Book review: The storied life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

 No Man Is An Island; Every Book Is A World. 


During a casual stroll through my local Barnes and Noble, I stumbled upon this gem of a book. Although buying a book at full price from a store is a luxury I cannot yet afford, I borrowed a copy from my local library and read it during an 11,287 km journey.





One word that perfectly captures the essence of Gabrielle Zevin's "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry" is "life". The novel encapsulates the highs and lows of life - moments of joy, sorrow, gain, and loss. Reading this book felt like receiving a warm hug or a word of consolation. It emphasizes that not every gain is a gain, nor is every loss a loss. I was impressed by the well-crafted twists and turns that kept the story fresh and unpredictable, despite a seemingly predictable storyline.


The titular character from the TV show "Bojack Horseman" once said, "Kelsey, in this terrifying world, all we have are the connections that we make." This line resonated with me in relation to the quote written in front of Island Books: "No Man Is An Island; Every Book Is A World." We need human connections and affection to live this life; otherwise, it's just mere existence.


As someone who enjoys reading realistic fiction, this book quickly became a personal favorite. While I regret not starting to read for pleasure until I was 19, this book made me grateful for starting when I did. It reminds us that there is an entire universe inside the words and sentences of every book.


The characters were portrayed as raw and real everyday people, which made it easy to connect with them and empathize with their emotions. As a result, I experienced their highs and lows alongside them, making it more than just a story - it was a journey.


“The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry" is an exceptional novel that captures the essence of life and its complexities. It keeps readers engaged and invested in the characters' lives while highlighting the importance of human connections and the power of literature.


-Rithin. 


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