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It's Me They Follow
A bewitching novel within a novel—a blend of romance and magical realism, part The Lost Bookshop, part A Love Song for Ricki Wilde—a magical world in which a bookseller becomes a reluctant matchmaker, bringing soulmates together through books.
It’s Me They Follow is a meta-romance about love in the time of mass upheaval and uncertainty. It follows The Shopkeeper, a bookseller and reluctant matchmaker. Helping others find love through books comes easily for The Shopkeeper, except when it comes to finding someone for herself.
She secretly yearns for her first customer, ME, who took both her most prized book and a piece of her heart when he left. But just when she begins to lose hope, she discovers her magical bookshop may hold the key to her own happily ever after as well.
Bookseller and writer Jeannine Cook has conjured a magical love story that is a book within a book—penned by the Shopkeeper herself. Soon, readers will find themselves falling under the same love spell that the Shopkeeper’s books cast on her customers. In this magical bookshop where the line between fiction and reality blurs, tories and real life intertwine in an enchanting and moving narrative about human connection, the power
It’s Me They Follow is a meta-romance about love in the time of mass upheaval and uncertainty. It follows The Shopkeeper, a bookseller and reluctant matchmaker. Helping others find love through books comes easily for The Shopkeeper, except when it comes to finding someone for herself.
She secretly yearns for her first customer, ME, who took both her most prized book and a piece of her heart when he left. But just when she begins to lose hope, she discovers her magical bookshop may hold the key to her own happily ever after as well.
Bookseller and writer Jeannine Cook has conjured a magical love story that is a book within a book—penned by the Shopkeeper herself. Soon, readers will find themselves falling under the same love spell that the Shopkeeper’s books cast on her customers. In this magical bookshop where the line between fiction and reality blurs, tories and real life intertwine in an enchanting and moving narrative about human connection, the power
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 23, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
September 24, 2025
I was a bit confused at the beginning of this books but by the end I loved the main character, her sister, and the other cast of characters. I think The Shopkeeper represents us anxious people who need reminders to ground ourselves. Everyone needs reminders to come home to themselves. There are a lot of metaphorical antidotes in this book and I love it.
December 13, 2025
Very weird little book about a bookshop owner who cannot stand to be touched. Intriguing, though.
September 25, 2025
Book Tour Book/ Overall Story: 3/5
Audiobook/ Narration: 4/5
A book that’s as endearing as it is tender and hopeful. Cook’s writing and story telling is lyrical and bold. She manages to captivate with vivid characters and the perfect balance of humor, romance, and magic. I recommend this one for my literary fiction romance readers who enjoy layered stories with heart, magic, and talented prose.
Audiobook/ Narration: 4/5
A book that’s as endearing as it is tender and hopeful. Cook’s writing and story telling is lyrical and bold. She manages to captivate with vivid characters and the perfect balance of humor, romance, and magic. I recommend this one for my literary fiction romance readers who enjoy layered stories with heart, magic, and talented prose.
September 17, 2025
This book sounded really interesting and I did like parts of it but overall I found it kind of all over the place and distinguishing between the bookseller and the shopkeeper got confusing at times. There was a magical realism element, some matchmaking, a therapy group side story (which I did like a lot) but while good on audio it just wasn't a book for me. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
CW: blind side character
CW: blind side character
September 12, 2025
did not like at all. it was weird, hard to follow and just didn't make sense. not a fan at all. I still am not even sure what it was about.
October 23, 2025
Not going to lie I was confused for a big portion of the book, but I think I need to sit with this one to figure it out
August 20, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for granting me this e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
The synopsis hooked me — “a magical world where a bookseller becomes a reluctant matchmaker, bringing soulmates together through books” — and I truly thought I’d fall in love with the story. But for some reason, I just couldn’t connect with the characters, the storyline, or even the writing style the way I hoped to.
Overall, it was a creative premise that didn’t quite click for me personally.
Thank you once again for the e-ARC!
The synopsis hooked me — “a magical world where a bookseller becomes a reluctant matchmaker, bringing soulmates together through books” — and I truly thought I’d fall in love with the story. But for some reason, I just couldn’t connect with the characters, the storyline, or even the writing style the way I hoped to.
