This book is such a delight — total catnip for anyone who loves bookstores and messy, lovable book people! It’s got all the good stuff: a chaotic author visit, behind-the-scenes bookstore drama, family secrets, and a tortoise named Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (yes, really). I loved all the bookish details and the vibe of people just trying to figure it out, with lots of humor and heart along the way. If you’re into stories that celebrate books, weird coworkers, and second chances, this one needs to be on your shelf!

I wanted to love this one. It started out great, but got a little sluggish. I felt like it wanted to cover too many topics and it was difficult to stay invested in.

Bookish People is a fun, quirky read for book lovers. The story is full of dry humor, relatable moments, and a bit of chaos. It’s a slow-burn but worth it if you enjoy character-driven stories.

The premise sounded right up my street, with quirky bookshop vibes and the promise of some witty, character-driven drama. There were definitely moments of humour and charm, especially with the eclectic cast of characters and their sometimes absurd antics, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

The pacing felt a bit off, and at times, the story wandered without much direction, which made it hard to stay fully invested. While I appreciated the unique tone and the satirical edge, it lacked the emotional depth or connection I was hoping for. That said, if you enjoy more offbeat, meandering stories with a bookish backdrop, this one might be worth a try!

The cover drew me in, but ultimately did not finish about 40% of the way through. The author’s writing style ultimately just wasn’t for me. I felt a bit jarred by the back and forth between characters’ views, and the many attempts at sub-plots didn’t make sense to me. I did like the bookshop pet turtle being named Kurt Vonnegut, but have found other books set in bookshops that appealed to me more.

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!