The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
by
Gabrielle Zevin
A.J. Fikry is at a crossroads. He’s a prickly young widower and owner of a small island bookstore off the coast of New England. Business is bad and his favorite book rep has been replaced by the unfamiliar and quirky young Amelia Loman. Deep in grief, he spends his nights drinking in the upstairs apartment. He’s lost, but at least he still has his rare edition of poetry by Edgar Allan Poe. Until it’s stolen.
He has little time to focus on the stolen book, however, because of what is waiting for him in the back of the store: a baby, with a note attached. What to do? There’s only one answer and that is to make a new life for himself.
A.J.’s climb out of darkness is a charming tale about love, friendship and family. Each chapter begins with a clever synopsis of a classic short story, initialed by A.J. And each story is tied to the events and characters in the book. And while Zevin’s characters are not complex, they combine to form an appealing and amusing group, including one of my favorites, Police Chief Lambiase, leader of the Chief’s Choice Book Club.
Readers will enjoy great dialogue and several laugh-out-loud scenes, including a hilarious author visit and reading. The story isn’t all light, however, and there is a lot more to this book than a simple love story. Zevin includes serious themes of hopelessness and loss and their effects on the characters. Meeting these characters first-hand is a must: describing them in detail would ruin the experience for future readers.
In the end, the book is overwhelmingly hopeful and uplifting. I especially enjoyed it because the author’s ideas began to sink in after I had finished. Book lovers will appreciate the many references to literature and bookstores and everything in between. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is a fast read, but don’t be fooled and don’t be surprised if you pick it up for a second time!
Thanks for visiting – come back soon!
Book Club Mom 
Loved this book!!
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Me too! I will definitely read it again. Thanks for reading – have a great weekend!
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This book sounds right up my street. Great review.
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Thank you – I really enjoyed it – and everyone in my book club agreed! Thanks for stopping by and reading!
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I have this book on Pippa, my Kindle…in fact, it’s been there since 2014! Why have I not read it? It sounds really good. I also have another from this author, Young Jane Young. I must first read this one that has been waiting for so long. Thanks for sharing.
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I wasn’t sure I would like it – somehow the title didn’t appeal to me but I picked it for my book club and we all loved it. Happy surprises are the best!
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I really enjoyed this book too. Great characters and a fun inside look of how bookstores choose their books.
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Yes – pretty subjective!
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Loved this book and find myself recommending it often. My review: https://fictionophile.wordpress.com/2014/06/06/the-storied-life-of-a-j-fikry-by-gabrielle-zevin/
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My book club read this book and had a very interesting disccusion!
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Did you like it? We weren’t all there this week, but everyone who was loved it.
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We did! It was very engaging, and an interesting read.
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And no matter the book, my group always has fun!
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I loved this book! I’m looking forward to doing a re-read soon. Meanwhile, I read the author’s newest a couple of months ago (Young Jane Young) and really enjoyed it too.
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I was surprised to see how many books Zevin has written. I think I will read this one again and try another of hers too. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!
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I loved this book, and so did my book club!
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