#readersforlife

Jane Austen has yet again entranced me with her charm and I'm in a mood to read all of her works😩 Men written by women, especially Austen are the only ones worth spending your time & efforts on (fight me on this😤)

On another note, my snake plant is growing really well I'm so proud and happy💚

(aka I want to cry happy tears)

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary follows Tiffy and Leon, who share an apartment and even a bed, but they’ve never met. They work opposite hours, so outside of the notes they leave each other about garbage day and leftovers, they never really see each other or interact with each other. But as the notes become more personal and they start to become more invested in each others’ lives, well, I bet you can guess what happens next...😉

My thoughts: I was absolutely blown away by this book. This is exactly the kind of fun, heartwarming romance I was in the mood for and I am SO glad I picked this one up! This premise sounded so interesting to me and it did not disappoint.

This book alternates between Tiffy and Leon’s perspectives, and to accentuate the difference between their characters, O’Leary uses a unique writing style in Leon’s chapters. It took a bit for me to get used to the straight-forward, almost abrupt style of Leon’s chapters, but once I did I was really able to appreciate how that choice added to the development of Leon’s character. This book is truly an opposites-attract story, and the stylistic differences between Tiffy and Leon encapsulated the contrast between their characters really well.

I wouldn’t say this book is a true comedy, however, there were several moments that I was full-on laughing out loud and had to take a second to calm myself down before I could keep reading. There’s something about O’Leary’s writing style that is so casually humorous, especially in the dialogue and observations by Tiffy and Leon.

I was really impressed by the way O’Leary incorporated more serious topics without detracting from the overall fun and heartwarming vibe of this book. Tiffy’s main character arc involves getting out of a manipulative, emotionally abusive relationship, and I think it was done in such a beautiful way. You really get to see Tiffy grow in her own strength and the support from her friends as she recovers from this relationship. This book really emphasizes the importance of Tiffy’s platonic relationships in addition to her relationship with Leon, which I really appreciated. Her friends really support her as she recovers from years of manipulation and gaslighting, and Tiffy never feels like her trauma is something she has to deal with alone. She has a strong support system and therapy is seen as a normal step in recovery, which was really cool to see.

While this book is great at developing the main characters’ friendships, I would be remiss to ignore how beautiful Tiffy and Leon’s relationship is. They support each other and grow in their relationship so wonderfully. It makes my heart full. Seeing them get from their relationship with each other what they didn’t get in their past relationships was so lovely and beautiful and made me so happy. I truly just love both of their characters so much and I love them together and I love this book.

I also really enjoyed all the side characters and plot points outside of the main relationship. I feel like some books focus too heavily on the romance and some too much on side characters, but this book had a really nice balance of both. Plus, all of Tiffy’s friends and Richie and Katherin are so hilarious and multi-dimensional that I wasn’t disappointed when Tiffy and Leon weren’t together in a scene, which can happen when the side characters aren’t as well fleshed out.

Overall, this book was amazing. It’s addictive and well-paced, with lovable characters that you root for. This is a stellar debut novel, in my opinion, and I am SO excited to read more of Beth O’Leary’s work in the future!🥰

TW: emotional abuse, gaslighting, some stalking

America’s libraries are one of the last places committed to promoting literacy and a love of reading with diverse collections, programs and services for everyone. In an increasingly digital world, our libraries are investing more in eBooks and downloadable media, and millions of Americans discover and explore new and favorite authors through both digital and print library collections.

But now one publisher has decided to limit readers’ access to new eBook titles through their libraries.

Beginning November 1, 2019, Macmillan Publishers will allow libraries to purchase only one copy of each new eBook title for the first eight weeks after a book’s release.

Readers cannot stay silent!  Libraries need your help!

This embargo would limit libraries’ ability to provide access to information for all. It particularly harms library patrons with disabilities or learning issues. One of the great things about eBooks is that they can become large-print books with only a few clicks, and most eBook readers offer fonts and line spacing that make reading easier for people who have dyslexia or other visual challenges. Because portable devices are light and easy to hold, eBooks are easier to use for some people who have physical disabilities.

Here's the truth: Limiting access to new titles for libraries means limiting access for readers like you.

Macmillan is the only major publisher to propose such an embargo.

The American Library Association and libraries across the country ask you to voice your opposition to Macmillan's new policy by signing this petition and telling Macmillan CEO John Sargent that access to eBooks should not be delayed or denied. We must have #eBooksForAll!

If you are a reader, visit http://ilovelibraries.org/

If you are a library worker, visit http://www.ala.org/advocacy/e-books

What is this?!? Another book, you say?!? How could that be?!? Did not I just start reading The Road?!

⛈️ spent the day reading, sipping coffee and watching rain and clouds. Now off to revise poetry and hopefully make some notes for finals ☕