Welcome to our March book club gathering, reader friends!
Oh, I so enjoyed this book and I'm delighted to be here today and share some of the reasons why...
This was one of those books that greatly appealed to me for several reasons. From the bookshop setting to the World War II time period to the many recommendations I'd seen online from some trusted sources, I felt fairly certain that this was a story that I'd like. (I was right!) Everything about this book was right up my alley, and I'm happy to say that it won't be my last Madeline Martin book I pick up to read.
I adored our main character, Grace. She was a kind-hearted, genuine, sincere person whose story you were immediately drawn into. I loved how much she cared for Mrs. Weatherford, her mother's friend who had warmly invited her and her friend, Viv, to come live with her and work in London. Whilst in London, Grace gets a job at a small bookshop, with much thanks to Mrs. Weatherford. There she meets Mr. Evans, as he is the owner of Primrose Hill Books. While their relationship started out a bit rocky, as Mr. Evans was not the slightest bit keen on having an assistant working for him, I loved the way their relationship turned into a very sweet one...he became a sort of father figure that Grace had never had and the way they both protected and looked out for one another was a favorite part of the story for me.
The story was obviously set at the start of World War II, and there was much change going on during that time...rations beginning to take place, nightly blackouts, young men being sent off to train and fight, air raid sirens going off every night as people sleepily, but anxiously, made their way to the shelters, and even for Grace, taking a volunteer position many evenings with her ARP duties. I felt in many ways like I was a fly on the wall as Madeline Martin wrote so descriptively and in a way that made things real. You know, it wasn't all that long ago, in the grand scheme of things, when these events in history took place, and sometimes it can seem unreal that people actually lived through such realities. This story shared those realities, and even heartbreaking events that the characters had to go through, in a way that felt approachable. I'm certain Ms. Martin did a ton of research on this time period, and yet, she didn't make it feel weighed down with historical facts...she truly told a beautifully touching story and made that time period come to life on the pages of her book. I loved her storytelling style!
And while this book did deal with heavier situations and events that come with wartime, I felt this story was well balanced with coziness, a bit of humor here and there, heartwarming moments, and plenty of English charm. I very much loved this story and couldn't put it down. I found myself each day sharing bits from what I had read and what "my characters" were up to with my mom and sister, though not giving spoilers because my sister wants to read this one very soon, too. That, for me, is a true sign that the story is one that I'm loving.
If you read along with me, I'd love to hear what you loved about The Last Bookshop in London. Please feel free to share a comment with your thoughts. ♥
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And now for April's book choice...
Last August, I chose The Tale of Despereaux for my book club monthly selection. This was before I made the decision to choose books that I had previously read and loved or read the month prior to the book club. That August book choice made me realize that I needed to make that change to my book club in order to ensure I chose well. You can go back to August's book club discussion post for all my thoughts, but in short, I was incredibly disturbed and disappointed by the story. I've been thinking, though, that I really want to share a true favorite middle-grade story with you all in my book club. So for April, I've chosen one my most beloved books and stories...
Because of Winn-Dixie
by Kate DiCamillo
(Yes, she also wrote Despereaux, but I can confidently assure you that this story is nothing like that disturbing, horrendous tale...this is one that will warm your heart to no end.)
This book found me when I was eleven years old, sitting in an old school room, dressed in a very uncomfortable plaid uniform skirt and button-down Oxford shirt with a sweater vest over it. I was very lonely that school year and experiencing bullies left and right, from adults and fellow students alike, and this story was my comfort and companion during those lonely school days. Shortly after, that summer, I watched the movie, and the story was brought to life. It, too, immediately became a favorite that I still adore to this day, nearly two decades later. And I am so delighted to read this story along with you in April.
About the book:
The summer Opal and her father, the preacher, move to Naomi, Florida, Opal goes into the Winn-Dixie supermarket—and comes out with a dog. A big, ugly, suffering dog with a sterling sense of humor. A dog she dubs Winn-Dixie. Because of Winn-Dixie, the preacher tells Opal ten things about her absent mother, one for each year Opal has been alive. Winn-Dixie is better at making friends than anyone Opal has ever known, and together they meet the local librarian, Miss Franny Block, who once fought off a bear with a copy of WAR AND PEACE. They meet Gloria Dump, who is nearly blind but sees with her heart, and Otis, an ex-con who sets the animals in his pet shop loose after hours, then lulls them with his guitar.
Opal spends all that sweet summer collecting stories about her new friends and thinking about her mother. But because of Winn-Dixie or perhaps because she has grown, Opal learns to let go, just a little, and that friendship—and forgiveness—can sneak up on you like a sudden summer storm.
Opal spends all that sweet summer collecting stories about her new friends and thinking about her mother. But because of Winn-Dixie or perhaps because she has grown, Opal learns to let go, just a little, and that friendship—and forgiveness—can sneak up on you like a sudden summer storm.
I believe this book should be quite easy to locate at your local libraries, but, as always, if you want to purchase a copy to add to your personal collection, AbeBooks is my go-to. You can check out some really great deals here.
The discussion for April's book club will be on Thursday, April 24th. And I'll also be sharing May's book choice that day as well.
I do so hope that you'll join me in reading this most charming, heartwarming story...
happy reading!