From the moment she first learned to read, literary genius Darcy Wells has spent most of her time living in the worlds of her books. There, she can avoid the crushing reality of her mother’s hoarding and pretend her life is simply ordinary. But when a new property manager becomes more active in the upkeep of their apartment complex, the only home Darcy has ever known outside of her books suddenly hangs in the balance.

 My Rating: 5/5 Stars

My Thoughts:

I think it’s safe to say that most readers love books about characters who are readers  or books that take place in bookish settings. The Library of Lost Things hits both of these reader dreams, as the main protagonist, Darcy, spends most of her time with books. A lifelong reader, literary genius, & bookstore employee, Darcy constantly finds herself surrounded by books.

The Library of Lost Things is such a relatable read for readers because of Darcy. Her family life has often forced Darcy to hide her personal life from her classmates, other than her super supportive friend, Marisol. Literature is Darcy’s sanctuary in numerous ways. Between this comfort and her genuine love for books, I found myself keeping post-it notes by my side throughout reading to mark some of my favorite reader-inspired quotes. Some more bookish-ness comes into play of course with Darcy’s part-time job working at the bookstore. The Library of Lost Things is a cozy read for plenty of reasons, but Yellow Feather books is definitely the most cozy of them all (aside from its grumpy owner). Laura Taylor Namey’s descriptiveness left it so easy for me to picture the setting.

With a book about a book-loving character, Laura Taylor Namey definitely delivers on the literary references. I really enjoyed how each chapter started with a literary quote in line with said chapter’s theme. While I don’t much about this classic other than its Disney adaptation, I really enjoyed how a certain children’s classic is incorporated into the story, and I didn’t see some of the allusions coming.

But The Library of Lost Things is much more than a book about a character who loves reading. While books are at its heart, The Library of Lost Thing revolves much around Darcy’s family life. Darcy’s mother is a hoarder, obsessed with shopping, and her purchases have taken over their apartment for years. Darcy’s only solace at home is her bedroom, aka the home to her personal library and the books her mother can’t stand, thanks to her strained relationship with Darcy’s literature-loving and absent father. I have not read any books that involve a dynamic like  Darcy and her mother’s relationship. While heart-breaking most of the time, I was really invested in their relationship and Darcy’s attempts to do what’s best for her family– while realizing what she has to do for herself.

In addition, I have read so many books with such great best friends and side characters, The Library of Lost Things no exception. Marisol and her family were such amazing supports for Darcy. While their whole fight was so stereotypical, I’m glad Darcy and Marisol quickly resolved over their conflict. The Library of Lost Things does feature romance, as Darcy finds herself falling for ex-teen pilot, Asher, with a hidden past of his own. Although Darcy and her self-discovery are at the heart of this book, I did enjoy her relationship with Asher and what their relationship made Darcy realize about herself. Like many, books will always be Darcy’s comfort and constant. While words are part of her identity, they are not all Darcy is, who she can be, and what she can feel.

Overall, I loved Laura Taylor Namey’s The Library of Lost Things for its relatable protagonist, bookish story, and family focus. This 2019 debut is not to be missed.

This review is based in an uncorrected proof provided by the publisher. Receiving this ARC does not affect my thoughts or opinions.

Is The Library of Lost Things on your TBR? What books have you read with book-loving characters or bookish settings? Share in the comments!