I have to admit choosing The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George because of the beautiful cover. So far, so good. And I like the idea of the book---Parisian bookstore on a barge on the Seine, specializing in selling books based on the impression the customers give, and refusing to sell when the books don't match them. Sounds engaging. But the truth is that the owner, Monsieur Perdu, is the one who needs help. He experiences a crisis regarding his former lover, who's been gone for 21 years. He packs up the bookshop and goes to hunt her down (can't give details---would ruin it), or at least settle a mystery in his heart. The story is full of characters he either carries with him, or who he meets on his journey.
I got frustrated when after believing the book would be filled with more book suggestions. Thinking that story would be more centered on his helping other readers. Okay, I'm always wanting to know what others are reading, and felt a bit misled. Gratefully the book has a list of book titles at the end of the book, including as well recipes mentioned.
Honestly, I'm two ways about the book. I enjoyed parts of it, was a bit confused at others. All in all, a good summer read. Light, not wearing on a tired mind. One catch is the author used a crude term to describe a male body part numerous times, which turned me off a bit. It does matter.
(i received this book free to review from crown publishing through bloggingforbooks)
