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The Dewey Decimal System of Love
Forty-year-old librarian Alison Sheffield finds her proper, staid, and quiet life turned upside down when she falls head over heels in love. A first novel. Original.
251 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2003
5 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Josephine Carr
5 books7 followersThe first thing you ought to know about me is that I go by the nickname, Jody (and, yes, apparently my parents did name me after the character of Jody in The Yearling).
My Facts: Fast
I grew up in a suburb of Washington, D.C., until I was thirteen years old, when my father accepted a position with the Ford Foundation and I moved to Nairobi, Kenya. My first novel, intended for young adults, drew on my great passion for Kenya. (No Regrets, Dial, 1982). After two years attending Loreto Convent, I went to the College du Leman boarding school in Geneva, Switzerland.
I graduated from Mt. Holyoke College, then received my Master’s degree from Bryn Mawr College, both in the field of English Literature.
During graduate school, I married and had two children, Rachel and Daniel. After many years, the marriage ended in a spirit of friendship, and I made my new home in Washington, D.C. My parents, sister and brother live close by with their respective families. My daughter, Rachel, is a second year graduate student at Harvard, and my son, Daniel, is a junior at Yale.
My Philosophy: Fast
I truly consider myself a reader, first, and then a writer. Though, yes, it’s true that my career is as a fiction writer. Still, because reading is my first love (and we all know how powerful a first love can be!), I write to be read and my goal is to make the reading experience both pleasurable and shocking. That’s why I try to write funny. Laughing titillates and teaches, without a person really knowing that they’re being manipulated. My goal: to make you laugh and, thus, to manipulate you into seeing your world and your self with new eyes.
My Facts: Fast
I grew up in a suburb of Washington, D.C., until I was thirteen years old, when my father accepted a position with the Ford Foundation and I moved to Nairobi, Kenya. My first novel, intended for young adults, drew on my great passion for Kenya. (No Regrets, Dial, 1982). After two years attending Loreto Convent, I went to the College du Leman boarding school in Geneva, Switzerland.
I graduated from Mt. Holyoke College, then received my Master’s degree from Bryn Mawr College, both in the field of English Literature.
During graduate school, I married and had two children, Rachel and Daniel. After many years, the marriage ended in a spirit of friendship, and I made my new home in Washington, D.C. My parents, sister and brother live close by with their respective families. My daughter, Rachel, is a second year graduate student at Harvard, and my son, Daniel, is a junior at Yale.
My Philosophy: Fast
I truly consider myself a reader, first, and then a writer. Though, yes, it’s true that my career is as a fiction writer. Still, because reading is my first love (and we all know how powerful a first love can be!), I write to be read and my goal is to make the reading experience both pleasurable and shocking. That’s why I try to write funny. Laughing titillates and teaches, without a person really knowing that they’re being manipulated. My goal: to make you laugh and, thus, to manipulate you into seeing your world and your self with new eyes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
November 20, 2008
I know nothing about the genre that's (somewhat disdainfully) referred to as "chick lit." I read Bridget Jones's Diary because it was recommended to me by my then-boyfriend (?) (I don't know why either, especially considering that he was generally a science fiction nerd), and that's where my knowledge of its tropes, concerns, etc. begins and ends.
And yet I am in the midst of writing a draft of a book that I'm calling chick lit. I don't know.
But anyway, in that spirit--the grand spirit of knowing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING--I picked up this book. It made me feel somewhat better about my own meager efforts, so that's something. And I liked all the Philadelphia references (but I'm not sure why she felt the need to express joy at moving away from Swarthmore--what, the Ville isn't good enough for you?).
But as a librarian...aw, man, as a librarian, I have to tell you, I am tired as all hell of the librarian stereotypes, even the ones that are supposed to be semi-positive. (We're sensible! We're secretly cool but you'd never know it! etc.) I am not so interested in the Celibate Spinster Know-It-All Becomes-Foxy-When-She-Takes-Off-Her-Glasses Librarian, and, moreover, I've never known a librarian who claims to stop drinking after one martini. (<--And that's a stereotype you can believe in, Reader!)
But again, I know nothing about any of this.
And yet I am in the midst of writing a draft of a book that I'm calling chick lit. I don't know.
