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This thread is to discuss The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin. Be prepared for spoilers.

Synopsis:
On the faded Island Books sign hanging over the porch of the Victorian cottage is the motto "No Man Is an Island; Every Book Is a World." A. J. Fikry, the irascible owner, is about to discover just what that truly means.

A. J. Fikry's life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. Slowly but surely, he is isolating himself from all the people of Alice Island-from Lambiase, the well-intentioned police officer who's always felt kindly toward Fikry; from Ismay, his sister-in-law who is hell-bent on saving him from his dreary self; from Amelia, the lovely and idealistic (if eccentric) Knightley Press sales rep who keeps on taking the ferry over to Alice Island, refusing to be deterred by A.J.'s bad attitude. Even the books in his store have stopped holding pleasure for him. These days, A.J. can only see them as a sign of a world that is changing too rapidly.

And then a mysterious package appears at the bookstore. It's a small package, but large in weight. It's that unexpected arrival that gives A. J. Fikry the opportunity to make his life over, the ability to see everything anew. It doesn't take long for the locals to notice the change overcoming A.J.; or for that determined sales rep, Amelia, to see her curmudgeonly client in a new light; or for the wisdom of all those books to become again the lifeblood of A.J.'s world; or for everything to twist again into a version of his life that he didn't see coming. As surprising as it is moving, The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry is an unforgettable tale of transformation and second chances, an irresistible affirmation of why we read, and why we love.

Chapter Breakdown

Date Chapters Pages DQ's
July 12th Lamb to the Slaughter & 1 - 38 Karen
 The Diamond as Big as the Ritz

July 13th The Luck of Roaring Camp & 39-82 Amanda
 What Feels Like the World

July 14th A Good Man is Hard to Find 83-122 Lisarenee 

July 15th The Celebrated Jumping Frog... - 123-176 Amanda
 A Conversation with My Father

July 16th A Perfect Day for Bananafish-end 177-243 Karen

Chapter breakdown is based on this hardcover version of the book

so please use the chapter names as a guide, rather than page numbers, if you are using a different version

I've placed a hold at my library. I'm looking forward to reading it.

Have it from library until the 16th - this book has very high ratings, looking forward to it.

I'm not sure if I'll be able to get this from the library in time - there are a bunch of other holds. But I hope to join the discussion.

I've been notified by the library that a copy should be available to me soon :)

I have a hold on it at the library too. My copy isn't available yet, but I should have it on time to read this month.

I'm looking forward to the discussion for this book. I read it and enjoyed it, although not as much as some of my book friends.

I want to read this with you all...will work in getting a copy from the library.

I got it from the library! I have it til the end of July. I am trying to wait to start it on the 12th, I don't know if I'm going to make it. I'm really excited for this one! :-)

:D
I have my copy now. It's a pretty small book actually!

I loved this book - read it in one day. Hope everyone enjoys it to.

Great! - thanks Pigletto :)

I started the book but made myself put it down or I'd finish today. Im going to try and wait until the 12th. :-)

I just got the audio copy from the library. I'm waiting to start though. Looking forward to this one. :)

So, this is my first group discussion and I was browsing the internet looking for examples of the types of questions that might be asked. DO NOT under ANY circumstances go to and look at the questions there. They give away the ENTIRE story. I wish I'd never gone there. :-(

Suezq wrote: "So, this is my first group discussion and I was browsing the internet looking for examples of the types of questions that might be asked. DO NOT under ANY circumstances go to and..."

Oh noes! I feel your pain. I would be so upset. :-(

Suezq wrote: "So, this is my first group discussion and I was browsing the internet looking for examples of the types of questions that might be asked. DO NOT under ANY circumstances go to and..."


That's terrible, Suezq! I think that is the worst thing that can happen to a reader.

If you want an idea of how our Book-of-the-Month discussions go, a good way would probably be to look at one of our past BOMs that you've already read.

Here is our discussion for The Universe Versus Alex Woods

I will join in the discussion, I have been wanting to read this book for some time now, it has got great reviews and I have missed those book-of-the-month reads ;)

I just got notice my copy has arrived at the library. I'll be picking up today, but won't be able to start it immediately.

Oh this will be a treat. I need to study, but am going to squeeze this in as a nice break.

I finally got my hands on this from the library, so I'll be able to read it with you guys!

woohoo!

I'm looking forward to this discussion. I already read it and liked it, so I'm curious what everyone else thinks

Amanda wrote: "Suezq wrote: "So, this is my first group discussion and I was browsing the internet looking for examples of the types of questions that might be asked. DO NOT under ANY circumstances go to ..."

Amanda wrote: "Suezq wrote: "So, this is my first group discussion and I was browsing the internet looking for examples of the types of questions that might be asked. DO NOT under ANY circumstances go to ..."

Thanks Amanda! I'm sorry I missed this group, I read the book in Dec. and really enjoyed it.

I picked up the book today to get a head start and ended up finishing it. What a lovely story.

Comments and Questions
July 12
Chapters: "Lamb to the Slaughter" and "The Diamond as Big as the RItz"

1.Well who doesn't love a novel about bookshops or books?! (pssst you can use this book for the Books about Books Reading Challenge) Why did you decide to join this read? Have you read any other books by this author?

2. Initial thoughts on the writing style? I love how the chapter title fits the content (Amelia was the lamb to the slaughter going to that bookshop to try for a sale!....Tamerlane being his "diamond" ) and the comments by A.J Fikry at the start of the chapters

3. This is one of those books that has a different title in the U.S than it does in other countries ("The Collected Works of A.J Fikry" v "The Storied Life of A.J Fikry"). What do you prefer? Do you have a preference of cover? I have this version

which I think is my favourite cover

4. About Daniel: "Well, he amuses A.J. to an extent. That is to say, Daniel Parish is one of A.J's closest friends" is humorous and sad at the same time. It seems Nic was the sociable one and A.J is unable to make connections with others. Do you agree?

5. Any theories on who cleaned up his apartment and took Tamerlane?!

1. I joined this book read because I get so much more out of a book when I do. I downloaded this book from the library a couple of weeks ago, and I really enjoyed what I read. I've learned from past book reads not to read to far ahead so that I can try to answer questions like #5.

2. I love the writing style so far. I love how easy the story flows, and I love the characters. I hadn't noticed the chapter titles fitting the content before so thank you for pointing that out.

3. The different chapter titles give it different meanings; don't they? "The Collected Works" emphasize the books of AJ, but the "The Storied Life" really describes AJ's life. I think I prefer "The Storied Life".

4. Yes, it does seem that Nic was the social one, but there's a cliche, "opposites attract" that is so true. I was just thinking about a friend who's so together, and her husband who isn't. Then I thought about myself, kind of a mess, but my husband is so organized. My husband is happily re-organizing the house, including my craft room, and I'm going to let him because at least one of us will know where things are. For example, I have 6 seam rippers because I keep losing them, and I think I can only find one now.

5. Sadly, I read 3 questions off that website Suez mentioned, and one of those questions gave this away. Ugh.

Welcome Linda! I agree with you about the flow of the story. It is really lovely.
Good point with the titles. I guess I will wait until I am further into it, but it does seem that the "storied life" may be more appropriate.
What a shame about reading that spoiler! I'm so curious to know who "stole" his book, but I'm happy to find out as the book goes along

Thank you, Karen! Yes, I was so good about not reading too far ahead, and I still can't answer that question because I couldn't close that website quick enough. Double ugh!

Starting this one today.

1. This is my first "group read" and I joined because it was recommended by my friend Linda. :-) As she said I'm hoping it will help me get more out of the book.

2. Referring back to number 1, I hand't paid any attention to the chapter titles but I will from now on. I am enjoying the writing style very much.

3. I didn't realize they were different titles of the same book, I was hoping there was a sequel. LOL I prefer "The Storied Life".

4. I agree Nic was the social one. Not sure if A.J. if unable or unwilling, I think he is still blaming the world for taking her away.

5. I wish I was still in the dark on this one. I may go back and reread that section to see if the book gives you any clues.

Comments and Questions
July 12
Chapters: "Lamb to the Slaughter" and "The Diamond as Big as the RItz"

1.Well who doesn't love a novel about bookshops or books?! Why did you decide to join this read? Have you read any other books by this author?
I joined this discussion because I have already read this book, and I'm curious about how this discussion will pan out. In my other book groups, people were raving about this story, so I finally picked it up and read it. I've never heard of this author before, so I wasn't sure what to expect.

2. Initial thoughts on the writing style? I love how the chapter title fits the content (Amelia was the lamb to the slaughter going to that bookshop to try for a sale!....Tamerlane being his "diamond" ) and the comments by A.J Fikry at the start of the chapters
I thought that was a nice writing touch, those comments at the beginning of the chapters. The use of language throughout this story was very well done.

