Helpful Score: 2
This started out great. Esme is an entertaining and humorous character. The first lines read: "I, Esme Garland, do not approve of mess. This is unfortunate, because ever since I woke up this morning I've had a feeling I might be in one." I was drawn in and I enjoyed the descriptions of the old, quaint bookstore (The Owl) and the characters who worked there. I also liked learning some details of New York. I think those who are interested in the city would enjoy this. However, as the book went on, it fails to give us much information on these characters and their lives. It dwells too much on Esme and the man she supposedly loves, Mitchell, who is a very unlikable character. Esme is only 23 and maybe she doesn't know any better, but it ends without much fanfare. I'm thinking there may be a second book? I would like to know more of the characters who worked in the bookstore, especially Luke. I would probably read a second book just for that reason. I was let down with it just ending as it did, though.
Helpful Score: 1
The book started off slow then it pulled me in. I had a hard time putting the book down, but the ending failed. I was let down. There were a great number of characters in the book that could have been further developed. I felt the characters were sorted into boxes and I had hoped there would be a conclusion that would show more dimension of the characters.
Helpful Score: 1
I think this is a book you will really like or you won't and there isn't much in between. I really liked it because I love NYC, and The Owl bookshop is almost a character in itself as is NYC. I could see where Esme the main character could annoy some people, although I find her naiveté rather endearing but I can't stand Mitchell (I imagine folks of his standing are just like him -- pretentious and full of themselves). The ending was unsettling and left me unsatisfied. I could see where a sequel could definitely be written and I hope Ms. Meyler decides to write one. I think we readers prefer to have everything tied up nice and neatly with a little red bow even if it doesn't necessarily end the way we want, the loose ends need to be resolved. Still overall I am glad I read this book just read with caution you won't get that ahhh feeling at the end, it will be more like WTF????
