A.J. Fikry’s world plummeted into a life of despair when his wife died. When the novel begins, A.J. is drinking heavily, has no friends, is rude, and lives without direction.
His bookstore on Alice Island, Rhode Island, has suffered its worst sales year ever. To make matters even worse, his prized possession, a rare collection of Edgar Allen Poe, is stolen.
When A.J. suddenly becomes the adoptive father of Maya, his life turns to one of responsibility, of love and humor. When a publisher’s rep, Amelia Loman, first calls on A.J., he treats her rudely, but as his life and responsibilities evolve, so does his attitude.
Each chapter begins with a short synopsis of a well-known book. Through these short brief reviews we learn more about A.J. and how the literature he reads relates to his own life.
I loved this book, loved the humor, the very real circumstances of second chances and of taking risks when befriending people. Author Gabrielle Zevin has a way of reaching into the heart, making readers care about these characters and their community.
To learn more about this best-selling author, visit https://gabriellezevin.com/