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The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry: A Novel
Scris de Gabrielle Zevin
Povestit de Scott Brick
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The irascible A. J. Fikry, owner of Island Books—the only bookstore on Alice Island—has already lost his wife. Now his most prized possession, a rare book, has been stolen from right under his nose in the most embarrassing of circumstances. The store itself, it seems, will be next to go.
One night upon closing, he discovers a toddler in his children’s section with a note from her mother pinned to her Elmo doll: “I want Maya to grow up in a place with books and among people who care about such kinds of things. I love her very much, but I can no longer take care of her.” A search for Maya’s mother, A. J.’s rare book, and good childcare advice ensues, but it doesn’t take long for the locals to notice the transformation of both bookstore and owner, something of particular interest to the lovely yet eccentric Knightley Press sales rep, Amelia Loman, who makes the arduous journey to Alice Island thrice each year to pitch her books to the cranky owner.
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Începeți să ascultațiInformații despre carte
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry: A Novel
Scris de Gabrielle Zevin
Povestit de Scott Brick
Descriere
The irascible A. J. Fikry, owner of Island Books—the only bookstore on Alice Island—has already lost his wife. Now his most prized possession, a rare book, has been stolen from right under his nose in the most embarrassing of circumstances. The store itself, it seems, will be next to go.
One night upon closing, he discovers a toddler in his children’s section with a note from her mother pinned to her Elmo doll: “I want Maya to grow up in a place with books and among people who care about such kinds of things. I love her very much, but I can no longer take care of her.” A search for Maya’s mother, A. J.’s rare book, and good childcare advice ensues, but it doesn’t take long for the locals to notice the transformation of both bookstore and owner, something of particular interest to the lovely yet eccentric Knightley Press sales rep, Amelia Loman, who makes the arduous journey to Alice Island thrice each year to pitch her books to the cranky owner.
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10 STARS actually!
A Zevin masterpiece. As one of the reviewers on the book jacket wrote,it is abt love of books,bookish people and all of humanity in its imperfect glory.
I read this is 3 sessions!
You truly cannot judge a person or a book by its cover.There is too much life experience that forms each of us.This book uncovers the layers of the characters.Each character unfolds like the chapters in a book. A MEMORABLE READ. A MUST READ.
It is a perfect read.
Rating: 5A Zevin masterpiece. As one of the reviewers on the book jacket wrote,it is abt love of books,bookish people and all of humanity in its imperfect glory.
I read this is 3 sessions!
You truly cannot judge a person or a book by its cover.There is too much life experience that forms each of us.This book uncovers the layers of the characters.Each character unfolds like the chapters in a book. A MEMORABLE READ. A MUST READ.
It is a perfect read.
A quick read that flourished in parts and scratched by in others. The literary references were there, as was the magic of an independently owned bookshop. Also, I completely respected Zevin's mention of the necessity of encountering stories at precisely the right time in our lives. As well as her insight into the grief of her characters and the love, empathy, and connections she gives such importance to through the book. I have to admit that I wasn't entirely dry-eyed throughout, especially around the point of "gloves."
Rating: 3This book got good reviews from my book club. We loved the island bookstore setting, the references to books and short stories, and the complex characters. One member of the group mentioned that the story reminded her of Silas Marner. Our rating: 4 stars.
Rating: 4Gently unfolding tale of how a not terribly likable Island living bookseller finds both love and a child. Though his personality changes kind of swiftly, we do not want to end up having to miss him.His child brings unexpected dimensions to the story. Books, books, and more BOOKS!
Rating: 5This is a nice book- that's a word I always tell me students not to use because it isn't very telling. But, I think it sums this book up well. It is a quick read with likeable characters and setting. I predicted some of the plot events, but I idn't mind that at all. It's a nice read- simple as that.
Rating: 4Great. I'd been saving it up — having read earlier books by Zevin, I was 99% percent sure I'd like this one — and it was worth it.
Rating: 4I couldn't put it down. excellent read!
Rating: 5This is a very engaging novel of a bookseller and the people in his life. Fikry is a widower and a bit of a curmudgeon. His life is changed by the adoption of a child left in his bookstore, further changed by falling in love again. In turn, he affects the life of those around him. This is a theme endlessly repeated and yet, in this story, there are enough twists and turns, and the characters are well-enough portrayed, to make the story eminently satisfying.
