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What to KNOW about the STORIED LIFE OF AJ FIKRY!Rachel Broome

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The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry: A Novel Paperback – December 2, 2014

by Gabrielle Zevin (Author)

4.3 46,527 ratings

Editors' pick Best Literature & Fiction

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A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER BY THE AUTHOR OF TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW

NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STARRING LUCY HALE & KUNAL NAYYAR

“A fun, page-turning delight.” —Minneapolis Star-Tribune

“Funny, tender, and moving, The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry reminds us all exactly why we read and why we love.” —Library Journal (starred review)

A. J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. He lives alone, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his life over—and see everything anew.

“This novel has humor, romance, a touch of suspense, but most of all love--love of books and bookish people and, really, all of humanity in its imperfect glory.” —Eowyn Ivey, author of The Snow Child

“Marvelously optimistic about the future of books and bookstores and the people who love both.”—The Washington Post

“You won’t want it to end.” —Family Circle

“A natural for book groups.” —Richmond Times-Dispatch

“A reader’s paradise of the first order.” —The Buffalo News

“Captures the joy of connecting people and books . . . Irresistible.” —Booklist

“A wonderful, moving, endearing story of redemption and transformation that will sing in your heart for a very, very long time.” —Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain

“Readers who delighted in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, and Letters from Skye will be equally captivated by this novel.” —Library Journal, starred review

From the Publisher

	Young Jane Young	The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

Customer Reviews	4,663	46,527
Price	$9.51	$9.93
Also by Gabrielle Zevin	“Brilliant and hilarious.” —Chicago Tribune	A New York Times Bestseller \| “Entertaining . . . Engaging and funny . . . Marvelously optimistic.” —The Washington Post

WARNING: California’s Proposition 65

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This novel has humor, romance, a touch of suspense, but most of all love--love of books and bookish people and, really, all of humanity in its imperfect glory.” —Eowyn Ivey, author of The Snow Child

“Marvelously optimistic about the future of books and bookstores and the people who love both.” —The Washington Post

“You won’t want it to end.” —Family Circle

“A natural for book groups.” —Richmond Times-Dispatch

“A reader’s paradise of the first order.” —The Buffalo News

“A fun, page-turning delight.” —Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Captures the joy of connecting people and books . . . Irresistible.” —Booklist

“A wonderful, moving, endearing story of redemption and transformation that will sing in your heart for a very, very long time.” —Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain

“Readers who delighted in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, and Letters from Skye will be equally captivated by this novel.” —*Library Journal,starred review

About the Author

Gabrielle Zevin is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have been translated into more than thirty languages. Her eighth novel, The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry, spent more than four months on the New York Times Bestseller list, reached #1 on the National Indie Bestseller list, and has been a bestseller all around the world. She has also written books for children and young adults, including the award-winning Elsewhere.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Algonquin Books; First Edition (December 2, 2014)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1616204516
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1616204518
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.45 x 0.9 x 8.25 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #7,980 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #334 in Family Life Fiction (Books)
- #825 in Literary Fiction (Books)
- #1,198 in Suspense Thrillers

Customer Reviews:
4.3 46,527 ratings

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Gabrielle Zevin

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GABRIELLE ZEVIN is the New York Times and internationally best-selling author of several critically acclaimed novels, including The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry and Young Jane Young. Her most recent novel is Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, a selection of the Tonight Show’s Fallon Book Club, the winner of the Goodreads Choice Award, a finalist for the Wingate Prize, and one of the best books of the year, according to the New York Times, the Washington Post, Time, Entertainment Weekly, the Atlantic, Amazon.com, Oprah Daily, Slate, NPR, and many others. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is now a feature film with a screenplay by Zevin. Her novels have been translated into forty languages. She lives in Los Angeles.

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46,527 global ratings

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Customers enjoyed the book and found it compelling. They appreciated the plausible plot and writing quality. The characters were described as likable, charming, and natural. Many readers found the story heartwarming and upbeat, with literary references.

