Based on a true story, this is an excellent read. Well crafted and researched, I engaged at the outset and couldn't put it down. Courageous characters overcoming a very challenging time during the occupation of Paris by the Nazis in WW2. Well worth your time. Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a true story of the American Library in Paris. The time frame is divided between Odile Souchet's life in Paris in 1939 where she is obsessed with books, the Dewey Decimal System and working at the library. The other part of the book is still Odile but now she is a widow living in Montana in 1983 and tells the story of her lonely teenage neighbour Lily who is fascinated by her older French neighbour. One of the most powerful lines from the book is: "the power of books and the bounds of friendship." These are probably the two most important things in life. Odile also feels that: "books make us the people we are."

I feel that the book is rich in details but it could have moved a bit faster in the beginning to really capture the reader.

It is a story about an american library in Paris during WW2 and one of its employees' life during the mid 80's. It was good but it wasn't super enthralling. I feel that it wasn't going anywhere and never finished. It wasn't bad but something is not right.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC.

Such a heartbreaking tale, and a beautiful and enlightening story of the war. I haven't read much about Paris in this genre so it was very interesting to read from something other than the British point if view to see how different it was in other places. Lovely story to read, well done.

"We're bookmates," she said, in the decisive tone one would assert "the sky is blue," or "Paris is the best city in the world." I was skeptical about soul mates, but could believe in bookmates, two beings bound by a passion for reading.

What can I even say about this book? When I first started reading it, I wasn't immediately sucked in. But soon enough, I was won over by Odile's journey as a young woman, and seeing how her actions then affected her present day life. I loved her passion for books - similar to mine - and her chosen career of working in a library (my first job was in a library). The quotes from books peppered throughout the story, and tailored to suit whatever situation was currently happening, was a beautiful touch.

Odile's friendship with her teenage neighbour (Lily) in present day allows her to confront her past while also providing a safe space for a young girl in desperate need of a confidante. It is surprising as both readers and Lily realize that their friendship is a two way street, and Odile has gained just as much, if not more from it.

As an aside, I was completely unaware of how libraries were involved in the war. I appreciate the author taking her time to research these efforts (as explained in her notes at the back of the book), and can completely understand how escaping into a book can help so many of us deal with tragedies. I love that so many of the characters in The Paris Library were based off real employees of the library, telling their stories decades after the fact.

The Paris Library is set between two different era's with a focus on two generations of strong women. Odile, we meet in 1939, as a woman who is infatuated with the Dewey Decimal System; something she see's making order out of chaos. We are drawn into Odile's world instantly, and watch as she forges against the traditional path of a young woman in order to work at the American Library in Paris. Odile is fortunate enough to have a police officer boyfriend, a compassionate best friend, and loving twin brother. This all becomes threatened as the war is declared.

Fast forward to 1983, we find Odile widowed and alone - with gaps in her story. Odile's neighbour, a young girl by the name of Lily becomes quickly enchanted by Odile and wants to discover all her secrets. Lily is looking to escape the mundane, troublesome teenage life she lives and is taken with the mystery of her neighbour.

As Lily and Odile further their friendship, the story evolves through their mutual love of reading and books, as well as their very similar personal qualities. Both are capable of extreme jealousy, resentment and unthinkable betrayals. This story pushes the reader to think about what happens when we make choices that fail others, and the people we count on for protection let us down.

I loved this book and the characters story almost immediately after reading the first few pages. Odile and Lily are both extremely likeable characters - these are two kindred spirits who are very warm, genuine and curious. Both were easy to fall in sync with right off the bat. Odile is someone who is honest and empathetic and truly relatable from woman to woman. Odile, a feminist who was ahead of her time, is someone I was rooting for her, rooting for her happiness and her dreams to come true. Lily is a curious young woman, finding her footing as she attends high-school in a newly blended family. Lily herself is also a feminist, while she may not yet realize it, as the reader you see her inner strength and hope for her future.
Both characters are very complex, as are the others who are introduced as the story unfolds.