Rating: 4“A place is not a place without a bookstore”This is a story set in a bookstore owned by a grumpy though not so old widower, AJ, who adopts the orphan, Maya, who was left in his bookstore. Heartwarming, sweet, likeable characters, witty flirtations between AJ and the sales rep from a publishing house, numerous book references, this is a book for book lovers. The idea that one’s view on a book is very personal, that paper books are superior, that every “place” needs a bookstore simply resonated. I smiled with the reference to Turkish Delight from Narnia as a friend had said the exact same thing, and I would readily love to live at Bag End. I enjoyed the somewhat double meaning of the title – that AJ lived a storied life and that his life is full of stories – from books. The use of short-stories to open each chapter was also impactful, often with a foretelling and/or a foreboding flavor, especially those addressed to Maya. In the preface, a Rumi’s poem on love is featured. I reflect back on the many loving relationships, most revolving the grumpy AJ. He was a character that made me think you can’t judge a book by its cover. Crusty and even snobby being well-educated and well-read, he nonetheless cared when it mattered and was action above words. “come on, sweetheartlet’s adore one anotherbefore there is no moreof you and me.”Some quotes – all are on books and life:On books – that we react differently at different ages:“Methinks I have grown soft in my middle age. But me also thinks my latter-day reaction speaks to the necessity of encountering stories at precisely the right time in our lives. 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.”On books – but also applies to people we meet:“Why is any one book different from any other book? They are different, A.J. decides, because they are. We have to look inside many. We have to believe. We agree to be disappointed sometimes so that we can be exhilarated every now and again.”On reading and on life:“We read to know we’re not alone. We read because we are alone. We read and we are not alone. We are not alone.My life is in these books, he wants to tell her. Read these and know my heart.We are not quite novels.The analogy he is looking for is almost there.We are not quite short stories. At this point, his life is seeming close to that.In the end, we are collected works.He has read enough to know there are no collections where each story is perfect. Some hits. Some misses. If you’re lucky, a standout. And in the end, people only really remember the standouts anyway, and they don’t remember those for very long.”
Rating: 5Finished this late last night (couldn't sleep) - what a wonderful read. It started out slowly and didn't grab me right away which is why I only gave it 4 stars. But once it grabbed ahold of me, I sincerely loved everything about it. The characters feel like real people. Its set in a bookstore with lots of references to real books (like The Book Thief - another favorite of mine). Its got a bit of smarm, a bit of tragedy, a bit of heartwarming love . . . and it's put together so well that it just pulled me along for the ride. What a treat! Highly recommend and cannot wait to discuss with my book group. Thanks for finding it, Cindy!
Rating: 4Sometimes a book just leaves you feeling. I can't say with 100 percent certainty what I expected going into this book (things I knew about it: 1] It was likely literary fiction, and 2] it had something to do with books), but I know that got much more out of it. It's a simple story, in a way, though the plot gets a little convoluted at times. But this one's not so much about the plot, it's about the people, and the way that — like books — we connect with the right ones at the right time. You'll probably get more out of it if you're a reader, but as long you're a human, it's worth a read.
Rating: 5This book was way too sugary for my taste, but it had it's moments. For starters, it's a book about books, reading, and an independent book shop. I had to laugh when I read A.J. statement to a publisher's rep about the kind of books he likes to read, because it was a near duplicate of a post I left in answer to a similar question in a social network book group (Are there any genres or types of books that you will not read?). But overall, it was an improbable feel-good story, in my opinion. A.J. Fikry runs Island Books, a small independent bookstore on the isolated New England island of Alice. His young wife was killed in a car accident, and A.J. has become a virtual recluse and early curmudgeon. Then one day he finds a baby abandoned in his shop, and his life makes a 360-degree turn. He becomes a lovable character that everyone in Alice adores and admires.The problem: Would Social Services really agree to allow a mean, financially struggling widower to adopt a little girl just because the mother left the child in his store with a note saying she wanted her child to grow up loving books?Another problem: Does having a child in one's life really make everything hunky-dory and entirely change one's personality and the reactions of everyone around them? (Ask any of the many divorced parents who thought having a baby would solve all their problems.)I feel a bit like a curmudgeon myself pointing out these issues, but they did rather color my impression of the entire happy-happy-joy-joy novel. If you're up for a quick, fluffy feel-good read, this might be the book for you.
Rating: 3A.J. Fikry's life is not at all what he expected it to be. He lives alone, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his lfe over __ and see everything anew.
