It is quite fitting that I purchased this book at an independent bookstore. It was an impulse buy–I liked the cover (bright red) and the title, and it was displayed prominently at Books on the Common in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Rather typically for me, I stacked it up on my nightstand with the rest of my impulsive book purchases (they are legion) and forgot all about it for some time. When I was taking a trip and wanted something to read on the plane, I found it again, and took it along.

It’s a rather sweet story, just the sort of thing for people who love books and bookstores. A.J. Fikry runs a small bookstore and his life is a mess. He’s grieving for his recently deceased wife, business is terrible, he’s disengaged with his surroundings, and drinking far too much. What saves him? Well, the usual things–love, community, family, friends, the joys of literature, the joys of literature shared. Full of quirky characters and infused with affection for writers, readers, sellers, and publishers of books, it’s a sentimental and unrealistic tale, but it has its charms. 

HOW TO PURCHASE: AMAZON

NOVEL: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

AUTHOR: Gabrielle Zevin

YEAR OF PUBLICATION: 2014

IMAGE: Book cover, Workman Publishing