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Enjoyment Storyline Writing quality Character development Heartwarming Literary references Pace Pacing

2,679 customers mention "Enjoyment"2,614 positive65 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it an engaging read with an unpredictable plot. Many describe it as a fun beach read or one to enjoy on long trips. The story provides more insights and is better than the movie. Overall, readers appreciate the meaningful story and language of the author.

"...The story resonated with me and the last chapter made me cry which tells me I made a real connection with the book...." Read more

"...And it’s a reminder that sometimes, a good book — and a good life — are about those quiet, small moments that happen when you crack things open...." Read more

"...She is enjoying it. She said it is better than the movie as it give more insights into the characters and plot...." Read more

"...Great story! Favorite quote: The words you can’t find, you borrow. We read to know we’re not alone. We read because we are alone...." Read more

1,398 customers mention "Storyline"1,157 positive241 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline with its great twists and storytelling. They find the book entertaining and sweet, with a unique setting and underlying mysteries. The book reminds readers why they love reading books.

"...It's about family, love, life and disappointment all packaged within a bookstore...." Read more

"...Still, the storytelling works beautifully...." Read more

"Wonderful, its about second changes, full of literary references and discusions and unexpected life changes. I found it quite refreshing...." Read more

"...made the book a comfortable and relatable read and provided that unique charm that only those of us who shares the same passion for reading and..." Read more

1,204 customers mention "Writing quality"1,131 positive73 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book. They find it beautifully written, believable, and compelling. The author is described as a master wordsmith who uses the right words. The book captures the quirkiness and charm of readers well. It's an easy read with clever exposition and artfully crafted characters. Overall, readers appreciate the good storytelling and engaging characters.

"I didn't know what to expect with this story, but found it was well written and a great read...." Read more

"...feel like they’ve stepped out of an exceptionally good sitcom — believable, loveable, and tinged with just enough sorrow to avoid being treacly...." Read more

"...The large type is more pleasant to read. Book was in GREAT, like new condition. And delivered on time." Read more

"...of A.J. Fikry I think is one of those books who does a great job of capturing the quirkiness and charm of us whose reading and books make up a big..." Read more

1,002 customers mention "Character development"925 positive77 negative

Customers find the characters compelling and likable. The interactions between them feel natural and realistic. The story follows the characters over a period of years, and they are interesting and charming.

"...She said it is better than the movie as it give more insights into the characters and plot. The large type is more pleasant to read...." Read more

"...The only thing that made the book interesting were the characters’ love of reading and books...." Read more

"...Zevin weaves a wonderful story by creating marvelous characters...." Read more

"I enjoyed this book, the characters were well developed and the story is shows how people and books can affect your life." Read more

672 customers mention "Heartwarming"633 positive39 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming and sweet. They describe it as a poignant, compelling read about love and life. The characters are endearing to them, and the book is upbeat and joyful.

"...The story resonated with me and the last chapter made me cry which tells me I made a real connection with the book...." Read more

"...This one isn’t sappy, disappointing, or cynical. Neither are real jaw-dropping twists here; instead, the story unfolds in small, quiet ways...." Read more

"...loved the relationships in this community, and I found AJ to be quite endearing. Great story!..." Read more

"...I found it quite refreshing. The movie is wonderful and follows the book quite well." Read more

621 customers mention "Literary references"608 positive13 negative

Customers enjoy the literary references in the book. They find the story engaging and mention many books are mentioned with mini-reviews. The book publishing, marketing, and selling business is also mentioned.

"...Literary references throughout the novel are sweet treats, and A.J.’s book notes are lovely touches...." Read more

"Wonderful, its about second changes, full of literary references and discusions and unexpected life changes. I found it quite refreshing...." Read more

"...the characters were well developed and the story is shows how people and books can affect your life." Read more

"...His life has purpose, meaning and a future in loving others. A beautiful love story." Read more

266 customers mention "Pace"192 positive74 negative

Customers enjoy the book's fast pace. They find it riveting and say it moves quickly through Maya's growing up and getting ready for college. The characters are well-developed and immediately relatable. Readers describe the book as refreshing and a small masterpiece.

