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The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry: A Guide for Book Clubs
No book group should be without this companion guide to Gabrielle Zevin's bestselling novel, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry. A comprehensive guide to Zevin's wonderful celebration of the world of literature, this book includes useful literary context; a full plot summary, discussion of themes and symbols; character notes; 15 thought-provoking discussion questions; recommended further reading and a quick quiz.
**Amazon Reviews for the Reading Room Book Group Notes:**
"Belong to a small book club and we had our liveliest, best discussion ever over this book." (Jeanne McCloskey)
"I would definitely recommend it to other book groups." (Book Addict)
"Insightful and made the discussion easy to begin." (C. Childress)
"I'm in a book club that read this and it was SO helpful!" (AvidReaderAllGenres)
The Reading Room Book Group Guides are designed to help you get the absolute best from your book club meetings. An invaluable reference tool, they provide a wealth of useful information on your chosen novel.
*THIS BOOK IS A COMPANION GUIDE, DESIGNED TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ORIGINAL NOVEL. PLEASE BE AWARE, IT DOES NOT CONTAIN THE ORIGINAL TEXT OF THE NOVEL.*
**Amazon Reviews for the Reading Room Book Group Notes:**
"Belong to a small book club and we had our liveliest, best discussion ever over this book." (Jeanne McCloskey)
"I would definitely recommend it to other book groups." (Book Addict)
"Insightful and made the discussion easy to begin." (C. Childress)
"I'm in a book club that read this and it was SO helpful!" (AvidReaderAllGenres)
The Reading Room Book Group Guides are designed to help you get the absolute best from your book club meetings. An invaluable reference tool, they provide a wealth of useful information on your chosen novel.
*THIS BOOK IS A COMPANION GUIDE, DESIGNED TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ORIGINAL NOVEL. PLEASE BE AWARE, IT DOES NOT CONTAIN THE ORIGINAL TEXT OF THE NOVEL.*
51 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2014
32 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 21, 2014
A.J. Fikry runs a book store on an island of the East Coast. Since his wife died a year ago he has become pretty anti-social. His life changes when he adopts a two-year old left in the bookstore by her mother. Each chapter starts with a brief summary of a book and A.J. comments on why it is worth reading. This is a book about book stores, book sellers, book reps, and people who like to read. I really enjoyed it.
November 26, 2015
When I picked up The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry from the library
display, the summary of the flap hooked me. It was about a bookstore owner whose wife has died and his life seems to be slipping downhill at an alarming rate. This ranges from terrible sales at his store to the demise of institutions A.J. counted as important: newspapers, magazines, bookstores, and publishing. His friends are worried about him. But then he receives a small package, that changes everything. It is unexpected, but ultimately welcomed.
When I got to the description of the blind date police officer Lambiase sets up with his cousin for A.J., I was pretty sure the book would not disappoint. Here's how the author describes that date.
". . . Want me to set you up with someone?"
A.J. shakes his head.
"Come on," Lambiase insists. "I know everyone in town."
"Unfortunately, it's a very small town."
As a warm-up, Lambiase sets up A.J. with his cousin. The cousin has blond hair with black roots, overly plucked eyebrows, a heart-shaped face, and a high-pitched voice like Michael Jackson. She wears a low-cut top and a push-up bra, which creates a small, sad shelf for her name necklace to rest. Her name is Maria. In the middle of mozzarella sticks, they run out of conversation.
"What's your favorite book?" A.J. attempts to draw her out. (p.105)
When I got to page 249, a two-inch wedge of the page was folded down, the first page of a new chapter. Perhaps librarianship never dies; I carefully unfolded it, easing the crease so as not to further stress the paper and began to read. When I finished the page, I paused to refold the marker. I agreed with the opinion of the previous reader: Here is the place I learned something important.
When I got to the end, I was surprised the book was so small to have contained so many things to remember. I wanted to read or reread the short recommendations A.J. offered to Maya. I'd not forget the way his love of books bled over into his world view. And I'd not forget that author Zevin's voice even makes the Acknowledgements of interest.
In whole, a good gift to give as well. Quite an achievement indeed. (258 p.)
High school and up, though catalogued as for adult readers
November 9, 2015
Probably a 3 1/2. I like the idea that books are a part of our lives and that we can experience ideas and different lives just by picking up a book. There is a great list of books to read offered within this story.
A light, fun read about a book store owner on a small island trying to keep his bookstore and his life going after the death of his wife.
As always with modern stories, I get so tired of the casualness of sex in relationships and the salty language. When did we decide that it was OK to be so rude? Having said that, one of my favorite quotes from the book has a few choice words of its own...
Favorite Quotes:
"The most annoying thing about it is that once a person gives a shit about one thing, he finds he has to start giving a shit about everything."
