Books and Jams Readalong discussion

What do you think of the beginning of this book? What stands out to you about our main character? Do you like him?
Any hopes/predictions for the rest of the book?

Let me just start off saying: I really love the cover.

I remember thinking he was such a cliche bookstore owner: introvert with underdeveloped social skills, methodical and precise in his approach to life, alone.

(I read on my Kindle - so I'm not sure how to compare % to pages)

I flew through this first part yesterday. I made myself stop so I could come on and write my thoughts before continuing.

Before I started reading I thought AJ Fikry was an old man and he certainly acted like a grumpy, old man at the beginning, but he's just in his mid 30s and is grieving the death of his wife. Combine that with being an introvert and socially awkward and you've got Mr. Fikry. As I got to the part with the little Maya though, I just fell in love with him and all his awkwardness! That whole adoption situation wasn't extremely realistic though, and it wrapped up so quickly.

I am loving how Fikry relates life to writing. It makes for fun reading. My major critique at this point is that it all seems to be a bit underdeveloped. People don't like Fikry and the bookstore is not doing well. Then he loses the book/or is robbed and people start coming. Then the baby comes and more people frequent the store. I am certainly enjoying the story but at the same time am not blown away by anything or feeling entirely connected to it. It's very simple. But simple is good sometimes.

Hey...I am kinda emphasizing with Fikry. He's 39, semi introverted, lives a bookish life and is set in his ways. He lost his wife and that is hard. I get it. It's the end of being young and that's the truth...most people struggle with that in some way in any circumstance.
But I am really digging the comical, effortless read about it. A little lightheartedness is good. Maybe not when it's happening to you or you are down deep....but looking back going into middle age...I can emphasize and appreciate it. Cause there is life after!!! Now what will his life look like, I don't know yet. Perhaps the cute book rep from the beginning will reappear???

I agree with you Krista, on the point of the book feeling underdeveloped/simple. A lot of aspects about the book feel a little rushed and unrealistic. I think A.J. is hilarious though. His dialogue is just so dry and sarcastic! I also love him with Maya. :)
And yes, I also thought he was an old man at first!

So I finished the first Chapter

Chapter 1
When I first start reading I think to myself that AJ is old, but then find out he is only 39 ? hmm, then I think Ove a grumpy man, and then I find out he is a widower. So sad two months pregnant. So Aj and Amelia actually are not that far apart in age. 39 to her 31.

I like the quote that AJ said," what in this life is more personal than a book."

Chapter 2
What a jerk his brother in law is. Really giving the nurse his number. Also who was it that put him to bed and cleaned up.
Why clean up if you are going to steal the book. Definitely someone he knows.

Chapter 3 and the end of this section.
I love AJ and the fact that he adopted Maya is awesome. I feel bad for his sister in law. Although I don't want her and AJ to get together. Lambaise is great to. It is funny I loved the Monster at The End of the Book when I was little. was one of my favorites.