Helpful Score: 3
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald takes place in Broken Wheel, Iowa. Sara Lindqvist has decided to visit her pen pal Amy Harris. They got to know each other through an online secondhand book shop. They then started writing to each other and sharing books. When the store where Sara worked went out of business, Sara was convinced by Amy to come and visit. When Sara arrives in Broken Wheel she finds out that Amy has passed away (and today is her funeral). Everyone is very friendly though and convince Sara that she should stay (in Amy's house). It is what Amy would have wanted. Sara decides to stay (since she is already there). Broken Wheel is a dying town, but they all look out for each other and take care of Sara. No one will let Sara pay for anything. Sara wants to find a way to repay their kindness. Amy owned a store in town that is sitting empty. Sara decides to take Amy's books and set up a shop (she really just wants to help people with books). Sara wants to show the townspeople the wonderful world of books. Broken Wheel is a place where Sara finally feels comfortable (can be herself). But what will happen when it is time for Sara to go back to Sweden?
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend is a story about two people who love books. They like talking about books, reading books, and they want to share it with their friends (and anyone they can). I thought this would be a wonderful book (as I love books), but the story is really quite boring. I never connected with the characters. This novel really dragged on and on (I have to admit that I might have skimmed a little during the middle). The way it is written is awkward (it is the best word to describe it). The novel does get better towards the last third (if you can make it that far and stay awake). I enjoyed the townspeople's meddling (the last part of the book) and how Sara brought life back to Broken Wheel. I give The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend 2.5 out of 5 stars. The premise is good, but the characters just did not come to life for me (nor did the story).
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend is a story about two people who love books. They like talking about books, reading books, and they want to share it with their friends (and anyone they can). I thought this would be a wonderful book (as I love books), but the story is really quite boring. I never connected with the characters. This novel really dragged on and on (I have to admit that I might have skimmed a little during the middle). The way it is written is awkward (it is the best word to describe it). The novel does get better towards the last third (if you can make it that far and stay awake). I enjoyed the townspeople's meddling (the last part of the book) and how Sara brought life back to Broken Wheel. I give The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend 2.5 out of 5 stars. The premise is good, but the characters just did not come to life for me (nor did the story).
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Helpful Score: 2
After reading all the glowing reviews (and I am a book lover/reader) I found the storyline unrealistic, too simple and it dragged for me. I persevered for many pages, but unfortunately found it very boring, and it failed to hold my interest.
This book is sweet, warm-hearted and somewhat surprising. It all takes place in a broken-down small town in Iowa, when a visitor arrives from Sweden...
Normally I'm not a fan of books that take place on a short timeline but this one works. This had a similar concept to The Little Paris Bookshop (which I didn't like much) in that it was a book about books but this one I enjoyed more. I loved the incorporation of the letters (I LOVE The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society that also does this). Also similar to that book this one really helps you visualize the characters in the book and you feel as though you are experiencing small town Iowa alongside them. Not that I've ever been to Iowa or spent an extended time in a small town but this story makes it feel real and believable. One of my favorite parts was the naming of the shelves in the bookshop-how Sara groups the books. I felt similar to Sara in that I'll get so lost in reading it is quite possible a crowd could gather and I wouldn't notice (also a favorite part of the book). Interesting concept if people are better than books, one that Amy and Sara both ponder. I prefer books to people but the right people do make you put down your books once in awhile :)
Fun read
Looks like we need an alternate view...so here goes.
I'll skip the paragraph I wrote about one of her book recommendations (you can see it on Goodreads).
Start sputtered...middle roared...end sputtered...epilogue didn't seem to add a thing.
Overall, I really enjoyed it...hard to imagine any book lover not enjoying all the book references. Add romance & HEAs.
My advice: end it after they kiss outside the immigration office. Book 2 picks up there! Oh, well...missed op.
I preferred the middle, but I wasn't too impressed with the town meddling. My interest was drawn to the personal growth & rejuvenation of the town (& people in it). I had no trouble reading it in 2 days with lots of interruptions, and didn't feel like it dragged...I wanted to keep reading. A very good debut!
I'll skip the paragraph I wrote about one of her book recommendations (you can see it on Goodreads).
