Love doesn't always go by the book
Ardent and Idealistic, Esme Garland has arrived in Manhattan with a scholarship to study art history at Columbia University. When she falls in love with New York blue-blood Mitchell van Leuven, with his penchant for all things erotic, life seems to be clear sailing, until a thin blue line signals stormy times ahead. Before she has a chance to tell Mitchell about her pregnancy, he abruptly declares their sex life is as exciting as a cup of tea, and ends it all.
Stubbornly determined to master everything from Degas to diapers, Esme starts work at a small West Side bookstore to make ends meet. The Owl is a shabby all-day, all-night haven for a colorful crew of characters, such as handsome and taciturn guitar player Luke and George, the owner, who lives on spirulina shakes and idealism. The Owl becomes a nexus of good in a difficult world for Esme-but will it be enough to sustain her when Mitchell, glittering with charm and danger, comes back on the scene?
The Bookstore is a celebration of books, of the shops where they are sold, and of the people who work, read, and live in them. The Bookstore is also a story about emotional discovery, the complex choices we all face, and the accidental inspirations that make a life worth the reading.
I feel compelled to start off with my strongest feelings about this novel. One that I'm pretty sure we readers are supposed to feel: I could not stand Mitchell van Leuven! Seriously, there are guys who act like that?! He is unbelievable. His behavior so bad I was often sitting there reading with my mouth hanging open. And what the heck was up with Esme's relationship with Mitchell? It's like she barely knew him at all. Yet time and time again, she dealt with this jerk, even after admitting to herself that if she were reading a novel and this was happening (clever technique there, by the way), she'd be telling herself to run far, far away from him!
Also, Esme has some really stupid beliefs about the way Americans do things. That our language has to be "in its simplest form" in order for us to understand, that we all cut our steaks the same way, that if something unexpected is said on the phone it confuses us. And she's a little judgy, too. She sees a nanny with a little girl in the part and thinks "It's a Saturday - do her parents work so hard they can't even play with her on a Saturday?" Come on.
However. As often as I found Esme annoying, I really enjoyed this book. It was such a great story. I connected with the characters whether I liked them or not. I liked seeing Esme develop, shedding some of her preconceived notions and finding her own strength through a stressful situation.
But for me, the real stars of this novel were the minor characters. Esme's roommate, Stella. The bookstore owner, George. DeeMo, Tee, and Dennis, the homeless who look after their friends at the bookstore. And Mrs. Kasperek, who is selling all of her books before moving into assisted living: "These books... They are all my life. These books are all my life." (And this is where I cry).
Though perhaps a bit sudden, The Bookstore has an interesting, non-cliche ending.
This is Deborah Meyler's debut novel. She has a very natural, flowing way of writing that makes you feel like you're reading something fun and light, even when things get complicated (or when characters infuriate you!).
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any other compensation for this review.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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20 May, 2013:
Finished reading
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20 May, 2013:
Reviewed