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The Memory of Borrowed Books
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Expected 6 Oct 26A sweeping, magical ode to community and the stories we leave behind, The Memory of Borrowed Books follows one librarian who discovers a hidden room of unfinished memories—and must find the one that can save her beloved library from closing forever. Perfect for fans of Evie Woods and How to Read a Book.
Deep in the library lives a hidden room
where magic lines the shelves and memories lie in wait
Ready for readers daring enough to finally discover the truth.
In the coastal town of Foxhollow Bay, librarian Claire Ashford keeps her life as meticulously ordered as the centuries-old library she calls home. But when the town announces plans to shut it down, her sanctuary, and the life she's built within its walls, begins to crumble.
One night, while wandering the stacks after hours, Claire discovers a door that shouldn't exist. And behind it lies a secret room filled with books no one else can see.
Each book pulls her into the memories of those who have passed through the library's doors—moments half-lived and stories left unfinished. Buried within these pages is a message the library has been trying to share, urging Claire to uncover the path to saving it.
With the demolition looming and time running out, Claire must piece together what the library is trying to show her. But one book keeps calling her back, and in its pages is a memory that could change everything. One that reveals the key to saving the library may be tangled in her own memories more than she ever could have imagined.
An ode to the power of community and hope, The Memory of Borrowed Books is a sweeping story about what's at stake when the places we love—and the memories they hold—are threatened. A reminder that what we fight to preserve just might be the very thing that saves us in return.
Deep in the library lives a hidden room
where magic lines the shelves and memories lie in wait
Ready for readers daring enough to finally discover the truth.
In the coastal town of Foxhollow Bay, librarian Claire Ashford keeps her life as meticulously ordered as the centuries-old library she calls home. But when the town announces plans to shut it down, her sanctuary, and the life she's built within its walls, begins to crumble.
One night, while wandering the stacks after hours, Claire discovers a door that shouldn't exist. And behind it lies a secret room filled with books no one else can see.
Each book pulls her into the memories of those who have passed through the library's doors—moments half-lived and stories left unfinished. Buried within these pages is a message the library has been trying to share, urging Claire to uncover the path to saving it.
With the demolition looming and time running out, Claire must piece together what the library is trying to show her. But one book keeps calling her back, and in its pages is a memory that could change everything. One that reveals the key to saving the library may be tangled in her own memories more than she ever could have imagined.
An ode to the power of community and hope, The Memory of Borrowed Books is a sweeping story about what's at stake when the places we love—and the memories they hold—are threatened. A reminder that what we fight to preserve just might be the very thing that saves us in return.
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Meg Anderson
1 book103 followersMeg Anderson is a contemporary fiction author who writes bookish magical realism. She is married to her college sweetheart and is a mom to three kids and four very opinionated cats. She lives in Indiana, where she can usually be found folding an unreasonable amount of laundry or reheating the same cup of coffee. She'll also be the first to reassure you that you can never have too many books, no matter what your bookshelves try to say.
Meg lives with multiple sclerosis, a part of her life but never the whole story. Writing has always been her outlet, and somewhere along the way, she discovered that putting words on the page helped her make sense of the world around her, sparking her love for writing stories. Whether she's dreaming up her next novel or getting lost in someone else's, Meg believes in the power of stories to comfort, connect, and create joy—even through life's hardest chapters.
Meg lives with multiple sclerosis, a part of her life but never the whole story. Writing has always been her outlet, and somewhere along the way, she discovered that putting words on the page helped her make sense of the world around her, sparking her love for writing stories. Whether she's dreaming up her next novel or getting lost in someone else's, Meg believes in the power of stories to comfort, connect, and create joy—even through life's hardest chapters.
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February 5, 2026Hi, I’m Meg! And I’m so glad you found this book.
I wrote The Memory of Borrowed Books for anyone who has ever carried a story through a hard season. This book grew out of my love for libraries and writing it reminded me how powerful it can be to feel seen through a story and how much comfort books can offer when we need it most.
I can’t wait for you to step inside Foxhollow Library, wander the stacks, and hopefully find a little piece of yourself waiting there.
I wrote The Memory of Borrowed Books for anyone who has ever carried a story through a hard season. This book grew out of my love for libraries and writing it reminded me how powerful it can be to feel seen through a story and how much comfort books can offer when we need it most.
I can’t wait for you to step inside Foxhollow Library, wander the stacks, and hopefully find a little piece of yourself waiting there.
April 4, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from the author
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of Meg Anderson’s debut novel, The Memory of Borrowed Books.
The story follows a librarian named Claire who finds a hidden room full of books that hold people's memories just as the library is facing closure and demolition.
The characters and the way grief was woven in to story really resonated with me. The relationship between the father and daughter reminded me so much of the bond I had with my dad before he passed away, and it honestly hit home in the best way possible. I went through a lot of tissues while reading, but in the best way.
I got so sucked into the mystery behind the books and how they connected to the other characters that I literally could not put it down. I stayed up way too late reading because I had to see how it ended—my 'one more chapter' lie was a total fail that night!
Meg Anderson did such an amazing job with this story. It’s got a bit of magic, a bit of mystery, and a lot of heart. Any reader, no matter what your genre of choice, will fall in love with this book.
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of Meg Anderson’s debut novel, The Memory of Borrowed Books.
The story follows a librarian named Claire who finds a hidden room full of books that hold people's memories just as the library is facing closure and demolition.
The characters and the way grief was woven in to story really resonated with me. The relationship between the father and daughter reminded me so much of the bond I had with my dad before he passed away, and it honestly hit home in the best way possible. I went through a lot of tissues while reading, but in the best way.
I got so sucked into the mystery behind the books and how they connected to the other characters that I literally could not put it down. I stayed up way too late reading because I had to see how it ended—my 'one more chapter' lie was a total fail that night!
Meg Anderson did such an amazing job with this story. It’s got a bit of magic, a bit of mystery, and a lot of heart. Any reader, no matter what your genre of choice, will fall in love with this book.
March 31, 2026
What originally felt like a fun escapism type book that focused on a librarian in a small town became so much more. There were battles against the city council to save the library, escaping into a book of townspeople past to understand a tragedy, and unpacking a LOT of trauma. This book had so much sorrow, so much mystery, and a slow burn romance. It was beautifully written and made you feel like you were a part of this town. Grace was by far my favorite character and added so much comedic relief to heavy moments of the book.
I really loved this tragic, but whimsical story of hope, resilience, and community power.
I really loved this tragic, but whimsical story of hope, resilience, and community power.
May 19, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Please note this is a 3.5.
This book emphasises one of the most important conversations that we should be having at the moment. Libraries, and other spaces created as not for profit but rather for the proliferation and enjoyment of knowledge, are often under fire. If it’s not the libraries under fire, it’s the books themselves, and we are not defending them as rigorously as we could be.
