Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

Gabrielle Zevin the author of The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, is a lifelong reader no doubt.  She understands that books are connected to the soul of those who cannot do without them.  She realizes that for some people, reading is an extension of life.  If you are a reader then you too will appreciate this connection that can only be found in literature that is read and shared and loved by people.  In Zevin's novel we find a remarkable celebration of literature, of books, and of the impact that they have on all of us. The main character, Fikry, is a cantankerous, small bookstore owner whose life is forever changed when he finds an abandoned baby in his store.  Shocking everyone who knows him, he decides to adopt this little girl who he names Maya.  Their story unfolds wrapped carefully by their bookstore and the books that they read together.  Other characters come into Fikry's life and all of these people are changed by the bookstore owner and his daughter.  The story sounds so simple but it is so much more.  The main character realizes that people need a way to express themselves that is real and yet not too scary.  He says, "We read to know we're not alone.  We read because we are alone, We read and we are not alone.  We are not alone." Reading connects us with others; books make a wonderful bridge on which people can reach one another.  If you love books this is a book you should not miss.  It is a celebration of a bond that is as old as time.  Read and enjoy being a part of this circle. Read and share your life with others who are like you.  Read, for as Fikry says, "We are all collected works."