Reviews

The Night of Many Endings by Melissa Payne

kwolfblake's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad slow-paced

3.5

jdgagnon's review

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3.0

3.5

It took me awhile to read but I did enjoy this book. At first I felt Nora’s character was kind of flat and there wasn’t really much character development in the beginning. But the more I read and realized it wasn’t a lack of character development that’s just how she is. All she knew was to push her feelings away and that night of the snowstorm let her true self come out. I hated how she always apologized for asking a question because she tried to please everyone around her. And when I mean I hated that, I mean I hated that for her. How she felt she had to apologize after asking a question because she was just curious.

I enjoyed Marlene’s point of view the most and loved how she realized how wrong she was so quickly even if it did take her awhile to come out and say it.

I love that Vlado and Marlene decided to pursue their dreams. I love that Lewis ends up being 6 months sober. I love that Nora got to see her brother alive and well even if it means not being in each others lives like she hoped.

This book was a good read.

elianacruz56's review against another edition

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5.0

This was such a beautiful story! Five (very different) strangers get trapped in a library during a blizzard. The hours they spent together are life changing and each one of them emerges as a new person. I alternated between reading and listening to the free kindle audio. Although the narration was great, it felt like it took forever to reach the end! That is my only critique. This is definitely a slow story. Would make an excellent cozy winter read.

megmabowitz's review

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective 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

4.0

bouldermimi's review against another edition

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3.0

Read 6/12/2023 - eBook

Five people are trapped in a library during a blizzard in a small Colorado mountain town. In one night, their lives will forever be changed.

I think the book has a good premise, but it wasn't compelling, just predictable. It's no surprise what becomes of the characters and that heart-wrenching moment present in stories like these didn't really amount to much. I thought it was just ok.

ordinarypickle's review

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emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Good grief I bawled 

ahomelibrary's review

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If you’re snowed in today, this book might be a relatable fit for your reading list. “The Night of Many Endings” by Melissa Payne (2021) is about a group of lonely, broken people who get trapped in a library during a snow storm.

Categories — Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Books About Books, Books Set In Libraries, Mental Health, Loss & Grief

Pub Info — Lake Union, 2021. Currently has a 4.15 average and 19k ratings on Goodreads.

Quick Summary — A group of people get trapped in a public library during a snow storm. Each has a significant problem they’re dealing with, and the book explores each through themes of hope, second chances, connection, and empathy.

More Info & My Thoughts ⤵️

I was browsing my local library for books to stock up on ahead of my own snow storm this week, and I thought this one was very apt. It was a quick, simple read. No spoilers ahead!

❄️ The story focuses on a group trapped in the library. Nora is the MC, and she is dealing with a loss she faced as a child: her parents passed away in an accident, but she and her brother survived. Her brother deals with addiction. She copes by trying to fix everyone around her, while she seeks out her missing brother. That part is really the driver of half the story, the other half being their time together in the library discussing their troubles

❄️ The rest of the group includes: Mariene is her elderly coworker, always in pain physically and bitter personally. Jasmine, a troubled teen who Mariene suspects is up to no good. A homeless man who has lost everything, including his hope. And Vlado, the bookish security guard who has a thing for Nora.

❄️ As the book plays out, the frustrations of being kept inside the library are met with interpersonal differences and minor conflict. The characters start to reveal their inner feelings and dysfunctions. It is like a trauma dump club, but it also touches on connection, empathy, optimism and challenging prejudices.

❄️ It’s an alright read. Quick, character driven, and good for fans of books like The Midnight Library, Eleanor Oliphant, etc. Books that are centered on social themes and mental health themes essentially.

kiminindy's review

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3.0

So this started out a bit slow and I almost put it down as a DNF..... however, about 2/3 of the way in, it really picked up. I loved the transformation of the characters and the ending was perfect.

oopsie_daisies's review

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4.5

This story ended up being better than I thought it would be. My initial hesitation was due to not loving the main character. She feels a little flat and a little unbelievable. But I still really enjoyed the book!

superstormnora's review against another edition

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emotional 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? Yes

3.75