"...It’s well-paced, though it takes a few big leaps in time that might make you a little woozy. Still, the storytelling works beautifully...." Read more

"...In addition to being well-written, it was an easy, short, tear-jerking read. And then there was the excitement of trying to read it...." Read more

"...I just felt like the story moved at a fast pace where the author, Gabrielle Zevin, just coasted along on some of the finer details that would’ve..." Read more

"...Short and well plotted with great characters." Read more

207 customers mention "Pacing"133 positive74 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing. Some find the book flows well without excess banter, moving along swiftly while spinning a tale different from so much on the market. Others feel it's not particularly engaging, not a dense or life-changing read, and the section where they read the young teens essay was boring.

"Beautifully written. I was engrossed right from the beginning...." Read more

"The characters were interesting enough, though a little cliche..." Read more

"...down in the slow middle summaries, but it picked back up and wrapped up beautifully! Impressive weaving of plot lines and realistic yet happy ending." Read more

"...A.J. Fikry's story was the best light reading I did all summer." Read more

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Amazon Customer
Wonderfully developed story, a great read
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2025
Verified Purchase

I didn't know what to expect with this story, but found it was well written and a great read. It's about family, love, life and disappointment all packaged within a bookstore. The story resonated with me and the last chapter made me cry which tells me I made a real connection with the book. If that is the kind of book you are looking for, I highly recommend The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry.

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JP
“A place ain’t a place without a bookstore." And perhaps, neither is a cozy read!
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
All towns should have a bookstore, don’t you think?

Island bookstore owner A.J. Fikry is definitely not having the time of his life. Grieving the loss of his wife, struggling to keep his bookstore afloat, self-medicating, bereft of passion and connection. However — hooray! — everything begins changing when a toddler is left in his bookstore. What follows are not thunderous events but a soft, deliberate opening of life.

This is a novel about a community only as flawed and fragile as the people within it, and A.J.’s bookstore becomes the fulcrum for everything: grief, love, indiscretions, second chances. It’s life, piece by tangled piece.

Perhaps by dint of being set in a bookstore, the book celebrates not just the joy of reading but the necessity of it. This sweet novel is a love letter to books, bookstores, and the communities that form around them. It’s well-paced, though it takes a few big leaps in time that might make you a little woozy. Still, the storytelling works beautifully. Zevin is deeply respectful of and never underestimates her audience, a skill also showcased in her Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. Zevin’s storytelling is tight and purposeful — there’s not a wasted word or superfluous scene. Every moment builds A.J.’s world and relationships, while also pulling the reader into the life of the bookstore and town, stitched together by books.

The quirky main and secondary characters feel like they’ve stepped out of an exceptionally good sitcom — believable, loveable, and tinged with just enough sorrow to avoid being treacly. Literary references throughout the novel are sweet treats, and A.J.’s book notes are lovely touches. It eventually is made clear who these notes are for and how they tie into the plot, which made me hug the book to my chest. Yes, I’m weird. It’s fine.

Ultimately, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is a love story. I’ve said before that all stories are love stories. This one isn’t sappy, disappointing, or cynical. Neither are real jaw-dropping twists here; instead, the story unfolds in small, quiet ways. This book may not cause you to bolt upright, but little moments you enjoyed will stay with you long after you’ve finished.

Zevin’s writing is self-assured, and she trusts the reader to keep up and fill in the gaps. It’s zippy. It’s wackadoo. And it’s a reminder that sometimes, a good book — and a good life — are about those quiet, small moments that happen when you crack things open.

It’s hygge at its finest.

All stories should come with a bookstore, don’t you think? After all, “a place ain’t a place without a bookstore.”

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Mark
As advertised!
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2025
Verified Purchase
Bought this book for my wife after seeing the movie. She is enjoying it.
She said it is better than the movie as it give more insights into the characters and plot.
The large type is more pleasant to read.
Book was in GREAT, like new condition. And delivered on time.

