Shut Up & Read discussion

This is the discussion area for the Buddy Read of



We will start reading this book on February 3rd.

Please feel free to join in and read with us at any time :)

Description:Based on the true World War II story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris, this is an unforgettable story of romance, friendship, family, and the power of literature to bring us together, perfect for fans of The Lilac Girls and The Paris Wife.

Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet has it all: her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal.

Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. As Lily uncovers more about her neighbor’s mysterious past, she finds that they share a love of language, the same longings, and the same intense jealousy, never suspecting that a dark secret from the past connects them.

A powerful novel that explores the consequences of our choices and the relationships that make us who we are—family, friends, and favorite authors—The Paris Library shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest of places.

Starting

I like Odile. She's living through the war but doesn't realize how good she actually has it.

Finished. I loved the story. I really like WWII fiction, especially when it's based on true events.

The back in forth in the timelines was neat. I enjoyed all the characters. Knowing how Odile left Paris made me sad. I don't think Margaret had any reason to be mad at Odile (view spoiler)[She's the one who was sleeping with the Nazi. It doesn't matter who Odile told about it (hide spoiler)]

I am so behind. We were gone all weekend. I will catch up tomorrow.

No problem. I hope you enjoy it!

I like Odile. At that time her desire for independence was not a desired trait. I like that about her. I find historical fiction interesting especially war fiction.

Just finished and loved it. War is horrible. People do the most awful things to survive or because they can get away with it. Paul disgusted me. Odile made a mistake telling Paul what she did but I don't blame her for what he did. I can understand why Margaret felt the way she did but it still made me sad. Wow! A chance knock at the door saved Odile's life. I loved the bond that Odile and Lily forged.

Sheri wrote: "Finished. I loved the story. I really like WWII fiction, especially when it's based on true events.

The back in forth in the timelines was neat. I enjoyed all the characters. Knowing how Odile le..."

True but did Margaret deserve what Paul and that other guy did to her?

Leigh wrote: "Sheri wrote: "Finished. I loved the story. I really like WWII fiction, especially when it's based on true events.

The back in forth in the timelines was neat. I enjoyed all the characters. Knowin..."

Absolutely not. Paul showed his true colors for sure. I'm glad Odile saw that. I'm glad you liked it!

Sheri wrote: "Leigh wrote: "Sheri wrote: "Finished. I loved the story. I really like WWII fiction, especially when it's based on true events.

The back in forth in the timelines was neat. I enjoyed all the char..."

Yes, I'm glad Odile finally found happiness. What do you want to read next?