Overall, it was a creative premise that didn’t quite click for me personally.
Thank you once again for the e-ARC!
Read
October 31, 2025I had a hard time figuring this one out, and I found myself more confused- could be my state of mind d right now.
September 24, 2025
I will say that this story was a very spellbinding tale filled with exciting adventure and wonderful character. I will say I like the idea of a book seller also dabbling in the practice of matchmaking. However when you think about it a book seller would have a very good chance at being a good matchmaker since usually they match books with people's interests.
Overall this was my first time reading a book by Ms. Cook. I wilk say that I was very impressed and I will have to check out more of her books in the future.
Overall this was my first time reading a book by Ms. Cook. I wilk say that I was very impressed and I will have to check out more of her books in the future.
December 1, 2025
"The path with no beginning is worth beginning."
I cheered on the Shopkeeper as she goes on an introspective journey while opening up her new bookshop in the midst of dealing with the immense fear and dislike of physical touch.
The Shopkeeper's growth by the end really made this story.
As the author put it, this book is indeed "genre fluid" as it contains elements of romance, historical fiction and magical realism, making it a very quirky read.
I cheered on the Shopkeeper as she goes on an introspective journey while opening up her new bookshop in the midst of dealing with the immense fear and dislike of physical touch.
The Shopkeeper's growth by the end really made this story.
As the author put it, this book is indeed "genre fluid" as it contains elements of romance, historical fiction and magical realism, making it a very quirky read.
May 10, 2026
It’s a pretty strange book and it didn’t always work for me, but there were some really solid sections here. I loved the poetry and the overall messaging and themes in the book. The repeated line the characters kept referring to was magically beautiful: “The path with no beginning is worth beginning.” That entire poem is perfect. I ended up really liking the main characters and their complex journeys. There was a section of the book maybe 3/4 of the way in that lost me for a while and the ending didn’t fully work, but I was really intrigued by the beginning and thought the first half was great. I don’t really know what the point is in including the Covid pandemic. It didn’t relate that well for me and felt unnecessary to the story. Any illnesses could have just been an unknown illness or something like the flu and it would have changed nothing. The book ends in February of 2020, so the biggest impacts of the pandemic were only just brewing. That was a weird choice to me, especially when you read the postscript.
November 2, 2025
It was an interesting book. It gives me something I would have to read for school vibes. Listening to it was difficult but actually reading it was a bit easier so I could flip back and forth to keep it straight. I didn’t care for the cussing but I appreciate that the sexual parts were done tastefully and not graphic, but enough that you get the point.
This book was interesting enough for me to want to continue even though I didn’t completely follow at first.
If I were to give this book a rating it would be PG-13 for some sexual content and for the cussing and some adult themes.
This book was interesting enough for me to want to continue even though I didn’t completely follow at first.
If I were to give this book a rating it would be PG-13 for some sexual content and for the cussing and some adult themes.
August 4, 2025
3.75 Stars
ARC Received: NetGalley - Amistad
Publication Date: September 23, 2025
Set in a dreamy, bookshop-shaped love letter to Philadelphia, this story follows a Shopkeeper with a gift for matching others through the magic of literature, but struggles to find her own ending. I loved the Philly flavor, the references, the vibe. The writing feels like walking through a poem: rich, smooth, and soaked in yearning.
But at times, I felt like I was wandering through the streets without a map, so much was happening, and yet nothing at all. A story within a story within a story (which I usually love, so not a negative in my book), but somewhere in the nesting, I lost a bit of the heart-beat pacing I craved.
Still, for book lovers, romantic dreamers, and those who enjoy symbolism, atmospheric tales, this one is more than worth stepping into. 💫📚🧡
ARC Received: NetGalley - Amistad
Publication Date: September 23, 2025
Set in a dreamy, bookshop-shaped love letter to Philadelphia, this story follows a Shopkeeper with a gift for matching others through the magic of literature, but struggles to find her own ending. I loved the Philly flavor, the references, the vibe. The writing feels like walking through a poem: rich, smooth, and soaked in yearning.
But at times, I felt like I was wandering through the streets without a map, so much was happening, and yet nothing at all. A story within a story within a story (which I usually love, so not a negative in my book), but somewhere in the nesting, I lost a bit of the heart-beat pacing I craved.
