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La libreria dei lettori riluttanti
PER TRASFORMARE UN LETTORE RILUTTANTE IN UN AMANTE DEI LIBRI SERVE SOLO IL LIBRO GIUSTO
Questo era il motto di Elliot, il proprietario della piccola libreria Over the Rainbow. E infatti sapeva sempre suggerire il libro perfetto per tutti coloro che si presentavano in negozio dichiarando di non amare la lettura. Da quando è scomparso prematuramente, la sua socia in affari, Irma, ha perso il suo punto di riferimento e ha accettato di vendere l’accogliente Over the Rainbow a una società di costruzioni senza scrupoli.
Ma altri non rinunceranno alla libreria senza combattere. Quando Irma dà la notizia, le sue figlie, Bree e Laney, e il partner di Elliot, Thom, rimangono inorriditi. Over the Rainbow è stato il rifugio speciale di Bree e Laney fin dall’infanzia, e Thom farebbe qualsiasi cosa per preservare l’eredità di Elliot.
Così cospirano insieme per salvare la libreria, anche a costo di diventare degli orribili ficcanaso, spargere pettegolezzi e attuare silenziosi sabotaggi.
Pieno di umorismo, storie di famiglia e di quartiere e preziosi e inediti veri consigli di lettura, La libreria dei lettori riluttanti è il romanzo ideale per sentirsi bene. È anche una lettera d’amore agli eroi di tutti i quei librai e bibliotecari che ogni giorno si impegnano a mettere i libri giusti nelle mani giuste.
"Un romanzo che trabocca di consigli per trasformare tutti i lettori riluttanti in fanatici dei libri."Booklist
"Una dichiarazione d'amore per i librai e una storia incentrata sull'importanza delle piccole librerie di quartiere dove possono nascere amicizie e amori."Library Journal
Questo era il motto di Elliot, il proprietario della piccola libreria Over the Rainbow. E infatti sapeva sempre suggerire il libro perfetto per tutti coloro che si presentavano in negozio dichiarando di non amare la lettura. Da quando è scomparso prematuramente, la sua socia in affari, Irma, ha perso il suo punto di riferimento e ha accettato di vendere l’accogliente Over the Rainbow a una società di costruzioni senza scrupoli.
Ma altri non rinunceranno alla libreria senza combattere. Quando Irma dà la notizia, le sue figlie, Bree e Laney, e il partner di Elliot, Thom, rimangono inorriditi. Over the Rainbow è stato il rifugio speciale di Bree e Laney fin dall’infanzia, e Thom farebbe qualsiasi cosa per preservare l’eredità di Elliot.
Così cospirano insieme per salvare la libreria, anche a costo di diventare degli orribili ficcanaso, spargere pettegolezzi e attuare silenziosi sabotaggi.
Pieno di umorismo, storie di famiglia e di quartiere e preziosi e inediti veri consigli di lettura, La libreria dei lettori riluttanti è il romanzo ideale per sentirsi bene. È anche una lettera d’amore agli eroi di tutti i quei librai e bibliotecari che ogni giorno si impegnano a mettere i libri giusti nelle mani giuste.
"Un romanzo che trabocca di consigli per trasformare tutti i lettori riluttanti in fanatici dei libri."Booklist
"Una dichiarazione d'amore per i librai e una storia incentrata sull'importanza delle piccole librerie di quartiere dove possono nascere amicizie e amori."Library Journal
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2022
427 people are currently reading
9764 people want to read
About the author
Gretchen Anthony
7 books233 followersGRETCHEN ANTHONY is a speaker, humorist, and author of Tired Ladies Take a Stand, a book that the Minneapolis Star Tribune predicted “will almost certainly be snapped up by books clubs everywhere.” Her previous titles include The Book Haters’ Book Club, and Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners. Her novel The Kids Are Gonna Ask received the 2021 Alex Award from the American Library. She lives in Minneapolis with her family, where she stays on the hunt for a good story while listening to 70’s classic rock and scouting a great Manhattan.
She also hosts The Middle Book Club, a virtual book club dedicated to reading novels that feature midlife heroines.
Find us online: https://bit.ly/3XeX7hP
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She also hosts The Middle Book Club, a virtual book club dedicated to reading novels that feature midlife heroines.
Find us online: https://bit.ly/3XeX7hP
Find us on Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3LoSeQK
Follow Gretchen on BookBub https://bit.ly/3yfnqf0
Follow Gretchen on Amazon
https://amzn.to/3WCYGGQ
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 861 reviews
September 8, 2022
This is an enjoyable story, but it took forever to get to the point.
Literally the entire first 50% is about the pending sale of the Over the Rainbow bookstore. It was started years before by Irma and Elliott, friends who joined together after running their own mobile bookstores became cumbersome. But Elliott has died suddenly, and Irma has decided to retire and sell the store, much to the surprise of her daughter Bree, who has worked at the store and thought she would take over someday. Irma has called their other sister, Laney, home to Minnesota from California to hear the news, and Laney is equally shocked. Irma won't give her reasons, and the girls, along with Elliott's longtime partner Thom, decide to try to save the store from being turned into condos.