3. This is one of those books that has a different title in the U.S than it does in other countries ("The Collected Works of A.J Fikry" v "The Storied Life of A.J Fikry"). What do you prefer? Do you have a preference of cover? I have this version
The Collected Works of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
which I think is my favourite cover
I actually didn't know there were other edtions except the red-and-white one:

I think I prefer the title "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry". It seems to fit the overall tone of the story; that Fikry's life has a storied element to it, which it does. "Collected Works" makes it sound like Fikry is a famous author of classic literature, which he's not, nor is he trying to be.

4. About Daniel: "Well, he amuses A.J. to an extent. That is to say, Daniel Parish is one of A.J's closest friends" is humorous and sad at the same time. It seems Nic was the sociable one and A.J is unable to make connections with others. Do you agree?
Oh, yes definitely. I kept thinking of the TV series "Monk", and how Adrian Monk's wife was the one who really brought him out of his shell when they were together.

5. Any theories on who cleaned up his apartment and took Tamerlane?!
Since I already read the book, I know who took Tamerlane. Don't worry though, I won't give anything away. ;) I'll just say what I thought at the time.

When I first reached this point in the book, my original thought was "I have no clue, there's not enough information yet. I have a hunch it's going to be a recurring character, but it could also just become an unsolved case, so I'll just wait and see"

I just finished this & absolutely loved it...best book this year! I won't be able to do the questions as I'm on vacation without a computer. So happy to have read this!

I loved this book so much I passed it on to a friend and she and her husband both read and loved it. Need to get it back so I can refer to the chapters.

1.Well who doesn't love a novel about bookshops or books?! Why did you decide to join this read? Have you read any other books by this author?

I've never read anything else by this author. I decided to read it just because I've heard good reviews and it sounded interesting. Since it was a BOM, I figured now would be a good time to dive in!

2. Initial thoughts on the writing style? I love how the chapter title fits the content (Amelia was the lamb to the slaughter going to that bookshop to try for a sale!....Tamerlane being his "diamond" ) and the comments by A.J Fikry at the start of the chapters.

I'm about 35% in and I still can't decide if I like the writing style! There are times when I didn't, but I think I've gotten more used to it now and it's growing on me. I love the humor in the book.

3. This is one of those books that has a different title in the U.S than it does in other countries ("The Collected Works of A.J Fikry" v "The Storied Life of A.J Fikry"). What do you prefer? Do you have a preference of cover?

I've seen both titles and at first I wasn't sure if there was a second book. lol I'm not sure which title I prefer. The only cover I've seen is , which is the one I have. But I think and are more aesthetically pleasing to me.

4. About Daniel: "Well, he amuses A.J. to an extent. That is to say, Daniel Parish is one of A.J's closest friends" is humorous and sad at the same time. It seems Nic was the sociable one and A.J is unable to make connections with others. Do you agree?

Definitely. I don't think A.J. really knows what it is like to have a real friend.

5. Any theories on who cleaned up his apartment and took Tamerlane?!

I have an idea, but I'm not sure of it yet.

@suezq - welcome!
lol too bad it isn't a sequel that is out there...!

@Lisa - interesting that you have already read it. I'm sure you will get a different perspective reading with a group. I always seem to

@Kristie - They are such different covers aren't they? I think I'm just a sucker for covers with rows of books on it ;)

I do like that one too.

I finally acquired my copy and I'm going to start reading today :D

1. I decided to join this read as I had seen a really nice review of the book and two groups I'm a member of chose it for this month. I've never read anything else by the author, but might check out her other works now.

2. I found the writing style very soothing. Yes, there are serious life events, but the writing isn't full of angst. I started it when I was sick with a migraine, and found it relaxing to read. I like the short story summaries as they show something of AJ's personality.

3. I like the original title: The Storied Life... as it has more than one potential meaning. And his life is defined by books, he loves short stories, and he lives his own stories as well. As for covers, I like both of these the best: (which I read) and

4. Yes, Nic was definitely the more extroverted of the two. And I also thought it was sad that he didn't really like or respect his closest friend. It made him seem isolated without going into detail.

5. As for the theft, my first thoughts were that it was weird. Either two people came over: one to clean or one to steal. Or, more likely, it was someone close to him.

1.Well who doesn't love a novel about bookshops or books?! (pssst you can use this book for the Books about Books Reading Challenge) Why did you decide to join this read? Have you read any other books by this author?
I haven't read any other books by this author. I said I'd read it so I could post DQs, but after I looked at the synopsis I was very intrigued. I love books about books!

2. Initial thoughts on the writing style? I love how the chapter title fits the content (Amelia was the lamb to the slaughter going to that bookshop to try for a sale!....Tamerlane being his "diamond" ) and the comments by A.J Fikry at the start of the chapters.
LOVE the writing style so far! I think the author did a great job keeping things interesting with the titles and A.J's comments. I can't wait to read more!

3. This is one of those books that has a different title in the U.S than it does in other countries ("The Collected Works of A.J Fikry" v "The Storied Life of A.J Fikry"). What do you prefer? Do you have a preference of cover? I have this version
The Collected Works of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
which I think is my favourite cover.
I actually prefer the US title this time. My favorite cover is this one:
I just love all those books on the cover!

4. About Daniel: "Well, he amuses A.J. to an extent. That is to say, Daniel Parish is one of A.J's closest friends" is humorous and sad at the same time. It seems Nic was the sociable one and A.J is unable to make connections with others. Do you agree?
I agree. I think Daniel is his closest friend because he doesn't seem to expect much from A.J. I could be wrong, but he seems very self-centered and A.J. doesn't exactly take the spotlight away, if that makes sense.

5. Any theories on who cleaned up his apartment and took Tamerlane?!
None. The only character besides A.J. that we know at the moment is Amelia, and I don't think she would have done that.

July 13th, Questions and Comments for Pages 39-82..."The Luck of Roaring Camp" & "What Feels Like the World"

6. I found it interesting to see A.J.'s interactions with his customers, especially Mrs. Cumberbatch, who did didn't like The Book Thief. What is your impression of him so far?

7. Wow. I did not expect what happened with Maya. Why do you think someone would leave their child with A.J.? Do you think this is connected to the theft at all?

8. What do you think of A.J. deciding to keep Maya? Would you have done the same?

9. Any thoughts on who Maya's father could be? And why do you think Maya's mother brought her out to the island?

10. Poor Ismay! Not only did she lose her child but Daniel took off almost immediately. What do you think she means when she says that she is bad? Do you think she has feelings for A.J., or was she just looking for comfort?

11. How did you like all of the references to books in these chapters? Have you read any of them?

Comments and Questions
July 12
Chapters: "Lamb to the Slaughter" and "The Diamond as Big as the RItz"

1.Well who doesn't love a novel about bookshops or books?! (pssst you can use this book for the Books about Books Reading Challenge) Why did you decide to join this read? Have you read any other books by this author?
I read all the BOM's that I can to get some variety. I haven't read anything else by the author. It reminds me a bit about the Death On Demand books but that's probably mainly due to the book store scene. It feels like bookstore owners are always written a bit obsessive with books which I suppose makes sense.

2. Initial thoughts on the writing style? I love how the chapter title fits the content (Amelia was the lamb to the slaughter going to that bookshop to try for a sale!....Tamerlane being his "diamond" ) and the comments by A.J Fikry at the start of the chapters
I find it OK but it doesn't seem to flow very well for me yet. Maybe once I know the characters a bit better. I'm also very glad that I'm reading it on a kindle so I can get some of the definitions of words. I'm not too bad on vocab now but I like to verify that I correctly know some of the more rare words.

3. This is one of those books that has a different title in the U.S than it does in other countries ("The Collected Works of A.J Fikry" v "The Storied Life of A.J Fikry"). What do you prefer? Do you have a preference of cover? I have this version
The Collected Works of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
which I think is my favourite cover
I think the sunset cover is pretty. It's hard to tell on covers and titles til you've read the whole book.

4. About Daniel: "Well, he amuses A.J. to an extent. That is to say, Daniel Parish is one of A.J's closest friends" is humorous and sad at the same time. It seems Nic was the sociable one and A.J is unable to make connections with others. Do you agree?
I thought it was amusing that he was one of his closest friends and yet he didn't like his books. You'd think that would get a bit awkward especially if he kept being opinionated. But maybe Daniel got used to it or just ignores it as a strange quirk.

5. Any theories on who cleaned up his apartment and took Tamerlane?!
Maybe Harvey (I think that was his name) hadn't really died! Otherwise I think we probably haven't met the person yet since I doubt it was Amelia.

6. I found it interesting to see A.J.'s interactions with his customers, especially Mrs. Cumberbatch, who did didn't like The Book Thief. What is your impression of him so far?

I completely understand him. He's very introverted, somewhat self-absorbed (due to grief mostly), and doesn't understand how other people perceive him.

7. Wow. I did not expect what happened with Maya. Why do you think someone would leave their child with A.J.? Do you think this is connected to the theft at all?

I think her Mother left her for the reasons she gave; she wanted her child raised to be a reader and surrounded by books. I wish I grew up in a book store.