This book tackles that concept head-on, but in a surprisingly heartfelt way. It doesn’t feel like preaching so much as a genuine love letter to books and reading, and it’s lovely to read from that perspective. I cared about the library as a character and an entity,
I do think that the characters themselves were a little less interesting. I didn’t learn too much about them beyond the context of the library itself, and I could have done with just a few more quiet moments with the people themselves. Our main character, especially, I came out feeling that she was more a vessel than anything else for the story.
I applaud the author for tackling a magical realism piece that deals with the value of a safe place, and I think it’s so absolutely worth the discussion. Support your local libraries in whatever way you can. They deserve it.
Please note this is a 3.5.
This book emphasises one of the most important conversations that we should be having at the moment. Libraries, and other spaces created as not for profit but rather for the proliferation and enjoyment of knowledge, are often under fire. If it’s not the libraries under fire, it’s the books themselves, and we are not defending them as rigorously as we could be.
This book tackles that concept head-on, but in a surprisingly heartfelt way. It doesn’t feel like preaching so much as a genuine love letter to books and reading, and it’s lovely to read from that perspective. I cared about the library as a character and an entity,
I do think that the characters themselves were a little less interesting. I didn’t learn too much about them beyond the context of the library itself, and I could have done with just a few more quiet moments with the people themselves. Our main character, especially, I came out feeling that she was more a vessel than anything else for the story.
I applaud the author for tackling a magical realism piece that deals with the value of a safe place, and I think it’s so absolutely worth the discussion. Support your local libraries in whatever way you can. They deserve it.
March 29, 2026
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley.
At first I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was hooked when the story took a turn into magical realism. I found myself flying through the pages trying to unravel the mystery, feeling the raw emotions of the characters. I may have shed a tear or twenty. Very lovely book. Very satisfying albeit bittersweet ending. Thank you so much!
At first I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was hooked when the story took a turn into magical realism. I found myself flying through the pages trying to unravel the mystery, feeling the raw emotions of the characters. I may have shed a tear or twenty. Very lovely book. Very satisfying albeit bittersweet ending. Thank you so much!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Reviewing an uncorrected proof/advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher - Sourcebooks Landmark, and the author - Ms. Meg Anderson for sharing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a brilliant debut writing.
This book begins as a story about a library under threat of redevelopment, but slowly unfolds into something far more emotional, reflective, and deeply human. More than anything else, it made me think about the role of community spaces in our lives and how we often fail to fully see what they truly mean to people.
A library is not merely a building or a commercial property measured by footfall, utilization, or profit numbers. In the same way, it is not just about the books it holds, the rarity of its collections, the archives it preserves, its usefulness or the workshops it conducts. It is always more than that.
For a community, a library can become a refuge just by existing. It quietly holds the stories of generations of people within its walls. For a struggling student, the free books and resources available there may shape their future. For grandparents, it may become a place to bond with their grandchildren during story sessions. For lonely or troubled people, it can become a quiet safe haven. I absolutely loved how the author explored this multi-layered idea of what community spaces truly mean. I think most of us only think till the second layer on a day to day basis, but this book pushes you toward seeing an even deeper emotional layer behind them, and I thought that was absolutely brilliant.
At the center of the story is Claire, a librarian trying to save her library from being turned into a more commercially profitable community space. Alongside her colleague Grace, she fights to preserve it while also dealing with severe insomnia and emotional wounds she herself does not fully understand.
Then the story takes a beautifully imaginative turn. Inside the archives room, a mysterious hidden room appears where none existed before, pulling Claire into memories connected to the library and its visitors. Through these moments, the library itself begins revealing what it has meant to ordinary people over the years.
Alongside Claire’s journey runs Julian’s story - an artist obsessively stuck to drawing a specific bridge, as he is haunted by a past he is not yet fully ready to confront. Through Claire, Julian, and the shared thread connecting them through Eddie, the author builds a layered fantasy narrative that feels emotional, thought-provoking, and fantastical all at once. The speculative elements never overwhelm the human heart of the story.
And that climax absolutely destroyed me.
The moment Claire finally understands the truth behind her insomnia - especially the flashback involving herself, her father and Eddie - was devastating. Reading Julian’s perspective during those scenes made it even more heartbreaking. Usually, guilt is associated with directly doing something wrong, but this book explores the guilt that comes from seeing something and failing to acknowledge its significance. Sometimes the smallest things we dismiss casually can profoundly alter another person’s life. Watching Julian realize the emotional weight of that truth was heartbreaking. I was genuinely bawling my eyes out during those scenes.
For a debut novel, this was remarkably confident, emotionally intelligent, and beautifully written. Thought-provoking, emotionally rich, and deeply empathetic - this was an unforgettable five-star read for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher - Sourcebooks Landmark, and the author - Ms. Meg Anderson for sharing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a brilliant debut writing.
This book begins as a story about a library under threat of redevelopment, but slowly unfolds into something far more emotional, reflective, and deeply human. More than anything else, it made me think about the role of community spaces in our lives and how we often fail to fully see what they truly mean to people.
A library is not merely a building or a commercial property measured by footfall, utilization, or profit numbers. In the same way, it is not just about the books it holds, the rarity of its collections, the archives it preserves, its usefulness or the workshops it conducts. It is always more than that.
For a community, a library can become a refuge just by existing. It quietly holds the stories of generations of people within its walls. For a struggling student, the free books and resources available there may shape their future. For grandparents, it may become a place to bond with their grandchildren during story sessions. For lonely or troubled people, it can become a quiet safe haven. I absolutely loved how the author explored this multi-layered idea of what community spaces truly mean. I think most of us only think till the second layer on a day to day basis, but this book pushes you toward seeing an even deeper emotional layer behind them, and I thought that was absolutely brilliant.
At the center of the story is Claire, a librarian trying to save her library from being turned into a more commercially profitable community space. Alongside her colleague Grace, she fights to preserve it while also dealing with severe insomnia and emotional wounds she herself does not fully understand.
Then the story takes a beautifully imaginative turn. Inside the archives room, a mysterious hidden room appears where none existed before, pulling Claire into memories connected to the library and its visitors. Through these moments, the library itself begins revealing what it has meant to ordinary people over the years.
Alongside Claire’s journey runs Julian’s story - an artist obsessively stuck to drawing a specific bridge, as he is haunted by a past he is not yet fully ready to confront. Through Claire, Julian, and the shared thread connecting them through Eddie, the author builds a layered fantasy narrative that feels emotional, thought-provoking, and fantastical all at once. The speculative elements never overwhelm the human heart of the story.
And that climax absolutely destroyed me.
The moment Claire finally understands the truth behind her insomnia - especially the flashback involving herself, her father and Eddie - was devastating. Reading Julian’s perspective during those scenes made it even more heartbreaking. Usually, guilt is associated with directly doing something wrong, but this book explores the guilt that comes from seeing something and failing to acknowledge its significance. Sometimes the smallest things we dismiss casually can profoundly alter another person’s life. Watching Julian realize the emotional weight of that truth was heartbreaking. I was genuinely bawling my eyes out during those scenes.