Rating: 4"No man is an island, every book is a world." This was a cute, quick read that I really enjoyed.
Rating: 5Started so strong with the writing, however didn't keep the momentum. Decent though.
Rating: 4I listened to the audio version of this book. I didn't like the reader, but it was a good story to listen to during my commute.
Rating: 3**sigh** There is something wonderful about a book about books. To have your paged loves referenced, validated, debated and in the spotlight. To have books you have considered reading finally make a place on your shelf because a character loved it. To jot down new titles, amazed that you'd never heard of them.
Yes, there is magic in books; but a book about books is almost ethereal.
"The Storied Life" is no different. A.J. finds it easier to be around books rather than people. He is harsh, brash, and rather unforgiving. He knows what he likes and he has very little time or patience for anything outside that realm. He is able to choose books for his store based on his patrons, and knows the best book for each of them. He stays at a safe distance, running off non-buying groups who have huddled in the corner, to making sure everyone is aware of closing time.
Until Amelia comes to call from a publishing company. She catches his gaze, and he sees that there may be something there that he hadn't anticipated. While that happens, he receives a bundle left in his store after hours. Shaken to the spine, A.J. makes some hard adjustments and becomes an altogether likable character. He is honest, forthcoming and an unapologetic book nerd.
While the book was much too fast for me, the characters a bit one-dimensional and flat, I forgive all based on the entrance to each new chapter being a summary of a book by A.J. to his daughter. The writing is quick and easy to follow, if a little sophomoric. Zevin writes like this is a YA book, and it could be. All of that aside, this was a wonderfully fast run through the life of a bookseller and his bookstore.
As they say in the movies, "You had me at Tamerlane." Highly recommended.
Rating: 4Yes, there is magic in books; but a book about books is almost ethereal.
"The Storied Life" is no different. A.J. finds it easier to be around books rather than people. He is harsh, brash, and rather unforgiving. He knows what he likes and he has very little time or patience for anything outside that realm. He is able to choose books for his store based on his patrons, and knows the best book for each of them. He stays at a safe distance, running off non-buying groups who have huddled in the corner, to making sure everyone is aware of closing time.
Until Amelia comes to call from a publishing company. She catches his gaze, and he sees that there may be something there that he hadn't anticipated. While that happens, he receives a bundle left in his store after hours. Shaken to the spine, A.J. makes some hard adjustments and becomes an altogether likable character. He is honest, forthcoming and an unapologetic book nerd.
While the book was much too fast for me, the characters a bit one-dimensional and flat, I forgive all based on the entrance to each new chapter being a summary of a book by A.J. to his daughter. The writing is quick and easy to follow, if a little sophomoric. Zevin writes like this is a YA book, and it could be. All of that aside, this was a wonderfully fast run through the life of a bookseller and his bookstore.
As they say in the movies, "You had me at Tamerlane." Highly recommended.
Lawdy, somebody hand me my smelling salts, this book was so delicious that I may just swoon. If you're a bibliophile and you're not sure if this book will make you swoon too just check out this list of all the literary references in The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry. Like When I Found You, I stumbled upon this book via Kindle Unlimited. Unlike When I Found You, this book was a lovely, sweet surprise. Sure, it was a bit saccharine at times but the realistically portrayed, confounding, flawed characters prevented me from getting too grossed about by the 10% of this book that was adorable.The story is that of Mr. Fikry, depressed, widowed, possibly alcoholic bookseller. Somebody leaves a baby in his bookstore so he raises it, obviously. This is not the most original plot in the world but it's done very well here. Is this great literature? No, not really. But it's a book that's clearly written by someone who loves books. I read this late at night after my boyfriend had gone to bed and it held my interest, even as my eyes fluttered shut.
Rating: 5A short sentimental book about a bookseller who gets a second chance in life and because he does so do others. Predictable but not nauseatingly so, though it was a little too politically correct.
Rating: 4A J Fikry's life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history; and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. Slowly but surely, he is isolating himself from all the people of Alice Island - from Chief Lambiase, the well-intentioned police officer who's always felt kindly toward him; from Ismay his sister-in-law who is hell-bent on saving AJ from his dreary self; from Amelia the lovely and idealistic (if eccentric) Knightley Press sales rep who persists in taking the ferry to Alice Island, refusing to be deterred by AJ's bad attitude. Even the books is his store have stopped holding pleasure for him. These days, he can only see them as a sign of a world that is changing too rapidly. And then a mysterious package appears at the bookstore. It's a small package, though large in weight - an expected arrival that gives AJ the opportunity to make his life over, the ability to see everything anew.