But anyway, in that spirit--the grand spirit of knowing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING--I picked up this book. It made me feel somewhat better about my own meager efforts, so that's something. And I liked all the Philadelphia references (but I'm not sure why she felt the need to express joy at moving away from Swarthmore--what, the Ville isn't good enough for you?).
But as a librarian...aw, man, as a librarian, I have to tell you, I am tired as all hell of the librarian stereotypes, even the ones that are supposed to be semi-positive. (We're sensible! We're secretly cool but you'd never know it! etc.) I am not so interested in the Celibate Spinster Know-It-All Becomes-Foxy-When-She-Takes-Off-Her-Glasses Librarian, and, moreover, I've never known a librarian who claims to stop drinking after one martini. (<--And that's a stereotype you can believe in, Reader!)
But again, I know nothing about any of this.
September 13, 2008
If it is possible to recommend the "worst book ever" to anyone, this would be the one.
The plot is about a 40 year old librarian who also happens to be a pseudo virgin (she hasn't had sex in 15 years and in case you forget that major "plot" point, she will keep telling you over and over again), who finds herself "falling in love" with the new maestro of the local orchastra and the hilarity that "ensues" as she discovers "herself." Throw in breast feeding (said "virgin" to her godson in order to "bond" with him - say what?), a convoluted romance (Oh! My! God! I've been in love with my boss for the last 15 YEARS and never even figured it out!), the maestro's jealous wife who may or may not be writing a mystery or planning to kill her husband, her "sex on legs" doctor mother, and all this other ridiculousness and you've got "Dewey Decimal System of Love."
There is no depth to the characters, there is way too much going on (sub-sub plot of one of her co-workers who is also "in love" with the boss, who then writes him a letter and the boss then writes "back" and tells to perhaps to think about "lesbianism" -- I mean, if he actually DID write the letter, why would our heroine want to be with someone who is so callous in a brush-off to a suitor he is not interested in?)/.And all this convoluted mess with her father (no one is as good a daddy!), there is soo much going on and nothing is wrapped up that I literally wanted to throw the book against the wall when finished. Poorly written, poorly executed, and severely poorly edited. It is written by someone who shows no concept of character development (the best friend is a lawyer and is quizzed about why she owns a cell phone-- this is the '00s for Pete's sake, and who the heck DOESN'T have a cell phone these days? Especially when said best friend is a high powered lawyer!) THe author relies on stereotypes to define her characters and the whole book just stank of poor development and execution. It felt like and read like a 7th grader writing their first romance, not of a "seasoned" writer. Stay the heck away from this book.
The plot is about a 40 year old librarian who also happens to be a pseudo virgin (she hasn't had sex in 15 years and in case you forget that major "plot" point, she will keep telling you over and over again), who finds herself "falling in love" with the new maestro of the local orchastra and the hilarity that "ensues" as she discovers "herself." Throw in breast feeding (said "virgin" to her godson in order to "bond" with him - say what?), a convoluted romance (Oh! My! God! I've been in love with my boss for the last 15 YEARS and never even figured it out!), the maestro's jealous wife who may or may not be writing a mystery or planning to kill her husband, her "sex on legs" doctor mother, and all this other ridiculousness and you've got "Dewey Decimal System of Love."
There is no depth to the characters, there is way too much going on (sub-sub plot of one of her co-workers who is also "in love" with the boss, who then writes him a letter and the boss then writes "back" and tells to perhaps to think about "lesbianism" -- I mean, if he actually DID write the letter, why would our heroine want to be with someone who is so callous in a brush-off to a suitor he is not interested in?)/.And all this convoluted mess with her father (no one is as good a daddy!), there is soo much going on and nothing is wrapped up that I literally wanted to throw the book against the wall when finished. Poorly written, poorly executed, and severely poorly edited. It is written by someone who shows no concept of character development (the best friend is a lawyer and is quizzed about why she owns a cell phone-- this is the '00s for Pete's sake, and who the heck DOESN'T have a cell phone these days? Especially when said best friend is a high powered lawyer!) THe author relies on stereotypes to define her characters and the whole book just stank of poor development and execution. It felt like and read like a 7th grader writing their first romance, not of a "seasoned" writer. Stay the heck away from this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2012
Weird. Bizarre. Surreal. These are a few of the words that came to mind as I was reading this book.