For a debut novel, this was remarkably confident, emotionally intelligent, and beautifully written. Thought-provoking, emotionally rich, and deeply empathetic - this was an unforgettable five-star read for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Landmark for the ARC/free book!
The Memory of Borrowed Books is a beautiful story about a young librarian discovering a magical hidden room in the library in the midst of the town council trying to shut-down the library. This room is filled with magical books that hold memories of past library patrons that Claire is transported into when she opens them and she is convinced they hold the answers to saving the library. There's some sweet romance, found family, community spirit as well as grief and trauma all while fighting to save their beloved library.
I have been so excited for this book and honestly, I had such high hopes for it. I was worried too high hopes maybe, and that it would let me down. It absolutely didn't though, what a beautiful, heartbreaking, emotional and amazing story! I loved the way the author really almost treated the library like its own world and did a great job at building that world up throughout the book. Books have always been such an escape for me and I used to frequent libraries so I could strongly relate to so many of the different emotions and experiences of the characters. The hidden room itself was beautifully described and I could picture it in my mind as I read. The way Claire gets transported into the memories was also something I found myself easily picturing. The author did a wonderful job painting these pictures with her words.
The characters in this book were all so wonderful! I have to admit to Grace being my favourite because of course she was! But the characters were all written with such depth and so many different layers and complexities. Claire wasn't just a librarian, Grace wasn't just the crazy, fun one, Julian wasn't just the artist, Claire's father wasn't just a retired fireman. These characters all had so much more going on below the surface than I ever expected and it was portrayed beautifully. I really felt their emotions too, the writing did a great job at allowing the emotions of the characters to seep out of the book. The main characters were wonderful but even the side characters and "one off" characters all had unexpected depth to them. They were memorable even if we only met them briefly once or twice.
I honestly had no idea the story would end up where it did. It was definitely much heavier than I expected, but man did I love it. It was just so beautifully written but at the same time so incredibly heartbreaking. I felt grief, I cried, I gasped when certain things were revealed, my heart ached with hope as I waited to see if the library would be saved. I have some personal experience with certain content within this book and I have to thank the author for the respect she showed it and for the raw, honest but compassionate way she handled it. The story started off so light and just continued to get deeper as the book went on, but the pacing of this was all really spot on in my opinion. The one frustration I will admit to is Claire being a bit too oblivious about putting certain pieces together. I reached a point where I felt frustrated because I'd figured it out and she still wasn't quite getting it. But that's such a minor "complaint" and didn't take away from the overall story.
A wonderful, beautiful book that I will absolutely be recommending to anyone and everyone I can, thankyou so much for allowing me to read the ARC.
The Memory of Borrowed Books is a beautiful story about a young librarian discovering a magical hidden room in the library in the midst of the town council trying to shut-down the library. This room is filled with magical books that hold memories of past library patrons that Claire is transported into when she opens them and she is convinced they hold the answers to saving the library. There's some sweet romance, found family, community spirit as well as grief and trauma all while fighting to save their beloved library.
I have been so excited for this book and honestly, I had such high hopes for it. I was worried too high hopes maybe, and that it would let me down. It absolutely didn't though, what a beautiful, heartbreaking, emotional and amazing story! I loved the way the author really almost treated the library like its own world and did a great job at building that world up throughout the book. Books have always been such an escape for me and I used to frequent libraries so I could strongly relate to so many of the different emotions and experiences of the characters. The hidden room itself was beautifully described and I could picture it in my mind as I read. The way Claire gets transported into the memories was also something I found myself easily picturing. The author did a wonderful job painting these pictures with her words.
The characters in this book were all so wonderful! I have to admit to Grace being my favourite because of course she was! But the characters were all written with such depth and so many different layers and complexities. Claire wasn't just a librarian, Grace wasn't just the crazy, fun one, Julian wasn't just the artist, Claire's father wasn't just a retired fireman. These characters all had so much more going on below the surface than I ever expected and it was portrayed beautifully. I really felt their emotions too, the writing did a great job at allowing the emotions of the characters to seep out of the book. The main characters were wonderful but even the side characters and "one off" characters all had unexpected depth to them. They were memorable even if we only met them briefly once or twice.
I honestly had no idea the story would end up where it did. It was definitely much heavier than I expected, but man did I love it. It was just so beautifully written but at the same time so incredibly heartbreaking. I felt grief, I cried, I gasped when certain things were revealed, my heart ached with hope as I waited to see if the library would be saved. I have some personal experience with certain content within this book and I have to thank the author for the respect she showed it and for the raw, honest but compassionate way she handled it. The story started off so light and just continued to get deeper as the book went on, but the pacing of this was all really spot on in my opinion. The one frustration I will admit to is Claire being a bit too oblivious about putting certain pieces together. I reached a point where I felt frustrated because I'd figured it out and she still wasn't quite getting it. But that's such a minor "complaint" and didn't take away from the overall story.
A wonderful, beautiful book that I will absolutely be recommending to anyone and everyone I can, thankyou so much for allowing me to read the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the author/publisher for providing me with an ARC of The Memory of Borrowed Books. All thoughts are my own.
There is something deeply comforting about a story that understands how profoundly books, memories, and human connection can intertwine, and The Memory of Borrowed Books captured that feeling beautifully.
What stood out to me most was Meg Anderson’s thoughtful and compassionate portrayal of trauma and mental illness. Through several characters, the novel acknowledges the many different ways people carry grief, emotional hardship, and healing, and I appreciated the care with which these experiences were handled. Rather than reducing pain to something easily resolved, the story allows space for sadness and struggle while also gently reminding us that healing is rarely linear and hope can still exist alongside it. That emotional honesty gave the book a sincerity I deeply appreciated.
While the story explores difficult themes, it is also balanced with moments of warmth and humour, much of which came through one particular standout character for me: Grace. From the moment she stepped onto the page, her bright, larger-than-life personality brought an infectious energy to the narrative. Witty, spirited, and wonderfully sharp, she added levity exactly when it was needed, without ever diminishing the emotional depth of the story. Her dynamic with Claire felt effortless and wonderfully real, the kind of friendship that makes characters feel less like fictional creations and more like people you might genuinely know. I genuinely laughed aloud at several of Grace’s one-liners and found myself especially looking forward to every scene she appeared in.
If there was one aspect I wished had been explored further, it was the relationship between Claire and Julian. While I understood what their connection was intended to bring to the story, I found myself wanting more emotional depth and development between them to fully invest in their relationship. At times, Julian’s presence felt a little sudden, particularly in situations where the progression of trust seemed to move faster than felt entirely believable to me. I would have loved more time spent allowing their connection to unfold naturally, as I think it would have strengthened the emotional impact even further.
