The Lending Library

Summary:

When the Chatsworth library closes indefinitely, Dodie Fairisle loses her sanctuary. How is a small-town art teacher supposed to cope without the never-ending life advice and enjoyment that books give her? Well, when she’s as resourceful and generous as Dodie, she turns her sunroom into her very own little lending library.

At first just a hobby, this lit lovers’ haven opens up her world in incredible ways. She knows books are powerful, and soon enough they help her forge friendships between her zany neighbors—and attract an exciting new romance.

But when the chance to adopt an orphaned child brings Dodie’s secret dream of motherhood within reach, everything else suddenly seems less important. Finding herself at a crossroads, Dodie must figure out what it means to live a full, happy life. If only there were a book that could tell her what to do… (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)

Review:

This was not the book I was expecting based on the description.  The setup is for a light chick lit book where I was expecting some self-discovery and development, but it ended up being quite a bit heavier than expected.  The first third was as advertised, but then it got quite dramatic and I wasn’t invested enough to really enjoy it.

The other aspect that I really really did not like was the fulfillment of stereotypes throughout.  The characters (Dodie included) fell into categories that caused some eye-rolls.  There was one point that I almost abandoned the book when Dodie describes “all women” wanting to have children.  And the names drove me bonkers. To be honest, considering the current social climate I’m a bit shocked that the book was published.  The story was certainly intended to be sweet, but it wasn’t pulled off.

Rating: 1 stars!

Who should read it? Bibliophiles looking for a chick lit or romance read.