"...the only thing worse than a world with big chain bookstores was a world with NO big chain bookstores.
A light, fun read about a book store owner on a small island trying to keep his bookstore and his life going after the death of his wife.
As always with modern stories, I get so tired of the casualness of sex in relationships and the salty language. When did we decide that it was OK to be so rude? Having said that, one of my favorite quotes from the book has a few choice words of its own...
Favorite Quotes:
"The most annoying thing about it is that once a person gives a shit about one thing, he finds he has to start giving a shit about everything."
"...the only thing worse than a world with big chain bookstores was a world with NO big chain bookstores.
April 23, 2015
What is not to like? Books, romance, an adopted child . . . but oh my goodness, just too darn sickly sweet. Miya, the child, is absolutely perfect and so unlike a real child that it's just impossible to overlook. The grumpy main character turns sweet when faced with Miya and then falls in love with the woman who sells him books. The plot is so easy to guess that I'm bored, and I'm ready to read something a bit more complex and intriguing.
November 10, 2016
Ready to Lead Book Club!
This gave wonderful insight into the book.( and into AJ Fikry). I really enjoyed reading it especially the analyses of the short stories he recommended before each chapter. I can't wait to share with my book club!
This gave wonderful insight into the book.( and into AJ Fikry). I really enjoyed reading it especially the analyses of the short stories he recommended before each chapter. I can't wait to share with my book club!
July 4, 2017
Engaging, sentimental storyline. I appreciate how all the threads come together at the end.
BTW it was mentioned in passing that both A.J. and Maya are black. Yet nowhere else in the book does this fact affect their relationships in a small New England town. A bit odd. I would have liked to have known whether race presented any particular problems.
BTW it was mentioned in passing that both A.J. and Maya are black. Yet nowhere else in the book does this fact affect their relationships in a small New England town. A bit odd. I would have liked to have known whether race presented any particular problems.
July 6, 2021
Oh my Gosh! This book will delight all book lovers, book sellers, and literary enthusiasts. It is fast paced with disruptions and complications, but mostly is has a whole lot of love and very interesting characters. 5 Stars
April 9, 2020
I wish I hadn’t read this last year.....it would be wonderful to read it at this weird time.
Yes, it makes you feel good, but not in a sugary overdose. Wish I knew of others like it!
June 8, 2017
I downloaded this accidentally from Amazon Kindle, thinking it was the book itself. I missed our book club's discussion of "The Storied LIfe of A.J. Fikry," so I did scan this guide.
January 23, 2024
A light read and entertaining.
May 25, 2024
I loved this simple, short, novel. Perfect for the plane or the beach. Lots of references to books I have read previously. Really care about the characters, and lots to feel good about.
September 1, 2024
Sweet, funny and very entertaining! Great selection from one of our book group members to lighten ourselves after our last book. I enjoy this author - very talented!
January 8, 2025
Entertaining and easy read.
December 12, 2015
I took a chance on this one because it's not the genre I usually read. However, I liked almost everything about it, especially the characters. There were a few jumps in time that were a bit hard to follow, but not enough to bug me. A one-star reviewer said she's never known a child like Maya, so found her unbelievable, particularly as a toddler. Well, I've known more than a few like Maya, including two of my own, and many in my private pre-school. So she made sense to me. Of course, I wasn't too keen on a major event near the end of the story, but it wrapped up nicely, except for no further mention of Maya.
It's ironic that I read this on my Kindle, which is where I read most books. However, I do support a locally owned children's bookstore and have for 35 years. And there's 6 paperback books on my desk waiting for their turn to be finished, so I haven't given up on paper altogether.
The author's written other books, including Elsewhere, but this is the first I've read of hers.
It's ironic that I read this on my Kindle, which is where I read most books. However, I do support a locally owned children's bookstore and have for 35 years. And there's 6 paperback books on my desk waiting for their turn to be finished, so I haven't given up on paper altogether.
The author's written other books, including Elsewhere, but this is the first I've read of hers.
May 8, 2014
Read about this book in either Bookpages or a blurb from our local library and requested it. After starting it, I invested myself more fully when I realized that for the most part, it took place on the fictional island of Alice, off the coast of Hyannis MA, that probably stands in for Martha's Vineyard (mah-thiz vin-yid) or Nantucket where I stayed several times in my MA years.
Anyway, I got it yesterday and finished it a few hours ago. It was a fast, easy read that made you laugh and cry and had a few surprises and ended on a happy note. These days it's good to read a book like that once in a while to take you away from what's going on in real life around our planet.
If you want something light and relatively happy, read this.
Anyway, I got it yesterday and finished it a few hours ago. It was a fast, easy read that made you laugh and cry and had a few surprises and ended on a happy note. These days it's good to read a book like that once in a while to take you away from what's going on in real life around our planet.
If you want something light and relatively happy, read this.
