Book Review: The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick
The Messy Lives of Book People
Author: Phaedra Patrick
Published: May 31, 2022
Audiobook
Reviewed By: Jessica
Dates Read: August 3-9, 2022
Jessica’s Rating: 4 stars
Book Description:
Have you ever wished you were someone else?
Mother of two Liv Green barely scrapes by as a maid to make ends meet, often finding escape in a good book while daydreaming of becoming a writer herself. So she can’t believe her luck when she lands a job housekeeping for her personal hero, megabestselling author Essie Starling, a mysterious and intimidating recluse. The last thing Liv expected was to be the only person Essie talks to, which leads to a tenuous friendship.
But when Essie dies suddenly, a devastated Liv is astonished to learn of her last wish: for Liv to complete Essie’s final novel. But to do so Liv will have to step into Essie’s shoes, and as Liv begins to write, she uncovers secrets from the past that reveal a surprising connection between the two women–one that will change Liv’s own story forever…
Jessica’s Review:
This was an intriguing book! We see a bit of the relationship between reclusive author Essie and her employee Liv, but then Essie dies unexpectedly…
Essie’s will contains her last wishes, many that are quite different and unexpected, with one of her wishes being that Liv finishes her final novel. This novel is part of an extremely popular series, one of which Liv herself is a fan. In addition to finishing the novel, there are secrets that Liv must keep from everyone, including her husband. We see Liv in essence become Essie by taking over writing the novel and in some aspects of taking over Essie’s life. Through this journey Liv learns more about herself and the past of her favorite author Essie Starling. We see a change in Liv who then discovers an unexpected connection between the two.
I was interested in reading this one due to the title and cover: The Messy Lives of Book People. Oh yes, we ‘book people’ can have messy lives; and Essie’s definitely was and Liv’s becomes so! When I first realized this was going to be another ‘someone else needs to finish the author’s current WIP (work in progress) for x reason I wasn’t sure what to think. This is the third novel in the past year I have read with that trope, but all of those novels are different genres. I ended up being surprised with this novel and really enjoyed it!
If you are a book lover at all I say you need to read this one!
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK**Published in the UK as The Book Share**
Book Review: I’d Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life
I’d Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life
Author: Anne Bogel
Published: September 4, 2018
156 Pages
Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 4 stars
Book Description:
For so many people, reading isn’t just a hobby or a way to pass the time–it’s a lifestyle. Our books shape us, define us, enchant us, and even sometimes infuriate us. Our books are a part of who we are as people, and we can’t imagine life without them.
I’d Rather Be Reading is the perfect literary companion for everyone who feels that way. In this collection of charming and relatable reflections on the reading life, beloved blogger and author Anne Bogel leads readers to remember the book that first hooked them, the place where they first fell in love with reading, and all of the moments afterward that helped make them the reader they are today. Known as a reading tastemaker through her popular podcast What Should I Read Next?, Bogel invites book lovers into a community of like-minded people to discover new ways to approach literature, learn fascinating new things about books and publishing, and reflect on the role reading plays in their lives.
The perfect gift for the bibliophile in everyone’s life, I’d Rather Be Reading will command an honored place on the overstuffed bookshelves of any book lover.
Kim’s Review:
What a great little book!
Sometimes I have so many thoughts and feelings running around inside, I have a hard time identifying and organizing them. Anne did all that for me. Ideas that hadn’t even really occurred to me shone through the pages of this book! My only real issue is that there were whole chapters that were just lists of quotes from books. They weren’t bad by any means, it just got a little monotonous. But all the warms feels made up for the short bits of monotony.
I learned some things about myself and came to the conclusion, with Anne’s help, that I’m different and in no way inadequate. I’m a shopper, she’s a borrower. She visits the library multiple times a week; I don’t remember the last time I went to the library. And it’s all ok!! Readers are readers and we are united, especially because of our differences!
So overall, I loved this book! It was short, easy, and to the point! Everyone who loves books should read this book … and yes, I’m book bossy and not ashamed!!
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