Overall, The Memory of Borrowed Books is a thoughtful and compassionate read filled with warmth, humour, and emotional reflection. Readers who enjoy stories about healing, friendship, and the restorative nature of feeling seen and understood will likely find much to love here.
There is something deeply comforting about a story that understands how profoundly books, memories, and human connection can intertwine, and The Memory of Borrowed Books captured that feeling beautifully.
What stood out to me most was Meg Anderson’s thoughtful and compassionate portrayal of trauma and mental illness. Through several characters, the novel acknowledges the many different ways people carry grief, emotional hardship, and healing, and I appreciated the care with which these experiences were handled. Rather than reducing pain to something easily resolved, the story allows space for sadness and struggle while also gently reminding us that healing is rarely linear and hope can still exist alongside it. That emotional honesty gave the book a sincerity I deeply appreciated.
While the story explores difficult themes, it is also balanced with moments of warmth and humour, much of which came through one particular standout character for me: Grace. From the moment she stepped onto the page, her bright, larger-than-life personality brought an infectious energy to the narrative. Witty, spirited, and wonderfully sharp, she added levity exactly when it was needed, without ever diminishing the emotional depth of the story. Her dynamic with Claire felt effortless and wonderfully real, the kind of friendship that makes characters feel less like fictional creations and more like people you might genuinely know. I genuinely laughed aloud at several of Grace’s one-liners and found myself especially looking forward to every scene she appeared in.
If there was one aspect I wished had been explored further, it was the relationship between Claire and Julian. While I understood what their connection was intended to bring to the story, I found myself wanting more emotional depth and development between them to fully invest in their relationship. At times, Julian’s presence felt a little sudden, particularly in situations where the progression of trust seemed to move faster than felt entirely believable to me. I would have loved more time spent allowing their connection to unfold naturally, as I think it would have strengthened the emotional impact even further.
Overall, The Memory of Borrowed Books is a thoughtful and compassionate read filled with warmth, humour, and emotional reflection. Readers who enjoy stories about healing, friendship, and the restorative nature of feeling seen and understood will likely find much to love here.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I see the vision (and it’s a great one) but didn’t quite enjoy the execution.
I wanted to read this book for the fantasy vibes, and I was expecting maybe a modern cozy fantasy, but it’s heavy on realism. The summary sounds promising with saving the library and the magic in it, but there just isn’t enough magic besides this mysterious room that annexed the library which only Claire could enter and its books within. There is a fine line between symbolic magic and actual magic and I think this book lies exactly on that line. Claire goes into this mysterious room and sees an abundance of books, and by opening one, it takes her to a memory of a patron who once checked out the book. Later on, the ability of a said book appears as/is replaced by dreams. The main reason why I think the magic is symbolic is that there is no magic system in place; opening a book brings one to multiple memories associated with one person, and Claire doesn’t carry the same level of curiosity as someone who just found out actual magic is in her life.
Many of the characters were flat. Claire doesn’t have much personality and adopting Gus doesn’t push along her character growth much, or the plot for that matter. She decides randomly on a drive with Julien that she should adopt a dog (also let’s not adopt a dog on a whim). I don’t like Grace. I don’t care how much of a family friend Grace is, she has no boundaries and gets on my nerves. I also can’t see how Claire would fall for Julien. He doesn’t come off as charming in either appearance or personality. And he throws stuff when he is frustrated. I wouldn’t feel safe around someone who does that outside a rage room. Sometimes the characters in this book seem to have no real motives to their very random actions. Claire treats Eddie rudely at first for no reason.
I feel like the suspense and the actual plot only picked when the book hit 85%. The two timelines weren’t executed well because I keep thinking the book/memory timeline wouldn’t have lasted this long if anyone bothered to communicate a little more better. Is this really the best way for Claire to remember Eddie’s death? By remembering it all by herself after years of mental suffering? I’m not a therapist and I’m not going to comment on this but I feel like if this is the route the author is going with it needed to be a little deeper and reasonable.
I wanted to read this book for the fantasy vibes, and I was expecting maybe a modern cozy fantasy, but it’s heavy on realism. The summary sounds promising with saving the library and the magic in it, but there just isn’t enough magic besides this mysterious room that annexed the library which only Claire could enter and its books within. There is a fine line between symbolic magic and actual magic and I think this book lies exactly on that line. Claire goes into this mysterious room and sees an abundance of books, and by opening one, it takes her to a memory of a patron who once checked out the book. Later on, the ability of a said book appears as/is replaced by dreams. The main reason why I think the magic is symbolic is that there is no magic system in place; opening a book brings one to multiple memories associated with one person, and Claire doesn’t carry the same level of curiosity as someone who just found out actual magic is in her life.
Many of the characters were flat. Claire doesn’t have much personality and adopting Gus doesn’t push along her character growth much, or the plot for that matter. She decides randomly on a drive with Julien that she should adopt a dog (also let’s not adopt a dog on a whim). I don’t like Grace. I don’t care how much of a family friend Grace is, she has no boundaries and gets on my nerves. I also can’t see how Claire would fall for Julien. He doesn’t come off as charming in either appearance or personality. And he throws stuff when he is frustrated. I wouldn’t feel safe around someone who does that outside a rage room. Sometimes the characters in this book seem to have no real motives to their very random actions. Claire treats Eddie rudely at first for no reason.
I feel like the suspense and the actual plot only picked when the book hit 85%. The two timelines weren’t executed well because I keep thinking the book/memory timeline wouldn’t have lasted this long if anyone bothered to communicate a little more better. Is this really the best way for Claire to remember Eddie’s death? By remembering it all by herself after years of mental suffering? I’m not a therapist and I’m not going to comment on this but I feel like if this is the route the author is going with it needed to be a little deeper and reasonable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Memory of Borrowed Books is a tender, quietly magical love letter to libraries — the kind of story that feels like dust motes in a sunbeam, warm and a little wistful, with enchantment tucked between the shelves. Claire Ashford has built her life inside Foxhollow Bay’s centuries‑old library, keeping everything as orderly and contained as her own heart. So when the town announces plans to shut it down, the ground shifts beneath her feet.
It’s in that moment of unraveling that the magic slips in. Wandering the stacks after hours, Claire finds a door that shouldn’t exist, and behind it a secret room filled with books no one else can see. Each one pulls her into someone else’s unfinished memory — fragments of lives shaped by the library, stories paused mid‑breath. It’s a beautiful concept, handled with a gentle touch, and it gives the novel its shimmering emotional core.
As demolition looms, Claire begins piecing together what the library is trying to show her, each memory a thread leading her toward the truth. And one book in particular keeps calling her back, its pages holding something far more personal than she expects. The idea that the key to saving the library might lie in her own past gives the story a lovely, aching resonance.
