Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This book had so much potential.
The main character was so hard to like. She was contradicting and self wallowing the entire time.
For her age, her maturity didn't match up with her expectations of the other characters. I found her very whiney.
The supporting characters could have been used for so much more to help with this novel. It would have been a creative, funny, and lighthearted story.
Unfortunately, the chunk of the book feels as if you are stuck on groundhog's day. Almost each chapter repeats the same synopsis over and over again. This caused the story to seem so slow.
This novel may be a good choice for a middle or high schooler. No swearing or sexual content.

This was *so* close to being a great book, but it just couldn't cross the finish line. The plot sounded intriguing - a SUPER huge, longstanding Portland bookstore owned by an octogenarian who has retired, appoints a business consultant as CEO and the 20+ year long employee, Jo, runs the place. That's it for the formal summary.

Being a fan of fiction with older folks (Jo is 50), and a big fan of any fiction set in a bookstore, I just knew this one would be a hit for me. I listened to the audio arc in one day - so kudos to Nicole Meier for keeping me around for a solid afternoon. Unfortunately, I just was not in love with the characters and spent a lot of time in my head questioning the moral circumstance centered in the plot. The old owner had a stroke and his daughters immediately want to unload the store even as he lays in the ICU.

The many employees (hey, I thought no one wants to work these days???) convince Jo to ignore the order to close, hold a lock in for a ton of weeks, move to a shipping center of books, rally the press, ultimately anger the other business owners......all because they believe this store represents all the good of being in Portland and deserves to remain open. Hello??? The logistics of this were hard to swallow. The lack of a sheriff trying to remove the equivalent of trespassers, the hygiene and nutrition, the homeless mom and daughter adopted by the store.....it required a lot of suspension of belief.

Am I glad I listened? Yup. Will I now check out other Meier books? You bet. Would I re-read City of Books? Unlikely.

City of Books by Nicole Meier and narrated by Cindy Kay is a wonderful novel about the people of a popular bookstore in Portalnd, Oregon. The staff of the store are passionate about the institution it has become, stocking everything from new releases to first editions, to even having an IG following of 400K+ However, one day, our Protagonist Jo Waterstone arrives into work to be immediately ushered into a staff meeting. She has worked at the store for 20 + years, has almost a familial friendship with the owner, Mr Bruebaker and often identifies people as characters from literature. All is gravy, until a phone call from Regina, her area boss, calling to say that Mr B has suffered a stroke and his daughters have instructed to close the store down immediately ( to preserve their inheritance by ensuring no more money is lost through this business)

However, Jo and the team know that this is not what Mr B would want, the store being a labour of love, an institution, not a money making venture. So what is the team to do? Not leave that store (kinda like Empire Records but for book lovers) Will they save the store? Will Mr B be oke?

This was a truly delightful audiobook to listen to, not least for the wide array of characterisations from the narrator Cindy Kay (awesome voice)

The characters are personable, relatable and in some cases hate-able (OOooo Regina and Mr B's daughters - grrr) Nicole Meier doesn't just tell us a story about the team coming together to prevent the downfall of the store, but of the community, and each individual, enabling the reader to feel a part of the story. Blooming lovely!

Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, Nicole Meier and Cindy Kay for this very enjoyable ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

**I received an advanced listener's copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

There is a sort of magical fantasy of spending a night in a bookstore or a library. In the case of a small group of employees at Brubaker Books, they decide to stay in the store in protest of the store closing. Meier creates a story centered on manager Jo, who tries to keep everyone together and show her support for the bookstore remaining open. Hot topic issues are discussed in the narrative, including homelessness.

I did appreciate the amount of growth the characters faced during the novel. Jo especially faces a situation completely outside of her comfort zone, and yet she knows in her heart it is the right thing to do. Her repetitious thoughts did come across as too repetitious at times. The secondary story, while bringing up contemporary issues, did not necessarily add to the narrative, though it was interesting to see how the characters living in the bookstore handled the situation.

The voice narration was great! Overall, a good listen.

A good natured story of a group of people that fight against the closing of the bookstore where they work and call a second home. As they decide to stage a live-in at the bookstore until the decision to close has been changed, the typical issues of different generations coming together and people in small spaces living and depending on one another spring up. While a little scant on plot outside of the central problem, there is a gentleness to this book that makes it a lovely experience to listen to. The narrator does a great job of capturing this, as well.

Wow, this was one of the most immersive books I have read in a long, long time. As a foodie, I had such a fun time reading this book. It straight up made me hungry and I felt like I was along for for the tour of Europe that Kit and Theo were on. I learned quite a bit about European wine, food, and culture and the banter was top notch. The only thing that I really hated about this book was the competition to see who could sleep with more people on the trip (when they were obviously in love with each other). Without that storyline, this book would have been near perfect--but then we also wouldn't have gotten the "that still only counts as one!" line that had me cackling. I adored the nerdy Tolkienisms and highly recommend this book!

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Get me to Powell’s immediately! I mean… I’m kinda not kidding. Somehow my brain took the notion that this was inspired by a closing at Powell’s & my head approached this as that sort of historical fiction that is based in the reality of primary source documents. There were moments of listening when I questioned the accuracy of a response & I had to stop myself from listening for footnotes! All of that is to say that this was a quirky little book that tied together what might seem like wildly unrelated plot lines in a thoughtful, hopeful fashion. I feel like I always write about character development, but that’s how I connect to a book. And these characters? Well, they had these flaws that made them relatable and easy to connect with. There were a couple who were a bit flat & cliche, but that felt intentional. Sometimes when we don’t know someone or their story, that’s all they are to us. That’s how it felt here.

The narration was good. I think I want there to be a distinct Portland flavor to her phrasing or pronunciation, but I don’t know if that even exists!

While the premise of this book and the narration were good, the story fell flat for me. There are sweet moments, but the main character is too whiney and made me tune out during some of the sections that focused on her. But who doesn't want to save an indie bookstore?

This was good. Firmly good.

I enjoyed the exploration of internal narrative for an external event that I recognised. Based on the shuttering of Powell books, this was an interesting and layered story that I enjoyed. That said, it isn’t one I’d revisit.

Narration: The narrator felt like a good choice for the story. Her voice fit the character and tone of the story.

Story: I wanted to enjoy this book, but it didn't keep my attention. The concept was an interesting on and all the parts were there, but somewhere is just didn't work for me.

Each character played a wonderful part in the story and the author created an interesting cast. Each one was well developed and important to tell the story.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

I don’t think I am the target audience for this book. I found it to be rather dull. I also think labeling it as a romance can be misleading considering that is a subplot at best.
Jo didn’t really seem to have much of a personality aside from books but in a way that was very one-note. I also found Jo to be rather immature for her age. The characters were also pretty one note.
Because of that I don’t think I should review this book on public platforms as again I don’t think it is meant for me .

Not nearly as exciting as I thought it would be. I love the premise of saving a bookstore, though locking yourself in to make enough money to save it makes no sense – have you learned nothing from Empire Records?!!! While the situations were plausible and relatable – Jo, as the mother figure, having to scold her employees for various issues and the backlash from their occupation – they weren’t interesting. I couldn’t really connect to any of the characters. Overall, I found this slow and just not for me.

A moving story about an older bookstore employee determined to fight for the store she loves and try to convince the owners not to close it. With the help of fellow staff members, she stages a lockdown and passive protest with interesting results. Good on audio and perfect for fans of anyone who loves a good story about indie bookstores and the power of books to help build communities. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

City of books was a really sweet read. I enjoyed getting to know each member of the bookshop as they bonded through trying to save the bookstore. The book had a blend of social, domestic, and political events that helped to morph the characters into who they would become. I really enjoyed reading the story, even if there wasn’t quite as much action as the books I’m used to reading. The interpersonal connections truly made the story it was, and I feel like most people will be able to relate to at least one of the characters.

It is a very cosy and easy read. The main character, Jo, is a 50 year old bookstore employee with a passion for all things books. When the owner has a series of strokes and his family decides to close the store, the employees decide to move in and pretty much barricade themselves within the bookshelves in protest.