Still, for book lovers, romantic dreamers, and those who enjoy symbolism, atmospheric tales, this one is more than worth stepping into. 💫📚🧡
Read
June 15, 2026I don’t want to rate this because I’m sure I’m just not smart enough. I didn’t exactly enjoy this book. I like the author a lot so I wanted to like it. Some of the story seems to not make sense to me which threw me off. Like I said, I’m probably just not sophisticated enough to understand.
June 13, 2026
Honestly, I was confused for a good 75% of this while reading; but I recognized that, at its core, this is a book about learning to love yourself. And those always resonate with me.
January 19, 2026
My young daughter picked this up off the library shelf and handed it to me because she liked the cover. I’m so glad she did. It’s a magical, unique little book.
July 27, 2025
I really wanted to fall in love with this book, especially because the themes are ones that usually pull me in fast. And while Jeannine A. Cook’s writing is rich and poetic, I found myself feeling a bit adrift. The structure felt more like scattered reflections than a cohesive story, and by 29%, I was still waiting for it to anchor me emotionally.
I loved the letters between the sisters, there were beautiful lines that made me pause and I even highlighted a couple that made me think “DEEP” (lol I loved when the MMC said this).
Overall, it just wasn’t the right book for me right now. I might revisit it someday when the timing is better, but for now, I’m setting it aside. I am still grateful I was able to read this e-ARC off the ‘Read Now’ section on NetGalley!
I loved the letters between the sisters, there were beautiful lines that made me pause and I even highlighted a couple that made me think “DEEP” (lol I loved when the MMC said this).
Overall, it just wasn’t the right book for me right now. I might revisit it someday when the timing is better, but for now, I’m setting it aside. I am still grateful I was able to read this e-ARC off the ‘Read Now’ section on NetGalley!
July 9, 2026
Yet another title that I wanted and tried very hard to love and even recommend to others.
Nevertheless. . .
Off rip, I want to acknowledge the love and appreciation for Philly that was demonstrated in this book. I also want to appreciate the author for giving flowers to both the late Harriet "Araminta" Tubman and Sonia Sanchez!
A few things to clear up: I am not a poetry person, I have no connection to Philadelphia, and I would not call myself an artist.
That said, there are so many reasons for this 1-star rating.
If we're going to bring up the "so creative" point. Cool, but I've also read In the Dream House, by Carmen Maria Machado, which amongst other things the author takes the liberty of writing each chapter in a different style than the one before. Gave it 3.5 stars. I also read Black Girl Unlimited, by the late Echo Brown, which is a memoir told with magical realism as our main character navigates life from childhood to graduating high school. Solid 5-stars and personally, a very relatable story.
Creative does not equate to confusion and unfortunately, The Shopkeeper's story was all over the place.
Individually, the parts of It's Me They Follow could have been great; could have worked to come across to readers as something to have interesting conversations about after reading. Yet, the parts together, as a whole failed to provide me with anything useful to grasp onto. I never got a chance to empathize with the characters, never got a chance to innerstand what "THAT ENERGY" was or it's role in the shop failing to open, prior to very end of the book. . .
If we're going to bring up the "Shopkeeper/Matchmaker" points, cool. Shopkeeper moved to Philly from VA. She used to be an interior designer. She didn't really have publishers or bookseller clients, but she had books and other items that were left over from her interior designer days. She's not ready to open the shop, partly because she doesn't want anyone to touch her. She self-published one book a few years ago. She gives one copy to her sister, which we understands happened shortly before this story begins and we later find out that the sister gets pregnant by a bus driver. She gives another copy to an older woman and younger man in her writing group. Those two later end up in what Jada Pinkett Smith would call an entanglement. Is that what we're calling matchmaking?
"That Energy" - Was mentioned, then exemplified in the form of a seemingly "touchy feely" woman who was supposed to be installing the professional sign for the bookshop. Then it was mentioned as a type of outwardly racist and violent inclination. I can understand both but these are two totally different things.
"It's allegorical."
