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crustieloaf's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
The first thought I had after finishing this book was that I need to read more lighthearted books. Maybe even books with little cartoon covers.
Reader, this is a dangerous thought.
N. bought me this book in an attempt to help me ride out the paralyzing two weeks I had after my father's death. I am a historian by education, and a material historian at that, so a museum focused on objects of people who have passed is something that is right up my alley.
However, my main issue with lighthearted, cartoon-covered books is that they are nowhere near as morose as I would like them to be. (It should be noted here that I am an incredibly morose person). Thought about grief are not lingered on enough, the book moves quickly from one relationship to another, and the characters never hold complex emotions for very long. The ending events are serendipitous, and everyone is happy in the end. In the theme of this book, everyone gets the happy ending they deserve.
Maybe it is just where I am in my own grieving journey right now, but I sincerely feel that happy endings are a product of luck and not destined. I enjoyed this book, and it did the job it was bought for. Maybe for that I should give it five stars. It allowed me to think about something besides my father for a little bit, and have a story to focus on where I knew, no matter what, it was going to be okay. But in reflecting on the book for this review, I am of two minds: The first says that right now, I need more books like this that allow me to take my mind off of whatever this waking hell that my life has become. The second is that this book, and even the concept of the museum itself, has failed to capture just the depth of the grief that I feel about the death of my father. This side of my mind may be a bit unfair, though, because most of the book takes place a year after Jess's mom dies. As of writing this review I am a little over two weeks out. I guess check back in with me in a year? Maybe then I can give this book a higher rating.
That doesn't stop me from wanting to live in this world, though. Working at a museum would be nice, I think.
Reader, this is a dangerous thought.
N. bought me this book in an attempt to help me ride out the paralyzing two weeks I had after my father's death. I am a historian by education, and a material historian at that, so a museum focused on objects of people who have passed is something that is right up my alley.
However, my main issue with lighthearted, cartoon-covered books is that they are nowhere near as morose as I would like them to be. (It should be noted here that I am an incredibly morose person). Thought about grief are not lingered on enough, the book moves quickly from one relationship to another, and the characters never hold complex emotions for very long. The ending events are serendipitous, and everyone is happy in the end. In the theme of this book, everyone gets the happy ending they deserve.
Maybe it is just where I am in my own grieving journey right now, but I sincerely feel that happy endings are a product of luck and not destined. I enjoyed this book, and it did the job it was bought for. Maybe for that I should give it five stars. It allowed me to think about something besides my father for a little bit, and have a story to focus on where I knew, no matter what, it was going to be okay. But in reflecting on the book for this review, I am of two minds: The first says that right now, I need more books like this that allow me to take my mind off of whatever this waking hell that my life has become. The second is that this book, and even the concept of the museum itself, has failed to capture just the depth of the grief that I feel about the death of my father. This side of my mind may be a bit unfair, though, because most of the book takes place a year after Jess's mom dies. As of writing this review I am a little over two weeks out. I guess check back in with me in a year? Maybe then I can give this book a higher rating.
That doesn't stop me from wanting to live in this world, though. Working at a museum would be nice, I think.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism and Medical content
Minor: Animal death, Child death, and Pregnancy
surlamer7803's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A beautifully written story with characters you truly care about and root for. An uplifting reflection on the people we love and the tangible and intangible ways we remember them. We all have an item that holds special significance to us and reminds us of someone that we love that has moved on from this world but never from our hearts. This book paints a beautiful picture of how those items can remain cherished and cared for even if their original keepers no longer can as well as the beautiful stories and memories that accompany them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
trainreader's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Grief
Minor: Medical content, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Alcoholism, Cancer, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Terminal illness, and Toxic relationship
kelly_e's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Title: The Museum of Ordinary People
Author: Mike Gayle
Genre: Contemporary
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: May 30, 2023
T H R E E • W O R D S
Layered • Heartfelt • Thoughtful
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Still reeling from the sudden death of her mother, Jess is about to do the hardest thing she's ever done: empty her childhood home so that it can be sold. As she sorts through a lifetime of memories, everything comes to a halt when she comes across something she just can’t part with: an old set of encyclopedias. To the world, the books are outdated and ready to be recycled. To Jess, they represent love and the future that her mother always wanted her to have.
