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knitreadkate's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.75
So many feelings from this book.
It was a cosy library read with many heart warming moments and a heavy, emotional moment about 75% in. That heaviness stayed with me for the remainder of the book and I don’t feel like it was resolved.
Like others have said, I completely didn’t see the years next to some of the chapters to denote flashbacks and but you pick up on it as you read. There are multiple POVs from different characters, mostly Mukesh and Aliesha.
I absolutely loved Mukesh’s story arc and provided so many heart warming moments.
I have so many questions for Aleisha.
As wonderful as the community get together in Aidan’s memory was - I couldn’t help but think the whole time that Aidan was trying so hard to take care of Leilah - he was parentified.
While I don’t know the answer, I feel I need to know something about how Leilah would be taken care of after all of Aidan’s efforts. It shouldn't be left on Aleisha's shoulders.
While I don’t know the answer, I feel I need to know something about how Leilah would be taken care of after all of Aidan’s efforts. It shouldn't be left on Aleisha's shoulders.
I’d say it’s almost a cosy read however the book deals with heavy mental health and suicide.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Death of parent, Mental illness, and Cancer
ellent's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Cancer, and Suicide
mdavis26's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, Cancer, Death, Suicide, and Grief
sareidle's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was a heartwarming read and a reminder to be compassionate towards people, as you don't know their challenges. I found the two main characters, Mukesh and Aleisha, very compelling and lovable throughout the book, and rooted for them as they opened up and welcomed new connections in their lives. The author handles the tragic moments in the book seriously and with care. I appreciated how the themes and characters from the books on the reading list were incorporated into the plot, especially when Mukesh imagined Scout running ahead of him on his first visit to the library without his granddaughter. I wish that the later books on the list were more present in the text, but overall it was a very enjoyable read and I've added several of the titles from the titular reading list to my own TBR.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Grief
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Death, Cancer, and Bullying
jerseynoonatic's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
So hard to put down!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Mental illness
Moderate: Suicide and Cancer
cedura's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Suicide, Terminal illness, and Cancer
cosmicbookworm'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? No
5.0
I loved this story from beginning to end. It is a captivating narrative that showcases the importance of books, libraries, readers, and communities. Avid readers may find many of their favorite books included in the story.
The story revolves around the heartwarming friendship between two main characters—a young pre-law student dealing with challenging family circumstances and a Kenyan gentleman in his seventies who has recently lost his life partner and struggles to adjust to his new life. Several other significant characters shape the narrative and add depth to the story.
The story explores the theme of dealing with grief and highlights how books and libraries can unite people and help them support one another during difficult times. It tells a tale of strength and resilience in the face of sadness, isolation, and hardship.
The story revolves around the heartwarming friendship between two main characters—a young pre-law student dealing with challenging family circumstances and a Kenyan gentleman in his seventies who has recently lost his life partner and struggles to adjust to his new life. Several other significant characters shape the narrative and add depth to the story.
The story explores the theme of dealing with grief and highlights how books and libraries can unite people and help them support one another during difficult times. It tells a tale of strength and resilience in the face of sadness, isolation, and hardship.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Mental illness
Moderate: Cancer
andrewhatesham's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
The Reading List explores themes of human connection, mental illness, bibliophilia, and the importance of libraries.
I got this book from a thrift store a while ago. I rarely buy books I've never heard of before, but this sounded interesting so I decided to pick it up. I'm really glad I did, because I liked it a lot! It didn't hook me in right away, I'm glad I kept on reading because it eventually picked up and I was entertained all the way through to the end!
I loved the premise and the characters. This makes me want to write a reading list of my own, and also to spend more time at the library.
If you like A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman and Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, you will probably like this, it has similar vibes.
I got this book from a thrift store a while ago. I rarely buy books I've never heard of before, but this sounded interesting so I decided to pick it up. I'm really glad I did, because I liked it a lot! It didn't hook me in right away, I'm glad I kept on reading because it eventually picked up and I was entertained all the way through to the end!
I loved the premise and the characters. This makes me want to write a reading list of my own, and also to spend more time at the library.
If you like A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman and Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, you will probably like this, it has similar vibes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Grief
Moderate: Death, Cancer, and Suicide
Minor: Cursing
aliciagrasby's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Cancer and Mental illness
tracy_j's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
3.75
The character development was wonderful and my freaking heart is joyous but also crying right now. I love books about books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Mental illness
Moderate: Cancer and Death
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders