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delz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-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
This story starts out slowly, but it has to do with the gray cloud of grief that has gripped the main character for the past 8 years. June took care of her dying mom, Beverly, for the 3 years before she died. It was the year June would be taking her A levels and going off to university but 8 years later June is still living in Chalcot, living alone and working as the assistant librarian. June’s mum Beverly was a vivacious, lively woman, who June and many in the community looked up to. She was also the librarian at the Chalcot library. June has been moving through life in a kind of a daze, until the town council announces it will be closing the library due to budget cuts. June wakes up and realizes what her mother helped build and that all the best memories of her mum will be lost forever. There is a crazy cast of characters brought together by the threat to the library, each of whom brings laughter and tears to this lovely story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Cancer
amyrandles1's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Grief, and Abandonment
Minor: Homophobia, Mental illness, Racism, Police brutality, Medical content, Lesbophobia, and Toxic friendship
nadiaherondale's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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
4.0
Although it has a bit of a slow start, The Last Chance Library becomes a wholesome read about what makes a community, books, personal growth, friendship and love. Everything I wanted for my last read of the year and more. June is a bit of fresh air in the bookworld, it's not often we see a shy heroine who grows, but still remains a bit reserved, there's nothing wrong with being quiet. And every single one of the characters, and their love for the library, are so well written. Freya Sampson really knows how to capture my heart
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Death of parent
sofiedoo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
A wonderful read, full of references but never obnoxious. The characters are all strong, well-rounded, and well written. found the end of her getting together with Alex little stretched, he was sweet but the weakest of all the characters, and would have liked June to stand on her own feet at the end, or have a fresh relationship
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Death of parent
aurie1000's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
becca_thegrimreader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
This was utterly adorable! I will never say no to a book that is about a library, book lovers, and the fight to save local libraries. The icing on the cake is the unbelievably lovely and feisty elderly characters that I would like to adopt!
June Jones is twenty eight, working at her local library she has built walls to keep people out. When the local council announces it plans to close the library June must break out of her shell to try and save it. June’s self esteem is rock bottom throughout the book, suffering from grief after losing her mother she keeps to herself and feels she’s missed out on life. Any booklover would connect with her as books are her favourite things, they transport her out of her life and into another world. Her journey throughout the book is heartwarming and shows June that she is stronger than she thinks. We meet several regulars of the library, and they are a joy. Mrs B is fiery and passionate woman who will fight against any injustice, Vera is cranky and difficult, while my absolute favourite was Stanley.
This book delves into a small community and touches on the many libraries that are facing closures due to budget cuts. We get a look at what is lost when services such as libraries shut, not only is a valuable resource shut for education, but also a social hub for rural and small communities. There are some hilarious moments in the book that help to lighten the mood after some more heartrending moments. This is definitely a book I’d recommend to any booklovers out there!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
mylifeasjessskincare's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cancer, Death, and Death of parent
calamitywindpetal's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Alcoholism and Abandonment
biancabuysbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
"This was one of her favorite parts of the day, before Marjorie and the patrons turned up, when it was just her and seven thousand books for company. She liked to walk around the room, breathing in the heavy, still air, and sometimes when she closed her eyes, June imagined she could hear the books whispering their stories to one another."
I absolutely ADORED The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson. This debut novel was brilliant and was like a big hug at the end of the day that made me smile and cry profusely. Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the gifted copy!
June Jones is 30 and working as a library assistant at Chalcot Library, the same library where her mother was a well-known librarian. After her mother passed a few years prior, June has been in a rut. She once had dreams of leaving town, going to university, and becoming a writer and full-time librarian, but they never panned out. Now, Chalcot Library is being threatened with closure by the local council, and June finally has a chance to speak up and make a difference in her life.
This book features a cast of quirky and eclectic characters that will steal your heart. It emphasizes how special and unique libraries are and made me think of my own early memories of visiting the local library with my grandpa. That's why I connected so much with the character of Stanley! (I'm not crying).
After loving this debut, I am SO EXCITED for Freya's next book, The Lost Ticket, coming this August 30! (Just in time for my birthday!)
I absolutely ADORED The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson. This debut novel was brilliant and was like a big hug at the end of the day that made me smile and cry profusely. Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the gifted copy!
June Jones is 30 and working as a library assistant at Chalcot Library, the same library where her mother was a well-known librarian. After her mother passed a few years prior, June has been in a rut. She once had dreams of leaving town, going to university, and becoming a writer and full-time librarian, but they never panned out. Now, Chalcot Library is being threatened with closure by the local council, and June finally has a chance to speak up and make a difference in her life.
This book features a cast of quirky and eclectic characters that will steal your heart. It emphasizes how special and unique libraries are and made me think of my own early memories of visiting the local library with my grandpa. That's why I connected so much with the character of Stanley! (I'm not crying).
After loving this debut, I am SO EXCITED for Freya's next book, The Lost Ticket, coming this August 30! (Just in time for my birthday!)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
mikaelaandherbooks's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
I'm surprised I haven't seen more reviews address this, but first, this is not a romance book. I would categorize it more as contemporary fiction. There is a very small romance plot, but the majority of the book focuses on saving the library and a really nice found family trope. It was slow to begin with and I didn't find June Jones to be a very lovable main character. I found myself screaming at June to stop letting people walk over her so much throughout the first third to half of the book. I was much more interested in the side characters and what would happen to them. With that said, the ending really wrapped this story up nicely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism, Racism, and Xenophobia