"If you happen to pass by 84, Charing Cross Road, kiss it for me. I owe it so much."

I received 84, Charing Cross Road as a Christmas gift, but I had not delved into it yet. It is a brief little epistolary novel, and I decided to take it with me last week. I read it in 2 sittings, and it gave me so much to look forward to as I was chaperoning kids and attending somewhat boring presentations for three days. It's a book you can't stop reading, and I love any epistolary work because it really feels like you are reading something you shouldn't be. (I'm not sure what that says about me. I'm nosy, I guess.)

The premise of the story is an American book lover (Helene) who adores antique books despite the fact that she has limited funds. She writes letters to Marks & Co., a London bookseller, and she forms a relationship with the store manager that spans decades. They become close friends who are very different in many ways, but they bond over their shared love of literature and a similar sense of humor. As suggested by the quote I included in my title for this post, Helene gains much more than antique books from her experiences with Marks & Co. The book has some funny moments, but it is also touching, and I finished the book wishing that the characters were close friends of mine. (Book Lovers, you know what I mean.)

It was the highlight of my week, and I'd definitely read it again. (I don't say that often.) Thanks, Cathy for the suggestion! Highly recommended.