Rating: 5A very light and enjoyable novel of books, bookstores, and islands -three of my favorites. Each chapter is introduced by a short story recommendation from Mr. Fikry to Maya. You'll see, I don't want to spoil any part. The beginning is best because it's unpredictable, but as the story unwinds, the plot points become obvious, which makes it less enjoyable for readers like me who wants a "Wow, I never saw THAT coming" experience.I would categorize it as a beach read, but more literary than most. And it would make a delicious movie!
Rating: 4Found this on Library Reads which is one of the best readier's advisory websites ever. Beautiful book. Loved it. Great story. It progresses like life does with subtlety and shocking twists and the realization of what's most important of all.
Rating: 5It was a pleasant change for me to read this delightful little book after I had just finished reading two very heavy (literally and figuratively) novels. I wanted something that would make me laugh and this book did that. The references to books and authors throughout added to the enjoyment. This is a charming story set on remote Alice Island. A. J. Fikry is a bookseller in this remote little place, and when we first meet him, he is trying to drink himself to death. He lost his wife in a car accident about a year and a half before the story opens. Then something happens to change his perspective totally. Someone inexplicably leaves a surprise for him in his bookstore, and A.J. does a complete about-face and decides that drinking himself to death isn't the answer, There is a lot to love and and a lot to enjoy in the world after all. The language in this book is delightful, and the character development quite astounding considering it is only 200 pages long. I loved A. J., and I especially liked the supporting characters. It was a wonderful little read for a cold winter's day, and a must-read for book lovers and for those who love to read.
Rating: 4I really enjoyed this novel. I liked the characters and the way they interacted with each other. Something about the quaintness of the writing always made me pick it back up and want to read more. One thing I thought was lacking was any type of real excitement. The book just goes on, there isn't much build up when something big happens...it just sort of happens and then it's over. For me, this is a meandering book for a rainy (or snowy) type of day.
Rating: 4“We are not quite novels.We are not quite short stories.In the end, we are collected works.” A bittersweet story about a grumpy bookstore-owner. A. J. Fikry is a widower - he drinks too much and pushes people away. Then one day he finds a baby left in the bookstore with a note. In the note the mother asks him to raise the child - he adopts the child and everything changes in A. J. Fikry’s life.This is not only a story about Fikry - and the people in his life - but also about the many ways we interact with stories and how these collected stories shape our lives. As a booklover it’s hard not to love the many references to short stories and novels, old and new. Even if A. J. Fikry’s taste in books is eccentric to put it mildly.In some places it reminded me of [A Man Called Ove] - not quite that good but still - deep pain and quirky humor goes hand in hand here. Scott Brick does a very slow narration with a sadness in his tone. I thought it fitted well with the novel.
Rating: 4I loved this book until the last few chapters. It left me wanting something more.
Rating: 33.5 stars. Overall I'd have to say this was a satisfying, albeit melancholy story—and it was not quite what I expected. It was a bit melodramatic for my taste. Since this was an audiobook perhaps it was the narrator who made it feel that way, but I believe the narrator was mirroring the feel of the story. A crotchety bookstore owner who lives a lackluster life after his wife's death experiences a change in circumstances after a little girl and book sales rep enter the picture. From there we see A.J.'s life evolve into a more fulfilling existence, and then we see how he deals with family responsibilities and adversity. Although I thought the book was well written, I don't know that I'd want to listen to it again. I found it somewhat depressing. In conclusion. It wasn't exactly my cup of tea, but I could see how others might enjoy it.
Rating: 4I loved this book. I loved it because I love books, I love bookstores, I get people who love books. It is heartbreaking and it is laugh out loud funny. Ultimately it's a story about love, loss & how life is messy yet basically simple when you get right down to it. It all comes down to caring (loving)& being cared for. The sign that hangs outside the bookstore reads: "No Man is An Island; Every Book is a World." This book is an insightful treasure. Love, loved, LOVED it.
Rating: 5I can't think of a more perfectly titled book.
Rating: 5Lovely book. one of those in which you find yourself missing those characters like if they had been part of your life. which is true, considering the fact that we've read all about the story of one man: a rude, mad, lovely and beloved man. Oh, god. I love A.J. Fikry!
Rating: 5