Overall, what do you think of The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry?

Overall, what do you think of this book?

I was immediately captivated by this book and read it in one sitting. I loved the characters, even the unlovable ones, such as Daniel. Actually, I think he was the only one I actively disliked. Maya was a delight, watching her grow up was a joy. Amelia was another favorite. One couldn't help but feel sorry for Ismay. I particularly liked the literary references, as the choices the author made anchored the book in time.

This was a wonderful book. What more could you ask for than a book about a bookstore in a small town with delightful characters, an abandoned baby, twists and turns, and a book that gives you lots of warm fuzzies? I have already passed it on to two of my friends and now they are raving about it.

I'm glad you both liked it. I too have passed my copy on and shared it with my husband too. (Donna Chavez)

This was one of the more delightful books I have read in a while. I loved the cover, the writing style, the little editorial like intro's to each chapter, the assorted and interesting cast of characters and all the things that bound them together, both good and bad. I too did one of those binge reading things and read the whole book at one time. Another one of those lights out at 2:30 AM. Good thing I am retired now.

I loved this book. It's probably my favorite book that I've read this year. I read most of this in one afternoon when should have been working. I loved watching Maya grow up and the development of Amelia and AJ's relationship.

I fell straight in love with this book ! The characters, language, the incorporation of literature into each chapter! When A.J. went on his rant about what kind of books he didn't like, I said me too ! The story took on a fairytale quality with the introduction of Maya. It speaks of the redemption of love. THIS BOOK MADE ME HAPPY !

I really liked the book. I had heard a lot about it, and was looking forward to reading it. I loved the sprinkling of book titles and smiled when I had read them. However, I was a little disappointed - maybe because I had built it up so much in my mind. I kept waiting for something....bigger?....to happen. But I guess that's what made it special - the small moments.

I should preface this response by saying that this isn't the type of book I normally read but something about the cover drew me and I'm so very happy it did. I loved this book! I didn't know much about it prior to reading it and was instantly drawn into the story. The characters were great (even Daniel, in a "roguish author" kind of way) and I loved how the story just moved at its own pace. There were no huge surprises but there were no big let-downs, either. I suppose if there was any part of the story that made me sad, it was the idea that someone who had lived their lives embracing words would lose the ability to use them. I think it touches on our fears that we might lose that thing which we love the most. However, overall, a very, very good read.

I really loved this book. I enjoyed being with AJ on his journey to re-connect with himself, his friends, and the townsfolk on the island. I was especially taken with how his love for Maya opened his world up to so many new possibilities for human compassion and connection. I will admit that as a bookworm since childhood, I was smitten with Maya because of her passion for books AND for the bookstore itself ! I kept thinking, "what a lucky little girl to wake up and go downstairs to a bookstore every morning!" I LOVED Zevin's prose on p. 82, "the first way Maya approaches a book is to smell it. She strips the book of its jacket, then holds it up to her face and wraps the boards around her ears. Books typically smell like Daddy's soap, grass, the sea, the kitchen table, and cheese."

I am so glad I got the chance to read this through Bookbrowse. I don't know if I would have chosen this book to read on my own or through one of my book clubs. I loved it and all of the characters and their quirks. I just read somewhere online "if you don't like to read, you must be doing it wrong." That quote reminded me of the policeman, Lambiase, from this book. Not that he was doing it wrong, but he never had an interest or desire to read until he found something that interested him.

I passed this book on to my sister-in-law who works in a library. She hadn't heard of it yet.

I loved the book and also loved the intros to each chapter. A.J. and I seem to have the same taste in books so I especially enjoyed his comments. I can see this being made into a lovely little Indie film and ending up with Oscar nominations for all …. and maybe encouraging more people to pick up this little gem of a book and read it.

Loved it! I started reading the book the moment it came in the mail because I was home from work sick. I ended up reading the entire thing that day and couldn't put it down. It made me want to go live on that island and work in the bookstore. The only thing that struck me as wrong was the first scenes with Maya. Her baby talk seemed unrealistic.

One of the most enjoyable reads I have had in some time. This is a "feel good" story with believable characters. I especially liked the short story references that began each chapter setting the mood and content to follow. Also Zeven showed that reading can be a part of the lives of people of all levels and interests. A retired English instructor, my hope is that those who are not as familiar with these stories will seek them out.

I adored this book. Each character was distinct and I felt as though they could walk off the page. It was a transporting book, I couldn't wait to read it. As soon as I finished it, I passed it on. Loved it through and through. I am sad that the fate of bookstores such as this are basically few and far between.

