Thursday, July 9, 2020

Review of The Lending Library

books photo by mbgphoto
The Lending Library by Alice Fogelson is a delightful story about a teacher's love for books and how she helps the community when the town library is temporarily closed.  I found the book when it was one of the Amazon Prime monthly First Read books.  I love that feature on Amazon because it has introduced me to so many interesting books and authors.


Summary of the Book

The book is about a confirmed bibliophile and frustrated artist, Dodie Fairisle, who moves from New York city to a small Connecticut town where she teaches art in the elementary school.

When the Chatsworth town library is found to have asbestos it is forced to close indefinately.  Dodie is so frustrated for herself and the town that she decides to create a lending library in the sunroom of her home.

Dodie is very committed to making the library a success and she uses her skills as a baker providing treats and her love of books to recommend books for each person who comes into the lending library.

One person that comes regularly to the library is a construction worker named Shep Jamison.  Shep is very handsome and Dodie spends a lot of time picking out books that she feels Shep would like.

The first part of the book is setting up the library and the people that Dodie meets.  The second part of the book becomes bogged down with many side stories, including love interests of friends, death of a friend, adoption processes and Dodie's stressed out desire to become a mother.

My Thoughts on the Book

I picked up this book at a time when I was looking for something lighter to read.  The book, for the most part filled that need.   I particularly  enjoyed the parts about Dodie and her work with the library. I also enjoyed the interesting cast of characters, including Dodie's friends and the people that frequented the library.

 There were times though in the second half where the story became a bit intense and perhaps unbelievable.  Even so, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

Find the Book on Amazon




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


4 comments:

  1. Creating your own lending library in your home would certainly be a good way to meet people in a small town. I can see how it could lead to learning all sorts of stories about your neighbors. Interesting book review, Mary Beth.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I can see how the story of a bibliophile would appeal to many of us! The premise of this book, having to close a library indefinitely due to asbestos, is totally plausible. While I love the idea of the Lending Library, it does sound like Dodie took on a lot of extra work though with teaching, baking and serving as librarian in her own home. I always appreciate your honest reviews on books.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks Mary Beth, it will go on my list of books to read. While I am spending much more time reading, it seems the list grows faster than my eyes can cover all the pages. Sounds like an interesting story and one that I would enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Delightful and light sound like the perfect summer read! Thanks
    for the review!

    ReplyDelete

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