3.5 This was an excellent entry in the YA romance category. As an adaptation of Pride and Prejudice it is charming and original in many ways. Here the main character of Darcy is dealing with her mother's hoarding problems. The stress of the situation that she finds herself in is communicated in a way that makes you understand her love for her mother and the unhealthy care-giving type of role that she is in. While this situation ends on perhaps too much on an optimistic and neatly packaged ending, the situation pushes the story so that what unfolds is a story of a character learning to let go and find more in life than she had thought possible. Darcy is surrounded by excellent characters, chief among them her best friend. Her love interest, Asher, is perhaps a bit too understanding and wise for a teenage boy, but is presented with his own problems to deal with. There are some predictable teen romance plot points, such as stepping into the school play, but these tropes are never straightforward. Mostly what made this story work was the quality of the writing and the pacing, which made some of the more frustrating elements of the characters' situations and gloss over their solutions not feel overwhelmingly unlikely.

Advanced copy received via NetGalley.

High school senior Darcy Wells is about as bookish as it gets: she loves to read and has a freakish memory for passages of books and definitions of words, she works in a cute little bookstore in the afternoons. Even more, she really lives in the world of her favorite fiction to help her figure out how to act or who to be in situations where she is uncomfortable or shy, and as a coping mechanism for handling her mother's compulsive shopping and hoarding behavior, which has made Darcy feel like she needs to wall herself off from the world to hide it. But then when Asher shows up in the bookshop, she finally starts to feel like she might want to start living her own story... I thought this was a fun YA read if you're up for a classic high school romance type book with the shy girl and popular-but-misunderstood guy, along with the peppy best friend sidekick - but then of course with the added bonus of a major book lover protagonist; having read it in close proximity to some other YA selections like With the Fire on High, though, I just didn't find the characters quite as 3-dimensional because it perhaps lacked a little of the grit.

The Library of Lost Things had a lovely protagonist in Darcy. The story is told from her perspective as a teen struggling to survive living with (and taking caring of) a mother who has a mental illness, a job she loves in a book store but with a tough boss, senior year of high school, and trying to understand her own confusing family tree. The book is at the same time charming and sad and deals with many life lessons teens live through and learn from.

The Library of Lost Things by Laura Taylor Namey
This book is more than a romance. It’s about learning you are not your parents, you are not limited, Hoarding is a real disease & Darcy’s mom has it. When your parent is a hoarder, you become trapped in a world of things but are left with nothing. You can’t have friends over. You can’t breathe because your space is becoming so limited the walls are literally closing in. You can’t even let the landlord know things need to be fixed in fear of being kicked out once he seems the state of his property. And you sure as heck can’t let anyone know your put-together, well-respected mom is losing it more each day. One call to DHS and she will be taken into foster care. These are just a few of the things Darcy faces daily. She’s just trying to hold on until her 18th birthday. Her best friend is the only one who knows the severity of the situation & books are her only escape. Until a handsome, somewhat moody guy steps into the tale. Darcy must pull her nose out of her books and face life head on if she ever wants a chance at true happiness. I truly enjoyed this read. #TheLibraryOfLostThings #NetGalley

Hi, my name’s Dante, and I love love loved this book. I received an e-arc of The Library of Lost Things from Netgalley in exchange for a review so here goes:

Books inside books sprinkles with books ✅
Cinnamon Roll love interest ✅
Complicated family dynamics ✅
Secrets for everyone ✅ ✅ ✅

Let’s add that it is achingly relatable to anyone who ever had anything remotely embarrassing going on in their home as a kid and you’ve got the recipe for a really beautiful story here. Laura Namey touched on some big subjects in a delightfully delicate way, all while creating the works of a romance that belongs next to books by Julie Buxbaum and Becky Albertali <3 Go preorder it today! The Library of Lost Things comes out October 8th.

Being a senior in high school is emotionally challenging for just about everyone. For Darcy Wells, she has an extra secret: her mother is a hoarder. Darcy’s life is built around protecting herself and her mother from anyone discovering the truth, from her classmates and friends to the new apartment building manager. Only Marisol, Darcy’s best friend from the age of ten, and her brother Marco, have ever crossed the threshold of the apartment. As Darcy’s eighteenth birthday nears, all of her careful planning and living starts to come undone. For years, Darcy has lived in her books. She can recall entire passages and novels from memory, and in tough situations she’s been able to ask what would insert character name here do? But there’s no guidebook she can turn to for this, and Darcy is also learning that each story of first love is its own.