Fine, but again, that does not equate to confusing. Also, if we're going with the hidden meaning angle are we not considering the aspects of the story (or it's world) that were stated clearly and exclusively. For example, the story clearly takes place in Philadelphia, PA - not some unknown or completely made up place. The Main character and her sister are exactly that, not animals, fairies, or other beings. Furthermore, the story is told over the course of a very specific time period - not any random 30 days or whatever.
One of the most egregious factors, in my opinion was the lack of the author setting the stage/scene for what happens. What should be important elements of the story build up and ultimately how readers feel about the characters and what happens to them seemed to just come out of nowhere, like the family trauma, Gee's relationship with Elle, as it concerns things like "making pretend" and having their own special form of communication.
By the time I was almost finished with the story (page 183), it was such a struggle and I just stopped caring.
Although, I know that this author can write a great story! I was so immersed in the story of Elle and the demons being cast out in church. I also enjoyed the passage where The Shopkeeper went on a date and met ME's aunt for furniture. Another great storyline was Rose and Big/Lil Al.
It's really too bad that overall it turned out to be a "No" for me.
Nevertheless. . .
Off rip, I want to acknowledge the love and appreciation for Philly that was demonstrated in this book. I also want to appreciate the author for giving flowers to both the late Harriet "Araminta" Tubman and Sonia Sanchez!
A few things to clear up: I am not a poetry person, I have no connection to Philadelphia, and I would not call myself an artist.
That said, there are so many reasons for this 1-star rating.
If we're going to bring up the "so creative" point. Cool, but I've also read In the Dream House, by Carmen Maria Machado, which amongst other things the author takes the liberty of writing each chapter in a different style than the one before. Gave it 3.5 stars. I also read Black Girl Unlimited, by the late Echo Brown, which is a memoir told with magical realism as our main character navigates life from childhood to graduating high school. Solid 5-stars and personally, a very relatable story.
Creative does not equate to confusion and unfortunately, The Shopkeeper's story was all over the place.
Individually, the parts of It's Me They Follow could have been great; could have worked to come across to readers as something to have interesting conversations about after reading. Yet, the parts together, as a whole failed to provide me with anything useful to grasp onto. I never got a chance to empathize with the characters, never got a chance to innerstand what "THAT ENERGY" was or it's role in the shop failing to open, prior to very end of the book. . .
If we're going to bring up the "Shopkeeper/Matchmaker" points, cool. Shopkeeper moved to Philly from VA. She used to be an interior designer. She didn't really have publishers or bookseller clients, but she had books and other items that were left over from her interior designer days. She's not ready to open the shop, partly because she doesn't want anyone to touch her. She self-published one book a few years ago. She gives one copy to her sister, which we understands happened shortly before this story begins and we later find out that the sister gets pregnant by a bus driver. She gives another copy to an older woman and younger man in her writing group. Those two later end up in what Jada Pinkett Smith would call an entanglement. Is that what we're calling matchmaking?
"That Energy" - Was mentioned, then exemplified in the form of a seemingly "touchy feely" woman who was supposed to be installing the professional sign for the bookshop. Then it was mentioned as a type of outwardly racist and violent inclination. I can understand both but these are two totally different things.
"It's allegorical."
Fine, but again, that does not equate to confusing. Also, if we're going with the hidden meaning angle are we not considering the aspects of the story (or it's world) that were stated clearly and exclusively. For example, the story clearly takes place in Philadelphia, PA - not some unknown or completely made up place. The Main character and her sister are exactly that, not animals, fairies, or other beings. Furthermore, the story is told over the course of a very specific time period - not any random 30 days or whatever.
One of the most egregious factors, in my opinion was the lack of the author setting the stage/scene for what happens. What should be important elements of the story build up and ultimately how readers feel about the characters and what happens to them seemed to just come out of nowhere, like the family trauma, Gee's relationship with Elle, as it concerns things like "making pretend" and having their own special form of communication.
By the time I was almost finished with the story (page 183), it was such a struggle and I just stopped caring.
Although, I know that this author can write a great story! I was so immersed in the story of Elle and the demons being cast out in church. I also enjoyed the passage where The Shopkeeper went on a date and met ME's aunt for furniture. Another great storyline was Rose and Big/Lil Al.
It's really too bad that overall it turned out to be a "No" for me.
November 11, 2025
A bookseller with a fear of touch. A missing soulmate. A self-published book that keeps reappearing.
