220 reviews for:

The Heartbeat Library

Laura Imai Messina

3.97 AVERAGE

logjam13's review against another edition

3.5

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

michellew3101's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

novelkneads24's review against another edition

5.0

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

gabimaru_7's review against another edition

5.0

emotional 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

lediamond4's review against another edition

5.0

emotional 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

---

This book currently has me staring up at the ceiling contemplating how I could possibly find the words to describe how I feel. Changed? Like something was taken from me and then something else was given to me. Like I’m aware that the world is going on around me but I’m still in the little world that this book created for me and I don’t want to leave it. This book is why I love reading. This book is why I can read hundreds of books a year and only give 10 of them 5 stars. It’s impossible to describe to someone the feeling that books like this give me and I know and understand that not everyone is going to feel the same way about these books. It’s a really personal thing for me and I feel like this book is truly every reason why it’s so personal. I feel like it was for me. I’m so thankful for this book. 

vicky_gr's review against another edition

3.75

emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

fairytales_mari's review against another edition

4.0

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad slow-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

pagesofelly's review against another edition

3.5

reflective medium-paced

---

 From the very first page, The Library of Heartbeats lured me in with its lyrical prose. The writing is so beautifully poetic, giving space for quiet moments of contemplation throughout the novel 💭 It’s not a dramatic plot, but that’s what makes it so inviting—the story unfolds gently, yet with purpose.

Grief and loss are central themes, revealed through powerful characterisation. Each character’s journey feels deeply human, reminding me that we all carry our pain and joy—unique and ever-present, shaping how we navigate the world. 

I enjoyed reading this on a weekend morning, a great pick for a contemplative read. 

miahars's review against another edition

2.5

hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

ashleygruendell23's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated