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If you love sincere characters that are sweet but not too much so, you will enjoy this book that is not just about a library, but about finding your family and where you belong. After a run-in with his father, Tom escapes to the safety of the local library, where he hopes he may see the girl he fancies, but ends up finding so much more. I really really like it when I find an author whose work I enjoy so much I want to read more of their stuff. Bella Osborne is now on my discovery list. So, just to clarify, I LOVED this book. Tom and Maggie were delightful, their story made me both laugh and cry. Then the library comes under threat of closure, and they must join forces to prove that it's not just about books - it's the heart of their community.
Tom Harris. Sixteen. Dead mom. Drunk dad. Bullied at school. Lonely. Discovers that he enjoys reading romance novels, much to his embarrassment.
Secrets and darker themes
I absolutely loved this book. Heart-warming with genuine characters, the plot pulled me in and I was rooting for the library every step of the way. A great tonic for the times and highly recommended!' – Talli Roland REVIEWED BY LINDA HILL If ever there was joy in book form it’s The Library by Bella Osborne. It is utterly glorious. This is a charming story about friendship and caring for others. It is easy to become attached to the character of Maggie who is extremely feisty for her age, still staying up all night to help deliver lambs and punching people in the face when her bag is snatched in town. She has a secret though and it is a sad one. Tom is likeable too and it is hard to watch him having to deal with his father's alcoholic excesses. Fortunately there is still a happy ending. The central plot of saving the library was pretty meaningful to many of the characters, but the ‘side quests’ were also pretty good. I really have nothing much to critique about this book at all. It was a really good read and I’m glad I got the chance to read the e-ARC.
When the library is threatened with closure, Tom and Maggie seek to help. But what can they do? And how can Tom get through to his father who is turning increasingly to alcohol? And how can he he get Farah’s attention without exposing himself to further bullying from Joshua Kemp?
About Bella Osborne
The Library isn't so much about the efforts to save the local library as a touching story of an unlikely friendship. It's a heartwarming and uplifting read that left me with a smile on my face and needing to read more from this author. It’s hard to convey what a charming, affecting, uplifting and entertaining read it is. What could be better than to read a story based around a library that references lots of other wonderful books, and makes the reader feel every bit as much part of the story as Maggie and Tom? This means that the impact of reading The Library lasts long after the story has been enjoyed. went into ‘The Library’ expecting a cute story about an inter generational friendship with a mutual love of books. I was not expecting a heart wrenching story about a young boy with trouble at home, and a lonely pensioner who come together when they both needed each other the most.
Christine looked affronted. 'That's what it means.' She stabbed the letter with a neat fingernail. 'It came by recorded delivery. They call you to a meeting and that's when they tell you they're closing you down. . .' When he encounters that certain girl in the library, he manages to chat about books without being wholly overcome by the embarrassment that usually plagues him. Later, they learn that the library is under threat of closure and, together with Maggie’s book group and other library patrons, they vow to fight the council’s short-sighted plan. A story that was deeply moving, and ultimately uplifting... Definitely recommended - it was one of my best reads this year' - Janet GoverThe story alternates between Tom and Maggie's points of view, which gives us both perspectives and helps us to understand each of them. Both characters were likable and sympathetic. The novel is well-written and moves along as the plot develops - would the library be saved or be closed in a round of budget cuts? Would Tom graduate from high school and go to university or work in the dog food factory? Would Maggie...well, I'm not going to share any spoilers here but let me just say it's a heartwarming story. Maggie is 72 years young, she has been living alone for at least 10 years. She has a home and acreage with animals that she cares for. She keeps sheep for their fleece and enjoys caring for them. She likes her life but would like more people to interact with. Meanwhile, Maggie calls on Tom’s assistance more often, glad that he is both willing and interested in farm work, and she’s happy to have someone else to cook for. They open up more to one another, and Maggie has sound advice about study and further education. On the farm, Tom finds himself involved in tasks he could never have anticipated, and enthralled by newborn animals. Tom and Maggie both have stories that tug at your heartstrings and secrets that slowly emerge. I loved that they were so different in age and yet they were able to become friends and to find comfort in each other. Along with their individual stories, there is the story of the village library – where they've both found friendship and solace – and how the threat of its closure distresses them and the community.
Tom and his father have lived alone since his mother died when he was a child. With his father working shifts trying to make ends meet, they don’t see much of each other and live a very humble lifestyle with a quiet routine. When Kate is given the opportunity to stay at a beautiful country retreat and concentrate on the screenplay, it’s an offer she can’t refuse. Encouraged by her best friend, sharp-tongued single mum Sarah, Kate sees it’s finally time to stop letting life pass her by. The story starts like this. ’My name is Tom Harris and I am invisible.’ At least that’s the way he feels and, in a way, it suits him as he hates being noticed. Since his mother died when he was 8, it has just been him and his father. They have a strained ralitipnship. His father never seems to listen to him or take notice of him. Tom spends much of his time alone. Then Tom discovers the library and remembers happy times he spent there with his mum. 72 year old Maggie lives alone since her husband died ten years earlier. Her solace is books and the library is her safe haven. Tom and Maggie encounter each other in bizarre circumstances and a tentative friendship is formed. Tom learns there is far more to Maggie than he first thought. A friendship that will change both their lives begins when Tom comes to Maggie's aid when she is getting mugged.
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As Tom and Maggie leave the library that Saturday, something happens that makes their paths cross, and changes the direction of both their lives.
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