Roped in by the flashy red cover and catchy title, I borrowed this from my condo library. Use of the word "spinster", neurotic behavior and naughty email exchanges gave this book a definite Bridget Jones flavor, until you get to the part where the heroine is a celibate librarian.
Let me be clear: I am a person who loves books, loves libraries, worked in a library for five years during high school. An awkward kid. A late bloomer. I should be able to relate to this character. Instead, I found myself recoiling in horror at several tidbits of internal monologue that I think were supposed to be funny, in a nudge-nudge kind of way.
Allow me to present as evidence, a short paragraph from page 103.
Yes, this is out of context, but I assure you, even IN context it is still freaky weird. If you were making this book into a film, I'd hire David Lynch as Director. There's a lot of speculation and obsession about male body parts, some very weird fantasizing, some creepy fake-breastfeeding... but no sex. Not even masturbation. Seriously.
Perhaps this is a frank expose of what's really going on deep down in the mind of every librarian, but as I am friends with many librarians, I genuinely hope that this is not the case.
There are several mystery elements to the story, involving stink bombs that smell like vomit and farts, and a wife who may or may not have murder on her mind. The plot sort of dangles along for 150 pages, and then culminates in a sudden rush at the end. A Cinderella-at-the-ball scene leads the main character to an epiphany that I could not have arrived at myself with a map and a compass. There's a brief action scene that makes no sense, and the puzzles are "solved" with a happy ending.
A freaky combination of bawdy thoughts and straight-laced actions, this was one of the strangest pieces of fiction I have ever read.
Roped in by the flashy red cover and catchy title, I borrowed this from my condo library. Use of the word "spinster", neurotic behavior and naughty email exchanges gave this book a definite Bridget Jones flavor, until you get to the part where the heroine is a celibate librarian.
Let me be clear: I am a person who loves books, loves libraries, worked in a library for five years during high school. An awkward kid. A late bloomer. I should be able to relate to this character. Instead, I found myself recoiling in horror at several tidbits of internal monologue that I think were supposed to be funny, in a nudge-nudge kind of way.
Allow me to present as evidence, a short paragraph from page 103.
"Lunch," I murmured. Penis a l'orange? Roasted penis with fennel? Penne and penis?
Yes, this is out of context, but I assure you, even IN context it is still freaky weird. If you were making this book into a film, I'd hire David Lynch as Director. There's a lot of speculation and obsession about male body parts, some very weird fantasizing, some creepy fake-breastfeeding... but no sex. Not even masturbation. Seriously.
Perhaps this is a frank expose of what's really going on deep down in the mind of every librarian, but as I am friends with many librarians, I genuinely hope that this is not the case.
There are several mystery elements to the story, involving stink bombs that smell like vomit and farts, and a wife who may or may not have murder on her mind. The plot sort of dangles along for 150 pages, and then culminates in a sudden rush at the end. A Cinderella-at-the-ball scene leads the main character to an epiphany that I could not have arrived at myself with a map and a compass. There's a brief action scene that makes no sense, and the puzzles are "solved" with a happy ending.
A freaky combination of bawdy thoughts and straight-laced actions, this was one of the strangest pieces of fiction I have ever read.
November 9, 2009
This is a cute story -- totally summer fiction but cute nonetheless. I love a good mystery and good romantic comedy, and I don't expect either to reflect reality (which is good in this case).
The protagonist is a single, 40-something librarian, which is a character profile I can totally understand. However, this one leads a fairly interesting and exciting life. The description of her apartment is the kind of living space I could only dream to have (again, given the salary of real-life librarians, one cannot expect such elegance in reality, but it makes for good reading).
This story isn't going to set the world on fire, and it probably would never be made into a movie (although I also said that about Must Love Dogs and that one became a movie anyway), but it is a mindlessly fun, easy read that left a smile on my face.
The protagonist is a single, 40-something librarian, which is a character profile I can totally understand. However, this one leads a fairly interesting and exciting life. The description of her apartment is the kind of living space I could only dream to have (again, given the salary of real-life librarians, one cannot expect such elegance in reality, but it makes for good reading).
This story isn't going to set the world on fire, and it probably would never be made into a movie (although I also said that about Must Love Dogs and that one became a movie anyway), but it is a mindlessly fun, easy read that left a smile on my face.