Like I said, the first half of the book is all about the three fighting the sale and trying to get Irma to tell them why she is doing it so suddenly and without letting them take over. It was infuriating to me and I nearly stopped reading many times because it was SO tedious.
Yet once Irma finally comes clean, the story moves forward and gets interesting and touching. I loved the deeper exploration into the family dynamics and the choices each of them had made over the years and how it affected their present day lives.
There's also a good deal of humor, some parts made me laugh out loud with both how realistic and slapstick they were. When I got tired of all of the "save the bookstore" tedium, the humor is what gave this novel heart.
Overall, it's a worthwhile read if you can get past the first half long setup and get to the meat of the story. I would have liked more book recommendations, but the ones included are fantastic and gave me some new books to find for my own enjoyment.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Literally the entire first 50% is about the pending sale of the Over the Rainbow bookstore. It was started years before by Irma and Elliott, friends who joined together after running their own mobile bookstores became cumbersome. But Elliott has died suddenly, and Irma has decided to retire and sell the store, much to the surprise of her daughter Bree, who has worked at the store and thought she would take over someday. Irma has called their other sister, Laney, home to Minnesota from California to hear the news, and Laney is equally shocked. Irma won't give her reasons, and the girls, along with Elliott's longtime partner Thom, decide to try to save the store from being turned into condos.
Like I said, the first half of the book is all about the three fighting the sale and trying to get Irma to tell them why she is doing it so suddenly and without letting them take over. It was infuriating to me and I nearly stopped reading many times because it was SO tedious.
Yet once Irma finally comes clean, the story moves forward and gets interesting and touching. I loved the deeper exploration into the family dynamics and the choices each of them had made over the years and how it affected their present day lives.
There's also a good deal of humor, some parts made me laugh out loud with both how realistic and slapstick they were. When I got tired of all of the "save the bookstore" tedium, the humor is what gave this novel heart.
Overall, it's a worthwhile read if you can get past the first half long setup and get to the meat of the story. I would have liked more book recommendations, but the ones included are fantastic and gave me some new books to find for my own enjoyment.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
October 9, 2022
The Book Haters’ Book Club by Gretchen Anthony is a contemporary fiction novel with a bit of mystery for book lovers with recommendations coming throughout the story. The story in The Book Haters’ Book Club is one that is told by changing the point of view between the characters and also by going between the past and the present timeline.
The Over the Rainbow bookshop is in danger. Irma began the Over the Rainbow bookstore with her partner, Elliot, and the two made the business a success. Elliot is now gone having passed away though and Irma has made up her mind that the business has to be sold despite what her daughters think but all they want is for their mother to be honest about her reasoning to sell the book store so quickly.
The first thing I will do is admit that it did take me awhile to settle into the story in The Book Haters’ Book Club by Gretchen Anthony. I felt this one got off to a slow start but once it did get going and I got settled in with the characters the pages started to go by quicker and quicker. I loved the air of mystery to what was going on and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen and I’m sure other avid readers will agree it was totally fun to hear the books mentioned all throughout the tale too. After finishing this one I’d definitely be interested in reading this author again if I get the chance.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The Over the Rainbow bookshop is in danger. Irma began the Over the Rainbow bookstore with her partner, Elliot, and the two made the business a success. Elliot is now gone having passed away though and Irma has made up her mind that the business has to be sold despite what her daughters think but all they want is for their mother to be honest about her reasoning to sell the book store so quickly.
The first thing I will do is admit that it did take me awhile to settle into the story in The Book Haters’ Book Club by Gretchen Anthony. I felt this one got off to a slow start but once it did get going and I got settled in with the characters the pages started to go by quicker and quicker. I loved the air of mystery to what was going on and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen and I’m sure other avid readers will agree it was totally fun to hear the books mentioned all throughout the tale too. After finishing this one I’d definitely be interested in reading this author again if I get the chance.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
September 13, 2022
I think if, like me, you are drawn to this book because of it's title.. you might be in for a bit of a shock. Because this isn't actually a quirky story about book haters banding together at all. And while the argument could be made it is perhaps still quirky, instead it's just full of messy characters and waiting for the payoff of long-drawn out secrets that refuse to be told.
While there's nothing particularly unfortunate in the telling, I'll admit I didn't love the writing, nor the characters, and thus this mid-three hundred page book felt twice as long. Though it was nice to see the small-community-joins-together-to-support-the-indies-against-big-corp, that was really as good as it got for me. The various romances, one new and budding, another ending, and yet another already over, were all varieties of typical or uninspiring and for one of them -- the one that had ended -- I actually found a particular narrative inclusion to instead muddle and confuse the whole thing. Which I know is vague and confusing but thus that is also how I was left feeling, too.
