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The Collected Works of A. J. Fikry
The Collected Works of A. J. Fikry | Gabrielle Zevin
AJ Fikry owns a failing bookshop. His wife has just died, in tragic circumstances. His rare and valuable first edition has been stolen. His life is a wreck. Amelia is a book rep, with a big heart, and a lonely life. Maya is the baby who ends up on AJ's bookshop floor with a note. What happens in the bookshop that changes the lives of these seemingly normal but extraordinary characters? This is the story of how unexpected love can rescue you and bring you back to real life, in a world that you won't want to leave, with characters that you will come to love.
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DHill
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A little more than half-way in and I‘m having a hard time staying with this. I can‘t get into the audio and feel like I would enjoy the book more if read.

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Allthebookclubs
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Pickpick

This started out very mundane with choppy writing, but I kept with it based on all the rave reviews and that a movie was made based on it. It reads as though Morgan Freeman is narrating like he did in the Lego Movie, very interesting but hard to get used to when the story starts boring. BUT I‘m glad I stuck it out because it weaves the lives of seemingly normal people together and in the end you feel part of their tapestry too. Book #6 in 2024

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xicanti
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Yesterday I was very cold and very sad, so I pulled THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY off the shelf and found exactly what I needed. I‘ve got friends who‘re down on it for being twee, but I stand very much with the Washington Post, who found it “engaging and funny without being cloying or sentimental.” It‘s a great celebration of books and community (albeit one tempered by A.J.‘s often frustrating and rarely challenged genre snobbery.)

BookmarkTavern What a sweetheart! ❤️🐾❤️ 2mo
Crazeedi Such an adorable puppy 🐶 and I loved this book too 2mo
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 2mo
Mimi28 Cute dog 🐕 I hope you feel better 💐 2mo
BkClubCare Movie was okay, too 😊 2mo
48 likes5 comments
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MysticFaerie
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Pickpick

5🌟/5🌟

10 likes1 stack add
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CampbellTaraL
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Pickpick

The protagonist stated he liked ambiguity in novels. The author of this book seems to enjoy them too. A good story with a lot of intertwining and meaningful connections. I like that some of the characters just won't know everything, and those withholding have their reasons, good and otherwise. I didn't like the main char much but he fulfilled the 'curmudgeonly man who does the right thing' role.

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MissyD
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I finished this book last week. I didn‘t know about the #SummerEndReadathon Book #3

TheSpineView Excellent! 7mo
15 likes1 comment
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LaurenMags
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Pickpick

I loved this book. Recommend for any book lover who also loves a bit of a heartwarming story.

18 likes1 stack add
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peanutnine
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August Fiction #ReadingBracket2023 update
This month was a very tough choice as I had multiple five star reads and it came down to AJ Fikry vs The Lost Ticket. Fikry just won out. Going with A Restless Truth for the overall pick though because magical queer adventures are the best.

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peanutnine
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this one. AJ Fikry is a lonely bookseller after the death of his wife. When a rare book is stolen from his home and a young child is left in his bookshop, his life takes a different path. I loved the unexpected friendships and community he finds in his small town once he learns to open his heart to new experiences. I also watched the film adaptation and it was really well done

BkClubCare Yes! I watched the movie this week and enjoyed it. 7mo
MissyD There‘s a movie???? Yes! 7mo
66 likes2 comments
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HettyG
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Pickpick

I‘ve never been one for fictional grumpy men (I never read about Ove), but the one in this book was so sympathetically written, I really did love him. I wish IRL people loved books as much as all the people in this book do. 💜

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HettyG
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“‘Fucking love‘, he thinks. What a bother. It‘s completely gotten in the way of his plan to drink himself to death, to drive his business to ruin. The most annoying thing about it is that once a person gives a shit about one thing, he finds he has to start giving a shit about everything.” I feel this.

MizzGraham Please tell me this is a good one! It looks awesome 😎 7mo
HettyG I am loving it so much! I‘m almost done, it will be a pick for sure 💜 7mo
19 likes2 comments
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cottagelantern
Pickpick

3.5 stars ⭐️
This story was so heartwarming! It was a bit crass, and I didn't like the ending. However, I really loved the overall plot and characters and it really brought the magic of bookstores to life. Not at all like what I thought it would be, but I'm glad I read it!