In the process of finding the books a new home, Jess discovers an unusual archive of letters, photographs, and curious housed in a warehouse and known as the Museum of Ordinary People. Irresistibly drawn, she becomes the museum's unofficial custodian, along with the warehouse’s mysterious owner. As they delve into the history of objects in their care, they not only unravel heart-stirring stories that span generations and continents, but also unearth long-buried secrets that lie closer to home.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I had been eagerly anticipating Mike Gayle's latest release after All the Lonely People became an all-time favourite. There's just something about his writing style and ability to create endearing characters that sucks me in. The Museum of Ordinary People with its museum setting and themes of grief and connection appealed to me for so many different reasons, and it was an easy choice for my next 5-star prediction.
As someone with an appreciation for antiques, as a former museum worker/curator, and as an avid museum goer, the Museum of Ordinary People felt like just the type of place I'd love to spend an afternoon. The concept of a place that finds meaning in the ordinary - a place where seemingly insignificant things become meaningful - was absolutely beautiful. This museum was filled with unique items and stories. The plot unfolds at a slow and steady pace, exploring how different items mean different things to different people. And how we can find sentimentality in ordinary items that can evoke such vivid emotions and memories.
This one really made me stop to reflect. I felt a deep personal bond with Jess and what she was going through. While cleaning out my paternal grandfather's house after his death there were the items many family members gravitated towards. There were also the things that became invaluable due to holding a specific memory. Still yet there were those ordinary things, you'd think would be easily discarded. As I read, it made me reflect on his possessions. Oddly enough, there was a small outdoor garbage pail that I claimed. It didn't have any particular significance, yet I knew it would be useful for my gardening work. Now, nearing three years since his death, it is the most used item I have from him stuff. Every time I use it in the garden (a passion we shared), I feel a real sense of connection to him. This simple pail would mean so little to most, yet it has become invaluable to me in my grief journey.
Beyond all of the heart and humanness of the concept, there were a few mysteries and surprises along the way, even a touch of romance. Each of the characters had there place within the story, yet a few of the side plots did feel unnecessary and detracted from the overall flow of the novel.
The Museum of Ordinary People was such a breath of fresh air. I was expecting really great things (re: All the Lonely People), and although I didn't love it as much, it was such a human story. I look forward to continuing to explore Mike Gayle's backlist, and will be keeping an eye on what he will write next.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Mike Gayle fans
• lovers of ordinary things
• book clubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"I wanted to put as much love and care into the taking apart of my wonderful mum’s home as had been poured into bringing it all together in the first place?"
"We give value to the overlooked, to the ordinary, to that which the world thinks of as commonplace. And we do this in the hope that the lives and the stories of the people these seemingly unremarkable things once belonged to will be treasured and remembered long after they're gone."
"And although the objects themselves are no replacement for the people we ache for, they are a reminder of the fact that those people were here, and they mattered and will be missed."
Author: Mike Gayle
Genre: Contemporary
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: May 30, 2023
T H R E E • W O R D S
Layered • Heartfelt • Thoughtful
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Still reeling from the sudden death of her mother, Jess is about to do the hardest thing she's ever done: empty her childhood home so that it can be sold. As she sorts through a lifetime of memories, everything comes to a halt when she comes across something she just can’t part with: an old set of encyclopedias. To the world, the books are outdated and ready to be recycled. To Jess, they represent love and the future that her mother always wanted her to have.
In the process of finding the books a new home, Jess discovers an unusual archive of letters, photographs, and curious housed in a warehouse and known as the Museum of Ordinary People. Irresistibly drawn, she becomes the museum's unofficial custodian, along with the warehouse’s mysterious owner. As they delve into the history of objects in their care, they not only unravel heart-stirring stories that span generations and continents, but also unearth long-buried secrets that lie closer to home.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I had been eagerly anticipating Mike Gayle's latest release after All the Lonely People became an all-time favourite. There's just something about his writing style and ability to create endearing characters that sucks me in. The Museum of Ordinary People with its museum setting and themes of grief and connection appealed to me for so many different reasons, and it was an easy choice for my next 5-star prediction.
As someone with an appreciation for antiques, as a former museum worker/curator, and as an avid museum goer, the Museum of Ordinary People felt like just the type of place I'd love to spend an afternoon. The concept of a place that finds meaning in the ordinary - a place where seemingly insignificant things become meaningful - was absolutely beautiful. This museum was filled with unique items and stories. The plot unfolds at a slow and steady pace, exploring how different items mean different things to different people. And how we can find sentimentality in ordinary items that can evoke such vivid emotions and memories.