What lingers is the sense of community woven through every chapter — the reminder that libraries are more than buildings, more than shelves. They’re repositories of who we’ve been, who we’ve loved, and who we might still become.
Warm, hopeful, and quietly enchanting, The Memory of Borrowed Books is a celebration of stories and the places that keep them safe, even when the world forgets their worth.
With thanks to Meg Anderson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
It’s in that moment of unraveling that the magic slips in. Wandering the stacks after hours, Claire finds a door that shouldn’t exist, and behind it a secret room filled with books no one else can see. Each one pulls her into someone else’s unfinished memory — fragments of lives shaped by the library, stories paused mid‑breath. It’s a beautiful concept, handled with a gentle touch, and it gives the novel its shimmering emotional core.
As demolition looms, Claire begins piecing together what the library is trying to show her, each memory a thread leading her toward the truth. And one book in particular keeps calling her back, its pages holding something far more personal than she expects. The idea that the key to saving the library might lie in her own past gives the story a lovely, aching resonance.
What lingers is the sense of community woven through every chapter — the reminder that libraries are more than buildings, more than shelves. They’re repositories of who we’ve been, who we’ve loved, and who we might still become.
Warm, hopeful, and quietly enchanting, The Memory of Borrowed Books is a celebration of stories and the places that keep them safe, even when the world forgets their worth.
With thanks to Meg Anderson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A magical realism novel about a librarian whose life changes when her small coastal-town library is threatened with closure. With a premise like that I had to read it. Then add to that a hidden door leading to a secret room filled with mysterious books. These books contain the memories and unfinished stories of people who have passed through the library and I was sucked in.
The concept of a library containing books made of memories and unfinished lives is very compelling. It turns reading itself into something almost supernatural, which gives the story emotional weight and atmosphere. The emotional weight comes from the need to save a library that represents identity, memory, and community. That combination usually makes the story feel meaningful rather than just plot-driven.
Of course the is not our first magical library novel so the premise is not monumental. There are typical “magical library tropes” like discovery of a magical system and hidden repositories of forbidden knowledge. If you’ve read other “magical library” or memory-driven narratives, you can see the shape of the plot pretty early on. It doesn’t necessarily ruin the experience, but it does make some of the reveals feel more expected than surprising.
Overall, The Memory of Borrowed Books is a gentle, reflective novel about memory, loss, and the importance of shared spaces. It’s less about twists and more about feeling. If you enjoy magical realism, library settings, and character-driven stories with a melancholic edge this is a definite must read.
The concept of a library containing books made of memories and unfinished lives is very compelling. It turns reading itself into something almost supernatural, which gives the story emotional weight and atmosphere. The emotional weight comes from the need to save a library that represents identity, memory, and community. That combination usually makes the story feel meaningful rather than just plot-driven.
Of course the is not our first magical library novel so the premise is not monumental. There are typical “magical library tropes” like discovery of a magical system and hidden repositories of forbidden knowledge. If you’ve read other “magical library” or memory-driven narratives, you can see the shape of the plot pretty early on. It doesn’t necessarily ruin the experience, but it does make some of the reveals feel more expected than surprising.
Overall, The Memory of Borrowed Books is a gentle, reflective novel about memory, loss, and the importance of shared spaces. It’s less about twists and more about feeling. If you enjoy magical realism, library settings, and character-driven stories with a melancholic edge this is a definite must read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
I am giving The Memory of Borrowed Books by Meg Anderson a 4-star review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks Netgalley publisher house and author for this eArc.
This is not your typical story where the FMC just finds a magic library; it is a deep, warm, and wistful celebration of stories and the people who love them. It serves as a beautiful reminder of how books can connect us all.
The Review
The story introduces us to Claire, who is a truly great FMC, and Julian, a superb MMC. Together, they navigate a narrative filled with trauma—so much trauma—as they fight to keep their beloved library open. It is a really well-done slow-burn romance set against a backdrop of magical realism that feels both grounded and enchanting.
The Good
I absolutely loved the magical realism elements; they gave the story a unique atmosphere that felt incredibly warm yet wistful. The character development for both Claire and Julian was a highlight, especially as they worked through their respective pasts. The central conflict of saving the library provided a high-stakes emotional anchor that kept me invested until the very end.
The Not So Good
Because there is so much trauma explored, some parts of the book can feel quite heavy. While the slow burn is executed well, readers who prefer a faster-paced romance might find themselves wishing for things to move a bit more quickly at times.
I am giving The Memory of Borrowed Books by Meg Anderson a 4-star review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks Netgalley publisher house and author for this eArc.
This is not your typical story where the FMC just finds a magic library; it is a deep, warm, and wistful celebration of stories and the people who love them. It serves as a beautiful reminder of how books can connect us all.
The Review
The story introduces us to Claire, who is a truly great FMC, and Julian, a superb MMC. Together, they navigate a narrative filled with trauma—so much trauma—as they fight to keep their beloved library open. It is a really well-done slow-burn romance set against a backdrop of magical realism that feels both grounded and enchanting.
The Good
I absolutely loved the magical realism elements; they gave the story a unique atmosphere that felt incredibly warm yet wistful. The character development for both Claire and Julian was a highlight, especially as they worked through their respective pasts. The central conflict of saving the library provided a high-stakes emotional anchor that kept me invested until the very end.
The Not So Good
Because there is so much trauma explored, some parts of the book can feel quite heavy. While the slow burn is executed well, readers who prefer a faster-paced romance might find themselves wishing for things to move a bit more quickly at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A magical story about healing from grief and trauma and the ways in which books (and libraries) are a safe haven for those who need them. It was a wholesome read, like a love letter to books, and the fantasy elements created vivid imagery that stays with the reader long after finishing the book.
I have always believed in the magic of libraries and felt at home surrounded by books, even since I was an awkward introverted high-school student who didn't fit in any cool cliques and spent most of her spare time with the old librarian lady in the school library, so this story struck close to home.
On the downside, I was unable to connect and relate to the main characters Claire and Julian, the love story seemed like it started out of the blue and it felt unconvincing for me, so I didn't care for it or its outcome. I was more invested in Gus and Monet's relationship, and I wish they both appeared more.
Moreover, Janet and the lot seemed a bit like purposely caricaturized unilateral evil characters with no development, so the confrontations sounded forced, which is why the resolution of the issue was predictable for me, but I did love the sense of community. Eddie's situation was also predictable, except for the detail that finally brought closure to everyone and which was genuinely sad.
My rating is 3.7 🌟, rounded up to 4.
I have always believed in the magic of libraries and felt at home surrounded by books, even since I was an awkward introverted high-school student who didn't fit in any cool cliques and spent most of her spare time with the old librarian lady in the school library, so this story struck close to home.
On the downside, I was unable to connect and relate to the main characters Claire and Julian, the love story seemed like it started out of the blue and it felt unconvincing for me, so I didn't care for it or its outcome. I was more invested in Gus and Monet's relationship, and I wish they both appeared more.
