The Door-to-Door Bookstore

Rating for the book - which was wonderful. So heart warming and full of bookish love.

The narrator for this audiobook really grated on me, however. It felt overdone and was quite irritating to listen to. Undercut the book quite considerably for me.

A pleasant feel-good read centring around an elderly man, who delivers books on foot to people within his neighbourhood. One day a nine year old girl hijacks 'the book walker' on his route and from there an inter-generational friendship follows which enhances many lives.
Alongside the two main characters there are several interesting characters having books delivered to them and plenty of interesting books mentioned. Ideal for booklovers wanting a gentle, feel-good read.
The narration of the audiobook is well done and I am grateful to the publishers and Netgalley for an advanced listener copy of this audiobook.

This book. What a surprise. I was not expecting it to be this good. I love reading books about books and reading or storytelling. Silly really, but there you go. I saw the title and requested it from Netgalley as an audio book. I didn't even read the blurb or even register the name of the author. If I had, I might not have listened to it after all, because I prefer to read German books in German. But I was already enjoying it immensely when it dawned on me that it was actually a German book. Never mind, I kept listening. The narrator's pronunciation of German names, places and things was good enough that I wasn't put off and his characterization of the old man and the girl and others populating the book was really good.

The story is not just cute, although it is that, but is also melancholy and tackles real life issues with sensitivity, which allows you to really feel the whole breadth of emotions. I laughed, I cried, I was happy, sad, horrified and gratified. Thank goodness the ending is wholly satisfying and quite happy. There is not a random element in the book at all, and yet, nothing seems odd to be included, when it is. Many little details gain in significance towards the end, and it's all wrapped up in a pretty little bow. Very happily highly recommended

Step into the enchanting story of "The Door-to-Door Bookstore" written by Carsten Henn, and delightfully narrated by Raphael Corkhill, a heartwarming and easy-to-love story that serves as a bridge between generations and celebrates the transformative power of reading. This book is like a literary embrace, a story that makes you want to become a book deliverer and indulge in the warmth of human connections through literature.

Meet Carl, a dedicated book deliverer who carefully selects books for his customers, delivering them by hand. With each book he delivers, he doesn't just drop off literature; he brings characters to life. The pages of the books become his allies, his tools for creating a bond with his readers. His charm lies in the literary nicknames he gives to his customers, endearing them even more to the world of books. Next enters Schascha, a bright, observant, and nearly ten-year-old girl who becomes an unexpected companion on Carl's daily walks. Their paths cross, and an unlikely friendship blossoms. As you delve into the pages of this enchanting tale, you'll be captivated by the genuine connection between these two unlikely friends.

The story is a heartwarming testament to the transformative power of literature and the way it can bring people together. It's a sweet narrative that celebrates the joy of reading, highlighting the connections it fosters and the love it kindles. The characters in the book are so lovable that you can't help but fall in love with each of them and the power of a good book.

"The Door-to-Door Bookstore" is an enjoyable and entertaining bookish-themed book, filled with heart, humor, and a profound sense of place. The narrative is as comforting as a warm cup of tea, thoughtfully written, and brimming with kindness. Each character you encounter feels like an old friend, and the setting comes to life as if you were walking its streets. It remains a remarkable tale of friendship, reading, and the enduring magic of books, making it an easy-lovable and heartwarming gem that will leave you craving more.

Special thanks to NetGalley, Bonnier UK Audio, Manilla Press, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.

If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads! #TheDoortoDoorBookstore #NetGalley #LifeLongLearning

This book was so cute on so many levels. It was essentially about a man, a bookshop and its community. However it went miles deeper than this. It covers friendship, love, and the power of a community. But it aLao touches on abusive relationships and abuse of power. I listened to this book as an audiobook and found the narrator really enhanced the characters. The voices used were perfect for each person. This was a really enjoyable quick read. It’s quite and emotional one, so be warned.

