
Who Would Like This Book:
This one is tailor-made for book lovers and anyone who dreams of inheriting a quirky, cozy bookshop (minus all the family drama, of course). With its San Francisco setting, a cast of heartfelt characters (especially a lovable grandfather and a precocious kid), plus dashes of romance and mystery, the story shines when exploring themes of grief, hope, and starting over. If you enjoy stories about family, finding your way, or simply want a story that celebrates the magic of books and bookstores, you'll likely be charmed by this one - especially as a feel-good summer or vacation read.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you prefer fast-paced plots, this might drag for you - many readers found the story slow and a bit repetitive. It’s also on the predictable side, with romance elements that some thought were too obvious or lacking in chemistry. If you’re looking for escapism, be aware that there’s a lot of grief and loss here, so it can be heavier than the cover suggests. A few plot points (like conveniently discovered treasures) require some suspension of disbelief, and the emotional focus might feel overdone for those who want a lighter or more nuanced tale.
About:
The Lost and Found Bookshop follows the story of Natalie Harper, who inherits her mother's struggling bookshop in San Francisco after a tragic plane crash. Facing financial troubles, a deteriorating building, and her grandfather's failing health, Natalie navigates the challenges with the help of a handyman named Peach and a community of quirky characters. The novel explores themes of grief, family, love, and the power of books to heal and bring joy, set against the backdrop of San Francisco and its rich history.
The plot unfolds with predictable elements intertwined with moments of mystery and romance, creating a heartwarming and uplifting narrative. Readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the rebuilding of both a bookstore and a life, filled with bittersweet moments, literary references, and a sense of coming home.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains high content warnings related to themes of grief, loss, and mental health issues, including dementia.
Has Romance?
There is a medium presence of romance, focusing on the development of a relationship alongside the protagonist's journey.
From The Publisher:
"A wonderful exploration of the past and the future and, most importantly, of what it means to be present in the here and now. Full of the love of words, the love of family, and the love of falling in love, The Lost and Found Bookshop is a big-hearted gem of a novel that will satisfy and entertain readers from all walks of life. Lovely!"-Garth Stein, New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Racing In The Rain
In this thought-provoking, wise and emotionally rich novel, New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs explores the meaning of happiness, trust, and faith in oneself as she asks the question, "If you had to start over, what would you do and who would you be?"
There is a book for everything . . .
Somewhere in the vast Library of the Universe, as Natalie thought of it, there was a book that embodied exactly the things she was worrying about.
In the wake of a shocking tragedy, Natalie Harper inherits her mother's charming but financially strapped bookshop in San Francisco. She also becomes caretaker for her ailing grandfather Andrew, her only living relative-not counting her scoundrel father.
But the gruff, deeply kind Andrew has begun displaying signs of decline. Natalie thinks it's best to move him to an assisted living facility to ensure the care he needs. To pay for it, she plans to close the bookstore and sell the derelict but valuable building on historic Perdita Street, which is in need of constant fixing. There's only one problem-Grandpa Andrew owns the building and refuses to sell. Natalie adores her grandfather; she'll do whatever it takes to make his final years happy. Besides, she loves the store and its books provide welcome solace for her overwhelming grief.
After she moves into the small studio apartment above the shop, Natalie carries out her grandfather's request and hires contractor Peach Gallagher to do the necessary and ongoing repairs. His young daughter, Dorothy, also becomes a regular at the store, and she and Natalie begin reading together while Peach works.
To Natalie's surprise, her sorrow begins to dissipate as her life becomes an unexpected journey of new connections, discoveries and revelations, from unearthing artifacts hidden in the bookshop's walls, to discovering the truth about her family, her future, and her own heart.
Ratings (6)
Loved It (4) | |
It Was OK (2) |
Reader Stats (34):
Read It (7) | |
Want To Read (19) | |
Not Interested (8) |
1 comment(s)
A cute, easy story. The ending was super fast and left me wanting more.
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