Moreover, Janet and the lot seemed a bit like purposely caricaturized unilateral evil characters with no development, so the confrontations sounded forced, which is why the resolution of the issue was predictable for me, but I did love the sense of community. Eddie's situation was also predictable, except for the detail that finally brought closure to everyone and which was genuinely sad.
My rating is 3.7 🌟, rounded up to 4.
May 25, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an advance copy of the ebook.
This is a lovely story which flows well and drew me in quickly. The writing is beautiful and I loved the small town setting. Any book that celebrates reading and libraries is exactly my sort of read, but there is a lot more to this story than the battle to save the library. In fact it almost gets sidelined as we get to know Claire and Julian. There’s a mystery surrounding something that happened to them as teenagers, their fledgling romance now, and the hidden room that only Claire can see and that I really wanted to know more about! Why is Claire not more curious about it, I would be!
This is my main disappointment in the book. The magical realism element isn’t made big enough. I wanted more of this. The romance is a bit too sudden and the acquisition of a dog in an afternoon felt unrealistic and rushed. It would have been better if Claire already owned the dog. I was also infuriated by Grace and Claire’s dad constantly overstepping. She’s in her 30s, leave her alone! A nice reminder of why I don’t live in the small place I grew up.
Overall, a good read that will appeal to book lovers with cosy small town vibes. Sweet and fun, some big themes and a nice ending. I would happily recommend this book to others!
This is a lovely story which flows well and drew me in quickly. The writing is beautiful and I loved the small town setting. Any book that celebrates reading and libraries is exactly my sort of read, but there is a lot more to this story than the battle to save the library. In fact it almost gets sidelined as we get to know Claire and Julian. There’s a mystery surrounding something that happened to them as teenagers, their fledgling romance now, and the hidden room that only Claire can see and that I really wanted to know more about! Why is Claire not more curious about it, I would be!
This is my main disappointment in the book. The magical realism element isn’t made big enough. I wanted more of this. The romance is a bit too sudden and the acquisition of a dog in an afternoon felt unrealistic and rushed. It would have been better if Claire already owned the dog. I was also infuriated by Grace and Claire’s dad constantly overstepping. She’s in her 30s, leave her alone! A nice reminder of why I don’t live in the small place I grew up.
Overall, a good read that will appeal to book lovers with cosy small town vibes. Sweet and fun, some big themes and a nice ending. I would happily recommend this book to others!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A big thank you to Landmark, NetGalley, and Meg Anderson for the ARC of this beautiful story.
I absolutely loved this book. I found it to be such a comforting, cosy read, packed with beautiful detail and vivid description. Although the story carries sadness throughout, it was one I could completely lose myself in. I felt every emotion alongside the characters as the story unfolded.
The story follows Claire, a librarian who lives with anxiety and a need to keep everything orderly, including the library she calls home. However, her world is turned upside down when the town announces plans to shut the library down. As she struggles to come to terms with this, she discovers a hidden door within the library that leads to a room filled with books containing messages and memories the library seems determined to share with her.
Claire is a deeply likeable main character; you can truly feel her struggles while also relating to her need for order and clarity. My heart also went out to Eddie throughout the book. I had my suspicions about him, and although they turned out to be correct, it never made me disengaged or lose interest. If anything, it drew me even further into the story.
I also have to mention the letter the author wrote to the reader at the beginning of the book. It was so beautifully written that I instantly knew this would be exactly my kind of book.
I absolutely loved this book. I found it to be such a comforting, cosy read, packed with beautiful detail and vivid description. Although the story carries sadness throughout, it was one I could completely lose myself in. I felt every emotion alongside the characters as the story unfolded.
The story follows Claire, a librarian who lives with anxiety and a need to keep everything orderly, including the library she calls home. However, her world is turned upside down when the town announces plans to shut the library down. As she struggles to come to terms with this, she discovers a hidden door within the library that leads to a room filled with books containing messages and memories the library seems determined to share with her.
Claire is a deeply likeable main character; you can truly feel her struggles while also relating to her need for order and clarity. My heart also went out to Eddie throughout the book. I had my suspicions about him, and although they turned out to be correct, it never made me disengaged or lose interest. If anything, it drew me even further into the story.
I also have to mention the letter the author wrote to the reader at the beginning of the book. It was so beautifully written that I instantly knew this would be exactly my kind of book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Meg Anderson’s debut, The Memory of Borrowed Books, is an absolute treasure that feels like a warm hug for bibliophiles. Set in the coastal town of Foxhollow Bay, it follows librarian Claire Ashford, whose meticulously ordered life begins to unravel when the town announces plans to demolish her beloved library.
Why This Is a 5-Star Read:
Enchanting Magical Realism: The discovery of a hidden room filled with books containing the unfinished memories of past patrons is a stunningly original concept. Watching Claire literally step into these moments is both atmospheric and deeply moving.
Emotional and Relatable Stakes: The race to save the library from being replaced by condos and businesses provides a compelling "fight for community" theme that will resonate with any reader who values public spaces.
Beautifully Tangled Mysteries: The connection between Claire’s own locked-away memories and a mysterious patron named Julian Thomas adds a layer of intrigue that kept me turning pages late into the night.
Cozy yet Deep: While the story features elements of found family and light humor (shoutout to Grace!), it doesn't shy away from themes of loss and hope, making for a truly "unforgettable" experience.
Why This Is a 5-Star Read:
Enchanting Magical Realism: The discovery of a hidden room filled with books containing the unfinished memories of past patrons is a stunningly original concept. Watching Claire literally step into these moments is both atmospheric and deeply moving.
Emotional and Relatable Stakes: The race to save the library from being replaced by condos and businesses provides a compelling "fight for community" theme that will resonate with any reader who values public spaces.
Beautifully Tangled Mysteries: The connection between Claire’s own locked-away memories and a mysterious patron named Julian Thomas adds a layer of intrigue that kept me turning pages late into the night.
Cozy yet Deep: While the story features elements of found family and light humor (shoutout to Grace!), it doesn't shy away from themes of loss and hope, making for a truly "unforgettable" experience.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Memory of Borrowed Books is one of those quiet, atmospheric reads that feels less focused on shocking twists and more focused on emotion, nostalgia, grief, and the importance of places that hold people together.
The magical realism element was honestly my favorite part. The idea that books could hold memories, unfinished lives, and fragments of people who once passed through the library felt so hauntingly beautiful. It made the entire library feel alive in this really emotional way.
I also loved how much heart this story had underneath the magical elements. At its core, it’s really about loss, community, identity, and fighting to protect spaces that matter to people.
Now, if you’ve read other magical library books before, some parts of the story may feel familiar. You can definitely recognize certain tropes and predict where some reveals are headed early on. But honestly? I don’t think this story was trying to shock readers. It felt more like a reflective, emotional experience than a twist-heavy plot.
