Play Book Tag discussion

Aleisha is spending her summer working in the tiny library in her hometown before she starts her studies at university. She is bored with her job and her home life is difficult with a mother suffering from a debilitating mental illness and an older brother who wants to protect his small family. The day an elderly gentleman named Mukesh enters the library will be the day that changes her life. He is a widower who lost his beloved wife recently. He is lonely even though daily phone calls, always a voice mal, from his 3 grown daughters give him some world outlook. Mukesh remembers how much his wife loved to read and he sees that his young granddaughter Priya is quite the bookworm. He never cared about books but would like some common ground to have conversations with Priya. The library is the place to start.

Aleisha and several other people around town have found a mysterious reading list with 8 titles and a heading that states: "Just in case you need this". Aleisha had no fondness for reading but decided that she might as well follow the list. Mukesh timidly asks for her recommendations and she begins to check out the listed books to him as well as herself. Before long the two are discussing the novels and a blossoming friendship develops. Each book brings the characters to life for both of them and they find much needed inspiration for their lives from what they've read.

I know I haven't done this book any justice with my short review but it is probably one of the most charming books I have read in a long time. The two main characters are wonderful and the supporting cast is well drawn. Although the ending might be just a tad on the unbelievable side, it definitely brought a tear to my eye.

I loved this book as well.

I'm putting this on my list - the librarian says!

Barbara M wrote: "I'm putting this on my list - the librarian says!"

LOL Barbara! Enjoy!

Great review! I really loved this book too. I thought the author did a great job showing how books can provide different insights for different people and life situations. Some brought tears to my eyes. I thought it went a lot deeper than similar books.

This book generated a great discussion in my book club - about cross-generation relationships, caregiving, mental health, and of course friendship. Also the little girl's love for reading.