Hidey Ho, Bookworms!
I don’t know about you, but after reading Northanger Abbey last month, I’m totally jazzed about The Fellowship of the Worms! A good discussion will do that for you. After careful consideration (by which I mean I saw a whole lot of super positive reviews around the blogosphere) I’ve chosen The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin for our next book, which we’ll discuss on July 18th. Check out the synopsis (via Goodreads):
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.
Are you as excited as I am?! I will post discussion questions on July 18th, as well as a link-up opportunity to any blogger who has reviewed this book (and I know there are LOTS of you out there!) What are you waiting for? Get thee a copy of The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry and join the party!
*If you purchase your copy of The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry through a link on this site, I will receive a commission. I’m not getting rich here, I’m just supporting my habit. Thanks for enabling me!*
Leah
🙂 Oh I can’t wait!! I absolutely loved this one!
Words For Worms
Yay!
Lost in Literature 108
Yes!!!
Andi (@estellasrevenge)
I’ll be there! Loved this book.
Words For Worms
Wahoo!
AMB (Koiviolet)
Looks like a great choice! I’ll try to participate, but I’m not sure I’ll have enough time. I’ll be in the middle of a family reunion (which we’re hosting) around then.
Words For Worms
Oooh a family reunion is a lot to deal with, good luck!
Rhian
I read this recently so I’m looking forward to the discussion. Interestingly, it was released here in Australia as “The Collected Works …”. At least you can tell it’s still the same book. I remember trying and failing to find Little Bee by Chris Cleave before finally realising it was The Other Hand here.
Words For Worms
It’s so weird when they do that! I think The Untold was originally released in Australia under a different title too. Makes no sense to me.
Elizabeth
I love, love, LOVE Gabrielle Zevin’s writing, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to snag a library copy soon!
Words For Worms
I’m so excited about it!
C.J.
I loved AJ Fikry! One of the best reads of the year. Hope the Fellowship enjoys the book.
Words For Worms
I hope so too 🙂
Sarah @ Sarah's Book Shelves
I’ve had this waiting for me on my Kindle for so long…then got distracted by all the “summer books”. You have now motivated me to read this before July 18! Thank you!
Words For Worms
Wahoo! I’m excited to have you along for the ride!
Veronica in CA
Loved this book!
Melinda
I can’t find this book on any of the SA websites I normally purchase from and neither on Kindle. I wonder… but I do want to read the book!
Words For Worms
That sucks! Someone mentioned that the title was somewhat different in the Australian version, maybe the SA one is different as well?
Beth
I loved this book. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what other people have to say about it. =D
Words For Worms
I love hearing all the praise for it!
Heather
So while I was in California for work, I found the cutest little independent bookstore in Davis… and guess what they had on display?!? The sales clerk I spoke to was excited we chose this for our online book club – I told her to go online and join us!