But if you're into some messy dynamics, which apparently is translated into found family by way of the pitch, you might like this one. Though this did pass the time -- too much time, as mentioned -- I won't likely remember it in a month because nothing really stands out. And I didn't enjoy the writing voice enough to consider picking up the author again. So, sadly, this isn't quite a recommendation but nonetheless you still might like it if you're into contemporary fiction and enjoy books based around books.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
While there's nothing particularly unfortunate in the telling, I'll admit I didn't love the writing, nor the characters, and thus this mid-three hundred page book felt twice as long. Though it was nice to see the small-community-joins-together-to-support-the-indies-against-big-corp, that was really as good as it got for me. The various romances, one new and budding, another ending, and yet another already over, were all varieties of typical or uninspiring and for one of them -- the one that had ended -- I actually found a particular narrative inclusion to instead muddle and confuse the whole thing. Which I know is vague and confusing but thus that is also how I was left feeling, too.
But if you're into some messy dynamics, which apparently is translated into found family by way of the pitch, you might like this one. Though this did pass the time -- too much time, as mentioned -- I won't likely remember it in a month because nothing really stands out. And I didn't enjoy the writing voice enough to consider picking up the author again. So, sadly, this isn't quite a recommendation but nonetheless you still might like it if you're into contemporary fiction and enjoy books based around books.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
October 2, 2022
A book store called Over The Rainbow. How cute is that.
An inheritance of a book store in the local village, does she carry on with it or sell it?
She’s selling it and others in the family etc object and try to stop this going ahead.
Do they succeed? And at what cost, if any?
I thought this book had hidden depths to it which I wouldn’t have really realised from the blurb.
It’s serious, it’s quirky at times and some real “smile on your face” moments as a reader.
My library had this available on audio so I downloaded it to listen to.
I’ve not read anything from this author before maybe because it’s not my usual genre I lean towards but, I will definitely be looking at more books from her as I like her style!
An inheritance of a book store in the local village, does she carry on with it or sell it?
She’s selling it and others in the family etc object and try to stop this going ahead.
Do they succeed? And at what cost, if any?
I thought this book had hidden depths to it which I wouldn’t have really realised from the blurb.
It’s serious, it’s quirky at times and some real “smile on your face” moments as a reader.
My library had this available on audio so I downloaded it to listen to.
I’ve not read anything from this author before maybe because it’s not my usual genre I lean towards but, I will definitely be looking at more books from her as I like her style!
March 5, 2023
You are selling the bookshop?
You can’t do that. It’s our legacy.
Irma and Elliott owned the Over the Rainbow Bookstore for years, but when Elliott died, Irma sold the store to a developer.
Her daughters, Laney and Bree, and Elliott’s partner, Thom, are definitely not in favor of the sale.
They think there is something not quite right because the owner gave Irma a very below-market price.
They do investigating behind Irma’s back.
THE BOOK HATERS’ BOOK CLUB is unique because of the setup of the book.
In between all the drama, we are treated to letters that Elliott was famous for writing to his customers and that give background information as well as his feelings and secrets from the grave.
At some point you will be asking yourself where this book is going, and you will find it goes many places and is quite clever.
The quirky characters were delightful and also pretty much a mess.
Lots of surprises hidden inside and characters that are keeping secrets.
The big question is: Will they sell the bookstore?
And bigger yet...which book would you recommend to a friend or do you always recommend to a friend?
An enjoyable read with a great title....don't miss it. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher for an honest review.
You can’t do that. It’s our legacy.
Irma and Elliott owned the Over the Rainbow Bookstore for years, but when Elliott died, Irma sold the store to a developer.
Her daughters, Laney and Bree, and Elliott’s partner, Thom, are definitely not in favor of the sale.
They think there is something not quite right because the owner gave Irma a very below-market price.
They do investigating behind Irma’s back.
THE BOOK HATERS’ BOOK CLUB is unique because of the setup of the book.
In between all the drama, we are treated to letters that Elliott was famous for writing to his customers and that give background information as well as his feelings and secrets from the grave.
At some point you will be asking yourself where this book is going, and you will find it goes many places and is quite clever.
The quirky characters were delightful and also pretty much a mess.
Lots of surprises hidden inside and characters that are keeping secrets.
The big question is: Will they sell the bookstore?
And bigger yet...which book would you recommend to a friend or do you always recommend to a friend?
An enjoyable read with a great title....don't miss it. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher for an honest review.
October 10, 2022
Book lover that I am the title and cover photo is what grabbed me. Boy was I misled! I could end up hating books after this one.
A hundred pages in and absolutely nothing happened except people squabbling about the sale of the Rainbow Bookshop.
I didn’t like the people. I didn’t like the story. A few family secrets are revealed in such a ho-hum way it hardly makes a dent.
The only thing ‘quirky’ about this book is the writing style - really – the author’s “Commercial Break” inserted between Chapters – what’s that????? I gave up at the second “Commercial Break”.
The mention/use of the name Nygaard put me off and I don’t care in what capacity it was used – it stinks.