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ncsufoxes
Storied Life of A. J. Fikry | Gabrielle Zevin
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Pickpick

Listened to this one over audio. It was a quick, easy listen. I enjoyed the story. I haven‘t seen the movie yet. I liked the quotes/bits of advice from different stories at the beginning of each chapter. The end broke my heart but overall I liked it. Looking forward to my next Zevin book. #bookspin book

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 9mo
34 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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merelybookish
Storied Life of A. J. Fikry | Gabrielle Zevin
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Bailedbailed

Book club member fail but I just can't. In the same vein as A Man Called Ove this is a giant NOT FOR ME book about a supposed curmudgeon who finds he has a heart after all. (Or so I assume.) I had to quit once an abandoned toddler Fikry takes in starts calling him Daddy. 🙄
#unpopularopinion

Centique Yes I agree! I read it and could not get why it was beloved. It seemed very obvious sentimentality. But now Ove 😂 - I started that thinking just the same thing, but Ove has flashbacks to his earlier life that balanced out the sentimentality - for me at least! Either that, or I am a very inconsistent reader 😂😂 9mo
merelybookish @Centique Thank you!! I appreciate knowing I'm not alone. Or at least not in disliking this book. I didn't get very far in Ove so maybe it would have gotten better. ,🤷 But I don't plan to find out. 😉 9mo
Centique @merelybookish there is quite a relief in bailing really! 😂 9mo
57 likes1 stack add3 comments
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SanjanaGhosh
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Pickpick

"We are not quite novels. We are not quite short stories. In the end, we are collected works"

Parvez That's a beautiful quote 11mo
SanjanaGhosh @Parvez Yes!💜 10mo
32 likes2 comments
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CBee
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Pickpick

Well, every one of you who told me this was good and that I‘d love it? You were spot on and absolutely right! What a beautiful story ❤️ A curmudgeonly main character is always my jam, and I truly (mostly) loved all of the other characters. The ending was 😢😢😢 #titlesandtunes #islandvibes #bookspin (April), #doublespin (May)

Cinfhen Yay!!! So glad this book didn‘t disappoint ♥️ 11mo
CBee @Cinfhen exceeded my expectations! I‘ve read three by Zevin now and hope to read more 😊 11mo
Cinfhen I got fooled thinking this was a new book by her - it was just re-released ( it‘s ok) 11mo
See All 16 Comments
CBee @Cinfhen it‘s on my list! 😊 11mo
Cinfhen You read this one - right ? 11mo
Cinfhen I LOVED IT 11mo
CBee @Cinfhen YES! I loved it so much!! I sent it along to @AmyG and she loved it as well 😊💚 11mo
AmyG I loved Young Jane Young! @Cinfhen @CBee 11mo
Cinfhen @AmyG I can‘t wait to see what she writes next!!! I didn‘t quite love Tomorrow as much as some of her other books but I definitely enjoyed it😊 11mo
CoffeeAndABook Did y‘all know there‘s a movie now, based on this book?! I saw on my recent transatlantic flight, had totally missed it last year. I thought it was pretty good. Kunal Nayyar is cast as Fikry and that worked well. The island / bookstore setting was gorgeous, Maya was cast outstandingly. You should check it out 😉 @Cinfhen @AmyG I mentioned this to you already didn‘t I @CBee 😂 11mo
Cinfhen Ohhhh!! Can‘t wait to see it / thanks for sharing @CoffeeAndABook 11mo
CBee @CoffeeAndABook you did 😂 but it reminded me that I need to look it up! 😊 11mo
AmyG @CoffeeAndABook This sounds familiar…a movie. I will have to check it out. And @Cinfhen What I like about her as an author is she writes different books. Some write the same thing over and over. I will always read her work now. 11mo
CBee @AmyG perfect way to describe her writing! 11mo
AmyG @CBee When I first started reading Tomorrow, I didn‘t realize it was HER….totally different kind of book. 11mo
CBee @AmyG that was the first of hers I read and I loved it! But the two others are just so different and just as good! 11mo
81 likes3 stack adds16 comments
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CBee
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I‘ve been meaning to read this one for a couple of months, so it‘s perfect timing for #TitlesandTunes #May #IslandVibe 🏝️ 📕 🎶 And I absolutely adore this song, I sing along every time I hear it ❤️💚

