Books and Jams Readalong discussion

Something that stands out to me before I even read the book are the chapter "headings". Those pages that contain quotes and thoughts from AJ Fikry. Do you think these add to the story?

What did you think of the ending? Was it what you expected/hoped for? Were you satisfied with Part 2?

Share your thoughts below! And feel free to comment on other's reactions as well. Thanks again for reading along with the group this month.

I just finished this book. Probably could have finished a few days ago but didn't want it to end. This ending was so sad, but it happened so quickly. I feel like the whole book covered so much time that it all just felt rushed.

I loved Maya's short story and how supportive AJ was to her.
I love that the cop friend and sister-in-law bought the bookstore.

Overall this was such a sweet book. Not life-changing at all, but a completely enjoyable read for me. Just what I needed!

Can't wait to hear what anyone else thought!

I read this book before this group read and really enjoyed it as well :) So heart warming in ways and I will forever read books about bookstores and book people.

Heading towards the end of the story. Whoa...did not see this coming!

Yes, Krista, I enjoyed the little quotes. They were almost like diary entries reflecting AJ's thoughts.
What did you all think of Maya's story? She is a very matter of fact kinda kid. Well adjusted despite her early circumstances, I think.
I was a bit stumped at the end by the "diagnosis", but do think, his seemingly simple life touched so many other people's lives. He just didn't know it.
Sweet story :)

Scarlett wrote: "Yes, Krista, I enjoyed the little quotes. They were almost like diary entries reflecting AJ's thoughts.
What did you all think of Maya's story? She is a very matter of fact kinda kid. Well adjuste..."

I didn't realize when I first wrote this post that those chapter "intros" were all short stories and all of his notes were written to Maya. I kind of wish I knew that ahead of time and had those short stories to read along with the book. That would have been a fun way to read this, I think.

I meant to check in before now but I read this book so quickly that I forgot. I really enjoyed this book! I loved the snapshot overview we got of the characters lives. We just skimmed the surface of their lives by touching upon the biggest moments of them. It read like a collection of related short stories which I really appreciated. Each section helped add the the bigger picture. I would try another work by Zevin in a heartbeat!

Amber wrote: "I meant to check in before now but I read this book so quickly that I forgot. I really enjoyed this book! I loved the snapshot overview we got of the characters lives. We just skimmed the surface o..."

That was a good way of looking at it, more as short stories or snapshots. I didn't think of it that way because I just read Olive Kitteridge last month and that one really was more like short stories because each chapter focused on different people in the town. Because this one was all about AJ and Maya and the people surrounding them I didn't think of it as short stories. Though, now that I think of it it makes sense. Especially because each chapter began with a short story selection and AJ's thoughts. AND the title even calls the book the "Storied Life". Makes total sense now! haha. I just kept feeling like I wanted more all the way through. SO much ground was covered and I felt dragged along almost. I wanted more! It was so good though and I really enjoyed it!

That is great insight Amber. It covered a vast amount of time in a way that seeing the big moments really gave one a sense of the everyday.

Just finished the book with tears in my eyes. What an ending. Loved the conversation between Amelia and AJ in the hospital room. How hard it is when you know what you are saying in your head but doesn't come out that way. I thought about my father-in-law when I read this part. He had a stroke and would talk to us like it was nothing for him but we couldn't understand a word he was saying. Must have been so frustrating for him.
I loved how Ismay and Lambaise took over the store and made it even more. AJ touched so many lives, Lambaise being one. Reading is such a wonderful thing. I couldn't imagine if I never started reading how much I would be missing out on. I loved this book so much, I didn't want it to end. It did move fast but I am ok with that.