Review of "The Lost and Found Bookshop" by Susan Wiggs

My Review:

Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs was a different read for me. I have not read anything by or even heard of Susan Wiggs before this book. I found the book while browsing through my library's online fiction catalogue. It sounded interesting, and I can never seem to turn down a story with a bookshop as its setting.

The story focuses on Natalie, who after a very tragic event, returns to take care of the family bookshop and her grandpa or Grandy as she calls him. The bookshop is in a very old building that survived the San Fransico earthquake. The shop is failing, and Natalie thinks her only option is to sell. Grandy, who technically owns the shop and building, won't hear of it as he believes something valuable is hidden in the building. Not only does Natalie have a failing shop to deal with, but the building is in disrepair, and Grandy's mind and health are declining. With the help of her "Hammer for Hire," Peach (Yes, that's his nickname. I did not make that up), Natalie decides to try to save the bookshop and her family's history. 

All that being said, the book was okay. It reminds me of yacht rock. Anyone else listen to yacht rock? The songs are easy going, nothing too exciting. Every now and then, a song comes on that you love and you groove a little to it, but it's not like you're rocking out or anything. Yacht rock songs also never seem to hit me in the feels except for making me happy. I enjoy it, and it's great music to listen to while working or doing stuff around the house.  If there was a yacht rock playlist of books, this book would be on it. 

The book had moments I enjoyed, and other parts I ended up skimming through. The story has ups and downs, and even a little romance. Again, it's a sweet story that should leave you satisfied at the end. The characters are likeable, but I didn't really connect to them, with the exception of one. Grandy. He is dealing with the early stages of dementia. After losing a family member recently to this disease, the description of his character was the part of the story I was drawn to the most. In sections of the book, Grandy takes over as narrator, and we see the events from his perspective. His description of memories coming and going, the fog in his mind, and him trying to make sense of his surroundings, really stood out to me. I can't help but wonder if that's how my aunt felt during her battle. Wiggs descriptions of Grandy's mind and his interactions with Natalie, reminded me so many times of my interactions with my own aunt. While the story itself didn't really affect me, the character of Grandy will probably stick with me for a long time.

How Much Coffee Was Needed?

No extra cups of coffee were needed for this book. I was able to read it and enjoy it as I pleased. An easy going and pleasant read, just like yacht rock.

What's Next?

The Midnight Library by Matthew Haig (I am super excited about this book!)