J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. He lives
alone, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now
his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But
when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival
gives Fikry the chance to make his life over—and see everything anew.
I knew I was going to like this book when on the second page, one
of the characters rejects her date when he offers Principles of Accounting II
as the book that had the greatest influence on him. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is the best
kind of book – for and about booklovers. Each chapter is preceded by the main
character’s wry analysis of different short stories – from Roald Dahl to F.
Scott Fitzgerald, with some accompanying advice. Not until towards the latter
half does the reader understand to whom these notes are directed and the bittersweet reason why. Books
and stories are woven in the narrative – they are used as symbolic devices and
plot twists. A bookstore owner’s life becomes unexpectedly complicated when his
most valuable rare book goes missing. In its place he finds love, some intrigue
and suspense, but most of all – there are books, books, books!
“People tell boring lies about politics, God and love. You know everything you need to know about a
person from the answer to the question, ‘What is your favorite book?’”
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