really didn;t love it as much as I would like it. It disappointed me and I wish it was more... and its not as I expected it wasn't even because of the age of the characters it just wasn't what I was sold

The novel is known for its blend of humor and poignant moments, capturing the dynamics of the bookstore staff and the eccentricities of literary life. The story offers a mix of satire and heartfelt reflections on loss, community, and the love of books​. While some readers appreciate its humorous take on the daily life of booksellers and the literary world, others find the pacing slow and the plot somewhat fragmented, with a large cast of characters that can be difficult to track​.

Overall, Bookish People is recommended for those who enjoy character-rich narratives and a behind-the-scenes look at the world of bookselling, especially if they appreciate humor with a touch of introspection.

I was more excited about the description. I didn’t feel particularly invested in any of the characters and was waiting for something more exciting to happen. I would say it’s more of a calm read with not a lot happening.

I absolutely adore books centered around libraries or small business book stores. I find them so charming and I easily fall in love with the characters. I had high hopes for Bookish People because of the synopsis and cute cover, however it fell flat for me. I can honestly say nothing really happened throughout the entire story and I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters. I really wanted to like this one, but it wasn't for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for allowing me to review this one. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

At first this book was extremely confusing with a large cast of characters to keep straight. Fortunately it settled down a lot in the second half & became a much more enjoyable read. I finally started to find the humor in this book that was described as a “screwball comedy”.

Bookish People by Susan Coll is a delightful fit for readers who adore lighthearted, humorous stories that celebrate the quirks of bookstores, the power of literature, and the complexities of human relationships, with a dash of wit and whimsy.

A fun sweet read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my ARC.

In the midst of a maelstrom of comedy, a DC bookstore becomes the stage for a whirlwind week, narrated by two contrasting women amid political upheaval, a celestial spectacle, and a perpetually broken vacuum cleaner. Sophie Bernstein, the weary owner, finds herself grappling with personal loss and existential angst while contending with the chaos of the outside world. Meanwhile, renowned poet Raymond Chaucer's tumultuous past threatens to overshadow his latest work, sparking a nationwide controversy. As Sophie navigates the storm of events, she enlists the help of Clemi, an aspiring novelist with her own familial secrets, to manage the fallout.

With a cast of eccentric authors, overqualified booksellers, and even a tortoise named Kurt Vonnegut Jr., this big-hearted screwball comedy celebrates the endearing quirks of those who adore good books. "Bookish People" is a smart, original, and laugh-out-loud novel that offers a delightful glimpse into the world of literature and the characters who inhabit it. Whether you're a book lover, seller, or simply a fan of offbeat humour, this quirky gem is sure to entertain.

"Bookish People" by Susan Coll is a delightful and witty exploration of the world of books, bookstores, and the people who inhabit them.

Coll weaves together a cast of quirky characters, from Sophie's determined but beleaguered spirit to Clemi, the events coordinator with dreams of becoming a novelist. The dynamic between them, along with the addition of a Russian tortoise named Kurt Vonnegut Jr., adds layers of humor and heart to the story.

At its core, "Bookish People" is a big-hearted screwball comedy that celebrates the love of literature and the eccentricities of those who cherish it. The intergenerational dynamics and the clash of personalities between oblivious authors and over-qualified booksellers provide plenty of entertaining moments.

What makes this novel particularly enjoyable is its exploration of themes like family, identity, and the power of storytelling. Clemi's quest to discover her biological father adds an emotional depth to the narrative, while Sophie's journey of self-discovery and resilience resonates with readers.

Overall, "Bookish People" is a charming and insightful read that will appeal to book lovers and anyone who appreciates a good dose of humor and heart in their storytelling. Susan Coll's witty prose and endearing characters make this novel a joy to read, reminding us of the magic found within the pages of a good book and the quirky charm of those who love them.

I loved this book! It's well-written, enjoyable, and a great read. The author did a great job of writing in a way that captures the readers attention, and makes you not want to put it down until you're finished! I am a bookish person, so this book was so fun! I would highly recommend it!

Not for me. There was simply too much going on, the writing wasn't up to it. Too bad, as it sounded great -- I really wish someone had convinced the author to tone it down a bit.

As someone who has worked in multiple bookstores, the chaos and hilarity in Bookish People felt like a day at work for me! I always enjoy a book that takes place in and around a bookstore, so this book was perfect for me. But it was also about loss and grief, friendship, growing up, moving on, and just trying to live life and go to work. I adored this story so much!

was unable to hold my attention and i did not resonate with me - i did not end up reading the entire length of the work .always makes me sad to write this

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

I absolutely adored this book. It was such a breath of fresh air to read about characters who love books and cats! I also adored the romance. Really fun read!

This just wasn't for me. It felt like the author didn't know what direction they wanted to take the story in.

"Bookish People" presents a charming and witty exploration of the eccentric world of independent bookstores, spotlighting Sophie Bernstein's struggles and triumphs. Burned out and mourning, Sophie's desire for seclusion clashes with the arrival of renowned poet Raymond Chaucer. The narrative cleverly weaves together themes of grief, family, and literary passion. The intergenerational cast, featuring oblivious authors and overqualified booksellers, adds depth and humor. The intriguing subplot of Clemi's quest to uncover her parentage enhances the story's emotional layers. This big-hearted screwball comedy, complete with a delightful Russian tortoise named Kurt Vonnegut Jr., captures the quirks of those who cherish good books.

This was a cute bookish story. I absolutely love the cover of the physical book.
I feel I wanted a bit more of the story at the end.

Thank you NetGalley for the complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely mine.

This could’ve been a really good book. Unfortunately endless monologues and an alarming amount of talk about vacuums destroyed it for me. Would not recommend.

This book was a little hard for me to get into. I finished reading but it did take me a little bit to get into. There were quite a few sub plots going that didn't do it for me. There were some funny moments in the book that I did enjoy. I will be attempting to read this book again. See how I feel with a second read through.