January 20, 2015
I think this is a great book for leading a book club discussion. It starts out with some thoughts about the book, then leads into a short summary of the different literary stories mentioned in The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry. Then it continues on with a synopsis of the book itself, and then with a short recap of all the characters in the book. It finishes with a list of book club discussion questions and a list of additional reading material that one might like if they liked this book.
Overall, it was very informative, especially since I had gone a few weeks since having read the book. I do wish there were a few more discussion questions, or at least list other points for discussion.
Overall, it was very informative, especially since I had gone a few weeks since having read the book. I do wish there were a few more discussion questions, or at least list other points for discussion.
May 11, 2015
What a delightful read!
A.J. Fikry owns a bookstore on Alice, off the coast of Hyannis. The only way to get there is by ferry. He is a widow until someone leaves a baby girl in his store. He is not known as a very friendly man, but takes to the child and adopts her. He begins a relationship with a book representative who he has known for 4 years, and they get married. I am not going to say more about the book, except to say that you will love A.J. Fikry and the book. I wanted to go to Alice and the bookstore.
A.J. Fikry owns a bookstore on Alice, off the coast of Hyannis. The only way to get there is by ferry. He is a widow until someone leaves a baby girl in his store. He is not known as a very friendly man, but takes to the child and adopts her. He begins a relationship with a book representative who he has known for 4 years, and they get married. I am not going to say more about the book, except to say that you will love A.J. Fikry and the book. I wanted to go to Alice and the bookstore.
September 29, 2015
When I tried to sell Maniac Magee to grade schoolers, I used to say that it made everyone who read it laugh out loud and cry out loud. What on earth could make a book better than that? Fikry made me laugh and cry out loud. I am still trying to decide if A.J. himself would have liked it. I am afraid he would have said it was rather sappy. I agreed with many of the literary complaints and praises...Who couldn't LOVE The Luck of Roaring Camp? And, yes, I liked the vampire references and I've watched....and read True Blood. Don't tell.
September 12, 2014
A recommended read. This book shows how love can conquer. A miserable man learns to love again after losing his wife to cancer from a little baby dropped on his doorstep to father. As the story unfolds we see how the child softens his heart and they become a family. It is a loving story showing the ups and downs, successes and losses of each family member and how all are entangled in webs of deceit.
May 1, 2016
Worth the Price and More
First the book, The Storied Life of AJ Fikry is astoundingly good, full of symbolism and Love. In my opinion, the book is so deep, that a good companion guide is of much value. Well, look no further. Kathryn Cope has done an excellent job of summarizing the plot and providing much material for discussion. My book club is discussing AJ tomorrow night and I can't wait to share the companion guide as well.
BTW, an RTA is a Road Traffic Accident.
First the book, The Storied Life of AJ Fikry is astoundingly good, full of symbolism and Love. In my opinion, the book is so deep, that a good companion guide is of much value. Well, look no further. Kathryn Cope has done an excellent job of summarizing the plot and providing much material for discussion. My book club is discussing AJ tomorrow night and I can't wait to share the companion guide as well.
BTW, an RTA is a Road Traffic Accident.
November 25, 2014
This is a delightful story, a fairy tale really. However it certainly points out the good that happens if one is kind and how unkindness can short-change one in life. Although I found this a "light" read I think it is a story that one won't forget. Loved the lists of books mentioned in the story. This is a book for everyone.
March 3, 2015
This is a cleverly written book with plenty of characters to get your teeth into. I loved the grumpy, set in his own world bookshop owner and practically all the others. I don't go into detail about the story because there's lots of others doing that for you here. I chose this for our book club and honestly expected mixed reviews but got a resounding 'we liked'.
November 18, 2017
This book gives excellent guidance in leading a discussion. The plot summary really helped me to recall what I read two years ago. Most valuable is the summary of each short story which is used to lead a chapter. These stories are clearly related to the plot and this little book helps us to see those relationships, especially if we don't have time to find and read each short story.
May 4, 2015
readable and largely enjoyable. yet marred by my two personal literary biases: whimsical story-telling, and books about books which deify the people who love them. these two combine to produce what reads like a comical orgy of auto-eroticism. which is less fun than it sounds.
September 23, 2014
Loved this delightful tale!
April 10, 2015
The audiobook was great as well. Sad ending. Sort of quick. Mildly predictable but lovely.
April 29, 2015
Having read this book for BookBrowse - 18 months of more ago, i needed to review for my book club. This guide was just what I needed.
May 19, 2015
For all of the bookworms out there, I very much enjoyed this read
September 4, 2015
I want to say that it was charming despite the fact that it has some dark events. An easy quick read that was very entertaining.
Read
September 25, 2015A thoroughly enjoyable read about a small town bookseller and how his life unexpectedly changed. Really loved and cared about the characters
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews