The Collected Works of A J Fikry – Gabrielle Zevin
I don’t know where I first heard of this novel – maybe here, but when I first started looking for it it was hard to find. Unlike now there were piles of it in my local Dymocks.
This novel was a joy to read – quirky and charming – a book for readers.
Here is the blurb …
A.J. Fikry owns a failing bookshop. His wife has just died, in tragic circumstances. His rare and valuable first edition has been stolen. His life is in ruins.Maya is the baby who is left on the floor of the children’s section in A.J.’s bookshop, with nothing but a note. What happens in the small bookshop changes the lives of these extraordinary characters. As surprising as it is moving, this is an unforgettable tale of transformation and second chances, an irresistible affirmation of why we read, and why we love.
At the start of every chapter is a brief note from AJ to his daughter describing a favourite book and why he thinks she should read it. The particular book also has meaning for the chapter ahead. This is a book about books and reading – all of the characters talk about books and what particular books mean to them. It is funny and occasionally sad, but always charming.
It is short and easy to read and I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone who is a reader. It makes me want to read AJ’s favourites that I haven’t read yet . Currently this my favourite 2014 book (closely followed by The Good Luck of Right Now)
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