For the sake of transparency (do we hate this word yet?), I was predisposed to like this book. Three reasons. (A) I adored Gabrielle Zevin’s newest book, YOUNG JANE YOUNG. (B) THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY is set in a tiny independent bookstore on an island off the coast of New England – my people! And (C), I’d heard wonderful things about the book from friends.

I won’t summarize the plot other than to say that A.J. Fikry owns a bookstore, A.J. Fikry is grumpy and sad, and A.J. Fikry needs to change his life lest he drink himself to death.

THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY is fabulous. It’s a human interest story that tugs at any sensitive reader’s heartstrings, and while a lesser writer might fall into melodrama, Ms. Zevin does not. The subtlety with which she writes makes every twist and turn believable.

Many of the other reviews of this book tout it as a bibliophile’s dream. I love books, but love this one for reasons totally apart from that. Did I say that the cast of supporting actors is wonderful? Did I say that the narrator of the audiobook is amazing? Did I say that this is the kind of feel-good book that feels so good in times like this?

I highly recommend it.