Another book that sounded perfectly in my wheelhouse (A book about books! The library!) but this month’s #evergreenreaders book club pick ultimately fell flat for me.
It had a promising start and had me curious about all of the characters that were being introduced, and about the mystery behind who wrote the “reading list” that brings different library patrons together as we learn their stories. But then the list author identity felt obvious, the characters seemed two dimensional and saccharine, and the plot like a Lifetime movie.
The cutesy cast of characters and emotional manipulation reminded me of A Man Called Ove, a much beloved novel of which I was not a fan. So, for the MANY readers who enjoy Backman, this one might appeal!
Either way, the plot device really bothered me. If you have not read The Time Travelers Wife, do not read this book until you have done so. Firstly because it is one of my absolute all time favorite books and it should be prioritized over The Reading List, and secondly the author absolutely spoils it at the outset. I feel like it is quite a choice to flesh out the plot of your book by utilizing the plot of so many beloved books, of which many people might not have read yet. So those readers find out spoilery things and probably can’t fully understand the connections being made. Although, having read every book discussed (with the exception of A Suitable Boy) it clearly didn’t help me connect! Alas!