A hundred pages in and absolutely nothing happened except people squabbling about the sale of the Rainbow Bookshop.
I didn’t like the people. I didn’t like the story. A few family secrets are revealed in such a ho-hum way it hardly makes a dent.
The only thing ‘quirky’ about this book is the writing style - really – the author’s “Commercial Break” inserted between Chapters – what’s that????? I gave up at the second “Commercial Break”.
The mention/use of the name Nygaard put me off and I don’t care in what capacity it was used – it stinks.
October 27, 2022
Ugh!
The entire first half of the book is boring and I did not care for any of the characters. It only picks up in the last half of the book and by then I did not care. I am surprised I stuck it out to the end.
I had high hopes with this title, but for me it half way delivered too late.
The entire first half of the book is boring and I did not care for any of the characters. It only picks up in the last half of the book and by then I did not care. I am surprised I stuck it out to the end.
I had high hopes with this title, but for me it half way delivered too late.
Read
July 26, 2023Not rating only quarter way through bored already
January 2, 2023
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The Book Haters' Book Club by Gretchen Anthony. (2022).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 10 October 2022**
All it takes is the right book to turn a book hater into a book lover - that was what Elliott believed before his untimely passing. Now his grief-ridden business partner Irma is selling their bookshop, Over the Rainbow. But Irma's daughters, Bree and Laney, and Elliott's romantic partner Thom are aghast. The bookshop was the girls' sanctuary and Thom would do anything to preserve Elliott's legacy. Together they conspire to save the bookshop, even if it takes some snooping, gossip and minor sabotage.
I wanted to love this one, I really did. The concept sounded great and of course as a booklover I was intrigued. I can say I liked it okay enough, however it was an average read for me. I didn't connect to any of the main characters which was a shame because they all seemed likeable enough, I just didn't really care about them. At times I had to remind myself that Bree and Laney were in their late thirties because the way they acted sometimes didn't reflect their ages in my opinion, they came across as quite immature at times. I did really enjoy how the community came together to save the bookshop, and the quirky newsletters with book recommendations throughout the novel.
Overall: this is worth reading if the synopsis intrigues you; for me it was average but for you it could be fantastic!
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Book Haters' Book Club by Gretchen Anthony. (2022).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 10 October 2022**
All it takes is the right book to turn a book hater into a book lover - that was what Elliott believed before his untimely passing. Now his grief-ridden business partner Irma is selling their bookshop, Over the Rainbow. But Irma's daughters, Bree and Laney, and Elliott's romantic partner Thom are aghast. The bookshop was the girls' sanctuary and Thom would do anything to preserve Elliott's legacy. Together they conspire to save the bookshop, even if it takes some snooping, gossip and minor sabotage.
I wanted to love this one, I really did. The concept sounded great and of course as a booklover I was intrigued. I can say I liked it okay enough, however it was an average read for me. I didn't connect to any of the main characters which was a shame because they all seemed likeable enough, I just didn't really care about them. At times I had to remind myself that Bree and Laney were in their late thirties because the way they acted sometimes didn't reflect their ages in my opinion, they came across as quite immature at times. I did really enjoy how the community came together to save the bookshop, and the quirky newsletters with book recommendations throughout the novel.
Overall: this is worth reading if the synopsis intrigues you; for me it was average but for you it could be fantastic!
March 7, 2023
The Book Hater’s Book Club by Gretchen Anthony is a novel about a woman and her daughters owning and operating a small bookstore. Mom decides to sell without telling anyone or discussing why.
It was very slow starting. It seemed to take a long time to get to the heart of the book.
Many laugh out loud moments. Many books the author mentioned throughout the book including Erik Larsons “Devil in the White City.”
Though not my typical Historical Fiction novel, this was very entertaining and enjoyable to read. I really did not want it to end.
It was very slow starting. It seemed to take a long time to get to the heart of the book.
Many laugh out loud moments. Many books the author mentioned throughout the book including Erik Larsons “Devil in the White City.”
Though not my typical Historical Fiction novel, this was very entertaining and enjoyable to read. I really did not want it to end.
November 11, 2022
Slow start, did not improve with time. Irma, an absolutely frustrating character with her behavior and personality. I did not see this going well my first one hundred pages in, and true to form, it did not redeem itself to the end, which I skipped swiftly through. I was preyed into this with the title, which overall was a huge disappointment. There were hidden secrets in this story, nothing in it that knocked my socks off or revealed an astonishing turn of events, nothing that made it worth my reading.
October 6, 2022
There were many aspects I loved about this story, even if I felt it took too long to hook me. It was filled with bookish talk from recommendations to stories that turn folks into readers. There are newsletters and breaks to talk about books, etc. It had humor, but most of all focused on family and the paths we choose that change the course of our lives. For that reason, I enjoyed this women’s fiction.