Start sputtered...middle roared...end sputtered...epilogue didn't seem to add a thing.
Overall, I really enjoyed it...hard to imagine any book lover not enjoying all the book references. Add romance & HEAs.
My advice: end it after they kiss outside the immigration office. Book 2 picks up there! Oh, well...missed op.
I preferred the middle, but I wasn't too impressed with the town meddling. My interest was drawn to the personal growth & rejuvenation of the town (& people in it). I had no trouble reading it in 2 days with lots of interruptions, and didn't feel like it dragged...I wanted to keep reading. A very good debut!
This is a wonderful story. Small town Iowa. Lots of very real characters. It's a warm book. It's an "awwww" book. It sounds silly but I think it's a happy book. No blood. No bodies. No forensics. Just a warm and fuzzy story. How highly do I recommend this book? I'm keeping this one on my "forever" shelf and not putting it out for swap. I don't make higher recommendations than that!
I thought the story had a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance a little bit of cross-culturalism, and good book recommendations. It was a fun read.
With "readers" in the title and books on the cover, The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald pulls me right in. A sweet and predictable story, this book is about relationships and the things that get in the way relationships. Set in a quirky small town in Iowa, this book and a cup of tea are perfect for a feel good afternoon curled up with a book.
Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2015/12/the-readers-of-broken-wheel-recommend.html
Reviewed based on a publisher's galley received through NetGalley.
Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2015/12/the-readers-of-broken-wheel-recommend.html
Reviewed based on a publisher's galley received through NetGalley.
Still smiling from reading Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove, I bought fellow Swede Katarina Bivald's The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend. Although I don't necessarily need to be reminded of the importance of books and the connections they can make in my life and the lives of others, I'm not about to turn down the opportunity to read about it.
At first, I was charmed by the awkward Sara Lindqvist and the residents of Broken Wheel who come to her aid. I could even picture the dying little town in my mind's eye. (I've seen enough of them, unfortunately.) Sara is persuaded to stay for the length of time she'd originally intended, and when townspeople are so friendly and helpful, she knows she has to pay them back in some way. Since books have always played a large part in her own life, Sara feels that the best way to say thank you is to use Amy's books to open a bookstore in one of the vacant storefronts on Broken Wheel's tiny Main Street.
I have to admit that the book was bubbling right along at this point; I was smiling and enjoying the story. The highlight is when the townspeople decide to make Sara's bookstore a success-- and how they plan to go about it. Bivald uses humor to good effect several times throughout the book and especially during this portion. However... once that plan for bookstore success is carried out, it seems that there's nothing left in Broken Wheel to do but mend personal relationships, and for me, this is when the fizz leaves the champagne and the book becomes a bit of a bore.
Until then this book had a magical sort of fairy tale quality about it that made it a joy to read, and it had everything to do with Sara, her books, and the special little bookstore that she created. If you don't mind your fairy tales being told with chapters of self-help romantic advice, The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend will certainly be your cup of tea. Regretfully I had to leave my cup half full.
At first, I was charmed by the awkward Sara Lindqvist and the residents of Broken Wheel who come to her aid. I could even picture the dying little town in my mind's eye. (I've seen enough of them, unfortunately.) Sara is persuaded to stay for the length of time she'd originally intended, and when townspeople are so friendly and helpful, she knows she has to pay them back in some way. Since books have always played a large part in her own life, Sara feels that the best way to say thank you is to use Amy's books to open a bookstore in one of the vacant storefronts on Broken Wheel's tiny Main Street.
I have to admit that the book was bubbling right along at this point; I was smiling and enjoying the story. The highlight is when the townspeople decide to make Sara's bookstore a success-- and how they plan to go about it. Bivald uses humor to good effect several times throughout the book and especially during this portion. However... once that plan for bookstore success is carried out, it seems that there's nothing left in Broken Wheel to do but mend personal relationships, and for me, this is when the fizz leaves the champagne and the book becomes a bit of a bore.
Until then this book had a magical sort of fairy tale quality about it that made it a joy to read, and it had everything to do with Sara, her books, and the special little bookstore that she created. If you don't mind your fairy tales being told with chapters of self-help romantic advice, The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend will certainly be your cup of tea. Regretfully I had to leave my cup half full.
