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. Fikrys 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 Islandfrom Lambiase, the well-intentioned police officer whos 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. Its a small package, but large in weight. Its that unexpected arrival that gives A. J. Fikry the opportunity to make his life over, the ability to see everything anew. It doesnt 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 didnt 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.
Discover the heartwarming and life-affirming tale of second chances in "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry" by Gabrielle Zevin. This international edition paperback, published by Abacus, invites you into the world of A.J. Fikry, a bookstore owner whose life has taken a turn for the worse. A.J. Fikry is not having a good time. Widowed and grappling with declining bookstore sales, his most prized possession a rare collection of Edgar Allan Poe poems is stolen, plunging him further into despair. He isolates himself from the quirky inhabitants of Alice Island, including the well-meaning police officer Lambiase, his determined sister-in-law Ismay, and Amelia, an optimistic sales representative from Knightley Press who refuses to be discouraged by A.J.'s gruff demeanor. Even the joy of reading has abandoned him. But fate has a funny way of intervening. A mysterious package arrives at Island Books, a weighty surprise that presents A.J. with an unexpected opportunity for transformation. As A.J.'s life begins to shift, the island community takes notice. Amelia, seeing A.J. in a new light, finds her professional interest blossoming into something more. And A.J., rediscovering the solace and wisdom found within the pages of books, learns that life can offer unexpected chapters. "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry" is more than just a story about a bookstore; it's a celebration of the power of literature, the importance of community, and the possibility of finding love and redemption in the most unexpected places. Zevin's writing is both witty and poignant, blending humor with heartfelt moments that resonate long after you turn the final page. Readers will laugh, cry, and ultimately be reminded of why we read and why human connection matters. Dive into this charming novel and discover why "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry" has captivated readers worldwide. It is a delightful read, perfect for those who appreciate literary fiction with a touch of humor, dark humor and a profound exploration of family life, friendship, and second chances. This 320-page gem, with ISBN 9780349141077, is a must-have for any book lover's collection.