The Library

Product Information

Tom Harris. Sixteen. Dead mom. Drunk dad. Bullied at school. Lonely. Discovers that he enjoys reading romance novels, much to his embarrassment. I recived a copy of The Library from NetGalley and Aria & Aries in exchange for an honest review, Bella Osborne's book is beautifully written, it made me cry in a good way, my heart feels full of hope, and five big stars from me. I absolutely loved this book. Heart-warming with genuine characters, the plot pulled me in and I was rooting for the library every step of the way. A great tonic for the times and highly recommended! Take a Look at Our Summary of November Highlights, Whether You're Looking for the Latest Releases or Gift Inspiration

The story alternates between Tom and Maggie's points of view, which gives us both perspectives and helps us to understand each of them. Both characters were likable and sympathetic. The novel is well-written and moves along as the plot develops - would the library be saved or be closed in a round of budget cuts? Would Tom graduate from high school and go to university or work in the dog food factory? Would Maggie...well, I'm not going to share any spoilers here but let me just say it's a heartwarming story. After falling out with his father over the time he spends in his room on his XBox, Tom discovered that the library could offer him some respite from the hours he spends at home alone. He is by nature very shy and awkward around people and prefers to stay at home where he feels safe. Because of this he doesn’t make friends, but he does feel the need for company sometimes. What a wonderful cast of characters Osborne gives the reader: appealing for all their very human flaws, growing and changing with the challenges they face. And there are quite a few: alcoholism, loneliness, grief, guilt, social isolation and low self-esteem. It’s lovely to see Tom and Maggie ultimately fighting for the library that brought them together when they most needed to meet. This is a delightfully funny, heart-warming feel-good story with a satisfying happy ending.Maggie is a pensioner and has been happily alone for ten years, at least that's what she tells herself. When Tom comes to her rescue a friendship develops that could change her life. As Maggie helps Tom to stand up for himself, Tom helps Maggie realise the mistakes of her past don't have to define her future. An unlikely friendship forms between a sixteen-year-old boy and a seventy-two-year-old woman as they rally the community to save their local library. I absolutely loved this book. Heart-warming with genuine characters, the plot pulled me in and I was rooting for the library every step of the way. A great tonic for the times and highly recommended!' - Talli Roland

went into ‘The Library’ expecting a cute story about an inter generational friendship with a mutual love of books. I was not expecting a heart wrenching story about a young boy with trouble at home, and a lonely pensioner who come together when they both needed each other the most. If you have a favorite book(s) about libraries or books, please share it(them) in the Comments section. Tom Harris lives with his father Paul, he’s only sixteen and he has the weight of the world on his young shoulders. His mum passed away when he was eight, his dad works nights, and Tom's left home alone. He has a crush on Farah Shah at school, he blushes every time he sees her, and loses the ability to speak. He hasn’t a clue about girls, he starts borrowing romance novels from the local library, and to get some ideas on how to be less awkward around girls. Here he meets Maggie Mann, she’s seventy two, a widow and Tom comes to her rescue. A touching story of a friendship between a troubled teenager, a yoga-practising farming woman in her seventies and a local library. A delight!' – Sunday Times bestselling author Katie Fforde The exceptional relationship between Maggie and Tom is so compelling, they each draw such strength from the vitality and vulnerabilities from the other. You could fully understand why they felt that strong connection together. I was fully engrossed in their evolving alliance against their own demons and the ones trying to take their library away from them. It was hard to pull myself away from them. Maggie’s sense of resilience was fantastic, and it chipped away at the stereotype of the older person on their own. I loved that she gave Tom the courage to strive for something different. She nurtured his wounded spirit and was a counterpoint to his stagnated relationship with his dad.This is a charming, touching novel of friendship and families, forgiveness and healing, and books! I highly recommend it.

The library seems to be an obvious choice for fulfilling the needs of the socially inept with its open doors inviting people from all walks of life to participate equally and without judgment.

With huge thanks to #Netgalley and #Aria&Aries for an ARC of #TheLibrary by #BellaOsborne, in return for an honest review. As Tom and Maggie leave the library that Saturday, something happens that makes their paths cross, and changes the direction of both their lives.