I would rate this book between 2.5 and 3 stars out of 5. There were some great moments, and some really compelling and identifiable scenes. Darcy’s emotions when dealing with the reality of her mother’s hoarding will probably resonate with anyone who feels like they have a terrible secret they have to hide. On the other hand, there were moments that were overly saccharine for me, and I feel like the author leans too hard on the book escapism plot line occasionally. Had this book been available when I was a teen, I’m sure I would have devoured it, right along with Sarah Dessen and Meg Cabot novels. Recommended for YA readers looking for coming of age novels with a female protagonist and a romantic storyline that doesn’t dominate character development.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

A deep and meaningful look at the masks we wear to hide from one another. Darcy has spent most of her life living through the books she reads, and hiding from what is happening around her. But as Darcy comes to the realization that both she and her mother are hoarders, she begins to find a way to move past the stories in her books and join the real world. The romance between Darcy and Asher is touchingly written and Marisol as the BF who keeps her secrets is just perfect. A wonderful coming of age story where the teen has had to act like an adult for many years.

I was lucky enough to get an ARC through NetGalley so I could dive--or rather fly--into this charming book.

I love a good love story and I thoroughly enjoyed my read. TLOLT has lots to recommend it beyond its central romantic arc. 3 generations of family drama expand the story and lay the groundwork for an engaging mystery. The answers tie seamlessly into the main character's arc of self discovery and self acceptance. There are plenty of literary references (both direct and implied) within the material to please any avid reader who picks this up. It's awash with Easter eggs to enjoy. Austen. Bronte. Barrie. Shakespeare. And more. The love interest in swoon-worthy and says all the right things at all the right times. The best friend has the necessary sass to push the heroine out of her bookish shell. The side characters are quirky and lovable, replete with a funky wig-shop owner and a frumpy bookseller who have a history of their own. The book requires some suspension of disbelief, but I had no problem letting go to enjoy the ride. I rooted for the main character, I enjoyed the thematic symbolism, and I appreciated the author's sense of detail. Can't wait to see what she does next!

The Library of Lost Things is about a girl, named Darcy, who hides the secret that her mom is a hoader from everyone except her best friend. In order to offset her mother’s buying habits, Darcy takes on extra responsibilities such as working multiple jobs and trying to clean the apartment when she can. I personally was triggered by Darcy’s hoarding mom because I have some family members who are the same way.
In order to escape from her busy and stressful life, Darcy turns to reading books, and memorizes passages that have a strong meaning to her. One day, Darcy meets a boy and struggles with putting her life first, and being there for her mom who refuses to get help. This story was a tough read for me. Not only because of the parallels Darcy and my life had, but because at times, the dialogue and writing were too cringe-worthy. There was an excessive use of metaphors surrounding books in this story that detracted from the flow.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Darcy is known for a few things; her love of books, her ability to memorize, and her friendship with Marisol. What she is not known as however is as the daughter of a hoarder a reality that she has lived with her whole life. She has never wanted to share this part of her life with anyone, until Asher arrives and her perspective on life changes.

This is a very heartwarming and real book. I immediately connected with the character of Darcy and how she soaks in books (though my reading style is more like Asher's) and the writing of this book is how this is accomplished. I felt myself racing through wanting to find that happy ending for these characters that I very quickly came to care about.

The supporting characters I found very well written in this book as well as the scenes as I felt myself in the bookstore and wig shop, as well as Darcy's own crowded home.

This is a great book and one that tells a true and honest story.

Not sure how I keep stumbling on these stories of teens with moms who hoard, but this one was deeper and better realized than the last one I ran into. I appreciate that the boy didn’t make everything rosy and that there was life after the “revelation,” because, well, that IS life. The haughty grandma is a good addition to the story, too, as she is so real about the UN-real-ness of Darcy’s situation. I dug the best friend who’s headed to design school, the curmudgeon boss in a tweed cap, the boss’ ex who owns the wig shop next door and gives good tea and cookies, and even the mom, with all her flaws. 🤓💜📚

Not to be confused with "The Library of Lost and Found," another 2019 debut about a book-obsessed woman with family issues, this Library tells the story of Darcy Wells, a senior at high school who is being raised by a single mother who is a hoarder. In order to learn the life lessons she is not getting from her mother, Darcy instead turns to books and stories for guidance.

I really liked this one. Darcy was a relatable heroine and I enjoyed being inside her head. She clearly loves her mother but is at her wit's end on how to handle her. I loved her friendship with Marisol, a fully fleshed out character in her own right. And I thought the other minor characters we meet were fun and distinct, such as her boss at the bookstore, the wig shop owner next door who allows her to put on different personas, and various other kids at her high school.

Finally, I thought her relationship with Asher was very cute and believable. He was super swoonworthy and tying their story to Peter Pan worked really nicely... until the point where it didn't so much anymore, and Darcy realized it was time to start her own story. A lovely lesson for all of us book nerds to remember.

4 / 5 ⭐

I adored this story. For those of us who “get lost in books and stories,” Darcy Wells is a very relatable character. The voice of Darcy rings true to that of a lifelong bookworm, but also one of a girl with big secrets. So where does she find her solace and refuge? Books.

Darcy loves books, she brilliantly devours the words, and she even works at a bookstore. Books are where she can run through the story freely, no pretenses, no lies. In the real world, Darcy has to hide, pretend, and lie. For years she has been hiding what is right behind her front door. Darcy’s mother is a hoarder. There are only goat tunnels from one room to another through stacks, piles, and tubs of stuff. Very few people are aware of “The Hoard” except Darcy’s grandma and Darcy’s best friend Marisol.