JamieArc I love that song too! I loved it as a child and remember being heartbroken to learn that Kenny and Dolly weren‘t married. I didn‘t understand how you could sing a song like that together and not love each other 😂😂 11mo
BarbaraBB This song brings back so many memories 🧡 11mo
CBee @JamieArc oh my goodness me too - I totally thought they were married 😂😂 11mo
See All 17 Comments
CBee @BarbaraBB good memories, sounds like ❤️ 11mo
willaful That was the first island song that popped into my head, though I decided to go with a different one. 11mo
CBee @willaful first one that popped into my head too, luckily I love it 😂 11mo
willaful It's a good book, too. 11mo
peaKnit Oh I love this song! 11mo
Bookzombie I hope you enjoy this one. I loved it. Also, great song pick! 11mo
CBee @peaknit it‘s irresistible ❤️ 11mo
CBee @willaful @Bookzombie can‘t wait to finally read it! 💚 11mo
Cinfhen Ahhhhhh! AJ and Dolly & Kenny 😇😇😇BRILLIANT 11mo
CBee @Cinfhen 💚💚💚 11mo
Read4life I love both of these! Great choices 🤓 11mo
CBee @Read4life thank you ❤️ 11mo
dabbe My younger sister and I would fight over who got to sing which part. “I want to be Dolly today!“ “I'm sick of being Kenny!“ 🤣💚🤗 11mo
CBee @dabbe that is so fun!! 😂👏🏻 11mo
66 likes17 comments
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Shemac77
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Pickpick

Cute. Predictable. Easy to read.

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Shemac77
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Night shift reading

37 likes2 stack adds
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Cathyloves2read
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Pickpick

This was the second book I‘ve read by this author. I‘m beginning to think she‘ll be one of my favorites. I really enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to watching the film adaption on Hulu. It‘s a story about a bookstore owner who gets a second chance at love. It‘s a very fast read that kept me interested until the end.

18 likes2 stack adds
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K.Wielechowski
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Pickpick

A.J. owns Island Books, a small bookstore on Alice Island that specializes in literary fiction. He‘s also a bit of a dick. When a 2 year old girl is abandoned in his store, he decides to adopt her, changing the bookstore and his life forever.
The style took a bit to get used to. Some sections were written almost like lists of actions and some were complete scenes but I really liked the character development, not just in A.J. but in all of them.

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Susanita
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📗The Zig Zag Girl
🖊️Gabrielle Zevin
🎥Zootopia
🎤Zuill Bailey (cellist)
🎶Zoot Suit Riot
#manicmonday #letterZ

Leftcoastzen I haven‘t thought about Zoot Suit Riot in a long time.😃 14mo
vivastory @Leftcoastzen I saw CPD @ Warped Fest the summer I graduated. 14mo
Susanita @vivastory I bet that was a fun show! 14mo
vivastory It was a lot of fun! There were some great punk bands there 14mo
32 likes4 comments
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ornatelyplain
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Remember Maya: the things we respond to at twenty are not necessarily the same things we will respond to at forty and vice versa. This is true in books and also in life.

11 likes1 stack add
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Mccall0113
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My last read of the year. I loved this little story. Lovable characters. Cozy plot.

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tara_ashley
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Pickpick

I waited months for this book to be available at the library and was hoping that it would be as good as I had heard that it was, it was way better! An optimistic story about a pessimistic man AND a surprise orphan, be still my heart.

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Elizabeth2
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#12booksof2022 @Andrew65

Day 4 - April. I didn‘t have any 5 star reads in April, but this sweet story was close. ❤️📚

Close second would be The Last Letter From Your Lover by Jojo Moyes.

Andrew65 Love this book. 1y
Elizabeth2 @Andrew65 it was quite touching. ❤️📚 1y
Cinfhen I still think about this book years later!!!! Such a great read ❤️ 1y
Andrew65 @Elizabeth2 Very much so. 1y
39 likes4 comments
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DMC_run8
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Pickpick

I found the perfect spot to read in Porto. Right next to the river. The weather was perfect, there was a gentle breeze, and the background noise was quiet enough that I didn't lose focus. I finished it in that spot and I may have added a couple of tears to the river. Anyway I consoled myself with a glass of green wine but I still think about these characters.

