BY THE AUTHOR OF THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW 'Marvelously optimistic about the future of books and bookstores and the people who love both' Washington Post A.J. Fikry, the grumpy owner of Island Books, is going through a hard time: his bookshop is failing, he has lost his beloved wife, and his prized possession - a rare first edition book has been stolen. Over time, he has given up on people, and even the books in his store, instead of offering solace, are yet another reminder of a world that is changing too rapidly. But one day A.J. finds two-year-old Maya sitting on the bookshop floor, with a note attached to her asking the owner to look after her. His life - and Maya's - is changed forever. Gabrielle Zevin's enchanting novel is a love letter to the world of books - an irresistible affirmation of why we read, and why we love. Readers say: 'A lovely uplifting book' five star reader review 'Devoured in a day. So much heart and control. Love it' five star reader review 'the writing style and characters made this novel a firm five stars' five star reader review 'This book has become my absolute favourite and not just best of the year but ever. I had to make a new shelf for it on GoodReads. I was completely blown away by it' five star reader review