The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry: A Novel
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER BY THE AUTHOR OF TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STARRING LUCY HALE & KUNNAL NAYAR "A fun, page-turning delight." --Minneapolis Star-Tribune "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 mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his life over--and see everything anew. "This novel has humor, romance, a touch of suspense, but most of all love--love of books and bookish people and, really, all of humanity in its imperfect glory." --Eowyn Ivey, author of The Snow Child "Marvelously optimistic about the future of books and bookstores and the people who love both."--The Washington Post "You won't want it to end." --Family Circle "A natural for book groups." --Richmond Times-Dispatch "A reader's paradise of the first order." --The Buffalo News "Captures the joy of connecting people and books . . . Irresistible." --Booklist "A wonderful, moving, endearing story of redemption and transformation that will sing in your heart for a very, very long time." --Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain "Readers who delighted in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, and Letters from Skye will be equally captivated by this novel." --Library Journal, starred review
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
Initially, I began to read as it was our m monthly book club selection... Thought it would be if a classical nature. It surprised me for sure!!
The reader placed you in the story. It has love, deceit, happiness, sadness, infidelity, death and so much more.
"In the end, we are collected works." This is so true!!
It truly enlightens how children can change so much about a person.
At the end of the day, it's all about why we read, love and the importance of family.
"We are what we love."
Truly a delightful read!!
The reader placed you in the story. It has love, deceit, happiness, sadness, infidelity, death and so much more.
"In the end, we are collected works." This is so true!!
It truly enlightens how children can change so much about a person.
At the end of the day, it's all about why we read, love and the importance of family.
"We are what we love."
Truly a delightful read!!
A decent palate cleanser; easy read. Some strokes are applied rather hastily. The main characters are likeable, though, and the setting is somewhere you would want to visit. I'm most excited and the reading recommendations that I came away with.
This is an honest, real story, highlighting our need for connection to other bipeds whether we like it or not. We need each other...desperately. The main character (A.J.) is hopelessly flawed with curmudgeon-like qualities. He is seemingly unlovable, even unlikable. He is rude, selfish and reclusive. He is an anti-hero warning you to keep your distance.
And yet despite his attempts to frighten you off, you discover that you love him from start to finish even when you aren't sure you actually like him. You are drawn to his story and want to see it through despite your misgivings about his actions. He is your crabby co-worker who never sees a silver lining. He is your blunt neighbor who tells you what she really thinks of your haircut. He is your great uncle who feels you want his advice on everything. He's an accident waiting to happen.
A.J. is a character who reminds us of ourselves...and in a way, it's a messy kind of beautiful.
And yet despite his attempts to frighten you off, you discover that you love him from start to finish even when you aren't sure you actually like him. You are drawn to his story and want to see it through despite your misgivings about his actions. He is your crabby co-worker who never sees a silver lining. He is your blunt neighbor who tells you what she really thinks of your haircut. He is your great uncle who feels you want his advice on everything. He's an accident waiting to happen.
A.J. is a character who reminds us of ourselves...and in a way, it's a messy kind of beautiful.
Loved it, but I don’t believe the ending had to be what it was. I think it could’ve been just as lovely going a different direction.
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.