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Kristin_Reads
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Pickpick

📖 11-1-22 || Why didn‘t I read this sooner?! I absolutely love this one, and I definitely needed some tissues. The characters are loveable and the story is moving. So many books and authors mentioned… this is a book for those who love to read. “We read to know we are not alone. We read because we are alone. We read and we are not alone. We are not alone.”

57 likes1 stack add
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ReadingisMyPassion
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Pickpick

A must-read for people who truly love books. To quote from the book: “Bookstores attract the right kind of folk. Good people...And I like talking about books with people who like talking about books. I like paper. I like how it feels, and I like the feel of a book in my back pocket. I like how a new book smells, too.“ Gabrielle Zevin must love books in order to write that. It really gets to the meat of things.

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Sara_Planz
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Pickpick

As a former bookseller, novels about bookstores can either can either have a huge impact on your soul or leave your wanting. The Storied Life of AJ Fikry not only had that impact, but this has become one of my favorite stories of all time. AJ is a character that has found his way into my own heart along with ncredible cast of characters that surround him. AJ is truly the heart and soul of this novel. Fair warning, have the tissues ready!

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TheBookHippie
Storied Life of A. J. Fikry | Gabrielle Zevin
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I sent the last two books out together …so sorry so late covid was something else…. Made me so very behind!!! I loved all our books- I read the last one in one setting! So fun!

Best group I‘ve read with to date!!!

Maria514626 My thoughts exactly! 1y
See All 9 Comments
Maria514626 @thebookhippie What do you think of continuing our #lmpbc for the next 4 months? @Pogue @hazel2019 1y
TheBookHippie @Maria514626 fine by me I signed up for one but I‘ll be thrilled to do us again 1y
TheBookHippie @Maria514626 meaning YESSSS ABSOLUTELY! 1y
Maria514626 @TheBookHippie woohoo! 🎉 1y
TheBookHippie @Maria514626 I think we just would tell @suvata ? How do we get all four without someone else signing up? I am at school but feel free to put me and you up! I think you have my info! social@bookhippie.com 1y
Maria514626 I‘ll email everyone! 1y
49 likes9 comments
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OutAndAbout
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Pickpick

A cute story, if somewhat predictable. Old codger and young girl discover the meaning of life together and build a found family in a small town. In this one, the old codger is a bookstore owner on a small island in the Northeast somewhere, which makes it the perfect #vacationread or #beachread. Easy reading, interesting characters, fast-paced.

OutAndAbout Just watched the movie. It stayed very true to the story, although much of Maya‘s storyline was eliminated which made me sad. Glad I read it first so I could fill in the blanks. Very tender story still and worth watching. 1y
45 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Maria514626
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@TheBookHippie The book is on its way to you! (Just noticing—my hand looks very old. 😄)

Looking forward to the next book!
#lmpbc @Hazel2019 @Pogue @suvata

TheBookHippie ♥️ I did that same thing the other day! (Oh my hands!) 1y
Maria514626 @TheBookHippie 😆😆😆 1y
21 likes2 comments
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Maria514626
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I listened to this book a few years ago and thought, “Meh.” Not so!

The writing is too good to listen. See above. Between this and Carrie Brownstein‘s book—I love it but it isn‘t delightful like this one is—I‘m in a writing-savoring moment. #greatwriters #savor #lmpbc @Hazel2019 @Pogue @TheBookHippie

TheBookHippie ♥️♥️♥️ 1y
JamieArc I was hoping to have this read before the film comes out. It looks so good! 1y
22 likes2 comments
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Maria514626
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I am hopelessly behind in my #lmpbc reading. I‘m going to binge over the next couple of days. Good thing it‘s an easy read. And I just love AJ and all his crankiness.

Sorry for the delay, @TheBookHippie 🤦‍♀️ Boom! It‘s October. How did that happen?

I‘m curious who AJ is writing his book reviews to. Maybe I missed it in the beginning. Maybe it‘s yet to be revealed.

@Hazel2019 @Pogue

TheBookHippie No worries I have COVID and am delayed mailing mine out as well. Take your time. 1y
Maria514626 @TheBookHippie Oh no! I hope you feel better soon. 🤗 1y
22 likes2 comments
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JamieArc
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I have been meaning to read this book for years. I fell in love with it watching this trailer. Time to dig it out and read it before it comes out!

