Michael's Book Babble
I'm an indie author and a scribbler of inane babble. I talk about books I've read/liked. Or at least, that's the plan.
Most of the reviews will be considered "mini-reviews." Usually, it's mostly my reaction to what I've been reading. There are people who are far better at doing full and helpful reviews. But I still have fun doing them, and hope you enjoy them!
Truly Wonderful
Damn, is this book charming. And heartbreaking. It’s been a while since I’ve read a novel that can affect me the way this one did. I didn’t even know a thing about it, which is why I’m very reluctant to say too much about it.
Also, I’m terrible at story summaries.
This book was such an excellent and wonderful surprise. Each chapter is introduced by a title of a short story selected by A.J. Fikry, and he also scribbles down notes for each one. The who and the why for these notes… you’ll find out.
I don’t recall ever reading a book that made me say, “Dammit, this is charming!” so many times. And there were also moments where I felt absolutely devastated. I don’t want to say more for fear of ruining anything.
I know. I haven’t said much about the story. Again, the reason I loved this so much is because I went into it blind. I was intrigued by the idea of chapters being introduced by short story titles and A.J.’s critiques. I am and always will be a lover of short stories, so that’s probably why this book spoke to me so much.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin is a wonderful achievement. Beautiful, funny, heart-breaking, and painfully honest.
While this book wasn’t published this year, it is my favorite read of 2017. I cannot recommend this enough.
5 stars
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