Reviews

The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson

rcaivano's review against another edition

A bit of an odd book. With a feel of It's a Wonderful Life, Kitty dreams about a life she does not have. Handsome husband, beautiful kids, and a big fancy house. Every night she dreams of this life until it takes over her waking hours. But steadily the fantasy becomes darker. One child has a mental illness, her parents are dead, she has fought with her best friends. She doesn't want to dream, but every night it's the same. Then one night the dream turns and Kitty isn't sure what is real and what is a dream. It wasn't the best book I've ever read, and completely far-fetched, but I felt compelled to keep reading it.

susmita's review against another edition

mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

lauraa06's review against another edition

4.0

Interesting look at possibilities, realities, and roads not taken.
What is Kitty/Katharyn's true identity? Is she a single woman who runs a bookstore in Denver and is close to her parents? Or is she living in the suburbs, married to her soulmate and raising children?
Interesting examination of the what-ifs in life we all have. I also loved the 1960s time frame (the decor! the clothes! the food!) and the Denver setting. People who have lived in Denver will recognize many neighborhoods.

mgreco5's review against another edition

4.0

Closer to 4.5 stars. There are some things that could've been stronger but overall, I thought it was a really interesting premise. Great detail.

angelasdream's review against another edition

mysterious reflective medium-paced

3.5

sunflowerhalo's review against another edition

4.0

Incredible Read!

I really enjoyed this story, it kept me interested from beginning to end and I couldn't stop reading. The way the main character kept switching lives from Kitty to Katherine was incredibly well written and I couldn't stop until I found out which version of herself was real. I found the setting of the story in 1960's America as incredibly important to the plot and characters.

k_b00kish's review against another edition

3.0

Story set in 1960s Denver, about two women who partner to open a small bookstore. Main character Kitty/Katherine alternates between two lives, one of a spinster and one of a wife and homemaker, as told through her dreams.

nerdybookster's review

emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 I liked it. It was an interesting take. We follow this person through two different realities. One of which is real, and the other which is entirely a fantasy. I will not divulge which is which, but you do learn about halfway through the book. I loved how things changed and when you learn various points of Katherine/Kitty's life. Worth the read. I'm glad I picked this one up. 4/5. 

kielbasi23's review against another edition

5.0

Absolutely loved this book. I thought it was well written and loved how she meshed the real world with the dream world. There were many "food for thought" quotes throughout the book.

valeblanc's review against another edition

5.0

I loved everything about this story. Even the parts that were predictable. I loved seeing both sides of Kitty, "the path not taken". I'm sure from time to time we have all played the "what if" game with our big and little decisions. Well done.