This story reads like a dream—whimsical, symbolic, and quietly haunting. The Shopkeeper prepares to open her enchanted bookstore, helping others find love even as her own heart aches for ME, the monk-in-training who vanished with her words and a piece of her soul.
Some threads didn’t connect until the very end, and even then, a few felt more metaphor than narrative. But that’s part of its magic. The characters—The Shopkeeper, ME, Elle, the Good Doctor—aren’t just named, they’re felt. ME embodies longing and unfinished connection. Elle offers grounding love. The Good Doctor mirrors the Shopkeeper’s inner world, guiding her toward truth and vulnerability.
The Shopkeeper’s fear of touch echoes the quiet ache of haphephobia—a longing for closeness wrapped in protective distance. Her physical aversion becomes a metaphor for emotional walls. Yet through Elle’s love, the Good Doctor’s insight, and ME’s lingering imprint, she begins to unlearn that fear. Vulnerability becomes her quiet rebellion.
💛”I built this shop for love. Not just the romantic kind, but the kind that lingers in pages and people.”
This line anchors the story’s heart. The bookstore isn’t just a setting—it’s a metaphor for belonging. Though the idea that soulmates find each other through stories is more suggested than shown, the sentiment lingers:
📚 Books are bridges to belonging.
They don’t just entertain—they guide us home.
This story reads like a dream—whimsical, symbolic, and quietly haunting. The Shopkeeper prepares to open her enchanted bookstore, helping others find love even as her own heart aches for ME, the monk-in-training who vanished with her words and a piece of her soul.
Some threads didn’t connect until the very end, and even then, a few felt more metaphor than narrative. But that’s part of its magic. The characters—The Shopkeeper, ME, Elle, the Good Doctor—aren’t just named, they’re felt. ME embodies longing and unfinished connection. Elle offers grounding love. The Good Doctor mirrors the Shopkeeper’s inner world, guiding her toward truth and vulnerability.
The Shopkeeper’s fear of touch echoes the quiet ache of haphephobia—a longing for closeness wrapped in protective distance. Her physical aversion becomes a metaphor for emotional walls. Yet through Elle’s love, the Good Doctor’s insight, and ME’s lingering imprint, she begins to unlearn that fear. Vulnerability becomes her quiet rebellion.
💛”I built this shop for love. Not just the romantic kind, but the kind that lingers in pages and people.”
This line anchors the story’s heart. The bookstore isn’t just a setting—it’s a metaphor for belonging. Though the idea that soulmates find each other through stories is more suggested than shown, the sentiment lingers:
📚 Books are bridges to belonging.
They don’t just entertain—they guide us home.
July 26, 2025
This book really caught me off guard…. I went in thinking it might be a sweet, slightly quirky love story with a bit of magical realism… and what I got was something so much more tender, emotional, and unexpected.
It’s not your typical romance. It’s quiet, thoughtful, and full of layers. The main character — known only as The Shopkeeper — runs a bookstore in Philly and has this beautiful way of matching people with books and soulmates, even though she’s never experienced that kind of connection herself. She’s never even been kissed, and she lives with a deep fear of being touched. And then someone walks into her life who seems just as untouchable… and maybe just as magical.
The writing is unlike anything I’ve read before — lyrical, a little surreal at times, and completely original. It felt like stepping into someone’s inner world, where books, love, grief, and hope all swirl together.
I honestly don’t even know how to fully describe this one — it’s soft and strange and brave and just different…. It made me feel a little bit more open, a little more tender toward the world.
Massive thanks to NetGalley & Amistad for the ARC. I’m really glad this book found me when it did.
It’s not your typical romance. It’s quiet, thoughtful, and full of layers. The main character — known only as The Shopkeeper — runs a bookstore in Philly and has this beautiful way of matching people with books and soulmates, even though she’s never experienced that kind of connection herself. She’s never even been kissed, and she lives with a deep fear of being touched. And then someone walks into her life who seems just as untouchable… and maybe just as magical.
The writing is unlike anything I’ve read before — lyrical, a little surreal at times, and completely original. It felt like stepping into someone’s inner world, where books, love, grief, and hope all swirl together.