If you love soft magical realism, cozy but melancholy vibes, hidden magical spaces, and stories that make you FEEL something… this one is absolutely worth reading.
Confession: This book felt like a warm hug wrapped in melancholy and magic.
The magical realism element was honestly my favorite part. The idea that books could hold memories, unfinished lives, and fragments of people who once passed through the library felt so hauntingly beautiful. It made the entire library feel alive in this really emotional way.
I also loved how much heart this story had underneath the magical elements. At its core, it’s really about loss, community, identity, and fighting to protect spaces that matter to people.
Now, if you’ve read other magical library books before, some parts of the story may feel familiar. You can definitely recognize certain tropes and predict where some reveals are headed early on. But honestly? I don’t think this story was trying to shock readers. It felt more like a reflective, emotional experience than a twist-heavy plot.
If you love soft magical realism, cozy but melancholy vibes, hidden magical spaces, and stories that make you FEEL something… this one is absolutely worth reading.
Confession: This book felt like a warm hug wrapped in melancholy and magic.
May 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of The Memory of Borrowed Books by Meg Anderson.
This was such a quiet, thoughtful, and deeply emotional read. At times it was absolutely heart wrenching, but in the most beautiful way. The story explores grief, memory, healing, and the way books can connect people across generations and difficult moments in life. I loved the cozy atmosphere woven throughout the novel, especially the literary elements and strong sense of nostalgia.
One of the most powerful parts of the story was watching the town come together. There was something incredibly moving about seeing the community support one another while the main characters slowly rebuilt themselves through the stories and memories they discovered along the way. The emotional growth felt authentic and meaningful, and it made the journey even more impactful.
Anderson’s writing style is warm, reflective, and immersive, making this both a comforting and bittersweet read. If you enjoy character-driven stories with themes of family, loss, second chances, community, and the comforting magic of books, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of The Memory of Borrowed Books by Meg Anderson.
This was such a quiet, thoughtful, and deeply emotional read. At times it was absolutely heart wrenching, but in the most beautiful way. The story explores grief, memory, healing, and the way books can connect people across generations and difficult moments in life. I loved the cozy atmosphere woven throughout the novel, especially the literary elements and strong sense of nostalgia.
One of the most powerful parts of the story was watching the town come together. There was something incredibly moving about seeing the community support one another while the main characters slowly rebuilt themselves through the stories and memories they discovered along the way. The emotional growth felt authentic and meaningful, and it made the journey even more impactful.
Anderson’s writing style is warm, reflective, and immersive, making this both a comforting and bittersweet read. If you enjoy character-driven stories with themes of family, loss, second chances, community, and the comforting magic of books, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy of this book. I really liked this book’s celebration of libraries and the way it highlighted books as a place of refuge and connection. The author’s appreciation of libraries and reading communities came through very clearly and seemed very heartfelt. However, this one didn’t work for me as much as I’d hoped. The library setting gave me the impression of a cosy read but the heavier themes of grief and loneliness created a very different tone. Although it touched on important themes, I personally struggled with how they blended together and struggled to connect the emotional storylines to the central plot of saving the library. I also found the pacing a little slow which made it difficult for me to stay engaged. Overall, although it wasn’t the best book for me, I really appreciated the message about the value of libraries and the comfort books can provide, and I would recommend this book to readers who like character-driven stories with emotional themes and a bookish protagonist.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks so much to Landmark and NetGalley for the free e-ARC!
This book was the perfect ode to libraries and the stories we read when we felt a little lost in the real world and helped us find our way back to ourselves.
The premise of this book was so interesting. LOVED the message of the book and how intertwined the characters were. However, I was getting slightly annoyed at the main character for the lack of action in trying to save the library. It seemed like she was just anxious about it and was not being proactive with finding solutions. Also, would have loved more scenes with the supposed love interest. It seemed like she knew him because of the books but he did not know her well enough.
The first half definitely drove on for me and I was not very hooked, but the second half more than made up for it and I shed a tear or 30 near the end.
If you love magical realism and books about books, this one is for you.
This book was the perfect ode to libraries and the stories we read when we felt a little lost in the real world and helped us find our way back to ourselves.
The premise of this book was so interesting. LOVED the message of the book and how intertwined the characters were. However, I was getting slightly annoyed at the main character for the lack of action in trying to save the library. It seemed like she was just anxious about it and was not being proactive with finding solutions. Also, would have loved more scenes with the supposed love interest. It seemed like she knew him because of the books but he did not know her well enough.
The first half definitely drove on for me and I was not very hooked, but the second half more than made up for it and I shed a tear or 30 near the end.
If you love magical realism and books about books, this one is for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Landmark for the ARC.
This was a beautifully written and emotional story that really pulled me in through the experiences the characters went through. The memories and stories woven throughout the book were incredible and kept me invested the entire time.
Grace was honestly my favorite character. She was written in such a lively and mischievous way that she completely stood out to me.
There were definitely some repetitive parts where Claire kept going through the same sequence of events: finding a book/memory, being reluctant to read it, reading it, and then crashing out afterward. While the memories themselves were fascinating, the in between sections dragged a bit for me at times.
Even with that, I’m really glad I read this one. It kept me guessing until the end, and the emotional impact of the story made it memorable for me overall.
This was a beautifully written and emotional story that really pulled me in through the experiences the characters went through. The memories and stories woven throughout the book were incredible and kept me invested the entire time.
Grace was honestly my favorite character. She was written in such a lively and mischievous way that she completely stood out to me.
There were definitely some repetitive parts where Claire kept going through the same sequence of events: finding a book/memory, being reluctant to read it, reading it, and then crashing out afterward. While the memories themselves were fascinating, the in between sections dragged a bit for me at times.
Even with that, I’m really glad I read this one. It kept me guessing until the end, and the emotional impact of the story made it memorable for me overall.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Memory of Borrowed Books was such a cozy and emotional read. Set in a charming coastal town, the story follows librarian Claire as she fights to save her beloved library and discovers a hidden room filled with books holding the memories of past visitors. The magical realism elements were beautifully done and made this feel so unique and heartfelt.
I loved how much this story celebrated libraries, community, friendship, and the comfort books can bring when life feels heavy. The second half completely pulled me in emotionally and had me tearing up by the end.
The pacing was a little slow at first, but overall, this was such a warm, touching story that book lovers and magical realism fans will definitely appreciate.
Many thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark | Sourcebooks Landmark for the eARC!
Pub. date: Oct. 6th 2026
I loved how much this story celebrated libraries, community, friendship, and the comfort books can bring when life feels heavy. The second half completely pulled me in emotionally and had me tearing up by the end.
The pacing was a little slow at first, but overall, this was such a warm, touching story that book lovers and magical realism fans will definitely appreciate.
