Review: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

“I like talking about books with people who like talking about books. I like paper. I like how it feels, and I like the feel of a book in my back pocket. I like how a new book smells, too.”

Hold on. I’m not ready.

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Ok, I’m back.

This book has made me emotional! I don’t really get exceptionally emotional over books but this little treasure wormed it’s way under my defences and into my heart.

I’m going to try and do it justice.

A.J. Fikry is the cantankerous owner of the single bookstore on Alice Island and he has strong opinions on what classifies a good book … don’t we all? After the death of his wife two years ago, A.J.’s life has become stuck … isolated … alone. He has cut himself off from human contact and plans to drink himself to death until a two year old little girl is abandoned to his care one chilly night.

She brings him to life.

And thus begins the journey of A.J Fikry’s new life – reawakening him to hope and joy and … differing opinions about books! The cast of characters are quirky, likeable, and decently explored for such a small book, while the small island setting is perfectly charming.

This book explodes with heart and laughter. It is meant to be shared among all who value a good read, like to discuss a good read, hold a physical book and inhale deeply. The story is simple and thus allows all that heart to shine through.

I was simply spellbound reading the story of these everyday, real characters on this romantic island/independent bookstore setting. While small, it packs an emotional punch and explores what makes a good book? Are e-readers the death of print? What makes a good person? Can we have second chances? Can we alter our life and, truly, what are the most valuable things in that  life?

A book about simple pleasures. A book about love. A book about the value of a “good” life. A book about growth, new beginnings, and change. Ultimately a book about books, for book lovers.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry will charm you.

You will devour it quickly.

And it will likely stay in your heart forever.

5*

“Don’t you ever get to the point where you expect the worst from people all the time?”

“No. I see good people just as much as I see bad ones.”