September 10, 2007
I read this on the recommendation of a few people and disliked it. I can't even tell you what in particular drove me crazy. I'm actually surprised that I didn't just give up.
February 26, 2023
Ally is a librarian at the Free Library of Philadelphia. When she attends a symphony, she immediately falls in “love” with the conductor, whom she has never met, and not only that, he is married. She manages to get a volunteer position with the orchestra, so is able to see him more often. Meanwhile, his wife comes in to the library doing research to write a book.
Ally fit all kinds of librarian stereotypes, and initially I found it funny (I’m a librarian, too, and I fit some of those same stereotypes), but she just went way over the top. I also wasn’t crazy about the ending (although, I suppose, better than the alternative?). Overall, I’m rating it ok for the few parts I enjoyed.
Ally fit all kinds of librarian stereotypes, and initially I found it funny (I’m a librarian, too, and I fit some of those same stereotypes), but she just went way over the top. I also wasn’t crazy about the ending (although, I suppose, better than the alternative?). Overall, I’m rating it ok for the few parts I enjoyed.
August 8, 2007
With little chapter headings about dewey places to find things and lots of library people and jargon, Carr has written a very funny romance with a little mystery. I laughed out loud a lot. Old jokes from when I was a "old maid librarian" came back to me in abundance, and I almost know some of the people in this book, not where I work now, but in various places and times throughout my college and earlier library adventures.
Alison Sheffield's hot mother, estranged orchestra musician dad and the "main" romantic interest of Alexi - a Finnish immigrant conductor are way out of my area of expertise and experience, so I don't know how correct the characters are but the side view with the character Ed is definitely the real thing for libraries all across the nation.
Lots to enjoy and just plain laugh at. Sweet in some ways too.
Alison Sheffield's hot mother, estranged orchestra musician dad and the "main" romantic interest of Alexi - a Finnish immigrant conductor are way out of my area of expertise and experience, so I don't know how correct the characters are but the side view with the character Ed is definitely the real thing for libraries all across the nation.
Lots to enjoy and just plain laugh at. Sweet in some ways too.
February 18, 2013
Romance. Ally Sheffield is a librarian. She needs glasses, wears her hair up, likes concealing clothes, and hasn't had sex in fifteen years. Is everybody ready? We're going to have a quiz: Name three changes Ally can make that will attract a man.
Very good, class! You're obviously familiar with the Dowdy Spinster Librarian Becomes Desirable By Taking Off Her Glasses Myth! This book lives there. It makes up a good two-thirds of the plot. So Ally's slow blossoming won't surprise you at all. And for me, at least, it wasn't even the slightest bit satisfying because I didn't like her, and I really wasn't feeling the romance.
The plot, writing, and secondary characters are absurd, and the FBI guys are especially absurd, like something out of a men-in-black skit; I didn't believe they actually were FBI at first. That is how absurd the writing is.
The protagonist is obnoxious, constantly talking about how she looks much younger than she is, how great her apartment is, how she doesn't have to diet to be thin except for how she constantly has to watch her weight. She's shallow. She's made up of insecurity and bad ideas and mommy and daddy issues, and with nothing to balance that out, it's not at all endearing.
The one good thing about this book is it is almost entirely positive/neutral about Ally's decision not to have sex. Her reasons were utterly bizarre, true; a man she was dating wanted to have anal sex and she was so traumatized by the suggestion ("Maybe the barnyard animals [on her jumper] gave him the wrong idea?") she decided to become celibate for a year. And then I guess she just never stopped. But she feels almost proud of it and I don't remember anyone trying to shame her. The discussion questions in the back accuse her of having Peter Pan Syndrome, though, so if you're ace or celibate, you might be offended by the thought that not wanting/having sex is childish. And everyone might be offended by the way Ally's constantly, thoughtlessly diagnosing her coworkers with mental illness simply because they're homeless, have messy hair, or whatever that third reason was.
One star. The ending's abrupt, as is the resolution of the romance, and I just didn't buy any of it.
Very good, class! You're obviously familiar with the Dowdy Spinster Librarian Becomes Desirable By Taking Off Her Glasses Myth! This book lives there. It makes up a good two-thirds of the plot. So Ally's slow blossoming won't surprise you at all. And for me, at least, it wasn't even the slightest bit satisfying because I didn't like her, and I really wasn't feeling the romance.