But the status quo is about to be shaken. There is a new building manager and the lease is coming due. Darcy is turning eighteen soon and her wealthy grandma, who has been supporting her, is threatening to cut off her allowance. Then a copy of Peter Pan with notes and poems scribbled in it mysteriously finds its way into Darcy’s hands. The notes seem to become a guiding force in Darcy’s life. Best of all, into her life walks Asher, a boy who just might be her Prince Charming.

Ultimately, this is a love story. Not just young love, but also Darcy’s struggle of dealing with her mom’s mental health issue, “The Hoard” and loving her mom through it. Darcy has to come to a self-realization that she too has been hiding behind things, as well as, building her own walls. With the help of her wonderful friend (everyone should have a Marisol) and Asher, Darcy discovers that she needs to write her own story.

Thank you to @Netgalley and @Inkyardpress for this ARC for review.

Publish Date: 10/8/19

Wanted a light, fluffy read to get back to reading, and this fit the bill. YA fiction has never been my favorite and this book didn't change my mind.

The Library of Lost Things was quite good! I loved Darcy’s character. She was strong and smart, and what’s more, she knew it and didn’t try to destroy anyone with it or complain the entire time. Female leads like this are so rare. Even her best friend, Marisol, was quite likable. They had real, honest discussions (as best friends do!) and weren’t so glued to their phones the entire book. It was refreshing.

I enjoyed Darcy’s romantic relationship as well. It was a slow build, and I saw the work up there. It wasn’t straight to lust.

My favorite parts of the entire book were the Peter Pan excerpts which were wonderfully done and added so much to this story. Some of them even made me tear up. Growing pains can be the worst.

As a counselor, I even like how the description of hoarding was written. It was accurate and a fairly good portrayal of how hoarding affects loved ones as well. However, what I didn’t like was the reason for the mother’s hoarding. I thought that storyline felt a little forced and was very rushed at the end. I was a little disappointed with that.

Also, I found it a little (read: A LOT) unbelievable that a mother (hoarder or no!) would just let their teenage daughter fly with someone so young - especially one who was suffering such severe migraines. Would have been awesome - but, very unbelievable.

Overall, a really good book!

OH MY GOODNESS. Where has this book been all my life??
A love story set against the backdrop of a bookshop with a Darcy-esque hero and a bookish heroine, THE LIBRARY OF LOST THINGS is a beautifully written thrill of a read that isn't afraid to dig into the darkness of teenage years while still hopefully pointed towards the light.
Can't wait to get a physical copy on my favorites shelf.

Such a cute, sweet story about two lost souls finding each other. I really adored Darcy and Asher and their whole story, how cute and adorable they were together. I liked Darcy's love of words and books and how she remembered everything she had ever read. I loved Asher's speedreading and how they would discuss the merits of both skills. I loved the Peter Pan influence and how he gave her the acorn necklace and she gave him the thimble. They were just the cutest couple.

I liked the addressing of serious topics like Darcy's mother's hoarding and how Darcy came to recognize it not as a problem, but something they could work with. I liked Asher's and his post-concussive syndrome and how great Darcy was about that and his love of flying.

I loved Marisol and the sisterhood between her and Darcy and how they always had each other's back and Marisol and Jase were cute, I wish we could have gotten a little more of them.

I do wish there had been some kind of conflict or something? It just felt like other than the resolution with the mother, we didn't really have any high stakes in anything? But I also did like that everything was sweet and cute and nothing terrible happened? (I was honestly waiting for Olivia's dad to come beat up Asher or London to reveal the hoarding).

Overall, I really loved the story, but I wish there had been a little more to everything? More of the characters, more depth to their stories? I did love the bookstore and the Peter Pan copy she had and how it had belonged to her mother and the coming full circle of that <3

The Library of Lost Things is a book I wished I had when I was younger! Hoarding is something that impacts so many around the person who is hoarding. I could remember feeling the panic Darcy felt when she thought someone would have to be let into the apartment! Letting people in and being seen is something Darcy escapes as she delves into her world of books. She has a close friend, Marisol, and the two share a tight bond. This story takes place during their senior year when things start to unravel for Darcy as she deals with her mother’s compulsive buying and hoarding, her absent father trying to become part of her present, her grandmother who has tried to ‘protect’ her, and a new love interest. Readers will feel her emotions at each turn. So many issues to navigate and overcome. This is a must add to classroom library shelves.

An advance copy of this title was provided by NetGalley and Inkyard Press in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a charming novel! The main character was well developed and the writing style the author used kept me engaged the entire time.

The Library of Lost Things is a fun read, although it took me a few chapters to really dive into the story. Darcy is a likeable character, and I really loved the descriptions of her interactions with her friend Marisol. Honestly, I would happily read a whole book just on those two!