Carl Kolhoff has been working in a small bookshop for a very long time. Carl likes the small world he created for himself - a world made of reading books, selling books and daily walks to deliver books. When a little girl disturbs Carl's routine and starts following him during his delivery rounds, Carl's world suddenly becomes more colorful, more interesting, bigger. Together, the old man and the little girl will change the lives of the people they meet on their daily walks.

It was such a moving story ! Beautifully written ! I loved all the characters (minus the little girl who was sometimes a little too bratty for my taste) as well as the setting of the story. This book is as cosy as the softest, warmest blanket in Winter, it is poetic, it is magical. This is the kind of story that you can listen to over and over again - And the characters are your friends.

I'll leave you with some of my favorite quotes from the book :

"If you're a character in a book, you'll live forever. For as long as someone reads you, you're alive."

"- I've been thinking clever thoughts.
- That's the best kind of thoughts."

"The only difference between a novel with a happy ending and one without, is the point at which you stop telling the story."

Audiobook narration : 3.5/5 I liked the narrator's accent and the way he read Carl's parts. He wasn’t so convincing when playing a little girl's voice though.

Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Uk Audio for giving me access to this audiobook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

A book that you would feel good and touched after reading it.

This was a story about an owner of a bookstore called Carl who was 72 year-old and sweet little girl called Schascha. Carl delivered books to the people. Not only deliver books, he chose and brought the right books for them.

One day the little girl Schascha wanted to join Carl’s book delivery. Schascha was sweet-hearted, smart and had a good insight of books. The books she picked for the people were perfectly matching their own personalities and profession.

At the beginning, Carl was unsure about having an accompany, but Schascha did change his life.

I could not express how much I enjoyed to read this book. The story plot was inspirational which I was deeply touched.

Such a heartwarming and uplifting book about the power of reading. Carl delivers carefully chosen books to his customers by hand. A young girl, Schascha, watches his daily walks and joins him one day. She's smart, observant, and almost 10. An unlikely friendship blossoms.

It's such a sweet story that you can't help but fall in love with all the characters and the power of a good book. I loved how he gave his customers a literary character nickname. It is a very enjoyable and entertaining bookish themed book.

This is beautifully read book is like a cup of tea for your ears. Warm, thoughtful and kind. Loveable characters, a strong sense of place.
I have only one reservation; what becomes of Sabine, where is her happy ending.

This audiobook was so refreshing to listen to. It is gentle and kind, heartwarming and uplifting. Translated into English from German it is narrated by Raphael Corkhill who gives an accomplished performance. We start the story with Carl, a 72 year old man who has worked all his life at the bookshop delivering book by hand. The new owner of the bookshop is questioning of Carls job is needed anymore. But then he meets nine year old Schascha, a little girl who begins to join him on his daily rounds wether Carl likes it or not. Soon Schascha changes Carls world for the better. This is a must read an absolute delight. Thank you Bonnier Uk Audio and Netgalley for this life affirming listen.

I have read quite a few books about books in my time, but The Door-to-Door Bookstore is by far the best of them.

It’s a magical story about the love of books and found family. It charms you immediately and before you know it, you are fond of each and every character. It’s funny and full of rich, interesting details. The ending is perfect.

I thought the narration was spot on and really brought each character to life. I felt like I was walking alongside the book walker as I listened.

I can’t recommend this book highly enough. It’s perfect for any bookworm who will be both entertained by the story and feel seen in its description of readers. It’s perfect for a book group discussion as well.

Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a chance to review this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

The Door-To-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

The bookseller Carl Christian Kollhoff delivers books to special customers in the evening hours after closing time, walking through the picturesque alleys of the city. These people are almost like friends to him, and he is their most important connection to the world.

When Kollhoff unexpectedly loses his job, it takes the power of books and a nine-year-old girl to make them all find the courage to rebuild their bonds with each other.