Many thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark | Sourcebooks Landmark for the eARC!
Pub. date: Oct. 6th 2026
Review of advance copy
Perhaps it is because I am a Public Library Director, but Meg Anderson has so captured the magic of what a library can bring to a community, that I believe readers will love this book as much as I did.
Small town library, put on the chopping block by municipal leaders who believe they are providing new opportunities for their citizens by creating a multiuse space, versus a tired old library.
We meet Claire the passionate librarian who carries burdens few know anything about. Grace, her outrageous assistant and Julian who carries his own heavy burdens.
There is magic, and community and love. And the star of the whole book is the Foxhollow Library, and the history it holds.
I can't wait for this book to reside on my coastal Maine library shelves.
Small town library, put on the chopping block by municipal leaders who believe they are providing new opportunities for their citizens by creating a multiuse space, versus a tired old library.
We meet Claire the passionate librarian who carries burdens few know anything about. Grace, her outrageous assistant and Julian who carries his own heavy burdens.
There is magic, and community and love. And the star of the whole book is the Foxhollow Library, and the history it holds.
I can't wait for this book to reside on my coastal Maine library shelves.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks so much to Landmark for the free book!
It had a slow start and my first impressions were of a pleasant, light, fairly predictable read that I could skip through quickly. But if you’re thoughts are the same, hang on in there, because as you read on the pace speeds up and you are treated to a page-turning, emotional roller-coaster that is well worth the wait. And the storyline just gets better and better.
It is much more than the saving of a library, laudatory as this is, and is very much about the saving of people going through emotional times. It is a beautiful story with credible, mostly likable, characters. There is a supernatural element in the plot and a delightful touch of whimsy. Very enjoyable.
It had a slow start and my first impressions were of a pleasant, light, fairly predictable read that I could skip through quickly. But if you’re thoughts are the same, hang on in there, because as you read on the pace speeds up and you are treated to a page-turning, emotional roller-coaster that is well worth the wait. And the storyline just gets better and better.
It is much more than the saving of a library, laudatory as this is, and is very much about the saving of people going through emotional times. It is a beautiful story with credible, mostly likable, characters. There is a supernatural element in the plot and a delightful touch of whimsy. Very enjoyable.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Urghhhh, I really wanted to like this. It has all the right ingredients, saving a library, magic, bookish characters. But, for some reason, it just didn't work for me. The main thing for me is I couldn't connect with the characters. They didn't feel like real people you would meet. They felt very one dimensional. And, if I don't like the characters, it's hard to care about the plot or the romance. The romance also felt heavily underdeveloped to me. Like, maybe get the two of them to hang out more before they are so obsessed with each other?
So, yeah. I liked the library plot line, the magic was nice if kinda weird. But, the characters fell flat for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this arc!
So, yeah. I liked the library plot line, the magic was nice if kinda weird. But, the characters fell flat for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the absolute honor of reading THE MEMORY OF BORROWED BOOKS when Meg first wrote it, and let me tell you: I read it in one sitting and had to stare off into nothingness for a moment afterwards because it moved me that much.
This book is everything! It's a love letter to libraries. It's a raw depiction of grief and struggle. It's a beautiful ode to friendships and love. The way Meg writes characters makes you absolutely fall in love with them, and they stay long with you after you've finished reading.
If you're looking for a book that can become your emotional support object, THE MEMORY OF BORROWED BOOKS is it.
This book is everything! It's a love letter to libraries. It's a raw depiction of grief and struggle. It's a beautiful ode to friendships and love. The way Meg writes characters makes you absolutely fall in love with them, and they stay long with you after you've finished reading.
If you're looking for a book that can become your emotional support object, THE MEMORY OF BORROWED BOOKS is it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First, thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC edition of this book. I couldn't put it down!
The story follows Claire, a librarian at a small town historical library at risk of being shut down for a new development of condos and businesses. She navigates how to fight for the stories in the library while learning more about her own story, as well.
This is truly a love story for libraries, which makes it so cozy and comforting for book lovers. There is depth and humor (ahem, Grace!) and elements of found family and self-discovery. There is also magical realism which adds to the magic of the story.
Highly recommend this one! What an incredible debut for the author.
The story follows Claire, a librarian at a small town historical library at risk of being shut down for a new development of condos and businesses. She navigates how to fight for the stories in the library while learning more about her own story, as well.
This is truly a love story for libraries, which makes it so cozy and comforting for book lovers. There is depth and humor (ahem, Grace!) and elements of found family and self-discovery. There is also magical realism which adds to the magic of the story.
Highly recommend this one! What an incredible debut for the author.
April 8, 2026
If you love books, read this book. It’s for you.
There’s something magical about Foxhollow Bay Library. You’ll feel like you’re there. You’re sitting with Claire, laughing with Grace, unfolding the mystery of the library right alongside them page by page.
You’ll bear witness to the many stories of the library and its patrons. And maybe you’ll go head-to-head with your own along the way as you let the magic of the library weave its way into your heart.
Now - I would kindly and respectfully request an immediate second book focused on Grace. She’s my favorite (and Gus, of course).
There’s something magical about Foxhollow Bay Library. You’ll feel like you’re there. You’re sitting with Claire, laughing with Grace, unfolding the mystery of the library right alongside them page by page.
You’ll bear witness to the many stories of the library and its patrons. And maybe you’ll go head-to-head with your own along the way as you let the magic of the library weave its way into your heart.
Now - I would kindly and respectfully request an immediate second book focused on Grace. She’s my favorite (and Gus, of course).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
NetGalley ARC review:
On the surface this book seems like a story about a librarian trying to save the library from being demolished but it’s more than that. This book brings you into the world of Claire and the stories she has yet to uncover. I enjoyed the way this book went between two timelines, forming different stories as the book went on.
I really enjoyed this book and how it showed how much libraries and books mean to people! I kept laughing anytime Grace spoke, she was a nice balance for Claire. I think for all of us readers, it is true “stories always seem to find us when we need them the most”
On the surface this book seems like a story about a librarian trying to save the library from being demolished but it’s more than that. This book brings you into the world of Claire and the stories she has yet to uncover. I enjoyed the way this book went between two timelines, forming different stories as the book went on.
I really enjoyed this book and how it showed how much libraries and books mean to people! I kept laughing anytime Grace spoke, she was a nice balance for Claire. I think for all of us readers, it is true “stories always seem to find us when we need them the most”
May 5, 2026
This book was so much more than I ever expected. Whilst it is a story filled with attempting to save a library, it is so much more than that. It followed Claire’s personal highs and lows and allowed the reader to really connect with all that life throws at you. It’s truly thought provoking. It touches upon the significance of reading and how getting completely lost in a book can be so powerful and good for the mind. This book touched upon grief, trauma, mental health whilst also maintaining a lovely amount of humour. A touching but feel good story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
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