I was SO excited to see this new title from Gabrielle Zevin --
I have been a fan since reading her award-winning Elsewhere.
And The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry met my high expectations. This
is an intriguing read, filled with allusions to numerous short stories. Readers
can simply enjoy the details of A. J. Fikry's ever-changing life or choose to think
more deeply about his careful selection of each story and its tie to subsequent
events.
Fikry owns Island Books where "No Man is an Island, Every
Book is a World" and is initially isolated and grieving for his wife. "He is a reader, and what he believes in is
construction….That is to say, what A. J. believes in is narrative." And what a
narrative Zevin gives us; we are privileged to share in this affirming tale, to
meet and develop affection for Ismay (sister-in-law); Lambiase (local police
chief), Amelia (sales rep) and little Maya who sparks a remarkable transformation.
I
certainly agree with other reviewers have described this novel as "funny, tender and moving."
If you consider yourself a "book person," or would like a
story about fate and second chances, pick up The Storied Life of A. J.
Fikry. You can even meet
Gabrielle Zevin later this month at The Book Stall in Winnetka or see her at
Chicago’s Printer’s Row Lit Fest in early June. CORRECTION per new info from the Book Stall: Gabrielle Zevin will actually be at the Highland Park Library (949 Laurel) at 7pm on April 29th.
Other recent "books about books" include Mr. Penumbra’s
24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan (Alex Award winner) and – for younger
readers – Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library (by Grabenstein). After all,
as A. J. notes, "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?"
