3.65 AVERAGE

emotional reflective sad fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No


The Library of Lost Things by Laura Taylor Namey was a unique premise for a YA read. Darcy loves books. She has the library of the father she's never met in her room, and she works at a part-time bookstore. Beyond the books, Darcy is struggling with her mom's hoarding. She has to keep this secret from pretty much everyone, especially their new landlord, and it creates all the stress as she navigates. While working at the bookstore, Asher walks into Darcy's life - literally. He's a complex human with his own secrets, and he's also struggling that his dream of being a pilot is no more. He starts coming in to the bookstore each day, and he and Darcy start to form some kind of relationship although they each keep their secrets with them. While in the bookstore, Darcy finds an old copy of Peter Pan, and she starts to ponder what the previous owner's notes mean for her. For this, I do have to say that part of my evolution as a reader means I consume and feel differently about YA than I once did. However, if I take that time machine back into my twenties, this is the kind of book that would totally be my jam. This has family secrets and complicated romance, and even some cheese at times. It was a light read with some layers of drama at times. It's just a nice, little read that will be out in October, and I was able to check out thanks to NetGalley.

This is a great story about what true friendship is, what family means, and about finding yourself. A coming-of-age YA romance novel that feels reminiscent of Sarah Dessen’s books.

I could really relate to Darcy’s escapism into books. Her friendship with Marisol reminded me of times with my best friend from middle school, through high school, and up til a few years ago. I actually consider reaching out to her because of this book, which speaks volumes of the writing and character development. I flew through the story, anxious to know if and how everything falls into place for Darcy. Strongly recommend. Do expect a lot of literary references.
emotional lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

 What I like about this book is Darcy. She reminds me of me. Like her, I found books are my solace and confort. I can relate to books than human being. I spend my time reading. Or listening to audiobook. 

What I wish from Library of Lost Things is the flow of the story. The wording and writing style does not really suit my appetite. Dragging, a lot of self conversation. 

Combine it all, I give this book 3 stars. 

3.5⭐️**

The plot of the story wasn’t bad, but this was very boring. I couldn’t really get into the book at all.

The characters were nice, but I couldn’t find myself connecting with any of them. Especially with Darcy. I thought that we would actually have a lot in common, due to our shared love of books, but she felt a little…pretentious? I feel like the author just tried really hard to make her seem like one of those “I’m not like other girls” (which I’m pretty sure was actually said in the book).

The only exciting part in this story is when Darcy finally finds out who the mystery scribbler is.
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kxtesvault's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 6%

honestly my fault i should’ve read the blurb

DNF @ page 212. I really tried with this one but I just found it so boring and predictable. I found Darcy to be a really boring protagonist. I wish I’d enjoyed this one but I don’t think it’s for me.
emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I knew it would be good … but I didn’t know it would be THAT good … what a beautiful beautiful book ! As an invisible girl myself, this book showed me so my truth. I laughed , I cried and I was so lost in its pages, I couldn’t put it down! I loved it