The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins was released yesterday, July 30th but I have been attempting to read it for the past few months, thanks to NetGalley. I finished it a few weeks ago and truthfully haven't been able to stop thinking about it.
What drew me to the book initially was that it was about books. I love when I read or watch something related to writing or to books; it makes me feel more connected to the plot and it brings me such an overwhelming sense of joy. Books make me happy, they always have. Books about books make me even happier.
The Book Charmer is so incredibly unique that you might have a hard time truly understanding what the book is about and what is happening in the town of Dove Pond but don't worry because once you throw yourself into the book, you'll understand immediately.
Publishers Summary:
Sarah Dove is no ordinary bookworm. To her, books have always been more than just objects: they live, they breathe, and sometimes they even speak. When Sarah grows up to become the librarian in her quaint Southern town of Dove Pond, her gift helps place every book in the hands of the perfect reader. Recently, however, the books have been whispering about something out of the ordinary: the arrival of a displaced city girl named Grace Wheeler.If the books are right, Grace could be the savior that Dove Pond desperately needs. The problem is, Grace wants little to do with the town or its quirky residents—Sarah chief among them. It takes a bit of urging, and the help of an especially wise book, but Grace ultimately embraces the challenge to rescue her charmed new community. In her quest, she discovers the tantalizing promise of new love, the deep strength that comes from having a true friend, and the power of finding just the right book.
My Thoughts
Throughout the novel, you really get inside the mind of these characters. You're constantly switching back and forth between Sarah, Grace, and one of their neighbors, Trav, who becomes a main focal point of the book. While reading, you start to care for these characters, for Dove Pond, and for everyone to come together to save Dove Pond.As stated above, the book starts out a little slow but you just have to power through and know that you are going to fall head over heels for it eventually if these types of book are your jam. If not, then you might be bored but you'll figure it out.
I have to say that this was one of the most magical books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I love the quirkiness, the voice of all the characters and the way the plot just seamlessly came together. Dove Pond reminds me a lot of Stars Hollow and the Gilmore Girls universe, with the unique band of characters the town has, and how everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand.
The Book Charmer is just pure happiness and it really is unlike anything I've ever read. It wasn't just fiction, it wasn't sci-fi, it wasn't about witches but in retrospect, it had a little bit of everything. How else could you explain that Sarah Dove could talk to books? Or that her sister was a wizard when it came to teas? There is something in Dove Pond but Karen Hawkins does a really great job at not really telling you outright, leaving the story open and your imagination wanting to run wild.
When I was finished with The Book Charmer, I felt whole but empty at the same time. After falling in love with Dove Pond and the entire plot I felt like I needed more. A quick Google search eased my mind because this is the first in the Dove Pond series from Karen Hawkins so safe to say, I cannot wait for book #2!
Will you pick up The Book Charmer? If you have read it, what did you think?
xoxo
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