-
Your next favorite book
is waiting.
A Novel
by Aliza Fogelson
For fans of Jane Green and Loretta Nyhan, a heartwarming debut novel about a daydreamer who gives her town, and herself, an amazing gift: a lending library in her sunroom while confronting an even higher stakes, life-changing, decision.
When the Chatsworth library closes indefinitely, Dodie Fairisle loses her sanctuary. How is a small-town art teacher supposed to cope without the never-ending life advice and enjoyment that books give her? Well, when she's as resourceful and generous as Dodie, she turns her sunroom into her very own little lending library.
At first just a hobby, this lit lovers' haven opens up her world in incredible ways. She knows books are powerful, and soon enough they help her forge friendships between her zany neighbors―and attract an exciting new romance.
But when the chance to adopt an orphaned child brings Dodie's secret dream of motherhood within reach, everything else suddenly seems less important. Finding herself at a crossroads, Dodie must figure out what it means to live a full, happy life. If only there were a book that could tell her what to do…
"Fogelson's debut is a beautiful heartwarming novel that weaves together a wide range of emotions. Book lovers will revel in Dodie's journey of loss, abandonment, motherhood, and love. Jane Green fans won't be able to put down this page-turner." ―Booklist (starred review)
"Fogelson pairs a passionate bibliophile with a handsome construction worker and achieves maximum charm in her quirky and sweet debut…This should be catnip for book clubs." ―Publishers Weekly
"…[The Lending Library] should appeal to librarians and book lovers everywhere. Read-alikes include Karen Hawkins's The Book Charmer and Jenny Colgan's The Bookshop on the Corner." ―Library Journal
"A charming novel about family, fate, and (of course!) books, The Lending Library is sure to appeal to anyone who's made a hard choice in life only to think, 'Did I get that right?' Aliza Fogelson is a fresh new voice in fiction." ―Camille Pagán, bestselling author of I'm Fine and Neither Are You
"In The Lending Library, Aliza Fogelson has created a world in which we'd all want to spend a quiet hour or two: a sunny spot chock full of hand-picked books, good neighbors and family with the very best of intentions―and the most unpredictable of results. This tale full of heart, yearning, and romance is perfect for the dreamy bookworm in all of us." ―Kelly Harms, author of The Overdue Life of Amy Byler
This information about The Lending Library was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Aliza Fogelson is a writer and editor living in New York. She specializes in lifestyle books, including those about decorating, cooking, and style. She graduated from Princeton University, where she studied literature and creative writing. Her first published work was her third-grade short story "Baby Cow's Adventure." This is her first novel.
If you liked The Lending Library, try these:
by Mark Lawrence
Published 2024
Two strangers find themselves connected by a vast and mysterious library containing many wonders and still more secrets, in this powerfully moving first book in a new series from the international bestselling author of Red Sister and Prince of Thorns.
by Patti Callahan. Henry
Published 2023
When a woman discovers a rare book that has connections to her past, long-held secrets about her missing sister and their childhood spent in the English countryside during World War II are revealed.
by Freya Sampson
Published 2021
June Jones emerges from her shell to fight for her beloved local library, and through the efforts and support of an eclectic group of library patrons, she discovers life-changing friendships along the way.
In youth we run into difficulties. In old age difficulties run into us
Click Here to find out who said this, as well as discovering other famous literary quotes!
Can you name the title?
Test your book knowledge with our daily trivia challenge!
Your guide toexceptional books
BookBrowse seeks out and recommends the best in contemporary fiction and nonfiction—books that not only engage and entertain but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
