Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Any book geek will love this tale. It has the dewey decimal system all through the book...sigh. It was yet another WWII book that I cannot believe I still like. This is not an overly graphic novel so no worries if that is an issue for you. However, it was a new story I had never heard. I would have assumed the libraries were all shuttered during the war, in occupied territory. Nothing worse than educated people in one place.
emotional
sad
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:
No
Apparently I've been in the mood for books based in Paris. More specifically, books set in Paris during WWII with female protagonists. You would think that one would be tired of such a niche topic but "The Paris Library" was enchanting enough to keep me fully engaged.
I love books about books. Libraries have a special place in my heart and it's validating to see other people speak of libraries in such reverent tones. The Paris Library even more so, especially hearing how the librarians there worked so hard to safekeep all the knowledge, wisdom, and beauty of the most treasured literary works from human monsters known to destroy such treasures. Fascist regimes will always attack culture, arts, and higher education and while it was rage-inducing to read this book in a parallel time, it is always inspiring to see good prevail. It gives us hope.
I also liked the sweet relationship that Odile had with Lily. The theme that community and friendship saves lives is so true and I wish people understood the importance of having strong social groups in all aspects of their lives better. I could go on and on about how important it is in a work setting but I definitely wouldn't do it as beautifully as Janet Skeslien Charles did.
While I did come away from the book still wanting more, I'm satisfied with the ending. I only wanted more because I became so attached to our characters and saying goodbye was hard. Which, I think, is a mark of a good book.
I love books about books. Libraries have a special place in my heart and it's validating to see other people speak of libraries in such reverent tones. The Paris Library even more so, especially hearing how the librarians there worked so hard to safekeep all the knowledge, wisdom, and beauty of the most treasured literary works from human monsters known to destroy such treasures. Fascist regimes will always attack culture, arts, and higher education and while it was rage-inducing to read this book in a parallel time, it is always inspiring to see good prevail. It gives us hope.
I also liked the sweet relationship that Odile had with Lily. The theme that community and friendship saves lives is so true and I wish people understood the importance of having strong social groups in all aspects of their lives better. I could go on and on about how important it is in a work setting but I definitely wouldn't do it as beautifully as Janet Skeslien Charles did.
While I did come away from the book still wanting more, I'm satisfied with the ending. I only wanted more because I became so attached to our characters and saying goodbye was hard. Which, I think, is a mark of a good book.
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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:
Complicated
Such poor writing. I'm not opposed to the concept of this book, but it was jumpy (I want to learn French...1 paragraph later...I have miraculously learned French!)and told me how the characters felt instead of showing me (I just met my mysterious neighbor...5 pages later...I love my neighbor and she is a comfort to me in my grief).
Annoying. Didn't care about the characters. Had the overused cover trend of back of historical woman. Abandoned because life is too short.
Annoying. Didn't care about the characters. Had the overused cover trend of back of historical woman. Abandoned because life is too short.
I loved this book. However, I didn't love how some things were left at the end. I feel there are already so many WWII novels, it's a bit trite to pick up another, but this one was definitely worth it. As a reader, obviously the library setting was enjoyable - even if I prefer Library of Congress cataloguing. It was a story embedded in a true history that I didn't know, so it taught me something, which I like. I also really liked how it showed that war and people aren't black and white and how people came to react and do what they did during war times (and peace times too). It taught a lot of moral tales as well, without preaching on things like friendship and loss. So it was really well rounded, and also intriguing. As it went on I just kept wanting to read it more. The short chapters from other characters' perspectives was also well done in that it provided more depth, without being intrusive or quirky.