My Opinion

This is such a sweet read about an elderly gentleman who is determined to share his love of books with others. I was drawn in by the concept of this book and it turned out to be a real page-turner. This will appeal to book lovers and as it is a relatively short book, it is easy to squeeze into a weekend. This is a book that won't be easy to forget.

Rating 4/5

A sweet and charming book about community, friendship and kindness. It may have started off a little slow for me but with the introduction of the bold and determined SharShar I was hooked. We see the friendship between 9 year old SharShar and 72 Carl unfold over a series of book deliveries. A perceptive young girl, she wants to discover more about the people that Carl delivers books to and won’t let anything stand in her way. And whilst Carl is at first an unwilling recipient of SharShar’s friendship, she grows on him quickly and it’s easy to see why. I enjoyed learning more about the different customers on Carl’s route, each of which has been granted a literary name, and seeing SharShar scheming away and bringing everyone together as she does it. Although this book is incredibly heartwarming there are also some characters that aren’t giving out kindness and they’re the villains of the story. I read the audiobook and the narrator was the perfect voice for Carl, with warm, gentle tones to match a kind and caring man.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

This was one of those sneaky novels that grabs you while you aren't looking. I was enjoying listening along to the story, in the background, getting to know the characters and trying not to be annoyed by precocious Schascha, when suddenly I found myself feeling angry and upset on Karl's behalf, and realised that I had become deeply entangled within the amazing stories of these people without realising it was happening. Such a delightful surprise.

A charming and heartwarming read about an old man who loves books, the customers he visits, and a young precocious girl… I felt I got to know all the characters well, and while I found the girl slightly pushy and irritating, I suspect this was just because I was listening to an audiobook version, and the effect wouldn’t have been the same with a printed book. It’s a quick and easy read that will remind you of the power of books to bring people together.

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

A delightfully enchanting and heartwarming novel from Carsten Henn, set in a small German town that I listened to on audio, just slightly over 6 hours long. It is beautifully narrated by Raphael Corkhill, in such a way that characters came alive so that I could picture them in my head. 72 year old Carl Kollhoff is the personification of the door to door bookstore, employed at the City Gate Bookshop, although his life there is set to become considerably more problematic under Sabine Gruber, who has taken over from her father, Gustav. In the evenings, Carl packs his backpack and delivers the books to his clients, all carefully selected, and wrapped with care. This is no chore for him, it is so much more, it is his life, a labour of love, it is everything for a man who sees the world, people and the town through the lens of books and literary characters.

Carl is taken aback when a 9 year old girl, Schascha, insists on joining him on his deliveries to his close knit community of friends and book lovers. However, he soon becomes accustomed to the bright, brash, and opionionated girl who begins to mimic his dress sense, who exudes a charm and 'weirdness' that mirrors his own. Scascha becomes an integral part of his deliveries, looking forward to seeing her, along with the cat named dog. As she get to know his customers, Scascha has her own ideas as to what books each customer needs rather than what they want, showing a remarkable understanding and perceptiveness. We are given an insightful glimpse into the lives of what becomes a supportive community, each with struggles and issues of their own, such as loneliness, sadness, trauma and abuse.

Henn has written the perfect book for book lovers that is brim full of literary references that I adored and which had me smiling throughout. This is despite the inclusion of difficult gritty issues, I knew they would eventually be addressed, no matter the obstacles, even the dark period in which Carl starts to lose faith. I have no hesitation in recommending this book and audio to all readers as I believe many will develop the same sense of affection I feel for this most bookish of novels! Many thanks to the publisher for the ALC.

All of the stars 🌟 this is a beautiful adaptation from the original German edition to English. My heart soared and broke a little as I quickly fell in love with the characters and the story. In a very strange way it reminded me of The Alchemist, with no rhyme or reason other than how it made me feel.

I now close the pages safe in the knowledge that Carl Schascha, Dog the cat and all the other fantastic characters live on inside. Beautifully written and narrated.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Bonnier U.K. Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.