A book about a bookstore is always going to be a winner in my eyes and this stunning book was a clear winner!

Carl is completely content with his simple life, lovingly wrapping and delivering books on foot. Everyone has their own story and when you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors, you imagine it instead, writing your own stories for those characters, in your head.

Nine year old Scascha, lonely and with more knowledge and insight than belies her age, decides to join Carl, despite his protestations; “You walk alone and I’ll walk alone next to you”. Scasha isn’t afraid of the truth and as she draws out the real people behind Carl’s cast of characters, they are drawn together to support each other in ways none of them knew they needed.

The characters were so well fleshed out and I loved them all. I could feel all of their anxiety, preconceptions and fear gradually easing as, bit by bit, Scasha opened the door to their souls and her knowing innocence gave them permission to be their true, authentic selves.

A balm for my soul.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

What a lovely story! Carl has spent all his life in a book store initially owned by his friend Gustav; but times are changing. Every evening Carl walks the city, hand delivering books to his customers, books they have requested. He is occasionally accompanied by a stray cat, who he names 'Dog'. Then one day he is joined by a young girl, Schascha, who starts to disrupt his routine, but possibly for the better.

Meanwhile his job at the store is in jeopardy - Gustav's daughter doesn't like his way of working, and he is only there on sufferance. Carl is an old man, he doesn't like change, how will he weather all the changes?

The book talks about reading and books in an amazing way. My favourite quote 'Every person needs different books. Because what one person loves with all their heart, might leave another completely cold.' Its sad and uplifting and amusing, I enjoyed it very much.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such a unique book, I loved the plot, and oh my god the characters were so amazing!! I definitely will be recommending it!!

Carl Christian Kollhoff  is an elderly man who delivers books to special customers in the evenings, making his way through the nooks and alleys of his city. He enjoys doing this, and in a way, considers these customers friends of a kind.

At the age of 72 , Carl provides an essential service to people like this, not least because of the care he invests in finding the perfect book for each person. But when he suddenly loses his job, Carl find himself in the unenviable position of questioning his fundamental values and his place in the world.

It takes the intervention of a bossy 9 year old girl, and some creative thinking - not to mention what "could be the start of a beautiful friendship" (Casablanca) - for Carl to regain his balance in the scheme of things.

This is such an adorable, feel-good story, it is hard to think of anyone who wouldn't like it - even if it's not the type of book they would normally go for. Anyway, like many others, I loved this, and and I think that if you're willing to give it a try, you might love it too!

He may be well into his 70s, but delivering books to people in the town is what Carl enjoys the most. Then he meets a young girl, who starts to accompany him on his rounds. His peaceful existence is turned upside down...

This is a delightful book, which will be loved by anyone who enjoyed 'The hundred year old man', or 'A man called Ove'. Appealing characters, lovely descriptions - in all, a charming read.

Just as advertised, this novel is indeed perfect for fans of "A Man Called Ove".
The protagonist, Carl (or Book Walker), stubbornly clings to the things that make him happy: delivering books to his customers, all contained within a 2-mile radius of the city he lives in. Cue the unexpected appearance of an irresistible companion, and the upending of Carl's routine.
Getting to know the peripheral characters and the city through the protagonist's eyes was an experience not easily forgotten. Everyone is unique in their tastes and each faces a personal challenge that, while seemingly insurmountable, starts seeming more and more manageable the closer to the end we get.
As for the feelings evoked by this novel, the author masterfully wove in moments of sadness (that even moved me to tears), with elation that bubbled up like fizz in a shaken up bottle and even frustration.
The final chapter brings all events to a head. It seemed to me there was a bit of a jump between plans being forged and the actual implementation of these (I had to go back a few lines to make sure I had not missed something), but it nonetheless produced resolution and closure which, while by no means perfect, was realistic and extremely satisfying.