I was drawn to The Book Haters’ Book Club by Gretchen Anthony with it’s promise of book talk, humor and family. This women’s fiction story delivered a heart-felt humorous story about the Over the Rainbow Bookstore and what happens when one co-owners dies… the one who actually loved books.
by Gretchen Anthony
Narrator: Tanya Eby
Length: 9 hours
Genres: Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.4x
"This sparkling novel starts with high energy and unique characters that move from one surprise to another all the way to the final pages."—Ann Garvin, USA TODAY bestselling author of I Thought You Said This Would Work
All it takes is the right book to turn a Book Hater into a Book Lover…
That was Elliott’s belief and the reason why he started The Book Haters’ Book Club—a newsletter of reading recommendations for the self-proclaimed “nonreader.” As the beloved co-owner of Over the Rainbow Bookshop, Elliot was passionate about and gifted in recommending books to customers. Now, after his sudden death, his grief-ridden business partner, Irma, has agreed to sell Over the Rainbow to a developer who will turn the cozy bookshop into high-rise condos.
But others won’t give up the bookshop without a fight. When Irma breaks the news to her daughters, Bree and Laney, and Elliott’s romantic partner, Thom, they are aghast. Over the Rainbow has been Bree and Laney’s sanctuary since childhood, and Thom would do anything to preserve Elliott’s legacy. Together, Thom, Bree and Laney conspire to save the bookshop, even if it takes some snooping, gossip and minor sabotage.
Filled with humor, family hijinks and actual reading recommendations, The Book Haters' Book Club is the ideal feel-good book. It’s a celebration of found family and a love letter to everyday heroes—those booksellers and librarians dedicated to putting the right books in the right hands every day.
There were many aspects I loved about this story, even if I felt it took too long to hook me. It was filled with bookish talk from recommendations to stories that turn folks into readers. There are newsletters and breaks to talk about books, etc. It had humor, but most of all focused on family and the paths we choose that change the course of our lives. For that reason, I enjoyed this women’s fiction.
When Elliot Gregory dies, he leaves behind a mess. As the co-owner of the Over the Rainbow Bookstore, where his recommendations are highly sought, he has left behind his co-owner, Irma Bedford. She calls together Laney and Bree, her daughters and Thom, Elliot’s domestic partner, for a meeting at a realestate development firm. Here she informs them she will sell Over the Rainbow and the land it sits on to the firm. In shock, they learn the business will close in thirty days.
The first part of the book deals with Laney, Bree and Thom trying to figure out why Irma is selling and if the price is fair before they begin earnest efforts to stop said sale. It was fascinating as we learnt bits about them all: the town, the bookstore itself, and the developer. However, I couldn’t quite grasp where the story was headed, and it dragged.
Indeed, it took me more than a week to finish this story. It wasn’t until we finally understood why Irma put the book store up for sale that the meat of the story took hold and pulled me in. From this point on, I finished the audiobook in practically one sitting. Everything that Laney, Bree and Thom did in the first half needs to be fixed and thus the characters set out to do just that at the same time each faces their grief and ponders the paths they have taken.
I loved each of the characters, although until we understood the why, Irma was impenetrable. I loved the memories Lany and Bree shared of the bookstore and learning about their lives. Thom showed growth and acceptance as he moved through his stages of grief. I laughed about giant moths and was delighted to watch how they turned things around.
Tanya Eby narrates and did a lovely job of bringing voice to the characters and their personalities. Her inflection hit all the right notes, enhancing the humor and the more serious tones of the story.
An interesting listen, that would be good for a book club. Just stick with it and you’ll feel rewarded when the story ends. The nods to books and authors alone will have readers/listeners enjoying this tale.
The Book Haters' Book Club by Gretchen Anthony shares a heart-warming tale about books, loss, friendship and family #audiobook #TanyaEby #Fiction #WomensFiction Share on XAbout Gretchen Anthony
GRETCHEN ANTHONY is the award-winning author of The Kids Are Gonna Ask, recipient of the 2021 Alex Award from the American Library Association. Her debut novel, Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners, was a Midwestern Connections Pick and a best books pick by Amazon, BookBub, PopSugar, and the New York Post. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, Medium, and The Write Life, among others. She lives in Minneapolis with her family.
About Tanya Eby
Tanya Eby is an Audie-nominated and AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator. AudioFile magazine says, "Listening to Tanya Eby is like listening to a full-cast recording." Tanya has a BA in English language and literature and an MFA in creative writing. Besides narrating, Tanya blogs and works on her own novels. She has published four novels and is at work on her fifth.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Katherine
I loved the premise and I did enjoy this but it didn’t live up to my expectations. All the bookish stuff was what kept me engaged too.
Kimberly
Yes. It took too long to get to the meat of the story. Glad I am not alone in my feelings on this.
Sophie
I am not the most patient reader when I don’t fall right away into a story so it’s good that you are telling us to “stick with it” 😉
Kimberly
Same. I usually DNF, but the bookish stuff kept me listening and in the end I was glad I did.
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
This sounds like an interesting and fun read! Glad to know about the slower start to it. Great review!
Kimberly
Thanks Lisa. It was fun.
Wendy
I’m glad you enjoyed this overall, even with the slow start.
Kimberly
Thanks Wendy, it was hard not to with all the nods to books.
Sara
I’m really intrigued by the synopsis. I’m so happy that paid off toward the end!
Kimberly
Would love to hear your thoughts.
Sophia Rose
This one caught my eye a bit ago so I’m glad to know that the first half can be a slog, but the last half was fab and overall worth it.
Kimberly
Yay, it was a solid listen, perhaps a library pick though.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life
I hate it when it takes so long to really feel the story grab you. It sounds like it was a worthwhile listen in the end though.
Kimberly
I enjoyed myself even if it took a while to get going.
Melliane
It’s too bad that it took you a while to get into the story
Kimberly
Agreed, but an enjoyable story in the end.