A great book club read that leaves you satisfied with the conclusion.

Thanks to Netgalley, Nicole Meier and Dreamscape Audio for the opportunity to read this tale.

What would you do to try to save a bookstore? Jo Waterstone fights to keep a popular bookstore from closing. She has worked 20 years at this bookstore and is cherished by the owner.

I thought this book was so good!

Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for an audio ARC of this book for an honest review.

This book gave me grown up indie book store meets From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg vibes.

When Jo shows up for work at Bruebaker’s Books she finds herself in a the middle of a life changing moment. Her and her co-workers are faced with the decision to walk away or stay and fight. This novel follows the group through the aftermath of the beloved indie store's owner sudden health decline and his daughters, along with the store's business only manager, commitment to closing up shop. The local community and this group of committed bibliophiles take on some big stakes and make some life changing decisions along the way.

My favorite part about this book was how light hearted the intentions of the FMC's were, she was trying her best in a bad situation and finding herself in a found family along the way. It was a feel good story with a sad undertone. I wished she wasn't so hard on herself throughout the story, but I understand the second guessing and grief involved. And I had wished for more closure for the store and the employees. Overall, a really good story and a nice retro feel with a nod to small businesses, community, and indie bookstores.

ARC audiobook received through NetGalley and Dreamscape Media in exchange for an honest review.

Narrated by: Cindy Kay
Presented by: Dreamscape Media

A disappointingly mediocre story, I'm afraid.

A misleading title, City of Books is set in a bookstore that is threatened by the decline in health of its owner. Jo, manager of the store, holes up with the employees in an effort to prevent the family from closing it down.

I found the whole thing to be a bit of a yawn fest, to be honest. As much as I love books, and books about books, there was just not a lot of story here.

Jo and the employees go about boxing up product, filling online orders, and dealing with the publicity their rebellion has stirred up. There's not really much drama or excitement, nor much to get invested in beyond the possible closure of a fictional bookstore.

Even the implied romance was bland, with nothing of note happening until the story is wrapping up.

The narrator was okay, but there were a lot of pauses and I was able to listen at 2.5x speed without much trouble.

Overall, just not a lot in this one to get excited about.

With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC

Synopsis: Jo Waterstone knows what you should read next. She’s honed the skill of sizing up a person and recommending their next book in the decades she’s worked at Bruebaker’s Books. Her life has been shaped by the store, the bustle of customers exploring the stacks, and managing the eager staff. She can honestly say it’s the best job she’s ever had.

Then the store’s elderly owner, Mr. Bruebaker, suffers a stroke, and just like that Jo’s perfect job is on the chopping block. Mr. B’s daughters and the bookstore’s icy CEO think the time is right to close for good, and they order Jo to lock up. But she doesn’t know what she would be without Bruebaker’s—and besides, the place is an institution. So instead of following orders, she decides to take a stand: along with a few brave team members, she barricades herself in the store, trying to buy time until Mr. Bruebaker recovers and can speak for himself.

Living in a bookstore has a certain magic to it, but the quiet hours among the books throw the choices Jo has made in her life into sharp relief. As supporters (and detractors) start to voice their opinions about her actions, Jo will have to decide what, exactly, is worth saving.

Review: Overall, this book left me feeling like i'd read half a book. There just wasnt enough in the story, there was no real resolution to anything, no "why is this happening" that made me feel like the book was at all resolved.

ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥: 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀

ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨: 𝐀𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐳𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 (𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐲), 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠-𝐨𝐟-𝐚𝐠𝐞.

𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐉𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞–𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐲-𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫, 𝐌𝐫. 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫, 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐝𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐉𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐉𝐨’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞–𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟–𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠.

𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝑜 𝒩𝒾𝒸𝑜𝓁𝑒 𝑀𝑒𝒾𝑒𝓇, 𝒟𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓂𝓈𝒸𝒶𝓅𝑒 𝑀𝑒𝒹𝒾𝒶, & 𝒩𝑒𝓉𝒢𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒜𝑅𝒞! 𝒜𝓁𝓁 𝑜𝓅𝒾𝓃𝒾𝑜𝓃𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝑜𝓌𝓃.