8. What do you think of A.J. deciding to keep Maya? Would you have done the same?

I think AJ unexpectedly got attached to Maya in a way he only ever had with Nic. I'm not sure I would have done the same thing, but it would have been hard not to. Maya is adorable.

9. Any thoughts on who Maya's father could be? And why do you think Maya's mother brought her out to the island?

At the time I was reading this, I had no idea on both questions. (I finished the book yesterday.)

10. Poor Ismay! Not only did she lose her child but Daniel took off almost immediately. What do you think she means when she says that she is bad? Do you think she has feelings for A.J., or was she just looking for comfort?

I think we all have a little bad in us. I think at the time I read this part, I thought she was referring to how she may have behaved toward husband after all of her miscarriages. She might have been moody, or something similar. As for feelings for AJ, I think she was just looking for comfort.

11. How did you like all of the references to books in these chapters? Have you read any of them?

I liked the references a lot, but I hadn't read many of the books. I actually bookmarked them so that I can put some of them on my list of books to read.

July 13th

6. I like that he says what he thinks. I am really enjoying all the book references too

7. This really baffles me. As a monther of a 21 month old son I just can't imagine how ill someone must be to leave their child like that. It is so deeply sad

8. absolutely. Although I'm surprised it is that easy?!

9. totally clueless at this point (I am not good at mysteries!)

10. I think she is incredibly lonely. I feel very sorry for her

11. love it. need to make a challenge from them ;)

Karen, I would be interested in a challenge you do based on the references.

Thanks Linda :)
I made one for The End of Your Life Book Club but I keep forgetting to post it!
Maybe I'll do this one first ;)

6. I found it interesting to see A.J.'s interactions with his customers, especially Mrs. Cumberbatch, who did didn't like The Book Thief. What is your impression of him so far?

I think he's a bit odd and insensitive, but he appears to have a good heart. It seems like he just doesn't realize how his actions affect others or appear to others until after it's done. (hahaha Mrs. Cumberbatch - why would you give an old lady a book narrated by death?! lol - her thoughts, not mine)

7. Wow. I did not expect what happened with Maya. Why do you think someone would leave their child with A.J.? Do you think this is connected to the theft at all?

I don't think it's connected to the theft. I don't know why she would choose A.J. as a person. I think she chose the location for her death, then the book store because of the way she felt about books and her daughter. It seems to me that she just assumed that anyone that owns a book store must be a smart and good person.

8. What do you think of A.J. deciding to keep Maya? Would you have done the same?

I might have done the same thing, but I'm in a different situation than A.J. and I have a very different background and experiences. With that said, I think it was probably the best thing for him. He needed someone to care for.

9. Any thoughts on who Maya's father could be? And why do you think Maya's mother brought her out to the island?

I don't know who Maya's father is, but now that I'm thinking about it....(view spoiler)[it could be Daniel and when he turned her away, it pushed her over the edge. That would explain why she came to the island in the first place. Also, her attachment to books and Daniel being an author could be the connection. (hide spoiler)]

10. Poor Ismay! Not only did she lose her child but Daniel took off almost immediately. What do you think she means when she says that she is bad? Do you think she has feelings for A.J., or was she just looking for comfort?

I feel so bad for her. Her husband is such a jerk to her. It sounds to me like she thinks she only deserves a bad, selfish husband. I don't know what she has done, but she seems to think that this is her punishment. I don't think she has feelings for A.J., though I could be completely wrong, maybe there is some back history we're not aware of yet. I think she was just feeling very alone at that time.

11. How did you like all of the references to books in these chapters? Have you read any of them?

I love the references so far. :)

Linda wrote: "Karen, I would be interested in a challenge you do based on the references."

That's a great idea. I always think that when there is a book about books. :) I'd love to see the list for this one!

6. I love A.J.! His sarcastic wit cracks me up both with Mrs. Cumberbatch ("who are these people that think that books come with guarantees that you will like them?" LOL) and the gentleman who suggested he lower his prices in order to compete with Amazon.

7. I can't imagine anyone leaving their child in a bookstore. An odd choice.

8. I love that A.J. kept her. I'm not sure if I would have but I can't imagine that it would be as easy as the book made it seem.

9. I don't know the mother's reason for bringing her there but as A.J. said she must have had one. She had to go to great lengths to do it so it couldn't be "random".

10. I don't think that Ismay has feelings for A.J. I think she was looking for comfort, although why she would stay with man who is clearly a jackass is beyond me.

11. I enjoyed the references, especially the one about "The Book Thief". I haven't read them but some have been on my list for a while. TOO long...