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andshe_reads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-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
Auw this is such a cute comforting read. It's like a great big cuddle! Some books just touch you personally and this is one of them for me.
The whole storyline was truly heartwarming although a little sad at times. This book Is a massive shutout to all the libraries for all the good work they do. It goes to show that libraries aren't just about the books. It's so much more than that.
Ahh the characters I absolutely loved Stanley my heart literally went out to him. And Mrs B was just hilarious with all her complaining. We know she loved them really! I totally appreciated the diversity of the characters using the library I think sometimes there is a misconception and a stereotype portrayed around library users and this book shows that's definitely not the case. The sense of community within these pages was huge and bloody adorable, it just made my heart super happy.
I can't believe I left it so long to read this. Highly relatable and a great read for all my fellow book lovers ❤️
The whole storyline was truly heartwarming although a little sad at times. This book Is a massive shutout to all the libraries for all the good work they do. It goes to show that libraries aren't just about the books. It's so much more than that.
Ahh the characters I absolutely loved Stanley my heart literally went out to him. And Mrs B was just hilarious with all her complaining. We know she loved them really! I totally appreciated the diversity of the characters using the library I think sometimes there is a misconception and a stereotype portrayed around library users and this book shows that's definitely not the case. The sense of community within these pages was huge and bloody adorable, it just made my heart super happy.
I can't believe I left it so long to read this. Highly relatable and a great read for all my fellow book lovers ❤️
fantasycat's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Grief, Mental illness, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Bullying, and Cancer
bookph1le's review against another edition
4.0
I thought this was sweet and heart-warming, and as someone who's an avid supporter of her local library, the central plot really resonated with me. I loved what the book had to say about the importance of libraries not just as book repositories, but as community institutions. I look forward to reading more from the author.
sreyasreya's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't like the book at first and thought of DNFing it but I gave it a chance and it was really quite sweet.
mollyhyland's review against another edition
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
mxjx's review against another edition
2.5
A bit too basic for me - the writing was simplistic as well as the plot - good for someone who wants a very easy quick read with low stakes but extremely forgettable
oceanwriter's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
4.0
I found this book at a thrift store and was so drawn to the vibrant and bookish cover that I didn’t so much as glance at the synopsis. It’s caught by eye on my bookshelf and thanks to a bingo challenge, I was inspired to finally pick it up. What a treat it was!
June’s life revolves around her job at her small town’s library. Her attachment has been even greater since the death of her mother. When the library is at risk of closing, she’s forced to come out of her shell for the sake of her friends, job, and the community.
I couldn’t have picked this book up at a more perfect time. It was a relaxing, sweet read that resonated deeply with me. I love that the romance plot of the book was mostly in the background and didn’t overshadow the main plot surrounding the library. Some scenes felt unnecessary and stalled the progression of the book, but it wasn’t difficult to get back into the groove once it picked up again. I will absolutely be reading more from this author!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying and Cancer
Minor: Alcoholism
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
The Last Chance Library is Freya Sampson's debut novel. June Jones is a library assistant whose life revolves around work, home, and books. June has not been able to move forward with her life since the death of her mother eight years earlier. When the Chalcot library is threatened with closure, the townspeople rally to save it and expect June to lead the charge. Unfortunately, June has trouble with large crowds and speaking in front of anyone including children at Rhyme Time. The local residents form FOCL (Friends of Chalcot Library) and work to keep the library they love with some help from a helpful anonymous insider. The Last Chance Library sounded like such a fun story which is why I was disappointed with the end result. I found the pacing to be slow with expected characters. There are some quirky residents like Vera and Mrs. B (she is really over-the-top). I loved Stanley. He was a kind soul. Our protagonist, June is a timid woman who seems afraid to live. Being afraid of public speaking myself, I could relate to her fear. I just expected more from the main character. I wanted to see her leading the charge and coming up with creative ideas to save the place she loved. The ending was a mixed bag. Most of the story followed a predictable path, and I like how things ended for the library. June’s story was disenchanting. There is a potential romance for June with old school chum, Alex. I never felt any sparks between the pair and the pairing felt forced. I was especially offended by the amount of foul language in The Last Chance Library. I did enjoy the book references and how the library patrons worked to save their local book haven. A library is so much more than a place to get books. That is the one thing that non-book lovers fail to see. It is a place to meet other people, get help with homework, use the computer, watch a movie, learn a new skill, and where our children can learn to love books as much as we do. My favorite quote from The Last Chance Library is, “You are never alone when you have a good book.” While The Last Chance Library is not my cup of tea, it does appeal to others. You should read a sample, to see if The Last Chance Library is for you. The Last Chance Library is a debut novel with a bevy of books, a shocking closure, a bully for a boss, activist patrons, and a tentative library assistant.