As the story evolves and Odile as a young woman is unpacked, I felt drawn to her, and found myself concerned for her and wishing for her happiness. I was delighted by the love story of Odile and her first beau -- in a time when there was so much uncertainty and fear, they were able to find love. As family members enlist in the war, and times became more difficult, these characters and their world continued to draw me in. Lily was much the same, I was enthralled by her relationship with her best friend and anxious for how that would play out beyond graduation.

Ultimately this book to me, was an easy read, it was very easy to dive right in and feel immersed in the world of Odile and Lily. For anyone searching for an inspiring ready with feminist undertones then you will love The Paris Library!

A dual time/time slip story that takes place in Paris during WW2 and in present day America. It was an interesting read about 2 very different females dealing with life and identity in 2 very different situations, one a 20 something in occupied Paris during WW2 and 1 a high school student in modern day mid-America. What I enjoyed was the comparing and contrasting of 2 people looking for identity, struggling with who they are in the situations that they are given, how they deal with choices that shape their futures. The story looks at the choices people make and the secrets that are had that mold reactions to situations and mold the future. Found it an insightful read.

An incredible story of hope and survival even in the darkest of times, The Paris Library was an amazing book. A very unique story of the second world war as experienced by a young, female librarian in Paris, more specifically a librarian delivering books to servicemen and Jewish readers.

I don't particularly love stories about world wars. This book had a very different perspective though, so I was enticed and gave it a shot and I was not disappointed!

I completely fell in love with these characters and there were also times were they broke my heart. Odile's thoughts are so empathetic and expressive in such dark, troubling times.

This book wasn't afraid to show how relationships between friends/family/colleagues were tested by the war.

I highly recommend this book. I enjoyed it very much even if there were times where it made me ugly cry uncontrollably.

The Paris Library is a story about the American Library in Paris during the Second World War. This book also follows the main character's life to the United States after WW II. This is a delightful story that captures the voices of courageous librarians who defy the Nazis in order to help the patrons of the library enjoy literature. I would highly recommend reading this book. #netgalley

I am a librarian and I admit I was excited to read The Paris Library. I dove in, excited to read a historical novel set in the iconic American Library in Paris, France. Janet Skestien Charles did not disappoint me. From page one I giggled and sighed when Dewey classification numbers were used to describe emotions, events, loves, and classic novels. It took me back to a time with fiction was categorized in the 880's.

I was surprised and thrilled to discover The Paris Library is the story of two people - Odile (Paris 1939 & Montana 1983) and Lily (Montana 1983). Both characters struggle through tragedy, loss and family - all the while supported by reading and ultimately each other.

Take the journey. with Odile and Lily and learn about reading and its power - and friendship and how no one is perfect and that forgiveness and support is the ultimate saving grace.

It seems these days I'm only reading historical fiction; as if I'm trying to make up for all the years I refused to pick up a book not set in modern day. But how could I resist a story about a library, the dewey decimal system, it's patrons and set in Paris.

The Paris Library begins in 1939 with Odile; a young woman excited by books and the possibility of love. Odile's father, a police office, brings home an officer from work every Sunday for dinner in attempt to have his daughter married. Odile and her twin brother Remy laugh and joke about each potential suitor.

Against her father's wishes, Odile follows her dream of working in a library. Things begin to change when Odile finds one of the Sunday suitors quickens her heart and takes her breath away. Remy is also finding love with one of Odile's co-workers at the library.

The can only ignore the looming war for so long though and soon Remy is prepared to be a soldier and headed off to fight for his country. Odile remains in Paris and is slow to realize there is a war happening in Paris as well.

Told in alternate chapters is the story of young Lily, growing up in 1980's Montana with lot of challenges thrown her way. One day she decides to write a school project on France and who better to help then her neighbour Odile. A unlikely friendship is born between the two but Lily wants to know what is the real story about her neighbour and why is living in Montana and not Paris?

