Books and Jams Readalong discussion

You did it!

What did you think of the ending?
Have you read other Jojo Moyes books? How does this compare?
What will your rating be?
How did you like the characters? Were they well rounded? Did you have a favorite?

Krista wrote: "You did it!

What did you think of the ending?
Have you read other Jojo Moyes books? How does this compare?
What will your rating be?
How did you like the characters? Were they well rounded? Did ..."
I couldn't put this down. I've enjoyed all her books, and I'm so glad you gave me the push I needed to move this off a dusty musty folder on a hard drive and into my iPhone. I thought the flood scene and the murder trial were amazing and memorable. I can't even imagine the horror of giving birth in a jail cell.

That said, I felt the ending was a bit rushed or something. I'm not sure I can accurately describe my reaction. It felt a bit like she reached her word quota and had to wrap it in a hurry or something.

I enjoyed the development of these characters. The impact the library had is nicely elucidated. It was actually down-deep satisfying to see the evolution of those who borrowed books. I gave it a five-star rating, but I was probably a bit generous in retrospect. Izzy's character didn't disappoint me. I enjoyed her development. The whole almost-miraculous recovery during the flood was a bit much for me. I envy these disabled characters in books who suddenly get that burst of superhuman can-do kicktail recovery strength just when it's most crucial to get it. That doesn't seem to happen much in the real world. Case in point, I dropped a poisonous-to-a-guide-dog arthritis pill on the carpet recently. A little burst of sight just long enough to snag that pill before the guide dog got it would have been nice. Naturally, the vision burst was not forthcoming. O, I found the pill before the dog did, but it was more luck than management. Sorry for the tangent. And in fairness to Moyes, Izzy doesn't fully recover. Overall, her portrayal seems pretty positive to me. She manages to deescalate what could have been an angry crowd seen.

Incidentally, if you're thinking of reading the last of this by switching to audio, that won't be a problem. It's nicely narrated

I loved this book. It was my first read from the author. I will look for more of her books. I liked the ending. There were some real tender moments between Alice and and Fred. I loved the part about the fireflies. When the new evidence was revealed in the trial. I laughed out loud. I was not sure how this was all going to end and was hoping for a happy ending. I liked all the characters except for Bennett and his Dad and of course Clem McCullough. There were some vile characters up in the mountains of Kentucky. I loved the horses and the mountain setting. I plan to look for more books based on pack horse libraries. I plan to read The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.

Finished this book last night and really enjoyed it. 4/5 ⭐️ for me. This is my first Jojo Moyes book.
One thing that I DIDNT like and felt was unnecessary was the whole murder arrest, trial, etc. it just felt a bit gratuitous, thrown in to give a bit more drama. I really loved everything else. To me it was just annoying. I don’t care for it when authors seem to add “just one more thing” that takes it over the top. As is said sometimes, she really jumped the shark with that. Sorry, ranting. But it dropped my rating a bit with that.
That said, I can’t decide on a favorite character. I loved most of the girls. Beth wasn’t fleshed out so much but was fine. And Sven and Fred...oh my! Such kind, gentle souls, both of them! But a really great pick this month. Didn’t care so much for The Kitchens of the Great Midwest, but this more than made up for it!

I listened to the audio version and enjoy it immensely! I wanted to stand up and cheer for the main women of the story and the power they had to stand up for what they believed.

Is it possible that Bennett was gay? Or maybe just no physical cravings to be with a woman? That was a little weird I thought.

Don't even get me started on his father! Ugh! That man! But kudos to Alice for NOT going back and giving in to the demands of their male egos!

I loved the packhorse library and the Kentucky background. The friendships that were made throughout the story and happy ending was a big plus for me.

I just finished the book and I gave it 5 stars. I thought the ending was good. I am glad that they all are going to live happily ever after.

I loved how the librarians were so committed to each other. They definitely helped Izzy figure out who she could be. I think Kathleen and Mrs. Brady were a couple of favorites. Beth was rough but cute. I laughed when she went to India of all places. LOL! Anther funny for me was when Alice told Fred she had "definitely" not done that.

The only other Jojo Moyes book I have read was Me Before You and I liked that one too. I might have even liked it a little better than this one.

I am looking forward to reading next months group reads with you all. Happy August coming up.

This was my first Jojo Moyes book. I really liked the way she solved the problem of Alice's marriage. I had been wondering how she would handle that!
I liked the characters. Mrs. Brady in particular was good in the way she stuck up for Izzy and then ended up taking over at the library. But I enjoyed all of the women of the library, and Fred and Sven were wonderful characters.
I gave it 4 stars, because I really struggled to get into it in the beginning, but loved it by the end.

I have not read any books by this author, but I loved this one. 😊📚