So conflicted in this one. There are parts that I really loved: anything that took place in the bookstore, the parts where Luke tries to explain music to Esme, her description of a snowstorm in New York. But there were so many things I disliked: some characters are so unpleasant and Esme's behavior regarding them is frustrating (sadly believable but still frustrating!)

I am undecided about how I feel about how the book concluded and I think I'm coming around to liking the end. I'm left wondering what happens next.

Generally, the writing is pretty good, the plot is ok but a little frustrating and overall the whole book has a tinge of sadness that I was not expecting.
( )

Any reader, and every character in this novel, knows from the very beginning that Mitchell is the wrong man from the books' heroine Esme. But she "loves him" and goes back to him again again only to be hurt again and again. Reading this again and again becomes quite tedious but the novel does have one redeeming quality. This is the author's descriptions of New York; the physical city itself, as well as the varied and fascinating people who make it the wonderful city it is. ( )

This would have been a much better book if it had only been about the bookstore and all of the characters who worked there, shopped there, or just showed up. The whole back and forth with the boyfriend Mitchell, and having a baby was tedious and unneeded, and for me detracted from the story. ( )

A solid book full of yearning, misguided emotions, and brilliant lyricism with an undercurrent of heartbreaking realism. A wonderful book for those who like character driven plots, art history, second hand bookstores, emotional dilemmas, and strident hope. ( )

Yet another book where I feel stupid while reading. I fully expect to not know the meanings of a couple of words in a book but when it gets to be overwhelming, it's usually a good sign that the book and I will not be friends. I did love the description of the bookstore that the main character worked at and loved her co-workers. I found myself wishing that Esme and Mitchell would go away and leave me to talk books with the motley crew of employees at The Owl. Now that would have been a better book assuming I didn't have to pause every few sentences to define a word. ( )