At first I found The Paris Library hard to keep keep track of all the characters but like all good novels by then end I knew them all well. This story is perfectly suited for those that love their libraries and a good book.

The Paris Library was an outstanding book. I fell in love with every peice of it! I loved the characters, the setting, the drama, and all the love.

First off, the book is interesting because it not only shifts between characters but it also shifts between time. Some chapters are in WWII Paris and some are in 1980's Montana. I loved it! The story was serious and kind of sad at times but there was sprinkled in humor too!

Odile is the main character. She is a strong young woman who works in the American Library in Paris. I enjoyed her absolute love for books and the library. Lily, is a young girl living in Montana nextdoor to Odile as an old woman. Lily experiences loss and Odile ends up being the person that helps her through it. I really enjoyed the characters and how different but similar they were. I liked how the author flipped back and forth and intertwined the stories so it all fit together like a beautiful masterpiece.

When I put the book down I couldn't help but reflect on my own life. It opened my eyes to things I've done and things I've overlooked because of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I feel that if a story makes you reflect so deeply it must be an amazing book written by an outstanding author. That is what this book was. It was amazing, heartfelt, full of despair and hope, eye opening, and thoughtful. I loved this book with all my heart as I knew I would when I read the synopsis originally. Odile and her friends are the type of people I wish I knew and aspire to be. This story reminded me that not everyone is as they seem and that people change and grow throughout their lives.

The setting of the American Library is the best. It felt like home and it was a home to the characters in the book. I loved that part. Everytime the library is mentioned or Odile was working there it just felt so whimsical and full of wonder. It's a place I would love to see. Something from a dream.

I have always been interested in history which is a reason I was excited for this book! I found the writing to be so good that when the first bombs were dropped and I was reading about the peoples fear and uncertainty, I too felt that way. My heart rate increased, I was holding onto every word, I could not stop reading. This story opened my eyes to the struggles of war. How people had to do things they didn't want to or thought were wrong just so they could survive. How people turned on each other. How there was so much hidden racism and discrimination! Odile is such a hero throughout the book. Living during that time is unfathomable. Unreal.

Finally, this story is full of love and loss. Odile suffered much loss throughout her life and Lily is lucky to have such a role model. Lily suffered loss as well and in the end it was very heartwarming that they were able to help each other and have such a great relationship! I sure enjoyed the romance and true love expressed in this book. It filled my heart many times. This story is worth the read. It is really something special that I thoroughly enjoyed!

** Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review .

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. Publishing Date: June 2, 2020.

Thank you to @NetGalley, @SimonandSchuster, and Janet Skeslien Charles for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.

Description from the publishers...
“Based on the true World War II story of the American Library in Paris, an unforgettable novel about the power of books and the bonds of friendship—and the ordinary heroes who can be found in the most perilous times and the quietest places.”

My thoughts...
This is the first book I’ve read from this author. I love historical fiction, and this did not disappoint. This book was written in two different times and places: Paris, 1939 and Montana, 1983. A “then and now” story. It’s more than just a fiction, because it is based on a true story of the American Library in Paris. I was hooked. I could not put this book down. There were well-developed and varied characters whose stories welcomed you right in the library, and made you feel a part of them. Was the Montana chapters necessary? I didn’t think so. But, I thought the parallel experiences and themes were touching. The story is a reminder about our flaws, that our “reactions” can be damaging, learning from our mistakes and forgiveness is important, no matter which generation we came from. It is also about how kindness (and books) can save someone. I appreciated the research the author did for this book. The question I was left with after reading this book: How much can I endure?

An engaging true story of Odile, a young Parisian working in the American library during the Nazi occupation. The novel is written in now and then format with the author finding a beautiful balance between the tales from the past and in the present. I found both storylines to be engaging, often feeling torn between which story I hoped to find on the next page.