When Elliot Gregory dies, he leaves behind a mess. As the co-owner of the Over the Rainbow Bookstore, where his recommendations are highly sought, he has left behind his co-owner, Irma Bedford. She calls together Laney and Bree, her daughters and Thom, Elliot’s domestic partner, for a meeting at a realestate development firm. Here she informs them she will sell Over the Rainbow and the land it sits on to the firm. In shock, they learn the business will close in thirty days.
The first part of the book deals with Laney, Bree and Thom trying to figure out why Irma is selling and if the price is fair before they begin earnest efforts to stop said sale. It was fascinating as we learnt bits about them all: the town, the bookstore itself, and the developer. However, I couldn’t quite grasp where the story was headed, and it dragged.
Indeed, it took me more than a week to finish this story. It wasn’t until we finally understood why Irma put the book store up for sale that the meat of the story took hold and pulled me in. From this point on, I finished the audiobook in practically one sitting. Everything that Laney, Bree and Thom did in the first half needs to be fixed and thus the characters set out to do just that at the same time each faces their grief and ponders the paths they have taken.
I loved each of the characters, although until we understood the why, Irma was impenetrable. I loved the memories Lany and Bree shared of the bookstore and learning about their lives. Thom showed growth and acceptance as he moved through his stages of grief. I laughed about giant moths and was delighted to watch how they turned things around.
Tanya Eby narrates and did a lovely job of bringing voice to the characters and their personalities. Her inflection hit all the right notes, enhancing the humor and the more serious tones of the story.
An interesting listen, that would be good for a book club. Just stick with it and you’ll feel rewarded when the story ends. The nods to books and authors alone will have readers/listeners enjoying this tale. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
When Elliot Gregory dies, he leaves behind a mess. As the co-owner of the Over the Rainbow Bookstore, where his recommendations are highly sought, he has left behind his co-owner, Irma Bedford. She calls together Laney and Bree, her daughters and Thom, Elliot’s domestic partner, for a meeting at a realestate development firm. Here she informs them she will sell Over the Rainbow and the land it sits on to the firm. In shock, they learn the business will close in thirty days.
The first part of the book deals with Laney, Bree and Thom trying to figure out why Irma is selling and if the price is fair before they begin earnest efforts to stop said sale. It was fascinating as we learnt bits about them all: the town, the bookstore itself, and the developer. However, I couldn’t quite grasp where the story was headed, and it dragged.
Indeed, it took me more than a week to finish this story. It wasn’t until we finally understood why Irma put the book store up for sale that the meat of the story took hold and pulled me in. From this point on, I finished the audiobook in practically one sitting. Everything that Laney, Bree and Thom did in the first half needs to be fixed and thus the characters set out to do just that at the same time each faces their grief and ponders the paths they have taken.
I loved each of the characters, although until we understood the why, Irma was impenetrable. I loved the memories Lany and Bree shared of the bookstore and learning about their lives. Thom showed growth and acceptance as he moved through his stages of grief. I laughed about giant moths and was delighted to watch how they turned things around.
Tanya Eby narrates and did a lovely job of bringing voice to the characters and their personalities. Her inflection hit all the right notes, enhancing the humor and the more serious tones of the story.
An interesting listen, that would be good for a book club. Just stick with it and you’ll feel rewarded when the story ends. The nods to books and authors alone will have readers/listeners enjoying this tale. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
September 28, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up liking this! It was a super slow start, like it didn't pick up until almost page 100 and it took me eight days to get there, but after that I flew threw the last 200 pages in one day. I was annoyed with the characters until they pulled their heads out of their asses and dealt with their emotions, which to me speaks to good writing and excellent character development 😂
I loved the book recommendations, and as someone who's planning on opening a bookstore in the next few years, I got a lot of good ideas for my own store! I loved the side characters and regular customers, I can't wait to meet my own future regulars.
I loved the book recommendations, and as someone who's planning on opening a bookstore in the next few years, I got a lot of good ideas for my own store! I loved the side characters and regular customers, I can't wait to meet my own future regulars.
August 20, 2022
Dedicated to booksellers and librarians who turn book haters into book lovers every day, this bibliophile’s must-have is about employees saving a beloved bookshop after the owner dies.
Over The Rainbow Bookshop, known as the place to go to find the perfect book suggestion, is slated to be sold to condo developers and the employees are ready to fight for it…by any means possible. I won’t spoil the result for you but will let you know that the team become family in their fight for what they love. It’ll definitely be one of the most unique books you’ll ever have read.
Full of real-life book recommendations, laughs, odd/quirky characters, and mystery, you’ll find yourself cringing at the ‘cheese factor’ and needing to suspend belief at times. It’s light-hearted and sweet….and bookish!
I was gifted an advance copy by Harlequin Trade Publishing, Park Row, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Over The Rainbow Bookshop, known as the place to go to find the perfect book suggestion, is slated to be sold to condo developers and the employees are ready to fight for it…by any means possible. I won’t spoil the result for you but will let you know that the team become family in their fight for what they love. It’ll definitely be one of the most unique books you’ll ever have read.