I honestly don’t even know how to fully describe this one — it’s soft and strange and brave and just different…. It made me feel a little bit more open, a little more tender toward the world.
Massive thanks to NetGalley & Amistad for the ARC. I’m really glad this book found me when it did.
September 29, 2025
Tropes:
Found family
Magical realism
Matchmaker heroine
Slow burn romance
Epistolary elements (letters)
Self-discovery journey
Unattainable love interest
Bookshop setting
This book is giving major magic bookshop vibes with a side of emotional rollercoaster. The story follows The Shopkeeper, a low-key emotional loner dodging social anxiety while matching strangers and pining after a mysterious monk called ME. Okay, the names are weird at first, but trust, it starts making sense as the magical realism kicks in and reality gets blurry.
The writing is layered, quirky, and occasionally surreal. Everyone’s got issues, but that’s relatable, right? It’s witty and deep at the same time—even the bookshop is basically half mystical, half cozy hangout. The Shopkeeper’s “touch phobia” and the struggle to build a life while hiding behind stacks of books feel super real 100% introvert representation, but with lots of slow-burning growth.
It’s the kind of book you finish and immediately need to DM someone about. Letters between sisters, found family feels, creative writing group therapy, and blurry lines between “just friends” and something more keep things spicy. If you’re into unconventional romance, self-discovery, and books-about-books, definitely add this to the TBR.
Found family
Magical realism
Matchmaker heroine
Slow burn romance
Epistolary elements (letters)
Self-discovery journey
Unattainable love interest
Bookshop setting
This book is giving major magic bookshop vibes with a side of emotional rollercoaster. The story follows The Shopkeeper, a low-key emotional loner dodging social anxiety while matching strangers and pining after a mysterious monk called ME. Okay, the names are weird at first, but trust, it starts making sense as the magical realism kicks in and reality gets blurry.
The writing is layered, quirky, and occasionally surreal. Everyone’s got issues, but that’s relatable, right? It’s witty and deep at the same time—even the bookshop is basically half mystical, half cozy hangout. The Shopkeeper’s “touch phobia” and the struggle to build a life while hiding behind stacks of books feel super real 100% introvert representation, but with lots of slow-burning growth.
It’s the kind of book you finish and immediately need to DM someone about. Letters between sisters, found family feels, creative writing group therapy, and blurry lines between “just friends” and something more keep things spicy. If you’re into unconventional romance, self-discovery, and books-about-books, definitely add this to the TBR.
September 26, 2025
I don’t know if I have ever read a book quite like this. It was a little hard at first to find my stride in figuring out what was happening in the beginning. My main struggle was with the character names, but it makes sense the more you read. This book was part funny, part therapeutic, with romantic undertones. Full of spellbinding magical realism. Some of my favorite parts of the book were the letters between the sisters, and the creative writing group. Other themes include opening a book shop and fear of failure, social anxiety, and found family. This author’s writing is lyrical and layered which I enjoyed. This book is short, but don’t let that fool you it requires a level of deep thought and imagination. Here’s a few quotes from the book that i enjoyed:
“But like yourself, he has a lot of…issues. Who you love is always a reflection of you.”
“The path with no beginning is worth beginning.”
“Sometime touch is about the ability to let someone feel you from the inside out.”
I recommend this book for lovers of A love Song for Ricki Wilde, Ghost of Gwendolyn Montgomery, and The Alchemist.
“But like yourself, he has a lot of…issues. Who you love is always a reflection of you.”
“The path with no beginning is worth beginning.”
“Sometime touch is about the ability to let someone feel you from the inside out.”
I recommend this book for lovers of A love Song for Ricki Wilde, Ghost of Gwendolyn Montgomery, and The Alchemist.
October 5, 2025
“Stories are what hold their family together.”
What seized me first in It’s Me They Follow was the writing style. It grabbed me and never let me go, made me travel by itself. The story is special, a bit like drawers you open, with quite different contents but that, in the end, draw a bigger picture. We follow the Shopkeeper —that fourt-ish years old character who wants to open a bookstore but dreads physical contact— along her journey though sisterhood, group therapy, love, and even maybe friendship. The “drawers” open and transform into stories, a (road)trip to self-discovery, self appreciation and confidence.
