Synopsis:

On the faded Island Books sign hanging over the porch of the Victorian cottage is the motto “No Man Is an Island; Every Book Is a World.” A. J. Fikry, the irascible owner, is about to discover just what that truly means.

A. J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. Slowly but surely, he is isolating himself from all the people of Alice Island-from Lambiase, the well-intentioned police officer who’s always felt kindly toward Fikry; from Ismay, his sister-in-law who is hell-bent on saving him from his dreary self; from Amelia, the lovely and idealistic (if eccentric) Knightley Press sales rep who keeps on taking the ferry over to Alice Island, refusing to be deterred by A.J.’s bad attitude. Even the books in his store have stopped holding pleasure for him. These days, A.J. can only see them as a sign of a world that is changing too rapidly.

And then a mysterious package appears at the bookstore. It’s a small package, but large in weight. It’s that unexpected arrival that gives A. J. Fikry the opportunity to make his life over, the ability to see everything anew. It doesn’t take long for the locals to notice the change overcoming A.J.; or for that determined sales rep, Amelia, to see her curmudgeonly client in a new light; or for the wisdom of all those books to become again the lifeblood of A.J.’s world; or for everything to twist again into a version of his life that he didn’t see coming. As surprising as it is moving, The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry is an unforgettable tale of transformation and second chances, an irresistible affirmation of why we read, and why we love.

I’ve had The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin on my tbr for years and when I was invited to read the book to promote the film adaptation, I jumped at the chance. I read this charming novel in one day, almost one sitting. I adored the writing—sharp wit wrapped in a blunt delivery. I was getting major Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society vibes, a novel I rave about often… until the ending didn’t go the direction I wanted it to go.

And I apologize in advance for this meandering review.

I typically hate to give spoilers, but since this is a much older book, and I can’t think of how to review it without spoilers, I’ll be including hints to major spoilers, without coming out and saying what it is specifically. If you haven’t read the book, and don’t want to be spoiled, stop reading now! 

You know everything you need to know about a person from the answer to the question, What is your favorite book?

Gabrielle Zevin, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

I knew this one would have an element of sadness, but I went into it thinking the main characters would be safe since our leading man has already suffered a deep loss. I’m not a reader who requires a happy ending to all my books, but in this case it didn’t feel organic to the story. It wasn’t even an overly emotional ending for me—I shed no tears—but I just wasn’t satisfied with how this one wrapped up.

Now, I’m bummed that I’m not as excited to watch the film. I even wouldn’t mind if they gave it a different ending—which goes against my typical feelings about book adaptations. But I’ll still probably watch it because I do love the actress Lucy Hale who’s playing Amelia. Although she’s nothing like the character is described—tall and blonde, A.J. comparing Amelia to Courtney Love.

But overall, I adored the story, the delivery, and the characters. It may be stereotypical-grumpy-bookstore-owner-meets-quirky-bookseller, but I loved it. Until the ending, at least. I also adored A.J.’s “unexpected package”, a.k.a. the Maya storyline. While it might have also been formulaic, it was executed well, bringing joy and levity to the tale.