Title: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Category: A book by a female author
Copyright: 2014
Number of Pages: 258
Summary: From the book!
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 mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his live over -- and see everything anew.
Review: This book surprised me in a lot of ways. It was chosen for my book club and I read the synopsis and thought oh my God this is going to be boring. There is a quote in the book though: "The things we respond to at twenty are not necessarily the same things we'll respond to at forty and vice versa. This is true in book and also in life." This quote really resonated with me because I found this book to be absolutely fascinating. I think Office Lambiase was my favorite character. He is a person who doesn't really read, and what little he does read is crime fiction, but he becomes a person who enjoys all different genres. I related because I've been noticing that happening with myself late. I used to only enjoy books with a supernatural setting but am finding great enjoyment in other genres. Not to say that I don't still need my supernatural fix every 3 books or so lol. This one is definitely on my list of books to recommend to people who love to read.
Next I am going to read Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
The back of the book states: Between 1854 and 1929, so-called orphan trains ran regularly from the cities of hte East Coast to the farmlands of the Midwest, carrying thousands of abandoned children whose fates would be determined by pure luck. Would they be adopted by a kind and loving family, or would they face a childhood and adolescence of hard labor and servitude?
As a young Irish immigrant, Vivian Daly was one such child, sent by rail from New York City to an uncertain future a world away. Returning east later in life, Vivian leads a quiet, peaceful existence on the coast of Maine, the memories of her upbringing rendered a hazy blur. But in her attic, hidden in trunks, are vestiges of a turbulent past.
Seventeen-year-old Molly Ayer knows that a community-service position helping an elderly widow clean out her attic is the only thing keeping her out of juvenile hall. But as Molly helps Vivian sort through her keepsakes and possessions, she discovers that she and Vivian aren't as different as they appear. A Penobscot Indian who has spent her youth in and out of foster homes, Molly is also an outsider being raised by strangers, and she, too, has unanswered questions about the past.
Moving between contemporary Maine and Depress-era Minnesota, Orphan Train is a powerful tale of upheaval and resilience, second chances, and unexpected friendships.
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Category: A book by a female author
Copyright: 2014
Number of Pages: 258
Summary: From the book!
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 mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his live over -- and see everything anew.
Review: This book surprised me in a lot of ways. It was chosen for my book club and I read the synopsis and thought oh my God this is going to be boring. There is a quote in the book though: "The things we respond to at twenty are not necessarily the same things we'll respond to at forty and vice versa. This is true in book and also in life." This quote really resonated with me because I found this book to be absolutely fascinating. I think Office Lambiase was my favorite character. He is a person who doesn't really read, and what little he does read is crime fiction, but he becomes a person who enjoys all different genres. I related because I've been noticing that happening with myself late. I used to only enjoy books with a supernatural setting but am finding great enjoyment in other genres. Not to say that I don't still need my supernatural fix every 3 books or so lol. This one is definitely on my list of books to recommend to people who love to read.
The back of the book states: Between 1854 and 1929, so-called orphan trains ran regularly from the cities of hte East Coast to the farmlands of the Midwest, carrying thousands of abandoned children whose fates would be determined by pure luck. Would they be adopted by a kind and loving family, or would they face a childhood and adolescence of hard labor and servitude?
As a young Irish immigrant, Vivian Daly was one such child, sent by rail from New York City to an uncertain future a world away. Returning east later in life, Vivian leads a quiet, peaceful existence on the coast of Maine, the memories of her upbringing rendered a hazy blur. But in her attic, hidden in trunks, are vestiges of a turbulent past.
Seventeen-year-old Molly Ayer knows that a community-service position helping an elderly widow clean out her attic is the only thing keeping her out of juvenile hall. But as Molly helps Vivian sort through her keepsakes and possessions, she discovers that she and Vivian aren't as different as they appear. A Penobscot Indian who has spent her youth in and out of foster homes, Molly is also an outsider being raised by strangers, and she, too, has unanswered questions about the past.
Moving between contemporary Maine and Depress-era Minnesota, Orphan Train is a powerful tale of upheaval and resilience, second chances, and unexpected friendships.
