julie Posted July 14, 2014 Author Share Posted July 14, 2014 The Storied Life of A J Fikry -- Gabrielle Zevin 5/5 * Wow, this book was good ! I picked it up yesterday and read it straight through in just a few hours' time . It's the story of A J Fikry, who owns a small bookstore in a small tourist town ,who barely makes ends meet moneywise , but he loves books a LOT ,so he is fairly content with life in that area . The rest of his life has been sad . He becomes a widower at a fairly young age, so also becomes pretty cynical about life and isn't really very well liked by a lot of people. He is rude and not very friendly to most people , including the customers in his bookstore . One day, he loses one of his most prized possessions, but in a strange twist of fate, he "finds" something else that replaces it .In the beginning, he considers it a burden ,but as time goes on, he realizes that the "burden" becomes the greatest blessing in his life . His personality begins to change with his added responsibility . He seems to be a bit like the Grinch, if you know that story . He actually finds out he has a heart and life becomes so much better for him. He begins to open up to people and learns to be happy . Throughout the book ,there are MANY books mentioned ,and little mini-reviews of each at the beginning of each chapter. I don't want to give away any more of the story ,but let's just say you will do yourself a huge favor if you read this book. It truly was the best I've read all year so far . A Beautiful story ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athena Posted July 14, 2014 Share Posted July 14, 2014 Great reviews ! I have The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry on my wishlist, it's great to see another good recommendation of it. I've read three books by the same author and enjoyed all three. I'm happy you're able to read a bit more, Julie. Good luck with the surgery, I'll be thinking of you on the 28th . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julie Posted July 14, 2014 Author Share Posted July 14, 2014 Thanks, Athena I'm glad you reminded me to look for other books by the same author ( of AJ Fikry) . I meant to look that up last night before bed and forgot ! I'm glad to hear her others were also good ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Pixie Posted July 14, 2014 Share Posted July 14, 2014 That Gabrielle Zevin book sounds particularly good ( I recently bought her Teenage Amnesiac book ). I have one Fannie Flagg book ( the tomatoes one ). Good luck with all this week`s appointments ! Thinking of you ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athena Posted July 14, 2014 Share Posted July 14, 2014 I have Standing In The Rainbow by Fannie Flagg. I bought it on a whim in the charity shop, afterwards I regretted buying it to be honest so it's not high up my TBR pile. I'm glad you enjoyed it though Julie (I hadn't looked at the author's name until Sarah/Pixie pointed it out). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julie Posted July 14, 2014 Author Share Posted July 14, 2014 Thanks, Athena I'm glad you reminded me to look for other books by the same author ( of AJ Fikry) . I meant to look that up last night before bed and forgot ! I'm glad to hear her others were also good ! Thanks Pixie -- I've read the Fried Green Tomatoes book you have and it's good too . Probably a bit better than Daisy Fay. They made a movie of it I know . I'll keep an eye out for some of the other Zevin books . I have Standing In The Rainbow by Fannie Flagg. I bought it on a whim in the charity shop, afterwards I regretted buying it to be honest so it's not high up my TBR pile. I'm glad you enjoyed it though Julie (I hadn't looked at the author's name until Sarah/Pixie pointed it out). Athena I haven't read all of Flagg's books so I'm not familiar with that one or how good it is. At least since you got it used, if it's not something you'll like, it wasn't the cost of a new book. You can just donate it or something if you don't care for it . You might like it though ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pontalba Posted July 14, 2014 Share Posted July 14, 2014 Hey Julie. Great reviews! I really like the sound of The Storied Life of A J Fikry . I've seen it around, but hadn't looked into it. Now I will. I'm really glad the Hubster's job is working out, and Yays that your surgery is scheduled! Happy news all the way around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julie Posted July 14, 2014 Author Share Posted July 14, 2014 Hi Kate Yes, the Fikry book was quite a surprise for me . I didn't know quite what to expect. It's really different, so that always helps to make things more interesting . I think you'd enjoy it with all the book references throughout . The author mentions a LOT of books during the story, so that's also a plus if there are any that sound interesting to you ! It's also a quick read ,plus it's so good you keep reading faster to see what will happen . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julie Posted July 16, 2014 Author Share Posted July 16, 2014 Dead End Gene Pool - Wendy Burden Wendy is related to the Vanderbilt family from a few generations back, so she grew up knowing she would inherit " a few million dollars" when she came of age . She spent most of her life with her grandparents, who were filthy rich. It was interesting to hear how much money they had, the houses they lived in ,the trips they took , and the extravagant lifestyles they lived . It sounds very tempting to live a life like the with the world at your fingertips, but with it came a pretty bad legacy of suicides, drugs, alcohol and too much pressure to look perfect and make perfect decisions. Her Mother wasn't really ever there for her and spent most of her life on constant vacations, having several man friends , and never really having much interest in being a mom . Through it all, the author is able to look at the humor in her life ,but yet tell a story of a lot of sadness ,too . I don't think it'd be worth it to have hat much money if your life was as difficult as hers was . Interesting book, though ! It's always interesting to read how the other half live ! 4/5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BSchultz19 Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 I know it was so long ago that you posted it, but I LOVE the reading bingo challenge and if its ok I'm totally stealing that for next year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julie Posted July 16, 2014 Author Share Posted July 16, 2014 Hi B Go right ahead ! Have fun with it! ) I liked it because t's pretty easy to find books to fit most of the categories . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Pixie Posted July 19, 2014 Share Posted July 19, 2014 How did all the week`s appointments go, Julie ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julie Posted July 20, 2014 Author Share Posted July 20, 2014 They went ok, Pixie . Everything done and ready . The Dr explained what all would happen, then I had my therapy class to learn pre-op exercises to strengthen my leg muscles . I have my therapy class set up for the Monday after surgery , and my walker rented to use ( for 1st 2 weeks) ,so all systems go . Thanks for asking ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Pixie Posted July 20, 2014 Share Posted July 20, 2014 They went ok, Pixie . Everything done and ready . The Dr explained what all would happen, then I had my therapy class to learn pre-op exercises to strengthen my leg muscles . I have my therapy class set up for the Monday after surgery , and my walker rented to use ( for 1st 2 weeks) ,so all systems go . Thanks for asking ! Ooh, glad it`s all systems go. It`s a week tomorrow, isn`t it ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pontalba Posted July 20, 2014 Share Posted July 20, 2014 Julie, sounds like you have everything under control, and running smoothly. Sending good and strengthening vibes your way, always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julie Posted July 20, 2014 Author Share Posted July 20, 2014 Yep, Pixie , One week from tomorrow . I'll sure be gad to get it over with . Too much time to think isn't a good thing ! Thanks, Kate I appreciate your well wishes ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athena Posted July 21, 2014 Share Posted July 21, 2014 I wish you lots of strength Julie ! P.S. I really like your new avatar with the books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julie Posted July 21, 2014 Author Share Posted July 21, 2014 Thank you, Athena ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Andrea~ Posted July 21, 2014 Share Posted July 21, 2014 Glad you enjoyed My Cousin Rachel. It's a great book and Daphne Du Maurier is one of my favourite authors. I'm yet to read Rebecca though but will get to it one day The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry sounds great. Another for the wish list. Best wishes for your surgery Julie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devi Posted July 21, 2014 Share Posted July 21, 2014 Best wishes and good luck for your surgery Julie! Will be thinking of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julie Posted July 21, 2014 Author Share Posted July 21, 2014 Andrea , Yes, Du Maurier is great . I've only read 3, Rebecca was also terrific . Jamaica Inn was good , too, but it's been so long since I read it I really can't remember much about it . Maybe I need to read it again one of these days .! Thanks , Andrea and Devi , for the well wishes ~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Pixie Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 All the very best for tomorrow, Julie ! Hope you`ll be back playing hopscotch in no time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athena Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 Good luck Julie! I hope it all goes well . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julie Posted July 27, 2014 Author Share Posted July 27, 2014 Thanks ,guys -- Will be glad to get it over with . Tired of thinking about it . Will check in here when I can .. I'm bringing my laptop with me ,so will possibly check in here if I get the chance . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissy Posted July 27, 2014 Share Posted July 27, 2014 We'll be thinking of you Julie. Big hugs and lots of love to you. XX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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