This one really made me stop to reflect. I felt a deep personal bond with Jess and what she was going through. While cleaning out my paternal grandfather's house after his death there were the items many family members gravitated towards. There were also the things that became invaluable due to holding a specific memory. Still yet there were those ordinary things, you'd think would be easily discarded. As I read, it made me reflect on his possessions. Oddly enough, there was a small outdoor garbage pail that I claimed. It didn't have any particular significance, yet I knew it would be useful for my gardening work. Now, nearing three years since his death, it is the most used item I have from him stuff. Every time I use it in the garden (a passion we shared), I feel a real sense of connection to him. This simple pail would mean so little to most, yet it has become invaluable to me in my grief journey.
Beyond all of the heart and humanness of the concept, there were a few mysteries and surprises along the way, even a touch of romance. Each of the characters had there place within the story, yet a few of the side plots did feel unnecessary and detracted from the overall flow of the novel.
The Museum of Ordinary People was such a breath of fresh air. I was expecting really great things (re: All the Lonely People), and although I didn't love it as much, it was such a human story. I look forward to continuing to explore Mike Gayle's backlist, and will be keeping an eye on what he will write next.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Mike Gayle fans
• lovers of ordinary things
• book clubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"I wanted to put as much love and care into the taking apart of my wonderful mum’s home as had been poured into bringing it all together in the first place?"
"We give value to the overlooked, to the ordinary, to that which the world thinks of as commonplace. And we do this in the hope that the lives and the stories of the people these seemingly unremarkable things once belonged to will be treasured and remembered long after they're gone."
"And although the objects themselves are no replacement for the people we ache for, they are a reminder of the fact that those people were here, and they mattered and will be missed."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Xenophobia, Mental illness, Cancer, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Pregnancy, and Addiction
yvo_about_books's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
3.25
Finished reading: February 20th 2024
“Looking back, I don’t think there was ever a point where I officially gave up on my dreams; instead I think it happened gradually, as these things do, so that I barely noticed the shift in my thinking”
WARNING: yet another unpopular opinion review!!
I had such high hopes for this story as people kept raving about it, and I've been looking forward to finally try Mike Gayle's writing. Things started out well enough as I was really enjoying both the writing style and the idea behind the museum. I was already thinking that The Museum Of Ordinary People would end up on my list of February favorites, but somehow these feelings started to change over time. There were certain aspects of the story that started to irk me more and more, and this had a lot to do with the characters. I hated gaslighting bastard Guy SO much, but what was even worse was how Jess reacted to him and kept putting herself down. In fact, she NEVER stood up for herself with him, and this all made me so angry... To make things worse, there is just SO much drama and negativity especially in the second half, as if the author just wanted to bury the main character under it. I can get some challenges along the way, but this was just getting ridiculous... Especially with so many revelations that only seemed to be there for the shock factor. I also wasn't a fan of the ending and how the solution for the problems with the museum kind of came out of nowhere... And the love triangle vibe wasn't exactly helping either. I still really enjoyed the museum itself and what it stands for (I would definitely visit if I could!), but as a whole there was too much drama and negativity going on in especially the second half of the book to properly enjoy The Museum Of Ordinary People as expected. I still want to try more of his work though, because I did enjoy the writing style itself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, and Toxic relationship
charlizzzard_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A truly lovely story, but some unfinished threads I'd love to see cleared up!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
jyllibean's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Death of parent, Grief, and Toxic relationship
purplepenning's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This got just a little melodramatic for my tastes, but it's an engaging, well-written, community-oriented story that stands well with the author's previous book, All the Lonely People, and should work for fans of Anxious People, The Authenticity Project, and Maame. Despite, or maybe because of (grief is a funny thing) having lost my mom relatively recently, I didn't find this one quite as unexpectedly charming and touching as All the Lonely People.
The Museum of Ordinary People is sort of a late coming-of-age tale about grief, losing and finding oneself, the people we're meant to keep in our lives, the people we're meant to let go, and the extraordinary ordinary people and things we could all see a little more clearly and think about a little more deeply. Populated with realistic and relatable characters (main character Jess is, in particular, perfectly written and developed), the book is also given a suitably simple, warm tone by the audiobook narration.
