The Bookstore
By: Deborah Meyler
Love, books, growth, compassion, feminism, education, learning - this book has a little bit of everything.
The novel follows Esme Garland, a student at Columbia University working on her Ph.D. in Art History. She has a love of art and literature, and though she is not a native New Yorker, she quickly learns what life and love are like in the Big Apple. Esme gets caught up in an unexpected and ever-changing relationship with a man who always seems to be a step ahead. He is charming, devilishly sneaky, and somewhat unpredictable. He will soon change her world, regardless of how much she wants that to happen.
Esme’s love of books lands her a part-time job at a local bookstore, The Owl. Here she spends her time between classes, weeknights, and weekend mornings cataloging old books, selling collectibles, and making friends with the unlikeliest of people. She finds understanding and wisdom, gains relationship advice, and learns what life is like on the streets from a few regulars. Esme soon finds herself caught up between her passion and longing for a man that drives her crazy, a life of learning and unexpected friendships, and a surprise or two that will change not only who she is, but her perception of the world around her.
To me, the underlying theme of the book is personal growth. Esme struggles to navigate her relationship early on and understands what it means to stand her ground and fight for what she wants. Her depth of knowledge of books and art grows not only as she finishes her studies at Columbia, but by working with and talking with book lovers and traders alike at the bookstore. She learns what it is like to be a young woman on her own in an ever-changing city. Each event, person, or task she encounters helps to shape who she is and challenges what she believes in.
While The Bookstore is not my typical kind of read, I found Esme’s character to not only be interesting, but relatable as well - and that kept my interest throughout the entirety of the book. I found myself cheering for her and encouraging her with each decision or choice she was faced with - all indecisiveness and overthinking aside!
All in all, this book would make an excellent traveling or poolside companion! I definitely recommend The Bookstore if you are in the market for your next read!
