A story that will change the way you think about the power of books and the importance of bookstores
Rating ~ 3.5 / 5 stars
When I was given a chance to read an excerpt of this upcoming novel by Gayle Forman, I jumped at the chance because this author effortlessly entwines important messages with her writing and her characters. And this book was no exception! The excerpt introduced the reader to the main character who owns a failing bookstore with his father. His love for books was astronomical until the day came and his brother died from drug addiction. That drove a wedge between Aaron and his love for reading and for the bookstore. Now, the only book Aaron can read is a dinosaur book indicating that once the asteriod hit Earth, their extinction was inevitable. Practically, this is the motto for Aaron, "knowing" that their bookstore is to the point of a major loss for his father and there is no stopping both of them from falling into major debt.
Like I said about Gayle Forman before, this book includes major concepts and messages that she talks about through her main character's and her side characters' journey in the novel. I loved the heartwarming story that Forman spun through a failing bookstore. Filled with moments of love, distrust, secrets, and the feeling that everything could potentially go right, this book is perfect to read on a cozy night, curled up near the fireplace.
The supporting characters were amazing! I especially loved Ira, Hannah, and Chad. These three supporting characters brought a lot into the novel. Through their past and their journey in the book, they all create the sense that past mistakes can be a part of you but as long as you keep going forward, you can create positive change in yourself and potentially for the people around you. On the other hand, I did enjoy Aaron's character but on certain instances, I was very frustrated and annoyed with him. Mainly because he would resist any chance of change that would come into his life, even when he can see that it would have a tremendous impact on his and his father's life in the most positive way. He was too stuck that what he thought would happen is the only way that life would work, however, I did like the change in his character near the end when he finally opened his eyes and saw the impact new changes were having.
Nonetheless, this was a story that touched my heart (considering I read it in less than 3 hours in one sitting), along with literary references to other novels throughout the novel to illustrate what's happening in each chapter. The characters, the concept, and the plot combined together bring a story that will change the way you think about the power of books and the importance of bookstores!
When I was given a chance to read an excerpt of this upcoming novel by Gayle Forman, I jumped at the chance because this author effortlessly entwines important messages with her writing and her characters. And this book was no exception! The excerpt introduced the reader to the main character who owns a failing bookstore with his father. His love for books was astronomical until the day came and his brother died from drug addiction. That drove a wedge between Aaron and his love for reading and for the bookstore. Now, the only book Aaron can read is a dinosaur book indicating that once the asteriod hit Earth, their extinction was inevitable. Practically, this is the motto for Aaron, "knowing" that their bookstore is to the point of a major loss for his father and there is no stopping both of them from falling into major debt.
Like I said about Gayle Forman before, this book includes major concepts and messages that she talks about through her main character's and her side characters' journey in the novel. I loved the heartwarming story that Forman spun through a failing bookstore. Filled with moments of love, distrust, secrets, and the feeling that everything could potentially go right, this book is perfect to read on a cozy night, curled up near the fireplace.
The supporting characters were amazing! I especially loved Ira, Hannah, and Chad. These three supporting characters brought a lot into the novel. Through their past and their journey in the book, they all create the sense that past mistakes can be a part of you but as long as you keep going forward, you can create positive change in yourself and potentially for the people around you. On the other hand, I did enjoy Aaron's character but on certain instances, I was very frustrated and annoyed with him. Mainly because he would resist any chance of change that would come into his life, even when he can see that it would have a tremendous impact on his and his father's life in the most positive way. He was too stuck that what he thought would happen is the only way that life would work, however, I did like the change in his character near the end when he finally opened his eyes and saw the impact new changes were having.
Nonetheless, this was a story that touched my heart (considering I read it in less than 3 hours in one sitting), along with literary references to other novels throughout the novel to illustrate what's happening in each chapter. The characters, the concept, and the plot combined together bring a story that will change the way you think about the power of books and the importance of bookstores!