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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
So full of compassion I want to read it again
was drawn in almost immediately by the beautiful writing and care for Nora and then for each of the others. As the saying goes, you never know what’s going on in someone’s life, and when a dangerous snow storm comes and leaves a group of people stuck inside a library, their stories and struggles start coming out. My heart felt so much for them, wanted them to all find their way. The author and Nora’s compassion for imperfect humans, especially for those with addictions and without housing, and others facing all kinds of struggles was beautiful. I loved how mostly realistic the whole story was and the way that it ended.
This is one of those books I think I want to read again some day.
Narration was also great.
was drawn in almost immediately by the beautiful writing and care for Nora and then for each of the others. As the saying goes, you never know what’s going on in someone’s life, and when a dangerous snow storm comes and leaves a group of people stuck inside a library, their stories and struggles start coming out. My heart felt so much for them, wanted them to all find their way. The author and Nora’s compassion for imperfect humans, especially for those with addictions and without housing, and others facing all kinds of struggles was beautiful. I loved how mostly realistic the whole story was and the way that it ended.
This is one of those books I think I want to read again some day.
Narration was also great.
Couldn’t get into the story or the characters but forced my way through to the finish line. This was almost a DNF.
The positives: libraries, personal growth, working on boundaries, hopeful endings
CW: addiction, suicide, sudden death, loneliness, medical issues/emergencies, abandonment
CW: addiction, suicide, sudden death, loneliness, medical issues/emergencies, abandonment
I'm a fan of novels premised on the idea that everyone has a story few of us know. This novel delivers on that idea in some unexpected ways, making even the less sympathetic characters more engaging. I'm also a sucker for public libraries, so the fact that a library plays a central role in this story was a bonus.
This book was like a hug around my heart, filled with such wonderful characters.
On a cold and stormy night 5 very different people get stranded in the library while a blizzard rages outside: Nora- the librarian, Valdo- the library’s security guard, Marlene- a woman who’s recently widowed, Lewis- a homeless man, and Jasmine- a teenager. They spend a dark, freezing night together slowly learning more about each other and themselves.
I really loved how this was told mostly over one night. The way it is written we get the backstory of all of the characters when they are talking to each other, which gives us a good sense of the growth and development that is accomplished by the end of the book.
Each of these characters has their own issues that they’re able to work through with the help of the others.
I found this to be perfectly written. You can see how much love and thought Melissa Payne has put into each of these characters. While there are 3 narrators, we really get insights into each of the 5, and you grow to love them all. In addition to that, Ms. Payne put an incredible amount of detail into the scene, from what the library smelled like, to what sounds were heard by the characters while they were sitting in the dark, and what their wet and cold clothes felt like. She truly made me feel like I was there, and that’s a very special gift for a writer.
On a cold and stormy night 5 very different people get stranded in the library while a blizzard rages outside: Nora- the librarian, Valdo- the library’s security guard, Marlene- a woman who’s recently widowed, Lewis- a homeless man, and Jasmine- a teenager. They spend a dark, freezing night together slowly learning more about each other and themselves.
I really loved how this was told mostly over one night. The way it is written we get the backstory of all of the characters when they are talking to each other, which gives us a good sense of the growth and development that is accomplished by the end of the book.
Each of these characters has their own issues that they’re able to work through with the help of the others.
I found this to be perfectly written. You can see how much love and thought Melissa Payne has put into each of these characters. While there are 3 narrators, we really get insights into each of the 5, and you grow to love them all. In addition to that, Ms. Payne put an incredible amount of detail into the scene, from what the library smelled like, to what sounds were heard by the characters while they were sitting in the dark, and what their wet and cold clothes felt like. She truly made me feel like I was there, and that’s a very special gift for a writer.
underwhelming
This style of writing and storytelling was not for me.
Reasons I gave this 2 stars:
- way too many story lines, I found it distracting trying to manage the several story lines for each character. I know it is not impossible, however they were not as developed as I normally enjoy and that fact made it hard to stay invested.
- the relationship between the protagonist and her addict brother did not seem believable. I have nothing to compare to, however.
- the last third of the book seemed rushed
- aspects of each character were talked about in a way that made it seem like it would be important, but then never brought up again.
Likely will not read this book again, however would be willing to give the author another try.
This style of writing and storytelling was not for me.
Reasons I gave this 2 stars:
- way too many story lines, I found it distracting trying to manage the several story lines for each character. I know it is not impossible, however they were not as developed as I normally enjoy and that fact made it hard to stay invested.
- the relationship between the protagonist and her addict brother did not seem believable. I have nothing to compare to, however.
- the last third of the book seemed rushed
- aspects of each character were talked about in a way that made it seem like it would be important, but then never brought up again.
Likely will not read this book again, however would be willing to give the author another try.
Nora lost her parents in an accident when she was young. Her older brother was unable to handle the trauma and turned to drugs. Nora focuses her life into worrying over her brother and trying to fix him. During a big snowstorm, five people get stuck in the library: Nora the martyr librarian, Vlad the handsome security guard, Lewis the homeless old guy, Marlene the crabby widow, and Jasmine the suspicious teenager. Throughout the night they share their stories and the characters gain empathy and perspective.
Interesting characters, heavy emphasis on back story for three of them. Good reminder that many people have hidden baggage and are managing in their own ways.
Interesting characters, heavy emphasis on back story for three of them. Good reminder that many people have hidden baggage and are managing in their own ways.