This is an enjoyable story with quirky but lovable characters who live on an island. It centres around A.J. Fikry, a somewhat jaded bookstore owner wth discerning tastes in books. A surprising discovery in his store turns his life around. I loved that many familiar books are mentioned and how they tie into the story. The writing is refreshing with clever lines, some quite amusing, others poignant. Some of my favourites:
"Despite the fact that he loves books and owns a bookstore, A. J. does not particularly care for writers."
"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."
"You know everything you need to know about a person from the answer to the question: What is your favourite book?"
Anyone who loves books, bookstores and interesting characters will enjoy this book.
“Funny, tender, and moving, The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry reminds us all exactly why we read and why we love.” —Library Journal (starred review)
A. 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 superbly written story blending fact and fiction, about how an obsession with a piece of music can damage an already disturbed mind. The descriptions of the location, the weather, the music, and the descent into madness are so well written that they stick with the reader long after the book is closed. I enjoyed learning about Schubert and his music, as well as following the protagonist. The dual timelines are cleverly separated by third and first-person narration. All in all, an excellent read!
Winter Journeys is a story about the power of music and imagination.In 1827, a year before his death, composer Franz Schubert wrote twenty-four songs that trace the physical and mental trajectory of a man who has parted from the young woman for whom he had romantic feelings. Wandering the winter countryside, he passes from sorrow to disillusion, anger, confusion, irony, loneliness, and a final surrender—to madness?In 1987, Ilona Miller’s final year at university, she is enchanted by a recorded voice singing those twenty-four songs. A misfit who has struggled to please and succeed, she becomes an explorer of uncontrolled emotions.…
This is a remarkable story about an immigrant Irish family in America trying to survive during the desperate 1930s. The story is told from the point of view of Katie, a sensitive, loving girl who cares for her family very much. Her mother is portrayed as a resourceful, hardworking woman, who struggles with a houseful of children, a sick mother and a husband who drinks up most of his earnings. She constantly finds herself pregnant. They move to another part of the country where things seem to look up for a while but then go terribly wrong. Katie, like her mom, is a strong little girl who will do anything to keep her family together. My heart broke for her many times. The characters in this story are well-developed as is the vivid depiction of dire times. If books like Angela's Ashes catch your interest, you will want to read this book.
Heartrending and absorbing... The BookLife Prize An unforgettable coming-of-age saga inspired by true events... California Writers Circle In Golden Boxty in the Frypan , Pat Spencer captivates readers with a heartrending and absorbing coming-of-age saga inspired by true events. Her poignant story captures the hearts of readers as they follow Katie's journey through poverty, illness, and discrimination in Philadelphia to a glorious train trip out west in search of the American dream. But just as she thinks the worst is behind her, a twist of fate reverses her good fortune. Katie must wrestle with her fears, face her insecurities, and…
Amanda is in love! With Paris – the city of love. She’s in awe of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral. While there, she gets to work as a volunteer and stay in a famous book store, along with her bestie Leah and Leah’s eccentric Aunt Jenny. A dream come true for a book lover like Amanda. Except, while she’s at the Paris Opera House there is a bomb threat. Then the lights go out during their visit to the Louvre. Worst of all, a devastating fire blazes in Notre Dame. Why does a mysterious man, who claims to be a busker, writer and artist, show up every time something bad happens? Join Amanda as she explores the exciting streets and sites around Paris, all the time looking for clues as to who would want to destroy such a beautiful, historic place.