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Happy Reader
Life is a compilation of short stories
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2025
Verified Purchase
I really disliked Zevin's "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow". I really loved "The Storied Life of AJ Fikry". This would have been a 5 star read for me, but I felt like there were some serious holes at the end with what happens with Maya and Amelia. It felt rushed with the ending execution.
Otherwise, I loved the concept of short stories creating a shared bond between a father, AJ,
and his daughter, Maya. I really valued the way the bookstore created a community who bonded over shared stories. I just loved the relationships in this community, and I found AJ to be quite endearing. Great story!

Favorite quote: The words you can’t find, you borrow. We read to know we’re not alone. We read because we are alone. We read and we are not alone. We are not alone.
My life is in these books, he wants to tell her. Read these and know my heart.
We are not quite novels.
We are not quite short stories.
In the end, we are collected works."

"You know everything you need to know about a person from the answer to the question, What is your favorite book?"

Content: This is closed door. Some innuendo. Triggers with death, suicide, infertility, and cheating.
Language: Some random f-bombs that weren't really needed but language is minimal
Religious: No. Some off references to religion at the end - "Mormon missionary"

Happy reading!!

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Jorge B
Enjoyed
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2025
Verified Purchase
Wonderful, its about second changes, full of literary references and discusions and unexpected life changes. I found it quite refreshing. The movie is wonderful and follows the book quite well.

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verónica
Lo disfruté mucho
Reviewed in Mexico on July 18, 2024
Verified Purchase

Me gustó muchísimo la forma en la que está escrito, algunos capítulos son un tanto graciosos y otros muy conmovedores y profundos. Deja grandes lecciones de vida. Lo recomiendo mucho. El final me rompió y la verdad me sacó lágrimas, pero es muy bonita lectura.

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Roberta
What a lovely book!
Reviewed in France on February 1, 2025
Verified Purchase
Some books just feel good reading, and this is definitely one of them! A cozy, quick and sensitive story full of hope and love in varied ways.

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Berg Delores
Enjoyable story
Reviewed in Sweden on August 17, 2024
Verified Purchase
I thought this book was worth the time it took to read it, and I liked the characters in the story. I seem to always enjoy books set in a bookstore, and this was certainly another one that is a keeper.

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Kindle-Kunde
Hope
Reviewed in Germany on June 13, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is a heart warming book. It talks about the lonely and dull life can turn into something hopeful and loving . How humans can change little by little without dening yourself.

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Smell.that.book
Charming & heartwarming
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 23, 2024
Verified Purchase
Well, where to start?

What a charming little book! I believe this story will always hold a special place in my heart - I doubt any true book lover wouldn’t enjoy this.

This is the first book I’ve read by Gabrielle Zevin, and it’s made me incredibly eager to read the rest of her work.

A.J. Fikry owns a small book store in Alice Island - an entirely fictional location - and whilst grieving the loss of his deceased wife, he finds that a 2 year old child has been left in his bookstore with instructions to care for her.

This story is a giant hug. It’s definitely a comfort read, and I would gladly read this again.

Is there any meaning or hidden messages in this book? I’m not sure, but also I don’t care, because, really, does a book always need a meaning or to hold said “important” messages? Quite frankly, this story is what it is and I love it for that very reason.

This review may seem somewhat evasive because I haven’t really explained about the plot in detail, but I don’t feel I need to; I feel that would take away the true magic within the storytelling.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully developed story, a great read

4.0 out of 5 stars “A place ain’t a place without a bookstore." And perhaps, neither is a cozy read!

5.0 out of 5 stars As advertised!

4.0 out of 5 stars Life is a compilation of short stories

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Lo disfruté mucho

5.0 out of 5 stars What a lovely book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable story

5.0 out of 5 stars Hope

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming & heartwarming

Wonderfully developed story, a great read

“A place ain’t a place without a bookstore." And perhaps, neither is a cozy read!

As advertised!

Life is a compilation of short stories

Enjoyed

Lo disfruté mucho

What a lovely book!

Enjoyable story

Hope

Charming & heartwarming