Scan barcode
A review by jennrid
The Bookstore by Deborah Meyler
2.0
This review originally appeared on Everyday eBook
A Novel for Book Lovers by Deborah Meyler
In The Bookstore by [a: Deborah Meyler|6544795|Deborah Meyler|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1371508669p2/6544795.jpg], a Cambridge graduate named Esme Garland has earned a full ride to Columbia to earn her PhD in art history. As most newcomers to New York City, she is enthralled by the city - the energy, the hidden gems, the odd neighbors. She finds a small used bookstore, The Owl, that has managed to survive on Broadway, surrounded by Big Box retail stores. The Owl becomes a place she views as a refuge from the bustle around her.
Esme is also completely beguiled by her boyfriend, Mitchell van Leuven. After a passionate encounter in a bar, they begin dating. He is rich, damaged, and passionate. Unfortunately, shortly into their relationship, Esme finds herself pregnant. When she meets Mitchell in the park to share the news, before she can even tell him he breaks off their relationship, and to add insult to injury he declares their sex life as exciting as a cup of tea.
Esme decides that she will have her child and do it on her own. She quickly realizes that she will need a job to cover her expenses, though; after all, having a child is not cheap. Finding a part-time job, especially with only a student visa, is not easy. Thankfully, The Owl does not exactly concern itself with rules; the manager hires her and pays her in cash. She quickly becomes part of the motley crew that works and frequents the store. The owner, George, is like a modern hippie, constantly concerned with the chemicals and additives of everyday life (and that may be doing harm to Esme and her baby). Luke is a (handsome) melancholy musician; one gets the feeling that his feelings for Esme are more than just friendly. And there are a few homeless men who help and hang out at the store.
When Martin returns to her life and begs her to take him back, she does. For me, this is where the book disappoints a little. It is obvious that Martin does not actually care for Esme or the baby. Unfortunately, even his character comes across more as a stereotype than as a fully formed person. Somehow, Esme remains blind to his shenanigans for too long. I continued reading, though, to see if Esme would ever come to her senses.
The intentions behind Meyler's novel will appeal to anyone who loves books and finds comfort in them and the community of readers they offer. Despite some missteps, The Bookstore is a quick read about a woman trying to find her way in a foreign place while faced with the twists and turns life throws at us.
A Novel for Book Lovers by Deborah Meyler
In The Bookstore by [a: Deborah Meyler|6544795|Deborah Meyler|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1371508669p2/6544795.jpg], a Cambridge graduate named Esme Garland has earned a full ride to Columbia to earn her PhD in art history. As most newcomers to New York City, she is enthralled by the city - the energy, the hidden gems, the odd neighbors. She finds a small used bookstore, The Owl, that has managed to survive on Broadway, surrounded by Big Box retail stores. The Owl becomes a place she views as a refuge from the bustle around her.
Esme is also completely beguiled by her boyfriend, Mitchell van Leuven. After a passionate encounter in a bar, they begin dating. He is rich, damaged, and passionate. Unfortunately, shortly into their relationship, Esme finds herself pregnant. When she meets Mitchell in the park to share the news, before she can even tell him he breaks off their relationship, and to add insult to injury he declares their sex life as exciting as a cup of tea.
Esme decides that she will have her child and do it on her own. She quickly realizes that she will need a job to cover her expenses, though; after all, having a child is not cheap. Finding a part-time job, especially with only a student visa, is not easy. Thankfully, The Owl does not exactly concern itself with rules; the manager hires her and pays her in cash. She quickly becomes part of the motley crew that works and frequents the store. The owner, George, is like a modern hippie, constantly concerned with the chemicals and additives of everyday life (and that may be doing harm to Esme and her baby). Luke is a (handsome) melancholy musician; one gets the feeling that his feelings for Esme are more than just friendly. And there are a few homeless men who help and hang out at the store.
When Martin returns to her life and begs her to take him back, she does. For me, this is where the book disappoints a little. It is obvious that Martin does not actually care for Esme or the baby. Unfortunately, even his character comes across more as a stereotype than as a fully formed person. Somehow, Esme remains blind to his shenanigans for too long. I continued reading, though, to see if Esme would ever come to her senses.
The intentions behind Meyler's novel will appeal to anyone who loves books and finds comfort in them and the community of readers they offer. Despite some missteps, The Bookstore is a quick read about a woman trying to find her way in a foreign place while faced with the twists and turns life throws at us.