Full of real-life book recommendations, laughs, odd/quirky characters, and mystery, you’ll find yourself cringing at the ‘cheese factor’ and needing to suspend belief at times. It’s light-hearted and sweet….and bookish!
I was gifted an advance copy by Harlequin Trade Publishing, Park Row, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
September 11, 2022
Irma raised two daughters with the legacy of leaving them her bookshop, Over the Rainbow, to both of them. However, when her business partner Elliott passes away, Irma suddenly announces that she is selling the business. Bree has spent years working at the bookstore and was sure her mother was going to leave it with her. Bree's sister Laney is equally shocked. Then the fact that the space the bookstore occupies is soon to be turned into a condo development causes everyone concern, and this also includes Elliott's partner Thom.
So, Bree, Laney and Thom decide to fight the sale. What is more is that they try and get to the bottom of things and to try to understand Irma's sudden decision to sell. There is another character, and this character come in the form of a first-person narrative in this third-person story. With all the changes occurring, the story helps readers to see everyone's motivations, and even their pain and sadness over the impending sale.
Irma definitely has her reasons for the decision that she is making, and this further presses into the family's background and how the past years have played into all of their lives. This enjoyable story does more than deal with the possible sale. In fact, the title, The Book Haters' Book Club has a reason for its name. The characters work hard at turning non-readers into readers, thus providing wonderful book recommendations throughout. Factor in the compelling family drama and this was a truly delightful read.
Many thanks Park Row to and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review as well - https://youtu.be/ZUTTzDJjpBg
So, Bree, Laney and Thom decide to fight the sale. What is more is that they try and get to the bottom of things and to try to understand Irma's sudden decision to sell. There is another character, and this character come in the form of a first-person narrative in this third-person story. With all the changes occurring, the story helps readers to see everyone's motivations, and even their pain and sadness over the impending sale.
Irma definitely has her reasons for the decision that she is making, and this further presses into the family's background and how the past years have played into all of their lives. This enjoyable story does more than deal with the possible sale. In fact, the title, The Book Haters' Book Club has a reason for its name. The characters work hard at turning non-readers into readers, thus providing wonderful book recommendations throughout. Factor in the compelling family drama and this was a truly delightful read.
Many thanks Park Row to and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review as well - https://youtu.be/ZUTTzDJjpBg
September 16, 2022
The Book Hater's Club is the first book I have read by Gretchen Anthony, but I won't hesitate to read more. This was a wonderful book, set in and around a small, independent bookstore called Over the Rainbow. Irma and Elliot are co-owners of the store, but Elliot has recently passed away. Irma has signed an agreement to sell the store to local developers who plan to build condos on the property of the bookstore and the hardware store beside it. Her daughters, Bree and Laney, are shocked and along with Elliot's partner, Thom, are determined to stop the deal. What would the town be without the beloved bookstore. Things are not always what they seem, and Irma is keeping secrets, but so was Elliot.
I love books set in bookstores or libraries and this book was a winner for me. Irma is an infuriating character, who might have had good motives, but her secrets were infuriating. She had a huge heart and her daughters were her life, but her brusque nature made it hard for them to open up to her and share their feelings. Both Bree and Laney love their mom, but also get frustrated with her. Bree has had no job except working at the bookstore and always thought she would take it over when her mother retired, she is at a loss and doesn't know what she will do without Over the Rainbow. Laney is married to a retired racecar driver, but isn't really happy. She didn't want to come home, but once she was there, she begins to reevaluate what she really wants out of her life. Thom is just angry. He felt that Irma and the store, kept Elliot from spending more time with him. They didn't travel or do much and when he dies, Thom finds out that he has been left nothing. Did Elliot really love him. This group spends a lot of time together plotting, acting and finally opening up and healing. Throughout the book we get glimpses of Elliot. We hear from his newsletters that were wonderful. The newsletters were called "The Book Haters' Book Club" where the book gets it's title. They are recommendations to readers including a book title, why your want to read it, and who it would appeal to. It gives a voice to Elliot. We also have "commercial breaks" throughout the book where Elliot interjects, which adds a bit of whimsy. The story touches on grief, family, stubbornness, found family, activism, friendship, same-sex rights, secrets and more. This book made me laugh, shed a few tears and had me nodding my head in agreement. I did a read/listen with The Book Haters' Book Club and enjoyed both formats. Tanya Eby narrated this book and did a nice job. She gave good voice to the various characters and brought them to life, but her voice while reading the narration can be a bit grating, but that might just be me. Overall, this was a pleasant book to listen to. If you enjoy a family drama with some humour, quirky characters and of course reference to books, then this is a book I recommend you pick up.