The plot, writing, and secondary characters are absurd, and the FBI guys are especially absurd, like something out of a men-in-black skit; I didn't believe they actually were FBI at first. That is how absurd the writing is.
The protagonist is obnoxious, constantly talking about how she looks much younger than she is, how great her apartment is, how she doesn't have to diet to be thin except for how she constantly has to watch her weight. She's shallow. She's made up of insecurity and bad ideas and mommy and daddy issues, and with nothing to balance that out, it's not at all endearing.
The one good thing about this book is it is almost entirely positive/neutral about Ally's decision not to have sex. Her reasons were utterly bizarre, true; a man she was dating wanted to have anal sex and she was so traumatized by the suggestion ("Maybe the barnyard animals [on her jumper] gave him the wrong idea?") she decided to become celibate for a year. And then I guess she just never stopped. But she feels almost proud of it and I don't remember anyone trying to shame her. The discussion questions in the back accuse her of having Peter Pan Syndrome, though, so if you're ace or celibate, you might be offended by the thought that not wanting/having sex is childish. And everyone might be offended by the way Ally's constantly, thoughtlessly diagnosing her coworkers with mental illness simply because they're homeless, have messy hair, or whatever that third reason was.
One star. The ending's abrupt, as is the resolution of the romance, and I just didn't buy any of it.
February 17, 2013
I' really enjoyed this book, I thought the writing was excellent, and the man character was unusual enough to keep me very engaged. I'm surprised that others disliked the book so much. There seems to be much kvetching about librarian stereotypes, but a librarian myself, I have to say the stereotypes never bother me. There is a glimmer of truth to that particular stereotype--we do tend to be brainy and largely female, if not scolding and all spinsters. But I enjoyed the twist on the stereotype and the way the book seemed so firmly rooted in Philadelphia.
Reading other reviews, I am annoyed with how many people preface their commentary with "I don't usually read chick lit but..." I'm really sick of the very idea that books written from a female point of view must be labeled something separate from regular literature, and that we must somehow apologize for reading them. Do people apologize for reading thrillers? Do we label them "man lit?" Apparently this book was originally marketed as a romance, but it doesn't have much in common with the romance genre, and the narrative voice is quite different from what I think of as the "chick lit" genre.
Reading other reviews, I am annoyed with how many people preface their commentary with "I don't usually read chick lit but..." I'm really sick of the very idea that books written from a female point of view must be labeled something separate from regular literature, and that we must somehow apologize for reading them. Do people apologize for reading thrillers? Do we label them "man lit?" Apparently this book was originally marketed as a romance, but it doesn't have much in common with the romance genre, and the narrative voice is quite different from what I think of as the "chick lit" genre.
February 23, 2015
This book was a recommendation based purely on the title. I thought it looked silly and fun so I checked it out and started reading it at dinner a couple weeks ago. I just finished it, and I'm still not sure if I enjoyed it or not. The book takes a VERY strange turn in the last 25% that I was not expecting AT ALL. The ending seemed extremely rushed and a lot of things happen suddenly. Not satisfied. At least there's no epilogue-itis. The last few pages are an interview with the author and some discussion questions for a book club.
I actually liked the first person view of Ally, her internal dialogue seemed realistic and full of asides, digressions, and phrases that are natural in real conversation. As someone who also lives alone, I understood her running train of thought quite easily. As a library staff member, I also relate to her complete immersion in her job, and how library thinking kind of takes over regular thinking sometimes.
Overall, not sure if I would actively seek out another book by this author, but it was a fun, silly read.
I actually liked the first person view of Ally, her internal dialogue seemed realistic and full of asides, digressions, and phrases that are natural in real conversation. As someone who also lives alone, I understood her running train of thought quite easily. As a library staff member, I also relate to her complete immersion in her job, and how library thinking kind of takes over regular thinking sometimes.
Overall, not sure if I would actively seek out another book by this author, but it was a fun, silly read.
May 9, 2008
I know this is corny, but this book "inspired" me to become a librarian. I read it while I was teaching (and trying to decide in which subject to pursue a Master's degree), when I realized that librarianship was a profession that rather interested me. I don't normally read too many chick-lit type of books, but the title intrigued me.