If you are looking for a romance, it might not be the right one. The romance here is more metaphorical than anything else, and the main lesson might be that to grow and being able to love, you have to love yourself first —and take charge of yourself. But if you want a light book (even though it addresses deeper subjects like childhood traumas), that will make you grow as a person, then you should definitely try this one.
Thank you to the author, Harper Collins and Colored Pages PR for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
What seized me first in It’s Me They Follow was the writing style. It grabbed me and never let me go, made me travel by itself. The story is special, a bit like drawers you open, with quite different contents but that, in the end, draw a bigger picture. We follow the Shopkeeper —that fourt-ish years old character who wants to open a bookstore but dreads physical contact— along her journey though sisterhood, group therapy, love, and even maybe friendship. The “drawers” open and transform into stories, a (road)trip to self-discovery, self appreciation and confidence.
If you are looking for a romance, it might not be the right one. The romance here is more metaphorical than anything else, and the main lesson might be that to grow and being able to love, you have to love yourself first —and take charge of yourself. But if you want a light book (even though it addresses deeper subjects like childhood traumas), that will make you grow as a person, then you should definitely try this one.
Thank you to the author, Harper Collins and Colored Pages PR for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
July 6, 2026
I was not the target audience for this book. I added it to my TBR because I found it on a list of books about books and it looked interesting based on the cover. Based on the cover and the title I thought it was a YA thriller. Definitely not! That was my own bad. However I am a reader of all genres so I mentally pivoted to read about a 40 year old adult woman stagnating before a precipice of her life.
I wouldn’t have minded a “normal” story about that. But I think this book was way too philosophical for me. Too meta. I kept wondering what was real and what was a divine message/hallucination, and I get that that’s part of what makes magical realism, but I was also constantly wondering what was supposed to be a metaphor and what was supposed to be taken straightforward. Perhaps that’s also the point. I think this would make a great novel to be studied in a class and in book groups, finding the symbolism in everything. And perhaps I would’ve liked it better if I had read it physically versus the audiobook (although the narrator did a great job). I dunno. It’s okay that this book wasn’t meant for me.
I wouldn’t have minded a “normal” story about that. But I think this book was way too philosophical for me. Too meta. I kept wondering what was real and what was a divine message/hallucination, and I get that that’s part of what makes magical realism, but I was also constantly wondering what was supposed to be a metaphor and what was supposed to be taken straightforward. Perhaps that’s also the point. I think this would make a great novel to be studied in a class and in book groups, finding the symbolism in everything. And perhaps I would’ve liked it better if I had read it physically versus the audiobook (although the narrator did a great job). I dunno. It’s okay that this book wasn’t meant for me.
September 23, 2025
Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - September 5, 2025
Publication Date - Available Today!
*I received a finished copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @itsmetheyfollow, @coloredpagesbt, @amistadbooks and @netgalley!
It's Me They Follow is a unique literary fiction book about books but it is so much more than that. It has a focus on self-discovery and self-love with many great lessons and messages about grief and connection. The book even has some approaches or exercises that you can try... with or without some modifications depending on how daring you would like to be. The writing style is just as unique as the book itself, it took me a little while to get used to but it fits the story. This story shows that when change happens inside of you, change also starts happening around you. As someone who has been going through what feels like endless change this year, this book really resonated with me. It’s Me They Follow makes you think and demonstrates how the line between fiction and reality isn't always easy to determine. I definitely had to sit and think and process in silence for a little while once I finished reading. If you like books about books and books that make you think, you should try It’s Me They Follow!
Get excited to read It's Me They Follow, available now! 🎉
*Please check trigger warnings*
Date Read - September 5, 2025
Publication Date - Available Today!
*I received a finished copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @itsmetheyfollow, @coloredpagesbt, @amistadbooks and @netgalley!
It's Me They Follow is a unique literary fiction book about books but it is so much more than that. It has a focus on self-discovery and self-love with many great lessons and messages about grief and connection. The book even has some approaches or exercises that you can try... with or without some modifications depending on how daring you would like to be. The writing style is just as unique as the book itself, it took me a little while to get used to but it fits the story. This story shows that when change happens inside of you, change also starts happening around you. As someone who has been going through what feels like endless change this year, this book really resonated with me. It’s Me They Follow makes you think and demonstrates how the line between fiction and reality isn't always easy to determine. I definitely had to sit and think and process in silence for a little while once I finished reading. If you like books about books and books that make you think, you should try It’s Me They Follow!
