Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
Meh- not what I expected. Was hoping for a bookshop story but I really felt it was a story about family drama and secrets. I went into this hoping for more bookshop- sometimes the expectations I place on stories affects my ratings.
Miranda has inherited a book shop from her Uncle Billy who died. She hasn’t seen her favorite Uncle in quite some time. Uncle Billy has left her not only the bookshop but a “treasure hunt”to help answer her questions about where he has been and what happened between him and her mother, his sister. It’s a nice premise I just was looking for more bookshop time.
Miranda has inherited a book shop from her Uncle Billy who died. She hasn’t seen her favorite Uncle in quite some time. Uncle Billy has left her not only the bookshop but a “treasure hunt”to help answer her questions about where he has been and what happened between him and her mother, his sister. It’s a nice premise I just was looking for more bookshop time.
SPOILER (sort of):
This book is ALMOST everything I could want in a book!!! I figured out the plot immediately but that did not take away a thing. The romance is a bit gratuitous but is sweet. Cannot wait to read this author again!
As someone who is adopted and has never not known, I was somewhat frustrated by the lack of communication but I get the need for conflict to make the storyline work.
This book is ALMOST everything I could want in a book!!! I figured out the plot immediately but that did not take away a thing. The romance is a bit gratuitous but is sweet. Cannot wait to read this author again!
As someone who is adopted and has never not known, I was somewhat frustrated by the lack of communication but I get the need for conflict to make the storyline work.
I liked the book, but thought the ending was fairly predictable. I knew pretty much how it was going to end about half way through. But I did still like the plot and (most of) the characters.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
First and foremost, this is love song to books and those who love reading them. Miranda Brooks, a Philadelphia history teacher, inherits a bookstore in L.A. from her beloved uncle who became estranged due to unexplained rift with her mother. Besides the bookshop, he's left her a series of literary clues in search her search for answers. Along the way, you will meet indelible characters remember why you love reading.
First and foremost, this is love song to books and those who love reading them. Miranda Brooks, a Philadelphia history teacher, inherits a bookstore in L.A. from her beloved uncle, Billy, who disappeared from her life after a mysterious rift with her mother. Besides the bookshop, he's left her a series of literary clues in aid of her search for answers. Along the way, you will meet indelible characters and remember just why you love reading. Charming and poignant coming-of-age story.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really ended up enjoying this read. The riddle/"mystery" part I figured out almost immediately but I was swept up by the portrayal of the relationships in this book. It was all so human and so raw. Really sheds light on the importance of communication and the importance of knowing when to look outside one's own experience and remind ourselves everyone else is also living out the pains and pleasures of existence. A good reminder to be compassionate, both with yourself and others.
If there are two things that will practically guarantee that I'll like a book, they are bookshops and family secrets. Well, this book has them both!
Miranda grew up in her eccentric uncle's bookstore. Then, following her 12th birthday, after a falling out with Miranda's mother, he disappears and is never heard from again. Years later, Miranda receives word that her uncle has died and left her his bookshop. From there, Miranda embarks on a sort of scavenger hunt that will ultimately uncover the family secrets that have been kept from her.
This was such a great read. The literary references throughout were so well researched. I think a lot of you will enjoy it.
Miranda grew up in her eccentric uncle's bookstore. Then, following her 12th birthday, after a falling out with Miranda's mother, he disappears and is never heard from again. Years later, Miranda receives word that her uncle has died and left her his bookshop. From there, Miranda embarks on a sort of scavenger hunt that will ultimately uncover the family secrets that have been kept from her.
This was such a great read. The literary references throughout were so well researched. I think a lot of you will enjoy it.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I like the story a lot. At first, I couldn't stand Miranda being very self-entitled and it seemed like she didn't care much about the people around her, except herself and her quest to find her uncle's secret. But as her quests went by, she had quite a bit of realization and started to understand why people around her acting certain way due to her uncle - good and bad.
I find the story interesting on how it started with Miranda's favorite scavenger hunt with her uncle to later finding out the truth. The truth surprised me for sure and I love how it slowly unfolded her mom's secret and her pain. It was difficult to get through the part in which her mom and her's relationship has worsened (as an only child myself I can relate to that a lot) - P. 196. And oh by the way, I am very glad she broke up with Jay, because I don't see how she and Jay are compatible.
I love the story ends with -
'It's really over,' I said. 'Billy's quest is really over.'
'Now your journey begins.' Malcom put his arm around me. (p. 361)
Like it's cheesy but also it's the truth for Miranda that her journey starts now with her now being the owner of Prospero Books (now named - Yesterday's Bookshop).
Highlights:
- P.258 - 259: when Miranda found her uncle Billy was her actual biological father after she visited Big Bear, Evelyn and Billy's cabin
- P. 276: when Malcom kissed Miranda (which I was very much looking forward to this), then Miranda realized Malcom knew the truth she was mad.. here's the twist :(
- P.285: One of Billy's confidant, Lee, who was now in Santa Barbara with his husband - he said to Miranda, "There are three things in life that matter -- your partner, your job, your place." And he chose Paul, his partner over his job, whom he had strong connection with Evelyn, the almost c0-founder of Prospero Books, and one of the very few people who knew the truth of Billy and Miranda.
- P.353:
-- First time Mom talked about Evelyn with positive memories in the book (Note: Evelyn was Mom's childhood best friend.)
-- Lowkey happy for Malcom and Miranda, at the same time, would love to see more sides of Malcom, not just grieving Malcom (he seems like a good guy though.)
I find the story interesting on how it started with Miranda's favorite scavenger hunt with her uncle to later finding out the truth. The truth surprised me for sure and I love how it slowly unfolded her mom's secret and her pain. It was difficult to get through the part in which her mom and her's relationship has worsened (as an only child myself I can relate to that a lot) - P. 196. And oh by the way, I am very glad she broke up with Jay, because I don't see how she and Jay are compatible.
I love the story ends with -
'It's really over,' I said. 'Billy's quest is really over.'
'Now your journey begins.' Malcom put his arm around me. (p. 361)
Like it's cheesy but also it's the truth for Miranda that her journey starts now with her now being the owner of Prospero Books (now named - Yesterday's Bookshop).
Highlights:
- P.258 - 259: when Miranda found her uncle Billy was her actual biological father after she visited Big Bear, Evelyn and Billy's cabin
- P. 276: when Malcom kissed Miranda (which I was very much looking forward to this), then Miranda realized Malcom knew the truth she was mad.. here's the twist :(
- P.285: One of Billy's confidant, Lee, who was now in Santa Barbara with his husband - he said to Miranda, "There are three things in life that matter -- your partner, your job, your place." And he chose Paul, his partner over his job, whom he had strong connection with Evelyn, the almost c0-founder of Prospero Books, and one of the very few people who knew the truth of Billy and Miranda.
- P.353:
-- First time Mom talked about Evelyn with positive memories in the book (Note: Evelyn was Mom's childhood best friend.)
-- Lowkey happy for Malcom and Miranda, at the same time, would love to see more sides of Malcom, not just grieving Malcom (he seems like a good guy though.)