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@thatbookishfoodie I definitely do judge a book by its cover and here is another one! I was instantly sold on this just by the cover and inside 😍 Luckily it also sounds interesting lol This is what happens when I go to target ❤ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #TheParisLibrary #booklife #target #targetlife #coffeeandcurrentlyreading #bookrecommendations #historicalfiction #ilovebooks #bookish #coverlove #BookAsthetic #Bookaholic #BookObsessed #Contemporaryfiction #BooksAreMagic #BookLove #BookNerd #BookAddict #BookCommunity #GirlsWhoRead #readmore #ilovereading #instagood #booksarelife #BookRecs
@bookquoth “Libraries are lungs...Books the fresh air breathed in to keep the heart beating, to keep the brain imagining, to keep hope alive.” 📖 . . I LOVED learning about the American Library in Paris. I had no idea it existed, and it was fascinating to learn its history throughout the WWII era. That was my favorite part of the book: hearing about all the different employees (many characters based on real-life people), the various subscribers, how everyone experienced their love of books in similar, yet unique ways. There are so many passages that just make you want to hug your books or stare at your bookshelves. Ah, books... 📖 . . I loved following young Odile as she gets her dream job working in the Library. I could feel her passion for books and see how this job and the people in it forever shaped her life. I do feel like I didn’t necessarily need the present day story of Lily so much, but I understand how the timelines intertwined and why the author was showing us that. I just think Odile’s perspectives and story was strong enough on its own and I would have loved more. 📖 . . This book stresses the importance of books and access to libraries for ALL. They saved people during WWII, in a variety of ways, and they’ve certainly been saving me throughout this past year—there’s no doubt about it. 📖
@the_spineandvine 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 5 ⭐️s! The Paris Library takes place at the American Library in Paris during WWI, where it operated underground lending books to Jewish members barred from libraries. It was established in 1920 with books donated by American libraries to U.S. armed forces in WWI, and is currently the largest English-language lending library in the European continent, incorporated under the laws of Delaware. I am so sad I had no knowledge of the ALP when I traveled to Paris years ago, but now have another reason to return! It’s no surprise that this book published just last month and is already a #NewYorkTimesbestseller and USA TODAY and Washington Post #bestseller. A perfect blend of history and fiction, The Paris Library shows us how literature can provide an escape from pain, fear, and sorrow. More than that, the book shows us how reading unites us and the power that comes from community and human connection. Exploring the consequences of our choices and the relationships that define us, this book also shows us how true acts of heroism are often found when no one else is listening or watching. I was sad when this book was over because I didn’t want it to end. I loved the Author’s Note and learned that jskesliencharles actually worked at the ALP, where she learned about the true story of the courageous staff who kept the library open during WWII. She spent several years researching for her book and based it on true events and actual people. I was intrigued to learn that real names were kept for some characters, and letters that are used came from real denunciation letters not only trying to denounce Jewish people but accusing the library of disobeying the Germans. The author states, “My goal in writing the book was to share this little-known chapter of World War II history and to capture the voices of the courageous librarians who defied the Nazis in order to help subscribers and to share a love of literature.” This book reminded me of how important our libraries still are, especially in our current digital media age where facts and fiction are often blurred. I hope many of you will consider reading #TheParisLibrary, and highly recommend for bookclubs!
@bookedwithbecca
The Paris Library - by Janet Skeslien Charles
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About the Book
"Paris, 1939. Young, ambitious, and tempestuous, Odile Souchet has it all: Paul, her handsome police officer beau; Margaret, her best friend from England; her adored twin brother Remy; and a dream job at the American Library in Paris, working alongside the library's legendary director, Dorothy Reeder. But when World War II breaks out, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear--including her beloved library ... Montana, 1983. Odile's solitary existence in gossipy small-town Montana is unexpectedly interrupted by Lily, her neighbor, a lonely teenager longing for adventure. As Lily uncovers more about Odile's mysterious past, they find they share a love of language, the same longings, the same lethal jealousy"--Provided by publisher.Book Synopsis
An instant New York Times, Washington Post, and USA TODAY bestseller--based on the true story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris during World War II--The Paris Library is a moving and unforgettable "ode to the importance of libraries, books, and the human connections we find within both" (Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author). Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet seems to have the perfect life with her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. When the Nazis march into the city, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal. Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. As Lily uncovers more about her neighbor's mysterious past, she finds that they share a love of language, the same longings, and the same intense jealousy, never suspecting that a dark secret from the past connects them. "A love letter to Paris, the power of books, and the beauty of intergenerational friendship" (Booklist), The Paris Library shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest places.Review Quotes
"The Paris Library is a refreshing novel that celebrates libraries as cradles of community, especially when we need them the most. It shows how literature can be a means of escape, a catalyst for human connection, and a moral center in grim times. A thoroughly enjoyable read, kind-hearted and brimming with delightful bookish allusions."--Matthew Sullivan, author of Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore
"A fresh take on WWII France that will appeal to bibliophiles everywhere. I fell in love with Odile and Lily, with their struggles and triumphs, from the very first page. Meticulously researched, The Paris Library is an irresistible, compelling read."--Fiona Davis, national bestselling author of The Chelsea Girls
"A love letter to Paris, the power of books, and the beauty of intergenerational friendship."-- "Booklist"
"As a Parisian, an ardent bookworm, and a longtime fan of the American Library in Paris, I devoured The Paris Library in one hungry gulp. It is charming and moving, with a perfect balance between history and fiction."--Tatiana de Rosnay, New York Times bestselling author of Sarah's Key
"Delightful...richly detailed...Historical fiction fans will be drawn to the realistic narrative and the bond of friendship forged between a widow and a lonely young girl."-- "Publishers Weekly"
"Having lived in an apartment just above the current location of the American Library in Paris, I've always felt connected to the institution and wondered about its story, so I'm grateful to Janet Skeslien Charles for penning such a vivid, enjoyable, based-on-a-true-story tale. In THE PARIS LIBRARY, the beloved library, its staff, and its subscribers come to life and remind us of both the horrors of World War II and the vital role books play in keeping us afloat in difficult times. Well-researched, stirring, and rich with detail, THE PARIS LIBRARY is an ode to the importance of libraries, books, and the human connections we find within both."--Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names
"Intelligent and sensuously rich....A novel tailor-made for those who cherish books and libraries."-- "Kirkus Reviews"
About the Author
Janet Skeslien Charles is the award-winning author of Moonlight in Odessa, which was published in ten languages. Her shorter work has appeared in revues such as Slice and Montana Noir. Janet first became interested in the incredible true story of the librarians who stood up to the Nazi "Book Protector" when she worked as the program's manager at the American Library in Paris. Her novel The Paris Library will be published in thirty countries. She divides her time between Montana and Paris. Visit her at JSkeslienCharles.com or connect with her on Twitter @SkeslienCharles.Additional product information and recommendations
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