The Giver of Stars

This is such a departure from the only Moyes books I have read previously (Me Before You, etc). I did not expect to be pulled into this story so quickly. I think this was one of my fastest reads this year. This story inspired so many emotions in me, including nostalgia for Appalachia. 5 stars for the pack horse library!

This started a bit slow for me then I couldn't read fast enough. I didn't full out cry like when I read Me Before You (that was an ugly cry on an airplane that sets the bar for tear jerker books), but I did need a few tissues.

In general, I don't really read historical fiction, but the synopsis sounded good so I gave it a try. I'm glad I did, this book and writing style had me very engaged from the beginning. I loved all of the librarians' personalities equally, how they were just doing what they wanted to do. This book definitely didn't give me the 5-star feeling. Throughout the book things kept happening, but I didn't see the greater whole and I also had one question I would've liked seeing answered.

this is one of the best books i have EVER read, and its themes are so incredibly relevant. the women’s friendships, found family are woven together so beautifully, margery o’hare holds a very special place in my heart

This book was a delight. The topic of the packhorse librarians were a wonderful subject. The pace was smooth and easy... much like you might imagine living in Baileyville, KY might be.

[3.5]

Me gustó bastante, se nota el toque de Jojo Moyes en cada página. Es un libro bastante bueno, a mi parecer.

Los personajes son buenos. La protagonista me recordó mucho a Lou (Yo antes de ti) al comienzo, pero poco a poco fui notando su propia personalidad. Me gustó la comunidad de bibliotecarias, hay bastante diversidad y me gusta que se les haya dado voz a todo tipo de mujeres.

No sabía realmente qué esperar, pero la trama me gustó bastante. Toca temas muy interesantes acerca de las injusticias que sufrían las mujeres en el sistema penal, la ignorancia y tabúes en temas de sexualidad, entre otras cosas.

Si les gusta el estilo de escritura de Jojo Moyes, definitivamente se los recomiendo.

4.5

Such a good read, I love the omnipotent writing style which allows readers to truly walk with and know these characters. I love a historical fiction and my only real complaint is the pacing wasn’t my favorite.

The Giver of stars

- this was overall okay for me. I hadn't left myself very much time, so I was listening to the audiobook at three times speed and speed reading, which I think affected my enjoyment

- I liked the traveling Librarians and the 'forging community connections' elements- the promoting of reading and getting people their stories is important. Plus the ladies becoming friends was nice too

- I was not expecting this to turn into the big courtroom drama and trial, so the latter half of the book bogged down for me

- the characters were enjoyable while I was reading, but with a tiny bit of distance I can see how they were more one-note and not nuanced- villain, badass tough lady, stand up good girl who is naive and impulsive

- overall it was fine though long while reading, but forgettable even 10 days later