Librariana I read it years ago and will need to give it a good re-read before this as well. Although not before tackling 2y
jlhammar Exciting! I didn‘t know there was an adaptation coming our way. I read the book years ago and remember enjoying it. 2y
Reggie This book, oof. It tore my heart out in a great way. Hope you like it. 2y
See All 8 Comments
MrsK I so loved this when I read it several years ago. Joy, humor, sorrow, intelligence. Thank you for reminding me about this one ❤️. 2y
JamieArc @Librariana Tomorrow is also high on my TBR. I have high hopes for both books. 2y
JamieArc @jlhammar I was surprised to see it pop up on my Facebook feed. I always expect any book news to be seen on Litsy first 😁 2y
JamieArc @Reggie Oh man, I‘ll brace myself for this one then! 2y
JamieArc @MrsK ❤️ 2y
49 likes2 stack adds8 comments
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Maria514626
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Starting my new #lmpbc book. Thanks @Pogue for including the cat bookmark! ❤️

Pele, aka cow dog, was living his best life eating grass. 🤦‍♀️😄
@TheBookHippie @Hazel2019 @suvata

Leftcoastzen Cute!🐶 2y
Sparklemn He is adorable 2y
Maria514626 @Leftcoastzen @sparklemn Thanks! He‘s a sweet, bossy, goofball. 😊 2y
30 likes3 comments
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Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick
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I made time for my favorite creative outlet... #bookspinbingo board design! @thearomaofbooks

I've already started the tagged book on audio.

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! Looks fabulous!! 2y
40 likes1 comment
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SusanLee
Storied Life of A. J. Fikry | Gabrielle Zevin
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Eggs Perfect choice ❤️ 2y
16 likes1 comment
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Eggs
Storied Life of A. J. Fikry | Gabrielle Zevin
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Louise Such a beautiful book! 2y
kspenmoll Loved this book! 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks On my shelf!! 2y
erzascarletbookgasm A heartwarming read 2y
54 likes1 stack add5 comments
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AmyK1
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Pickpick

This was a sweet, quick read about a cranky, set in his ways middle aged man whose life is turned around when someone leaves a toddler in his bookstore.

Linsy Loved this one! 2y
42 likes1 comment
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Robotswithpersonality
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Mehso-so

I think after reading A Man Called Ove, it's hard to top it in the 'grumpy guy redeemed by found family' subgenre. I saw the twist(s) coming, I cried at the first chapter but was strangely unmoved by the remainder. A pleasant diversion, a love letter to (some) books.

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Robotswithpersonality
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"A question I've thought about a great deal is why it is so much easier to write about the things we dislike/hate/acknowledge to be flawed than the things we love.*...*This accounts for much of the internet of course." ??‍♂️?

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Robotswithpersonality
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"They are different...We have to look inside many...We agree to be disappointed sometimes so that we can be exhilarated every now and again." ?

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Robotswithpersonality
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"...the necessity of encountering stories at precisely the right time in our lives...the things we respond to at twenty are not necessarily the same things we will respond to at forty and vice versa. This is true in books and also in life." ??

6 likes1 stack add
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SusanLee
Storied Life of A. J. Fikry | Gabrielle Zevin
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks On my shelf 🤦🏻‍♀️ 2y
Eggs So good!!! 2y
SusanLee @Eggs indeed 😘 2y
13 likes4 comments
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Eggs
Storied Life of A. J. Fikry | Gabrielle Zevin
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Pickpick

Here are my top favorites of books about books📚📚
I recommend all of them! Enjoy!

#BookAboutBooks #ArtfulAugust @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Lots of good ones!! 📚 2y
Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🙌🏻📚🥰 2y
Hanna-B F 451!!! 2y
Eggs @Hanna-B 🙌🏻🙌🏻 2y
75 likes3 stack adds4 comments
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Pogue
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Pickpick

#LMPBC #GroupI @TheBookHippie @Maria514626 @Hazel2019 I got this on Friday. Read this on Friday. I could not put it down.

Hazel2019 Yay! So glad you enjoyed it! ☀️ 🌸 ❤️ 2y
TheBookHippie OH HOW FUN!! I can't wait! 2y
Maria514626 Wow! I haven‘t had a book like that in awhile! 👍🎉 2y
26 likes3 comments
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Robotswithpersonality
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Upcoming reads: My impression is these both come under the niche subgenre of 'cranky old guy has life changed by children'. Accurate? We shall see!