never fails to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. So instead of sulking, you grabbed your cup of tea and made your way to your shelves. After quickly brushing your fingers along the book spines, you stopped at one particular book. Setting your cup down, you pulled the book towards you.

So, which one of the following sounds like something you might have picked?

1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling 

Harry Potter is almost a classic at this point. Reading this book is like coming home for the holidays. The first book is not as dark as the later volumes and is both highly imaginative and fast-paced. A few pages into this book and you'll be too engrossed into the story to remember your crappy day. 

Disclaimer: Don't be surprised if Harry Potter shows up in every single of my monthly recommendations posts...

2. Yes Please by Amy Poehler

I listened to the audiobook of this and I think that's the best way to enjoy this book. The ever awesome Amy Poehler herself narrates the book, which makes it way more fun than reading it yourself would be. Yes Please covers the ups and downs faced by Amy during her life and career. Despite the topics discussed in it though, the book is written in a fun and fast-paced tone. It's like sitting with friends and discussing life stuff with them. Definitely something you want to read when you're feeling kind of blue.  

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

This is the coming-of-age story of Charlie, a shy, antisocial but highly intelligent boy. When we first meet Charlie, he's a somewhat lonely boy who doesn't really have any friends and who is clearly dealing with a few serious issues. As his story progresses though, Charlie really shines through as a strong character. Reading about how Charlie slowly makes his way through life, learning about sex, relationships, love and grief along the journey, will make you forget your troubles for a little while as you discover a story that is as sweet as it's deep.

4. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson 

Amy has not been behind the wheel since the car accident that killed her dad. When her mother moves the family across the country, leaving some time ahead of her, Amy is compelled to rely on a family friend, Roger, to drive her to her destination. Along the way, Amy finds herself figuring out a lot more than just the road map as she and Roger take a detour to discover places they have never visited before. As the trip goes on, Amy realizes that healing might not be as out of her grasp as she initially believed and slowly begins to go back to who she used to be.  This is not your typical, clichéd, contemporary where the girl meets a gorgeous stranger and immediately falls for him. This is a deeper story about hope and healing. The writing too is light and compelling, making it perfect for when you're feeling a little low.

5. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Despite the somewhat Gothic atmosphere of this beautiful classic, Jane Eyre's story remains one of endurance and hope. Jane spends an unhappy childhood at her uncle's place, hated by her aunt and cousins alike. Later, she is sent to the austere Lowood School where she faces harsh discipline and poor comforts. Jane however manages to overcome the difficulties in her path to become an intelligent and strong young woman. After spending some time at the school as a teacher, she sets out to take up the post of governess at Thornfield. And thus she meets the master of the house, Mr Rochester... This book is perfect for days where you need a little boost of confidence. Jane's perseverance never fails, regardless of all the hardships of her life. This immortal story of courage, hope and love is powerful enough to strike a chord even in young readers who might have never read it before. Also, I think this deluxe edition by Penguin is absolutely gorgeous. I really want to get this edition for myself, my old and very much loved copy of Jane Eyre having become quite tattered over the years. Definitely Amazon wishlist list material!  

So these were my book recommendations for when you're feeling a little meh. Do you have a special book you like to read when things are not quite great? Comment down below to share your favorite titles with me! I'd love to see what you would recommend to me. Also, in a few days I'll upload the movie edition of this post so make sure you drop by for that! 

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My friends don't read: The joys and pains of the solitary reader

"Breakfast at Tiffany's" Audrey Hepburn  1961 Paramount 

Picture this. You're sitting with a book opened on your lap, with your head bent over the double-pages and your eyes quickly brushing over the words. The story is peaking into its final scene. Someone is about to die! Your hands tighten on the edges of the book and you subconsciously lean forward, as if willing the story to unfold faster. And then, just as your gaze stops across the name of ill-fated, fallen character, you hear, "Oh, my God. Put down that book already!"

And then high violence ensued that poorly timed interruption. Or, so you wished. If you're like me, a solitary, sorely outnumbered book lover, chances are you just put down the book and pretend you're not having murderous thoughts surging through your mind. 

Being a book lover and having no one among your friends sharing that same passion for books can sometimes be solitary. Here are a few instances where being a solitary reader sucks:

The pains of the solitary reader

1. You just read the most amazing book ever and you're dying to tell everyone about it... but can't.

You've barely closed the book that you're running out of your bedroom to share your excitement with someone. Then you remember no one cares and go online to gush about it. And end up writing a five-page long book review for it. 

Dream Fort by Erin McGuire

2. Lack of understanding, scorn or downright rudeness 

People don't get you? That's to be expected. Everyone can't be a book lover, right? But, then you get those people who are downright rude about it. Like, while I was reading my book the other day, I actually had someone tell me, "Don't you have anything better to do?" DON'T YOU?? 

3. New release excitement... a one man party (or, you know, one girl party)

We've all been there, right? There something so exciting in waiting for a highly anticipated book to be released. It could be the newest installment in your favorite series or the new book by your favorite author. You might even have already pre-ordered the book. And then, the release day arrives and... you're alone shaking your imaginary pompoms in a corner. At least you've got an awesome book to look forward to. 

Being a solitary reader isn't always that bad though. After all, we book lovers actually enjoy some quality time alone with our books. 

The joys of the solitary reader 

1. Quality me-time with your favorite book
Let's be honest here. Sometimes, being alone with a good book is a joy in itself. A warm cup of tea, some cookies to nibble on and a good book... Often, we book lovers don't really need anything more to be happy. 

2. A stroll through the bookstore
I don't know for you, but I really enjoy strolls along the aisles of bookstores, breathing in the smell of new books as I skim the shelves to find that next book I'm going to add to my collection. And for me, book buying is something I enjoy best when I'm alone. After all, a book lover is never really alone when surrounded by books, right? 

3. You're a time-traveler,a globe-trotter and a skin-changer, all rolled into one.
It's raining hard outside and while your friends are probably getting bored at home, you're either brewing potions at Hogwarts or you're running down cobblestone streets with Liesel in 1940's Germany. With a single book, you can travel through time and space without even moving from the comfort of your couch. George R.R. Martin said it best: "A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one." 

That's it for this post guys. Share your reading experiences by letting me know down in the comments below what you guys love or not about being a solitary reader. Looking forward to reading your comments! 

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