
Published by Gallery Books on August 20th 2013
Genres: Women's Fiction
Pages: 352
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A witty, sharply observed debut novel about a young woman who finds unexpected salvation while working in a quirky used bookstore in Manhattan.Impressionable and idealistic, Esme Garland is a young British woman who finds herself studying art history in New York. She loves her apartment and is passionate about the city and her boyfriend; her future couldn’t look brighter. Until she finds out that she’s pregnant.
Esme’s boyfriend, Mitchell van Leuven, is old-money rich, handsome, successful, and irretrievably damaged. When he dumps Esme—just before she tries to tell him about the baby—she resolves to manage alone. She will keep the child and her scholarship, while finding a part-time job to make ends meet. But that is easier said than done, especially on a student visa.
The Owl is a shabby, second-hand bookstore on the Upper West Side, an all-day, all-night haven for a colorful crew of characters: handsome and taciturn guitar player Luke; Chester, who hyperventilates at the mention of Lolita; George, the owner, who lives on protein shakes and idealism; and a motley company of the timeless, the tactless, and the homeless. The Owl becomes a nexus of good in a difficult world for Esme—but will it be enough to sustain her? Even when Mitchell, repentant and charming, comes back on the scene?
A rousing celebration of books, of the shops where they are sold, and of the people who work, read, and live in them, The Bookstore is also a story about emotional discovery, the complex choices we all face, and the accidental inspirations that make a life worth the reading.
The world is Esme Garland’s oyster. The possibilities are endless a British student in New York city. That is until she finds out she is pregnant. When she goes to tell the father he dumps her. After figuring out that she is keeping the baby she endeavors to go it alone. She finds employment at a quirky used bookstore, The Owl. The father comes back into the scene. In the end the bookstore becomes her saving grace.
In ” an Oyster Shell- I am so disappointed that I spent money on this book.
The Pearls – The concept was interesting. Centered around a bookstore that becomes Esme’s safe place is one of the few redeeming qualities of the book.
The setting was really interesting. I feel that the author really did justice to New York city. There were lots of restaurants and places that were mentioned in the book. It made the book come alive.
The supporting characters added a nice depth to the story. More competent than the main character. The author gave the supporting characters quirky attributes that made the read more interesting.
The Sand – The protagonist did not show much growth in the story. She didn’t learn from her mistakes. It was quite frustrating. This is the most bland character I’ve read in a long time. She chose to stay in an emotionally abusive relationship. When it was over she still pined for the guy. It was disappointing and aggravating, The ending was anti-climatic.