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.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
