“All it takes is the right book to turn a book hater into a book lover,” writes Gretchen Anthony in The Book Haters’ Book Club.
In the Lyn-Lake neighborhood of Minneapolis, there nestles a small independent bookstore struggling to survive. Elliot, one of the owners, has recently passed away, leaving his business partner, Irma, with the financial burden of keeping the Over the Rainbow bookstore open. Elliot’s life partner, Thom, and Irma’s daughter, Bree, the business manager of the bookstore, are devastated to learn that Irma has sold the bookstore to property developers, who plan to redevelop the site with condos. Bree’s sister, Laney, learns the news and comes in from California with her own unresolved feelings toward everyone.
Bree, Thom and Laney patch up their estrangements long enough to band together to form a secret alliance to undermine the sale of the bookstore. With the help of friends and neighbors, they drum up business by having nightly dance parties in the vacant lot across the street from the bookstore.
What was the real reason that Irma decided to sell and what were her real feelings toward Elliot? Is she a villain or a victim? You will have to read the book to find out.
Laurie Stieg is associate librarian at Hennepin County Library-Maple Grove. Read more at hclib.org.