This is the first book in several months that grabbed me on page one and kept me going, becoming what I consider a 'fast read'. Nothing slows the story down; in fact, it went faster than I wished. The story is captivating and honest, funny and heartbreaking. Kudos!

This book was thoroughly delightful. I have passed it on to a friend who also loves books. The bookmark was a treat. I thought it strange that the publisher would send out a bookmark for a bookstore. Then a bit into the book I realized that the bookmark was for Island Books, the store in the book. How original! There are several descriptions in it that people who really love the printed book will delight in. I was sorry to end my journey with AJ, Amelia, and Maya. (Loved the police captain!)

Like many readers, I couldn't put Zevin's book down and was sad to have it end. Her island community filled all its quirky characters was charming and refreshing. What a joy to watch Maya grow from a darling, if precocious, 2 year old to a sulky teenager. The tone and the language of each stage of her development is just right. Who can help but love the Chief with his pratical and sensitive solutions to the everyday problems of the small community. The gentle humor that filled the book often had me smiling, for example, the Chief's idea of entertaining is getting shimp from Cosco. (BJ's is my go to place). I could go on and on about cynical and soft hearted A.J. and bright, loving Amelia and the pleasure of watching their relationship grow. The chapter headings were intriguing and the books or short stories I haven't read among them are on my list. Finally, reading and the love of reading are the soul of this book. What's not to love?

I loved this book, it is the first book in a long time that I have gotten so attached to the characters. I am so glad I belong to Book Browse and got the book because judging by the cover and name, I might not have picked it up and I would have missed this great story. I am recommending it to our book group. I am sure they will like it as well as I have.

I forgot to mention in an earlier comment how much I enjoyed all the literary allusions that seemed so naturally placed and add so much to the story.

I loved the story. I loved the characters and the book references that started each chapter.

Just like everyone else here, I loved this book too. The story sped by way too fast. I almost never consider rereading a book ( there's too many books and so little time!) but I definitely will read this book again.

I have to admit I expected something entirely different from this book. Like others here, I read it entirely in one sitting. Generally I prefer something more involved and intricate, but sometimes you just want a sweet simple read and this is what this was for me.

What a sweet book. Like others, had it not been for Bookbrowse, I'm not sure I would have ever picked it up on my own. I loved A.J.'s notes to Maya at the beginning of each chapter. It set the stage for what was to come. I did not read it in one setting only because I did not want it to end. I originally decided to read it because it was about books and bookstores, I'm glad I did as I was not disappointed. It's one of the few books I just might keep instead of giving away.

I thought this was a touching and heartfelt story. It had something for all. Taking place in a bookstore, of course, attracts most avid readers, but the story grabs you quickly and you have to keep reading to find out what happens. It also moved smoothly for me. I actually enjoyed most of the characters, which is rare. I was a little sad when it was over, but it was a "good" sad. It also made me write down the short stories to check out. Because, like it said in the book, I rarely, if ever, read short stories.

An immediate grab! Three paragraphs in I was hooked and read it nearly straight through in a weekend. It took me on a journey and I felt immediately as if I was a first-hand observer. That's what you hope for from a book and Zevin delivered! It was funny, graceful, poignant, sad and uplifting all at the same time.

lbellg said it perfectly. Amelia starts her dialogue with AJ and I was hooked. Dinner was late that nightki, actually very late! Then when the discussion was opened I read the book again....which I never do. I have not stopped talking about the book and telling friends to go get a hard copy at their bookstore cuz it will be a keeper or a lender book on my shelf...forever.

When I read a book that I love as much as this one, I pass it on to my sisters and friends. They all loved this one - and I'm hoping I can get one of my book clubs into it.

I loved this book and it captivated me from the beginning. Loved A.J.'s book reviews which piqued my interest as some of the books I have not read. Love the addition of Maya which added an element that I have not seen before. I like the way the author, who I recently met, provided A.J. with the opportunity to grow and change. I would highly recommend this book.

This book is magnificent! I was immediately drawn in. The book was a sheer pleasure to read--so fresh, so unique, so intelligent, so heartwarming.

I want to spread the news about this remarkable work!

I enjoyed the novel. I like the characters and their reactions to situations. Good book. Have placed the book on our library's recommended display shelf.

It is not what happens that makes this novel, it’s the style and ever presence of books that made this small slender book resonated deeply within me! It is a truly a “booklovers” adventure!

“We are not quite novels, not quite short stories, in the end, we are collected works.” – - (my favorite quote - page 249)