The Museum of Ordinary People is sort of a late coming-of-age tale about grief, losing and finding oneself, the people we're meant to keep in our lives, the people we're meant to let go, and the extraordinary ordinary people and things we could all see a little more clearly and think about a little more deeply. Populated with realistic and relatable characters (main character Jess is, in particular, perfectly written and developed), the book is also given a suitably simple, warm tone by the audiobook narration.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Abandonment, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Addiction, Body shaming, Bullying, Antisemitism, Cancer, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcoholism
Minor: Antisemitism, Pregnancy, Violence, Abortion, and Hate crime
lhodgson26's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I really enjoy Mike's Gayle books as the characters are protrayed as ordinary people and they all have their own story with friendships and family usually at their centre. This book was almost the epitome of it helped to show the importance of reflecting on everyone's own piece of history and treasures. Jess' grief was incredibly moving and was protrayed in such an emotional way especially when she was clearing away the house. Alex's story was emotional too as we uncover the truth about the scares and the emotional impact they've had on his whole life. Luce and Jess' friendship was special even with the added challenge of discovering they are actually half sisters. This was a really enjoyable book and such a heart warming read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
what_heather_loves's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
"'Many of you already know how I stumbled across the Museum of Ordinary People. Like so many others who have come through its doors, I was struggling with the grief of losing someone I loved and trying to find a home for an object that was so much more than the sum of its parts...[it is]...about and for ordinary men and women like you and me, and the extraordinary lives they lead...'"
In her early thirties, Jess is grieving the recent death of her beloved mum, who brought her up alone, to breast cancer. Determinedly clearing her childhood home, a terraced house in Northampton, alone, she wants to keep so many of her mum's belongings, but doesn't have space in her minimalist London apartment with boyfriend Guy; so she only keeps an old set of encyclopedias that encouraged her love of learning. Jess approaches a Peckham-based house clearance firm and discovers it also houses a secret museum of sorts, set up by the former owner, to store those belongings people couldn't keep but couldn't bear to throw away, which excites Jess, who studied to be a museum curator yet works as a receptionist. The new owner, Alex, who has unexpectedly inherited the Museum, agrees to give Jess six months to set up a museum. It's a huge undertaking. Will she do it and will it succeed?
Jess is a really likeable protagonist, grieving and suffering a controlling boyfriend, but has the support of childhood best friend, Luce, her university tutor and new friends Alex, Paul and Dec at the museum. The reader has Jess's 'then' (clearing her mum's house) and 'now' (curating the museum) narratives, to provide context. This charming tale combines cast of engaging, supporting characters and a love interest with a race against time to build a unique museum, despite obstacles in her ways that will celebrate the lives of those they loved. I am fascinated by the concept of a museum for ordinary people, have always been more interested in what my school history teacher called 'small people history', 2hich encouraged me to read history at university. This is a charming,comforting and uplifting tale about following your heart, that comes highly recommended.
In her early thirties, Jess is grieving the recent death of her beloved mum, who brought her up alone, to breast cancer. Determinedly clearing her childhood home, a terraced house in Northampton, alone, she wants to keep so many of her mum's belongings, but doesn't have space in her minimalist London apartment with boyfriend Guy; so she only keeps an old set of encyclopedias that encouraged her love of learning. Jess approaches a Peckham-based house clearance firm and discovers it also houses a secret museum of sorts, set up by the former owner, to store those belongings people couldn't keep but couldn't bear to throw away, which excites Jess, who studied to be a museum curator yet works as a receptionist. The new owner, Alex, who has unexpectedly inherited the Museum, agrees to give Jess six months to set up a museum. It's a huge undertaking. Will she do it and will it succeed?
Jess is a really likeable protagonist, grieving and suffering a controlling boyfriend, but has the support of childhood best friend, Luce, her university tutor and new friends Alex, Paul and Dec at the museum. The reader has Jess's 'then' (clearing her mum's house) and 'now' (curating the museum) narratives, to provide context. This charming tale combines cast of engaging, supporting characters and a love interest with a race against time to build a unique museum, despite obstacles in her ways that will celebrate the lives of those they loved. I am fascinated by the concept of a museum for ordinary people, have always been more interested in what my school history teacher called 'small people history', 2hich encouraged me to read history at university. This is a charming,comforting and uplifting tale about following your heart, that comes highly recommended.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Cancer
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