Janet Skeslien Charles did a fantastic job of researching these characters. Her writing truly brings them to life as we experience the ups and downs of their everyday lives. I loved experiencing Odile’s and Lily’s friendship develop as they navigate through some of life’s great tragedies together.

I was swept up in this novel, the characters, their lives, and the atmosphere of the American library in Paris. It speaks of friendship, survival, love, strength, endurance, and the power we find within ourselves when push comes to shove. I could not force myself put it down and found it so much more enjoyable knowing that it’s based on real people and their actual history.

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 stars with a rating of PG

Thank you to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster, and Janet Skeslien Charles for the advanced reader copy in return for my honest review.

I enjoyed reading this book. It had a good story to it. I liked the variety of characters in it. It is my first book read by this author. I hope to read more books by this author.

The Paris Library might just be my most favorite read of 2020! I devoured this story, I couldn't get enough and it's one of those books that grab you deep inside your soul so hard that you wish the book would never end. These are the books I wish were in a series, I want more!

Based on real actual events and people, the author did an amazing job with her research. I fell so far into the story I'm not sure I can pick up another book for a few days. I literally feel like I was taken back in time to the 1940s and the characters were my real life friends. This was a powerful story that will stay with me.

Thank you netgalley and Simon &Schuster for allowing me to fall into an amazing story I won't soon forget. I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy, as this is one of those books I must have in my collection.

The Paris Library, a book based on actual people and events, is an incredible read that kept me engrossed from page one to the final word.

In German-occupied Paris, we meet Odie Souchet, a young woman working at the American Library in Paris, we meet her family: twin, Remy, police officer father and her mother. We are introduced to a fascinating cast of characters working with Odie at the Library, people from many different cultures with one over-riding passion in common. They share a love of books and a determination to protect the library and its contents from destruction. Forty years later, in 1983, Odie is now in small-town Froid, Montana, where she meets and becomes friends with Lily, her teenage neighbour, and we the reader meet a very different but equally interesting group of people. Odie’s journey from Paris to Montana is both heartbreaking and uplifting.

A beautifully written story that highlights a wide range of emotions, from horror at the stark reality of war, to cowardice and heroism, love and hate, distrust and misjudgement, jealousy and blame. It’s a story that describes in vivid detail the joy that the written word can bring.

I highly recommend The Paris Library as a book that every avid reader will be sure to enjoy.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in return for a written review.

I really enjoyed reading this book and had difficulty putting it down. A well written and well planned book that tells the story of the American Library in Paris and the Occupation by Nazis in Paris and at the same time teaching French to a young girl in Montana while guiding her as she lived her life. A must read!

The Paris Library is a magnificent book centred around The American Library located in Paris during World War II. There are a wonderful diverse cast of characters that spend their days at the library. Through them we learn not only about beautiful books but how their lives were affected by the war. These characters come from many different countries and backgrounds yet the develop the deepest friendships.

In the book we then jump ahead 40 plus years where Odile, one of the wonderful characters from the library now lives. The story then goes from past to present where she Meets her young neighbour Lily and she begins to teach her French while slowly revealing her past to Lily. Odile finds Lily is much like she was when she was younger, rash and quick to anger. Their friendship is heartwarming and adds so much to the book. They help each other to overcome tragedy and the more mundane things of everyday life. Their friendship is unbreakable

All of the characters are unique and have a depth that makes me able to picture them vividly. I was swept away by each of their stories, some heartwarming and many heartbreaking. The Paris Library is a book about true friendship and love and what we will do for those we care about. It is also about human nature and how our actions can affect not only us but many others. It is about learning from your mistakes and forgiveness.

I loved Odile and her flaws only made her more believable and likeable. You will be brought to tears, you will laugh, you will hurt and you will feel forgiveness as you read this book. I can’t thank NetGalley, Simon and Schuster and Janet Skeslien Charles for the opportunity to read this book which is based on facts and real people. You will not be able to put this book down.