“Libraries are like a net, there to catch those of us in danger of falling through the cracks.”
Freya Sampson, The Last Chance Library
Goodreads Synopsis
June Jones emerges from her shell to fight for her beloved local library, and through the efforts and support of an eclectic group of library patrons, she discovers life-changing friendships along the way.
Lonely librarian June Jones has never left the sleepy English village where she grew up. Shy and reclusive, the thirty-year-old would rather spend her time buried in books than venture out into the world. But when her library is threatened with closure, June is forced to emerge from behind the shelves to save the heart of her community and the place that holds the dearest memories of her mother.
Joining a band of eccentric yet dedicated locals in a campaign to keep the library, June opens herself up to other people for the first time since her mother died. It just so happens that her old school friend Alex Chen is back in town and willing to lend a helping hand. The kindhearted lawyer’s feelings for her are obvious to everyone but June, who won’t believe that anyone could ever care for her in that way.
To save the place and the books that mean so much to her, June must finally make some changes to her life. For once, she’s determined not to go down without a fight. And maybe, in fighting for her cherished library, June can save herself, too.
My Thoughts
There’s no lack of books featuring an introverted millennial who spends their life absorbed in books, avoiding real life. That is until their beloved bookstore or library comes under threat, and they must step out of their comfort zone to save it. Naturally, a handsome potential love interest will show up as well, and they must learn to risk their heart. While it might be turning into a cliche, there’s a reason these books are so popular. They leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling and a sense of belonging with the reading community. The Last Chance Library was both funny and touching. I really liked the way it emphasized the role of a library in a community beyond just providing books.
What I liked about this book:
- the group of “pensioners” occupying the library was so funny
- the way June and Alex shared books with each other to convert the other to their favorite genre
- even the minor characters were well developed and showed different sides
- it’s about the love of books!