The book wasn't too great -- the story involves a woman who becomes infatuated by a man who convinces her he's a pained artist (but really a creep) -- but it convinced me to look at library school. And now, I'm a librarian. Isn't it strange the things that inspire us?
The book wasn't too great -- the story involves a woman who becomes infatuated by a man who convinces her he's a pained artist (but really a creep) -- but it convinced me to look at library school. And now, I'm a librarian. Isn't it strange the things that inspire us?
March 16, 2016
C'mon. I can't be expected to judge this
book fairly. Give me a break. The book is set in a library. The
main character (as well as most of the other characters in the book)
is a librarian. The author, for heaven's sake, dedicates the book to
her mother, "the paragon of a passionate librarian"; in the
acknowledgements, the author encourages her readers to "continue to
honor the extraordinary literary heritage found in our free library
system and the librarians who help us discover its enduring wealth".
If you are a librarian, you can't help but love this book. File this
book under 020 for Libraries, 306.7 for Romance.
book fairly. Give me a break. The book is set in a library. The
main character (as well as most of the other characters in the book)
is a librarian. The author, for heaven's sake, dedicates the book to
her mother, "the paragon of a passionate librarian"; in the
acknowledgements, the author encourages her readers to "continue to
honor the extraordinary literary heritage found in our free library
system and the librarians who help us discover its enduring wealth".
If you are a librarian, you can't help but love this book. File this
book under 020 for Libraries, 306.7 for Romance.
September 2, 2015
A quick, fun read that is centered around an quirky,obsessive librarian of the Philadelphia Free Library who falls in love with the guest conductor for the Philadelphia orchestra. Explores subjects such as friendship, love, and dealing with your mother. The librarians will like this one because each chapter gives the Dewey Decimal number for what is covered in the chapter.
January 23, 2009
If I had read this before becoming a librarian, I may have stuck with finance.
May 16, 2011
Got this book from my friend. Exactly what I expected of it. Absolute pure cheesy fluff. Ending was a bit rushed, but a very light read for a cold, rainy day.
August 14, 2017
Fín bók, létt og skemmtileg. Örugglega skemmtilegri fyrir bókasafnsfræðinga en aðra.
November 27, 2017
First of all, I am working on a Master of Library Science degree and was assigned a research paper on Melvil Dewey (of the Dewey Decimal System). I thought it appropriate to venture into my public library to check out some resources. Sadly, this is the ONLY book I came out with. Who knew I wouldn't be able to find any books in the library about how to organize the library???
Anyway, the 40 year old spinster librarian main character of the book was enough to hook me, as that is eerily similar to my own life story, but she ended up being FAR more out there than I've ever considered being! Her personality seemed very inconsistent throughout the story and I was never quite sure exactly how to feel about her. It seemed the author wanted her to be too many things which ended up making me not want to root for her because she seemed so inauthentic.
The character also had a seemingly unhealthy and confusing relationship with food coupled with some body image issues that came up repeatedly in the book. This was published in 2003 and I think as a society we have come a long way in the intervening years in terms of how we talk about these issues. Also, this whole concept was not integral to the development of the character so I could not figure out why it kept coming up in such blatant ways.
Of course, as in many stories of romance, the final outcome was easily determined from the first chapter, but the post climactic section of the book leading to the resolution was so short and stunted and unrealistic, not to mention it left many strings of subplot dangling, it was like Carr remembered she had something in the oven and tried to finish the novel before she went to get it out.
I really wanted to like this novel more, but the poor ending and overall convoluted nature of the main character were too much to overcome.
Anyway, the 40 year old spinster librarian main character of the book was enough to hook me, as that is eerily similar to my own life story, but she ended up being FAR more out there than I've ever considered being! Her personality seemed very inconsistent throughout the story and I was never quite sure exactly how to feel about her. It seemed the author wanted her to be too many things which ended up making me not want to root for her because she seemed so inauthentic.
The character also had a seemingly unhealthy and confusing relationship with food coupled with some body image issues that came up repeatedly in the book. This was published in 2003 and I think as a society we have come a long way in the intervening years in terms of how we talk about these issues. Also, this whole concept was not integral to the development of the character so I could not figure out why it kept coming up in such blatant ways.
Of course, as in many stories of romance, the final outcome was easily determined from the first chapter, but the post climactic section of the book leading to the resolution was so short and stunted and unrealistic, not to mention it left many strings of subplot dangling, it was like Carr remembered she had something in the oven and tried to finish the novel before she went to get it out.
