The Storied Life of A.J.Fikry, by Gabrielle Zevin

NOTE: I loved this book!  A book about reading and the importance of books can't be missed!

Characters

A. J. Fikry – Island Books Nic – deceased wife Maya – adopted daughter Amelia Loman – Book rep   Brett Brewer – Amelia’s fiancé   Marian Wallace –Maya’s mother   Ismay Evans-Parish – Nic’s sister Daniel Parish – husband – author –A. J.’s best friend   Chief Lambiase

For discussion:
NOTE: All pages refer to the paperback edition of the book.

1. What do you think Lambiase should have done when he found the stolen book in Ismay's closet?  At that point in the story, what did you think had happened?
2. On page 216, when A.J.'s mother is giving everyone an ereader, she says to A.J. that he has a "moue."  Did you know what that was?
3. What did you think of A.J.'s reaction to the ereader?
4. On page 46 the customer wants a refund for The Book Thief because "it kept her up all night reading" and made her cry.  How soon in your reading did you know what book she was talking about?  What did you think of her reactions to the book?
5. What did you think of the description of Maya's approach to books - smelling them and trying to figure out the pictures?  Do you think her learning to read the word "red" is typical of children?
6. On page 87 A.J. write, "You know everything you need to know about a person from the answer to the question, 'What is your favorite book?'" Do you agree?  What is your favorite book and what does that say about you?
7. On page 92 A.J. says, 'Sometimes books don't find us until the right time."  Have you ever read the same book at two different times in your life and had different reading experiences?  Explain.
8. On their date A.J. and Amelia talk about food in books.  Do you have a memorable meal you read about in a book that you would like to eat?  Did you have any reactions to descriptions of food in books?
9. Why do you think Maya never warmed up to Ismay?
10. What was your favorite part of the book?  Your least favorite?
11. Discuss your reading experience.  Did you like the book?  Why or why not?
*****
First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at amazon.com, wordassociation.com and barnesandnoble.com.  Click on the upper right link.