I love books set in bookstores or libraries and this book was a winner for me. Irma is an infuriating character, who might have had good motives, but her secrets were infuriating. She had a huge heart and her daughters were her life, but her brusque nature made it hard for them to open up to her and share their feelings. Both Bree and Laney love their mom, but also get frustrated with her. Bree has had no job except working at the bookstore and always thought she would take it over when her mother retired, she is at a loss and doesn't know what she will do without Over the Rainbow. Laney is married to a retired racecar driver, but isn't really happy. She didn't want to come home, but once she was there, she begins to reevaluate what she really wants out of her life. Thom is just angry. He felt that Irma and the store, kept Elliot from spending more time with him. They didn't travel or do much and when he dies, Thom finds out that he has been left nothing. Did Elliot really love him. This group spends a lot of time together plotting, acting and finally opening up and healing. Throughout the book we get glimpses of Elliot. We hear from his newsletters that were wonderful. The newsletters were called "The Book Haters' Book Club" where the book gets it's title. They are recommendations to readers including a book title, why your want to read it, and who it would appeal to. It gives a voice to Elliot. We also have "commercial breaks" throughout the book where Elliot interjects, which adds a bit of whimsy. The story touches on grief, family, stubbornness, found family, activism, friendship, same-sex rights, secrets and more. This book made me laugh, shed a few tears and had me nodding my head in agreement. I did a read/listen with The Book Haters' Book Club and enjoyed both formats. Tanya Eby narrated this book and did a nice job. She gave good voice to the various characters and brought them to life, but her voice while reading the narration can be a bit grating, but that might just be me. Overall, this was a pleasant book to listen to. If you enjoy a family drama with some humour, quirky characters and of course reference to books, then this is a book I recommend you pick up.
July 3, 2024
Not bad, but as other reviewers mentioned, it took forever to get to the heart of the story. I actually skipped the middle and picked up at Chapter 27 and didn’t feel lost. The premise is relevant; struggling indie bookstore, one daughter struggling in her marriage, another struggling to identify herself. A nice variety of titles are embedded within the storyline that will just add more books to a readers never ending TBR stack.
June 27, 2022
I loved every page of this colorful story full of characters you fall in love with and want to make your friends! I could just imagine OVER THE RAINBOW and rooted for everyone. @gretchenanthony.writer it’s not always easy dealing with the public so this former bookseller (2005-2020) thanks you for recognizing our matchmaking abilities.
I loved the style of this book and while Gretchen is a new author to me it won’t be my last story by her!!
At the end of the novel, Gretchen asks if there was a bookseller who changed my life. It is my sincere hope that as a bookseller and now as a bookstagrammer that my book recommendations have enriched yours. For me, Joe Drabyak changed my life… he taught me to be a bookseller, a book lover with purpose and was a great friend. Truly my Elliot.
If you are a bookseller this is a book you must read ♥️📚
I loved the style of this book and while Gretchen is a new author to me it won’t be my last story by her!!
At the end of the novel, Gretchen asks if there was a bookseller who changed my life. It is my sincere hope that as a bookseller and now as a bookstagrammer that my book recommendations have enriched yours. For me, Joe Drabyak changed my life… he taught me to be a bookseller, a book lover with purpose and was a great friend. Truly my Elliot.
If you are a bookseller this is a book you must read ♥️📚
October 5, 2023
Slatko, za opuštanje, da nas podsjeti da je dom tamo gdje je ljubav i da je svaki problem manji kad se podijeli, a ako ga rešavamo sami, samo raste dok nas ne proguta, te stoga budite mudri (kao moja mama koja me ovo naučila kad sam imala 8, 9 godina) i dozvolite voljenima da vam se nađu pri ruci 🧡! 4 knjiške ⭐️!
December 30, 2022
Cute, quirky and fun but fell a bit short for me. My favorite part was the many book recommendations scattered throughout the story.
September 2, 2022
A great family drama that revolves around a bookstore and its owners when one of them dies unexpectedly. Lots of great book recommendations, an unusual narrative structure (which I loved) and heartwarming mother/daughter, sister/sister relationships. Fans of books about saving bookstores and making them work in this increasingly digital age will enjoy this book a lot. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
December 17, 2022
Recommended by my husband, this book was filled with surprises. A beloved neighborhood bookstore in Minneapolis is sold to real estate developers after one of the partners dies suddenly. I expected a "Let's put on a play. Who's got the barn?" approach to saving the "Over the Rainbow Bookstore," but instead, complicated relationships, fiercely protected secrets, strong emotions, tensions, and revelations filled the story lines. I was pleased that when the secrets were revealed and plans to salvage the bookstore were in place, much more awaited the reader. There are several love stories within the novel, and more importantly, a tribute to independent bookstores and public librarians,
Book lovers will appreciate the philosophy of putting a book in someone's hands and all the reading recommendations along the way.
Book lovers will appreciate the philosophy of putting a book in someone's hands and all the reading recommendations along the way.
dnf
October 25, 2022*DNF*
Copy kindly received for an honest review from Harper Collins Australia.
The writing style seems ok in this book but I just can't find myself getting into it. It's hard to follow the who's who and what's going on properly when it keeps jumping around and some characters seem flighty. I'm sure plenty will love this, as its a great synopsis and this writing style is fine for others. It's unfortunately just not for me.