Get excited to read It's Me They Follow, available now! 🎉
*Please check trigger warnings*
September 18, 2025
Finished the book last night...
in love at that dedication! To the fool and the magician.
It was like an endless cup of chai- heavy scented and surprising with a heat that warms ur heart n cools ur head.
i love the compassion for so many complex ppl along their journey. Like the Alchemist, it brewed compassion within me.
I love how layers of philly are woven into the pages...musoc, authors, places, communities, shops. It simmered under ever scene ..popping up in the most surprising ways - from Sonia to Jill to Will then..ever and always- back to Harriet and the Land of Fishtown . Definitively displays the beautuly, resiliance and endless creativity in the Touched..in the ones who answer the call that echo from the ancestors. Get chu a few n pass them around! Be ready to meet ur best self at the end.
in love at that dedication! To the fool and the magician.
It was like an endless cup of chai- heavy scented and surprising with a heat that warms ur heart n cools ur head.
i love the compassion for so many complex ppl along their journey. Like the Alchemist, it brewed compassion within me.
I love how layers of philly are woven into the pages...musoc, authors, places, communities, shops. It simmered under ever scene ..popping up in the most surprising ways - from Sonia to Jill to Will then..ever and always- back to Harriet and the Land of Fishtown . Definitively displays the beautuly, resiliance and endless creativity in the Touched..in the ones who answer the call that echo from the ancestors. Get chu a few n pass them around! Be ready to meet ur best self at the end.
September 22, 2025
From the beginning of this book I was held captive by this love story waiting to unfold ! The characters were so relatable. As I read all I could think of not wanting this book to end . The author draws you into thoughts of your own world and life ! The book is thought provoking. I did not want the book to end ! I want to know when part two will come? I have not read a book that captures the true essence of two different people yet two people connected in such a way that allows you the reader an opportunity to look outside of your self to find friendship and love! A love that transcends into a higher dept ! If you are looking for a good read this is your book! Share a copy with friends to explore who you really are! Thanks to the author for sharing this story with us! Until next time !!!!!
September 29, 2025
This magical realism book follows the story of The Shopkeeper, who is preparing to open a bookstore and her relationship with ME, a monk in training.
It did not start with a bang but rather with some confusion and the beginning was all over the place.
But when it picked up pace, it was engaging.
The book is rather unique with the way it portrayed The Shopkeeper and her haphephobia and how she deals with the people she comes in contact with.
There are many layers to this book- the discovery of one’s self, therapy, magical realism and the romance.
I enjoyed the brevity, uniqueness of the plot and the author’s writing style which was very direct. I loved the letters between the sisters. The writing group was a vibe on its own and I enjoyed their interactions.
Fans of magical realism will enjoy this.
It did not start with a bang but rather with some confusion and the beginning was all over the place.
But when it picked up pace, it was engaging.
The book is rather unique with the way it portrayed The Shopkeeper and her haphephobia and how she deals with the people she comes in contact with.
There are many layers to this book- the discovery of one’s self, therapy, magical realism and the romance.
I enjoyed the brevity, uniqueness of the plot and the author’s writing style which was very direct. I loved the letters between the sisters. The writing group was a vibe on its own and I enjoyed their interactions.
Fans of magical realism will enjoy this.
October 23, 2025
Imagine the works of Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, and Gloria Naylor interspersed with the poetics of Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, and Gwendolyn Brooks, plus they’re all interconnected to the voice of Sonia Sanchez and the spirit of Harriett Tubman, added to your own experience of growing up as a Philly Jawn—Black and Woman—navigating love and struggle, and then you will know what it is to read “It’s Me They Follow” by Jeannine A. Cook. Rather than linear storylines, I absorbed this date and time-stamped tale as a fictitious prequel to her forthcoming memoir; more like watching an eight episodic series that I paused each time the magical realism somehow resonated with my own life in the moment or in reflection of a past remembrance. If you believe in artistic license and that creativity is an ancestral gift, you’ll appreciate the story of ME (not me).
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