This book was recommended to me by ChatGPT based on my prompts for similar books in feeling/tone to A Gentleman in Moscow. While reading it I could see some similarities and I think it was a solid recommendation by the AI engine, but the bittersweet tone of this book put me off a little.
Books about libraries, book stores, booksellers, and bookworms have sort of a safety net built-in. People who are reading your book already like reading, many of them love reading. So they are a receptive audience to a story that exalts books and the act of reading. Some stories can rest on their laurels and come out OK, and some take risks and build on these positive foundations.
This book took some chances, and although I wasn’t really into the vibe of the story and the plot felt a bit too unbelievable, the book’s heart was in the right place and I enjoyed it. Within these pages are plenty of references to great books both old and new, and so at the very least I could add some books to my reading list.
Speaking of which, the next book is one recommended by the main character of the this book. I am reading A Good Man is Hard to Find by Flannery O’Connor.