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Copy kindly received for an honest review from Harper Collins Australia.
The writing style seems ok in this book but I just can't find myself getting into it. It's hard to follow the who's who and what's going on properly when it keeps jumping around and some characters seem flighty. I'm sure plenty will love this, as its a great synopsis and this writing style is fine for others. It's unfortunately just not for me.
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September 15, 2022
As a self-proclaimed book nerd, library assistant and book blogger, I'm always intrigued with books centred around bookshops and libraries. This striking cover and title caught my eye so I eagerly requested an advanced copy and jumped right in!
Despite its bookish setting, it took me awhile to get into this story and I was surprised that it wasn't the main premise of a bookshop closing that kept me reading. I found that plot to be a bit long-winded with Irma's reasons for selling and the big ah-ha moment not as satisfying as I had expected.
I was in it for the relationships - in all their wonderful messiness! In this story there are family and friends who are tackling grief in their own way, a small town feel, bits of humour and fabulous book recommendations. These aspects kept me engaged in this character-driven, slower-paced story.
A little cheesy but heartwarming, this is a story about family in all its beautiful permutations, the different ways we handle grief and the power of books when we're working through life's rocky bits.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Park Row Books for my complimentary digital advanced copy which was provided in exchange for my honest review.
September 25, 2022
Oof. This book. 😴
Let's just say this book turned into more of a book lover's hated book club book for this gal.
I just could NOT get into it for the life of me and found it very, very dull.
I had high hopes and had found it kinda fun that we were reading this for our book club read but I just did not like it. At all.
Up until the last 80-100 pages I was bored and was forcing myself to finish.
This was a no for me.
Let's just say this book turned into more of a book lover's hated book club book for this gal.
I just could NOT get into it for the life of me and found it very, very dull.
I had high hopes and had found it kinda fun that we were reading this for our book club read but I just did not like it. At all.
Up until the last 80-100 pages I was bored and was forcing myself to finish.
This was a no for me.
did-not-finish
January 30, 2023Stopped at 18%. The author had a “commercial break” in the middle of the storytelling to speak directly to the reader to inform us of an aspect of a character more. This abruptly took me out of the story and felt weird and unnecessary to me. I did not need explanation and the author speaking to me in first person all of a sudden.
February 26, 2023
“I say if a certain type of book isn’t your preferred cocktail, darling, simply put down the glass and order something new” - very true book. DNF
February 28, 2023
My assumption (based off the title and the cover) was that this would be about a book club. It was not in fact about a book club, rather it was about a bookstore. Irma, has demanded that her both her daughters and her partner's spouse attend a meeting. At the meeting they are blindsided when they discover that their mother has sold the beloved bookstore that she opened with her partner nearly 30 years before. Not only has she sold it, she has sold it for a pittance and now her daughter, Bree, will have to find a job. Laney has lived far away from Minnesota for twenty years, but Bree never left and worked in the store. Why is their mom doing this? The sisters decide to get to the bottom of this horrible deal and partner up with Elliot's spouse to get to the bottom of it. A story about family, friendships, grief, and finding that perfect book. A quick read that is witty and wholesome.
September 9, 2022
Novel Approach To Novel Writing. I *really* like what Anthony did here with the interludes throughout the book, including opening and closing. It becomes very clear (because one of the early ones is "signed') quite early exactly who this person is, but the way Anthony writes them and where she chooses to place them are indeed quite novel in my experience, and thus this book is recommendable for this feature alone. Then there are the (Minnesota-specific) actual book recommendations spiced throughout the tale, in the form of newsletters the bookstore/ book club sent out periodically. And again: *Actual. Books.*. As in, you can search for them on your preferred site and buy them yourself! Which, again, is novel and recommendable for this feature alone.
Actual story-wise, we spend the first half of the book with many of our characters in shock and trying to prevent what they see as a travesty... and then a bombshell is dropped when the answers they've been begging for are finally provided. This bombshell twists the entire book to pivot in a new direction... and gives them all much more depth. Throughout both halves there is quite a bit of humor and heart, and there are a lot of different threads and themes going on here. (So those readers that prefer a more contained/ linear / singular focused tale... I still say give this one a try, but know going in it may not be your thing.) Ultimately the story itself is strong enough here, and the novel aspects of the writing truly take this book over the top in the best ways. Very much recommended.
Actual story-wise, we spend the first half of the book with many of our characters in shock and trying to prevent what they see as a travesty... and then a bombshell is dropped when the answers they've been begging for are finally provided. This bombshell twists the entire book to pivot in a new direction... and gives them all much more depth. Throughout both halves there is quite a bit of humor and heart, and there are a lot of different threads and themes going on here. (So those readers that prefer a more contained/ linear / singular focused tale... I still say give this one a try, but know going in it may not be your thing.) Ultimately the story itself is strong enough here, and the novel aspects of the writing truly take this book over the top in the best ways. Very much recommended.
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