The Book Haters' Book Club

As a self-proclaimed book nerd, library assistant and book blogger, I'm always intrigued with books centred around bookshops and libraries. This striking cover and title caught my eye, so I eagerly requested an advanced copy and jumped right in!

Despite its bookish setting, it took me awhile to get into this story and I was surprised that it wasn't the main premise of a bookshop closing that kept me reading. I found that plot to be a bit long-winded with Irma's reasons for selling and the big ah-ha moment not as satisfying as I had expected. 

I was in it for the relationships - in all their wonderful messiness! In this story there are family and friends who are tackling grief in their own way, a small-town feel, bits of humour and fabulous book recommendations. These aspects kept me engaged in this character-driven, slower-paced story.

A little cheesy but heartwarming, this is a story about family in all its beautiful permutations, the different ways we handle grief and the power of books when we're working through life's rocky bits. 

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Park Row Books for my complimentary digital advanced copy which was provided in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 3 stars

Author: Gretchen Anthony

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Type and Source: eBook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Park Row

First Published: Sept 13, 2022

Book Description from GoodReads: All it takes is the right book to turn a Book Hater into a Book Lover…

That was Elliott’s belief and the reason why he started The Book Haters’ Book Club—a newsletter of reading recommendations for the self-proclaimed “nonreader.” As the beloved co-owner of Over the Rainbow Bookstore, Elliott’s passion and gift was recommending books to customers. Now, after his sudden death, his grief-ridden business partner, Irma, has agreed to sell Over the Rainbow to a developer who will turn the cozy bookstore into high-rise condos.

But others won’t give up the bookstore without a fight. When Irma breaks the news to her daughters, Bree and Laney, and Elliott’s romantic partner, Thom, they are aghast. Over the Rainbow has been Bree and Laney’s sanctuary since childhood, and Thom would do anything to preserve Elliott’s legacy. Together, Thom, Bree and Laney conspire to save the bookstore, even if it takes some snooping, gossip and minor sabotage.

Filled with humor, family hijinks and actual reading recommendations, The Book Haters' Book Club is the ideal feel-good read. It’s a celebration of found family and a love letter to the everyday heroes who run bookstores.