I really wanted to like this novel more, but the poor ending and overall convoluted nature of the main character were too much to overcome.
June 7, 2019
I’m glad I didn’t quit. The main character (Ally) became more sympathetic as the book went on. She revealed some experiences that shaped her into the eccentric woman she had become. Also, the humor became more clear. The early points I didn’t like (pursuit of adultery, troubling commentary about a homeless man) turn out to be relevant and significant to plot and character development. Craft-wise, however, I think Ally needed something to humanize her and make her sympathetic from the beginning. It’s no fun to hate the first person POV character for most of the novel (while feeling like I’m not supposed to hate her). Hook before bite.
Two smaller notes: a) I love that this is a coming-of-age story where the main character is 40, and b) I found the book misshelved as romance in a secondhand bookstore. This is not a romance novel.
Two smaller notes: a) I love that this is a coming-of-age story where the main character is 40, and b) I found the book misshelved as romance in a secondhand bookstore. This is not a romance novel.
January 28, 2018
What did I just read? After finishing this tale I re-read the back cover description to see what had prompted me to pick it up in the first place and I cannot link the story inside to the description outside.
Some references feel dated. Although that is not necessarily a bad thing, this story just doesn't stand up to the test of time. It reads as a modern tale, yet references things like the internet tying up phone lines.
Not every story is meant for the same audience and I don't think I was the audience for this one.
Some references feel dated. Although that is not necessarily a bad thing, this story just doesn't stand up to the test of time. It reads as a modern tale, yet references things like the internet tying up phone lines.
Not every story is meant for the same audience and I don't think I was the audience for this one.
May 24, 2018
I'm always surprised by how much I like this book.
Yes, it's totally chock full of librarian stereotypes, but somehow they are played with in a way that makes the main character quirky and original rather than dislikable.
Yes, it's implausible and bizarre and predictable.
I don't really care.
Ally makes me smile. Her best friend and her mom make me smile. Her librarian ramblings and love of the Dewey Decimal System makes me smile.
I like a little random in my reading. This one fits the bill.
Yes, it's totally chock full of librarian stereotypes, but somehow they are played with in a way that makes the main character quirky and original rather than dislikable.
Yes, it's implausible and bizarre and predictable.
I don't really care.
Ally makes me smile. Her best friend and her mom make me smile. Her librarian ramblings and love of the Dewey Decimal System makes me smile.
I like a little random in my reading. This one fits the bill.
January 19, 2024
I just had too many hang ups about the plot and the main character in her 40's behaving like a middle school student and her best friend (married with kids) going along with everything. It was a struggle to get through, but I really was trying to like this book since I just love libraries and everything about them. It felt like this was written towards the wrong audience as I was looking for at least a good romance for adults!
February 1, 2020
I see my rating is way above the average. Maybe it’s because libraries are my love and my background. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the character come into her own. She was efficient at her job, just not her life.
April 9, 2020
At first I thought this quirky book wasn't for me. Glad I hung in there and finished. It got better and warmer as it romped along. Lots of librarian stereotypes in the book, oodles of fun, unusual characters, and chapter headings from the Dewey Decimal System, which fits.
December 13, 2020
Story too far-fetched. Didn't like the main character always saying "I know what you're thinking" and the like. Liked the Dewey entries at the beginning of each chapter, but the story was underdeveloped.
November 1, 2022
I'm not quite sure what to say about this book. I guess I'll start with the fact that I enjoyed that it was about a quirky character that was different than who she was supposed to be. I like the fact that she marched to her own drummer. That was the strength of the book for me.
March 19, 2024
How can I bypass a book with this title? I really should have. A librarian is obsessed with the Conductor of the Philly symphony. What could go wrong? I give them kudos for library talk and some Philly discussion. The book is dated now and the character development is marginal.
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October 9, 2024Maybe it becomes a different story after the second chapter, but life is too short to waste it reading this incorrectly titled book. I’m sure there are people who will like it. Different tastes for everyone.
August 20, 2017
This was a fun quick read that librarians can appreciate.
February 15, 2019
A quick, easy read. Very cute.
July 18, 2019
A fun book with likeable characters. Appreciate the chapter heads are from the dewey decimal system.
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