The Book Haters' Book Club

 

 I received a copy of this release from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Book Haters' Book Club

Author: Gretchen Anthony

Publisher: Park Row

Release Date: 9.13.22

Publisher’s Summary 

All it takes is the right book to turn a Book Hater into a Book Lover…

That was Elliott’s belief and the reason why he started The Book Haters’ Book Club—a newsletter of reading recommendations for the self-proclaimed “nonreader.” As the beloved co-owner of Over the Rainbow Bookstore, Elliott’s passion and gift was recommending books to customers. Now, after his sudden death, his grief-ridden business partner, Irma, has agreed to sell Over the Rainbow to a developer who will turn the cozy bookstore into high-rise condos.

But others won’t give up the bookstore without a fight. When Irma breaks the news to her daughters, Bree and Laney, and Elliott’s romantic partner, Thom, they are aghast. Over the Rainbow has been Bree and Laney’s sanctuary since childhood, and Thom would do anything to preserve Elliott’s legacy. Together, Thom, Bree and Laney conspire to save the bookstore, even if it takes some snooping, gossip and minor sabotage.

Filled with humor, family hijinks and actual reading recommendations, The Book Haters' Book Club is the ideal feel-good read. It’s a celebration of found family and a love letter to the everyday heroes who run bookstores.

My Review

What worked:

Bree and Laney's relationship is so sweet and their teasing banter is some of the best I've ever read. Actually, the dialogue is really well written and the true star of the novel. 

What didn't work:

There was quite the little "huh?" reveal at about 25% about Bree coming into the family that I really thought should have just been laid out in the beginning. Irma's continual avoidance of discussing the upcoming sale went on too long and became annoying. There is also an "I released a breath I didn't know I'd been holding." Why are authors still committing this cliché?  

I'm ambivalent about:

I always hate the "surprise baby / oh I'm not sick, I'm pregnant" trope, but this one was at least a bit original in both the realization and subsequent decisions. 

Personal note:

I chose to read this ARC because I was dealing with losing a close friend and needed something "light." Yes, a death is referenced in the summary, but I thought this would be a fluffy and fun read about a bookstore. It was actually pretty heavy on the grief. Elliot's presence and opinions are made known by his little pop-ins throughout the story and while he was charming and funny, it was painful to read it juxtaposed against his boyfriend's (and my own) overwhelming grief.